February 26, 1903

“The Lord’s Wish” The Present Truth 19, 9, p. 142.

ATJ

TEMPERANCE is self-control. Christian temperance is self-control in all things,—of body,—soul, and spirit. For he which “striveth for the mastery is temperate [controls himself] in all things.” This is the only true temperance. And this in order that we may glorify God in both body and spirit,—glorify Him, and Him alone, in all things, and so meet the object of our creation and of our redemption.PTUK February 26, 1903, page 142.1

The Lord has created and redeemed the body as really as He has the soul. He cares for the body as really and as fully as He does for the soul. And He wants us to care for the body as really and as fully as we care for the soul. Therefore He has said, “I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health even as thy soul prospereth.” Thus it is certain that the wish of the Lord is that our prosperity in health shall be even—evenly balanced—with our prosperity of soul, or spirit.PTUK February 26, 1903, page 142.2

No one will for a moment question that God has given directions and prescriptions abundant to assure the prosperity of the soul. Every one knows that every one who will sincerely accept the word of God as to the good of his soul will assuredly find his soul prospering abundantly. Yet as the Lord has recorded His wish, “above all things,” that our health may prosper evenly with our souls, it certainly follows that He bas given directions and prescriptions assuring prosperity in health evenly with the directions and prescriptions assuring prosperity of soul.PTUK February 26, 1903, page 142.3

Yet this is very little thought of, even by professed Christians; and by many who happen to think of it, it is not believed sufficiently to lead them to an honest study of the word of God to know what He has said on the subject, and then give it a place in the life. Many will bear great concern about the prosperity of their souls, to the utter neglect of their health, when if only they would take thought and care as to how they are living, and correct that by the word of God, the prosperity of their souls would be so abundant that there would be no room for anxiety in the matter.PTUK February 26, 1903, page 142.4

A. T. JONES.