EXERCISE. 235 



how exercise stimulates the cells to activity, renews the lymph 

 around the cells both by quickening the blood flow and by 

 pressure on the lymph tubes ; how the glands of excretion are 

 set to work more actively, and the more rapid blood stream 

 brings away the material to be thrown out. 



Exercise is not merely for the muscles. It quickens the 

 action of the whole body by increasing cell activity. It helps 

 to clean out the system and to clear the brain as welL We 

 read Blaikie's admirable book, How to Get Strong, and learn 

 not merely to strengthen the muscles, but how to get strong 

 to do the work we have to do daily, how to feel well every 

 day, how not only to do our work, but to do it gladly, and 

 with a little extra good cheer that may radiate from us and 

 inspire others. We have no right and no need always to carry 

 the sour visage of a devitalized body. Good health is attain- 

 able, and ought to be attained, by nearly all. Attention must 

 be paid to the laws of our being. It takes some effort, mental 

 as well as physical, to adopt and observe regular hours for 

 exercise and relaxation, and to be careful in diet. 



But nature rewards for obedience by the delight of a 

 healthy body ; and she never forgets and never forgives, nor 

 fails to punish every violation of every one of her laws. Na- 

 ture makes no threats beforehand. She does not even tell us 

 her rules. But we may find what they are by careful obser- 

 vation. 



Many men would live longer, feel vastly better, and do 

 greater good in the world, if they would take regular and sys- 

 tematic exercise or recreation (and this should be, literally, 

 re-creation). It is a short-sighted policy to say, " I cannot af- 

 ford the time," and mortgage one's future. The latter half 

 of every person's life ought in many respects to be by far the 

 most productive of good. But many cut off this half, or ren- 

 der it less productive, through breaking down in health as a 



OF THE 



SUN.VEBSITYJ 



