Norwich bulletin., 1914-10-24
SUNDAY MORNING TALK
SPIRITUAL ATHLETICS.

A word that people should carefully remember as they advance in years is the word exercise" The temptation is strong, especially for large numbers of city-bound folk to ignoreit. In an age of street cars. automobiles, eleva- tors. and all kinds of devices to make us lazy, muftitudes do not get such vigorous physical exercise as is a prime condition of health. The seden- tary, conflning occupations by which thousands of Americans earn their bread must resolutely be supplemented by daily exercise, in the open air, whenever possible, if vigor is to be maintained into serene old age. The doctor says it; and observation and experience prove that he is right
 As patrons and spectators of sport we rival the ancient Romans. Ten thousand people win assemble any day from April to October to watch IS high-saiaried gentlemen play the na- tienaI game, The only competitor with the war news the past months has been the baseball news. An now football is at hand, with the thoughts of col lege boys as much on the gridiron as on textbooks. The tendency is not unwholesome. Tn spite of possible abuse this devotion to athletics must be counted a blessing. The only pity of the situation is that so many are content merel-, to sit on the bleachers and shout when they ought. for the good Of their health. to be throwing balls or kicking pigskins themselves.
 Indeed, the athletic ideal may WI be extended to cover the higher as we'll as the lower ranges of life. The spirit no less than sf1e body of man needs exercise The moral muscles must be trained and developed. Why should the physical part be built up in vigor yhiie the spiritual is allowed to re- chest weights and swing the clubs for the sake of my arms and wind while making no effort to develop a capable soul?
 Any power slipx uneonsciously but surely from one who rarely or never instincts follows their neglect. Through dfsrse the soul becomes as fnoribund as the arm would iffer course of years it were allwed to hang limp by ones side. The Hindoo fastr will es- hfbit some paisied, useless member as withered arm is a symbol of organism and not Of Christianity. which Is al- ways a Gospel of life and never a saver of death.
 Exercise myself unto Godliness." says the Apostle. Put your soul in training. Cuftfvats and develop your moral nature by giving it something to do. Exercise your will in righteous ness. Choose the right as over against the easy and expedient thing Put behind your back some insidio1s temp tafiou. Yield to the good and generous impulse. Bring yourself into the mood of prayer and practise it's expression. Allow regular nourishnaent and exer- else and discipline to your immortal part. It Is surely as important as to develop sound wind or muscles Of steel
 Men sonastimes tell me that they are not hostile to religion, but simply indifferent to it. They are like Gallio of old, who cared for none of these things Their spiritual perceptions have become dull. They speak the ex- act truth when they tell of their lost interest.
 But there's a reason.- A result like that is not only possible, but inevit- able, when the concerns of the spirit are systematically neglected. No hu- man faculty can stand being mal- treated. They need. these indifferent ists, to carry into the spiritual realm what all the world knows to be requi- site in the physical realm. They need to bestow intelligent care on the soul, to timber up its muscles by use. They must exercise themselves unto Godlf- ness. It is the indispensable prescrip- tion for spiritual health.
 THE .PARSoN.