should be built well away (and, if possible, downhill) from any water source.

Carried in the Air

After the trauma of the first global war, in 1918 the world faced another grim experience. In one year, ten million more persons died during the Spanish flu than the number killed during the entire war. Most of those who suffered from the sickness probably caught it from the very air they breathed. Influenza is one of those diseases communicated by means of what is called aerial transmission. When an infected person sneezes or coughs, he sprays the air with little droplets of water that are teeming with germs just waiting to get into a new host. Fortunately, sunlight and dryness tend to kill most germs. While they are still alive, however, they can be breathed in from the air. Aside from influenza, some diseases that can be spread in this way are tuberculosis, measles, pneumonia, scarlet fever and whooping cough. Yet, the spread of these illnesses can be lessened greatly by clean personal habits, such as using a tissue or handkerchief when sneezing (and disposing of the tissue in a sanitary way) and not spitting indiscriminately.

Yes, indeed, sanitary, or clean, habits have a part to play in the matter of staying healthy. In many cases, of course, the good habits we have may prevent our disease from being spread to someone else, whereas others may not be so considerate. However, the principle of ‘loving your neighbor as yourself’ surely will guide a Christian in this regard. (Matt. 22:39) True, some people become fanatical in the matter of cleanliness and sanitation; so the spirit of a sound mind is needed too. We can be sanitary, but we cannot live in an antiseptic environment. Besides, Jehovah God has provided wonderful power right within our own bodies to overcome the attacks of most diseases. Yet, it is wise and loving to be reasonably clean and sanitary, and thus not spread germs unnecessarily.

Attention to sanitation and cleanliness will help us, though this will not remove sickness from the earth. For that, Christians patiently await God’s new order wherein Jehovah will remove sickness and other distresses afflicting mankind. At that time, there will be a full realization of the Bible’s promise that “no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’” (Isa. 33:24) Then, finally, man’s struggle to stay healthy will have been won.

A Long Way?

Eye cosmetics are not new. Queen Jezebel of ancient Israel “proceeded to paint her eyes with black paint” when about to encounter Jehu. (2 Ki. 9:30) At least some women of Israel used eye paint, as did those of other Middle Eastern lands. (Jer. 4:30; Ezek. 23:40) While Bible references do not mention eye painting in connection with faithful women of Israel in general, one of Job’s daughters was named Keren-happuch, meaning “horn of antimony” or “horn of eye paint.”​—Job 42:14.

Referring to the use of preservatives in eye cosmetics, Susan Seliger writes in The National Observer: “Even the ancient Egyptians recognized the value of preservatives. They are said to have used for eye make-up two blue-green copper materials that have an antibiotic effect.” She then quips: “Who says we’ve come a long way, baby?”