To-day, golfers and outdoor sports, even women, put on knickers and roll up tight things that are loose, because then they can do better work and play.
The belt and puttee make the soldier firm and strong, and fit for travel and work. They brace him up, hold him together, give him support.
Now, one of the Bible messages is, "Gird up your loins." The loins are the centre of your body, where you are apt to get weak or sore backs.
Perhaps you have had that feeling come, as though you were going to break in half. It is because you have not been strong enough in the centre for the strain.
1. Why should we be girded up? Well, of course, in Bible days, and in Eastern countries, the very clothing made a hard journey or a task needing exercise very difficult. They wore flowing robes with wide sleeves, like a college gown. Now, nobody could do a trail ranger's work within that dress.
When a racer runs a race, or a boxer enters the ring, or an athlete goes into a gymnasium or on to the field, they take off all that is not necessary.
Even the Eastern people wear girdles and sashes to hold in their loose clothing.
You need to be held tight together if you want to be able to swing yourself. You can't be free in garments that cling to you, and wrap themselves about your legs and arms.
The same is true of your mind. It won't work if it is not held in.
Nor will your soul.