Overeating
111
They have no rules by which to regulate their diet, but indulge in eating
fruit or nuts between their meals, and thus impose too heavy burdens
upon the digestive organs. Some eat three meals a day, when two
would be more conducive to physical and spiritual health. If the laws
which God has made to govern the physical system are violated, the
penalty must surely follow.
Because of imprudence in eating, the senses of some seem to be
half paralyzed, and they are sluggish and sleepy. These pale-faced
ministers who are suffering in consequence of selfish indulgence of
the appetite, are no recommendation of health reform. When suffering
from overwork, it would be much better to drop out a meal occasionally,
and thus give nature a chance to rally. Our laborers could do more by
their example to advance health reform than by preaching it. When
elaborate preparations are made for them by well-meaning friends,
they are strongly tempted to disregard principle; but by refusing the
dainty dishes, the rich condiments, the tea and coffee, they may prove
themselves to be practical health reformers. Some are now suffering
in consequence of transgressing the laws of life, thus causing a stigma
to rest on the cause of health reform.
Excessive indulgence in eating, drinking, sleeping, or seeing, is sin.
The harmonious, healthy action of all the powers of body and mind
results in happiness; and the more elevated and refined the powers the
more pure and unalloyed the happiness.—
Testimonies for the Church
4:416, 417, 1880
Digging Their Graves With Their Teeth
228. The reason why many of our ministers complain of sickness
is, they fail to take sufficient exercise, and indulge in overeating. They
do not realize that such a course endangers the strongest constitution.
Those who, like yourself, are sluggish in temperament, should eat
very sparingly, and not shun physical taxation. Many of our ministers
are digging their graves with their teeth. The system, in taking care
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of the burden placed upon the digestive organs, suffers, and a severe
draft is made upon the brain. For every offense committed against
the laws of health, the transgressor must pay the penalty in his own
body.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:408, 409, 1880
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