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Counsels on Diet and Foods
by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a
castaway.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
.
There are many in the world who indulge pernicious habits. Ap-
petite is the law that governs them; and because of their wrong habits,
the moral sense is clouded and the power to discern sacred things is to
a great extent destroyed. But it is necessary for Christians to be strictly
temperate. They should place their standard high. Temperance in eat-
ing, drinking, and dressing is essential. Principle should rule instead
of appetite or fancy. Those who eat too much, or whose food is of
an objectionable quality, are easily led into dissipation, and into other
“foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdi-
tion.”
1 Timothy 6:9
. The “laborers together with God” should use
every jot of their influence to encourage the spread of true temperance
principles.
It means much to be true to God. He has claims upon all who are
engaged in His service. He desires that mind and body be preserved in
the best condition of health, every power and endowment under the
divine control, and as vigorous as careful, strictly temperate habits can
make them. We are under obligation to God to make an unreserved
consecration of ourselves to Him, body and soul, with all the faculties
appreciated as His entrusted gifts, to be employed in His service.
All our energies and capabilities are to be constantly strengthened
and improved during this probationary period. Only those who appre-
ciate these principles, and have been trained to care for their bodies
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intelligently and in the fear of God, should be chosen to take responsi-
bilities in this work. Those who have been long in the truth, yet who
cannot distinguish between the pure principles of righteousness and
the principles of evil, whose understanding in regard to justice, mercy,
and the love of God is clouded, should be relieved of responsibilities.
Every church needs a clear, sharp testimony, giving the trumpet a
certain sound.
If we can arouse the moral sensibilities of our people on the subject
of temperance, a great victory will be gained. Temperance in all
things of this life is to be taught and practiced. Temperance in eating,
drinking, sleeping, and dressing is one of the grand principles of the
religious life. Truth brought into the sanctuary of the soul will guide
in the treatment of the body. Nothing that concerns the health of the
human agent is to be regarded with indifference. Our eternal welfare