Diet a Rational Remedy
235
could she have been left to herself, aided by the common blessings of
Heaven, such as pure air and pure water, a speedy and safe cure would
have been effected.
The sufferers in such cases can do for themselves that which others
cannot do as well for them. They should commence to relieve nature of
the load they have forced upon her. They should remove the cause. Fast
a short time, and give the stomach chance for rest. Reduce the feverish
state of the system by a careful and understanding application of
water. These efforts will help nature in her struggles to free the system
of impurities. But generally the persons who suffer pain become
impatient. They are not willing to use self-denial, and suffer a little
from hunger....
The use of water can accomplish but little, if the patient does not
feel the necessity of also strictly attending to his diet.
Many are living in violation of the laws of health, and are ignorant
of the relation their habits of eating, drinking, and working sustain to
their health. They will not arouse to their true condition until nature
protests against the abuses she is suffering, by aches and pains in the
system. If, even then, the sufferers would only commence the work
[305]
right, and would resort to the simple means they have neglected,—
the use of water and proper diet,—nature would have just the help
she requires, and which she ought to have had long before. If this
course is pursued, the patient will generally recover without being
debilitated.—
Spiritual Gifts 4a:133-135, 1864
461. Intemperate eating is often the cause of sickness, and what
nature most needs is to be relieved of the undue burden that has been
placed upon her. In many cases of sickness, the very best remedy is
for the patient to fast for a meal or two, that the overworked organs of
digestion may have an opportunity to rest. A fruit diet for a few days
has often brought great relief to brain workers. Many times a short
period of entire abstinence from food, followed by simple, moderate
eating, has led to recovery through nature’s own recuperative effort.
An abstemious diet for a month or two would convince many sufferers
that the path of self-denial is the path to health.—
The Ministry of
Healing, 235, 1905