Reasons for Reform
23
possessed physical strength and vigor of intellect.—
The Ministry of
Healing, 283, 1905
[
See also 641-644
]
The Christian Race
32. “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one
receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that
striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to
obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”
Here the good results of self-control and temperate habits are set
forth. The various games instituted among the ancient Greeks in
honor of their gods, are presented before us by the apostle Paul to
illustrate the spiritual warfare and its reward. Those who were to
participate in these games were trained by the most severe discipline.
Every indulgence that would tend to weaken the physical powers
was forbidden. Luxurious food and wine were prohibited, in order to
[28]
promote physical vigor, fortitude, and firmness.
To win the prize for which they strove,—a chaplet of perishable
flowers, bestowed amid the applause of the multitude,—was consid-
ered the highest honor. If so much could be endured, so much self-
denial practiced, in the hope of gaining so worthless a prize, which
only one at best could obtain, how much greater should be the sacrifice,
how much more willing the self-denial, for an incorruptible crown,
and for everlasting life!
There is work for us to do—stern, earnest work. All our habits,
tastes, and inclinations must be educated in harmony with the laws of
life and health. By this means we may secure the very best physical
conditions, and have mental clearness to discern between the evil and
the good.—
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 25, 1890
Daniel’s Example
33. In order rightly to understand the subject of temperance, we
must consider it from a Bible standpoint; and nowhere can we find a
more comprehensive and forcible illustration of true temperance and
its attendant blessings, than is afforded by the history of the prophet
Daniel and his Hebrew associates in the court of Babylon....