Beverages
333
The Stupefied Transgressor Not Guiltless
744. Satan sees that he cannot have so great power over minds
when the appetite is kept under control as when it is indulged, and he
is constantly working to lead men to indulgence. Under the influence
of unhealthful food, the conscience becomes stupefied, the mind is
darkened, and its susceptibility to impressions is impaired. But the
guilt of the transgressor is not lessened because the conscience has
been violated till it has become insensible.
Since a healthy state of mind depends upon the normal condition of
the vital forces, what care should be exercised that neither stimulants
nor narcotics be used! Yet we see that a large number of those who
profess to be Christians are using tobacco. They deplore the evils of
intemperance; yet while speaking against the use of liquors, these very
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men will eject the juice of tobacco. There must be change of sentiment
with reference to tobacco using before the root of the evil will be
reached. We press the subject still closer. Tea and coffee are fostering
the appetite for stronger stimulants. And then we come still closer
home, to the preparation of food, and ask, Is temperance practiced in
all things? are the reforms which are essential to health and happiness
carried out here?
Every true Christian will have control of his appetites and passions.
Unless he is free from the bondage of appetite, he cannot be a true,
obedient servant of Christ. The indulgence of appetite and passion
blunts the effect of truth upon the heart.—
Christian Temperance and
Bible Hygiene, 79, 80, 1890
A Losing Battle With Appetite
745. Intemperance commences at our tables, in the use of unhealth-
ful food. After a time, through continued indulgence, the digestive
organs become weakened, and the food taken does not satisfy the
appetite. Unhealthy conditions are established, and there is a craving
for more stimulating food. Tea, coffee, and flesh meats produce an
immediate effect. Under the influence of these poisons, the nervous
system is excited, and, in some cases, for the time being, the intellect
seems to be invigorated and the imagination to be more vivid. Because
these stimulants produce for the time being such agreeable results,
many conclude that they really need them, and continue their use. But