Diet and Spirituality
47
Intemperance in eating, even of food of the right quality, will have
a prostrating influence upon the system, and will blunt the keener and
holier emotions.
74. Some persons bring upon the campground food that is entirely
unsuitable to such occasions, rich cakes and pies, and a variety of
dishes that would derange the digestion of a healthy laboring man. Of
course, the best is thought none too good for the minister. The people
send these things to his table, and invite him to their tables. In this
way ministers are tempted to eat too much, and food that is injurious.
Not only is their efficiency at the camp meeting lessened; but many
become dyspeptics.
The minister should decline this well-meant but unwise hospitality,
even at the risk of seeming discourteous. And the people should have
too much true kindness to press such an alternative upon him. They
err when they tempt the minister with unhealthful food. Precious
talent has thus been lost to the cause of God; and many, while they
do live, are deprived of half the vigor and strength of their faculties.
Ministers, above all others, should economize the strength of brain
and nerve. They should avoid all food or drink that has a tendency to
irritate or excite the nerves. Excitement will be followed by depression;
overindulgence will cloud the mind, and render thought difficult and
confused. No man can become a successful workman in spiritual
things until he observes strict temperance in his dietetic habits. God
cannot let His Holy Spirit rest upon those who, while they know how
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they should eat for health, persist in a course that will enfeeble mind
and body.—Undated Manuscript 88
“Do All to the Glory of God”
75. By the inspiration of the Spirit of God, Paul the apostle writes
that “whatsoever ye do,” even the natural act of eating or drinking,
should be done, not to gratify a perverted appetite, but under a sense
of responsibility,—“do all to the glory of God.” Every part of the man
is to be guarded; we are to beware lest that which is taken into the
stomach shall banish from the mind high and holy thoughts. May I not
do as I please with myself? ask some, as if we were seeking to deprive
them of a great good, when we present before them the necessity of