54
Counsels on Diet and Foods
warning against the use of such stimulants and narcotics as tea, coffee,
tobacco, alcohol, and morphine. These indulgences may well be
classed among the lusts that exert a pernicious influence upon moral
character. The earlier these hurtful habits are formed, the more firmly
will they hold their victim in slavery to lust, and the more certainly
will they lower the standard of spirituality.—
The Review and Herald,
January 25, 1881
93. You need to exercise temperance in all things. Cultivate the
higher powers of the mind, and there will be less strength of growth
of the animal. It is impossible for you to increase in spiritual strength
while your appetite and passions are not under perfect control. Says the
inspired apostle, “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection;
lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should
be a castaway.”
My brother, arouse yourself, I pray you, and let the work of the
Spirit of God reach deeper than the external; let it reach down to
the deep springs of every action. It is principle that is wanted, firm
principle, and vigor of action in spiritual as well as temporal things.
Your efforts lack earnestness. Oh, how many are low in the scale of
spirituality, because they will not deny their appetite! The brain nerve
energy is benumbed and almost paralyzed by overeating. When such
go to the house of God upon the Sabbath, they cannot hold their eyes
open. The most earnest appeals fail to arouse their leaden, insensible
intellects. The truth may be presented with deep feeling; but it does
not awaken the moral sensibilities, or enlighten the understanding.
Have such studied to glorify God in all things?—
Testimonies for the
Church 2:413, 414, 1870
Influence of a Simple Diet
94. If all who profess to obey the law of God were free from
iniquity, my soul would be relieved; but they are not. Even some who
profess to keep all the commandments of God are guilty of the sin
[64]
of adultery. What can I say to arouse their benumbed sensibilities?
Moral principle, strictly carried out, becomes the only safeguard of
the soul. If ever there was a time when the diet should be of the most
simple kind, it is now. Meat should not be placed before our children.
Its influence is to excite and strengthen the lower passions, and has a