Diet and Spirituality
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tendency to deaden the moral powers. Grains and fruits prepared free
from grease, and in as natural a condition as possible, should be the
food for the tables of all who claim to be preparing for translation to
heaven. The less feverish the diet, the more easily can the passions be
controlled. Gratification of taste should not be consulted irrespective
of physical, intellectual, or moral health.
Indulgence of the baser passions will lead very many to shut their
eyes to the light; for they fear that they will see sins which they are
unwilling to forsake. All may see if they will. If they choose darkness
rather than light, their criminality will be none the less. Why do not
men and women read, and become intelligent upon these things, which
so decidedly affect their physical, intellectual, and moral strength?
God has given you a habitation to care for, and preserve in the best
condition for His service and glory.—
Testimonies for the Church
2:352, 1869
Temperance an Aid to Moral Control
95. Your food is not of that simple, healthful quality which will
make the best kind of blood. Foul blood will surely becloud the moral
and intellectual powers, and arouse and strengthen the baser passions
of your nature. Neither of you can afford a feverish diet; for it is at
the expense of the health of the body, and the prosperity of your own
souls and the souls of your children.
You place upon your table food which taxes the digestive organs,
excites the animal passions, and weakens the moral and intellectual
faculties. Rich food and flesh meats are no benefit to you....
I entreat you, for Christ’s sake, to set your house and hearts in
order. Let the truth of heavenly origin elevate and sanctify you, soul,
body, and spirit. ‘Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the
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soul.” Brother G, your eating has a tendency to strengthen the baser
passions. You do not control your body as it is your duty to do in
order to perfect holiness in the fear of God. Temperance in eating must
be practiced before you can be a patient man.—
Testimonies for the
Church 2:404, 405, 1870
96. The world should be no criterion for us. It is fashionable to
indulge the appetite in luxurious food and unnatural stimulus, thus
strengthening the animal propensities, and crippling the growth and