HL -
Healthful Living (1897, 1898)
PREFACE.
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THE PURPOSE OF THIS LITTLE WORK IS TO PRESENT IN THE MOST CONCISE AND CONDENSED FORM POSSIBLE THE VARIOUS TEACHINGS UPON THE SUBJECTS OF HEALTH, HEALTH REFORM, AND ALLIED MATTERS, WHICH ARE TO BE FOUND IN THE WRITINGS OF MRS. E. G. WHITE. THE NUMEROUS PARAGRAPHS WHICH HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TOGETHER IN THIS VOLUME HAVE BEEN SELECTED FROM MANY THOUSANDS OF PRINTED PAGES WHICH HAVE APPEARED IN VARIOUS FORMS FROM MRS. WHITE'S PEN, WITHIN THE LAST THIRTY-FOUR YEARS, AND IN ADDITION A LARGE MASS OF MANUSCRIPT WHICH HAS NEVER BEFORE APPEARED IN PRINT.
THE COMPILERS OF THE WORK HAVE NOT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE IT EXHAUSTIVE AS REGARDS SUBJECT MATTER, BUT RATHER TO MAKE IT COMPREHENSIVELY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PRINCIPLES OF HYGIENIC AND SANITARY REFORM WHICH HAVE BEEN SET FORTH IN THE WRITINGS REFERRED TO.
IN THE SELECTION OF PARAGRAPHS RELATING TO EACH PARTICULAR PHASE OF THE GREAT QUESTION CONSIDERED, AN EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO AVOID UNNECESSARY REPETITION, YET IN A FEW INSTANCES, TO RENDER THE THOUGHT MORE CLEAR, THE REPETITION OF BRIEF, POINTED SENTENCES HAS BEEN ALLOWED. THE MOST CONSCIENTIOUS CARE HAS BEEN EXERCISED IN THE MAKING OF EXTRACTS, TO PRESERVE THE PROPER SETTING OF THE THOUGHT EXPRESSED. TO DO THIS WITHOUT CIRCUMLOCUTION HAS REQUIRED, IN A FEW INSTANCES, SLIGHT VERBAL CHANGES IN CONNECTING WORDS OR PHRASES, BUT NOT IN A SINGLE INSTANCE HAS THE THOUGHT EXPRESSED BEEN MODIFIED IN THE SLIGHTEST DEGREE.
IT IS BELIEVED THAT THOSE WHOSE KNOWLEDGE OF THE WRITINGS FROM WHICH THESE EXCERPTS HAVE BEEN DRAWN
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HAS INSPIRED CONFIDENCE IN THEM AS A SOURCE OF IMPORTANT TRUTHS, WILL APPRECIATE THIS VOLUME AS A READY REFERENCE BOOK IN WHICH CAN BE EASILY FOUND, BY THE AID OF THE TABLE OF CONTENTS AND THE INDEX, A LARGER NUMBER OF SEED THOUGHTS AND CLEAR EXPRESSIONS OF FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES UPON THE SUBJECTS TREATED THAN IN ANY OTHER VOLUME OF SIMILAR SIZE WHICH HAS EVER APPEARED IN PRINT. TO SAVE SPACE, ABBREVIATIONS HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED IN THE PLACE OF THE TITLES OF WELL-KNOWN WORKS. THESE ARE EXPLAINED ON PAGE 8.
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PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION.
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ALTHOUGH BUT A FEW MONTHS HAVE ELAPSED SINCE THE FIRST EDITION OF THIS WORK WAS ISSUED, A THIRD EDITION IS ALREADY DEMANDED. THE INTEREST IN THE UNIQUE SUBJECT-MATTER PRESENTED IS MOST GRATIFYING TO BOTH COMPILER AND PUBLISHERS. WHEREVER IT HAS BEEN RECEIVED, THE WORK HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED AS A VERITABLE STOREHOUSE OF SEED THOUGHTS RELATING TO THE GREAT PRACTICAL THEMES WITH WHICH IT DEALS. THIS EDITION CONTAINS TWO ADDITIONAL CHAPTERS, "GOD IN NATURE" AND "THE SPIRIT FILLED LIFE," AND ALSO AN APPENDIX OF PARALLEL SCRIPTURE REFERENCES, WHICH WILL BE FOUND EXCEEDINGLY HELPFUL IN MAKING CLEAR TO THE MIND OF THE READER THE FACT THAT THE PRINCIPLES PRESENTED IN THIS WORK ARE NOT MERE HUMAN INVENTIONS, BUT ARE A PART OF THE DIVINE ORDER APPOINTED FOR THE HUMAN FAMILY AT THE BEGINNING, AND WHICH IS TO BE RESTORED WHEN ALL THINGS SHALL BE MADE NEW. IT MAY BE ADDED THAT THE COMPILER HAS CAREFULLY REVISED THE ENTIRE WORK, MAKING SLIGHT EMENDATIONS AND ADDITIONS HERE AND THERE IN NEARLY EVERY CHAPTER, BUT, AS BEFORE, WITHOUT CHANGE IN THE ORIGINAL TEXT FROM WHICH THE COMPILATION HAS BEEN MADE.
Table of Contents
Contents.
Page.
Holy Ghost ...................................................... 9
Chapter II.--Duty to Study the Laws
of Life ......................................................... 13
Chapter III.--The Great Decalogue .................................. 17
Chapter IV.--Natural Law Part of the
Law of God ...................................................... 20
Chapter V.--Blessings from Obeying
Natural Law ..................................................... 22
Chapter VI.--The Consequence of
Violating Natural Law ........................................... 24
Chapter VII.--Natural Law: How
Violated ........................................................ 27
Chapter VIII.--Health .............................................. 29
Chapter IX.--Health Reform ......................................... 32
Chapter X.--Vital Vigor and Energy ................................. 45
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Chapter XI.--Disease and
Chapter XII.--The Influence of
Disease Upon the Mind and Morals ................................ 54
Chapter XIII.--Heredity ............................................ 56
Chapter XIV.--Causes of Disease .................................... 60
Chapter XV.--Resistance Against
Disease ......................................................... 68
Chapter XVI.--Ventilation .......................................... 71
Chapter XVII.--Appetite ............................................ 74
Chapter XVIII.--Diet ............................................... 76
Chapter XIX.--Flesh Foods .......................................... 96
Chapter XX.--Stimulants ............................................ 106
Chapter XXI.--Dress ................................................ 118
Chapter XXII.--Exercise ............................................ 127
Chapter XXIII.--Manual Training .................................... 136
Chapter XXIV.--Hygiene ............................................. 140
Chapter XXV.--The Organs of
Digestion ....................................................... 161
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Chapter XXVI.--The Lungs and Respiration ........................... 171
Chapter XXVII.--The Heart and Blood ................................ 178
Chapter XXVIII.--The Skin and Its
Functions ....................................................... 188
Chapter XXIX.--The Brain and the
Nervous System .................................................. 193
Chapter XXX.--Auto-Intoxication, or
Self-Poisoning .................................................. 206
Chapter XXXI.--Cold ................................................ 208
Chapter XXXII.--Fevers and Acute
Diseases ........................................................ 211
Chapter XXXIII.--Moral Maladies .................................... 216
Chapter XXXIV.--Rational Remedies
for Disease ..................................................... 224
Chapter XXXV.--Prayer for the Sick ................................. 236
Chapter XXXVI.--Drugs .............................................. 243
Chapter XXXVII.--The Missionary Nurse .............................. 249
Chapter XXXVIII.--Medical Students ................................. 252
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Chapter XXXIX.--The Missionary
Physician ....................................................... 261
Chapter XL.--Medical Missionary Work ............................... 271
Chapter XLI.--Christian Help Work .................................. 274
Chapter XLII.--Lessons from the
Experience of the
Children of
Chapter XLIII.--God in Nature ...................................... 285
Chapter XLIV.--The Spirit-Filled Life .............................. 300
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Key To Abbreviations.
C.E.--Christian Education. S. of T.--Signs of the Times.
C.T.--Christian Temperance. S. to C.--Steps to Christ.
F. of F.--Facts of Faith, Sp. Instr. on Ed. Work.--Special
Found in Spiritual Gifts, Instruction on Educational
Vol. 4. Work.
G.W.--Gospel Workers.
H.R.--Health Reformer. S.T.--Special Testimony to
H. to L.--How to Live. Ministers and Workers.
M.M.--Medical Missionary. S.T. on E.--Special Testimony
M. of B.--Mount of Blessing. on Education.
P.P.--Patriarchs and Prophets. T.--Testimonies for the
R. and H.--Review and Church.
Herald. U.T.--Unpublished Testimonies.
God's Workmanship.
1. God is the
owner of the whole man. Soul, body, and spirit are his. God gave his only
begotten Son for the body as well as the soul, and our entire life belongs to
God, to be consecrated to his service, that through the exercise of every
faculty he has given, we may glorify him.--Y.
2. From the first dawn of reason the human mind should become intelligent in regard to the physical structure of the body. Here Jehovah has given a specimen of himself; for man was made in the image of God.--U. T., Jan. 11, 1897. {HL 9.2}
3. The living organism is God's property. It belongs to him by creation and by redemption; and by a misuse of any of our powers we rob God of the honor due him.--U. T., Aug. 30, 1896. {HL 9.3}
4. We are God's workmanship, and his word declares that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made." He has prepared this living habitation for the mind; it is "curiously wrought," a temple which the Lord himself has fitted up for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.--S. T. on E., p. 33.
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{HL 9.4}
5. The very flesh in which the soul tabernacles, and through which it works, is the Lord's--U. T., Oct. 12, 1896. {HL 10.1}
Creation's Crown.
6. Man was the crowning act of the creation of God, made in the image of God, and designed to be a counterpart of God. . . . Man is very dear to God, because he was formed in his own image. This fact should impress us with the importance of teaching by precept and example the sin of defiling, by the indulgence of appetite or by any other sinful practise, the body which is designed to represent God to the world.--R. and H., 1895, No. 25. {HL 10.2}
7. The wonderful mechanism of the human body does not receive half the care that is often given to a mere lifeless machine.--G. W., p. 175. {HL 10.3}
Personal Rights.
8. Have I not the right to do as I please with my own body?--No, you have no moral right, because you are violating the laws of life and health which God has given you. You are the Lord's property,-- his by creation and his by redemption. Every human being is under obligation to preserve the living machinery that is so fearfully and wonderfully made. --U. T., May 19, 1897. {HL 10.4}
9. The physical
organism should have special care, that the powers of the body may not be
dwarfed, but developed to their full extent.--Y.
10. The health should be as sacredly guarded as the character.--C. T., p. 83. {HL 10.6}
11. Jesus did not ignore the claims of the body, He had respect for the physical condition of man, and went about healing the sick, and restoring their
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faculties to those suffering from their loss. How incumbent, then, is it upon us to preserve the natural health with which God has endowed us, and to avoid dwarfing or weakening our powers.--H. R. {HL 10.7}
Mind Supreme.
12. As they more fully understand the human body, the wonderful work of God's hand, formed in the image of the divine, they will seek to bring their bodies into subjection to the noble powers of the mind. The body will be regarded by them as a wonderful structure, formed by the Infinite Designer, and given into their charge to be kept in harmonious action.--H. R. {HL 11.1}
13. The obligation we owe to God in presenting to him clean, pure, healthy bodies is not comprehended. --U. T., May 19, 1897. {HL 11.2}
Christ in
14. Christ is to live in his human agents, and work through their faculties, and act through their capabilities.--M. of B., p. 128. {HL 11.3}
15. When human agents choose the will of God, and are conformed to the character of Christ, Jesus acts through their organs and faculties.--S. T., No. 3, p. 49. {HL 11.4}
16. The Spirit of Christ is to take possession of the organs of speech, of the mental powers, of the physical and moral powers.--S. T., No. 6, p. 53. {HL 11.5}
Service.
17. Our very bodies are not our own, to treat as we please, to cripple by habits that lead to decay, making it impossible to render to God perfect service. Our lives and all our faculties belong to him. He is caring for us every moment; he keeps the living machinery in action; if we were left to run it for
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one moment, we should die. We are absolutely dependent upon God.--U. T., Oct. 12, 1896. {HL 11.6}
18. It was a
wonderful thing for God to create man, to make mind. He created him that every
faculty might be the faculty of the divine mind. The glory of God is to be
revealed in the creating of man in God's image, and in his redemption. One soul
is of more value than a world. The Lord Jesus is the author of our being, and
he is also the author of our redemption; and every one who will enter the
Chapter II. - Duty to Study the Laws of Life.
19. It is our duty to study the laws that govern our being, and conform to them. Ignorance in these things is sin.--U. T., Aug. 25, 1897. {HL 13.1}
20. From the first dawn of reason, the human mind should become intelligent in regard to the physical structure. We may behold and admire the work of God in the natural world, but the human habitation is the most wonderful.--U. T., Jan. 11, 1897. {HL 13.2}
Physiology as a Study.
21. A practical knowledge of the science of human life is necessary in order to glorify God in our bodies. It is therefore of the highest importance that among studies selected for childhood, physiology should occupy the first place.--H. R. {HL 13.3}
22. It is well that physiology is introduced into the common schools as a branch of education. All children should study it. It should be regarded as the basis of all educational effort. And then parents should see to it that practical hygiene be added. This will make their knowledge of physiology of practical benefit.--H. R. {HL 13.4}
Ignorance of Physical Laws.
23. We have special duties resting upon us. We should be acquainted with our physical structure and the laws controlling natural life. While Greek and Latin, which are seldom of any advantage, are made
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a study by many, physiology and hygiene are barely touched upon. The study to which to give thought is that which concerns natural life, a knowledge of oneself. . . . It is the house in which we live that we need to preserve, that we may do honor to God who has redeemed us. We need to know how to preserve the living machinery, that our soul, body, and spirit may be consecrated to his service. As rational beings we are deplorably ignorant of the body and its requirements. While the schools we have established have taken up the study of physiology, they have not taken hold with the decided energy they should. They have not practised intelligently that which they have received in knowledge, and do not realize that unless it is practised, the body will decay. . . . This living machinery should be understood. Every part of its wonderful mechanism should be carefully studied.--U. T., May 19, 1897. {HL 13.5}
24. Physical life cannot be treated in a haphazard manner. Awaken to your responsibilities.--U. T., Aug. 25, 1897. {HL 14.1}
25. Ignorance of physiology and neglect to observe the laws of health have brought many to the grave who might have lived to labor and study intelligently.--S. T. Feb., 1894, p. 13. {HL 14.2}
26. To become acquainted with the wonderful human organism,--the bones, muscles, stomach, liver, bowels, heart, and pores of the skin,--and to understand the dependence of one organ upon another for the healthful action of all, is a study in
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which most mothers take no interest.--T., V. III, p. 136. {HL 14.3}
27. Study that marvelous organism, the human system, and the laws by which it is governed.-- C. T., p. 120. {HL 15.1}
How to Reduce Mortality.
28. If people would reason from cause to effect, and would follow the light which shines upon them, they would pursue a course which would insure health, and the mortality would be far less. . . . All who possess common capabilities should understand the wants of their own system. --H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 51. {HL 15.2}
Learn in Youth.
29. It is of the highest importance that men and women be instructed in the science of human life, and in the best means of preserving and acquiring physical health. Especially is youth the time to lay up a stock of knowledge to be put in daily practise through life.--H. R. {HL 15.3}
30. Those who have occupied positions of influence have not appreciated the work which has been so long neglected. . . . They consider it far more important to become learners upon subjects of less consequence to the human agent. Thousands upon thousands know nothing of the body, and how to care for it. David declared, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." And when God has given us such a habitation, why should not every apartment be critically examined?--U. T., Jan. 11, 1897. {HL 15.4}
31. It is best for those who claim to be sons and daughters of God to avail themselves, while they can, of the opportunities now presented to gain a knowledge of the human system, and how it may be
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preserved in health. . . . The Lord will not work a miracle to preserve any one in health who will not make an effort to obtain knowledge within his reach concerning this wonderful habitation that God has given. By the study of the human organism we are to learn to correct what may be wrong in our habits, and which, if left uncorrected, will bring the sure result, disease and suffering, that make life a burden. . . . Let the mind become intelligent, and the will be placed on the Lord's side, and there will be a wonderful improvement in the physical health. But this can never be accomplished in mere human strength. --M. M., V. II, p. 216. {HL 15.5}
Duty of Ministers.
32. The ministers in our land need to become acquainted with the science of physiology. Then they will be intelligent in regard to the laws that govern physical life, and their bearings upon the health of mind and soul. Then they will be able to speak correctly upon this subject. In their obedience to physical laws they are to hold forth the word of life to the people, and lead up higher and still higher in the work of reform.--U. T., Jan. 11, 1897. {HL 16.1}
33. In order to be fitted for translation, the people of God must know themselves. They must understand in regard to their own physical frames, that they may be able with the psalmist to exclaim, "I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." --T., V. I, p. 486. {HL 16.2}
Chapter III. - The Great Decalogue.
Character of God.
34. He who hungers and thirsts after God will seek for an understanding of the laws which the God of wisdom has impressed upon creation. These laws are a transcript of his character. They must control all who enter the heavenly and better country.-- U. T., Aug. 30, 1896. {HL 17.1}
35. God's law is written by his own finger upon every nerve, every muscle, every faculty which has been entrusted to man.-- U. T., Aug. 30, 1896. {HL 17.2}
Obedience to Law.
36. God in his wisdom has established natural laws for the proper control of our dress, our appetites, and our passions, and he requires of us obedience in every particular.-- R. and H., 1883, No. 41. {HL 17.3}
Physical Sin.
37. The transgression of physical law is transgression of God's law. Our Creator is Jesus Christ. He is the author of our being. He is the author of the physical law as he is the author of the moral law. And the human being who is careless and reckless of the habits and practises that concern his physical life and health, sins against God. God is not reverenced, respected, or recognized. This is shown by the injury done to the body in violation of physical law.-- U. T., May 19, 1897. {HL 17.4}
Blessings Follow Obedience.
38. God loves his creatures with a love that is both tender and strong. He has established the laws
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of nature; but his laws are not arbitrary exactions. Every "Thou shalt not," whether in physical or moral law, contains or implies a promise. If it is obeyed, blessings will attend our steps; if it is disobeyed, the result is danger and unhappiness.-- T., No. 32, p. 201. {HL 17.5}
39. Health, strength, and happiness depend upon immutable laws; but these laws cannot be obeyed where there is no anxiety to become acquainted with them.-- H. R. {HL 18.1}
40. A knowledge of the laws by which health is secured and preserved is of pre-eminent importance. -- S. of T., 1886, No. 33. {HL 18.2}
41. Indifference and ignorance in regard to the laws which govern our being are sins so common that we have learned to look upon them with undue tolerance. -- H. R. {HL 18.3}
42. We have no right wantonly to violate a single principle of the laws of health.-- R. and H., 1884, No. 31. {HL 18.4}
43. God is greatly dishonored by the way in which man treats his organism, and he will not work a miracle to counteract a perverse violation of the laws of life and health.-- U. T., Aug. 30, 1896. {HL 18.5}
44. The Lord has made it a part of his plan that man's reaping shall be according to his sowing.-- U. T., May 19, 1897. {HL 18.6}
Heredity.
45. Wherever the habits of the parents are contrary to physical law, the injury done to themselves will be repeated in future generations.-- U. T., Jan. 11, 1897.
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{HL 18.7}
46. You should move out from principle, in harmony with natural law, irrespective of feeling.-- T., V. III, p. 76. {HL 19.1}
47. To make plain natural law, and urge the obedience of it, is the work that accompanies the third angel's message to prepare a people for the coming of the Lord.-- T., V. III, p. 161. {HL 19.2}
48. A flower of the field must have its root in the soil; it must have air, dew, showers, and sunshine. It will flourish only as it receives these advantages, and all are from God. So with man.-- Special Testimony to R. and H. Office, Sept. 19, 1895, p. 36. {HL 19.3}
49. God calls for reformers to stand in defense of the laws he has established to govern the human system, and to maintain an elevated standard in the training of the mind and culture of the heart.-- S. T., No. 3, p. 22. {HL 19.4}
Knowledge a Duty.
50. It is the duty of every human being, for his own sake and for the sake of humanity, to inform himself or herself in regard to the laws of organic life, and conscientiously to obey them. . . . It is the duty of every person to become intelligent in regard to disease and its causes. You must study your Bible, in order to understand the value that the Lord places on the men whom Christ has purchased at such an infinite price. Then we should become acquainted with the laws of life, that every action of the human agent may be in perfect harmony with the laws of God. When there is so great peril in ignorance, is it not best to be wise in regard to the human habitation fitted up by our Creator, and over which he desires that we shall be faithful stewards? -- U. T., Dec. 4, 1896. {HL 19.5}
Chapter IV. - Natural Law Part of the Law of God.
51. The same law obtains in the spiritual as in the natural world.-- M. of B., p. 126. {HL 20.1}
52. The transgression of the physical law is transgression of God's law. Our Creator is Jesus Christ. -- U. T., May 19, 1897. {HL 20.2}
Natural Law Divine.
53. Every law governing the human machinery is to be considered just as truly divine in origin, in character, and in importance as the word of God. Every careless action, any abuse put upon the wonderful mechanism, by disregarding his specified laws of the human habitation, is a violation of God's law. This law embraces the treatment of the entire being. U. T., Jan. 11, 1897. {HL 20.3}
54. God's law is written by his own finger upon every nerve, every muscle, every faculty which has been entrusted to man.-- U. T., Aug. 30, 1896. {HL 20.4}
Its Penalty.
55. God has formed laws to govern every part of our constitutions, and these laws which he has placed in our being are divine, and for every transgression there is a fixed penalty, which sooner or later must be realized.-- H. R. {HL 20.5}
56. Our first duty, one which we owe to God, to ourselves, and to our fellow men, is to obey the laws of God, which include the laws of health.-- T., V. III, p. 164.
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{HL 20.6}
57. The laws governing the physical nature are as truly divine in their origin and character as the law of the ten commandments. Man is fearfully and wonderfully made; for Jehovah has inscribed his law by his own mighty hand on every part of the human body.-- U. T., Aug. 5, 1896. {HL 21.1}
Physical Sin.
58. It is just as much sin to violate the laws of our being as to break one of the ten commandments, for we cannot do either without breaking God's law. -- T., V. II, p. 70. {HL 21.2}
59. The human being who is careless and reckless of the habits and practises that concern his physical life and health, sins against God.-- U. T., May 19, 1897. {HL 21.3}
60. A violation of these laws is a violation of the immutable law of God, and the penalty will surely follow.-- R. and H., 1883, No. 41. {HL 21.4}
Chapter V. - Blessings from Obeying Natural Law.
61. Those who understand something of the wisdom and beneficence of his laws, and perceive the evidences of God's love and the blessings that result from obedience, will come to regard their duties and obligations from an altogether different point of view. Instead of looking upon the observance of the laws of health as a matter of sacrifice and self-denial, they will regard it, as it really is, an inestimable blessing. -- C. T., p. 120. {HL 22.1}
62. All our enjoyment or suffering may be traced to obedience or transgression of natural law.-- T., V. III, p. 161. {HL 22.2}
Co-operation.
63. God, the Creator of our bodies, has arranged every fiber and nerve and sinew and muscle, and has pledged himself to keep the machinery in order if the human agent will co-operate with him and refuse to work contrary to the laws which govern the human system.-- U. T., Aug. 30, 1896. {HL 22.3}
64. A careful conformity to the laws which God has implanted in our being will insure health, and there will not be a breaking down of the constitution. -- H. R. {HL 22.4}
65. God has pledged himself to keep this machinery in healthful action if the human agent will obey his laws, and co-operate with him.-- U. T., Jan. 11, 1897.
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{HL 22.5}
66. Every "Thou shall not," whether in physical or moral law, contains or implies a promise. If it is obeyed, blessings will attend our steps.-- T., No. 32, p. 201. {HL 23.1}
67. He requires us to obey natural law, to preserve physical health.-- T., V. III, p. 63. {HL 23.2}
68. If Christians will keep the body in subjection, and bring all their appetites and passions under the control of enlightened conscience, feeling it a duty that they owe to God and to their neighbors to obey the laws which govern health and life, they will have the blessing of physical and mental vigor. They will have moral power to engage in the warfare against Satan; and in the name of him who conquered appetite in their behalf, they may be more than conquerors on their own account.-- T., V. IV, p. 36. {HL 23.3}
Adherence to Principle.
69. If laborers
who are now in the field had intelligently used their physical and mental
powers according to the laws of hygiene, they would not only have been able to
become proficient in common branches of education, but would have been versed
in different languages, and thus would have been qualified to become
missionaries in foreign countries. -- Y.
70. The souls and bodies of people have been fast becoming a corrupted mass of disease. This would not have been the case if those who claimed to believe the truth had lived out its sacred principles in their lives.-- U. T., Jan. 11, 1897. {HL 23.5}
71. If man had obeyed the laws of Jehovah in his natural laws, the image of God would have been revealed in him.-- Ibid. {HL 23.6}
Chapter VI. - The Consequence of Violating Natural Law.
72. Proportionately as nature's laws are transgressed, mind and soul become enfeebled. . . . Physical suffering of every type is seen. . . . Suffering must follow this course of action. The vital force of the system cannot bear up under the tax placed upon it, and it finally breaks down.-- U. T., Aug. 30, 1896. {HL 24.1}
Cause of Sickness.
73. Every misuse of any part of our organism is a violation of the law which God designs shall govern us in these matters; and by violating this law, human beings corrupt themselves. Sickness, disease of every kind, ruined constitutions, premature decay, untimely deaths,--these are a result of a violation of nature's laws.-- U. T., Aug. 30, 1896. {HL 24.2}
74. Sickness is caused by violating the laws of health; it is the result of violating nature's laws.-- T., V. III, p. 164. {HL 24.3}
75. The gloom and despondency supposed to be the result of obedience to God's moral law are often attributable to disregard of physical laws.-- S. of T., 1885, No. 42. {HL 24.4}
Diseased Souls.
76. Everything that conflicts with natural law creates a diseased condition of the soul.-- R. and H., 1881, No. 4.
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{HL 24.5}
77. The moral powers are weakened because men and women will not live in obedience to the laws of health, and make this great subject a personal duty. -- T., V. III, p. 140. {HL 25.1}
We Reap What We Sow.
78. The Lord has made it a part of his plan that man's reaping shall be according to his sowing. And this is the explanation of the misery and suffering in our world, which is charged back upon God. The man who serves himself, and makes a god of his stomach, will reap that which is the sure result of the violation of nature's laws. He who abuses any organ of the body to gratify lustful appetites and debased passions will bear testimony to the same in his countenance. He has sown to fleshly lusts, and he will just as surely realize the consequence. He is like a hunted being; he is a slave to passion, the chains of which he is unwilling to break. And at last he is left of God, without conviction, without mercy, without hope, to destroy himself. He is left to the natural processes of corrupting practises which degrade him beneath the brute creation. His sinfulness has ruined the mechanism of the living machinery, and nature's laws, transgressed, become his tormentors.-- U. T., May 19, 1897. {HL 25.2}
Control of Will.
79. Satan knows that he cannot overcome man unless he can control his will. He can do this by deceiving men so they will co-operate with him in transgressing the laws of nature, which is transgression of the law of God.-- U. T., Jan. 11, 1897. {HL 25.3}
Satan Taunting God.
80. The results which Satan has, through his specious temptations, brought about, he uses to taunt God with. He presents before God the appearance of
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the human being whom Christ has purchased as his property. And what an unsightly representation of his Maker! God is dishonored, because man has corrupted his ways before the Lord.-- U. T., Jan. 11, 1897. {HL 25.4}
81. One human being becomes Satan's copartner to tempt, allure, and deceive his fellow men to vicious practises; and the sure result is diseased bodies, because of the violation of moral law. "Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." It is Satan's determined purpose to deceive the human family so that he can bring them as a mass on his side, to work with him in making void the law of God. Thus he finds agencies which multiply his efficiency. And as they do this, he rules them with a rod of iron. And not only the human race, but the brute creation also are made to suffer through Satan's attributes wrought out through the human agent.-- U. T., Jan. 11, 1897. {HL 26.1}
Chapter VII. - Natural Law; How Violated.
General Statements.
82. Needlessly to transgress the laws of our being is a violation of the law of God.-- T., V. II, p. 538. {HL 27.1}
83. If we unnecessarily injure our constitutions, we dishonor God, for we transgress the laws of our being.-- H. R. {HL 27.2}
84. If appetite, which should be strictly guarded and controlled, is indulged to the injury of the body, the penalty of transgression will surely result.-- U. T., Aug. 30, 1896. {HL 27.3}
85. Every careless action, any abuse put upon the Lord's mechanism, by disregarding his specified laws in the human habitation, is a violation of God's law. -- U. T., Jan. 11, 1897. {HL 27.4}
86. Intemperance of any kind is a violation of the laws of our being.-- H. R. {HL 27.5}
Indulgence of Appetite.
87. The laws of our being cannot be more successfully violated than by crowding upon the stomach unhealthful food just because it is craved by a morbid appetite.-- H. to L., Chap. I, p. 52. {HL 27.6}
88. Eating merely to please the appetite is a transgression of nature's laws.-- U. T., Aug. 30, 1896. {HL 27.7}
89. Any course of action in eating, drinking, or dressing that is unhealthful injures the fine works of the human machinery, and interferes with God's order. Obstructions are created in bone, brain,
28
and muscle, which destroy this wonderful machinery that God has organized to be kept in order. Any misuse of the delicate workmanship results in suffering.-- U. T., May 19, 1897. {HL 27.8}
90. God has not changed, neither does he propose to change, our physical organism, in order that we may violate a single law without feeling the effects of its violation. . . . By indulging their inclinations and appetites, men violate the laws of life and health; and if they obey conscience, they must be controlled by principle in their eating and dressing, rather than be led by inclination, fashion, and appetite.-- H. R. {HL 28.1}
Lack of Exercise.
91. Neglecting to exercise the entire body, or a portion of it, will bring on morbid conditions. Inaction of any of the organs of the body will be followed by a decrease in size and strength of the muscles, and will cause the blood to flow sluggishly through the blood-vessels.-- T., V. III, p. 76. {HL 28.2}
Chapter VIII. - Health.
General Statements.
92. Health is a great treasure. It is the richest possession that mortals can have. Wealth, honor, or learning is dearly purchased, if it be at the loss of the vigor of health. None of these attainments can secure happiness if health is wanting.-- C. E., p. 16. {HL 29.1}
93. The health should be as sacredly guarded as the character.-- C. T., p. 83. {HL 29.2}
94. Our physical, mental, and moral powers are not our own, but lent us of God to be used in his service.-- H. R. {HL 29.3}
95. The more perfect our health, the more perfect will be our labor.-- T., V. III, p. 13. {HL 29.4}
96. The importance of the health of the body is to be taught as a Bible requirement.-- U. T., Aug. 30, 1896. {HL 29.5}
97. All who profess to be followers of Jesus should feel that a duty rests upon them to preserve their bodies in the best condition of health, that their minds may be clear to comprehend heavenly things. -- T., V. II, p. 522. {HL 29.6}
98. That time is well spent which is directed to the establishment and preservation of sound physical and mental health. . . . It is easy to lose health, but it is difficult to regain it.-- R. and H., 1884, No. 39.
30
{HL 29.7}
Circulation.
99. Perfect health depends upon perfect circulation. -- T., V. II, p. 531. {HL 30.1}
100. The health of the entire system depends upon the healthy action of the respiratory organs.-- H. to L., Chap. 6, p. 57. {HL 30.2}
101. If we would have health, we must live for it. -- H. R. {HL 30.3}
102. We can ill afford to dwarf or cripple a single function of mind or body by overwork, or by abuse of any part of the living machinery.-- R. and H., 1884, No. 39. {HL 30.4}
103. A sound body is required for a sound intellect. -- C. E., p. 17. {HL 30.5}
Faith and Practise.
104. When we do all we can on our part to have health, then may we expect that the blessed results will follow, and we can ask God in faith to bless our efforts for the preservation of health. He will then answer our prayer, if his name can be glorified thereby; but let all understand that they have a work to do. God will not work in a miraculous manner to preserve the health of persons who are taking a sure course to make themselves sick.-- H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 64. {HL 30.6}
105. A careful conformity to the laws God has implanted in our being will insure health, and there will not be a breaking down of the constitution.-- H. R. {HL 30.7}
How to Preserve Health.
106. Many have inquired of me, What course shall I take best to preserve my health? My answer is, Cease to transgress the laws of your being; cease to gratify a depraved appetite, eat simple food, dress healthfully, which will require modest simplicity,
31
work healthfully, and you will not be sick. . . . Many are suffering in consequence of the transgression of their parents. They cannot be censured for their parents' sins, but it is nevertheless their duty to ascertain wherein their parents violated the laws of their being; and wherein their parents' habits were wrong, they should change their own course, and place themselves, by correct habits, in a better relation to health.-- H. R. {HL 30.8}
107. The harmonious, healthy action of all the powers of body and mind results in happiness; the more elevated and refined the powers, the more pure and unalloyed the happiness. An aimless life is a living death. The mind should dwell upon themes relating to our eternal interests. This will be conducive to health of body and mind.-- R. and H., 1884, No. 31. {HL 31.1}
108. God has pledged himself to keep this living machinery in healthful action if the human agent will obey his laws and co-operate with God.-- U. T., Jan. 11, 1897. {HL 31.2}
Chapter IX. - Health Reform.
Light Given.
109. The Lord has given his people a message in regard to health reform. This light has been shining upon their pathway for thirty years, and the Lord cannot sustain his servants in a course which will counteract it. . . . Can he be pleased when half the workers laboring in a place teach that the principles of health reform are as closely allied to the third angel's message as the arm is to the body, to have their co-workers, by their practise, teach principles that are entirely opposite? . . . The light which God has given upon health reform cannot be trifled with without injury to those who attempt it; and no man can hope to succeed in the work of God while, by precept and example, he acts in opposition to the light which God has sent.-- Special Testimony for Ministers and Workers, No. 7, p. 40. {HL 32.1}
110. No man, woman, or child who fails to use all the powers God has given him can retain his health. He cannot conscientiously keep the commandments of God. He cannot love God supremely and his neighbor as himself.-- U. T., Sept. 17, 1897. {HL 32.2}
111. We begin to comprehend better the light given years ago,--that health reform principles would be as an entering wedge to be followed by a religious influence.-- U. T., Nov. 19, 1895.
33
{HL 32.3}
112. Your interest and effort are to be given, not to the health question alone, but to making known the truths for these last times, truths that are deciding the destiny of souls.-- U. T., May 29, 1896. {HL 33.1}
Common Sense in Health Reform.
113. There is real common sense in health reform. -- C. T., p. 57. {HL 33.2}
114. The principles of health reform have the highest authority, and deserve a wider sphere than has yet been given them by many who profess present truth.-- U. T., Nov. 8, 1896. {HL 33.3}
115. God's way is to make man something he is not; God's plan is to set man to work in reformatory lines; then he will learn by experience how long he has pampered fleshly appetites, and ministered to his own temperament, bringing weakness upon himself.-- U. T., Oct. 12, 1896. {HL 33.4}
116. There are those who have stood directly in the way of the advance of health reform. They have held the people back by their indifferent or depreciatory remarks, and their supposed pleasantries and jokes. . . . Had all walked unitedly in the light, from the time it was first given on the subject, there would have been an army of sensible arguments employed to vindicate the work of God. But it has only been by the most aggressive movements that any advance has been made. . . . {HL 33.5}
Duty of Ministers.
The ministers of our land should become intelligent upon health reform. They need to become acquainted with the science of physiology. Then they will be intelligent in regard to the laws that govern physical life and their bearings upon the health of mind and soul, and will be able to speak correctly upon this subject. In their obedience to
34
physical laws they are to hold forth the word of life to the people, and lead up higher and still higher in the work of reform.-- U. T., Jan. 11, 1897. {HL 33.6}
117. Blindness mingles with the want of moral courage to deny your appetite, to lift the cross, which means to take up the very duties that cut across the natural appetites and passions.-- U. T., Nov. 5, 1896. {HL 34.1}
118. Many have misinterpreted health reform, and have received perverted ideas of what constitutes right living.-- Y. I., May 31, 1894. {HL 34.2}
119. Nature's path is the road God marks out, and it is broad enough for any Christian.-- T., V. III, p. 63. {HL 34.3}
Avoid Extremes.
120. Health reformers, above all others, should be careful to shun extremes.-- T., V. II, p. 538. {HL 34.4}
121. All are bound by the most sacred obligations to God to heed the sound philosophy and genuine experience which he is now giving them in reference to health reform. He designs that the great subject of health reform shall be agitated, and the public mind deeply stirred to investigate.-- T., V. III, p. 162. {HL 34.5}
122. Do not catch hold of isolated ideas, and make them a test, criticising others whose practise may not agree with your opinion; but study the subject broadly and deeply.-- C. T., pp. 119, 120. {HL 34.6}
123. The lack of stability in regard to the principles of health reform is a true index of their character and their spiritual strength.-- T., V. II, p. 481. {HL 34.7}
124. When we adopt the health reform, we should
35
adopt it from a sense of duty, not because somebody else has adopted it.--T., V. II, p. 371. {HL 34.8}
The Educational Process.
125. In reforms we would better come one step short of the mark than go one step beyond it. And if there is error at all, let it be on the side next to the people. . . . We must go no faster than we can take those with us whose consciences and intellects are convinced of the truths we advocate. We must meet the people where they are. . . . But we should be very cautious not to advance too fast, lest we be obliged to retrace our steps. . . . If we come to persons who have not been enlightened in regard to health reform, and present our strongest positions at first, there is danger of their becoming discouraged as they see how much they have to give up, so that they will make no effort to reform. We must lead the people along patiently and gradually, remembering the hole of the pit from which we were digged.-- T., V. III, pp. 20, 21. {HL 35.1}
126. The greatest objection to health reform is that this people do not live it out.--T., V. II, p. 486. {HL 35.2}
127. Guilt rests upon us who as a people have had much light, because we have not appreciated or improved the light given upon health reform. . . . This is not a matter to be trifled with, to be passed off with a jest.--M. M., V. II, p. 216.
36
Relation of Health Reform to the Present
Closing Work. {HL 35.3}
An Entering Wedge.
128. This work we begin to comprehend better,-- the light given years ago,--that health reform principles would be as an entering wedge to be followed by a religious influence. To voice the words of John, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world,"--U. T., Nov. 19, 1895. {HL 36.1}
129. In the time of confusion and trouble such as never was since there was a nation, the uplifted Saviour will be presented to the people in all lands and in all places, that all who look may live.--S. T., "Matters in B. C.," p. 7. {HL 36.2}
130. The need of healthful habits is a part of the gospel which must be presented to the people by those who hold forth the word of life. Every minister should carefully consider what effect eating and drinking have upon the health of the soul. By precept and example, by a life of obedience to nature's laws, he can present the truth in a forcible manner. --U. T., Aug. 30, 1896. {HL 36.3}
131. Take the living principles of health reform into communities that to a large degree are ignorant of what they should do.--S. T., No. 5, p. 5. {HL 36.4}
Preparation for Loud Cry.
132. We as a people must make an advance move in this great work. Ministers and people must act in concert. God's people are not prepared for the loud cry of the third angel; they have a work to do for themselves which they should not leave for God to do for them. It is an individual work; one cannot do it for another.--T., V. I, p. 486.
37
{HL 36.5}
133. You have stumbled at the health reform. It appears to you to be a needless appendix to the truth. It is not so; it is a part of the truth.--T., V. I, p. 546. {HL 37.1}
134. Its place is among those subjects which set forth the preparatory work to meet the events brought to view by the message; among them it is prominent.-- T., V. I, p. 559. {HL 37.2}
135. The presentation of health principles must be united with this message, but must not be independent of it or in any way take the place of it.--U. T., May 27, 1896. {HL 37.3}
136. This branch of the Lord's work has not received due attention, and through this neglect much has been lost.--C. T., p. 121. {HL 37.4}
Prejudice Removed.
137. Much of the prejudice that prevents the truth of the third angel's message from reaching the hearts of the people, might be removed if more attention were given to health reform. When people become interested in this subject, the way is often prepared for the entrance of other truths.--C. T., p. 121. {HL 37.5}
138. Those who proclaim the message should teach health reform also. . . . Satan and his angels are seeking to hinder this work of reform, and will do all they can to perplex and burden those who heartily engage in it.--C. T., p. 122. {HL 37.6}
139. To make plain natural law, and urge the obedience of it, is the work that accompanies the third angel's message, to prepare a people for the coming of the Lord.--T., V. III, p. 161.
38
{HL 37.7}
Object of Health Reform.
140. Let it ever be kept before the mind that the great object of hygienic reform is to secure the highest possible development of mind and soul and body. --C. T., p. 120. {HL 38.1}
141. He who cherishes the light which God has given him upon health reform has an important aid in the work of becoming sanctified through the truth, and fitted for immortality.--C. T., p. 10. {HL 38.2}
142. God requires all who believe the truth to make special persevering efforts to place themselves in the best possible condition of bodily health, for a solemn and important work is before us. Health of body and mind is required for this work; it is as essential to a healthy religious experience, to advancement in the Christian life, and progress in holiness, as is the hand or foot to the human body.--T., V. I, p. 619.
Relation of Health Reform to Spirituality. {HL 38.3}
Control of the Will.
143. Satan knows that he cannot overcome man unless he can control his will. He can do this by deceiving man so that he will co-operate with him in transgressing the laws of nature.--U. T., Jan. 11, 1897. {HL 38.4}
144. Anything that lessens the physical power enfeebles the mind and makes it less clear to discriminate between good and evil, between right and wrong.--S. T., on E., p. 35. {HL 38.5}
145. The principles of health reform, . . . which are adopted by him who gives the word of God to others, will have a molding influence upon
39
his work, and upon those with whom he labors. If his principles are wrong, he can and will misrepresent the truth to others; if he accepts the truth which appeals to reason rather than to perverted appetite, his influence for the right will be decided.-- S. T., No. 7, p. 41. {HL 38.6}
Light Unheeded.
146. One reason why we do not enjoy more of the blessing of the Lord is, we do not heed the light which he has been pleased to give us in regard to the laws of life and health.--R. and H., 1883, No. 19. {HL 39.1}
147. The lack of stability in regard to the principles of health reform is a true index of their character and their spiritual strength.--T., V. II, p. 487. {HL 39.2}
148. It is not possible for us to glorify God while living in violation of the laws of life.--H. R. {HL 39.3}
149. All who profess to be followers of Jesus should feel that a duty rests upon them to preserve their bodies in the best condition of health, that their minds may be clear to comprehend heavenly things.--T., V. II, p. 522. {HL 39.4}
The Influence of Habit.
150. If our physical habits are not right, our mental and moral powers cannot be strong; for great sympathy exists between the physical and the moral. . . . Habits which lower the standard of physical health, enfeeble the mental and moral strength.--T., V. III, pp. 50, 51. {HL 39.5}
151. If you pursue a wrong course, and indulge in wrong habits of eating, and thereby weaken the intellectual powers, you will not place that high estimate upon salvation and eternal life which will inspire you to conform your life to the life of Christ; you will not make those earnest, self-sacrificing
40
efforts for entire conformity to the will of God which his word requires, and which are necessary to give you a moral fitness for the finishing touch of immortality.--T., V. II, p. 66. {HL 39.6}
152. In order to live a perfect life, we must live in harmony with those natural laws which govern our being.--T., V. III, p. 163. {HL 40.1}
Effects upon the Mind.
153. That which darkens the skin and makes it dingy, also clouds the spirits, and destroys the cheerfulness and peace of mind. . . . Every wrong habit which injures the health of the body, reacts in effect upon the mind.--H. R. {HL 40.2}
154. Those things which fret and derange the stomach will have a benumbing influence upon the finer feelings of the heart.--T., V. II, p. 537. {HL 40.3}
155. The gloom and despondency supposed to be the result of obedience to God's moral law is often attributable to disregard of physical law. Those whose moral faculties are beclouded by disease are not the ones rightly to represent the Christian life, and show forth the joys of salvation or the beauties of holiness. They are too often in the fire of fanaticism, or the waters of cold indifference or stolid gloom.--S. of T., No. 42, 1885. {HL 40.4}
156. Unless they practise true temperance, they will not, they cannot, be susceptible to the sanctifying influence of the truth.--C. T., p. 117. {HL 40.5}
157. Eating, drinking, and dressing all have a direct bearing upon our spiritual advancement.-- Y. I., May 31, 1894. {HL 40.6}
158. By indulging in a wrong course of action in eating and drinking, thousands upon thousands are
41
ruining their health, and not only is their health ruined, but their morals are corrupted, because diseased blood flows through their veins.--U. T., Aug. 30, 1896. Morals Corrupted. {HL 40.7}
159. Overeating prevents the free flow of thought and words, and that intensity of feeling which is so necessary in order to impress the truth upon the heart of the hearer.--T., V. III, p. 310. {HL 41.1}
160. Excessive eating of even the best of food will produce a morbid condition of the moral feelings. . . . Wrong habits of eating and drinking lead to errors in thought and action. Indulgence of appetite strengthens the animal propensities, giving them the ascendency over the mental and spiritual powers. . . . Everything that conflicts with natural law creates a diseased condition of the soul.--R. and H., 1881, No. 4. {HL 41.2}
161. Irregularity in eating and drinking, and improper dressing, deprave the mind and corrupt the heart, and bring the noble attributes of the soul in slavery to the animal passions.--H. R. {HL 41.3}
162. If those who profess to be Christians desire to solve the questions so perplexing to them,--why their minds are so dull, why their religious aspirations are so feeble,--they need not, in many instances, go farther than the table; here is cause enough, if there were no other.--C. T., p. 83. {HL 41.4}
163. A religious life can be more successfully gained and maintained if flesh meats are discarded; for a meat diet stimulates into intense activity lustful propensities, and enfeebles the spiritual and moral nature.--U. T., Nov. 5, 1896.
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{HL 41.5}
164. Children reared in a healthful way are much more easily controlled than those who are indulged in eating everything their appetite craves, and at all times. They are usually cheerful, contented, and healthy. Even the most stubborn, passionate, and wayward have become submissive, patient, and possessed of self-control by persistently following up this order of diet, united with a firm but kind management in regard to other matters.--H. R. {HL 42.1}
A Living Sacrifice.
165. The Lord requires a living sacrifice of mind, soul, body, and strength. All that we have and are is to be given him, that we may answer the purpose of our creation.--U. T., Aug. 25, 1897. {HL 42.2}
166. True sanctification is not merely a theory, an emotion, or a form of words, but a living, active principle, entering into the every-day life. It requires that our habits of eating, drinking, and dressing be such as to secure the preservation of physical, mental, and moral health, that we may present to the Lord our bodies, not an offering corrupted by wrong habits, but a "living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God."--R. and H., 1881, No. 4. {HL 42.3}
167. It should ever be kept prominent that the great object to be attained through this channel is not only health, but perfection and the spirit of holiness, which cannot be attained with diseased bodies and minds. This object cannot be secured by working merely from the worldling's standpoint.--T., V. I, p. 554. {HL 42.4}
168. A diseased body causes a disordered brain, and hinders the work of sanctifying grace upon the mind and heart.--H. R.
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{HL 42.5}
169. If man will cherish the light that God in mercy gives him upon health reform, he may be sanctified through the truth, and fitted for immortality.--T., V. III, p. 162. {HL 43.1}
170. If Christians . . . obey the laws which govern health and life, they will have the blessing of physical and mental vigor. They will have moral power to engage in the warfare against Satan; and in the name of him who conquered appetite in their behalf, they may be more than conquerors on their own account.--T., V. IV, pp. 35, 36. {HL 43.2}
171. The character and efficiency of the work depend largely on the physical condition of the workers. . . . Many a sermon has received a dark shadow from the minister's indigestion. Health is an inestimable blessing, and one which is more closely allied to conscience and religion than many realize.--G. W., p. 175. {HL 43.3}
172. In order to render to God perfect service, we must have a clear conception of his will. This will require us to use only healthful food, prepared in a simple manner, that the fine nerves of the brain be not injured, making it impossible for us to discern the value of the atonement, and the priceless worth of the cleansing blood of Christ.--R. and H., 1880, No. 12. {HL 43.4}
God's Plan. The Kingdom Within.
173. God's way is to give man something that he has not, to make him something that he is not. Man's way is to get an easy place, and indulge appetite and selfish ambition. God's plan is to set man at work in reformatory lines, then he will learn by experience how long he has tampered with fleshly appetites, and
44
ministered to his own temperament, bringing weakness upon
himself. God's way is to work in power. He gives grace if the sick man realizes
that he needs it. God proposes to purify and refine the defiled soul, then he
will implant in the heart his own righteousness and peace and health, and man
will become complete in him. This is the
Our Duty to Others.
174. It is the duty of those who have received light upon this important subject to manifest a greater interest for those who are still suffering for want of knowledge. Those who are looking for the soon appearing of their Saviour should be the last to manifest a lack of interest in this great work of reform. . . . This (2 Cor. 7:1) is our work as Christians, to cleanse our robes of character from every spot. The spirit must be in harmony with the Spirit of Christ; the habits must be in conformity to his will, in obedience to his requirements.--R. and H., 1884, No. 31. {HL 44.1}
Chapter X. - Vital Vigor and Energy.
General Statements.
175. God has provided us with constitutional force, which will be needed at different periods of our life. If we recklessly exhaust this force by continual overtaxation, we shall sometime be losers. Our usefulness will be lessened, if not life itself destroyed.--C. T., p. 65. {HL 45.1}
176. God endowed man with so great vital force that he has withstood the accumulation of disease upon the race in consequence of perverted habits, and has continued for six thousand years. . . . {HL 45.2}
If Adam, at his creation, had not been endowed with twenty times as much vital force as men now have, the race, with their present habits of living in violation of natural law, would have become extinct.--T., V. III, pp. 138, 139. {HL 45.3}
177. The tree of life possessed the power to perpetuate life, and as long as they [Adam and Eve] ate of it, they could not die. The lives of the antediluvians were protracted because of the life-giving power of this tree, which was transmitted to them from Adam and Eve.--R. and H., 1897, No. 4. {HL 45.4}
Conditions Conducive to Health and Vigor.
The Bible.
178. The Bible is a leaf from the tree of life, and by eating it, by receiving it into our minds, we
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shall grow strong to do the will of God.--R. and H., 1897, No. 18. {HL 45.5}
Exercise.
179. Neither are they willing to wait the slow process of nature to build up the overtaxed energies of the system.--H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 60. {HL 46.1}
180. Useful employment would bring into exercise the enfeebled muscles, enliven the stagnant blood, and the entire system would be invigorated to overcome bad conditions.--H. R. {HL 46.2}
181. If physical exercise were combined with mental exertion, the blood would be quickened in its circulation, the action of the heart would be more perfect, impure matter would be thrown off, and new life and vigor would be experienced in every part of the body.--T., V. III, p. 490. {HL 46.3}
182. If invalids would recover health, they should not discontinue physical exercise. . . . There will be increased vitality, which is so necessary to health.-- T., V. II, p. 529. {HL 46.4}
Pure Air.
183. They are deprived in a great measure of air, which will invigorate them and give them energy and vitality.--T., V. II, p. 533. {HL 46.5}
184. Fresh air is the free blessing of Heaven, calculated to electrify the whole system.--T., V. I, p. 701. {HL 46.6}
Sleep.
185. Nature will restore their vigor and strength in their sleeping hours, if her laws are not violated. --S. A., p. 62. {HL 46.7}
Bathing.
186. Bathing helps the bowels, stomach, and liver, giving energy and new life to each.--T., V. III, p. 70.
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{HL 46.8}
Influence of the Mind.
187. The latter class do not exercise the mind; their muscles are exercised while their brains are robbed of intellectual strength; just as the minds of thinking men are worked while their bodies are robbed of strength and vigor by their neglect to exercise the muscles. Those who are content to devote their lives to physical labor, and leave others to do the thinking for them, while they simply carry out what other brains have planned, will have strength of muscle, but feeble intellects. This class fall more readily if attacked by disease, because the system is not vitalized by the electrical force of the brain to resist disease.--T., V. III, p. 157. {HL 47.1}
188. Bring to your aid the power of the will, which will resist cold, and will give energy to the nervous system.--T., V. II, p. 533. {HL 47.2}
Conditions Unfavorable to Strength and Vigor.
Irregular Habits.
189. Misuse of the body shortens that period of time which God designs shall be used in his service. By allowing ourselves to form wrong habits, by keeping late hours, by gratifying appetite at the expense of health, we lay the foundation for feebleness. By neglecting to take physical exercise, by overworking mind or body, we unbalance the nervous system. Those who thus shorten their lives by disregarding nature's laws, are guilty of robbery before God.-- R. and H., 1896, No. 48. {HL 47.3}
Overwork.
190. Those who make great exertions to accomplish just so much work in a given time, and continue to labor when their judgment tells them they should rest, are never gainers. They are living on borrowed
48
capital. They are expending the vital force which they will need at a future time. And when the energy they have so recklessly used, is demanded, they fail for want of it. If all the hours of the day are well improved, the work extended into the evening is so much extra, and the overtaxed system will suffer from the burden imposed upon it. I have been shown that those who do this often lose much more than they gain, for their energies are exhausted, and they labor on nervous excitement. They may not realize any immediate injury, but they are surely undermining their constitution.-- C. T., p. 65. {HL 47.4}
Impure Air.
191. The effects produced by living in close, ill-ventilated rooms are these: The system becomes weakened, the circulation is depressed, the blood moves sluggishly through the system, because it is not purified and vitalized by the pure, invigorating air of heaven. The mind becomes depressed and gloomy, while the whole system is enervated.--T., V. I, pp. 702, 703. {HL 48.1}
A Disturbed Mind.
192. Doubt, perplexity, and excessive grief often sap the vital forces and induce nervous diseases of a most debilitating and distressing character.--R. and H., 1883, No. 41. {HL 48.2}
Errors in Diet.
193. Unhealthful habits of eating are injuring thousands and tens of thousands. Food should be thoroughly cooked, neatly prepared, and appetizing. --U. T., Nov. 5, 1896. {HL 48.3}
Cold Food.
194. I do not approve of eating much cold food, for the reason that the vitality must be drawn from
49
the system to warm the food until it becomes of the same temperature as the stomach, before the work of digestion can be carried on.--T., V. II, p. 603. {HL 48.4}
195. They eat improperly, and this calls their nervous energies to the stomach, and they have no vitality to expend in other directions.--T., V. II, p. 365. {HL 49.1}
Children.
196. Children are permitted to indulge their tastes freely, to eat at all hours. . . . The digestive organs, like a mill which is continually kept running, become enfeebled, vital force is called from the brain to aid the stomach in its overwork, and thus the mental powers are weakened. The unnatural stimulation and wear of the vital forces make the children nervous, impatient of restraint, self-willed, and irritable.--H. R. {HL 49.2}
Students.
197. They closely apply their minds to books, and eat the allowance of the laboring man. Under such habits some grow corpulent, because the system is clogged. Others become lean, feeble, and weak, because their vital powers are exhausted in throwing off the excess of food.--T., V. III, p. 490. {HL 49.3}
198. This is the way you treat the stomach. It is thoroughly exhausted, but instead of letting it rest, you give it more food, and then call the vitality from other parts of the system to the stomach to assist in the work of digestion.--T., V. II, p. 363. {HL 49.4}
Overworked Stomachs.
199. The poor tired stomach may complain of weariness in vain. More food is forced upon it, which sets the digestive organs in motion, again to perform the same round of labor through the sleeping
50
hours. In the morning there is a sense of languor and loss of appetite; a lack of energy is felt through the entire system.--H. to L., Chap. I, p. 55. {HL 49.5}
200. And what influence does overeating have upon the stomach?--It becomes debilitated, the digestive organs are weakened, and disease, with all its train of evils, is brought on as the result. If persons were diseased before, they thus increase the difficulties upon them, and lessen their vitality every day they live. They call their vital powers into unnecessary action to take care of the food that they place in their stomachs.--T., V. II, p. 364. {HL 50.1}
201. Those who are excited, anxious, or in a great hurry would do well not to eat until they have found rest or relief, for the vital powers, already severely taxed, cannot supply the necessary gastric juice.-- R. and H., 1884, No. 31. {HL 50.2}
Improper Clothing.
202. She should not call vitality unnecessarily to the surface to supply the want of sufficient clothing. --T., V. II, p. 382. {HL 50.3}
Rearing Children.
203. Everywhere you may look you will see pale, sickly, care-worn, broken-down, dispirited, discouraged women. They are generally overworked, and their vital energies exhausted by frequent child-bearing. --H. to L., Chap. 2, p. 31. {HL 50.4}
204. Children who are robbed of that vitality which they should have inherited from their parents should have the utmost care.--H. to L., Chap. 2, p. 59. {HL 50.5}
Vice.
205. Secret indulgence is, in many cases, the only real cause of the numerous complaints of the young. This vice is laying waste the vital forces, and debilitating the system --S. A., pp. 57, 58.
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{HL 50.6}
Drugs
206. Sick people who take these drug poisons do appear to get well. With some there is sufficient life force for nature to draw upon, so far to expel the poison from the system that the sick, having a period of rest, recover.-- H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 50. {HL 51.1}
Unsocial Surroundings.
207. Some preserve a cold, chilling reserve, an iron dignity, that repels those who are brought within their influence. This spirit is contagious, . . . it chokes the natural current of human sympathy, cordiality, and love; and under its influence people become constrained, and their social and generous attributes are destroyed for want of exercise. Not only is the spiritual health affected, but the physical health suffers by this unnatural depression. -- T., V. IV, p. 64. {HL 51.2}
208. The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, lies at the very foundation of a large share of the maladies the sinner suffers.-- T., V. IV, p. 579. {HL 51.3}
Chapter XI. - Disease and
209. The violation of physical law, and the consequence, human suffering, have so long prevailed that men and women look upon the present state of sickness, suffering, debility, and premature death as the appointed lot of humanity.-- T., V. III, p. 139. {HL 52.1}
Disease the Result of Natural Causes.
210. Many persons
complain of
211. Are these ills visited upon the race through God's providence? --No; they exist because the people have gone contrary to his providence, and still continue rashly to disregard his laws.-- R. and H., 1884, No. 31. {HL 52.3}
212. The souls and bodies of people are fast becoming corrupted, a mass of disease. This would not have been the case if those who had claimed to believe the truth had lived out its sacred principles. -- U. T., Jan. 11, 1897. {HL 52.4}
213. There is a divinely appointed connection between sin and disease. Sin and disease bear to each other the relationship of cause and effect.-- T. No. 32, p. 200.
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{HL 52.5}
214. The course professed Christians generally pursue in following fashion, irrespective of health and life, brings upon them a train of evils which they charge back upon Providence, and place arguments in the mouths of infidels wherewith to assail Christianity.-- H. R. {HL 53.1}
215. God is not responsible for the suffering which follows the non-conformity to natural law and moral obligations to him.-- H. R. {HL 53.2}
216. Sickness and premature death do not come without a cause.-- H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 61. {HL 53.3}
God not Responsible for Disease.
217. When
standing by the graves of their children, the afflicted parents look upon their
bereavement as a special dispensation of
218. They should not charge the result of their own sinful course upon our gracious and merciful Heavenly Father. He doth not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men.-- H. R. {HL 53.5}
219. Mothers are
slow to learn that the suffering and death of their children is the result of
their own course. They do not become
intelligent upon the subject of how to live to prevent disease and premature
death. What a thought! Mothers are the murderers of their own
children, and are mourning over their death, and are trying hard to be
reconciled to
Chapter XII. - The Influence of Disease Upon the Mind and Morals.
Mental Depression.
220. A diseased body affects the brain. With the mind we serve the Lord.-- F. of F., p. 146. {HL 54.1}
221. All should guard the senses, lest Satan gain victory over them; for these are the avenues to the soul.-- T., V. III, p. 507. {HL 54.2}
222. The brain nerves which communicate to the entire system are the only medium through which Heaven can communicate to man, and affect his inmost life. Whatever disturbs the circulation of the electric currents in the nervous system, lessens the strength of the vital powers, and the result is a deadening of the sensibilities of the mind.-- T., V. II, p. 347. {HL 54.3}
Moral Insensibility.
223. In consequence of the brain's being congested, its nerves lose their healthy action, and take on morbid conditions, making it almost impossible to arouse the moral sensibilities.-- H. R. {HL 54.4}
224. It should ever be kept prominent that the great object to be attained through this channel is not only health, but perfection and the spirit of holiness, which cannot be attained with diseased bodies and minds.-- T., V. I, p. 554. {HL 54.5}
225. Mental and moral power is dependent upon the physical health.-- H. R.
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{HL 54.6}
226. Physical and moral health are closely united. -- H. to L., Chap. 2, p. 32. {HL 55.1}
God Misrepresented.
227. The children of God cannot glorify him with sickly bodies or dwarfed minds. Those who indulge in any species of intemperance, either in eating or drinking, waste their physical energies and weaken moral power.-- C. T., p. 53. {HL 55.2}
228. Those whose moral faculties are beclouded by disease, are not the ones rightly to represent the Christian life, to show forth the joys of salvation or the beauties of holiness. They are too often in the fire of fanaticism or the water of cold indifference or stolid gloom.-- S. of T., 1885, No. 42. {HL 55.3}
229. While men and women professing godliness are diseased from the crown of their head to the soles of their feet, while their physical, mental and moral energies are enfeebled through gratification of depraved appetite and excessive labor, how can they weigh the evidences of truth, and comprehend the requirements of God? If their moral and intellectual faculties are beclouded, they cannot appreciate the value of the atonement or the exalted character of the work of God, nor delight in the study of his word. How can a nervous dyspeptic be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh him for a reason of the hope that is in him, with meekness and fear?-- T., V. I, p. 488. {HL 55.4}
230. Perfection and the spirit of holiness cannot be attained with diseased bodies and minds. -- T., V. I, p. 554. {HL 55.5}
Chapter XIII. - Heredity.
Habits Repeated.
231. The physical and mental condition of parents is perpetuated in their offspring. This is a matter that is not duly considered. Wherever the habits of the parents are contrary to physical law, the injury done to themselves will be repeated in future generations. Satan knows this very well, and he is perpetuating his work through transmission. . . . Those who will indulge the animal passions and gratify lust will surely stamp upon their offspring the debasing practices, the grossness, of their own physical and moral defilement. By physical, mental, and moral culture all may become co-workers with Christ. Very much depends upon the parents. It lies with them whether they will bring into the world children who will prove a blessing or a curse.-- U. T., January, 1897. {HL 56.1}
232. In past generations if mothers had informed themselves in regard to the laws of their being, they would have understood that their constitutional strength, as well as the tone of their morals and their mental faculties, would in a great measure be represented in their offspring.-- H. to L., Chap. 2, p. 37. {HL 56.2}
233. He should not have committed so great a crime as to bring into being children that reason
57
must teach him would be diseased, because they must receive a miserable legacy from their parents. -- T., V. II, p. 379. {HL 56.3}
Transmission of Disease.
234. As a rule every intemperate man who rears children transmits his inclinations and evil tendencies to his offspring ; he gives them disease from his own inflamed and corrupted blood. Licentiousness, disease, and imbecility are transmitted as an inheritance of woe from father to son, and from generation to generation, and this brings anguish and suffering into the world.-- T., V. IV, p. 30. {HL 57.1}
235. Thousands are devoid of principle. These very ones are transmitting to their offspring their own miserable, corrupt passions. What a legacy! Thousands drag out their unprincipled lives, tainting their associates, and perpetuating their debased passions by transmitting them to their children.-- T., V. II, p. 351. {HL 57.2}
236. You have transmitted to your children a miserable legacy; a depraved nature rendered still more depraved by your gross habits of eating and drinking. -- T., V. II, p. 62. {HL 57.3}
Parents Sin against Children.
237. Parents sin not only against themselves in swallowing drug poisons, but they sin against their children. The vitiated state of the blood, the poison distributed throughout the system, the broken constitution, and various diseases, as the result of drug poisons, are transmitted to their offspring, and left to them a wretched inheritance, which is another great cause of the degeneracy of the race.-- H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 50.
58
{HL 57.4}
Mental and Moral Effects of Heredity.
238. Tobacco and liquor stupefy and defile the user. But the evil does not stop here. He transmits irritable tempers, polluted blood, enfeebled intellects, and weak morals to his children.-- T., V. IV, p. 31. {HL 58.1}
239. Those who have indulged the appetite for these stimulants have transmitted their depraved appetites and passions to their children and greater moral power is required to resist intemperance in all its forms.-- T., V. III, p. 488. {HL 58.2}
240. As a rule, every intemperate man who rears children transmits his inclinations and evil tendencies to his offspring.-- T.,V. IV, p. 30. {HL 58.3}
241. Parents who freely use wine and liquor leave to their children the legacy of a feeble constitution, mental and moral debility, unnatural appetites, irritable temper, and an inclination to vice. . . . The child of the drunkard or the tobacco inebriate usually has the depraved appetites and passions of the father intensified, and at the same time inherits less of his self-control and strength of mind.-- H. R. {HL 58.4}
Physical Effects of Heredity.
242. Parents leave maladies as a legacy to their children.-- T., V. IV, p. 30. {HL 58.5}
243. Many women never should have become mothers. Their blood was filled with scrofula, transmitted to them from their parents, and increased by their gross manner of living.-- H. to L., Chap. 2, p. 37. {HL 58.6}
244. Very many children are born with their blood tainted with scrofula through the wrong habits of the mother in her eating and dressing. . . . These fashionably dressed women cannot transmit good
59
constitutions to their children. . . . Wasp waists may have been transmitted to them from their mothers, as the result of their sinful practise of tight lacing, and in consequence of imperfect breathing. Poor children born of these miserable slaves of fashion have diminished vitality, and are predisposed to disease. . . . The impurities retained in the system in consequence of improper breathing are transmitted to their offspring.--H. R. {HL 58.7}
245. If the mother is deprived of an abundance of wholesome, nutritious food, she will lack in the quantity and quality of blood. Her circulation will be poor, and her child will lack in the very same things.--T., V. II, p. 382. {HL 59.1}
246. Her children were born with feeble digestive powers and impoverished blood. From the food the mother was compelled to receive, she could not furnish a good quality of blood, and therefore gave birth to children filled with humors.--T., V. II, p. 378.