God's Plan For Your Health

The King James Version (KJV) is mostly used in these lessons. Click here to access the KJV online.

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17. Let us look now at God's plan for your health.

“Transgression of physical law is transgression of the moral law; for God is as truly the author of physical laws as He is the author of the moral law. His law is written with His own finger upon every nerve, every muscle, every faculty, which has been entrusted to man. And every misuse of any part of our organism is a violation of that law.

All should have an intelligent knowledge of the human frame that they may keep their bodies in the condition necessary to do the work of the Lord. The physical life is to be carefully preserved and developed that through humanity the divine nature may be revealed in its fullness. The relation of the physical organism to the spiritual life is one of the most important branches of education. It should receive careful attention in the home and in the school. All need to become acquainted with their physical structure and the laws that control natural life. He who remains in willing ignorance of the laws of his physical being and who violates them through ignorance is sinning against God. All should place themselves in the best possible relation to life and health. Our habits should be brought under the control of a mind that is itself under the control of God.” Christ Object Lessons, page 347-348.

You Are Not Your Own

1. What is your body called, and to whom do you belong?

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”1 Corin­thians 6:19, 20.

Answer: Temple of God.

NOTE: “Let the youth be impressed with the thought that they are not their own. They belong to Christ. They are the purchase of His blood, the claim of His love. They live because He keeps them by His power. Their time, their strength, their capabilities are His, to be developed, to be trained, to be used for Him.

Next to the angelic beings, the human family, formed in the image of God, are the noblest of His created works. God desires them to become all that He has made it possible for them to be, and to do their very best with the powers He has given them.

Life is mysterious and sacred. It is the manifestation of God Himself, the source of all life. Precious are its opportunities, and earnestly should they be improved. Once lost, they are gone forever.” Ministry of Healing, page 396-397.

2. If you are the temple of God, who is it that dwells in you?

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Co­rinthians 3: 16.

Answer: God dwells in us.

NOTE: “In the cleansing of the temple, Jesus [Yahushua] was announcing His mission as the Messiah, and entering upon His work. That temple, erected for the abode of the divine Presence, was designed to be an object lesson for Israel and for the world. From eternal ages it was God's purpose that every created being, from the bright and holy seraph to man, should be a temple for the indwelling of the Creator. Because of sin, humanity ceased to be a temple for God. Darkened and defiled by evil, the heart of man no longer revealed the glory of the Divine One. But by the incarnation of the Son of God, the purpose of Heaven is fulfilled. God dwells in humanity, and through saving grace the heart of man becomes again His temple.” The Desire of Ages, page 161.

3. What will God do to you if you defile or destroy the temple of God, which is your body?

“If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Co­rinthians 3:17.

NOTE: “We are required by God to preserve every power in the best possible condition, that we may render acceptable service to our Creator. When intoxicants are used, the same effects will follow as in the case of those priests of Israel. The conscience will lose its sensibility to sin, and a process of hardening to iniquity will most certainly take place, till the common and the sacred will lose all difference of significance. How can we then meet the standard of the divine requirements? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are Gods. 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31. To the church of Christ in all ages is addressed the solemn and fearful warning, If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1 Corinthians 3:17.” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 362.

4. How do we become the temple of God?

“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” 2 Corinthians 6:16.

NOTE: “There is sickness everywhere, and most of it might be prevented by attention to the laws of health. The people need to see the bearing of health principles upon their well-being, both for this life and for the life to come. They need to be awakened to their responsibility for the human habitation fitted up by their Creator as His dwelling place, and over which He desires them to be faithful stewards. They need to be impressed with the truth conveyed in the words of Holy Writ:

Ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 2 Corinthians 6:16. Thousands need and would gladly receive instruction concerning the simple methods of treating the sick--methods that are taking the place of the use of poisonous drugs. There is great need of instruction in regard to dietetic reform. Wrong habits of eating and the use of unhealthful food are in no small degree responsible for the intemperance and crime and wretchedness that curse the world.” Ministry of Healing, page 146.

5. In view of this fact, what are we to do?

“But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” 1 Corinthians 6: 17-20.

Answer: It is the lack of harmonious action in the human organism that brings disease. The imagination may control the other parts of the body to their injury. All parts of the system must work harmoniously. The different parts of the body, especially those remote from the heart, should receive a free circulation of blood. The limbs act an important part and should receive proper attention.

God is the great caretaker of the human machinery. In the care of our bodies we must co-operate with Him. Love for God is essential for life and health. In order to have perfect health our hearts must be filled with hope and love and joy.

The lower passions are to be strictly guarded. The perceptive faculties are abused, terribly abused, when the passions are allowed to run riot. When the passions are indulged, the blood, instead of circulating to all parts of the body, thereby relieving the heart and clearing the mind, is called in undue amount to the internal organs. Disease comes as the result. The man cannot be healthy until the evil is seen and remedied. He that is joined unto the Lord--bound up with Christ in the covenant of grace--is one spirit. Flee fornication. 1 Corinthians 6:17, 18. Do not stop for one moment to reason. Satan would rejoice to see you overthrown by temptation. Do not stop to argue the case with your weak conscience. Turn away from the first step of transgression.

6. What does it mean to present our bodies a living sacrifice? And why is it called a reasonable service?

Answer: The love of Christ constrains us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died.; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 2 Cor. 5:14. It is simple: The Lord died for us, so we should live for Him.

1 Cor. 6:20 says, You were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Cor. 9:24-27 says, Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown, . . .I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. The purpose in discipline is to keep this body offered to God always in the best shape. Christians are compared to athletes, who are ready to discipline themselves for worldly fame. We should strive harder for eternal glory.

God’s Desire For Us

7. What did John say about health?

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 2.

NOTE: “Sickness, suffering, and death are work of an antagonistic power. Satan is the destroyer; God is the restorer. The words spoken to Israel are true today of those who recover health of body or health of soul. I am the Lord that healeth thee. Exodus 15:26. The desire of God for every human being is expressed in the words, Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 2. He it is who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies. Psalm 103:3, 4. When Christ healed disease, He warned many of the afflicted ones, Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. John 5:14. Thus He taught that they had brought disease upon themselves by transgressing the laws of God, and that health could be preserved only by obedience.” Ministry of Healing, page 113.

8. How important is good health to any individual?

Answer: Since the mind and the soul find expression through the body, both mental and spiritual vigor are in great degree dependent upon physical strength and activity; whatever promotes physical health, promotes the development of a strong mind and a well-balanced character. Without health no one can as distinctly understand or as completely fulfill his obligations to himself, to his fellow beings, or to his Creator. Therefore the health should be as faithfully guarded as the character. A knowledge of physiology and hygiene should be the basis of all educational effort. Education, page 195.

Fundamental Principles

9. How are the laws of nature to be considered?

Answer: As the foundation principle of all education in these lines, the youth should be taught that the laws of nature are the laws of God--as truly divine as are the precepts of the Decalogue. The laws that govern our physical organism, God has written upon every nerve, muscle, and fiber of the body. Every careless or willful violation of these laws is a sin against our Creator.Education, page 196.

10. What is said of a merry heart and its effect on health?

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22.

Answer: The relation which exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health of the physical system. If the mind is free and happy, from a consciousness of right doing and a sense of satisfaction in causing happiness to others, it creates a cheerfulness that will react upon the whole system, causing a freer circulation of the blood and a toning up of the entire body. The blessing of God is a healing power, and those who are abundant in benefiting others will realize that wondrous blessing in both heart and life.Counsels on Health, page 28.

11. How will the keeping of God’s commandments affect life?

“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.” Proverbs 3:1, 2.

12. What effect do pleasant words have on the health?

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” Proverns 16:24.

13. With whom is the fountain of life?

“They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.” Psalms 36:8-10.

14. Why did Jesus come to this world?

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10.

Man’s Original Diet

15. When God created man, what did He give him to eat?

Answer: God said, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. Gen. 1:29/

NOTE: The word meat is used in the King James Version, as it still is in Scot­land, to represent food in general.­ The Bible Reader's Encyclopedia and Concordance, article, Meat.

Advanced knowledge on nutrition affirms that food best suited to health is found in vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts.

“In order to know what are the best foods, we must study God's original plan for man's diet. He who created man and who understands his needs appointed Adam his food. . . . Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. These foods, prepared in as simple and natural a manner as possible, are the most healthful and nourishing. They impart a strength, a power of endurance, and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet.” Ministry of Healing, page 295-296.

“Our bodies are built up from the food we eat. There is a constant breaking down of the tissues of the body; every movement of every organ involves waste, and this waste is repaired from our food. Each organ of the body requires its share of nutrition. The brain must be supplied with its portion; the bones, muscles, and nerves demand theirs. It is a wonderful process that transforms the food into blood and uses this blood to build up the varied parts of the body; but this process is going on continually, supplying with life and strength each nerve, muscle, and tissue.” Ministry of Healing, page 295.

Flesh As Food

16. When did God permit man to eat flesh foods?

“Before this time God had given man no permission to eat animal food; He intended that the race should subsist wholly upon the productions of the earth; but now that every green thing had been destroyed. He allowed them to eat the flesh of the clean beasts that had been preserved in the ark.” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 107.

Answer: After Noah’s flood, God said in Gen. 9:3,4, Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.

It was after the flood that God permitted man to eat flesh foods. At the time only one pair of unclean animals had been preserved, so man must have eaten only clean animals. According to God's rules, the following animals are unclean and are not to be eaten: hogs, squirrels, rabbits, catfish, eels, lobsters, clams, crabs, shrimp, oysters, frogs, and many others.

After the Jews came out of Egypt, God gave them a norm for clean and unclean animals in Lev. 11:2-8: Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth. Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat. Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. And the hare, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you. The feces of the hare are divided into hard and soft pellets. It chews the cud by eating the soft pellets.

Lev. 11:9-11 teaches how to distinguish between clean and unclean animals that live in the water: These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat. And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you: They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination.

17. Does sicence support the avoidance of unclean foods?

Answer: Doctors trained in both Chinese and western medicine teach the sick to abstain from pork. People versed in medicine know that eating shrimp, crab and eel meat tends to excite latent diseases in the body, and eating fish with no scales can cause skin rashes like eczema. For fish toxins are excreted through the scales, so fish without scales retain more toxins in their flesh. The flesh of swine, lobsters, shrimps, crabs and eels have a high cholesterol content, lining the artery walls of all who eat them with fat, thereby increasing blood pressure.

Nutritionist have made a study of 60,000 vegetarians, and have found that they live 5 to 6 years longer than meat eaters. The advantages of a vegetarian diet are many, but many people are led by their appetite to live to eat, instead of eating to live. The fact is, good cooking can make vegetables tasty. In a word, all who want to keep their bodies in the best shape so that they can give their best to Jesus should be vegetarians.

A good number of marathon runners are vegetarian, because a vegetable diet increases endurance. When an animal is slain, its blood no longer sustains the metabolism in the cells of the dead animal, yet the cells still function for a time (depending on the ambient temperature). However, as there is no blood to carry away the uric and lactic acid, they remain in the cells. When one eats the flesh, his digestive system must send these wastes through the bloodstream to the kidneys. As an athlete uses his muscles, the waste products from his own cells must be handled rapidly in order to avoid fatigue. But if there is meat in his intestines, the toxins from the meat are added to the blood stream, which fails to dispose of them rapidly enough, so fatigue develops faster than in a vegetarian athlete.

18. Relate the experience of the children of Israel when they clam­ored for flesh foods in the wilder­ness.

“And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD. . . . And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God. And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host. And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground. And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat.” Exodus 16:8, 11-15. See also Num­bers 11.

“God gave the people that which was not for their highest good, because they persisted in desiring it; they would not be satisfied with those things that would prove a benefit to them. Their rebellious desires were gratified, but they were left to suffer the result. They feasted without restraint, and their excesses were speedily punished. The Lord smote the people with a very great plague. [Numbers 11:33.] Large numbers were cut down by burning fevers, while the most guilty among them were smitten as soon as they tasted the food for which they had lusted.” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 382.

“By departing from the plan divinely appointed for their diet, the Israelites suffered great loss. They desired a flesh diet, and they reaped its results. They did not reach God's ideal of character or fulfill His purpose. The Lord 'gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.' Psalm 106:15. They valued the earthly above the spiritual, and the sacred pre-eminence which was His purpose for them they did not attain.” Ministry of Healing, page 312.

Temperance

19. What principle for eating is set forth by Solomon?

“Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!” Ecclesiastes 10:17

20. What does the wise man say will come to the drunkard and glutton?

“For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.” Proverbs 23:21.

21. What suggestion is given to one who is given to overeating?

“And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.” Proverbs 23:2

22. Is flesh food as safe now as it was in the days of the Israelites?

“Flesh was never the best food; but its use is now doubly objectionable, since disease in animals is so rapidly increasing. Those who use flesh foods little know what they are eating. Often if they could see the animals when living and know the quality of the meat they eat, they would turn from it with loathing. People are continually eating flesh that is filled with tuberculous and cancerous germs. Tuberculosis, cancer, and other fatal diseases are thus communicated.” The Ministry of Healing, page 313.

23. What should be done when flesh foods are discarded?

“When flesh food is discarded, its place should be supplied with a variety of grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruits that will be both nourishing and appetizing. This is especially necessary in the case of those who are weak or who are taxed with continuous labor. In some countries where poverty abounds, flesh is the cheapest food. Under these circumstances the change will be made with greater difficulty; but it can be effected. We should, however, consider the situation of the people and the power of lifelong habit, and should be careful not to urge even right ideas unduly. None should be urged to make the change abruptly. The place of meat should be supplied with wholesome foods that are inexpensive. In this matter very much depends on the cook. With care and skill, dishes may be prepared that will be both nutritious and appetizing, and will, to a great degree, take the place of flesh food.” The Ministry of Healing, page 316.

24. What should be the governing influence in the selections of foods?

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31.

25. Apart from the diet, what else should a Christian give attention to, in order to keep his body in the best condition to serve God?

Answer:

A. Breath fresh air: Our body needs fresh air to carry on metabolism effectively.

B. Drink pure water: The water we drink should be filtered and used freely, to keep our kidneys functioning properly. To know we are drinking enough water the urine should be pale colored to colorless.

C. Get regular exercise: The body was made for action, so every part needs daily exercise to keep it healthy.

D. Get enough sleep: Adequate sleep ensures proper recuperation from fatigue.

E. Don't smoke, drink or use drugs: 1Corinthians. 6:19 says, What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?. The Bible does not mention smoking and drugs, but anything that defiles the temple of the Holy Spirit is harmful.

F. Trust in God: Isaiah. 26:3 says, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. This is true mental health to relieve stress.

The Gift Of God

26. What was water called in some of the Oriental countries?

“Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give Me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water.” John 4:10.

Answer: “In the East, water was called the gift of God. To offer a drink to the thirsty traveler was held to be a duty so sacred that the Arabs of the desert would go out of their way in order to perform it.” The Desire of Ages, page 183.

“In health and in sickness, pure water is one of heaven's choicest blessings. Its proper use promotes health. It is the beverage which God provided to quench the thirst of animals and man. Drunk freely, it helps to supply the necessities of the system and assists nature to resist disease. The external application of water is one of the easiest and most satisfactory ways of regulating the circulation of the blood. A cold or cool bath is an excellent tonic. Warm baths open the pores and thus aid in the elimination of impurities. Both warm and neutral baths soothe the nerves and equalize the circulation.” The Ministry of Healing, page 237.

27. What is said of water as a necessity for man?

“Next to the free air we breathe, water is man's greatest earthly pos­session.”-The Encyclopedia Americana, 1941 ed., vol. 29, 41.

Man can abstain from food for many days without serious damage to his body, but he cannot be with­out water many hours without ex­periencing difficulty.

Water was appreciated by the an­cient Semites more highly than by most other races on account of its scarcity in the lands that they inhabited. In the Arabian desert, their original home, it was obtainable only from the scanty springs that here and there broke through the arid ground. In Canaan and the other lands adjacent to the desert there was rainfall, but it was so scanty and uncertain as to be a con­stant source of anxiety. It is not sur­prising, therefore, that water is men­tioned in the Bible more frequently than any other substance. In Isaiah 3:1; 33:16 ... it is regarded as one of the chief supports of life .... On ac­count of its needfulness and its scarcity, water becomes in the Bible a figure of speech for all kinds of blessings, e.g., good news (Proverbs 25:25), ... and particularly for the divine grace (Psalm 23:2; Isaiah 32:2; 55:1; 58:11; John 7:38; Revelation 7:16; 21:6; 22:1, 17). -Jacobus, Nourse, and Zenos, A Stand­ard Bible Dictionary, article, Water.

Nature Prepares Good Drinks

28. What other beverage is men­tioned in the Bible as of frequent and profitable usage?

Answer: The Bible mentioned the use of wine. See Genesis 14: 18; Matthew 26:29; John 2:1-11; 1 Timothy 5: 23.

“The wine which Jesus provided for the feast and that which He gave to the disciples as a symbol of His own blood, was the pure juice of the grape. To this the prophet Isaiah refers when he speaks of the new wine in the clus­ter, and says, 'Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it.' Isaiah 65:8. The Desire of Ages, page 149.

29. Does the Bible give any warn­ings or admonitions regarding al­coholic beverages?

Answer: The Bible early warned men against the danger of drinking fermented wine

Noah disgraced himself; and his grandson, Canaan, was cursed because of it. Genesis 9: 20-25.

Alcoholic beverages were for­bidden to the Nazarites. Numbers 6:3; Judges 13:14.

The Rechabites abstained from it. Jeremiah 35.

Wine is a mocker. Proverbs 20:1.

It biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Proverbs 23:31,32.

They also have erred through wine. Isaiah 28:7, 8.

He transgresseth by wine. Habakkuk 2:5.

Woe unto him that giveth his neighbor drink. Habakkuk 2:15.

Be not drunk with wine. Ephesians 5:18.

Elders and deacons not to be "given to wine." 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7; 2:3.

Gentiles "walked in ... excess of wine." 1 Peter 4:3.

30. In what kind of "works" is drunkenness classed in the Bible?

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5: 19-21.

31. Is it true that men whom God sets apart for a special mission do not drink fermented wine?

Answer: Yes. Beside Jesus, we have the example of John the Baptist. An angel said to his father, "But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. . . For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Luke 1:13-17. "And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey." Mark 1:6. We may not need to follow all these particulars, but should practice his principle of simplicity and modesty--not indulging appetite nor being slaves of fashion.

32. What is the only safe and con­sistent course we can pursue re­garding the use of stimulants and intoxicating liquors?

NOTE: “The only safe course is to touch not, taste not, handle not. The tendency of tea, coffee, and similar drinks is in the same direction as that of alcoholic liquor and tobacco, and in some cases the habit is as difficult to break as it is for the drunkard to give up intoxi­cants. Those who attempt to leave off these stimulants will for a time feel a loss, and will suffer without them. But by persistence they will overcome the craving, and cease to feel the lack. Nature may require a little time to recover from the abuse she has suf­fered; but give her a chance, and she will again rally, and perform her work nobly and well.” The Ministry of Heal­ing, page 355.