Chapter 1
Since the fall in Eden, the race has been degenerating. Deformity,
imbecility, disease, and human suffering have been pressing heavier
and heavier upon each successive generation since the fall, and yet the
masses are asleep as to the real causes. They do not consider that they
themselves are guilty, in a great measure, for this deplorable state of
things. They generally charge their sufferings upon Providence, and
regard God as the author of their woes. But it is intemperance, to a
greater or less degree, that lies at the foundation of all this suffering.
Eve was intemperate in her desires when she put forth the hand to
take of the fruit-forbidden tree. Self-gratification has reigned almost
supreme in the hearts of men and women since the fall. Especially has
the appetite been indulged, and they have been controlled by it, instead
of reason. For the sake of gratifying the taste, Eve transgressed the
command of God. He had given her everything her wants required, yet
she was not satisfied. Ever since, her fallen sons and daughters have
followed the desires of their eyes, and of their taste. They have, like
Eve, disregarded the prohibitions God has made, and have followed in
a course of disobedience, and, like Eve, have flattered themselves that
the consequence would not be as fearful as had been apprehended.
Man has disregarded the laws of his being, and disease has been
steadily increasing. The cause has been followed by the effect. He
has not been satisfied with food which was the most healthful; but has
gratified the taste even at the expense of health.
God has established the laws of our being. If we violate these laws,
we must, sooner or later, pay the penalty. The laws of our being cannot
be more successfully violated than by crowding upon the stomach
unhealthy food, because craved by a morbid appetite. To eat to excess,
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of even simple food, will eventually break down the digestive organs;
but add to this the eating in too great an amount of food, and that
unwholesome, and the evil is greatly increased. The constitution must
become impaired.
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