Power of Appetite
443
usefulness would be much greater if they had control of their appetites
and passions, and their mental and moral powers would be stronger
if they combined physical labor with mental exertion. With strictly
temperate habits, and with mental and physical labor combined, they
could accomplish a far greater amount of labor and preserve clearness
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of mind. If they would pursue such a course, their thoughts and
words would flow more freely, their religious exercises would be more
energized, and the impressions made upon their hearers would be more
marked.
Intemperance in eating, even of food of the right quality, will have
a prostrating influence upon the system and will blunt the keener and
holier emotions. Strict temperance in eating and drinking is highly
essential for the healthy preservation and vigorous exercise of all the
functions of the body. Strictly temperate habits, combined with exer-
cise of the muscles as well as of the mind, will preserve both mental
and physical vigor, and give power of endurance to those engaged in
the ministry, to editors, and to all others whose habits are sedentary.
As a people, with all our profession of health reform, we eat too much.
Indulgence of appetite is the greatest cause of physical and mental
debility, and lies at the foundation of the feebleness which is apparent
everywhere.
Intemperance commences at our tables in the use of unhealthful
food. After a time, through continued indulgence, the digestive organs
become weakened, and the food taken does not satisfy the appetite.
Unhealthy conditions are established, and there is a craving for more
stimulating food. Tea, coffee, and flesh meats produce an immediate
effect. Under the influence of these poisons the nervous system is
excited, and, in some cases, for the time being, the intellect seems
to be invigorated and the imagination to be more vivid. Because
these stimulants produce for the time being such agreeable results,
many conclude that they really need them and continue their use. But
there is always a reaction. The nervous system, having been unduly
excited, borrowed power for present use from its future resources of
strength. All this temporary invigoration of the system is followed by
depression. In proportion as these stimulants temporarily invigorate
the system will be the letting down of the power of the excited organs
after the stimulus has lost its force. The appetite is educated to crave
something stronger which will have a tendency to keep up and increase
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