Chapter 63—Temperance in All Things
Intemperance Causes Most of Life’s Ills—Intemperance is at
the foundation of the larger share of the ills of life. It annually destroys
tens of thousands. We do not speak of intemperance as limited only to
the use of intoxicating liquors, but give it a broader meaning, including
the hurtful indulgence of any appetite or passion
Through intemperance some sacrifice one half, and others two
thirds of their physical, mental, and moral powers and become play-
things for the enemy
Excessive Indulgence Is Sin—Excessive indulgence in eating,
drinking, sleeping, or seeing is sin. The harmonious healthy action of
all the powers of body and mind results in happiness; and the more
elevated and refined the powers, the more pure and unalloyed the
happiness
Temperance Is a Principle of the Religious Life—Temperance
in all things of this life is to be taught and practiced. Temperance in
eating, drinking, sleeping, and dressing is one of the grand principles
of the religious life. Truth brought into the sanctuary of the soul will
guide in the treatment of the body. Nothing that concerns the health
of the human agent is to be regarded with indifference. Our eternal
welfare depends upon the use we make during this life of our time,
strength, and influence
Only one lease of life is granted us here; and the inquiry with
everyone should be, How can I invest my life that it may yield the
greatest profit
[395]
Our first duty toward God and our fellow beings is that of self-
development. Every faculty with which the Creator has endowed us
should be cultivated to the highest degree of perfection, that we may
be able to do the greatest amount of good of which we are capable.
1
Pacific Health Journal, April, 1890
.
2
Messages to Young People, 236
.
3
Counsels on Diet and Foods, 44
.
4
Testimonies For The Church 6:375
.
5
Pacific Health Journal, April, 1890
.
301