Chapter 2—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.—
Unpublished
Testimonies, August 25, 1897
.
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.—
Unpublished Testimonies, January 11, 1897
.
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.—
The Health Reformer, August 1, 1866
.
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.—
The Health Reformer,
November 1, 1871
.
Ignorance of Physical Laws
23. We have special duties resting upon us. We should be ac-
quainted with our physical structure and the laws controlling natural
life. While Greek and Latin, which are seldom of any advantage, are
made a study by many, physiology and hygiene are barely touched
[14]
upon. The study to which to give thought is that which concerns natu-
ral 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.
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