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Regularity in Eating, May 22
Temperate in All Things
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Philippians 4:5
Regularity in eating is very important for health of body and serenity
of mind.
Children are generally untaught in regard to the importance of when,
how, and what they should eat. They are permitted to indulge their tastes
freely, to eat at all hours, to help themselves to fruit when it tempts their
eyes, and this, with the pie, cake, bread and butter, and sweetmeats eaten
almost constantly, makes them gormands and dyspeptics. The digestive
organs, like a mill which is continually kept running, become enfeebled,
vital force is called from the brain to aid the stomach in its overwork,
and thus the mental powers are weakened. The unnatural stimulation
and wear of the vital forces make them nervous, impatient of restraint,
self-willed, and irritable.... It is difficult to arouse them to a sense of the
shame and grievous nature of sin.
Nothing should be eaten between meals, no confectionery, nuts,
fruits, or food of any kind. Irregularities in eating destroy the healthful
tone of the digestive organs, to the detriment of health and cheerfulness.
Another pernicious habit is that of eating just before bedtime.... The
sleep is often disturbed with unpleasant dreams, and in the morning the
persons awake unrefreshed and with little relish for breakfast. When we
lie down to rest, the stomach should have its work all done, that it, as
well as the other organs of the body, may enjoy rest.
Every prohibition of God is for the health and eternal well-being of
man.
When they [God’s people] break away from all health-destroying
indulgences, they will have a clearer perception of what constitutes true
godliness. A wonderful change will be seen in the religious experience.
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