Personal Health
75
seem to be half paralyzed, and they are sluggish and sleepy. These
pale-faced ministers who are suffering in consequence of selfish indul-
gence of the appetite are no recommendation of health reform. When
suffering from overwork, it would be much better to drop out a meal
occasionally and thus give nature a chance to rally. Our laborers could
do more by their example to advance health reform than by preaching
it. When elaborate preparations are made for them by well-meaning
friends, they are strongly tempted to disregard principle; but by re-
fusing the dainty dishes, the rich condiments, the tea and coffee, they
may prove themselves to be practical health reformers. Some are now
suffering in consequence of transgressing the laws of life, thus causing
a stigma to rest on the cause of health reform.—
Testimonies for the
Church 4:417
.
Balance
The mind may be exercised with comparative safety if the
physical powers are equally taxed—The mind is not to be constantly
taxed to the neglect of the physical powers. The ignorance of physiol-
ogy, and a neglect to observe the laws of health, have brought many
to the grave who might have lived to labor and study intelligently.
The proper exercise of mind and body will develop and strengthen
all the powers. Both mind and body will be preserved, and will be
capable of doing a variety of work. Ministers and teachers need to
learn in regard to these things, and they need to practice as well. The
proper use of their physical strength, as well as of the mental powers,
will equalize the circulation of the blood, and keep every organ of the
living machinery in running order. Minds are often abused; they are
goaded on to madness by pursuing one line of thought; the excessive
employment of the brain power and the neglect of the physical organs
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create a diseased condition of things in the system. Every faculty of
the mind may be exercised with comparative safety if the physical
powers are equally taxed, and the subject of thought varied. We need a
change of employment, and nature is a living, healthful teacher.—
Life
Sketches of Ellen G. White, 353, 354
.
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