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for any soul is right thinking. We are to use every means that God
has placed within our reach for the government and cultivation of our
thoughts. We are to bring our minds into harmony with His mind.
His truth will sanctify us, body and soul and spirit, and we shall be
enabled to rise above temptations.—
Letter 123, 1904
(
In Heavenly
Places, 164
.)
Diet an Important Factor—It cannot be too often repeated that
whatever is taken into the stomach affects not only the body but ulti-
mately the mind as well. Gross and stimulating food fevers the blood,
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excites the nervous system, and too often dulls the moral perceptions
so that reason and conscience are overborne by the sensual impulses. It
is difficult, and often well-nigh impossible, for one who is intemperate
in diet to exercise patience and self-control.—
Christian Temperance
and Bible Hygiene, 134, 1890
. (
Child Guidance, 461
.)
Meat Excites and Strengthens Lower Passions—Meat should
not be placed before our children. Its influence is to excite and
strengthen the lower passions, and has a tendency to deaden the moral
powers. Grains and fruits prepared free from grease and in as natural
a condition as possible should be the food for the tables of all who
claim to be preparing for translation to heaven. The less feverish the
diet, the more easily can the passions be controlled. Gratification of
taste should not be consulted irrespective of physical, intellectual, or
moral health.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:352
(1869).
Put Temptation to Death—The lower passions have their seat in
the body and work through it. The words flesh or fleshly or carnal
lusts embrace the lower, corrupt nature; the flesh of itself cannot act
contrary to the will of God. We are commanded to crucify the flesh,
with the affections and lusts. How shall we do it? Shall we inflict pain
on the body? No; but put to death the temptation to sin.
The corrupt thought is to be expelled. Every thought is to be
brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. All animal propensities are to
be subjected to the higher powers of the soul. The love of God must
reign supreme; Christ must occupy an undivided throne. Our bodies
are to be regarded as His purchased possession. The members of the
body are to become the instruments of righteousness.—
Manuscript 1,
1888.
(
The Adventist Home, 127, 128
.)
Exchange Impure Suggestions for Pure, Elevating Thoughts—
The mind must be kept meditating upon pure and holy subjects. An
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