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Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2
service He claims of us. When we indulge appetite at the expense of
health or when we indulge habits which lessen our vitality and mental
vigor, we cannot have a high appreciation of the atonement and a right
estimate of eternal things. When our minds are beclouded and partially
paralyzed by disease, we are easily overcome by the temptations of
Satan.—Lt 27, 1872.
Too Much Thought About Food—It is impossible to prescribe by
weight the quantity of food which should be eaten. It is not advisable
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to follow this process, for by so doing the mind becomes self-centered.
Eating and drinking become altogether too much a matter of thought.
Those who do not make a god of the stomach will carefully guard the
appetite. They will eat plain, nourishing food.... They will eat slowly
and will masticate their food thoroughly. After eating they will take
proper exercise in the open air. Such need never trouble themselves to
measure out precise quantities.
There are many who have carried a heavy weight of responsibility
as to the quantity and quality of food best adapted to nourish the
system. Some, especially dyspeptics, have worried so much in regard
to their bill of fare that they have not taken sufficient food to nourish
the system. They have done great injury to the house they live in and,
we fear, have spoiled themselves for this life.—Lt 142, 1900.
Eat According to Your Best Judgment, Then Be at Rest—
Some are continually anxious lest their food, however simple and
healthful, may hurt them. To these let me say, Do not think that your
food will injure you; do not think about it at all. Eat according to your
best judgment; and when you have asked the Lord to bless the food
for the strengthening of your body, believe that He hears your prayer,
and be at rest.—
The Ministry of Healing, 321
(1905).
Intemperate Persons Cannot Be Patient—There are ample rea-
sons why there are so many nervous women in the world, complaining
of the dyspepsia, with its train of evils. The cause has been followed
by the effect. It is impossible for intemperate persons to be patient.
They must first reform bad habits, learn to live healthfully, and then it
will not be difficult for them to be patient.
Many do not seem to understand the relation the mind sustains
to the body. If the system is deranged by improper food, the brain
and nerves are affected, and slight things annoy those who are thus
afflicted. Little difficulties are to them troubles mountain high. Persons
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