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Our Camp Meetings
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food. There are always cookstoves upon the ground, where this may
be obtained.
Brethren and sisters must not be sick upon the encampment. If
they clothe themselves properly in the chill of morning and night,
and are particular to vary their clothing according to the changing
weather, so as to preserve proper circulation, and strictly observe
regularity in sleeping and in eating of simple food, taking nothing
between meals, they need not be sick. They may be well during
the meeting, their minds may be clear and able to appreciate the
truth, and they may return to their homes refreshed in body and
spirit. Those who have been engaged in hard labor from day to day
now cease their exercise; therefore they should not eat their average
amount of food. If they do, their stomachs will be overtaxed. We
wish to have the brain power especially vigorous at these meetings
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and in the most healthy condition to hear the truth, appreciate it,
and retain it, that all may practice it after their return from the
meeting. If the stomach is burdened with too much food, even
of a simple character, the brain force is called to the aid of the
digestive organs. There is a benumbed sensation upon the brain.
It is almost impossible to keep the eyes open. The very truths
which should be heard, understood, and practiced are entirely lost
through indisposition, or because the brain is almost paralyzed in
consequence of the amount of food eaten.
I would advise all to take something warm into the stomach
every morning at least. You can do this without much labor. You
can make graham gruel. If the graham flour is too coarse, sift it, and
while the gruel is hot, add milk. This will make a most palatable
and healthful dish for the campground. And if your bread is dry,
crumb it into the gruel, and it will be enjoyed. I do not approve
of eating much cold food, for the reason that the vitality must be
drawn from the system to warm the food until it becomes of the
same temperature as the stomach before the work of digestion can
be carried on. Another very simple yet wholesome dish is beans
boiled or baked. Dilute a portion of them with water, add milk or
cream, and make a broth; the bread can be used as in graham gruel.
I am gratified to see the progress that many have made in the
health reform, yet am sorry to see so many behind. If any become
sick upon our encampments, inquiry should be made as to the cause,