Power of Appetite
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realize that the habits we form in this life will affect our eternal inter-
ests, that our eternal destiny depends upon strictly temperate habits,
we would work to the point of strict temperance in eating and drinking.
By our example and personal effort we may be the means of saving
many souls from the degradation of intemperance, crime, and death.
Our sisters can do much in the great work for the salvation of others
by spreading their tables with only healthful, nourishing food. They
may employ their precious time in educating the tastes and appetites
of their children, in forming habits of temperance in all things, and in
encouraging self-denial and benevolence for the good of others.
Notwithstanding the example that Christ gave us in the wilderness
of temptation by denying appetite and overcoming its power, there are
many Christian mothers who by their example and by the education
which they are giving their children are preparing them to become
gluttons and winebibbers. Children are frequently indulged in eating
what they choose and when they choose, without reference to health.
There are many children who are educated gourmands from their
babyhood. Through indulgence of appetite they are made dyspeptics
at an early age. Self-indulgence and intemperance in eating grow with
their growth and strengthen with their strength. Mental and physical
vigor are sacrificed through the indulgence of parents. A taste is
formed for certain articles of food from which they can receive no
benefit, but only injury; and as the system is taxed, the constitution
becomes debilitated.
Ministers, teachers, and students do not become as intelligent as
they should in regard to the necessity of physical exercise in the open
air. They neglect this duty, which is most essential for the preserva-
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tion of health. They closely apply their minds to books and eat the
allowance of a laboring man. Under such habits some grow corpulent,
because the system is clogged. Others become lean, feeble, and weak
because their vital powers are exhausted in throwing off the excess of
food; the liver becomes burdened and unable to throw off the impuri-
ties in the blood, and sickness is the result. If physical exercise were
combined with mental exertion, the blood would be quickened in its
circulation, the action of the heart would be more perfect, impure mat-
ter would be thrown off, and new life and vigor would be experienced
in every part of the body.