136
Counsels for the Church
The unhealthful practices of past generations affect the children
and youth of today. Mental inability, physical weakness, disordered
nerves, and unnatural cravings are transmitted as a legacy from parents
to children. And the same practices, continued by the children, are
increasing and perpetuating the evil results
Tea and Coffee do Not Nourish the System
Tea acts as a stimulant and, to a certain extent, produces intoxica-
tion. The action of coffee and many other popular drinks is similar.
The first effect is exhilarating. The nerves of the stomach are excited;
these convey irritation to the brain, and this in turn is aroused to im-
part increased action to the heart and short-lived energy to the entire
system. Fatigue is forgotten; the strength seems to be increased. The
intellect is aroused, the imagination becomes more vivid.
Because of these results, many suppose that their tea or coffee is
doing them great good. But this is a mistake. Tea and coffee do not
nourish the system. Their effect is produced before there has been
time for digestion and assimilation, and what seems to be strength is
only nervous excitement. When the influence of the stimulant is gone,
the unnatural force abates, and the result is a corresponding degree of
languor and debility.
[105]
The continued use of these nerve irritants is followed by headache,
wakefulness, palpitation of the heart, indigestion, trembling, and many
other evils; for they wear away the life forces. Tired nerves need
rest and quiet instead of stimulation and overwork
Some have
backslidden and tampered with tea and coffee. Those who break the
laws of health will become blinded in their minds and break the law of
God
The Use of Drugs
A practice that is laying the foundation of a vast amount of disease
and of even more serious evils is the free use of poisonous drugs.
When attacked by disease, many will not take the trouble to search out
149
The Ministry of Healing, 328
150
The Ministry of Healing, 326, 327
151
Temperance, 80