Eating to Live
293
die of diseases wholly due to meat eating, while the real cause is not
suspected by themselves or by others
Return to the Original Wholesome Diet—Is it not time that all
should aim to dispense with flesh foods? How can those who are
seeking to become pure, refined, and holy, that they may have the
companionship of heavenly angels, continue to use as food anything
that has so harmful an effect on soul and body? How can they take the
life of God’s creatures that they may consume the flesh as a luxury?
Let them, rather, return to the wholesome and delicious food given to
man in the beginning
The Course of Those Awaiting Christ’s Coming—Among those
who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, meat eating will eventually
be done away; flesh will cease to form a part of their diet. We should
ever keep this end in view and endeavor to work steadily toward it. I
cannot think that in the practice of flesh eating we are in harmony with
the light which God has been pleased to give us
Back to God’s Design—Again and again I have been shown that
God is bringing His people back to His original design, that is, not to
subsist on the flesh of dead animals. He would have us teach people a
better way.... If meat is discarded, if the taste is not educated in that
direction, if a liking for fruits and grains is encouraged, it will soon be
as God in the beginning designed it should be. No meat will be used
by His people
[384]
Instruction Concerning a Change in Diet—It is a mistake to
suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food.
The needs of the system can be better supplied, and more vigorous
health can be enjoyed without its use. The grains, with fruits, nuts,
and vegetables, contain all the nutritive properties necessary to make
good blood. These elements are not so well or so fully supplied by a
flesh diet. Had the use of flesh been essential to health and strength,
animal food would have been included in the diet appointed man in
the beginning.
When the use of flesh food is discontinued, there is often a sense
of weakness, a lack of vigor. Many urge this as evidence that flesh
13
The Ministry of Healing, 315
.
14
The Ministry of Healing, 317
.
15
Counsels on Diet and Foods, 380, 381
.
16
Counsels on Diet and Foods, 82
.