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Counsels on Health
they might have gained and will become slaves to appetite and lust,
which are filling the cup of iniquity of those who dwell upon the earth.
Self-Denial and Efficiency
Men who are engaged in giving the last message of warning to the
world, a message which is to decide the destiny of souls, should make
a practical application in their own lives of the truths they preach to
others. They should be examples to the people in their eating, in their
drinking, and in their chaste conversation and deportment. Gluttony,
indulgence of the baser passions, and grievous sins are hidden under the
garb of sanctity by many professed representatives of Christ throughout
our world. There are men of excellent natural ability whose labor does
not accomplish half what it might if they were temperate in all things.
Indulgence of appetite and passion beclouds the mind, lessens physical
strength, and weakens moral power. Their thoughts are not clear. Their
words are not spoken in power, are not vitalized by the Spirit of God
so as to reach the hearts of the hearers.
As our first parents lost Eden through the indulgence of appetite,
our only hope of regaining Eden is through the firm denial of appetite
and passion. Abstemiousness in diet, and control of all the passions,
will preserve the intellect and give mental and moral vigor, enabling
men to bring all their propensities under the control of the higher
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powers and to discern between right and wrong, the sacred and the
common. All who have a true sense of the sacrifice made by Christ in
leaving His home in heaven to come to this world that He might by
His own life show man how to resist temptation, will cheerfully deny
self and choose to be partakers with Christ of His sufferings.
Which Shall Control?
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Those who
overcome as Christ overcame will need to constantly guard themselves
against the temptations of Satan. The appetite and passions should
be restricted and under the control of enlightened conscience, that
the intellect may be unimpaired, the perceptive powers clear, so that
the workings of Satan and his snares may not be interpreted to be the
providence of God. Many desire the final reward and victory which are