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Counsels on Health
The history of Daniel is placed upon record for our benefit. He
chose to take a course that would make him singular in the king’s court.
He did not conform to the habits of the courtiers in eating and drinking,
but purposed in his heart that he would not eat of the king’s meat nor
drink of his wines. This was not a hastily formed, wavering purpose,
but one that was intelligently formed and resolutely carried out. Daniel
honored God; and the promise was fulfilled to him. “Them that honor
Me I will honor.”
1 Samuel 2:30
. The Lord gave him “knowledge and
skill in all learning and wisdom,” and he had “understanding in all
visions and dreams” (
Daniel 1:17
); so that he was wiser than all in
the king’s courts, wiser than all the astrologers and magicians in the
kingdom.
Those who serve God in sincerity and truth will be a peculiar
people, unlike the world, separate from the world. Their food will be
prepared, not to encourage gluttony or gratify a perverted taste, but to
secure to themselves the greatest physical strength, and consequently
the best mental conditions....
Excessive indulgence in eating and drinking is sin. Our heavenly
Father has bestowed upon us the great blessing of health reform, that
we may glorify Him by obeying the claims He has upon us. It is the
duty of those who have received the light upon this important subject
to manifest greater interest for those who are still suffering for want
of knowledge. Those who are looking for the soon appearing of their
[51]
Saviour should be the last to manifest a lack of interest in this great
work of reform. The harmonious, healthy action of all the powers of
body and mind results in happiness; the more elevated and refined the
powers, the more pure and unalloyed the happiness. An aimless life
is a living death. The mind should dwell upon themes relating to our
eternal interests. This will be conducive to health of body and mind.
Our faith requires us to elevate the standard of reform, and take
advance steps. The condition of our acceptance with God is a practical
separation from the world. The Lord calls upon us as a people, “Come
out from among them, and be ye separate,” “and touch not the unclean
thing; and I will receive you.” The world may despise you because you
do not meet their standard, engage in their dissipating amusements,
and follow their pernicious ways; but the God of heaven promises to
receive you, and to be a Father unto you. “Ye shall be My sons and
daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
2 Corinthians 6:17, 18
.