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Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene
There is something better to talk about than the faults and weak-
nesses of others. Talk of God and his wonderful works. Study into
the manifestations of his love and wisdom in all the works of nature.
Study that marvelous organism, the human system, and the laws by
which it is governed. Those who perceive the evidences of God’s
love, who understand something of the wisdom and beneficence of
his laws, and the blessings that result from obedience, will come to
regard their duties and obligations from an altogether different point
of view. Instead of looking upon an observance of the laws of health
as a matter of sacrifice or self-denial, they will regard it, as it really is,
as an inestimable blessing.
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A great amount of good can be done by enlightening all to whom
we have access, as to the best means, not only of curing the sick, but
of preventing disease and suffering. The physician who endeavors to
enlighten his patients as to the nature and causes of their maladies, and
to teach them how to avoid disease, may have uphill work; but if he is
a conscientious reformer, he will talk plainly of the ruinous effects of
self-indulgence in eating, drinking, and dressing, of the overtaxation
of the vital forces that has brought his patients where they are. He will
not increase the evil by administering drugs till exhausted nature gives
up the struggle, but will teach the patients how to form correct habits,
and to aid nature in her work of restoration by a wise use of her own
simple remedies.
In all our health institutions, it should be made a special feature
of the work to give instruction in regard to the laws of health. The
principles of health reform should be carefully and thoroughly set
before all, both patients and helpers. This work requires moral courage;
for while many will profit by such efforts, others will be offended. But
the true disciple of Christ, he whose mind is in harmony with the mind
of God, while constantly learning, will be teaching as well, leading the
minds of others upward, away from the prevailing errors of the world.
Much of the prejudice that prevents, the truth of the third angel’s
message from reaching the hearts of the people, might be removed
if more attention were given to health reform. When people become
interested in this subject, the way is often prepared for the entrance of
other truths. If they see that we are intelligent with regard to health,
they will be more ready to believe that we are sound in Bible doctrines.