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Diet and Health
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allowing no time for physical exercise. As a consequence the free
flow of thought and words is checked. They cannot write or speak
with the force and intensity necessary in order to reach the heart;
their efforts are tame and fruitless.
Those upon whom rest important responsibilities, those, above
all, who are guardians of spiritual interests, should be men of keen
feeling and quick perception. More than others, they need to be
temperate in eating. Rich and luxurious food should have no place
upon their tables.
Every day men in positions of trust have decisions to make upon
which depend results of great importance. Often they have to think
rapidly, and this can be done successfully by those only who practice
strict temperance. The mind strengthens under the correct treatment
of the physical and mental powers. If the strain is not too great, new
vigor comes with every taxation. But often the work of those who
have important plans to consider and important decisions to make
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is affected for evil by the results of improper diet. A disordered
stomach produces a disordered, uncertain state of mind. Often it
causes irritability, harshness, or injustice. Many a plan that would
have been a blessing to the world has been set aside, many unjust,
oppressive, even cruel measures have been carried, as the result of
diseased conditions due to wrong habits of eating.
Here is a suggestion for all whose work is sedentary or chiefly
mental; let those who have sufficient moral courage and self-control
try it: At each meal take only two or three kinds of simple food, and
eat no more than is required to satisfy hunger. Take active exercise
every day, and see if you do not receive benefit.
Strong men who are engaged in active physical labor are not
compelled to be as careful as to the quantity or quality of their food
as are persons of sedentary habits; but even these would have better
health if they would practice self-control in eating and drinking.
Some wish that an exact rule could be prescribed for their diet.
They overeat, and then regret it, and so they keep thinking about
what they eat and drink. This is not as it should be. One person
cannot lay down an exact rule for another. Everyone should exercise
reason and self-control, and should act from principle.
Our bodies are Christ’s purchased possession, and we are not at
liberty to do with them as we please. All who understand the laws of