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The Ministry of Healing
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
food is essential; but it is because foods of this class are stimulating,
because they fever the blood and excite the nerves, that they are so
missed. Some will find it as difficult to leave off flesh eating as it is
for the drunkard to give up his dram; but they will be the better for
the change.
When flesh food is discarded, its place should be supplied with
a variety of grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruits that will be both
nourishing and appetizing. This is especially necessary in the case
of those who are weak or who are taxed with continuous labor. In
some countries where poverty abounds, flesh is the cheapest food.
Under these circumstances the change will be made with greater
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difficulty; but it can be effected. We should, however, consider the
situation of the people and the power of lifelong habit, and should
be careful not to urge even right ideas unduly. None should be urged
to make the change abruptly. The place of meat should be supplied
with wholesome foods that are inexpensive. In this matter very much
depends on the cook. With care and skill, dishes may be prepared
that will be both nutritious and appetizing, and will, to a great degree,
take the place of flesh food.
In all cases educate the conscience, enlist the will, supply good,
wholesome food, and the change will be readily made, and the
demand for flesh will soon cease.
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