Basic HTML Version
210
The Ministry of Health and Healing
times there is numbness of the brain, with disinclination to mental
or physical effort.
These unpleasant symptoms are felt because nature has accom-
plished her work at an unnecessary outlay of strength and is thor-
oughly exhausted. The stomach is saying, “Give me rest.” But with
many the faintness is interpreted as a demand for more food, so,
instead of giving the stomach rest, another burden is placed upon it.
[172]
As a consequence the digestive organs are often worn out when they
should be capable of doing good work.
We should not provide for the Sabbath a more liberal supply
or a greater variety of food than for other days. Instead, the food
should be more simple, and less should be eaten in order that the
mind may be clear and vigorous to comprehend spiritual things. A
clogged stomach means a clogged brain. The most precious words
may be heard and not appreciated because the mind is confused by
an improper diet. By overeating on the Sabbath, many do more than
they think to unfit themselves for receiving the benefit of its sacred
opportunities.
Cooking on the Sabbath should be avoided, but it is not necessary
to eat cold food. In cold weather the food prepared the day before
should be heated. And let the meals, however simple, be tasty and
attractive. Especially in families where there are children, it is well,
on the Sabbath, to provide something that will be regarded as a treat.
The Need for Reform
Where wrong habits of diet have been indulged, there should
be no delay in reform. When chronic indigestion has resulted from
abuse of the stomach, efforts should be made carefully to preserve
one’s remaining strength by removing every overtaxing burden. The
stomach may never entirely recover health after long abuse, but a
proper course of diet will save further debility, and many will recover
more or less fully. It is not easy to prescribe rules that will meet
every case, but with attention to right principles in eating, great
reforms may be made, and the cook need not be continually trying
to tempt the appetite.
Moderation in diet is rewarded with mental and moral vigor. It
also aids in the control of the passions. Overeating is especially