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Flesh as Food
215
These fish may pass into distant waters and may be caught where
the water is pure and fresh, but when used as food they bring disease
and death on those who do not suspect the danger.
[176]
The effects of a flesh diet may not be immediately realized, but
this is no evidence that it is not harmful. Few can be made to believe
that it is the meat they have eaten that has poisoned their blood and
caused them suffering. Many die of diseases wholly due to meat
eating, while the real cause is not suspected by themselves or by
others.
The moral evils of a flesh diet are not less marked than are the
physical ills. Flesh food is injurious to health, and whatever affects
the body has a corresponding effect on the mind and soul. Think of
the cruelty to animals that meat eating involves. Think of its effect
on those who inflict the cruelty and on those who behold it. How it
destroys the tenderness with which we should regard these creatures
of God!
The intelligence displayed by many dumb animals approaches
so closely to human intelligence that it is a mystery. The animals see
and hear and love and fear and suffer. They use their organs far more
faithfully than many human beings use theirs. They manifest sym-
pathy and tenderness toward their companions in suffering. Many
animals show an affection for those who have charge of them, far su-
perior to the affection shown by some of the human race. They form
attachments for humans that are not broken without great suffering
to them.
What person with a human heart, who has ever cared for do-
mestic animals, could look into their eyes, so full of confidence and
affection, and willingly give them over to the butcher’s knife? How
could he or she devour their flesh as a sweet morsel?
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. 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 human beings in the beginning.