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The Publishing Ministry
is too precious to be imperiled in this way. Let the Lord carry the
burden. Wait for Him to adjust the difficulties. Give the weary brain
a rest. Unreasonable hours are destructive to the physical, the men-
tal, and the moral powers. If the brain were given proper periods of
rest, the thoughts would be clear and sharp, and business would be
expedited.—
Testimonies for the Church 7:256
.
The Relation of Diet to Attitude in Meetings—Before our
brethren assemble in council or board meetings, each one should
present himself before God, carefully searching the heart and critically
examining the motives. Pray that the Lord may reveal self to you so
that you may not unwisely criticize or condemn propositions.
At bountiful tables men often eat much more than can be easily
digested. The overburdened stomach cannot do its work properly. The
result is a disagreeable feeling of dullness in the brain, and the mind
does not act quickly. Disturbance is created by improper combinations
of food; fermentation sets in; the blood is contaminated and the brain
confused.
The habit of overeating, or of eating too many kinds of food at one
meal, frequently causes dyspepsia. Serious injury is thus done to the
delicate digestive organs. In vain the stomach protests and appeals to
the brain to reason from cause to effect. The excessive amount of food
eaten, or the improper combination, does its injurious work. In vain do
disagreeable premonitions give warning. Suffering is the consequence.
Disease takes the place of health.
Some may ask, What has this to do with board meetings? Very
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much. The effects of wrong eating are brought into council and board
meetings. The brain is affected by the condition of the stomach. A
disordered stomach is productive of a disordered, uncertain state of
mind. A diseased stomach produces a diseased condition of the brain
and often makes one obstinate in maintaining erroneous opinions. The
supposed wisdom of such a one is foolishness with God.—
Testimonies
for the Church 7:257
. (See also
Testimonies for the Church 7:258
.)
Teaching Health Principles by Example—In his association
with those whom he meets, the canvasser can do much to show the
value of healthful living. Instead of staying at a hotel, he should, if
possible, obtain lodging with a private family. As he sits at the table
with the family, let him practice the instruction given in the health
works he is selling, holding up the banner of strict temperance. As