Feeding of Children
127
By our example and personal effort we may be the means of saving
many souls from the degradation of intemperance, crime and death.
Our sisters can do much in the great work for the salvation of others
by spreading their tables with only healthful, nourishing food. They
may employ their precious time in educating the tastes and appetites
of their children, in forming habits of temperance in all things, and in
encouraging self-denial and benevolence for the good of others.
Notwithstanding the example that Christ gave us in the wilderness
of temptation by denying appetite and overcoming its power, there are
many Christian mothers, who, by their example and by the education
which they are giving their children, are preparing them to become
gluttons and wine-bibbers. Children are frequently indulged in eating
what they choose and when they choose, without reference to health.
There are many children who are educated gormands from their baby-
hood. Through indulgence of appetite they are made dyspeptics at an
early age. Self indulgence and intemperance in eating grow with their
growth and strengthen with their strength. Mental and physical vigor
are sacrificed through the indulgence of parents. A taste is formed
for certain articles of food from which they can receive no benefit,
but only injury; and as the system is taxed, the constitution becomes
debilitated.
Testimonies for the Church 2:359-362
“I therefore so run not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that
beateth the air. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection.”
There is work here for every man, woman and child to do. Satan
is constantly seeking to gain control of your bodies and spirits. But
Christ has bought you, and you are His property. And now it is for
you to work in union with Christ, in union with the holy angels that
minister unto you. It is for you to keep the body under, and bring it into
subjection. Unless you do this, you will certainly lose everlasting life,
and the crown of immortality. And yet some will say, “What business
is it to anybody what I eat or what I drink?” I have shown you what
relation your course has to others. You have seen that it has much to
do with the influence you exert in your families. It has much to do
with molding the characters of your children.