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Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 57-58
Many who adopt the health reform complain that it does not agree
with them; but after sitting at their tables I come to the conclusion
that it is not the health reform that is at fault, but the poorly prepared
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food. I appeal to men and women to whom God has given intelligence
learn how to cook. I make no mistake when I say “men,” for they, as
well as women, need to understand the simple, healthful preparation
of food. Their business often takes them where they cannot obtain
wholesome food. They may be called to remain days and even weeks
in families that are entirely ignorant in this respect. Then, if they have
the knowledge, they can use it to good purpose.
Investigate your habits of diet. Study from cause to effect, but do
not bear false witness against health reform by ignorantly pursuing a
course which militates against it. Do not neglect or abuse the body,
and thus unfit it to render to God that service which is His due. To my
certain knowledge, some of the most useful workers in our cause have
died through such neglect. To care for the body by providing for it
food which is relishable and strengthening, is one of the first duties
of the house-holder. Better by far have less expensive clothing and
furniture, than to scrimp the supply of necessary articles for the table.
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 73
With many, the all-absorbing object of life,—that which justifies
any expenditure or labor,—is to appear in the latest style. Education,
health, and comfort are sacrificed at the shrine of fashion. Even in
the table arrangements, fashion and show exert their baleful influence.
The healthful preparation of food becomes a secondary matter. The
serving of a great variety of dishes absorbs time, money, and taxing
labor, without accomplishing any good. It may be fashionable to have
half a dozen courses at a meal, but the custom is ruinous to health. It
is a fashion that sensible men and women should condemn, by both
precept and example. Do have a little regard for the life of your cook.
“Is not the life more than meat, and body than raiment?”
In these days, domestic duties claim almost the whole time of
the housekeeper. How much better it would be for the health of the
household, if the table preparations were more simple. Thousands of
lives are sacrificed every year at this altar,—lives which might have