Tea and Coffee
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are situated in the far West or in the far East, where there is a scarcity
of fruit. But there are very few families in Battle Creek who do not
use these articles upon their tables. We know that a free use of these
things is positively injurious to health, and, in many cases, we think
that if they were not used at all, a much better state of health would be
enjoyed. But at present our burden is not upon these things. The people
are so far behind that we see it is all they can bear to have us draw
the line upon their injurious indulgences and stimulating narcotics.
We bear positive testimony against tobacco, spirituous liquors, snuff,
tea, coffee, flesh-meats, butter, spices, rich cakes, mince pies, a large
amount of salt, and all exciting substances used as articles of food.
Testimonies for the Church 7:134-135
Concerning flesh-meat, we should educate the people to let it alone.
Its use is contrary to the best development of the physical, mental, and
moral powers. And we should bear a clear testimony against the use
of tea and coffee.
Testimonies for the Church 9:112
Cooking schools are to be held. The people are to be taught how to
prepare wholesome food. They are to be shown the need of discarding
unhealthful foods. But we should never advocate a starvation diet. It
is possible to have a wholesome, nutritious diet without the use of tea,
coffee, and flesh food. The work of teaching the people how to prepare
a dietary that is at once wholesome and appetizing, is of the utmost
importance.
Testimonies for the Church 4:417
Our laborers could do more by their example to advance health
reform than by preaching it. When elaborate preparations are made for
them by well-meaning friends, they are strongly tempted to disregard
principle; but by refusing the dainty dishes, the rich condiments, the tea
and coffee, they may prove themselves to be practical health reformers.
Some are now suffering in consequence of transgressing the laws of
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life, thus causing a stigma to rest on the cause of health reform.