Overeating and Control of Appetite
367
and, with the majority, appetite is indulged until indulgence becomes
second nature.
Whoever eats too much, or of food which is not healthful, is weak-
ening his power to resist the clamors of other appetites and passions.
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 79-80
Satan sees that he can not have so great power over minds when
the appetite is kept under control as when it is indulged, and he is
constantly working to lead men to indulgence. Under the influence
of unhealthful food, the conscience becomes stupefied, the mind is
darkened, and its susceptibility to impressions is impaired. But the
guilt of the transgressor is not lessened because the conscience has
been violated till it has become insensible.
Since a healthy state of mind depends upon the normal condition of
the vital forces, what care should be exercised that neither stimulants
nor narcotics be used! Yet we see that a large number of those who
profess to be Christians are using tobacco. They deplore the evils
of intemperance yet while speaking against the use of liquors, these
very men will eject the juice of tobacco. There must be a change
of sentiment with reference to tobacco-using before the root of the
evil will be reached. We press the subject still closer. Tea and coffee
are fostering the appetite for stronger stimulants. And then we come
still closer home, to the preparation of food, and ask, Is temperance
practiced in all things? are the reforms which are essential to health
and happiness carried out here?
Every true Christian will have control of his appetites and passions.
Unless he is free from the bondage of appetite, he can not be a true,
obedient servant of Christ. The indulgence of appetite and passion
blunts the effect of truth upon the heart.
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 83
Many students are deplorably ignorant of the fact that diet exerts
a powerful influence upon the health. Some have never made a de-
termined effort to control the appetite, or to observe proper rules in
regard to diet. They eat too much, even at their meals, and some eat
between meals whenever the temptation is presented. If those who
profess to be Christians desire to solve the questions so perplexing to