Overeating and Control of Appetite
379
neither healthful nor necessary, because we love these things more than
we love self-denial, freedom from disease, and soundness of mind.
Jesus sought earnestly for strength from His Father. This the divine Son
of God considered of more value, even for Himself, than to sit at the
most luxurious table. He has given us evidence that prayer is essential
in order to receive strength to contend with the powers of darkness,
and to do the work allotted us. Our own strength is weakness, but that
which God gives is mighty, and will make every one who obtains it
more than conqueror.
Testimonies for the Church 2:368
Some can not be impressed with the necessity of eating and drink-
ing to the glory of God. The indulgence of appetite affects them in all
the relations of life. It is seen in their family, in their church, in the
prayer-meeting, and in the conduct of their children. It has been the
curse of their lives. You can not make them understand the truths for
these last days. God has bountifully provided for the sustenance and
happiness of all His creatures; and if His laws were never violated, and
all acted in harmony with the divine will, health, peace, and happiness,
instead of misery and continual evil, would be experienced.
Testimonies for the Church 2:373-374
Eat what you ought, but eat it at one meal, and then wait until the
next. I eat enough to satisfy the wants of nature; but when I get up
from the table, my appetite is just as good as when I sat down. And
when the next meal comes, I am ready to take my portion, and no more.
Should I eat a double amount now and then, because it tastes good,
how could I bow down and ask God to help me in my work of writing,
when I could not get an idea on account of my gluttony? Could I ask
God to take care of that unreasonable load upon my stomach? That
would be dishonoring Him. That would be asking to consume upon
my lust. Now I eat just what I think is right, and then I ask Him to give
me strength to perform the work that He has given me to do. And I
have known that heaven has heard and answered my prayer, when I
have offered this petition.
Again: when we eat immoderately, we sin against our own bodies.
Upon the Sabbath, in the house of God, gluttons will sit and sleep