Overeating and Control of Appetite
397
discern spiritual things, and in council meetings, when he should say,
Yea and Amen, he says, Nay. He makes propositions that are wide of
the mark. The food he has eaten has benumbed his brain power.
Self-indulgence debars the human agent from witnessing for the
truth. The gratitude we offer to God for His blessings is greatly affected
by the food placed in the stomach. Indulgence of appetite is the cause
of dissension, strife, discord, and many other evils. Impatient words
are spoken and unkind deeds are done, dishonest practices are followed
and passion is manifested,—and all because the nerves of the brain
are diseased by the abuse heaped upon the stomach.
Testimonies for the Church 4:96
Close application to severe labor is injurious to the growing frames
of the young; but where hundreds have broken down their constitutions
by overwork alone, inactivity, overeating, and delicate idleness have
sown the seeds of disease in the system of thousands that are hurrying
to swift and sure decay.
[169]
Gospel Workers, 174 (Old Edition)
Another cause both of ill health and of inefficiency in labor, is
indigestion. It is impossible for the brain to do its best work when the
digestive powers are abused. Many eat hurriedly of various kinds of
food, which set up a war in the stomach, and thus confuse the brain.
The use of unhealthful food, and overeating of even that which is
wholesome, should alike be avoided. Many eat at all hours, regardless
of the laws of health. Then gloom covers the mind. How can men be
honored with divine enlightenment, when they are so reckless in their
habits, so inattentive to the light which God has given in regard to
these things? Brethren, is it not time for you to be converted on these
points of selfish indulgence? “Know ye not that they which run in a
race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.
Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
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: lest
that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be
a castaway.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
. Study this solemnly.