Overeating and Control of Appetite
399
The Health Reformer, September 1, 1871 (Healthful Living, 28)
God has not changed, neither does He propose to change our
physical organism, in order that we may violate a single law without
feeling the effects of its violation.... By indulging their inclinations
and appetites, men violate the laws of life and health; and if they obey
conscience, they must be controlled by principle in their eating and
dressing, rather than be led by inclination, fashion, and appetite.
2SM 413.4HLHow to Live 1, 54-55
Men and women who profess to be followers of Christ, are often
slaves to fashion, and to a gluttonous appetite. Preparatory to fashion-
able gatherings, time and strength, which should be devoted to higher
and nobler purposes, are expended in cooking a variety of unwhole-
some dishes. Because it is fashion, many who are poor and dependent
upon their daily labor, will be to the expense of preparing different
kinds of rich cakes, preserves, pies, and a variety of fashionable food
for visitors, which only injure those who partake of them; when, at the
same time they need the amount thus expended, to purchase clothing
for themselves and children. This time occupied in cooking food to
gratify the taste to the expense of the stomach should be devoted to
the moral and religious instruction of their children.
Fashionable visiting is made an occasion of gluttony. Hurtful food
and drinks are partaken of in such a measure as to greatly tax the
organs of digestion. The vital forces are called into unnecessary action
in the disposal of it, which produces exhaustion, and greatly disturbs
the circulation of the blood, and, as a result, want of vital energy is felt
throughout the system. The blessings which might result from social
visiting, are often lost, for the reason that your entertainer, instead of
being profited by your conversation, is toiling over the cook-stove,
preparing a variety of dishes for you to feast upon. Christian men
and women should never permit their influence to countenance such a
course by eating of the dainties thus prepared. Let them understand that
your object in visiting them is not to indulge the appetite, but that your
associating together, and interchange of thoughts and feelings might
[170]
be a mutual blessing. The conversation should be of that elevated,
ennobling character which could afterward be called to remembrance
with feelings of the highest pleasure.