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Temperance
trial of their strength. Their diet was simple. Luxurious food and
wine were prohibited. Their food was carefully selected. They
studied to know what was best adapted to render them healthful and
active, and to impart physical vigor and endurance, that they might
put as heavy a tax as possible upon their strength. Every indulgence
that would tend to weaken the physical powers was forbidden.—
The
Signs of the Times, January 27, 1909
.
If heathen men, who were not controlled by enlightened con-
science, who had not the fear of God before them, would submit
to deprivation and the discipline of training, denying themselves
of every weakening indulgence merely for a wreath of perishable
substance and the applause of the multitude, how much more should
they who are running the Christian race in the hope of immortality
and the approval of High Heaven be willing to deny themselves
unhealthful stimulants and indulgences, which degrade the morals,
enfeeble the intellect, and bring the higher powers into subjection to
the animal appetites and passions.
Multitudes in the world are witnessing this game of life, the
Christian warfare. And this is not all. The Monarch of the universe
and the myriads of heavenly angels are spectators of this race; they
are anxiously watching to see who will be successful overcomers,
and win the crown of glory that fadeth not away. With intense
interest God and heavenly angels mark the self-denial, the self-
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sacrifice, and the agonizing efforts of those who engage to run the
Christian race. The reward given to every man will be in accordance
with the persevering energy and faithful earnestness with which he
performs his part in the great contest.
In the games referred to, but one was sure of the prize. In the
Christian race, says the apostle, “I so run not as uncertainly.” We are
not to be disappointed at the end of the race. To all those who fully
comply with the conditions in God’s word, and have a sense of their
responsibility to preserve physical vigor and activity of body, that
they may have well-balanced minds and healthy morals, the race is
not uncertain. They all may gain the prize, and win and wear the
crown of immortal glory that fadeth not away....
Promises to the Overcomer
—The world should be no criterion
for us. It is fashionable to indulge the appetite in luxurious food
and unnatural stimulants, thus strengthening the animal propensities