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Tea and Coffee
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tability. They feel as though they should go all to pieces, and some
have not courage to persevere in abstaining from them till abused
nature recovers, but again resort to the use of the same hurtful things.
They do not give nature time to recover the injury they have done
her, but for present relief return to these hurtful indulgences. Nature
is continually growing weaker, and less capable of recovering. But
if they will be determined in their efforts to persevere and overcome,
abused nature will soon again rally, and perform her work wisely
and well without these stimulants.—
Spiritual Gifts 4a:128, 129
.
In some cases it is as difficult to break up this tea and coffee habit
as it is for the inebriate to discontinue the use of liquor.—
Counsels
on Health, 442
.
A Pledge Embracing Tea and Coffee
—All these nerve irri-
tants are wearing away the life forces; and the restlessness, the
impatience, the mental feebleness caused by shattered nerves, be-
come a warring element, ever working against spiritual progress.
Shall Christians bring their appetite under the control of reason, or
will they continue its indulgence because they feel so “let down”
without it, like the drunkard without his stimulant? Shall not those
[82]
who advocate temperance reform awake in regard to these injurious
things also? And shall not the pledge embrace coffee and tea as
hurtful stimulants?—
Counsels on Health, 442
.
Some Need to Take This Step
—We hope to carry our brethren
and sisters up to a still higher standard to sign the pledge to abstain
from Java coffee and the herb that comes from China. We see that
there are some who need to take this step in reform.—
The Review
and Herald, April 19, 1887
.
Proper Course at the Tables of Others—a Word to Colpor-
teur Evangelists
—If you sit at their table, eat temperately, and only
of food that will not confuse the mind. Keep yourself from all intem-
perance. Be yourself an object lesson, illustrating right principles.
If they offer you tea to drink, tell them in simple words its injurious
effect on the system.—
Manuscript 23, 1890
.
Following Jesus in the Path of Reform
—Jesus overcame on
the point of appetite, and so may we. Let us move on, then, step by
step, advancing in reform until all our habits shall be in accordance
with the laws of life and health. The Redeemer of the world in the
wilderness of temptation fought the battle upon the point of appetite