We do not mark out any precise line to
be followed in diet; but we do say that in countries where there
are fruits, grains, and nuts in abundance, flesh food is not
the right food for God's people. I have been instructed that
flesh food has a tendency to animalize the nature, to rob men
and women of that love and sympathy which they should feel for
everyone, and to give the lower passions control over the higher
powers of the being. If meat eating was ever healthful, it is
not safe now. Cancers, tumors, and pulmonary diseases are largely
caused by meat eating.
We are not to make the use of flesh food
a test of fellowship, but we should consider the influence that
professed believers who use flesh foods have over others. As
God's messengers, shall we not say to the people: "Whether
therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the
glory of God"? 1 Corinthians 10:31. Shall we not bear a
decided testimony against the indulgence of perverted appetite?
Will any who are ministers of the gospel, proclaiming the most
solemn truth ever given to mortals,
set an example in returning to the fleshpots of Egypt? Will those
who are supported by the tithe from God's storehouse permit themselves
by self-indulgence to poison the life-giving current flowing
through their veins? Will they disregard the light and warnings
that God has given them? The health of the body is to be regarded
as essential for growth in grace and the acquirement of an even
temper. If the stomach is not properly cared for, the formation
of an upright, moral character will be hindered. The brain and
nerves are in sympathy with the stomach. Erroneous eating and
drinking result in erroneous thinking and acting.
All are now being tested and proved. We
have been baptized into Christ, and if we will act our part by
separating from everything that would drag us down and make us
what we ought not to be, there will be given us strength to grow
up into Christ, who is our living head, and we shall see the
salvation of God.
Only when we are intelligent in regard
to the principles of healthful living can we be fully aroused
to see the evils resulting from improper diet. Those who, after
seeing their mistakes, have courage to change their habits, will
find that the reformatory process requires a struggle and much
perseverance; but when correct tastes are once formed, they will
realize that the use of the food which they formerly regarded
as harmless was slowly but surely laying the foundation for dyspepsia
and other diseases.
Fathers and mothers, watch unto prayer. Guard strictly against intemperance in every form. Teach your children the principles of true health reform. Teach them what things to avoid in order to preserve health. Already the wrath of God has begun to be visited upon the children of disobedience. What crimes, what sins, what iniquitous practices, are being revealed on every hand! As a people we are to exercise great care in guarding our children against depraved associates.