Statement of Health Principles

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 29, 1916

Statement of Health Principles

Adopted by the Medical Council at Madison, Wis.

At the recent medical convention held at Madison, Wis., the question was raised as to what constitutes healthful living. This question called out considerable discussion. As a result a representative committee was appointed to give specific study to the subject, and make a statement of health principles. This the committee did, with the result that the following statement was adopted by the representatives of the medical work assembled on that occasion:—

“The gospel ‘is the power of God unto salvation.’ It is designed to restore the image of God in man. By it poor lost humanity is to be transformed mentally and physically into the divine similitude. The apostle enjoins the believers to lay aside all ‘filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.’ The body of the child of God is declared to be the Lord’s temple, and the believer is admonished so to use that temple that it shall not be defiled; ‘to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.’”

“So broad and detailed is the scope of the religion of Christ that the apostle exhorts us, ‘Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.’ That the principles of health and temperance constitute an important part of the gospel reform which we as a denomination are carrying forward, we have definite instruction. The servant of the Lord says:—

“The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel’s message, and is just as closely connected with it as are the arm and hand with the human body.”—‘Testimonies for the Church,’ Vol. I, p. 486. “Its place is among those subjects which set forth the preparatory work to meet the events brought to view by the message; among these it is prominent.”—Id., p. 559.

“And as to the reason why these principles should be observed, she states:—

“‘Let it be ever kept before the mind that the great object of hygienic reform is to secure the highest possible development of mind and soul and body.’—‘Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene,’ p. 120. ‘God requires all who believe the truth to make special, persevering efforts to place themselves in the best possible condition of bodily health, for a solemn and important work is before us.’—‘Testimonies for the Church,’ Vol. I, p. 619.”

“We must conclude, therefore, from these statements from both the Bible and the Testimonies, and also from the deductions of science, that the question of healthful living is not confined to any detail of human experience, but embraces every principle and every detail which has to do with man’s perfect mental, moral, and physical development.

“We therefore urge that our brethren and sisters take this broad view of the question, that they study it in its general bearing and broad relations, and seek to apply its principles in detail to their own individual experience. Among the applications of these principles which need special emphasis, we might enumerate the following:—

“1. The control of appetites and passions; self-control instead of self-indulgence.

“2. The use of wholesome and nourishing foods, containing the necessary food elements in proper proportion.

“3. Abstinence from the use of alcohol and tobacco, tea and coffee, flesh meats, rich and highly seasoned foods, irritating spices and condiments.

“4. The limited use of sugar and pastry foods.

“5. Simplicity in variety and amount, and in scientific combination and preparation of foods.

“6. Proper clothing of the body as relates to warmth, protection, simplicity, and modesty, avoiding constrictions and improperly adjusted weights.

“7. Sufficient and appropriate exercise, especially for those whose work is sedentary.

“8. Abstinence from the use of poisonous drugs, above all, avoiding the patent medicine habit; and an intelligent application of the principles of rational treatment, as represented in the proper use of water, air, food, electricity, massage, and other natural physiological stimuli and therapeutics.

“9. Strict cleanliness of person and premises.

“10. Proper and sufficient hours of sleep and relaxation.

“11. Proper and sufficient ventilation of churches, schools, dwelling houses, and especially sleeping-rooms.

“12. Activity in the warfare against flies, mosquitoes, and all other disease-producing and disease-carrying insects.”