Principles of Health Reform.
By Editor
WITH the commencement of the present volume we expect that the SIGNS will fall into the hands of many new friends, and that its pages will be scanned by many who are almost entirely unacquainted with the principles, both theoretical and practical, which it teaches. To all such we would say that for many years we have, as a denomination, adopted what we choose to term the “Health Reform.” And, that our readers may become informed as to the aim and scope of this reform, we present the following as our platform:— 1. Obedience to the laws of life and health is a moral obligation. 2. Mental, moral, and physical health can only be maintained by the observance of mental, moral, and physical laws. 3. A healthy body is essential to perfect soundness of mind. 4. Physical health promotes morality. 5. Morality, likewise, promotes physical health. 6. In the treatment of disease the simplest and safest remedies are the proper curative agents. 7. Nature is the most efficient physician. We may further add, for the benefit of those who are entirely unacquainted with the tenets of hygienists, that in enforcing the principles enunciated above we advocate:— 1. Total abstinence from the use of all stimulating beverages, including tea, coffee, and chocolate, as well as alcoholic liquors. 2. That tobacco-using is a filthy habit, ruinous to both body and mind, and a disgrace to civilization. 3. That animal food is not the proper food for man, as indicated by his anatomical and physiological characteristics, while fruits and farinaceous foods are the best adapted to his wants, as proved by science and experience. 4. That simplicity in diet is one of the most important means of preserving health. 5. That improper dress is a prolific source of many of the diseases from which women and children suffer. We also urge the importance of carefully observing each of the several laws of hygiene relating to ventilation, rest, exercise, etc. The above platform is the same as that adopted by the Health Reformer, a monthly magazine published by S. D. Adventists at Battle Creek, Mich. And while it is the province of this journal to enter into the various lengthy arguments which demonstrate the truth of the above propositions, we shall endeavor from week to week to fill this column with such short, pointed articles, and general facts and statistics as will evidence to all the importance of practicing the principles of health reform as above set forth.