The Hygienic Platform by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 21, 1875

The Hygienic Platform.

By Editor

In order that those who may be comparatively unacquainted with the aim and scope of the health reform may at once become informed upon these points, we present the following as our platform, the elucidation of the principles involved in them being the object of this publication:—

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 shall not here present any of the various arguments which demonstrate the truth of the above propositions, leaving this as a pleasant task for future numbers. 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.

Our reasons for these views, which are somewhat radical in character, and may be novel to many, will be given elsewhere in this and future numbers. We also urge the importance of carefully observing each of the several laws of hygiene relating to ventilation, rest, exercise, etc.

We invite the candid attention of the reader to these important subjects, with the conviction that only an unbiased investigation is necessary to insure the adoption of the truths which we are endeavoring to promulgate.—Health Reformer.