p. 31 | Good Health

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Jan 23, 1879

Good Health.

Hygiene and Morality.

COMPARATIVELY few apprehend the close relation there is between the habits and manner of living of an individual and his moral status. But the more we observe this fact the more apparent it becomes. No class of people are more reckless of moral obligations than that class which gives but little or no attention to the laws which govern their being. They are generally found among the ignorant, and they acknowledge no law but that of self-gratification. They revere nothing but what tradition or superstition has taught them to dread. Not having taken the first measures in the contest with evil, and being under the control of wrong habits and misconceptions of their duties to themselves, they are often incapable of receiving good impressions except by the slowest degrees. And then the first step toward real virtue is in reforming their physical habits, for when in such a condition individuals are not susceptible to good and elevating influences.

On the other hand, one who, having gained a knowledge of the laws of life, properly relates himself to those laws by forming correct habits, gains the first great victory in overcoming evil and forming a moral character by denying selfish desires, and allowing in himself only those things which are for his physical well-being. The first steps in moral culture are thus taken by denying self, which is the first requirement that the Saviour makes of him who wishes to become his disciple. A good foundation is now laid for a Christian character. The mind is prepared to receive, and capable of comprehending, moral truths. The evil desires and habits being controlled, the individual reduces these truths to practice, the school of virtue becomes a delightful one, and its lessons are received with gratitude, and are readily appropriated. No one can attain to true culture and refinement without having learned these first principles, which are self-control and a proper relation to the laws of being.

G. T. in Health Reformer.