Education of Appetite by R. F. Cottrell

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Mar 6, 1879

Education of Appetite.

By R. F. Cottrell

THAT we can educate the taste so as to relish wholesome food, cooked in the most simple manner, and without condiments, is what I aim to inculcate in this writing. It is certain that the appetite can be perverted from its natural state, so much so that it will crave the most hurtful and poisonous things. The fact that the taste can be trained to relish such nauseating and disgusting things as swine's grease and tobacco, is evidence sufficient to prove that it is susceptible of education. It is evident, too, that the natural, unperverted appetite for food calls only for such things as can be used to build up the system; hence, the demand for indigestible and innutritious condiments, such as pepper, spices, etc., which only irritate and inflame the stomach and bowels, is merely the creature of a false education. And such, also, is the relish for earthy salts, clay, and charcoal, which some devour.

But people are so accustomed to having their food seasoned with grease and gravies, salt, and spices, and such like indigestible things, that they really think they could never relish a simple diet of grains, fruits, and vegetables, cooked in the most simple manner, and free from grease. But if they would firmly resolve to learn to relish only such things as in their better judgment they believe to be the most healthful and nutritious, they could bring their appetite not only to consent, but to delight itself greatly in the change. If they would use one-half the resolution and the firmness and perseverance that the urchin does who imagines that using tobacco will make a man of him, they would succeed to their satisfaction and delight. In this, I can testify from experience; for I believe that no one relishes what they esteem rich dainties better than I do the most simply prepared vegetable food.

The difficulty is, they stand upon the wrong side of the dietetic reform; and, viewing it from the wrong standpoint, of course they do not see it in its true character. They look upon the reform as sinners do upon the moral law—as something that would deprive them of their pleasures. This is the reason why the carnal mind is enmity against God and not subject to his law. But let the sinner be converted—let him get on the right side of the moral law—and instead of viewing the law as depriving him of his enjoyments, he will esteem it as the most delightful and lovely institution, made on purpose to protect him and all mankind in the perfect enjoyment of all their rights. Having put away the carnal mind, he is at peace with God.

In like manner let the people exercise their better judgment and take their stand upon the right side of the dietetic reform, and they will view it, not as an enemy, but as one of their best friends; a friend that will add to their enjoyment of life, and to life itself, and moreover be one of their best helps to secure the life to come.

Now if it is possible for the sinner to put away the carnal mind, is it not possible for the saint, who has the promise of the Spirit, to put away the carnivorous appetite? Is it not possible for any one, saint or sinner, to break off from the use of hurtful things, such as tobacco, coffee, tea, and the various condiments and appetizers, and educate the taste to enjoy the grains, fruits, and vegetables, which the God of nature so abundantly provides, and which reason and revelation agree in as the primitive and most natural food of man, prepared in the most simple and natural manner? We claim that this can be done; and that instead of taking from, it will greatly add to, the enjoyment of life. This reform, not merely faintly tried, as people try the doubtful nostrums of the patent-medicine man, but taken hold of from a clear conviction of its truth, and persevered in, cannot fail to bring its sure reward. By adopting it, you will avoid many a pain and disease, increase the vigor of body and of mind, and add to the enjoyment of life; and the yoke, supposed to be so galling, will be found perfectly easy; nay, you will rejoice in your deliverance from the heavy, galling yoke of perverted appetite.

R. F. COTTRELL.