The Dietetic Reform by H. S. Gurney

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 8, 1864

The Dietetic Reform.

By H. S. Gurney

About twenty years ago I remember of remarking to my friends while conversing on the subject of temperance, that its platform was too narrow; that the subject should take a wider scope and embrace a reform on the subject of eating as well as drinking. Even then my principles were ripening for a more thorough work on the subject of temperance. Since that time my mind has been exercised more or less in regard to what we should not eat as well as what we should not drink. The consideration of the fact that the present generation is inclined to follow the cravings of an unhealthy appetite, and seek the pleasures of a sensual life, as it was in the days of Noah and Lot, suggests some difficulty in regulating a system of eating which will accord with our physical condition, and the word of God. Such difficulties certainly form no objection to starting a reform movement on the subject of eating when once we learn the length to which the present generation is running to satisfy the craving of an appetite which is destroying both soul and body.

When we consider the effect of over-eating upon the mind, that it unfits one to comprehend scriptural subjects, it is no wonder that so few are interested in the great truths of God's word. Hence the necessity of reform, a turning away from former habits of eating and regulating our diet in accordance with principles of sound health. It has now become evident that such a reform-movement has commenced among S. D. Adventists. And I rejoice that I have the opportunity to unite my influence with such a movement, and adopt a system which appears rational, convenient, and scriptural.

Some may start back at the idea of finding an eating reform foretold and prescribed in the Scriptures. But a collateral evidence of this lies in the fact that there is a general feeling on the subject among those who are looking for the Lord's coming. This may be considered providential, having a definite object in view, which is to unburden the system from those clogs and impurities accumulated by false notions of eating.

Jesus sets this matter before the last generation showing his peculiar regard for his waiting people, and that they should not eat and drink as those do who say, "My Lord delayeth his coming." See Matt. xxiv, 48, 49. They see no reason for entering into a reform on the subject of eating.

In Luke xxi, 34-36, we read: "Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares; for as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch, therefore, and pray, always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."

In this text Jesus has given a solemn warning admonition, and exhortation. A day is spoken of which shall come upon the world as a snare. A snare signifies danger and trouble. A special preparation is required in order to escape these dangers in the time of trouble, and stand before the Son of man. In verse 34 our attention is carefully called to an examination of the heart; and then the subject of reform is prescribed, and the reason given why it should be attended to. Three points are made prominent: 1. Eating, 2. Drinking; and 3. Cares of this life. By not taking heed to ourselves on these particular points, we are in danger of being caught in the snare.

The subject of eating is brought to view by the word "surfeit." Webster gives a definition thus, "To feed with meat or drink, so as to oppress the stomach and derange the functions of the system; to overfeed and produce sickness or uneasiness."

With this definition of the word "surfeit," it is easy to see the relation that eating has to a preparation for things to come. Overtaxing the digestive organs, clogs and darkens the mind, and unfits us to comprehend those great truths so full of interest connected with our Lord's return to gather his people. When we pass into a time of trouble such as never was, when a thousand shall fall at our side, and ten thousand at our right hand, we shall then and there see the full importance of this eating-reform movement, and that Jesus has not overrated its importance in the above noted text. There is such a sympathy between the physical and mental system that the former cannot be "overcharged with surfeiting," without affecting the latter so as to unfit us to discern the way of escape from evil in the time of trouble.

It is a clear discernment of truth that is to afford a refuge in the time of trouble. In order to have power to discern the way of truth in the things that shall come to pass, we should adopt a system of eating as free as possible from any principle which will overtax the digestive organs and produce sickness or uneasiness, and thus subject the mind to blindness and stupidity.

H. S. GURNEY.

Jackson, Mich.