Medical Missionary Board · Battle Creek, Mich. · 1898
PREFACE.
The purpose of this little work is to present in the most concise and condensed form possible the various teachings upon the subjects of health, health reform, and allied matters, which are to be found in the writings of Mrs. E. G. White. The numerous paragraphs which have been brought together in this volume have been selected from many thousands’ of printed pages which have appeared in various forms from Mrs. White’s pen, within the last thirty-four years; and in addition a large mass of manuscript, which has never before appeared in print, has been utilized.
The compilers of the work have not attempted to make it exhaustive as regards subject matter, but rather to make it comprehensively representative of the principles of hygienic and sanitary reform which have been set forth in the writings referred to.
In the selection of paragraphs relating to each particular phase of the great question considered, an effort has been made to avoid unnecessary repetition, yet in a few instances, to render the thought more clear, the repetition of brief, pointed sentences has been allowed. The most conscientious care has been exercised in the making of extracts, to preserve the proper setting of the thought expressed. To do this without circumlocution has required, in a few instances,4slight verbal changes in connecting words or phrases, but not in a single instance has the thought expressed been modified in the slightest degree.
It is believed that those whose knowledge of the writings from which these excerpts have been drawn has inspired confidence in them as a source of important truths, will appreciate this volume as a ready reference book in which can be easily found, by the aid of the table of contents and the index, a larger number of seed thoughts and clear expressions of fundamental principles upon the subjects treated than in any other volume of similar size which has ever appeared in print. To save space, abbreviations have been employed in the place of the titles of well-known works. These are explained in a note below.
KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS.
C. E.—Christian Education.
C. T.—Christian Temperance.
F. of F.—Facts of Faith, found in Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 4.
G. W.—Gospel Workers.
H. R.—Health Reformer.
H. to L.—How to Live.
M. M.—Medical Missionary.
M. of B.—Mount of Blessing.
P. P.—Patriarchs and Prophets.
R. and H.—Review and Herald.
S. A.—Solemn Appeal.
S. of T.—Signs of the Times.
S. to C.—Steps to Christ.
Sp. Instr. on Ed. Work.—Special Instruction on Educational Work.
S. T.—Special Testimony to Ministers and Workers.
S. T. on E.—Special Testimony on Education.
T.—Testimonies for the Church.
U. T.—Unpublished Testimonies.
Y. I.—Youth’s Instructor.
HEALTHFUL LIVING.
CHAPTER I.
OUR BODIES, TEMPLES OF THE HOLY GHOST.
God’s Workmanship.
1. God is the owner of the whole man. Soul, body, and spirit are his. God gave his only begotten Son for the body as well as the soul, and our entire life belongs to God, to be consecrated to his service, that through the exercise of every faculty he has given, we may glorify him.—Y. I., Sept. 7, 1893.
2. Jehovah has given a specimen of himself; for man was made in the image of God.—U. T., Jan. 11, 1897.
3. The living organism is God’s property. It belongs to him by creation and by redemption; and by a misuse of any of our powers we rob God of the honor due him.—U. T., Aug. 30, 1896.
4. We are God’s workmanship, and his word declares that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” He has prepared this wonderful habitation for the mind; it is “curiously wrought,” a temple which the Lord himself has fitted up for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.—S. T. on E., p. 33.
5. The very flesh in which the soul tabernacles, and through which it works, is the Lord’s.— U. T., Oct. 12, 1896.
Creation’s Crown.
6. Man was the crowning act of the creation of God, made in the image of God, and designed to be a counterpart of God. . . . Man is very dear to God, because he was formed in his own image. This fact should impress us with the importance of teaching by precept and example the sin of defiling, by the indulgence of appetite or by any other sinful practise, the body which is designed to represent God to the world.— R. and H., 1895, No. 25.
7. The wonderful mechanism of the human body does not receive half the care that is often given to a mere lifeless machine.— G. W., p. 175.
Personal Rights.
8. Have I not the right to do as I please with my own body?—No, you have no moral right, because you are violating the laws of life and health which God has given you. You are the Lord’s property,—his by creation and his by redemption. Every human being is under obligation to preserve the living machinery that is so fearfully and wonderfully made.—U. T., May 19, 1897.
9. The physical organism should have special care, that the powers of the body may not be dwarfed, but developed to their full extent.—Y. I., July 27, 1893.
10. The health should be as sacredly guarded as the character.— C. T., p. 83.
11. Jesus did not ignore the claims of the body. He had respect for the physical condition of man, and went about healing the sick, and restoring their11faculties to those suffering from their loss. How incumbent, then, is it upon us to preserve the natural health with which God has endowed us, and to avoid dwarfing or weakening our powers.—H. R.
Mind Supreme.
12. As they more fully understand the human body, the wonderful work of God’s hand, formed in the image of the divine, they will seek to bring their bodies into subjection to the noble powers of the mind. The body will be regarded by them as a wonderful structure, formed by the Infinite Designer, and given into their charge to be kept in harmonious action.— H. R.
13. The obligation we owe to God in presenting to him clean, pure, healthy bodies is not comprehended.— U. T., May 19, 1897.
Christ in Man.
14. Christ is to live in his human agents, and work through their faculties, and act through their capabilities.— M. of B., p. 128.
15. When human agents choose the will of God, and are conformed to the character of Christ, Jesus acts through their organs and faculties.— S. T., No. 3, p. 49.
16. The Spirit of Christ is to take possession of the organs of speech, of the mental powers, of the physical and moral powers.— S. T., No. 6, p. 53.
Service.
17. Our very bodies are not our own, to treat as we please, to cripple by habits that lead to decay, making it impossible to render to God perfect service. Our lives and all our faculties belong to him. He is caring for us every moment; he keeps the living machinery in action; if we were left to run it for12one moment, we should die. We are absolutely dependent upon God.—U. T., Oct. 12, 1896.
18. It was a wonderful thing for God to create man, to make mind. He created him that every faculty might be the faculty of the divine mind. The glory of God is to be revealed in the creating of man in God’s image, and in his redemption. One soul is of more value than a world. The Lord Jesus is the author of our being, and he is also the author of our redemption; and every one who will enter the kingdom of God must develop a character that is the counterpart of the character of God. None can dwell with God in a holy heaven but those who bear his likeness. Those who are redeemed will be overcomers; they will be elevated, pure, one with Christ. —S. T., May 31, 1896.
CHAPTER II.
DUTY TO STUDY THE LAWS OF LIFE.
19. It is our duty to study the laws that govern our being, and conform to them. Ignorance in these things is sin.—U. T., Aug. 25, 1897.
20. From the first dawn of reason, the human mind should become intelligent in regard to the physical structure. We may behold and admire the work of God in the natural world, but the human habitation is the most wonderful.—U. T., Jan. 11, 1897.
Physiology as a Study.
2. A practical knowledge of the science of human life is necessary in order to glorify God in our bodies. It is therefore of the highest importance that among studies selected for childhood, physiology should occupy the first place.— H. R.
22. It is well that physiology is introduced into the common schools as a branch of education. All children should study it. It should be regarded as the basis of all educational effort. And then parents should see to it that practical hygiene be added. This will make their knowledge of physiology of practical benefit.—H. R.
23. We have special duties resting upon us. We should be acquainted with our physical structure and the laws controlling natural life. While Greek and Latin, which are seldom of any advantage, are made14a study by many, physiology and hygiene are barely touched upon. The study to which to give thought is that which concerns natural life, a knowledge of oneself. . . . It is the house in which we live that we need to preserve, that we may do honor to God who has redeemed us. We need to know how to preserve the living machinery, that our soul, body, and spirit may be consecrated to his service. As rational beings we are deplorably ignorant of the body and its requirements. While the schools we have established have taken up the study of physiology, they have not taken hold with the decided energy they should. They have not practised intelligently that which they have received in knowledge, and do not realize that unless it is practised, the body will decay. . . . This living machinery should be understood. Every part of its wonderful mechanism should be carefully studied.— U. T., May 19, 1897.
Ignorance of Physical Laws.
24. Physical life cannot be treated in a haphazard manner. Awaken to your responsibilities.— U. T., Aug. 25, 1897.
25. Ignorance of physiology and neglect to observe the laws of health have brought many to the grave who might have lived to labor and study intelligently.— S. T., Feb., 1894, p. 13.
26. To become acquainted with the wonderful human organism,—the bones, muscles, stomach, liver, bowels, heart, and pores of the skin,—and to understand the dependence of one organ upon another for the healthful action of all, is a study in15which most mothers take no interest.— T., V. III, p. 136.
27. Study that marvelous organism, the human system, and the laws by which it is governed.— C. T., p. 120.
How to Reduce Mortality.
28. If people would reason from cause to effect, and would follow the light which shines upon them, they would pursue a course which would insure health, and the mortality would be far less. . . . All who possess common capabilities should understand the wants of their own system.— H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 51.
Learn in Youth.
29. It is of the highest importance that men and women be instructed in the science of human life, and in the best means of preserving and acquiring physical health. Especially is youth the time to lay up a stock of knowledge to be put in daily practise through life.— H. R.
30. Those who have occupied positions of influence have not appreciated the work which has been so long neglected. . . . They consider it far more important to become learners upon subjects of less consequence to the human agent. Thousands upon thousands know nothing of the body, and how to care for it. David declared, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” And when God has given us such a habitation, why should not every apartment be critically examined?— U. T., Jan. 11, 1897.
31. It is best for those who claim to be sons and daughters of God to avail themselves, while they can, of the opportunities now presented to gain a knowledge of the human system, and how it may be preserved16in health. . . . The Lord will not work a miracle to preserve any one in health who will not make an effort to obtain knowledge within his reach concerning this wonderful habitation that God has given. By the study of the human organism we are to learn to correct what may be wrong in our habits, and which, if left uncorrected, will bring the sure result, disease and suffering, that make life a burden. . . . Let the mind become intelligent, and the will be placed on the Lord’s side, and there will be a wonderful improvement in the physical health. But this can never be accomplished in mere human strength.—M. M., V. II, p. 216.
In Plain Language
Duty of Ministers.
32. The ministers in our land need to become acquainted with the science of physiology. Then they will be intelligent in regard to the laws that govern physical life, and their bearings upon the health of mind and soul. Then they will be able to speak correctly upon this subject. In their obedience to physical laws they are to hold forth the word of life to the people, and lead up higher and still higher in the work of reform.—U. T., Jan. 11, 1897.
33. In order to be fitted for translation, the people of God must know themselves. They must understand in regard to their own physical frames, that they may be able with the psalmist to exclaim, “I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”—T., V. I, p. 486.
CHAPTER III.
THE GREAT DECALOGUE.
Character of God.
34. He who hungers and thirsts after God will seek for an understanding of the laws which the God of wisdom has impressed upon creation. These laws are a transcript of his character. They must control all who enter the heavenly and better country.—U. T., Aug. 30, 1896.
35. God’s law is written by his own finger upon every nerve, every muscle, every faculty which has been entrusted to man.—U. T., Aug. 30, 1896.
Obedience to Law.
36. God in his wisdom has established natural laws for the proper control of our dress, our appetites, and our passions, and he requires of us obedience in every particular.—R. and H., 1883, No. 41.
Physical Sin.
37. The transgression of physical law is transgression of God’s law. Our Creator is Jesus Christ. He is the author of our being. He is the author of the physical law as he is the author of the moral law. And the human being who is careless and reckless of the habits and practises that concern his physical life and health, sins against God. God is not reverenced, respected, or recognized. This is shown by the injury done to the body in violation of physical law.—U. T., May 19, 1897.
38. God loves his creatures with a love that is both tender and strong. He has established the laws18of nature; but his laws are not arbitrary exactions. Every “Thou shalt not,” whether in physical or moral law, contains or implies a promise. If it is obeyed, blessings will attend our steps; if it is disobeyed, the result is danger and unhappiness.—T., No. 32, p. 201.
Blessings Follow Obedience.
39. Health, strength, and happiness depend upon immutable laws; but these laws cannot be obeyed where there is no anxiety to become acquainted with them.— H. R.
40. A knowledge of the laws by which health is secured and preserved is of pre-eminent importance.
— S. of T., 1886, No. 33.
41. Indifference and ignorance in regard to the laws which govern our being are sins so common that we have learned to look upon them with undue tolerance.— H. R.
42. We have no right wantonly to violate a single principle of the laws of health.— R. and H., 1884, No. 31.
43. God is greatly dishonored by the way in which man treats his organism, and he will not work a miracle to counteract a perverse violation of the laws of life and health.— U. T., Aug. 30, 1896.
44. The Lord has made it a part of his plan that man’s reaping shall be according to his sowing.— U. T., May 19, 1897.
Heredity.
45. Wherever the habits of the parents are contrary to physical law, the injury done to themselves will be repeated in future generations.— U. T.; Jan. 11, 1897.
46. You should move out from principle, in harmony with natural law, irrespective of feeling.— T., V. III, p. 76.
47. To make plain natural law, and urge the obedience of it, is the work that accompanies the third angel’s message to prepare a people for the coming of the Lord.— T., V. III, p. 161.
48. A flower of the field must have its root in the soil; it must have air, dew, showers, and sunshine. It will flourish only as it receives these advantages, and all are from God. So with man.— Special Testimony to R. and H. Office, Sept. 19, 1895, p. 36.
49. God calls for reformers to stand in defense of the laws he has established to govern the human system, and to maintain an elevated standard in the training of the mind and culture of the heart.— S. T., No. 3, p. 22.
Knowledge a Duty.
50. It is the duty of every human being, for his own sake and for the sake of humanity, to inform himself or herself in regard to the laws of organic life, and conscientiously to obey them. . . . It is the duty of every person to become intelligent in regard to disease and its causes. You must study your Bible, in order to understand the value that the Lord places on the men whom Christ has purchased at such an infinite price. Then we should become acquainted with the laws of life, that every action of the human agent may be in perfect harmony with the laws of God. When there is so great peril in ignorance, is it not best to be wise in regard to the human habitation fitted up by our Creator, and over which he desires that we shall be faithful stewards?
— U. T., Dec. 4, 1896.
CHAPTER IV.
NATURAL LAW PART OF THE LAW OF GOD.
51. The same law obtains in the spiritual as in the natural world.—M. of B., p. 126.
52. The transgression of the physical law is transgression of God’s law. Our Creator is Jesus Christ.—U. T., May 19, 1897.
Natural Law Divine.
53. Every law governing the human machinery is to be considered just as truly divine in origin, in character, and in importance as the word of God. Every careless action, any abuse put upon the wonderful mechanism, by disregarding his specified laws of the human habitation, is a violation of God’s law. This law embraces the treatment of the entire being. U. T., Jan. 11, 1897.
54. God’s law is written by his own finger upon every nerve, every muscle, every faculty which has been entrusted to man.—U. T., Aug. 30, 1896.
55. God has formed laws to govern every part of our constitutions, and these laws which he has placed in our being are divine, and for every transgression there is a fixed penalty, which sooner or later must be realized.—H. R.
56. Our first duty, one which we owe to God, to ourselves, and to our fellow men, is to obey the laws of God, which include the laws of health.—T., V. III, p. 164.
57. The laws governing the physical nature are as truly divine in their origin and character as the law of the ten commandments. Man is fearfully and wonderfully made; for Jehovah has inscribed his law by his own mighty hand on every part of the human body.—U. T., Aug. 5, 1896.
Physical Sin.
58. It is just as much sin to violate the laws of our being as to break one of the ten commandments, for we cannot do either without breaking God’s law. — T., V. II, p. 70.
59. The human being who is careless and reckless of the habits and practises that concern his physical life and health, sins against God.—U. T., May 19, 1897.
60. A violation of these laws is a violation of the immutable law of God, and the penalty will surely follow.—R. and H., 1883, No. 41.
CHAPTER V.
BLESSINGS FROM OBEYING NATURAL LAW.
61. Those who understand something of the wisdom and beneficence of his laws, and perceive the evidences of God’s love and the blessings that result from obedience, will come to regard their duties and obligations from an altogether different point of view. Instead of looking upon the observance of the laws of health as a matter of sacrifice and self-denial, they will regard it, as it really is, an inestimable blessing.
— C. T., p. 120.
62. All our enjoyment or suffering may be traced to obedience or transgression of natural law.— T., V. III, p. 161.
Co-operation.
63. God, the Creator of our bodies, has arranged every fiber and nerve and sinew and muscle, and has pledged himself to keep the machinery in order if the human agent will co-operate with him and refuse to work contrary to the laws which govern the human system.— U. T., Aug. 30, 1896.
64. A careful conformity to the laws which God has implanted in our being will insure health, and there will not be a breaking down of the constitution.
— H. R.
65. God has pledged himself to keep this machinery in healthful action if the human agent will obey his laws, and co-operate with him.— U. T., Jan. 11, 1897.
66. Every “Thou shall not,” whether in physical or moral law, contains or implies a promise. If it is obeyed, blessings will attend our steps.— T., No. 32, p. 201.
67. He requires us to obey natural law, to preserve physical health.— T., V. III, p. 63.
68. If Christians will keep the body in subjection, and bring all their appetites and passions under the control of enlightened conscience, feeling it a duty that they owe to God and to their neighbors to obey the laws which govern health and life, they will have the blessing of physical and mental vigor. They will have moral power to engage in the warfare against Satan; and in the name of him who conquered appetite in their behalf, they may be more than conquerors on their own account.— T., V. IV, p. 36.
Adherence to Principle.
69. If laborers who are now in the field had intelligently used their physical and mental powers according to the laws of hygiene, they would not only have been able to become proficient in common branches of education, but would have been versed in different languages, and thus would have been qualified to become missionaries in foreign countries.
— Y. I., May 31, 1894.
70. The souls and bodies of people have been fast becoming a corrupted mass of disease. This would not have been the case if those who claimed to believe the truth had lived out its sacred principles in their lives.— U. T., Jan. 11, 1897.
71. If man had obeyed the laws of Jehovah in his natural laws, the image of God would have been revealed in him.— Ibid.
CHAPTER VI.
THE CONSEQUENCE OF VIOLATING NATURAL LAW.
72. Proportionately as nature’s laws are transgressed, mind and soul become enfeebled. . . . Physical suffering of every type is seen. . . . Suffering must follow this course of action. The vital force of the system cannot bear up under the tax placed upon it, and it finally breaks down.— U. T., Aug. 30, 1896.
Cause of Sickness.
73. Every misuse of any part of our organism is a violation of the law which God designs shall govern us in these matters; and by violating this law, human beings corrupt themselves. Sickness, disease of every kind, ruined constitutions, premature decay, untimely deaths,—these are a result of a violation of nature’s laws.— U. T., Aug. 30, 1896.
74. Sickness is caused by violating the laws of health; it is the result of violating nature’s laws.— T., V. III, p. 164.
75. The gloom and despondency supposed to be the result of obedience to God’s moral law are often attributable to disregard of physical laws.— S. of T., 1885, No. 42.
Diseased Souls.
76. Everything that conflicts with natural law creates a diseased condition of the soul.— R. and H., 1881, No. 4.
77. The moral powers are weakened because men and women will not live in obedience to the laws of health, and make this great subject a personal duty. — T., V. III, p. 140.
We Reap What We Sow.
78. The Lord has made it a part of his plan that man’s reaping shall be according to his sowing. And this is the explanation of the misery and suffering in our world, which is charged back upon God. The man who serves himself, and makes a god of his stomach, will reap that which is the sure result of the violation of nature’s laws. He who abuses any organ of the body to gratify lustful appetites and debased passions will bear testimony to the same in his countenance. He has sown to fleshly lusts, and he will just as surely realize the consequence. He is like a hunted being; he is a slave to passion, the chains of which he is unwilling to break. And at last he is left of God, without conviction, without mercy, without hope, to destroy himself. He is left to the natural processes of corrupting practises which degrade him beneath the brute creation. His sinfulness has ruined the mechanism of the living machinery, and nature’s laws, transgressed, become his tormentors.— U. T., May 19, 1897.
Control of Will.
79. Satan knows that he cannot overcome man unless he can control his will. He can do this by deceiving men so they will co-operate with him in transgressing the laws of nature, which is transgression of the law of God.— U. T., Jan. 11, 1897.
Satan Taunting God.
80. The results which Satan has, through his specious temptations, brought about, he uses to taunt God with. He presents before God the appearance of26the human being whom Christ has purchased as his property. And what an unsightly representation of his Maker! God is dishonored, because man has corrupted his ways before the Lord.— U. T., Jan. 11, 1897.
81. One human being becomes Satan’s copartner to tempt, allure, and deceive his fellow men to vicious practises; and the sure result is diseased bodies, because of the violation of moral law. “Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” It is Satan’s determined purpose to deceive the human family so that he can bring them as a mass on his side, to work with him in making void the law of God. Thus he finds agencies which multiply his efficiency. And as they do this, he rules them with a rod of iron. And not only the human race, but the brute creation also are made to suffer through Satan’s attributes wrought out through the human agent.— U. T., Jan. 11, 1897.
CHAPTER VII.
NATURAL LAW; HOW VIOLATED.
General Statements.
82. Needlessly to transgress the laws of our being is a violation of the law of God.— T., V. II, p. 538.
83. If we unnecessarily injure our constitutions, we dishonor God, for we transgress the laws of our being.— H. R.
84. If appetite, which should be strictly guarded and controlled, is indulged to the injury of the body, the penalty of transgression will surely result.— U. T., Aug. 30, 1896.
85. Every careless action, any abuse put upon the Lord’s mechanism, by disregarding his specified laws in the human habitation, is a violation of God’s law.— U. T., Jan. 11, 1897.
86. Intemperance of any kind is a violation of the laws of our being.— H. R.
Indulgence of Appetite.
87. The laws of our being cannot be more successfully violated than by crowding upon the stomach unhealthful food just because it is craved by a morbid appetite.— H. to L., Chap. 1, p. 52.
88. Eating merely to please the appetite is a transgression of nature’s laws.— U. T., Aug. 30, 1896.
89. Any course of action in eating, drinking, or dressing that is unhealthful injures the fine works of the human machinery, and interferes with God’s order. Obstructions are created in bone, brain,28and muscle, which destroy this wonderful machinery that God has organized to be kept in order. Any misuse of the delicate workmanship results in suffering.— U. T., May 19, 1897.
90. God has not changed, neither does he propose to change, our physical organism, in order that we may violate a single law without feeling the effects of its violation. . . . By indulging their inclinations and appetites, men violate the laws of life and health; and if they obey conscience; they must be controlled by principle in their eating and dressing, rather than be led by inclination, fashion, and appetite.— H. R.
Lack of Exercise.
91. Neglecting to exercise the entire body, or a portion of it, will bring on morbid conditions. Inaction of any of the organs of the body will be followed by a decrease in size and strength of the muscles, and will cause the blood to flow sluggishly through the blood-vessels.— T., V. III, p. 76.
CHAPTER VIII.
HEALTH.
General Statements.
92. Health is a great treasure. It is the richest possession that mortal can have. Wealth, honor, or learning is dearly purchased, if it be at the loss of the vigor of health. None of these attainments can secure happiness if health is wanting.— C. E., p. 16.
93. The health should be as sacredly guarded as the character.— C. T., p. 83.
94. Our physical, mental, and moral powers are not our own, but lent us of God to be used in his service.— H. R.
95. The more perfect our health, the more perfect will be our labor.— T., V. III, p. 13.
96. The importance of the health of the body is to be taught as a Bible requirement.— U. T., Aug. 30, 1896.
97. All who profess to be followers of Jesus should feel that a duty rests upon them to preserve their bodies in the best condition of health, that their minds may be clear to comprehend heavenly things.— T., V. II, p. 522.
98. That time is well spent which is directed to the establishment and preservation of sound physical and mental health. . . . It is easy to lose health, but it is difficult to regain it.— R. and H., 1884, No. 39.
Circulation.
99. Perfect health depends upon perfect circulation.— T., V. II, p. 531.
100. The health of the entire system depends upon the healthy action of the respiratory organs.— H. to L., Chap. 6, p. 57.
101. If we would have health, we must live for it.
— H. R.
102. We can ill afford to dwarf or cripple a single function of mind or body by overwork, or by abuse of any part of the living machinery.— R. and H., 1884, No. 39.
103. A sound body is required for a sound intellect.—C. E., p. 17.