GOD'S HEALTH LAWS
Diet & Foods
In order to know what are the best foods, we must study God’s original plan for man’s diet. He who created man and who understands his needs appointed Adam his food. “Behold,” He said, “I have given you every herb yielding seed. . . and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food.” Upon leaving Eden to gain his livelihood by tilling the earth under the curse of sin, man received permission to eat also “the herb of the field.”
Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. These foods, prepared in as simple and natural a manner as possible, are the most healthful and nourishing. They impart a strength, a power of endurance, and a vigor of intellect, that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet. God gave our first parents the food He designed that the race should eat. It was contrary to His plan to have the life of any creature taken. There was to be no death in Eden. The fruit of the trees in the garden, was the food man’s wants required. The Lord intends to bring His people back to live upon simple fruits, vegetables, and grains. . . God provided fruit in its natural state for our first parents. God is bringing His people back to His original design.
If ever there was a time when the diet should be of the most simple kind, it is now. The true fasting which should be recommended to all, is abstinence from every stimulating kind of food, and the proper use of wholesome, simple food, which God has provided in abundance. God has furnished man with abundant means for the gratification of an unperverted appetite. He has spread before him the products of the earth,—a bountiful variety of food that is palatable to the taste and nutritious to the system. Of these our benevolent heavenly Father says we may freely eat.In grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts are to be found all the food elements that we need.
Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. These foods, prepared in as simple and natural a manner as possible, are the most healthful and nourishing. They impart a strength, a power of endurance, and a vigor of intellect, that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet. God gave our first parents the food He designed that the race should eat. It was contrary to His plan to have the life of any creature taken. There was to be no death in Eden. The fruit of the trees in the garden, was the food man’s wants required. The Lord intends to bring His people back to live upon simple fruits, vegetables, and grains. . . God provided fruit in its natural state for our first parents. God is bringing His people back to His original design.
If ever there was a time when the diet should be of the most simple kind, it is now. The true fasting which should be recommended to all, is abstinence from every stimulating kind of food, and the proper use of wholesome, simple food, which God has provided in abundance. God has furnished man with abundant means for the gratification of an unperverted appetite. He has spread before him the products of the earth,—a bountiful variety of food that is palatable to the taste and nutritious to the system. Of these our benevolent heavenly Father says we may freely eat.In grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts are to be found all the food elements that we need.
Exercise
Another precious blessing is proper exercise. There are many indolent, inactive ones who are disinclined to physical labor or exercise because it wearies them. What if it does weary them? The reason why they become weary is that they do not strengthen their muscles by exercise, therefore they feel the least exertion. If invalids would recover health, they should not discontinue physical exercise; for they will thus increase muscular weakness and general debility. Bind up the arm and permit it to remain useless, even for a few weeks, then free it from its bondage, and you will discover that it is weaker than the one you have been using moderately during the same time. Inactivity produces the same effect upon the whole muscular system. The blood is not enabled to expel the impurities as it would if active circulation were induced by exercise.
When the weather will permit, all who can possibly do so ought to walk in the open air every day, summer and winter. But the clothing should be suitable for the exercise. A walk, even in winter, would be more beneficial to the health than all the medicine the doctors may prescribe.
The muscles and veins are enabled better to perform their work. There will be increased vitality, which is so necessary to health. The lungs will have needful action; for it is impossible to go out in the bracing air of a winter’s morning without inflating the lungs. Exercise will aid the work of digestion. To walk out after a meal, hold the head erect, put back the shoulders, and exercise moderately, will be a great benefit. The mind will be diverted from self to the beauties of nature. The limbs will strengthen with use. Moderate exercise every day will impart strength to the muscles, which without exercise become flabby and enfeebled. By active exercise in the open air every day, the liver, kidneys, and lungs also will be strengthened to perform their work. Bring to your aid the power of the will, which will resist cold and will give energy to the nervous system. In a short time you will so realize the benefit of exercise and pure air that you would not live without these blessings. Your lungs, deprived of air, will be like a hungry person deprived of food. Indeed, we can live longer without food than without air, which is the food that God has provided for the lungs. Therefore do not regard it as an enemy, but as a precious blessing from God.
When the weather will permit, all who can possibly do so ought to walk in the open air every day, summer and winter. But the clothing should be suitable for the exercise. A walk, even in winter, would be more beneficial to the health than all the medicine the doctors may prescribe.
The muscles and veins are enabled better to perform their work. There will be increased vitality, which is so necessary to health. The lungs will have needful action; for it is impossible to go out in the bracing air of a winter’s morning without inflating the lungs. Exercise will aid the work of digestion. To walk out after a meal, hold the head erect, put back the shoulders, and exercise moderately, will be a great benefit. The mind will be diverted from self to the beauties of nature. The limbs will strengthen with use. Moderate exercise every day will impart strength to the muscles, which without exercise become flabby and enfeebled. By active exercise in the open air every day, the liver, kidneys, and lungs also will be strengthened to perform their work. Bring to your aid the power of the will, which will resist cold and will give energy to the nervous system. In a short time you will so realize the benefit of exercise and pure air that you would not live without these blessings. Your lungs, deprived of air, will be like a hungry person deprived of food. Indeed, we can live longer without food than without air, which is the food that God has provided for the lungs. Therefore do not regard it as an enemy, but as a precious blessing from God.
Water
In health and in sickness, pure water is one of Heaven’s choicest blessings. Its proper use promotes health. It is the beverage which God provided to quench the thirst of animals and man. Drunk freely, it helps to supply the necessities of the system, and assists nature to resist disease. Water can be used in many ways to relieve suffering. Thousands have died for want of pure water and pure air, who might have lived . . . These blessings they need in order to become well. If they would become enlightened, and let medicine alone, and accustom themselves to outdoor exercise, and to air in their houses, summer and winter, and use soft water for drinking and bathing purposes, they would be comparatively well and happy instead of dragging out a miserable existence.
Sunshine
This is one of nature’s most healing agents. The feeble one should press out into the sunshine as earnestly and naturally as do the shaded plants and vines. The pale and sickly grain blade that has struggled up out of the cold of early spring, puts out the natural and healthy deep green after enjoying for a few days the health-and-life-giving rays of the sun. Go out into the light and warmth of the glorious sun, you pale and sickly ones, and share with vegetation its life-giving, health-dealing power.
If you would have your homes sweet and inviting, make them bright with air and sunshine. Remove your heavy curtains, open the windows, throw back the blinds, and enjoy the rich sunlight, even if it be at the expense of the colors of your carpets. The precious sunlight may fade your carpets, but it will give a healthful color to the cheeks of your children. If you have God’s presence and possess earnest, loving hearts, a humble home, made bright with air and sunlight, and cheerful with the welcome of unselfish hospitality, will be to your family and to the weary traveler a heaven below.
There are but few who realize that, in order to enjoy health and cheerfulness, they must have an abundance of sunlight, pure air, and physical exercise. . . No room in the house should be considered furnished and adorned without the cheering, enlivening light and sunshine, which are Heaven’s own free gift to man . . . .
If you would have your homes sweet and inviting, make them bright with air and sunshine. Remove your heavy curtains, open the windows, throw back the blinds, and enjoy the rich sunlight, even if it be at the expense of the colors of your carpets. The precious sunlight may fade your carpets, but it will give a healthful color to the cheeks of your children. If you have God’s presence and possess earnest, loving hearts, a humble home, made bright with air and sunlight, and cheerful with the welcome of unselfish hospitality, will be to your family and to the weary traveler a heaven below.
There are but few who realize that, in order to enjoy health and cheerfulness, they must have an abundance of sunlight, pure air, and physical exercise. . . No room in the house should be considered furnished and adorned without the cheering, enlivening light and sunshine, which are Heaven’s own free gift to man . . . .
Temperance and Self-Control
As our first parents lost Eden through the indulgence of appetite, our only hope of regaining Eden is through the firm denial of appetite and passion. Abstemiousness in diet, and control of all the passions, will preserve the intellect and give mental and moral vigor, enabling men to bring all their propensities under the control of the higher powers and to discern between right and wrong, the sacred and the common. All who have a true sense of the sacrifice made by Christ in leaving His home in heaven to come to this world that He might by His own life show man how to resist temptation, will cheerfully deny self and choose to be partakers with Christ of His sufferings.
Man came from the hand of his Creator perfect in organization and beautiful in form. He possessed a body heir to no disease, and a soul bearing the impress of Deity. He stood before God in the strength of perfect manhood. All the organs and faculties of his being were equally developed, and harmoniously balanced. Our natural inclinations and appetites were divinely appointed, and when given to man, were pure and holy. It was God's design that reason should rule appetite.
However, satan has succeeded in turning the world from God. The blessings provided in God's love and mercy he has turned into a deadly curse; this appetite, which has no foundation in nature, has destroyed millions. Intemperance of any kind benumbs the perceptive organs and so weakens the brain-nerve power that eternal things are not appreciated, but placed upon a level with the common. If our physical habits are not right, our mental and moral powers cannot be strong.
Indulgence in appetite is the greatest cause of physical and mental debility, and lies at the foundation of the feebleness which is apparent everywhere. Satan knows that he cannot overcome man unless he has control of his will. He can do this by deceiving man so that he will co-operate with him in transgressing the laws of nature in eating and drinking, which is transgression of the law of God. By use of this method, satan can keep man from attaining a perfectly Godly character.
Christ knew that in order to successfully carry forward the plan of Salvation He must commence the work of redeeming man just where the ruin began; Adam fell on the point of appetite. Satan was defeated in his attempt to overcome Christ upon the point of appetite during Christ's 40-day fast in the wilderness. And it was here in the wilderness that Christ achieved a victory in behalf of the race upon the point of appetite, making it possible for man, in all future time in His name to overcome the strength of appetite on his own behalf.
Man came from the hand of his Creator perfect in organization and beautiful in form. He possessed a body heir to no disease, and a soul bearing the impress of Deity. He stood before God in the strength of perfect manhood. All the organs and faculties of his being were equally developed, and harmoniously balanced. Our natural inclinations and appetites were divinely appointed, and when given to man, were pure and holy. It was God's design that reason should rule appetite.
However, satan has succeeded in turning the world from God. The blessings provided in God's love and mercy he has turned into a deadly curse; this appetite, which has no foundation in nature, has destroyed millions. Intemperance of any kind benumbs the perceptive organs and so weakens the brain-nerve power that eternal things are not appreciated, but placed upon a level with the common. If our physical habits are not right, our mental and moral powers cannot be strong.
Indulgence in appetite is the greatest cause of physical and mental debility, and lies at the foundation of the feebleness which is apparent everywhere. Satan knows that he cannot overcome man unless he has control of his will. He can do this by deceiving man so that he will co-operate with him in transgressing the laws of nature in eating and drinking, which is transgression of the law of God. By use of this method, satan can keep man from attaining a perfectly Godly character.
Christ knew that in order to successfully carry forward the plan of Salvation He must commence the work of redeeming man just where the ruin began; Adam fell on the point of appetite. Satan was defeated in his attempt to overcome Christ upon the point of appetite during Christ's 40-day fast in the wilderness. And it was here in the wilderness that Christ achieved a victory in behalf of the race upon the point of appetite, making it possible for man, in all future time in His name to overcome the strength of appetite on his own behalf.
Fresh Air
In order to have good health, we must have good blood; for the blood is the current of life. It repairs waste and nourishes the body. When supplied with proper food elements and when cleansed and vitalized by contact with pure air, it carries life and vigor to every part of the system. Thus, in order to have good blood, we must breathe well and have good circulation. The lungs are constantly throwing off impurities, and they need to be constantly supplied with fresh air. Full, deep inspirations of pure air, which fill the lungs with oxygen, purify the blood and encourage healthy and efficient circulation.
Fresh air imparts a bright color to blood therefore turning it into a life-giving current. A good respiration soothes the nerves; it stimulates appetite and renders digestion more perfect; and it induces sound, refreshing sleep. Thus, neglect of proper ventilation is responsible for much of the drowsiness and dullness that destroys lively vigor intended for everyday life.
Fresh air imparts a bright color to blood therefore turning it into a life-giving current. A good respiration soothes the nerves; it stimulates appetite and renders digestion more perfect; and it induces sound, refreshing sleep. Thus, neglect of proper ventilation is responsible for much of the drowsiness and dullness that destroys lively vigor intended for everyday life.
Sleep
It is needful to take care of the body and to study its needs and preserve it from unnecessary exposure. It is a sin to be ignorant of how to care for the wants of this habitation God has given us. Especially should brain workers begin to be soothed and not in any way excited as they draw nigh their hours for sleep. Allow yourself one or two hours, as will best please you, in the daytime for those personal pleasures that would normally keep you up late at night, and you will not feel so starved for intellectual food that you will partake of it in the night hours. God designed that the night shall be given to sleep.
In regulating the hours for sleep, there should be no haphazard work. Individuals should not form the habit of burning the midnight oil and taking the hours of the day for sleep. If they have formed habits of doing so, they should correct the habit, going to bed at a seasonable hour. Moreover, every hour of sleep before midnight counts for two hours after. In doing so, one will then rise in the morning refreshed for the duties of the day.
In regulating the hours for sleep, there should be no haphazard work. Individuals should not form the habit of burning the midnight oil and taking the hours of the day for sleep. If they have formed habits of doing so, they should correct the habit, going to bed at a seasonable hour. Moreover, every hour of sleep before midnight counts for two hours after. In doing so, one will then rise in the morning refreshed for the duties of the day.
Trust in Our Father
In this scripture we are taught that obedience to God’s requirements brings the obedient under the laws that control the physical being. Those who would preserve themselves in health must bring into subjection all appetites and passions. They must not indulge lustful passion and intemperate appetite, for they are to remain under control to God, and their physical, mental, and moral powers are to be so wisely employed that the bodily mechanism will remain in good working order.
Health, life, and happiness are the result of obedience to physical laws governing our bodies. If our will and way are in accordance with God’s will and way; if we do the pleasure of our Creator, He will keep the human organism in good condition, and restore the moral, mental, and physical powers, in order that He may work through us to His glory. Constantly His restoring power is manifested in our bodies. If we cooperate with Him in this work, health and happiness, peace and usefulness, are the sure results.
“And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us.” The fear here spoken of it not a servile fear, but a godly fear.
God gave these laws to Israel to preserve them in a happy, healthful state. If there had existed no Satan to tempt them, these special instructions would not have been needed; but unless the people had something to guide them, they would surely be led astray by the specious devisings of the enemy of all righteousness. Their only safety was to be found in hearkening with all diligence to the word of the Lord.
The great object we should always keep in view, when obtaining a knowledge of God’s laws, is that we are to become acquainted with His will in order that we may obey Him.
Health, life, and happiness are the result of obedience to physical laws governing our bodies. If our will and way are in accordance with God’s will and way; if we do the pleasure of our Creator, He will keep the human organism in good condition, and restore the moral, mental, and physical powers, in order that He may work through us to His glory. Constantly His restoring power is manifested in our bodies. If we cooperate with Him in this work, health and happiness, peace and usefulness, are the sure results.
“And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us.” The fear here spoken of it not a servile fear, but a godly fear.
God gave these laws to Israel to preserve them in a happy, healthful state. If there had existed no Satan to tempt them, these special instructions would not have been needed; but unless the people had something to guide them, they would surely be led astray by the specious devisings of the enemy of all righteousness. Their only safety was to be found in hearkening with all diligence to the word of the Lord.
The great object we should always keep in view, when obtaining a knowledge of God’s laws, is that we are to become acquainted with His will in order that we may obey Him.