The Gospel of Health
May 1, 1898
Sinful Indulgences
Christ removed every obstruction that would hinder man from returning to his allegiance to God. Christ became subject to suffering in behalf of man; and yet man, by his selfish indulgence, is willing to place himself in slippery places, and through unnatural appetite to obliterate the moral image of God. Man, who has been endowed with physical, mental, and moral power, has placed himself where he is a weakling. Satan knows that he cannot overcome man unless he can control his will; but by deceiving man so that he will transgress the laws of nature in eating and drinking, which is transgression of the law of God, he can gain control of the will, and thus overcome him. GosHealth May 1, 1898, par. 1
Here is where the subject of intemperance grows into importance. Here is where Satan works to confuse minds so that they cannot discern sacred things from common; cheap things are placed on a level with sacred; animalism is strengthened, the higher powers weakened. GosHealth May 1, 1898, par. 2
The physical and mental condition of parents is perpetuated in their offspring. This is a matter that is not duly considered. Wherever the habits of the parents are contrary to physical law, the injury done to themselves will be repeated in future generations. Satan knows this very well, and it is through this hereditary transmission that he is perpetuating his work. Those who indulge the animal passions and gratify lust will surely stamp upon their offspring the effects of their debasing practises, and the grossness of their own physical and moral defilement. Let the husband and wife in their married life prove a help and a blessing to each other. Let them consider the cost of every indulgence in intemperance and sensualism. These indulgences do not increase love, they do not ennoble and elevate. By physical, mental, and moral culture, all may become co-workers with Christ. Very much depends upon the parents. It lies with them to decide whether they will bring into the world children who will be a blessing or a curse. The father and mother who know no higher rule of life than selfish indulgence of lustful passions are not Christians. They are lowering the standard of intellectual and moral character, and are descending toward the brute creation, rather than ascending to work in harmony with Jesus Christ to restore the moral image of God in man. GosHealth May 1, 1898, par. 3
There is a much higher standard to be reached in every family. All can rise. By drawing nigh to God, they will receive power to resist the devil; for the Spirit of God lifts up a standard for them against the enemy. Benumb not, by intemperate habits, the faculties that God has given for wise improvement. Touch not, taste not, handle not, spirituous liquors in any form. But intemperance does not stop here; there are manufactured appetites which the Author of our being has never created, and every departure from the simple, natural laws which he has established in our being, is a departure from the law of God. This law embraces the treatment of the entire being. Every nerve and fiber and muscle of the body has been constructed by God, and so arranged as to minister happiness to the human agent. But man has sought out many inventions. He has treated the body as if its laws had no penalty, and in thus sinning against the body he has dishonored his Maker. GosHealth May 1, 1898, par. 4
Satan has carried out his plans in this respect. Man's appetite has become perverted, his organs and powers enfeebled, crippled, and diseased. And these results, which he has through his specious temptations brought about, he uses to taunt God with. He presents before God the appearance of the human being whom Christ has purchased as his property. And what an unsightly representation he is of his Maker! God is dishonored, because man has corrupted his ways before the Lord. GosHealth May 1, 1898, par. 5
God calls for reform in our churches. Appetites are cherished that are low and debasing, and entirely unnatural. Satan is playing the game of life for every soul. He is seeking to brutify humanity, whom God values; but when the appetite is held under the control of an intelligent, God-fearing mind, there will be a cultivation of pure, spiritual attributes. There will be a refusal to be led into slavery that destroys physical, mental, and moral worth, and leaves the human agent, for whom Christ has paid so high a price, crippled, worthless, and tossed about with temptation. GosHealth May 1, 1898, par. 6