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Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

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We should not provide <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sabbath a more liberal supply or a<br />

greater variety of food than <strong>for</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r days. Instead of this <strong>the</strong> food<br />

should be more simple, and less should be eaten in order that <strong>the</strong> mind<br />

may be clear and vigorous to comprehend spiritual things.<br />

Cooking on <strong>the</strong> Sabbath should be avoided; but it is not <strong>the</strong>re<strong>for</strong>e<br />

necessary to eat cold food. In cold wea<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> food prepared <strong>the</strong> day<br />

be<strong>for</strong>e should be heated. And let <strong>the</strong> meals, however simple, be palatable<br />

and attractive. Especially in families where <strong>the</strong>re are children, it is well,<br />

on <strong>the</strong> Sabbath, to provide something that will be regarded as a treat,<br />

something <strong>the</strong> family do not have every day.<br />

Control of Appetite and Passions<br />

One of <strong>the</strong> strongest temptations that man has to meet is upon <strong>the</strong><br />

point of appetite. Between <strong>the</strong> mind and <strong>the</strong> body <strong>the</strong>re is a mysterious<br />

and wonderful relation. They react upon each o<strong>the</strong>r. To keep <strong>the</strong> body in<br />

a healthy condition to develop its strength, that every part of <strong>the</strong> living<br />

machinery may act harmoniously, should be <strong>the</strong> first study of our life.<br />

To neglect <strong>the</strong> body is to neglect <strong>the</strong> mind. It cannot be to <strong>the</strong> glory of<br />

God <strong>for</strong> His children to have sickly bodies or dwarfed minds. To indulge<br />

<strong>the</strong> taste at <strong>the</strong> expense of health is a wicked abuse of <strong>the</strong> senses. Those<br />

who engage in any species of intemperance, ei<strong>the</strong>r in eating or drinking,<br />

waste <strong>the</strong>ir physical energies and weaken moral power. They will feel<br />

<strong>the</strong> retribution which follows <strong>the</strong> transgression of physical law.<br />

Many are incapacitated <strong>for</strong> labor both mentally and physically by<br />

overeating and <strong>the</strong> gratification of <strong>the</strong> lustful passions. The animal<br />

propensities are streng<strong>the</strong>ned, while <strong>the</strong> moral and spiritual nature is<br />

enfeebled. When we shall stand around <strong>the</strong> great white throne, what a<br />

record will <strong>the</strong> lives of many <strong>the</strong>n present. Then will <strong>the</strong>y see what <strong>the</strong>y<br />

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