847. The mind does not wear out or break down so often on account of diligent employment and hard study, as on account of eating improper food at improper times, and of careless inattention to the laws of health. . . . Diligent study is not the principal cause of the breaking down of the mental powers. The main cause is improper diet, irregular meals, and a lack of physical exercise. Irregular hours for eating and sleeping sap the brain forces.— Y. I., May 31, 1894.
Insufficient Air.
848. Stomach, liver, lungs, and brain are suffering for the want of deep, full inspirations of air.—T., V. II, p. 67.
Improper Dress.
849. Artificial hair and pads covering the base of the brain, heat and excite the nerves centering in the brain. . . . The heat caused by these artificial coverings induces the blood to the brain, producing199congestion. In consequence of the brain’s being congested its nerves lose their healthy action.— H. R.
850. Their limbs, as well as their arms, are left almost naked. . . . The heart, weakened by too great labor, fails in its efforts, and the limbs become habitually cold; and the blood, which is chilled away from the extremities, is thrown back upon the lungs and brain, and inflammation and congestion of the lungs or the brain is the result.— H. to L., Chap. 5, pp. 71, 72.
Errors in Diet.
851. The brain is closely connected with the stomach, and its power has so often been called to aid the weakened digestive organs that it is in its turn weakened, depressed, congested.— T., V. II, p. 318.
852. The brain-nerve energy is benumbed and almost paralyzed by overeating.— T., V. II, p. 414.
853. Your health is greatly injured by overeating and eating at improper times. This causes a determination of the blood to the brain. The mind becomes confused, and you have not the proper control of yourself. You appear like a man whose mind is unbalanced. You make strong moves, are easily irritated, and view things in an exaggerated and perverted light.— T., V. IV, p. 501.
854. If the stomach is burdened with too much food, even of a simple character, the brain force is called to the aid of the digestive organs. There is a benumbed sensation upon the brain. It is almost impossible to keep the eyes open. . . . The brain is almost paralyzed in consequence of the amount of food eaten.— T., V. II, p. 603.
855. Nature bears abuse as long as she can without resisting, then she arouses and makes a mighty effort to rid herself of the incumbrances and evil treatment she has suffered. Then come headache, chills, fever, nervousness, paralysis, and other evils too numerous to mention.—T., V. II, p. 69.
856. Children should not be allowed to eat gross articles of food, such as pork, sausage, spices, rich cakes, and pastry; for by so doing their blood becomes fevered, the nervous system unduly excited, and the morals are in danger of being affected.—T., V. IV, p. 141.
857. Some animals that are brought to the slaughter seem to realize what is to take place, and they become furious, and literally mad. They are killed while in this state, and their flesh prepared for market. Their meat is poison, and has produced in those who have eaten it, cramps, convulsions, apoplexy, and sudden death.— H. to L., Chap. I, p. 60.
Stimulants.
858. The appetite for liquor is encouraged by the preparation of food with condiments and spices. These cause a feverish state of the system. . . . The effect of such food is to cause nervousness.—R. and H., 1883, No. 44.
859. To a certain extent tea produces intoxication. . . . Tea draws upon the strength of the nerves, and leaves them greatly weakened. . . . When the system is already overtaxed and needs rest, the use of tea spurs up nature by stimulation to unwonted, unnatural action, and thereby lessens her power to perform and her ability to endure; and her powers give out long before Heaven designed they should.201Tea is poisonous to the system. . . . The second effect of tea drinking is headache, wakefulness, palpitation of the heart, indigestion, trembling of the nerves, and many other evils.—T., V. II, p. 64.
860. The influence of coffee is in a degree the same as tea, but the effect upon the system is still worse. Its influence is exciting, and just in the degree that it elevates above par, it will exhaust and bring prostration below par. . . . The relief obtained from them [tea and coffee] is sudden, before the stomach has had time to digest them. This shows that what the users of these stimulants call strength is only received by exciting the nerves of the stomach, which convey the irritation to the brain, and this in turn is aroused to impart increased action to the heart, and short-lived energy to the entire system. All this is false strength, that we are the worse for having.—T., V. II, p. 65.
861. Tobacco is a poison of the most deceitful and malignant kind, having an exciting, then a paralyzing, influence upon the nerves.—F. of F., p. 128.
862. Tobacco-using is a habit which frequently affects the nervous system in a more powerful manner than does the use of alcohol.—T., V. III, p. 562.
863 While it [tobacco] acts upon some [infants who are compelled to inhale its fumes] as a slow poison, and affects the brain, heart, liver, and lungs, and they waste away and fade gradually, upon others it has a more direct influence, causing spasms, paralysis, and sudden death.—H. to L., Chap. 5, p. 68.
864. A tendency to disease of various kinds, as dropsy, liver complaint, trembling nerves, and a determination of blood to the head, results from the habitual use of sour cider. . . . Some die of consumption or fall under the power of apoplexy from this cause alone.— R. and H., 1884, No. 13.
Drugs.
865. The drugs given to stupefy, whatever they may be, derange the nervous system.— H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 57.
866. The liver, heart, and brain are frequently affected by drugs, and often all these organs are burdened with disease, and the unfortunate subjects, if they live, are invalids for life, wearily dragging out a miserable existence.— H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 61.
867. Witness the mildest protracted influence of nux vomica upon the human system. At its introduction, the nervous energy was excited to extraordinary action to meet this drug poison. This extra excitement was followed by prostration, and the final result has been paralysis of the nerves.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 58.
868. Poisonous medicines, or something called a soothing cordial, . . . is poured down the throat of the abused infant. . . . If it recovers, it must bear about more or less in its system the effects of that poisonous drug, and it is liable to spasms, heart disease, dropsy of the brain, or consumption. Some infants are not strong enough to bear even a trifle of drug poisons; and as nature rallies to meet the intruder, the vital forces of the tender infant are too severely taxed, and death ends the scene.—H. to L., Chap. 5, p. 70.
869. Impure thoughts lead to impure actions. Vice. . . . Some . . . are in danger of paralysis of the brain. Already the moral and intellectual powers are weakened and benumbed.— T., V. II, pp. 408, 409.
870. Many sink into an early grave, while others have a sufficient force of constitution to pass this ordeal. . . . Nature will make them pay the penalty for the transgression of her laws . . . by numerous pains in the system, . . . neuralgia, . . . affection of the spine.— S. A., pp. 63, 64.
Treatment for Nervous Disorders.
Improve the General Health.
871. The mind and body are intimately connected. If the former is to be firm and well balanced, the latter should be in the best possible condition. Conscience and right principles of life should be sustained by firm, quiet nerves, a healthy circulation, and the activity and strength of general health.— H. R.
Fresh Air.
872. Air, air, the precious boon of heaven, which all may have, will bless you with its invigorating influence if you will not refuse it entrance. Welcome it, cultivate a love for it, and it will prove a precious soother of the nerves. . . . It refreshes the body, . . . while at the same time its influence is decidedly felt upon the mind, imparting a degree of composure and serenity. . . . It induces sound, sweet sleep.— T., V. I, p. 702.
Diet.
873. You were in danger of being stricken down by paralysis, one half of you becoming dead. A denial of appetite is salvation to you.— T., V. I, p. 546.
874. All these brethren need to adhere more strictly and perseveringly to a healthful, spare diet, for all are in danger of congested brains, and paralysis may fell one or more or all of them, if they continue living carelessly or recklessly.— T., V. I, p. 588.
875. You should use the most simple food, prepared in the most simple manner, that the fine nerves of the brain be not weakened, benumbed, or paralyzed.— T., V. II, p. 46.
Exercise.
876. Healthy, active exercise is what you need. This will invigorate the mind. Neither study nor violent exercise should be engaged in immediately after a full meal.— T., V. II, p. 413.
877. Physical labor, a diversion from mental, will draw the blood from the brain.— T., V. II, p. 569.
878. Morning exercise, in walking in the free, invigorating air of heaven, . . . is the surest safeguard against colds, coughs, congestions of the brain and lungs, . . . and a hundred other diseases.— H. R.
879. The proper exercise of mind and body will develop and strengthen all the powers. Both mind and body will be preserved, and will be capable of doing a variety of work. . . . The proper use of the physical strength as well as the mental powers will equalize the circulation of the blood, and keep every organ of the living machinery in running order. . . . Every faculty of the mind may be exercised with comparative safety if the physical powers are equally taxed, and the subject of thought varied. We need205a change of employment, and nature is a living, healthful teacher.—Sp. Instr. on Ed. Work, p. 14.
The Bath.
880. The bath is a soother of the nerves.— T., V. III, p. 70.
Mental Influence.
881. Some . . . have a powerful will, which, exercised in the right direction, would be a potent means of controlling the imagination and thus resisting disease.— T., V. II, p. 524.
882. You are capable of controlling your imagination and overcoming these nervous attacks. You have will power, and you should bring it to your aid.— T., No. 32, p. 66.
883. Bring to your aid the power of the will, which will resist cold and will give energy to the nervous system.— T., V. II, p. 533.
884. The consciousness of right-doing is the best medicine for diseased bodies and minds.— T., V. I, p. 502.
The Bible.
885. The Bible is a soother of the nerves, and imparts solidity of mind and firm principles.— R. and H., 1878, Nov. 28.
CHAPTER XXX.
AUTO-INTOXICATION, OR SELF-POISONING.
886. The more active the circulation, the more free will be the blood from obstructions and impurities.—H. R.
Toxins Generated.
887. Impurities are constantly and imperceptibly passing from the body through the pores, and if the skin is not kept in a healthy condition, the system is burdened with impure matter. If the garments worn are not frequently cleansed from these impurities, the pores of the skin absorb again the waste matter thrown off. The impurities of the body, if not allowed to escape, are taken back into the blood, and forced upon the internal organs. Nature, to relieve herself of poisonous impurities, makes an effort to free the system, which effort produces fevers and what is termed disease.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 60.
888. Many families suffer with sore throat, and lung diseases, and liver complaints, brought upon them by their own course of action. . . . They keep their windows and doors closed, fearing they will take cold if there is a crevice open to let in the air. They breathe the same air over and over until it becomes impregnated with the poisonous impurities and waste matter thrown off from their bodies through the lungs and the pores207of the skin. These impurities are conveyed to the blood through the inhalations of the lungs.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 63.
889. Many are made sick by the indulgence of appetite. . . . So many varieties are introduced into the stomach that fermentation is the result. This condition brings on acute disease, and death frequently follows.—U. T., Aug. 25, 1897.
890. If physical exercise were combined with mental exertion, the blood would be quickened in its circulation, the action of the heart would be more perfect, impure matter would be thrown off, and new life and vigor would be experienced in every part of the body. . . . They closely apply their minds to books, and eat the allowance of a laboring man. Under such habits some grow corpulent, because the system is clogged. Others become lean, feeble, and weak, because their vital powers are exhausted in throwing off the excess of food; the liver becomes burdened and unable to throw off the impurities in the blood, and sickness is the result.—T., V. III, p. 490.
Defective Elimination.
891. The studied habit of shunning the air and avoiding exercise closes the pores, . . . making it impossible to throw off impurities through that channel. The burden of labor is thrown upon the liver, lungs, kidneys, etc., and these internal organs are compelled to do the work of the skin. Thus persons bring diseases upon themselves by their wrong habits.—T., V. II, p. 524.
CHAPTER XXXI.
COLDS.
Causes of Colds.
892. Many labor under the mistaken idea that if they have taken cold, they must carefully exclude the outside air, and increase the temperature of their room until it is excessively hot. The system may be deranged, the pores closed by waste matter, and the internal organs suffering more or less inflammation, because the blood has been chilled back from the surface and thrown upon them.— T., V. II, p. 530.
893. The effects produced by living in close, ill-ventilated rooms are these: . . . The body becomes relaxed; the skin becomes sallow; digestion is retarded, and the system is peculiarly sensitive to the influence of cold. A slight exposure produces serious diseases. Great care should be exercised not to sit in a draught or in a cold room when weary, or when in a perspiration.— T., V. I, p. 702.
894. If the child has taken cold, it is generally due to the wrong management of the mother. If its head is covered as well as its body while sleeping, in a short time it will be in a perspiration, caused by labored breathing, because of the lack of pure, vital air. When it is taken from beneath the covering, it is almost sure to take cold. The arms’ being naked exposes the infant to constant cold, and congestion of the lungs or brain. These exposures prepare the209way for the infant to become sickly and dwarfed.— H. to L., Chap. 5, p. 71.
895. When we overtax our strength, and become exhausted, we are liable to take cold, and at such times there is danger of disease’s assuming a dangerous form.— T., V. III, p. 13.
Clothing.
806. When the extremities, which are remote from the vital organs, are not properly clad, the blood is driven to the head, causing headache or nosebleed; or there is a sense of fulness about the chest, producing cough or palpitation of the heart, on account of too much blood in that locality.— T., V. II, p. 531.
897. An abundance of clothing about the chest, where is the great wheel of life, induces the blood to the lungs and brain, and produces congestion.— H. R.
898. A dress thus long gathers dew from the grass, . . . and in its bedraggled condition it comes in contact with the sensitive ankles, which are not sufficiently protected, quickly chilling them, and is one of the greatest causes of catarrh and of scrofulous swelling, and endangers health and life.— H. to L., Chap. 6, p. 62.
899. Drug takers are never well. They are always taking cold, which causes extreme suffering, because of the poison all through their system.— F. of F., p. 137.
Helpful Hints Concerning Colds.
900. At this time, of all others, the lungs should not be deprived of pure, fresh air. If pure air is ever necessary, it is when any part of the system, as the lungs or stomach, is diseased. Judicious exercise210would induce the blood to the surface, and thus relieve the internal organs. Brisk, yet not violent, exercise in the open air, with cheerfulness of spirits, will promote the circulation, giving a healthy glow to the skin, and sending the blood, vitalized by the pure air, to the extremities.— T., V. II, p. 530.
901. Bring to your aid the power of the will, which will resist cold, and will give energy to the nervous system.— T., V. II, p. 533.
902. Instead of increasing the liability to cold, a bath, properly taken, fortifies against cold, because the circulation is improved, . . . for the blood is brought to the surface, and a more easy and regular flow of blood through all the blood-vessels is obtained.— T., V. III, p. 71.
903. Morning exercise, in walking in the free invigorating air of heaven, . . . is the surest safeguard against colds, coughs, congestions of the brain and lungs, . . . and a hundred other diseases.— H. R.
904. Twice a week she should take a general bath, as cool as will be agreeable, a little cooler every time, until the skin is toned up.— T., V. I, p. 702.
CHAPTER XXXII.
FEVERS AND ACUTE DISEASES.
Causes of Acute Diseases.
995. Nature is burdened and endeavors to resist your efforts to cripple her. Chills and fevers are the result of those attempts to rid herself of the burden you lay upon her.— T., V. II, p. 68.
906. Nature, to relieve herself of poisonous impurities, makes an effort to free the system, which effort produces fevers and what is termed disease.— H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 60.
907. Nature bears abuse as long as she can without resisting, then she arouses, and makes a mighty effort to rid herself of the incumbrances and evil treatment she has suffered. Then come headache, chills, fevers, nervousness, paralysis, and other evils too numerous to mention.— T., V. II, p. 69
908. When we feed on flesh, the juices of what we eat pass into the circulation. A feverish condition is created, because the animals are diseased; and by partaking of their flesh we plant the seeds of disease in our own tissue and blood. Then, when exposed to the changes in a malarious atmosphere, to epidemics and contagious diseases, the system feels their effects; it is not in a condition to resist disease.— U. T., Nov. 5, 1896.
909. Highly seasoned animal food produces a feverish state of the system; especially if pork is used freely, the blood becomes impure, the circulation is not equalized, and chills and fever follow.— F. of F., p. 126.
910. Many times your children have suffered from fever and ague brought on by improper eating, when their parents were accountable for their sickness.—T., V. IV, p. 502.
911. Children should not be allowed to eat gross articles of food, such as pork, sausage, spices, rich cakes, and pastry; for by so doing their blood becomes fevered.— T., V. IV, p. 141.
912. Thousands have indulged their perverted appetites, have eaten a good meal, as they call it, and as the result have brought on a fever or some other acute disease, and certain death.— T., V. II, p. 69.
Ventilation.
913. The effects produced by living in close, ill-ventilated rooms are these: The system becomes weak and unhealthy, the circulation is depressed, the blood moves sluggishly through the system because it is not purified and ventilated by the pure, invigorating air of heaven. The mind becomes depressed and gloomy, while the whole system is enervated, and fevers and other acute diseases are liable to be generated.— T., V. I, pp. 702, 703.
Infection.
914. If fevers enter a family, often more than one have the same fever. This need not be if the habits of the family are correct. If their diet is as it should be, and they observe habits of cleanliness, and realize the necessity of ventilation, the fever need not extend213to another member of the family. The reason that fevers prevail in families, exposing the attendants, is because the sick-room is not kept free from poisonous infection by cleanliness and proper ventilation.— H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 57.
915. Families have been afflicted with fevers, some have died, and the remaining portion of the family circle have almost murmured against their Maker because of their distressing bereavements, when the sole cause of all their sickness and death has been the result of their own carelessness. The impurities about their own premises have brought upon them contagious diseases. . . . Disease of almost every description will be caused by inhaling the atmosphere affected by these decaying substances. There is constantly arising from them an effluvium that is poisoning the air.— F. of F., p. 141.
916. If a house be built where water settles around it, remaining for a time and then drying away, a poisonous miasma arises, and fever and ague, sore throat, lung diseases, and fevers will be the result.— H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 64.
Helpful Suggestions.
917. In nine cases out of ten the indisposition of children can be traced to some indulgence of the perverted appetite. Perhaps it is an exposure to cold, want of fresh air, irregularity in eating, or improper clothing; and all the parents need to do is to remove the cause, and secure for their children a period of quiet and rest or abstinence for a short time from food. An agreeable bath, of the proper temperature, will remove impurities from the skin,214and the unpleasant symptoms may soon disappear.
— H. R.
918. Reduce the feverish state of the system by a careful and intelligent application of water. These efforts will help nature in her struggle to free the system of impurities. . . . The use of water can accomplish but little if the patient does not feel the necessity of also strictly attending to his diet.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 60.
919. If, in their fevered state, water had been given them to drink freely, and applications had also been made externally, long days and nights of suffering would have been saved, and many precious lives spared. But thousands have died with raging fevers consuming them, until the fuel which fed the fever was burned up, the vitals consumed, and have died in the greatest agony, without being permitted to have water to allay their burning thirst. Water, which is allowed a senseless building to put out the raging elements, is not allowed human beings to put out the fire which is consuming the vitals.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 62.
920. The blessed, heaven-sent water, skilfully applied, would quench the devouring flame, but it is set aside for poisonous drugs.— T., No. 31, p. 191.
921. In cases of severe fever, abstinence from food for a short time will lessen the fever, and make the use of water more effectual. But the acting physician needs to understand the real condition of the patient, and not allow him to be restricted in diet for a great length of time until his system becomes enfeebled. While the fever is215raging, food may irritate and excite the blood; but as soon as the strength of the fever is broken, nourishment should be given in a careful, judicious manner. If food is withheld too long, the stomach’s craving for it will create fever, which will be relieved by a proper allowance of food of the right quality. It gives nature something to work upon. If there is a great desire expressed for food, even during the fever, to gratify that desire with a moderate amount of simple food would be less injurious than for the patient to be denied. When he can get his mind upon nothing else, nature will not be overburdened with a small portion of simple food.—T., V. II, pp. 384, 385.
922. The sick-room, if possible, should have a draught of air through it day and night. The draught should not come directly upon the invalid. While burning fevers are raging, there is but little danger of taking cold. But especial care is needful when the crisis comes, and the fever is passing away. Then constant watching may be necessary to keep vitality in the system.—H. to L., Chap. 4, pp. 59, 60.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
MORAL MALADIES.
General Statements.
923. Immorality abounds everywhere. Licentiousness is the special sin of the age. Never did vice lift its deformed head with such boldness as now.— T., V. II, p. 346.
924. A lethargy of unconscious sensualism, through indulgence of a perverted appetite, a constant submitting of soul and body and spirit to moral defilement, is upon the people. . . . And these lustful appetites, with their destroying power, have been transmitted from parents to children, and so intensified that the names of those who bear them are recorded in the books of heaven as transgressors of God’s law.— U. T., Jan. 11, 1897.
925. Moral pollution has done more than every other evil to cause the race to degenerate. It is practised to an alarming extent, and brings on disease of almost every description. Even very small children, infants, being born with natural irritability of the sexual organs, find momentary relief in handling them, which only increases the irritation, and leads to a repetition of the act, until a habit is established which increases with their growth. These children, generally puny and dwarfed, are prescribed for by physicians, and drugged; but217the evil is not removed. The cause still exists.— T., V. II, p. 391.
926. Many might have been saved if they had been carefully instructed in regard to the influence of this practice upon their health. They were ignorant of the fact that they were bringing much suffering upon themselves.— S. A., p. 55.
Inducing Causes of Immorality.
Diet.
927. If ever there was a time that the diet should be of the most simple kind, it is now. Meat should not be placed before our children. Its influence is to excite and strengthen the lower passions, and has a tendency to deaden the moral powers. . . . The less feverish the diet, the more easily can the passions be controlled.— T., V. II, p. 352.
928. You place upon your tables butter, eggs, and meat, and your children partake of them. They are fed with the very things that will excite their animal passions, and then you come to meeting and ask God to bless and save your children.— T., V. II, p. 362.
929. The very food they place before their children is such as to irritate the tender coats of the stomach. This excitement is communicated, through the nerves, to the brain, and the result is that the animal passions are aroused, and control the moral powers.— T., V. IV, p. 140.
930. By indulging in a wrong course of eating and drinking, thousands upon thousands are ruining their health, and not only is their health ruined, but their218morals are corrupted, because diseased blood flows through their veins.— U. T., Aug. 30, 1896.
Idleness.
931. To relieve the young from healthful labor is the worst possible course a parent can pursue. Their life is then aimless, the mind and hands unoccupied, the imagination active, and left free to indulge in thoughts that are not pure and healthful. In this condition they are inclined to indulge still more freely in that vice which is the foundation of all their complaints. . . . Some mothers with their own hands open the door and virtually invite the devil in, by permitting their children to remain in idleness.— S. A., p. 58.
Wicked Associates.
932. Children who are experienced in this vice seem to be bewitched by the devil until they can impart their vile knowledge to others.— S. A., p. 54.
933. Neighbors may permit their children to come to your house, to spend the evening and the night with your children. Here is a trial, and a choice for you, to run the risk of offending your neighbors by sending their children to their own homes, or gratify them, and let them lodge with your children, and thus expose them to be instructed in that knowledge which would be a lifelong curse to them.— S. A., p. 56.
934. If you are situated so that their intercourse with young associates cannot always be overruled as you would wish to have it, then let them visit your children in your presence, and in no case allow these associates to lodge in the same bed, or even in the same room. It will be far easier to prevent an evil than to cure it afterward.— S. A., p. 58.
Remedial Agencies.
Fortify Minds against Evil.
935. Mothers, it is a crime for you to allow yourselves to remain in ignorance in regard to the habits of your children. If they are pure, keep them so. Fortify their young minds, and prepare them to detest this health-and-soul-destroying vice. Shield them from becoming contaminated by associating with every young companion.— S. A., p. 58.
Regulate the Diet.
936. The less feverish the diet, the more easily can the passions be controlled.— T., V. II, p. 352.
Useful Labor.
937. Give your children physical labor, which will call into exercise the nerves and the muscles. The weariness attending such labor will lessen their inclination to indulge in vicious habits. Idleness is a curse. It produces licentious habits.— T., V. II, p. 349.
938. Active employment will give but little time to invite Satan’s temptations. They may be often weary, but this will not injure them. Nature will restore their vigor and strength in their sleeping hours, if her laws are not violated. And the thoroughly tired person has less inclination for secret indulgence.— S. A., p. 62.
Results of Impure Habits.
939. Moral pollution has done more than any other evil to cause the race to degenerate. . . . It brings on disease of almost every description.— T., V. II, p. 391.
940. Industry does not weary and exhaust one fifth part as much as the pernicious habit of self-abuse.— T., V. II, p. 349.
941. Secret indulgence is, in many cases, the only real cause of the numerous complaints of the young. This vice is laying waste the vital forces and debilitating the system; and until the habit which produced the result is broken off, there can be no permanent cure.— S. A., p. 58.
Physical Effects.
942. The sensitive nerves of the brain have lost their healthy tone by morbid excitation to gratify an unnatural desire for sensual indulgence.— T., V. II, p. 347.
943. Let us view the results of this vice upon the physical strength. Have you not marked the lack of healthy beauty, of strength and power of endurance, in your dear children? Have you not felt saddened as you watched the progress of disease upon them, which has baffled your skill and that of physicians? You listen to numerous complaints of headache, catarrh, dizziness, nervousness, pain in the shoulders and side, loss of appetite, pain in the back and limbs, wakeful, feverish nights, tired feelings in the morning, and great exhaustion after exercising. As you have seen the beauty of health disappearing, and have marked the sallow countenance or the unnaturally flushed face, have you been aroused sufficiently to look beneath the surface, to inquire into the cause of this physical decay? Have you observed the astonishing mortality among the youth?— S. A., p. 49.
944. In those who indulge in this corrupting vice before attaining their growth, the evil effects are more plainly marked, and recovery from its effects is more nearly hopeless. The frame is weak and221stunted, the muscles are flabby; the eyes become small, and appear at times swollen; the memory is treacherous, and becomes sieve-like; and the inability to concentrate the thoughts upon study increases.— T., V. II, p. 402.
945. The young indulge to quite an extent in this vice before the age of puberty, without experiencing at the time, to any very great degree, the evil results upon the constitution. But at this critical period, while merging into manhood and womanhood, nature makes them feel the previous violation of her laws.— S. A., p. 57.
946. Many sink into an early grave, while others have sufficient force of constitution to pass this ordeal. If the practice is continued from the age of fifteen and upwards, nature will protest against the abuse she has suffered and continues to suffer, and will make them pay the penalty of the transgression of her laws, especially from the ages of thirty to forty-five, by numerous pains in the system, and various diseases, such as affection of the liver and lungs, neuralgia, rheumatism, affection of the spine, diseased kidneys, and cancerous humors. . . . There is often a sudden breaking down of the constitution; and death is the result.— S. A., pp. 63, 64.
Mental Effects.
947. Have you not noticed that there was a deficiency in the mental health of your children? that their course seemed to be marked with extremes? that they were absent-minded? that they started nervously when spoken to, and were easily irritated? Have you not noticed that, when occupied upon a piece of work, they would look dreamingly, as though222the mind was elsewhere? And when they came to their senses, they were unwilling to own the work as coming from their hands, it was so full of mistakes, and showed such marks of inattention. Have you not been astonished at their wonderful forgetfulness? The most simple and oft-repeated directions would often be forgotten. They might be quick to learn, but it would be of no special benefit to them; the mind would not retain it. What they might learn through hard study, when they would use their knowledge, is missing, lost through their sieve-like memories. Have you not noticed their reluctance to engage in active labor, and their unwillingness to perseveringly accomplish that which they have undertaken, which taxes the mental as well as the physical strength?—S. A., p. 50.
948. Have you not witnessed the gloomy sadness upon the countenance, and frequent exhibitions of a morose temper in those who once were cheerful, kind, and affectionate? They are easily excited to jealousy, disposed to look upon the dark side, and when you are laboring for their good, imagine that you are their enemy, that you needlessly reprove and restrain them.—S. A., p. 50.
Moral Effects.
949. And have you inquired, Where will all this end? as you have looked upon your children from a moral point of view? Have you not noticed the increase of disobedience in your children, and their manifestations of ingratitude and impatience under restraint? Have you not been alarmed at their disregard of parental authority, which has bowed down the heart of their parents with grief, and223prematurely sprinkled their heads with gray hair? Have you not witnessed the lack of that noble frankness in your children which they once possessed, and which you admired in them? Some children even express in their countenances a hardened look of depravity. Have you not felt distressed and anxious as you have seen the strong desire in your children to be with the other sex, and their overpowering disposition to form attachments when quite young? . . . Mothers, the great cause of these physical, mental, and moral evils is secret vice, which inflames the passions, fevers the imagination, and leads to fornication and adultery. This vice is laying waste the constitution of very many, and preparing them for diseases of almost every description.—S. A., p. 53.
950. Upon their very countenances is imprinted the sin of Sodom. A continuance of these sins will bring the sure and terrible results. They will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. They will receive the sentence, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still.”—U. T., Jan. 11, 1897.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
RATIONAL REMEDIES FOR DISEASE.
Efforts of Nature to Resist Disease.
951. Nature alone possesses restorative powers. She alone can build up her exhausted energies, and repair the injuries she has received by inattention to her fixed laws.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 57.
952. Nature alone is the effectual restorer.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 60.
953. Nature, to relieve herself of poisonous impurities, makes an effort to free the system, which effort produces fevers, and what is termed disease.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 60.
954. Nature bears abuse as long as she can without resisting, then she arouses, and makes a mighty effort to rid herself of the incumbrances and evil treatment she has suffered. Then come headache, chills, fevers, nervousness, paralysis, and other evils too numerous to mention.—T., V. II, p. 69.
955. Nature is loath to give up her hold on life. She is unwilling to cease her struggle.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 63.
956. Give nature a chance, and she will rally and again perform her part nobly and well.—T., V. I, p. 549.
957. Nature was doing her best to rid the system of an accumulation of impurities, and could she have been left to herself, aided by the common225blessings of Heaven, such as pure air and pure water, a speedy and safe cure would have been effected.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 60.
958. All the credit should be ascribed to nature’s restorative power.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 50.