Through the instrumentality of the Spirit of prophecy, hygienic reform early became a prominent feature of denominational belief. Important principles of healthful living were brought to the attention of the believers at a time when there was a dearth of knowledge on the subject, and long before there was any organized effort to teach the public the principles of preventive medicine and natural methods of treating illness.
It is therefore most fitting that the denominational platform of belief give definite place to matters pertaining to bodily care and physical well-being. Man is a well-organized whole, and his spiritual nature and needs cannot be segregated or divorced from his physical, anatomical nature.
In their dealings with the human race, we find God the Father and Jesus our Saviour not unmindful of the bodily needs of the Edenic pair, or of the children of Israel. In fact, all through the Biblical record, solicitude is manifested for the physical well-being. Thus we read, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." 3 John 2.
Not only are the physical, mental, and moral natures of man not to be segregated or isolated from each other, but we are clearly taught that habits of living and regard for the natural laws governing our physical bodies have a definite, intimate effect upon spiritual experience. Furthermore, it is well known that it is fundamentally a part of the plan of salvation that the image of God, lost through disobedience, be fully restored in man. This restoration must therefore take place in the mental, moral, and physical natures, since each was affected by the curse of sin. This being true, it is vitally important that proper provision be made for instruction in, and observance of, the principles of healthful living.
"One of the most deplorable effects of the original apostasy was the loss of man's power of self-control. Only as this power is regained can there be real progress. The body is the only medium through which the mind and the soul are developed for the upbuilding of character. Hence it is that the adversary of souls directs his temptations to the enfeebling and degrading of the physical powers. His success here means the surrender to evil of the whole being."—"Ministry of Healing," pp. 129, 130.
While hygienic reform and the observance of natural law plays an important role in spiritual living, it is misguided zeal and an impaired perspective that gives prominence to this phase to the exclusion of the body of the message.
"The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel's message, and is just as closely connected with it as are the arm and hand with the human body."—"Testimonies," Vol. I, p. 486.
"The health reform is closely connected with the work of the third message, yet it is not the message. Our preachers should teach the health reform, yet they should not make this the leading theme in the place of the message. Its place is among those subjects which set forth the preparatory work to meet the events brought to view by the message; among these it is prominent. We should take hold of every reform with zeal, yet should avoid giving the impression that we are vacillating, and subject to fanaticism."—"Testimonies," Vol. 1, p. 559.
"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."—"Testimonies," Vol. III, p. 161.
Here is sound, balanced counsel that I am sure appeals to all. What a blessing it is that all these principles have been made so clear to us as a people. We are to avoid a fanaticism on the one hand and a careless liberalism on the other.
H. M. W.
Harmful Soft Drinks
It is unfortunate that individuals who virtuously abstain from alcoholic liquors often innocently fall into the error of partaking of so-called soft drinks that are not without harm. There is a widespread demand for the nonalcoholic soda-fountain beverage. For the most part these drinks are artificially colored, artificially flavored, and often prepared or bottled under none-too-sanitary conditions. The chief virtue of these beverages is that they do not contain alcohol. True, they are liquid, and generally refreshingly cool. The artificial flavor may tickle the palate for a moment, and the color may have a psychic effect upon some; but really how far short they fall as compared to a cool drink of sparkling water. And how inferior are artificial drinks as compared to a refreshing drink of healthful, genuine fruit beverage!
But the artificiality and the fact that these prepared drinks may be mixed and served under conditions that are not the most cleanly, are not the most serious objections to some of these soda-fountain beverages. Our chief concern is the fact that unsuspected harmful ingredients are contained in these drinks. Perhaps the most popular and widely sold, and at the same time one of the most objectionable, artificial drinks is Coca 'Cola. This is the drink that is said to be so refreshing. It is widely relied upon, and indeed many daily depend upon it to give them "pickup," and to relieve both the morning and the afternoon "slump." Caffeine, a stimulating alkaloid, the drug also found in tea and in coffee, is the chief active principle in Coca Cola and other drinks having a similar physiologic effect. Dr. O. T. Osborne, of Yale University, an eminent authority on the action of drugs, speaks of caffeine as follows:
"While it stimulates, it leaves the brain more fatigued after its action is over, and when it is used repeatedly as a cerebral stimulant... it can do nothing but cause general nerve and brain fatigue, unless adequate sleep is obtained."—"Principles of Therapeutics," p. 214.
"There is no question but that a caffeine habit can be acquired."—Id., p. 215.
These two brief quotations will help in understanding the action of caffeine-containing beverages. Coca Cola, I am told, is quite freely used even in Seventh-day Adventist ranks, and we therefore quote Doctor Osborne's opinion and warning regarding its use as follows:
"It is not necessary here to discuss the end results of the Coca Cola habit ; it is serious, and is especially harmful to children and youth. The cause of the habit is the caffeine in the mixture. It is not pertinent to discuss the small amount that one glass may contain, or that the civilized world drinks tea and coffee freely. The Coca Cola habit is pernicious."—Id., 216. (Italics ours.)
From the foregoing it is obvious that these caffeine soft drinks are hard on the nervous system.
H. M. W.
