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(Note: In what follows “CD 301.2” means “Counsels on Diet and Foods, page 301, paragraph 2 and so on.”)

Nature’s Remedial Agencies

451. There are many ways of practicing the healing art; but there is only one way that Heaven approves. God’s remedies are the simple agencies of nature, that will not tax or debilitate the system through their powerful properties. Pure air and water, cleanliness, a proper diet, purity of life, and a firm trust in God, are remedies for the want of which thousands are dying; yet these remedies are going out of date because their skillful use requires work that the people do not appreciate. Fresh air, exercise, pure water, and clean, sweet premises, are within the reach of all, with but little expense; but drugs are expensive, both in the outlay of means, and the effect produced upon the system.—Testimonies for the Church 5:443, 1885 {CD 301.2}

452. Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power,—these are the true remedies. Every person should have a knowledge of nature’s remedial agencies and how to apply them. It is essential both to understand the principles involved in the treatment of the sick and to have a practical training that will enable one rightly to use this knowledge. {CD 301.3}

The use of natural remedies requires an amount of care and effort that many are not willing to give. Nature’s process of healing and upbuilding is gradual, and to the impatient it seems slow. The surrender of hurtful indulgences requires sacrifice. But in the end it will be found that nature, untrammeled, does her work wisely and well. Those who persevere in obedience to her laws will reap the reward in health of body and health of mind.—The Ministry of Healing, 127, 1905 {CD 301.4}

Faith and Correct Eating and Drinking

455. Let those who are sick do all in their power, by correct practice in eating, drinking, and dressing, and by taking judicious exercise, to secure the recovery of health. Let the patients who come to our sanitariums be taught to cooperate with God in seeking health. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” God made nerve and muscle in order that they might be used. It is the inaction of the human machinery that brings suffering and disease.—Letter 5, 1904 {CD 303.2}

456. Those who treat the sick should move forward in their important work with strong reliance upon God for His blessing to attend the means which He has graciously provided, and to which He has in mercy called our attention as a people, such as pure air, cleanliness, healthful diet, proper periods of labor and repose, and the use of water.—Testimonies for the Church 1:561, 1867 {CD 303.3}

A Remedial Diet

461. Intemperate eating is often the cause of sickness, and what nature most needs is to be relieved of the undue burden that has been placed upon her. In many cases of sickness, the very best remedy is for the patient to fast for a meal or two, that the overworked organs of digestion may have an opportunity to rest. A fruit diet for a few days has often brought great relief to brain workers. Many times a short period of entire abstinence from food, followed by simple, moderate eating, has led to recovery through nature’s own recuperative effort. An abstemious diet for a month or two would convince many sufferers that the path of self-denial is the path to health.—The Ministry of Healing, 235, 1905 {CD 305.1}

The contents above are excerpts taken from the book entitled “Counsels on Diet and Foods” by Ellen G. White.

You can read all of the writings of Ellen G. White for free at egwwritings.org. Other official websites related to Ellen White are whiteestate.org and ellenwhite.org. There is also a free smartphone app named EGW Writings 2 for Android phones and the iPhone with which you can freely read, search, and download the Ellen G. White writings to your phone. One great feature of the app is that once you have downloaded books to your phone, you can read them offline.

Further Reading

Read online or download my free Ebook “Victory in Christian Warfare.” This book teaches you how to have a close, intimate relationship with God who rewards those who know Him in this way with eternal life with Him. The book is also available for sale at Amazon marketplaces worldwide.

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