Adam and Eve in Eden were noble in stature, and perfect in symmetry and beauty. They were
sinless, and in perfect health. What a contrast to the human race now! Beauty is gone. Perfect health
is not known. Everywhere we look we see disease, deformity, and imbecility….
Since the fall, intemperance in almost every form has existed. The appetite has controlled reason.
The human family have followed in a course of disobedience and, like Eve, have been beguiled by
Satan to disregard the prohibitions God has made, flattering themselves that the consequence would
not be as fearful as had been apprehended. The human family have violated the laws of health, and
have run to excess in almost everything. Disease has been steadily increasing. The cause has been
followed by the effect.
God gave our first parents the food He designed that the race should eat. It was contrary to His plan
to have the life of any creature taken. There was to be no death in Eden. The fruit of the trees in the
garden was the food their wants required. God gave no one permission to eat animal food until after
the Flood….
Many marvel that the human race has so degenerated, physically, mentally, and morally. They do
not understand that it is the violation of God’s constitution and laws and the violation of the laws of
health that have produced this sad degeneracy. The transgression of God’s commandments has
caused His prospering hand to be removed. Intemperance in eating and in drinking, and the
indulgence of base passions, have benumbed the fine sensibilities, so that sacred things have been
placed upon a level with common things….
Many have expected that God would keep them from sickness merely because they have asked Him
to do so. But God did not regard their prayers, because their faith was not made perfect by works.
God will not work a miracle to keep those from sickness who have no care for themselves, but are
continually violating the laws of health, and make no effort to prevent disease…. God will not work
in a miraculous manner to preserve the health of persons who are taking a sure course to make
themselves sick, by their careless inattention to the laws of health.—The Review and Herald, April
2, 1914.