I Will Use Self-Control in Eating

[Darryl Thompson]

I Will Use Self-Control in Eating 

     Blessed art thou, O land, when . . . thy princes eat
in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! Eccl.
10:17  

     The observance of temperance and regularity in all
things has a wonderful power. It will do more than
circumstances or natural endowments in promoting that
sweetness and serenity of disposition which count so much
in smoothing life's pathway. At the same time the power of
self-control thus acquired will be found one of the most
valuable equipments for grappling successfully with the
stern duties and realities that await every human being.  

     We urge that the principles of temperance be carried
into all the details of home life; . . . that self-denial
and self-control should be taught to the children, and
enforced upon them, so far as consistent, from babyhood.  

     Children should be taught that they must not have
their own way, but that the will of their parents must
guide them. One of the most important lessons in this
connection is the control of appetite. They should learn to
eat at regular periods and to allow nothing to pass their
lips between these stated meals. . . .  

     Children reared in this way are much more easily
controlled than those who are indulged in eating everything
their appetite craves, and at all times. They are usually
cheerful, contented, and healthy. Even the most stubborn,
passionate, and wayward have become submissive, patient,
and possessed of self-control by persistently following up
this order of diet, united with a firm but kind management
in regard to other matters.  

     Let every youth in our land, with the possibilities
before him of a destiny higher than that of crowned kings,
ponder the lesson conveyed in the words of the wise man,
"Blessed art thou, O land, when . . . thy princes eat in
due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!"

>From My Life Today - Page 82