Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

thus gives the tea drinker the impression that it is
doing him great service, imparting to him strength.
This is a mistake. Tea draws upon the strength of
the nerves and leaves them greatly weakened.
When its influence is gone and the increased action
caused by its use is abated, then what is the result?
Languor and debility corresponding to the artificial
vivacity the tea imparted. When the system is
already overtaxed and needs rest, the use of tea
spurs up nature by stimulation to perform
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. Tea is poisonous to the system.
Christians should let it alone. 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. Tea and coffee drinkers carry the marks
upon their faces. The skin becomes sallow and
assumes a lifeless appearance. The glow of health
is not seen upon the countenance.
100