Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

found in freedom from restraint, and in the enjoyment of forbidden pleasures
and self-gratification. This enjoyment is purchased at the expense of the
physical, mental, and moral health, and turns to bitterness at last.
How important, then, that fathers look well after the habits of their sons,
and their associates. And first of all he should see that no perverted appetite
holds him in bondage, lessening his influence with his sons, and sealing his
lips on the subject of self-indulgence in regard to hurtful stimulants.
Man can do much more for God and his fellow-man if he is in the vigor
of health than if he is suffering from disease and pain. Tobacco-using, liquordrinking,
and wrong habits of diet, induce disease and pain which
incapacitate man for the use he might be in the world. Nature, being
outraged, makes her voice heard, sometimes in no gentle tones of
remonstrance, in fierce pains and extreme debility. For every indulgence of
unnatural appetite the physical health suffers, the brain loses its clearness to
act and discriminate. The father, above all others, should have a clear, active
mind, quick perceptions, calm judgment, physical strength to support him in
his arduous duties, and most of all the help of God to order his acts aright.
He should therefore be entirely temperate, walking in the fear of God, and
the admonition of his law, mindful of all the small courtesies and kindnesses
of life, the support and strength of his wife, a perfect pattern for his sons to
follow, a counselor and authority for his daughters. He should stand forth in
the moral dignity of a man free from the slavery of evil habits and appetites,
qualified for the sacred responsibilities of educating his children for the
higher life.
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