Duty to Study the Laws of

Life.
• It is our duty to study the laws that govern our being,
and conform to them. Ignorance in these things is
sin.—Unpublished Testimonies, August 25, 1897.
• From the first dawn of reason, the human mind
should become intelligent in regard to the physical
structure. We may behold and admire the work of
God in the natural world, but the human habitation
is the most wonderful.—Unpublished Testimonies,
January 11, 1897.
 Physiology as a Study
• A practical knowledge of the science of human life is necessary in
order to glorify God in our bodies. It is therefore of the highest
importance that among studies selected for childhood, physiology
should occupy the first place.—The Health Reformer, August 1, 1866.
• It is well that physiology is introduced into the common schools as a
branch of education. All children should study it. It should be
regarded as the basis of all educational effort. And then parents
should see to it that practical hygiene be added. This will make their
knowledge of physiology of practical benefit.—The Health Reformer,
November 1, 1871.
 Ignorance of Physical Laws
• We have special duties resting upon us. We should be acquainted
with our physical structure and the laws controlling natural life.
While Greek and Latin, which are seldom of any advantage, are
made a study by many, physiology and hygiene are barely touched
upon. The study to which to give thought is that which concerns
natural life, a knowledge of oneself.... It is the house in which we
live that we need to preserve, that we may do honor to God who
has redeemed us.
• We need to know how to preserve the living machinery, that our
soul, body, and spirit may be consecrated to his service. As rational
beings we are deplorably ignorant of the body and its requirements.
While the schools we have established have taken up the study of
physiology, they have not taken hold with the decided energy they
should.
• They have not practised intelligently that which they have received in
knowledge, and do not realize that unless it is practised, the body will
decay.... This living machinery should be understood. Every part of its
wonderful mechanism should be carefully studied.—Unpublished
Testimonies, May 19, 1897.
• Physical life cannot be treated in a haphazard manner. Awaken to
your responsibilities.—Unpublished Testimonies, August 25, 1897.
• Ignorance of physiology and neglect to observe the laws of health
have brought many to the grave who might have lived to labor and
study intelligently.—Special Testimonies On Education, 98.
• To become acquainted with the wonderful human
organism,—the bones, muscles, stomach, liver,
bowels, heart, and pores of the skin,—and to
understand the dependence of one organ upon
another for the healthful action of all, is a study in
which most mothers take no interest.—Testimonies
for the Church 3:136.
• Study that marvelous organism, the human system,
and the laws by which it is governed.—Christian
Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 120.
 How to Reduce Mortality
If people would reason from cause to effect,
and would follow the light which shines upon
them, they would pursue a course which
would insure health, and the mortality
would be far less.... All who possess common
capabilities should understand the wants of
their own system.—How to Live, 51.
 Learn in Youth
• It is of the highest importance that men and women be instructed in
the science of human life, and in the best means of preserving and
acquiring physical health. Especially is youth the time to lay up a
stock of knowledge to be put in daily practise through life.—The
Health Reformer, November 1, 1877.
• Those who have occupied positions of influence have not
appreciated the work which has been so long neglected.... They
consider it far more important to become learners upon subjects of
less consequence to the human agent. Thousands upon thousands
know nothing of the body, and how to care for it. David declared, “I
am fearfully and wonderfully made.” And when God has given us
such a habitation, why should not every apartment be critically
examined?—Unpublished Testimonies, January 11, 1897.
It is best for those who claim to be sons and daughters of God to
avail themselves, while they can, of the opportunities now
presented to gain a knowledge of the human system, and how it
may be preserved in health.... The Lord will not work a miracle to
preserve any one in health who will not make an effort to obtain
knowledge within his reach concerning this wonderful habitation
that God has given. By the study of the human organism we are
to learn to correct what may be wrong in our habits, and which,
if left uncorrected, will bring the sure result, disease and
suffering, that make life a burden.... Let the mind become
intelligent, and the will be placed on the Lord’s side, and there
will be a wonderful improvement in the physical health. But this
can never be accomplished in mere human strength.—The
Medical Missionary, December 1, 1892.
 Duty of Ministers
• The ministers in our land need to become acquainted with the science
of physiology. Then they will be intelligent in regard to the laws that
govern physical life, and their bearings upon the health of mind and
soul. Then they will be able to speak correctly upon this subject. In
their obedience to physical laws they are to hold forth the word of life
to the people, and lead up higher and still higher in the work of
reform.—Unpublished Testimonies, January 11, 1897.
• In order to be fitted for translation, the people of God must know
themselves. They must understand in regard to their own physical
frames, that they may be able with the psalmist to exclaim, “I will
praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”—Testimonies
for the Church 1:486.