Abstinence Quotes

The true fasting which should be recommended to all is abstinence from every stimulating kind of food, and the proper use of wholesome, simple food, which God has provided in abundance.

Ellen G White

There are some who would be benefited more by abstinence from food for a day or two every week than by any amount of treatment or medical advice. To fast one day a week would be of incalculable benefit to them.

Ellen G White

Many times a short period of entire abstinence from food, followed by simple, moderate eating, has led to recovery through nature's own recuperative effort.

Ellen G White

The whole duty of man is embraced in the two principles of abstinence and patience: temperance in prosperity, and patient courage in adversity.

Seneca

Complete abstinence is easier than perfect moderation.

Augustine

Abstinence destroys the food of disease.

Proclus

Abstinence is the best remedy for those diseases arising from gluttony.

Galen

Abstinence would seldom be required if intemperance did not exist.

Frankhum

Abstinence is easier than temperance.

Seneca

Abstinence is the surety of temperance.

Plato

Abstinence is the great strengthener and clearer of reason.

Robert South

Abstinence is as easy to me as temperance would be difficult.

Samuel Johnson

Abstinence is many times very helpful to the end of religion.

John Tillotson

Abstinence is a window of clarity through which one can better find one's work and one's mate.

Lance Morrow

Alas! this time is never the time for self-denial, it is always the next time. Abstinence is so much more pleasant to contemplate upon the other side of indulgence.

George MacDonald

Against diseases here the strongest fence is the defensive vertue, Abstinence.

Robert Herrick

The only way for a rich man to be healthy is by exercise and abstinence, to live as if he were poor.

William Temple

Temperance is moderation in the things that are good and total abstinence from the things that are foul.

Frances E Willard

Achieving true sobriety goes beyond abstinence. it's also about healing your soul, apologizing for damage you did to others, and seeking forgiveness.

Lou Gramm

Avoid the necessity of a physician, if you can, by careful attention to your diet. Eat what best agrees with your system, and resolutely abstain from what hurts you, however well you may like it. A few days' abstinence, and cold water for a beverage, has driven off many an approaching disease.

Lydia M Child

Assume a virtue, if you have it not. That monster, custom, who all sense doth eat, Of habits devil, is angel yet in this, That to the use of actions fair and good He likewise gives a frock or livery That aptly is put on. Refrain tonight, And that shall lend a kind of easiness To the next abstinence; the next more easy; For use almost can change the stamp of nature.

Shakespeare

If we feel that any habit or pursuit, harmless in itself, is keeping us from God and sinking us deeper in the things of earth; if we find that things which others can do with impunity are for us the occasion of falling, then abstinence is our only course. Abstinence alone can recover for us the real value of what should have been for our help but which has been an occasion of falling. ... It is necessary that we should steadily resolve to give up anything that comes between ourselves and God.

William Ralph Inge

Jesus has many lovers of His kingdom of heaven, but he has few bearers of His Cross. Many desire His consolation, but few desire His tribulation. He finds many comrades in eating and drinking, but He finds few hands who will be with Him in His abstinence and fasting. But those who love Jesus purely for Himself, and not for their own profit or convenience, bless Him as heartily in temptation and tribulation and in all other adversities as they do in time of consolation. And if He never sent them consolation, they would still bless and praise Him.

Thomas a Kempis

Too much is a vanity; enough is a feast.

Francis Quarles

Abstinence is approved of God.

Geoffrey Chaucer

Abstaining so as really to enjoy, is the epicurism, the very perfection, of reason.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

All philosophy lies in two words, sustain and abstain.

Epictetus

Abstinence from all hurtful food and drink is the fruit of true religion. He who is thoroughly converted will abandon every injurious habit and appetite. By total abstinence he will overcome his desire for health-destroying indulgences.

Ellen G White

The only safety for the inebriate, and the only safeguard for the temperate man, is total abstinence.

Ellen G White

Our danger is not from scarcity, but from abundance. We are constantly tempted to excess. Those who would preserve their powers unimpaired for the service of God, must observe strict temperance in the use of his bounties, as well as total abstinence from every injurious or debasing indulgence.

Ellen G White

You must put on the robe of Christ's righteousness. You must be like Christ. Consider the severe test that Christ endured in the wilderness of temptation on the point of appetite. He was emaciated by that long abstinence on your account and on mine; He fought and conquered Satan, that He might give us vantage ground, bringing us divine strength to conquer appetite and every unholy passion.

Ellen G White

Abstinence from the things that God has prohibited is the only way to prevent ruin of body and mind.

Ellen G White

He who is thoroughly converted will abandon every defiling habit and appetite. By total abstinence he will overcome his desire for health-destroying indulgences.

Ellen G White

Abstinence from every hurtful lust, in denial of appetite, brings the body into a more healthful condition to continue the warfare in stronger faith with clearer, keener perception. Thus we gain the mastery over every hurtful, health-enfeebling, life-destroying lust.

Ellen G White

God gave Daniel “knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom.” His blessing attended the man who put forth human effort in accordance with the divine will. The same help will still be given to all who pursue a similar course, and with the glory of God in view practice abstinence and self-restraint. The same difference will be seen between them and the self-indulgent that there was between Daniel and his fellows and the other youth in the king's court. There will be the clear eye and complexion, the firm tread, the strength and vigor of intellect, the keen perception of spiritual truth.

Ellen G White

Total abstinence would do great and wonderful things for society. It is the moderate use of the dangerous article which makes drunkards.

Ellen G White

Intemperate eating is often the cause of sickness, and what nature most needs is to be relieved of the undue burden that has been placed upon her. In many cases of sickness, the very best remedy is for the patient to fast for a meal or two, that the overworked organs of digestion may have an opportunity to rest. A fruit diet for a few days has often brought great relief to brain workers. Many times a short period of entire abstinence from food, followed by simple, moderate eating, has led to recovery through nature's own recuperative effort. An abstemious diet for a month or two would convince many sufferers that the path of self-denial is the path to health.

Ellen G White