MH page 335

It must be kept before the people that the right balance of the mental and moral powers depends in a great degree on the right condition of the physical system. All narcotics and unnatural stimulants that enfeeble and degrade the physical nature tend to lower the tone of the intellect and morals. Intemperance lies at the foundation of the moral depravity of the world. By the indulgence of perverted appetite, man loses his power to resist temptation.

Physical health conditions directly influence mental and moral capacities, and narcotics or stimulants degrade intellectual tone. It links physical states directly to mental and moral function, presenting a mind-body claim.

Temperance reformers have a work to do in educating the people in these lines. Teach them that health, character, and even life, are endangered by the use of stimulants, which excite the exhausted energies to unnatural, spasmodic action.

Reformers must educate the public that stimulants endanger health, character, and life by over-exciting exhausted energies. It provides instructional guidance for temperance advocates.

In relation to tea, coffee, tobacco, and alcoholic drinks, the only safe course is to touch not, taste not, handle not. The tendency of tea, coffee, and similar drinks is in the same direction as that of alcoholic liquor and tobacco, and in some cases the habit is as difficult to break as it is for the drunkard to give up intoxicants. Those who attempt to leave off these stimulants will for a time feel a loss and will suffer without them. But by persistence they will overcome the craving and cease to feel the lack. Nature may require a little time to recover from the abuse she has suffered; but give her a chance, and she will again rally and perform her work nobly and well.

Complete abstinence from tea, coffee, tobacco, and alcohol is the only safe course, and the body can recover if given time. It merges dietary/substance avoidance advice with empirical claims regarding withdrawal symptoms and bodily recovery.