Carefully observe those articles of food which you find injurious, and avoid them.  Observe, also, as nearly as you can, the quantity which agrees with your stomach, and see that you never exceed it.  Take no food between your regular meals.  The stomach is employed from three to five hours in digesting a meal; if more food is taken during that time, it disturbs and impedes digestion, and makes it more laborious.  And, after one meal is digested, the stomach needs rest before another is taken.  In connection with these general hints, attention to the two following rules will generally be sufficient: 

(1.) Avoid highly seasoned food, fresh bread, heating condiments, and stimulating drinks.

(2.) Select the simplest dishes, and make your meal of a single course.  Mixed dishes are more likely to be injurious; and a second course will almost certainly lead to excess.

But, do not give your attention so much to this subject as to become splenetic.  The imagination has a great influence upon animal feeling; and if you are always watching the digestion of your food, you will be sure to find dyspeptic symptoms; and if you humor your stomach too much, you will weaken its capacity of accommodating itself to the kind of nutriment it receives.  Having fixed your principles of regimen, adhere to them as rigidly as you can without inconvenience to others; but having done this, let your mind dwell as little as possible on the subject, and do not make it a matter of frequent conversation.  Especially, do not make trouble to the friends who entertain you, when away from home, by excessive particularity.  You may find some wholesome dish on the most luxurious table; and if the table is lean, you need not fear.

As we are commanded, whether we eat or drink, or whatsoever we do, to do all to the glory of God, it may not be amiss to inquire how we may glorify God in eating and drinking. 1.  We may eat for the purpose of strengthening our bodies, to enable us to engage in the active service of the Lord. 2.  When we partake in moderation of the bounties of Providence, it is right that our animal appetites should be feasted with the delicious taste of the fruits of the earth.  But we must see the glory of God in it.  Here the benevolence of his character shines forth, in the wonderful provision which he has made for the gratification of our earthly appetites.  Hence we may argue the ineffable sweetness of the bread of life—­the food of the soul.  This mortal body is but a tent pitched in the wilderness, for the residence of the soul during its pilgrimage.  If, then, God has opened the treasures of the animal and vegetable kingdoms to please the taste of this meaner part, how much more abundant the provision for feasting the soul with pure spiritual food; with eternally increasing knowledge of the divine character and perfections!  But we cannot so partake of those rich and hurtful dainties invented by man.  The delight thus experienced