PREFACE
vancing the work in hand would many times have failed of accomplishment.
The author cannot flatter herself with the thought that she will succeed in convincing all who read this book of the truth it presents, for any question that concerns inducing belief in other minds is seldom settled by argument. But, if it be capable of practical solution, its worth is easily discovered through trial. And it is thus with the fast. But, because of almost universal dependence upon specialized advice, and because of human desire for tangible remedy, the method is hard to follow. It involves rigid self-denial in its initial stages and after it is broken it may prove disagreeable in application. If, for one moment, the immeasurable benefits that accrue from bodily purification and renewal are lost sight of, bitter lessons are taught. The slow processes of nature can never be hurried in action. Time elapses in the development of disease, and time must elapse ere cure results. Impatience is the evil underlying world-dependence upon drugs. Quickness of action is demanded, and a symptom suppressed is a cure accomplished in medical parlance. But, is this true? The text explains.
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