20
Counsels on Diet and Foods
harmless, was slowly but surely laying the foundation for dyspepsia
and other diseases.—
Testimonies for the Church 9:158-160, 1909
In the Front Ranks of Reformers
25. Seventh-day Adventists are handling momentous truths. More
than forty years ago the Lord gave us special light on health reform,
but how are we walking in that light? How many have refused to
live in harmony with the counsels of God! As a people, we should
make advancement proportionate to the light received. It is our duty to
understand and respect the principles of health reform. On the subject
of temperance we should be in advance of all other people; and yet
there are among us well-instructed members of the church, and even
ministers of the gospel, who have little respect for the light that God
has given upon this subject. They eat as they please, and work as they
please.
Let those who are teachers and leaders in our cause take their stand
firmly on Bible ground in regard to health reform and give a straight
testimony to those who believe we are living in the last days of this
earth’s history. A line of distinction must be drawn between those
who serve God, and those who serve themselves.—
Testimonies for
the Church 9:158, 1909
26. Shall those who are “looking for that blessed hope, and the
glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who
gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and pu-
rify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works,” be behind
the religionists of the day who have no faith in the soon appearing of
our Saviour? The peculiar people whom He is purifying unto Himself,
[25]
to be translated to heaven without seeing death, should not be behind
others in good works. In their efforts to cleanse themselves from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God,
they should be as far ahead of any other class of people on the earth,
as their profession is more exalted than that of others.—
Testimonies
for the Church 1:487, 1867
Health Reform and Prayer for the Sick
27. In order to be purified and to remain pure, Seventh-day Adven-
tists must have the Holy Spirit in their hearts and in their homes. The