Reasons for Reform
27
derstanding in all visions and dreams.” At the expiration of the three
years of training, when their ability and acquirements were tested by
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the king, he “found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah;
therefore stood they before the king. And in all matters of wisdom
and understanding that the king required of them he found them ten
times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his
realm.”
Here is a lesson for all, but especially for the young. A strict
compliance with the requirements of God is beneficial to the health of
body and mind. In order to reach the highest standard of moral and
intellectual attainments, it is necessary to seek wisdom and strength
from God, and to observe strict temperance in all the habits of life.
In the experience of Daniel and his companions we have an instance
of the triumph of principle over temptation to indulge the appetite.
It shows us that through religious principle young men may triumph
over the lusts of the flesh, and remain true to God’s requirements, even
though it cost them a great sacrifice.
[
Daniel’s Diet—117, 241, 242
]
Unready for the Loud Cry
35. The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel’s
message, and is just as closely connected with it as are the arm and
hand with the human body. I saw that we as a people must make an
advance move in this great work. Ministers and people must act in
concert. God’s people are not prepared for the loud cry of the third
angel. They have a work to do for themselves which they should
not leave for God to do for them. He has left this work for them to
do. It is an individual work; one cannot do it for another. “Having
therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from
all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of
God.” Gluttony is the prevailing sin of this age. Lustful appetite makes
slaves of men and women, and beclouds their intellects and stupefies
their moral sensibilities to such a degree that the sacred, elevated truths
of God’s word are not appreciated. The lower propensities have ruled
men and women.
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In order to be fitted for translation, the people of God must know
themselves. They must understand in regard to their own physical