Teaching Health Principles
353
teach its principles, both by precept and by a quiet, consistent example.
At our large gatherings, instruction should be given upon health and
temperance. Seek to arouse the intellect and the conscience. Bring
into service all the talent at command, and follow up the work with
publications upon the subject. “Educate, educate, educate,” is the
message that has been impressed upon me.—[
Christian Temperance
and Bible Hygiene, 117
]
Counsels on Health, 449, 1890
781. As we near the close of time, we must rise higher and still
higher upon the question of health reform and Christian temperance,
[452]
presenting it in a more positive and decided manner. We must strive
continually to educate the people, not only by our words, but by our
practice. Precept and practice combined have a telling influence.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:112, 1900
Appeal to Ministers, Conference Presidents, and Other Leaders
782. Our ministers should become intelligent on health reform.
They need to become acquainted with physiology and hygiene; they
should understand the laws that govern physical life, and their bearing
upon the health of mind and soul.
Thousands upon thousands know little of the wonderful body God
has given them or of the care it should receive; and they consider it
of more importance to study subjects of far less consequence. The
ministers have a work to do here. When they take a right position
on this subject, much will be gained. In their own lives and homes
they should obey the laws of life, practicing right principles and living
healthfully. Then they will be able to speak correctly on this subject,
leading the people higher and still higher in the work of reform. Living
in the light themselves, they can bear a message of great value to those
who are in need of just such a testimony.
There are precious blessings and a rich experience to be gained
if ministers will combine the presentation of the health question with
all their labors in the churches. The people must have the light on
health reform. This work has been neglected, and many are ready to
die because they need the light which they ought to have and must
have before they will give up selfish indulgence.
The presidents of our conferences need to realize that it is high
time they were placing themselves on the right side of this question.