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Counsels on Diet and Foods
Ministers and teachers are to give to others the light they have received.
Their work in every line is needed. God will help them; He will
strengthen His servants who stand firmly, and will not be swayed from
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truth and righteousness in order to accommodate self-indulgence.
The work of educating in medical missionary lines is an advance
step of great importance in awakening man to his moral responsi-
bilities. Had the ministers taken hold of this work in its various de-
partments in accordance with the light which God has given, there
would have been a most decided reformation in eating, drinking, and
dressing. But some have stood directly in the way of the advance of
health reform. They have held the people back by their indifferent or
condemnatory remarks, or by pleasantries and jokes. They themselves
and a large number of others have been sufferers unto death, but all
have not yet learned wisdom.
It has been only by the most aggressive warfare that any advance-
ment has been made. The people have been unwilling to deny self,
unwilling to yield the mind and will to the will of God; and in their
own sufferings, and in their influence on others, they have realized the
sure result of such a course.
The church is making history. Every day is a battle and a march.
On every side we are beset by invisible foes, and we either conquer
through the grace given us by God or we are conquered. I urge that
those who are taking a neutral position in regard to health reform be
converted. This light is precious, and the Lord gives me the message
to urge that all who bear responsibilities in any line in the work of God
take heed that truth is in the ascendancy in the heart and life. Only
thus can any meet the temptations they are sure to encounter in the
world.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:376-378, 1900
Failure to Practice Health Reform Disqualifies For the Ministry
Why do some of our ministering brethren manifest so little interest
in health reform? It is because instruction on temperance in all things
is opposed to their practice of self-indulgence. In some places this has
been the great stumbling block in the way of our bringing the people
to investigate and practice and teach health reform. No man should be
set apart as a teacher of the people while his own teaching or example
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contradicts the testimony God has given His servants to bear in regard