362
Counsels on Diet and Foods
[
Sanitarium Patients to Be Taught Correct Diet by Properly Fur-
nished Table—442, 443
]
[
Sanitarium Patients to Be Taught Temperance—474
]
Handle the Flesh Meat Question Wisely
795. In this country [
Australia
] there is an organized vegetarian
society, but its numbers are comparatively few. Among the people in
general, meat is largely used by all classes. It is the cheapest article
of food; and even where poverty abounds, meat is usually found upon
the table. Therefore there is the more need of handling wisely the
question of meat eating. In regard to this matter there should be no
rash movements. We should consider the situation of the people, and
the power of lifelong habits and practices, and should be careful not to
urge our ideas upon others, as if this question were a test, and those
who eat largely of meat were the greatest sinners.
All should have the light on this question, but let it be carefully
presented. Habits that have been thought right for a lifetime are not to
be changed by harsh or hasty measures. We should educate the people
at our camp meetings and other large gatherings. While the principles
of health reform should be presented, let the teaching be backed by
example. Let no meat be found at our restaurants or dining tents, but
let its place be supplied with fruits, grains, and vegetables. We must
practice what we teach. When sitting at a table where meat is provided,
we are not to make a raid upon those who use it, but we should let it
alone ourselves, and when asked our reasons for doing this, we should
in a kindly manner explain why we do not use it.—
Letter 102, 1896
A Time to Keep Silent
796. I have never felt that it was my duty to say that no one should
taste of meat under any circumstances. To say this when the people
[463]
have been educated to live on flesh to so great an extent, would be
carrying matters to extremes. I have never felt that it was my duty to
make sweeping assertions. What I have said I have said under a sense
of duty, but I have been guarded in my statements, because I did not
want to give occasion for any one to be conscience for another....
I have been passing through an experience in this country that is
similar to the experience I had in new fields in America. I have seen