Appendix 1
379
Acted on Principle
When writing “Spiritual Gifts,” Volumes III and IV [1863-64], I
would become exhausted by excessive labor. I then saw that I must
change my course of life, and by resting a few days I came out all
right again. I left off these things from principle. I took my stand on
health reform from principle. And since that time, brethren, you have
not heard me advance an extreme view of health reform that I have
had to take back. I have advanced nothing but what I stand to today. I
recommend to you a healthful, nourishing diet.
I do not regard it a great privation to discontinue the use of those
things which leave a bad smell in the breath and a bad taste in the
mouth. Is it self-denial to leave these things, and get into a condition
where everything is as sweet as honey; where no bad taste is left in
the mouth; and no feeling of goneness in the stomach? These I used
to have much of the time. I have fainted away with my child in my
arms again and again. I have none of this now; and shall I call this a
privation, when I can stand before you as I do this day? There is not
one woman in a hundred that could endure the amount of labor that I
do. I moved out from principle, not from impulse. I moved because
I believed Heaven would approve of the course I was taking to bring
myself into the very best condition of health, that I might glorify God
in my body and spirit, which are His.
A Battle Against the Vinegar Habit
6. I have just read your letter. You seem to have an earnest desire
to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. I encourage you to
do this. I counsel you to discard everything that would cause you to do
halfway work in seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
[485]
Put away every indulgence that would hinder you in the work of
overcoming. Ask for the prayers of those who can comprehend your
need of help.
There was a time when I was in a situation similar in some respects
to yours. I had indulged the desire for vinegar. But I resolved with
the help of God to overcome this appetite. I fought the temptation,
determined not to be mastered by this habit.
For weeks I was very sick; but I kept saying over and over, The
Lord knows all about it. If I die, I die; but I will not yield to this desire.