450
Evangelism
The union of Christlike work for the body and Christlike work for
the soul is the true interpretation of the gospel.—An Appeal for the
Medical Missionary College, pp. 14, 15. (1902).
Reformative Discourses—I have been informed by my guide that
not only should those who believe the truth practice health reform but
they should also teach it diligently to others; for it will be an agency
through which the truth can be presented to the attention of unbelievers.
They will reason that if we have such sound ideas in regard to health
and temperance, there must be something in our religious belief that
is worth investigation. If we backslide in health reform we shall lose
much of our influence with the outside world.
The discourses preached at our large gatherings should be of a
reformative nature. All the talent possible should be employed to set it
before the people.
Many are disgusted with the dry formalism which exists in the
Christian world. Many are becoming infidels because they see the lack
of true piety in those who profess to be Christians. A good work could
be done to prepare the way for the introduction of the truth if decided
[515]
testimonies were borne upon the health and temperance branch of the
work....
The matter of presenting true principles of health and temperance
must not be passed over as unessential; for nearly every family needs
to be instructed on this point. Nearly every person needs to have his
conscience aroused to become a doer of the Word of God, practicing
self-denial, and abstaining from the unlawful indulgence of appetite.
When you make the people intelligent concerning the principles of
health reform you do much to prepare the way for the introduction of
present truth. Said my Guide, “Educate, educate, educate.” The mind
must be enlightened, for the understanding of the people is darkened.
Satan can find access to the soul through perverted appetite, to debase
and destroy it.—
Letter 1, 1875
.
Firmly Linked With Ministry of the Word—The principles of
health reform are found in the Word of God. The gospel of health
is to be firmly linked with the ministry of the Word. It is the Lord’s
design that the restoring influence of health reform shall be a part of the
last great effort to proclaim the gospel message.—
Medical Ministry,
259
(1899).