Errors in Diet
199
mind from wearing labor when they can, and should eat of nourishing,
strengthening food to build up their strength; for they will be obliged
to exercise all the strength they have. I saw that it does not glorify
God in the least for any of His people to make a time of trouble for
themselves. There is a time of trouble just before God’s people, and
He will prepare them for that fearful conflict.
I saw that your views concerning swine’s flesh [
This remarkable
testimony was written October 21, 1858, nearly five years before the
great vision of 1863, in which the light upon health reform was given.
When the right time came, the subject was given in a manner to move
all our people. How wonderful are the wisdom and goodness of God!
It might be as wrong to crowd the milk, salt, and sugar question now,
as the pork question in 1858.—J.W., note to second edition.
] would
prove no injury if you have them to yourselves; but in your judgment
and opinion you have made this question a test, and your actions have
[207]
plainly shown your faith in this matter. If God requires His people to
abstain from swine’s flesh, He will convict them on the matter. He
is just as willing to show His honest children their duty, as to show
their duty to individuals upon whom He has not laid the burden of His
work. If it is the duty of the church to abstain from swine’s flesh, God
will discover it to more than two or three. He will teach His church
their duty.
God is leading out a people, not a few separate individuals here and
there, one believing this thing, another that. Angels of God are doing
the work committed to their trust. The third angel is leading out and
purifying a people, and they should move with him unitedly. Some run
ahead of the angels that are leading this people; but they have to retrace
every step, and meekly follow no faster than the angels lead. I saw
that the angels of God would lead His people no faster than they could
receive and act upon the important truths that are communicated to
them. But some restless spirits do not more than half do up their work.
As the angel leads them, they get in haste for something new, and rush
on without divine guidance, and thus bring confusion and discord into
the ranks. They do not speak or act in harmony with the body. I saw
that you both must speedily be brought where you are willing to be
led, instead of desiring to lead, or Satan will step in and lead you in
his way, to follow his counsel. Some look at your set notions, and