Chapter 85—The Health Reform
In the vision given me in Rochester, New York, December 25,
1865, I was shown that our Sabbathkeeping people have been negligent
in acting upon the light which God has given in regard to the health
reform, that there is yet a great work before us, and that as a people
we have been too backward to follow in God’s opening providence as
He has chosen to lead us.
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I was shown that the work of health reform has scarcely been
entered upon yet. While some feel deeply and act out their faith in
the work, others remain indifferent and have scarcely taken the first
step in reform. There seems to be in them a heart of unbelief, and,
as this reform restricts the lustful appetite, many shrink back. They
have other gods before the Lord. Their taste, their appetite, is their
god; and when the ax is laid at the root of the tree and those who have
indulged their depraved appetites at the expense of health are touched,
their sin pointed out, their idols shown them, they do not wish to be
convinced; and although God’s voice should speak directly to them to
put away those health-destroying indulgences, some would still cling
to the hurtful things which they love. They seem joined to their idols,
and God will soon say to His angels: Let them alone.
The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel’s
message and is just as closely connected with it as are the arm and
hand with the human body. I saw that we as a people must make an
advance move in this great work. Ministers and people must act in
concert. God’s people are not prepared for the loud cry of the third
angel. They have a work to do for themselves which they should
not leave for God to do for them. He has left this work for them to
do. It is an individual work; one cannot do it for another. “Having
therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from
all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of
God.” Gluttony is the prevailing sin of this age. Lustful appetite makes
slaves of men and women, and beclouds their intellects and stupefies
their moral sensibilities to such a degree that the sacred, elevated truths
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