Health Reform
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are beclouded, they cannot appreciate the value of the atonement or
the exalted character of the work of God, nor delight in the study
of His word. How can a nervous dyspeptic be ready always to give
an answer to every man that asketh him a reason of the hope that
is in him, with meekness and fear? How soon would such a one
become confused and agitated, and by his diseased imagination be
led to view matters in altogether a wrong light, and by a lack of
that meekness and calmness which characterized the life of Christ be
caused to dishonor his profession while contending with unreasonable
men? Viewing matters from a high religious standpoint, we must be
thorough reformers in order to be Christlike.
I saw that our heavenly Father has bestowed upon us the great
blessing of light upon the health reform that we may obey the claims
which He has upon us and glorify Him in our bodies and spirits which
are His and finally stand without fault before the throne of God. Our
faith requires us to elevate the standard and take advance steps. While
many question the course pursued by other health reformers, they
as reasonable men should do something themselves. Our race is in
a deplorable condition, suffering from disease of every description.
Many have inherited disease and are great sufferers because of the
wrong habits of their parents, and yet they pursue the same wrong
course in regard to themselves and their children which was pursued
toward them. They are ignorant in regard to themselves. They are
sick and do not know that their own wrong habits are causing them
immense suffering.
There are but few as yet who are aroused sufficiently to understand
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how much their habits of diet have to do with their health, their charac-
ters, their usefulness in this world, and their eternal destiny. I saw that
it is the duty of those who have received the light from heaven and have
realized the benefit of walking in it, to manifest a greater interest for
those who are still suffering for want of knowledge. Sabbathkeepers
who are looking for the soon appearing of their Saviour should be the
last to manifest a lack of interest in this great work of reform. Men
and women must be instructed, and ministers and people should feel
that the burden of the work rests upon them to agitate the subject and
urge it home upon others.
I was shown that we should provide a home for the afflicted and
those who wish to learn how to take care of their bodies that they