Chapter 100—Health and Religion
[
This and the following article are extracts from letters which I
addressed to those at the head of the Health Institute, the first one, the
first of May, 1867, and the second, in June following. E. G. W.
]
God would have a health institution established which will in its
influence be closely connected with the closing work for mortals fitting
for immortality, one that will have no tendency to weaken the religious
principles of old or young and which will not improve the health of
the body to the detriment of spiritual growth. The great object of
this institution should be to improve the health of the body, that the
afflicted may more highly appreciate eternal things. If this object is not
continually set before the mind and efforts are not made to this end, it
will prove a curse instead of a blessing, spirituality will be regarded
as a secondary thing, and the health of the body and diversion will be
made primary.
I saw that the high standard should not be lowered in the least
in order that the institution may be patronized by unbelievers. If
unbelievers choose to come while its conductors occupy the exalted
spiritual position which God designs they should, there will be a power
that will affect their hearts. With God and angels on their side, His
commandment-keeping people can but prosper. This institution is not
to be established for the object of gain, but to aid in bringing God’s
people into such a condition of physical and mental health as will
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enable them to rightly appreciate eternal things and to correctly value
the redemption so dearly purchased by the sufferings of our Saviour.
This institution is not to be made a place for diversion or amusement.
Those who cannot live unless they have excitement and diversion will
be of no use to the world; none are made better for their living. They
might just as well be out of the world as to be in it.
I saw that the view that spirituality is a detriment to health, which
Dr. E sought to instill into the minds of others, is but the sophistry of
the devil. Satan found his way into Eden and made Eve believe that
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