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Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
Such and such ones did not live the health reform any better than
she; they purchased and ate meat, and they were in high standing in
the church, and she was excusable, of course, with such an example,
if she did the same.
This is not the only case where neglect to follow the light which
the Lord has given has been shielded behind the faults of others. It
is to the shame of men and women of intelligence that they have no
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higher standard than that of imperfect human beings. The course
of those around them, however imperfect, is considered by some a
sufficient excuse for them to follow in the same path. Many will
be swayed by the influence of some leading brother. If he departs
from the counsel of God his example is at once gladly seized by
the unconsecrated, who now feel that they are free from restraint.
They now have an excuse; and their unconsecrated hearts glory in
the opportunity of indulging their desires and taking a step nearer
the fellowship with the spirit of the world, where they can enjoy
its pleasures and gratify their appetite. They therefore place upon
their tables those things which are not the most healthful, and from
which they have been taught to abstain, that they may preserve to
themselves a better condition of health.
There has been a war in the hearts of some ever since the health
reform was first introduced. They have felt the same rebellion as
did the children of Israel when their appetites were restricted on
their journey from Egypt to Canaan. Professed followers of Christ,
who have all their lives consulted their own pleasure and their own
interests, their own ease and their own appetites, are not prepared to
change their course of action and live for the glory of God, imitating
the self-sacrificing life of their unerring Pattern. A perfect example
has been given for Christians to imitate. The words and works of
Christ’s followers are the channel through which the pure principles
of truth and holiness are conveyed to the world. His followers are
the salt of the earth, the light of the world.
Sister E, you cannot realize the many blessings you have lost by
making the failings of others a balm to soothe your conscience for a
neglect of your duty. You have been measuring yourself by others.
Their crooked paths, their failings, have been your textbook. But
their errors, their follies and sins, do not make your disobedience to
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God less sinful. We regret that those who should be a strength to