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Counsels for the Church
disrepute. The work that we have tried to build up solidly is confused
with strange things that God has not required, and the energies of the
church are crippled. But God will interfere to prevent the results of
these too strenuous ideas. The gospel is to harmonize the sinful race.
It is to bring the rich and poor together at the feet of Jesus.
The time will come when we may have to discard some of the
articles of diet we now use, such as milk and cream and eggs; but it
is not necessary to bring upon ourselves perplexity by premature and
extreme restrictions. Wait until the circumstances demand it and the
Lord prepares the way for it.
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Those who would be successful in proclaiming the principles of
health reform must make the Word of God their guide and counselor.
Only as the teachers of health reform principles do this can they stand
on vantage ground. Let us never bear a testimony against health reform
by failing to use wholesome, palatable food in place of the harmful
articles of diet that we have discarded. Do not in any way encourage
an appetite for stimulants. Eat only plain, simple, wholesome food,
and thank God constantly for the principles of health reform. In all
things be true and upright, and you will gain precious victories.
Local Conditions to Be Considered
While working against gluttony and intemperance, we must rec-
ognize the condition to which the human family is subjected. God
has made provision for those who live in the different countries of the
world. Those who desire to be co-workers with God must consider
carefully before they specify just what foods should and should not be
eaten. We are to be brought into connection with the masses. Should
health reform in its most extreme form be taught to those whose cir-
cumstances forbid its adoption, more harm than good would be done.
As I preach the gospel to the poor, I am instructed to tell them to
eat that food which is most nourishing. I cannot say to them: “You
must not eat eggs, or milk, or cream. You must use no butter in the
preparation of food.” The gospel must be preached to the poor, but the
time has not yet come to prescribe the strictest diet.