Violation of Physical Law
31
The Folly of Ignorance
To make natural law plain, and to urge obedience to it, is a work
that accompanies the third angel’s message. Ignorance is no excuse
now for the transgression of law. The light shines clearly, and none
need be ignorant; for the great God Himself is man’s instructor. All
are bound by the most sacred obligations to heed the sound philosophy
and genuine experience which God is now giving them in reference
to health reform. He designs that the subject shall be agitated and
the public mind deeply stirred to investigate it; for it is impossible for
men and women, while under the power of sinful, health-destroying,
brain-enervating habits, to appreciate sacred truth.
[22]
Those who are willing to inform themselves concerning the effect
which sinful indulgence has upon the health and who begin the work
of reform, even from selfish motives, may in so doing place themselves
where the truth of God can reach their hearts. And, on the other hand,
those who have been reached by the presentation of Scripture truth, are
in a position where the conscience may be aroused upon the subject
of health. They see and feel the necessity of breaking away from the
tyrannizing habits and appetites which have ruled them so long. There
are many who would receive the truths of God’s word, their judgment
having been convinced by the clearest evidence; but the carnal desires,
clamoring for gratification, control the intellect, and they reject truth
because it conflicts with their lustful desires. The minds of many take
so low a level that God cannot work either for them or with them. The
current of their thoughts must be changed, their moral sensibilities
must be aroused, before they can feel the claims of God.
The apostle Paul exhorts the church, “I beseech you therefore,
brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Romans 12:1
. Sinful indulgence defiles the body and unfits men
for spiritual worship. He who cherishes the light which God has
given him upon health reform has an important aid in the work of
becoming sanctified through the truth, and fitted for immortality. But
if he disregards that light and lives in violation of natural law, he must
pay the penalty; his spiritual powers are benumbed, and how can he
perfect holiness in the fear of God?