Teach With Wisdom
We must go no faster than we can take those with us whose con-
sciences and intellects are convinced of the truths we advocate. We
must meet the people where they are. Some of us have been many
years in arriving at our present position in health reform. It is slow
work to obtain a reform in diet. We have powerful appetites to meet,
for the world is given to gluttony. If we should allow the people as
much time as we have required to come up to the present advanced
state in reform, we would be very patient with them and allow them
to advance step by step, as we have done, until their feet are firmly
established upon the health-reform platform. But we should be very
cautious not to advance too fast, lest we be obliged to retrace our steps.
In reforms, we would better come one step short of the mark than to
go one step beyond it. And if there is error at all, let it be on the side
next to the people.
Above all things, we should not with our pens advocate positions
that we do not put to a practical test in our own families, upon our own
tables....
If we come to persons who have not been enlightened in regard
to health reform, and present our strongest positions at first, there is
danger of their becoming discouraged as they see how much they have
to give up, so that they will make no effort to reform. We must lead the
people along patiently and gradually, remembering the hole of the pit
whence we were digged.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:20, 21
(1872).
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