Objects Lessons in Health Reform
[
Testimonies for the Church 6:112, 113
(1900).]
The large gatherings of our people afford an excellent opportunity
of illustrating the principles of health reform. Some years ago at these
gatherings much was said in regard to health reform and the benefits
of a vegetarian diet; but at the same time flesh meats were furnished at
the tables in the dining tent, and various unhealthful articles of food
were sold at the provision stand. Faith without work is dead; and
the instruction upon health reform, denied by practice, did not make
the deepest impression. At later camp meetings those in charge have
educated by practice as well as by precept. No meat has been furnished
at the dining tent, but fruits, grains, and vegetables have been supplied
in abundance. As visitors ask questions in regard to the absence of
meat, the reason is plainly stated, that flesh is not the most healthful
food.
As we near the close of time, we must rise higher and still higher
upon the question of health reform and Christian temperance, pre-
senting it in a more positive and decided manner. We must strive
continually to educate the people, not only by our words but by our
practice. Precept and practice combined have a telling influence.
At the camp meeting, instruction on health topics should be given
to the people. At our meetings in Australia, lectures on health subjects
were given daily, and a deep interest was aroused. A tent for the use
of physicians and nurses was on the ground, medical advice was given
freely and was sought by many. Thousands of people attended the
lectures, and at the close of the camp meeting the people were not
satisfied to let the matter drop with what they had already learned. In
several cities where camp meetings were held, some of the leading
[468]
citizens urged that a branch sanitarium be established, promising their
co-operation. In several cities the work has been started, with good
success. A health institution, rightly conducted, gives character to our
work in new fields. And not only is it a benefit to the people, but the
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