Chapter 14—Our Present Work
We should educate ourselves, not only to live in harmony with
the laws of health, but to teach others the better way. Many, even
of those who profess to believe the special truths for this time, are
lamentably ignorant with regard to health and temperance. They need
to be educated, line upon line, precept upon precept. The subject must
be kept fresh before them. This matter must not be passed over as
non-essential; for nearly every family needs to be stirred up on the
question. The conscience must be aroused to the duty of practicing
the principles of true reform. God requires that his people shall be
temperate in all things. Unless they practice true temperance, they
will not, they cannot, be susceptible to the sanctifying influence of the
truth.
Our ministers should become intelligent upon this question. They
should not ignore it, nor be turned aside by those who call them
extremists. Let them find out what constitutes true health reform, and
teach its principles, both by precept and by a quiet, consistent example.
At our large gatherings, instruction should be given upon health and
temperance. Seek to arouse the intellect and the conscience. Bring
into service all the talent at command, and follow up the work with
publications upon the subject. “Educate, educate, educate,” is the
message that has been impressed upon me.
In all our missions, women of intelligence should have charge of
the domestic arrangements,—women who know how to prepare food
nicely and healthfully. The table should be abundantly supplied with
food of the best quality. If any have a perverted taste that craves tea,
coffee, condiments, and unhealthful dishes, enlighten them. Seek to
arouse the conscience. Set before them the principles of the Bible
upon hygiene. Where plenty of good milk and fruit can be obtained,
[118]
there is rarely any excuse for eating animal food; it is not necessary to
take the life of any of God’s creatures to supply our ordinary needs.
In certain cases of illness or exhaustion it may be thought best to use
some meat, but great care should be taken to secure the flesh of healthy
99