Extremes in Diet
105
more liberal to yourself and to others. The time will come when milk
can not be used as freely as it is now used; but the present time is not
the time to discard it. And eggs contain properties which are remedial
agencies in counteracting poisons. And while warnings have been
given against the use of these articles of diet in families where the
children were addicted to, yes, steeped, in habits of self abuse; yet we
should not consider it a denial of principle to use eggs of hens which
are well cared for and suitably fed.
God calls upon those for whom Christ died to take proper care of
themselves, and set a right example to others. My brother, you are not
to make a test for the people of God upon the question of diet; for they
will lose confidence in teachings that are strained to the farthest point
of extension. The Lord desires His people to be sound on every point
in health reform, but we must not go to extremes.
The reason for Dr.-----’s poor health is his overdrawing on his bank
stock of health and then failing to replace the amount drawn out by
wholesome, nutritious, palatable food. My brother, devote your whole
life to Him who was crucified for you, but do not tie yourself down to
a meagre diet; for thus you misrepresent health reform.
While working against gluttony and intemperance, we are to re-
member the means and appliances of gospel truth, which commend
themselves to sound judgment. In order to do our work in straight, sim-
ple lines, we must recognize the conditions to which the human family
are subjected. God has made provisions for those who live in the
different countries of the world. Those who desire to be co-workers
with God must consider carefully how they teach health reform in
God’s great vineyard. They must move carefully in specifying just
what food should and should not be eaten. The human messenger must
unite with the divine Helper in presenting the message of mercy to the
multitudes God would save.
We are to be brought into connection with the masses. Should
health reform be taught them in its most extreme form, harm would
be done. We ask them to leave off eating meat and drinking tea and
coffee. That is well. But some say that milk also should be given
up. This is a subject that needs to be carefully handled. There are
poor families whose diet consists of bread and milk, and, if they can
get it, a little fruit. All flesh food should be discarded, but vegetables
should be made palatable with a little milk or cream or something