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Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods
We must not move presumptuously. The laborers who enter new
territory to raise up churches must not create difficulties by attempting
to make prominent the question of diet. They should be careful not
to draw the lines too closely. Impediments would thus be thrown on
the pathway of others. Do not drive the people. Lead them. Preach
the word as it is in Christ Jesus. Workers must put forth resolute,
persevering effort, remembering that everything can not be learned
at once. They must have a fixed determination patiently to teach the
people.
Wherever the truth is carried, the people should be given instruction
in regard to the preparation of healthful foods. God desires that in
every place the people should be taught by skillful teachers how to
utilize wisely the products that they can raise or readily obtain in
their section of the country. Thus the poor, as well as those in better
circumstances, can be taught to live healthfully.
All the way along from the beginning, we have found it necessary
to educate, educate, educate. God desires us to continue to educate the
people. We are not to neglect this work because of the effect we may
fear it may have on the sale of goods manufactured in our health food
factories. This is not the most important matter. Our work is to show
the people how they can obtain and prepare wholesome food, how
they can co-operate with God in restoring in themselves His image.
Testimonies for the Church 7:135-136
Milk, eggs, and butter should not be classed with flesh-meat. In
some cases the use of eggs is beneficial. The time has not come to say
that the use of milk and eggs should be wholly discarded. There are
poor families whose diet consists largely of bread and milk. They have
little fruit, and can not afford to purchase the nut foods. In teaching
health reform, as in all other gospel work, we are to meet the people
where they are. Until we can teach them how to prepare health-reform
foods that are palatable, nourishing, and yet inexpensive, we are not
at liberty to present the most advanced propositions regarding health-
reform diet.
Let the diet reform be progressive. Let the people be taught how
to prepare food without the use of milk or butter. Tell them that the
time will soon come when there will be no safety in using eggs, milk,