Instruction to be Given on Health Topics
267
Testimonies for the Church 6:376-379
Our ministers should become intelligent on health reform. They
need to become acquainted with physiology and hygiene; they should
understand the laws that govern physical life, and their bearing upon
the health of mind and soul.
Thousands upon thousands know little of the wonderful body God
has given them or of the care it should receive; and they consider it
of more importance to study subjects of far less consequence. The
ministers have a work to do here. When they take a right position
on this subject, much will be gained. In their own lives and homes
they should obey the laws of life, practicing right principles and living
healthfully. Then they will be able to speak correctly on this subject,
leading the people higher and still higher in the work of reform. Living
in the light themselves, they can bear a message of great value to those
who are in need of just such a testimony.
There are precious blessings and a rich experience to be gained
if ministers will combine the presentation of the health question with
all their labors in the churches. The people must have the light on
health reform. This work has been neglected, and many are ready to
die because they need the light which they ought to have and must
have before they will give up selfish indulgences.
The presidents of our conferences need to realize that it is high
time they were placing themselves on the right side of this question.
Ministers and teachers are to give to others the light they have received.
Their work in every line is needed. God will help them; He will
strengthen His servants who stand firmly, and will not be swayed from
truth and righteousness in order to accommodate self-indulgence.
The work of educating in medical missionary lines is an advance
step of great importance in awakening man to his moral responsi-
bilities. Had the ministers taken hold of this work in its various de-
partments in accordance with the light which God has given, there
would have been a most decided reformation in eating, drinking and
dressing. But some have stood directly in the way of the advance of
health reform. They have held the people back by their indifferent or
condemnatory remarks, or by pleasantries and jokes. They themselves
and a large number of others have been sufferers unto death, but all
have not yet learned wisdom.