Reasons for Reform
441
I was shown that there is a much greater work before us than
we as yet have any idea of, if we would insure health by placing
ourselves in the right relation to life. Dr. A. has been doing a great
and good work in the treatment of disease, and in enlightening those
who have all their lives been in ignorance in regard to the relation that
eating, drinking, and working sustain to health. God in His mercy
has given His people light through His humble instrument, that in
order to overcome disease they must deny a depraved appetite, and
practice temperance in all things. He has caused great light to shine
upon their pathway. Shall those who are “looking for that blessed
hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour
Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from
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all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good
works,” be behind the religionists of the day who have no faith in
the soon appearing of our Saviour? The peculiar people whom He
is purifying unto Himself, to be translated to Heaven without seeing
death, should not be behind others in good works. In their efforts to
cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God, they should be as far ahead of any other
class of people on the earth, as their profession is more exalted than
that of others.
Some have sneered at this work of reform, and have said it was all
unnecessary; that it was an excitement to divert minds from present
truth. They have said that matters were being carried to extremes.
Such do not know what they are talking about. While men and women
professing godliness are diseased from the crown of their head to the
soles of their feet, while their physical, mental and moral energies
are enfeebled through gratification of depraved appetite and excessive
labor, how can they weigh the evidences of truth, and comprehend
the requirements of God? If their moral and intellectual faculties
are beclouded, they can not appreciate the value of the atonement
or the exalted character of the work of God, nor delight in the study
of His word. How can a nervous dyspeptic be ready always to give
an answer to every man that asketh him a reason of the hope that
is in him, with meekness and fear? How soon would such a one
become confused and agitated, and by his diseased imagination be
led to view matters in altogether a wrong light, and by a lack of that
meekness and calmness which characterized the life of Christ, be