Reasons for Reform
449
they will see sinful indulgences which they are unwilling to forsake,
are guilty before God. Whoever turns from the light in one instance
hardens his heart to disregard the light upon other matters. Whoever
violates moral obligations in the matter of eating and dressing, prepares
the way to violate the claims of God in regard to eternal interests. Our
bodies are not our own. God has claims upon us to take care of the
habitation He has given us, that we may present our bodies to Him a
living sacrifice, holy and acceptable. Our bodies belong to Him who
made them, and we are in duty bound to become intelligent in regard
to the best means of preserving them from decay. If we enfeeble the
body by self-gratification, by indulging the appetite, and by dressing in
accordance with health-destroying fashions, in order to be in harmony
with the world, we become enemies of God.
Brother and Sister K. have not appreciated the light upon health
reform. They have not seen a place for it in connection with the third
message. Providence has been leading the people of God out from the
extravagant habits of the world, away from the indulgence of appetite
and passion, to take their stand upon the platform of self-denial and
temperance in all things. The people whom God is leading will be
peculiar. They will not be like the world. But if they follow the leadings
of God, they will accomplish His purposes, and will yield their will
to His will. Christ will dwell in the heart. The temple of God will be
holy. Your body, says the apostle, is the temple of the Holy Ghost.
God does not require His children to deny themselves to the injury of
physical strength. He requires them to obey natural law, to preserve
physical health. Nature’s path is the road He marks out, and it is broad
enough for any Christian. God has, with a lavish hand, provided us
with rich and varied bounties for our sustenance and enjoyment. But
in order for us to enjoy the natural appetite, which will preserve health
and prolong life, He restricts the appetite. He says, Beware; restrain,
deny, unnatural appetite. If we create a perverted appetite, we violate
the laws of our being, and assume the responsibility of abusing our
bodies and of bringing disease upon ourselves.
The spirit and power of Elijah have been stirring hearts to reform,
and directing them to the wisdom of the just. Brother and Sister K.
have not been converted to the health reform, notwithstanding the
amount of evidence that God has given upon the subject. Self-denial