Reasons for Reform
459
to take the light from under the bushel, and let it shine forth in clear,
bright rays.
The principles of healthful living mean a great deal to us individu-
ally and as a people. When the message of health reform first came
to me, I was weak and feeble, subject to frequent fainting spells. I
was pleading with God for help, and He opened before me the great
subject of health reform. He instructed me that those who are keeping
His commandments must be brought into sacred relation to Himself,
and that by temperance in eating and drinking they must keep mind
and body in the most favorable condition for service. This light has
been a great blessing to me. I took my stand as a health reformer,
knowing that the Lord would strengthen me. I have better health today,
notwithstanding my age, than I had in my younger days.
It is reported by some that I have not followed the principles of
health reform as I have advocated them with my pen; but I can say that
I have been a faithful health reformer. Those who have been members
of my family know that this is true....
All are now being tested and proved. We have been baptized into
Christ, and if we will act our part by separating from everything that
would drag us down and make us what we ought not to be, there will
be given us strength to grow up into Christ, who is our living head,
and we shall see the salvation of God.
Only when we are intelligent in regard to the principles of healthful
living, can we be fully aroused to see the evils resulting from improper
diet. Those who, after seeing their mistakes, have courage to change
their habits, will find that the reformatory process requires a struggle
and much perseverance; but when correct tastes are once formed, they
will realize that the use of the food which they formerly regarded as
harmless, was slowly but surely laying the foundation for dyspepsia
and other diseases.
Testimonies for the Church 9:164-166
In order to be purified and to remain pure, Seventh-day Adventists
must have the Holy Spirit in their hearts and in their homes. The Lord
has given me light that when the Israel of today humble themselves
before Him, and cleanse the soul-temple from all defilement, He will
hear their prayers in behalf of the sick, and will bless in the use of His