68
Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods
you to discern sacred things, and to value the atonement, the cleansing
blood of Christ, as of priceless worth. “Know ye not that they which
run in a race, run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may
obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in
all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an
incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as
one that beateth the air. But I keep under my body, and bring it into
subjection; lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I
myself should be a castaway.”
If men, for no higher object than a wreath or perishable crown as
reward of their ambition, subjected themselves to temperance in all
things, how much more should those be willing to practice self-denial
who profess to be seeking, not only a crown of immortal glory, but a
life which is to endure as long as the throne of Jehovah, and riches that
are eternal, honors which are imperishable, an eternal weight of glory.
Will not the inducements presented before those who are running
in the Christian race, lead them to practice self-denial and temperance
in all things, that they may keep their animal propensities in subjection,
keep under the body, and control the appetite and lustful passions?
Then can they be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the
corruption that is in the world through lust.
Testimonies for the Church 1:548-549
Some are indulging lustful appetite, which wars against the soul,
and is a constant hindrance to their spiritual advancement. They con-
stantly bear an accusing conscience, and if straight truths are talked
they are prepared to be offended. They are self-condemned, and feel
that subjects have been purposely selected to touch their case. They
feel grieved and injured, and withdraw themselves from the assemblies
of the saints. They forsake the assembling of themselves together
for then their consciences are not so disturbed. They soon lose their
interest in the meetings and their love for the truth, and, unless they
entirely reform, will go back and take their position with the rebel
host, who stand under the black banner of Satan. If these will crucify
fleshly lusts which war against the soul, they will get out of the way,
where the arrows of truth will pass harmlessly by them. But while
they indulge lustful appetite, and thus cherish their idols, they make