July 1, 1902

“Go Forward”

EGW

Keep the work of health reform to the front, is the message I am given to bear. Show so plainly the value of health reform that a widespread need for it will be felt. But never advocate a starvation diet. It is possible to have a wholesome, nutritious diet without using flesh-meat. Think of placing the flesh of animals on our tables. Abstinence from all hurtful food and drink is the fruit of true religion.BTS July 1, 1902, par. 1

Men and women have many habits that are antagonistic to the principles of the Bible. The victims of strong drink and tobacco are corrupted, body, soul and spirit. Such ones should not be received into the church until they give evidence that they are truly converted, that they feel the need of the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. The truth of God will purify the true believer. He who is thoroughly converted will abandon every defiling habit and appetite. By total abstinence he will overcome his desire for health-destroying indulgences.BTS July 1, 1902, par. 2

At this stage of the earth's history meat-eating is dishonoring to God. It is meat-eating and liquor-drinking that are making the world as it was in the days of Noah. These things are strengthening the lower passions of human beings, animalizing the race. By giving way to base passions, man is corrupting body, soul, and spirit. The murders committed by men under the influence of strong drink shows what a cruel, satanic spirit strong drink inspires in a man. Often the liquor sold is adulterated, poisoned; and those who drink it are made mad. Under its influence they show a satanic ferocity. They place themselves under Satan's control and he works through them.BTS July 1, 1902, par. 3

Liquor-drinking encourages the vilest debauchery and strengthens the most satanic propensities. Yet the law legalizes the liquor-traffic, because it brings the country a revenue.BTS July 1, 1902, par. 4

As we face these things, and see the terrible consequences of liquor-drinking, shall we not do all in our power to rally to the help of God in fighting against this great evil? At the foundation of liquor-drinking lie wrong habits of eating. Those who believe present truth should refuse to drink tea or coffee; for these excite a desire for stronger stimulants. They should refuse to eat flesh-meat; for this, too excites a desire for strong drink. Wholesome food, prepared with taste and skill, should be our diet now.BTS July 1, 1902, par. 5

Those who are not health-reformers treat themselves unfairly and unwisely. By the indulgence of appetite they do themselves fearful injury. Some may think that the question of diet is not important enough to be included in the question of religion. But such make a great mistake. God's word declares, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” The subject of temperance, in all its bearings, has an important place in the working out of our salvation. Because of wrong habits of eating, the world is becoming more and more immoral.BTS July 1, 1902, par. 6

We are deeply pained as we see men and women of talent and influence, who are handling sacred truth, and at the same time ruining their digestive organs by eating unwholesome food, and by over-eating. We ask them to go further than abstaining from liquor and tobacco.BTS July 1, 1902, par. 7

The work of teaching people how to prepare food that is at once wholesome and appetizing, is of the utmost importance. Greater interest should be shown in the education of workers for this line of work, which is far behind because those who ought to be foremost in advocating the need for instruction in the intelligent preparation of wholesome food, are standing back, unwilling to see the reform extend.BTS July 1, 1902, par. 8

I am instructed to say to health-reform educators, “Go forward.” The world needs every jot of the influence you can exert to press back the tide of moral woe. Let those who believe the truth stand true to their colors. “I beseech you ... by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”BTS July 1, 1902, par. 9