I know that many of our brethren are in heart and practice
opposed to health reform. I advocate no extremes. But as I have been looking
over my manuscripts I have seen the decided testimonies borne and the warnings
of dangers that come to our people through imitating the customs and practices
of the world in self-indulgence, gratification of appetite, and pride of
apparel. My heart is sick and sad over the existing state of things. Some
say that some of our brethren have pressed these questions too strongly.
But because some may have acted indiscreetly in pressing their sentiments
concerning health reform on all occasions, will any dare to keep back the
truth on this subject? The people of the world are generally far in the
opposite extreme of indulgence and intemperance in eating and drinking;
and, as the result, lustful practices abound.
There are many now under the shadow of death who have
prepared to do a work for the Master, but who have not felt that a sacred
obligation rested upon them to observe the laws of health. The laws of
the physical system are indeed the laws of God, but this fact seems to
have been forgotten. Some have limited themselves to a diet that cannot
sustain them in health. They have not provided nourishing food to take
the place of injurious articles; and they have
not considered that tact and ingenuity must be exercised in preparing food
in the most healthful manner. The system must be properly nourished in
order to perform its work. It is contrary to health reform, after cutting
off the great variety of unwholesome dishes, to go to the opposite extreme,
reducing the quantity and quality of the food to a low standard. Instead
of health reform this is health deform.