Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]

Self-indulged Practices Neutralize Influence

There are things you can do in a religious line, but you may neutralize the influence of truth by your self-indulgent practices, and by counterworking the principles of health reform, so that they have little power for good. Self-indulgence in appetite, in one in your position, is most inconsistent. You know that the principles of health reform have the highest authority, and a wider sphere than has yet been given them by many who profess present truth. 1MR 286.4

Dear Brother and Sister_____, I am so sorry that the light which the Lord has given me for the last years has not been received by you as superior to your own ideas and opinions. Had you believed and acted upon the light given, what changes would have taken place in you! But the strong idolatry you have manifested for your own opinions, your own customs and practices, has effectually closed the door of your heart to the entrance of light, and the reproofs and warnings of God. You have largely pursued your own course, as if determined to make the messages from the Lord untrue.... The Lord does not give light on health reform that it may be disregarded by those who are in positions of influence and authority. The Lord means just what He says, and He is to be honored in what He says. 1MR 286.5

One week should not have passed at the Health Retreat without a competent superintendent to arrange prices for the patients and guests, and to regulate the diet. Those who have always lived on meat should be restricted in this line. But if the leading physician and his family are not reformers in this line, they cannot educate others to give up the practice of meat eating. Light is to be given in this line upon all these subjects. It is the diet question that needs close investigations, and prescriptions should be made in accordance with health principles. 1MR 287.1

For the last twenty-five years I have borne testimonies on this subject. My heart is pained because you will cling to your established habits and practices, refusing to reform. How long can you have clear, sound perceptions in regard to the requirements essential in health reform? You do not look deep enough into this subject, or think enough of it. Letter 71, 1896, pp. 1, 7-11. (To a Physician Carrying Large Responsibilities at the St. Helena Sanitarium; August 12, 1896.) 1MR 287.2