The Right
Arm - The Principles Of Health Reform
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Why are God’s
people destroyed?
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge,
I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast
forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.”
Hosea 4:6.
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue
knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to
patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly
kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that
ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus
Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and
hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. “
1 Peter 1:5-9.
Who are wiser than the children of light, with regard to temperance?
“And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the
children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of
light.”
Luke 16:8.
Why do we eat?
“Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes
eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!”
Ecclesiastes 10:17.
What was Apostle John’s wish to our soul?
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health,
even as thy soul prospereth.”
3 John 1:2.
Does God has yet many things to say especially in temperance?
“I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.”
John 6:12.
What is the purpose of studying this subject of temperance?
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all
speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be
perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
1 Corinthians 1:10.
What is the object of the gospel ministry?
“The Body--the Arm--the Head. The medical missionary work has never been
presented to me in any other way than as bearing the same relation to the work
as a whole as the arm does to the body. The gospel ministry is an organization
for the proclamation of the truth and the carrying forward of the work for sick
and well. This is the body, the medical missionary work is the arm, and Christ
is the head over all. Thus the matter has been presented to me.”
Medical Ministry, p 237-238.
What area of health reform where extreme position is taken to the detriment of
individuals or churches?
“And since we have become active again, Mrs. White oftener feels called upon to
speak upon the subject of health reform because of existing extremes of health
reformers, than from any other reason… The complete overthrow of individuals,
and the almost destruction of some of our churches, can be clearly traced to
some extreme positions upon diet, injudiciously given in the review some time
since. the results have been bad. while some have rejected the subject of
health reform, because badly handled, others, prompt and conscientious, have
carried out the most extreme positions, greatly detrimental to their health,
and consequently to the cause of health reform.”
Counsels on Diet and Foods, p 496.
The dissension and disputation in the extreme view in health reform in our time
has its counterpart in the times of the apostles. What was it?
“And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said,
Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When
therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them,
they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up
to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.”
Acts 15:1-2.
In what country do these extremes, fanatical views largely taught?
“The temperance question is to have special attention. Work in this line may be
called medical missionary work, but that work in its relation to the work of
the third angel's message is ever to be recognized as the hand to the body. In
America it has been made the head and not the hand.”
Kress Collection, p 123.
A time of restitution of all things.
“And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the
heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God
hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For
Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up
unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things
whatsoever he shall say unto you.”
Acts 3:20-22.
What is Revival? Reformation?
“A revival and a reformation must take place, under the ministration of the
Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival
signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and
heart, a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization,
a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices. Reformation will not
bring forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is connected with the
revival of the Spirit. Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work,
and in doing this work they must blend.”
Selected Messages, vol 1, p 128.
In adopting tests or theories, what is our basis?
“Do not advocate theories or tests that Christ has never mentioned, and that
have no foundation in the Bible. We have grand, solemn truths for the people.
"It is written" is the test that must be brought home to every soul.”
Gospel Workers, p 309.
Are we to hide the truth?
“Not one feature of the truth is to be hidden or made of little account.”
Selected Messages, vol 3, p 21.
What are the conditions of receiving light?
“Purity and steadfastness of purpose are the conditions of receiving light from
God. He who desires to know the truth must be willing to accept all that it
reveals. He can make no compromise with error. To be wavering and halfhearted
in allegiance to truth is to choose the darkness of error and satanic
delusion.”
Desire of Ages, p 312-313.
Was Christ an extremist?
“Those who are close students of the Word, following Christ in humility of
soul, will not go to extremes. The Saviour never went to extremes, never lost
self-control, never violated the laws of good taste... Those who follow the
example of Christ will not be extremists.”
Gospel Workers, p 317.
For what purpose was the Order of the Jesuits created?
“At this time the order of the Jesuits was created, the most cruel,
unscrupulous, and powerful of all the champions of popery. Cut off from earthly
ties and human interests, dead to the claims of natural affection, reason and
conscience wholly silenced, they knew no rule, no tie, but that of their order,
and no duty but to extend its power. The gospel of Christ had enabled its
adherents to meet danger and endure suffering, undismayed by cold, hunger,
toil, and poverty, to uphold the banner of truth in face of the rack, the
dungeon, and the stake. To combat these forces, Jesuitism inspired its
followers with a fanaticism that enabled them to endure like dangers, and to
oppose to the power of truth all the weapons of deception. There was no crime
too great for them to commit, no deception too base for them to practice, no
disguise too difficult for them to assume. Vowed to perpetual poverty and
humility, it was their studied aim to secure wealth and power, to be devoted to
the overthrow of Protestantism, and the re-establishment of the papal supremacy.
“When appearing as members of their order, they wore a garb of sanctity,
visiting prisons and hospitals, ministering to the sick and the poor,
professing to have renounced the world, and bearing the sacred name of Jesus,
who went about doing good. But under this blameless exterior the most criminal
and deadly purposes were often concealed. It was a fundamental principle of the
order that the end justifies the means. By this code, lying, theft, perjury,
assassination, were not only pardonable but commendable, when they served the
interests of the church. Under various disguises the Jesuits worked their way
into offices of state, climbing up to be the counselors of kings, and shaping
the policy of nations. They became servants to act as spies upon their masters.
They established colleges for the sons of princes and nobles, and schools for
the common people; and the children of Protestant parents were drawn into an
observance of popish rites. All the outward pomp and display of the Romish
worship was brought to bear to confuse the mind and dazzle and captivate the
imagination, and thus the liberty for which the fathers had toiled and bled was
betrayed by the sons. The Jesuits rapidly spread themselves over Europe, and
wherever they went, there followed a revival of popery.”
Great Controversy, p 234-235.
What does Satan do to bind souls if he cannot keep them?
“We have found in our experience that if Satan cannot keep souls bound in the
ice of indifference, he will try to push them into the fire of fanaticism.”
Testimonies for the Church, vol 5, p 644.
What path should we take to avoid extremes?
“You need not go into the water, or into the fire, but take the middle path,
avoiding all extremes.”
Counsels on Diet and Foods, p 211.
Who are the most rigid in advocating extreme in diet?
“Those who have but a partial understanding of the principles of reform are
often the most rigid, not only in carrying out their views themselves, but in
urging them on their families and their neighbors. The effect of their mistaken
reforms, as seen in their own ill-health, and their efforts to force their
views upon others, give many a false idea of dietetic reform, and lead them to
reject it altogether.
Counsels on Diet and Foods, p 198.
“Those who understand the laws of health, and who are governed by principle,
will shun the extremes, both of indulgence and of restrictions. Their diet is
chosen, not for the mere gratification of appetite, but for the upbuilding of
the body.”
Counsels on Diet and Foods, p 198.
What is often the source of most church trials?
“The abuses of the stomach by the gratification of appetite, are the fruitful
source of most church trials.”
Counsels on Diet and Foods, p 50.
RULES IN UNDERSTANDING HEALTH REFORM
A. Health Reform is part of the third angel’s message but it is not the
message.
“The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel's message, and is
just as closely connected with it as are the arm and hand with the human body…
The health reform is closely connected with the work of the third message, yet
it is not the message. Our preachers should teach the health reform, yet they
should not make this the leading theme in the place of the message.” CDF 74.
“Although the health reform is not the third angel's message, it is closely
connected with it. Those who proclaim the message should teach health reform
also. It is a subject that we must understand, in order to be prepared for the
events that are close upon us, and it should have a prominent place.” CDF 77.
B. Health Reform is connected with Present Truth.
“The work of health reform connected with the present truth for this time, is a
power for good. It is the right hand of the gospel, and often opens fields for
the entrance of the gospel. But let it ever be remembered that the work must
move solidly and in complete harmony with God's plan of organization.” 1SM
112.
C. Health Reform is a minor issue.
“The time has come when health reform will be received in its importance by
many in high places and in low places. But we are to allow nothing to eclipse
the message we have to bear, the third angel's message, connected with the
messages of the first and second angel. We must not allow minor things to bind
us in a small circle, where we cannot obtain access to the people at large.” CDF
209.
D. Health Reform is not a test question.
“The enemy of our work is pleased when a subject of minor importance can be
used to divert the minds of our brethren from the great questions that should
be the burden of our message. As this is not a test question, I entreat of my
brethren that they shall not allow the enemy to triumph by having it treated as
such.” 1SM 164-165.
GUARDING AGAINST EXTREMES
“We wish to present temperance and health reform from a Bible standpoint, and
to be very cautious not to go to extremes in abruptly advocating health reform.
Let us be careful not to graft into health reform one false shoot according to
our own peculiar overstrained ideas and weave into it our own strong traits of
character making these as the voice of God, and passing judgment on all who do
not see as we do. It takes time to educate away from wrong habits.
“Questions are coming in from brethren and sisters making inquiries in regard
to health reform. Statements are made that some are taking the light in the
testimonies upon health reform and making it a test. They select statements
made in regard to some articles of diet that are presented as
objectionable--statements written in warning and instruction to certain
individuals who were entering or had entered on an evil path. They dwell on
these things and make them as strong as possible, weaving their own peculiar,
objectionable traits of character in with these statements and carry them with
great force, thus making them a test, and driving them where they do only harm…
“Health reform, wisely treated, will prove an entering wedge where the truth
may follow with marked success. But to present health reform unwisely, making
that subject the burden of the message, has served to create prejudice with
unbelievers and to bar the way to the truth, leaving the impression that we are
extremists. Now the Lord would have us wise and understanding as to what is His
will. We must not give occasion for us to be regarded extremists. This will
place us and the truth God has given us to bear to the people at a great
disadvantage. Through weaving in unconsecrated self, that which we are ever to
present as a blessing becomes a stumbling block.” 3SM 284-285.
“In regard to this matter there should be no
rash movements. We should consider the situation of the people, and the power
of lifelong habits and practices, and should be careful not to urge our ideas
upon others, as if this question were a test, and those who eat largely of meat
were the greatest sinners. All should have the light on this question, but let
it be carefully presented. Habits that have been thought right for a lifetime
are not to be changed by harsh or hasty measures…” CDF 462.
1. MEAT EATING IS NOT SAFE NOW.
“I am instructed to say that if ever meat eating were safe, it is not safe
now.” CDF 384.
2. TASTE AND PLEASURE MUST NOT RULE.
“I have said that some of you are selfish. You have not understood what I have
meant. You have studied what food would taste best. Taste and pleasure, instead
of the glory of God, and a desire to advance in the divine life, and to perfect
holiness in the fear of God, have ruled. You have consulted your own pleasure,
your own appetite; and while you have been doing this, Satan has been gaining a
march upon you, and as is generally the case, has frustrated your efforts every
time.” CDF 244-245.
3. REFORMERS SHOULD BE THE MOST UNSELFISH, KIND, AND COURTEOUS PEOPLE IN
THE WORLD.
“Of all the people in the world, reformers should be the most unselfish, the
most kind, the most courteous. In their lives should be seen the true goodness
of unselfish deeds. The worker who manifests a lack of courtesy, who shows
impatience at the ignorance or waywardness of others, who speaks hastily or
acts thoughtlessly, may close the door to hearts so that he can never reach
them.” CDF 459-460.
The matter is to be studied broadly and deeply…the ideas and practices are
to be in perfect harmony with the principles of Temperance.
“Do not catch hold of isolated ideas and make them a test, criticizing others
whose practice may not agree with your opinion; but study the subject broadly and
deeply, and seek to bring your own ideas and practices into perfect harmony
with the principles of true Christian temperance. There are many who try to
correct the lives of others by attacking what they regard as wrong habits. They
go to those whom they think in error, and point out their defects, but do not
seek to direct the mind to true principles. Such a course often comes far short
of securing the desired results. When we make it evident that we are trying to
correct others, we too often arouse their combativeness, and do more harm than
good.” CDF 464.
Not to make a raid to anyone.
“I have had great light from the Lord upon the subject of health reform. I did
not seek this light; I did not study to obtain it; it was given to me by the
Lord to give to others. I present these matters before the people, dwelling
upon general principles, and sometimes, if questions are asked me at the table
to which I have been invited, I answer according to the truth. But I have never
made a raid upon any one in regard to the table or its contents. I would not
consider such a course at all courteous or proper.” CDF 493-494.
“When sitting at a table where meat is provided, we are not to make a raid upon
those who use it, but we should let it alone ourselves, and when asked our
reasons for doing this, we should in a kindly manner explain why we do not use
it.” CDF 462.
4. NOT ALL HEALTH REFORMERS ARE REALLY REFORMERS.
“Some of these persons call themselves health reformers, but they are not. They
do not know how to cook. They prepare cakes, potatoes, and graham bread, but
there is the same round, with scarcely a variation, and the system is not
strengthened. They seem to think the time wasted which is devoted to obtaining
a thorough experience in the preparation of healthful, palatable food.” CDF
318.
“Not all who profess to believe in dietetic reform are really reformers. With
many persons the reform consists merely in discarding certain unwholesome
foods. They do not understand clearly the principles of health, and their
tables, still loaded with harmful dainties, are far from being an example of
Christian temperance and moderation.” CDF 197.
5. DIET REFORM MUST BE PROGRESSIVE.
“We must go no faster than we can take those with us whose consciences and
intellects are convinced of the truths we advocate. We must meet the people
where they are. Some of us have been many years in arriving at our present
position in health reform. It is slow work to obtain a reform in diet. We have
powerful appetites to meet; for the world is given to gluttony. If we should
allow the people as much time as we have required to come up to the present
advanced state in reform, we would be very patient with them, and allow them to
advance step by step, as we have done, until their feet are firmly established
upon the health reform platform. But we should be very cautious not to advance
too fast, lest we be obliged to retrace our steps. In reforms, we would better
come one step short of the mark than to go one step beyond it. And if there is
error at all, let it be on the side next to the people.” CDF 468.
We are we to advance cautiously and step by
step.
“There is a wide difference in constitutions and temperaments, and the demands
of the system differ greatly in different persons.” CDF 494.
“A reform in their habits of eating and drinking is needed. But this reform
cannot be made all at once. The change must be made gradually. The health foods
set before them must be appetizing. All their lives, perhaps, they have had
three meals a day, and have eaten rich food. It is an important matter to reach
these people with the truths of health reform. But in order to lead them to
adopt a sensible diet, you must set before them an abundant supply of
wholesome, appetizing food. Changes must not be made so abruptly that they will
be turned from health reform, instead of being led to it. The food served to
them must be nicely prepared, and it must be richer than either you or I would
eat.” CDF 284.
“The change should not be urged to be made abruptly, especially for those who
are taxed with continuous labor. Let the conscience be educated, the will
energized, and the change can be made much more readily and willingly. The
consumptives who are going steadily down to the grave should not make
particular changes in this respect, but care should be exercised to obtain the
meat of as healthy animals as can be found.” CDF 292.
“Among those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, meat eating will
eventually be done away; flesh will cease to form a part of their diet.” CDF
380.
“In some countries, where poverty abounds, flesh is the cheapest food. Under
these circumstances, the change will be made with greater difficulty; but it
can be effected. We should, however, consider the situation of the people and
the power of lifelong habit, and should be careful not to urge even right ideas
unduly. None should be urged to make the change abruptly. The place of meat
should be supplied with wholesome foods that are inexpensive.” CDF 398.
“In regard to this matter there should be no rash movements. We should consider
the situation of the people, and the power of lifelong habits and practices,
and should be careful not to urge our ideas upon others, as if this question
were a test, and those who eat largely of meat were the greatest sinners. All
should have the light on this question, but let it be carefully presented.
Habits that have been thought right for a lifetime are not to be changed by
harsh or hasty measures…” CDF 462.
6. THE KNOWLEDGE OF PROPER FOOD COMBINATION IS IMPORTANT
“Knowledge in regard to proper food combinations is of great worth, and is to
be received as wisdom from God. Do not have too great a variety at a meal;
three or four dishes are a plenty. At the next meal you can have a change. The
cook should tax her inventive powers to vary the dishes she prepares for the
table, and the stomach should not be compelled to take the same kinds of food
meal after meal… The excessive amount of food eaten, or the improper
combination, does its injurious work. In vain do disagreeable premonitions give
warning. Suffering is the consequence. Disease takes the place of health.” CDF
109-111.
Exercise good, sound common sense in the use of foods.
“In the use of foods, we should exercise good, sound common sense. When we find
that a certain food does not agree with us, we need not write letters of
inquiry to learn the cause of the disturbance. Change the diet; use less of
some foods; try other preparations. Soon we shall know the effect that certain
combinations have on us. As intelligent human beings, let us individually study
the principles, and use our experience and judgment in deciding what foods are
best for us.” CDF 93.
Daniel and his friends were severely tested in their diet with their sound
common sense and firm integrity they have withstood the test.
“Among the viands placed before the king were swine's flesh and other meats
which were declared unclean by the law of Moses, and which the Hebrews had been
expressly forbidden to eat. Here Daniel was brought to a severe test. Should he
adhere to the teachings of his fathers concerning meats and drinks, and offend
the king, probably losing not only his position but his life, or should he
disregard the commandment of the Lord, and retain the favor of the king, thus
securing great intellectual advantages and the most flattering worldly long
prospects?
“Daniel did not hesitate. He decided to stand firmly for his integrity, let the
result be what it might. He "purposed in his heart that he would not
defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he
drank."
“There are many among professed Christians today who would decide that Daniel
was too particular, and would pronounce him narrow and bigoted. They consider
the matter of eating and drinking of too little consequence to require such a
decided stand,--one involving the probable sacrifice of every earthly
advantage. But those who reason thus will find in the day of judgment that they
turned from God's express requirements, and set up their own opinion as a
standard of right and wrong. They will find that what seemed to them
unimportant was not so regarded of God. His requirements should be sacredly
obeyed. Those who accept and obey one of His precepts because it is convenient
to do so, while they reject another because its observance would require a
sacrifice, lower the standard of right, and by their example lead others to
lightly regard the holy law of God. "Thus saith the Lord" is to be
our rule in all things.” CDF 30.
7. IMPOSSIBLE TO MAKE ONE RULE FOR ALL.
“It is impossible to make one rule for all to follow.” CDF 491.
Why?
“There is a wide difference in constitutions and temperaments, and the demands
of the system differ greatly in different persons. What would be food for one,
might be poison for another; so precise rules cannot be laid down to fit every
case.” CDF 494.
“We cannot regulate the diet question by making any rule. Some can eat beans
and dried peas, but to me this diet is painful. It is like poison. Some have
appetites and taste for certain things, and assimilate them well. Others have
no appetite for these articles. So one rule cannot be made for everyone.” 3SM
294. (see also CDF 404, 126, 139, 494, MH 319-320)
“The same rule of eating can not be made for all. I make it a rule never to eat
custards; for when I eat them, they always make a disturbance in my stomach.
But there are those in my family who suffer no inconvenience from eating
custards, and because I can not eat them, I do not say that they ought not to
eat them. We must each experiment and know for ourselves what is best for us to
eat. We may have to abstain from many things that others can eat without
inconvenience.” SpM 260.
8. NOT TO MADE SELF A CRITERION FOR OTHERS.
“I make myself a criterion for no one else. There are things that I cannot eat
without suffering great distress. I try to learn that which is best for me, and
then saying nothing to any one, I partake of the things that I can eat, which
often are simply two or three varieties that will not create a disturbance in
the stomach.” CDF 493-494.
“But the other members of my family do not eat the same things that I do. I do
not hold myself up as a criterion for them. I leave each one to follow his own
ideas as to what is best for him. I bind no one else's conscience by my own.
One person cannot be a criterion for another in the matter of eating.” CDF
491.
“Those who have but a partial understanding of the principles of reform are
often the most rigid, not only in carrying out their views themselves, but in
urging them on their families and their neighbors. The effect of their mistaken
reforms, as seen in their own ill-health, and their efforts to force their
views upon others, give many a false idea of dietetic reform, and lead them to
reject it altogether.” CDF 198.
“We should not make others our criterion nor excuse anything in our course
because others have done wrong. God has given us consciences for ourselves.
Great principles have been laid down in His word, which are sufficient to guide
us in our Christian walk and general deportment.” 3T 523.
9. CONSIDER THE CONDITION AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE PEOPLE.
“Regarding the testimonies, nothing is ignored; nothing is cast aside; but time
and place must be considered. Nothing must be done untimely. Some matters must
be withheld because some persons would make an improper use of the light given.
Every jot and tittle is essential and must appear at an opportune time.” 1SM
57.
“We see those who will select from the testimonies the strongest expressions
and, without bringing in or making any account of the circumstances under which
the cautions and warnings are given, make them of force in every case. Thus
they produce unhealthy impressions upon the minds of the people. There are
always those who are ready to grasp anything of a character which they can use
to rein up people to a close, severe test, and who will work elements of their
own characters into the reforms. This, at the very outset, raises the
combativeness of the very ones they might help if they dealt carefully, bearing
a healthful influence which would carry the people with them. They will go at
the work, making a raid upon the people. Picking out some things in the
testimonies they drive them upon every one, and disgust rather than win souls.
They make divisions when they might and should make peace.” 3SM 285-286.
Why did Daniel refuse to eat at the king’s table?
“A second consideration of these youthful captives was that the king always
asked a blessing before his meals, and addressed his idols as deity. He set
apart a portion of his food, and also a portion of his wine to be presented to
the idol gods whom he worshiped. This act, according to their religious
instruction, consecrated the whole to the heathen god. To sit at the table
where such idolatry was practiced, Daniel and his three brethren deemed, would
be a dishonor to the God of heaven. These four children decided that they could
not sit at the king's table, to eat of the food placed there, or to partake of
the wine, all of which had been dedicated to an idol god.” UL 83.
“In reaching this decision, the Hebrew youth did not act presumptuously but in
firm reliance upon God. They did not choose to be singular, but they would be
so rather than dishonor God. Should they compromise with wrong in this instance
by yielding to the pressure of circumstances, their departure from principle
would weaken their sense of right and their abhorrence of wrong. The first
wrong step would lead to others, until, their connection with Heaven severed,
they would be swept away by temptation.” PK 483.
Pork is not to be eaten under any circumstances.
“Pork, although one of the most common articles of diet, is one of the most
injurious. God did not prohibit the Hebrew from eating swine's flesh merely to
show His authority, but because it is not a proper article of food for man. God
never created the swine to be eaten under any circumstances. It is impossible
for the flesh of any living creature to be healthful when filth is its natural
element, and when it feeds upon every detestable thing.” CH 116.
The diet is to be suited to the season, climate and occupation.
“Not all foods wholesome in themselves are equally suited to our needs under
all circumstances. Care should be taken in the selection of food. Our diet
should be suited to the season, to the climate in which we live, and to the
occupation we follow. Some foods that are adapted for use at one season or in
one climate are not suited to another. So there are different foods best suited
for persons in different occupations.” CDF 94.
Flesh is not the right food in Countries where fruits, grain, and nuts in
abundance.
“If we plan wisely, that which is most conducive to health can be secured in
almost every land. The various preparations of rice, wheat, corn, and oats are sent
abroad everywhere, also beans, peas, and lentils. These, with native or
imported fruits, and the variety of vegetables that grow in each locality, give
an opportunity to select a dietary that is complete without the use of flesh
meats.... Wherever dried fruits, such as raisins, prunes, apples, pears,
peaches, and apricots, are obtainable at moderate prices, it will be found that
they can be used as staple articles of diet much more freely than is customary,
with the best results to the health and vigor of all classes of workers… “We do
not mark out any precise line to be followed in diet; but we do say that in
countries where there are fruits, grain, and nuts in abundance, flesh food is
not the right food for God's people.” CDF 95-96.
There should be caution in prescribing a “no flesh food” diet.
“You are to make no prescriptions that flesh meats shall never be used, but you
are to educate the mind, and let the light shine in. Let the individual
conscience be awakened in regard to self-preservation and self-purity from
every perverted appetite…
“This meat-eating question needs to be guarded. When one changes from the
stimulating diet of meat eating to the fruit-and-vegetable diet, there will
always be at first a sense of weakness and of lack of vitality, and many urge
this as an argument for the necessity of a meat diet. But this result is the
very argument that should be used in discarding a meat diet.
“The change should not be urged to be made abruptly, especially for those who
are taxed with continuous labor. Let the conscience be educated, the will
energized, and the change can be made much more readily and willingly.
“The consumptives who are going steadily down to the grave should not make
particular changes in this respect, but care should be exercised to obtain the
meat of as healthy animals as can be found.
“Persons with tumors running their life away should not be burdened with the
question as to whether they should leave meat eating or not. Be careful to make
no stringent resolution in regard to this matter. It will not help the case to
force changes, but will do injury to the nonmeat-eating principles.” CDF
291-292.
No tea, coffee, and flesh food are to be served in our sanitariums.
“In our sanitariums ... no tea, coffee, or flesh meat is to be served, unless
it is in some special case, where the patient particularly desires it, and
then, these articles of food should be served to him in his room.” CDF 294.
“If patients come who are so dependent on a diet of flesh meat that they think
that they cannot live without it, we shall try to make them look at the matter
from an intelligent point of view. And if they will not do this, if they are
determined to use that which destroys health, we shall not refuse to provide it
for them, if they are willing to eat it in their rooms and willing to risk the
consequences. But they must take upon themselves the responsibility of their
action.” CDF 415.
Meet the People Where They Are.
“On one occasion Sara [McEnterfer] was called to a family at Dora Creek, where
every member of the household was sick. The father belonged to a highly
respectable family, but he had taken to drink, and his wife and children were
in great want. At this time of sickness there was nothing in the house suitable
to eat. And they refused to eat anything that we took them. They had been
accustomed to having meat. We felt that something must be done. I said to Sara,
Take chickens from my place, and prepare them some broth. So Sara treated them
for their illness, and fed them with this broth. They soon recovered. Now this
is the course we pursued. We did not say to the people, You must not eat meat.
Although we did not use flesh foods ourselves, when we thought it essential for
that family in their time of sickness, we gave them what we felt they needed.
There are occasions when we must meet the people where they are. The father of
this family was an intelligent man. When the family was well again, we opened
to them the Scriptures, and this man was converted, and accepted the truth. He
threw away his pipe and gave up the use of drink, and from that time, as long
as he lived, he neither smoked nor drank. As soon as it was possible, we took
him on our farm, and gave him work on the land. While we were away attending
meetings in Newcastle, this man died. Thorough treatment was given him by some
of our workers, but the long-abused body could not respond to their efforts.
But he died a Christian and a commandment keeper.” CDF 466.
When Health Reform becomes health deform.
“The reforms that are strained to the highest tension might accommodate a
certain class, who can obtain all they need to take the place of the things
discarded; but this class forms a very small minority of the people to whom
these tests seem unnecessary. There are those who try to abstain from what is
declared to be harmful. They fail to supply the system with proper nourishment,
and as a consequence become weak and unable to work. Thus health reform is
brought to disrepute. The work we have tried to build up solidly is confused
with strange things that God has not required. The energies of the church are
crippled… But I wish to say that when the time comes that it is no longer safe
to use milk, cream, butter, and eggs, God will reveal this. No extremes in
health reform are to be advocated. The question of using milk and butter and
eggs will work out its own problem. At present we have no burden on this line.
Let your moderation be known unto all men.” CDF 206.
“Flesh foods are injurious to the physical well-being, and we should learn to
do without them. Those who are in a position where it is possible to secure a
vegetarian diet, but who choose to follow their own preferences in this matter,
eating and drinking as they please, will gradually grow careless of the
instruction the Lord has given regarding other phases of the present truth, and
will lose their perception of what is truth; they will surely reap as they have
sown.” CDF 403.
“And from the light given me, sugar, when largely used, is more injurious than
meat.” CDF 328.
“Could we know that animals were in perfect health, I would recommend that
people eat flesh meats sooner than large quantities of milk and sugar.” CDF
330.
“I would prefer a meat diet to the sweet cakes and pastries so generally used.”
CDF 334.
Meat eating is not to be regarded as sin.
(1891) “I advise every Sabbathkeeping canvasser to avoid meat eating, not
because it is regarded as sin to eat meat, but because it is not healthful…
I was shown that the Lord would have them study from cause to effect and see
that it was best to break up a routine in which the system was not nourished.
It was a mistake to discard salt altogether as they had done; it would be
better for them to use it moderately; that instead of eating so largely of gems
and potatoes, and gravies, and strong sauce, they would be benefited by using a
little meat two or three times a week.” 5MR 401-402.
(1898) “The light given me was that meat in a healthy condition was not to be
cut off all at once, but talks were to be given in the parlor in regard to the
use of dead flesh of any kind; that fruits, grains, and vegetables, properly
prepared, were all the system required to keep it in health; but that they must
first show that we have no need to use meat, where there was an abundance of
fruit, as in California. But at the Health Retreat they were not prepared to
make abrupt moves, after using meat so abundantly as they had done. It would be
necessary for them to use meat very sparingly at first and finally discontinue
it entirely. But there must be only one table called the patients' meat-eating
table. The other tables were to be free from this article.” CDF 413.
(1890) “Among those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, meat eating
will eventually be done away; flesh will cease to form a part of their diet. We
should ever keep this end in view, and endeavor to work steadily toward it. I
cannot think that in the practice of flesh eating we are in harmony with the
light which God has been pleased to give us. All who are connected with our
health institutions especially should be educating themselves to subsist on
fruits, grains, and vegetables. If we move from principle in these things, if
we as Christian reformers educate our own taste, and bring our diet to God's
plan, then we may exert an influence upon others in this matter, which will be
pleasing to God.” CDF 380-381.
The flesh meat question should be handled wisely.
“In this country [AUSTRALIA] there is an organized vegetarian society, but its
numbers are comparatively few. Among the people in general, meat is largely
used by all classes. It is the cheapest article of food; and even where poverty
abounds, meat is usually found upon the table. Therefore there is the more need
of handling wisely the question of meat eating. In regard to this matter there
should be no rash movements. We should consider the situation of the people,
and the power of lifelong habits and practices, and should be careful not to
urge our ideas upon others, as if this question were a test, and those who eat
largely of meat were the greatest sinners.
“All should have the light on this question, but let it be carefully presented.
Habits that have been thought right for a lifetime are not to be changed by
harsh or hasty measures. We should educate the people at our camp meetings and
other large gatherings. While the principles of health reform should be
presented, let the teaching be backed by example. Let no meat be found at our
restaurants or dining tents, but let its place be supplied with fruits, grains,
and vegetables. We must practice what we teach. When sitting at a table where
meat is provided, we are not to make a raid upon those who use it, but we
should let it alone ourselves, and when asked our reasons for doing this, we
should in a kindly manner explain why we do not use it.” CDF 462.
There is a time to speak, and to keep silent.
“I have never felt that it was my duty to say that no one should taste of meat
under any circumstances. To say this when the people have been educated to live
on flesh to so great an extent, would be carrying matters to extremes. I have
never felt that it was my duty to make sweeping assertions. What I have said I
have said under a sense of duty, but I have been guarded in my statements,
because I did not want to give occasion for any one to be conscience for
another.” “I have been passing through an experience in this country that is
similar to the experience I had in new fields in America. I have seen families
whose circumstances would not permit them to furnish their table with healthful
food. Unbelieving neighbors have sent them in portions of meat from animals
recently killed. They have made soup of the meat, and supplied their large
families of children with meals of bread and soup. It was not my duty, nor did
I think it was the duty of any one else, to lecture them upon the evils of meat
eating. I feel sincere pity for families who have newly come to the faith, and
who are so pressed with poverty that they know not from whence their next meal
is coming. It is not my duty to discourse to them on healthful eating. There is
a time to speak, and a time to keep silent. The opportunity furnished by
circumstances of this order is an opportunity to speak words that will
encourage and bless, rather than condemn and reprove. Those who have lived upon
a meat diet all their life do not see the evil of continuing the practice, and
they must be treated tenderly.”
“While working against gluttony and intemperance, we must recognize the
condition to which the human family is subjected. God has made provision for
those who live in the different countries of the world. Those who desire to be
co-workers with God must consider carefully before they specify just what foods
should and should not be eaten. We are to be brought into connection with the
masses. Should health reform in its most extreme form be taught to those whose
circumstances forbid its adoption, more harm than good would be done. As I
preach the gospel to the poor, I am instructed to tell them to eat that food
which is most nourishing. I cannot say to them: "You must not eat eggs, or
milk or cream. You must use no butter in the preparation of food." The
gospel must be preached to the poor, but the time has not yet come to prescribe
the strictest diet.” CDF 462-464.
Recognition of Emergency Conditions.
“In certain cases of illness or exhaustion it may be thought best to use some
meat, but great care should be taken to secure the flesh of healthy animals. It
has come to be a very serious question whether it is safe to use flesh food at
all in this age of the world. It would be better never to eat meat than to use
the flesh of animals that are not healthy. … A meat diet is not the most
wholesome of diets, and yet I would not take the position that meat should be
discarded by every one. Those who have feeble digestive organs can often use
meat, when they cannot eat vegetables, fruit, or porridge.” CDF 394-395.
Personal Experiences of Ellen G. White As A Health Reformer.
1) CDF 482: (1863) “But since
the Lord presented before me, in June, 1863, the subject of meat eating in
relation to health, I have left the use of meat..”
2) CDF 394: (1890) “When I could not obtain the food I needed, I
have sometimes eaten a little meat; but I am becoming more and more afraid of
it.”
3) CDF 257: (1890) “When I have been away from home sometimes, I
have known that the bread upon the table, as well as most of the other food,
would hurt me; but I would be obliged to eat a little in order to sustain
life.”
4) CDF 488: (1895) “Since the camp meeting at Brighton (January,
1894) I have absolutely banished meat from my table. It is an understanding
that whether I am at home or abroad, nothing of this kind is to be used in my
family, or come upon my table. I have had much representation before my mind in
the night season on this subject.”
5) CDF 488-489: (1896) “I have a
large family which often numbers sixteen. In it there are men who work at the
plow and who fell trees. These have most vigorous exercise, but not a particle
of the flesh of animals is placed on our table. Meat has not been used by us
since the Brighton camp meeting. It was not my purpose to have it on my table
at any time, but urgent pleas were made that such a one was unable to eat this
or that, and that his stomach could take care of meat better than it could
anything else. Thus I was enticed to place it on my table.”
6) CDF 487: (1901) “Encountering Difficulties and Resultant
Compromises. Over thirty years ago I was often in great weakness. Many prayers
were offered in my behalf. It was thought that flesh meat would give me
vitality, and this was, therefore, my principal article of diet. But instead of
gaining strength, I grew weaker and weaker. I often fainted from exhaustion.
Light came to me, showing me the injury men and women were doing to the mental,
moral, and physical faculties by the use of flesh meat. I was shown that the
whole human structure is affected by this diet, that by it man strengthens the
animal propensities and the appetite for liquor. I at once cut meat out of my
bill of fare. After that I was at times placed where I was compelled to eat a
little meat.”
“[NOTE.--From the time of her girlhood, Mrs. White was burdened with writing
and public ministry, and was therefore obliged to place the responsibilities of
the domestic work in her home largely upon housekeepers and cooks. She was not
always able to secure the services of those trained in hygienic cookery. So
there were times in her own home when various compromises had to be made
between the ideal standards, and the knowledge, experience, and standards of a
new cook. Then, too, much of the time while traveling, she was dependent for
her food upon those whom she was visiting. Although able to subsist upon a
spare diet, it sometimes seemed necessary to eat some meat, which she knew was
not the best food and which was not of her own choosing.--Compilers.]
7) 2SM 303: (1882) “Coffee as Medicine.--I have not knowingly
drunk a cup of genuine coffee for twenty years, only, as I stated, during my
sickness--for a medicine--I drank a cup of coffee, very strong, with a raw egg
broken into it.”
8) CDF 490: (1888) “I have not bought a penny's worth of tea for
years. Knowing its influence, I would not dare to use it, except in cases of
severe vomiting when I take it as a medicine, but not as a beverage. . I am not
guilty of drinking any tea except red-clover-top tea, and if I liked wine, tea,
and coffee, I would not use these health-destroying narcotics, for I prize
health and I prize a healthful example in all these things. I want to be a
pattern of temperance and of good works to others.” (see also 2SM 302-303).
9) CDF 492: (1908) “We never use tea or coffee. Occasionally I
have used red-clover-blossom tea for a warm drink, but few of my family drink
any fluid at our meals.
Was there any contention in the large family of Mrs. White with regard to
the diet compared with those who held extreme views? No!
CDF 494: “We have no words, no contention; all moves along
harmoniously in my large family, for I do not attempt to dictate what they
shall or shall not eat.”
Did Mrs. White depart from the principles of health reform as accused her by
the extremists/fanatics of her time?
CDF 491-492: (1908) “It is reported by some that I have not lived
up to the principles of health reform, as I have advocated them with my pen.
But I can say that so far as my knowledge goes, I have not departed from those
principles. Those who have eaten at my table know that I have not placed flesh
meats before them
CDF 494: (1909) “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.
10. DO NOT MAKE THE USE OF FLESH MEAT A TEST
OF FELLOWSHIP.
“God calls upon those for whom Christ died to take proper care of themselves,
and set a right example to others. My brother, you are not to make a test for
the people of God, upon the question of diet; for they will lose confidence in
teachings that are strained to the farthest point of extension. The Lord
desires His people to be sound on every point in health reform, but we must not
go to extremes.” CDF 205.
“While we do not make the use of flesh meat a test, while we do not want to
force any one to give up its use, yet it is our duty to request that no
minister of the conference shall make light of or oppose the message of reform
on this point.” CDF 401.
“We are not to make the use of flesh food a test of fellowship, but we should
consider the influence that professed believers who use flesh foods have over
others.” CDF 404.
“We should consider the situation of the people, and the power of lifelong
habits and practices, and should be careful not to urge our ideas upon others,
as if this question were a test, and those who eat largely of meat were the
greatest sinners.” CDF 462.
“Questions are coming in from brethren and sisters making inquiries in regard
to health reform. Statements are made that some are taking the light in the
testimonies upon health reform and making it a test. They select statements
made in regard to some articles of diet that are presented as
objectionable--statements written in warning and instruction to certain individuals
who were entering or had entered on an evil path. They dwell on these things
and make them as strong as possible, weaving their own peculiar, objectionable
traits of character in with these statements and carry them with great force,
thus making them a test, and driving them where they do only harm.” 3SM 285.
“The question whether we shall eat butter, meat, or cheese, is not to be
presented to anyone as a test, but we are to educate and to show the evils of
the things that are objectionable. Those who gather up these things and drive
them upon others do not know what work they are doing. The Word of God has
given tests to His people.” 3SM 287.
“Tea, coffee, tobacco, and alcohol we must present as sinful indulgences. We
cannot place on the same ground, meat, eggs, butter, cheese, and such articles
placed upon the table. These are not to be borne in front, as the burden of our
work. The former--tea, coffee, tobacco, beer, wine, and all spiritous
liquors--are not to be taken moderately, but discarded. The poisonous narcotics
are not to be treated in the same way as the subject of eggs, butter, and
cheese.” 3SM 287.
“I eat only two meals a day. But I do not think that the number of meals should
be made a test. If there are those who are better in health when eating three
meals, it is their privilege to have three. I choose two meals. For thirty-five
years I have practiced the two-meal system.” CDF 178.
While it is true that a minister who “disregards the Health Reform unfits
him to stand as the Lord’s messenger” (refer to 6T 378, 9T 159-160); those who
are lowering the standard of Christianity are not to be supported by tithe
(refer to 3T 553), are we then to advocate that those ministers who eat flesh
meats due to some unavoidable circumstances, have disregarded the health reform
principles? and have lowered the standard? No! Health Reform does not consist
merely of diet but also includes exercise, water, air, etc.
We read of Mrs. White suggesting a meat diet for a minister and his family:
“Now I wish to tell you something of what the Lord has shown me, in my own case
and a score of others, in reference to diet. Some years ago Elder
Loughborough's family were living very much as yours have been, discarding
salt, and rigidly following a certain course they had marked out. All were
dyspeptics. Elder Loughborough did not have strength to perform his ministerial
labors, and the children ate double the amount of food they should have had,
because the wants of the stomach were not met.
“I was shown that the ideas they had received in regard to diet were not to be
carried out as they had been. All ate largely, and yet were unsatisfied.
Nature, I saw, had a heavy tax put upon her, and yet was not nourished. I have
not time now to state all the particulars, but I was shown that death would be
the result unless a change was brought about at once. But Elder Loughborough's
wife was possessed of a conscientiousness that was painful, an affliction to
herself and all connected with her. Sick and suffering as she was, her
conscience--which certainly could not have been a sanctified conscience--held
her to the extreme course she had adopted.
“I was shown that the Lord would have them study from cause to effect and see
that it was best to break up a routine in which the system was not nourished.
It was a mistake to discard salt altogether as they had done; it would be
better for them to use it moderately; that instead of eating so largely of gems
and potatoes, and gravies, and strong sauce, they would be benefited by using a
little meat two or three times a week. Well, Elder Loughborough changed his
diet and began to gain in strength. His wife made no change, and she died about
a year after I had labored with them so earnestly.” Letter 19a, 1891. (To H.
C. Miller, April 2, 1891) 5MR 401-402. (Please note that Elder Loughborough was
a well-known pioneer of SDA and served a number of times as conference
president.)
If the use of flesh food is not to be a test for God’s people, what then is
the test?
3SM 287: “The keeping of God's holy law, the Sabbath, is a test, a sign
between God and His people throughout their generations forever. Forever this
is the burden of the third angel's message--the commandments of God and the
testimony of Jesus Christ.”
11. EXTREMISTS MUST NOT RAISE A FALSE STANDARD, AND MAKE EVERYONE ADHERE
TO IT.
“And while we would caution you not to overeat, even of the best quality of
food, we would also caution those that are extremists not to raise a false
standard, and then endeavor to bring everybody to it.” CDF 208.
What is our standard?
“God's holy law is the only standard by which we can estimate divine affection.
If we do not accept the law of God as our standard, we set up a standard of our
own.” 1SM 311.
“Here is the test of every man's profession.
We cannot accord holiness to any man without bringing him to the measurement of
God's only standard of holiness in heaven and in earth. If men feel no weight
of the moral law, if they belittle and make light of God's precepts, if they
break one of the least of these commandments, and teach men so, they shall be
of no esteem in the sight of Heaven, and we may know that their claims are
without foundation.” GC 472-473.
In the time of Christ, the rabbis and Pharisees went to extremes and raised
a false standard.
“Other laws had been perverted by the rabbis in like manner. In the directions
given through Moses it was forbidden to eat any unclean thing. The use of
swine's flesh, and the flesh of certain other animals, was prohibited, as
likely to fill the blood with impurities, and to shorten life. But the
Pharisees did not leave these restrictions as God had given them. They went to
unwarranted extremes. Among other things the people were required to strain all
the water used, lest it should contain the smallest insect, which might be
classed with the unclean animals. Jesus, contrasting these trivial exactions
with the magnitude of their actual sins, said to the Pharisees, "Ye blind
guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel." DA 617.
Luther called fanaticism plague.
“Luther at the Wartburg, hearing of what had occurred, said with deep concern,
"I always expected that Satan would send us this plague." He
perceived the true character of those pretended prophets, and saw the danger
that threatened the cause of truth. The opposition of the pope and the emperor
had not caused him so great perplexity and distress as he now experienced. From
the professed friends of the Reformation had risen its worst enemies. The very
truths which had brought peace to his troubled heart had been made the cause of
dissension in the church.” 4SOP 147.
Individuals and even churches have been victims of this plagues, and thru
their fanatical practices – poor health, sallow complexion and unbalanced minds
were the result. Daniel and his associates, after their 10-day trial, have
shown better results.
“At the end of the ten days' trial the result was found to be the opposite of
the prince's fears. "Their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in
flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat."
In personal appearance the Hebrew youth showed a marked superiority over their
companions. As a result, Daniel and his associates were permitted to continue
their simple diet during their entire course of training… In physical strength
and beauty, in mental vigor and literary attainment, they stood unrivaled. The
erect form, the firm, elastic step, the fair countenance, the undimmed senses,
the untainted breath--all were so many certificates of good habits, insignia of
the nobility with which nature honors those who are obedient to her laws.” PK
484-485.
12. MAKE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CLEAN AND UNCLEAN FOODS.
“Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they
are unclean to you. And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in
the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in
the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you: This is the law of the
beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the
waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth: To make a
difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be
eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.” Leviticus 11:8,10, 46-47.
What example we can get from Peter’s vision regarding his eating habit?
Acts 10:13-14: “And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and
eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is
common or unclean.”
What will happen to those who disregard the express command of God and
eating abominable things?
Isaiah 66:17: “They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in
the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the
abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.
Who are those who profaned the holy things?
Ezekiel 22:26-28: “Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned
mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane,
neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have
hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. Her princes in
the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to
destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. And her prophets have daubed them with
untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus
saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken.”
These priests or false teachers made no difference between the clean and
unclean; they have placed the clean food mentioned in Leviticus on the same
level with the unclean.
Let us take some example about the diet of Christ :
Luke 24:41-42: “And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered,
he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a
broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them.
Isaiah 7:15: “Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse
the evil, and choose the good.”
These two verses are being used to justify their extreme view that Jesus
never eat the fish but only the honeycomb because they said that Isaiah
predicted that Jesus’ food is “butter and honey”. If we will take this extreme
position, we cam likewise conclude that Jesus never ate fruits, vegetables, or
grains during His entire life. How fanatical isn’t it!
Whether Christ did eat or did not eat fish is not the question for us today.
As God, He has the right to do as He pleases.
“The Lord is regarded as cruel by many in requiring His people to make war with
other nations. They say that it is contrary to His benevolent character. But He
who made the world, and formed man to dwell upon the earth, has unlimited
control over all the works of His hands, and it is His right to do as He
pleases, and what He pleases with the work of His hands. Man has no right to
say to his Maker, Why doest Thou thus? There is no injustice in His character.”
2SM 333.
For the sake of balancing the extreme fanatical view with regard to Christ’s
diet, Jesus did eat flesh in the time of Abraham.
Genesis 18:1-8: “And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre:
and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; And he lift up his eyes and
looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet
them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, And said, My
Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from
thy servant: Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet,
and rest yourselves under the tree: And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and
comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come
to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said. And Abraham hastened
into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine
meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth. And Abraham ran unto the herd,
and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted
to dress it. And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed,
and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.”
(please read PP138-139 citing that the Son of Man or Jesus was among the
three tired wayfarers.)
The three years famine brought Israel to want. For months Elijah hidden in
brook Cherith, fed on bread and flesh brough by ravens. We are not to do away
with the principles of health reform neither must extreme views be taken when
circumstances arise to warrant the use of flesh. A correct understanding of
health reform will lead to acquiring a balanced mind a practical, intelligent
application of its principles in our lives.
1 Kings 17:6: “And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the
morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook”.
(Elijah represents those who will be translated to heaven without seeing
death in the last days)
PK 227: “Elijah was a type of the saints who will be living on the earth
at the time of the second advent of Christ and who will be "changed, in a
moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump," without tasting of
death. 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52… Elijah, representing those who at the close of
earth's history will be changed from mortal to immortal and be translated to
heaven without seeing death.”
The so-called “health reformers” and fanatics removed the distinction
between clean and unclean foods. Hence, they made it appear that if one eats
flesh, even of the clean foods, he has sinned against God. Moreso, they went
further by stating that if one is not a vegetarian he will not be saved.
What does the Lord say when sins are committed?
“But sin is sin, whether committed by the possessor of millions or by the
beggar in the streets.” 4T 311.
“If God excuses one man, He may excuse all.” 4T 251.
“Sin is sin whether committed by one sitting on a throne, or by one in the
humbler walks of life.” 3BC 1147.
“There is not one standard for the poor and another for the rich; for all will
be tested by that law, which bids us to love God supremely and our neighbor as
ourselves.” 4BC 1181.
“We need clear discernment, that we may measure sin by the Lord's standard and
not by our own. Let us take for our rule, not human opinions, but the divine
word.” 5T 337.
“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the
transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4.
“Overtaxing the stomach is a common sin, and when too much food is used, the
entire system is burdened. Overeating is the sin of this age. The word of God
places the sin of gluttony in the same catalogue with drunkenness. When we eat
immoderately, we sin against our own bodies.” CDF 131, 133, 136.
“What a thought! Gluttons in heaven! No, no; such will never enter the pearly
gates of the golden city of God. Such will never be exalted to the right hand
of Jesus, the precious Saviour, the suffering Man of Calvary, whose life was
one of constant self-denial and sacrifice. There is a place appointed for all
such among the unworthy, who can have no part in the better life, the immortal
inheritance.” CDF 126.
“Intemperance a Sin” CDF 43-44.
“Poor Cooking a Sin. It is a sin to place poorly prepared food on the table,
because the matter of eating concerns the well-being of the entire system…” CDF
251.
“Scanty, ill-cooked food depraves the blood by weakening the blood-making
organs. It deranges the system, and brings on disease, with its accompaniment
of irritable nerves and bad tempers. The victims of poor cookery are numbered
by thousands and tens of thousands. Over many graves might be written: "Died
because of poor cooking;" "Died of an abused stomach." CDF
257.
“Excessive indulgence in eating, drinking, sleeping, or seeing, is sin.” CDF
141.
What was the foundation of Babylon’s sin?
“God ascribes the fall of Babylon to her gluttony and drunkenness. Indulgence
of appetite and passion was the foundation of all their sins.” CDF 147.
RESULTS OF FANATICISM
“I was shown that both B and C have dishonored the cause of God. They have
brought upon it a stain which will never be fully wiped out. I was shown the
family of our dear Brother D. If this brother had received proper help at the
right time, every member of his family would have been alive today. It is a
wonder that the laws of the land have not been enforced in this instance of
maltreatment. That family were perishing for food, the plainest, simplest food.
They were starving in a land of plenty. A novice was practicing upon them. The
young man did not die of disease, but of hunger. Food would have strengthened the
system and kept the machinery in motion.” 2T 384-385.
“Great light has been given to the people of God. Let our people awake, and go
forward to perfection. You will be exposed to the fallacies of satanic
agencies. Fearful waves of fanaticism will come. But God will deliver the
people who will earnestly seek the Lord, and consecrate themselves to His
service…We shall have scores of just such developments, and if our leading
brethren shall catch up things of this character and endorse them as they have
done in this case, we shall have one of the most sweeping tidal waves of
fanaticism that has been seen in our experience.” 2SM 47, 92.
1. FANATICISM DESTROYS RELATIONSHIPS.
“At Garland a large number collected from different quarters to hear my
message. But my heart was very heavy; I had just received a letter from my
mother begging me to return home, for false reports were circulating concerning
me. This was an unexpected blow. My name had always been free from the shadow
of reproach, and my reputation was very dear to me. I also felt grieved that my
mother should suffer on my account; her heart was bound up in her children, and
she was very sensitive in regard to them. If there had been an opportunity, I
should have set out for home immediately; but this was impossible… One of these
fanatical persons labored with some success to turn my friends and even my
relatives against me. Because I had faithfully related that which was shown me
respecting his unchristian course, he circulated falsehoods to destroy my influence
and to justify himself. My lot seemed hard. Discouragements pressed heavily
upon me; and the condition of God's people so filled me with anguish that for
two weeks I was prostrated with sickness.” 1T 66-67.
2. A FANATIC’S DECISION CANNOT BE TRUSTED.
“The things you have described as taking place in Indiana, the Lord has shown
me would take place just before the close of probation. Every uncouth thing
will be demonstrated. There will be shouting, with drums, music, and dancing.
The senses of rational beings will become so confused that they cannot be
trusted to make right decisions. And this is called the moving of the Holy
Spirit.” 2SM 36.
3. FANATICISM WILL TURN US AWAY FROM THE 3RD ANGEL’S MESSAGE.
“He {Satan} is working with all his insinuating, deceiving power, to lead men
away from the third angel's message, which is to be proclaimed with mighty
power. If Satan sees that the Lord is blessing His people and preparing them to
discern his delusions, he will work with his master power to bring in fanaticism
on the one hand and cold formalism on the other, that he may gather in a
harvest of souls. Now is our time to watch unceasingly. Watch, bar the way to
the least step of advance that Satan may make among you.” 2SM 19-20.
4. THE INFLUENCE OF THE 3RD ANGEL’S MESSAGE WILL BE LOST.
“That the enemy was trying to arrange matters so that the camp meetings, which
have been the means of bringing the truth of the third angel's message before
multitudes, should lose their force and influence.” 2SM 37.
5. TRUTH BECOME DISGUSTING.
" I felt greatly distressed. I was instructed to say that at these
demonstrations demons in the form of men are present, working with all the
ingenuity that Satan can employ to make the truth disgusting to sensible
people.” 2SM 37.
6. MINDS WILL BE DRIVEN AWAY FROM TRUTH.
“Any manifestation of fanaticism takes the mind away from the evidence of
truth--the Word itself.” 2SM 43.
“The disappointment in 1844 had confused the
minds of many, and they would not listen to any explanation of the matter. They
were impatient and unbelieving, and many seemed rebellious, coming out in a
most decided manner against their past Advent experience.” 2SM 27.
7. THE WHOLE BODY OF GOD’S PEOPLE BECOME A STIGMA.
“There are persons of an excitable temperament who are easily led into
fanaticism; and should we allow anything to come into our churches that would
lead such persons into error, we would soon see these errors carried to extreme
lengths, and then because of the course of these disorderly elements, a stigma
would rest upon the whole body of Seventh-day Adventists.” 2SM 43.
8. FANATICISM CREATES BROKEN FAMILIES.
“The reproach resting upon the cause in regard to Sister A rests heavily upon
you. You made much of her exercises and experience. She was weak, yet could in
a measure fill her place in her family and keep her children together; but she
had been from her home but a short time before her reason was dethroned. The
backslidden state of the professed Sabbathkeepers in ----- led you to influence
Sister A to leave her family who needed her care, and come to ----- that her
influence might help the Sabbathkeepers there. An unhealthy excitement marked
her course. Some of the inexperienced were deluded. The weak mind of Sister A
was overtaxed, and disease fastened upon the brain. And the cause of God is
deeply wounded and reproached on account of this. Brother A has been wronged;
he must now suffer under a living trouble, and his children must be scattered.”
1T 315.
9. THE PURSUIT OF STUDIES IS ABANDONED.
“One of these prophets claimed to have been instructed by the angel Gabriel. A
student who united with him abandoned his studies, declaring that he had
received from God himself the ability to explain the Scriptures. Others who
were naturally inclined to fanaticism united with them…The fruit of the new
teaching soon became apparent. The minds of the people were diverted from the
word of God, or decidedly prejudiced against it. The schools were thrown into
confusion. Students, spurning all restraint, abandoned their studies. The men
who thought themselves competent to revive and control the work of the
Reformation, succeeded only in bringing it to the very brink of ruin. The
Romanists now regained their confidence, and exclaimed exultingly, "One
more effort, and all will be ours." 4 SOP 146-147.
10. BUSINESSES ARE PUT TO A HALT.
“Some, who had fallen into the error that Christ was to come in their day,
imbibed the fanatical idea that it was praiseworthy to show their faith by
giving up all business, and resigning themselves to idle waiting for the great
event which they thought was near.” 7BC 909.
“In every age Satan has sought to impair the
efforts of God's servants by introducing into the church a spirit of
fanaticism. Thus it was in Paul's day, and thus it was in later centuries
during the time of the Reformation. Wycliffe, Luther, and many others who
blessed the world by their influence and their faith, encountered the wiles by
which the enemy seeks to lead into fanaticism overzealous, unbalanced, and unsanctified
minds. Misguided souls have taught that the attainment of true holiness carries
the mind above all earthly thoughts and leads men to refrain wholly from labor.
Others, taking extreme views of certain texts of Scripture, have taught that it
is a sin to work--that Christians should take no thought concerning the
temporal welfare of themselves or their families, but should devote their lives
wholly to spiritual things. The teaching and example of the apostle Paul are a
rebuke to such extreme views.” AA 348.
11. FANATICISM CREATES EXCITABLE AND STARTLING NOTICES.
“Startling Notices Detrimental.--Some time ago Elder___ got out some very
startling notices regarding the destruction of New York. I wrote immediately to
the ones in charge of the work there, saying that it was not wise to publish
such notices, that thus an excitement might be aroused which would result in a
fanatical movement, hurting the cause of God. It is enough to present the truth
of the Word of God to the people. Startling notices are detrimental to the
progress of His work. “I have sent cautions to the brethren working in New
York, saying that these flaming, terrifying notices should not be published.
When my brethren go to extremes, it reacts on me, and I have to bear the
reproach of being called a false prophet. “Think you that if I had said that
New York would be destroyed by a tidal wave, I should have urged the purchase
of property only sixty miles away from this city, as a sanitarium site, and a
place from which New York could be worked?” Ev 387-388.
12. THE TRUTH HAS BEEN MISREPRESENTED, BELITTLED, AND DEMERITED.
“Never, never was there a time when the truth suffered more from being
misrepresented, belittled, demerited through the perverse disputings of men
than in these last days. Men have brought themselves in with their
heterogeneous mass of heresies which they represent as oracles for the people.
The people are charmed with some strange new thing, and are not wise in
experience to discern the character of ideas that men may frame up as
something. But to call it something of great consequence and tie it to the
oracles of God, does not make it truth. Oh, how this rebukes the low standard
of piety in the churches.” 2SM 15.
13. FANATICISM HAS MADE THE WORK OF GOD ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE WITH
UNBELIEVERS.
“You might take a consistent course, but those who would be influenced by you
might take a very inconsistent course, and, as a result, we should very soon
have our hands full of something that would make it almost impossible to give
unbelievers the right impression of our message and work. We must go to the
people with the solid Word of God; and when they receive that Word, the Holy
Spirit may come, but it always comes, as I have stated before, in a way that
commends itself to the judgment of the people.” 2SM 43.
14. FANATICISM URGES HUMAN TESTS AND MANUFACTURED CROSSES TO THEIR
ADHERENTS.
“This class urged upon the people human tests and manufactured crosses, which
Christ had not given them to bear…With some the evil has revealed itself in the
form of man-made tests for ascertaining a knowledge of the will of God; and I
was shown that this was a delusion which became an infatuation, and that it is
contrary to the will of the Lord. If we follow such methods, we shall be found
aiding the enemy's plans.” 2SM 27-28.
15. ERROR IS MINGLED WITH TRUTH.
“With much that is truth there is mingled error that is accepted in its extreme
meaning, and acted upon by persons of excitable temperament. Thus fanaticism
will take the place of well-regulated, well-disciplined, heaven-ordained
efforts to carry forward the work to its completion.“ 2SM 17.
16. FANATICISM IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WHEN LEFT UNCHECKED.
“Fanaticism, once started and left unchecked, is as hard to quench as a fire
which has obtained hold of a building.” 2SM 35.
17. THE PILLARS OF OUR FAITH ARE REPLACED WITH MAN-MADE THEORIES.
“Our people need to understand the reasons of our faith and our past
experiences. How sad it is that so many of them apparently place unlimited
confidence in men who present theories tending to uproot our past experiences
and to remove the old landmarks! Those who can so easily be led by a false
spirit show that they have been following the wrong captain for some time--so
long that they do not discern that they are departing from the faith, or that
they are not building upon the true foundation.” 2SM 25.
18. FREE-LOVISM IS ADVOCATED.
“In New Hampshire, in Vermont, and in other places we had to resist the
stealthy, deceptive work of fanaticism. Presumptuous sins were committed, and
unholy lusts were freely indulged by some, under the cloak of sanctification.
The doctrine of spiritual free-love was advocated. We saw the fulfillment of
the scripture "that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith,
giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (1 Tim. 4:1).”
2SM 26.
“In times past certain among the believers had great faith in the setting of
signs by which to decide their duty. Some had such confidence in these signs
that men went so far as to exchange wives, thus bringing adultery into the
church…“After the passing of the time in 1844, fanaticism came into the ranks
of Adventists. God gave messages of warning to stay the incoming evil. There
was too great familiarity between some men and women.” 2SM 28-29.
19. FANATICS HAVE UNBALANCED MINDS.
“As the result of fanatical movements such as I have described, persons in no
way responsible for them have in some cases lost their reason. They could not
harmonize the scenes of excitement and tumult with their own past precious
experience; they were pressed beyond measure to receive the message of error;
it was represented to them that unless they did this they would be lost; and as
the result their mind was unbalanced, and some became insane. These things bring
a reproach upon the cause of truth, and hinder the proclamation of the last
message of mercy to the world.” 2SM 34-35.
20. MORE SOULS ARE LOST THAN GAINING THEM.
“Some who endured the disappointment have seen the evidences of present truth,
and have embraced the third angel's message, and are striving to carry it out
in their lives. But where there is one who has been benefited by believing the
1854 time, there are ten who have been injured by it; and many of these are
placed where they will not be convinced of the truth, though it be presented
before them ever so clearly.” 1T 409.
21. FANATICISM WILL ALWAYS HAVE FANATICS.
“The fanatical teachers gave themselves up to be governed by impressions,
calling every thought of the mind the voice of God; consequently they went to
great extremes. Some even burned their Bibles, exclaiming, "The letter
killeth, but the Spirit giveth life." Men naturally love the marvelous,
and whatever flatters their pride, and many were ready to accept Munzer's teachings.
He soon denounced all order in public worship, and declared that to obey
princes was to attempt to serve both God and Belial.” “The minds of the people,
already beginning to throw off the yoke of the papacy, were also becoming
impatient under the restraints of civil authority. Munzer's revolutionary
teachings, claiming divine sanction, led them to break away from all control,
and give the rein to their prejudices and passions. The most terrible scenes of
sedition and strife followed, and the fields of Germany were drenched with
blood.
“The agony of soul which Luther had so long before experienced in his cell at
Erfurth, now pressed upon him with redoubled power as he saw the results of
fanaticism charged upon the Reformation. The papist princes declared, and many
believed, that Luther's doctrine had been the cause of the rebellion. Although
this charge was without the slightest foundation, it could not but cause the
Reformer great distress. That the work of Heaven should be thus degraded by
being classed with the basest fanaticism, seemed more than he could endure. On
the other hand, the leaders in the revolt hated Luther because he had not only
opposed their doctrines and denied their claims to divine inspiration, but had
pronounced them rebels against the civil authority. In retaliation they
denounced him as a base pretender. He seemed to have brought upon himself the
enmity of both princes and people.
“The Romanists exulted, expecting to witness the speedy downfall of the
Reformation; and they blamed Luther, even for the errors which he had been most
earnestly endeavoring to correct. The fanatical party, by falsely claiming to
have been treated with great injustice, succeeded in gaining the sympathies of
a large class of the people, and, as is usually the case with those who take
the wrong side, they came to be regarded as martyrs. Thus the ones who were
exerting every energy in opposition to the Reformation were pitied and lauded
as the victims of cruelty and oppression. This was the work of Satan, prompted
by the same spirit of rebellion which was first manifested in Heaven. “ 4SOP
150-151.
22. FANATICISM DEVELOPS INDIVIDUAL INDEPENDENCE THAT DESTROYS CHRISTIAN
UNITY.
“This is the cause of the divisions in northern Wisconsin. Some receive a part
of the message, and reject another portion. Some accept the Sabbath and reject
the third angel's message; yet because they have received the Sabbath they
claim the fellowship of those who believe all the present truth. Then they
labor to bring others into the same dark position with themselves. They are not
responsible to anyone. They have an independent faith of their own. Such are
allowed to have influence, when no place should be given to them,
notwithstanding their pretensions to honesty… I saw that if God's people in
Wisconsin would prosper, they must take a decided position in regard to these
things, and thereby cut off the influence of those who are causing distraction
and division by teaching sentiments contrary to the body. Such are wandering
stars. They seem to emit a little light; they profess and carry along a little
truth, and thus deceive the inexperienced. Satan endows them with his spirit,
but God is not with them;.. If all had sought to be in union with the body, the
fanaticism which has brought so deep a stain upon the cause of present truth in
northern Wisconsin would not have arisen; for it is the result of drawing off
from the body, and seeking to have an original, independent faith, regardless
of the faith of the body.” 1T 326-327.
23. FANATICS BECOME AN ANNOYANCES TO UNBELIEVERS.
“As sister white continued, she told of some who had strange exercisings of the
body and of others who were governed largely by their own impressions…Among
those who took part in these extraordinary forms of fanaticism were some who
had once been faithful, god-fearing brethren and sisters. The strange
exercisings of body and mind were carried to such lengths that in a few places
the officers of the law felt compelled to restrain them by casting them into
prison. The cause of god was thus brought into disrepute and it took years to
outlive the influence that these exhibitions of fanaticism had upon the general
public.” 3SM 370-371.
24. FANATICS HAVE SUICIDAL TENDENCY.
“There were some in Paris, Maine, who believed that it was sin to work. The
Lord gave me a reproof for the leader in this error… I saw that God would work
for the salvation of His people: that this misguided man would soon manifest
himself, so that all the honest in heart would see that he was not actuated by
a right spirit, and that his career would soon close. Soon afterward the snare
was broken, and he had but little more influence over the brethren. He
denounced the visions as being of the devil, and continued to follow his
impressions, until his mind was deranged and his friends were obliged to
confine him. At last he made a rope of some of his bed clothing, with which he
hanged himself, and his followers were brought to realize the fallacy of his
teachings.“ LS 86-87.
25. RESTORATION OF FANATICS TO THE TRUTH BECOMES TEN TO TWENTY TIMES
DIFFICULT.
“You attempt to make the truth of God sustain false sentiments and incorrect
actions that are inconsistent and fanatical. This makes tenfold, yes,
twentyfold harder the work of the church in acquainting the people with the
truths of the third angel's message.” 3SM 377.
26. INDIFFERENCE AND NEUTRALITY BECOMES A CHARACTER.
“By your noncommittal position, and by your course in this fanaticism you have
done more injury to the cause of God in Wisconsin than you have done good in
all your life. Our faith has been made disgusting to unbelievers; a wound, an
incurable wound, has been given to the cause of God, and yet many, with
yourself, seem astonished that so much is said and made of this fanaticism. One
evil seed sown takes root, grows rank, and bears fruit, and there is an
abundant harvest.” 1T 317-318.
27. FANATICS CAN NEVER BE QUALIFIED FOR THE MINISTRY.
“I was shown that quite a number who were thinking it their duty to teach the
word of God publicly had mistaken their work. They had no call to devote
themselves to this solemn, responsible work. They were not qualified for the
work of the ministry, for they could not instruct others properly… You are not
teachable, therefore the cause of God would not prosper in your hands. You
would fail to recognize a defeat when you met with one. The cause of God would
be brought into disrepute and dishonor by your labors, and you would fail to
discover the fact. A certain class may be convinced by you of the truth; but
more would be turned away and placed where they could not be reached by proper,
judicious labor. Interwoven with your experience are things that will prove
detrimental to the truth. God cannot accept you as a representative of the
truth.” 2T 553, 557.
TEMPERANCE AND SUNDAY MOVEMENT:
A False Unity Foretold
“This claim is especially urged in America,
where the doctrine of the true Sabbath has been most widely preached. Here the
temperance work, one of the most prominent and important of moral reforms, is
often combined with the Sunday movement, and the advocates of the latter
represent themselves as laboring to promote the highest interest of society;
and those who refuse to unite with them are denounced as the enemies of
temperance and reform. But the fact that a movement to establish error is
connected with a work which is in itself good, is not an argument in favor of
the error. We may disguise poison by mingling it with wholesome food, but we do
not change its nature. On the contrary, it is rendered more dangerous, as it is
more likely to be taken unawares. It is one of Satan's devices to combine with
falsehood just enough truth to give it plausibility. The leaders of the Sunday
movement may advocate reforms which the people need, principles which are in
harmony with the Bible; yet while there is with these a requirement which is
contrary to God's law, His servants cannot unite with them. Nothing can justify
them in setting aside the commandments of God for the precepts of men.”
Great Controversy, p 587-588.
Please note that although the whole world is involved in this conspiracy
and deception Yet we have no doubt, that it is the Seventh day Adventist Church
under the banner of the General Conference of America who is the leading
advocate of temperance work. This includes all the so-called health reformers,
fanatics, time setters, those who love excitement, those who have no message,
those who suppress some or part of the message, those who pervert the message,
those who use worldly policy, those who pattern their organization after the
Babylonian Churches, those who have no Gospel Order, those who have no Church
discipline, those who are independent atoms, those who claim God’s prerogative
as the director of this work or their ministry, who profess to keep the Sabbath
and teach the truth but will not receive the seal of God.
Will the SDA Church teach and advocate Sunday keeping? Yes! What proof have
we?
“There is need of Sabbath reform among us, who profess to observe God’s holy
rest day… The Lord has controversy with His professed people in these last
days. In this controversy men in responsible position will take a course
directly opposite to that pursued by Nehemiah. They will not only ignore and
despise the Sabbath themselves, but they will try to keep it from others by
burying it beneath the rubbish of custom and tradition. In churches and in
large gatherings in the open air, ministers will urge upon the people the
necessity of keeping the first day of the week.” Review and Herald Vol. 1 p.
405, March 18, 1884.
“Men in responsible positions will not only ignore and despise the Sabbath
themselves, but from the sacred desk will urge upon the people the observance
of the first day of the week, pleading tradition and custom in behalf of this
man-made institution.” Southern Watchman, June 4. 1906. (ChS 155).
What is God’s warning to His servants in this great crisis?
“The leaders of the Sunday movement may advocate reforms which the people need,
principles which are in harmony with the Bible; yet while there is with these a
requirement which is contrary to God's law, His servants cannot unite with
them.” GC 588.
WHAT SHALL WE DO TO WEED OUT THESE FANATICISM
IN OUR MIDST?
1. DEFEND THE CHURCH FOR IT’S ATTACK.
“Fearlessly did Luther defend the gospel from the attacks which came from every
quarter. The word of God proved itself a weapon mighty in every conflict. With
that word he warred against the usurped authority of the pope, and the
rationalistic philosophy of the schoolmen, while he stood firm as a rock
against the fanaticism that sought to ally itself with the Reformation.” 4SOP
152.
2. GIVE A WARNING SOUND.
“The third angel is proclaiming a most solemn message to the inhabitants of the
earth; and shall God's chosen people be indifferent to it, and not unite their
voice to sound this solemn warning?” 1T 334.
3. STAY AWAY FROM FANATICS..
“If you knew just what course the servants of God ought to pursue in order to
help you, you knew enough to come out yourself. God gave you your choice, to be
taught, to be instructed through His servants in His own appointed way, or to
go on, maintain your willful course, and fall into bewildering fanaticism.“ 1T
313.
4. DO NOT WAIT FOR FANATICISM TO DEVELOP.
“God sent His faithful watchmen who stood in the light and could discern the
evil to warn you and the erring flock. Had you then listened to the warning, a
great amount of evil would have been saved. Your influence would have been preserved.
You would have stood out of the way, that the testimony of the servants of God
might reach the distracted flock. The erring would not hear the voice of God
through His chosen servants. They made their spirit strong against the warning
of the watchmen sent to them, and strengthened themselves in their
unreasonable, self-deceived course. The shepherd would not hear. He was
offended because this fanaticism was handled so decidedly. He perceived not the
danger. He saw no haste in the matter. He had sufficient light to decide, but
was too willful and too suspicious of God's servants to yield to their
testimony.
“Brother G wished to wait until the fanaticism should develop, and it went on
just as Satan would have it, until it did develop with terrible results. There
were not reasonable, sensible manifestations to characterize that work as being
of God. The Lord's servants executed their mission, freed their garments from
the blood of souls, and kept themselves clear of the cursed influence, while
you bear the fearful weight of the sin of this woeful fanaticism.“ 1T
313-314.
5. GIVE NO PLACE TO FANATICAL INFLUENCES.
“Such are allowed to have influence, when no place should be given to them,
notwithstanding their pretensions to honesty.” 1T 326.
“We cannot afford to sanction anything that
would bring in confusion and weaken our zeal in regard to the great work that
God has given us to do in the world to prepare for the second coming of Christ…
We cannot allow excitable elements among us to display themselves in a way that
would destroy our influence with those whom we wish to reach with the truth. It
took us years to outlive the unfavorable impression that unbelievers gained of
Adventists through their knowledge of the strange and wicked workings of fanatical
elements among us during the early years of our existence as a separate
people.” 2SM 42, 44.
6. STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH POSITION BY DWELLING ON GOD’S WORD.
“We are to strengthen our position by dwelling on the Word, and by avoiding all
oddities and strange exercisings that some would be very quick to catch up and
practice.” 2SM 44.
7. LIFT UP OUR VOICE AGAINST FANATICISM.
“Whenever I have been called to meet fanaticism in its varied forms, I have
received clear, positive, and definite instruction to lift my voice against its
influence.” 2SM 28.
8. MEET FANATICISM SQUARELY AND REBUKE IT STERNLY.
“Sister white further told of how she was called upon repeatedly to meet this
fanaticism squarely and to rebuke it sternly in the name of the lord. She
emphasized the fact that we have a great work to do in the world, that our
strength with the people lies in the power that accompanies a clear
presentation of the word of the living god. The law of Jehovah is to be exalted
and made honorable; and the various features of the third angel's message are
to be plainly outlined before the people that all may have an opportunity to
hear the truth for this time and to decide whether to obey god rather than man.
“If we as a church were to give place to any form of fanaticism, the minds of
unbelievers would be diverted from the living word to the doings of mortal men,
and there would appear more of the human than the divine. Besides, many would
be disgusted by that which to their minds seemed unnatural and bordering on the
fanatical. Thus the proclamation of the message for this time would be sadly
hindered. The holy spirit works in a manner that commends itself to the good
judgment of the people.” 3SM 371.
9. CALL FANATICISM IT’S RIGHT NAME.
“We have reached a time when things are to be called by their right name. As we
did in the earlier days, we must arise, and, under the Spirit of God, rebuke
the work of deception. Some of the sentiments now expressed are the alpha of
some of the most fanatical ideas that could be presented. Teachings similar to
those we had to meet soon after 1844 are being taught by some who occupy
important positions in the work of God.” 2SM 26.
10. MEET IT DECIDEDLY.
“I was instructed that fanaticism similar to that which we were called to meet
after the passing of the time in 1844 would come in among us again in the
closing days of the message, and that we must meet this evil just as decidedly
now as we met it in our early experiences.” 1SM 221.
11. REBUKE IT FEARLESSLY.
“The Lord used us as instruments to rebuke these fanatics, and to open the eyes
of His faithful people to the true character of their work.” 2SM 27.
12. CLOSE THE DOOR BY ESTABLISHING GOSPEL ORDER.
“I saw that this door at which the enemy comes in to perplex and trouble the
flock can be shut. I inquired of the angel how it could be closed. He said,
"The church must flee to God's Word and become established upon gospel
order, which has been overlooked and neglected." This is indispensably
necessary in order to bring the church into the unity of the faith. I saw that
in the apostles' day the church was in danger of being deceived and imposed
upon by false teachers.” EW 100.
13. CONDEMN FANATICISM.
“We must as workers be united in frowning down and condemning anything that
bears the least approach to evil, in our associations with one another. Our
faith is holy; our work is to vindicate the honor of God's law, and is not of a
character to bring anyone down to a low level in thought or in deportment.” 2SM
29.
14. FREE OURSELVES FROM FANATICISM AND COUNTERACT ITS INFLUENCE.
“And yet I was shown that you did not realize the influence of your past course
upon the cause, and your present position and duty in regard to that
fanaticism. Instead of working with all your energy to free yourself and
counteract the influence you exerted, you came up out of all this excusing
yourself and censuring those whom God sent to you, and ready to dictate, and
even to suggest a plan whereby the Lord might have arrested you by His servants
pursuing some different course from that which they did pursue.” 1T 313.
15. CONFESS YOUR FAULTS.
“You have been wrong and have deceived yourself. If others have misjudged you
in some things, it is no more than might be expected, considering the circumstances.
You should, with the deepest sorrow and humility, mourn your sad departure from
the right, which has given occasion for a variety of feelings and views and
expressions in regard to you; and if in every particular you do not consider
them correct, you must let them pass, and lay not censure upon others. You must
confess your faults without censuring any other one, and cease complaining that
your brethren have neglected you.” 1T 322.
16. CUT-OFF FANATICS THRU CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
“Heaven and holy angels are working to unite, to bring into the unity of the
faith, into the one body. Satan opposes this, and is determined to scatter, and
divide, and bring in different sentiments, that the prayer of Christ may not be
answered: "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall
believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father,
art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may
believe that Thou hast sent Me." John 17:20, 21. Jesus designed that the
faith of His people should be one. If one goes forth preaching one thing, and
another differing with him preaches something else, how can those who believe
through their word be one? There will be difference of sentiments.
“I saw that if God's people in Wisconsin would prosper, they must take a
decided position in regard to these things, and thereby cut off the influence
of those who are causing distraction and division by teaching sentiments
contrary to the body. Such are wandering stars. They seem to emit a little
light; they profess and carry along a little truth, and thus deceive the
inexperienced. Satan endows them with his spirit, but God is not with them; His
Spirit does not dwell in them. Jesus prayed that His disciples might be one, as
He is one with the Father, "that the world may believe that Thou hast sent
Me." The oneness and unity of God's truth-believing remnant people carries
powerful conviction to the world that they have the truth, and are the
peculiar, chosen people of God. This oneness and unity disconcerts the enemy,
and he is determined that it shall not exist. The present truth, believed in
the heart and exemplified in the life, makes God's people one, and gives them a
powerful influence.” 1T 326-327.
17. TAKE THE MIDDLE PATH AND SHUN EXTREMES.
“You need not go into the water, or into the fire, but take the middle path,
avoiding all extremes.” CDF 211.
“While I was praying at the family altar, the
Holy Ghost fell upon me, and I seemed to be rising higher and higher, far above
the dark world. I turned to look for the Advent people in the world, but could
not find them, when a voice said to me, "Look again, and look a little
higher." At this I raised my eyes, and saw a straight and narrow path,
cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were traveling to
the city, which was at the farther end of the path. They had a bright light set
up behind them at the beginning of the path, which an angel told me was the
midnight cry. This light shone all along the path and gave light for their feet
so that they might not stumble. If they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was
just before them, leading them to the city, they were safe. But soon some grew
weary, and said the city was a great way off, and they expected to have entered
it before. Then Jesus would encourage them by raising His glorious right arm,
and from His arm came a light which waved over the Advent band, and they
shouted, "Alleluia!" Others rashly denied the light behind them and
said that it was not God that had led them out so far. The light behind them
went out, leaving their feet in perfect darkness, and they stumbled and lost
sight of the mark and of Jesus, and fell off the path down into the dark and
wicked world below.” EW 14-15.
“It was just as impossible for them to get on the path again and go to the
City, as all the wicked world which God had rejected. They fell all the way
along the path one after another, until we heard the voice of God like many
waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus' coming.” WTLF 14.
FANATICISM AND IGNORANCE
“The experience of some had been obtained among a class of religious fanatics
who had no true sense of the exalted character of the work. The religious
experience of this class of professed Seventh-day Adventists was not reliable.
They had not firm principles underlying all their actions. They were
self-confident, and boastful. Their religion did not consist in righteous acts,
true humility of soul, and sincere devotion to God, but in impulse, in noise
and confusion, spiced with eccentricities and oddities. They had not felt,
neither could they feel, the necessity of being clothed with Christ's
righteousness. They had a righteousness of their own, which was as filthy rags,
and which God can in no case accept. These persons had no love for union and
harmony of action. They delighted in disorder. Confusion, distraction, and
diversity of opinion were their choice. They were ungovernable, unsubdued,
unregenerated, and unconsecrated, and this element of confusion suited their
undisciplined minds. They were a curse to the cause of God and brought the name
of Seventh-day Adventists into disrepute... The fires of the day of God will
consume the stubble and chaff, and there will be nothing left of any who
continue in the ungodly course which they have so long loved. This class have a
disrelish for the society of those whom God is truly with.”
Testimonies for the Church, vol 2, p 553-554.
With all that has been said and discussed, and with all the truth and light
we have received, shall we allow ourselves to perish? God forbid!
“It is not for lack of knowledge that God's people are now perishing. They will
not be condemned because they do not know the way, the truth, and the life. The
truth that has reached their understanding, the light which has shone on the
soul, but which has been neglected or refused, will condemn them. Those who
never had the light to reject will not be in condemnation. What more could have
been done for God's vineyard than has been done? Light, precious light, shines
upon God's people; but it will not save them unless they consent to be saved by
it, fully live up to it, and transmit it to others in darkness. God calls upon
His people to act. It is an individual work of confessing and forsaking sins
and returning unto the Lord that is needed. One cannot do this work for
another.”
Testimonies for the Church, vol 2, p 123.
“We want to be just right every time. We want to bring our people up to the
right position on the health reform. "Let us," says the apostle,
"cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God." We must be right in order to stand in the
last days.”
Testimonies for the Church, vol 2, p 375.