Revival
Dialogue

In order to better appreciate this document, the reader is urged to first consider the feature, The True Science of Healing.

It is common knowledge that our health message currently lies dormant in the church's library of forgotten truths. Yet few of us realize how much suffering has resulted from our general apathy with regard to a message that God entrusted to us, not only for our own good, not only for the sake of truth, but for the good of the world's people. As a direct result of our neglect, . . .

`The world is a lazar house filled with victims of both physical and spiritual disease. Everywhere people are perishing for lack of a knowledge of the truths that have been entrusted to us.' (CD455)

To many of us, our health message is simply a matter of changing our diets, but the significance of this message is far broader and deeper than its mere personal application. The startling fact is that if we had shared these vital health truths with the world, we would have saved millions of people from terrible suffering and even from premature death. 

Can it be that we, as a church, are answerable for much of the sickness and suffering in our world today? To some, the proposition would sound like treason, but if you take the time to carefully study the feature The True Science of Healing, you will realize that we really have let the Lord and the world down.

Nevertheless, there is little to be gained by bemoaning our failings and by pointing fingers - provided we all realise that every one of us carries at least some proportion of our corporate guilt. Yet, while we cannot change the past, we do need to consider most seriously how we are going to stand in the judgment if we continue to take this all-important message for granted?

Dear friend, please caste out of your mind any preconceived ideas that you might be entertaining regarding our health message. Religion is all about life, and our health message is all about life - as such, religion and health cannot be separated. This is why . . .

`True religion and the laws of health go hand in hand.' (CH 445)

Even if some have been fanatical about this message, even if some might have urged the message on others in an unkind manner, this does not give us license to continue to disregard a message that the world is literally dying for. 

The message of vibrant health is one of the most exciting messages that God has given to us. It is not a message of endless restrictions, it is not a whip to drive people out of the church, and it should not lead to controversy amongst sincere believers. In short, our health message is the promise of what God will do for us when we maintain a sincere and constant daily relationship with Him. It is the promise of happiness, holiness and health. 

Please do be warned however - when conviction comes, do not rush off and try to become a health reformer - for such single-handed efforts usually fail - except, sometimes, when they are prompted by selfish motives. Rather ask the Lord to help you to develop a deeper relationship with Him and then, under His supervision and guidance, you will find yourself doing what you could never do without him. Your first step, therefore, is to get into a more serious relationship with Him. You may read more about this by clicking here.

The make-believe interview that follows focuses primarily on the importance of our health message. While the health message certainly includes many cautions and warnings, these are not the primary subject of this interview and, as such, the reader is urged to consider the relevant counsels in this regard. Please click here if you feel the need to read more about fanaticism and extremes.

It is our sincere hope that those who consider the dialogue that follows will be awed by the present-day relevance of our health message, that they will be encouraged as they contemplate God's care for us, that they will be amazed as they consider the lack of emphasis that has been placed on this message for so many decades, and that they will be determined to draw closer to Jesus - that He might finally use us to proclaim this all-important message.

What follows is all truth - cherish it. Sometimes the truth can hurt, but the truth will always make us whole.

Question: Please could you tell us, is there any relationship between the laws of health and the moral law?

`Our first duty, one which we owe to God, to ourselves, and to our fellow men, is to obey the laws of God, which include the laws of health.' (3T164)

`The laws governing the physical nature are as truly divine in their origin and character as the law of ten commandments. Man is fearfully and wonderfully made; for Jehovah has inscribed his law by his own mighty hand on every part of the human body.' (HL21)

`Transgression of physical law is transgression of the moral law; for God is as truly the author of physical laws as He is the author of the moral law.' (COL347)

`Every careless, inattentive action, any abuse put upon the Lord's wonderful mechanism, by disregarding His specified laws in the human habitation, is a violation of God's law.' (MLT127)

Question: These are challenging statements indeed, does it follow therefore that there is a definite relationship between our lifestyle and diet and our spirituality.

`There are but few as yet who are aroused sufficiently to understand how much their habits of diet have to do with their health, their characters, their usefulness in the world, and their eternal destiny.' (CD51/52)

`Intemperance in eating and ignorance of nature's laws are causing much of the sickness that exists, and are robbing God of the glory due Him. Because of a failure to deny self, many of God's people are unable to reach the high standard of spirituality He sets before them.' (MYP 218).

`Temperance in all things is necessary to health and the development and growth of a good Christian character. The subject of temperance, in all its bearings, has an important place in the work of salvation.' (CH38, 443)

`He who cherishes the light which God has given Him upon health reform has an important aid in the work of becoming sanctified through the truth, and fitted for immortality.' (CH22)

Question: So what you are you saying is that there is a definite link between temperance and our Christian experience. Is that correct?

`It is impossible for an intemperate man to be a Christian, for his higher powers are brought into slavery to the passions.' (CH36)

Question: Does this mean that the health message must be proclaimed as a vital component of the gospel message?

`The Lord has given instruction that the gospel is to be carried forward; and the gospel includes health reform in all its phases.' (MM159)

Question: So I take it that it is of extreme importance that we encourage each other to take your councils on health most seriously?

`Men and women must be instructed, and ministers and people should feel that the burden of the work rests upon them to agitate and urge it home upon others.' (CD52)

Question: There is often debate over the matter of whether violations of the laws of health constitute sin or not. In one of your statements you "advise every Sabbath keeping canvasser to avoid meat eating, not because it is sin to eat meat, but because it is not healthful." (MS15, 1889). Are you saying that it is not a sin to eat meat, or are you saying that our motivation for not eating meat should be because it is unhealthful more than because it is sinful?

`To those who desire prayer for their restoration to health it should be made plain that the violation of God's law, either natural or spiritual, is sin . . . ' `The eating of flesh is unnatural.' (MH228, CD380)

`Flesh foods are injurious to the physical well being, and we should learn to do without them [for] it is just as much a sin to violate the laws of our being as it is to break one of the ten commandments, we cannot do either without breaking God's law.' (CH130, 2T70,71)

`When we take any course which expends our vitality, decreases our strength, or beclouds the intellect, we sin against God.' (CH43)

Question: But many of our people are not aware of these things. Can they be blamed for their ignorance?

`Since the laws of nature are the laws of God, it is plainly our duty to give these laws careful study. We should study their requirements in regard to our own bodies and conform to them. Ignorance in these things is sin.' (6T369)

`Obedience to the laws of health should be made a matter of earnest study; for willing ignorance on this subject is sin. Each one should feel a personal obligation to carry out the laws of healthful living.' (3SM291)

Question: I suppose this is why those who work at advancing the cause of health reform receive so much opposition. Satan would just love them to stop shining this life-saving light. Would you say that this is true?

`There is a large class who will reject any reform movement, however reasonable, if it lays restriction upon the appetite. They consult taste, instead of reason and the laws of health. By this class, all who leave the beaten track of custom and advocate health reform will be opposed and accounted radical, let them pursue ever so consistent a course.' (CH153)

`When the Lord works through human instrumentalities, when men are moved with power from on high, Satan leads his agents to cry, "Fanaticism!" and to warn people not to go to extremes. Let all be careful how they raise this cry; for though there is counterfeit coin, this does not lower the value of the genuine.' (GW170/171)

`Because there are specious revivals and spurious conversions, it does not follow that all revivals are to be held in suspicion. Let us not manifest the contempt manifested by the Pharisees when they said, "This man receiveth sinners." There is enough in the life of Christ to teach us not to sneer at His work in the conversion of souls. The manifestation of God's renewing grace on sinful men causes angels to rejoice, but often this work has, through unbelief, been termed fanaticism, and the messenger through whom God has worked has been spoken of as having a zeal that is not according to knowledge.' (GW170/171).

Question: Are you saying, therefore, that no matter how courteously and kindly we endeavor to advance the cause of health reform, we will nonetheless be branded by a certain class?

`All who leave the common track of custom and advocate health reform, will be opposed, accounted mad, insane and radical.' (2T377).

Question: So it would appear that the health worker will have a tough work on his hands.

`The principles of health reform should be carefully and thoroughly set before all . . . This work requires moral courage; for while many will profit by such efforts, others will be offended. Here is a work before you which will come closer and be more trying than anything which has been brought to bear upon you.' (CD499)

Question: Besides the opposition mentioned above, are there any other reasons why we have failed to embrace this message and why we have failed to share these life-saving truths with the world?

`The gospel of health has able advocates, but their work has been made very hard because so many ministers, presidents of conferences, and others in positions of influence, have failed to give the question of health reform its proper attention. They have not recognised it in its relation to the work of the message as the right arm of the body.' (CD73)

Question: In your writings you urge us to come close to the people and not to see how radically different we can be. Does this mean that we must break our principles so as not to hurt anyone's feelings, or should we attempt, by God's grace, to live up to our principles under all circumstances?

`To those who make the word of God their study book, some will say, you are too narrow in your ideas. You would have us separate so completely from the world that we can do it no good. This is a mistake. The evil feared will not be realized: but God would have His people distinguished from the world in all things, or they will become confused, as were the disciples, who turned back and walked no more with Jesus.' (CWE122).

`The life of Daniel is an inspired illustration of what constitutes a sanctified character. It presents a lesson for all. What if Daniel and his companions had made a compromise with those heathen officers, and had yielded to the pressure of the occasion, by eating and drinking as was customary to the Babylonians? That single instance of departure from principle would have weakened their sense of right and their abhorrence of wrong. Indulgence of appetite would have involved the sacrifice of physical vigor, clearness of intellect, and spiritual power. One wrong step would probably have led to others, until, their connection with Heaven being severed, they would have been swept away by temptation.' (Te154,155)

Question: Very often members of our church who do not eat certain foods at home will be presented with those very foods when visiting with friends. How can they deal with this problem and what should be their stand?

`When elaborate preparations are made for them by well-meaning friends, they are strongly tempted to disregard principle; but by refusing the dainty dishes, the rich condiments, the tea and coffee, they may prove themselves to be practical health reformers.' (CD141)

Question: Would this even apply to our ministers when they are visiting with members of their church?

`The minister should decline this well-meaning but unwise hospitality, even at the risk of seeming discourteous. And the people should have too much true kindness to press such an alternative upon him. They err when they test the minister with unhealthful food.' (CD55)

Question: I guess this must constitute one of the great tests of Christian tact and courtesy, yet I cannot help feeling that when we stand firm for principle at such times we will lose favour with some.

`We bear the name of Christian. Let us be true to this name. To be a Christian means to be Christlike. It means to follow Christ in self-denial, bearing aloft His banner of love, honoring Him by unselfish words and deeds. In the life of the true Christian there is nothing of self - self is dead. There was no selfishness in the life that Christ lived while on this earth. Bearing our nature, He lived a life wholly devoted to the good of others . . . In word and deed Christ's followers are to be pure and true. In this world - a world of iniquity and corruption - Christians are to reveal the attributes of Christ. All they do and say is to be free from selfishness . . . (HP57)

Nevertheless, we must remember that `when we reach the standard that the Lord would have us reach worldlings will regard [us] as odd, singular, straight-laced extremists.' (FE289)

Question: Some have tried to be as tactful as possible in presenting our `less-popular' truths, yet it seems that no matter how kindly and lovingly this subject is dealt with, there are always some who take offense and who accuse the messenger of causing division in the church. Do you have anything to say in this regard?

`The facts relative to Korah and his company, who rebelled against Moses and Aaron, and against Jehovah, are recorded for a warning to God's people, especially those who live upon the earth near the close of time. Satan has led persons to imitate the example of Korah, Dathan and Abiram, in raising insurrection among the people of God. Those who permit themselves to rise in opposition to the plain testimony, become self-deceived, and have really thought that those upon whom God laid the burden of His work were exalted above the people of God [holier than thou] and that their counsels and reproofs were uncalled for. They have risen above the plain testimony which God would have them bear in rebuking the wrongs among God's people. The testimonies borne against hurtful indulgences, as tea, coffee, snuff and tobacco, have irritated a certain class, because it would destroy their idols. [Some of these] fully decided, let the consequence be what it might, they would not deny self. This fearful decision at once raised a wall of separation between them and those who were cleansing themselves, as God has commanded, from all filthiness of the flesh, and of the Spirit, and were perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. The straight testimonies borne were in their way, and caused them great uneasiness, and they found relief in warring against them and striving to make themselves and others believe that they were untrue. They said the people were all right, but it was the reproving testimonies which made the trouble. And when the rebellious unfurl their banner, all the disaffected rally around the standard, and all the spiritually defective, the lame, the halt, and the blind, unite their influence to scatter and sow discord.' (4SGa36,37)

Question: So while there is the distinct danger of causing division if we present the more challenging truths in the wrong way, generally speaking the cause of the division is not the message or the messenger, but the reaction that some people have to the message. Is this what you are saying?

`He who faithfully preaches God's word, thereby condemning their sins, too often incurs their hatred. Unwilling to endure the pain and sacrifice necessary to reform, they turn upon the Lord's servant and denounce his reproofs as uncalled for and severe. Like Korah, they declare that the people are not at fault; it is the reprover that causes all the trouble. And soothing their consciences with this deception, the jealous and disaffected combine to sow discord in the church and weaken the hands of those who build it up.' (PP404)

Question: So it would appear, therefore, that no matter how tactfully and lovingly truth is presented, if the work is to advance, some will be offended and, as much as the idea horrifies us, a certain amount of polarization will take place within the ranks of the church.

`There have ever been two classes among those who profess to be followers of Christ. While one class study the Saviour's life and earnestly seek to correct their defects and conform to the Pattern, the other class shun the plain, practical truths which expose their errors.' (GC43)

`Divisions will come in the church. Two parties will be developed. The wheat and tares grow up together for the harvest. The work will grow deeper and become more earnest to the very close of time. And all who are laborers together with God will contend most earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. They will not be turned from the present message, which is already lightening the earth with it's glory.' (2SM114)

Question: The third angel's message is broad in its application. You have said that the health work is the right arm of this message. Could you summarize the main thrust of the "health arm" of the message.

`To make plain natural law and urge the obedience to it is the work that accompanies the third angel's message, to prepare a people for the coming of the Lord.' (MM289)

Question: You have expressly stated that we are not to make a test on the matter of flesh food, but what should be our stand in this regard?

`We are not to make the use of flesh foods a test of fellowship, but we should consider the influence that professed believers who use flesh foods have over others. As God's messengers, shall we not say to the people, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God?'' Shall we not bear a decided testimony against the indulgence of perverted appetite? Will any who are ministers of the gospel, proclaiming the most solemn truth ever given to mortals, set an example in returning to the fleshpots of Egypt? Will those who are supported by the tithe from God's storehouse permit themselves by self-indulgence to poison the life-giving current flowing through their veins?' (MH133/4)

Question: Still on the matter of flesh foods, we often hear dieticians and doctors claiming that flesh foods are essential for the maintenance of life or for recovery from certain illnesses. Do you have any comment on this?

`One of the great errors that many insist upon is that muscular strength is dependant upon animal food. But the simple grains, fruits of the trees, and vegetables have all the nutritive properties necessary to make good blood. This a flesh diet cannot do.' (MM277)

`Those who use flesh meats freely do not always have an unclouded brain and an active intellect, because the use of the flesh of animals tends to cause grossness of body and to benumb the finer sensibilities of the mind. The liability to disease is increased by flesh eating. We do not hesitate to say that meat is not essential to the maintenance of health and strength.' (CH115)

Question: Getting back to tests. You have also stated that we should not make a test on the matter of a meatless diet, and that in certain countries we should consider the situation of the people and the power of lifelong habit. Does this mean that in these countries it is not necessary to call for a reform on the matter of a fleshless diet?

In answer to your question may I share with you what I once wrote to one of our ministers. `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. If, in the face of the light God has given concerning the effect of meat eating on the system, you will still continue to eat meat, you must bear the consequences. But do not take a position before the people that will permit them to think that it is not necessary to call for a reform in regard to meat eating; because the Lord is calling for a reform. The Lord has given us the work of proclaiming the message of health reform, and if you cannot step forward in the ranks of those who are giving this message you are not to make this prominent. In counterworking the efforts of your fellow laborers, who are teaching health reform, you are out of order, working on the wrong side.' (CD401)

Question: Is there any relationship between the use of flesh foods and cancer?

`Cancers, tumors, and all inflammatory diseases are largely caused by meat eating.' (MM278)

Question: Somewhere in your writings you also mention that the use of flesh has an effect upon our nature. Is this correct?

`By the use of flesh meat the animal nature is strengthened and the spiritual nature weakened.' (MM279)

Question: One often hears it said that much of the counsel you gave us so many decades ago does not have much relevance today, that things have changed and that science has now advanced beyond your time.

`I have been shown that the principles that were given us in the early days of the message are as important and should be regarded just as conscientiously today as they were then. There are some who have never followed the light given on the question of diet. It is now time to take the light from under the bushel and let it shine forth in clear, bright rays.' (CH132)

Question: There are mixed feelings as to how we should go about proclaiming this message today. Some feel that we are not aggressive enough in our efforts, others again feel that our mandate is to preach Jesus and then wait for Him to bring the fruits into the life. Would you comment on this?

`Let those who are teachers and leaders in our cause take their stand firmly on Bible ground in regard to health reform and give a straight testimony to those who believe we are living in the last days of this earth's history. A line of distinction must be drawn between those who serve God and those who serve themselves.' (CH132)

`Men and women must be instructed, and ministers and people should feel that the burden of the work rests upon them to agitate and urge it home upon others.' (CD52)

Question: Now hold on a minute, and here I want to count my words lest it be thought that I am suggesting that we are at liberty to judge others, but did you say that health reform is the line of distinction between those who serve God and those who serve themselves?

`Our habits of eating and drinking show whether we are of the world or among the number whom the Lord by His mighty cleaver of truth has separated from the world.' (CD58)

`When men and women are truly converted, they will conscientiously regard the laws of life that God has established in their being, thus seeking to avoid physical, mental, and moral feebleness.' (6T369)

`The agitation of the subject of reform in eating and drinking will develop character and will unerringly bring to light those who make a "god of their bellies.'' ' (CH39)

Question: Health reform is a broad and complex subject. Often a person is overjoyed as new vigor returns to his body and he rushes out in innocent enthusiasm to share his findings with others. With an incomplete knowledge at such times these people are prone to err. How should we deal with these erring brethren?

`If a brother is supposed to have erred, his brethren and sisters should not whisper it among themselves and comment upon it, magnifying these supposed errors and faults.' (5T615)

`One soul - how precious it is, and how carefully should we deal with the purchase of the blood of God's only begotten Son! Precious souls cost too much to be handled roughly. They need tenderness, kindly forbearance and very gentle and wise treatment.' (TSA41)

Question: In one statement you say that, "It is our duty to understand and respect the principles of health reform. On the subject of temperance we should be in advance of all other people; and yet there are among us well-instructed members of the church, and even ministers of the gospel, who have little respect for the light that God has given upon this subject. They eat as they please and work as they please" (CH132). We would like to believe that these individuals are the exception rather than the rule, but why is it that some of our ministering brethren take this message for granted?

You ask, `why do some of our ministering brethren manifest so little interest in health reform? It is because instruction on temperance in all things is opposed to their practice of self-indulgence. In some places this has been the great stumbling block in the way of our bringing the people to investigate and practice and teach health reform. No man should be set apart as a teacher of the people while his own teaching or example contradicts the testimony God has given His servants to bear in regard to diet, for this will bring confusion. His disregard of health reform unfits him to stand as the Lord's messenger.' (CD453/454)

`Those ministers who feel at liberty to indulge the appetite are falling far short of the mark. God wants them to be health reformers. He wants them to live up to the light that has been given on the subject. I feel sad when I see those who should be zealous for our health principles, not yet converted to the right way of living. I pray that the Lord may impress their minds that they are meeting with great loss. If things were as they should be in the households that make up our churches, we might do double work for the Lord.' (CH137, 138)

Question: That is rather a serious statement. Would these words apply with the same gravity to the teachers and principals in our schools.

`There is a message regarding health reform to be borne in every church. There is a work to be done in every school. Neither principal nor teachers should be entrusted with the education of the youth until they have a practical knowledge of this subject.' (CD455)

Question: Our institutions are running into financial problems across the globe and our evangelistic efforts are meeting with ever-diminishing success. Some claim that this is partly because we are rejecting much of the Lord's counsel - and especially His counsel in regard to health reform. Could this be true?

`The Lord has been sending us line upon line, and if we reject these principles we are not rejecting the messenger who teaches them, but the One who has given us the principles. Reform, continual reform, must be kept before the people, and by our example we must enforce our teaching. True religion and the laws of health go hand in hand. It is impossible to work for the salvation of men and women without presenting to them the need of breaking away from sinful gratifications, which destroy the health, debase the soul, and prevent divine truth from impressing the mind.' (7T137)

Question: It follows, therefore, that our evangelistic efforts will be far more fruitful if we embrace the health message as a corporate body?

`The subject of health reform has been presented in the churches; but the light has not been heartily received. The selfish, health-destroying indulgences of men and women have counteracted the influences of the message that is to prepare a people for the great day of God. If the churches expect strength, they must live the truth which God has given them. If the members of our churches disregard the light on this subject, they will reap the sure result in both physical and spiritual degeneracy. And the influence of these older church members will leaven those newly come to the faith.' (CD455)

Question: Does this mean that God has to some extent withdrawn His blessing from our evangelistic efforts because we are simply not ready to receive new converts into the church?

`The Lord does not now work to bring many souls into the truth, because of the church members who have not been converted, and those who were once converted, but who have backslidden. What influence would these unconsecrated members have on new converts? Would they not make of no effect the God-given message which His people are to bear?' (CD455)

`Medical Missionary work is the right hand of the gospel. It is necessary to the advancement of the cause of God. As through it men and women are led to see the importance of right habits of living. The body which treats indifferently the right hand, refusing its aid, is able to accomplish nothing.' (7T59, MM238)

Question: How do you view the present condition of God's church?

`I view the church in a more dangerous condition than they ever have been. Experimental religion is known by but a few. The shaking must soon take place.' (2SG284)

`The failure to follow sound principles has marred the history of God's people. There has been a continual backsliding in health reform, and as a result God is dishonored by a great lack of spirituality. Barriers have been erected which would never have been seen had God's people walked in the light.' (CH578)

`There are times when a distinct view is presented to me of the condition of the remnant church, a condition of appalling indifference to the needs of a world perishing for lack of a knowledge of the truth for this time.’ (8T24)

Question: All of this is rather sobering. What can we expect in the future?

`I saw that individuals would rise up against the plain testimonies. It does not suit their natural feelings. They would choose to have smooth things spoken unto them, and have peace cried in their ears.' (2SG284)

Question: Are you saying therefore that this is not the time for smooth things to be spoken to the church?

`Spirits of evil are combining with human agencies to war against the commandments of God. Tradition and falsehood are exalted above the Scriptures; reason and science above revelation; human talent above the teaching of the Spirit; forms and ceremonies above the vital power of godliness. Grievous sins have separated the people from God. Infidelity is fast becoming fashionable. "We will not have this man to reign over us,'' is the language of thousands. God's ministers must lift up the voice like a trumpet, and show the people their transgressions. The smooth sermons so often preached make no lasting impression. Men are not cut to the heart, because the plain, sharp truths of the word of God are not spoken to them.' (GW149)

Question: Independent ministries seem to have become all the vogue today, and we must say that some of them are doing admirable work, how does this order of things fit into God's plan.

`The members of the church of God on this earth are as the different parts of a machine, all closely related to and dependant on one great center. There is to be unity in diversity. No member of the Lord's firm can work successfully in independence, detached from the others.' (TSA58)

`God will not bless those who work without taking counsel with their brethren. Any Seventh-day Adventist who supposes that in himself he is a complete whole, and that he can at all times safely follow his own mind and judgment, is not to be trusted; for he is not walking in the light as Christ is in the light.' (MM152)

`My brethren, the Lord calls for unity, for oneness. We are to be one in the faith. I want to tell you that when the gospel ministers and the medical missionary workers are not united, there is placed on our churches the worst evil that can be placed there. Our medical missionaries ought to be interested in the work of our conferences, and our conference workers ought to be as much interested in the work of our medical missionaries.' (MM241)

Question: Are you saying therefore that all ministries should come under the control of the local conference?

`The leaders among God's people are to guard against the danger of condemning the methods of individual workers who are led by the Lord to do a special work that but few are fitted to do. Let brethren in responsibility be slow to criticize movements that are not in perfect harmony with their methods of labor. Let them never suppose that every plan should reflect their personality. Let them not fear to trust another's methods; for by withholding their confidence from a brother laborer who, with humility, and consecrated zeal, is doing a special work in God's appointed way, they are retarding the advancement of the Lord's cause. God can and will use men who have not had a thorough education in the schools of men. Oh for less of this uncalled-for, distrustful caution! It leaves so many forces of the church unused; it closes up the way so that the Holy Spirit cannot use men; . . . I have been shown that human instrumentalities are liable to seek after too much power and try to control the work themselves.' (9T259/260)

`The fact that a man has been selected to be the President of a Conference, does not mean that he shall have authority to rule over his fellow workmen. This is after the practice of Rome, and it cannot be tolerated, for it restricts religious liberty, and the man is led to place himself where God alone should be. God has not laid upon any living man the burden of jealousy regarding the movements of his fellowmen, for this would restrict his intelligent freedom. In following a course of this kind men are pursuing a similar course to that of the Roman Catholics who center in the Pope every power of the church, and ascribe to him authority to act as God. When this manner of action comes in among our people, there is need of a protest.' (Manuscript 53, 1894)

Question: Has the Lord given you any instruction in regard to the diet of His children as we draw near to the end?

`We shall soon reach a time when we must understand the meaning of a simple diet. The time is not far hence when we shall be obliged to adopt a diet very different from our present diet . . . ' (MM281)

`The Lord intends to bring His people back to live upon simple fruits, vegetables and grains.' (MM277)

`Not an ounce of flesh-meat should enter our stomachs. The eating of flesh is unnatural. We are to return to God's original purpose in the creation of man.' (MM229)

Question: Today the world is moving more and more towards professionalism. The result is that lay persons are often loathe to go forward in certain lines for fear of criticism from those who have studied in the universities of the world. Has the time come to leave the work to the professionals, or is there still a place for the layman to take up his sickle and enter into the various fields that the Lord has called us to?

`God can and will use men who have not had a thorough education in the schools of men. Oh for less of this uncalled-for, distrustful caution! It leaves so many forces of the church unused; it closes up the way so that the Holy Spirit cannot use men; . . . I have been shown that human instrumentalities are liable to seek after too much power and try to control the work themselves.' (9T259/260)

Question: Some are claiming that only those who follow health principles will have a strong enough immune system to resist the coming plagues. Is there any truth in this?

In the book Temperance there is a report of a dream I once had. In this dream I saw an angel talking to two men. I heard the angel say to these men, "Neither of you have seen the necessity of health reform, but when the plagues of God shall be all around you, you will then see the principles of health reform and strict temperance in all things." (Temperance, p.201).

Question: `When we have tried to present the health reform to our brethren and sisters, and have spoken to them of the importance of eating and drinking and doing all that they do to the glory of God, many by their actions have said, ``It is nobody's business whether I eat this or that.'' ' What would you say to this?

To these I would say . . . `Dear friends, you are greatly mistaken. You are not the only sufferers from a wrong course. The society you are in bears the consequences of your wrongs, in a great degree, as well as yourselves. If you suffer from your intemperance in eating or drinking, we that are around you or associated with you are also affected by your infirmities. We have to suffer on account of your wrong course. If it has an influence to lessen your powers of mind or body, we feel it when in your society and are affected by it. If, instead of a buoyancy of spirit, you are gloomy, you cast a shadow upon the spirits of all around you. If your brain is so benumbed by your wrong course of living that you cannot give us the right counsel, do we not meet with a loss?' (CH45, 46)

Question: I deduce from the above that there is also a link between health reform and our happiness, and that our bearing in the world depends largely upon our habits of life. Is that true?

`So closely is health related to our happiness, that we cannot have the latter without the former.' (CH38)

Question: You have stated that when the character of Jesus is reproduced in His people then and then only will He come to take us home. Is there any relationship between the health message and the perfection of His people?

`God demands that the appetites be cleansed, and that self-denial be practiced in regard to those things which are not good. This is a work that will have to be done before His people can stand before Him a perfected people.' (CD161)

Question: What do you suggest should be done to revive an interest in health work at church level?

`Get the young men and women in the churches to work. Combine medical missionary work with the proclamation of the third angel's message. Make regular, organized efforts to lift the church members out of the dead level in which they have been for years. Send out into the churches workers who will live the principles of health reform. Let those be sent who can see the necessity of self-denial in appetite, or they will be a snare to the church. See if the breath of life will not then come into our churches.' (MM320)

Question: And what would you suggest should be the work of our ministers at this time.

`In new fields no work is so successful as medical missionary work. If our ministers would work earnestly to obtain an education in medical missionary lines, they would be far better fitted to do the work Christ did as a medical missionary. By diligent study and practice they can become so well acquainted with the principles of health reform that wherever they go they will be a great blessing to the people they meet.' (MM239)

`Those who go forth to engage in the work of the ministry must be intelligent upon the subject of health reform. Those men who after many years' experience have yet no appreciation of the medical missionary work, should not be appointed to preside over our churches. They are not walking in the light of present truth for this time. Those who love the truth and appreciate the question of temperance in all its bearings should not be placed in the charge of a minister who has not heeded the light God has given upon health reform. What help can a man be to a church if he is not walking in the light?' (MM238)

Question: Could you tell us something more about the work we are to do as we near the end?

`The work in the cities is the essential work for this time, and is now to be taken hold of in faith. When the cities are worked as God would have them, the result will be the setting in operation of a mighty movement such as we have not yet witnessed. May the Lord give wisdom to our brethren that they may know how to carry forward the work in harmony with His will.' (MM331)

`Medical missionary work is to be done. Thousands upon thousands of human beings are perishing. The compassion of God is moved. All heaven is looking on with intense interest to see what stamp medical missionary work will assume under the supervision of human beings. Will men make merchandise of God's ordained plan for reaching the dark parts of the earth with a manifestation of His benevolence?' (MM131)

Question: Has the Lord revealed that the end time work will succeed?

`We shall see the medical missionary work broadening and deepening at every point of its progress, because of the inflowing of hundreds and thousands of streams, until the whole world is covered as the waters cover the sea.' (MM317)

When you speak of Medical Missionary work, are you referring to the work of qualified doctors and nurses, or is there a broader meaning to this term?

The definition that has been given by the compilers in the introduction to the book Welfare Ministry is fitting: The phrase "medical missionary work'' includes the "professional services of consecrated doctors and nurses, and . . . its significance also reaches far beyond these bounds to include all acts of mercy and disinterested kindness." (WM10)

Question: If the Third Angel's Message is to triumph as God has promised that it will, what do you see as our greatest need at this time?

`The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel's message, and is just as closely connected with it as the arm and hand is with the body.' `This is one of the great branches of the work of preparation for the coming of the Son of man.' (CD32,71).

`As we near the close of time, we must rise higher and still higher upon the question of health reform and Christian temperance, presenting it in a more positive and decided manner. We must strive continually to educate the people, not only by our words, but by our practice. Precept and practice combined have a telling influence.' (CD451/452).

`The presentation of this message is to result in the conversion of souls. This is a wonderful, definite message; it means everything to the receiver, and is to be proclaimed with a loud cry. We must have a true, abiding faith that this message will go forth with increasing importance till the close of time.' (CD36)

Those who wish to consider the deeper relevance of our health message are urged to consider the feature, The True Science of Healing, or to read the free E-Book at www.keepwell.com.