Health Reform and Faithfulness
By Lois J. Richmond
Dear Brethren and Sisters: It has been about fifteen years since I commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, and I can still say that I love God, his truth, and his people, and I choose still to share with them in their sufferings and trials here, and I hope at last to share with them in those joys that await the faithful. We are truly living in a solemn and interesting time, when God is weighing the thoughts and interests of his people; and I feel often to ask myself the question, On which side shall I be found, gathering with Christ, or scattering abroad? I feel thankful for the truth that God is permitting to shine upon the pathway of his people in the last days of peril, and especially for the light that we have on the Health Reform, for I feel that there is great need of a reform among us. How can we render acceptable service to God, while our bodies are weighed down with disease caused by transgressing the laws of our being? It is impossible. I have been trying to live out this reform, and have been blessed in so doing. My heart has been made sad in the past, while I have witnessed the sufferings and afflictions of God's dear people, and I have often felt to weep, and cry in secret places, "Spare thy people Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach;" and I feel to rejoice to day for what God in mercy has been doing for his afflicted servants, that he has heard the cries of his people and has broken in a measure the power of the enemy. To his name be all the praise. In view of his great mercy, we should humble ourselves before him, and try to live in the place where we can help stay up their hands, and encourage their hearts and thus help them bear their burdens. It is an individual work, we all have a part to act, and be it ever so humble I desire to be ever found in my place. The Lord knows all our needs, but he has said in his word that he would be sought unto by the house of Israel to do these things for us. He has made it our duty to ask, and we have the assurance that he will not turn a deaf ear to our cry. Oh how compassionate! how full of love and mercy, to his poor, erring people! how our hearts should swell out with gratitude and love to him, who has done so much for us! How it should inspire our hearts with courage and zeal in his cause. Though the way may be straight and narrow, though it be a rough and thorny way, if we but keep our eyes upward upon Jesus we can go through; it is possible; we can overcome. With Jesus for our friend and guide we need not fear. I mean to be an overcomer and at last meet you in that better land.