Health Principles and Their Application by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 5, 1909

Health Principles and Their Application

By F. M. W.

THE message of truth for this last generation has brought many priceless blessings to those who have accepted its teaching. Nor have its benefits been confined alone to the field of spiritual truth. It has bestowed upon its recipients temporal benefits as well. For the light of truth upon healthful living this people are under the deepest obligations to the Author of this great message of reform.

The Scriptures of truth contain great principles relating to man's physical being. These principles have been made plainer and more specific in detail by the light which God has been pleased to give through his specially appointed servant.

The value of these health principles to each individual will be in direct proportion to the intelligent application he makes of them to his own needs. They will count for but little worth to be admired merely, to be looked upon as a component part of a beautiful system of truth. This is the way many have looked upon them, and some are inclined to grudgingly acknowledge even this much, regarding with indifference their plainest requirements. Others, in untempered zeal, have taken their own narrow conception of what the Testimonies taught, and made them a standard whereby they gauged the love and loyalty of their fellows. Thus the cause of true health reform has suffered from two sources, the criticism or indifference of those unfriendly to its principles, and the unwise course of those who used the principles as a club against others.

But neither of these untoward influences should deter any believer in this message from earnestly and conscientiously seeking to learn just what principles should govern his life with respect to his physical living, and how in his own peculiar circumstances he can most wisely apply the principles. It is not alone a duty, but, above all, a blessed privilege, to learn how one can best glorify God in his body.

In this matter the workers and public teachers of this denomination have the first duty, in order that not alone for themselves they may practise right principles of living, but that they may also exemplify them in teaching the members of their flock. No man can truly represent this great message of truth to-day unless he represents it in its completeness. Hence our workers have a duty to inform themselves regarding health principles, that they may teach the same and properly advise in their application.

Fathers and mothers have a personal duty in this likewise. Upon them rests the responsibility of placing before their children food which shall make them strong and pure in body and in mind. God will hold them responsible for the right use of the power bestowed upon them to give a right mold, physically, mentally, and morally, to the young lives looking to them for guidance.

But it is not to questions of eating alone that the principles of healthful living apply. They embrace all that pertains to the physical life,—eating, drinking, dressing, ventilation, exercise, and a score of other details which might be enumerated. He who sees but one little detail and practises that, while he shuts his eyes to the great field wherein perhaps he is violating every right principle, is inconsistent indeed, and but a poor representative of the cause he seeks to promote.

We can not excuse ourselves from giving proper heed to this great subject, because some have perverted the principles or so misapplied them that injury rather than good has resulted. Rather we should learn lessons from their experience, and seek to determine the right way for ourselves.

While each should stand ready to aid his neighbor by kindly suggestion or helpful instruction, let him study the question of health reform for himself and as applied to his own needs, allowing his neighbor to do the same for himself. In promoting true reform unkind criticism has no place. The exemplification of right principles in our own lives is the greatest and most powerful preaching which can be given.

In this age of enlightenment no one can justly plead ignorance on so vital a question. Much excellent information is obtainable. The instruction given through the spirit of prophecy, together with the information contained in Life and Health, constitutes a splendid fund of valuable health teaching available for every believer. Let this instruction be studied, and let each with the ability and sober judgment which God gives him, seek to apply it carefully and consistently in his experience, and God will add to him his rich blessings in so doing.

F. M. W.