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GEORGE O. STATES

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 30, 1908

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 85, No. 5.

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GEORGE O. STATES

By GEORGE O. STATES

Lessons from Past Experiences —No. 22

GEORGE O. STATES

FORTY or fifty years ago the subject of health reform among our people had never been thought of. In 1860 my parents lived two miles out from Battle Creek, and our leading ministers used to come out and visit us. On such occasions mother always tried to have some “nice fresh pork” to set before them. If we had just butchered, she generally had them take some home for their families.
One of our pioneer ministers who used to visit us, did not eat meat, and was quite careful of his diet. That was Father Bates. He seldom said much about his diet, and then only when questioned. He was very careful about urging his views upon others. As I compare those days, with these, I am certain the Lord has led in this matter of health reform.
In the early days of this message there were some who tried to crowd their views faster than the people were ready for them. When Elder Bates accepted the truth, he was at first skeptical regarding the visions; but he became convinced that they were the work of the Spirit of God, and from that time to the day of his death he always stood firmly for them.
In a Testimony written Oct. 21, 1858, is the following: “I saw that your views concerning swine’s flesh would prove no injury if you have them to yourselves; but in your judgment and opinion you have made this question a test, and your actions have plainly shown your faith in this matter. If God requires his people to abstain from swine’s flesh, he will convict them on the matter. He is just as willing to show his honest children their duty, as to show their duty to individuals upon whom he has not laid the burden of his work. If it is the duty of the church to abstain from swine’s flesh, God will discover it to more than two or three. He will teach his church their duty. God is leading out a people, not a few separate individuals, here and there, one believing this thing, another that. Angels of God are doing the work committed to their trust. The third angel is leading out and purifying a people, and they should move with him unitedly.
“Some run ahead of the angels that are leading this people; but they have to retrace every step, and meekly follow no faster than the angels lead. I saw that the angels of God would lead his people no faster than they could receive and act upon the important truths that are communicated to them. But some restless spirits do not more than half do up their work. As the angel leads them, they get in haste for something new, and rush on without divine guidance, and thus bring confusion and discord into the ranks. They do not speak or act in harmony with the body.
“I saw that you both must speedily be brought where you are willing to be led, instead of desiring to lead, or Satan will step in and lead you in his way, to follow his counsel. Some look at your set notions, and consider them an evidence of humility. They are deceived. You both are making work for repentance.”
I never learned who the brother and sister were to whom this Testimony was given in 1858, but when Elder Bates learned what the Lord said regarding the matter, he did not crowd his opinions upon this point.
As I think over this matter, I can see how good the Lord has been in giving important light. Back there his people could not stand the light, and so he permitted us to continue eating swine’s flesh for the time being.
Truly the Lord is good to his people, and leads them step by step, as they are prepared to receive light. I love to pray to such a God, and I do not wonder that the psalmist, in thinking over the goodness and mercy of the Lord, says: “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.”
The Seventh-day Adventists are recognized the world over as leaders in the matter of right living. Surely his word is fulfilled: “And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them.”
In our next article we will show how the Lord revealed the light on the health reform.
Cedaredge, Colo.