Health Reform and Christian Vigilance
By J. S. Miller
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Since we are directed to “exhort one another daily,” that we be not hardened through the deceitfulness of sin,” and “so much the more as we see the day approaching.” I would contribute my mite to this branch of the service. I think the Conference Department is as important as any department of the paper, and should be used by the scattered ones of Christ’s flock. For one, I desire to be found walking humbly before God, and “pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Now is the time for Christians to be up and doing. Satan is abroad with all his cunning devices. He succeeded in deceiving our first parents by making them believe they were immortal, and that they should become as gods. He is succeeding with the very same deception here in these last days. Spiritualism in its most subtle forms, is deceiving the masses. Satan then approached mother Eve by tempting her appetite. Just so to-day. People who think they have immortal souls are not particular what becomes of their mortal bodies, and so, “as in the days that were before the flood, they are eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage.” Let us “watch and pray, that we enter not into temptation.” Brethren and sisters, are we living out the Health Reform as we should? Are we eating to live, or living to eat? It is but a few months since my attention was called to this important subject, but through the grace of God I have been enabled to break away from some of my evil habits. First, I let go the tobacco; then the pork; then the tea; and I have not got through reforming yet. My desire is to dispense with every habit that tends to stupefy the brain and defile the body. Can we pray, “Lead us not into temptation,” and still cling to our evil habits? Let us remember that “God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man; but every man is tempted202when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” God’s people will be a tried people, a pure people. My desire is to “glorify God in my body and spirit which are his,” and at last stand on Mount Zion with the rest of those that overcome.
J. S. MILLER.
Ashaway, R. I., March 14.