The Story of our Health Message

Another Testimony From Mrs. White

In the Review and Herald for April 7, 1868, appeared a notice to the effect that Testimonies for the Church, No. 14 (now included in Vol. I), would be ready in a few days. The brethren were urged to “order it immediately in order to receive it and read it, and have time to respond to important matters pertaining to the cause before General Conference,” appointed for May 12-17, 1868. SHM 179.2

An examination of the contents of the testimony referred to reveals the reason for this urgent appeal to read it. In the leading article, entitled “The Health Institute,” Mrs. White spoke of her “great interest in the health reform” and of her “high hopes of the prosperity” of the institution. A “terrible burden” had rested upon her because she had seen the institution running into certain dangers which had been presented before her. Testimonies for the Church 1:633. SHM 179.3

In this message for the church, Mrs. White referred to a good work that had been wrought for the church at Battle Creek during the autumn of 1868, and gratifyingly records a “thorough reform and turning to the Lord by physicians, helpers, and managers at the health institute, and the general agreement of our brethren and sisters in all parts of the field, relative to the great object of the health institute.” Ibid., 635. SHM 180.1

She expressed the fond hope that the Health Reform Institute might prosper and become in every respect what had been shown her. She laid down the principle anew that the health reform is a part of the great work connected with the third angel’s message, “a branch of the great, charitable, liberal, sacrificing, benevolent work of God.” Then she raised the question: “Why should these brethren say, ‘Stock in the health institute will pay a large per cent,’ ‘it is a good investment,’ ‘a paying thing’?” (Ibid.) SHM 180.2

She disclaimed any intention of appealing for the raising of funds for the establishment of the health institution in a manner different from that for other phases of the cause of truth. All was to be motivated by the spirit of liberality. SHM 180.3

“Although the change from the present plan to one that can be fully approved of the Lord may be attended with difficulties, and require time and labor, yet I think that it can be made with little loss of stock already taken, and that it will result in a decided increase of capital donated to be used in a proper manner to relieve suffering humanity.”—Ibid., 638, 639. SHM 180.4