The Story of our Health Message

A Part of the Third Angel’s Message

Of the relation of the health reform to the third angel’s message, and to the work of preparation for the coming of Christ, it was further stated by Mrs. White that the health reform “is a part of the third angel’s message” and is as closely connected with it as “the arm and hand with the human body.” Advance moves were to be taken in this great work, ministers and people acting in concert. SHM 140.3

“In order to be fitted for translation, the people of God must know themselves. They must understand in regard to their own physical frames. ... They should ever have the appetite in subjection to the moral and intellectual organs. The body should be servant to the mind, and not the mind to the body. I was shown that there is a much greater work before us than we as yet have any idea of, if we would insure health by placing ourselves in the right relation to life. ... Our faith requires us to elevate the standard and take advance steps.”—Ibid., 486-488. SHM 140.4

In order to take such advance steps as were called for in this instruction, provision had to be made for an effective campaign of education in the principles of health reform. And some way had to be opened for those who needed medical care to go to some place where they could not only receive rational treatment, but also be free from the temptation to violate their conscience. SHM 141.1