Ellen White: Woman of Vision

The Medical And Surgical Sanitarium, And The Use Of Meat

While at the sessions of the New South Wales Conference held in the Stanmore church, Ellen White attended an early-morning meeting on Monday, July 25, 1898, to discuss the dietary program of the new sanitarium. Drs. E. R. Caro and S. C. Rand, newly come to the institution, were present; also A. W. Semmens, WV 345.2

W. C. White, and G. B. Starr. In her diary she reported what took place:

The consideration was in regard to the meat question. Shall the sanitarium maintain the principle of nonmeat eating for the patients who have not been instructed in a vegetarian diet? The question was, “Would it not be well to let them have meat at first, educate them away from the appetite by lectures, and then bring them where they will be instructed by the lectures on the evil of meat eating?” WV 345.3

I replied that to condemn meat eating and show its injurious effects and then bring the injurious article and give it to the patients, and prescribe it for some of the patients as some had thought best to do, was a denial of their principles and would not be in accordance with the teachings of our people on this question of health reform. We felt there must be no drawing back on this question (Manuscript 184, 1898). WV 345.4

She pointed out that the increase of disease in the animal kingdom was a strong argument in favor of her position. The subject in various aspects came up in formal and informal discussions at the conference on both Monday and Tuesday, and Ellen White noted: WV 345.5

We are to be sure that we commence the work in right lines. No tea, no coffee; avoid drugs. We are to take our position firmly in regard to the light given us that the consumption of the dead flesh of animals is counterworking the restoring of the sick to health. It is not a safe and wholesome diet.... WV 345.6

However great the goodness of God and however abundant His promises to any people, continued transgression of the laws of God in our nature brings disease. Therefore we cannot present meat before the patients (Ibid.). WV 345.7

The impact of the discussions and Ellen White's firm position were reflected in the resolutions passed at the session, two of which read: WV 346.1

Resolved, That in the prosperity attending the work of the “Health Home,” which has now grown into a “Medical and Surgical Sanitarium,” we recognize the blessing of God upon right principles in dietetic reform, and the use of rational, or nature's remedies in the treatment of disease; ... WV 346.2

Resolved, That we pledge our support of these principles by our practice and our influence, and with our means (UCR, August 15, 1898). WV 346.3

A few days after returning to Cooranbong, Ellen White wrote: WV 346.4

We greatly hope that our physicians in the Health Home may be soundly converted to correct principles in health reform. I was glad that up to the present time flesh meat has not found its way upon the tables at the sanitarium, and we hope it never will disgrace the health-reform table (Letter 180, 1898). WV 346.5

The next day, July 31, she reported that Willie “leaves Wednesday for Melbourne to have plans laid in regard to medical missionary work, to establish it upon a good basis” (Letter 181, 1898). Medical personnel generally would be there, and, of course, plans would be laid for the developing health food business. WV 346.6

By this time health foods were being imported on a regular basis. P. B. Rudge was brought from New Zealand to manage sales, which were promising. The June 15, 1898, Record carried an interesting advertisement: WV 346.7

“Try Them” WV 346.8

We invite all our readers to improve their diet by eating granola and nut butter, and by drinking caramel cereal. They are the great food correctives for indigestion and constipation. We also invite you to assist this good enterprise by selling the foods to others. Liberal discounts are offered to all agents. Address, Sanitarium Health Food Agency, 251 St. George's Road, North Fitzroy, Victoria. WV 346.9

Two months later the Record reported the arrival in Australia of G. W. Morse, who was to “devote his time to the interests of the Australasian medical missionary work, giving special attention to the health-food business.” He was present at the Melbourne meeting of the newly formed Australasian Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association. An early and prime concern was where the food factory should be located. Melbourne was the well-established center of the work in Australia, and workers and believers there quite naturally felt that there was little need for such a study. Others felt there were other important considerations, and a committee on the location of the manufacturing plant was appointed, made up of A. G. Daniells, Dr. E. R. Caro, G. W. Morse, W. C. White, and E. R. Palmer. WV 346.10