Ellen G. White: The Progressive Years: 1862-1876 (vol. 2)

The Relation of the Vision to Books on Health

The health reform vision had not only opened new vistas but embodied the commission to lead out in teaching along lines that were contrary to common understanding. The task would not be easy. Experience had taught Ellen White how careful she must be to prevent the public from assuming she had gained her knowledge from human sources. As for herself, she wrote: “I was astonished at the things shown me in vision. Many things came directly across my own ideas.”—Ibid. She added, “I talked it to all with whom I had opportunity to converse.”—Ibid. As she did so, interesting conversations ensued: 2BIO 81.3

As I related to others the things which I had been shown, the question was asked, “Have you seen the paper The Laws of Life or The Water Cure Journal?” I told them no, I had not seen either of the papers. Said they, “What you have seen agrees very much with much of their teachings.” 2BIO 81.4

I talked freely with Dr. Lay and many others upon the things shown me in reference to health. I had never seen a paper treating upon health.—Ibid. 2BIO 81.5