A Critique of the Book Prophetess of Health

A Narrow Sectarian Spirit

Page 188 of Prophetess of Health insinuates that J. H. Kellogg accused Ellen White of having a “narrow sectarian spirit” which he abhorred. The truth of the matter is that Kellogg said the exact opposite concerning Ellen White’s attitude toward non-Seventh-day Adventists. On March 21, 1893, the doctor wrote Mrs. White as follows: CBPH 87.2

I gave eight talks at the tabernacle on the subject of medical missionary work, the chief part of which was the presentation of quotations from your writings on this subject. I have been surprised in looking over your writings to find such an amount of matter which inculcates a broader and more liberal Christian spirit. I have found nothing whatever which justifies the narrow sectarian spirit which seems to have actuated our people almost wholly during recent years, but constant exhortations to the contrary. CBPH 87.3

During the last year I have found great difficulty in getting people who really seemed to be consecrated individuals, interested in medical missionary work, although they seem to be persons in many respects forward in the work. The idea seems to be that work for the needy and suffering unless done with a direct proselyting motive was of no account and that it was not in the interests of the cause, and that works were of no account any way, and that if saved at all we must be saved by faith (which of course is true), and hence it is of no use at all to be troubled about works (which is not true). CBPH 87.4

I have been perplexed to understand some of the teachings of Elder Jones, Prof. Prescott, and Dr. Waggoner, as they seem to give the people a basis for such ideas. (Emphasis supplied.) CBPH 87.5

Rather than attributing Ellen White with a “narrow sectarian spirit,” according to this letter, Kellogg credits Mrs. White with a “liberal Christian spirit,” but laments the fact that others, notably Jones, Prescott, and Waggoner, had a “narrow, sectarian spirit.” The latter he found to be out of harmony with his ideals, but the concord between himself and Mrs. White was so complete that the “chief part” of his eight talks on medical missionary work was comprised of quotations from her pen. CBPH 87.6