The Story of our Health Message

The Use of Swine’s Flesh

A notable instance of this inclination to urge the adoption of certain reform measures prematurely was the insistence of some that all who should accept the Sabbath truth ought to discontinue immediately the use of swine’s flesh. This matter was urged as early as 1850. But the time had not then come when the rank and file of our people were ready to act unitedly and intelligently in such a matter. Even Elder James White himself, not yet having been impressed with the Scriptural reasons against the use of swine’s flesh, took issue with some who, as he believed, misapplied certain verses in Isaiah in an effort to prove that Sabbathkeepers should make its use a test of fellowship. SHM 62.3

In a published statement regarding this untimely issue, Elder White made it plain that he did “not object to abstinence from the use of swine’s flesh, if it is done on the right grounds.” He acknowledged that the “too free and abundant use of it, and other animal food, of which many, and even some of our brethren in the present truth are not guiltless, is a sin; for it clogs and stupefies the mind, and in many cases impairs the constitution.” “But,” he added, “we do object to a misapplication of the Holy Scriptures in sustaining a position which will only distract the flock of God, and lead the minds of the brethren from the importance of the present work of God among the remnant.”—The Present Truth, November, 1850. SHM 63.1

A few years later the same issue again was raised, this time by some whose temperament and general religious experience were such that they were not qualified to act as wise teachers or leaders. Though conscientious in their convictions, these zealous friends of the cause of present truth had taken extreme positions regarding diet. Their reform was of a negative nature, and they made no provision to teach the people concerning the use of wholesome substitutes for the articles of food they desired to have discarded. SHM 63.2

Through His chosen messenger the Lord sent words of counsel to those earnest reformers. They were advised to move no faster than the heavenly angels could lead the entire body of believers in unity. In a letter written to them by Mrs. Ellen G. White in 1858, she said: SHM 63.3

“I saw that your views concerning swine’s flesh would prove no injury if you have them to yourselves; but in your judgment and opinion you have made this question a test, and your actions have plainly shown your faith in this matter. ... If it is the duty of the church to abstain from swine’s flesh, God will discover it to more than two or three. He will teach His church their duty. SHM 63.4

“God is leading out a people, not a few separate individuals, here and there, one believing this thing, another that. Angels of God are doing the work committed to their trust. The third angel is leading out and purifying a people, and they should move with him unitedly. Some run ahead of the angels that are leading this people; but they have to retrace every step, and meekly follow no faster than the angels lead. SHM 63.5

“I saw that the angels of God would lead His people no faster than they could receive and act upon the important truths that are communicated to them. But some restless spirits do not more than half do up their work. As the angel leads them, they get in haste for something new, and rush on without divine guidance, and thus bring confusion and discord into the ranks. They do not speak or act in harmony with the body.”—Testimonies for the Church 1:206, 207. SHM 64.1