The Story of our Health Message

Divine Encouragement

And now once again the Lord graciously indicated His favor by sending a message of encouragement and counsel. It is of interest to note the circumstances under which this third important vision relating to the health reform was given, and its place in the gospel message. SHM 187.4

In the winter of 1871 Elder and Mrs. White were filling appointments for meetings in the New England States. On Sunday afternoon, December 10, at Bordoville, Vermont, two young men came to the home of Elder A. C. Bourdeau, where Mrs. White was staying, to bid her good-by. They had been in a backslidden condition, and Mrs. White felt a burden for their salvation. She made an earnest appeal to them to return to the Lord. After a season of prayer they yielded themselves anew to Him. In relating this experience, Elder Bourdeau wrote: SHM 187.5

“The Spirit of the Lord drew nearer and nearer. Sister White was free, and soon, unexpectedly to all, she was in vision. She remained in this condition fifteen minutes. The news spread, and soon the house was crowded. Sinners trembled, believers wept, and backsliders returned to God.”—The Review and Herald, December 26, 1871. See also Testimonies for the Church 3:125. SHM 188.1

In Testimonies, Nos. 21 and 22, which appeared in the year 1872, are found more than 125 pages of instruction which are definitely mentioned as based upon this vision. One fifth of this material relates to the health reform and the Health Reform Institute. In introducing the subject she wrote: SHM 188.2

“Dec. 10, 1871, I was again shown that the health reform is one branch of the great work which is to fit a people for the coming of the Lord. It is as closely connected with the third angel’s message as the hand is with the body.”—Testimonies for the Church 3:161. SHM 188.3