The Story of our Health Message

Divine Counsel Given

Through the Spirit of prophecy counsel had come setting forth principles to guide the members of the church in their relation to the civil powers in time of war. Pointing out that it was “duty in every case to obey the laws of our land, unless they conflict with the higher law which God spake with an audible voice,” Mrs. White also added, in giving her testimony relating to voluntary enlistment: SHM 131.3

“I was shown that God’s people, who are His peculiar treasure, cannot engage in this perplexing war, for it is opposed to every principle of their faith. In the army they cannot obey the truth and at the same time obey the requirements of their officers. There would be a continual violation of conscience.”—Testimonies for the Church 1:361. (January, 1863.) SHM 132.1

Immunity from army service was possible as long as volunteer enlistment, stimulated by the bonus, was sufficient to meet the calls for men. Conscientious objectors against the bearing of arms were, under these conditions, free from serious trouble. But as the war progressed, a resort to the draft became more and more imminent. Fortunately before the real crisis came, proper steps were taken to declare the denominational position on war and military service, and official recognition was accorded to Seventh-day Adventists as conscientious noncombatants. SHM 132.2