Ellen G. White and Her Critics

Comments on Eggs

In her earliest writings on health she did not make much mention of eggs. She declared that they had a certain stimulating quality and that in certain instances, at least, their use by children should be avoided. Lay alongside quotation Number 6 another statement by Mrs. White written about the same time. Mrs. White writes to a “Dear Bro. and Sister E” regarding the moral habits of their children. Among other things, she says in her long letter to them: EGWC 381.2

“You cannot arouse the moral sensibilities of your children while you are not careful in the selection of their food. The tables that parents usually prepare for their children are a snare to them. Their diet is not simple, and is not prepared in a healthful manner. The food is frequently rich and fever-producing, having a tendency to irritate and excite the tender coats of the stomach. The animal propensities are strengthened and bear sway, while the moral and intellectual powers are weakened, and become servants to the baser passions. You should study to prepare a simple yet nutritious diet. Flesh-meats and rich cakes and pies prepared with spices of any kind, are not the most healthful and nourishing diet. Eggs should not be placed upon your table. They are an injury to your children. Fruits and grains, prepared in the most simple form, are the most healthful, and will impart the greatest amount of nourishment to the body, and, at the same time, not impair the intellect.”—Testimonies for the Church 2:400. EGWC 381.3

We are to conclude from her statement that there is a certain relationship between a feverish, unhealthy condition of the digestive system and a stimulation of the sex organs. EGWC 381.4

Place beside this the fact that Mrs. White wrote much about the training of children and of taking every precaution possible, not only as to diet, but as to environment, education, and habits of life, to strengthen every noble aspiration and to build barriers against immorality. We are not here required to explore the broad area of the possible relation between diet and sex. We refer to the matter only to explain why Mrs. White makes certain references that she does, to eggs, for example, in relation to the diet of children. EGWC 381.5