A Warning Against Drugs

The warning against the use of drugs was not only general, but specific in some instances. Of strychnine, used freely at that time, we read:SHM 92.2

“I was shown persons under the influence of this poison. It produced heat and seemed to act particularly on the spinal column, but affected the whole system. ... When first taken, its influence may seem to be beneficial. It excites the nerves connected with the spinal column, but when the excitement passes away, it is followed by a sense of prostration and of chilliness the whole length of the spinal column, especially upon the head and back of the neck. The patients generally cannot endure the least draught of air. They are inclined to close every crevice, and for want of the free, invigorating air of heaven, the blood becomes impure. ... The sight and hearing are often affected, and in many cases the patient becomes helpless.”—Ibid., 138.SHM 92.3

With equal detail the effects of other drugs commonly prescribed by physicians in those days were portrayed. “I was shown that the innocent, modest-looking, white poppy yields a dangerous drug,” begins Mrs. White in the introductory sentence of a paragraph setting forth the pitiful condition of the opium slave. Mercury, calomel, and quinine are also specifically mentioned as drugs that “have brought their amount of wretchedness, which the day of God alone will fully reveal.”—Ibid., 138, 139.SHM 92.4

The importance of cleanliness, sunlight, fresh air, the rational use of water, the value of the power of the will as a “mighty soother of the nerves” and in resistance to disease, and other principles of general hygiene were emphasized. Two pages were devoted to the dangers of the use of flesh as food. “Many die of disease caused wholly by meat eating, yet the world does not seem to be the wiser.”—Ibid., 147.SHM 93.1

A vivid picture was drawn of the terror and distress of the animals before their slaughter, frequently resulting in a fevered and poisoned condition of the blood. The article closed with an earnest appeal to follow Christ, who resisted temptation on the point of appetite, and to seek to perfect holiness in the fear of God.SHM 93.2

It was not long before the effects of the instruction on health as published by Mrs. White in Spiritual Gifts, Vol. IV, began to be seen. In those days counsel from the Spirit of prophecy was eagerly received. Her books or pamphlets, as they came from the press from time to time, were not large and soon found their way into nearly all Seventh-day Adventist homes. An intimation of the eagerness with which the new volumes were received is seen in an announcement:SHM 93.3

“The call for Spiritual Gifts is so great that we are unable to fill orders as soon as they are received. We have two binders at work, but today have not a single copy in the office.”—The Review and Herald, August 23, 1864.SHM 93.4