Early Light on Health Reform

Captain Joseph Bates was a health reformer from early days, having given up the use of alcohol in 1821 (Life of Bates, p. 148); tobacco in 1823 (Id., p. 178); tea and coffee about 1836 (Id., p. 341, 342); meat and rich foods in 1843 (Health Reformer, July, 1871, p. 2, col. 1). In 1827, he led out in organizing one of the first temperance societies in America (Life of Bates, pp. 211-213). Adventists generally, however, and Sabbathkeeping Adventists for a time following the disappointment, gave little or no attention to the question of physical habits or health. The first recorded revelation to Ellen White involving reform in manner of living was in 1848. We present the story in documented outline form:EGWMR 50.1

1. Vision Regarding Tobacco, Tea, And Coffee (1848).—“It was twenty-two years ago the present autumn [1848] that our minds were called to the injurious effects of tobacco, tea, and coffee, through the testimony of Mrs. White.”—James White, Review and Herald, November 8, 1870, p. 165, col. 2. (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 495, 496.)EGWMR 50.2

2. Tobacco Using Reproved In 1851.—“I have seen in vision that tobacco was a filthy weed, and that it must be laid aside or given up.” “Unless it is given up, the frown of God will be upon the one that uses it, and he cannot be sealed with the seal of the living God.”—Ellen G. White Letter 8, 1851. (Dec. 14, 1851.)EGWMR 50.3

3. Further Light In 1854.—In vision (Feb. 12, 1854), advance steps relating to physical habits were set forth:EGWMR 50.4

a. Cleanliness.—“I then saw a lack of cleanliness among Sabbathkeepers.” “I saw that God would not acknowledge an untidy, unclean person as a Christian. His frown is upon such.”—E. G. White Manuscript 3, 1854. (Feb. 12, 1854.)EGWMR 50.5

b. Rich food.—“I then saw that appetite must be denied, that rich food should not be prepared.”—Ibid.EGWMR 50.6

c. Fine food.—“Eat less fine food; eat coarse food, free from grease.”—Ibid.EGWMR 50.7

Thus, step by step the foundation was laid for the more advanced phases of reform, the earlier counsels dealing with the more apparent abuses and transgressions.EGWMR 50.8