Chapter 3—The Health Reformers

This well written and intensely interesting presentation setting forth the historical background of the Health Reform Movement in general, will be perused with profit. Since this chapter is used as a background against which much that appears later in the book will be placed, it is important. The reader will pause at the comment on page 58 that three of the health reform writers influenced noticeably the thinking of Ellen White. Just why and how much she, after doing her initial writing on health, searched their writings to find practical application of ways of putting into use principles opened to her in vision is a point worthy if discerning investigation. This will be touched upon later.CBPH 46.6

Another point the reader may wish to examine carefully is the statement on page 61 that Ellen White “saw obedience to the laws of health primarily as a requirement for entry into heaven, and only secondarily as a means of living a more enjoyable life on earth.” It would be difficult to find support for such a concept of salvation by works in Ellen White’s writings, which place such stress on righteousness by faith.CBPH 46.7