Chapter 40—Hops, Tobacco, and Swine
In answer to many inquiries, we would say that we believe there
is business for Seventh-day Adventists to enter upon for a livelihood,
more consistent with their faith than the raising of hops, tobacco, or
swine.
And we would recommend that they plant no more hops, or tobacco
fields, and that they reduce the number of their swine. They may yet
see it duty, as most consistent believers do, to keep no more. We
would not urge this opinion upon any. Much less would we take the
responsibility of saying, “Plow up your hop and tobacco fields, and
sacrifice your swine to the dogs.”
While we would say to those who are disposed to crowd hop,
tobacco, and swine growers among our people, that they have no right
to make these things, in any sense, a test of Christian fellowship, we
would also say to those who have these miserable things on hand,
“If you can get them off your hands without great loss, consistency
with the faith of this people whose publications and oral teachings
have so much to say on the subject of reform, more than suggests
that you should get them off your hands as soon as possible.” [
This
is one of the very few statements to be issued jointly by James and
Ellen White. Inasmuch as it was signed by both, it is evident that the
views expressed had full sanction of Mrs. White.—Compilers
.]—
The
Review and Herald, March 24, 1868
.
[339]
310