Appendix 2
A Statement by James White Relating to the Teaching of Health
Reform
[In reporting the Kansas camp meeting of 1870, Elder James White
made the following statement regarding the progressive light that had
been received on health reform, the dangers of injudicious methods
of teaching the subjects, and Mrs. White’s relation to certain extreme
positions that were then being advocated by some. As a historical
statement it illuminates some of her teaching recorded at that time.—
Compilers.]
Mrs. White has spoken on the health question in a manner to give
entire satisfaction. Her remarks were clear and forcible, yet prudent,
so that she carried the feelings of the entire congregation with her. On
this subject she always avoids extremes, and is careful to take only
those positions where she is quite sure not to excite prejudices.
The people are easily excited and prejudiced upon the subject of
health reform, if those who handle it are unfortunate in the selection
of the occasion, or in the style in which they present it, especially if
they stand before the people in the light of extremists. Some delicate
questions, such as “solitary vice,” should seldom, if ever, be discussed,
only in suitable publications upon the subject. There is not one in ten
of our preachers who are suitably informed, and properly guarded, to
handle the health question in its several branches before the people.
And the amount of harm done to the cause of present truth by the
injudicious course of those who have introduced the subject of health
reform at the wrong time and place, and in a wrong manner, can hardly
be estimated.
“I have yet many things to say unto you,” said Jesus, “but ye
cannot bear them now.” Jesus knew how to lead along the minds of
His disciples. The Lord also knew how to introduce to His waiting
people the great subject of health reform, step by step, as they could
bear it, and make a good use of it, without souring the public mind.
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