Jay Vaune L.

Vasquez

Chapter 7 Becoming Health Reformers

During 1875, the situation regarding health was quite poor. Not many people were educated and
experienced enough, and there were not much medicines and equipment available. Hence, it can
be said that people were frequently visited with diseases but were poorly treated that time.
There were early reforms and journals from Sylvester Graham, William Alcott in 1830s, and
Dr Joel Shew in 1845, however it was not paid much attention during those times. Joseph Bates,
demonstrated in his lifestyle the abandonment of alcohol, wine, and tobacco. Organized a
temperance society in 1827 and avoided meat, butter, cheese, grease, pies, and cakes.
Eventually, the first reform made was on tobacco and alcohol. In the fall of 1848, Ellen White was
shown the harmful effects of tobacco, tea, and coffee. She addressed tobacco as a “filthy weed”
that must be given up. Along with the writings of Joseph Bates, they were able to convince people
to focus more on the things that would bring them closer to God. In 1853, they were able to
publish it on Review and Herald regarding their stand on these unhealthy substances. Dietary
reform was enforced by Ellen White calling for all Adventist to change their diet for a better
health. The not eating of swine flesh was emphasized here.
When a diptehria epidemic plagued the nation, hydrotherapy was proven to be significantly
effective in combatting this ailment. The Whites, along with Dr. James C. Jackson cured two of
the Whites’ son and their neighbor’s child. Applying hot baths, liquid diet, and large amount of
water drinking, instead of drugs were effective. Natural remedies were encouraged.
In 1863, the Otsego vision of Ellen White, probably the longest vision she had for 45 minutes
illustrated the “great subject of Health Reform”. Here, Ellen White was showed everything. It was
not a first in these health reforms, there were already discoveries made by Graham, Coles, and
Trail. It was fascinating how Ellen White’s vision coincide with their discoveries. Diet, exercise,
vegetable and fruit diet, no liquor and other important stuff to keep a person mentally and
spiritually healthy.
In 1850s, pioneering ladies like Elizabeth Miller, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Amelia Bloomer
designed a dress befitting for a Christian lady. Along with Ellen White, they wanted for women
to feel free and be modest in serving God.
Unfortunately, James White had a stroke. He was bedridden and Ellen White applied every
natural remedy she could, however, there were no significant recovery. Therefore, she called on
to Dr. Jackson and applied some medicine. Eventually, outdoor activities cured James White.
Ellen White pushed a health reform and through many efforts they were able to raise Western
Health Institute in 1867 in Battle. Everyone contributed. Despite the lack of skilled and
knowledgeable physicians and administrators, they were still able to make it a success. There
several leaders and physician to manage the institution but later on leadership was passed unto
John Harvey Kellogg who contributed a lot to the health message that time. It was later called
the Battle Creek Sanitarium and many people would go there to “learn to stay well”.
With the endeavors the Whites and many other important people who helped in advocating the
health reform, they were confident to preach more about the gospel to the world.