MR No. 64—The Dietary Program of Seventh-day Adventist Institutions and the Use of Flesh Meat, Tea, and Coffee
[Release requested for the study of those who must give counsel on the question of providing tea, coffee, and flesh foods to the patrons of Seventh-day Adventist medical institutions throughout the world.]
(1MR 278)
The Question of Meeting God’s Standards (1888)
The burden of inquiry is, How shall our institutions be made a success? How shall good work be done in them, work that will stand the test of the judgment? Day by day God is testing and proving His people. The inspired Word plainly declares that by our works we are deciding our eternal destiny.
(1MR 278.1)
It is evident that the world is becoming as wicked as it was before the Flood. Christ said that thus it would be. The influence of the prevailing evil is felt even in our health institutions. Even here the iniquity that has been cherished in human hearts counterworks the work of God in restoring His moral image in man; and because iniquity abounds, the love of many (for God and righteousness) waxes cold.
(1MR 278.2)
In our health institutions a decided firm principle should be maintained, not a vague belief. The blessings that God has provided for those who will stand firm as a rock to principle, are worth all the efforts and sacrifice we may be called upon to make. We are to press our way upward, heavenward, notwithstanding all the corrupting, worldly influence that will oppose every step of reformation and restoration and purification which God requires. The world’s standard can never be the standard of the Health Retreat. Those who are entrusted with sacred, holy principles, should pray a great deal in faith for wisdom from God. If they meditate and hold converse with God, as is 279their privilege, they will be enabled to obey the Word of God; they will eat of that living bread which cometh down from heaven.
(1MR 278.3)
Take a Firm Stand in Harmony with Light
But selfishness has been cherished. High opinions of one’s self will not give strength, but weakness. Guard the appetite, act intelligently, take a firm stand in harmony with the light God has given, and maintain your position. Many things that dishonor God have been practiced because of the perversity of the human heart. All who have a part to act in counsels, or in educating, should first show that they themselves have the true kind of education. Such an education will lead to practical results in the choice and preparation of food for the table.
(1MR 279.1)
Shall meat become the staple article of food because those who are in responsible positions have educated themselves to enjoy a meat diet? Shall the physicians be free to indulge their own habits, to gratify appetite as they choose, and thus mold the sentiments of the institution? Shall those who have had great light, and who are seeking to walk in that light, and to reflect the light, see their efforts counterworked by both precept and example?
(1MR 279.2)
Physicians to Guide to Safe Paths
In the name of the Lord I testify that those who plead for indulgence of appetite in meat eating are the very ones who need most to reform, and bring themselves into line. Then they will give fewer directions for the patients to eat the flesh of dead animals because their own appetites crave meat. When the habits and tastes are brought into correct lines, it will be seen that light and truth are guiding the ones who are acting as guides to poor, weak, self-indulgent, intemperate souls.
(1MR 279.3)
The physicians should educate the patients so as to lead them away from 280the use of hurtful things, and should point out safe paths for the feet to walk in. If the minds of patients are left to their own directions, many will, of course, choose the gross diet of flesh, rather than the fruits of the ground and of the trees for food. When those who act as physicians lead away from health principles, God is not honored. Whatever may be the religious instruction when this is the case, there is a dead fly in the ointment....
(1MR 279.4)
Why We Establish Health Institutions
Our health institutions are established to present the living principles of a clean, pure, healthful diet. The knowledge must be imparted in regard to self-denial, self-control. Jesus who made man and redeemed man, is to be held up before all who shall come to our institutions. The knowledge of the way to life, peace, health, must be given line upon line, precept upon precept, that men and women may see the need of reform. They must be led to renounce the debasing customs and practices which existed in Sodom and in the antediluvian world, whom God destroyed because of their iniquity. Said Christ, “But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:37-39).
(1MR 280.1)
All who shall visit our health institutions are to be educated. The plan of redemption should be brought before all, high and low, rich and poor. Carefully prepared instruction is to be given, that indulgence in fashionable intemperance in eating and drinking may be seen as the cause of disease and suffering and of evil practices that follow as a result.
(1MR 280.2)
Shall these things go on, and the victims be uninformed, unwarned? Are the youth to follow in the footsteps of the lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God? Shall the cleansing fountain be shown to all? Shall the last message of mercy be given to the world? Are there to be no faithful sentinels who will work with all their God-given powers to reform those who are debased, and restore the moral image of God in man?—Manuscript 1, 1888, p. 1, 2; 5, 6. (“Our Health Institutions, “February 1, 1888.)
(1MR 281.1)
God Calls for a Reform
God desires those who are enlightened in regard to the teachings of His Word to go forth to declare the principles of true reform. They will have to meet and combat the trivial theories which men pick up and advance. “What is the chaff to the wheat?” The great truths of the Word of God are to be made prominent. His glory is to be kept in view. His grand and saving tests are to be advanced.
(1MR 281.2)
The Lord desires those who take part in His work to be men of spiritual understanding, sensible men, who will follow His way and make known His will. Their voices are to be heard amid the din and confusion of unconsecration. Those in the synagogue of Satan will profess to be converted, and unless God’s servants have keen eyesight, they will not discern the working of the power of darkness.
(1MR 281.3)
The message to the Laodicean church applies most decidedly to those whose religious experience is insipid, who do not bear decided witness in favor of the truth. God calls for a reform in His institutions; for they have become permeated with the spirit of the world. He calls upon all to bear decided testimony in favor of health reform. Meat should not be placed before the patients in our sanitariums.
(1MR 281.4)
Many have lost the power of the third angel’s message. Does not the fulfilling of the judgments pronounced so long ago call for an awakening among Seventh-day Adventists? Calmly and trustingly each believer should stand in his lot and in his place, strong in the strength of the Mighty One. Letter 98, 1901, pp. 3-5. (To Dr. and Mrs. D. H. Kress, July 19, 1901.)
(1MR 282.1)
Interview on Removing Meat from the Sanitarium Tables
Sister White: We should become more acquainted with the outside element, and educate, and present health principles to the people, so that they will know what to expect when they get here. I felt very desirous that those who came in here should see reform right through, and I think it will come around. I think that when there is the least patronage, that is the best time to make a change in the matter of serving meat to patients on the dining room tables; and yet I cannot say there should never be any meat served. I cannot say that. But meat should not be served in the dining room. In Australia, Dr._____ and Dr. _____ were called in to advise with me as to whether they should allow meat to be served on the dining room tables of the medical institutions. I said, “Not a particle of meat is to be served on the tables.” I desired to have them understand this. Well, they have had the most wonderful success in the recovery of the sick, that I have seen in any institution in my life. But not a particle of meat is served in the dining room.
(1MR 282.2)
Dr. Sanderson: What do you think ought to be done up here?
(1MR 282.3)
Rule Meat from the Table but no Rash Moves
Sister White: I think meat should be ruled out of the dining room. But I do not advise any rash, inconsiderate movements. I am not prepared to say just how the reform should be brought about. But I know that flesh meat should be kept off the table. How is it? Do the helpers have meat on their tables?
(1MR 282.4)
Dr. Sanderson: No.
(1MR 283.1)
Sister White: Well, I think it should be taken off the patient’s tables, just as soon as it is possible to do it, and there should not be long waiting, either. There will be times when there will not be so many here, will there not?
(1MR 283.2)
Dr. Sanderson: Last winter it was just about as full all through the winter as it was in the fall.
(1MR 283.3)
Sister White: It was? I hope it will be so again. But there must be an educating, and there must be more force in the education given on the subject of healthful diet. I do not think that meat is allowed on the tables in the Battle Creek Sanitarium.
(1MR 283.4)
Dr. Sanderson: Oh, no; they have it. They had it there when I was there last spring.
(1MR 283.5)
Sister White: Is that so? But it is not used as much as formerly.
(1MR 283.6)
Dr. Sanderson: We do not have it here as much as in the past.
(1MR 283.7)
Sister White: I suppose the patients call for it. Or is it put on the tables?
(1MR 283.8)
Dr. Sanderson: They put it on only when it is asked for,—at the special request of the patients themselves.
(1MR 283.9)
Sister White: The Lord will be best pleased when all our sanitariums discard flesh meat. We have reason now as never before to let meat alone, because animals are diseased. The subject can be presented from this standpoint, and it will have great effect.—Manuscript 82, 1901, 42-45. (“Report of Interview of Dr. and Mrs. A. J. Sanderson with Ellen G. White,” August 25, 1901.)
(1MR 283.10)
Loyalty to Principle vs. Patronage
I have been strongly impressed to write something in regard to the St. Helena Sanitarium. This institution was established by the Lord’s direction, and it is not to outlive its usefulness. It is to be a living institution, through which the light of truth shall be shed abroad. The same God who works in other places where our medical work is established is ready to work in the St. Helena Sanitarium. Much of His power is to be revealed in this institution. It is to grow to the full stature of what God desires it to be....
(1MR 284.1)
Shall we not stand as watchful sentinels, encouraging the patients to obey the words of the Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1, 2).
(1MR 284.2)
The Lord desires His people to come into line, and to work with all earnestness, in faith and love to bring into their lives the fulness of Christ, the efficiency freely bestowed on all who will comply with the condition laid down in the Word of God.
(1MR 284.3)
Advance moves are to be made. We are not, for the sake of securing a larger patronage, to employ physicians or nurses who are not willing to walk in the full light of health reform. We are to stand on an elevated platform. We do not establish sanitariums that the patients who come may indulge perverted appetite. We are to bring into our sanitariums as helpers those who stand firmly on the platform of health reform.—Manuscript 3a, 1903, pp. 1-4. (“The St. Helena Sanitarium,” January 23, 1903.)
(1MR 284.4)
An Earnest Appeal to a Leading Physician
There are things of special importance that I wish to write you. I must tell you the truth. I have told you the truth, but you have not taken the words of the Lord to yourself, and believed them....
(1MR 285.1)
My brother, you have given wrong counsel, and made prescriptions after your own habits, appetites, and tastes, when you should have been following the light God has given by living up to the correct principles of health reform. You might, by precept and example, have corrected habits of eating and drinking which are corrupting brain, bone, and muscle; but by your prescriptions, made according to your own mind, you have sent persons away with wrong appetites confirmed, appetites which lie at the foundation of the disease from which they were suffering. What excuse will you make to God in the judgment for thus counteracting His work of temperance? Have you not had abundant light? Has it not shone upon you, and been disregarded?
(1MR 285.2)
The Holy Spirit will guide into truth. If men are willing to be molded by it, they will be guided by our great Leader. There will be a sanctification of the whole being, soul, body, and spirit. You both need the spirit of understanding; then you will have the Holy Spirit, and you will discern it as it is,—your Counsellor....
(1MR 285.3)
There is nothing to be afraid of except that we shall not strive to enter in at the strait gate, and that we shall not have the approval of God. Faithfully living for Christ takes in much more than you suppose. Much more can be done in saving the souls of those who come to the sanitarium.
(1MR 285.4)
In the preparation of the food, the golden rays of light are to be kept shining, teaching those who sit at the table how to live. This education is also to be given to those who visit the Health Retreat that they may carry from it reformatory principles.
(1MR 285.5)
Not to Prescribe Flesh, Tea, or Coffee
Physicians are not employed to prescribe a flesh diet for the patients; for it is this kind of diet that has made them sick.
(1MR 286.1)
Brother and Sister_____, seek the Lord. When you find Him, you will be meek and lowly of heart. Individually you will not subsist on the flesh of dead animals, neither will you put one morsel into the mouths of your children. You will not prescribe flesh, tea, or coffee, for your patients; but you will give talks in the parlor, showing the necessity of a simple diet. You will put away injurious things from your bill of fare.
(1MR 286.2)
To have the physicians of our institutions educating, by precept and example, those under their care to use a meat diet, after years of instruction from the Lord, disqualifies them to be superintendents of our health institutions....
(1MR 286.3)
Self-indulged Practices Neutralize Influence
There are things you can do in a religious line, but you may neutralize the influence of truth by your self-indulgent practices, and by counterworking the principles of health reform, so that they have little power for good. Self-indulgence in appetite, in one in your position, is most inconsistent. You know that the principles of health reform have the highest authority, and a wider sphere than has yet been given them by many who profess present truth.
(1MR 286.4)
Dear Brother and Sister_____, I am so sorry that the light which the Lord has given me for the last years has not been received by you as superior to your own ideas and opinions. Had you believed and acted upon the light given, what changes would have taken place in you! But the strong idolatry you have manifested for your own opinions, your own customs and practices, has effectually closed the door of your heart to the entrance of light, and the reproofs 287and warnings of God. You have largely pursued your own course, as if determined to make the messages from the Lord untrue.... The Lord does not give light on health reform that it may be disregarded by those who are in positions of influence and authority. The Lord means just what He says, and He is to be honored in what He says.
(1MR 286.5)
One week should not have passed at the Health Retreat without a competent superintendent to arrange prices for the patients and guests, and to regulate the diet. Those who have always lived on meat should be restricted in this line. But if the leading physician and his family are not reformers in this line, they cannot educate others to give up the practice of meat eating. Light is to be given in this line upon all these subjects. It is the diet question that needs close investigations, and prescriptions should be made in accordance with health principles.
(1MR 287.1)
For the last twenty-five years I have borne testimonies on this subject. My heart is pained because you will cling to your established habits and practices, refusing to reform. How long can you have clear, sound perceptions in regard to the requirements essential in health reform? You do not look deep enough into this subject, or think enough of it. Letter 71, 1896, pp. 1, 7-11. (To a Physician Carrying Large Responsibilities at the St. Helena Sanitarium; August 12, 1896.)
(1MR 287.2)
Flesh Meat not Necessary in Treating Sinking Spells
I have received your letters and will now answer some of the points contained in them.
(1MR 287.3)
Dr. A—asked me if, under any circumstances, I would advise the drinking of chicken broth if one were sick and could not take anything else into the stomach. I said, “There are persons dying of consumption, who, if they 288ask for chicken broth, should have it. But I would be very careful.” The example should not injure a sanitarium or make excuse for others to think their case required the same diet. I asked Dr. A—if she had such a case at the sanitarium. She said, “No; but I have a sister in the sanitarium at Wahroonga, who is very weak. She has weak, sinking spells, but cooked chicken she can eat.” I said, “It would be best to remove her from the sanitarium.” She answered, “Her husband is in the sanitarium, filling the position of physician.”....
(1MR 287.4)
I found Dr. B—’ s wife in Washington in the same condition that Dr. A—’s sister is in. They said she was unable to eat anything but meat, and that her blood was turning to water. But the light given me was her impression that she must live on meat was not correct. I was instructed that she was placing herself mentally in a position in which she should not be. If she would discard the use of meat for one year, the unfavorable position in which she now is would be changed, and there would be an opportunity for healthy action to take place in her system. She could, if she overcame her meat eating, be in a much better condition and live to glorify God....
(1MR 288.1)
The light given me is that if the sister you mention would brace up and cultivate her taste for wholesome food, all these sinking spells would pass away.
(1MR 288.2)
She has cultivated her imagination; the enemy has taken advantage of her weakness of body, and her mind is not braced to bear up against the hardships of everyday life. It is good, sanctified mind cure she needs, an increase of faith, and active service for Christ. She needs also the exercise of her muscles in outside practical labor. Physical exercise will be to her one of the greatest blessings of her life. She need not be an invalid, but a wholesome-minded, healthy woman, prepared to act her part nobly and well.
(1MR 288.3)
All the treatment that may be given to this sister will be of little advantage unless she acts her part. She needs to strengthen muscle and nerve by physical labor. She need not be an invalid, but can do good, earnest labor. Letter 231, 1905, pp. 1-3. (To Dr. and Mrs. D. H. Kress, July 11, 1905.)
(1MR 289.1)
Tea, Coffee, and Flesh Meats not to Be Served to the Patients
In regard to your statement that Dr. _____ would come to help you in the Wahroonga Sanitarium, on certain conditions, including the privilege of serving whatever food he might desire to serve at the table, I would say that you had better not accept the services of those who will come only on condition that such terms shall be made; for the terms on which they would come are evidence that you do not want them. They would be a perplexity to you rather than a help. Anyone who makes propositions of this kind would, I fear, cause you more anxiety and trouble than you could afford....
(1MR 289.2)
Never allow Dr. _____ to connect with the institution with the understanding that tea, coffee, and flesh meat will be served to the patients....
(1MR 289.3)
As regards the flesh-meat question, I know that if such men as Dr. _____ should connect with the institution, you could not deal with this question without great worry and perplexity....
(1MR 289.4)
We are living in a solemn and important time. The effort to build the sanitarium has been a tremendous one, and we cannot afford to bring into connection with it those who would prove a hindrance to its work and an injury to its reputation.
(1MR 289.5)
In regard to flesh meat, do not bring it into the [Wahroonga] sanitarium. Neither tea nor coffee should be served. Caramel cereal, made as nicely as possible, should be served in the place of these health-destroying beverages. In regard to the third meal, do not make eating but two meals compulsory. Some 290do best healthwise when eating three light meals, and when they are restricted to two, they feel the change severely.
(1MR 289.6)
You may not at first have as large a number of patients at the sanitarium as you will later on, but do not become discouraged. Letter 200, 1902, pp. 1, 2, 9. (To Dr. and Mrs. D. H. Kress, December 15, 1902.)
(1MR 290.1)
Guard Against Creating Prejudice
How careful the workers should be to avoid doing anything that will cause the truth to be misunderstood, or misrepresented, or that will arouse prejudice against it.
(1MR 290.2)
Where we can, let us make concessions. Never are we to swerve a hair’s breadth from the principles that God has laid down for our guidance. But we are to guard against framing human tests. When it is evident that certain methods are not favorable to the work of the sanitarium, we are not to continue to follow these methods, especially if they are not enjoined by the Word of God. We are to be careful in handling even the truth, lest it taste strongly of the dish....
(1MR 290.3)
Tea, Coffee, and Meat to Be Served only in Patient’s Room
We are not to make rules with the idea that they are never to be changed or modified. In our sanitariums the Seventh-day Sabbath is ever to be kept holy. No tea, coffee, or flesh meat is to be served, unless it is in some special case, where the patient particularly desires it, and then, these articles of food should be served to him in his room. No tests that the Bible does not require are to be brought in. Every effort should be made to win the confidence of the patients, that their hearts may be reached by the truth. The workers are to draw as near to them as they can, bringing them into the sunshine of Christ’s love.
(1MR 290.4)
“The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits” (James 3:17). Letter 213, 1902, pp. 6, 8, 9. (“To Those in Positions of Responsibility in the St. Helena Sanitarium,” November 3, 1902.)
(1MR 291.1)
How Satan Would Cripple Our Work
All must now be guarded in regard to embracing the most extreme views upon health reform. The Lord desires to lead us all gently and consistently. It is the enemy who seeks to drive us to extremes. He would be pleased to see the conscientious advocates of health reform require that which God does not require. He would be pleased to see them placing on their own tables and on the tables at the sanitarium food that is not acceptable. Let not those who come to the sanitarium see that Seventh-day Adventists have lost good common sense.
(1MR 291.2)
Our institutions are to discard meat. This is a big step to worldly people. Our patrons and guests are to be given plain, appetizing, wholesome food, which will keep the system in health and remove all excuse for meat eating. If sensible arguments are properly used, reforms will be many. But if milk and eggs are discarded, what kind of diet will be represented?
(1MR 291.3)
Let no one consider this question as lessening the necessity for health reform. It is but bringing in the threads and weaving the pattern in such a way that health reform will be rightly represented. As Seventh-day Adventists we have no right now to bring stringent rules to bear upon the people. When that which we place upon our tables becomes injurious to health and life, God will reveal this to us.
(1MR 291.4)
Not to Eclipse Third Angel’s Message
The time has come when health reform will be received in its importance 292by many in high places and in low places. But we are to allow nothing to eclipse the message we have to bear, the third angel’s message, connected with the messages of the first and second angel. We must not allow minor things to bind us in a small circle, where we cannot obtain access to the people at large.
(1MR 291.5)
The church and the world need all the influence, all the talents God has given us. All we have should be appropriated to His use. In presenting the gospel, keep out all your own opinions. We have a world-wide message, and the Lord wants His servants to guard sacredly the trust He has given them. To every man God has given his work. Then let no false message be borne. Let there be no straining into inconsistent problems the grand light of health reform. The inconsistencies of one rest upon the whole body of believers; therefore when one goes to extremes, great harm is done to the cause of God. Letter 39, 1901, pp. 1-3. (To Brother and Sister Farnsworth, May 29, 1901.)
(1MR 292.1)
Diet and Patronage
Those who come to our sanitariums for treatment should be provided with a liberal supply of well cooked food. The food placed before them must necessarily be more varied in kind than would be necessary in a home family. Let the diet be such that a good impression will be made on the guests. This is a matter of great importance. The patronage of a sanitarium will be larger if a liberal supply of appetizing food is provided.
(1MR 292.2)
Again and again I have left the tables of our sanitarium hungry and unsatisfied. I have talked with those in charge of the institutions, and have told them that their diet needed to be more liberal and the food more appetizing. I told them to put their ingenuity to work to make the necessary change 293in the best way. I told them to remember that what would perhaps suit the taste of health reformers would not answer at all for those who have always eaten luxuries, as they are termed. Much may be learned from the meals prepared and served in a successfully conducted hygienic restaurant.
(1MR 292.3)
Brother and Sister _____, unless you give much attention to this matter, your patronage will decrease instead of increasing. There is danger of going to extremes in diet reform....
(1MR 293.1)
The patients pay a good price for their board, and they should have liberal fare. Some may come to the sanitarium in a condition demanding stern denial of appetite and the simplest fare, but as their health improves, they should be liberally supplied with nourishing food.
(1MR 293.2)
You may be surprised at my writing this, but last night I was instructed that a change in the diet would make a great difference in your patronage. A more liberal diet is needed. Letter 37, 1904, pp. 1, 2. (To Dr. and Mrs. D. H. Kress, January 18, 1904.)
(1MR 293.3)
To Educate in Healthful Cookery
The Lord designs that our sanitariums shall educate the people how to cook healthfully, and how to eat healthfully. It is a mistake to prepare a large number of foods for one meal; a few kinds, carefully prepared, and served in an appetizing way, is all that is needed. You need no flesh foods; flesh foods are not the best for the human stomach. Often the animals sold for the market are diseased....
(1MR 293.4)
I will tell you how we dealt with this matter of meat eating in Australia: Sara McEnterfer, who had been my nurse up to the time of my sailing from America for Australia, did not accompany us, as she was taken sick. After she was somewhat recovered, she served in the sanitarium, getting a further 294experience in how to care for the sick. When later, she joined us in Australia, in Cooranbong, where we settled, she had plenty of opportunity to exercise her skill in caring for the sick and injured. Letter 363, 1907, pp. 2, 3. (To Dr. D. H. Kress, November 5, 1907.)
(1MR 293.5)
To Provide the Most Strength-giving Diet
You have too little care and feel too lightly the burden of providing an orderly, ample repast for your workers. They are the ones who need an abundance of fresh, wholesome provision. They are constantly taxed; their vitality must be preserved. Their principles should be educated. They, of all in the sanitarium, should be abundantly furnished with the best and most wholesome, strength-giving food.
(1MR 294.1)
The table of your helpers should be furnished, not with meat, but with an abundant supply of good fruit, grains, and vegetables, prepared in a nice, wholesome way. Your neglect to do this has increased your income at altogether too great an expense to the strength and souls of your workers. This has not pleased the Lord. The influence of the entire fare does not recommend your principles to those that sit at the helper’s table. If they are worthy to compose your family, they are worthy of the very best, and most strength-giving diet, that seeds will not be planted in their breasts which will germinate and bring forth a harvest to the dishonor of God. But this has been done; and this must have attention. Equality must be practiced, as well as talked. Letter 54, 1896, p. 3. (To J. H. Kellogg, July 10, 1896.)
(1MR 294.2)
Principles of Early Days Important Today
Again representations have been made to me that all who have the care of the sick, in our sanitariums, should bear in mind that these institutions are established for a special work, and are to be conducted in a way that 295will bring honor to God.—Manuscript 73, 1908, 1. (“Counsels Repeated,” June 19, 1908.)
(1MR 294.3)