The Hand of Providence

These words of caution do not necessarily imply a reprehensible failure on the part of the leaders to recognize and publicly advocate measures of reform that were later adopted by them and by the general body of believers. We may rather see in such incidents the restraining hand of Providence in order that these matters might be held in abeyance until the time was ripe for their presentation. We have evidence that Elder James White so regarded it, for, referring to the foregoing counsel, he later wrote:SHM 64.2

“This remarkable testimony was written October 21, 1858, nearly five years before the great vision of 1863, in which the light upon health reform was given. When the right time came, the subject was given in a manner to move all our people. How wonderful are the wisdom and goodness of God!”—Testimonies for the Church 1:206, footnote.SHM 64.3

Although no united move was made among Sabbathkeeping Adventists in behalf of a broad health message before 1863, certain fundamental preliminary steps were taken progressively through the formative years. Tobacco, tea, and coffee were involved in the first steps of reform. While there were among both leaders and laity many who had been led early in life either to abstain from, or to leave off, harmful practices, especially the use of stimulants and narcotics, yet their use was quite common in the ranks of the believers. Already the experience of Elder Joseph Bates has been noted, and although Elder James White had not progressed in the reform as far as Elder Bates, nevertheless he was able to say of himself at the age of twenty:SHM 64.4

“I had never descended to the common sin of profanity, and had not used tobacco, tea, and coffee, nor had I ever raised a glass of spirituous liquor to my lips.”—Life Incidents in Connection With the Great Advent Movement, 15. (1868.)SHM 65.1