A Question of Rights

Satan will tempt those who have been taught by God to make healthful foods to say, when others use the productions of earth and tree in making foods that may perhaps be somewhat similar, that they are infringing on their rights. But God never designed that a few men should monopolize the advantages of the food interests, forcing others, who need the same advantage, to bind themselves to fulfill certain conditions. Manuscript 159, 1902 (written December 15, 1902).HFM 51.1

*****

The health foods are now regarded as of man's originating, and if any other productions are made, the thought arises. “Are they not infringing on our rights?” But the health foods are of God's originating, as a blessing to His people. They are not to be bound about and held under the control of the powers of Battle Creek as their special property. This business is God's property, and He will give enlightenment to other human agencies for its development. “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.” 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. We are not to follow the principle of wealthy worldly men,—of buying up and storing the whole supply of a food product, and then making people pay a high price for it; for thus the poor are made to suffer.HFM 51.2

In all parts of our world experiments will be made, processes invented and methods discovered in the preparation and manufacture of healthful foods that can be used for the benefit of all the people. The all-wise God, who has given light and wisdom to one party, will not withhold His light and wisdom from others who are just as devoted to the interests of our sanitariums and all lines of medical missionary work. There are to be new food industries. Foods that are perfectly healthful and yet inexpensive are to be made, and thus the way will be opened for those to find work who, by accepting the truth, have been thrown out of employment. The Lord God of heaven will give understanding to His human agents. Letter 192, 1901 (written July 3, 1901).HFM 52.1