Chapter 9—The New Health Institute

A Desperate Need

As early as the Whites’ first visit to Dansville, Ellen had been impressed with the desirability of a health institution for Sabbathkeeping Adventists. Instead of the rapid advance of the message expected at this time, the work was crippled by the illness of many of the leading workers.WV 137.1

James White was incapacitated by illness. But he was not the only one. Because of their poor health, Elders J. N. Loughborough, D. T. Bourdeau, A. S. Hutchins, J. B. Frisbie, and John Byington had been doing little or no field work during the year. All three children of Elder O. C. Taylor had been taken by death, and also one each in the families of Elders R. J. Lawrence and J. N. Andrews.WV 137.2

In the April 17, 1866, issue of the Review, Uriah Smith described the sad situation:WV 137.3

Instead of an increase of laborers, many of the more efficient ones then in the field have been either entirely prostrated or afflicted in some way calculated to dishearten or cripple them. And as in times of prosperity it is proper to enumerate our blessings, so now in this time of adversity and humiliation let us enumerate our calamities.WV 137.4

Smith listed 13 cases of illness, death, and other misfortune. He declared:WV 137.5

All this has intervened since our last conference, and what is the meaning of it all? If God is by these things designing to teach us an important lesson, we should not be slow to learn it (Ibid.).WV 137.6

Not only was there a need for a health institution but a need for a change in the health habits of the believers.WV 137.7

For a year the church had had before it an outline of the basic health principles, in the six How to Live pamphlets.WV 137.8

When the General Conference session of 1866 met in Battle Creek in May, the matter of health reform was uppermost in the minds of the leaders. James White was not able to attend on account of illness. John Byington was asked to preside.WV 137.9

Sensing the need for immediate help from God, the General Conference Committee appointed a four-day season of fasting and prayer, beginning Wednesday, May 9, and continuing to the close of the following Sabbath. Meetings were to be free from discussions, and characterized by humiliation, fasting, and prayer on the part of the church. Business was to be suspended; the members of each church would meet at 1:00 on weekdays, and both morning and afternoon on Sabbath. The following counsel was given concerning the fast:WV 137.10

During these days of prayer we recommend on the part of all a very abstemious and simple diet, Daniel 10:3, while some may more or less abstain from food as their health may permit, or their feelings prompt (Ibid.).WV 138.1

The churches responded well. J. N. Loughborough reported:WV 138.2

The praying seasons for the reviving of God's people, and the restoration of His servants, were especially refreshing, so much so that it seemed evident to all that the Lord by giving us freely of His Spirit said to us, “Yes, I accept you, and will work for you” (The Review and Herald, May 15, 1866).WV 138.3

On the last Sabbath Ellen White spoke twice in the Michigan tent, which was pitched on the west side of North Washington Street, about half a block from the publishing house.WV 138.4

Referring to the vision given her on December 25, 1865, at Rochester, she said:WV 138.5

I was shown that the work of health reform has scarcely been entered upon yet. While some feel deeply and act out their faith in the work, others remain indifferent and have scarcely taken the first step in reform....WV 138.6

The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel's message and is just as closely connected with it as are the arm and hand with the human body (Testimonies for the Church, 1:485, 486).WV 138.7