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A Critique of the Book Prophetess of Health

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    J. H. Kellogg and the Battle Creek Sanitarium

    On page 126 Prophetess of Health discusses Kellogg’s early efforts to turn the Battle Creek institution into a scientifically respectable one. Continuing, the book states:CBPH 63.10

    In this task he found a ready and powerful ally in Ellen White, who was beginning to resent having “worldlings sneeringly [assert] that those who believe present truth are weak-minded, deficient in education, without position or influence.” A first-rate medical center would prove her detractors wrong and bring fame and honor to Seventh-day Adventists.CBPH 63.11

    Mrs. White’s statement, cited in support of these assertions, has been interpreted in its narrowest sense. The detractors become “her detractors.” Her desire to see her fellow workers excel in intellect becomes a prideful desire to bring “fame and honor” to the denomination. What is the real spirit and intent of the original statement:CBPH 63.12

    Those who occupy responsible positions should so educate and discipline themselves that all within the sphere of their influence may see what man can be, and what he can do, when connected with the God of wisdom and power. And why should not a man thus privileged become intellectually strong? Again and again have worldlings sneeringly asserted that those who believe present truth are weak-minded, deficient in education, without position or influence. This we know to be untrue; but is there not some reason for these assertions? Many have considered it a mark of humility to be ignorant and uncultivated. Such persons are deceived as to what constitutes true humility and Christian meekness.—Testimony for the Physicians and Helpers of the Sanitarium, 8.CBPH 63.13

    On page 126 Prophetess of Health states: “When Kellogg [in 1877] approached the prophetess with plans for a large multi-storied sanitarium, he met a warm response. And when Ellen had a dream sanctioning the erection of a large building, it was all James needed to volunteer to raise the necessary funds.”CBPH 64.1

    These statements are based on J. H. Kellogg’s Autobiographical Memoir written in 1938, when he was 86 years old. They give the impression that Mrs. White approved in advance a “large multi-storied sanitarium.”CBPH 64.2

    But just what did the Whites have in mind? The Whites for five years had been convinced that the Health Institute needed qualified physicians before it could advance and the buildings be enlarged. Now (1877) the physicians were available, and James White announced: “The time has come to bring up this branch of our work equal to others, so that all our institutions here shall be number one.” (The Review and Herald, May 24, 1877, 49:164).CBPH 64.3

    But what did he have in mind? “Not less than $25,000 will be laid out in building the present summer” (Ibid). Contrast this with the final cost that Kellogg mentions in his Memoir—$125,000.CBPH 64.4

    Kellogg himself admits that the plans “expanded while building” from a “three story building about one hundred feet long to one twice as long and four stories high with a rear extension.” (Autobiographical Memoir, Oct. 21, 1938, P. 7).CBPH 64.5

    In the next paragraph Prophetess of Health states:CBPH 64.6

    “By the spring of 1878 an imposing new Medical and Surgical Sanitarium stood on the old Institute grounds. But the Whites were not pleased... Now that the building was finished, it reminded her of ‘a grand hotel.’ ... Out went a testimony reprimanding the prodigal Sanitarium managers for their extravagant outlay.”—p. 126.CBPH 64.7

    But it should be made clear that Mrs. White was not criticizing the size of the building as such. What she objected to was the thousands of dollars wasted on “perfection of arrangement and finish,” and on “experimenting with various plans—building up and tearing down,” and on “furnishing the new building.” Indeed, she even mentioned that the money which could have been saved on furniture could have been used in “providing additional facilities.”CBPH 64.8

    The testimony involved here is Testimony for the Physicians and Helpers of the Sanitarium, for which Prophetess of Health suggests a publication date of 1880 (p. 126). This is a sound suggestion, based upon internal evidence.CBPH 64.9

    So Mrs. White did not rush out with the testimony on completion of the Sanitarium in 1878. It was not until two years later that these reproofs were included in a collection of counsels.CBPH 64.10

    It is significant that this Testimony to Physicians was not a general testimony, advertised and circulated to the whole church. It was for those to whom it was specifically addressed—physicians and helpers of the Sanitarium. When it was published generally, in Testimony No. 30 in 1881, Dr. Kellogg’s name was removed entirely, as was all of the criticism of specific persons and practices at the Sanitarium, and all of the material pointing out that the Sanitarium was too extravagant. (See especially Testimonies for the Church 4:571-574).CBPH 64.11

    This was a special testimony issued to a special audience. Furthermore, it was not merely a condemnation of the extravagance shown in the new Sanitarium building. Mrs. White began with praise of Kellogg and his associates. On the first page she said:CBPH 64.12

    The physicians [at the San] are not quacks nor infidels, but men who are thoroughly educated, and who understand how to take care of the sick; men who fear God, and have an earnest interest for the moral and spiritual welfare of their patients.—Testimony for the Physicians and Helpers of the Sanitarium, 1.CBPH 64.13

    She said further in the testimony:CBPH 64.14

    Dr. Kellogg has not been satisfied with a superficial education, but has made the most of his opportunities to obtain a thorough knowledge of the human system, and the best methods of treating disease. This has given him an influence. He has earned the respect of the community as a man of sound judgment and nice discrimination,—one who reasons carefully from cause to effect; and he is highly esteemed for his courtesy of deportment and his Christian integrity.—Testimonies for the Church 4:7.CBPH 64.15

    All through the pamphlet there is encouragement and praise as well as counsel and reproof. If the image of Mrs. White portrayed in this portion of Prophetess of Health represented the facts in their true light, the reader would know that this testimony was (1) not issued until more than a year after the Sanitarium was completed, (2) it contained a balance of praise and reproof, (3) it was circulated to a special audience only, and (4) it was in full harmony with the documentable, earlier counsel which Mrs. White gave.CBPH 64.16

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