60. The Use of Swine’s Flesh

Ford states, “To one who wished to oppose the use of swine’s flesh, Ellen G. White sent a caution, but in later years when the church was more established, she herself urged what she had earlier condemned” (Ford, Page 622).QSEW 54.2

The word “condemned” is too strong. Ellen White, in 1858, did not condemn the views of the person who was urging Adventists to abstain from swine’s flesh. Rather, she urged him not to press his views on the infant church to the point where they would cause division. Here is what she said:QSEW 54.3

“I saw that your views concerning swine’s flesh would prove no injury if you have them to yourselves; but in your judgment and opinion you have made this question a test, and your actions have plainly shown your faith in this matter. If God requires His people to abstain from swine’s flesh, He will convict them on the matter. He is just as willing to show His honest children their duty, as to show their duty to individuals upon whom He has not laid the burden of His work. If it is the duty of the church to abstain from swine’s flesh, God will discover it to more than two or three. He will teach His church their duty.”—Testimonies for the Church 1:206, 207.QSEW 54.4

Five years later the Lord did exactly that. In the vision of June 6, 1863, at Otsego, Michigan, Ellen White was shown that “God never designed the swine to be eaten under any circumstances” (Spiritual Gifts 4a:124). She grew in understanding, yet there is no conflict between her 1858 and 1863 statements. (See Testimonies for the Church 1:206, footnote.)QSEW 54.5