LECTURES BY DR. TRALL by John Nevins Andrews; John Norton Loughborough; John H. Waggoner

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 26, 1868

LECTURES BY DR. TRALL.

By John Nevins Andrews; John Norton Loughborough; John H. Waggoner

By invitation, R. T. Trall, M. D., commenced a series of lectures in the S. D. A. house of worship in Battle Creek, on Sunday evening, May 17. Dr. Trall is well known as one of the pioneers in the cause of health reform, as a publisher, lecturer, and author. All who hear him must be convinced that he is a thorough scholar in the science of life. Indeed, as he said himself, his lectures are too purely scientific for most popular audiences. His first lecture was listened to by a large number who were here from various parts of the country, who were not permitted to hear further. Such could not judge of the merits of the course, as that was rather preliminary, and a statement of facts to be elaborated in the future lectures. The circumstances under which the first lecture was delivered were unfortunate for those who heard that only, and no more. The transition from meetings of devotion and worship, to a scientific lecture on the subject of health, was calculated to create an unfavorable impression on the minds of such persons, especially if they were not interested in the health reform. Yet had they remained and heard the arguments of Dr. T., and observed the careful manner in which these were weighed, they would have felt satisfied that our people were not likely to act rashly in this matter.

Most of the brethren in the ministry who attended the Conference, were permitted to hear a majority of the lectures. We were pleased to see that they looked upon it as a duty to hear, and thus to be enabled to judge of the correctness of his position. And with the study our ministers have given this subject for a few years past, together with their earnest, conscientious convictions on the matter, they are probably as well qualified to judge as any class in the country; and we think the fraternity at large need not fear that they will act hastily, or endorse anything without a reason. We hold it to be duty to hear and gather truth from every possible source; and consider it a very gratifying circumstance that there are such men as Dr. Trall, who have thoroughly investigated these principles on a scientific basis, that we may have still greater confidence in our position, knowing that science cannot be arrayed against us.

We were especially pleased with those lectures on the subjects of drug medication, and food; and only wish that all our brethren could have heard them. All who heard them were instructed and gratified, and we think many were confirmed in the conclusions at which they had arrived on these subjects, and strengthened in their purpose to regard more scrupulously the laws of their being. These lectures will not be forgotten; and Dr. Trall leaves us with the sincere respects and high regards of his hearers.

We wish to remind our brethren and sisters that any amount of knowledge of theories will not benefit us unless accompanied with corresponding practice. We think, as a general thing, we lack in this respect; the practice of very few coming up to our established teachings. While we test none by our positions, we must say there is danger in neglecting any practical truth; it weakens the power of conscience, and so destroys our sensibilities. May the Lord enable us all to answer a good conscience in this important matter.

J. N. Andrews, J. N. Loughborough, } Com. J. H. Waggoner.