Introduction of Health Principles
By J. O. Corliss
Experiences of Former Days—No. 15
Introduction of Health Principles
THE obvious necessity for certain reforms is that which gives vigor to their promulgation, and makes them really effective. Bare theories of reform do not change men's habits for the better, because they are devoid of power. To fit men for the trying scenes of closing events, it was manifest that a reform in diet, rules of sanitation, and methods of caring for the feeble must be inaugurated. In order that this might take fast hold upon those who needed it, this was permitted to be ushered in in the most practical way. As the cause enlarged, and fewer were found to bear the increasing burdens, more fell upon Elder White than he could long bear up under. Having charge of the publishing work, bearing editorial responsibilities, being a preacher at large, and general counselor for all branches of the work, in due time nervous prostration came, paralyzing the brain power. Even the tongue refused to perform its wonted duty, and the once-strong man was as nearly a complete wreck as it seemed possible to become, and yet live. It was a distressing time for both family and friends. A terrible gloom was cast over the work, and few seemed to know what was best to do under the circumstances. This was God's opportunity, and he used it for the good of the work at large. It was known by some that a health institution, or what was then known as a “water cure,” existed at Dansville, N. Y., conducted by Dr. Jackson, and it was suggested that Brother White be taken thither for treatment. As soon as the necessary arrangements could be made, he was therefore conveyed to Our Home on the Hillside in Dansville. Besides Brother White's family, Elder Loughborough accompanied him to that place, and remained during the three months of Elder White's treatment, to assist as he was needed. Marvelous as it seemed to many, the diet and treatment administered in that institution brought a partial restoration to Elder White's shattered nerves, and upon his return to Battle Creek, the project of installing a similar establishment for our own people—minus the wrong features shown there—was set on foot. Light on the subject of healthful living had been given as early as 1863 through the spirit of prophecy, and so several articles in line with the design that were printed in the REVIEW AND HERALD. In casting about, the most suitable location to be found was in the western suburb of Battle Creek. This consisted of a few acres of land, and a private dwelling, occupied by Judge B. F. Graves, of the Supreme Court of Michigan. This was purchased and fitted up for the work to be done, and Dr. H. S. Lay, who had been to Dansville for training, was installed as head physician, having as associates Dr. Fletcher Byington, and a little later, Sister Phoebe Lamson. The plant was incorporated under the name of The Western Health Reform Institute, and opened early in August, 1866, with a single patient. As an advertising medium a monthly journal was started, with the title of The Health Reformer, the first number of which bears date of August, 1866. It contains excellent contributions from Mrs. E. G. White, Elders Andrews, Waggoner, Cottrell, and D. T. Bourdeau. In fact all the original articles, except the editorials, were from ministers in the field, who were studying health principles, with the Bible as their principal text-book. But, as in some other things, this has all changed, and contributions from ministers are now seldom seen in our health journals. This, however, may be partially accounted for on the ground, that, as medical men have multiplied in our ranks, who can write on health principles from technical standpoints, the ministers have felt excused for the reason that they are not so well qualified to do this as medical men. Be this as it may, it is the belief of some, that were ministers to contribute regularly to this line of literature, it would be relieved, in some measure, from a seeming inflexibility, which refuses to bend itself to the level of the common reader. But notwithstanding the apparent change of front adopted by both ministers and those in control of health literature, the spread of health principles has not ceased in any degree from the time of their introduction among our people. Without entering upon statistics, it may be safely said that these principles have now encircled the earth through the missionary efforts of those who stand for the truth of the last days.