Based on Ellen White's writings referencing Matthew 8:14-15, we can infer the following about the cause of fever: - The immediate biblical account simply states that Peter's mother-in-law was sick with a "great fever," and Jesus healed her by touching her hand (see The Ministry of Healing, p. 29; The Desire of Ages, p. 259.1; Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, p. 180.3). - Ellen White describes Jesus as "rebuking the disease," which suggests that fever, like other illnesses, was sometimes viewed as something that could be directly addressed or commanded by Christ (The Desire of Ages, p. 259.1; Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, p. 180.3). - In a broader context, Ellen White sometimes attributes fever and sickness to improper living or eating habits, stating: "Many times your children have suffered from fever and ague brought on by improper eating, when their parents were accountable for their sickness" (Healthful Living, p. 212.2). - There is also an implication in her writings that disease and suffering are part of the broader consequences of sin and the fallen condition of humanity, but that Christ had the authority to heal and restore (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 33.2; Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, p. 25.2). In summary, from Ellen White's perspective, fever could be caused by natural factors such as improper habits, but in the context of Matthew 8:14-15, the focus is on Christ's power to rebuke and remove disease, rather than specifying a particular physical cause for the fever. The act of Jesus rebuking the fever suggests a spiritual authority over illness, but does not directly attribute the fever to a specific cause in this passage. References: - White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing, p. 29. - White, E. G. (1898). The Desire of Ages, p. 259.1. - White, E. G. (1899). Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 33.2. - White, E. G. (1890). Healthful Living, p. 212.2. - White, E. G. (1877). Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, p. 180.3. - White, E. G. (1878). Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, p. 25.2.