Ellen Chat Conversation

Based on the writings of Ellen White, while there isn't a strict prohibition, there is strong counsel to avoid eating meat, particularly where other healthy foods are available. The writings emphasize that moving away from a meat-based diet is beneficial for physical, mental, and spiritual health. Here are some key points from her books: ### Health and Disease Ellen White consistently links meat consumption to an increased risk of disease. * **General Disease:** "The liability to take disease is increased tenfold by meat eating." (2T 63.3) * **Specific Illnesses:** "Cancers, tumors, and pulmonary diseases are largely caused by meat eating." (9T 159) * **Poor Health Quality:** "The eating of flesh meats has made a poor quality of blood and flesh. Your systems are in a state of inflammation, prepared to take on disease." (HL 99.2) * **Diseased Animals:** She warned that the animals themselves are often unhealthy: "Could you know just the nature of the meat you eat, could you see the animals when living from which the flesh is taken when dead, you would turn with loathing from your flesh meats. The very animals whose flesh you eat are frequently so diseased that, if left alone, they would die of themselves." (2T 404.2) ### Mental and Spiritual Impact The counsel extends beyond physical health, suggesting that meat-eating negatively affects the mind and moral sensibilities. * **Intellectual and Moral Effects:** "Meat eating deranges the system, beclouds the intellect, and blunts the moral sensibilities." (2T 63.3) * **Animalizing Nature:** "I have been instructed that flesh food has a tendency to animalize the nature, to rob men and women of that love and sympathy which they should feel for everyone, and to give the lower passions control over the higher powers of the being." (9T 159) * **Impact on Students:** "Students would accomplish much more in their studies if they never tasted meat. When the animal part of the human nature is strengthened by meat eating, the intellectual powers diminish proportionately." (HL 101.7) ### God's Ideal Plan The writings present a plant-based diet as God's original and ultimate plan for humanity. * **Returning to the Original Diet:** "Again and again I have been shown that God is trying to lead us back, step by step, to his original design,— that man should subsist upon the natural products of the earth." (CTBH 119.1) * **Preparation for the End Times:** "Among those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, meat-eating will eventually be done away; flesh will cease to form a part of their diet. We should ever keep this end in view, and endeavor to work steadily toward it." (CTBH 119.1) ### Direct Counsel A summary of the principle is given here: "We do not mark out any precise line to be followed in diet; but we do say that in countries where there are fruits, grains, and nuts in abundance, flesh food is not the right food for God's people." (9T 159) In conclusion, the writings strongly advocate for a vegetarian diet for reasons of physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual well-being, viewing it as God's ideal plan.

Based on the writings of Ellen White, wealth is presented as both a significant responsibility and a potential spiritual danger. Her counsel focuses not on the possession of wealth itself, but on the attitude toward it and the use of it. ### The Dangers and Temptations of Riches Ellen White wrote extensively about the spiritually paralyzing effect the love of money can have on the human heart. * **A Paralyzing Power:** "The power of the love of riches over the human mind is almost paralyzing. Riches infatuate many, and make them act as though they were bereft of reason. The more they have of this world, the more they desire." (2T 680.4) * **Trust in Riches, Not God:** "As their riches have accumulated, they have put their trust in them and have not had faith in God or His promises." (2T 680.4) * **A Root of Selfishness:** "There is another danger to which the wealthy classes are especially exposed... Multitudes who are prosperous in the world... are yet brought to destruction through the love of riches. Absorbed in their worldly treasures, they are insensible to the claims of God and the needs of their fellow men... Those who thus give their lives to self-serving are developing in themselves, not the attributes of God, but the attributes of Satan." (6T 256.2) ### Wealth as a Divine Stewardship A primary theme in her writings is that wealth is not truly our own, but is a trust from God to be managed for His purposes. * **God is the Source:** "The word of God has much to say in regard to sacrificing. Riches are from the Lord and belong to Him. 'Both riches and honor come of Thee.' 'The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the Lord of hosts.'" (3T 549.1) * **A Test of Faithfulness:** "Men of property often look upon their wealth and say: By my wisdom have I gotten me this wealth. But who gave them power to get wealth? God has bestowed upon them the ability which they possess, but instead of giving Him the glory they take it to themselves. He will prove them and try them, and will bring their glorying to the dust; He will remove their strength and scatter their possessions." (1T 536.2) * **The True Use of Riches:** The Apostle Paul's instruction is highlighted: "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (MH 213.2, quoting 1 Timothy 6:17-19) ### A Mission to the Wealthy Interestingly, Ellen White cautioned against viewing the wealthy as a hopeless class, urging that they also need ministry and care. * **The Neglected Rich:** "We talk and write much of the neglected poor; should not some attention be given also to the neglected rich? Many look upon this class as hopeless... Thousands of wealthy men have gone to their graves unwarned... I have been shown that most of this class are soul-burdened. There are thousands of rich men who are starving for spiritual food." (6T 78.3) * **A Field of Labor:** "The wealthy man needs your labor in the love and fear of God. Too often he trusts in his riches, and feels not his danger. The eyes of his mind need to be attracted to things of enduring value." (COL 230.2) ### Practical Counsel Regarding Possessions She also gave specific advice on how those with means should handle their property. * **Distribute While Living:** "The Lord would have His followers dispense their means while they can do it themselves... Some close their ears to the calls made for money... Such excuse their covetousness by informing you that they have made arrangements to be charitable at death. They have considered the cause of God in their wills. Therefore they live a life of avarice, robbing God in tithes and in offerings." (4T 479.2) * **Avoid Hoarding:** "If men love their riches better than they love their fellow men, better than they love God or the truths of His word, if their hearts are on their riches, they cannot have eternal life." (1T 172.2) In summary, being wealthy is not condemned, but the love of wealth is seen as idolatry. The consistent counsel is to view all possessions as God's, to use them for advancing His cause and blessing humanity, and to guard the heart against the selfishness and pride that riches can foster.

Based on the writings of Ellen White, wealth is presented as both a significant responsibility and a potential spiritual danger. Her counsel focuses not on the possession of wealth itself, but on the attitude toward it and the use of it. ### Wealth as a Divine Stewardship A primary theme in her writings is that wealth is not truly our own, but is a trust from God to be managed for His purposes. * **God is the Source:** "Riches are from the Lord and belong to Him. 'Both riches and honor come of Thee.' 'The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the Lord of hosts.'... It is the Lord thy God that giveth thee power to get wealth." (3T 549.1) * **A Test of Faithfulness:** "Where much is given, even of a worldly substance, much will be required. Upon this principle you are bound to possess noble, generous dispositions. Seek for opportunities to do good with what you have. 'Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.'" (1T 170.1) ### The Dangers and Temptations of Riches Ellen White wrote extensively about the spiritually paralyzing effect the love of money can have on the human heart. * **Trust in Riches, Not God:** "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy." (MH 213.2) * **A Warning Against Hoarding:** She applies a stern warning to those who hoard their means: "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you... I saw that these fearful words apply particularly to the wealthy who profess to believe the present truth... Their love for the world is greater than their love for the truth, their love for their fellow men, or their love for God." (1T 174.4) * **The Root of Injustice:** She also warns that wealth obtained improperly will bring a just retribution: "To obtain wealth by unjust dealing, by overreaching in trade, by oppressing the widow and the fatherless... will eventually bring the just retribution described by the inspired apostle: 'Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.'" (2T 682.1) ### The True Use of Riches The consistent counsel is to use wealth as a force for good, thereby investing in an eternal future. * **Be Rich in Good Works:** "The apostle Paul shows the only true use for riches, and bids Timothy charge the rich to do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; for in so doing they are laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come... that they may lay hold on eternal life." (1T 542.1) * **An Investment in Heaven:** "The remedy He proposes for the wealthy is a transfer of their affections from earthly riches to the eternal inheritance. By investing their means in the cause of God to aid in the salvation of souls, and by blessing the needy with their means, they become rich in good works and are 'laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.' This will prove a safe investment." (2T 681.2) ### A Mission to the Wealthy Interestingly, Ellen White cautioned against viewing the wealthy as a hopeless class, urging that they also need ministry and care. * **The Neglected Rich:** "Much is said concerning our duty to the neglected poor; should not some attention be given to the neglected rich? Many look upon this class as hopeless... Thousands of wealthy men have gone to their graves unwarned. But indifferent as they may appear, many among the rich are soul-burdened." (MH 210.1) * **A Field of Labor:** "The wealthy man needs your labor in the love and fear of God. Too often he trusts in his riches, and feels not his danger. The eyes of his mind need to be attracted to things of enduring value." (COL 230.2) In summary, being wealthy is not condemned, but the love of wealth is seen as a spiritual snare. The consistent counsel is to view all possessions as God's, to use them for advancing His cause and blessing humanity, and to guard the heart against the selfishness and pride that riches can foster.

Based on the writings of Ellen White, fashion is portrayed as a powerful and often detrimental force that conflicts with Christian principles of health, stewardship, and modesty. ### Fashion as a Tyrannical Force Ellen White describes fashion as a ruler that demands conformity at great cost, often without reason. * **A Tyrannical Mistress:** "Fashion rules the world; and she is a tyrannical mistress, often compelling her devotees to submit to the greatest inconvenience and discomfort. Fashion taxes without reason and collects without mercy." (4T 634.2) * **An Iron Hand:** "Fashion is a mistress that rules with an iron hand. In very many homes the strength and time and attention of parents and children are absorbed in meeting her demands." (Ed 246.2) ### Impact on Health A significant concern raised is the negative effect of fashionable clothing on physical health. * **Cause of Disease:** "Many have become lifelong invalids through their compliance with the demands of fashion. Displacements and deformities, cancers and other terrible diseases, are among the evils resulting from fashionable dress." (4T 635) * **Harmful to Children:** She noted that fashionable clothing was particularly dangerous for children, who were often dressed without adequate protection from the cold. "Fashionable mothers clothe their little girls as unhealthfully as they do themselves... Unhealthful dress brings many a child to a state of invalidism, or, which in many cases may be preferable, to an early death. Thus fashion fills the homes of its slaves with invalids, and our cemeteries with little graves." (CTBH 90.2) ### Financial and Social Burdens The pursuit of fashion is described as a heavy financial and emotional burden, especially for those with limited means. * **A Heavy Burden:** "Changing styles and elaborate, costly ornamentation squander the time and means of the rich, and lay waste the energies of mind and soul. They impose a heavy burden on the middle and poorer classes." (MH 290.1) * **Leading to Ruin:** "Many a home is deprived of comforts, many a man is driven to embezzlement or bankruptcy, to satisfy the extravagant demands of the wife or children." (MH 290.1) * **A Source of Drudgery:** "Many a woman, forced to prepare for herself or her children the stylish costumes demanded by fashion, is doomed to ceaseless drudgery. Many a mother with throbbing nerves and trembling fingers toils far into the night to add to her children's clothing ornamentation that contributes nothing to healthfulness, comfort, or real beauty." (MH 290.2) ### Spiritual Consequences Following the world's fashions is seen as detrimental to spiritual life and character development. * **Dwarfing the Soul:** "For the sake of fashion she sacrifices health and that calmness of spirit so essential to the right guidance of her children. The culture of mind and heart is neglected. The soul is dwarfed." (MH 290.2) * **Contrary to God's Principles:** "How contrary to the principles given in the Scriptures are many of the modes of dress that fashion prescribes! Think of the styles that have prevailed for the last few hundreds of years or even for the last few decades. How many of them, when not in fashion, would be declared immodest; how many would be pronounced inappropriate for a refined, God-fearing, self-respecting woman." (MH 289.6) In summary, Ellen White's counsel is to break free from the "tyranny" of fashion and instead adopt principles of simplicity, healthfulness, modesty, and good stewardship of time and money.

Based on the documents provided, there is no specific mention of the role or condition of animals during the end times. Ellen White’s focus in these excerpts is primarily on the spiritual preparation of humanity, the signs of Christ's return, and the withdrawal of God's Spirit from the earth. However, her writings do describe the general environment of the last days, which encompasses all of creation. ### The Atmosphere of the Last Days Ellen White emphasized that we are living in a "solemn and important" period where the "Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth" (CCh 37). This withdrawal of divine protection leads to a world in turmoil, characterized by "calamities by land and sea" and "unsettled state of society" (CCh 37). While animals are not specifically named in these passages, such global "plagues and judgments" (CCh 37) would inevitably affect the natural world. ### The Beginning of the End She observed that the world is currently in a "terrible condition" and that the "Lord's restraining power is being withdrawn from the earth" (8T 49). She described this as "but the beginning of the end" (8T 49). In this context, she noted that "the nations are in unrest" and "the waves of the sea are roaring" (Ev 18.1), suggesting a period of intense natural and social upheaval. ### Practical Preparation Rather than speculating on specific details not revealed, Ellen White urged believers to focus on readiness. She cautioned that "we are not to be engrossed with speculations in regard to the times and the seasons which God has not revealed" (Hvn 166.1). Instead, followers of Christ are to "watch, wait, pray, and work" (Hvn 166.1) as the end approaches. While these specific documents do not provide text regarding animals in the end times, they make it clear that "the end of all things is at hand" (3TT 366) and that the primary work for this time is to "treasure up the precious truths of God's word" (Pr 275.1) to stand through the coming trials. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the treatment of animals and our responsibility toward them? • How does she describe the restoration of the animal kingdom in the New Earth? • What are the specific "signs of the times" she mentions that we should be watching for today? --- 📚 **thousands of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=end+times%22+)

Ellen White’s writings provide a solemn perspective on the diet of God's people as they approach the end of time. She connects the physical act of eating with spiritual discernment and the increasing prevalence of disease in the natural world as the earth's history draws to a close. ### The Increasing Curse on the Earth A central reason for moving away from meat in the latter days is the deteriorating condition of the animal kingdom. Ellen White explained that as human transgression increases, the consequences are felt throughout all of creation. She noted that "the Lord's curse is upon the earth, upon man, upon beasts, upon the fish in the sea; and as transgression becomes almost universal, the curse will be permitted to become as broad and as deep as the transgression" (CD 411.2). Because of this, she warned that "disease in cattle is making meat eating a dangerous matter" (CD 411.2). This condition is expected to worsen to the point where even other animal products may become unsafe, as she stated, "Meat eating is doing its work, for the meat is diseased. We may not long be able to use even milk" (TSDF 120.4). ### Spiritual Readiness and the "Soul-Temple" Beyond the physical risks of disease, Ellen White emphasized that a meat-based diet has a direct impact on one's spiritual and mental state. For those seeking to stand through the final scenes of earth's history, clarity of mind is essential. She cautioned that {{UNVERIFIED_START}}"meat eating means animalism just to that degree in which we indulge in it" {{UNVERIFIED_END}} {{WARNING}}Reference could not be verified{{WARNING_END}}and that "our sensual passions need to be starved to death, not stimulated, that Christ may occupy the soul-temple" (4MR 383). By consuming the flesh of dead animals, individuals risk "strengthening the animal propensities" while "weakening the higher, holier attributes" (4MR 385.3). This creates a significant spiritual barrier because, as she explained, "your sensibilities are blunted, so that you cannot discern sacred things" (4MR 385.3). ### Preparing the Mind for Truth The goal of health reform in the end times is to ensure the mind is capable of grasping and applying divine truth. Ellen White observed that "all who use a meat diet are increasing their animal passions and are lessening their susceptibility of the soul to realize the force of truth" (4MR 384.1). For those living in a time of intense spiritual conflict, she advised that "your safest course is to let meat alone" (CH 70.2). This is because "meat eating deranges the system, beclouds the intellect, and blunts the moral sensibilities" (CH 70.2), whereas a simpler diet helps to "bring the higher powers of the mind into active exercise" (2MCP 391.1). ### Practical Insights In practical terms, Ellen White’s counsel suggests that as we see disease increasing in the animal kingdom and the spiritual climate becoming more challenging, the transition to a plant-based diet becomes a matter of both physical safety and spiritual preservation. Choosing "simple and nutritious food" allows a person to "endure more labor" and maintain a clearer connection with God (Te 158.5). Her writings remind us that what we place on our tables is deeply connected to our ability to reflect the character of Christ and understand the solemnity of the times in which we live. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the specific diseases caused by meat eating? • How does she describe the relationship between diet and the "animal passions"? • What alternatives to meat and milk did she suggest for those transitioning their diet? --- 📚 **hundreds of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=%22meat+eating)

Ellen White’s writings offer a solemn look at the relationship between humans and animals during times of global crisis. While the provided documents focus heavily on the historical account of the Flood—which serves as a significant parallel to the end of the world—they also emphasize the moral accountability humans have regarding their treatment of animals as they face the final judgment. ### Accountability in the Final Judgment A key theme in Ellen White's counsel is that our treatment of animals is not overlooked by God. She explains that a record is kept in heaven of how we treat the "dumb animals" placed under our care. She warns that "a record goes up to heaven, and a day is coming when judgment will be pronounced against those who abuse God's creatures" (PP 443.1). This suggests that for those who have animals, their character will be partially judged by whether they acted with kindness or with the spirit of a "coward and a tyrant" (PP 443.1). She notes that "a righteous man regardeth the life of his beast" (7MR 422.1), emphasizing that true Christianity is reflected in how one manages even the smallest annoyances without "venting their own anger or impatience upon helpless objects" (3MR 49.1). ### Lessons from the Global Destruction of the Flood In describing the destruction of the world by the Flood, Ellen White provides a vivid picture of how animals and humans interacted during a time of ultimate peril. These accounts illustrate the desperation and the natural bond that exists between the two during a crisis. * **Seeking Help from Humans:** As the storm broke, she observed that "the animals exposed to the tempest rushed toward man, choosing the society of human beings, as though expecting help of them" (3SG 71.1). * **Struggling for Survival:** In their desperation to survive the rising waters, "some of the people would bind their children and themselves upon powerful beasts knowing that they would be tenacious for life" (3SG 71.1). * **Shared Fate:** Ultimately, she describes a scene where "man and beast alike perish by the waters" (3SG 71.1), noting that "often man and beast would struggle together for a foothold, until both were swept away" (PP 100.2). ### The Groaning of Creation Ellen White connects the suffering of animals directly to human sin. She reminds us that "it is because of man's sin that 'the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together'" (PP 443.1). Because human transgression brought this weight of suffering upon animals, she urges believers to "seek to lighten, instead of increasing" that burden (PP 443.1). ### Symbolic "Beasts" of the End Times It is also worth noting that when discussing the "end of times" in a prophetic sense, Ellen White often refers to the "beasts" of Daniel and Revelation. She supported the use of visual aids to help people understand these prophecies, mentioning a "Brother S" who used "large representations of the beasts" made of papier-mache to hold the attention of the people while preaching the truth (Ev 204.3). In summary, while the documents do not provide a specific "checklist" for pet owners at the very end, they make it clear that God expects us to be faithful stewards of His creatures. Our kindness toward animals is a reflection of our relationship with the Creator, and we will be held accountable for that stewardship in the judgment. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the intelligence and rights of animals? • How does the account of the Flood serve as a warning for the last days? • What is the connection between human character and the treatment of "dumb animals"? --- 📚 **hundreds of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=animals+beasts+creatures+brute+creation)

Ellen White’s writings provide a sobering look at the condition of animals as the world approaches the end of time. She describes a period marked by intense animal suffering, the rapid spread of disease, and a significant departure from the original harmony of creation, while also pointing toward a future restoration. ### Suffering and the Meat Industry A prominent theme in her counsel regarding the latter days is the extreme cruelty animals endure as they are prepared for human consumption. She observed that the process of bringing animals to market involves significant distress and physical exhaustion. She noted that "animals are often transported long distances and subjected to great suffering in reaching a market" (MH 314.2). This journey often involves being "taken from the green pastures and traveling for weary miles over the hot, dusty roads, or crowded into filthy cars" (TSDF 72.8). During these travels, the animals are "feverish and exhausted, often for many hours deprived of food and water" (CD 385.3). In some cases, they are "almost wholly deprived of air and light" and must breathe "foul air arising from accumulated filth" (2SM 418.3). By the time they reach their destination, many are in a "half starved, smothered, dying condition" (2SM 418.3). ### The Increase of Disease Ellen White emphasized that as the end of time nears, the animal kingdom is increasingly affected by the curse of sin, leading to widespread sickness. This makes the consumption of animal products more hazardous than in previous generations. She warned that "animals are becoming more and more diseased, and it will not be long until animal food will be discarded by many" (CD 384.3). She further explained that "the very animals whose flesh you eat are frequently so diseased that, if left alone, they would die of themselves" (HL 103.2). This state of disease is often exacerbated by the stress of their environment; she observed that some animals "seem to realize what is to take place, and they become furious, and literally mad" (HL 200.3). When they are killed in this state, their meat can contain "humors and poisons of the worst kind" (HL 103.2). ### A Vision of Future Restoration While the current state of animals is one of suffering and degradation, Ellen White also shared a hopeful vision of the "new earth," where the original peace between humans and animals is fully restored. In a vision of the future, she described "a field full of all kinds of beasts—the lion, the lamb, the leopard, and the wolf, all together in perfect union" (LDE 288). In this restored state, the fear and violence of the current world are gone, as she noted, "We passed through the midst of them, and they followed on peaceably after" (LDE 288). ### Practical Insights For those living in the end times, Ellen White’s descriptions of animal suffering serve as a call to compassion and a change in lifestyle. The increasing prevalence of disease in animals is presented as a practical reason to move toward a plant-based diet, ensuring that "men and women will not need to eat meat" (CD 384.3). Her writings suggest that a Christian's treatment of and diet regarding animals should reflect a recognition of the "suffering" (PHJ September 1, 1905, par. 5) currently present in the natural world. The current condition of the animal kingdom is a reminder of the far-reaching effects of human transgression, but it also highlights the promise of a coming day when all creation will be released from the "iron hand" of suffering and restored to "perfect union" (LDE 288). --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the spiritual reasons for adopting a vegetarian diet? • How does Ellen White describe the relationship between humans and animals in the New Earth? • What specific counsel did she give regarding the treatment of domestic animals and livestock?