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Andrews UniversitySeventh-day Adventist Theological SeminaryAN ANALYSIS OF ELLEN G. WHITE'S UNDERSTANDINGAND USE OF FASTINGA Term PaperPresented in Partial Fulfillmentof the Requirements for the CourseGSEM620 Research MethodsbyKleber de Oliveira GonsalvesMay 1997ADVENTISTHERITAGE CENTERJames White LibraryANDREWS UNIVERSITYDigitized by the Center for Adventist Research

D 105 Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

TABLE OF CONTENTSChapterI . INTRODUCTION1II . FASTING AND ITS RELEVANCE IN THE E. G. WHITE WRITINGS4The True FastingFasting and Its MeaningFasting, Humility and PrayerFasting and Its Reasons4569The Benefits of FastingSpiritual RevivalPhysical HealthMental Strength12131415III . THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS ON FASTING17IV . ELLEN G. WHITE AND HER OWN FASTING EXPERIENCE21V . CONCLUSION23SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY26111Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTIONFor centuries the practice of fasting and prayer has been greatly accepted andpracticed for its spiritual virtues not only among the Christians but also by other worldreligions. For instance, the fast of Ramadan, held during the ninth month on the Islamiccalendar, is one of the five pillars of the Muslim faith.' A great part of Muslims observethis thirty-day fast2 on a yearly basis, believing that it helps them in the dominion overtheir sinful desires, giving them special moments of spiritual enrichment. They observethis religious discipline "in order to discipline the body, deepen devotion, proclaim thatman has larger needs than bread, and school themselves in patience.'On the other hand, many Christians employ fasting (and prayer) as a regularresponse to spiritual problems or crises. Early Adventists also seemed to fast frequently asa means of spiritual reconsecration 4 and also in moments of doubt and great necessity.6.'Bruce L. Bauer, Interceding for Muslims (Berrien Springs: Department of World Mission, 1996),'Bruce L. Bauer explains in Interceding for Muslims (6-7) that their fasting is done during thedaylight hours (from the moment in the morning when one can distinguish between a white and blackthread) and lasting until sunset.77.'Eric M. Rogers, Fasting, The Phenomena of Self-Denial (New York: Thomas Nelson Inc., 1976),'Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White - The Progressive Years, 1862-1876 (Washington, DC: Reviewand Herald Publishing Association, 1981), 489.1Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

2James Henry Gaull shows that between 1855 and 1977 there were 49 official seasons offasting in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Forty of these 49 were observed before1900,' even though Ellen White instructed in 1904 that from then until the close of timethe church members should be more earnest, setting aside days for fasting and prayer.2The numbers show a reality that cannot be hidden. In forty-five years the churchcelebrated 40 official days of fasting, an average of almost one fasting per year. On theother hand, from 1900 to 1977 the church consecrated only 9 official worldwide days forfasting and prayer, an average of approximately one celebration in every 8 years and 7months.Evidently the church viewed from a general perspective, has changed its attitudetoward fasting. Unfortunately, many Seventh-day Adventists today place little or noimportance on fasting as a regular spiritual discipline even in times of crisis? Why is thisso? What are some of the reasons for the negative attitude toward fasting today? Eventhough many might deny this negative standpoint, why is it no longer practiced as aconsistent spiritual discipline?Part of the answer to these questions can be found in an analysis of Ellen White'sstatements and especially her attitude toward fasting. Therefore, the purpose of this paperis to investigate and analyze the concept of fasting in the writings of Ellen G. White in'See James H. Gaull, "Fasting - The Practice and Beliefs Among Adventists from 1851 to thePresent" (Term Paper, Andrews University, 1977), 2.'Ellen G. White, Counsels on Diet and Foods, 188.'This evaluation is based on my own observations of Seventh-day Adventists, compared withother denominations' attitudes toward fasting and prayer.Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

3order to discover how she viewed the importance and proper use of fasting in theChristian life.The study will investigate Ellen White's published writings—books, periodicalsand pamphlets—with the help of the CD-ROM software, and also her unpublishedwritings—the letter and manuscript files in the White Estate Branch Office at AndrewsUniversity.Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

CHAPTER 2FASTING AND ITS RELEVANCE IN E. G. WHITE WRITINGSThe True FastingThroughout her life and writings, Ellen White faced many situations in which thematter of fasting emerged not only for its importance and effectiveness but also for itscontroversial and misunderstood use. This section contains an examination of themeanings and reasons for fasting according to her. It deals with the importance of thecorrect attitude toward its observance, leading to what she considers the true fasting.Ellen White affirms that "there are unbalanced minds that impose uponthemselves fasting which the Scriptures do not teach."' Therefore, there are deeperreasons for the fast God has chosen in His Word. Fasting is "something more than a form.It does not consist merely in refusing food."' True fasting goes far beyond an ordinaryformal action,' since its observance and effects should involve the physical, spiritual, andmental aspects of the human being (See Benefits of Fasting).'Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, 9 vols. (Mountain View, CA: Pacific PressPublishing Association, 1885-1909), 1: 556.2 Ellen G. White, Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing (Washington, DC: Review and HeraldPublishing Association, 1896), 87.'Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association,1898), 278.4Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

5Fasting and Its MeaningThe Seventh-day Adventist Encyclopedia defines fasting as the "voluntaryabstinence from food for religious or other purposes, such as health."' Even though thereseems to be no divine mandate to fast, the fasting observance in the Bible, both in the Oldand New Testaments, certifies its necessity and effectiveness since these biblicalexamples are always connected with significant events in the spiritual life of the peopleinvolved. So, it is not difficult to understand why fasting has been perverted along theyears: it can bring spiritual victories. In a more detailed statement about this reality, EllenWhite said:Like other observances of religious character, fasting, when practiced from rightmotives, will prove to be a blessing. But this, like almsgiving, had been perverted.The Pharisees put on an outward appearance of great sanctity, of humiliation andcontrition, while in their hearts they cherished sins of a revolting character. Theymade their religion unattractive by their stern, forbidding appearance.'Fasting was practiced by the Jews as an act of honor, and the most rigid amongthem fasted two days in every week? But for many of them their periods of fasting wereoccasions of only external formality. "They did not humble their hearts before God. Theywere filled with bitterness, envy, malice, strife, selfishness, and self-righteousness."4Thesame posture can be found today among those who fast, if their reasons, motives, andattitudes are not according to the authentic nature of fasting.'SDA Encyclopedia, 1975 ed., s.v. "Fasting."'Ellen G. White, "The Prayer that God Approves," Signs of the Times, 3 December 1896, 2.'Ellen G. White, Desire of Ages, 276.'Ellen G. White, "True Fasting," Signs of the Times, 14 July 1898, 5.Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

6According to Mrs. White, "all the fasting in the world will not take the place ofsimple trust in the word of God,' since "the spirit of true fasting and prayer is the spiritwhich yields mind, heart, and will to God."2 She also affirms that "the outward signs offasting and prayer, without a broken and contrite spirit, are of no value in God's sight.'All these quotations combine harmoniously with Isaiah 58, where is found thebiblical portion which best describes what true and acceptable fasting is in God's sight, inthe preparation of the human heart to the most important aspect of fasting and prayer:humility. "Fasting itself does not humble a person, but it does prepare the vessel for thehumbling work of the Holy Spirit."'Fasting, Humility and PrayerThe practice of fasting should be considered as an outward action that helps tostrengthen an "inward work of grace," in which the "humiliation of soul is essential. Godlooks upon this. He will graciously receive those who will humble their hearts beforeHim. He will hear their petitions and heal their backslidings." 5 Thus fasting could beconsidered as a divine corrective to human pride.''Ellen G. White, Counsels on Diet and Foods, (Washington, DC: Review and Herald PublishingAssociation, 1938), 189.'Ellen G. White, in SDA Bible Commentary, ed. Francis D. Nichol, 7 vols. (Washington, DC:Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1953-57), 3:1132 (italics supplied).'Roland J. Hill, "Fasting: A Discipline Ministers Need," Ministry, March 1990, 7.'Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases: from the Files of the Letters and Manuscripts Written byEllen G. White, 21 vols. (Washington, DC: Ellen G. White Estate, 1981-93), 14:101.6A. Wallis, God's Chosen Fast (Fort Washington, NJ: Christian Literature Crusade, 1975), 81.Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

7In an open letter to the workers in Washington in 1905, Ellen White wrote:It is the desire of my heart that you shall know the power of the grace of our LordJesus Christ. . . Let there be fasting and prayer. Let self be humble. Let the heart becleansed from all impurity. Confess your sins, and plead with God day and night forthe victory, and you will walk in the light as Christ is the light.'Ellen White often used in her writing the connection between the necessity of aemptied self—a deep humiliation—and the fasting observance, in order to accomplish ourwork as Christians.2 Writing to the needs of those who work in God's cause she alsosaid: "Their faith must be strengthened by fervent prayer and fasting, and humiliation ofheart. They must be emptied of self, and be filled with the Spirit and power of God." 3 Inanother instance she adds: "It is time now for men to humble their hearts before God andto learn to work in His ways. . . . They should seek the Lord by fasting and prayer, and inhumility of soul."'Looking back to the days in which the Israelites were in their journey to thePromised Land, it was impressive the way they prepared themselves for the ceremonialfeasts, especially for the day of atonement. Every soul had in mind the importance of thepurification needed in their lives, in order to receive God's forgiveness. Ellen Whitecomments on the atonement day saying: "Every man was to afflict his soul while thework of atonement was going forward. All business was laid aside, and the whole'Ellen G. White, "An Open Letter," Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 3 March 1905, 14 (italicssupplied).2Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, 5:134.3Ellen G. White, Desire of Ages, 431.'Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, 9:275.Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

8congregation of Israel spent the day in solemn humiliation before God, with prayer,fasting, and deep searching of heart." 1On the other hand, any exterior action done having the "self' as the center had novalue at all. In fact, this attitude could not bring anything else than the disapproval of theAlmighty. Ellen White confirms that in these words:A legal religion can never lead souls to Christ: for it is a loveless, Christlessreligion. Fasting or prayer that is actuated by a self-justifying spirit is anabomination in the sight of God. The solemn assembly for worship, the round ofreligious ceremonies , the external humiliation, the imposing sacrifice, proclaim thatthe doer of these things regards himself as religious, and as entitled to heaven; but it isall a deception.'Therefore, it could be said that true fasting is much more an attitude of humilityrather than merely an act of refusing food. Fasting could also be considered as a key thatopens the human heart to perceive its sinful nature, so that the whole being can betouched and changed by the divine work of the Holy Spirit. Again in Ellen White'swritings is found light toward this truth: "In the hand of God they [fasting and prayer] area means of cleansing the heart and promoting a receptive frame of mind. We obtainanswers to our prayers because we humble our souls before God." 3 And she adds: "Let ushumble our souls before God by humiliation, fasting and prayer, repentance of sin, andputting it away."4'Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets (Washington, DC: Review and Herald PublishingAssociation, 1890), 355.'Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, 280 (italics supplied).'Ellen G. White, Medical Ministry (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association,1932), 283 (emphasis supplied).'Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, 12:323.Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

9Fasting and Its ReasonsThroughout Ellen White's writings there are varied situations in which fasting andprayer are recommended and appropriate.' She says: "There are times before us that willtry the souls of men, and there will be need of watchfulness, of the right kind of fasting.'This subsection addresses the main reasons found in Ellen White's writings whichdescribe the legitimate use of fasting.Among her writings, the reason for fasting which seems to be predominant is theneed for seeking God's eternal truth. In other words, to search out with all the heart; theindispensable truths revealed by the Lord so that His will and purposes will becomprehensible to men, "and united in a perfect chain."' She confirms this statementsaying: "Difficult points of present truth have been reached by the earnest efforts of a fewwho were devoted to the work. Fasting and fervent prayer to God have moved the Lord tounlock His treasures of truth to their understanding."'Therefore fasting, when used wisely, is a valuable instrument to dig out the truth"from amid error,"6 in order to preserve the purity of God's Word.The Word of God is a revelation of mercy, of peace and good will to man. Theteachings of the Word of God open before us the necessity of purity, of holiness.'Ellen G. White, Medical Ministry, 283.2Ellen G. White, "True Fasting," Signs of the Times, 14 July 1898, 5.3Ellen G. White, Sermons and Talks (Washington, DC: Ellen G. White Estate, 1990), 64."'Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, 2:692.'Ibid.6Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, 15:233.Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

10There are jewels of truth, mercy, and righteousness to sanctify our lives, to reveal Godin Jesus Christ. All who love God may come to the Scriptures earnestly, prayerfully,with contrition of soul, searching truth as for hidden treasures, fasting and praying fortruth, and they will not be disappointed but made wise unto salvation.'Ellen White points in a clear manner that all believers must seek the Scriptures bythemselves for truth as it is revealed in God's Word, saying:If you come to the Bible to find texts simply to prove your theory or vindicateyour opinion, you will not be enlightened by the Spirit of God; but if you come withfasting and humiliation of soul, with love for man and God in your heart, your prayerswill be answered, and the light will break upon you.'But she also warns against the temptation to "rest in suppositions and ill-definedideas of what constitutes truth."3 For those the fasting observance is fundamental in theirsearch for the truth, and their attitude can be a blessing to the whole church: "Awonderful blessing was represented to me as falling upon a congregation who wereseeking the Lord with fasting and prayer. Their countenances were lighted up with theglory of God, and the angels were passing from one to another, ministering to them."'The diversified list of reasons for fasting, taken from Ellen White's counsels,continues with some further purposes and applications: to promote a heart-searching'Ellen G. White, The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials: letters, manuscripts, articles, and sermonsrelating to the 1888 Minneapolis General Conference (Washington, DC: Ellen G. White Estate, 1987),826.'Ellen G. White, "Candid Investigation Necessary to an Understanding of the Truth," Signs of theTimes, 26 May 1890, 4.'Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers (Washington, DC: Review and Herald Publishing Association,1915), 299.4Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, 5:75.Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

11attitude' and "to be cleansed from all iniquity," 2 to seek the wisdom that God haspromised,' to prevail over temptation,' to seek God's orientation when plans areformulated,' to be kept away from darkness' when "declension and danger threaten thechurch,"7 when an opponent of the truth needs to be confronted in a debate,' for unityamong church members,' to supplicate God's guidance and help in moment of crisis,' toovercome sickness caused by intemperate eating habits," to reeducate a pervertedappetite for plain food,' and to overcome demonic powers.' Finally, one more reasonhad a deep impact on her writings and life, as she mentions:We are living in the most solemn period of the world's history. The destiny ofearth's teeming multitudes is about to be decided. Our own future well-being, and'Ellen G. White, Testimonies to the Church, 1:624.2Ellen G. White, "In the Wilderness with God," Youth's Instructor, 18 July 1901, 16.'Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, 9:141.4Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, 2:202.'Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, 2 vols. (Washington, DC: Review and Herald PublishingAssociation, 1958), 2:364.6Ellen G. White, Counsels on Diet and Foods, 187.'Ellen G. White, "The Approaching Crisis," Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 11 December1888, 3.'Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, 1:624.9Ellen G. White to the church and companies in Greater New York, 8 July 1902, Letter 98, 1902,Ellen G. White Research Center, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI.'Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, 4:517-518."Ellen G. White, Counsels on Diet and Foods, 189.'Ibid., 190."Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, 2:146.Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

12also the salvation of other souls, depends upon the course which we now pursue. Weneed to be guided by the Spirit of truth. Every follower of Christ should earnestlyinquire, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? We need to humble ourselves beforethe Lord, with fasting and prayer, and to meditate much upon His word, especiallyupon the scenes of the judgment. We should now seek a deep and living experience inthe things of God.'The importance of the times and its implications in the human eternal destiny wasone of the main preoccupations that Ellen White had in her mind when the present truthwas communicated in her testimonies. In this context fasting and prayer have a importantrole when observed as a way to get a deeper relationship with God in order to betterunderstand His will in the Christian life. From her pen is expressed:I cannot sleep after twelve o'clock. I am encouraging souls to examine their ownhearts and to seek counsel most earnestly from God. Now is the time for us to afflictour souls by fasting and prayer. We cannot lay out the way in which the Lord willwork, but we can follow the leadings and drawings of His Holy Spirit?Therefore, the fact of living at the end of time, and the immense need of knowingthe Lord's will in the human life, should be compelling reasons in seeking the Lord's helpin fasting and prayer?The Benefits of FastingFasting observance throughout the centuries has been a "common denominatorfor virtually every religion in every part of the world.' However, both history andcontemporary experience have certified that fasting has also been practiced by individuals'Ellen G. White, "The Scriptures a Safeguard," Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 10 January1907, 5.'Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, 21:436.3Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, 282.4Shirley Ross, Fasting (New York: St. Martin's Press, 1976), 2Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

13who had other than religious intentions for their fast. Obviously one of the fundamentalreasons that leads to fasting observance are the benefits that come in all dimensions of thehuman life. Ellen White also distinguishes these benefits, presenting the spiritual,physical, and mental effects of fasting.Spiritual RevivalSince the early days of the Christian Church the observance of the fasting hasbeen used for its spiritual effectiveness in the religious life.' Ellen White affirms that is asolemn privilege "to receive more of the Spirit of God" through fasting and earnestprayer.' Victories in the spiritual experience are a result of the strength and wisdom givenby God to those who seek Him as He promised in His Word. In this spiritual relationbetween God and His children, fasting has a fundamental role since the attitude ofhumility strengthens the mind to receive the influence of the Holy Spirit, placing theindividual in a situation that allows Him to have easier access to the human reason.Even though the practice of fasting has no power by itself, its observance is apowerful way in which the field is prepared to receive the seed—God's will and lovebeing sowed in the human heart. It is His desire that everyone may cling to the Source oflight, power, and strength, 3 finding in Him the necessary assurance to overcome self'Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, 441.'Ellen G. White, "Mrs. White's Visit to Boulder, Colorado," Advent Review and Sabbath Herald,13 January 1910, 22.3Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, 3:555.Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

14sufficiency, and finally developing the wisdom He promised to supply liberally.'Physical HealthAccording to Ellen White, the practice of fasting can be physically beneficial invaried circumstances, including its effectiveness in some diseases:In many cases of sickness, the very best remedy for the patient is to fast for a mealor two, that the over-worked organs of digestion may have an opportunity to rest. Afruit diet for a few days has often brought great relief to brain workers. Many times ashort period of entire abstinence from food, followed by simple, moderate eating, hasled to recovery through nature's own recuperative effort. An abstemious diet for amonth or two would convince many sufferers that the path of self-denial is the path tohealth.2Concerning the habit of overeating she affirms that "there are some who would bebeneficiated more by abstinence from food for a day or two every week than by anyamount of treatment or medical advice," in these cases the fasting observance would be ofincalculable benefit to them.' The fasting observance can free the body from impurities, 4giving to the stomach a chance to rest.'Fasting can also reprogram the appetite for a wholesome diet of fruits, plain bread,and vegetables, once perverted by indulging intemperate eating habits. In such cases whenthe individual cannot enjoy plain food Ellen White suggests the fasting observance in'Ellen G. White, Counsels on Diet and Foods, 188.'Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press PublishingAssociation, 1905), 235.'Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, 7:134.4Ellen G. White, Counsels on Diet and Foods, 189.'Ibid., 190.Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

15order to reeducate the digestive system,' and also to overcome the appetite for flesh food.'Although the fasting may be of great benefit to the physical health, Ellen Whitehad also some concerns about the extremes in its practice. She said:It is true that there are persons with ill-balanced minds, who imagine themselvesto be very religious, who impose upon themselves fasting and prayer to the injury oftheir health. These souls suffer themselves to be deceived. God has not required thisof them. They have a pharisaical righteousness which springs not from Christ, butfrom themselves.'Her preoccupation regarding the wrong use of fasting and the dangers it mightbring when used in any extreme method is clearly found in her writings. In anotherinstance she wrote a letter to Joseph Bates, who had the habit of fasting twice a week. Shesaid the following to him: "I think that you have erred in fasting two days. God did notrequire it from you. . . . You will surely decrease in strength and your mind will becomeunbalanced unless you change your course of abstemious diet.' Therefore, not only in thespiritual aspect but also in the physical dimension the fasting observance can be done in awrong way.Mental StrengthFasting observance has its impact on mental strength as well, the third dimensionof the human nature, as attested by Ellen White: "For certain things fasting and prayer are'Ellen G. White, Counsels on Diet and Foods, 190.'Ibid., 400.'Ellen G. White, "Mental Hygiene," The Health Reformer, 1 October 1872, 8.4 Ellen G. White to Joseph Bates, 12 February 1872, Letter 2, 1872, Ellen G. White ResearchCenter, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI.Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

16recommended and appropriate. In the hand of God they are a means of cleansing the heartand promoting a receptive frame of mind. We obtain answers to our prayers because wehumble our souls before God."' This "receptive frame of mind" enables the individual tohave a better understanding of God's will in all aspects of life. She adds: "The brainnerves which communicate with the entire system are the only medium through whichHeaven can communicate to man and affect his inmost life." 2Therefore, the mental effects of a correct period of fasting, without any extremesthat might damage the body, may empower the mental faculties placing the whole beingin a position in which the Holy Spirit can have a clearer access to the individual.In this wholistic context of the spiritual, physical and mental benefits of fasting,the next chapter presents the supreme example given to humanity of the right attitudetoward fasting: Jesus' example.'Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, 20:1446 (italics supplied).2Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, 2:347.Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

CHAPTER 3THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS ON FASTINGThere are several biblical examples of fasting mentioned by Ellen White in herwritings. Among them she comments on the experience of Moses, David, Daniel, Job,Esther, and others. But none of these occurrences had the same impact on her testimoniesthan the experience lived by Jesus Christ in the wilderness.A detailed statement about the circumstances around Jesus when he was led to thedesert just before His fasting is found in Spiritual Gifts, she said:After the baptism of Jesus in Jordan, he was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,to be tempted by the Devil. The Holy Spirit had fitted Him for that special scene offierce temptations. Forty days he was tempted of the Devil, and in those days He atenothing. Everything around Jesus was unpleasant, from which human nature would beled to shrink. . . . I saw that the Son of God was pale and emaciated through fastingand suffering.'The only purpose Jesus had in mind not only at that moment but throughout Hislife was to give an example of obedience, maintaining the will of the Father aboveeverything else,' even in difficult situations. Ellen White continues with the picturesaying:'Ellen G. White, Spiritual Gifts, 4 vols. (Battle Creek, MI: Steam Press of the Seventh-dayAdventist Publishing Association, 1858-64.), 1:31.'Ellen G. White, The Story of Jesus (Nashville: Southern Publishing Association, 1949), 43.17Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research

18He was in a barren, desolate wilderness, surrounded with wild beasts. Everythingaround Him was repulsive, and [that] from which human nature would be inclined toshrink; With these surroundings He fasted forty days and forty nights. He wasemaciated through long fasting, and felt the keenest sense of hunger. His visage wasindeed marred more than the sons of men.'The circumstances involved in those forty days of spiritual fasting led Jesus Christto a condition in which He was physically debilitated, but spiritually fortified! In spite ofthe physical weakness, nothing could interfere with the communication between Himselfand His Father. He knew that through fasting and prayer "He was to brace Himself for theblood-stained path"3 he had to walk in.Jesus as the perfect example illustrated in His own life the need and benefits offasting through His "wonderful victory over the powers of Satan."' In her commentariesabout the main reasons for Jesus' fasting Ellen White also wrote the following: "WithChrist, as with the holy pair in Eden, appetite was the ground of the first great temptation.Just where the ruin began, the work of our redemption must begin."'The comparison between the lack of self control in eating habits and Christ'sattitude toward fasting is greatly emphasized in her writings. She affirms that theindulgence of appetite was so strong upon the race that Jesus had to fast in order to break'Ellen G. White, "The Temptation of Christ (Continued)," Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 8April 1874, 3.'Ellen G. White, "Condemned by the Jews," Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 12 December1899, 8.3Ellen G. White, "In All Points Tempted Like as We Are," Signs of the Times, 12 March 1902, 3.'Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, 12:313.'Ellen G. White, Desire of Ages, 117.Di

Counsels on Diet and Foods, 188. 'This evaluation is based on my own observations of Seventh-day Adventists, compared with other denominations' attitudes toward fasting and prayer. Digitized by the Center for Adventist Research. 3 . order to d

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