Dr. Kellogg prepared this book in order to clarify his teachings. He often expressed his ideas in a creative manner. Some members of his denomination, the Seventh-day Adventist Church misunderstood what he said. At the Seventeenth Annual Session of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, October 4, 1878, the following action was taken: "WHEREAS, The impression has gone out from some unknown cause that J. H. Kellogg, M. D. , holds infidel sentiments, which does him great injustice, and also endangers his influence as physician-in-chief of the Sanitarium; therefore "RESOLVED, That in our opinion justice to the doctor and the Institute under his medical charge, demand that he should have the privilege of making his sentiments known, and that he be invited to address those assembled on this ground, upon the harmony of science and the Sacred Scriptures. "This resolution was unanimously adopted, after which the Conference adjourned to the call of the chair. "[Note. --In accordance with the foregoing resolution, Dr. Kellogg gave, before a large audience, October 6, an able address on the harmony of science and the Bible, for which the congregation tendered him a vote of thanks. ]" Later, a committee was formed to help prepare his talk in book form.