One of the important considerations that encouraged James White to prepare this little booklet is something that will be of great interest to converted Seventh-day Adventists and parents who wish to train up their children with an excellent character. From the booklet:
The change from meat-eating, to the free use of fruit in its place, is one of decided importance. It is a change, beneficial, physically, mentally, and morally. The American people are killing themselves with the excessive use of meat. And how poorly does man sympathize with the groaning creation, in slaughtering and devouring those creatures that God has made and given life. The squealing of swine, the squalling of fowls, the bleating and bellowing of sheep, calves, cows, and oxen, on butchering day, is all calculated to make men and women, naturally of pretty good heart, permanently brutal. Let the change come to the use of fruits, vegetables and grains, that God has made for food for man, that he may become milder in temper, clearer and more elevated in thought, and firmer in constitution, and physical strength.