Christianity, Ethics, History

“Amazing Grace” Author John Newton on Reasons to Avoid Vaccination (1777)

“My times are in the Lord’s hands; I am now in health, and am not willing to bring upon myself a disorder [via inoculation], the consequences of which I cannot possibly foresee … I choose to wait [God’s] appointment, and not to rush upon even the possibility of danger without a call. … Let me fall into the hands of the Lord (for his mercies are great) and not into the hands of men.” — John Newton

Christianity, Ethics, History, Quotes, Smallpox

Reverend William Hume-Rothery Ethically and Logically Refutes Vaccination (1872)

“The theory of this so-called Vaccination is that we must do evil that good may come : create a disease to prevent a disease; a minor, which may be followed by life-long sufferings or a speedy and untimely death, to prevent a major, which might never occur, and could not possibly occur if the laws of health were faithfully obeyed. This theory would justify every description of wickedness within certain bounds. It, and the practice alluded to, which is based upon it, must, therefore, be indefensible on any Christian or rational ground whatever.”