ELLEN G. WHITE

MESSENGER TO THE REMNANT

 3 - THE ELLEN G. WHITE BOOKS

by Arthur L. White

3 - THE ELLEN G. WHITE BOOKS

 The "Conflict of the Ages Series"

The "Testimonies for the Church"  

THE CONFLICT OF THE AGES SERIES

THE revelations given to Ellen G. Harmon (later White) began in December, 1844. Her first written delineations of these visions were in letters addressed to individuals, and a few of these were published by the recipients. During the years 1849 and 1850, seven articles from her pen were published by James White in the Present Truth.

In the summer of 1851, there was printed by the Davidson Printing Company of Saratoga Springs, New York, a 64-page pamphlet entitled, "A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White." This, her first book, contained not only articles from her pen that had formerly appeared in print, but also a few chapters presenting other matters which had been revealed to her, but which had not been previously published.

In 1854, a 48-page supplement to "Experience and Views" was issued, which Included several later revelations. These two pamphlets, as reprinted in 1882 constitute the first two sections of “Early Writings"

"SpirItual Gifts," Volumes I-IV

This article was prepared jointly by W. C. White, D. E. Robinson, and A. L. White.

During the week end of March 13 and 14, 1858, Elder and Mrs. James White attended meetings at Lovett's Grove, now Bowling Green, Ohio. On Sunday afternoon, the fourteenth, a funeral service was conducted by James White in the schoolhouse where the Sabbath meetings had been held. Following her husband's dis­course, Mrs. White arose and began to speak words of comfort to the mourners. While thus speaking, she was taken off in vision, and for two hours, during which time the congregation remained in the building, the Lord through di­vine revelation opened up to her many matters of importance to the church. Of this she wrote: "In the vision at Lovett's Grove, most of the matter which I had seen ten years before concerning the great controversy of the ages be­tween Christ and Satan, was repeated, and I was instructed to write it out. I was shown that while I should have to contend with the powers of darkness, for Satan would make strong efforts to hinder me, yet I must put my trust in God, and angels would not leave me in the conflict." -"Life Sketches of Ellen G. White," p. 162.

The day following, James and Ellen White began their  homeward journey. On the train, they reviewed 'their recent experiences and dis­cussed plans for writing out the vision, and for  publishing that portion relating to the great controversy. This, it was decided, should be Mrs. White's first work after reaching home.

Little did they realize the anger of Satan because of this revelation of his character and wiles, or the intensity of his determination to defeat the plans for the writing and publishing of the proposed book.

Arriving at Jackson, Michigan, en route to Battle Creek, they visited their old friends at the home of Daniel R. Palmer. At this time Mrs. White was in usual health, and the follow­ing experience, as given in her own words, came as a complete surprise:

"As I was conversing with Sister Palmer, my tongue refused to utter what I wished to say, and seemed large and numb. A strange, cold sensation struck my heart, passed over my head, and down my right side. For a time I was insensible, but was aroused by the voice of earnest prayer. I tried to use my left limbs, but they were perfectly useless."-Ibid.

As she realized that this was the third shock of paralysis that she had experienced, Mrs. White for a time lost hope of recovery; but in response to the continued earnest prayers of the brethren, her strength was partially re­stored and she was able to continue the journey to her home. While suffering intensely from the effects of this stroke, she began to delineate the scenes of the great controversy as they had been revealed to her. Of this she wrote:

"At first I could write but one page a day, and then rest three days; but as I progressed, my strength increased. The numbness in my head did not seem to becloud my mind, and before I closed that work ["Spiritual Gifts," Volume I] the effect of the shock had entirely left me."-Id., p. 163.

As she was completing her work on the manuscript for the book, in June, 1858, Mrs. White received light on her experience at the home of Brother Palmer, - and of this she says: '

"I was shown in vision that in the sudden attack at Jackson, Satan intended to take my life, in order to hinder the work I was about to write; but angels of God were sent to my rescue."-Ibid.

In September of that same year, announcement was made that "Spiritual Gifts-The Great Controversy Between Christ and His Angels and Satan and His Angels," was ready for distribution, Its 219 pages touched only briefly the high points of the conflict story. This early work, "Spiritual gifts," Volume I, is available to all, constituting the third section of the book entitled, "Early Writings."

Given by Revelation

The first sentence in this little work declares, "The Lord, has shown me* that Satan was once an honored angel in heaven." The words "I saw" or their equivalent appear in this little work on an average of more than once for each page of the book. It is clear to the reader that at times the scenes passed before her in great panoramic views. (See "Early Writings," page 289.) At other times, certain events and their significance were presented symbolically. (See "Early Writings," pp. 211, 212.)

In brief but concise general statements, im­portant periods of history were summed up, revealing the background of the invisible con­tending forces of good and evil. (See "Early Writings," pp. 222-226.)

Great panoramic views were given to Mrs. White in the years following, presenting in fuller detail various phases of the controversy. And in 1864, Volumes III and IV of "Spiritual Gifts" appeared, dealing-more comprehensively with the fall of Lucifer, the creation, the fall of man, the lives of the patriarchs, and the experience of Israel, These Volumes bore the subtitle, "Important Facts of Faith in Connec­tion With the History of Holy Men of Old."

“Spiritual Gifts” Volume II, published in 1860, was an autobiographal work. ­

“The Spirit of Prophecy," Volumes I-III

The years passed, the number of believers rapidly increased, and there was need of more books. The brethren called for the republica­tion of the little books, "Spiritual Gifts," which they had learned to love, but Mrs. White felt that she could not consent to this. Since their publication, she had been favored with reve­lations in which the views had-been repeated In more detail; so she pleaded for time and opportunity to present the subjects more com­pletely before they were published again. Defi­nite plans were laid for a series of four Volumes, of about four hundred pages each, to contain a fuller account of the great conflict, from Its inception to its close.

The work on this new series moved forward much more slowly than had been anticipated. Volume I, which was issued in 1870, told the conflict story from the fall of Lucifer and the creation, to the time of Solomon. Volumes II and III (issued in 1877 and 1878),-dealt with the life and-work of Christ and the apostles. Some chapters intended for Volume IV were written; but not until the autumn of 1882, one year after the death of James White, the work of preparing this volume for the press undertaken in earnest.

* Note —As prepared for republication In 1882, the phrase "I saw” and its equivalent were many times omitted.

Volume IV, "The Great Controversy"

It had been Mrs. White’s plan to resume the story of the acts of the apostles where it was left at the end of Volume Three, but she was instructed in night visions to adopt the plan now seen in "The Great Controversy." It was revealed to her that she should present an outline of the controversy between Christ and Satan,. as it developed in the first centuries of the Christian Era, and in the great Refor­mation of the sixteenth century, in such a way as to prepare the mind of the reader to under­stand clearly the controversy as it is going on in our day.

--We can -now see that the divine instruction. regarding the plan of the book has made it of untold value to the general public. However, at the time of writing, Mrs. White regarded it, like all her former writings, as primarily a message to the church, and in it she used some matter and many phrases and expressions especially adapted to Seventh-day Adventists. ­

The steps taken in preparing this book may be of interest in this connection. First, the articles which Mrs. White had already written, covering the events from the close of the story in Volume Three to the end of the conflict, were brought together, and those relating to the acts of the apostles were laid aside. Then the articles which she had written on the destruc­tion of Jerusalem, and the apostasy of the Christian church, were brought forth, and were read by Mrs. White, assisted by Miss Marian Davis, her literary secretary. W. C. White was many times present when the first draft of the chapters of this book were being read. He states that the reading was often accompanied by discussion regarding the strength of descrip­tion, the length of chapters, etc.

Mrs. White then wrote out those parts of the history which she had-not previously pre­sented. Prayerful meditation would bring clearly to her mind the views given years be­fore. Then, as she strove to perfect the nar­rative by filling in the gaps, the Lord gave her in night visions, new views or a renewal of former views, which resulted in the rewriting in greater detail of many scenes already described.

While writing on this book, some of the scene were presented to Mrs. White over and over again. The vision of the deliverance of God's people, as given in Chapter XL (editions 1888 to 1911). was repeated  three times; and on two occasions, --once at her home in Healdsburg, and once at the St. Helena Sanitarium, members of her family sleeping in near-by rooms were awakened from sleep by her clear, musical cry, "They Come! They Come!" (See "The Great Controversy," 1911 edition, page 636.)

If Mrs. White had written more than one manuscript on the same subject, Miss Davis was asked to study them all, to eliminate repeti­tion, and to make such rearrangement of the matter as would make the presentation of the subject most clear and forceful. When she had thus prepared a chapter, she would read it to Mrs. White, who would often add to what she had formerly written. Then the chapter was recopied, but before going to the printer was given the final reading and approval by Mrs. White.

Usually Mrs. White wrote comprehensively upon the subject she was presenting, and there was occasionally a difference of opinion between her and the publishers regarding the quantity of matter that should be used. She was best pleased when the subject was presented very fully, but the publishers were pleased to have the matter condensed or ab­breviated so that the books would not be too large. To this, she would sometimes consent. But there were times when, after important chapters were prepared in as brief a form as possible and sent to the printer, a new presen­tation of the subject would be given to Mrs. White, and she would then write additional matter and insist upon its incorporation.

Mrs. White was not a mere mechanical writer. The deep impressions often made upon the reader of her writings are due in part to her own intensity of spirit while she wrote. Occasionally she referred in correspondence to her emotional depth of feeling as she penned the solemn messages from heaven to a perish­ing world. Thus, on February 19, 1884, while nearing the close of her work on "The Great Controversy," she wrote in a letter to Elder Uriah Smith:

"I write from fifteen to twenty pages each day. It is now eleven o'clock, and I have writ­ten fourteen pages of manuscript for Volume IV. . . ..And as I write upon my book, I feel intensely moved. I want to get it out as soon as possible, for our people need it so much. I shall complete ­it next month if the Lord gives me health as He has done. I have been unable to sleep nights, for thinking of the important things to take place. ..Three hours and sometimes five is the most sleep I get. My mind is stirred so deeply I cannot rest. Write, write, write, I feel that I must, and not delay.

"Great things are before us, and we want to call the people from their indifference to get ready. Things that are eternal crowd upon my vision day and night. The things that are temporal fade from my sight."-Letter 11, 1884.

 First Colporteur Edition

In the fall of 1884, the book was ready for distribution. The price was set at $1, thus harmonizing with the first three books of the series. Very soon it was discovered that it could be sold to those not of our faith; so the publishers took the plates and printed an il­lustrated subscription edition to sell at $1.50. During the first four years after its publication, ten editions, totaling not less than 50,000 copies of this book were printed and sold.

From 1885 to 1887, Mrs. White visited Europe. While there, her contact with European people and her visits to some of the historic places brought to her mind many scenes that had been presented to her in vision during previous years, some of them two or three times, and other scenes many times. And when plans were discussed for the publication of "The Great Con­troversy" in the principal European languages, she decided to make additions to the book. She was thus able to write more graphically and fully regarding some important events, in pre­paring the manuscript for translation.

That which Mrs. White has written out are descriptions of representations, often in the form of scenes or views, as given her regarding the actions of men, and the influence of these actions upon the work of God for the salvation of men, together with views of the past, present, and future in its relation to this work. She speaks in the following words regarding the source of the information which she presents concerning the great conflict, and the commis­sion to write it out:

"Through the illumination of the Holy Spirit, the scenes of the long-continued conflict between good and evil have been opened to the writer of these pages. From time to time I have been permitted to behold the working in different ages, of the great controversy between Christ the Prince of life, the Author of our salvation, and Satan, the prince of evil, the author of sin, the first transgressor of God's holy law. . . .

"As the Spirit of God has opened to my mind the great truths of His word, and the scenes of the past and the future, I have been bidden to make known to others that which has thus been revealed, to trace the history of the contro­versy in past ages, and especially so to present it as to shed a light on the fast-approaching struggle of the future."-"The Great Controversy," Introduction, pp. 10, 11.

The Place of History

That the reader may understand the prin­ciples of the conflict between good and evil, and clearly understand the "fast-approaching struggle of the future," certain portions of "The Great Controversy" are mainly historical in nature; yet Mrs. White did not write as a his­torian. Moreover, in all her writings, the de­tails of history were always subordinated to the great theme of the conflict.

This is true not only of the original 219-page edition of "The Great Controversy" issued in 1858, but in the same theme as it was greatly expanded in the later books. Even where the facts of the Bible or secular history are intro­duced, there is always a characteristic back­ground of the invisible, contending forces of good and evil, such as no other writer has ever­ attempted. Her view of the place of history as exemplified in her own writings, is well ex­pressed in the following words:

"In the annals of human history, the growth of na­tions, the rise and fall of empires, appear as if depend­ent on the will and prowess of man; the shaping of events seems, to a great degree, to be determined by his power, ambition, or caprice. But In the word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, above, behind, and through all the play and counter-play of human interest and power and passions, the agencies of the All-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsels of His own will."-"Prophets and Kings," pp. 499, 500.

"We are to see in history the fulfillment of prophecy, to study the workings of Providence in the great re­formatory movements, and to understand the progress of events in the marshaling of the nations for the final conflict in the great controversy."-"Ministry of Healing," p. 449.

Having received by revelation the great scenes of the conflict from its inception to its close, it was but natural that Mrs. White should be stirred to a deep interest in the study of historical writings covering the eras of the past that had been presented to her in vision.

When W. C. White was a mere boy, he heard Mrs. White read D'Aubigne's "History of the Reformation" to his father. She read to him on Sabbath afternoons, and sometimes in the evening. She also read from other histories of the Reformation. Her reading helped her to locate and identify many of the events and movements presented to her in vision.

In connection with the writing out of these views of the events of ancient and modern his­tory, and especially the history of the great Reformation of the sixteenth century, she some­times made use of good and clear historical statements to help make plain to the reader the things which she was endeavoring to pre­sent.* Also, by thus corroborating with indis­putable historical evidence that which had been revealed to her, she would win the confidence of the general reader in the truths she was presenting.

*For a statement by Mrs. White herself, regarding such use of historical quotations, and her reasons for not citing In the earlier editions of the book all the specific references, see the "Introduction" to "The Great Controversy."

1888 and 1911 Editions

In her public ministry, Mrs. White had al­ways shown an ability to select from the store­house of truth, matter well adapted to the needs of the congregation before her; and she also recognized that in the choice of matter for publication in her books, sound judgment should be shown in selecting that which was best suited to the needs of those who would read the book. Therefore, when the new American edition of "The Great Controversy," en­larged and prepared while she was in Europe, ­was brought out in 1888, intended for general  circulation, there were left out several pages of matter instructive to Adventists, but not appro­priate for non-Adventist readers. An example of this may be seen in the chapter entitled, "The Snares of Satan" (pages 518-530 in the edition of 1911). Portions of this chapter, as it appeared in the earliest edition, were omitted in the revised and enlarged book first issued in 1888. More recently the omitted portions have been reprinted elsewhere for our workers. (See "Testimonies to Ministers," pp. 472-475.)

In 1911, because the electrotype plates for the book were badly worn, it was necessary to reset "The Great Controversy," and when this was done, it was re-illustrated, the references to historical quotations were inserted, and in a few instances clearer historical citations were substituted with the express approval of the author. On July 25, 1911, soon after receiving copies of this new edition of the book, Mrs. White wrote of her satisfaction regarding it as follows:

"I regard this new edition with great satisfaction:

"The book 'Great Controversy' I appreciate above silver or gold, and I greatly desire that It shall come before the people. While writing the manuscript of 'Great Controversy,' I was often conscious of the presence of the angels of God. And many times the scenes about which I was writing were presented to me anew in visions of the night, so that they were fresh and vivid in my mind."-Letter 56, 1911.

"Patriarchs and Prophets"

After the closing scenes of the great conflict had been presented in a fuller and more com­plete way for the use of both Seventh-day Ad­ventists and the world, Mrs. White's mind turned back to the beginning of the conflict, and the story of the early ages was rewritten and published in "Patriarchs and Prophets," making a companion book for "The Great Con­troversy." This volume appeared in 1890.

The Writing of "The Desire of Ages"

All through the years it was Mrs. White's desire to deal very fully with the life of Christ, His ministry, His teachings, and His sacrifice for us. That which she had written on this phase of the conflict during the 70's, and which was published in Volumes II and III of the "Spirit of Prophecy" and in a number of pam­phlets, later seemed to her to be inadequate. Therefore when her work on "Patriarchs and Prophets" was finished, her thoughts turned to the preparation of a more comprehensive trea­tise on the life of Christ. For this work she carried a great burden, and in her letters we find many references to her hope of being able soon to get the book under way.

When she went to Australia in the autumn of 1891, it was her expectation that the long­ hoped-for life of Christ could soon be prepared. During the years 1892 to 1898, she spent much time in writing chapters for this book.

A glimpse of the intensity under which she worked while preparing copy for "The Desire of .Ages"-is seen in a letter written in 1892 to­ Elder O. A. Olsen, then president of the General Conference:

"I walk with trembling before God, I know not how to speak or trace with pen the large subjects of the atoning sacrifice. I know not how to present subjects in the living power in which they stand before me. I tremble for fear lest I shall belittle the great plan of salvation by cheap words. I bow my soul in awe and reverence before God, and say, 'Who Is sufficient for these things?' "-Letter 40, 1892.

A letter written two years later gives us a picture of Mrs. White's busy life, and explains the delay in preparing copy for the forthcoming book, She says:

"Now after I have been in this country nearly three years, there is still much to be done before the book will be ready for publication. Many branches of work have demanded my attention. I am pressed beyond measure with the work of writing out testimonies, caring for the poor, and traveling with my own conveyance, eight, eleven, and thirteen miles to meet with the churches,"-Letter 69, 1894.

Pressed with these burdens and cares, she did much of her writing when others were asleep. "My time for writing usually commences at three o'clock in the morning," she says, "when all in the house are asleep. Often I am awakened at half past twelve, one, or two o’clock"---Letter 114, 1896.

The Ministry of Suffering

It is well known that some of the world's masterpieces of literature, of poetry, and of gospel hymns have been fashioned on the anvil of pain, and so it was with a part of Mrs. White's writings on the life and ministry of Jesus. Some of the choicest passages in "The Desire of Ages" came from her pen when she was confined not only to her room, but much of the time to her bed or to her writing chair fitted with an adjustable rest for her pain-­racked arm. Soon after she reached Australia, she began to suffer with inflammatory rheumatism, and for eleven months was in constant pain: Of this experience she wrote:­

"I have been passing through great trial in pain and suffering and helplessness, but through it all I have obtained a precious experience more valuable to me than gold."

Released at last from the sickroom, Mrs. White was called upon to enter more fully into the rapidly developing work in Australia, and the many calls for her counsel and assistance, in addition to her extensive correspondence, greatly hindered the progress of the work on "The Desire of Ages," In a letter written October 23, 1895, she says:

"I have about decided to . . . devote all my time to writing for the books that ought to be prepared without further delay. I would like to write on the Life of Christ, on Christian Temperance ["Ministry of Healing"] and prepare Testimony Number 34 [Volume VI], for it is very much needed. . . .

"You know that my whole theme, both in the pulpit and in private, by voice and pen, is the life of Christ." Letter 41,1895. ­

Some have marveled at the extraordinary beauty of the language in "The Desire of Ages,"

The last sentence of the foregoing letter, in stating that this was her favorite theme, sug­gests the reason for the beautiful phraseology of the book.

In the preparation of "The Desire of Ages," as in the preparation of other later publications, Mrs. White did not write the book straight through, chapter by chapter, in the order in which the chapters appeared in printed form. This was not necessary, for during the preced­ing thirty-five years she had written many hundreds of pages on this theme, much of which had already been published. With this back­ground of material, she instructed those who were employed as her helpers to gather from her published books, articles, letters, and manu­scripts what they could find on the subject. With this in hand, she wrote many additional articles as the experiences of Christ were opened anew to her. When these newly written passages, together with what she had written in former years, were grouped in their natural order, she again studied the story in its connection and sometimes added connecting events.

Her writings on the life and teachings of our Saviour were found to be so voluminous that they could not all be contained in one book. Therefore some of the material which could not be included in "The Desire of Ages" was used as material for "Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing” or “Christ’s Object Lessons," and a por­tion of "Ministry of Healing."

Work of Mrs. White's Literary Assistants

The statement that in the preparation of her writings for publication, Mrs. White had the help of one or more efficient workers who as­sisted in gathering the material and in helping to prepare it, does not mean that the books or articles were in any part the product of their pens. They were not.

The matters revealed to Mrs. White in vision were not usually a word-for-word narration of events with their lessons. They were generally in the nature of rapidly appearing scenes or great panoramic views of various experiences of men, sometimes in the past, sometimes in the future. These views were in many instances accompanied by spoken instruction. At times, the actions and conversations of men in groups, or of churches, of conferences, and of multitudes were revealed to her, with a clear perception of their purposes, aims, and motives. Often divine instruction was given to her regarding the meaning and the use to be made of what was thus revealed.

When the time came to write out these reve­lations, Mrs. White would endeavor to trace in human language that which had been opened before her in these heavenly views. No super­natural force took mechanical control of her hand, and guided in the words which she wrote, and very rarely were the exact words which she should use dictated by the heavenly messenger at her side. Mrs., White speaks as follows re­garding her own choice of language in writing out her views:

"Although I am as dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord In writing my views as I am In receiving them, yet the words I employ in describing what I have seen are my own, unless they be those spoken to me by an angel, which I always enclose in marks of quotation." -Review and Herald, Oct. 8, 1867.

It was ever a source of regret to Mrs. White that her schooling had been very brief, and her knowledge of the technical rules of writing was therefore limited. W. C. White says he clearly remembers the earlier years of her work in Battle Creek, when James White, on coming home from the Review and Herald office, would be asked to listen to what Mrs. White had written, and to help her in preparing it techni­cally for publication. Then, as she read to him, he would comment on the matter, rejoic­ing in the power of the message, and would point out weaknesses in composition and faulty grammar.

Regarding such experiences, she made a statement in 1906 as follows: "While my husband lived, he acted as a helper and counselor in the sending out of the messages that were revealed to me. We traveled extensively, sometimes light would be given to me In the night season, some­times In the daytime before large congregations. The Instruction I received in vision was faithfully written out by me, as I had time and strength for the work. Afterward we examined the matter together my hus­band correcting grammatical errors, and eliminating needless repetition. Then it was carefully copied for the persons addressed or for the printer."- Mrs. E. G. White, in "The Writing and Sending Out of the Testimonies to the Church," p. 4.

As time went on, the making of copies of numerous individual testimonies made it neces­sary to employ a copyist, and as her husband could not give time to the technical correction of all her writings, the burden of making grammatical corrections was often laid upon the copyist, Several persons were employed as literary assistants in the years that followed. They copied the testimonies, prepared the arti­cles for the periodicals and the chapters for her books. Conscientious Christians only were chosen as literary assistants, and in their work they adhered strictly to the instruction, which was given them regarding their part of the work.

It was well understood by the secretaries that only Mrs. White's thoughts were to be used, and even her own words, as far as grammatically consistent, in expressing those thoughts. In no case was the copyist or editor allowed to intro­duce thoughts not found in Mrs. White's manu­scripts, In cases where paragraphs and sen­tences lost some of their power because of faulty arrangement, the secretaries were ex­pected to make transpositions. They were also instructed to leave out that which was plainly unnecessary repetition. To these rearrange­ments and omissions, Mrs. White gave careful attention.

Regarding the handwritten manuscripts that came from her pen, her literary secretaries say that they varied markedly in literary perfec­tion. Usually the original manuscripts written when she was not burdened with travel and preaching, or full of anxieties connected with the conditions of the church, were found to be beautiful, forceful, eloquent in expression, and with very few grammatical imperfections. But not a few of the original manuscripts were written hurriedly when she was perplexed by cares and burdens, laboring under the feeling that the manuscript must be completed quickly. At such times she paid little attention to the rules of punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. There was much repetition and faulty grammatical construction. She expected that these matters would be corrected by the copyist. Speaking of the work of her helpers, Mrs. White, in 1900, made the following interesting statement about the part taken in her work by Miss Marian Davis, who assisted her for more than twenty-years:

"The books are not Marian's productions, but my own, gathered from all my writings. Marian has a large field from which to draw, and her ability to arrange the matter is of great value to me. It saves my poring over a mass of matter, which I have no time to do."-Letter 61a, 1900.

Another of her secretaries, at a later time, wrote as follows.

"The editors in no wise change Sister White’s ex­pression If it is grammatically correct, and is an evi­dent expression of the evident thought. Sister White as human instrumentality has a pronounced style of her own, which Is preserved all through her books and articles that stamps the matter with her individuality. Many times her manuscript does not need any editing, often but slight editing, and again a great deal of literary work; but article or chapter, whatever has been done upon it, Is passed back Into her hands by the editor."-Fannie Bolton, in "A Confession Concerning the 'Testimony of Jesus Christ," written in 1901.

Perhaps in some minds the question may linger as to whether the writings, in passing through the hands of the literary assistants, may not have been altered somewhat in thought, or have received additions to the thoughts of the author. This question is clearly answered by written statements from several of Mrs. White's helpers, found in our files.

D. E. Robinson, for many years a literary assistant, said in 1933:-- ­

"In all good conscience I can testify that never was I presumptuous enough to venture to add any ideas of my own or to do other than follow with most scru­pulous care the thoughts of the author,"

THE "TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH"

IN the opening article, we have presented the story of Mrs. E. G. White's work in writing and publishing the important instruction found in the "Conflict of the Ages Series." In con­tinuing the story of her writings, we shall speak of her endeavors to deliver to individuals and to the church, messages that were given to counsel, guide, or reprove, and to encourage the traveler on the Christian pathway.

Very early in her work, messages were given to Mrs. White, rebuking various phases of fa­naticism and error that threatened the welfare of the disappointed, distracted believers who were seeking to find light amid the darkness. Views were also given to her, which either con­firmed conclusions reached by early believers through earnest searching of the Scriptures, or pointed out erroneous conclusions and false interpretations of Scripture. Directions were also given regarding the establishing and enlarging of the work, thus making possible the laying of strong foundations for the future.

As the cause broadened and progressed, and the field in which there were Sabbath-keepers was extended, it became increasingly difficult to reach the scattered members of the "little flock" with the messages given for the remnant church. Oral testimonies were borne by Mrs. White to the small companies of believers as she traveled from place to place. Many testi­monies were written out and sent to the leaders or to individuals to whom they were originally addressed.

First "Testimony" in Tract Form

The moving of the Review office and the printing press from Rochester, New York, to Battle Creek, Michigan, in the fall of 1855, marked the beginning> of an important era in the work of Sabbath-keeping Adventists. In November, a number of leading brethren gath­ered in Battle Creek to consider the advance­ment of the work. They saw many encourag­ing features to cheer their hearts, but they were deeply burdened because of the manifest loss of spiritual zeal among the believers.

The report of the conference states that Mon­day, November 19, was spent­ "In prayer, and remarks, and confessions relative to the evident departure of the remnant from the spirit of the message, and the humble, straightforward course taken by those who first embraced it. Strong desires were expressed and fervent prayers were of­fered to Heaven for the return of the spirit of con­secration, sacrifice, and holiness once enjoyed by the remnant."-Review and Herald, Dec. 4, 1855.

At this time, while the hearts of the leading brethren were burdened in behalf of the church body, and were seeking Heaven for a revival of power, the Lord chose to send them an answer in a very signal manner. At the close of the meeting a vision was given to Ellen White, re­garding which she afterward wrote:

"November 20, 1855, while in prayer, the Spirit of the Lord came suddenly and powerfully upon me, and I was taken off In vision. I saw that the Spirit of the Lord has been dying away from the church."­ "Testimonies," Vol. I, p. 118.

This vision plainly pointed out some of the reasons for the sad conditions in the church, which had urged the brethren to this season of prayer. The vision was written out, and the question arose as to how it should be made available to the believers who were addressed. Six leading men who were present when the vision was given expressed their conviction in the following words:

"We, the undersigned, being eyewitnesses when the above vision was given, deem It highly necessary that It should be published, for the benefit of the church, on account of the important truths and warnings which It contains [Italics ours],

"[Signed] Jos. Bates, M. E. Cornell

J. H. Waggoner J. Hart

G. W. Amadon  Uriah Smith."

-"Testimony for the Church" [No.1, 1855], p. 8.

The following Sabbath evening, this impor­tant testimony was read to the members of the Battle Creek church, and it was unanimously voted by those present that it should be pub­lished and thus be made available to the entire body of believers. The matter was set in type, and together with some other testimony mat­ter, was printed on the hand press and bound up as the first "Testimony," in the form of a sixteen-page tract. The following topics were covered: "Thy Brother's Keeper," "Time to Begin the Sabbath," "Opposers of the Truth," "Parental Responsibility," "Faith in God," "The Messenger Party," "Prepare to Meet the Lord." Only a few hundred copies were printed, and these were distributed without charge. Many copies were sent out by mail, and Mrs. White inserted the following notice in the Review:

"I have sent out (postpaid) to brethren in different States about 150 copies of 'Testimony for the Church.' It can be had by addressing me at Battle Creek, Mich. I shall be happy to hear from those who may re­ceive it. Those who would encourage the circulation of such matter can do so by assisting in its publication."-Review and Herald, Dec. 18, 1855.

Little did anyone realize, at that time, that this small pamphlet was the first of a series of "Testimonies for the Church," which would, in the course of fifty-five years, amount to nearly five thousand pages.

Second "Testimony" in -Tract Form

The next spring, in connection with the An­nual Conference held in Battle Creek, matters of most solemn importance for the church were again revealed to Ellen 'White. A few months later, a second sixteen-page tract entitled "Tes­timony for the Church," containing the record of this memorable vision, was published and sent out. On the last page may be found this interesting explanatory note, signed by two of the leading men in the Battle Creek church:

"To the Saints Scattered Abroad

"The foregoing testimony was given in the presence of about one hundred brethren and sisters assembled in the house of prayer, on whose minds it apparently made a deep impression. It has since been read before the church at Battle Creek, who gave their unanimous vote in favor of its publication for the benefit of the saints scattered abroad.

"[Signed] Cyrenius Smith

J. P. Kellogg."

-"Testimony for the Church" [No. 2, 1856 ed.]. The matter in this pamphlet first appeared in print as one article. It was later divided into three chapters bearing the titles: "The Two Ways," "Conformity to the world," "Wives of Ministers."

There appeared in the Review a note similar to that which appeared after the distribution of the first "Testimony for the Church," nine months before, stating that it was sent out without charge, and was "free to all."

Ten Appear in Pamphlet Form

Following this modest beginning there ap­peared at varying intervals additional numbers of "Testimonies for the Church." Ten were sent forth between the years 1855 and 1864. These were all published in pamphlet form with paper covers, and at first were sent out free. Later on, as the size increased, they were sold at ten or fifteen cents a copy. The pamphlets were numbered consecutively as they appeared, and these numbers have been carried through into our present nine-volume series of "Testi­monies for the Church."

The readers of the Review saw the notice of each number as it came from the press, and many sent in their orders for the pamphlets. Of course, not all accepted the "Testimonies." Some rejected and opposed them. But as the messages were generally accepted, important reforms were brought into the church and great advancement was made.

In these early numbers of "Testimonies for the Church" there appeared only articles of a general character. The subjects dealt with per­tained to the welfare of all the believers. But in addition to these general messages, Mrs. White was entrusted with many personal testi­monies for individuals. These she must deliver either orally or in writing.

Personal Testimonies Published

Many of the personal testimonies, which were written out and sent to the individuals ad­dressed, dealt with dangers and problems which confronted others in similar circumstances. It soon became evident that the instruction found in many of these would also be of great benefit to the church members generally, and it was decided to include them in the published "Tes­timonies." Of this, Mrs. White wrote:

"Since the warning and instruction given in testi­mony for individual cases applied with equal force to many others who had not been specially pointed out in this manner, it seemed to be my duty to publish the personal testimonies for the benefit of the church. . . . "I know of no better way to present my views of general dangers and errors, and the duty of all who love God and keep His commandments, than by giving these testimonies. Perhaps there is no more direct and forcible way of presenting what the Lord has shown me."-"Testimonies," Vol. V, pp. 658, 659.

As to the Lord's approval of this, she says: "In a vision given me June 12, 1866, I was shown that which fully justified my course in publishing personal testimonies: 'When the Lord singles out in­dividual cases, and specifies their wrongs, others, who have not been shown in vision, frequently take it for granted that they are right, or nearly so. If one is reproved for a special wrong, brethren and sisters should carefully examine themselves to see wherein they have failed, and wherein they have been guilty of the same sin.' "-ld., p. 659.

The work of correcting wrongs and reprov­ing sins was not pleasing to the great enemy of souls, and it is not strange that he should endeavor to prevent the message from reach­ing the individuals whom he had led into sin. An allusion to this is found in these words:

"You should have had this long ago, but our labors have been so hard that I could not possibly get the time to write. Every place that we visited brought before my mind much that I had been shown of Indi­vidual cases, and I have written in meeting, even while my husband was preaching. The vision was given me about two years ago. The enemy has hindered, me in every way he could to keep souls from having the light which God had given me for them."-Id., Vol. I, p. 711

One gets a glimpse, in a brief statement writ­ten a few months later, of the circumstances under which much writing was done:

“Tuesday we journeyed thirty two miles to St. Charles [Mich.], and stopped for the night with Brother Griggs. Here I wrote fifteen pages of Testi­mony, and attended meeting In the evening. Wednes­day morning we decided to return to Tuscola If Brother Andrews would fill the appointment at Alma. To this he agreed. That morning I wrote fifteen pages more, attended a meeting, and spoke one hour, and we rode thirty-three miles with Brother and Sister Griggs to Brother Spooner's In Tuscola. Thursday morning we went to Watrousville, a distance of sixteen miles. I wrote sixteen pages and attended an evening meeting, in which I gave a very pointed testimony to one present. The next morning I wrote twelve pages before breakfast, and returned to Tuscola, and wrote eight pages more."-Id., Vol. II, p. 14.

Thus, many times under unfavorable circum­stances, and when heavily pressed with other lines of labor, Mrs. White faithfully delivered the messages orally, by personal correspond­ence, and by the printed page.

First Ten Reprinted

"Testimony for the Church," Number Ten, came from the press early in 1864. By this time the small editions of the earlier pam­phlets were out of print. As requests for these became urgent, it was decided that the earlier numbers of the "Testimonies" should be re­printed. Just at this time Volumes III and IV of "Spiritual Gifts" were being prepared, and the reprinted "Testimonies" formed part of Volume IV of this series.

It is of interest to note in this connection, that in this first reprinting of the "Testi­monies," not all of that which constituted the first ten numbers was included. This fact, with the reason therefore, was stated by Mrs. White in her "Remarks" which formed a foreword to the "Testimony" section of "Spiritual Gifts," Volume IV:

"During the last nine years, from 1855 to 1864, I have written ten small pamphlets, entitled 'Testimony for the Church,' which have been published and circulated among Seventh-day Adventists. The first edition of most of these pamphlets being exhausted, and there being an increasing demand for them, It has been thought best to reprint them, as given in the follow­ing pages, omitting local and personal matters, and giving those portions only which are of practical and general interest and importance. Most of 'Testimony' No. 4 may be found in the second, volume of 'Spiritual Gifts,' hence, it is omitted, in this volume"

The significance of the action that was taken in this first reprinting of the "Testimonies," and of this statement written by Ellen White, is at once apparent. While she recognized that these testimonies were a presentation of mes­sages from heaven, yet she pointed out that certain of these articles were, by their very nature, not necessary to all church members for all time. So in reprinting the "Testimonies," only those were selected which seemed to be "of practical and general interest and im­portance."

Three classes of matter were mentioned as being omitted.

First, matters of local nature. Even within nine years after the first "Testimonies" were published, it was recognized that there were certain local matters that need not be perpetu­ated for general reading.

Second, matters of a personal nature. With the passage of time, Ellen White felt that specific messages regarding persons whose ac­tions and influence affected the general in­terests of the work only temporarily, might be omitted in future editions, designed for gen­eral circulation.

Third, that which was repeated in other vol­umes. Mrs. White also felt that the volume of matter contained in "Testimonies for the Church," might be lessened by omitting such subject matter as was included in other volumes that were available.

The first ten numbers of the "Testimonies" totaled about 450 pages. After Mrs. White had selected from these ten numbers that which she considered to be "of practical and general in­terest and importance," "omitting local and personal matters," and that which was found in other publications, the reprinted series was reduced to 160 pages, or a little more than one third its original content.

The question might very properly be asked whether she, as the Lord's messenger, was working within her rights and prerogatives when she omitted in reprints a part of that which had previously been published as "Testi­mony for the Church."

In considering this matter, we may well bear in mind that not all the writings of the Bible prophets were preserved for general reading for all time in the Bible. And we may reasonably conclude that the books mentioned but not in­cluded in the Bible, and the messages of proph­ets who were named, but who did not contribute to the Scripture canon, were of immediate im­portance to the people living at the time that they were written. However, being local in character, they were not needed for all time, and were with good reason not included in the Scriptures.

It would seem that Mrs. White exercised good judgment in omitting from a book for general circulation, matter that had already served its purpose in meeting certain specific issues. Although the messages were given to her by the Lord, she carried very largely, under the guid­ance of the Holy Spirit and with the counsel of her brethren, the responsibility of deciding how to deliver those messages to individuals or to the church at the proper time and place.

Reprinted Again in 1871

Another nine numbers of the "Testimonies" appeared in pamphlet form between the years 1865 and 1870. By the year 1871, although many of the later numbers were available at the office of publication, the earlier numbers were again out of print. To meet this increas­ing demand, Numbers 1-16 were printed and bound in two books of about five hundred pages each. In speaking of this reprint, Elder James White makes the following statement, which explains the appearance of all of the "Testi­monies" in their completeness in this new series. In the Preface he wrote:

"During the period of sixteen years Mrs. White has published her 'Testimonies to the Church' in a series of pamphlets, which, at this date, number twenty. But as the editions of the first numbers were small, and have long since been exhausted, we are not able to furnish the series complete to the numerous friends who subsequently embrace the views of Seventh-day Adventists. The call for these 'Testimonies' being large, we republish, and offer them In this form.

"And we are happy to do this, inasmuch as the 'Testimonies,' given under the trying, and ever-changing circumstances of the past sixteen years, ever breathing the same high-toned spirit of Scriptural piety, contain In themselves the best evidences of their being what they profess to be.

"There are in them matters of a local and personal character, which do not have a direct bearing upon our time. But as many have desired it, we give them com­plete".-"Testimonies for the Church," Vol. I, 1871 edition.

Omitted Portions Restored

There are two points in this statement by Elder James White which we note particularly. First, the evidence of the integrity of the Tes­timonies. James White rejoiced that the "Tes­timonies" could be presented in their entirety, because they always breathed "the same high­-toned spirit of Scriptural piety," even though they were "given under. . . trying, and ever-changing circumstances." Second, the subordi­nate place of local and personal testimonies. In response to the desire of many, those por­tions of Testimonies No. 1-10 which had been omitted by Mrs. White in the first reprint were now restored. Yet in doing this, James White recognized, as did his wife when preparing the first reprint, that these "local and personal" portions did not "have a direct bearing upon our time."

28 Numbers Available in 1879

During the next eight years Numbers 20-28 of the "Testimonies" series appeared. In these early days the "Testimonies" attained their widest circulation and were best known in the form of pamphlets, consecutively numbered. The plan of grouping together several of these in bound volumes was continued through the years until by 1879 there were six volumes, containing "Testimonies," Numbers 1-28, inclu­sive. These volumes were not numbered and should not be confused with our present volume arrangement.

By 1883 the publishers were again unable to furnish complete sets of the "Testimonies" either in pamphlet form or in bound volumes, and to meet the constant demand for this precious instruction for the church, it was decided to republish all of Numbers 1-30, Num­bers 29 and 30 having appeared by this time. There were certain problems in connection with the proposal regarding the printing of this third edition, however, which it was felt must be duly considered. A number of the "Testimonies" had been written under very unfavorable cir­cumstances, and in the haste to bring them before the people, numerous grammatical im­perfections had been allowed to pass uncorrected into the published works. Now that the "Testimonies" were to be reprinted, it was recognized by Mrs. White and her associates, that these imperfections in expression should be corrected, so as to present the messages in better literary form.

Vital Principles Enunciated

The question was of such vital importance that it was carried to the General Conference session of 1883. At that meeting, important de­cisions were reached which not only affected the reprinting of these "Testimonies," but which also placed the denomination on record as to its understanding of certain fundamental principles having to do with the utterances of the Spirit of prophecy. We quote from the minutes of the meeting:

"32. WHEREAS, Some of the bound volumes of the 'Testimonies to the Church,' are out of print, so that full sets cannot be obtained at the office; and, "WHEREAS, There is a constant and urgent call for the reprinting of these volumes; therefore, "Resolved, That we recommend their republication In such a form as to make four volumes of seven or eight hundred pages each.

"33. WHEREAS, Many of these testimonies were written under the most unfavorable circumstances, the writer being too heavily pressed with anxiety and labor to devote critical thought to the grammatical perfection of the writings, and they were printed In such haste as to allow these Imperfections to pass un­corrected; and,

"WHEREAS, We believe the light given by God to His servants is by the enlightenment of the mind, thus imparting the thoughts, and not (except in rare cases) the very words in which the ideas should be expressed; therefore,

"Resolved, That In the republication of these vol­umes, such verbal changes be made as to remove the above-named Imperfections, as far as possible.. with­out in any measure changing the thought; and further,

"34. Resolved, That this body appoint a committee of five to take charge of the republication of these volumes according to the above preambles and resolutions."-Review and Herald, Nov. 27, 1883.

Thus it was recognized that the messages which were imparted to Mrs. White came not through a mechanical, verbal inspiration, but rather through an enlightenment of the mind. Mrs. White was ever desirous that the mes­sages entrusted to her should be presented in a manner to convey most perfectly to others the thoughts imparted in the revelations. These revelations were many times presented through scenes or views, which passed before her. She must then describe them to the best of her ability, and in doing this, she endeavored to use the most fitting language at her command. Thus in preparing the manuscript for publica­tion, any mechanical or editorial changes made by her or her secretaries, or any alterations or additions which she herself might make to bring out the thought more clearly or more forcefully, were fully justified. Similarly, in the published "Testimonies," mechanical, gram­matical, or editorial changes in these described limits, were also in place.

Nos. 1-30 Issued as Volumes I-IV

In harmony with the action at the General Conference, a committee of five were named to examine the thirty numbers of the "Testi­monies" involved. They did conscientious work and laid all matters of importance before Mrs. White for her approval. As had been planned, the new edition came out on a larger-size page, a more appropriate type was used, and Nos. 1-30 were issued in four volumes-Volumes I-IV of our present nine-volume series of "Testi­monies for the Church."

Concerning the work done in the preparation of this edition, the following statement from the publishers appears in the "Preface to the Third Edition:"

"In the 'Testimonies' as first printed, blanks or Initials were generally used for the names of the per­sons addressed. For these are now substituted the letters of the alphabet, beginning with A in each number.

"In the earlier visions the words 'I saw' were very frequently Inserted. As the writer considers this repetition needless, and as they constitute no part of the record of what was seen, they are sometimes omitted. Some grammatical and rhetorical changes also have been made for the sake of strength and clearness. In making these changes great care has been taken to preserve every idea, and In no case have either words or sentences been omitted unless as above Indicated, to avoid unnecessary repetition."-"Testi­monies for the Church," Vol. I, pp. iii, iv.

Volumes V-IX

This new edition of 1885 was heartily wel­comed, and its widely circulated volumes bear a marked influence in the lives of the church members and the policies of the church at large. Later numbers were added to this set, and in 1889, Volume V appeared, containing Nos. 31, 32, and 33. Volumes VI, VII, VIII, and IX appeared as complete volumes, and with Vol­ume IX the series was brought to a close in 1909. The nine volumes contain nearly 5,000 pages of instruction and counsel to the church, and are now conveniently bound together in the family set of four volumes.

Selecting Articles for Publication

The early numbers of the "Testimonies" issued in small pamphlets contained messages of immediate interest and value to the church at the time the messages were given. These published "Testimonies," however, contained only a part of that which had been written, for many of the messages were of such a personal or local nature that there was no need for their publication. From the very first, it was necessary that choice be made of articles best suited for general circulation. . In making this choice, Ellen White did not always rely solely upon her own judgment, but welcomed the counsel of workers of long experience in the cause. Her practice of consulting, when possible, with her ministering brethren regarding the best manner of presenting the views given, was stated by her in 1906 as follows:

"It requires much wisdom and sound judgment, quickened by the Spirit of God, to know the proper time and manner to present the Instruction that has been given. . . . In the early days of this cause, if some of the leading brethren were present when messages from the Lord were given, we would consult with them as to the best manner of bringing the Instruction be­fore the people."-"Writing and Sending Out of the Testimonies to the Church," p. 6.

At that time, Elder James White, with his general knowledge of conditions in the field, was well qualified to give counsel as to the use of the matter. In the case of the first number of the "Testimonies," the messages were read to the Battle Creek church, and, by vote of those present, it was decided that they should be pub­lished for general circulation. The choice of that which should be placed in print for general circulation, did not rest, however, entirely with human counselors. Quite early in her work she was given the assurance:

"You are not alone In the work the Lord has chosen you to do. You will be taught of God how to bring the truth In Its simplicity before the people. The God of truth will sustain you, and convincing proof will be given that He Is leading you. God will give you of His Holy Spirit, and His grace and wisdom and keeping power will be with you."-Id., p. 11.

While many of the "Testimonies" by their nature gave instruction of universal applica­tion, others met specific issues. Many set forth timely counsel regarding the advancing work of the church. In choosing articles for the later ­published "Testimonies," if a subject of general interest was found to have been treated in an early number of the "Testimonies," the later article was not, as a general rule, published. As a cumulative group of writing, they grew in scope and value as time advanced, for as more and varied issues were met, counsel was given in the "Testimonies" to meet these issues. As the volume of writings grew larger, and the field of subjects covered increased, greater care had to be exercised in the choice of matter, in order to avoid undue repetition,

Not only was the choice of articles an im­portant task, but study must also be given by Mrs. White to the phraseology. The messages must be presented in the clearest way, in order that they might not be misunderstood. In 1901, she spoke of her work in gathering and ex­amining matter for publication in Volume VI. Here are her words: