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by Robert W. Olson
An Introductory Statement to the Document,
"Exhibits
Relating to the Writing of The Desire of
Ages"
The Desire of Ages is, for many Seventh-day Adventists, their
favorite source of spiritual nourishment outside the Bible. Its deep devotional
tone and strikingly beautiful phrases, combined with its Christ-centered theme,
make this much-loved masterpiece unique, even among the works of Ellen White.
The story of how The Desire of Ages was written probably will never
be fully told, for no one living knows the complete story, with all its
details. However, an examination of the available sources does provide many
illuminating insights into the question of how this perennial best seller came
into existence.
Ellen White's writing on the life of Christ began in 1858, following her
visit to Lovett's Grove, Ohio, where many scenes from the age-long conflict
between Christ and Satan were revealed to her in vision. Her written account of
that vision, as found in Spiritual Gifts, Vol. I, includes over fifty
pages on the life of Christ.
In 1876 and 1877, Ellen White rewrote and enlarged her narrative of Christ's
life and work so that it comprised more than 640 pages in Spirit of
Prophecy, Volumes II and III. Then, in the 1890's, she expanded the account
still further, until it filled three books, Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing, The
Desire of Ages, and Christ's Object
Lessons.
Even though she was inspired in the fullest sense, Ellen White did not
always use perfect grammar, spelling, punctuation, or sentence and paragraph
construction in her writing. She felt this shortcoming strongly throughout her
entire life. In 1873, she lamented, "My heart is inexpressibly sad. . . . I am
not a scholar. . . . I am not a grammarian" (Entries for January 10
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and 11, 1873, pp. 10-11). (1) Twenty years later she again mourned over her inadequacy
when she declared, "I lay down my pen and say, Oh Lord, I am finite, I am weak
and simple and ignorant. Thy grand and holy revelations I can never find
language to express" (See Exhibit
63).
Feeling as she did, it is quite understandable that Ellen White should seek
skilled literary help in the preparation of her manuscripts for publication.
When working on the Spiritual Gifts series, from 1858 to 1864, she was
assisted by her husband who was a qualified schoolteacher. (See Selected
Messages, Book I, p. 50). In the 1890's, when The Desire of Ages was
finally taking shape, her major editorial assistant was Marian Davis.
Ellen White's copyists were entrusted with such tasks as correcting grammar
and spelling, eliminating unnecessary repetition, grouping material in
paragraphs, and transferring sentences or paragraphs from one manuscript to
another "where the same thought was expressed, but not so clearly" (See Exhibit 81). At
times, however, a few other key individuals were given additional leeway to
make improvements in her writings. For example, Mrs. White was quite willing to
have J. H. Waggoner criticize her manuscript and offer suggestions for
improvement (See Exhibit 15).
She, in fact, expressed displeasure with Waggoner when he failed to change or
improve one of her manuscripts when given an opportunity to
do so (See Exhibit 15).
Dr. David Paulson was also called upon for this kind of service. In 1905,
Mrs. White's son, W. C. White, sent the manuscript for The Ministry of
Healing to Dr. Paulson with the request, "I wish that in all your reading
you would note those places where the thought is expressed in a way to be
especially criticized by medical men and kindly give us the benefit of your
knowledge as to how to express the same thought in a more acceptable way."
(2)
It was Ellen White's understanding that some Bible writers also had needed
editorial assistance, for she wrote concerning the book of Acts, "At that time
it was customary for a writer to send his manuscript to someone for examination
and criticism. Luke chose Theophilus, as a man in whom he had confidence, to
perform this important work." (SDA Commentary, Volume 6, p. 1051).
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Since it is clear that Mrs. White did at times permit, and even seek, help
which resulted in the changing of some of her words, a question might be raised
about her statement, "The words of someone else would not rightly
represent me" (See Exhibit 79).
This comment, it should be noted, was made with reference to one of her
copyists in particular and did not include the technical improvements which all
of her copyists were supposed to make. It should be emphasized though that
Ellen White's copyists and editors did not contribute to the actual writing of
her books. Marian Davis made note of this fact when, in response to the
publisher's appeal for immediate completion of The Desire of Ages
manuscript, she wrote W. C. White, "There is one thing. . . that not even the
most competent editor could do--that is to prepare the manuscript before it is
written" [i.e., Marian Davis could not do her editorial work until Ellen White
had written the manuscript] (See
Exhibit 69).
Marian Davis was one of those special people to whom Ellen White looked for
more than routine copying and editing. Marian was authorized to drop out
needless words (See Exhibit
67) or at times to change words when necessary(See Exhibit 37). She helped Mrs. White plan a good number of
her books, from the first chapter to the last (p. 39, par. 1).
Marian was Ellen White's "bookmaker" (p. 41, par. 1). She gleaned material,
even isolated sentences (p. 28, par. 6; p. 39, par. 1; p. 30, par. 4), on the
life of Christ from Ellen White's diaries, letters, and articles (p. 44, par.
3; p. 29, par. 0), which she pasted in scrapbooks. She drew material forThe Desire of Ages
from these scrapbooks, the bound E. G. White books, and some longer manuscripts
(p. 24, par. 4).
In organizing the material into chapters, Marian noted areas on which she
had nothing from Ellen White's pen. Apparently the two women had such a close
working relationship that Marian felt free to make suggestions to Mrs. White as
to what she thought might be lacking from the book. Some of these suggestions
Ellen White accepted, but others she rejected. For example, while Marian's
advice regarding "the rock, when the water flowed," was accepted for an earlier
book (p. 21, par. 1), her recommendation concerning "the building a tower" and
"the war of kings" was rejected. Ellen White declared she would not write on
these topics unless "the Lord's Spirit seems to lead
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me" (p. 25, par. 3). (3)
Marian also made suggestions to Ellen White with reference to Christ's
struggle when tempted to use His divine power (p. 26, par. 5), and the parables
of the pearl and the net (p. 23, par. 6). While Ellen White no doubt
appreciated these suggestions, it was clearly she herself, and not Marian, who
decided what topics she would write on.
Not only did Ellen White do the initial writing, she also took full
responsibility for every word which eventually appeared in her books. She
explained to her sister Mary, "I read over all that is copied, to see that
everything is as it should be. I read all the book manuscript before it is sent
to the printer" (p. 44, par. 2). This clearly was her routine method of
working. Marian Davis once remarked to Ellen White, "Of course, nothing will go
that you do not approve" (p. 30, par. 2).
(a) Visions. In her first account of Christ's life, written in 1858,
Ellen White frequently made such declarations as "I saw," "I then viewed," "I
was shown," etc. (p. 10). While she did not lace her later accounts of Christ's
life with these expressions, she may actually have seen in vision all the
events in Christ's life of which she wrote. In 1889, after mentioning the
"betrayal, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus," she commented, "All this had
passed before me point by point" (p. 22, par. 3).
However, it is not necessary for us to believe that every single fact
mentioned in The Desire
of Ages was first seen in vision in order also to believe that the book
came from a truly inspired pen. For example, Paul wrote the Corinthians, "There
is among you envying, and strife, and divisions" (1 Corinthians 3:3). But he
was not shown this in vision. He was informed
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in this matter by the members of the house of Chloe. (See 1 Corinthians
1:11). Yet we hold that 1 Corinthians 3:3 was written under inspiration. Ellen
White states that although "the Lord did not give him [Paul] a new revelation
for that special time. . . the reproof he sent them was as certainly written
under the inspiration of the Spirit of God as were any of his other epistles"
(Acts of the
Apostles, pp. 302-3). If God could speak to the prophets of old "in
diverse manners" (Hebrews 1:1), He could most surely do the same in more recent
times.
(b) The Bible. Ellen White knew her Bible well, a fact that is
attested by the thousands of quotations from the Word of God which run through
all of her writings. She used the Bible freely in all of her books on Christ's
life and teachings. The Scriptures were to Ellen White the primary source of
information regarding what Jesus did and said.
(c) "Bible Histories" and other books. Since the Lord apparently did
not reveal the order of biblical events to Ellen White, she found it necessary
to seek this information as best she could by her own personal study from
various "Bible histories" (p. 21, par. 2). She also appears to have used some
books which dealt more specifically with the life of Jesus. She instructed her
family in Oakland to send her certain books which she had "laid out." (p. 17,
par. 5). She does not name these books, but it is likely that one of them was
William Hanna's Life of Christ, since some of her phraseology in
Spirit of Prophecy, Volume II, written at this time, is similar to the
language of Hanna. The extent and nature of her use of Hanna can be determined
only by a careful analysis of these books.
(4) Ellen White used both the Bible and historical
sources in the preparation of her other "conflict books" as well. W. C. White
states,
In some of the historical matters such as are brought out in Patriarchs and
Prophets, and in Acts of the Apostles
and in The Great
Controversy, the main outlines were made very clear and plain to her, and
when she came to write up these topics, she was left to study the Bible and
history to get dates and geographical relations and to perfect her description
of details.--W. C.
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White Correspondence File.
(5)
It may come as a new thought to some that Ellen White, in writing an
inspired book, should at times draw not only phraseology but certain types of
information from previously existing sources. But those who have studied the
Bible carefully will not find this thought disturbing inasmuch as they will
have noted that the Scripture writers also followed this practice. For example,
the Apostle Paul more than once used lines from Greek poets, and Jude included
a passage in his little epistle which someone else had written at least a
hundred years earlier.(See SDA Bible Commentary on Acts 17:28, 1
Corinthians 15:33, and Jude 14).
In 1892, as Ellen White once again commenced her writing on the life of
Christ, she spoke of "the things which burn in my soul in reference to the
mission of Christ." "I know not," she wrote, "how to present subjects in the
living power in which they stand before me" (p. 23, par. 4,5).
A year later she asserted that in writing on Christ's life she was tracing
words which would communicate to others "the light which the Lord has been
pleased in His great mercy and love to give me" (p. 25, par. 2). Some time
later, after mentioning several of her books, including The Desire of
Ages, she declared, "In my books, the truth is stated, barricaded by a
'Thus saith the Lord.' The Holy Spirit traced these truths upon my heart and
mind as indelibly as the law was traced by the finger of God, upon the tables
of stone" (p. 44, par. 7).
In the writing of The Desire of Ages Ellen White had help--help from
her secretaries and help from some other authors. But first and foremost she
had the help of the Lord. It was the Spirit of God who directed and controlled
her and who was the Guiding Force in the writing of all her messages.
The Desire of Ages
is not just another book on the life of Christ. In marked contrast to other
works on Christ's life, it was written under the inspiration of the Spirit of
God. It carries within its pages its own divine
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credentials. It breathes a heavenly spirit. Here we come face to face with
the Lord Himself. Through The Desire of Ages, as through no other book
outside the Bible, we may become intimately acquainted with our Saviour. And
this blessing will surely come to all who search its pages with hearts and
minds that are receptive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
(1) Unless otherwise
indicated, all references in this statement are to the attached document,
"Exhibits Relating to the Writing of The Desire of Ages.
(2) W. C. White to David
Paulson, February 15, 1905, W. C. White Letter File.
(3) W. C. White recognized
that in his mother's experience, the Lord at times overruled even the best
human advice. He wrote her once, "I see many reasons why you should not go to
the Colorado and California campmeetings. In my opinion, it would be the most
unfortunate thing in the world, for you to go and take a large burden of their
perplexities. It would do you ten times as much harm, as it would do them good.
I am of one mind regarding all the meetings. Do not think of going to any of
them, unless the Lord plainly tells you to go, and when He does this, I
withdraw all objections. W. C. White to Ellen White, August 18, 1890, W. C.
White Letter Book C, p. 58.
(4) For the benefit of those
who may wish to make comparisons between Hanna's work and that of Ellen White,
the White Estate has reproduced several hundred copies of five chapters drawn
from Hanna's Life of Christ. These are available on a complimentary
basis while the supply lasts.
(5) For the most
informative and concise statement from her own pen as to her use of the
historical material of other authors see her Introduction to
The Great
Controversy.
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OF THE DESIRE OF AGES
Arranged Chronologically
(Based On An On-Going Study Of
The Sources)
Exhibit 1: Sabbath and Sunday, March 13-14, 1858, The Whites
at Lovett's Grove, Ohio
THE REVIEW AND HERALD
"Sanctify them through thy truth;
thy word is truth."
BATTLE CREEK FIFTH-DAY, MAR. 25, 1858
March 13th and 14th we enjoyed freedom with the young church at
Lovett's Grove. Bro. Holt's labors have been greatly blessed in this place. He
thinks about forty are keeping the Sabbath in this place. A few weeks since
there were none. We enjoyed great freedom with these brethren. On First-day God
manifested his power in a wonderful manner before the crowded assembly. Several
decided to keep the Lord's Sabbath and go with the people of God. We feel much
indebted to Bro. and Sr. Tillotson who were with us two weeks and conveyed us
comfortably with their carriage all the way from where we left the rail road at
Green Spring, till we found it again at Freemont where we took the cars for
home.
James White, p. 149.
Exhibit 2: Sunday, March 14, 1858, The Great Controversy Vision Given at a
Funeral Service
In this vision at Lovett's Grove, most of the matter of the Great
Controversy which I had seen ten years before, was repeated, and I was shown
that I must write it out. That I should have to contend with the powers of
darkness, for Satan would make strong efforts to hinder me, but angels of GOD
would not leave me in the conflict, that in GOD must I put my trust.
After
I came out of vision, the afflicted friends, and a portion of the congregation,
bore the body to its resting-place. Great solemnity rested upon those who
remained.
Monday we commenced our journey homeward with Bro. and Sr.
Tillotson. The next day we took the cars at Freemont for Jackson, Mich. While
riding in the cars we arranged our plans for writing and publishing the book
called the Great Controversy, immediately on our return home.
Spiritual Gifts, Vol. II, pp. 270-271 (published 1860).
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Exhibit 3: 1858, Spiritual Gifts, Vol. I, Published.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
THE GREAT CONTROVERSY,
BETWEEN CHRIST AND HIS ANGELS,
AND SATAN AND HIS ANGELS.
BY ELLEN G. WHITE.
BATTLE CREEK, MICH.
PUBLISHED BY JAMES WHITE. 1858
CONTENTS.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
CHAPTER
I. The Fall of Satan, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
II.
II. The Fall of Man, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
III. The Plan
of Salvation, . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
IV. The First Advent of Christ . .
. . . . . . 28
V. The Ministry of Christ, . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
VI. The Transfiguration, . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
VII. The Betrayal
of Christ, . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
VIII. The Trial of Christ, . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 49
IX. The Crucifixion of Christ, . . . . . . . . . 57
X. The Resurrection of Christ . . . . . . . . 65
XI. The Ascension of
Christ, . . . . . . . . . 77
XII. The Disciples of Christ, . . . . . . . .
. . . 80
XIII. The Death of Stephen, . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
XIV.
The Conversion of Saul, . . . . . . . . . . . 90
XV. The Jews Decided to
Kill Paul, . . . . . 93
XVI. Paul Visited Jerusalem, . . . . . . . . . . 99
XVII. The Great Apostasy, . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
XVIII. Mystery
of Iniquity, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
XIX. Death, not Eternal Life
in Misery, . . 113
XX. The Reformation, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
XXI. The Church and World United, . . . 124
XXII. Wm. Miller, . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
XXIII. The First Angel's Message, . . . . . .
133
XXIV. The Second Angel's Message, . . . . 140
XXV. Advent Movement
Illustrated, . . . . 144
XXVI. Another Illustration, . . . . . . . . . . .
151
XXVII. The Sanctuary, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
XXVIII. The
Third Angel's Message, . . . . . 162
XXIX. A Firm Platform, . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . 168
XXX. Spiritualism, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
XXXI. Covetousness, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
XXXII. The
Shaking, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
XXXIII. The Sins of Babylon, .
. . . . . . . . . 189
XXXIV. The Loud Cry, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
193
XXXV. The Third Message Closed, . . . . . 197
XXXVI. The Time of
Jacob's Trouble, . . . 201
XXXVII. Deliverance of the Saints, . . . . . .
205
XXXVIII. The Saints' Reward, . . . . . . . . . . 209
XXXIX. The
Earth Desolated, . . . . . . . . 211
XL. The Second Resurrection, . . . . .
214
XLI. The Second Death, . . . . . . . . . . . 217
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Exhibit 4: Source of Information in Spiritual Gifts, Vol. I,
1858.
The Lord has shown me that Satan was once an honored angel in
heaven, next to JESUS CHRIST. --p. 17
I saw that the Son of God was pale and emaciated through fasting
and suffering. But his course was marked out, and he must fulfill the work he
came to do. (p. 31)
I then viewed Jesus in the garden with his disciples. (p. 46)
I saw that the feeblest angel could have caused that multitude to
fall powerless, and delivered Jesus. (p. 51)
But they need not have feared; for I beheld the angelic host
watching with untold interest the resting place of Jesus. (p. 64)
I saw the Roman guard, as the angelic host passed back to heaven,
and the light and glory passed away, raise themselves to see if it were safe
for them to look around. (p. 68)
Next I was shown the disciples as they sorrowfully gazed towards
heaven to catch the last glimpse of their ascending Lord. (p. 79)
[Spiritual Gifts, Vols. III and IV, both published in 1864,
completed the first writing of the great controversy story. These two volumes
dealt largely with Old Testament history. Spiritual Gifts, Vol. II, was
an autobiography of Ellen White and was not a part of the great controversy
series. As the years passed Ellen White determined to rewrite and enlarge these
books. First in the new series, published in 1870, was Spirit of
Prophecy, Vol. I, which covered Old Testament history up to the time of
Solomon. Next Ellen White concentrated on the life of Christ, which eventually
filled most of Spirit of Prophecy, Vols. II and III.]
Exhibit 5: Wednesday, January 1, 1873, Santa Rosa, California, Ellen
White Diary Entry
Wrote ten pages to Elder Littlejohn, after writing closely all day
upon my matter for Spirit of Prophecy.
(Manuscript 3, 1873, p. 1.)
Exhibit 6: Sunday, January 5, 1873, Petaluma, California, Ellen White
Diary Entry
We had three meetings. I spoke at eleven o'clock upon the life and
temptation of Christ in the wilderness. I felt the force of the subject I
presented before them.
Manuscript 3, 1873, p. 2.
Exhibit 7: Friday, January 10, 1873, Santa Rosa, California, Ellen White
Diary Entry
We rose early to prepare to go to San Francisco. My heart is
inexpressibly sad. This morning I take into candid consideration my writings.
My husband is too feeble to help me prepare them for the printer, therefore I
shall do no more with them at present. I am not
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a scholar. I cannot prepare my own writings for the press. Until I
can do this I shall write no more. It is not my duty to tax others with my
manuscript.
Manuscript 3, 1873, p. 5.
Exhibit 8: Sabbath, January 11, 1873, San Francisco, California, Ellen
White Diary Entry
We rested well last night. This Sabbath morning opens cloudy. My
mind is coming to strange conclusions. I am thinking I must lay aside my
writing I have taken so much pleasure in, and see if I cannot become a scholar.
I am not a grammarian. I will try, if the Lord will help me, at forty-five
years old to become a scholar in the science. God will help me. I believe He
will.
Manuscript 3, 1873, p. 5.
Exhibit 9: Sabbath, March 25, 1876, Oakland, California, Ellen White to
James White
Dear Husband: . . . Mary Clough* and I will do all we can to
forward the work of my writings. I cannot see any light shining to Michigan for
me. This year I feel that my work is writing. I must be secluded, stay right
here, and I must not let inclination or persuasion of others shake my
resolution to keep closely to my work until it is done. God will help me if I
trust in Him.
*Mary Clough (rhymes with "how") was the daughter of Ellen White's sister
Caroline.
Letter 63, 1876.
Exhibit 10: Friday, March 31, 1876, Oakland, California, Ellen White to
James White
Dear Husband: . . . I enjoy the presence of God and yet my soul is
continually drawn out for more of His salvation. I am writing and having
freedom in my writing. Precious subjects I am handling. The last I completed or
about completed yesterday--Jesus healing the impotent man at the pool of
Bethesda. It is a great subject, the discourse of Christ, following the healing
as He was accused of the Jews of Sabbath breaking.
Letter 1, 1876, p. 2.
Exhibit 11: Tuesday, April 4, 1876, Oakland, California, Ellen White to
James White
Dear Husband: . . . We have been having company about every day for
some days back, but I try to stick to my writings and do as much each day as I
dare. I cannot write but one half of a day each day.
Letter 3, 1876, p. 1.
Exhibit 12: Thursday, April 6, 1876, Oakland, California, Ellen White to
James White
(Continuation of letter started on April 4.) I have had much freedom in
prayer and sweet communion with God in my waking hours at night and early in
the morning. I am gaining some strength, but find that any taxation affects me
seriously so that it takes time to recover from it. My trust is in God. I have
confidence that He will help me in my efforts to get out the truth and light He
has given me
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to [give to] His people. Mary is a good help. I appreciate her.
Letter 3, 1876, p. 2.
Exhibit 13: Friday, April 7, 1876, Oakland, California, Ellen White to
James White
Dear Husband: . . . I am writing some every day but cannot confine
myself to writing more than one-half a day.
Yesterday Mary Clough, the little girls* and I visited Sister
Babcock. We had quite a walk. . . .
The precious subjects open to my mind well. I trust in God and He
helps me to write. I am some twenty-four pages ahead of Mary. She does well
with my copy. It will take a clear sense of duty to call me from this work to
camp meetings. I mean to finish my writings, on one book at any rate, before I
go anywhere.
* The "little girls" were Addie and May Walling, Mary Clough's neices, who
were raised by Ellen White.
Letter 4, 1876, pp. 1,4.
Exhibit 14: Sabbath, April 8, 1876, Oakland, California, Ellen White to
James White
Dear Husband: . . . In regard to publishing my book here, what do
you think of it? The manuscript could at once be put in the hands of the
printers. Will you please inform us in reference to this.
I have liberty in writing and I plead with God daily for counsel
and that I may be imbued with His Spirit. I then believe that I shall have help
and strength and grace to do the will of God.
I am glad you are so free and happy. I never had such an
opportunity to write in my life and I mean to make the most of it. . . .
How will it do to read my manuscript to Elders Waggoner and
Loughborough? If there is any wording of doctrinal points not so clear as might
be, he might discern it. (W. I mean.)
Letter 4a, 1876, pp. 1,2.
Exhibit 15: Saturday
night, April 8, 1876, Oakland, California, Ellen White to Lucinda Hall
Dear Sister Lucinda:** . . . My husband writes that an appeal is to
be sent to me from the [General] Conference [Session], but I shall not be moved
from that which I believe to be my duty at this time. I have a special work at
this time to write out the things which the Lord has shown me. We progress
finely, but I cannot write more than half a day. . . .
I have felt that I must neglect everything to get out these
writings. I have not attended meetings for two weeks. While Elders Waggoner
and
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Loughborough are here, I let them do the work, and I keep
all my strength for one purpose--to write. . . .
I want time to have my mind calm and composed. I want to have time
to meditate and pray while engaged in this work. I do not want to be wearied
myself or be closely connected with our people who will divert my mind. This is
a great work, and I feel like crying to God every day for His Spirit to help me
to do this work all right. . . .
Matter at Petaluma was needed for labor there next week. I put copy
in Elder Waggoner's hand to copy. He just did a miserable job. He did not
change anything or improve it at all. I prize Mary more and more every
day.
** Lucinda Hall (1839-1929) was for a time employed by Ellen White and came
to be one of her best friends.
Letter 59, 1876, pp. 1-3.
Exhibit 16: Sunday, April 16, 1876, "On the Cars from Oakland to
Brooklyn", Ellen White to J. White
Dear Husband: . . . I have written quite a number of pages today.
Mary is hard after me. She gets so enthusiastic over some subjects. She brings
in the manuscript after she has copied to read it to me. She showed me today
quite a heavy pile of manuscripts she had prepared. Quite proudly she viewed
it. . . .
Willie, his Mary and Mary Clough accompany me to the city tonight.
I think that we had better not get any furniture for [the] new house till you
are here to select it. . . .
I do not wish my mind diverted from my work to even go and select
furniture, but I only suggest. . . .
Oh, how I do long for that social and mysterious connection with
Jesus that elevates us above the temporal things of life. It is my anxiety to
be right with God, to have His Spirit continually witnessing with me that I am
indeed a child of God.
I shall strive to bring out these matters, so precious, to the
acceptance of God.
Well, I cannot write you very much news, when I shut myself in my
chamber day after day writing, and then when I write you every day, but you
must be content with what you can get. We now take the boat.
Letter 8, 1876, pp. 1,2.
Exhibit 17: Tuesday, April 18, 1876, Oakland, California, Ellen White to
James White
Dear Husband: . . . We went to the city Sunday night. I spoke to
quite a large congregation of outsiders with acceptance. Taking up the subject
of the loaves and fishes with which Jesus by His miraculous power fed about ten
thousand people--five thousand men and women and five thousand children--that
were continually collecting, after the
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Saviour had blessed the small portion of food; Christ walking on
the sea and the Jews requiring a sign that He was the Son of God. The neighbor
next to the church near the public garden was there. Cragg, I believe his name
is. They all listened with wide open eyes, and some [with] open mouths. Mary
says she feels provoked that she has written out that subject before she heard
me speak upon it. She will now insert some living points she heard that night.
She seemed deeply interested. . . .
I see many subjects to write out which must be done with the
greatest care. I want this summer, the whole of it, to do this work in. I must
stop a day or two in the week and go somewhere or my head will break down. I
begrudge every moment that I feel compelled to rest. These intensely
interesting subjects weary me far more to write them out than to speak upon
them.
I feel that it would not be advisable for me to break off now and
go East. Mary does not feel inclined to go. Says she just despises the Eastern
climate, but this would not prevent me if I could feel that it was my duty to
go. I would feel pleased to meet my brethren and sisters in camp meeting. It is
just such work as I enjoy. Much better than the confinement of writing. But
this will break up my work and defeat the plans of getting out my books, for I
cannot do both--travel and write. Now seems to be my golden opportunity. Mary
is with me, the best copyist I can ever have. Another such chance may never be
mine.
Letter 9, 1876, pp. 1,3.
Exhibit 18: Friday, April 21, 1876, Oakland, California, Ellen White to
James White
Dear Husband: . . . I have just completed quite a lengthy article on several
miracles; makes some fifty pages. We have prepared about 150 pages since you
left. We feel the best of satisfaction in what we have prepared.
Letter 12, 1876, p. 1.
Exhibit 19: Monday, April 24, 1876, Oakland, California, Ellen White to
James White
Dear Husband: Mary has just been reading to me two articles--one [was] on
the loaves and fishes, Christ walking on the water, and stating to His hearers
He was the Bread of life, which caused some of His disciples to turn from Him.
This takes fifty pages and comprises many subjects. I do think it the most
precious matter I have ever written. Mary is just as enthusiastic over it. She
thinks it is of the highest value. I am perfectly satisfied with it.
The other article was upon Christ going through the corn field, plucking the
ears of corn, and healing the withered hand--twelve pages. If I can, with
Mary's help, get out these subjects of such intense interest, I could say,
"Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace." These writings are all I
can see now. Mary's interest does not decrease at all. She is just as ardent
and anxious as I am that this
Page 15
work shall be done now before we leave California. Interesting subjects are
continually opening to my mind. These subjects I speak upon, which fastens them
in Mary's mind.
I believe that the Lord is with us, and His Spirit will impress our hearts.
Mary is only just after me. I have not subjects prepared ahead. My heart and
mind are in this work, and the Lord will sustain me in doing this work. I
believe the Lord will give me health. I have asked Him, and He will answer my
prayer. I love the Lord. I love His cause. I love His people. I feel great
peace and calmness of mind. There seems to be nothing to confuse and distract
my mind, and with so much hard thinking, my mind could not be perplexed with
anything without being overtaxed.
Letter 13, 1876, p. 1.
Exhibit 20: Tuesday, April 25, 1876, Oakland, California, Ellen White to
James White
Dear Husband: Last night I received a long letter from Elder Canright urging
my attending the camp meetings; also a letter from Brother Rogers of Missouri;
also one from Brother Colcord. . . .
They urge me strongly, but I dare not move on their light or obey their
call. My work is here at present. I see no light anywhere else and I desire
very earnestly to follow the light. If I thought it were my duty to go to these
meetings, I would go if my book was never completed, but I feel that now is my
time. God has provided me just the help I have longed for so much and prayed
for so earnestly. Already Mary has been here five months and the time has gone
without accomplishing very much on my work. We are now making excellent time
and preparing matter as fast as possible. My mind is on this work and I do not
want it withdrawn.
Should I follow my own pleasure or inclination, I should certainly attend
the camp meetings. I love the labor connected with the camp meetings much
better than I love writing. I enjoy traveling, but I feel that now is my time
and opportunity to get out this long-neglected work. . . .
All is quiet here. Nothing to draw me from my work. My mind is not perplexed
with harrassing matters of the church or of any kind of difficulties. I an, as
free from every outside care as I can possibly be anywhere. . . .
I cannot have much news to write for I go nowhere and see no one. Except
[for] the boat ride, I have been very much at home. Only called on two or three
of the sisters after writing all day.
I cannot merely portion my writing to one-half the day, as some of the time
my head troubles me, and then I have to rest, lie down, stop thinking, and take
my time for writing when I can do so comfortably. I cannot rush business. This
work must be done carefully, slowly, and accurately. The subjects we have
prepared are well gotten up. They please me.
Page 16
I am getting over my nervousness, and I sleep quite well every night except
after speaking. I then feel so intensely myself [that] rest and sleep are out
of the question. My subjects are to me of living reality, and I make the people
feel them.
Letter 14, 1876, pp. 1-3.
Exhibit 21: Thursday, April 27, 1876, Oakland, California, Ellen White
to James White
Dear Husband: . . . We have just completed twenty pages on the parable of
the Sower. This was rather a trying subject to write upon, but Mary and I have
read it over this afternoon, and we pronounce it excellent, excellent. She says
the subjects grow better and better, every one. She is just happy over this
work.
Letter 15, 1876, p. 2.
Exhibit 22: Thursday, April 27, 1876, Oakland, California, Ellen White
to Lucinda Hall
Dear Lucinda: . . . I am working to the very extent of my strength, and my
prayer is for the Lord to help, strengthen, and bless me in this work. He does
do this, or I could not do what I have done. My spirit yearns after God, and I
dare not trust myself at all. I am glad my husband is so free. May God continue
to bless him is our most earnest daily prayer.
We are, Mary and I, doing our uttermost to get my writings completed in the
space of six weeks. If we do, is it thought it will pay for us then to come
East? If not, we greatly prefer to remain and write the next volume. . . . I
know the people need this book at once, and I want my mind relieved and this
burden off my mind.
Letter 61, 1876, p. 1.
Exhibit 23: Friday, April 28, 1876, Oakland, California, Ellen White to
James White
Dear Husband: I have written fifteen pages today. Mary Clough is hard after
me. She has copied fifteen pages today--a good, large day's work. As soon as
dinner is eaten, I go to Mary's room and she reads me what she has written
while I lie on the sofa and rest. Then again at night I go to her room and she
reads the rest. She delights in it all as much as myself. Mary is trying her
utmost to get these books out. We have so quiet a time. Never have I had such
an opportunity in my life before. I will improve it. We have written about 200
pages since you left, all copied, ready for printers. . . .
I feel that I am less than nothing, but Jesus is my all--my righteousness,
and my wisdom, and my strength.
Letter 16a, 1876, pp. 1,2.
Exhibit 24: April, 1876, Oakland, California, Ellen White to James
White
Dear Husband: . . . Last night I again spoke to the people. This was my
text--the words of Christ to the twelve, "Will ye also go away?" Peter
Page 17
answered, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life"
(See John 6:67, 68). I had perfect freedom. I never felt more sensibly the
especial help from God than while speaking. The people sat as if spellbound,
wide awake, although the meeting did not close till after nine o'clock. The
Spirit of God was upon me.
Letter 18, 1876, pp. 1,2.
Exhibit 25: Friday, May 5, 1876, Oakland, California, Ellen White to
James White
Dear Husband: . . . I have been writing more than usual, which was too much
for me. I cannot and must not write more than half a day, but I continue to
step over the bounds and pay for it. My mind is on my subjects day and night. I
have strong confidence in prayer. The Lord hears me and I believe in His
salvation. In His strength I trust. In His strength I shall complete my
writings. I cling firmly to His hand with unwavering confidence. We are happy
in our work and this is our world for the present. . . .
I never expect so good an opportunity again of writing. May God help me is
my continual cry.
If I am blessed with health as I have been hitherto, I shall complete my
first book in about four weeks.
Letter 21, 1876, pp. 1-2.
Exhibit 26: Thursday, May 11, 1876, Oakland, California, Ellen White to
James White
Dear Husband: . . . If I get my writings [Spirit of Prophecy, Vol.
II] all in manuscript, my part of the work is done and I shall be relieved.
Letter 24, 1876, p. 2.
Exhibit 27: Cir. Monday, May 22, 1876, On The Train Between Oakland and
Sacramento, En Route to the Kansas Camp Meeting, Ellen White to Mary
Kelsey-White or Mary Clough
Dear Mary : We are all cheerful and comfortably located in the cars. We like
our situation very much. I owe Frank one dollar. Please pay him, and charge to
me. Ask Sister Rice to cut out a pattern of the basque she fitted for me. Send
a copy to Kansas and have one nicely secured at Oakland. You need not send
Walks and Homes of Jesus* when you send the
books I laid out.
Letter 27a, 1876.
*By Daniel March.
Exhibit 28: Thursday, October 19, 1876, Battle Creek, Michigan, Ellen
White to W.C. & Mary White
Dear Children Willie and Mary: . . . We have decided to have the printers go
on my book and not transport these books across the plains again. Part of the
book is here already printed. We shall not have them stereo-typed, because we
shall not wait to have matters of my book so very, very exact, but get out this
first edition and get it in market. Then
Page 18
we can take time to get out a more perfect edition on [the] Pacific Coast
and have [it] stereotyped, then your father's and my life will be written and
printed in the Pacific Printing Office. But we have all used our best judgment
and think we had better remain here till December and complete this edition. .
. .
Mary Clough feels that she cannot break off from this book again. She wants
to see it completed. We will therefore do our utmost to accomplish this object
and as soon as [it is] done, come right along.
Letter 45, 1876, pp. 1,2.
Exhibit 29: Thursday, October 26, 1876, Battle Creek, Michigan, Ellen
White to W.C. & Mary White
Dear Children: . . . We are in the very worst drive and hurry getting off my
Volume Two, Spirit of Prophecy. Three new forms are
already printed. If we remain here four weeks longer we shall have the book
completed, and remove from my mind a great burden of care. . . .
I fear if we left immediately the book would be hindered for two months.
Mary is driving to the uttermost. . . .
We were never so full of business before. Mary sits up until twelve and one
o'clock at night. She works tremendously.
Letter 46, 1876, pp. 1-2.
Exhibit 30: Thursday, November 30, 1876, Review and Herald
Announcement
The Review and
Herald.
-----------------------------------------
Battle Creek, Mich., Fifth-Day, Nov. 30, 1876.
=================================
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. II.
We are prepared to speak of this volume, now
just issued, as the most remarkable volume that has ever issued from this
Office. It covers that portion of the great controversy between Christ and
Satan, which is included in the life and mission, teachings and miracles, of
Christ here upon the earth. Many have endeavored to write the life of Christ;
but their work, as compared with this, seem to be only like the outer garments
to the body. Here we have, so to speak, an interior view of the wonderful work
of God during this time. And if the reader has a heart that can be impressed,
feelings that can be stirred, an imagination that can respond to the most vivid
portraiture of the most thrilling scenes, and a spirit to drink in lessons of
purity, faith, and love from Christ's divine example, he will find in this
volume that which will call into liveliest play all these faculties. But the
best of all is the lasting impression it must make for good upon all who read.
It should have an unlimited circulation. Post-paid, by mail, as per previous
notions, $1.00. U. S.
Page 19
Exhibit 31: Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. II, Table of Contents,
1877
CONTENTS
.......................................................................PAGE
CHAPTER I. The First Advent of Christ,
...............................9
CHAPTER II. The Life of Christ,
..................................................30
CHAPTER III. Life and
Mission of John, ......................................41
CHAPTER IV. The
Mission of Christ, ..........................................58
CHAPTER V.
The Death of John, ................................................74
CHAPTER VI. Temptation of Christ,
............................................86
CHAPTER VII. The Marriage at
Cana, ........................................98
CHAPTER VIII. Cleansing
the Temple, ......................................115
CHAPTER IX. Nicodemus
comes to Christ, ...............................124
CHAPTER X. The Woman of
Samaria, .......................................140
CHAPTER XI. The
Centurion's Son, ...........................................151
CHAPTER
XII. Jesus at Bethesda, ..............................................156
CHAPTER XIII. Jesus at Capernaum,
..........................................173
CHAPTER XIV. Choosing the
Disciples, ......................................182
CHAPTER XV. The
Sabbath, ......................................................193
CHAPTER
XVI. Sermon of the Mount, ........................................200
CHAPTER XVII. The Leper Healed,
...........................................225
CHAPTER XVIII. Parable of
the Sower, .....................................282
CHAPTER XIX. Other
Parables, .................................................242
CHAPTER XX.
The Loaves and Fishes, ......................................258
CHAPTER
XXI. Walking on the Water, ......................................267
CHAPTER XXII. Christ in the Synagogue,
...................................274
CHAPTER XXIII. The Paralytic,
..................................................292
CHAPTER XXIV. Woman
of Canaan, .........................................301
CHAPTER XXV. Christ
Stills the Tempest, ..................................305
CHAPTER XXVI. Men
from the Tombs, ......................................311
CHAPTER XXVII.
Jairus' Daughter, .............................................318
CHAPTER
XXVIII. The Transfiguration, ......................................324
CHAPTER XXIX. Feast of Tabernacles,
......................................337
CHAPTER XXX. Go and Sin no More,
........................................349
CHAPTER XXXI. Resurrection of
Lazarus, ..................................358
CHAPTER XXXII. Mary's
Offering, .............................................372
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Riding into Jerusalem, ....................................382
Exhibit 32: Thursday, February 14, 1878, Review and Herald
Announcement
The Review and Herald.
------------------------------------------
Battle Creek,
Mich., Fifth-Day, Feb. 14, 1878.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 3.
THIS volume, by Mrs. E. G. White, is now ready. It dwells very
fully upon the sufferings and death of Christ, his resurrection and ascension
to Heaven, and closes with an account of the lives, teachings and persecutions
of the apostles. It is written in the same forcible and impressive style as the
preceding volumes, and is a book of equally thrilling interest. It will be
hailed with gladness everywhere by those best acquainted with sister W. and her
work. In style, size and price, it is the same as Vols. 1 and 2; pages 400;
price $1.00.
Page 20
Exhibit 33: 1878, Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. III, Table of Contents
CONTENTS
..............................................................PAGE.
CHAPTER I. Weeping over Jerusalem,
....................................... 9
CHAPTER II. Cleansing the Temple,
......................................20
CHAPTER III. Jesus and the
Pharisees, ......................................36
CHAPTER IV. Denouncing
the Pharisees, ......................................56
CHAPTER V. In the
Outer Court, ......................................74
CHAPTER VI. The
Passover Supper, ......................................81
CHAPTER VII. In
the Garden, ......................................94
CHAPTER VIII. In the
Judgement Hall, ......................................107
CHAPTER IX.
Condemnation of Jesus, ......................................127
CHAPTER X.
Calvary, ......................................148
CHAPTER XI. At the
Sepulcher, ......................................173
CHAPTER XII. The
Conflict Ended, ......................................183
CHAPTER XIII. The
Resurrection, ......................................191
CHAPTER XIV. The
Women at the Tomb, ......................................198
CHAPTER XV.
Jesus at Emmaus, ......................................206
CHAPTER XVI. In
the Upper Chamber, ......................................216
CHAPTER XVII.
Jesus at Galilee, ......................................223
CHAPTER XVIII.
Meeting of the Brethren, ......................................234
CHAPTER
XIX. Ascension of Christ, ......................................249
CHAPTER
XX. The Pentecost, ......................................263
CHAPTER XXI.
The Cripple Healed, ......................................275
CHAPTER XXII.
The Seven Deacons, ......................................291
CHAPTER XXIII.
Conversion of Saul, ......................................305
CHAPTER XXIV.
Paul Commences his Ministry, ......................................317
CHAPTER XXV. The Ministry of Peter,
......................................323
CHAPTER XXVI. Deliverance of
Peter, ......................................334
CHAPTER XXVII. Ordination
of Paul and Barnabas, ......................................345
CHAPTER
XXVIII. Preaching among the Heathen, ......................................358
CHAPTER XXIX. Jew and Gentile, ......................................368
CHAPTER XXX. Imprisonment of Paul and Silas,
......................................378
CHAPTER XXXI. Opposition at
Thessalonica, ......................................387
Exhibit 34: Sunday, December, 1878, Denison, Texas, Ellen White to Mary
White
Dear daughter [in-law] Mary: This week we shall commence to live
in the new house. It is roomy and a very nice building. . . . Be sure and send
me that coarse material like Emma's dress. Please send that double paisley
shawl. I have a plan for it. Send my plaid shawl, and you may send two
comfortables. Send books, red-covered Jewish Antiquities and the
Bible Dictionary. Is Night Scenes of the Bible* there? If so,
send it.
Letter 60, 1878, p. 1.
* By Daniel March, published in 1869.
Page 21
Exhibit 35: Tuesday, December 22, 1885, Basel, Switzerland, Switzerland;
Ellen White to Edson & W.C. White
Dear Children, Edson and Willie: . . . Tell her [Marian Davis*] I
just one minute ago read the letters in which she has specified the improvements
to be made in articles for Volume 1. I thank her. Tell her that she has a point
about Zedekiah's having his eyes put out. That needs to be more carefully worded--also
the rock, when the water flowed--something in reference to this. I think I can
make the articles specified more full ....
Well, my dear Willie and Edson and Emma, let us draw very nigh to
God. Let us live daily as we would wish we had lived when the judgment shall
sit and the books shall be opened, and when everyone will be rewarded according
to his works. I am not cast down nor discouraged, but I feel weighed down as a
cart beneath sheaves. We have had several days of beautiful weather. It has
commenced raining this afternoon. Tell Mary to find me some histories of the
Bible that would give me the order of events. I have nothing and can find
nothing in the library here.
Letter 38, 1885, p. 8.
* Marian Davis (1847-1904) was a highly skilled secretary and literary
assistant to Ellen White. She worked for Ellen White from 1879 until 1904,
helping to produce many books, including The Desire of Ages.
Exhibit 36: Sunday, January 16, 1887, Basel, Switzerland, W. C. White to
B. L. Whitney**
Dear Brother: It is Sunday afternoon. I have received no telegram
from Olsen and conclude that their meeting is postponed, therefore I decided
not to go to London. . . ..
I also enclose a list of books prepared by Sister Davis which she
wishes to have examined by some of your party that we may know if any of them
will be valuable to us in our Bible study or the preparation of articles on
Bible subjects. After reading the memoranda as prepared by Sister Davis I see
there is little I need to say. Perhaps you will want some of these in the
office library. . . .
You will note what they say about the cuts in Farrar's Life of
Christ. This is just the way they talked at first about those in the
Child's Life of Christ. . . ..
Please buy of Cassell one set [of] Wylie's Prot., one
Hanna's *** Life of Christ, and for your library I think you would do
well to have a set of Geikie's Hours With the
Bible. If you have not already obtained them in New York, you ought to
inquire for, and purchase for your library, The Temple and
Its Services, Jewish Social Life, Andrew's
Life of Our Lord, a good harmony of the Gospels, aand
other works that will be useful to your wife in preparing notes for the Sabbath
School lessons. She ought to have a copy of the latest and best Bible
dictionary.--W. C.
** Elder Whitney (1845-1888) bore heavy responsibilities in the publishing
work which was centered in Basel.
*** William Hanna's Life of Christ was first published
in 1863.
Page 22
White Letter Book A-2, pp. 74-76. (Written from Basel, Switzerland, to B. L.
Whitney, who was on business in London, England.)
Exhibit 37: March, 1889,
Battle Creek, Michigan, Ellen White to her Daughter-in Law
Mary, Willie is in meeting early and late, devising, planning for
the doing of better and more efficient work in the cause of God. We see him
only at the table. Marian will go to him for some little matters that it
seems she could settle for herself. She is nervous and hurried and he so
worn he has to just shut his teeth together and hold his nerves as best he can.
I have had a talk with her and told her she must settle many things herself
that she has been bringing Willie. Her mind is on every point and the
connections, and his mind has been plowing through a variety of difficult
subjects until his brain reels and then his mind is in no way prepared to take
up these little minutia. She must just carry some of these things that belong
to her part of the work, and not bring them before him nor worry his mind with
them. Sometimes I think she will kill us both, all unnecessarily, with her
little things she can just as well settle herself as to bring them before us.
Every little change of a word she wants us to see. I am about tired of this
business.
Letter 64a, 1889, p. 1.
Exhibit 38: Sunday, 12, 1889, 188g, Ottawa, Kansas, Ellen White to Her
Family
Dear Children of the household: . . . I had been, during the forty-five
years of experience, shown the lives, the character and history of the
patriarchs, and prophets, who had come to the people with a message from God,
and Satan would start some evil report, or get up some difference of opinion or
turn the interest in some other channel, that the people should be deprived of
the good the Lord had to bestow them. . . . .
I could but have a vivid picture in my mind from day to day of the way
reformers were treated, how slight difference of opinion seemed to create a
frenzy of feeling. Thus it was in the betrayal, trial, and crucifixion of
Jesus--all this had passed before me point by point
Letter 14, 1889, p. 3.
Exhibit 39: Sunday, February 14, 1892, Preston, Melbourne, Australia,
Ellen White Diary Entry
I try to prevent all movements of my arms lest I should shriek out
with pain. I can write with my right hand; can use my arm from the elbow down.
The Lord's special blessing comes to me in this. I thank His holy name.
Truth has never been more clearly impressed upon my mind than
during this sickness and I praise the Lord that I have voice to express the
words He gives me.
Manuscript 29, 1892, p. 2.
Page 23
Exhibit 40: Monday, February 15, 1892, Preston, Melbourne, Australia,
Ellen White Diary Entry
I have been able to write some upon the life of Christ. I praise
the name of the Lord that my reason is spared to me.
Manuscript 29, 1892, p. 3.
Exhibit 41: Sunday, April 3, 1892, Marian Davis to W. C. White
Since Revel copyrighted the book, "Steps to Christ" before
arrangements were made to reserve the right of using any of the matter in "Life
of Christ," ought there not to be some understanding with him as soon as
possible? It would be quite a task, after the book is completed, to remove from
L. C. all the sentences and paragraphs that have been used in "Steps." And as I
have said before, in one case--possibly two--I shall want to use rather more
than a page from "Steps."
White Estate Document File #393a. (Written from Preston, Melbourne,
Victoria, Australia.)
Exhibit 42: Friday, July 15, 1892, Preston, Victoria, Australia, Ellen
White to O. A. Olsen*
This is indeed a physical weakness for me, and almost absolute
dependence upon others. So new is this experience to me that I have felt amazed
that it should be so. But though almost helpless in body, in heart I feel no
sense of age.
This week I have been enabled to commence writing on the life of
Christ. Oh, how inefficient, how incapable I am of expressing the things which
burn in my soul in reference to the mission of Christ! I have hardly dared to
enter upon the work. There is so much to it all. And what shall I say, and what
shall I leave unsaid? I lie awake nights pleading with the Lord for the Holy
Spirit to come upon me, to abide upon me.
I walk with trembling before God. I know not how to speak or trace
with pen the large subject 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, p. 4.
*O. A. Olsen was General Conference president from 1888 to
1897.
Exhibit 43: Monday, October 30, 1892, Marian Davis to Ellen White
I want to ask a question about the two parables of the hidden
treasure and the merchant man seeking goodly pearls. Do these two parables
represent exactly the same thing? It does not seem as if Christ would
give two parables to teach exactly the same thing. Is there not some
point in which they differ? Might they not represent two different classes who
find the truth? The man who finds the treasure is not said
Page 24
to have been seeking for it. He may have come upon it unexpectedly as he
was at work in the fields. But when he finds it, he is ready to give all
in order to possess it. Then he will diligently search the field for
more. How many there are to whom the truth comes that way, unexpectedly,
unsought, but who gladly sacrifice for its sake when they discern its
preciousness. But the merchant was seeking goodly pearls. So there are earnest
and thoughtful minds everywhere who are earnestly seeking for something
precious and enduring--something upon which to fix their hopes, and when the
truth is received to them, they too receive it with great joy.
Thus through all time the two parables would appeal to two
different classes of people. I know the parable of the treasure has been used
to represent diligence in searching. But this explanation would not do away
with that. Does not the searching come in after he finds that there is
treasure hid in the field?
I have gone past these parables in my work, but am anxious to have
them brought out just right, and if you can give me any light on them I shall
be very thankful.
White Estate Document File #393a. (Written from St. Kilda, Melbourne, to
Ellen White who was at Adelaide.)
Exhibit 44: Thursday, March 16, 1893, Marian Davis to Ellen White
Would it be all right for me to have Sister Tenney copy some of the
chapters in life of Christ? It is hard to work in advance, when all my
manuscript is in shape so difficult to refer to. Can't tell what has been
introduced and what has not. Thought it might be a help to get the manuscript
copied.
White Estate Document File #393a. (Written from St. Kilda, Melbourne, to
Ellen White who was in New Zealand.)
Exhibit 45: Wednesday, March 29, 1893, Marian Davis to W. C. White
You will perhaps remember some things I said last spring about the
necessity of having the matter from articles and scrapbooks, that might be
available for use in the life of Christ, copied, so as to be convenient for
reference. Perhaps you can imagine the difficulty of trying to bring together
points relating to any subject, when these must be gleaned from thirty
scrapbooks [of E. G. White materials], a half-dozen bound volumes, and fifty
manuscripts, all covering thousands of pages. . . .
One thing more as to why so much more is needed for life of Christ
than for previous books. The material is much more abundant, the range of
subjects much greater; the work demands more in every way.
White Estate Document File #393a. (Written from St. Kilda, Melbourne,
Australia.)
Page 25
Exhibit 46: Monday, May 22, 1893, Marian Davis to Ellen White
As I read over the new chapters on LC [Life of Christ] they seem
very precious to me--the lessons of hope and faith, the love and tenderness of
the Saylout, and I feel anxious that the book should go to the people. I pray
that God will give you strength and will give grace and wisdom to
me.
White Estate Document File #393a. (Written from St. Kilda, Melbourne, to
Ellen White who was in New Zealand.)
Exhibit 47: Tuesday, May 23, 1893, Wellington, New Zealand, Ellen White
Diary Entry
It is cloudy and raining this morning. I have been writing upon the
life of Christ since four o'clock. Oh, that the Holy Spirit may rest and abide
upon me, that my pen may trace the words which will communicate to others the
light which the Lord has been pleased in His great mercy and love to give to
me.
Manuscript 80, 1893, p. 20.
Exhibit 48: Thursday, June 15, 1893, Wellington, New Zealand, Ellen
White to W. C. White
Dear Son Willie: . . . Marian, you know, cannot be closely
confined. She is all enthused with hospital work. I am anxious to get out the
life of Christ. Marian specifies chapters and subjects for me to write upon
that I do not see really need to be written upon. I may see more light in them.
These I shall not enter upon without the Lord's Spirit seems to lead me. The
building a tower, the war of kings, these things do not burden my mind, but the
subjects of the life of Christ, His character representing the Father, the
parables essential for us all to understand and practice the lessons contained
in them, I shall dwell upon.
Letter 131, 1893, p. 3.
Exhibit 49: Sunday, July 2, 1893, Wellington, New Zealand, Ellen White
to W. C. White
Dear Son Willie: . . . We must begin, very decidedly, to understand
where the forthcoming book is to be published, for we must move carefully in
the fear God. . . ..
I write some every day on the life of Christ. One chapter sets my
mind fresh upon other subjects so that I have several scratch books that I am
writing upon. I hardly dare send manuscript by young Linden, fearing it may get
lost, and I wish to give more time to some subjects.
Letter 132, 1893, p. 6.
Exhibit 50: Friday, July 7, 1893, Wellington, New Zealand, Ellen White
to W. C. White
Dear Son Willie: . . . I have written you a little bit every mail
we heard of that went to Australia, and when Brother Linden went, sent you a
letter and manuscript for Fanny and Marian--some on life of Christ and some for
Fanny. That on life of Christ can be used for articles for the
paper.
Letter 133, 1893, p. 3.
Page 26
Exhibit 51: Wednesday, August 2, 1893, Marian Davis to Ellen White
Now, about the book. I am so glad you are writing on the two journeys to
Galilee. I was so afraid you would not bring that out. Shall hope to receive
something from you before long. There's a good deal of work to be done behind
me, but I don't like to turn back if I can help it, rather wait, till I get
nearly or quite through, and have all the matter together, and then I can go
back once for all, and finish up. That will save me going over the
ground more than twice. . . .
I send two chapters on L.C. [Life of Christ] that were left when I sent
before. I addressed them and left in the till of W. C. [White]'s trunk. . . .
I shall watch with great interest for the arrival of the promised
manuscript. Am so glad you are writing just where you are. There is such a rich
field in the teachings of Christ after He left Jerusalem after the Feast of
Tabernacles.
White Estate Document File #393a. (Written from Prahran, Melbourne,
Australia, to Ellen White who was in New Zealand.)
Exhibit 52: Tuesday, August 22, 1893, Marian Davis to Ellen White
I have a number of chapters prepared on life of Christ, but cannot get them
copied just now. Perhaps I can on vacation. If so, I will send them to you. Am
glad you are working on life of Christ and am looking eagerly for manuscript.
There are chapters--or parts--that are to be prepared in what I have gone
over--some things that were left incomplete, and I can be working on these till
I get more manuscript. Of course I have a considerable manuscript ahead of
where I am working, but it is not in regular connection, and it will be better
to prepare it after I get the intervening links.
White Estate Document File #393a. (Written from Prahran, Melbourne,
Australia, to Ellen White in New Zealand.)
Exhibit 53: Thursday, October 5, 1893, Marian Davis to Ellen White
There are some points I would like to ask about the life of Christ. Wasn't
it all through His life on earth, a struggle with Him to restrain His divine
power--to keep the level of humanity? Especially in the temptation in the
wilderness when Satan came to him saying, If Thou be the Son of God,
then for Christ not to assert Himself, not to rebuke the tempter. And in the
last temptation, I would like to know if this idea is right--Adam held
dominion over the earth, but as subject to Christ. The Son of God was
the real, original ruler, and Adam held dominion under him. Adam betrayed to
Satan his dominion, but back of that, Christ was the first ruler of the world.
Now in the temptation, Satan comes with his stolen title and offers it to
Christ, the original ruler, on condition that Christ shall pay him homage. To
do this would be to place Satan in supremacy as the original ruler, and Christ
to be subordinate to Satan. The intolerable impudence--if I may be permitted
the expression--of Satan! It seems as if Christ must have been tempted to blot
him out of existence then and there, and bring to an end all
Page 27
his miserable work. Now, if there is anything to this, I wish it might be
brought out, that Christ never asserted Himself, He bore all the
misrepresentation and assumption of Satan, and just lived--Just let His
life shine out, the unfolding of God's eternal love, as the vindication of
Himself, and the eternal refutation of all the claims of Satan. Oh, what a
wonderful lesson that has for us, not to vindicate or assert ourselves, but to
let principle unfold and develop, to let our life speak, while we are silent.
The lessons on the life of Christ seem to excite general interest. Brother
Starr draws quite fully from the manuscript chapters. . . .
I am attending the Bible class now. It breaks up my time some, but since
they are considering the life of Christ I want to hear it, as any discussion or
presentation of that subject brings it up fresh to one's own mind.
White Estate Document File #393a. (Written from Prahran, Melbourne, to
Ellen White in New Zealand.)
Exhibit 54: Wednesday, October 18, 1893, Marian Davis to Ellen White
I hope it will not be necessary for me to work on testimony, at least at
present. The Bible studies [at the Australasian Bible School] are on the life
of Christ, and I am anxious to keep on that line of thought if possible, if I
am to continue the work on the book. There is much yet to be done with the
material I have, though,of course, the sooner new matter can be had, the
better.
Oh, when I see how we seem to be in the circles of a whirlpool that is
sweeping us faster and faster toward the great
consummation I do long to see this book go out, to reveal Christ to the
people as He is in His beauty. Let the work be done by whomever God shall
choose, but Oh, I want to see it done, and I will be so thankful if He will use
me anywhere. There is a very great loss in stopping, breaking off the chain of
thought and beginning over again. But I am ready to do it, if necessary. But
while we are studying the life of Christ and the matter is on my mind it seems
like poor policy to work at something else. . . .
I sympathize with you in the constant moving. It must be very wearisome. But
what a privilege the New Zealand people are having!
I shall be so glad when we can talk over the work. So many points come up
that I want to ask about, and I shall appreciate the privilege of having
someone to read the chapters to.
I will send you a few more chapters soon. Brother [W.F.] Caldwell copies for
me Sunday forenoons. . . . I am real anxious to get some chapters finished and
some gaps filled before going to any other work. . . .
Page 28
These are busy days, the Bible class coming in the middle of the forenoon is
rather inconvenient, but while the life of Christ is studied, I can't afford to
lose it, for it is the only thing I have bearing on my work, and it wakes one's
mind up to hear the matter talked over.
White Estate Document File #393a. (Written from Prahran, Melbourne,
Australia, to Ellen White in New Zealand.)
Exhibit 55: Thursday, January 18, 1894, Brighton, Victoria, Australia,
EGW to W. W. Prescott
[Written in her tent at the Brighton camp meeting to the president of Battle
Creek College, concerning a problem in that institution.]
Now I must leave this subject so imperfectly presented, that I fear you will
misinterpret that which I feel so anxious to make plain. Oh, that God would
quicken the understanding, for I am but a poor writer, and cannot with pen or
voice express the great and deep mysteries of God. Oh, pray for yourselves,
pray for me.
Letter 67, 1894, p. 10.
Exhibit 56: 1894, Granville, New South Wales, Australia, Ellen White to
O. A. Olsen
It is decided in council I shall write on the life of Christ; but how any
better than in the past? Questions and the true conditions of things here and
there are urged upon me. . . .
I have done scarcely anything on the life of Christ, and have been obliged
to often bring Marian to my help, irrespective of the work on the life of
Christ which she has to do under great difficulties, gathering from all my
writings a little here and a little there, to arrange as best she can. But she
is in good working order, if I could only feel free to give my whole attention
to the work. She has her mind educated and trained for the work; and now I
think, as I have thought a few hundred times, I shall be able after this mail
closes to take the life of Christ and go ahead with it, if the Lord will.
Letter 55, 1894, p. 6.
Exhibit 57: Thursday, October 25, 1894, Granville, New South Wales,
Australia, Ellen White to Dr. John Harvey Kellogg.
Marian is working at the greatest disadvantage. I find but little time in
which to write on the life of Christ. I am continually receiving letters that
demand an answer, and I dare not neglect important matters that are brought to
my notice. Then there are churches to visit, private testimonies to write, and
many other things to be attended to that tax me and consume my time. Marian
greedily grasps every letter I write to others in order to find sentences that
she can use in the life
Page 29
of Christ. She has been collecting everything that has a bearing on Christ's
lessons to His disciples, from all possible sources. After the camp meeting is
ended, which is a very important meeting, I shall locate myself in some place
where I can give myself to the work of writing on the life of Christ. Where
that will be is a question that is not settled, but it must be done. . . .
There is much to be done in the churches, and I cannot act my part in
keeping up the interest and do the other work that is necessary for me to do
without becoming so weary that I cannot devote strength to writing on the life
of Christ. I am much perplexed as to what is my duty. . . .
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, and prepare testimony No. 34, for it
is very much needed. I will have to stop writing so much for the papers, and
let the Review and Herald, the Signs of
the Times, and all other periodicals go without articles from my pen
for this year. All articles that appear under my signature are fresh, new
writings from my pen. I am sorry that I have not more literary help. I need
this kind of help very much. Fannie could help me a great deal on the book work
if she had not so many articles to prepare for the papers, and so many letters
and testimonies to edit to meet the demands of my correspondence and the needs
of the people. It is of no use to expect anything from Marian until the life of
Christ is completed. I wish I could procure another intelligent worker who
could be trusted to prepare matter for the press. Such a worker would be of
great value to me. But the question is, Where shall I find such an one? I am
brain weary much of the time. I write many pages before breakfast. I rise in
the morning at two, three, and four o'clock. . . .
You know that my whole theme both in the pulpit and in private, by voice and
pen, is the life of Christ. Hitherto nearly all that I have written on this
theme has been written during the hours when others are sleeping.
Letter 41, 1895, pp. 1-4.
Exhibit 58: Monday, December 10, 1894, W. C. White to Miss Julia
Malcolm
As regards your questions about Mother's writings you may have noticed in
her [public] addresses that she has a full vocabulary and much power of
description and at the same time you may have noticed faulty grammatical
constructions. Those familiar with her writings find the same characteristics
and also we find that as scenes which are similar in character and import are
impressed upon her mind that she writes them out rapidly without reference to
chronological order or other apparent connection. We are often perplexed by
this characteristic in some of the prophetic books of the Bible.
Page 30
The secretaries and copyists who prepare Mother's writings for the printer
remove repetitions so that the matter may be brought into the allotted space.
They correct bad grammar and they fit the matter for publication. They
sometimes carry her best expressions of thought from one paragraph to another
but do not introduce their own thoughts into the matter. The thoughts and the
expressions which you mention are Mother's own thoughts and expressions. With
kindest regards.
W. C. White Letter Book 7, p. 20. (Written from Norfolk Villa,
Prospect Road, Granville, N. S. W., Australia, to Julia Malcolm in Brighton,
Victoria, Australia.)
Exhibit 59: Sabbath, August 10, 1895, Marian Davis to Ellen White
Just as long as I can see work to do on the manuscript it is hard for me to
leave it. So long as I can work, the greatest rest for me is to see the work
advancing. I am not by any means wasting the time, but am doing work that must
be done and that there may not be time for by and by. . . . Of course nothing
will go that you do not approve. God will help. I feel that He does help.
Yet I don't feel that I could take a vacation until the book is completed.
That is, so long as there is work to do on it.
White Estate Document File #393a. (Written from Granville, NSW.)
Exhibit 60: Monday, November 25, 1895, Marian Davis to Ellen White
We sent the letter for Sydney workers to Brother McCullagh. It was so good.
I must keep all the general for my scrapbooks. Of late I have been using the
matter gleaned from late letters, testimonies, etc. Have found some of the most
precious things, some in those letters to Elder Corliss. They have been to me
like a storehouse of treasures. There's something in these personal testimonies
that are written with deep feeling, that comes close to the heart. It seems to
me the things gathered in this way give a power and significance to the book
that nothing else does. I hope the one who copies will not forget to send me a
copy of everything.
White Estate Received Correspondence File. (Written from Granville, NSW.)
Exhibit 61: Sunday, December 22, 1895, Marian Davis to J. E. White
Since these books are sent out without explanation as to the authority by
which the author speaks, it was thought best to avoid, as far as we could,
statements for which the Bible seems to furnish no proof, or which to the
ordinary reader appear to contradict the Bible. Better to give the reader what
they will accept and profit by than to excite criticism and questioning that
will lead them to discredit the whole. . . .
Page 31
Sister White says that Christ was twice crowned with thorns, but as the
Bible mentions only the second crowning, it was thought best to omit the first,
or rather to give the second instead of the first.
White Estate Received Correspondence File.
Exhibit 62: Monday, April 13, 1896, Marian Davis to A. O. Tait
We have not yet given special attention, in the preparation of manuscript
for the new life of Christ, to the closing scenes of the Saviour's life. Of
course the matter is not so vivid in Sister White's mind as when she is
specially writing or speaking on it, nor can I speak so decidedly on it as
after I have worked on the manuscript.
White Estate Received Correspondence File. (Written from Sunnyside,
Cooranbong, Australia.)
Exhibit 63: Sabbath,
June 6, 1896 , EGW Manuscript, "Illustrations of Heavenly Things"
That which is holy and elevated in heavenly things, I scarcely dare
represent. Often I lay down my pen and say, Impossible, impossible for finite
minds to grasp eternal truths, and deep holy principles, and to express their
living import. I stand ignorant and helpless. The rich current of thought
takes possession of my whole being, and I lay down my pen, and say, Oh Lord, I
am finite, I am weak, and simple and ignorant; Thy grand and holy revelations I
can never find language to express.
My words seem inadequate. I despair of clothing the truth God has made known
concerning His great redemption, which engrossed to itself His undivided
attention in the only begotten Son of the Infinite One. The truths that are to
last through time and through eternity, the great plan of redemption, which
cost so much for the salvation of the human race, presenting before them a life
that measures with the life of God--these truths are too full, deep, and holy
for human words or human pen to adequately express.
Manuscript 23, 1896, p. 2.
Exhibit 64: Friday, July 16, 1896, Cooranbong, New South Wales,
Australia, EGW to Mrs. Wessels
Dear Sister Wessels: . . . The manuscript for the "Life of Christ" is just
about to be sent to America. This will be handled by the Pacific Press. I have
employed workers to prepare this book, especially Sister Davis, and this has
cost me three thousand dollars. Another three thousand will be needed to
prepare it to be scattered broadcast through the world in two books. We hope
that they will have a large sale. I have devoted little time to these books,
for speaking,writing articles for the papers, and writing private testimonies
to meet and repress the evils that are coming in, keeps me busy.
Letter 114, 1896, p. 3.
Page 32
Exhibit 65: Monday, November 23, 1896, Marian Davis to C. H. Jones
This morning Brother White handed me your letter of October 6, with list of
cuts etc., asking me to write to you in regard to it. Had I seen them before
leaving Cooranbong, where my lists and MS are, I could have written more
intelligently. As it is, I can mention but few points.
I. Transposition of chapters. In the order of chapters we followed Andrews'*
Harmony, as given in his Life of Christ. He is generally regarded as the very
best authority, and is quoted by leading writers. We know of no better
arrangement than his. (The year between the first and second passover seems to
have been a period of comparative quiet and seclusion; that between the second
and third, of activity and publicity.) Those who read the MS, Professor
Prescott and Sister Burnham, agreed with our arrangement. We would not like to
see this chapter transposed.
"Imprisonment and Death of John." The place of this chapter is optional, of
course. But no one has heretofore objected to its present position. As to the
reference to John in Chapter 28, coming after the account of his death, this is
not unusual in other books. See Geikie and many others. If the chapter were
transposed, it would probably be best to omit the first paragraph. But not
having the MS to refer to, I cannot speak with much positiveness.
W. C. White Letter Book 10-A, p. 17a. (Written from Ashfield, N. S.
W., Australia, to C. H. Jones in Oakland, California.)
Exhibit 66: March 11, 1897, Marian Davis to C. H. Jones
Your letter of February 2 received by last mail. I am very glad to know of
the decisions in regard to the size and style of the book.I believe the plan is
right, and I am thankful that no plates have been made to be thrown aside.
We noted the titles mentioned--"Desire of Ages" and "Desire of All Nations."
Sister White prefers the former, as I do, with all others who have expressed an
opinion.
You ask me if I cannot, by this mail, send to the press the manuscript of
the parables. You also ask when the balance of the manuscript for the last book
will be ready. And you request Sister White to write on the parable of the rich
man and Lazarus. I fully agree with you that the "Life of Christ" should be
closed up as soon as possible. But let me state the situation: Considerably
more than a year ago, Sister White began writing on the trial and crucifixion
of Christ. She has a number
*Samuel J. Andrews, The Life of Our Lord upon the Earth, first
published in 1862. The 1891 edition was in Ellen White's library. Andrews'
Harmony of the Gospels appears on pp. xxi to xxvii.
Page 33
of manuscripts unfinished. It is her intention to gather these together as
soon as possible and complete them for the book. Of late she has had a very
heavy burden for the General Conference, as well as for individuals, and the
work in South Africa and in Cooranbong. But now that the Conference is over,
and she has written quite fully in regard to these other cases, she fully
intends to devote her time to the manuscript. I have been almost consumed with
anxiety to complete the book. I prepared some chapters with what material I
had, thinking that she would not write more on these subjects. She did write on
them, however, and I had my work to do over.
White Estate Received Correspondence File. (Written from Sunnyside,
Cooranbong, Australia.)
Exhibit 67: Sunday, April 11, 1897, Marian Davis to W. C. White
I see that neither in Brother Jones' letter nor in yours have I stated
definitely just what I am doing on the manuscript and why. In the first
place, I have worked for a better opening to the chapters. As to the success of
the effort, let any canvasser who examines the pages I have sent to Brother
Jones bear testimony. The chapters of the old manuscript began too often with
some notice of Jesus going here or there, until the book seemed almost like a
diary. That has been corrected. Then I have tried to begin both chapters
and paragraphs with short sentences, and indeed to simplify wherever
possible, to drop out every needless word, and to make the work, as I have
said, more compact and vigorous. On some chapters I had fresh, live
matter that will add greatly to the interest of the book. If you would offer
me, personally, a thousand dollars for the work that has been done on the book
during the past few weeks, I would not look at it. I never realized the power
of simplicity and compactness, as since I began this work. . . .When I think of
the many thousands who will read the book, I want just as little human
imperfection as possible to mar its divine beauty.
White Estate Received Correspondence File. (Written from Sunnyside,
Cooranbong, Australia.)
Exhibit 68: Thursday, July 29, 1897, Cooranbong, New South Wales,
Australia, EGW Diary Entry
I awaken at half past two, and offer up my prayer to God in the name of
Jesus. I am weak in physical strength; my head is not free from pain; my left
eye troubles me. In writing upon the life of Christ I am deeply wrought upon. I
forget to breathe as I should. I cannot endure the intensity of feeling that
comes over me as I think of what Christ has suffered in our world.
Manuscript 70, 1897, p. 1.
I received notice from C. H. Jones that it was planned to publish "Desire of
Ages" in the spring of '98, and in order to do this, all the copy must be in
the hands of the printers as early as September, '97.
Page 34
From what I learn of the artist's work, I cannot believe that the printers
will be ready for the manuscript by September. They have now twenty-five
chapters, as finally revised. Twenty-five more were prepared to send, but a few
changes will have to be made in them, as I finish the later chapters. For this
I am holding them. . . .
Sister White is constantly harassed with the thought that the manuscript
should be sent to the printers at once. I wish it were possible to relieve her
mind, for the anxiety makes it hard for her to write and for me to work. . . .
Sister White seems inclined to write, and I have no doubt she will bring out
many precious things. I hope it will be possible to get them into the book.
There is one thing, however, that not even the most competent editor could
do--that is prepare the manuscript before it is written.
White Estate Received Correspondence File. (Written from Sunnyside,
Cooranbong, Australia.)
Exhibit 70: 1897-98 Working Papers for The Desire of Ages
[Due to the lack of adequate space in the White Estate vault in Washington,
D.C., a number of old White Estate documents and books have been stored for
several years in boxes in nearby buildings where they have not been readily
accessible. The recent allocation of additional space to the White Estate has
made possible the opening of these boxes.
On May 16, 1979, James Nix found, in one of these storage boxes, part of the
working papers used in the preparation of The Desire of Ages in Ellen
White's office in Cooranbong, Australia, in 1897 and 1898. These papers
comprise chapters 2 to 37 (pages 27 to 358) of the present book. The working
papers are of special interest as they show what apparently were, in large
measure at least, the final revisions made in the manuscript before it was sent
from Australia to the Pacific Press.
The next three exhibits are xerox reproductions made from these Desire of
Ages working papers. They include portions of pages 80-81, 98-99, and
331-332. The very legible handwriting on the first two pages has been
tentatively identified as belonging to Maggie Hare, while the less legible
handwriting on the third page is that of Marian Davis.]
Page 35
Page 36
Page 37
Page 38
Exhibit 72: Sunday, November 21, 1897, W. C. White to C. H. Jones
On returning from Sydney I showed Mother and Sister Davis the proofs which I
had brought of chapter headings, vignettes, etc., for the new book. Some of
them we like very well. About others we feel much disappointed. . . .
In looking at some photographs of the Mount of Olives, Mother told us how
much more beautiful the country was in the time of Christ, that the places
which are now bare and dreary were then beautified by magnificent trees and
groves. O. I wish we could get some pictures that would represent these places
as she has seen them. But I know not how to do this.
W. C. White Letter Book 11-A, p. 342. (Written from Cooranbong,
Australia, to C. H. Jones in New York City.)
Exhibit 73: Tuesday, March 1, 1898, Marian Davis to Ellen White
This morning we mail "The Man of Sorrows," copied from the new matter you
left; and the parable of the talents, for the parable book. The matter on the
sower which was given to Minnie, she has copied. But that which was given to
Miss Peck has not been done. If Miss Peck does not have time to do it soon, I
think we will let Minnie take it, as I am anxious to get it into your hands,
and you will want it all together, so as to know what you have. We will not
send any on the sower till we can send all.
I have been gathering out the precious things from these new manuscripts on
the early life of Jesus. Sent a number of new pages to California by the
Vancouver mail, and shall send more for later chapters by the next mail. Two of
those new articles on Christ's missionary work I let Brother James have to read
in church. Last Sabbath he read the one which speaks of the Saviour's denying
Himself of food to give to the poor. These things are unspeakably precious. I
hope it is not too late to get them into the book. It has been a feast to work
on this matter. . . .
I learn that our Sabbath Schools are soon to take up the study of the life
of Christ. So the book will come out just in time to help them. I am so glad.
I will send a copy of a little I gathered out for the chapter,"In Joseph's
Tomb." It supplies a link that was missing, and I think will be a real help to
the book. . . .
I learn that the work of setting the book is underway, so we want to finish
up the last chapters as soon as possible. Hope you will be able to send us,
soon, the rest of the matter on Christ's ministry of healing, and, as soon as
convenient, the rich man and Lazarus. I do hope the book on the parables can
come out at the same time with the life of Christ.
White Estate Received Correspondence File. (Written from Sunnyside,
Cooranbong, Australia.)
Page 39
Exhibit 74: Thursday, March 10, 1898, Marian Davis to Ellen White
Minnie is sending you this morning the matter she has been copying. That on
the sower is all we have--the article given to Miss Peck, and the manuscript
left with me. Now, if you do not wish to add anything more, I can go on and
finish the chapter, but shall wait to hear from you. The article I send, "No
Reward but of Grace," the parable of the laborers, is the last of the matter
that was prepared for the book. I had planned to let this close the book. The
last paragraphs seem to me very precious. The parable of the talents, which
comes just before this, has set forth the importance of working, using every
power for God, and this shows the spirit in which the work should be done. A
few sentences you will recognize as from a letter lately written--"The golden
gate is not opened to the proud in spirit. But the everlasting portals will
open wide to the trembling touch of a little child."
You left me a manuscript on the unjust steward, and I have been collecting
material to complete this, and have found some precious things to add to the
closing chapters of the life of Christ. Of course I cannot compile the chapters
(the last two) until I receive what you write on the ministry of healing.
White Estate Received Correspondence File. (Written from Sunnyside,
Cooranbong, Australia.)
Exhibit 75: Monday, March 21, 1898, Marian Davis to Ellen White
The matter you sent on the ministry of healing was just what was wanted. I
have used as much as I could get into the chapter, "Go Teach All Nations." When
Minnie comes home I will have it copied, and send you a copy. I am so glad we
could get these things into the book, for they add greatly to its value and
helpfulness. Brother White thinks it best to send the last two chapters, "Go
Teach All Nations," and "To My Father and Your Father," by the boat that goes
on Sabbath. I have no idea they are ready for them yet, but he thinks it will
encourage them to push forward the work, and I shall send them. I feel in such
a hurry for the book to come out. I hardly know how to wait, but the waiting
gives time to work up the parables, and it will be so good to have both come
out at the same time.
I have used some of the new matter on the parables, and shall go right on
with the work. I want to get into the book just as much as possible of the
fresh matter on nature teaching.
These things have been a feast to me. I want my heart enlarged and my mind
enlarged to take in these grand, great principles.
White Estate Received Correspondence File. (Written from Sunnyside,
Cooranbong, NSW, to Ellen White who was at Melbourne.)
Page 40
Exhibit 76: Monday, June 6, 1898, Marian Davis to Miss E. J. Burnham
By this mail we send index. It is not properly finished. Has been verified
only to page 32. The girls worked almost all night to do that, and the
revising. We must ask you to verify, as you will have to substitute the type
numbering for MS numbering of pages. . . . I worked all night last night. . . .
Sister White has read all the chapters, and expresses herself much pleased
with them.
W. C. White Letter Book 10-A, pp. 145-6. (Written from Cooranbong,
Australia, to Miss Burnham at the Pacific Press in Oakland, California.)
Exhibit 77: Wednesday, June 15, 1898, Marian Davis to Miss E. J.
Burnham
Your letter of May 16, with proofs, received. I have hastily read the pages.
Except one or two trifling errors, the text is all right. I can't tell you how
great relief I feel on seeing so much of the matter in type, and straight. Have
been almost consumed with anxiety in thinking of the possibilities for so many
insertions sent so far away. I am unspeakably thankful to God, whose good hand
is over the work, that He has made it possible for you to have it in charge,
and I hope that no word of mine may bring on you any needless burden. . . .
In the preface, would it not be well to state, in some way, that this book
is not a harmony of the gospels, that it does not attempt to teach chronology.
Its purpose is to present the love of God, the divine beauty of the life of
Christ, not to satisfy the questioning of critics. The above may not be the
best way to put it. It is intended only as a suggestion.
W. C. White Letter Book 10-A, pp. 166-8. (Written from Cooranbong,
Australia, to Miss Burnham at the Pacific Press in Oakland, California.)
Exhibit 78: Monday, March 5, 1900, Marian Davis to Marius
Christensen
Many persons seem to attach far more value to an unpublished manuscript of
Sister White than to the matter printed in books. But in all she has written I
know of nothing better than the things to which reference has been given. In
such books as Desire of Ages, have been carefully gathered together many of the
most precious things which she has written during a score of years.
W. C. White Letter Book 10-A, pp. 203-4. (Written from Cooranbong to Marius
Christensen in Hayward, Minnesota.)
Exhibit 79: Monday, April
23, 1900, Sunnyside, Cooranbong, Australia, EGW to G. A. Irwin*
Dear Brother: . . . My copyists you have seen. They do not change my
language. It stands as I write it.
Page 41
Marian's work is of a different order altogether. She is my bookmaker. A
_____ never was my bookmaker. How are my books made? Marian does not put in her
claim for recognition. She does her work in this way: She takes my articles
which are published in the papers, and pastes them in blank books. She also has
a copy of all the letters I write. In preparing a chapter for a book, Marian
remembers that I have written something on that special point, which may make
the matter more forcible. She begins to search for this, and if when she finds
it, she sees that it will make the chapter more clear, she adds it.
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.
So you understand that Marian is a most valuable help to me in bringing out
my books. A _____ had none of this work to do. Marian has read chapters to her,
and A_____ has sometimes made suggestions as to the arrangement of the matter.
This is the difference between the workers. As I have stated, A _____ has
been strictly forbidden to change my words for her words. As spoken by the
heavenly agencies, the words are severe in their simplicity; and I try to put
the thoughts into such simple language that a child can understand every word
uttered. The words of someone else would not rightly represent me.
I have written thus fully in order that you may understand the matter. A
_____ may claim that she has made my books, but she has not done so. This has
been Marian's field, and her work is far in advance of any work A _____ has
done for me.
Letter 61a, 1900, pp. 4-5. (The first part of this quotation appears
in The Ministry, December, 1975, pp. 14, 15).
* President of the General Conference, 1897-1901.
Exhibit 80: Monday, April 23, 1900, Marian Davis to G. A. Irwin
A report in circulation in Battle Creek has just come to my notice. Lest,
through this report, any should be led to reject the instruction and warning of
the Spirit of God, I feel it a duty to say what I know in regard to the matter
in question.
It is reported that the writing of a testimony for a prominent man in Battle
Creek was intrusted to one of Sister White's former workers, or that she was
given matter for him, with instruction to fill out the points, so that the
testimony was virtually her work.
I cannot think that anyone who has been connected with Sister White's work
could make such a statement as this. I cannot think that anyone who is
acquainted with Sister White's manner of writing could possibly believe it. The
burden she feels when the case of an individual is presented before her, the
intense pressure under which she works, often rising at midnight to write out
the warnings given her, and often for days, weeks, or even months, writing
again and again concerning it,
Page 42
as if she could not free herself from the feeling of responsibility for
that soul,--no one who has known anything of [these] experiences, could believe
that she would intrust to another the writing of a testimony.
For more than twenty years I have been connected with Sister White's work.
During this time I have never been asked either to write out a testimony from
oral instruction, or to fill out the points in matter already written. The one
who is reported to have made the statement was never, to my knowledge, either
asked or permitted to do such a thing. And from my own knowledge of the work,
as well as from the statements of Sister White herself, I have the strongest
possible ground for disbelieving that such a thing was done.
W. C. White Letter Book 10-A, pp. 207-8. (Written from Sunnyside,
Cooranbong, Australia.)
Sometimes when Mother's mind is rested, and free, the thoughts are presented
in language that is not only clear and strong, but beautiful and correct; and
at times when she is weary and oppressed with heavy burdens of anxiety, or when
the subject is difficult to portray, there are repetitions and ungrammatical
sentences.
Mother's copyists are entrusted with the work of correcting grammatical
errors, of eliminating unnecessary repetitions, and of grouping paragraphs and
sections in their best order. If a passage is not fully understood, the copyist
asks its full meaning and proper connection. When corrected and plainly copied
with the typewriter or the pen, the manuscripts are all carefully examined by
Mother, and corrected, wherever correction is required, and then copied again,
if the corrections are numerous. This is done with many manuscripts, not only
because corrections are made in the work of the copyist, but because Mother
sees a way to express the thought a little more clearly or more fully.
Often Mother writes out a matter the second time, because she feels that it
is very difficult to put in writing the scene or events, as they are presented
to her.
Mother's workers of experience, such as Sisters Davis, Burnham, Bolton, Peck
and Hare, who are very familiar with her writings, are authorized to take a
sentence, paragraph, or section from one manuscript and incorporate it with
another manuscript where the same thought was expressed but not so clearly.
But none of Mother's workers are authorized to add to the manuscripts by
introducing thoughts of their own. They are instructed that it is the words and
thoughts that Mother has written, or spoken, that are to be used.
W. C. White Letter File, White Estate.
Page 43
Exhibit 82: Monday, May 21, 1900, Sunnyside, Cooranbong, Australia, EGW
to G. A. Irwin
Dear Brother Irwin: . . . God would be pleased to see The
Desire of Ages in every home. In this book is contained
the light He has given upon His word. To our canvassers I would say, Go forth
with your hearts softened and subdued by reading of the life of Christ. Drink
deeply of the water of salvation, that it may be in your heart as a living
spring, flowing forth to refresh souls ready to perish.
Letter 75, 1900. (Colporteur Ministry, pp. 126-127.)
Exhibit 83: Wednesday, June 20, 1900, Sunnyside, Cooranbong, Australia,
EGW to Edson & Emma White
Dear Children Edson and Emma: I received your letter,* Edson. In regard
to The Desire of Ages, when you meet with those who
have criticisms to make, as will always be the case, do not take any notice of
the supposed mistakes, but praise the book, tell of its advantages. The
Desire of Ages would have been the same size as the two
former books had it not been for the strong recommendation of Brother B_____
who was then General Canvassing Agent. What you say about the appendix is the
first objection we have heard regarding that feature. Many have spoken of the
great help they have found in the appendix. If people are prejudiced against
anything that makes prominent the Sabbath, that very objection shows the
necessity of it being there to convict minds.
Let us be guarded. Let us refuse to allow the criticisms of anyone to
imprint objections on our minds. Let criticizers live by their trade of
criticism. They cannot speak in favor of the very best of blessings without
attaching a criticism to cast a shadow of reproach. Let us educate ourselves to
praise that which is good when others criticize. Murmurers will always pick
flaws, but let us not be saddened by the accusing element. Let us not consider
it a virtue to make and suggest difficulties which one mind and another will
bring in to harass and perplex.
Letter 87, 1900, pp. 1,2.
* James Edson White's letter to his mother, dated May 11, 1900, involved
criticisms of the size, format, price and illustrations of Desire
of Ages. He also so objected to the appendix in the first
edition, asking "What is the use of pitching into other people's beliefs in the
way it is done in this appendix?" He argued that such material made it
difficult for literature evangelists to sell the book.
Exhibit 84: Sunday, August 10, 1902, Elmshaven, St. Helena, California,
EGW to her sister Mary
My dear sister Mary [Foss]: . . . Now, my sister, do not think that I have
forgotten you; for I have not. You know that I have books to make. My last
effort is a book on true education. The writing of this book has been very
trying to me, but it is nearly finished. I am now completing the last chapter.
This book will not have In it so much matter as there is in some of my larger
works, but the instruction it contains is important. I feel the need of help
from God continually.
Page 44
I am still as active as ever. I am not in the least decrepit. I am able to
do much work, writing and speaking as I did years ago.
I read over all that is copied, to see that everything is as it should be. I
read all the book manuscript before it is sent to the printer. So you can see
that my time must be fully occupied. Besides writing, I am called upon to speak
to the different churches, and to attend important meetings. I could not do
this work unless the Lord helped me.
Letter 133, 1902, pp. 1-2.
Exhibit 85: Tuesday, January 6, 1903, Elmshaven, Sanitarium, California,
EGW to Elder and Mrs. J. A. Burden
Dear Brother and Sister Burden: . . . I feel very thankful for the help of
Sister Marian Davis in getting out my books. She gathers materials from my
diaries, from my letters, and from the articles published in the papers. I
greatly prize her faithful service. She has been with me for twenty-five years,
and has constantly been gaining increasing ability for the work of classifying
and grouping my writings.
Letter 9, 1903. (The Ministry, December, 1975, p. 15.)
Exhibit 86: Cir. September 26, 1904, Elmshaven, St. Helena, California,
EGW Manuscript, "A Tribute to Marian Davis"
Marian, my helper, faithful and true as the compass to the pole in her work,
is dying. . . .
I am leaving tomorrow for Battle Creek. Yet my soul is drawn to the dying
girl who has served me for the last twenty-five years. We have stood side by
side in the work, and in perfect harmony in that work. And when she would be
gathering up the precious jots and tittles that had come in papers and books
and present it to me, "Now," she would say, "there is something wanted. I
cannot supply it." I would look it over, and in one moment I could trace the
line right out.
We worked together, just worked together in perfect harmony all the time.
She is dying. And it is devotion to the work. She takes the intensity of it as
though it were a reality, and we both have entered into it with an intensity to
have every paragraph that shall stand in its right place, and show its right
work.
Manuscript 95, 1904, p. 1.
Exhibit 87: Tuesday, March 6, 1906, Sanitarium, California, Ellen White
to the Brethren Assembled in Council at Graysville, Tennessee
Dear Fellow Laborers: . . . How many have read carefully Patriarchs and
Prophets, The Great Controversy, and The Desire of Ages? I
wish all to understand that my confidence in the light that God has given
stands firm, because I know that the Holy Spirit's power magnified the truth,
and made it honorable, saying: "This is the way, walk ye in it." In my books,
the truth is stated, barricaded by a "Thus saith the Lord."
Page 45
The Holy Spirit traced these truths upon my heart and mind as indelibly as
the law was traced by the finger of God, upon the tables of stone, which are
now in the ark, to be brought forth in that great day when sentence will be
pronounced against every evil, seducing science produced by the father of
lies.
Letter 90, 1906. (Colporteur Ministry, p. 126.)
Exhibit 88: Monday, August 17, 1931, New York City, H. Camden Lacey* to
D. E. Robinson
My dear Brother Robinson: In regard to SIGNIFICANT UTTERANCE No. 1 I can say
nothing, as I am not the 'prominent S. D. A. minister in Washington, D. C.' who
made that statement.
With reference to the second SIGNIFICANT UTTERANCE you quote, the facts are
as follows:--
In 1895, upon my return to Australia from Battle Creek, Michigan Miss Marian
Davis urged me repeatedly to help her in editing the MSS for The Desire of
Agesthen under preparation. I put her off as long as I could, as I did
not feel capable of rendering any special assistance, but finally I yielded to
her importunities and, after receiving the MSS of certain chapters, I made some
suggestions which she seemed glad to accept. Now I cannot remember any details
relative to those suggestions, other than that I have a vivid recollection that
she seemed anxious to have certain sentences logically connected. We therefore
re-arranged some of them, and I have an impression that there was some
necessary rewording done. But I am certain that there was no altering of the
thought anywhere.
With reference to the first chapter, I have a more vivid recollection. I
remember that Sr. Davis was greatly worried about it. She did not seem to have
sufficient material to fill it out sufficiently well. It was repeatedly
revised, and I think that Elder W. W. Prescott and Br. E. R. Palmer were
frequently consulted as to its composition. Finally it assumed the form in
which it now appears in the Desire of Ages.
At the Bible Conference in Washington, D. C. in 1919, during a discussion on
this point of the editing of Sr. White's writings, I said, that in my opinion
it would be well for the clarifying of the whole question before the people if
the fact was clearly stated somewhere (I meant, on the title page or in the
preface) that the Desire of Ages was written by Mrs. E. G. White, and edited
by Miss Marian Davis.
I did not use the words quoted 'for she wrote it' (referring to Miss Marian
Davis).
I did say that she came to me to get help to prepare the first chapter
especially, as she seemed to be much concerned over its final form.
Hoping these simple statements will be of service in rebutting those who
seem to be persisting in misrepresenting what was really said at the Bible
Conference referred to, I remain, Sincerely yours in the Faith of this
Truth.
White Estate Document File 52a.
*Elder Lacey was the brother of W. C. White's second wife.
Page 46
Exhibit 89: Tuesday, May 22, 1934, W. C. White to Mrs. Maggie H.
Bree
For years it was our practice to place in her [Miss Davis'] hands a copy of
every article sent off for publication and of all principal letters and
testimonies. These she . . . read with avidity, and . . . marked those passages
that she considered especially useful for the making of chapters for books
which she had in contemplation. . . .
Sister Davis had a wonderful memory, and this was of great service in her
work of searching for and grouping together the choicest things that Sister
White had written regarding Christ in His ministry as a Healer [and] in regard
to Christ as an Example of medical missionaries and medical evangelists. . . .
When a goodly number of extracts had been gathered and grouped together as
possible material for chapters, they were read to Sister White. This revived
her memory of the . . . scenes presented to her, and she entered . . . into the
work of rewriting many chapters, giving them a fresh touch and greater vigor,
also adapting the various passages . . . more fully to the people who would
read this book. . . .
Time and time again in Sister White's room, was discussed the object and the
best plan for the book--(a) whom the book would serve; (b) how much room should
be given to each subject; (c) what was the best relationship of the great
subjects with which it should deal.
After chapters were thus formed, they were carefully read again by Sister
White and then submitted to the printer.
W. C. White Correspondence File, White Estate.
Exhibit 90: Friday, July 24, 1936, H. Camden Lacey to an Adventist
Minister in New York
The enclosed copy of your amazing letter to Elder W. C. White has been
forwarded to me to answer.
First, let me say unqualifiedly, and as before God as witness, that I never
made the statement--at any time or to anyone--which you refer to when you say
"that Elder Lacey while he was here has been telling various ones that he and
not Sister White is the author of Desire of Ages." I never made such a
statement.
Secondly, I gladly and with all my heart accept The Desire of Ages as
an inspired book; indeed I regard it as the most spiritual Life of Christ,
outside the Gospels, ever given to His Church. In my own Bible, on extra sheets
gummed in at the front and the back, I have scores of extracts taken from this
wonderful book, and from other writings of Sister White. I value them as
products of the same "Spirit of Prophecy" as indited the Scriptures. And
thousands of my hearers in church and classroom will bear witness to that.
Page 47
You ask for "a brief statement of the facts in the case."
They are these:
Miss Marian Davis, who was entrusted with the preparation of Desire
of Ages, frequently came to me in 1895 and 1896 asking help in
the arrangement of the material which she gathered from Sister White's various
manuscripts. Sister Davis was a warm personal friend of mine, and I did the
best I knew how to aid her, especially in the first chapter. As I recall it,
this help was only in the arrangement of the sentences and paragraphs, or the
choice of a more suitable word. Never at any time, was there any alteration of
the thought, or the insertion of an idea that was not already expressed in the
original text. The resultant "copy" was always submitted to Sister White
herself for final approval.
The entire Desire of
Ages as it is now printed is, therefore, I hold, the product of Sister
White's mind and heart, guided by the good Spirit of God. And the "editing" was
merely technical.
If I mentioned these facts to anyone in New York, it must have been in
consequence of some situation arising like the present--the revival of that
preposterous rumor dating back to the Bible Teachers' Council of 1919 in
Washington, when I was first charged with saying that I had written the book.
There was no foundation then or since for such a ridiculous and malicious
charge.
Further, let me say that so far from belittling or disparaging the
Testimonies, I have ever upheld them, and quoted largely from them in my public
ministry. It was because of that that the Greater New York Book and Bible House
gave me, for the Temple Church in 1930 an entire set of the writings of Sister
White; and at the time the gift was made, that thought was expressed by the
donor.
In conclusion, may I ask, Brother C _____, why you did not come to me
personally when you first heard these rumors which you say you have heard "ever
since you came to labor in New York City." We were associated in Christian work
together for several years in that great center, and there was abundant
opportunity for you to come to me as a brother minister and ask for the facts
then. Had you done that, just a kind thing for any Christian to do, these
malicious rumors would have been strangled at their birth. Has not your failure
to do so made you a partner in this misrepresentation?
Some amends may perhaps yet be made by your going at once to each "reporter"
and showing him this letter.
I am sending a copy to Elder White, and another copy, with your letter, to
Elder M. N. Campbell.
White Estate Document File #508. (Written from Loma Linda, California.)
Exhibits Compiled by
Ron Graybill and Robert W. Olson
Ellen G. White Estate
Washington, D. C.
May 23, 1979