Chapter 14—Initial Steps in Writing and Publishing The Great Controversy Story
The 1858 Great Controversy Vision
The Vision March 14, 1858—In this vision at Lovett’s Grove, [Elder and Mrs. White, who resided in Battle Creek, Michigan, were holding meetings with the believers at Lovett’s Grove, Ohio. The vision here referred to was given to Ellen White while attending a funeral service conducted by her husband on Sunday afternoon, March 14, 1858.—Compilers.] 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.—Spiritual Gifts 2:270(SeeLife Sketches of Ellen G. White, 162.).
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Satan’s Attack—Monday we commenced our journey homeward.... While riding in the cars we arranged our plans for writing and publishing the book called the Great Controversy, immediately on our return home. I was then as well as usual. On the arrival of the train at Jackson, we went to Bro. Palmer’s. We had been in the house but a short time, when, as I was conversing with Sr. P., my tongue refused to utter what I wished to say, and seemed large and numb. A strange, cold sensation struck my heart, passed over my head, and down my right side. For a while I was insensible; but was aroused by the voice of earnest prayer. I tried to use my left arm and limb, but they were perfectly useless. For a short time I did not expect to live.—Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 271.
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Writing the Controversy Story—For several weeks I could not feel the pressure of the hand, nor the coldest water poured upon my head. In rising to walk, I often staggered, and sometimes fell to the floor. In this condition I commenced to write the Great Controversy. I could write at first but one page a day, then rest three; but as I progressed, my strength increased. The numbness in my head did not seem to becloud my mind, and before I closed that work Spiritual Gifts, vol. 1 [Notice of the publication of the book, Spiritual Gifts—The Great Controversy Between Christ and His Angels and Satan and His Angels, with a listing of its chapters, was given by James White in theThe Review and Herald, September 9, 1858, in two last page notes:Spiritual Gifts “This is a work of 224 pages written by Mrs. White, with an introductory article on the perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts, by Bro. R. F. Cottrell. Price 50 cents. Spiritual gifts, or the Great Controversy, has now been sent to all who have ordered. If any do not receive it in due time, let notice be given.] [The book was eagerly secured and ran through two or more printings.—Compilers.], the effect of the shock had entirely left me.”—The Great Controversy, 272.
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Shown Satan’s Hindering Tactics—At the time of the conference at Battle Creek, June, 1858, ... I was taken off in vision. In that vision I was shown that in the sudden attack at Jackson, Satan designed to take my life to hinder the work I was about to write; but angels of God were sent to my rescue, to raise me above the effects of Satan’s attack. I saw, among other things, that I should be blessed with better health than before the attack at Jackson.—Ibid.
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Spiritual Gifts, Volumes III and IV
Writing Old Testament history 1863-1864—After we returned from the East [December 21, 1863], I commenced to write [Spiritual Gifts] Volume III, expecting to have a book of a size to bind in with the testimonies which help compose [Spiritual Gifts] Volume IV. As I wrote, the matter opened before me and I saw it was impossible to get all I had to write [on Old Testament history] in as few pages as I at first designed. The matter opened and Volume III was full [304 pages].
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Then I commenced on Volume IV, but before I had my work finished, while preparing the health matter for the printers, I was called to go to Monterey. We went, and could not finish the work there as soon as we expected. I was obliged to return to finish the matter for the printers....
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I had written almost constantly for above one year. I generally commenced writing at seven in the morning and continued until seven at night, and then left writing to read proof sheets. [Book publishing at this time was done somewhat in piecemeal. While the writing was in progress, the type was hand set and actual printing might commence before the last of the manuscript was completed. Thus writing and reading proof sheets could run at the same time.—Compilers.]—Manuscript 7, 1867.
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Author’s Preface Recognized Vision Source—In presenting this, my third little volume to the public, I am comforted with the conviction that the Lord has made me his humble instrument in shedding some rays of precious light upon the past. Sacred history, relating to holy men of old, is brief....
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Since the great facts of faith, connected with the history of holy men of old, have been opened to me in vision; also, the important fact that God has nowhere lightly regarded the sin of the apostate, I have been more than ever convinced that ignorance as to these facts, and the wily advantage taken of this ignorance by some who know better, are the grand bulwarks of infidelity. If what I have written upon these points shall help any mind, let God be praised.
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When I commenced writing, I hope to bring all into this volume, but am obliged to close the history of the Hebrews, take up the cases of Saul, David, Solomon, and others, and treat upon the subject of health, in another volume. [Spiritual Gifts, Volume 4, was published in 1864. Enlargements of this initial presentation appeared in The Spirit Of Prophecy, vol. 1 (1870), and Patriarchs and Prophets (1890).—Compilers.]—Spiritual Gifts 3:5, 6 (E.G.W. Preface).
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