Chapter 18—Comments While at Work on the Conflict Series Books
The Result of Visions Spanning Her Lifetime
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 messages 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 upon them....
(3SM 121.1)
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.
(3SM 121.2)
Constructive Criticisms Appreciated (1885)
Tell her [Marian Davis] I have just one minute ago read the letters in which she has specified the improvements to be made in articles for Volume 1 [Patriarchs and Prophets]. 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.—Letter 38, 1885.
(3SM 121.3)
Books Sought Giving Order of Events
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.... Tell Mary to find me some histories of the Bible that would give me the order of events. [In the preparation of The Desire of Ages such works were used in determining the order of events. On this point Marian Davis, writing to the manager of the Pacific Press, stated on November 23, 1896, “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.” Samuel J. Andrews, The Life of Our Lord Upon the Earth, First published in 1862. The 1891 edition was in Ellen White’s library. His “Harmony of the Gospels” appears on pages XXII to XXVII.—Compilers.] I have nothing and can find nothing in the library here [Basel, Switzerland].—Letter 38, 1885, p. 8.
(3SM 122.1)
Holy Spirit Traced Truths on Ellen White’s Heart
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.”
(3SM 122.2)
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, 126.).
(3SM 122.3)
The 1911 Revision of The Great Controversy
The Author Explains What and Why—Sanitarium, Cal., July 25, 1911
(3SM 123)
Dear Brother [F. M.] Wilcox
(3SM 123)
A few days ago I received a copy of the new edition of the book Great Controversy, recently printed at Mountain View, and also a similar copy printed at Washington. The book pleases me. I have spent many hours looking through its pages, and I see that the publishing houses have done good work.
(3SM 123.1)
The book Great Controversy I appreciate above silver or gold, and I greatly desire that it shall come before the people. While writing the manuscript of Great Controversy, I was often conscious of the presence of the angels of God. And many times the scenes about which I was writing were presented to me anew in visions of the night, so that they were fresh and vivid in my mind.
(3SM 123.2)
Recently it was necessary for this book to be reset, because the electrotype plates were badly worn. It has cost me much to have this done, but I do not complain; for whatever the cost may be, I regard this new edition with great satisfaction.
(3SM 123.3)
Yesterday I read what W. C. White has recently written to canvassing agents and responsible men at our publishing houses regarding this latest edition of Great Controversy, and I think he has presented the matter correctly and well. [See Appendix A for the Ellen G. White-approved W. C. White statements explaining the involvements of revising The Great Controversy In 1911. Appendices B and C present his answers to questions relative to the writing of the great controversy story and explaining how the light came to her, et cetera.—Compilers.]
(3SM 123.4)
When I learned that Great Controversy must be reset, I determined that we would have everything closely examined, to see if the truths it contained were stated in the very best manner, to convince those not of our faith that the Lord had guided and sustained me in the writing of its pages.
(3SM 123.5)
As a result of the thorough examination by our most experienced workers, some changing in the wording has been proposed. These changes I have carefully examined, and approved. I am thankful that my life has been spared, and that I have strength and clearness of mind for this and other literary work.
(3SM 124.1)
While preparing the book on the Acts of the Apostles, the Lord has kept my mind in perfect peace. This book will soon be ready for publication. When this book is ready for publication, if the Lord sees fit to let me rest, I shall say Amen, and Amen. If the Lord spares my life, I will continue to write, and to bear my testimony in the congregation of the people, as the Lord shall give me strength and guidance....
(3SM 124.2)