Editions of Great
Controversy--
THE WRITING OF THE BOOK
'THE
GREAT CONTROVERSY'
Vance Ferrell
20 — ELLEN WHITE SPEAKS ABOUT ALL THE EDITIONS
There
are those who think that the second (1884) edition is the only one which
should be distributed while others are certain that the third (1888) edition
is the best. And there are those who will distribute nothing except the fourth
(1911) edition..
Is
only one edition the right one? What did Ellen White have to say about these
three editions? What are the unique values and distinctive differences in each
of them? In this present section we will deal with her statements about these
four editions; in the next, we will note some of their unique qualities.
The
1858 Edition: The 1858 edition can today be found in the third section of Early
Writings, pages 133-295. The 1858 edition was very small. Living and working
conditions for Ellen were very primitive back then. She did the best she
could, but it was not until the 1884 edition that we find ourselves with the
first full length Great Controversy.
There
can be no doubt that Ellen White's messages, recorded in the 1858 edition and
later amplified in the later editions, were important:
"In
this vision at Lovett's Grove, much of the material 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."—2 Spiritual Gifts,
p. 270 (Life Sketches, p. 162 is almost identical. For the full story, read pp.
162-163).
"In
the sudden attack at Jackson [Michigan], Satan designed to take my life to
hinder the work I was about to write; but angels of God were sent to raise me
above the effect of Satan's attack."—2 Spiritual Gifts, p. 272 (Life
Sketches, p. 163 is almost identical).
The 1884 Edition: The 1884 edition of Great Controversy was, at the time, called
Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4. Ellen White spoke highly of it:
"I
was shown. . that I should devote myself to writing out the important matters
for Volume Four [Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4 was the 1884 Edition of Great
Controversy]; and that the warning must go where the living messenger could
not go; and that it would call the attention of many to the important events
to occur in the closing scenes of the world's history."—Letter 1, May
14, 1890 (Colporteur Ministry, p. 128).
"I
was moved by the Spirit of God to write that book, and while working upon it I
felt a great burden upon my soul. I knew that time was short, that the scenes
which are soon to crowd upon us would at the last come very suddenly and
swiftly." —Letter 1, 1890 (Colporteur Ministry, p. 127).
"I
write from fifteen to twenty pages each day. It is eleven o'clock, and I have
written fourteen pages of manuscript for Volume Four. . As I write upon my
book, I feel intensely moved. I want to get it out as soon as possible, for our
people need it so much. I shall complete it next month if the Lord gives me
health as He has done. I have been unable to sleep nights, for thinking of the
important things to take place. Three hours and sometimes five is the most sleep
I get. My mind is stirred so deeply I cannot rest. Write, write, write, I feel
that I must, and not delay." Letter 11, February 19, 1884.
"The
volumes of Spirit of Prophecy, and also the Testimonies, should be introduced
into every Sabbath keeping family, and the brethren should know their value and
be urged to read them. It was not the wisest plan to place these books at a low
figure and have only one set in a church. They should be in the library of every
family and read again and again. Let them be kept where they can be read by
many, and let them be worn out in being read by all the neighbors."—4
Testimonies, p. 390.
"You
should lend Spirit of Prophecy to your neighbors and prevail upon them to buy
copies for themselves. Missionaries for God, you should be earnest, active,
vigorous workers."—4 Testimonies, p. 391.
"I
was glad to hear Elder Haskell present before the people the necessity of
placing reading matter in private families, especially the three volumes of
Spirit of Prophecy and the four volumes of Testimonies. These could be read
aloud during the long winter evenings by some member of the family, so that all
the family might be instructed." 4 Testimonies, p. 304.
"Let
those who wish to make valuable presents to their children, grandchildren,
nephews, and nieces procure for them the children's books mentioned above. For
young people the Ute of Joseph Bates is a treasure; also the three volumes of
The Spirit of Prophecy. These volumes should be placed in every family in the
land. God is giving light from heaven, and not a family should be without
it." Review, December 11, 1879 (Adventist Home, p. 479.)
"We
made it a practice to read instructive and interesting books, with the Bible,
in the family circle, and our children were always happy as we thus entertained
them. Thus we prevented a restless desire to be out in the street with young
companions, and at the same time cultivated in them a taste for solid reading.
The volumes of Spirit of Prophecy, should be in every family, and should be read
aloud in the family circle."—Review, December 26, 1882 (Sons and
Daughters of God. p. 178).
Many
people disparage the 1884 edition because it is smaller than the 1888 and 1911
editions, yet it has several outstanding characteristics:
(1)
The 1884 edition contains the smallest number of pages of any regular Great
Controversy. This means it is more likely to be read by those you hand it to.
(2) It has the lowest cost of any of the regular editions. This means that you
can distribute it for less money than any other Great Controversy. (3) It does
not need to be placed in tiny print in order to be printed in a small book. This
makes it more readable, and more likely to be read.
These
three qualities of the 1884 edition are outstanding.
How
does it compare with the 1888 edition? In regard to the earlier, historical
chapters, it has a similar coverage. It is not as complete in regard to Huss
and Jerome and other historical figures, but this is not a terrible loss. It
totally lacks the French Reformation and Netherlands and Scandinavia chapters,
but that lack is not crucial to the overall message of the book. It is not as
complete in its coverage of the English Reformation chapter. (In this regard,
chapter 14 of the 1888 and 1911 editions contain some very worthwhile material
about the law and Christian experience which is unfortunately not found in
chapter 10 of the 1884 edition.) In regard to the sanctuary chapters (chapters
23, 24, 28 in the last two editions), it is not as complete. This is a lack. In
regard to the closing chapters (chapters 25-42 in the 1888 and 1911 editions),
the 1884 edition contains essentially the same information. This is a plus for
it, since those closing chapters are especially important. However, the Origin
of Evil chapter is presented in a better way in the later editions (chapter 29)
than in the 1884 (chapter 24). A careful reading of both chapters reveals that,
in the later editions of this crucial chapter, it is clearly shown that the
great controversy was fought over obedience to the law of God. Thus, the 1884
edition is a good book; but, in some respects, the later editions are definitely
better. The 1888 Edition: With the 1888, we arrive at the full-size editions. We
have already compared it with the 1884, and with the 1911.
The
1888 stands as the edition much-maligned by two different classes of believers:.
On
one hand, there are those who fervently declare that only the 1884 edition was
inspired of God, and that it alone should be distributed; on the other hand,
there are those who feel that only the current one, whichever one that may be,
should be circulated.
(The
position of the present writer is that all the editions are equally inspired,
worthwhile, and excellent for widespread distribution. It matters not which
edition you may favor I as long as you will keep sharing it with others!)
In
the middle are the 1888 advocates. This is a sizable group also. These folk want
a full size edition, but fear that some unknown, damaging changes may have occurred
in the preparation of the 1911 edition. But we have already seen the kind of
changes that were made, and find they are not really significant. The principles
are all there, just as they were in the 1888 edition.
The
outstanding advantages of the 1888 edition are these: (1) For the first time we
had the complete book. Essentially everything in the 1911 edition (aside from
some changed historical quotations) is in the 1888 edition. (2) It was her
original full size book, before the concern to insert references was carried
out. Yet, frankly, for practical purposes there is no real difference between
either edition! The teachings are the same; nearly every word in the text is the
same. Only some quotations from historians are different, but is that
important? No, it is not. (3) The 1888 appendix is definitely more complete than
the 1884. But the 1911 revision would result in a still more complete appendix;
one enlarged by two thirds in the number of notes.
So
those are the benefits of the 1888 Great Controversy. The drawbacks are its
large size, higher cost, and smaller print, in comparison with the 1884, and the
fact that it lacks the clarifications and corrections made in the 1911. These
constitute two significant drawbacks. Two other worthwhile features of the
1911 edition are the historical quotation references and the very helpful fact
that all references are in the text and not in footnotes, as they are in the
original 1884 and 1888 editions.
Another
drawback—found in both the 1888 and 1911 editions—is the absence of the
3-page satanic monologue, which, in the 1884, begins the Snares of Satan
chapter. That is the longest direct quotation from the devil to be found
anywhere in the Spirit of Prophecy. But, since it was about the faithful and not
the world, it was omitted from the 1888 edition, which was intended for sale to
the world.
(I
will here mention that our own editions of the 1888 edition include that 3-page
Snares of Satan as Appendix 2 in the back, have the 1888 appendix, have put all
references into the text, and still retain a larger print size in a thinner
book. Try it; you'll like it.) It is anticipated that our 1992 reprint of the
1888 and 1911 editions will also be one of the lowest—if not the lowest—cost Great Controversys available anywhere.)
Before
leaving the 1888 edition to consider the 1911 edition, a major question remains:
The charge has been leveled that only the 1884 edition is inspired by God, and
it alone should be read and shared with others because the 1888 edition was
written by our leaders in Battle Creek!
If
that be true, then why did Ellen White have to plead with our leaders in Battle
Creek to circulate it? (See the quotations below.)
If
that be true, then why did our leaders in Battle Creek refuse to let the
colporteurs sell it?
If
that be true, then why did Ellen White let them write the book for her? For her
to let them do it and not speak up would have been an overt act of treason
against the God of heaven who gave her the great controversy message in the
first place.
If
that be true, then why is it that the 1888 edition has all the same principles
in it that the 1884 has?
If
that be true, then why is there no real evidence that the 1888 edition was
written by Uriah Smith or anyone other than Ellen White? All that these critics
can offer are allusions, hints, and insinuations.
If
that be true, then the 1911 edition, which is essentially the same as the 1888
edition, is also a fake. Why was Ellen White totally silent regarding the
alleged cheat for 29 years, from 1886 to 1915?
There
are men who want a following, who are willing to even cast doubt upon the
genuineness of the Spirit of Prophecy writings in order to gain that following.
Listen
to what Ellen White had to say about the 1888 edition, in light of the charges
made that she did not write that book but Uriah Smith or one of his cronies at
the Review wrote it. She says far more about its importance than she ever said
about the 1884 edition!
"About
this time when the new edition of Volume Four (the new edition of the 1884
Volume Four was the 1888 Volume Four] came from the press, the new book, Bible
Readings, was introduced. This book had a great sale, and has been permitted to
swallow up every other interest. Canvassers found it an easy book to handle, and
Volume Four [Great Controversy] was kept out of the field. I felt that this was
not right. I knew that it was not right because it was not in harmony with the
light which God had given me." —Letter, 1890.
"I
do not demerit Bible Readings. It is a book which will do a great amount of
good, but it can never take the place the Lord designed that Volume Four should
have in the world and among our people. I have spread before them the light of
heaven in that book." —Letter 25a, 1889.
"The
keeping of Great Controversy from the field has done a work that men will have
to answer for in the judgment."—Manuscript 64, 1894.
"For
nearly two years the book (Great Controversy] containing warnings and
instructions from the Lord, given especially for this time, has been lying in
our publishing houses, and no one feels the necessity or importance of bringing
it to the people. Brethren, how long am I to wait for you to get the burden? Now
Volume One, or Patriarchs and Prophets, is ready for circulation, but even for
this book I would not allow Volume Four to remain longer as a light under a
bushel. I am in sore distress of mind, but who of my brethren cares for this?
"Has
the Lord moved upon my mind to prepare this work to be sent everywhere, and is
He moving upon my brethren to devise plans which shall bar the way so that the
light which He has given me shall be hid in our publishing houses instead of
shining forth to all who will receive it? . . If the Lord has light for His
people, who shall put up barriers so that the light shall not reach them?"—Letter 1, 1890.
"Light
was in that book which came from Heaven; but what account will those men have to
give to God for the little faith and confidence manifested in that book that the
warnings should not come to the people when they should have had them."
—Letter 55. 1894.
"The
Lord has set before me matters which are of urgent importance for the present
time, and which reach into the future. The words have been spoken in a charge to
me, 'Write in a book the things which thou hast seen and heard, and let it go to
all the people; for the time is at hand when past history will be repeated.' I
have been aroused at one, two, or three o'clock in the morning with some point
forcibly impressed upon my mind, as if spoken by the voice of God. .
"I
was shown. . that I should devote myself to writing out the important matters
for volume 4 [Great Controversy]; that the warning must go where the living
messenger could not go, and that it would call the attention of many to the
important events to occur in the closing scenes of this world's
history."—Letter 1, 1890 (Colporteur Ministry, p. 128).
"God
gave me the light contained in The Great Controversy and Patriarchs and
Prophets and this light was needed to arouse the people to prepare for the great
day God, which is just before us. These books contain God's direct appeal to the
people. Thus He is speaking to the people in stirring words, urging them to make
ready for His coming. The light God has given in these books should not be
concealed." —Manuscript 23, 1890 (Colporteur Ministry. p. 129).
"As
soon as Great Controversy came from the press it should have been pushed forward
above every other book. I have been shown this. Had it been circulated at the
time it was lying idle, there would have been a very different order of things
among our workers. The impressions made would have brought decided changes. But
instead of this the book was suppressed, although the promise was made me that
it should go forward if I would take the lowest royalty. The book that should
have gone did not go; and the men who should have worked to carry it forward discouraged
the canvassers from handling it. Thus saith the Lord, 'I will judge for this
false, dishonest work.' "—Letter, 1899.
"Just
at this point his satanic majesty was in the management of the books at the
Review and Herald Office. Those at the head of the publishing work there would
handle neither Great Controversy nor Patriarchs and Prophets, the books God
has specified the people must have at once. They promised me faithfully that
after certain months they would handle these books, but they failed to keep
their word. When the Great Controversy should have been circulated everywhere,
it was lying dead in the Review and Herald Office and the Pacific Press."—Letter 35, 1899.
"My
mind has been so fully occupied with the burden upon me of getting before the
people the light having especial reference to these last days and the crisis
before us. The world is to be warned, and I have felt so deeply over Volume Four
standing still as it has done."—Letter 25a, 1889.
"This
sale of Bible Readings, had it been preceded by the sale of Great Controversy,
would have had far more weight than it had in going first. The Lord knew all
about this. He knew that principles were violated. He knew the falsehoods told
and reiterated, that the books bearing the vital truth to the people would not
sell. He knew that ministers and presidents were advised to recommend that all
handle the one book; and that the keeping of Great Controversy from the field
has done a work that men will have to answer for in the
judgment."—Manuscript 64, 1894.
"This
book has to a great degree been misplaced by another book, which has kept from
the world the light God has given."—Manuscript, 24, 1891.
"I
know that the statement made that these books cannot be sold is not true. I
know; for the Lord has instructed me that this is said because human devising
has blocked the way for their sale. It cannot be denied that these works were
not the product of any human mind, they are the voice of God speaking to the
people, and they will have an influence upon minds that other books do not
have." Manuscript 13, 1890 (Colporteur Ministry, p. 129).
"If
our canvassers are controlled by the prospect of financial gain; if they
circulate books on which they can make the most money, to the neglect of others
that the people need, I ask, in what sense is theirs a missionary work? Where is
the missionary spirit? —the spirit of self-sacrifice?
"The
work of the intelligent, Godfearing canvasser has been represented as equal
to that of the gospel minister. Then should the canvasser, any more than the
minister, feel at liberty to act from selfish motives? Should he turn his back
on all the principles of missionary work, and handle the books—placed
before him, shall I say, as a temptation—on which he can make the most money?
Should he have no interest to circulate any book but that which brings him the
greatest financial gain? How is the missionary spirit revealed here? Has not the
canvassing work ceased to be what it ought to be? How is it that no voice is
raised to correct this state of things?" —Letter 1, 1890 (Colporteur
Ministry, p. 127).
"Years
ago when I was in Battle Creek I was much distressed that Great Controversy
should lie idle on the shelf. For two years it was held back that Bible Readings
might have more attention. All that I could say did not change the course of
those who had control of the canvassing work . . There is not now a studied,
determined effort to hold back those books that are of the most importance. We
are planning to bring out many books."—Letter 70, 1907.
"I
was shown. . that I should devote myself to writing out the important matters
for Volume Four (Spirit of Prophecy, volume 4, later became the present Great
Controversy); and that the warning must go where the living messenger could
not go, and that it would call the attention of many to the important events
to occur in the closing scenes of the world's history."—Letter 1, May
14, 1890 (Colporteur Ministry, p. 128).
The
1911 Edition: No other book written by Ellen White received the special care
that Great Controversy received. This is shown by the fact that it, alone,
over the passing decades received so much attention, correction, and
enlargement. Her first vision was basically a great-controversy-type vision,
and she received a number of visions in 1848 which amplified on that first
vision. Later came the 1858 Lovett's Grove vision, to be followed by the four
editions of the book.
She
never worked as hard on any other book, as on that one. Even the book of
Jeremiah was only written twice, but Great Controversy was written three times,
plus a capstone of corrections in the 1911 revision.
Before
the 1911 revision was started, this was her view of the matter:
"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."—Letter 56, 1911.
After
it was completed, she wrote at length regarding its value. Elsewhere we have
quoted that letter of July 25, 1911.
21 — BOOKS WRITTEN BEFORE AND AFTER 1885
For
several years the present writer has vigorously opposed this charge that the
E.G. White books published after 1885 were written by others, contain little of
value, and should not be read or circulated.
That
surely is a deceptive accusation; for, as we all know, nearly all her books were
penned after 1885! Read this:
"Should
a new Adventist seek to purchase, in 1885 (the year Ellen White went to Europe),
all the E.G. White books available, he would be able to secure the following:
"Early Writings, an 1882 republication of the first three
E.G.
White books issued in the 1850s. "The Spirit of Prophecy, Volumes 1-4,
which told the great controversy story. The first three were four-hundredpage
books, and the fourth, five hundred pages. "Testimonies for the Church,
Volumes 1-4, a reprint of thirty testimony pamphlets issued between the years
1855 and 1881 in four volumes of about seven hundred pages each.
"Two
Testimony pamphlets, Numbers 31 and 32.
"Sketches
From the Life of Paul, a 334-page volume. "Older Adventists might have had
the little Spiritual Gifts, volumes 1-4, the forerunners of the Spirit of
Prophecy series. The second volume is a biographical work issued in 1860. They
might also have had How to Live, comprising six pamphlets on health, each with
one feature article from Ellen White and the balance, related material selected
and compiled by her; and a sixty-four-page pamphlet, Appeal to
Mothers."—AL. White, The Lonely Years, p. 434. Now you know what was
written prior to 1885. Here is part of what was written after 1885:
Acts
of the Apostles; Counsels on Health; Colporteur Handbook; Christ's Object
Lessons; Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students; Education; Fundamentals of
Christian Education; the enlarged (1888) Great Controversy; Gospel Workers; Life
Sketches; Mount of Blessing; Ministry of Healing; Medical Ministry; Messages
to Young People; Prophets and Kings; Patriarchs and Prophets; Steps to Christ;
Sanctified Life; Testimonies, volumes 5-9; and Testimonies to Ministers.
Here
are later compiled books composed of statements, most of which were not written
until after 1885:
Adventist
Home; SDA Bible Commentary quotations; Counsels on Diet and Foods; Child
Guidance; Christian Service; Colporteur Ministry; Counsels on Stewardship;
Counsels on Sabbath School Work; Counsels to Writers and Editors; Evangelism;
God's Amazing Grace; Maranatha; My Life Today; Reflecting Christ; Sons and
Daughters of God; This Day with God; Temperance; Upward Look; and Welfare
Ministry.
Be
honest with yourself. Is it worth rejecting most of the Spirit of Prophecy
writings just because some misguided friends tell you it is best to do so?
Are
you going to entrust your salvation to their guidance?
Here
is a fairly complete, alphabetical listing of her published books. All those
produced after 1885 are placed in full caps: (For your convenience, we have
prefaced each entry with a common abbreviation.)
AA
— ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
AH
— ADVENTIST HOME
1-7BC
— ADVENTIST BIBLE COMMENTARY, VOL. 7A
AM
— AMAZING GRACE, GOD'S
CME
— CALL TO MEDICAL EVANGELISM
CE
— CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
CET
— CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE AND TEACHINGS OF E.G. WHITE
CTBH
— CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE AND BIBLE HYGIENE
CE
— COLPORTEUR EVANGELIST
CM
— COLPORTEUR MINISTRY
CC
— CONFLICT AND COURAGE
Con
— CONFRONTATION
CDF
— COUNSELS ON DIET AND FOODS
CG
— CHILD GUIDANCE
CH
— COUNSELS ON HEALTH
Ch
S — CHRISTIAN SERVICE
CM
— COLPORTEUR MINISTRY
CL
— COUNTRY LIVING
COL
— CHRIST'S OBJECT LESSONS
CS
— COUNSELS ON STEWARDSHIP
CSS
— COUNSELS ON SABBATH SCHOOL WORK
CT
— COUNSELS TO PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND STUDENTS
CWE
— COUNSELS TO WRITERS AND EDITORS
CA
— CRISIS AHEAD
DA
— DESIRE OF AGES
DC
— Disease and Its Causes (from How to live)
Ed
— EDUCATION
EV
— EVANGELISM
EW
— Early Writings
FW
— FAITH AND WORKS
FLB
— FAITH I LIVE BY
FE
— FUNDAMENTALS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
HS
— HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF SDA FOREIGN MISSIONS
1884
GC — 1884 Great Controversy
1888
GC — 1888 GREAT CONTROVERSY
1911
GC — 1911 GREAT CONTROVERSY
GW
— GOSPEL WORKERS
HP
— IN HEAVENLY PLACES
LDE
— LAST DAY EVENTS
LS
— LIFE SKETCHES OF ELLEN G. WHITE
LHU
— LIFT HIM UP
LLM
— LOMA LINDA MESSAGES
MC
— MANUAL FOR CANVASSERS
1-16MR
— MANUSCRIPT RELEASES, VOL. 1—16 Mar — MARANA THA
1-2MCP
— MIND, CHARACTER, AND PERSONALITY, VOL. 1—2
MB
— MOUNT OF BLESSING
MH
— MINISTRY OF HEALING
MLT
— MY LIFE TODAY
MM
— MEDICAL MINISTRY
MYP
— MESSAGES TO YOUNG PEOPLE
MT
— MORNING TALKS
NL
— NEW LIFE
NBL
— NOTEBOOK LEAFLETS
OHC
— OUR HIGH CALLING
PP
— PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS
PK
— PROPHETS AND KINGS
PM
— PUBLISHING MINISTRY
RC
— REFLECTING CHRIST
RY
— RETIREMENT YEARS
Series
A — SPECIAL TESTIMONIES, SERIES A
Series
B — SPECIAL TESTIMONIES, SERIES B
LP
— Sketches from the Life of Paul
SC
— STEPS TO CHRIST
SO
— SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF GOD
1-4SG
— Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1-4
SL
— SANCTIFIED LIFE
1SM
— SELECTED MESSAGES, BOOK 1
2SM
— SELECTED MESSAGES, BOOK 2
3SM
— SELECTED MESSAGES, BOOK 3
1ST
— SERMONS AND TALKS, VOL. 1
SA
— Solemn Appeal
SW
— SOUTHERN WORK
SR
— Story of Redemption
1-4T
— Testimonies, Vol. 1-4
5-9T
— TESTIMONIES, VOL. 5-9
TSB
— TESTIMONIES ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOR, ADULTERY, AND DIVORCE
Te
— TEMPERANCE
TM
— TESTIMONIES TO MINISTERS
TMK
— THAT I MAY KNOW HIM
TDG
— THIS DAY WITH GOD
UL
— UPWARD LOOK
UT
— UNPUBLISHED (SPALDING-MAGAN) TESTIMONIES
VSS
— VOICE IN SPEECH AND SONG
WM
— WELFARE MINISTRY
Similar
lists could be made of her journal articles, written and published before and
after 1885. Large numbers of invaluable articles were penned after 1885 for the
Review, Signs, Bible Echo, Pacific Union Recorder, and other denominational
periodicals.
Ellen
White wrote "many books," not just a few. She wrote them "for
over sixty years" (see statement, below, written in 1906), not just for 39
years (1846-1885). Believe not the words of those who tell you that Ellen
White's books, written after 1885 are suspect and cannot be trusted.
"I
understand that some were anxious to know if Mrs. White still held the same
views that she did years ago when they had heard her speak in the sanitarium
grove, in the Tabernacle, and at the camp meetings held in the suburbs of Battle
Creek. I assured them that the message she bears today is the same that she has
borne during the sixty years of her public ministry. She has the same service to
do for the Master that was laid upon her in her girlhood. She receives lessons
from the same Instructor. The directions given her are, 'Make known to others
what I have revealed to you. Write out the messages that I give you, that the
people may have them.' This is what she has endeavored to do.
"I
have written many books, and they have been given a wide circulation. Of myself
I could not have brought out the truth in these books, but the Lord has given me
the help of His Holy Spirit. These books, giving the instruction that the Lord
has given me during the past sixty years, contain light from heaven, and will
bear the test of investigation.
At
the age of seventy-eight I am still toiling. We are all in the hands of the
Lord. I trust in Him; for I know that He will never leave nor forsake those who
put their trust in Him. I have committed myself to His keeping.
"
'And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted
me faithful, putting me into the ministry.'” (1 Tim. 1:12)."—Review,
July 26, 1906.
CONTINUE
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