Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

MR No. 681—This Material Appears in 3SM 119, 120

MR No. 682—This Material Appears in 3SM 92, 93

MR No. 683—Ellen G. White's Writings on the Life of Christ

Mary Clough [Ellen G. White's niece, daughter of her sister Caroline. Although not herself a Seventh-day Adventist, she served for a time as Mrs. White's literary assistant, and, during her travels, as a publicity agent, writing articles for local newspapers about Mrs. White's sermons and temperance lectures.] and I will do all we can to forward the work of my writings. I cannot see any light shining to Michigan for me. [On March 22, James White left Oakland for a special session of the General Conference at Battle Creek. He and his wife were separated for sixty-six days, until they met again on May 27 at the Kansas camp meeting. During this 66-day period, Mrs. White in particular really kept the postman busy. She wrote her husband practically every day. On April 11, she promised him, “I will write every morning,” and then asked, “Will you do the same”? (Letter 5, 1876).—R. W. Olson introduction to Ms. Release #483, “The Spirit of 1876.”] 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.—Letter 63, 1876, p. 2. (To James White, March 25, 1876.) 9MR 28.1

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.... 9MR 28.2

Mary [is] in the office, I upstairs writing, Mary Clough in the office; so you see that they [Addie and May Walling, Ellen White's adopted daughters.] must be left to their own devices. 9MR 28.3

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 to His people. Mary is a good help. I appreciate her.—Letter 3, 1876, pp. 1, 2. (To James White, April 4, 1876.) 9MR 28.4

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 East will not see me for one year unless I feel that God calls me to go. He has given me my work. I will do it, if I can be left free.—Letter 4, 1876, p. 2. (To James White, April 7, 1876.) 9MR 29.1

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.... 9MR 29.2

I never had such an opportunity to write in my life, and I mean to make the most of it.... 9MR 29.3

How will it do to read my manuscript to Elders [J.H.] Waggoner and [J.N.] 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. (To James White, April 8, 1876.) 9MR 29.4

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.... 9MR 29.5

I have a work to do which has been a great burden to my soul. How great, no one but the Lord knows. 9MR 30.1

Again, 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.... 9MR 30.2

I have been getting matter ready for third form of Testimony.... 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.—Letter 59, 1876, pp. 1-3. (To Lucinda Hall, April 8, 1876.) 9MR 30.3

It seems to me my writings are important, and I [am] so feeble, so unable to do the work with justice. I have pleaded with God to be imbued with His Holy Spirit, to be connected with heaven, that this work may be done right. I can never do this work without the special blessing of God.—Letter 7, 1876, p. 2. (To James White, April 14, 1876.) 9MR 30.4

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 it, to read it to me. She showed me today quite a heavy pile of manuscripts she had prepared. She viewed it quite proudly.... 9MR 30.5

I am feeling very free and peaceful. I feel the precious love of Christ in my heart. It humbles me in my own sight, while Jesus is exalted before me. 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.—Letter 8, 1876, pp. 1, 2. (To James White, April 16, 1876.) 9MR 30.6

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 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 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.... 9MR 31.1

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. (To James White, April 18, 1876.) 9MR 31.2

I take great pleasure in writing out these precious subjects, and should feel I was doing wrong to break off to attend meetings anywhere or in any place.... 9MR 31.3

We think we have the presence of the Lord and His light is shining upon us. I am very free in speaking and in praying, never more so. I am very free also in writing.—Letter 11, 1876, p. 2. (To James White, April 20, 1876.) 9MR 32.1

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. (To James White, April 21, 1876.) 9MR 32.2

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. 9MR 32.3

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 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. 9MR 32.4

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. (To James White, April 24, 1876.) 9MR 32.5

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.—Letter 14, 1876, p. 3. (To James White, April 25, 1876.) 9MR 33.1

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. (To James White, April 27, 1876.) 9MR 33.2

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. 9MR 33.3

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. (To Lucinda Hall, April 27, 1876.) 9MR 33.4

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.... 9MR 34.1

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. (To James White, April 27, 1876.) 9MR 34.2

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 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. (To James White, April, 1876.) 9MR 34.3

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.... 9MR 34.4

I have important subjects coming in next paper on Jeremiah. My mind was urged to this by the Spirit of God. The view I had sixteen years ago was forcefully impressed on my mind. I saw that important matter was to be seen applicable to the people of God. This was in reference to testimony God had given me to bear in reproving wrong.—Letter 21, 1876, pp. 1, 2. (To James White, May 5, 1876.) 9MR 35.1

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. (To James White, May 11, 1876.) 9MR 35.2

We are all cheerful and comfortably located in the cars. We like our situation very much.... You need not send Walks and Homes of Jesus when you send the books I laid out.—Letter 27a, 1876, p. 1. (Written en route from Oakland, California, to Kansas Camp Meeting, to Mary Clough or Mary K. White, who was in Oakland, cir. May 22, [The second volume of the Spirit of Prophecy, by Mrs. E. G. White, will be ready in a few days. This work is a thrilling description of the first advent, life, teachings, and miracles of Christ, and will be regarded by the friends of Mrs. W. as a book of almost priceless value. It can be furnished only by mail until New Year's, and after that at one-fourth discount for cash with all orders. Price, postage paid, $1. J.W.—Review and Herald, 48:152, November 9, 1876. 9MR 35.3

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, seems 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 notices, $1. U.S.—The Review and Herald, November 30, 1876. 9MR 35.4

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 stereotyped, 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 we can take time to get out a more perfect edition on 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 done, come right along.—Letter 45, 1876, pp. 1, 2. (To W. C. White and wife, October 19, 1876.) 9MR 35.6

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, [The second volume of the Spirit of Prophecy, by Mrs. E. G. White, will be ready in a few days. This work is a thrilling description of the first advent, life, teachings, and miracles of Christ, and will be regarded by the friends of Mrs. W. as a book of almost priceless value. It can be furnished only by mail until New Year's, and after that at one-fourth discount for cash with all orders. Price, postage paid, $1. J.W.—The Review and Herald, November 9, 1876. 9MR 36.1

A postal card received today from Brother and Sister White says that they were within a few hours of Oakland, where they probably arrived November 21. They were feeling in good spirits. C.W.S.—The Review and Herald, November 30, 1876.] we shall have the book completed and [shall have] removed from my mind a great burden of care.—Letter 46, 1876, p. 1. (To W. C. White and wife, October 26, 1876.) 9MR 36.3

White Estate

Washington, D. C.,

January 22, 1979. 9MR 36.4