The Testimony of Jesus

Chapter 12—Verbal Inspiration

Are the writings of Mrs. White verbally inspired? Was she given the exact words in which her thoughts are expressed? She never made any such claim. Indeed, she states very positively that such was not the case. Nor did the pioneers in this movement ever believe or teach verbal inspiration for the writings of the messenger of the Lord. TOJ 84.1

Many of her writings were prepared under trying circumstances, some in the bustle and stir of railway travel, some in the midst of busy meetings, some under the handicap of physical suffering. In the early days of her ministry she had but little clerical assistance. Recognizing these circumstances attending the production of her early books, especially the Testimonies for the Church, the General Conference of 1883 gave consideration to the steps which should be taken in connection with their publication, to eliminate imperfections in grammatical construction and forms of expression. There was appointed at this General Conference session a committee on resolutions, consisting of Uriah Smith, J. N. Loughborough, E. W. Farnsworth, W. C. White, and O. A. Olsen, prominent leaders in the work of the church at that time, and men who since that date have held many prominent official positions in connection with this movement. This committee, in its report to the fourteenth meeting of the session, held November 20, 1883, made the following recommendations: TOJ 84.2