The Testimony of Jesus

Chapter 14—Changes in Revision

Through the years, in the various revisions of the books by Mrs. E. G. White, and in the publication of new editions, there have been made various changes. We cannot attempt to consider these in detail. We will consider, however, the revision made in one of her most prominent books, namely, The Great Controversy. This revision affords an excellent illustration of the minor changes which have been made in others of her publications. The revision of The Great Controversy was made in 1911. It had been contemplated for some time by the author. The character of these changes and the reasons why they were made, were discussed by Elder W. C. White, son of Mrs. E. G. White, in an address before the General Conference Council, October 30, 1911. TOJ 112.1

He said in part: TOJ 112.2

“In the body of the book, the most noticeable improvement is the introduction of historical references. In the old edition, over seven hundred Biblical references were given, but in only a few instances were there any historical references to the authorities quoted or referred to. In the new edition the reader will find more than four hundred references to eighty-eight authors and authorities. TOJ 112.3

“When we presented to mother the request of some of our canvassers, that there should be given in the new edition, not only Scripture references, but also references to the historians quoted, she instructed us to hunt up and insert the historical references. She also instructed us to verify the quotations, and to correct any inaccuracies found; and where quotations were made from passages that were rendered differently by different translators, to use that translation which was found to be most correct and authentic. TOJ 112.4

“In a few instances new quotations from historians, preachers, and present-day writers have been used in the place of the old, because they are more forceful, or because we have been unable to find the old ones. In each case where there has been such a change, mother has given faithful attention to the proposed substitution, and has approved of the change. TOJ 113.1

“In eight or ten places, time references have been changed because of the lapse of time since the book was first published. TOJ 113.2

“In several places, forms of expression have been changed to avoid giving unnecessary offense. An example of this will be found in the change of the word ‘Romish’ to ‘Roman’ or ‘Roman Catholic.’ In two places the phrase ‘divinity of Christ’ is changed to ‘deity of Christ.’ And the words ‘religious toleration’ have been changed to ‘religious liberty.’ TOJ 113.3

“On pages 50, 563, 564, 580, 581, and in a few other places where there were statements regarding the Papacy which are strongly disputed by Roman Catholics, and which are difficult to prove from accessible histories, the wording in the new edition has been, so changed that the statement falls easily within the range of evidence that is readily obtainable. TOJ 113.4

“Regarding these and similar passages which might stir up bitter and unprofitable controversies, mother has often said: ‘What I have written regarding the arrogance and the assumptions of the Papacy, is true. Much historical evidence regarding these matters has been designedly destroyed; nevertheless, that the book may be of the greatest benefit to Catholics and others, and that needless controversies may be avoided, it is better to have all statements regarding the assumptions of the pope and the claims of the Papacy, stated so moderately as to be easily and clearly proved from accepted histories that are within the reach of our ministers and students.’ TOJ 113.5

“If you hear reports that some of the work done on this latest edition was done contrary to mother’s wish, or without her knowledge, you can be sure that such reports are false, and unworthy of consideration.... TOJ 113.6

“The things which she has written out are descriptions of ‘flashlight’ pictures and other representations given her regarding the actions of men, and the influence of these actions upon the work of God for the salvation of men, with views of past, present, and future history in its relation to this work. In connection with the writing out of these views, she has made use of good and clear historical statements to help make plain to the reader the things which she is endeavoring to present. When I was a mere boy, I heard her read D’Aubigne’s History of the Reformation to my father. She read to him a large part, if not the whole, of the five volumes. She has read other histories of the Reformation. This has helped her to locate and describe many of the events and the movements presented to her in vision. This is somewhat similar to the way in which the study of the Bible helps her to locate and describe the many figurative representations given to her regarding the development of the great controversy in our day between truth and error. TOJ 113.7