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Ellen G. White: The Later Elmshaven Years: 1905-1915 (vol. 6)

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Ellen White's Letter of Approval

After receiving and reading large portions of the new printing of The Great Controversy, and after reading W. C. White's letters of explanation dated July 24 and 25, Ellen White wrote to Elder F.M. Wilcox, president of the Review and Herald board and editor of the general church paper, the Review and Herald: 6BIO 335.6

Sanitarium, California

July 25, 1911

Dear Brother Wilcox,

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. 6BIO 336.1

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. 6BIO 336.2

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. 6BIO 336.3

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. 6BIO 336.4

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. 6BIO 336.5

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. 6BIO 336.6

(Signed) Ellen G. White.

—Letter 56, 1911.

And so The Great Controversy, the book Ellen White treasured “above silver or gold” and for which she wished a wider circulation “than for any others” she had written, (Colporteur Ministry, 127), was now launched on its renewed and ever-widening mission. With the knowledge of what was done in its preparation and of Ellen White's close supervision in the work, the new printing was received with enthusiasm. 6BIO 337.1

Some who had entertained concepts of verbal inspiration were perplexed, and there was just a little grumbling. Ellen White's own statement on inspiration in her introduction to the 1888 book proved most helpful. Criticism soon faded. And the book Seventh-day Adventists knew God had inspired her to write, with its historical quotations, continued to serve in reminding them of their history, of God's providence, and of great events yet to take place. 6BIO 337.2

As the work of the church was broadening to take in many countries and many languages, steps were taken to translate the new book so that the peoples of many tongues might read. One of the first was the Spanish, undertaken almost immediately. As this work was entered upon, it was observed that no place had been given to the reformation in Spain. As counsel was taken with Ellen White, it was decided it would be well if in the Spanish printing, a supplementary chapter compiled by competent writers could be added. Thus, the Spanish Great Controversy carries forty-three chapters in place of the forty-two in other printings. Chapter thirteen in that book, titled “The Awakening in Spain,” is clearly designated as a work of “collaboration” and has a footnote stating: 6BIO 337.3

This chapter was compiled by C. C. Crisler and H. H. Hall, and was inserted in this book with the approval of the author.—Page 252. 6BIO 337.4

The chapter has been much appreciated, and no confusion has resulted. 6BIO 337.5