Ellen G. White in Europe 1885-1887

Reinforcements From America

Meanwhile Willie White was completing his work in America, preparing to return in early February. He noted that Volume I of the Spirit of Prophecy (the forerunner of Patriarchs and Prophets) was out of print, and suggested that work should go forward at once to prepare another edition. Mrs. White herself had suggested to him that if she was to stay in Europe she should push her literary work there. She even envisioned the possibility of having some of her books published in Switzerland to provide work for the struggling publishing house. Except for translations of her books, this never materialized. She kept up her prodigious literary output throughout her stay in Europe. There was the continual correspondence with workers and laymen in America and the opening mission lands, the preparation of articles for church journals, as well as sermons that were edited for publication. EGWE 151.3

Marian Davis accompanied W. C. White when he returned to Europe, to help with the typing and preparation of Ellen White's writings for publication. When they arrived they found Ellen White ill and confined to her bed. The day before she had suffered two hours of severe chills. But seeing her son and her good friend Miss Davis brightened her spirits. EGWE 152.1

Marian had worked with her as a secretary and literary assistant since 1879 and would continue to do so for many years to come. Her first job in Basel was to work with Mary K. White in arranging Ellen White's accounts of her travels thus far in Europe for the book Historical Sketches. EGWE 152.2