Ellen White’s Last Four Books

“Advance! Advance!”

On December 3 Crisler went over another chapter for the Old Testament history, and in connection with this Ellen White told him of a recent experience. Here is how he reported it: EWLFB 14.4

“Sister White says that during the night session she hears voices saying, ‘Advance! Advance! Advance! Press the battle to the gate!’”—CCC to WCW, December 3, 1914.

Crisler commented, EWLFB 14.5

“She seems to apply this to the completion of the work of the Lord in all parts of the earth, also to the completion of important book work .... I believe the Lord would have us all take courage, and press forward steadily.”—Ibid.

A few days later, he wrote that the word spoken by Sister White kept ringing in his ears, “Advance! Advance! Advance!” This was true also of others who learned of the experience (CCC to WCW, December 4, 1914). EWLFB 14.6

On Monday, December 14, Crisler reported that Ellen White’s day-to-day condition remained about the same, and he said he tried to visit her “as often as she is able to consider matters with zest,” which was, as a rule, sometimes once, sometimes twice, daily. While he had skipped days, he said such was exceptional. On this particular day and the day before, he went over the Daniel portion anew with Sister White, and she seemed to enjoy rehearsing the story. Hearing it read revived old memories on her part. Her comments during the visit gave Crisler an opportunity to do additional work on the manuscript (CCC to WCW, December 14 and 17, 1914). EWLFB 15.1

Mid-December was marked by an encouraging rallying point in Ellen White’s physical condition. For several weeks she was able to give more attention than usual to the literary tasks. EWLFB 15.2

Clarence Crisler wrote to Elder S. N. Haskell on Thursday, December 24, and had something to say on the subject in which so many were interested—Ellen White’s state of health. “On some days,” he said, “she is stronger than on others: but she is not so strong now as when you were last with us.” She gives consideration, he said, “to a few questions connected with the advancement of the general work,” and goes “over with us manuscripts being prepared from her writings or for publication.” He observed: “She is more often brain-weary, and when weary, she is forgetful ... [and] forgets details.” Nevertheless she was in possession of remarkably clear concepts of religious and spiritual matters: “Her mind seems to keep unusually clear on scriptural subjects and especially on the precious promises of the Word; and so her meditations are sweet, and she has comfort and joy through the consolation the Bible affords every Christian.”—CCC to SNH, December, 1914. EWLFB 15.3

“At other times,” Crisler went on to say, “she has much to say of former times, and becomes reminiscent concerning her associates of years gone by; and then she seems much as when you were with us.” EWLFB 15.4

He added: EWLFB 15.5

“There are many times, too, when her mind is fruitful on Bible themes; and we are endeavoring to take advantage of such times, and to present before her for her careful consideration that which must receive her personal attention prior to publication in book or article form.

“Were it not for the special interposition of God in her behalf. I doubt not but that she would find difficulty in keeping up this line of work; but with Heaven’s blessing we have found it possible to advance slowly yet surely. Every advance step taken in the finishing of manuscript work, brings to her real delight; and she rejoices in the privilege of being permitted still to use her talents in binding about the edges, as she says, and in rounding out her work in proper form, that the ‘well done’ may be spoken of her when she rests from her labors.”—Ibid.