101 Questions on the Sanctuary and on Ellen White

90. Ellen White Invites Constructive Criticism

Did Ellen White ever submit her manuscripts to the brethren for doctrinal correction? QSEW 96.1

No. Ellen White at times sought counsel from the brethren, not on the content of her writings, but on the effectiveness of the way she had expressed herself, as well as on the use to be made of the materials. She informed W. H. Littlejohn: QSEW 96.2

“I have all my publications closely examined. I desire that nothing shall appear in print without careful investigation. Of course I would not want men who have not a Christian experience or are lacking in ability to appreciate literary merit to be placed as judges of what is essential to come before the people, as pure provender thoroughly winnowed from the chaff. I laid out all my manuscript on Patriarchs and Prophets and on [Spirit of Prophecy] Volume 4 before the book committee for examination and criticism. I also placed these manuscripts in the hands of some of our ministers for examination. The more criticism of them the better for the work.”—Letter 49, 1894. QSEW 96.3

When in 1910 it was found that the type for The Great Controversy must be reset, Ellen White informs us: QSEW 96.4

“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.”—Letter 56, 1911. QSEW 96.5

This word was conveyed to different ones, including W. W. Prescott, editor of The Protestant Magazine. In response, Prescott wrote W. C. White in April, 1910, offering him 105 suggestions on points which he felt needed improvement in the book. About half of Prescott’s suggestions were accepted. These mainly called for references or appendix notes or greater precision of expression, while some had to do with historical fact. Ellen White accepted none of Prescott’s recommendations for the altering of her doctrinal positions. QSEW 96.6