E. G. White Authority to Change Her Published Writings

W. C. White wrote of Ellen White's authority in making changes:6BIO 335.2

A study of these changes may lead some to ask the question, “Has Sister White the authority and right to make changes in her published writings, either by addition, or by omission, or by any change whatever in the forms of expression, the manner of description, or the plan of the argument?” ...

It is generally admitted that in Sister White's discourses, spoken to the people, she uses great freedom and wisdom in the selection of proofs and illustrations, to make plain and forcible her presentation of the truths revealed to her in vision. Also, that she selects such facts and arguments as are adapted to the audience to whom she is speaking. This is essential to the attainment of the best results from her discourses.6BIO 335.3

And she has always felt and taught that it was her duty to use the same wisdom in the selection of matter for her books that she does in the selection of matter for her discourses.—WCW Letter, July 25, 1911 (see also Selected Messages 3:441).6BIO 335.4

When the new book came out, she took great pleasure in looking over and rereading it. Said W. C. White, “She was glad that the work we have done to make this edition as perfect as possible was completed while she was living and could direct in what was done.”—Ibid., July 24, 1911 (see also Ibid., 3:437).6BIO 335.5