More correspondence delayed Ellen White's book work. In Mid-February, diary entries read: 4BIO 186.5
This day [February 17, 1895] we have earnest work to do to prepare the American mail. Oh, that the Lord will make me a channel of light to impart light to those who need it so much in America! My heart takes in the situation, and I am praying and writing to those who need the letters of encouragement and caution. 4BIO 187.1
February 18: Cannot sleep past 2:00 A.M.... It was and ever has been a trying time to send off so large a mail to America, to Africa, and to London, England. 4BIO 187.2
I am writing now upon New Testament subjects on the life of Christ. Fannie [Bolton] will prepare the matter for the papers, and Marian [Davis] will select some portions of it for the book “Life of Christ.” Some days my head is weary, and I cannot write much. 4BIO 187.3
February 19: Slept until four o'clock. I praise the Lord when I can sleep, for I am aware I do not get the sleep I should. I cannot write much the last part of the day. The subject I am writing upon is of intense interest—“The Call to the Supper.”—Manuscript 59, 1895. 4BIO 187.4
In early April, Ellen White could give a good report on her state of health. “I am glad to inform you,” she wrote to Edson and Emma, “that my health, strength, and activity are about equal to what they used to be before my long experience with rheumatism. I can get in and out of a carriage with as much activity as a young girl.... I always have to be careful of my right hip, or else I have trouble.... But this infirmity does not prevent my activity, except in the matter of taking long walks.... If I guard myself diligently, I am able to get about with marked alacrity.”—Letter 88, 1895. 4BIO 187.5
It was well that this was so, for a few days later she wrote to Edson that she would soon be off to Tasmania to be present at the wedding that would unite her son William in marriage with May Lacey. 4BIO 187.6