A Broad Field of Writing

Not all the E. G. White writing was of the same character. There are the great books of description and exposition, setting forth the story of the age-long conflict from its beginning to its close. In these not only are the outstanding events in the great controversy pictured, but the reader is taken behind the scenes, as was the writer. Thus he is permitted to view the underlying objectives and motives and purposes in these happenings. Through all this we find a great deal of exposition of Scripture. We would place the Conflict of the Ages Series in this grouping.EGWMR 111.8

Some of the books fall into the category of admonition, warning, and counsel. Closely associated with these are the writings of instruction, giving explicit guidance to individuals and those responsible for the enterprises constituting the several branches of the work of God in the earth. We are speaking of the Testimonies, and of the “Counsel” books now. Some of the writings present views of the future, with detail as to the relation of coming events, and counsel as to the proper attitude to take at the time. The views set forth in Early Writings and the last part of The Great Controversy form the larger part of this type of writing.EGWMR 111.9

A fourth class might be said to be inspirational, leading to a deeper Christian experience and bringing messages of encouragement and guidance to the soul.EGWMR 111.10

Then there is the biographical. These are accounts of Mrs. White’s life, travels, and labors. Although the books fall into these several general classifications, each book may contain writing representing all five types.EGWMR 111.11

When we sum up the story we find that Mrs. White was a voluminous writer. Today there are 20,300 pages in the current E. G. White books. Taking these with the earlier editions which are now out of print, we have a total of 23,900 pages. We may add to this the more than 4,500 articles which have appeared in our various denominational journals. These reduced to book pages would give us another 20,000 pages. In addition to this there are many thousands of pages of manuscript matter which, because of its local or personal character, was not published. We point to these books as the fruit of a lifework, and yet no great claims were made by the writer, for she says:EGWMR 111.12

“Sister White is not the originator of these books. They contain the instruction that during her lifework God has been giving her. They contain the precious, comforting light that God has graciously given His servant to be given to the world. From their pages this light is to shine into the hearts of men and women, leading them to the Saviour.”—The Colporteur Evangelist, 36.EGWMR 111.13