The Last Touches

On June 19 Ellen White was still producing material that needed to be included in the early chapters of the book. She wrote: “I am writing upon subjects which stir every fiber of my being. The preexistence of Christ—how invaluable is this truth to the believer!” (Manuscript 65, 1896).WV 360.1

In July she was writing on the closing scenes of the life of Jesus. Her diary for July 28 shows how deeply she felt about her subject:WV 360.2

In writing upon the life of Christ I am deeply wrought upon. I forget to breathe as I should. I cannot endure the intensity of feeling that comes over me as I think of what Christ has suffered in our world. He was a “man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief”; “he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed,” if we receive Him by faith as our personal Saviour! (Manuscript 174, 1897).WV 360.3

The Desire of Ages first came from the press in two beautiful art volumes, with continuous numbering of pages. Shortly thereafter the books were combined into a single volume of 865 pages. Very near the close of the year, December 10, 1898, copies arrived at Cooranbong and were eagerly examined by Ellen White, W. C. White, and her staff of workers. The monumental task was completed. Now the book would bless millions in the years to come.WV 360.4