Loading...
Larger font
Smaller font
Copy
Print
Contents
  • Results
  • Related
  • Featured
No results found for: "".
  • Weighted Relevancy
  • Content Sequence
  • Relevancy
  • Earliest First
  • Latest First
    Larger font
    Smaller font
    Copy
    Print
    Contents

    Chapter 6—What About Compilations?

    There are a few other questions that deserve consideration. Of concern to many people are the compilations that have been published since Ellen White’s death. Let’s consider some facts that may be surprising. First of all, several of the books that came from Ellen White’s pen during her lifetime grew and developed out of a background of writing. At the earliest stage, counsels often appeared as pamphlets or small books. As more visions were received, these subjects were expanded and the books were enlarged. The controversy story went through such a growth, beginning with a 219 page book in 1858, and developing through Spiritual Gifts and Spirit of Prophecy volumes before finally coming to the present Conflict of the Ages series of between 3000 and 4000 pages. All of this expansion took place during Ellen White’s lifetime. It was one of her largest writing projects from the beginning.HPEGWW 19.3

    The Testimonies, for the Church were developed over a span of years between 1855 and 1909. Drawing from letters and manuscripts and articles, these counsels were published in a growing series that kept pace with the needs of the church. Other books like Steps to Christ and Ministry of Healing were also compiled.HPEGWW 19.4

    But what about the compilations prepared since her death? Can they be trusted? Who gave authority for such work? The answer is found in Ellen White’s last will and testament in which she asked that income from her books be used “for the printing of compilations from my manuscripts.”HPEGWW 20.1

    Because she had done such compiling during her lifetime, she obviously saw no reason for such a practice to change. True, there was the advantage of her own personal supervision while she lived. Yet she felt comfortable enough with this procedure that she requested that the Trustees should be asked to continue such work after her death.HPEGWW 20.2

    Certain precautions are observed by those who gather materials for compilations in the office. We have all of Ellen White’s known letters and manuscripts, her articles, and books from which to draw material. When a compilation is planned, this reservoir of material is used. Often as a compilation is prepared, her emphasis becomes clear and even an outline is suggested by her presentation.HPEGWW 20.3

    Some compilations might be considered encyclopedic. They are collections of material in abbreviated, concise form. For this reason, some may not read smoothly, or make easy transitions from one paragraph to another. They should be recognized for what they are—representative counsel on the subject considered.HPEGWW 20.4

    When a compilation is prepared it can draw on all the counsel on a particular subject or for a particular group of people. This necessitates excerpting in some cases, because materials on a topic may be included in a larger document that deals with many unrelated subjects. Every reference in a compilation is carefully authenticated as to the original source, with an effort to include enough content so that the statement makes sense on its own. Then the original source is noted so that the reader may study the statement in the larger context as well, if desired.HPEGWW 20.5

    Larger font
    Smaller font
    Copy
    Print
    Contents