The Books Grew in Size
As time advanced her books grew in size. In her first visions the lives of the patriarchs, the mission and teachings of Christ and His apostles, and the controversy as carried forward by the Church of Christ from the ascension to our day, were at first presented to her in outline, and were written out in brief, comprehensive articles, as we find them in Early Writings.BSRWEGW 15.4
In later years one group of subjects after another was more fully presented to her in vision, and each time the revelation bringing out more clearly the details of the scenes and subjects presented. Consequently, her views on the various phases of the great controversy were rewritten several times, and each time more fully.BSRWEGW 15.5
That which was published in Early Writings regarding the fall of Satan, the fall of man, and the plan of salvation, occupied only eight pages. The same subjects as published in Patriarchs and Prophets occupied thirty larger pages.BSRWEGW 15.6
That which was published in 1858 about the life of Christ, as found in Early Writings occupied forty pages. The same as published in 1878 fills over six hundred pages of Spirit of Prophecy, Volumes II and III. The life and teachings of Jesus as now published in Desire of Ages, Mount of Blessing, Christ’s Object Lessons, and Steps to Christ, fills more than a thousand pages.BSRWEGW 16.1
Not only in additions, but in subtractions were changes made, as books were prepared for different classes of people.BSRWEGW 16.2
In Great Controversy Volume IV, published in 1884, in the chapter “Snares of Satan,” there are three pages or more of matter that was very helpful to the church, which was left out of the later editions because they were being prepared to be sold to the multitude. It is most excellent and interesting reading for Sabbath-keepers, as it points out the work that Satan will do in persuading popular ministers and church-members to elevate the Sunday Sabbath, and to persecute Sabbath-keepers. But it was not appropriate for a book that was to be sold by our canvassers to multitudes of readers who might be offended and not benefited. It can now be found in the book Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 472-475.BSRWEGW 16.3
It was not left out of the later editions because it was less true in 1888 than in 1884, but because it was not wisdom to say these things to the multitudes for whom the book was then being prepared.BSRWEGW 16.4
With reference to this, and to other passages in her writings which have been omitted in later editions, she in substance said, These statements are true and they are useful to our people; but to the general public for whom the book is now being prepared, they are out of place. Christ said, even to His disciples, “I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.” And Christ taught His disciples to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” Therefore, as it is possible that more people will be benefited by the book without this passage than with it, let it be omitted.BSRWEGW 16.5
Regarding changes in forms of expression, Mrs. White often said, Essential truths must be plainly told; but so far as possible they should be told in language that will win rather than in language that will offend.BSRWEGW 16.6
Regarding certain passages that were likely to be the occasion of bitter and unprofitable controversies on the part of Roman Catholics and others, she has said, All that is said in Great Controversy regarding the assumptions of the pope and the claims of the papacy, is true. Much historical evidence regarding these matters has been designedly destroyed by the Roman Catholics; nevertheless, that the book may be of the greatest benefit to all, and that needless controversies may be avoided, it is better to have all statements regarding the assumptions of the pope and the claim of the papacy, stated so moderately as to be easily within the range of proof from authentic histories that are within the reach of our ministers and students. In harmony with this instruction a few passages of this character were left out when Great Controversy was revised in 1911.BSRWEGW 16.7