Chapter 6—Editorial Work on The Desire of Ages
We are not left in uncertainty regarding the manner in which the book The Desire of Ages was prepared, for in the memory of those conversant with the work, and in letters from Mrs. White and Miss Davis written during the period of its preparation, we find definite information regarding the work. In Mrs. White’s letters we find frequent mention of the fact that she was writing specifically for the book on the life of Christ, and very definite statements regarding the part that Miss Davis acted. Thus, in a letter written to Dr. J. H. Kellogg, October 25, 1895, she says:HEWBW 23.3
“Marian is working at the greatest disadvantage. I find but little time in which to write on the life of Christ. I am continually receiving letters that demand an answer, and I dare not neglect important matters that are brought to my notice. Then there are churches to visit, private testimonies to write, and many other things to be attended to that tax me and consume my time. Marian greedily grasps every letter I write to others in order to find sentences that she can use in the Life of Christ. She has been collecting everything that has a bearing on Christ’s lessons to His disciples, from all possible sources.... I have about decided to ... devote all my time to writing for the books that ought to be prepared without further delay. I would like to write on the Life of Christ, on Christian Temperance, and prepare Testimony Number 34, for it is very much needed....
“You know that my whole theme both in the pulpit and in private, by voice and pen, is the Life of Christ.”—Letter 41, 1895.