As was pointed out last month, there are at the "Elmshaven" office practically all of the extant Ellen G. White writings, published and unpublished. In the light of this fact, these questions naturally come to the mind: Did Mrs. White, before her death, plan for the future care and use of these writings? If so, to whom were they entrusted? and who is responsible for their care and use? With such pertinent questions as an introduction, we shall in this article consider the plans that Mrs. White devised and instituted for the preservation of her writings, and for the continuance of certain specified work with these writings subsequent to her death.
After making her home at "Elmshaven," Mrs. White, realizing her advancing age and the possibility of not having much longer to work, gave careful thought, from time to time, to the future of her published works and her manuscripts. Eight years before her death she wrote:
"Abundant light has been given to our people in these last days. Whether or not my life is spared, my writings will constantly speak, and their work will go forward as long as time shall last. My writings are kept on file in the office, and even though I should not live, these words that have been given to me by the Lord will still have life and will speak to the people." —"Writing and Sending Out of the Testimonies to the Church," pp. 13, 14. (Available from Ellen G. White Estate. Price, 5 cents.)
As she neared the close of her lifework, she made definite provision for the future handling of her writings after her decease. This we find in a document bearing date of February 9, 1912, "The Will of Mrs. E. G. White," which forms the basis of this article. We shall quote from this instrument, drafted in the customary legal form, such portions as pertain to the subject under discussion. Here are the key provisions regarding the care and use of her writings, in their original setting:
"I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to William C. White, Clarence C. Crisler, Charles H. Jones,' Arthur G. Daniells,2 and Frank M. Wilcox" [here in the will there appears a listing of her modest properties, consisting of the home and its appurtenances referred to in. article number one]; "all of my right, title, and interest in the copyrights and book plates in all languages, of the following publications" [here follows a list of her current books]; "also, my general manuscript file and all indexes pertaining thereto; also my office furniture and office library.
"Together with all and singular, the tenements, hereditaments, and appurtenances thereunto belonging, or in anywise appertaining in trust nevertheless for the uses and purposes hereinafter contained.
"To Have and to Hold, the said real and personal property unto said trustees, and their successors, upon the trust to enter into and upon and take possession of the said real estate and said personal property."
"Administering, preserving, and protecting the said real property and of handling said personal property, and publishing and selling said books and manuscripts and conducting the business thereof."
The will then leads into certain financial provisions, and in further specifying the work of the trustees in their care and use of the writings, says:
"Then my said trustees shall use the overplus for the improvement of the books and manuscripts held in trust by them, and herein provided; for the securing and printing of new translations thereof; for the printing of compilations from my manuscripts."
Thus we have before us the general plan as developed by Mrs. White in the creation of a board of trustees to care for her writings, and the definite instructions given to these five men. We find that their work as custodians of the writings falls into three general classes:
First, the care and promotion of the E. G. White books in the English language.
Second, the preparation of manuscripts for, and the promotion of the translation and publication of, the E. G. White writings into foreign languages.
Third, the custody of the manuscript and letter files, and the selection of matter therefrom for general circulation.
The five men appointed to this sacred trust were men of long experience, chosen by Mrs. White because of their acquaintance with her experience and work, and because their qualifications fitted them to carry this responsibility. Specific provision was made in the will for filling any vacancies in this board of trustees by the selection of a succeeding trustee by the remaining members of the board.
Immediately following Mrs. White's death, these five men of her choosing took control of her property and work, and from that time they have diligently executed the provisions of the trust as custodians of her writings in harmony with the will of its creator.
Aside from the manuscript and book properties, the real and personal property that was convertible into cash was sold. The proceeds from the sale of these properties, together with royalty income, have furnished sufficient means to meet all obligations that stood against Mrs. White at the time of her death, and to carry forward certain phases of the work of the trustees. The obligations referred to had been largely incurred through many charitable gifts in forwarding the cause, and the large expense of preparing her manuscripts and publishing her works in many foreign languages. With an assured royalty income from her books, she felt justified in borrowing money with which to speed their wide circulation.'
The business delegated to the trustees having to do with real and personal property other than the continuing custody of the writings, was largely executed soon after Mrs. White's death. There consequently remain to their care now, only these writings, either in published form or in manuscript.
For a number of years the board of trustees carried on its work with no further organization than the mere specifications of the will. But to bind themselves together and to give the trust legal standing, making it possible for it to transact business more freely, the five originally appointed trustees form a corporation known as "The Ellen G. White Estate, Incorporated." The "Articles of Incorporation" state—
"That the purposes for which this corporation is formed are the following:
"To carry out and perform the provisions of the charitable trust created by the last will and testament of Ellen G. White, deceased."
In so doing, they are—
"To compile and prepare for publication in any and–all languages–and dialects, any or all the papers, documents, manuscripts, tracts, pamphlets, books, and writings produced by Ellen G. White."
The five trustees are the constituency and directors of the corporation. The organization of this legal body makes assured provision for the continuance of the trusteeship created by Ellen G. White.
While the custody of the writings was not delegated directly to the General Conference Committee, yet a majority of the trustees are members of that body, and the closest cooperation exists between it and the trustees.
In forwarding the work of the Estate, there is a united interest which ensures efficiency and stability.
Some may be interested in the financial support of the work of the trustees. As is generally known, the Ellen G. White books bring to the Estate a modest royalty income. This passes through the General Conference treasury, and constitutes a portion of the funds comprising the yearly appropriation provided for the maintenance of the Estate work.
Subsequent articles will contain more detailed information regarding the execution of the three lines of work delegated to the trustees.
(To be continued)
1 Because of failing health, C. H. Jones resigned July 4, 1934, and J. E. Fulton was elected by the remaining trustees to take his place on the board of trustees of the Ellen G. White Estate.
2 This was written prior to Elder Daniells' death, March 22, 1935. On August 6, 1935, the remaining trustees elected J. L. Shaw to fill the vacancy created by the decease of A. G. Daniells.
3 For a fuller statement regarding Mrs. White's indebtedness and its liquidation, see "The Testimony of Jesus," by F. M. Wilcox, pp. 97-100.
