In bringing to a close this series of articles dealing with the writings of Ellen G. White, and the responsibilities of the trustees appointed as custodians of these writings, we should speak briefly of the work as it is being carried forward today.
The original five trustees were W. C. White, C. C. Crisler, A. G. Daniells, F. M. Wilcox, and C. H. Jones. Of these, two have passed to their rest, Brethren Daniells and Crisler, and Brother Jones resigned because of ill health. According to the terms of the will, the trustees fill vacancies. They have appointed J. E. Fulton and J. L. Shaw to take the places of Brethren Jones and Daniells. No one has yet been appointed to fill the vacancy made by the recent death of Elder Crisler. Elder W. C. White is secretary of the trustees, and his son, Arthur L. White, is assistant secretary and treasurer. Elder D. E. Robinson also assists in the work of the "Elmshaven" office.
Although the work of the Ellen G. White Estate, like that of all denominational agencies, is administered by its own board, those chosen to carry these responsibilities recognize the close relationship of this work to our denominational work in general. The trustees sense keenly the grave responsibilities resting upon them and welcome the counsel of their brethren in responsible positions in the work of God. Tasks of major importance are undertaken in counsel with our denominational leaders, thus bringing to bear a wider range of experience and counsel than would be possible if the trustees worked alone.
Documents prepared for general circulation, such as compilations from the E. G. White writings, and especially those not heretofore published, or statements dealing with Mrs. White and her work, whether issued under the authorization of the General Conference Committee or the Ellen G. White Estate, receive the careful consideration both of the trustees and the responsible leaders of the General Conference Committee. In this cooperative effort in which the trustees and the General Conference officers join in giving careful study to the needs of the field and to the instruction available to meet those needs, there is great benefit to our world-wide work.
As stated in an earlier article of this series, the work of the White Estate naturally falls into three general divisions,—the promotion of the E. G. White books in the English language, together with the preparation of the compilations or reprints, or any new publications concerning the work of Mrs. E. G. White which involve the use of the sources contained in the "Elmshaven" vaults; the selection of matter for, and the promotion of, the publication of the E. G. White writings in foreign languages; and the continuing custody of the manuscript files.
"Tug Impending Conflict." This is the title of a 96-page book recently published, composed of eight selected chapters from the closing portion of "The Great Controversy." It is the conviction of the publishers, who requested the use of this material, and of the trustees, who compiled it, that it will have a large circulation. Thousands of Seventh-day Adventists are uniting in its distribution. It is hoped that as the readers see the fulfillment of the scenes portrayed in this book, many will be led to seek further light, and will ultimately accept the message in its fullness.
"Selections from the Testimonies," In 1933, in counsel with the General Conference Committee, plans were formulated for the issuance in the iTnit6d StateS of selections from the nine volumes of "Testimonies for the Church." During the past two years, the trustees and the General Conference Committee have united in the task of selecting about one third of the matter appearing in the "Testimonies," for publication in a three-book edition of "Selections From the Testimonies." It is expected that the "Selections" will be enthusiastically received as a means of giving a much wider circulation than has been heretofore possible, to instruction and counsel of inestimable value to every Seventh-day Adventist.
"Sketches and Memories or James and Ellen White." Early in 1934, in response to urgent and continued requests, W. C. White, with the assistance of the other members of the "Elmshaven" staff, under authorization from the trustees, undertook the preparation of a series of biographical and historical articles for publication in the Review, presenting the part that James and Ellen White were called to take in the Seventh-day Adventist movement, and how they were used by God in a singular manner in building up this work. These articles are based on contemporary sources, supplemented in minor detail by Elder W. C. White's personal knowledge of events. These articles are based on the historical data found in diaries, correspondence, back numbers of the Review, and published reports stored in the "Elmshaven" vaults.
In concluding this series of articles presenting the work of the trustees of the Ellen G. White Estate, may we extend an invitation to our workers who have opportunity to do so, to visit the "Elmshaven" office at St. Helena, California? We assure you that the custodians of the vaults will take pleasure in showing the writings and historical treasures stored there, and in explaining the work of the Estate.
* This article, drafted nine months ago, was brought up to date just before publication, that the latest information concerning the present work and plans of the Estate, and the personnel of the trustees at this time, might come before our readers.—Editor.