What is the source of the content of the newly published work from the pen of Mrs. E. G. White, entitled, "The Sanctified Life"?*
This question logically arises because of an oversight in connection with the, issuance of the initial edition of the book. An acknowledgment should have appeared, stating that the work was a reprint of "Bible Sanctification," first published in 1881. "The Sanctified Life," which has been in the field for only a few months, has enjoyed an excellent circulation. The third printing is now being made; and in its opening pages a statement appears concerning the source of the material. A brief statement regarding the book may be of interest.
The January 18, 1881, issue of the Review and Herald carried on page one an Ellen G. White article entitled "Sanctification." And for a number of weeks there appeared in each issue, on its front page, succeeding articles of a series under this same title. Each article opened with the text: "The very -God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thess. 5:23. One week before this helpful series drew to a close, an announcement appeared on the back page of the Review which stated:
"New work. A pamphlet of 80 pages on the subject of 'Sanctification,' by Mrs. E. G. White, is now ready. Price, postage paid, ten cents. Free to those who, for want of a dime, choose not to purchase this valuable little work."
The eagerness of James White to see the message of this booklet in the home of every Seventh-day Adventist is evidenced by the fact that price would not be allowed to stand in the way of its wide circulation. The eleven chapters composing the work were a republication of the major part of the Ellen G. White articles on "Sanctification" which had just been run through the Review.
This pamphlet was not only published at the Review office at Battle Creek, but an edition was brought out almost simultaneously on the Pacific coast. Again, in the year 1889, "Bible Sanctification" was reprinted by the Pacific Press—an indication of the high esteem in which this little work was ever held.
Last year, in order that its message might again come to Seventh-day Adventists, the Review and Herald Publishing Association made a reprint of this valuable early publication under the title, "The Sanctified Life ;" and thus there is made available, to all who read the English language, the message regarding sanctification which was so highly prized in yesteryear. One paragraph from the E. G. White book, "Prophets and Kings," which deals with the experience of the three worthies, was added to chapter four, and subheadings were inserted. Aside from these changes, the new book is an exact reprint of the earlier work.
We trust that as this stirring message—setting forth in a simple, forceful, illustrative manner the importance of the sanctified life --is earnestly studied by our workers and our people generally, the volume may be the means of leading many to a better understanding of the most important work of a lifetime—sanctification.
Arthur L. White,
[Secretary, Ellen G. White Publications.]
* A 1938 Ministerial Reading Course volume. The Ministry, August, 1938
