Chapter 16—Expanding the Great Controversy Presentation VC

Preparing Manuscript for Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4,[While in Ellen White’s mind all materials comprising the agelong conflict were a part of the great controversy story, this chapter focuses on the post-biblical part of the narration as found in Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, published in 1884, and The Great Controversy, which appeared in 1888. The enlarged writing on the life of Christ for The Desire Of Ages follows in the next chapter.—Compilers.] the Forerunner of The Great Controversy (3SM 109) MC VC

Intensity of Feeling While Writing (February 19, 1884)—I write from fifteen to twenty pages each day. It is now eleven o’clock and I have written fourteen pages of manuscript for volume four and seven pages of letters to different ones besides this. I feel continually grateful to God for his merciful kindness.... (3SM 109.1) MC VC

As I write upon my book I feel intensely moved. I want to get it out as soon as possible, for our people need it so much. I shall complete it next month if the Lord gives me health as he has done. I have been unable to sleep nights, thinking of the important things to take place. Three hours’ sleep, and sometimes five, is the most I get. My mind is stirred so deeply I cannot rest. Write, write, write, I feel that I must, and not delay. (3SM 109.2) MC VC

Great things are before us, and we want to call the people from their indifference, to get ready for that day. Things that are eternal crowd upon my vision day and night. The things that are temporal fade from my sight. We are not now to cast away our confidence, but to have firm assurance, firmer than ever before. Hitherto hath the Lord helped us, and he will help us to the end. We will look to the monumental pillars, reminders of what the Lord hath done for us, to comfort and to save us from the hand of the destroyer.—Letter 11a, 1884. (3SM 109.3) MC VC