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Verse:I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord. —Romans 16:22
Some people believe that all inspired writings were dictated word for word to the prophets by the Holy Spirit. In some instances, that was the case; but in general, the prophet himself or herself selected the words to convey the message.
Speaking of her own experience, Ellen White explained, “Although I am as dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord in writing my views as I am in receiving them, yet the words I employ in describing what I have seen are my own, unless they be those spoken to me by an angel, which I always enclose in marks of quotation.” Canonical prophets used secretaries and literary assistants. For instance, Jeremiah used Baruch as his secretary (Jeremiah 36). The Epistle to the Romans was authored by Paul (Romans 1:1) but physically written by Tertius (Romans 16:22). Likewise, Ellen White was helped at first by her own husband and later by other editorial assistants. One of their tasks was to gather previous materials she wrote so that she could use some of them in producing new materials.
Ellen White compiled most of her books from her previous writings, and she always supervised the whole process. After her death in 1915, the trustees of her estate assumed that responsibility. On February 9, 1912, Ellen White signed the final version of her last will and testament, appointing a self-perpetuating board of trustees, originally composed of William C. White, Clarence C. Crisler, Charles H. Jones, Arthur G. Daniells, and Frank M. Wilcox. Per the provision of Ellen White’s will, the board would be responsible “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.”12 This means that she herself envisioned the production of new compilations from her writings according to the needs and challenges the church would face in the future. So, when you find similarities and parallel statements in different places of the Bible or in the writings of Ellen White, do not be surprised.
They carry God’s message to us in the same way as when they were originally written. Let us read and study them respectfully as His word for us today.