The Later Elmshaven Years: 1905-1915 (vol. 6) - Ellen G. White

The Manuscript for Counsels to Parents and Teachers
As the new year opened, the book they then called "Christian
Education," known today as Counsels to Parents and Teachers, was receiving
first attention. In a letter written to Elder O. A. Olsen on January 2, W. C.
White described in some detail the procedures in preparing the manuscript:
First of all, Professor Salisbury [secretary of the General Conference
Department of Education] sat down with Mother's secretaries and spent two
or three hours in pointing out those articles in the old book [Christian
Education, 1893] which he regarded as essential; also those articles in
Special Testimonies on Education [1897] which he thought should be used in
the new edition.
Then Sisters Minnie Hawkins, Maggie Bree, and Mary Steward gave
the matter which he has designated very careful reading, and made notes as
to its contents. Then they went to Mother's files to see what new matter they
could find and they made note of its contents.
Then we made a list of departments which we thought ought to be
considered in the compilation and with these subjects before them, they
made a thorough study of printed matter and manuscripts. As they collected
matter, the departments developed from ten to fourteen.
When the manuscript had been pulled together in its preliminary form,
it was submitted to several leading educators for critical reading. To them W.
C. White wrote:
If you find anything in the manuscript to criticize, if you know of
important material which should be added, or if you have any suggestions
regarding arrangement, please send them along, and we will give your
suggestions consideration.--WCW to M. E. Kern, January 15, 1913.
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