The Great Controversy (1888 edition) represents Ellen G. White's earlier version of her masterwork on the cosmic conflict, published before the 1911 revision. This edition contains some wording and emphases later modified or expanded, making it valuable for historical study of how White refined her writings. While covering the same sweep of history—from Jerusalem's destruction through new earth—the 1888 edition shows prophetic gift's developmental nature as White continued receiving light. Scholars and historians value this edition for comparison with later versions, understanding doctrinal development, and seeing how White improved clarity while maintaining essential message. The core themes remain identical: great controversy between Christ and Satan, church history through persecution, Reformation, advent movement, three angels' messages, final crisis, and ultimate victory.
Essential for scholars studying White's editorial process. Valuable for understanding doctrinal development. Historians comparing editions benefit. Anyone questioning inspiration's nature finds insight into refinement process.
“The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out.”