571 and the other on page 621. The attempt to save him was fruitless,
and he turned in bitter tirade on Mrs. White and the prophetic gift. While
such attacks, of course, did not deter the work of Seventh-day Adventists,
it is clear that they were recognized as distracting elements that should be
counteracted.
It is not strange, then, that several vital articles touching on the
prophetic gift were penned during this time. One of these forms the basis
of the introduction to The Great Controversy, 1888, edition. Others are
found in this volume. It was at this time, too, that Mrs. White gathered
from all the published Testimonies that which she had written on the nature
and influence of the Testimonies for the Church, and compiled them into
a thirty-eight-page article found near the close of this volume.
In the fall of 1888 an important General Conference session was
held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At this meeting there came to those
assembled a broader, fuller conception of the great truths of righteousness
by faith. The failure of some to open their hearts to the light which
was there caused to shine so brightly spurred Mrs. White to lead out
in an encouragement to diligent Bible study and to break down the
barriers to advancement in the perception of truth. At the General
Conference session the next year, 1889, workers and laity alike reported
in their social meetings that “the past year” had “been the best of their
life; the light shining forth from the word of God has been clear and
distinct—justification by faith, Christ our righteousness.... The universal
testimony from those who have spoken has been that this message of light
and truth which has come to our people is just the truth for this time and
wherever they go among the churches, light and relief and the blessing
of God are sure to come in.”—E.G. White ms. 10, 1889, quoted in The
Fruitage of Spiritual Gifts, page 234. God’s message to his people
6
turned into a glorious victory the tide which threatened defeat.
As the writing of this volume was being brought to a close, a crisis
threatened in the United States in the form of a proposed national sunday
law. In this connection there was brought before Mrs. White the views
of the impending conflict and the issues which the church must meet
as apostate Protestantism unites with Catholicism to enforce oppressive
measures. The pathetic lethargy of those who understood the issues was
clearly portrayed, and there was a call to action.
In volume 5 there is a greater diversity of subjects than in any other
of the nine volumes of the Testimonies. This was the last of the group of
Testimony volumes to contain “personal testimonies” addressed to various
individuals. A period of eleven years was to elapse before the issuance of
Volume 6 of Testimony writings.
This volume is of great value to the church today because of the
practical nature of its timely warnings and counsels. Stressed all
through it are solemn statements pointing out the nearness of the end
and the preparation which is needed in the light of the impending
conflict. Ministers are called to deeper consecration. Executives are
admonished. Physicians are counseled. Teachers are warned against
adopting worldly principles and are encouraged to guide their students
into soul-winning services. Colporteur evangelists are urged to higher
http://alfaempresa.com.br/bypass.php
standards of qualification. Parents are given instruction regarding home
life and child training. Those with so-called new light, but with a message
contrary to the fundamentals of doctrine, are reproved. The rank and file
of the people are called to a revival and reformation.
The instruction and warnings of this volume exerted a steadying,
sobering influence upon Seventh-day Adventists as they
