Times of Volume Five
ix
ness 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 Gen-
eral 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 turned into a glorious victory the tide which
[7]
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
standards of qualification. Parents are given instruction regarding
home life and child training. Those with so-called new light, but with