Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2

Testimonies For The Church

by Ellen Gould White

One book of a nine volume-set of counsels from the Spirit of Prophecy contain spiritual commentary of a general nature, along with many letters of intimate instruction to members of the church during Ellen White’s time. This staple of Adventist literature is being reintroduced in a beautiful new hardcover binding. The attractive forest green color and tasteful cover art will encourage the reader to revisit the wisdom found inside, and the handsome new set will dress up any home library.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

764 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1948

About the author

In brief, Ellen Gould Harmon White was a woman of remarkable spiritual gifts who lived most of her life during the nineteenth century (1827-1915), yet through her writings she is still making a revolutionary impact on millions of people around the world. During her lifetime she wrote more than 5,000 periodical articles and 40 books; but today, including compilations from her 50,000 pages of manuscript, more than 100 titles are available in English. She is the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender. Her writings cover a broad range of subjects, including religion, education, social relationships, evangelism, prophecy, publishing, nutrition, and management. Her life-changing masterpiece on successful Christian living, Steps to Christ, has been published in more than 140 languages. Seventh-day Adventists believe that Mrs. White was more than a gifted writer; they believe she was appointed by God as a special messenger to draw the world's attention to the Holy Scriptures and help prepare people for Christ's second advent. From the time she was 17 years old until she died 70 years later, God gave her approximately 2,000 visions and dreams. The visions varied in length from less than a minute to nearly four hours. The knowledge and counsel received through these revelations she wrote out to be shared with others. Thus her special writings are accepted by Seventh-day Adventists as inspired, and their exceptional quality is recognized even by casual readers. As stated in Seventh-day Adventists Believe ... , “The writings of Ellen White are not a substitute for Scripture. They cannot be placed on the same level. The Holy Scriptures stand alone, the unique standard by which her and all other writings must be judged and to which they must be subject” (Seventh-day Adventists Believe ... , Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Washington D.C., 1988, p. 227). Yet, as Ellen White herself noted, “The fact that God has revealed His will to men through His Word, has not rendered needless the continued presence and guiding of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, the Spirit was promised by our Saviour to open the Word to His servants, to illuminate and apply its teachings” (The Great Controversy, p. vii). The following is a more detailed account of the life and work of this remarkable woman who, meeting all the tests of a true prophet as set forth in the Holy Scriptures, helped found the Seventh-day Adventist church.

Reviews

[Lyndon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of the chapters in this book are letters written to individuals with advice how their life should go to be walking with Jesus. While many felt they did not need to consider themselves if they had not gotten a letter, there are many letters to other that are shared characteristics. So, as you read consider yourself and how much you resemble the people addressed in these letters and then see how you can correct habits and thoughts in your own life. The temptation is to think you see others who should be reading specific letters because you are sure this fits them well. This is a practice highly suggested you not do. Don't be looking at others as you read these books.

[Seth Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume real places an emphasis on sacrifice, giving, and crafting a happy gentle spirit in the home. She is pointed in many places, but shares within one letter the extreme cases she is dealing with, and that the principles contained in the book are for everyone.

Though a bit repetitive, its a classic work and an historical source so I am not sure how I can give it less than 5 stars as it is what it is :)

[Eva Seyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly more tedious than volume 1 for a couple of reasons, but primarily because a large chunk of the book was dedicated to addressing issues with the ministry and other stuff that was less personally applicable than in volume 1. There were, however, still a lot of good things to think about.

[Darwin Ross · Rating 2 out of 5]

Views of Ellen White on how the Seventh-Day Adventists came to be and what they should believe and how they should act. So much of it is the product of late 19th and early 20th century culture (and the "bugaboos" of the period) that it is difficult to find much that is worthwhile for today. The so-called "Red Books" of Ellen White contain dated teaching and "prophecies" about what was worrisome at the time (such as "Blue Laws" and a potential "Sunday Law") that the Seventh-Day Adventist denomination today is looking back over its shoulder at challenges long since gone away, while missing those of today (cf., the Papal Encyclical on The Environment, or before that, on Nuclear Proliferation), because she is considered as "the last prophet before the end" and she is long since dead! At least the Catholics and the Mormons continue to have a contemporary prophetic voice! Still, Ellen White was a wonderful Christian woman. It has been said, however, that the SDA denomination "is as it is" today because of her; yet it "is" today, because of her husband, James White!

[Eric Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book full of practical godliness

I have read this book five times and it has changed my life. I credit my love of Jesus and the Bible and my happy family to the principles I learned from this book.

[Canny Tay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave the most rebuke to many early Adventists. It should be our warning as well.