The many printing impressions necessary to meet the continual and ever-widening distribution of the Testimonies for the Church have worn out the printing plates. To meet the demand for these volumes so vital to the welfare of the church, it has been necessary to reset the type. This and succeeding printings will be made from the new plates.
(1T ii.1)
The paging of this, the fourth edition, conforms to that of the preceding edition in use for so many years. The reader will welcome the scripture index and the enlarged General Index which appear in each volume. These have been expanded to harmonize with the general Index to the Writings of Mrs. Ellen G. White.
(1T ii.2)
Many years have passed since these messages were penned. As a knowledge of the circumstances and issues often aid to a better understanding of the messages to the church, the reader will find in each volume a brief statement of the background of the times spanned by the volume. A few appendix notes will also be of service to the reader who may be unfamiliar with the circumstances which called for counsel from the Lord. These statements were prepared by the Trustees of the Ellen G. White publications.
(1T ii.3)
The messages in this new reset edition are reproduced without change or editing, except for such slight adjustments as were necessary to make the new printing conform to current forms of spelling, grammar, and punctuation. There have been no additions or deletions.
(1T ii.4)
That the testimony counsels which have blessed, guided, and guarded the church may continue in this God-appointed service in this new edition is the sincere wish of the publishers and—
(1T ii.5)
The Trustees of the
(1T ii)
Ellen G. White Publications.
(1T ii)
While Volume I of the Testimonies presents counsel having to do largely with the inception and development of the teachings, experiences, and enterprises of the newly established remnant church, volume 2 is devoted almost entirely to the personal piety of its members. During the thirteen years paralleled by the fourteen testimony pamphlets now forming volume I, the publishing work was solidified, the church was organized, its system of finance was established, and it had launched into a great health program. When the closing article was written, literature was pouring in a steady stream from its presses at the review and herald publishing plant at battle creek, Michigan, and, near by, the newly established sanitarium was in full operation. The dark hours of the civil war years were in the past, and for the church it was a day of opportunity. The task before it was to hold the ground gained and to enlarge its borders. Vital to the continued success of the church was the integrity of its individual members.
(1T ii.6)