Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

The time covered by the first fourteen Testimonies now found in Volume 1 wasthirteen years. We note a few of the experiences and developments covered by themessages given during this period of 1855 to 1868.The first defection, the apostasy and opposition of some of the former brethren inthe ministry, known as the Messenger party because of their publication, the Messengerof Truth, brought sorrow and perplexity. Early counsels speak of this movement andpredict its speedy ending in confusion.Fanatical movements, tending to attract conscientious souls because of unfoundedhopes of “sanctification,” appeared in various places, notably in some of the EasternStates and in Wisconsin. In some instances these teachings were accompanied bymanifestation of the supposed “gift of tongues.” But clear instruction was given to thechurch which saved the cause from such deceptions of the enemy.The lapse of time and the apparent delay of the second advent, with the accessionto the church of many who had not been in the 1844 movement, with its deep spiritualconsecration, had resulted in the loss of that first love. It was a time of speculation inlands and homesteads as the Western States were opening up to settlers, among whomwere a number of believers from the crowded Eastern States. Most earnest warningsand appeals were given regarding the prevailing dangers of conformity to the world,calling the church to deeper consecration.In the latter part of 1856 attention was called to the “Laodicean” message ofRevelation 3. Formerly this counsel was understood to apply to the Advent believerswho had not followed in the advancing light of the third angel and who had organizedthemselves into another church, bitterly opposing the Sabbath truth. Now they sawthemselves as “lukewarm” and in need of heeding the counsel of the true witness. Fortwo years or more the believers were mightily6