Republication of the Testimonies.
By James White
It is known to all our churches that it has for some time been contemplated to publish the "Testimonies for the Church" in four bound volumes. It seems absolutely necessary to the preservation of these important writings that this shall be done. They were first published in small pages, thin paper covers. Some of the numbers were published in great haste, to meet the wants of the cause at the large gatherings of the believers, that they might be taken by the brethren to the various parts of the field. And in some instances the editions were quite small. A second edition of the earlier ones was issued, but only of the earlier ones. Some have tried to preserve them by binding several numbers together, but this could not be successful for several reasons: the editions were not large enough to meet the general want; and the pages were too small to admit of permanent binding in books of any considerable size. In the meantime the first copies were being worn out, or virtually destroyed. One fact was recognized by all: much of the matter which they contain is of the greatest importance, and all ought to have a wider circulation than it has had; and it ought to be put up in a form which will insure its preservation. Accordingly it was decided to issue them complete in four volumes. Each volume will contain between 600 and 700 pages, and will be sold for $1.50, or $6.00 for the set. These will be among the cheapest books, according to their cost, which have issued from our presses. They have been unavoidably delayed from various causes, yet more or less work has been done on them for some time past. But last winter it was decided that they should not be delayed for any consideration; and it was decided also that they should be issued from the Oakland publishing house, where the work could be under the supervision of the writer of the Testimonies. Notwithstanding there was a great pressure of work in our office, a certain portion of our experienced laborers was assigned to this work, and it has progressed to the satisfaction of all. They are so far advanced that it is confidently expected to have them ready for the camp-meetings this coming summer. People may send in their orders with the assurance that they will be soon filled, Providence still prospering our labors. No. 32, just issued, has been put up in good, substantial covers, and all future numbers, if the Lord still vouchsafes more to us, will be well bound, so that all may be preserved together. We congratulate our churches that this desirable work is so near its accomplishment, and that soon they can have the Testimonies complete, in plain type, and well bound. And we hope there will be renewed interest in their reading and study. J. H. W.