Rich Source of Documentation,
Return of the Latter Rain draws on a richer source of documents than any discussion of the 1888 conference (and its aftermath) yet to be published. As a careful historian, Duffield has done a great job. And he has exceeded his peers in one important way: He has refused to let the discussion of the most important message descend into arguments over trivialities. Those in love with things new and strange will find less pleasure in reading the book than do those who love simple truth and convicting presentations. As a recent editor of Adventist Affirm magazine, I highly recommend this book to any Adventist readership. - Eugene Prewitt, February 16, 2012
Amazing, Documented History,
Ron Duffield, in drawing from published and unpublished sources of early SDA history, has drawn a compelling picture of how God attempted repeatedly, especially in the late 1880s, to pour out His Spirit (in the "Latter Rain" imagery of Scripture) on those who claimed to be carrying the last messages of mercy to the world. When you read of evidence that the Spirit was treated like the Jews of the first century treated Jesus, you may join those who have read this account with weeping.
If you enjoy endnotes that give at times as much detail of the story as the body of the chapters (as well as critiquing other histories of the same events), you will like the degree of documentation this book provides. Ellen White's letters and manuscripts pull the curtain back and show the story behind the story. Correspondence between church leaders never published before fill in many of what were previous blanks or misreadings in other accounts of that time.
Indeed we live in a time when we can say in the language of Daniel 7:10, "the books were opened." May we indeed learn the lessons of history, so we can stop making the same mistakes. Since the supernatural power of the Spirit is essential for the events to come, we still await His return to a people who will welcome His Christ-centered, pride-humbling preparation.
Materials that may be helpful as you consider this book:
(1) Jerry A. Moon, Chair, Church History Department, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University, did an oral review of the book on October 14, 2011. The audio of this review has been posted online at the Gospel Study Group website. [Note: Dr. Moon reviewed the First Edition of this book; the content he covered is essentially the same in the Second Edition, with some page variations.]
(2) Summaries of the chapters are also available online at my personal website. ~Dr. Fred Bischoff October 20, 2011 http://www.scripturefirst.net/fredfiles.htm
If you enjoy endnotes that give at times as much detail of the story as the body of the chapters (as well as critiquing other histories of the same events), you will like the degree of documentation this book provides. Ellen White's letters and manuscripts pull the curtain back and show the story behind the story. Correspondence between church leaders never published before fill in many of what were previous blanks or misreadings in other accounts of that time.
Indeed we live in a time when we can say in the language of Daniel 7:10, "the books were opened." May we indeed learn the lessons of history, so we can stop making the same mistakes. Since the supernatural power of the Spirit is essential for the events to come, we still await His return to a people who will welcome His Christ-centered, pride-humbling preparation.
Materials that may be helpful as you consider this book:
(1) Jerry A. Moon, Chair, Church History Department, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University, did an oral review of the book on October 14, 2011. The audio of this review has been posted online at the Gospel Study Group website. [Note: Dr. Moon reviewed the First Edition of this book; the content he covered is essentially the same in the Second Edition, with some page variations.]
(2) Summaries of the chapters are also available online at my personal website. ~Dr. Fred Bischoff October 20, 2011 http://www.scripturefirst.net/fredfiles.htm
Most Balanced Review of 1888
The most balanced review of 1888 I have ever read. The author does not try to tell you what is "true" about 1888 based on what he believes. Instead he shows context and situation so you can more easily discern why certain people said what they did. I also find it very readable and well put together. It is also easy to understand how both sides of the Legalism issue have been able to take quotes from the General Conference session and use them out of context to support their view of truth. I was so amazed at how much I found myself amazed at the logic and truly Godly methods Ellen G. White used to try to convince the brethren to listen to Waggoner. Even though they rejected her advice she did not attempt to force the issue. If you are only going to read 1 book on 1888 and Righteousness by faith let this be the one. (Added July 5, 2011) As I have read farther in to the book I can easily understand why so many of my peers are no longer in the church. This book has clarified a lot of things for me that I cannot wait to share with my church. If you are a person whom sees White as a legalistic grumpy old lady based on the way people have used Quotes from her writings than you really need to read this book. It will show a side of her you have never seen. I expect you will read anything she wrote in a different light after understanding what happened in 1888 on forward. As you grasp how to look at her work in light of Righteousness by faith you will realize that all of the ways people have used her work to "Beat people over the head" would be a misuse of the quote used and an affront to Miss White. (Added July 14, 2011) Wow I sat reading about the ten virgins in the book White compared the lost to those who rejected the message from J&W as they were all about the law and not Christ's righteousness. I never even saw that coming and I have been in this church all my life and studied a lot. The whole Idea that the Legalistic side of the church are those with not enough oil makes sense as they cry "I did it all for you Lord" but He never knew them. I always equated the lost virgins to those who were more about "Just love everybody and did not study and pray." Was I far off or what. My legalistic upbringing will not die an easy death. I really cannot wait for Volume 2. Read this book!!!( Added Sept 9 2011), As I read the book I really could not understand why I cannot even find the book listed on any Adventist Book Center website as it is so biblical and really is a great read. Well not that my wife and I are working through the citations as we read it again it is plain to see why this it now in mainstream literature. So many Adventist authors have written things against J&W that are taken out of context and also used E. G. White out of context that the book as it shows statements and the full quotes in context is really quite revealing. The author is not trying to belittle the people involved or advocate some church revolution or some such far right attitude. He is simply showing how people have written about J&W and shown what the person was saying and how the context does not fit the authors conclusion. The most grievous examples come from "From 1888 to Apostasy" by George R. Knight. It seem as if Mr. Knight has a real issue with J&W as he seems to go out of his way to present the message they brought in a bad light. He states that they wrote nothing special or new that is not written better by Miss White. This is interesting in light of Miss Whites statement that They (J&W) had new light that she herself had never understood nor been able to explain as well as they did or could.(The Preceding is a paraphrase of the statement) I personally find it disappointing that our own book store is not carrying this book. I really cannot wait to read it again. I am also waiting on pins and needles for part two to be released. -S. Schultz "Reptile Teacher" June 15, 2011A Most Compelling Story
We have found The Return of the Latter Rain be a most compelling story. Clear historical documentation answers the often unvoiced question, why are we still in this world when could have been in the kingdom long before now? The 1880’s and 1890’s were pivotal years in the Great Second Advent Movement, and it was the Father’s design that we should have entered the Heavenly Canaan long before now. The Return of the Latter Rain is a voluminous book, but reader friendly and interesting. By reading the footnotes also, it becomes two stories; the chronological history from its original sources, or as it has often been told over the past 120 years. Many have already been blessed by this work, we hope you will also be blessed. ~ C. Duffield March 14, 2012
