Our Paper by John Matteson

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 16, 1866

“Our Paper.”

By John Matteson

THE Lord has truly favored the remnant people with many blessings, for which we feel thankful, and at the same time, remember that many blessings call for much diligence, and increase our responsibility. How merciful the Lord has been in protecting the “Review” and from a small beginning and hard struggle, brought about its present extension and influence. And as the work was begun in the fear of the Lord, so it is our endeavor and desire that it may ever be continued in the same fear; and that its path may shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect day.

But if this paper shall continue to be the organ of the remnant people of God, it needs something besides means to sustain it. It needs the prayers and experience of a living, zealous, pious, loving people. Of a people who stand firm and united, founded upon the immutable rock—Christ. A people, who not only say Lord, Lord, but do “the will of their Father who is in Heaven.” And as this people is raising the standard of holiness, and are purified by the last solemn message of mercy, so we also expect to see “the paper” filled with more solemn warnings and a brighter experience than ever before. We expect that from its pages will shine more light and truth, more consolation and cheer, more love to God, and brotherly love. We praise the Lord for past blessings, but they will not suffice. We expect the times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and our paper must share in the same.

These things will always go hand in hand. A pious profession corresponds with a pious life, and a holy press with a holy people. Let us therefore, as a people, stand united and trust in the Lord, and he will not disappoint us.

If we ask for much, expect much, and believe that he will give us much, he will deal with us according to our faith. We are one body, one family. If we would promote the well-being of one member, we should live so as to promote the well-being of the whole body. Brethren, press together! In union is strength. And if union and love prevail throughout our ranks, it will also be seen in our paper. Its pages will reflect a more glorious light than ever before.

I love to read the paper, because it has a good effect upon my moral and spiritual development. A tree is known by its fruits. A good tree brings forth good fruit. I recommend the Review as a good paper, because it helps me on my journey, it arouses to diligence, and causes love, faith, and hope to spring up anew. I believe that it has its imperfections. If not I should despair of ever seeing it bettered. But for the good that is in it I thank our heavenly Father, for he is the original source and first cause, whence all blessings flow. Let his name have the praise through Jesus forever.

Many literary productions may look splendid, but leave no nourishment when digested. They do not bring us nearer to Jesus. Such are vain bubbles, shooting stars. We look for better fruit, for the coin that has the right sound, for present truth that will feed the sheep. We look for the gentle dew to water the heavenly plants, that union, peace and love, may prevail among the little flock. Some rough goats have hard horns, and perhaps they had better be avoided. Under the care and guidance of the good Shepherd, the little lambs are secure. Brethren, let us ever seek shelter there.

I have been cheered lately, to hear through the paper, now from one and then from another place, that souls receive the last message. And when I hear about a watchman who comes over from the ranks of opposers to help swell the cry, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen,” “Come out of her my people,” “Here is the

patience of the saints, here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” I drop a silent tear, and long for the time to come when a multitude of voices shall be heard throughout the earth swelling the message.

We feel sad at present, to see so many of our ablest defenders leave the ranks, bound by disease. We sympathise with them in their afflictions, remembering that because of their zeal and exposure for the truth's sake, they came nigh unto death. Yet we sorrow not as those that have no hope; but confidently trust in God, and look for their return. And thus we rejoice in tribulation, knowing that this shall also work for our good. Among these is also our dear Bro. White, whom God in his providence raised up to start our paper, and alone to face a frowning world till others could help to lift a part of the burden from his shoulders. He has not now forgotten the little flock. It is only black envy that says so. A thief thinks every man steals. But we know, that though his pen rest for a while, though his voice is silenced for a season, yet his fervent prayers still ascend in behalf of God's people, to the heavenly sanctuary. We know, that whatever may come, he will never forget those for whom he has sacrificed property, time, and health. He is dear to us, and we are dear to him. And all the powers of darkness cannot break this cord of love. Praise God! Brotherly love has not died away from the ranks of Sabbath-keepers. And as his pen has heretofore so ably defended the truth through the columns of the Reveiw, may the Lord grant that we may once more through our paper hear his faithful warnings, more powerful and more gentle than ever. Brethren I hear your faithful amen throughout the ranks, and may the true Witness himself respond, Amen.

JOHN MATTERSON.