This Week's Review by Editor

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 2, 1866

This Week's Review.

By Editor

We open our columns this week with an interesting discourse from Bro. Goodrich. Why can we not have a sermon every week in the Review? It would be well if we had among us several reporters who could take discourses from the lips of the living preacher, as they utter them in the power and demonstration of the Spirit. But until this can be done, will not our preachers, as they are constantly bringing out new subjects before the people, each one occasionally write out one for the Review? In this way the paper would be furnished with interesting matter, they would secure a larger congregation than they otherwise could, and the thousands of scattered ones would get the benefit of their labors.

— The Sabbath-keeper's Calendar, giving the time of the setting of the sun at the close of each week, will be appreciated by all those who observe the seventh day, and commence it according to the Bible manner, at the setting of the sun. The computation is from the Family Christian Almanac, for 1866. The time given, is for the setting of the sun on Friday night, and marks in each instance the commencement of the Sabbath.

— We commend Bro. Aldrich's "Enabling Act" set forth in this number, to the prompt attention of all the brethren and sisters. We think it a most excellent plan. By taking one of these boxes, you get a variety of fifty-two kinds of publications. If you want a full set of publications for your own use, here you have them, besides extra copies of the more important works to circulate among your friends. Every family should have a box. Turn back to last week's Review and read again the article on circulating religious books and papers.

— The Dead Sea, a most graphic description of this wonderful monument of God's wrath. And while we remember that the cities of the plain are set forth for an example to them who should afterward live ungodly, we look about us, and see the character of Sodom and Gomorrah being rapidly reproduced in the society of the present day. Then the solemn warning of the Saviour comes to mind, "As it was in the days of Lot, even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed." "Remember Lot's wife."

— Concerning Spiritualism, we need say no more than what is elsewhere given in relation to the murder in Battle Creek. In connection with that article, read "Spiritualism in Battle Creek," and let all beware of its contaminating influence. If it does not lead a person in this life to the depths of prostitution and murder, it will lead away from God and the truth, and land its victim in perdition at last.

— Bro. Canright gives us a cheering report from the cause in Gratiot Co., Mich.; also Bro. Matteson from Minn. At all these evidences of progress we have reason to be encouraged. Pray for the cause of truth and its defenders. Cease not to plead for the prosperity of Zion.

— A short paragraph, headed, "Governor Brownlow on the Situation," contains much matter for reflection in few words. He thinks the Southern leaders are organizing for another effort at rebellion. One thing is certain: all hearts and all lands are full of the spirit of confusion. There is no real peace. Through the agency of an unseen power, there is a semblance of quiet on the surface of things, but the elements of strife are all aglow beneath, ready at the proper time to burst forth into uncontrollable and unquenchable tumult and war. A little time is now given us to work for the truth in peace. Each moment is more precious than gold and pearls. Shall they be wasted? The time will come full soon, when what we have so often sung will be a living reality:

"Kingdoms now are reeling, falling, Nations lie in woe appalling; On their sages vainly calling, All these wonders to explain."