OUR DEPARTMENTS AND MOTTOES.
By Editor
“The Sermon.” “Preach the Word.” Paul said that the time would come when men would not endure sound doctrine, but would turn their ears from the truth, and be turned unto fables. 2 Tim. iv, 3, 4. That time, according to his prediction, has come; and in view of it, he charges the ministers of Christ to “preach the word, be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine.” Sermons in which the word is preached, by its great and searching truths being presented in power before the hearer or reader, are in these days exceedingly valuable. Such sermons, Seventh-day Adventists want. But with the present scarcity of laborers, the living preacher is but occasionally heard by any of them, and by some of them never. But all can hear them through the Review. Therefore we say to the preachers, in behalf of all the church, Give us a Sermon for every number of the Review. It is not so difficult a task as it might at first seem. Who of them cannot write out one sermon on some of their familiar themes once in six months; and some are well able to furnish two in that time; and this would supply the paper, and feed the hungry flock. We have several sermons on hand, and others engaged; and we hope to hear from others soon. “The Commentary.” This department is opened for the purpose of presenting from week to week, short comments upon some text or texts of scripture, either to explain those which are difficult to be understood, or to call attention to others which are of more than ordinary interest and importance. There are things new and old in the great storehouse of God’s word. Let them be brought out, that the interest of us all in its life-giving study may be daily increased. And here we shall depend largely for help upon the ministers. No class are better prepared to bring out matters of interest to our readers than they. Shall we have their co-operation here? As they go from place to place, and queries are presented to them, they see at once upon what passages the brethren are seeking light; and when they give them the desired information, will they please remember that others will be glad of the same light, and so report it for the Review? But while the ministers are especially called upon, others are not by any means excluded. We believe this department can be made one not only of great interest, but of sterling value. And what more appropriate motto for this department could be found than the beautiful words we have chosen from McCheyne? “Tell me the meaning of scriptures. One gem from that ocean is worth all the pebbles of earthly streams.” “News and Miscellany.” Under this head we shall aim to give as often as practicable, connected and well-digested articles on the current news of the day. Such articles, though they may speak of events not remarkably recent, will impart to the reader more information and give him a better view of the state of the world and the course of events, than can be gathered from the more recent fragmentary telegraphic dispatches. Especially shall we endeavor to carefully sift the floating items of news, and preserve only such as have some special significance, or are worthy of remembrance. It is of no special consequence to know that somebody’s horse ran away in Ill., or a man accidentally shot himself in Iowa, or another was drowned in N. Y., or a grindstone burst and killed another in Ct. Every item of this kind it would be impossible to collect; and if all such could be gathered, they would fill a sheet weekly larger than the N. Y. Tribune; and who would be the wiser for their perusal? We shall endeavor to present that which is reliable and which will give a general idea of the more important events that are transpiring in our own and foreign lands. “Conference Department.” This name is given to the department devoted to short and familiar communications from brethren and sisters, as this portion of the paper, especially, is designed to partake of the nature of the prayer and conference meeting, where the people of God may speak freely and frequently to each other respecting their experience and progress in the way to Mt Zion. Let it be well filled with spirited testimonies, that its readers, especially the scattered and lonely ones, may rise from its perusal, feeling as they would, if they had just been to a lively and spiritual prayer-meeting. “Publication Department.” Our friends will be glad to see our list of publications revised and re-written, the notice of each work being so enlarged as to give the reader a better idea of its character and contents. It has also been thought advisable that there should stand in connection with our Book List, a brief notice of the Association, and the different periodicals here issued, that even the casual reader may understand the basis and character of our work. We desire to see a great and speedy increase of activity in our Publication business. Our periodicals, our books, and our views, must be got before the people. The promulgation of the last message of mercy is not a work to be done in a corner. And finally, as Paul said to the Corinthian brethren that when they were come together, every one had a psalm, a doctrine, a tongue, a revelation, an interpretation; so let it be with the Review; and let all contribute their mite, as the Lord may direct, to give life and interest to the paper, and make it a still greater blessing to the cause of truth.