p. 306 | CLOSE OF THE VOLUME by Editor

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 14, 1867

CLOSE OF THE VOLUME.

By Editor

The duties that pertain to the close of another volume of the paper have once again devolved upon us, and occupied our attention the past week. We look back over the past volume, turn its leaves, make a faithful index of its important and varied testimony, put it to press which soon does its part in multiplying its thousands of copies—and another volume is done. Thus the six months' periods of our earthly pilgrimage are being rapidly numbered off. This lapse of time has an element of sadness as well as joy—sadness that while the flight of time is so rapid, our progress in spiritual things is so slow, but joy that the morning of deliverance so rapidly hastens and the days of our mourning will so soon be ended.

In amount, the testimony of the Review the past volume, has been nearly one half greater than that of any previous volume; yet we do not think this increase of amount has led to any deterioration in quality. Of one thing we are certain: its columns have borne forth to the scattered flock much that is of vast importance to us as probationers in these last days: many solemn warnings, many stirring appeals and exhortations; much good advice, counsel, instruction, comfort and encouragement. May its influence not cease with the publication of this its last issue, but continue to be felt through broader tracts of land, and through the remaining years of time. Indeed we know that whatever is written in accordance with the truth, with an eye single to God's glory, mingled well with the graces of humility, kindness and love, consecrated to the purpose of saving souls, and sanctified by prayer, never will lose its influence, never. So long as it is where an intelligent eye may fall upon it, God's Spirit is there to attend it; and it will make its impress upon minds, and in ever-increasing circles its influence will be felt, like the ripples from a pebble dropped into the bosom of the lake. Take courage, then, ye who have toiled with your pens for the good of your fellow-beings. Much and glorious fruit of your labors is apparent even in this life; but eternity alone can show the full result. For what has been wrong in the Review we ask the forbearance of the brethren and the forgiveness of God: that which has been right and good, we commend to your memory and his blessing.

Our correspondents have well done. When the enlargement was commenced, although from our knowledge of the many whose whole interest is in the cause of truth, we could not really have any misgivings in regard to a sufficient supply of communications from their pens to meet the increased demand of the paper, yet it was a matter of experiment. But the result has equaled our fondest expectations. Never has there been a greater supply of matter in proportion to the demand, than during the last volume. And we have on hand, even now, communications which it is our purpose to insert at the first opportunity, which have already been waiting the greater part of the volume. Such correspondents will please have patience. The coming additional enlargement will enable us to be more prompt in the insertion of articles. To all who have so liberally aided in this direction, we cheerfully grant what they have so richly merited, our warmest thanks.

A large audience return most grateful acknowledgments to the writers of the Sermons. This has become to many of our readers, especially the scattered and lonely ones, and to all, so far as we have learned, an essential feature of the paper. We think we can safely count on the willingness of the preachers to still sustain it, after such ample evidence of its appreciation. We therefore venture to promise a continuation of this department another year.

A number of subscriptions expire with this volume. We should be sorry to part company with any of our readers. We believe we have truths which are essential to your eternal good. With an enlarged paper we shall endeavor to set these things still more clearly and forcibly before the minds of the people. With the utmost confidence we say to all, “Come with us and we will do thee good.” We therefore cordially ask a continuance of your company. But if any decide otherwise, of course they have a right to choose, in this respect, their own course; and it only remains for us to bid such a sad though affectionate adieu.

From the close of this volume we turn to the next. May its tone be still higher, its testimony more clear and powerful, its columns more full of life and interest, richer with the blessing of the Lord, and more what a paper should be, which is the organ and exponent of the present truth of these last days. We have hope and confidence that some advance in these respects will be made; and so far as our feeble efforts go, they shall be directed to that end.

We have every incentive to earnest and continued efforts in the cause of God. Almost every day brings out with startling clearness some additional sign of the approaching end. God is working as never before in the fulfillment of his word among the nations of the earth; we believe he is about to work for his people. Two things delay the great consummation; The world has not yet quite filled up its cup of iniquity, and the people of God are not yet ready. But it seems sometimes that the world is doing its part faster than we are accomplishing ours. When shall we rise and quit ourselves like a people worthy of the great truths we profess?