p. 3 | First Review and Herald by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 27, 1910

First Review and Herald

By Editor

Editorial

First “Review and Herald.”—The first number of the first volume of this paper began as a monthly, and was dated Paris, Maine, November, 1850. The full title was, SECOND ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD, and the motto the same as to-day, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

The Missionary Campaign.—There was a publishing committee for the paper,—Joseph Bates, S. W. Rhodes, J. N. Andrews, and James White, the latter the manager and editor. The publication list advertised six tracts. These were free to all inquirers. “How shall we circulate publications?” the editor asks, and adds: “Every brother and sister should do all in their power to seek out those who would read with profit, and obtain suitable publications for them.” The missionary campaign was already on in those days.

A Clear Note.—Six of the eight pages of this number were solidly devoted to Sabbath arguments. James White, in a brief editorial note, calls attention to the “discussion of questions foreign to present truth” into which the First-day Adventist papers had fallen since 1844, and, in a few stirring words, he sets the aim for the REVIEW, which it has endeavored to follow from that day to this:—

Among other charges given to Timothy by the apostle Paul is the following: “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.” This we intend to do. And with much pleasure do we look forward to the predicted period, when the sheep, that have been scattered on the mountains of Israel since a cry at midnight, shall be gathered into the unity of the faith.

The Gathering Call.—This “scattering” of the flock after the disappointment in 1844, and the “gathering” call under the third angel’s message, was a figure of speech much used, and very plain and expressive to the advent believers in those days. And still the trumpet peal of the third angel’s message is the gathering call to the scattered flock in many lands. Every year thousands are coming to the fold. Annie R. Smith’s hymn of the gathering time, composed in the pioneer days, still stirs hearts in our churches with the fervor of the advent hope,—

“Long upon the mountains, weary, Have the scattered flock been torn; Dark the desert paths, and dreary; Grievous trials have they borne. Now the gathering call is sounding, Solemn in its warning voice; Union, faith, and love, abounding, Bid the little flock rejoice.”