p. 21 | The Good Old Review by A. E. Place

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Nov 24, 1904

The Good Old Review

By A. E. Place

A FEW days ago as I was opening my morning’s mail, I found in one of my letters a little folder with the words, “The Good Old Review,” in large, neat letters on the first page. The name, REVIEW, with the very appropriate adjectives connected with it, gave me a thrill of pleasure like that which is experienced when one whom we truly love is mentioned in a kind way. For some time I sat looking at that name and title, asking myself the question why this title affected me thus? I thought of its humble birth and trying experiences; then of its long years of life and growth; its noble character, developed and tested through repeated crises, etc. As scene after scene,

now a part of our denominational history passed before me, I exclaimed, “Good Old Review,” how appropriate is thy title! Who can properly estimate thy value to this denomination, and to each individual? What would it mean to me and to my people if “The Good Old Review” should die? Doubtless some who are to-day neglecting this dear old friend and faithful servant, would come forward with their floral offerings of kind words for the departed. But be it remembered that flowers are of no value to the friend who is dead. They have only the fragrance of death, if human kindness has not been administered from time to time to the departed, amid life’s struggles.

I believe it is safe to say that many are neglecting “The Good Old Review,” some possibly to their eternal loss. I have many times thought of that wonderful but true statement made at the last General Conference, by our beloved Brother George I. Butler, in substance as follows: “I never knew a man to backslide from this truth who was a faithful reader of the REVIEW AND HERALD every week.” The more I have considered this statement, the more I have been convinced that not only such a thing has not been known, but could scarcely be possible. We often make the statement, in speaking on the Sabbath question, that if men had always kept the Sabbath, it would have been impossible for idolatry to exist; for each week the attention of the people would have been called to the One who made all things. Those who know “The Good Old Review” best, know that it contains the message as it is for this time, and as it is going to all parts of the world. It comes to its readers each week filled with the facts that every Seventh-day Adventist needs, and, especially with that which is needed by all the discouraged, tried, and fainting ones. Why will any one go on in trial, become discouraged, and backslide from this great saving message, when $1.50 would bring to him the very best help in the denomination, each week in the year?

Another appropriate name for the REVIEW, given by Elder S. H. Lane, is, “Our Able Minister.” “The Good Old Review” is not only “Our Able Minister,” but I consider it by far the most able minister we have in the denomination; because it embraces in its pages the best sermons and studies of all our best ministers. It comes to us laden with the fragrance and spice of all lands, even from the isles which have long waited for God’s law. It comes touched with the personality of the writers from all these lands, and those in our churches who bemoan their lack or need of a minister or missionary would do well to dry their tears and secure the faithful visits of “The Most Able Minister” of this denomination every week for a whole year. As surely as they give him a warm welcome and let him be their daily counselor, he will do much toward bringing faith, joy, and courage into their heart and home.

Possibly he is in the home now, but sadly neglected. Days and sometimes weeks go by, and he is not allowed even to preach on the Sabbath, or give any of his comforting counsel. If we are thus slighting “Our Able Minister,” we are also slighting all our ministers, and all our missionaries who have left their homes and native land to carry this great message to the darkened minds—those who have given thought and prayerful study in their endeavors to help “Our Able Minister” in doing his most noble work. But most sad of all is the fact that we are slighting, not alone the messengers, but the God-given messages which the Lord is seeking to send to us through these messengers, to cure all discouragement, to heal all back-sliding, and to make of each one of us, in the church, in the home, and everywhere, true missionaries, ministers, servants, and “Able Ministers” of the great and blessed message which is surely soon to triumph, and of its Author, who is soon to crown every faithful brow.

Do not slight “The Dear Old Review.” Breathe deeply of its great soul-saving, world-wide messages. Become enthused with the work which its representatives are carrying rapidly and grandly to all nations.

A. E. PLACE.