p. 24 | The Review for 1904 by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Assn. · Washington, D.C. · Dec 31, 1903

The Review for 1904

By Editor

THE last issue of the REVIEW for 1902 was dated December 30. That issue of the paper was not all mailed when, on the evening of the day when it was dated, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 1902, the Review and Herald printing plant at Battle Creek, Mich., was wholly destroyed by fire. The year since that time has brought changes which were not anticipated in our forecast of the REVIEW for 1903. Before the end of the first quarter the senior editor, Elder Uriah Smith, was suddenly taken from us by death, after more than fifty years of faithful labor in connection with the office. The headquarters of the denomination have been removed to this city, and the paper, which for nearly half a century was printed in Battle Creek, now bears the imprint of Washington, D. C. And in this experience we have seen such marked evidences of God's guiding hand as have not been revealed in the history of this movement for many years. Now we are brought to the beginning of another year, and we do not know what it may have in store for us, but we have the utmost confidence in our divine Leader and in his gracious purpose concerning this advent message, and this assurance delivers us from fearfulness. The Lord himself is directing this advent movement, and he is abundantly able to bring it to a successful issue.

We have by no means realized our ideal for the REVIEW during the past year, although we have honestly endeavored to make it a channel of information and instruction concerning the message for this time, and an inspiration to loyal and faithful service in extending a knowledge of this truth. Whatever measure of success has attended our efforts is already known to our readers, and the record can not be changed.

The coming year is certain to be one of interest and importance in the further development and progress of this work, and every lover of this message will desire to keep in the closest touch with its advancement. We do not see how this can well be done without reading the REVIEW. It will contain the reports of progress from all parts of the world. It will be the mouthpiece for presenting plans for aggressive efforts. It will seek to be the exponent to the people of the best thoughts of those who are bringing from the treasure house of the Word things new and old. Above all else, it will continue to contend earnestly for "the faith once delivered unto the saints," and to give the trumpet a certain sound in behalf of those special truths which have been the foundation of this advent platform for more than half a century. We purpose that the paper shall be a messenger of light, whose weekly visits shall bring help and blessing to all its readers.

We wish all the members of the REVIEW family a happy new year, a year whose happiness shall grow out of loyal devotion to God and his work, and we invite their hearty co-operation in our efforts to enlarge our circle of readers during 1904.