p. 3 | Good and Only Good by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Feb 18, 1904

Good and Only Good

By Editor

Editorial

Good and Only Good

THOSE who know God most intimately are the most positive in their testimony that he is good. From experience they can say, “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in loving-kindness unto all them that call upon thee.” And the proof of God’s goodness is not dependent upon our ability to interpret favorably the outward and changing experiences of life, but is demonstrated once for all in that all-inclusive act of goodness—the gift of the only begotten Son. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with him freely give us all things?” When we are tempted to question the goodness of God, and the enemy whispers the suggestion into our ears that if God were really good, he would spare us this trouble or that grief, we need only to call to mind “the unspeakable gift” in order to silence the question and to counteract the suggestion. For it is forever true that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.” When, sustained by this everlasting love, we wait patiently for him,—

“E’en the hour that darkest seemeth, Will his changeless goodness prove; From the gloom his brightness streameth; God is wisdom, God is love.”

Thus the faith which rests secure in the Lord’s own assertion of his goodness enables us to say, “Only good is God,” and, “We know that to them that love God all things work together for good.” In the storm and stress of life, when promising plans are thwarted, and cherished hopes are disappointed, happy is he who does not forget that God is good, and only good. His soul shall be kept in perfect peace.

It Gives Light

IN these days when many have been thrown into doubt and uncertainty by the confident assumptions and assertions of an aggressive unbelief, there is a comfort in turning to the clear light of this advent message. Resting upon the simple statements of God’s Word, it delivers us from the uncertainties of human speculation; accepting the Word as a genuine light, it dispels the darkness which has obscured the spiritual vision; in itself a fulfilment of prophecy, it has been the agency through which light has been shed upon the prophecies, and in its teaching alone is there found a consistent exposition of those divine predictions which deal with present-day events. It refreshes the spirit wearied and perplexed by the cries of “Lo here” and “Lo there” to feed upon the simple truths of this message. It rests the mind troubled by the unsatisfying claims of modern infidelity to contemplate the solid foundation upon which this message is established. It restores confidence to one who has been groping in the dim twilight of philosophical speculation, and wandering in the mazes of scientific sophistries, to see the clear light shining along this advent path. There is comfort and hope in the simple truth, and in receiving it as a little child. Many are needing this comfort and this hope. “O send out thy light and thy truth.”