THE CLOSE OF THE VOLUME.
By Editor
In taking a retrospect at the close of another volume, we see many things to inspire in us gratitude and thanksgiving. There has been an increase of brethren from its commencement, and more especially of late a rising of spirituality in all parts of the field, and a corresponding zeal in discharging the duties incumbent upon the people of God, in view of the fact that the last Message of Mercy is now going forth. If our position be the right one, if we are standing in the light of revealed truth, well may it excite in us zeal and energy in making it known to our fellow-men. If the great crowning truth of revelation is about to be fulfilled, and the end of all things is at hand, to what a momentous period has the world arrived. It is a matter in which the whole world is concerned! It is an event in which every living soul has an interest! And the bare possibility that it might be true, it would seem, would be sufficient to arouse all to a thorough investigation of the subject. But if there is not only a possibility, but a great PROBABILITY, and even ABUNDANT PROOF that these things are so, how should we expect to see all awake and eager to learn by what they were supported. That we are not right in our views of the future and the coming of the Son of man yet remains to be proved; and there would be more chance for skepticism were it not that all the great events of the present day, as fulfillments of prophecy, unite in hearing testimony to the fact that this present world draweth to a close. Now it certainly cannot do any one any hurt to inquire if these things are so. Let them remember that they are events in which they have a personal interest, and if they are about to burst upon us it is important that we know it, and be prepared to meet them. That there are great truths especially applicable to the present time, and that there are fearful scenes just before us, we fully believe. To keep these truths steadily before the minds of the people, and to urge upon them a preparation for coming events, has been the object of the REVIEW; and no man can say that this object is no good, until it shall be shown that we are wrong in our applications of scriptures, and have no grounds for our expectations. Our aim is to draw light from the sure word of prophecy and acquaint ourselves with the essential truths of God’s revealed will. We have no theory at stake: we desire truth only. We do not labor to build up a sect or party: we labor for the good of souls; to prepare ourselves and others to stand the test of that great day. It ill becomes any one, in these last moments of time, and in view of eternity soon to open before us, to have for a moment any other object. What matter creeds and party distinctions, since they shall soon be swept into eternal oblivion, and only those who love and obey the truth as it is in Jesus, will remain unscathed. The REVIEW claims no infallibility for any connected with it; but it does claim it for every “Thus saith the Lord,” and in his name demands obedience. From looking at the past we also learn that the Lord will have a tried and tested people. And we see that the Third Angel’s Message proves no exception to the Saviour’s parable of the net—it gathers good and bad. But the bad will be sifted, shaken, and driven out by trials and discouragements. They will not endure long to bear the cross against a steady current of opposition, and the “patient waiting” will wear them out completely. The good alone will “hold fast” and receive their crown. We would here express our thanks to our many kind friends for their words of comfort and encouragement by which we have been cheered and strengthened. We are all yet fellow-laborers in the Lord’s vineyard. But the “even” is evidently fast approaching when we shall be called to receive our reward.