To the Friends of the Review.
By Uriah Smith
SINCE Bro. White's health renders it inconsistent for him longer to sustain the responsibilities he has borne, it has become necessary that these duties should devolve upon others; and as the Conference has seen fit that I should take charge of the Editorial department of the REVIEW AND HERALD, I would say a word to the friends of truth. I am aware that the position is one of responsibility, and I could by no means have consented to accept it, were it not that I expect, in this matter, the aid and co-operation of all my brethren. And above all things I shall endeavor so to conduct as to enjoy the blessing and approbation of God, without which we can do nothing. I do not enter upon this position for ease, or comfort, or worldly profit; for I have seen by my connection with the REVIEW thus far, that neither of these were to be found here. But there are burdens to be borne, there are sacrifices to be made, and it becomes us each in the light of present truth, willingly and cheerfully to do what we can in the cause of God. The world is swiftly rushing down the broad road to destruction; a cold and formal church, without eyes or ears, are raising the deceptive cry of peace and safety; the nations are becoming involved in difficulties and perplexities, and are beginning to be angry; the wine cup of God's fury which they must "certainly drink," [Jer. xxv,] and be moved and be mad, will soon be given them; the time of trouble such as never was, is even now almost visible in its swift approach; the plan of salvation is being finished in the heavenly Sanctuary; and it is only here and there from the gloom of earth that the cry comes up, Watchman, what of the night? All these things call loudly on every servant of God to be zealous in his Master's service; to be active in warning sinners of their doom, in proclaiming the last message of mercy to the world, and in pointing the anxious inquirers to the word of God, that they may see that the morning cometh, and also the night. Let every brother and sister remember that they have a personal interest, and, in a measure, a personal influence in the REVIEW; for the life and interest of the paper is dependent in a great measure on the state of the cause abroad. If the cause is in a good condition; if the people of God are active; if they are living where they can enjoy the power of God, and the work is advancing; when these things are reported through the REVIEW, it imparts life and energy to all the rest; and thus the paper becomes a welcome messenger to God's people, and a blessing to his cause. But if there is little or no interest manifested abroad; if there are no cheering communications from brethren and sisters; if there are no accounts of the prosperity and the advancement of the truth, it is extremely discouraging to those connected with the Office; and the paper must lose its interest; and as the paper loses its interest, people lose their interest in the paper; and in this way they exert a mutual influence upon each other. Thus we see how we are all fellow-laborers in the vineyard of the Lord; then let us start anew in God's service, and proportion our efforts to the importance of the truths we profess, and the demands of the present time. The friends of truth are earnestly requested to give the REVIEW a place in their prayers, that it may be conducted in a spirit of meekness and wisdom; that it may not take, in anything, a wrong and unchristian course; but that it may be adapted to the wants of the remnant, and go forth bearing meat in due season to the scattered flock; that it may be laden with such matter as will be indeed food to the soul, and aid God's peculiar people in the all-important work of preparing for that glorious translation which we soon expect.