The Object of This Paper
By Editor
WHAT is the object of this paper? It has a specific object, and we desire our readers, as well as ourselves, to keep it continually in view. It is not to furnish amusing and frivolous matter to the careless and leisure reader; for the present day abounds in publications which cater to a morbid and vitiated taste. It is not to be a medium for the general news of the times, domestic or foreign; for there are hundreds of periodicals in the land, which give special attention to this department. It is not to devote itself to any exposition of political principles, or defense of political parties; for we have no interest in these, only so far as they bring about revolutions in fulfillment of prophecy. But our object is to lay before the people momentous and solemn truths, which are especially applicable to the present time and the immediate future, and to the exposition of which, there is no other periodical devoted. It is to acquaint men with those truths which are essential to their eternal salvation; to draw light from the sure word of God, and learn his plan and purposes concerning this earth and its inhabitants, as revealed therein. It is to cheer and comfort the believing, to arouse the slumbering, reclaim the backsliding, and awaken the sinner; and to point them all to those fearful scenes, now imminent, in which this world will end its course of suffering and woe. We desire to learn what the plain Word teaches, uninfluenced by the traditions of the times, or the glosses of commentators. To do this we let the Bible be its own interpreter; for we believe that it is as reasonable as any other book, and means what it says. In all ages the people of God have had a specific work; for there has been present truth in every age; and truth which is especially applicable to any age, is imperative on that age; and it is imperative on Christ's ambassadors to make it known to the world. To neglect to do this, is to be unfaithful to the charge committed by Christ to his ministers. What therefore is the truth especially applicable to this time? In other words, What is present truth? shall be continually our inquiry. In confining ourselves to this, we may be thought by some exclusive; but it would not be reasonable to load our columns, for instance, with Infidelity, or German Neology, and then spend our time in its refutation. What is the picture that presents itself before us? The end of all things swiftly approaching; the last message of mercy going forth; the work of salvation closing, and the world asleep, and unconscious of their danger. Like a mountaineer with a fearful avalanche descending upon him, or like a man asleep in a burning building, or like a helpless mariner in a sinking ship—such is the condition of the wicked at the present moment: the wrath of God, like a mighty avalanche, is about to burst upon them in all its fury; while sin in all its forms, Infidelity and Spiritualism, are scouring land and sea, blinding and deceiving souls. Shall we not therefore be zealous to proclaim the truth? Shall we, when we behold the true light that shines from the page of prophecy, hide that light under a bushel? All things are calling upon us loudly for activity; bold, fervent, unceasing. The field before us is wide, the work great, and we must not be idle if we would clear our skirts from the blood of souls. 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 bearing 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. We therefore invite every one whose eye may rest upon this page, to examine these subjects carefully. Do it without prejudice. Do it in view of your eternal interests. We do not ask you to take our word for anything, but to inquire, Does the word of God teach it? If it does, as honest human beings in the sight of heaven, you are bound to give it your candid and serious attention. We shall endeavor to throw all possible light upon these subjects through the columns of the REVIEW. It has been, and still shall be, our object to keep these great truths, and the evidences on which they rest, continually before the people; and no one can say that this object is not good, until it shall be shown that we are wrong in our applications of scripture. Friends and brethren, we look to you for sympathy, and co-operation in our labors. Shall we have it? Remember the REVIEW in your prayers—that it may never lose sight of its mission; that it may not waste its energies upon "foolish questions" and "contentions" which are "unprofitable and vain;" [Titus iii, 9;] but that the Spirit of truth and wisdom may rest upon all who may write for its columns; that it may possess an increasing interest and spiritual food for the household of faith; that the Spirit of Christ may be breathed through all its teachings; and that it may be an instrument of much good in preparing souls to stand in the battle of the day of the Lord.