THE CLOSE OF THE VOLUME.
By Editor
In the rapid flight of time we are brought to chronicle the close of another volume of the REVIEW AND HERALD. Its testimony has been borne, and we pause for reflection. We have evidence that its pages have been loved by many; that its messages have been to them sources of comfort and encouragement; and so far, strength has been reflected to our own bosom. While there are others, perhaps, who have scoffed at its words of warning, and treated with contempt and ridicule its efforts to spread light and truth among the people. This however does not discourage us; for truth has ever met, and ever will meet, such treatment as this at the hands of the world. Since this volume commenced, many have received the truth to their present joy, and, we trust, to their eternal salvation; while many have probably rejected it, we fear to their eternal loss. But in how many hearts good seed has been sown, which will yet spring up and bring forth fruit; or how many hearts have felt the arrow of conviction, but have smothered the voice of conscience, we cannot tell. One fact we know, in view of which we have endeavored to labor, that we are all, both writers and readers, "hasting unto the coming of the day of God." As this volume is, so all the scenes of this world soon will be,—closed. The last act of every man's life will then have been recorded, and their cases all decided. This is the great way-mark before us. The approach of this event is what we are endeavoring to advertise before the world; and a preparation to meet it is the work we would urge upon all. We are yet this side of the decisive moment, when the mediation of Christ shall cease. The passing hours of probation still linger. The way is still open for the confession and pardon of sin. Golden privileges are yet clustering around us, more precious than rubies; for if there are times upon which the lost will look back with more remorse than upon others, it will be those days in which opportunities were given them to repent, but they improved them not. Oh the importance of making sure upon these issues which are for eternity! The alarm of war is ringing through the earth; the four angels stationed upon its four corners, to hold the four winds, will soon have fulfilled their mission; the great earthquake which shall convulse the world, is already giving us frequent premonitions of its approach; and how are our lives telling in view of these scenes? Are our efforts in the work of preparation, proportioned to the importance of the work, and the solemnity of the time in which we live? We shall enter upon volume IX with courage, not only because our brethren have been steadily increasing, and we commence with more subscribers than we had at the beginning of volume VIII, but because we believe, in view of truths recently developed, that a new era is opening before us. We would here return our thanks to our friends for the encouragement they have given us in word and deed, and for the evidence they have shown that their hearts are with us in this work; and we can assure them, that, as we labor on, we shall still endeavor to trust in God, live in his fear, and move according to his will. Our readers are requested, as they supplicate the throne of grace, for God's blessing to rest upon his cause, still to remember the REVIEW, the instrument in which we have all a common interest, that its pages may ever be found bearing "meat in due season," to the household of faith, dispensing light and truth through the ranks of the remnant, and aiding many in the all-important work of preparing to stand before the Son of man at his appearing and kingdom.