Some editors have expressed very diffident feelings in regard to admitting into their columns, words spoken in praise or commendation of their paper, as though it was a mark of egotism, or, at least, not significant of becoming modesty. We, however, do not so feel; because we do not claim the credit of every good thing that appears in the Review, nor take responsibility for all that is poor. The Review is the organ of the remnant; and we wish the brethren far and near to consider that they have a personal interest, and, in a measure, a personal influence, in the Review, as an expositor of present truth. Is the paper instructive and interesting? Those who contribute means to free it from embarrassment, and furnish thoughts to fill its columns, are so far, under Providence, a means of accomplishing this end. However much the editor's influence may be seen in its tone, its arrangement, and its course on important subjects, he can furnish but a small proportion of its matter.
Having thus defined our position on this point, we feel free to make public the following communications. Our friends generally will be interested and encouraged to learn how the Review is received and appreciated. Bro. J. Clarke, of Portage, O., gives us an article headed
"THE REVIEW."
"How we all love the Review. We receive it generally on Wednesday, consequently that day is a bright spot in the week, to which we look forward with pleasing anticipation; and if unfortunately, the paper fails on that day, it is as though some very dear friend had disappointed us; and if it is brought to us while we are taking dinner, the paper claims attention first.
"A sister who has two brothers in California, got a letter from them, and a Review by the same mail, and the Review was opened first. O, we love to hear from the dear saints scattered abroad.
"Such a paper as the Review never appeared before. It is unique; it has no selfish designs; it is the tongue of the remnant, who have the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus; but interesting as it is to us, it is the driest of all publications to those who are indifferent to the Third Angel's Message.
"Such a paper, the organ of such a people, at this time, is very significant to those who observe the signs of the times. I should think that intelligent, thinking people would be startled from their moral slumber by the appearance of such indications as hover around the whole political and moral world at this crisis, and especially when they see such a people arising. And they would be alarmed if they would only stop and think.
"The Review is interesting to us, because of its original matter, because of its original articles, and letters from the wide field, giving the state of the Cause in the various sections of the country. The articles which flow from brother Sel., we always read last. They are many of them damaged by age, still they are good; but the great objection to him is, he is not in the message, and whenever we read articles from his pen, it seems as though he was an Amalekite, or alien, after all.
"Oh brethren and sisters, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, let us flood Bro. Smith with good, lively, spirited testimonies, until neighbor Sel. is driven to the wall or the margin; and if the Review is not large enough to hold our letters, &c., we will have an extra, or semi-weekly, and then the editors, and the readers, and the contributors, will have a good time generally."
Here's another from Bro. Geo. Wright, of Lapeer, Mich., headed,
"EIGHT REASONS WHY I LIKE THE REVIEW AND HERALD.
"1. Because it is what it professes to be, a purely religious paper.
"2. It advocates the keeping of the best code of morals ever written; namely, the ten commandments.
"3. It is principally devoted to a doctrine dear to the heart of every true follower of the meek and lowly Saviour; namely, The near coming of our blessed Lord, the second time without sin unto salvation, to all those that look for him.
"4. It is based on the law of God and the testimony of his dear Son; not teaching for doctrines the commandments of men, as Sunday for the Sabbath,21&c., but advocating Bible truth in all its purity, as brought to view by holy men of old, prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ being the chief corner-stone.
"5. It proclaims the Third Angel's Message, and kindred doctrines, fearlessly to a world lying in wickedness, and cheers the hearts of the lonely ones scattered abroad, who are deprived of the association of brethren and sisters of like precious faith, and it is a welcome visitor to the homes of those who keep the Sabbath of the Lord our God.
"6. It presents an attractive appearance, is printed on clear white paper, and is not excelled by any paper in the State in mechanical execution and taste.
"7. It is not half filled with patent-medicine advertisements, and light reading, as many of the papers and periodicals of the various sects and denominations around us are.
"8. And lastly, it calls loudly on all the honest in heart to come out of Babylon; to help restore the breach made in God's holy law; to keep all his Commandments and have the Faith of Jesus, so that they may have right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city. And you, poor sinner, it admonishes to turn in with the overtures of mercy before it is too late. The Lord help you to do so.
"For the above good reasons, and many others that I could name, I shall use my best endeavors to extend its circulation, as long as it shall be needed to spread the glorious truths it advocates."
We would invite any random reader, whose eye may rest upon this article, to try the Review awhile on the above recommendations. If it does not prove true to the character given of it, we can assure you it shall be free to you during the period of your investigation. If it does, and you are a lover of truth, we take it for granted you will be ready to bid it God-speed on its errands of love.