VOLUME XV by Editor

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 24, 1859

VOLUME XV.

By Editor

THERE are many thoughts and reflections which naturally suggest themselves on the opening of a new volume. But these are so often expressed and so readily understood, that we will not repeat them here. Allow us however to say that we enter upon the present volume with as good courage as though there was but one volume to be published first or last, and this was that one. Assured that not many more volumes will have to be commenced and closed, more fully than ever do, we feel determined to labor on till the twelfth hour of the great gospel day shall expire, and the Master shall reward his servants each as their work shall be.

Our salvation is nearer than when we believed. Our spirituality and zeal ought to increase in proportion as our journey shortens. This volume of the REVIEW ought to exhibit more life and vigor, bear a testimony more pointed and stirring, exhibit more of the impelling energies of God's Holy Spirit, and the subduing influence of the love of Christ, than any which has gone before. This point assumes, not the mild terms of exhortation merely, but the stern demands of duty. There is an ought in the matter. The editors will do what they can towards the attainment of this end; but with you, friends, patrons and correspondents, lies in a great measure the burden of the work; and a living faith will show itself by works.

A correspondent once wrote to this Office desiring a visit to his neighborhood from "some of the messengers of truth." He probably meant the messengers of truth; but we could not help thinking that he was not so far out of the way after all; for we trust that all the messengers of truth are messengers of "through;" that they preach nothing less; that they exhort their hearers to nothing less than to go through; and are determined to do nothing less themselves. Nothing short of this will answer. Whoever aims at anything less we advise to stop now. Take not another step unless you intend to go through. Truth calls for valiant and determined supporters, those who are fearless to take a decided stand on the side of right however humble may be the form it assumes or the representative in which it appears. Of all men, most pitiable are those who dare not place themselves otherwheres than right on the line of demarkation between the enemies and friends of truth, so as to be themselves neither one thing nor the other. Therefore we would say in the language of the officers of Israel anciently [Deut. xx, 8], "What man is there that is fearful and faint-hearted, let him go and return to his house." All such may go back; for the true-hearted, though no more numerous than Gideon's small but tested company, will eventually receive divine orders to "break their pitchers," and put to flight the armies of the aliens.

To the services of the "through" company the REVIEW is dedicated. And, friends and co-laborers one and all, we calculate largely upon your co-operation and aid for Vol. xv, and as much longer as it shall be needed; nor shall we believe till compelled to do so, that this our confidence is misplaced.