This Week's Review by Editor

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 9, 1866

This Week's Review.

By Editor

We realize in some degree the important place the Review is designed to fill, being to very many, about the only source of religious instruction, outside of the Bible. It is therefore a matter of the utmost solicitude with us from week to week, to have each number contain something which will be for the profit of all. We desire it to go forth to its readers like a well-spread table, containing a healthful variety in which all may find something adapted to their wants, and spiritual food and nourishment which they can appropriate to their own Christian life. Such we trust the reader will find this number.

—The article, "The Antediluvians" contains good corroborative evidence of the light that has been given us through Spiritual Gifts. A good amount of testimony to the same effect has already been furnished; but let it come. We care not how strong the position is made.

—Our readers are perhaps very generally aware that the constitutional amendment in regard to slavery has become a law, as we publish this week, under the heading, "Slavery Abolished." In connection with this piece, read another headed, "The Shrew Untamed," and see what South Carolina considers the adoption of that amendment. As for the people of the Southern States, the hellish spirit of slavery is part and parcel of their being; and the leopard will sooner change his spots, than they cease to cherish it in their hearts. A good brother recently said to us, that he used to think it cruel in the children of Israel to exterminate the Canaanites as they did; but now said he, we have a practical illustration of this point, in the Southern rebellion. To get the spirit of slavery out of this nation, it will be necessary to wipe out of existence those former Southern slaveholders, men, women, and children. It is born and bred in them, and will die only when they die. He is right. It may be asked if this action of the government does not affect our view of the two-horned beast. Not at all. We believe that it is toward God's people, the visible church, that the lamb-like pretences and the dragon voice of this power is to be manifested. If we mistake not, we shall soon see enough to fulfill (which means to fill full) this specification.

—"Swine's Flesh," a genuine article from an unexceptionable source. If any of our brethren have laid in a good supply of pork, over which their mouths are watering in anticipation of many a rich and greasy repast the remainder of the winter, perhaps they had better not read it. It certainly will, or ought to, spoil their appetite for the "creature."

—If any think that their cross is too heavy, and that it is too much to give up the lusts of the flesh for Christ, let them read the exhortation from Bro. Matteson, "Why Tarried Thou," and consecrate themselves anew to the work of overcoming.

—The "Report from Tuscola" is cheering. Next to their embracing the truth, the best news we can hear from any church, is that they are "holding on."

—The article, "A Live Church," says to every other church, Go and do likewise. We should not be at all surprised if the brethren in Monterey were the first to avail themselves of Bro. Aldrich's "Enabling Act," and order a quantity of the "Circulating Libraries" as advertised in last week's Review!

—We give a piece of poetry this week from Sr. More, of Africa. She is keeping the Sabbath alone in that far-off land, at the risk of losing her position as a missionary teacher. Let her have the prayers and sympathy of the church.

—The great importance of giving heed to early religious impressions, as instanced in Bro. Goodrich's "Word of Admonition," should be carefully pondered by all the young.

—Other articles, such as "Scoffers in High Places," "What Does it Mean?" "The Gospel of the Kingdom," "Italy and the Papacy," &c., give the trumpet no uncertain sound. Look up and lift up your heads; for redemption is nigh.

"Christian cheer thee—land is nearing, Still be hopeful—nothing fearing, Soon in majesty appearing, You'll behold the Lamb once slain."