THE first number of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES bears date of June 4, 1874. Ever since that issue the SIGNS has been regarded as the pioneer missionary paper of the denomination, and millions of copies have been sent to different parts of the world.
One year ago, in response to the demand of missionary workers in different parts of the field for a paper that might be more extensively used in missionary work, the SIGNS was reduced to eight pages, and the price reduced accordingly. After running in this way for a few months, it became evident that the paper did not meet the demand, and that it was not giving satisfaction to the large majority of missionary workers. In a paper with only eight pages the publishers found it impossible to give the amount and variety of matter which a journal of this kind ought to contain. Accordingly, at the last annual meeting of the stockholders of the Pacific Press Publishing Company, held in April, 1891, the question of enlarging the SIGNS OF THE TIMES to sixteen pages was raised, and, after a free expression of the sentiments of the stockholders, the following resolutions were adopted:—
WHEREAS, We fully sense the demand for a missionary paper at a price which will place it in the reach of our Tract Societies and missionary workers, and at the same time properly represent the truths which it advocates; therefore,
Resolved, That we hereby instruct the board of directors that shall be elected at this meeting to take into consideration: (a) The advisability of increasing the SIGNS to sixteen pages at the beginning of the next volume. (b) The advisability of inserting a select line of advertisements. (c) The advisability of offering a premium with the paper and making a strong effort to secure a large list of single subscriptions.
Resolved, That we request the board of directors to confer with the General Conference Committee, the officers of the International Tract Society and State Tract Societies, ministers, and our people generally, so far as practicable, on the points above referred to, that we may understand what the general desire is in reference to the paper; and, further,
Resolved, That we hereby authorize the board of directors, after ascertaining as fully as possible the sentiments of our people on the points above mentioned, to take action as they may consider best for the interests of the SIGNS and the Publishing Association.5
In harmony with the instruction of the stockholders, letters were sent to Conferences and Tract Society officers, ministers and other leading brethren throughout the field. The responses to these letters were almost unanimous in advising that the SIGNS be increased to sixteen pages. The matter was also submitted to the General Conference Committee at its meeting last August, for advice, and the following response was received from the General Conference Association, it having been indorsed by the General Conference Committee and the General Conference Association:—
"We advise the publishers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES:—
"1. To increase the size of the paper to sixteen pages, commencing with the next volume.
"2. That it be made up and edited wholly with reference to its mission as a pioneer missionary paper. That a competent corps of special contributors be engaged to furnish articles on different subjects, so that a large list of subjects, both doctrinal and practical, may be treated in each volume.
"3. That we discourage the insertion of commercial advertisements.
"4. That the time of commencing the volume be changed to the first of November.
"5. That the subscription price be $1.50 for single subscriptions.
"6. That no commission be given to canvassers for the journal.
"7. That the General Conference Committee make a proposition to the Pacific Press Publishing Company to take the editorial management of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and bear the expense of the same for a term of two years, and in case this recommendation is accepted, the price of the paper in clubs of ten or more be placed at $1.25."
As our readers are aware, the publishers decided to adopt the recommendation of the General Conference Committee, and increase the paper to sixteen pages. It was also decided to make the page a little larger, use better paper, and make other important changes.
The first number of the new volume was issued November 9, 1891, and so far as we have been able to learn, gives general satisfaction.
The subscription price is as follows:—
Single copy, one year, postpaid...$1 50
In clubs of ten or more to one name and address... 1 25
The editorial management is now in the hands of the General Conference Committee. Elder M. C. Wilcox has been appointed editor, and a large number of contributors from different parts of the field have been enlisted to write for the paper.
The design will be to make each volume complete in itself in the presentation of all phases of the truth, including a large proportion of practical matter, so that anyone who receives the paper for one year and reads it carefully will be quite well instructed on all points of the Third Angel's Message.
The price in clubs of ten or more is placed at the very low price of $1.25 as a special inducement to Tract Societies and missionary workers to take clubs for missionary work. At this rate the paper will be furnished for less than cost unless all will take hold, and by united effort increase the subscription list to 20,000 or more; but the desire of the publishers and of the General Conference Committee is, first of all, to make the SIGNS OF THE TIMES fill the place for which it was designed from the beginning; that of a pioneer missionary paper through which Bible truths can be elucidated and placed before the reader in such a way as to attract his attention and lead him to investigate; and, second, to give it a wide circulation, that the influence of the truths which it presents may be as widely extended as possible.
The editors and publishers will endeavor to make the paper as good as it can be made; and we ask the co-operation of ministers, Tract Society and Conference officers, church elders, missionary workers, and all who are interested in the spread of the truth, in getting the paper into the hands of the people.
As a careful estimate shows that the SIGNS, when increased to sixteen pages, will cost $1.53 per volume of fifty numbers for an edition of ten thousand (which is more than we are printing at the present time), there would be a loss of twenty-eight cents on all the papers taken in clubs. But the General Conference Committee has expressed a willingness to assist in bringing the paper up to the standard which it should occupy, and the publishers are also willing to raise the paper to a high standard without too much regard to the cost, that it may the better fill its place as a pioneer missionary paper. But there are ways in which you can assist the General Conference Committee and the publishers to make the paper what it should be without its being published at a constant financial loss. We will suggest for your consideration some of the ways in which this may be done:—
1. By inducing as many as you can to take the paper at the regular price for single subscriptions.
2. By encouraging Tract Societies and individuals to take clubs for missionary purposes, so that the list may be raised to a paying basis, which would require at the club rate which we now make between sixteen and twenty thousand.
3. By securing donations to be applied towards the running expenses of the paper.
We have about twenty-seven thousand church members in the United States, so if each State society would work up a list for the SIGNS equivalent to two-thirds of its church membership, it would be placed on a self-supporting basis.
The publishers feel greatly encouraged for the hearty indorsement which the paper in its new form has received from all quarters and the promises made to work for a large circulation. We are also glad to say that the subscription list is on the increase. We now print about ten thousand copies weekly. Will you be one of the number to help increase the list to twenty thousand copies weekly?
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.,
Publishers Signs of the Times.
CIRCULATE THE "SIGNS."
By Elder Dan T. Jones
BY ELDER DAN T. JONES.
So far as we have been able to learn, through correspondence and from visiting churches, the SIGNS OF THE TIMES in its present form is giving excellent satisfaction. It is filled from week to week with a variety of choice, fresh matter covering all points of the present truth. The SIGNS was designed, from the time it was established, to be the pioneer missionary paper of the denomination. The design of the General Conference Committee, which now has the editorial management of the paper, is to have it fill that place.
The next important point is to give it the circulation that a pioneer paper should have, for unless it is placed in the hands of the people, all the labor and expense of preparing and publishing it will be lost. The pioneer missionary work should not be left to the few, but should be done by the many. By this we do not wish to be understood as advocating that those who can do much should curtail their work, for this they should not do; but what we wish to say is that every individual connected with our churches or Tract Societies should act a part in this work. The work is suited to the circumstances of all. The paper is at a price so low that none are so poor but that they can pay for one or more copies, and the work of wrapping, addressing, and mailing is quickly and easily done.
In order that all may get the benefit of the club rates and have a part in the work of sending the SIGNS, we would recommend the following plan, which we know is working well where it has been tried:—
1. Let all the papers going to a church or company be ordered in one club and to one address.
2. In making up this club, ascertain how many papers each individual member will pay for, paying quarterly in advance.
3. Let the librarian, or the one selected for that purpose, take a list of the names, with the number of papers that each becomes responsible for, and collect the money and remit to the publishers or to the treasurer of his State Tract Society, each quarter.
4. An effort should be made each quarter to increase the club by adding new names and by getting those who are already taking papers to take more if they are able to do so, and if any of those who have been taking papers cannot continue to pay for them, their papers should be dropped from the club.
5. Where it is practicable, weekly missionary meetings should be held, and the program laid down in the Home Missionary, or some other better suited to the particular local circumstances, should be carried out. At this meeting the papers should be made ready for the mails. It will often be found advisable for the one who receives the club through the mails to wrap the papers, using stamped newspaper wrappers, and taking care that the work is neatly done. This will leave only the addressing to be done at the meeting, which will save time and generally secure neater work.
6. Where the individuals do not take a separate copy of the paper for their own reading, they should reserve one copy from the club till they read it carefully. All should know what they are sending out; this will help us in praying for the success of our work.
7. A list of the names to whom the papers are sent should be kept on file, so that duplicates may not be sent.
8. It is very desirable, though not absolutely necessary, that missionary letters should be written to those to whom papers are sent. A postal may answer to notify the individual that you have sent the paper, so that he will not think it a mere advertising sample from the office of publication. But afterward a letter should follow, calculated to learn, in an indirect manner, the reader's interest in the contents of the paper.
9. Where parties to whom papers are sent are not corresponded with by those who send the papers, the names and addresses should be forwarded to the State secretary of your Tract and Missionary Society.
10. The expense of postage can properly be taken out of the fourth Sabbath collections for missionary work.
Other points will suggest themselves to those who engage in this work. If this plan or a similar one is carried out and our people all over the land engage in it heartily, we shall confidently expect to see great good accomplished. Here is a chance for all to do something. Should we not prove our willingness to do missionary work?
THE “SIGNS” AND “REVIEW.”
By Elder S. N. Haskell
BY ELDER S. N. HASKELL.
It will be seen that in this supplement special efforts are made to increase the circulation of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. It should be distinctly understood that the SIGNS is our pioneer paper, and the object of increasing its circulation is twofold, embracing two important considerations:—
First, it is to place the light and knowledge of the truth before those who are now in darkness.
Second, it is to educate our brethren and sisters in the missionary work,—to get them to feel more interest in the cause at large than they have hitherto done.
While this spirit is taken into families, and they carry it out in a practical manner, remailing the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, opening a correspondence, and talking about letters received, and6seeking God at the same time for his blessing to attend the efforts, it will be found to develop in families and individuals more of a missionary spirit, that will not only lead some to go forth and labor in this country, but who will find their way to foreign fields.
There is not, therefore, a family of Seventh-day Adventists who love the truth of God, but should engage in this work. Some can go out and canvas from house to house and secure subscriptions, and others can remail the papers and send them to their friends. Our sisters should enter heartily into this work. It is a phase of the work that seems to come directly home to them. They may not have time to leave their homes, but they can take time to pray, to remail the papers, and to write some good Christian letters to individuals,—letters which will breathe the Spirit of Christ.
Such letters cannot fail to do good. We have evidences of this continually. But while this work is going on, it should not be forgotten that the Review and Herald is our church paper, and that it, too, belongs in every family circle. It is not so well adapted to do missionary work with as the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, especially with those wholly unacquainted with our work. But it would seem that no family of Seventh-day Adventists can live and prosper without a knowledge of the progress of our work, which is found in the Review and Herald. We advise the brethren, therefore, in every place to take this paper. It comes from week to week laden with meat in due season, and with information concerning the progress of the cause.
And so it is with each of our periodicals. Each has a field of its own. It may be said that we cannot read so many papers. Is it not time for us to begin to make special preparations for the second coming of Christ, to take more time to think of heaven, and to pray? We shall never lose in doing this.
May God bless our brethren, bless the SIGNS, bless the Review, and every one of our periodicals; and may these be the means of a growth in grace among our people, and a preparation for the soon coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
A BRIEF SURVEY OF THE FIELD.
By Editor
We refer to the territory for which the London house is called upon to furnish publications.
1. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, with its 38,000,000 of people; its greater London, with 5,633,332; its ten cities outside of London, with a population ranging from 200,000 to over 500,000; with its sixty-two cities, with a population each of over 50,000; its numerous smaller towns and villages, the remotest of which can be reached from our office in twelve or fifteen hours, furnishes a population sufficient to employ our present canvassing force over twelve years in visiting the people once. Suppose we say that the canvassers will be able to reach but one-third of this vast population, then, with our present force, four years will be required to go over the ground with one book. When we consider how readily the publications are going, and the fact that this is, in an eminent sense, a nation of readers, we see in the United Kingdom alone a territory almost unlimited in resources, calculated to build up a publishing house and make it a financial success. But we stop not here.
2. SOUTH AFRICA.—The Colonial possessions of Great Britain in that field are becoming more important every year. The book business is already assuming large proportions there. The population is rapidly increasing, and twenty-five canvassers are already at work there. Africa looks to London for books, and she should not look in vain. The predominating languages in South Africa, outside of the native races, are the Dutch and the English, and the printed truth in that form most acceptable to these people should be speedily placed in their hands. Shall this be done or not?
3. AUSTRALASIA.—England's active, wide-awake colonies of Australia and New Zealand are outstripping almost every other territory in the sale of our literature. These Colonies are anxious to get their books from London, but we have been able to furnish them only to a limited extent because we had not the money with which to produce the books. Urgently they are asking us, When can you supply us with books from London? What is to be our answer to Australasia?
Other Colonial possessions of Great Britain we will not mention here. The territory already referred to is sufficient for our present consideration.
THE PRESENT SITUATION.
By Editor
1. Our publishing house here in London needs to invest but little in plant and machinery, since the printing and binding of our books can be done cheaper, better, and more expeditiously by outside parties than we can do it ourselves. This is greatly to our advantage, as it would require a large amount of capital to be invested if we were obliged to do this work ourselves.
2. The London Branch has endeavored to run its business in a way that would make it a safe place of deposit for our brethren in this field who have more or less means to loan. This plan we must continue to pursue, because it is right, and because, as the work develops, we shall need the confidence and support of our people in these fields.
3. Our capital upon which to do business is wholly inadequate to warrant our doing what ought to be done and what must be done unless we allow the book business and the canvassing work to be greatly crippled. Some of the difficulties we have experienced owing to the working capital of the London Branch not being sufficiently large to cope with the phenomenal increase of the business, are: (a) We have been unable to produce large editions of our subscription books, and so could not promptly fill orders that have come from South Africa, thus causing disappointment and monetary loss to the agents, the depositories, and the publishing house. (b) When the work of bookmaking has to be hurried, mistakes are more likely to occur, and it is impossible to turn out good work. This is especially so in the case of binding in the several styles of leather, and the London binders will not hold themselves responsible for work that is hurriedly done.
Had we the proper amount of capital with which to meet the demands for publications that are already upon us for the next twelve months, the returns from the sales of our books would then keep such capital stock good as a reserve upon which to do business. If we had seventy-five thousand dollars now, this office could use it to good advantage directly in the publishing work. With ready cash our printing could be done much cheaper, our paper bills one month could be discounted eight per cent. Judging from the present outlook, from the present success of the canvassers in Australasia, Africa, and the United Kingdom, there will be needed in the next twelve months not less than sixty thousand books, which will require an outlay of about $75,000. Of course, during this time if we can get the books to place in the hands of the canvassers, a considerable portion of this sum will be returned to us from their sales, but the investment is needed to properly and successfully carry on the business.
The following figures will give a correct idea of the books required and the necessary capital to produce them. These computations are based upon such books as "Bible Readings," "Patriarchs and Prophets," "Ladies' Guide," and "Masterpiece." We submit these figures for your careful consideration.
During the next twelve months the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Australia, and South Africa will need 55,000 books, the aggregate selling price of which will be $240,604.85, less agents' profits, $122,302.42.
We solemnly believe that, located here in the world's metropolis, with facilities for producing books cheaper, better, and quicker in very large quantities than any or all of our publishing houses can do it, and with a self-supporting territory second to none in the world, this house at once becomes a missionary enterprise of the first importance. If our brethren who have the means at their disposal, perhaps deposited in banks or railroad stocks, could see the situation as it is, and take into account the opportunities which present themselves, and the demands which are even now pressing upon us for publications which we cannot furnish for lack of means, we feel sure they would respond to the present needs.
At a dark period in America's history, when she had met with frequent reverses and the spirit of alarm prevailed, State officials were resigning their positions because they were thought to be inefficient, and when half a million dollars was needed to put the city of New York in a state of defense, and the money could not be procured on the public credit, a senator, loyal to his country, applied to the governor of the State to raise the money on his own responsibility. The governor hesitated on the ground that it might ruin him. "Then," said the senator, "ruin yourself if it becomes necessary to save the country, and I pledge you my honor that I will support you in whatever you do." Through the grand patriotism of these two men the necessary sum was obtained, and the city was fortified against the enemy. We all admire such spirits as these, whose daring deeds of valor and self-sacrifice stand out in bold relief on the page of history. But how insignificant is the cause for which such men sacrificed and suffered and bled and died when contrasted with the warfare in which we have enlisted.
Will the spirit of true patriotism and genuine loyalty to the cause of God be manifested by our brethren who have means, at this important crisis in our work? We must do one of two things, either secure the necessary means, or ask our canvassers not to sell so many books. We appeal to you to tell us what to do. We dare not call any of our canvassers in, but if we do not, we must be able to meet their demands upon us. Oh, that the urgent necessities of the hour might be the rod that would smite the rock of our denominational resources and thus cause abundant streams of revenue to flow forth, whereby these demands could be met, the truth scattered, and the final consummation hastened, the warfare ended, and the victory won! We need not add more, but we look imploringly to you for help just now, praying that He to whom the cause belongs will put it into the hearts of his dear people to recognize the needs of the present hour, and to supply those needs with the ability that God has given them.
Yours very sincerely,
JOHN I. GIBSON,
E. M. MORRISON,
D. A. ROBINSON.
APPEAL IN BEHALF OF THE WORK IN LONDON.
NOTWITHSTANDING we have recently submitted to you a carefully-studied, itemized statement showing the amount of publications required for the next twelve months and the necessary means to produce them, we thought it fitting to write you more fully relative to this important matter. Your Advisory Committee have very carefully and prayerfully considered this whole question, and we may say that after a reconsideration of the figures submitted to you, we are satisfied that if we have erred in the matter it has been in not making them as large as the case will warrant. The figures are based upon:—
1. The present number of canvassers, making no allowance for any increase of our working force in these fields; and,
2. Upon the present efficiency of the workers, quite a per cent. of whom are beginners at the work, and who, we trust, will become more successful as they get an experience.
The force in Australia is steadily increasing, and the same is true of Africa; and we shall be disappointed if in the next six months it is not materially increased here also. We have every reason to believe that it will be.
HINTS ON SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSONS.
By Editor
To teachers this is one of the most important departments of the journal. The lesson notes for each series of lessons are written by one of the lesson writers of that series, which makes them of special interest and value. Many teachers can testify to the benefit derived from these helps.
Every three months are given the quarterly statistics of all schools among Seventh-day Adventists in the world. When these reports are printed, the journal contains twenty-four pages instead of sixteen, so that none of the regular space is consumed by statistics.
A recent effort has been made to increase the circulation of this excellent Sabbath-school help. This effort has been fairly successful, resulting in about two thousand additional subscribers. A number of State associations have placed it in the hands of all its officers and teachers. This has worked well so far, and we believe it will prove very successful. But there is need of a more general interest being manifested in this journal. It is designed especially for the help of Sabbath-school officers and teachers, and, as such, ought to be in the hands of all who hold such positions in our Sabbath schools. If our friends will speak a good word for the Worker, and extend its circulation in their community among the members of their own school and church, this result can be accomplished. The Worker should also have a wider circulation than it does outside of our own ranks. There are many officers and teachers in the Sunday schools of various churches who would welcome the Worker could their attention be called to it. A good opportunity is afforded to thus introduce it this year, while it contains lesson notes on the International Sunday-school lesson subjects. These could be used as an entering wedge. Will not all try to increase the subscription list of the Worker during 1892?
The subscription price of the journal is 50 cents per year. In clubs of five to ten, to one address, 45 cents; in clubs of ten or more, to one address, 40 cents. Address, Sabbath School Worker, Box 548, Oakland, Cal.
DO NOT READ THIS
By Editor
UNLESS you are willing to act upon it. That we are living in the last days, a multitude of omens in the physical, political, social, and religious worlds surely show, as declared by our Lord in Matt. 24:33 and Luke 21:25-27. Among the indications of the world's approaching doom and dissolution, are gluttony, drunkenness, licentiousness, unrestrained looseness of the baser passions and appetites, and sickness and disease of every kind. The great questions of the world are: "What shall we eat? and, What shall we drink? and, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?" The majority of professed Christians follow in the same line, not only making the religion of Christ a religion of sensuousness, but too often of sensuality. The world is living over again the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, against which our Lord has given us many and frequent warnings in his word and otherwise. See Luke 17:28-30; 21:34, 35; Rom. 13:12-14. The only hope which we will have of not being swept away by all these diseases of spiritual Egypt is to submit to God's will, eat and drink to his glory (1 Cor. 10:31), and then we can consistently ask the protecting care of God in shielding us from disease. On the other hand, if we persistently ignore the light God has given us on healthful living, our minds will become blinded, and we will drift to destruction, while consoling ourselves that we are safe. "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." Hos. 4:6; Isa. 5:13.
In the providence of God we have journals whose object is to teach the way of healthful living, to teach us how to get well, and how to keep well; not only this, but how to help us to preserve pure minds, clean hearts, clear intellects, so as to best glorify God. The chief of these are Good Health, in the East, and Pacific Health Journal, on the Pacific Coast and in the West. The latter has a small circulation among our own people. Its circulation among those without should be three times what it is at present, and it would reach that figure if our people were as interested in it as they should be. It contains every month that which would be of priceless value if reduced to practice in our homes.
It is often said, "We cannot afford it." But how often it is that we can afford to be ill, and spend without a murmur from five to twenty-five times, in the course of the year, what the Health Journal would cost us. Are not these things so? They have a bearing on our eternal destiny. Can we afford not to take one of our health publications? And ought not those on the Pacific Coast to support our attractive, and, by many, highly-prized Pacific Health Journal? You cannot afford to be without it. May we not see in 1892 a much larger circulation of our health publications? The price of the Journal is $1.00 per year. Address, Pacific Health Journal, Oakland, Cal.
"THE SABBATH SCHOOL WORKER."
By Editor
THE work and influence of the Sabbath school have come to be potent and powerful factors in the cause of truth. Since 1878, when steps were first taken for general organization, the Sabbath-school department of the work has increased in volume, power, and efficiency. To-day, by the prospering hand of God, it is one of the recognized pillars of the church, and a powerful agency in the conversion and education of the young.
But no cause can prove successful without general harmony and unity of action in the methods, plans, and laws which should regulate it. No such unity of action can be secured without an agency whereby all may be influenced, by which thought may be interchanged and instruction imparted, and by which the general good of the cause may be considered and promoted.
The need of such a medium in Sabbath-school work has brought into existence the Sabbath School Worker, which is just entering on its eighth volume. During the seven years it has been before the public it has been working earnestly, yet unostentatiously, to bring about in Sabbath-school work improved methods of labor, concerted and unified action, increased interest in the study of God's word, and greater devotion and consecration in all its readers. This has been its object in the past. For the future, "Excelsior" will be its motto. It enters upon another year with better and broader facilities to extend its field of usefulness than ever before. With its regular staff of contributors, with its increased patronage, with the benefit of its past experience, and with the blessing of Heaven, we see no reason why its field for good may not be greatly enlarged for the future. The Worker for 1892 appears in a new dress, which greatly adds to the beauty and interest of the journal. Six choice departments of study are included in its scope of instruction. We note these in their order:—
GENERAL ARTICLES,
By Editor
In which is given in condensed form the best thought of our leading workers on the various lines of Sabbath-school work. In this department, during 1892, special articles from the pen of Sister White will be made a leading feature.
EDITORIAL
By Editor
Articles will appear in this department each month from both editors, whose constant connection with the work keeps them alive and awake to its needs.
SPECIAL MENTION.
By Editor
Here will be given notices of important changes, articles of interest from the pen of the president of the association and the Executive Committee, and items of interest regarding the advance moves of the work all along the line.
OUR MISSION FIELD
Deals with the object of the Sabbath-school donations, presenting its needs to the schools, thus acquainting them with the general features of the missionary cause, and educating and enlisting an interest in missionary enterprise.
NOTES FROM THE FIELD,
By Editor
As its name indicates, presents items of news, reports of meetings, and letters from our workers in all parts of the world. It will always have a testimony of cheer, courage, and admonition from some laborer in the harvest field.
"OUR LITTLE FRIEND."
By Editor
Our child's paper has now been before the public almost two years. It entered a field which, until its advent, was entirely unoccupied by any Seventh-day Adventist periodical. It was well received from the start, as testimonials published in its columns from time to time, and many others not published, abundantly show. The fact that it did not attempt to intrude upon the ground of any other publication, at once secured it a welcome which soon gave it a prestige.
There is no doubt that lessons are more highly appreciated by children when published in connection with other attractive matter. Both teachers and parents realize this fact. There is, however, opportunity for children to do good with the paper, as well as to get good from reading it and studying the lessons it contains. They can be taught to do missionary work with Our Little Friend. By the introduction of this attractive little paper into families through their children, prejudice against our other literature may, in a great measure, be allayed. We have one instance of an Episcopal Sunday school taking thirty copies for the use of the school. And the choice was made after comparing Our Little Friend with many other child's papers. The policy of trying to wean children toward our faith by little attractions may pave the way for their acceptance of the truth as they grow older. Let our little ones also engage in sowing seed for the Master.
Salvation Through Christ
JESUS came to save men from sin. He came to seek and to save that which was lost, or strayed away. His whole mission was devoted to the welfare of mankind. We are saved, then, through Christ, by the operation of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, cleansing and refining us, and bringing us into his spiritual likeness; for we must be like him, having his Spirit, or we are not saved through him. "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."
TESTIMONIALS.
By Editor
SISTER NANCY PONTIOUS, Brayton, Iowa, in ordering extra copies, adds:—
"We occasionally have little visitors come into our school, and therefore need extra copies. We think it is the best paper that was ever published for the children. It is encouraging to see the faces of the little ones brighten up as the papers are unwrapped and given to each one."
SISTER HELEN M. ANDRUS, Chetek, Wis., testifies:—
"It just meets the wants of all our children; it is both interesting and instructive to children and older ones, too. I read it with as much interest as do the children."
N. E. MOORE, Ripley, Texas, with order for additional numbers, writes:—
"Our Little Friend is a splendid little paper, and is doing a great deal of good among the children. I feel that I can say from my heart, Long live Our Little Friend."
SISTER MAY CORBIT, Bethlehem, Iowa, says:—
"The little paper is indeed a friend, to Sabbath-school teachers as well as scholars. May it be the means of bringing many lambs into the fold of Christ."
SISTER M. C. WHITE, Toledo, Ohio, ordering club continued, says:—
"Words cannot express the merits of this little paper. All, from the youngest to the oldest, enjoy its pages; and the lessons are just good."
BROTHER S. HEATHCOTE, Orland, Cal., adds to a business letter this testimony:—
"We like the paper very well. The lessons are the best I ever saw in my life for little ones. The Baptist and Methodist neighbors' children have exchanged some of their papers with our children, so that we have had a fair chance to compare them, and theirs are nowhere beside Our Little Friend."
THE INTERNATIONAL S. S. LESSONS.
By Editor
WE wish to call the attention of our workers to this department of the SIGNS, not for the purpose of urging them to use personally the helps which the SIGNS gives, but to use the department to introduce the paper among their friends and neighbors.
There are difficulties with the Sunday-school lesson helps generally, as published in other papers; they help the people but very little to an understanding of the word of God, or even of the lesson Scripture. They do not explain scripture by scripture. They simply give opportunity, as a leading New York paper remarked, for the teachers to indulge in so many sermonettes, giving opinions of God's word, instead of teaching his word.
In the helps in the SIGNS we endeavor to make the lesson as simple as possible, and at the same time teach as much of the saving truth of God as we can. The lessons will not go out of the way to strike at some erroneous doctrine, and so prejudice the student. The object is to make the truth as it is in Christ—simple, forcible, effectual, ever honoring and exalting God's precious word.
Is not this a means by which your neighbor might be led to become interested in the SIGNS? As he found help on his lessons in the paper—as not a few Sunday-school teachers have—would he not be led to think that the SIGNS could help him in other respects? We believe that these lessons in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES may be made of great help in getting interested readers and seekers after the truth in multitudes of homes. May God help our people to use every lawful means to spread his truth; for the time is short.