THE NEW YEAR by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Jan 6, 1881

THE NEW YEAR.

By Editor

WITH this issue the SIGNS enters upon its seventh volume. We will not consume time or occupy space in recounting the labors and trials of the past; but here we will raise our Ebenezer, mindful that "hitherto hath the Lord helped us." The experience of those at the head of the work is that the blessing of God has attended the publication of this paper from its incipiency, and that without His help the venture must have proved a failure. And the many approving testimonials of those who labor for and with the SIGNS give evidence that they, too, recognize in its circulation the hand of God. And to these might be added scores of acknowledgements from strangers in all parts of the world, assuring us that its truth-laden pages have been to them a source of light and comfort and hope.

But, while our readers may be wishing us a "Happy New Year," and God-speed in spreading Heaven's last message to dying man, they may be asking: How fares the office of publication? We answer, we are of good courage in the Lord; we are blessed with plenty of work, and during the past six months have been enabled to add much to our facilities for working.

There are now employed in and around the Pacific Press Publishing House, an average of sixty persons, and all have plenty to do. With the commencement of the new year, we are segregating as far as possible the different departments, and placing each upon its own footing, with a view to making each one self-supporting. Our great want in the past has been efficient heads for all the departments, but we are now able to report encouraging improvement in this respect.

Our book-bindery, which for some time suffered great embarrassment for want of a thorough manager, interested in our cause, is now well provided with efficient help, and we can vie with any establishment on the coast in quality of binding, gilding, blank-book making, or paper ruling. This is an important item in a publishing house.

Our book-selling business has been set apart under an experienced manager, and we have inaugurated an extensive subscription book scheme, which we hope will not only greatly increase the circulation of our publications, but give to the establishment in time a lucrative source of revenue.

Our job printing, which has long been our principal means of support, is still at the head, and commanding increased patronage. We have, as regular publications, two large sixteen-page monthly papers, an eight-page monthly, an eight-page semi-monthly, and two monthly magazines, and our regular list of patrons for miscellaneous job work includes some of the heaviest firms in the two cities of Oakland and San Francisco. Besides this, our style of work is beginning to attract orders from other cities throughout the State.

While we are still bearing heavy financial burdens, consequent upon improvements and equipments, we have the consolation of knowing that these causes of outlay will not be so heavy in the future. We are willing to work hard and do our part, by the help of the Lord, and with the earnest prayers and reasonable help of those in sympathy with the cause espoused by the SIGNS, we hope to be able to maintain order and efficiency at the Pacific coast fortress.