"The Signs of the Times."
By William M. Ings
THE name of this journal has become familiar to many with whom I have recently conversed. In my late journey from Healdsburg to Willits, I called upon a number of families that recognized the SIGNS as an old friend. This is the result of persevering missionary labor. The choice matter that fills the pages of this excellent paper is doing its work. While some may not be ready to live out its teachings, the verdict is, it teaches Bible truth. It was interesting to me to learn how the SIGNS had found its way to this remote people. Missionary workers often remark, that as they do not hear from the SIGNS sent out, they are afraid that their labor and expense have been in vain. For the encouragement of such, I will relate a little of my experience while on the journey above referred to. The first family I called upon had received a copy of the SIGNS from a person passing, and this prepared the way for me to obtain their subscription. At the next place also the SIGNS had preceded me, and had won the hearts of the people, and they too were ready to join the army of subscribers. This family had received the paper from a friend, to whom it had been sent by one of the tract and missionary workers at Oakland. Another really intelligent family had been supplied with the journal by a friend who had undoubtedly received it from some tract and missionary worker. Here also I obtained a subscription. Another person who had received the SIGNS from a friend was prepared to examine the Sabbath question, and to continue the reading of the paper. Meeting a man on the road, I handed him a copy of our pioneer sheet. He smiled, and said that he was very familiar with that paper, and believed the doctrines which it taught, although he did not live them out. He invited me to visit him if I ever passed through the part of the country where he lived. A man standing by said that he had received two copies of the SIGNS about a year ago, which shows that the paper is not easily forgotten by the receiver. I could relate many similar items of interest that came to my notice during my three days' journey. On this trip I had the privilege of forming the acquaintance of Sister Bainbridge. This sister is a worker, and it would be well if those of us who have had more privileges would imitate her example in scattering the light of the Third Angel's Message. She is in correspondence with parties in Auckland, New Zealand, who are constant readers of the SIGNS. These have caught the missionary zeal from their correspondent, and are loaning the paper to others in that distant country. The truth is marching on; it follows civilization to every nook and corner of the globe. It will continue on its mission until the earth shall be lighted with the glory of the Third Angel's Message, which must go before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings. The SIGNS is doing its part of the work. Willits, Cal., October 11, 1883.