Signs of the Times by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 12, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 11.

"Signs of the Times."

By Editor

EVERY effort is being put forth to make our paper, not only acceptable to our readers, but the most instructive in biblical literature of any paper in the land. As we believe that we have a special work to perform in these last days, it shall be our special aim to give a faithful exposition of the truths which are given to prepare a people to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. This does not indicate that we shall desert the old landmarks of Christian faith and life; but rather that we shall cling to them more tenaciously than ever. We believe that we have come to the time spoken of by our Saviour: "Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." Matt. 24:12. The time of which Paul spoke, when describing the perils of the last days: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; . . . and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Tim. 4:3, 4.

The fulfillment of these prophecies is indicated by the great declension of piety in the churches of both the Old and the New World,—both in Europe and America. The Protestant churches are fast losing their identity as "Protestants," and offering deference to the Romish church. They are predicting—many of them—a brotherly union to soon exist between the Catholic and Protestant churches, when they know, if they do not willfully close their eyes to evident facts, that the Roman church has only one term of union with other denominations. It is that which Luther so stoutly rejected, expressed in the single word, "Recant." And they are not only returning in spirit to the "Mother Church," but they are following the world in its fashions and follies; scarcely raising their voices against the increase of crime, but saying, "Peace and safety," predicting good times, and their members are being fast drawn into communion with the great delusion of the age, Spiritualism. Even the great principles of morality are being subverted by men and churches who claim to be orthodox, in their teaching that Jehovah's law of ten commandments is abolished. In such a time as this it becomes us with great tenacity to "hold fast the form of sound words."

We shall faithfully maintain the doctrine of the perpetuity of the law of God; the morality of the Sabbath; and, of course, its perpetuity and obligation. We shall unfold the truth on the doctrines of Christian baptism; Sanctification, distinguishing the true from the false; Justification by faith; the Millennium; the Hope of the Gospel; the Ministration of Angels; the Inheritance of the Saints; the Harmony of the Law and the Gospel; the Nature of Man, and what is comprised in the Plan of Redemption; etc., etc.

We are having articles prepared on the Historical Evidences of the Fulfillment of Prophecy, giving the evidences in extracts from reliable histories. The fulfillment of prophecy is believed by all Christians, but few can give the proof that their belief on this point is correct. These will be important to both preachers and people. Also, articles on the Influence of Kings, and earthly Governments, on the Christianity of their ages. Under this head will come the interesting series of articles now being published. Also, on the Teachings of the Early Fathers: what position they occupied before their conversion; how much of their former belief and practice they brought with them into the church; and what historians say of them. In connection with these will be shown, the Customs of the Early Churches. These articles will show us the true value of church traditions—a subject but very little understood. They who lose the readings of these papers will lose something of great interest and value.

In connection with the doctrine of baptism we purpose to examine the historical claims for Trine Immersion.

A refutation of the doctrine of Restorationism, or probation beyond death, or beyond the time of the second advent, and of the claims of Modern Spiritualism, will claim attention. In all these we shall rest only on "the law, and the testimony."

Believing that the United States occupies a prominent place in the prophecies which relate to these last days, a close examination of this subject will be given, together with an exposition of the prophecies in general in relation to their fulfillment in these "perilous times."

But in all the list of subjects, nothing will more interest our readers, and nothing better serve to guide them to a correct understanding of true and earnest Christian life, than the articles furnished weekly by Mrs. E. G. White. Mrs. White is widely known as a speaker and writer second to no one living for making earnest appeals in behalf of a high standard of Christianity, and of pointing out the claims of the Most High, and the workings of the human heart. Every form of evasion of the truth of God is ferreted out by her forcible expositions, presented in plain, simple language, reaching the understanding of the uneducated and the youth, and commanding themselves to the minds of the experienced and the learned.

All these, with our variety of selected articles, Sabbath-school Lessons and copious comments; our Missionary Department; Health and Temperance Department; reading specially for the Home Circle, News Items, etc., cannot fail to make the SIGNS OF THE TIMES the most desirable religious journal offered to the public.

We do not, and will not, insert paid advertisements. Our readers shall have the full benefit of all the room of our columns. This is a feature in which the papers of our denomination stand almost alone, among religious papers. All that we promise we shall perform to the very best of our ability. Our subscription list is quite fast increasing, and no one can afford to let his subscription expire. Such a paper is needed in every household.