THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
By Geo. I. Butler
This paper should have a large circulation; and I feel very anxious that the Iowa Tract and Missionary Society shall make a special effort to extend it. I do not believe there is any object more important for the Society to take hold of with vigor than this. Bro. White’s recent remarks on this point were excellent. I have been a reader of the SIGNS whenever I could get it; and I can truly say it is just the paper to circulate among those desiring to investigate. It is better in this respect than the REVIEW. It is a clean-looking, high-toned paper that will favorably impress any sensible person who takes it up. It has a plenty of good thoughts on leading points of present truth, enough in each number to set the people thinking of these things. It also has other excellent matter, not strictly denominational, of interest to all religious people. It has good health items, well calculated to help the people where they need help. Its selections of secular and religious news are always interesting to all classes. It thus presents a good variety of reading matter such as the times demand. No sensible person could read this paper six months or a year without being favorably impressed with it and the people it represents. We ought as a people cordially to second the calls for an increased circulation of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Now that the price is reduced to $2.00, very many of our people who do not take it should at once subscribe for it. The articles from the pen of Sister White are alone worth far more than the whole paper costs. Those who do not subscribe little know what they are losing. As president of the Iowa Tract and Missionary Society, I call upon all our directors and workers to make a special effort to circulate the SIGNS OF THE TIMES this fall and winter. We shall greatly neglect our duty if we let the time pass away and we make but little effort to sow the seeds of truth. It seems to me the Tract Societies should make a special point to circulate the SIGNS and REFORMER. Periodicals will interest people when a tract or pamphlet will not. There is something “newsy” about them as they are taken out of the post-office, which will always call attention, while a tract or book would be laid away. The REFORMER is well worthy of extensive circulation. There may be occasionally some pretty strong meat for us slow ones; but there is always a plenty of most useful matter which all must admit is sadly needed in this age. The REFORMER is interesting, entertaining, and highly instructive on many things sadly demanding instruction, in this age of appetite. But the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, especially as the organ of disseminating the light of present truth, demands strong efforts to secure a large circulation. We shall find no better opportunity to scatter the light than by its means. Come, brethren and sisters of the Iowa and Nebraska Conference, let us take hold of this good work with cheerfulness and energy. It is high time to awake out of sleep. Our salvation is much nearer than when we first believed. The night of darkness will soon be upon the world. The day of rejoicing will soon come for the believer. Let us secure many subscribers for these excellent periodicals this fall and winter.