The Signs for 1884 by Joseph Harvey Waggoner

Seventh-Day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 31, 1884

FromThe Signs of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 5

The Signs for 1884.

By Joseph Harvey Waggoner

We have commenced our work on Volume 10 of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES under very encouraging circumstances. And we feel assured that our patrons will be pleased with the success which has crowned our efforts to make improvements. As we look over the past of this paper, we feel that there is great cause for gratitude in the prosperity which has attended it. About nine years ago, Eld. White, foreseeing the importance of California as a field of missionary work, commenced the publication of the paper of eight pages, without the certain prospect of immediate support on this coast, and without encouragement from others which would warrant him in fixing any definite dates of publication. It was a work of faith. Three years ago it was changed to twelve pages, adding to the amount of matter it contained, and necessarily to the expense of its publication, without any increase of price. And again it is now changed to sixteen pages, with another increase of matter in its pages, without increasing the price. One motive alone has actuated the publishers in every step they have taken: to better serve its patrons, and increase its efficiency as a means of spreading the truth.

But the improvements made at this time are far in advance of those made at any previous time. A folding machine has been procured, which will also paste the paper, thus doing away with the stitching, which was far from satisfactory, either to us or to the readers. The type, rules, etc., on which it is printed are entirely new throughout. And we have arranged to stereotype the pages, by which means the type will continue the same as new through the year, as they never go on the press. This will be far better for the reader than to print from the type, which thus becomes worn and presents a dull appearance before the volume closes. This we consider one of the most valuable improvements which we have made, where so many impressions are taken weekly as we print.

By the action of the general meetings lately convened in Battle Creek, a new paper, a monthly, has been started in that city. Its specialty will be the subject of the present agitation of the question of the proposed Religious Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. The Review and Herald will continue to be our church paper, and as such should have its place on the table of every Seventh-day Adventist in the world. It will contain many articles of information of great interest to church members, which will not be found in any of our other papers.

The SIGNS OF THE TIMES occupies a place differing from that of both these. While it will keep its readers acquainted with the progress and avowed intentions of the so-called “National Reform Party,” it will not make that subject a specialty, as the Sentinel will. In like manner, while it will contain many things of vital interest to our churches, it will not contain that which may justly be called “church news,” which is always of interest to believers and church members, but to few others. It will occupy a field peculiarly its own.

The reader will readily see that the publication of a third paper in the English language is to meet this acknowledged want, of a classification of their contents. Our work has so enlarged that it has become impossible for one paper to supply the demands for weekly or monthly matter suited to every current of thought, and to every development in the Church and in the State. And it is our intention to make the SIGNS more peculiarly “a pioneer paper” than it has ever been before.

The Sabbath-school Department will be retained, and, we trust, improved, as we shall increase the amount of labor put upon it. As this department, in its notes on certain texts, has the features of a new commentary, it will be of interest to all who love religious reading.

The General Articles will be similar in character to those which we have published in the past; and we intend that every article shall be moral, religious, and instructive. The fulfillment of prophecy, and expositions of important Bible doctrines, will be prominent subjects in this department.

The Home Circle reading differs from that of all other religious papers with which we are acquainted. No continued stories are ever published. Nothing will be admitted but that which is moral, instructive, or illustrative of principles. In fact, no “light reading” is ever found in the paper.

The Missionary intelligence, as well as the News Notes, will be carefully selected and arranged. It will be our aim to give the best that can be gathered from all the sources at our command.

The editorial pages will be devoted to expositions of Scripture, and subjects of current interest. Practical godliness as well as doctrinal instruction will receive due attention. But as in the past no controversies have been admitted in the SIGNS, so it shall be in the future, and it will be our effort that articles on doctrines shall avoid the controversial style, even more than in the past. This, we think, will make it more suitable to place before new readers, especially those who are on short-time subscriptions, and who have not had opportunity to judge of the general work which it is striving to do.

Temperance, on the broadest basis, will be advocated as heretofore. The variety of matter in the SIGNS cannot fail to make it of interest to all classes.

The times are ominous, and we have reason to look for stirring events not far in the future. The wide circulation of this paper is loudly called for at this time. The last year has been one of great encouragement and prosperity; during the season of tent meetings our subscriptions were doubled, while the list of yearly regular subscribers was increased by more than half. The wants of the cause demand that the present list should be more than doubled during the present year. And we know it can be done; we invite the hearty co-operation of canvassers and all missionary workers. We are glad at any time to consult with those who are actively engaged in the work. We approached the beginning of this volume with deep feelings of responsibility. We are determined to put forth our strongest efforts to make the paper just what is needed, and ask the prayers of all whose hearts are cheered with the “blessed hope,” and who have with us heard the command of the Master, “Go, work in my vineyard.” J. H. WAGGONER.