p. 747 | Our Pioneer Paper by William Ings

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 10, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 47.

Our Pioneer Paper.

By William Ings

WE little realize the amount of good that the SIGNS OF THE TIMES is accomplishing. Its influence is felt in all parts of the world, as we can safely say that it has visited every civilized nation under the sun. It deals out solid matter, that which appeals to reason, and gives to the reader instruction in the fundamental truths of the Bible. It takes time to accomplish its work; it does not convert instantaneously, but does its work slowly and surely. And persons who have received the truth through reading it are constantly being added to the number of those who are keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Its reception at its first visit is not always encouraging, for the principles taught are not always in harmony with the education of the reader; yet with the force of argument and the abundance of spiritual food it contains, it wins its way to hearts.

There are times when courage seems to fail after a persistent effort in sending out the SIGNS, and we often give up in discouragement because we do not see immediate fruit, when at the same time it is gradually molding the mind. A case for encouragement has just come to notice. While Brother Loughborough and myself were holding meetings in Southern California, a person was in attendance who had come some distance to hear an Adventist sermon for the first time. At the meeting he gave his experience of the conflict that he had had with the pioneer paper. About four years ago, some person sent him several numbers, with the request that they be read; but being schooled in the Methodist creed, he did not give the SIGNS a very hearty welcome, as the doctrine was antagonistic to that which he had been taught; and he expressed the opinion that the sender would do well to save his postage. Yet the journal continued to make its unwelcome visits, and finally his curiosity began to be aroused to learn more of the nature of our work. Little by little the contents were read. Truth made an impression on the mind; and after a determined struggle of three years and a half, the man yielded to the force of argument contained in the few numbers received, and is now happy in the truth, and is willing by constant and patient effort to further the circulation of our valuable paper.

There are hundreds, and I think I can safely say thousands, that are to-day weighing the evidence gathered from these silent messengers; and sooner or later many of them will yield to the principles of the truth, as did the one mentioned. While some are slow to learn the truth, others will more readily receive it, as in the case of an intelligent German who had access to the SIGNS taken from one of our distributors in San Francisco. He became convinced on the Sabbath question, and kindred truths. From a notice of our meetings in the paper he learned of our place of worship; and he has been constant in attendance, and now he desires baptism, and wishes to unite with us in church fellowship. This case was not so long in maturing.

The papers may be received, and laid away for others to find that are hungry for truth, as in the following case. A steward, a resident of the Isle of France, embarked on a ship that had received copies of the SIGNS on a previous voyage, and while looking through some papers he found a few numbers, which were read with interest. On reaching the port of San Francisco, he came to our meetings, and is now determined to live out the principles of truth which he has learned.

These incidents should surely give courage to the editors as well as to the missionary workers to continue on in their labor of sending out this excellent journal, which is laden from week to week with such truths as will convince the judgment, and lead men to lay down their rebellion against the law of God. Brethren, let us take courage, and not slack our work of disseminating truth while probation lingers.

WM. INGS.