Untitled article by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 7, 1886

The Signs of the Times, Vol. 12.

By Editor

OUR readers will see that we have made some changes in the "make-up" of the paper. This seemed to be necessary to carry out the plans which we have laid for the coming volume, and we are satisfied that our patrons will be pleased with the changes as they see our plans developed.

We commenced the publication of notes on the International S. S. Lessons at the earnest request of the T. and M. Society workers. In these notes, as well as in the comments on the Sabbath-school Lessons, have been interwoven a vast amount of "present truth," in an interesting and instructive style. They have proved to be so beneficial that they cannot be dispensed with. But in a paper with so many departments, and with such a wide variety of matter as the SIGNS contains, there must be a limit as to space, and hereafter these notes will be somewhat abridged. As occasion offers, some of the space heretofore used may be appropriated to articles, original or selected, kindred to the subjects of the lessons, or by Sabbath-school workers.

One feature of the paper, we are happy to say, will be retained in this volume. We refer to the articles of Mrs. E. G. White, on the first page of each paper. And we know that our readers will unite with us in this expression of happiness, for we have received many words of appreciation of these articles.

We are glad to learn that there is a growing interest in the articles on History as related to the fulfillment of prophecy. See notice of them elsewhere. Volume 12 will contain much valuable information on such subjects.

We deeply regretted that we could not be in Oakland while preparations were being made for the commencement of this volume. Our plans had to be laid by correspondence; and we cannot but express pleasure with the manner in which the work has been done. We shall do our utmost to still make improvements. We also regret that circumstances prevented our preparing the third article on the "Coming of a Literal Christ." This series will contain many points which all Bible students will do well to consider.