HAPPY NEW YEAR by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 7, 1889

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

By Editor

WE do not say this to our readers simply because it is customary, any more than we say, "Good-morning," to our friends simply because that is the conventional expression. From the heart we hope that this new year may be to all the readers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES a happy one.

We do not wish them such happiness as the world gives, but that true happiness which the servants of God enjoy; that happiness that continues even in the midst of trial and distress, because that very tribulation brings to them in larger measure, and makes more real and precious, the power of Christ; that happiness which does not depend on external circumstances, but which dwells within the individual, so that in the multitude of his thoughts within him the comforts of the Lord may delight his soul.

The past year has been one of great blessings and mercies. God has in a special manner blessed the workers in the office of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and we feel of good courage as we begin another volume. We do not contemplate any new departure, but we do expect that the blessing of God will be with us in an increased degree, and that the SIGNS will be made much more efficient than ever before in the line of work which it has been following.

While we shall endeavor to the best of our ability to give comfort, encouragement, and instruction in the way of life and practical godliness, and thus to do our share towards making this a happy new year for our friends, we hope that we may at least have the benefit of their prayers to a throne of grace. Not long shall we have to battle with the powers of darkness; soon shall the King descend and crown his waiting people with glory, according to "the exceeding riches of his grace," and then will begin a glad new year, the joy of which shall continue throughout eternity.

"CHRISTMAS AND NATIONAL REFORM" is the title of a leading article in the Christian Nation of December 19; and the first sentence of the article is, "There is no necessary connection between Christmas and National Reform, and yet there is a natural relation which writers on Christmas do not seem able to escape." True; there is a natural relation. Both are of the Papacy. Christmas being compounded from "Christ," a name of our Lord, and "mass," the Catholic name of a most idolatrous rite. And National Reform is the unholy perversion of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the usurpation of his authority by man. There is a natural relation. That was a happy thought, Mr Editor.

WE are receiving reports from quite a number of churches in regard to the services during the week of prayer, and the holiday contributions to foreign missions. We have made no report of our meetings in Oakland, because we wished all the reports, as far as possible, to appear at the same time. Next week we shall publish all the reports that we have, and we hope to have them all in by that time. If any churches have not reported, they will please do so immediately.

THE California Prohibitionist chronicles with evident gratitude the rumor that the saloon men of San Bernardino will soon close their saloons during divine service on Sundays. What a victory for prohibition and the churches! Now we suppose all the churches will have rest.