THE "SIGNS OF THE TIMES."
By Editor
THE LAST OF VOLUME NINETEEN.
THIS issue of the SIGNS closes the nineteenth volume; and it is safe to say that never before in the history of its existence has it presented to the world more weighty and important truth than during the last year. This is not true because the paper has been better edited, or because of any human means. The present incumbent of the editorial chair, in the vivid memory and knowledge of past editors, realizes keenly his lack. He has naught in which to boast save in the grace of Christ. The SIGNS OF THE TIMES asked for free contributions to its columns last year for the sake of the missionary cause, and some of the best writers among us freely responded. To them, under the great Master, we return our sincere thanks. The paper has been better because, in the providence of God, it was time that it should be a better paper. And this has been true of each volume in the past, and will be true, we expect, till the mission of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES is finished, and its last message is given. The first number of the new volume will bear date November 6; and we believe that in the coming year it will present to the world more truth, more important messages, than it ever has in the past; for God's truth, God's work, is forward. It does not go backward. Christ, the Crucified and Risen One, leads ever on before, and his call is ever, "Come; follow me." By his grace the SIGNS OF THE TIMES will follow, preaching to its great congregation "Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God," the one only Saviour, the manifestation of God's love. The SIGNS will endeavor to faithfully point out the dangers of the perilous times through which we are passing, to warn against the snares and pitfalls of the enemy, and to point to the Living Word of God as the comfort and stay in these days of trial. Our nation is launched upon a new phase of its existence. It has admitted the principle of religious legislation, and its course toward the logical sequence of that principle,—rabid religious persecution,—will be rapid. Of these rapid steps our readers will be apprised according to the best of our ability. Will not our friends help us more abundantly in the year to come? Will they not interest their neighbors in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. There are many features of interest apart from its "doctrinal news." As a newspaper it contains each week more of the important news of the world, both secular and religious, than the great majority of secular weeklies, and more than do many of the dailies of the provincial towns; that is, one issue of the SIGNS contains more news than seven issues of many dailies, and the news is not served up in a sensational or objectionable form. In the matter of practical, everyday, home-life religion it is what will commend itself to all who love moral cleanliness. Besides these features there are the explanations and expositions of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ for our day. Will not our friends, who have so nobly coöperated with us, put forth extra efforts? Are not the 800 pages of the SIGNS worth $1.50? That is all that it costs for a year. Ask your neighbor to subscribe. The SIGNS OF THE TIMES and "Prophetic Lights," a neat, paper-bound book, by Elder E. J. Waggoner, beautifully illustrated, for only $2.00. Well, we believe that our readers will respond. May God bless them, may he make the SIGNS a greater blessing than it has ever been.