The Signs of the Times
By Editor
OAKLAND, CAL., FIFTH-DAY, DEC. 17, 1874. BRO. WHITE'S article, number two, Our Present Position, which we give on the first page, is a clear and concise statement relative to the past Advent history, worthy of a careful perusal by all. The articles on Ministration of Angels and Saints' Inheritance, each introduce an advance of clear argument on these respective subjects. Bro. Canright's article on the Morality of the Sabbath, presents a class of thoughts we do well to ponder. Men are prone to reason upon the Sabbath question that man's wants require a day of rest. Bro. C. is showing conclusively that God designed his Sabbath as an index, or sign, ever pointing man to his Creator, a higher object than simply man's selfish interest alone. The editorial on the rise of the Seventh-day Adventists is full of interest to our readers. The Missionary Department is quite full this week, but its words are not useless. Read and practice them. In short, we have aimed to have something instructive or encouraging in every paragraph of the paper. We are ourselves encouraged at the evident tokens of advance in this cause everywhere. Our receipts in this number, show a little waking up to furnish the material aid necessary to publish the truth. Of this, we may say as Paul said in his time, when rejoicing that the church were forward to do their duty in the cause, "Not that we desire a gift, but fruit that may abound to your account." As we take hold with our means, according to our ability, to furnish the material aid necessary to push on the work of truth, our own interest is increased, and we shall find a verification of the Lord's promise by Malachi. As we bring all our tithes into the storehouse the Lord promises on his part to "pour" out a blessing. Let us all read the truth, learn our duty, find the place where we can take hold in the work and do our part faithfully and well.