The Signs of the Times by John Norton Loughborough

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, Cal. · May 20, 1875

The Signs of the Times.

By John Norton Loughborough

We hope all the readers of the SIGNS have read carefully the statements of Bro. White, respecting the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, found on the last page of No. 26, and are preparing to act in harmony with his suggestions. We quote a portion of it as follows:

"And we wish here to state to all those who read the SIGNS that somebody has to pay for your paper. If you are interested in the reading matter of the SIGNS, and are able to pay for it, you should show your interest by forwarding to the Office a donation not less that $2.00, and as much more as your good will and means will allow."

The above statement is certainly reasonable, and commends itself to all. Those who are really able certainly do not wish to be furnished a paper at the expense of others, and those who are interested in the reading of what the paper contains will esteem it a pleasure to contribute of their means that such a paper may be sustained.

We call attention to another statement:

"Those who have gathered up names for the SIGNS and have forwarded them to the Office without pay, should not feel that their work is done. They should see these persons, or should in some way ascertain whether they are interested readers, or whether our precious paper is cast, unread, into the waste-paper basket. Those who do not wish longer to receive the SIGNS should notify their postmaster, whose duty it is to notify the publishers."

The above is plain and we hope will be read again and heeded by all. As far as the subscribers in California are concerned, we propose this week, to send out lists of the subscribers in each church, so that the business agents of our T. and M. Society, assisted by the members, may ascertain who of these subscribers are reading with profit, whose should be stopped, and whose continued. Also, to obtain all the donations possible on those papers which should be continued.

Those who read the SIGNS and give attention to the department marked "Received for the Signs" can readily see that these receipts must be greatly augmented by some means to meet $135.00 per number, the expense of publishing the same. We shall expect prompt action on the part of all and a decided improvement soon in the receipts for the SIGNS.

J. N. L.