At the beginning of the Home Bible Study Series last October, we were glad to welcome to our SIGNS family over 10,000 new subscribers. We trust that all these, as well as the older members of the family, have enjoyed its weekly visits, and that it has been a blessing to every home. The editors have endeavored to fill its pages with matter that would be interesting and helpful to every member of the household; and from the many letters of commendation which have come to our table, we are led to believe that they have not labored in vain.
Here is one from a Methodist minister, who also sends an article to be published in the SIGNS on the "Second Coming of Christ":
"I enjoy the weekly visits of the SIGNS, and with you look forward with joy to the time of the coming of the King. God grant us the wisdom to read the signs of His coming correctly, and interpret them to the people, so that they may understand and be ready."
The following is from a Baptist minister:
"Accept my hearty thanks for your kindness in sending the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, which I am receiving, and which I appreciate as a spiritual publication."
Here is another from one of the lonely ones:
"A friend subscribed for me, and I welcome the SIGNS when it comes. I don't want to miss a single copy of it, so enclosed please find my renewal."
Letters like these are a source of great encouragement, and we are determined to try to make the coming volume better than any preceding one.
There never was a time when skepticism and unbelief were so prevalent as now, not only in the world at large, but even among professed Christians, and the subject is being freely discussed by many of the leading magazines of the day. The inroads of evolution, the onslaughts of higher criticism, and the seductive teachings of New Thought, Spiritism, and all the other isms, are turning thousands away from the Bible, and into the broad road that leads to destruction. This condition of things is truly alarming, and many honest souls are inquiring the reason for all this.
Is it not, dear reader, the lack of the study of God's Word, and a willingness to take Him at His word? Instead of inquiring, "What saith the Lord?" many are following "cunningly devised fables" of men, and these are being substituted for the living Word of God.
The Bible points out very clearly that this very condition of things will exist just before the second coming of Christ. See 2 Timothy, chapter three.
Now it is the avowed purpose of the publishers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES to adhere strictly to the Word of God, and if possible establish and reestablish confidence in the blessed Book of Books.
Have you ever compared this paper with the popular magazines of the day? Strip most of them of fiction, and but little value remains, while it will be noticed that the SIGNS OF THE TIMES is filled with that "which endureth forever." It will continue to call men and women to a higher plane of living, and point out to them the only true way to our eternal home.
The general testimony is that the Home Bible Study Series just closing is the best we have ever published. But we are planning something still better for the future. Here is a brief outline of some of the good things we have in store for our readers during the coming year:
1. A VERSE BY VERSE STUDY of the book of Revelation. These studies will cover almost every phase of the Gospel message, and considered alone will be worth the full price of the paper.
2. THE PAGE FOR BUSY MEN. Here the great truths of the Gospel will be presented in short, pithy articles, so that even "he who runs may read."
3. AN INTERESTING STUDY of the great pre-advent Reformation as set forth in the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah.
4. "SHILOH: THE MAN OF SORROWS," is the title of the serial story now appearing from week to week. This will continue through the year, and will grow more and more interesting to the end.
5. GENERAL ARTICLES will embrace such themes as the Sabbath Question, the Sanctuary, the Prophecies, the Coming of the Lord, Religious Liberty, Current Events, etc.
6. THE QUESTION CORNER will be continued, and our readers are invited to send in questions on Bible and history which they wish to have answered. The editor will endeavor to answer candidly all such questions.
7. FIFTY BIBLE READINGS on the leading themes of the Gospel will be given during the year, one in each number.
We believe that this brief outline will appeal to our readers, and that all will desire to remain members of the SIGNS family. But we would call special attention to the fact that this is the last number of the Home Bible Study Series. Does your subscription expire with this number? If so, we appeal to you, dear friend, to send in your renewal at once. The price is only $1.75 per year; six months, 90 cents. In clubs of five or more to one name and address, one year, $1.25 per copy; six months, 65 cents per copy.
If you have friends and relatives to whom you would like to send this series, the papers will be mailed direct from the office of publication to five or more different names and addresses as follows: Six months, 75 cents per copy; one year, $1.50 per copy.
Trusting that during the coming year we may have the pleasure of welcoming many more to the SIGNS family, I remain,