As this, the first number of our paper, meets the eye of the public, we expect that many honest queries will arise in reference to its design and the scope it will occupy in the religious field. To many the name Bible Echo and Signs of the Times will be a sufficient explanation. For the benefit of others, we will state that the design of the publishers is to make the paper a thorough exponent of the Bible. In other words, it will advocate nothing that is not distinctly taught in the Scriptures and will vigorously oppose every theory that is not supported by a clear statement from the same authority.
Our reason for marking out this line of policy is that we firmly believe the Bible to be the revealed will of God concerning His people on the earth, and that any deviation from it is not only unjustifiable but, when knowingly indulged in, is a positive evil, inasmuch as the authority of God is disregarded by such a course. On the point of moral obligation, then, the journal will endeavour to maintain the character it has assumed in its leading title and echo back the sentiments that the Bible has heralded down through the ages.
It will also be a chronicle of events which mark the times pointed out in the prophecies. These, it cannot be denied, are an important part of the Bible, for without them its inspiration would be a matter of doubt. If Christ had not fulfilled those predictions of the Old Testament which pointed out the Messiah, none could have been condemned for rejecting Him, since all the promises and detailed statements respecting His advent were embodied in those prophecies.
Is it not reasonable to suppose that a portion of the prophetic word has its fulfilment in the present generation? Is it not likewise barely possible that some today may stand in their own light concerning the application of those predictions, even as did the Jews at the first advent of our Lord? Some who stand in “high places”, while not absolutely denying the inspiration of the prophecies, nevertheless ridicule every attempt to give an exposition of them. It was the same with the Jews. They did not deny the prophecies themselves which pointed out the Messiah, but ridiculed the honest efforts of those who applied them to the manifestations before them (John 6:41,52).
If, then, judgement was passed upon that generation because they did not understand the signs of their times (Matthew 16:3; Luke 19:41–44), will not the impartial Judge of all the earth, who ever does right, hold the people of today culpable for neglecting the study of those prophecies that point out the dangers and duties of our time? How could He do otherwise and maintain His integrity?
The prophecies were not committed to men to be disregarded. They are of practical value. “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). It is therefore very certain that whatever events are to happen, at least those which will affect the interests of God’s people, will be pointed out beforehand for their benefit, that, having learned what is coming, they may prepare for it and so not be overtaken unawares.
There is a mission in this direction to be occupied, in which this paper will endeavour to hold a place. But while seeking to aid in an understanding of the prophecies, it recognises the liability some have shown to indulge in fanciful interpretations that have only tended to bring reproach upon the cause which such expositors have professed to serve. And thus, it will ever be until some rule of interpretation shall be adopted that harmonises the prophecies with themselves and with other portions of the Scriptures.
If the Bible is a complete guide of itself, as is claimed in its behalf, such a rule will be found incorporated in its revelations by all who will diligently give themselves to study the mind of the Spirit of God in the sacred writings, rather than to make the Bible bolster up a preconceived opinion.
Our object is not merely to tear down error, but also to build up the cause of Bible trait and holiness. We shall endeavour to teach men faith in the Holy Scriptures, to lead them to love our Lord Jesus Christ and to obey the law of God. We rely upon the Word of God and the aid of His Holy Spirit for our success.
The Bible Echo and Signs of the Times adds one more to the list of journals that stand in defence of “Present Truth”. We would here make honourable mention of The Signs of the Times of Oakland, California, Advent Review and Sabbath Herald of Battle Creek, Michigan, Present Truth of Grimsby, England—with similar publications in Norway, Sweden, Germany, France, Italy and other European countries—that are all doing a united and noble work in behalf of the truth for the last days.
As these papers have uniformly adhered to the precise teaching of the Word of God, regardless of the strictures of others, and now have their tens of thousands of readers, so we hope in this respect to imitate them, trusting that the seed sown through this medium may bring forth fruit to the honour and glory of God.
