A New Experience by WALTER HARPER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 30, 1907

A New Experience

By WALTER HARPER

I AM now in Hickory, N. C., near the Blue Ridge, about eighty miles east of the far-famed health-resort city of Asheville, N. C. The country all through this part of the State is beautiful,—plenty of foliage and a variety of soil. Fruits, vegetables, cereals, etc., do well; in fact, the country produces enough of the necessary things of life. Land is cheap, and the climate in these hills and mountains is healthful, with plenty of good water. Railroads are almost everywhere, and after July 1 the fare is to be two and one-quarter cents a mile in North Carolina.

I began canvassing here last week with that priceless volume of truth, “Great Controversy.” The idea seemed to prevail that this book could not be sold in the South. I came to demonstrate that, with the help of the Lord, it can be placed in the homes of the people. Our sufficiency, our success, our all, is of God. Let us lean heavily on the everlasting arms, having faith that God will work in our behalf, and then work as earnestly and perseveringly as if all depended upon our efforts. This combining of human effort with divine aid will accomplish marvelous results. I have seen it in North Carolina, in Tennessee, in Kentucky, and in States in the West.

It does one's soul good to meet these dear people in the South. There is an almost universal respect for religion and the Bible. Nearly all belong to some of the popular churches, but there are only a few Catholics. I have found none so far. In this thriving city of six thousand inhabitants there is no Catholic church. Very few canvassers are seen here, and seldom an agent for books. Doors are open everywhere, not only in this State, but all over ten or twelve States in the South, with their millions of people. One has no trouble in getting a hearing, is seldom refused, and then not rebuffed. It is a pleasure to see such uniform courtesy and kindness of heart and liberal hospitality.

The South is noted for these traits, and one has but to come here to prove its truthfulness. What a contrast in this part of the United States to see such regard for God's Word and any theme you may discuss out of the Bible, as compared with the infidelity, scoffing, open blasphemy, and profanity one meets in the West, far West, North, and East. I can not recall an oath that I have heard since I reached this town. These latter-day delusions, such as evolution, spiritualism, free thought, new thought, Christian science, Mormonism, and a host of others, are almost unknown, likewise trade unions, labor strikes, etc., in these parts. Times are the best ever known, business prosperous, labor scarce and insufficient to meet the demand, wages far better than in the past. To me this seems like a new world, a new experience. There is a large amount of territory here in North Carolina, and other States are ready and longing for workers. Large counties have never been touched.

Those who think of locating in North Carolina should first correspond with Elder T. H. Jeys, Spero, N. C., for further information; and if they wish to canvass, should write also to Horace G. Miller, Gastonia, N. C.

WALTER HARPER.