The Work in Louisiana by John Osborne

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Feb 16, 1905

The Work in Louisiana

By John Osborne

THE work is onward in this State, and there is no reason for discouragement, although the laborers are few. I came to Louisiana last July, and began to take orders for “Coming King.” The climate was good, the crops were good, and everybody was of good courage; so I pressed steadily along, and took, on an average, fifteen dollars’ worth of orders daily. When I was ready to deliver my books, I had three hundred and fifteen dollars’ worth of orders. I delivered three hundred and thirty dollars’ worth of books, which was over one hundred per cent.

In all my experience in the canvassing work, I never before saw people so anxious to get their books. Many who lived some distance from the road would bring their money to the street, and leave it, for fear I would miss them.

The success of my delivery was very largely due to the way I took the orders. I was always in a hurry, but never in too much haste to be sociable, and to show that I had just as much interest in the book as I wished others to take in it. Many of our canvassers lose blessings and financial success because they are so timid, rather excusing themselves for being in the business. We have literature that is worthy of any thinking man’s attention, and our cause is very important, therefore we should press forward, as wise as serpents, and as harmless as doves. I do not take orders unless the ones whom I am canvassing want the book, and then they try to have the money.

The work I speak of was in the northern part of the State. I then went to Ascension County, where I delivered three hundred and fifty dollars’ worth of books, which was one hundred per cent of the orders taken. Over one hundred dollars’ worth of those books was delivered to Catholics, and one hundred dollars’ worth to colored people.

I am now taking orders among the gardeners of Tangipahoa County, with good success. The delivery will be in April, for that is the time when they sell their produce.

I have canvassed in a number of States, and I never saw a better State for book selling. In the spring the gardeners in the southern part of the State sell their crops; others have cane and cotton, also rice, for fall market, so delivery is good most of the year.

We all have our crosses; but “no cross, no crown.” We shall be rewarded according to our works; and if we have no works, where is our reward?

I would be glad to correspond with any who wish to take up the canvassing work. My post-office address is 6057 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, La.

JOHN OSBORNE, State Agent.