Our Japanese Paper by W. D. Burden

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 2, 1910

Our Japanese Paper

By W. D. Burden

W. D. BURDEN

It is now nearly ten years since we began publishing the Owari No Fukuin. The progress made in its circulation has been much slower than we had hoped, but at last the turning-point has come. For a long time our believers thought that papers could not be sold in Japan. A few subscribers were obtained, but these were largely from those to whom we had sent sample copies. We usually printed from one to two thousand of each issue, a large number of which were given away. These, of course, did much to spread the truth, but brought no income to build up the work.

In 1908 we began to plan for an advance. Some were persuaded that with an effort they could sell the paper, so a little was done at it. The regular paper usually had but one picture, on the first page, and sold for two sen (one cent). In 1908 we planned to hold a three-months' winter school for our workers, and decided to have a special illustrated number of our paper for them to sell during the holidays. It was to have twenty-four instead of the usual twelve pages, and to sell for five sen. Some were quite skeptical, and wanted to make the price three sen a copy. However, we printed a five-thousand edition, and sold the papers at five sen a copy. The workers found that this special number sold better than the regular paper at two sen, and it was not long till the supply was exhausted. This experience encouraged us to have a special New-year's number for 1910, and as «Progress» is our motto, we decided to print ten thousand copies. During the previous summer all the workers had been selling the paper more or less, so they were better prepared to dispose of this large edition. Unfortunately, however, just at the holiday season, the weather was very stormy; and several of our young people caught cold, and could not continue their work. It took some little time to dispose of all the papers, but finally the task was done.

Next we began to plan for a midsummer special; but at the request of the workers at Hiroshima, we decided to have it ready the first of May. They sent in an order for eight thousand copies, which they expect to sell during the May festivities at Hiroshima. All our workers this season are having a good experience with the paper. We expect to use about fifteen thousand copies of this special. There is every evidence that the Lord is stirring up the minds of the people just at this time, to prepare the way for the third angel's message.

There is no other work that brings the worker so directly in contact with the people as selling our literature. Last January one of our workers, going to a house with his papers, was met at the door by the servant. She reported his errand to the master of the house, who sent back word for him to come in. The house was a good one, and the worker somewhat timid. He began making excuses, but the master himself came out, and insisted on his going in; so finally he entered. There they were having a New-year's feast, of which he was urged to partake. As is the custom in Japan, wine, liquors, tobacco, and raw fish formed a good part of the feast.

A native pastor had come to do missionary work with this man, and was there at the time, drinking and smoking. Our worker reproved him for his course, but the words were all lost on him. Not so, however, with the master. He became a subscriber, and when the worker called again some weeks later, the lady of the house welcomed him warmly, and told him how thankful she was that through the reading of the paper her husband had been led to give up the use of tobacco.

Another brother was followed by a policeman, who chided him for bothering the people so much. There is a law which makes a man liable to a fine if he is found urging his goods upon a customer. The brother said he was not violating the law, and began to canvass the policeman. This caused a crowd to gather, and the officer not caring for the paper, took refuge in flight, leaving the brother to canvass the crowd which had gathered.

A little farther on, the brother found himself in the yard of a rich man. He was met rather roughly by an employee of the place, who reproved him for daring to enter the yard in violation of the notice posted at the gateway. Our brother had not seen the notice, and pleaded ignorance. As he turned to go away, he noticed a young woman, doubtless a daughter of the family, standing near by on the veranda. At first he hesitated, but something seemed to say to him, "Canvass her." He did so, and she very gladly listened and bought a paper, while the man on guard stood by and said nothing.

We might give many such experiences. We are thankful to see the seeds of truth being scattered, for we know the Lord of the harvest will surely give the increase.

We need a man of practical experience in the book work to come here, and help push this publishing work. May the Lord lay the burden upon the right man! Who will say, "Here am I; send me"?

Tokyo, Japan.