Literature Work in the Orient by J. E. Fulton

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 28, 1916

Literature Work in the Orient

By J. E. Fulton

J. E. FULTON

BROTHER H. M. BLUNDEN, in charge of the canvassing work in the north-eastern part of the Orient, has just closed an interesting meeting of about ten days with some Chinese bookmen here in Shanghai. This was held in connection with the school, which was about to close, and was intended to give the young men a training for a good summer campaign with our literature. About twenty-five were in the class, and much enthusiasm was shown by these new recruits. Some of the Chinese men from the field, who have been making a success of the work, came to attend the institute. This was a great help in the institute, inspiring courage and faith in those who had not tried the work. A new book, “Health and Longevity,” by Dr. A. C. Selmon, is just off the press, and the young men were given training in selling this, as well as the paper Chinese Signs of the Times.

From this institute Brother Blunden goes to hold institutes in Korea and Manchuria. The work in Manchuria is practically new as far as the canvassing work is concerned. Two canvassers from parts of China where the work has been longer established have been secured to go with Brother Blunden to Manchuria, to help start the work, and with the assistance of local talent, it is hoped to establish a strong work there. A good campaign is also being carried on by our evangelical workers, under the leadership of Brethren Petersen, Grundset, and Gjording. But the papers and books filled with the last great message must quickly go where we cannot as yet send the preacher. How wonderful is the providence of God in establishing the canvassing work!

Good success is attending the circulation of the Chinese Signs of the Times. Many Chinese brethren are out in the field securing subscriptions for this good paper. Some who have recently come from heathenism almost beggars, are now filled with love for God, and are making a good living in the canvassing work. That this work has possibilities even for making a living is also shown by the fact that some designing Chinese who have not been authorized to do so have been taking subscriptions for the Signs. Of course they have not turned in the names nor the money, thus swindling both the people and the publishing house. When it is remembered that not very long ago some of us did not have much faith that canvassing could be done in China, this little bit of swindling comes as a rebuke. Even the unbeliever says, “It can be done, and we will show you.”

From far-away Kashgar, two thousand seven hundred miles, as the crow flies, from the publishing house, at Shanghai, inquiries have come to us from the circulation of our Signs of the Times. This shows the influence of our publishing work here in the Far East. China is a country where literature has been almost adored, and it is interesting to see how highly the printed page containing the last great message is regarded.

A most encouraging word has just come to us from some interested people who have been reading the Signs. They make inquiry about a number of different points of the message, and have twice sent us urgent requests that some evangelist be sent to teach them. They have even asked about the subject of health reform, and show that they are diligent inquirers after truth. In another place where the literature was circulated, great interest has been manifested, and an urgent demand made for workers to follow up what has been done in this way. “But where are the reapers?” There seem to be far too few to follow up the interests being constantly created by our literature. The wonderful results following the circulation of our literature show that God is in this work.