In Hard-Times Territory by W. H. George

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 30, 1916

In Hard-Times Territory

By W. H. George

THERE is a section of Virginia where it is generally claimed that the people are too poor to buy books, owing to the low prices of tobacco. The writer had occasion to stop off in this section about seven hours while waiting for the next train, on which Elder W. C. Moffett was coming. We were en route to visit the new company at Republican Grove, Halifax County. I felt that I could not afford to lose the time, and recalling the words,—

“Count that day lost, whose low-descending sun Views from thy hand no worthy action done,”

and remembering that I had a prospectus for “Bible Readings” in my grip, I started to take orders. When dinner time came I had $41 worth of orders. While taking my lunch, I placed another order, making $44 worth. Having a little time before the train came, I increased this amount to $52 worth, all in about three fourths of a day. The orders were for three full morocco, four half morocco, and seven marbled edges. One person asked me to take $2 in advance on his book. This amount came in handy, as I was a little short of funds. I thanked the Lord for it. He knows when his people have need of anything. I was told that a canvasser could do nothing in that territory. We should be awake and use all the disadvantages as arguments to sell our books, turning every hindrance into a selling point. Now is our opportunity.

At the Republican Grove church we found five or six brethren who are getting ready to enter the book work.

The prospects are very encouraging for 1916. Last year we placed $17,338 worth of literature in the field, and we have set our goal at $25,000 for 1916. We are making nearly one hundred per cent deliveries in the wintertime. We thank God. W. H. GEORGE.