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International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Jun 18, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 24.

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Washington, D. C.

By J. W. S. Miller

WHEN I came to this city, one year ago, but few of the people knew anything of Seventh-day Adventists, but since then the Third Angel's Message has gradually spread until now thousands have some idea of present truth. We take 100 copies of the SIGNS each week, and place them in families, as far as they will reach.
From our experience here, I have learned that it is best to work according to some decided system in the distribution of these valuable periodicals. The way we have done here is to leave the papers for the people to read, and have them preserved with the expectation that we will call for them. Then when we call for these we can leave others, and so continue till they subscribe, or state that they do not wish to read the paper any longer.
In this way the same papers, when carefully kept, can be made to do service in two or three places, besides, by repeated calls, we can get somewhat acquainted with the readers and have opportunity to converse with them on portions of the truth. Of the 100 copies of the SIGNS we have now more than 300 readers. Of course some of the older ones drop off each week, but new ones are found to fill their places. We do not always get our papers back, because of frequent instances where those who have read them wish to send them to their friends; but we are always glad to have them used in that way.
Nearly every night we have Bible-readings in some part of the city. We visit, on an average, about sixty families a day. Many precious souls are becoming interested, and anxious to learn more. For some time we have been holding Bible-readings, twice a week, at the house of a M. E. minister. He and his wife are both very much interested. He has frequently stated that he never saw things so plain and harmonious in the Bible as he now does. We are of good courage, and hope that many souls shall be gathered from this city to "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus," and so be prepared to meet our Saviour when he comes in the clouds of heaven.
J. W. S. MILLER.