CANVASSING WORK FOR NEWFOUNDLAND.
By H. J. Farman
Knowing that readers of the Supplement will be glad to know our plans for the coming season’s canvassing, I take pleasure in giving them, as far as I am able. After much deliberation and prayer, this plan seems the most promising. Secure two small boats of about thirty tons each. These will be of sufficient capacity for two persons to care for themselves conveniently, and carry all their literature and equipments for a summer’s work, besides room for anything that they might wish to take in exchange for books, such as fish and a small amount of garden produce which they can sell in St. Johns for cash. One of these boats we would use on the eastern and northern shores, and the other on the southern and western shores. By this means of labor all railway and steamship fares can be saved, which will much more than pay for the use of the boats. In addition to this, the canvasser can board himself for about half what he would have to pay. And also, the canvasser will not have to wait for steamers, thus losing two or three days. We intend to work our boats something after the plan of the colporteur wagons,—to leave literature with every family that will receive it and read it. It will be necessary to get these boats started as early as possible in the month of May, as our season is short, and all diligence must be used in getting the light of truth before the people. The prospect for the coming season is hopeful, and we know from last year’s experience that the Lord will not fail any who will put their trust in him. Of our larger books we want to take orders for “Coming King,” “Heralds of the Morning,” and works especially treating on the coming of the Lord, as this is a subject that all our people on the island should be studying this present year. This will prepare the way for the third angel’s message in full. We are planning now to have on hand a supply of small literature, such as tracts, pamphlets, and papers, also small books as helps, such as the people will readily buy; and with the blessing of God we believe that our faithful canvassers will do well. We know that there is no work more blessed of God, or which gives more promise of eternal reward than the canvassing work. If our tract societies in the east which have had a large supply of literature on their shelves for a long time, would barrel it up, and send it to us at St. John’s, Newfoundland, prepaying the freight, we would use it to good advantage, and be exceedingly thankful for it. Let it be remembered that the canvassing work here can not be carried on, as in the States, the year round. There are only about six months in summer and fall that the people can be reached, and this only by means of a boat in most cases, so the canvasser has to earn enough in six months to support his family for the whole year. Pray for the work in this needy field. Any offering, large or small, that may be made to this work send to me at Brigus, C. B., Newfoundland, by post-office money order or registered letter, and it will be greatly appreciated and carefully expended. H. J. FARMAN.