The “Signs” Canvass by John Norton Loughborough

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 12, 1885

The “Signs” Canvass.

By John Norton Loughborough

THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES is so well calculated to instruct and benefit its readers that we desire to see its circulation greatly increased. There are thousands of homes to which it should be a weekly visitor, that, as yet, know nothing of the paper or its mission. A good work has already been done in obtaining subscribers for the paper; but this work should be pushed still more vigorously as we approach the perils of the last days. In the past, canvassers for the journal have been either those who were able to give a portion of their time, or else were paid for their services as colporters by their respective Conferences. This plan was devised because at the low figures at which the SIGNS is offered, the publishers could not pay canvassers or agents. It should be borne in mind that the SIGNS has no paid advertisements, but that its columns are filled, almost exclusively, each week with new reading matter; so that, while the expense of preparing it for print is much greater than that of other religious papers which insert standing advertisements, its receipts are much less in proportion. Its sole income is from subscriptions.

Some Conferences find that with their numerous workers, their funds are not sufficient to settle fairly with both ministers and colporters. I am gratified to learn that our late General Conference so fully considered this matter, and that plans were devised which must bring relief to the Conference treasury, and prosperity to the workers. The proposition to club the book called “Sunshine at Home” with the SIGNS, at such terms as to give the canvasser a fair profit, is a good one, and I do not see why it may not prove a means of great good. By this means the colporters can support themselves, while pushing the canvass for the SIGNS. The book has given great satisfaction to the thousands who have already purchased it. Many of these have spoken and written of it to their friends, so it is not like

introducing a book on which the market has not been tried. It is an attractive and useful volume, whose pioneer work is done, and it has become quite popular.

I hope we shall see all the members on the Pacific Coast taking hold of this canvass. I see no reason why thousands of names may not be added to the list of SIGNS subscribers. As the pressure of tax-paying time is over, and business begins to look up, and prices for produce to advance a little, people will not feel quite so near bankruptcy. It seems to me that earnest canvassers, who now, with cheerful hearts and smiling faces, come to the homes of the people with the SIGNS and “Sunshine at Home,” will meet with many a kind reception. Of course the canvassers must expect varied experiences, and more or less repulses; but if their hearts are imbued with the spirit of the truth for this time, and the uppermost thought in mind is, that in introducing this journal they are scattering precious seeds that may lead souls to God’s kingdom, angels of God will go with them, and success must be the result. Who will respond at once to the call that is being made in this direction? Who?

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.