The Missionary by Stephen Nelson Haskell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 19, 1885

The Missionary.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

Missionary Work in New Orleans.

We have now been in this place about a week, and have succeeded in fitting up a space for the representation of our publishing houses, and the International Society. As yet there has not been a very large attendance, considering that it is a world's exposition, but daily there are new arrivals, and the hotels and boarding-houses are becoming well filled. Prices of rooms and board have rapidly advanced, so that any person coming here expecting accommodation at the hotels, must also expect to pay a good price for it.

Judging from appearances, the present month will be the great month of the exposition. We have but a small space, but it is in a good location. The people of the city are kind and sociable. The managers of the exposition are willing to do all in their power to assist us in the work. Already we have formed many pleasant acquaintances with representative men, not only from different parts of this country, but from other portions of the world. We cannot sell in the buildings, but have the privilege of giving away all we please, and of taking orders and subscriptions. H. W. Cottrell, from Ohio, will take charge of the exhibit and call attention to our institutions and the work of the International Society. We regret that the pictures of our institutions have not arrived, that the nature of our work may be more readily comprehended. We already are attracting some attention. We have a large register in which scores of addresses are being daily secured for future use.

We think a better impression can be made with the class of people who are now here than we can make upon that class who may yet come, out of idle curiosity. Those with whom we have formed acquaintance thus far are men of influence and candor, men who have come here to learn something. Our space is surrounded with missionary societies and school

exhibits, which affords us the opportunity of forming an acquaintance with many representative people. This opens avenues to a class which it is very desirable to reach. We cannot expect to see great results from the mission here at the present time, but through it we are becoming acquainted with individuals and institutions which heretofore we have not known. It would be impossible to give a correct idea of the nature of the educational exhibits. The experience and improved methods of instructing the youth, and the effect of missionary labor are vividly illustrated by exhibits from both Europe and America. We think we can truthfully say that acres are covered by illustrations of this kind.

The shipping in New Orleans is very extensive, there being over five miles of docks; and over one hundred vessels arrive and depart each month. There are two brethren who devote their whole time to ship missionary work, and we trust with good results. This will be an important feature of the work this winter. We see no reason why, with proper help, every vessel may not be visited, and all carry with them packages of present truth, not only for the perusal of those on board, but to leave in distant ports. Already vessels are found that have had placed upon them our reading matter, and the officers and crews are acquainted with our views. Such vessels treat our missionaries with the greatest respect.

Another feature of the mission here will be the visiting of hotels and boarding-houses, and securing the addresses, and forming the acquaintance of individuals visiting the Exposition. There are constantly many people coming to and going from the city. As yet we have not begun this work, but we are in hopes that two or three can enter upon it this week, before we leave. We would have been glad to see all the workers here, and to have instructed them, before we left. One of the most important features of the work will be that of placing in the hands of visitors packages of our publications, to read on their way home, and to furnish to their friends. Bible-reading and colporter work in families has not yet been entered upon to any extent, from the fact that we have not the individuals to engage in it. As far as instructing a corps of workers is concerned, our visit to New Orleans is a partial failure, for we have not had them here to instruct, four or five only being present. But in laying out the work, and arranging our exhibit, I trust that we have had some of the blessing of God.

We have received letters of inquiry asking whether names can be readily secured in New Orleans for our publications. Upon this point we cannot intelligently answer; but if individuals have canvassed in the East and West, and have been unsuccessful, they need not think of coming here expecting to find an exceptional field. The Southern people are warm-hearted, and are easily reached when we conform to their customs. We have reason to believe the mission here will be a success, and the Exposition as yet is far from being a failure, although the tardiness in preparation would give the impression that it is not what was to have been expected. The month of February will tell whether it is a success or not. We trust that good will be accomplished, and God's blessing may rest on the efforts put forth for the spread of truth.

S. N. HASKELL.