Liverpool, England by Geo. R. Drew

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 11, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 23.

Liverpool, England.

By Geo. R. Drew

Although I have not reported lately, it is not because we have done nothing. During January, February, and March, we sold $300 worth (163,000 pages) of books, etc., to ships going to various parts of the world, and lately we have learned that some of these publications have fallen into the hands of missionaries in the places where the ships have gone. We receive many letters expressing gratitude for the truth.

Lately a Russian-Finland officer has so far embraced the truth as to make up his mind to give his time to the work as soon as he reaches Finland, which, it is expected, will be in about two and a half months. He is a noble soul and a good Bible Christian. He has visited us five times at our house, and I feel confident that the Lord will use him.

The mission work is very interesting, and our publications in a very short time encircle the world. Persons who have bought books in San Francisco have come to us and bought more. I would mention particularly the case of the captain and chief officer of the ship Gil Roy, of Dundee. The captain bought “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation” at San Francisco, and some other reading matter was given him; he had carefully read it all, and was hungering for more. He said he was convinced on the Sabbath question and wanted to know more how the change was effected. We sold him the “Sanctuary,” “Man’s Nature and Destiny,” “Life of Paul,” Vol. 4 “Great Controversy,” “History of the Sabbath,” and five pamphlets. We also sold to his chief officer, “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” “Sanctuary,” and “The Way of Life.”

I have been to the most important ports in the world, but never have I seen one equal to Liverpool. Three men could be employed here on ships alone, and our publications are highly respected. During the first three months of the present year we put on board ships, 9,000 copies of SIGNS, Review, and Instructor, besides a large supply of Good Health, and have obtained several subscribers for Good Health and Present Truth. A sister from Switzerland is working in the city, from house to house.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude to God that war has been averted, and that peace is assured for a little while longer. We know that it cannot be long, but we pray that the angels may indeed hold the winds till the servants of God are sealed, and may the Lord’s people be aroused to the importance of doing the work while there is peace. “Work while it is called to-day, for the night cometh when no man can work.”

We are much pleased with the SIGNS every week. It is universally liked here, and finds a welcome everywhere. If some of our dear California friends would send us some of Elder E. J. Waggoner’s “Bible-readings,” we could use them to double advantage,—we could sell them, and with the proceeds buy tracts for distribution. I always find that what people pay for they think more of than if it be given to them in a casual way. May the Lord bless the cause throughout the wide world.

GEO. R. DREW.

May 12, 1885.