The Periodical Work in India

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 26, 1914

The Periodical Work in India

Brother Milton Mattison, who, with his wife, was called to school work soon after reaching India, is now back in the colporteur work. He sends the following cheering report from Bombay:—

"We greatly enjoyed our work in the school with the Seventh-day Adventist boys and girls of India. They did good work the past term of school, and I fully believe that workers will come from there to help in the great Indian field. Nine of them were baptized during the school term.

"Now we are back where we began work in India. The Lord has led us through many places since we landed here eighteen months ago. We know he has led us here again to help warn the souls of this great city. The two weeks I have worked here since Christmas have been the most successful of my canvassing experience in India. The Lord has given me about one hundred rupees each week. I am working for our two magazines only. As I meet the people who subscribed when I was here before, they are very willing to subscribe again. This is especially true of the Oriental Watchman. This is the first time in my canvassing experience that I have recanvassed territory, and I am surprised at the results, financially and in experiences. Many times I do not have to make my work known. The people seem to take the hint from my presence, and give the money for another year's subscription.

"There is one case I bring to mind especially, a lady I met in October, 1912, while canvassing here. I thought at the time that God had some object in the way he worked, and now I feel more sure of it. I called at her place to canvass her; she was busy at the time, but asked me to come back another day, which, of course, I promised to do. The next day, I called at her neighbor's, where I found her visiting. I canvassed her neighbor but did not canvass her. About two days later I called on another one of her neighbors, and she was at this place also. As both ladies were busy, I promised to call another day. The next day while canvassing I again ran across her at the same place, and she flew into a rage, almost, and asked me why I was so persistent in my work. I told her I was an American, and it was born in me, so she would have to excuse my persistency. Then she invited me to accompany her to her home, and also told me she wanted to give me a curtain lecture, in public, though. I went, and she scored me properly, which I received as nicely as possible.

"Soon she had her servant serve refreshments, and invited me to stay, which I did. After lunch when I got my hat and started for the door, she asked, 'What is the price of your magazine, anyway?' When I told her, she said, 'Please register my name for one year.' Thus we separated in a friendly way.

"The first person I saw when I went to our meeting hall this year was this lady. She came to me at the close of the service, and asked me if I knew her. I assured her I did. Then she asked me if I had forgiven her. I told her I had never held anything against her. She is very interested in our work and the truth.

"Those who are not prejudiced are the Watchman readers. They know something of what we teach and do not depend on what they hear. I am having good success among the educated native people with the Herald of Health.

"Our hearts are in the work, and we long to see it finished in this generation. The message to all the world in this generation seems impossible to the human eye out here, but by the eye of faith we can see it; so we pray and work to that end."