INDIANAPOLIS MISSION by A. W. Bartlett

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, February 17, 1885

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 62, No. 7

INDIANAPOLIS MISSION.

By A. W. Bartlett

The work here is moving forward by the blessing of God. About three and one-half months ago I came to Indianapolis, and rented two rooms at No. 23 West Ohio Street, paying ten dollars per month for the same. Necessity compelled us to use our front room for sleeping, sitting, and Bible-readings. Our second room was used for a kitchen, and was so small that my wife could almost reach every object in the room while standing in the center of the same. About three weeks since, we moved to a cottage containing seven rooms; located No. 422 North East Street, for which we pay sixteen dollars per month. By renting four rooms we have reduced our rent to seven dollars per month. The Bible-reading room is the front room, which is plainly but tastefully arranged.

Ill health, bad weather, and other causes have prevented me from canvassing only about six weeks, counting from about 8 A. M. to 4 P. M. as a day’s labor. During this time I sold 108 copies of “Sunshine” and the Signs, and 20 copies of “Great Controversy,” Vol. IV. Signs subscriptions taken, including those for six weeks, three months (with and without “Sunshine”), and six months (with and without “Great Controversy,” Vol. IV.), equal about 275. Have also held a goodly number of interesting Bible-readings in private families, supplied hotels with Signs, etc. I have dropped the canvass of “Sunshine” and the Signs, for “Great Controversy,” Vol. IV. and Signs. I find that Vol. IV. and the Signs for six months sell readily for $2.00. It is my opinion that far more good for the cause of truth is accomplished, and more profit to the canvasser, by selling Vol. IV. and the Signs for six months for $2.00 than “Sunshine” for $1.50.

I find in recanvassing for the Signs that Vol. IV. is just the book to sell. After sending to a learned doctor in the city the Signs for six weeks, I visited him and asked how he liked the paper. After speaking generally in favor of it, he said, “Who is Mrs. E. G. White, that writes such excellent articles for your paper?” Now was my opportunity. Taking “Great Controversy,” which I keep handy in my pocket, I presented it as a book by the same writer, and as giving in a masterly manner an exposition of the great subjects now engrossing the minds of all thoughtful men. The canvass of “Sunshine” and the Signs together paves the way for Vol. IV. and the Signs for six months; and I cannot see why we cannot boom the Signs again by selling 10,000 copies of Vol. IV. and the Signs in a few months. Inquiries after the truth are springing up here, and we hope soon to report conversions. But one family thus far has sent us food; but we hope soon to be remembered by others. Pray for the Indianapolis mission. Our address is No. 422 North East Street.

A. W. BARTLETT.