The Importance of Literature Distribution

"God will soon do great things for us if we lie humble and believing at His feet. . More than one thousand will soon be converted in one day, most of whom will trace their first convictions to the reading of our publications." Review. November 10. 1885 [Colporteur Ministry 151].

"If there is one work more important than another, it is that of getting our publications before the public, thus leading them to search the Scriptures. Missionary work introducing our publications into families, conversing, and praying with and for them is a good work. " Colporteur Ministry. 80.

"Let every Seventh-day Adventist ask himself. 'What can I do to proclaim the third angel's message?' Christ came to this world to give this message to His servant to give to the churches. It is to be proclaimed to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. How are we to give it? The distribution of our literature is one means by which the message is to be proclaimed. Let every believer scatter broadcast tracts and leaflets and books containing the message for this time. Colporteurs are needed who will go forth to circulate our publications everywhere." Southern Watchman, January 5, 1904.

"The book work should be the means of quickly giving the sacred light of present truth to the world. The publications that come forth, from our presses today are to be of such a character as to strengthen every pin and pillar of the faith that was established by the 'Word of God and by the revelations of His Spirit." 9 Testimonies.

"In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing. I can say, Praise God! As I see what the Lord has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader. We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history." Publishing Ministry, 25.

"Let not the canvassing work be left to languish. Let the books containing the light on present truth be placed before as many as possible. The presidents of our conferences, and others in responsible positions, have a duty to do in this matter. Southern Watchman, April 25. 1905.

"The world is to receive the light of truth through an evangelizing ministry of the Word in our books and periodicals. Our publications are to show that the end of all things is at hand. Christian Service. 146.

"God calls upon His people to act like living men, and not be indolent, sluggish, and indifferent. We must carry the publications to the people and urge them to accept." Southern Watchman. April 25. 1905.

"Our publications are now sowing the gospel seed, and are instrumental in bringing as many souls to Christ as the preached Word. Whole churches have been raised up as the result of their circulation. In this work every disciple of Christ can act a part. Review. June 10. 1880.

"A messenger from heaven stood in our midst, and he spoke words of warning and instruction. He made us clearly understand that the gospel of the kingdom is the message for which the world is perishing, and that this message, as contained in our publications already in print and those yet to be issued, should be circulated among the people who are nigh and afar off." 9 Testimonies. 67.

"Few have a correct idea of what the distribution of papers and tracts is doing." Publishing Ministry. 398.

"Satan is busy in this department of his work, scattering literature which is debasing the morals and poisoning the minds of the young. Infidel publications are scattered broadcast throughout the land. Why should not every member of the church be as deeply interested in sending forth publications that will elevate the minds of the people and bring the truth directly before them? These papers and tracts are for the light of the world, and have often been instrumental in converting souls." Review, June 10, 1880.

"The night of trial is nearly spent. Satan is bringing in his masterly power because he knoweth that his time is short. The chastisement of God is upon the world, to call all who know the truth to hide in the cleft of the Rock, and view the glory of God. The truth must not be muffed now. Plain statements must be made. Unvarnished truth must be spoken, in leaflets and pamphlets, and these must be scattered like the leaves of autumn." 9 Testimonies, 230-231.

"Many of God's people are to go forth with our publications into places where the third angel's message has never been proclaimed. Our books are to be published in many different languages. With these books, humble, faithful men are to go out as colporteur-evangelists, bearing the truth to those who would otherwise never be enlightened." 9 Testimonies. 33-34.

"From city to city, from country to country, they are to carry the publications containing the promise of the Saviour's soon coming. 9 Testimonies, 34.

"Circulate the books that give definite instruction regarding the testing messages that are to prepare a people to stand on the platform of eternal truth, holding aloft the banner on which is inscribed, 'The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus:" Colporteur Ministry, 122.

"Our publications have a most sacred work to do in making clear, simple, and plain the spiritual basis of our faith. Everywhere the people are taking sides; all are ranging themselves either under the banner of truth and righteousness or under the banner of the apostate powers that are contending for the supremacy. At this time God's message to the world is to be given with such prominence and power that the people will be brought face to face, mind to mind, heart to heart, with truth. They must be brought to see its superiority over the multitudinous errors that are pushing their way into notice, to supplant, if possible, the Word of God for this solemn time.

"The great object of our publications is to exalt God, to call men's attention to the living truths of His Word. God calls upon us to lift up, not our own standard, not the standard of this world, but His standard of truth." 7 Testimonies, 151.

"We are living in a time when a great work is to be done. There is a famine in the land for the pure gospel and the bread of life is to be given to hungry souls. There is no better opportunity to do this work than that offered to the consecrated canvasser. Thousands of books containing the precious light of present truth should be placed in the homes of the people in our large cities. "-Southern Watchman. November 20, 1902.

"The Lord calls upon all of us to seek to save perishing souls. Satan is at work to deceive the very elect, and now is our time to work with vigilance. Our books and papers are to be brought before the notice of the people; the gospel of present truth is to be given to our cities without delay. Shall we not arouse to our duties?" 9 Testimonies. 63.

COMBINING HEALTH WITH THE FINAL MESSAGE

"True religion and the laws of health go hand in hand. It is impossible to work for the salvation of men and women without presenting to them the need of breaking away from sinful gratifications, which destroy the health, debase the soul, and prevent divine truth from impressing the mind." Review. November 12, 1901.

"In the past the health books have not been handled [by canvassers] with the interest which their importance demands. Though by a large class they have been highly appreciated, yet many have not thought it essential that they should go to the world. But what can be a better preparation for the coming of the Lord and for the reception of other truths essential to prepare a people for His coming than to arouse the people to see the evils of this age and to stir them to reformation from self-indulgent and unhealthful habits?" 6 Testimonies, 326.

"But while the health work has its place in the promulgation of the third angel's message, advocates must not in any way strive to make it take the place of the message." 6 Testimonies, 327.

"Canvassers should call the attention of those they visit to our health publications, telling them of the valuable instruction these periodicals contain regarding the care of the sick and treatment of diseases. Tell them this instruction, studied and practiced, will bring health to the family. Explain how important it is for every family to understand the science of life. Direct their minds to Him who formed and who keeps in motion the wonderful machinery of the body. Tell them that it is our part to co-operate with God, caring wisely for all our faculties and organs." Councils on Health. 462.

"The proper care of the body is a great responsibility and requires an intelligent knowledge of its parts. [A divinely given canvass will:) tell them that God is dishonored when, for the gratification of appetite and passion, man misuses the machinery of the body, so that it does its work feebly and with difficulty. Tell them that the books you have for sale give much valuable instruction regarding health, and that by practicing this instruction, much suffering and also much of the money spent in paying doctors' bills, will be saved. Tell them that in these books there is advice which they cannot possibly obtain from their physician during the short visits he makes." Southern Watchman, November 20, 1902.

"When young men take up the canvassing work filled with an intense longing to save their fellow men, they will see souls converted. From their work a harvest for the Lord will be reaped. Then let them go forth as missionaries to circulate present truth, praying constantly for increased light and knowledge, that they may know how to speak words in season to those that are weary. They should improve every opportunity for doing a deed of kindness, remembering that thus they are doing errands for the Lord . . In their work they should always take some health books with them; for health reform is the right hand of the message." Southern Watchman, January 15, 1903.

A SACRED, IRREPLACEABLE WORK

'The silent messengers that are placed in the homes of The people through The work of The canvasser will strengthen The gospel ministry in every way; for The Holy Spirit will impress minds as they read The books, just as He impresses the minds of those who listen to the preaching of the Word. The same ministry of angels attends the books that contain the truth as attends the work of the minister:" 6 Testimonies, 316.

"Papers and books are the Lord's means of keeping the message for this time continually before the people. In enlightening and confirming souls in the truth, the publications will do a far greater work than can be accomplished by the ministry of The Word alone. The silent messengers that are placed in the homes of the people, through the work of The canvasser, will strengthen The gospel ministry in every way; for the Holy Spirit will impress minds as they read The books, just as He impresses the minds of those, who listen to the preaching of the Word. The same ministry of angels attends the books that contain the truth as attends the work of the minister." 6 Testimonies, 315-316.

"Many who are hungry for the bread of life have not the privilege of hearing the Word from God's delegated preachers. For this reason it is essential that our publications be widely circulated. Thus the message will go where the living preacher cannot go, and the attention of many will be called to the important events connected with the closing scenes of this world's history."--6 Testimonies, 313.

"We have been asleep, as it were, regarding the work that may be accomplished by the circulation of well-prepared literature. Let us now, by the wise use of periodicals and books, preach the Word with determined energy, that the world may understand the message that Christ gave to John on the isle of Patmos." Colporteur Evangelist, 101.

Church members, awake to the importance of the circulation of our literature, and devote more time to this work. Place in the homes of the people papers, tracts, and books that will preach the gospel in its several lines. There is no time to be lost. . When the church takes up her appointed work, she will go forth 'fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.' " Southern Watchman, November 20, 1902.

"The light of truth is shedding its bright beams upon the world through missionary effort. The press is an instrumentality by which many are reached whom it would be impossible to reach by ministerial effort. "'-5 Testimonies, 388.

"There are many places in which the voice of the minister cannot be heard, places which can be reached only by publications,the books, papers, and tracts that are filled with the Bible truth that The people need. Our literature is to be distributed everywhere. The truth is to be sown beside all waters; for we know not which shall prosper, this or that. In our erring judgment we may think it unwise to give literature to the very ones who would accept the truth most readily. We know not what may be the good results of giving away a leaflet containing present truth." Southern Watchman, January 5. 1904.

"I saw that the work of present truth should engage the interest of all. The publication of truth is God's ordained plan, as a means of warning, comforting, reproving, exhorting, or convicting all to whose notice the silent, voiceless messengers may be brought. Angels of God have a part to act in preparing hearts to be sanctified by the truths published, that they may be prepared for the solemn scenes before them." 1 Testimonies, 590.

"Had the living preacher spoken as pointedly, these persons would have turned from him, and would not have entertained the new and strange ideas brought before them. The papers and tracts can go where the living preacher cannot go, and where if he could go he would have no access to the people, because of their prejudice against the truth." Publishing Ministry, 398.

"Though the minister may faithfully present the message, the people are not able to retain it all. The printed page is therefore essential, not only in awakening them to the importance of the truth for this time, but in rooting and grounding them in the truth, and establishing them against deceptive error. Papers and books are the Lord's means of keeping the message for this time continually before the people. In enlightening and confirming souls in the truth, the publications will do a far greater work than can be accomplished by the ministry of the Word alone." 6 Testimonies, 315-316.

 Our publications have a most sacred work to do in making clear simple and plain the spiritual basis or our faith. Everywhere the people are taking sides; all are ranging themselves either under the banner or truth and righteousness or under the banner of the apostate powers that are contending for the supremacy. At this time God's message to the world is to be given with such prominence and power that the people will be brought face to face, mind to mind, heart to heart, with truth. They most be brought to see its superiority over the multitudinous errors that are pushing their way into notice, to supplant, if possible, the Word or God for this solemn time.

'"The great object of our publications is to exalt God, to call men's attention to the living truths of His Word. God calls upon us to lift up, not our own standard, not the standard of this world, but His standard of truth.

"'It is only as we do this that His prospering hand can be with us. Consider God's dealings with His people in the past. Notice how, while they carried His banner, He exalted them before their enemies. But when in self-exaltation they departed from their allegiance, when they exalted a power and a principle that were opposed to Him, they were left to bring upon themselves disaster and defeat." 7 Testimonies. 151.

In the miracle of feeding the multitude with a few loaves and fishes, the food was increased as it passed from Christ to those who received it. Thus it will be in the distribution of our literature. God's truth, as it is passed out, will multiply greatly. And as the disciples, by Christ's direction, gathered up the fragments, that nothing might be lost, so we should treasure every fragment of Literature containing the truth for this time. None can estimate the influence that even a torn page containing the truths of the third angers message may have upon the heart of some seeker after truth."-Southern Watchman. January 5. 1904.

God will soon do great things for us, if we lie humble and believing at His feet . . More than one thousand will soon be converted in one day, most of whom will trace their first convictions to the reading of our publications." Review. November 10, 1885 Counsels to Writers and Editors. 1811.

Let more time be given to the publication and circulation of books containing present truth. Call attention to books dwelling on practical faith and godliness and to those that treat on the prophetic word. The people are to be educated to read the sure word of prophecy in the light of the living oracles. They need to know that the signs of the times are fulfilling.

It is God alone who can give success either in preparing or in circuiting our publications. If in faith we maintain His principles. He will co-operate with us in placing the books in the hands of those whom they will benefit. The Holy Spirit is to be prayed for, trusted in, believed in. Humble, fervent prayer will do more to promote the circulation of our books than will all the expensive ornamentation in the world. "-7 Testimonies. 158-159.

"The circulation of the printed page has come to be a mighty factor in the dissemination of the truths of the third angel's message." Review, November 5. 1914 [Publishing Ministry, 370).

"Publications are to be distributed like the leaves of autumn. This is the message that has been coming to us from the Lord for many years. In view of the great work to be done, how can anyone afford to waste precious time and God-given means in doing those things that are not for his best good or for the glory of God?" Review. July 19, 1906 [Publishing Ministry. 368].

"The publications and periodicals that come from our presses have a definite and far-reaching work to do . . In every clime the truth is to go forth as a lamp that burneth. Let every reasoning mind have the privilege of hearing the truth for this time." Manuscript 61. 1909.

Light Flashing to Every City and Town The prophecies in the eighteenth of Revelation will soon be fulfilled. During the proclamation of the third angel's message. 'another angel is to 'come down from heaven, having great power.' and the earth is to be 'lighted with his glory.' The Spirit of the Lord will so graciously bless consecrated human instrumentalities that men, women, and children will open their lips in praise and thanksgiving, filling the earth with the knowledge of God, and with His unsurpassed glory, as the waters cover the sea.

Those who have held the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end will be wide-awake during the time that the third angers message is proclaimed with great power. During the loud cry, the church, aided by the providential interpositions of her exalted Lord, will diffuse the knowledge of salvation so abundantly that light will be communicated to every city and town. The earth will be filled with the knowledge of salvation. So abundantly will the renewing Spirit of God have crowned with success the intensely active agencies, that the light of present truth will be seen flashing everywhere. Review. October 13.1904 [Evangelism. 694].

"The book work should be the means of quickly giving the sacred light of present truth to the world."  9 Testimonies. 69.

"'Thousands of books containing the precious light of present truth should be placed in the homes of the people in our large cities." Southern Watchman. November 20, 1902.

THE FUTURE OF BOOK DISTRIBUTION

Note: In the process of preparing our End Time Series, the largest classified collection of Spirit of Prophecy quotations on final events, it was discovered that door- to-door work and the supply of printed materials will continue during the Loud Cry, after the National Sunday Law Is enacted. So the bookwork will continue to the dose of probation!

Let us have faith in God. In His name let us carry forward His work without flinching. The work He has called us to do He will make a blessing to us . .

As long as the message of mercy is to be given to the world, there will be a call for effort .. And as long as probation continues, there will be opportunity for the canvasser to work. When the religious denominations unite with the papacy to oppress God's people, places where there is religious freedom, will be opened by evangelistic canvassing. If in one place the persecution becomes severe, let the workers do as Christ has directed. 'When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another.' If persecution comes there, go to still another place. God will lead His people, making them a blessing in many places. Were it not for persecution they would not be so widely scattered abroad to proclaim the truth. And Christ declares: Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.' Matthew 10:23.

"Until in heaven is spoken the word, 'It is finished,' there will always be places for labor and hearts to receive the message. Wherefore 'let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not: Galatians 6:9." 6 Testimonies. 478

"Servants of God, with their faces lighted up, and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers. Satan also works with lying wonders, even bringing down fire from heaven in the sight of men. Revelation 13:13. Thus the inhabitants of the earth will he brought to take their stand.

"The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God. The arguments have been presented. The seed bas been sown, and now it will spring up and bear fruit. The publications distributed by missionary workers have exerted their influence, yet many whose minds were impressed have been prevented from fully comprehending the truth or from yielding obedience. Now the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its clearness, and the honest children of God sever the bands, which have held them. Family connections, church relations, are powerless to stay them now. Truth is more precious than all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the Lords side." Great Controversy. 612.

CHEEKS WET WITH TEARS-THANKING GOD

"I have been shown that the publications already have been doing a work upon some minds in other countries, in breaking down the walls of prejudice and superstition. I was shown men and women studying with intense interest papers and a few pages of tracts upon present truth. They would read the evidences so wonderful and new to them,  and would open their Bibles with a deep and new interest, as subjects of truth that had been dark to them were made plain, especially the light in regard to the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. As they searched the Scriptures to see if these things were so, a new light shone upon their understanding, for angels were hovering over them, and impressing their minds with the truths contained in the publications they had been reading.

"I saw them holding papers and tracts in one hand, and the Bible in the other, while their cheeks were wet with tears; and bowing before God in earnest, humble prayer, to be guided into all truth, the very thing He was doing for them before they called upon Him. And when the truth was received in their hearts, and they saw the harmonious chain of truth, the Bible was to them a new book; they hugged it to their hearts with grateful joy, while their countenances were all aglow with happiness and holy joy. These were not satisfied with merely enjoying the Light themselves and they began to work for others. Some made great sacrifices for the truths sake and to help those of the brethren who were in darkness." Life Sketches. 214-215.

TWO EXPERIENCES

"There was one man [an Australian citrus grower) whom, with his whole family, we highly prized. He is a reading man, and has a large farm, on which grow the choicest of oranges and lemons, with other fruit. But he did not in the beginning fully take his position for the truth, and went back. They told me about this. In the night season the angel of the Lord seemed to stand by me, saying. 'Go to Brother H, place your books before him, and this will save his soul.' I visited with him, taking with me a few of my large books. I talked with him just as though he were with us. I talked of his responsibilities. I said, 'You have great responsibilities, my brother. Here are your neighbors alit around you. You are accountable for every one of them. You have a knowledge of the truth, and if you love the truth, and stand in your integrity, you will win souls for Christ.'

"He looked at me in a queer way, as much as to say, 'I do not think you know that I have given up the truth, that I have allowed my girls to go to dances, and to the Sunday school, that we do not keep the Sabbath.' But I did know it. However, I talked to him just as though he were with us. 'Now,' I said, 'we are going to help you to begin to work for your neighbors. I want to make you a present of some books.' He said, 'We have a library, from which we draw books.' I said, 'I do not see any books here. Perhaps you feel delicate about drawing from the library. I have come to give you these books, so that your children can read them, and this will be a strength to you.' I knelt down and prayed with him, and when we rose, the tears were rolling down his face, as he said, 'I am glad that you carne to see me. I thank you for the books.'

"The next time I visited him, he told me that he had read part of Patriarchs and Prophets. He said, there is not one syllable I could change. Every paragraph speaks right to the soul.'

"I asked Brother H which of my large books he considered the most important. He said, 'I lend them ail to my neighbors, and the hotelkeeper thinks that Great Controversy is the best. But,' he said, while his lips quivered, 'I think that Patriarchs and Prophets is the best. It is that which pulled me out of the mire.'

"But suffice it to say, he took his position firmly for the truth. His whole family united with him, and they have been the means of saving other families. "-Evangelism. 451-452.

"After the (Michigan camp] meeting closed, a sister took me heartily by the hand, expressing great joy at meeting Sister White again. She inquired if I remembered calling at a log house in the woods twenty-two years before. She gave us refreshments, and I left with them a little book, Experience and Views.

"She stated that she had lent that little book to her neighbors, as new families had settled around her, until there was very little left of it; and she expressed a great desire to obtain another copy of the work. Her neighbors were deeply interested in it, and were desirous of seeing the writer. She said that when I called upon her I talked to her of Jesus and the beauties of heaven, and that the words were spoken with such fervor that she was charmed, and had never forgotten them. Since that time the Lord had sent ministers to preach the truth to them, and now there was quite a company observing the Sabbath. The influence of that little book, now worn out with perusing, had extended from one to another, performing its silent work, until the soil was ready for the seeds of truth.

"I well remember the long journey we took twenty-two years ago, in Michigan. We were on our way to hold a meeting in Vergennes. We were fifteen miles from our destination. Our driver had passed over the road repeatedly and was well acquainted with it but was compelled to acknowledge that he had lost the way. We traveled forty miles that day, through the woods, over logs and fallen trees, where there was scarcely a trace of road. .

"We could not understand why we should be left to this singular wandering in the wilderness. We were never more pleased than when we carne in sight of a little clearing on which was a log cabin.. where we found the sister I have mentioned. She kindly welcomed us to her home, and provided us with refreshments, which were gratefully received. As we rested, I talked with the family and left them the little book. She gladly accepted it, and has preserved it until the present time.

"For twenty-two years our wanderings on this journey have seemed indeed mysterious to us, but here we met quite a company who are now believers in the truth, and who date their first experience from the influence of that little book. The sister who so kindly administered to our wants is now, with many of her neighbors, rejoicing in the light of present truth." Publishing Ministry, 393,394.

SEEKING EARNESTLY TO REACH THEM

"Even if they shut the door in your face, do not hasten away in indignation. and make no further effort to save them. Ask God in faith to give you access to those very souls. Cease not your efforts, but study and plan until you find some other means of reaching them. If you do not succeed by personal visits try sending them the silent messenger of truth. There is so much pride of opinion in the human heart that our publications often gain admittance where the living messenger cannot." Welfare Ministry, 95.

"Publications upon health reform will reach many who will not see or read anything upon important Bible subjects . . The truth must come to the people upon health reform. This is essential in order to arrest the attention in regard to Bible truth . . Many of those looked upon as hopelessly depraved will, if properly instructed in regard to their unhealthful practices, be arrested with the truth . . Go with your hands full of proper reading matter and your heart full of the love of Christ for their souls, reaching them where they are. Many are being drawn by the Lord Jesus Christ, who will respond. " Publishing Ministry, 371-372.

MORE EXPERIENCES OF SHARING BOOKS WITH OTHERS

"I have given my largest works to families out of the truth, and I hear the testimonies of some that it was these books, silently reflecting the light upon the Word of God, that converted them to the truth. I have given away to families no less than five hundred dollars' worth of books, and by this means the work is constantly going forward." Letter 48. 1899.

"There was a larger number of passengers on the car than when we came east last year, but during the whole trip nothing occurred to mar the harmony. During the trip I gave away several of my books, and those to whom I gave them were very much pleased. I gave a copy of Christ's Object Lessons to Mr. Phillips [the conductor], and he seemed to appreciate the gift very highly." Letter 135. 1905.

"We gave away many of our large and small books to families [attending camp meeting] who were unable to buy them, asking them to read them and to lend them to their neighbors. In this way we set one family to work for neighboring families. They would come together and read the books aloud. As a result, conviction was brought to the hearts of some, and souls were converted." Letter 102. 1908.

"A couple leave the boat at Samoa. The lady, Mrs. Goward, caught sight of Desire of Ages and she expressed her admiration of the book. I made her a present of it. and gave her the little book, Christian Education. She said when she took it up she could not lay it down. She said she never saw things in print so enlightening and so beneficial. Her husband has been reading Desire of Ages. He says it is a wonderful book. Both seem very thankful for these books. Now they leave Samoa for another island . . Well, we mean to sow beside all waters. Some fruit may come of the seed sown. I prayed the Lord to open the way that I might find someone interested in the Desire of Ages, and then came this chance." Letter 190, 1900.

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