“For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.” – Matthew 25:29
The evangelist who engages in canvassing work is performing a service fully as important as that of preaching before a congregation. God looks upon the faithful, evangelistic canvasser with as much approval as He looks upon the faithful minister. (1)
Our ministers and teachers and physicians should not fail to be God’s true missionaries. They are to work earnestly for the conversion of sinners. One important means of proclaiming the message for this time is the distribution of our literature.
Those who engage in this work are to give evidence of their faith and courage.
They can in all sincerity present our books and papers as of great value; for they contain the principles of saving truth. Those connected with our institutions should act their part in the distribution of literature. If a worker’s duties take him into the homes of the people, let him take our books with him and leave one in each family. Much of this kind of labor was done in the earlier history of our work. Let not our ministers think that it would belittle his work to present our publications. (2)
In the past, a large work has been accomplished in the distribution of the printed page. This is a line of service in which every church member can have some part. All cannot go out as canvassers for our larger books; but there is a field of usefulness open before many of our brethren and sisters in the placing of truth-filled publications in the homes of their neighbors and friends.
Years ago our brethren in responsibility gave much study to ways and means for the carrying forward of this line of work with increasing efficiency. As the result of carefully laid plans, patient instruction, and helpful supervision, 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.
When we view the rise and progress of the publishing work from the beginning to the present time, we thank God and take courage. Yet our responsibility toward the unwarned multitudes urges us on to still greater and more systematic efforts to set in operation many agencies for the circulation of our papers, tracts, and books. Those who are acquainted with the possibilities of this branch of missionary work, and who are wise to teach, have much to do in the training of home workers. (3)
Charge for the Day: How can you “present our books and papers as of great value”?
1. Words of Encouragement to Workers in the Home Missionary Field, p. 164
2. Manuscript 55, 1911
3. The Review and Herald, November 5, 1914