“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures…” – 1 Corinthians 15:3
I have been shown that we are not doing our duty in the gratuitous circulation of small publications. There are many honest souls who might be brought to embrace the truth by this means alone. Should there be on each copy of these small tracts an advertisement of our publications and the place where they can be obtained, it would extend the circulation of the larger publications….
…When you write to a friend you can enclose one or more without increasing postage. When you meet persons in the cars, on the boat, or in the stage who seem to have an ear to hear, you can hand them a tract. (1)
Books that ought to be widely circulated are lying useless in our offices of publication, because there is not interest enough manifested to get them circulated.
The press is a power; but if its products fall dead for want of men to circulate them widely, its power is lost. While our brethren have freely expended means in facilities to multiply books and tracts, they have not planned to bring back the means invested, so as to produce other publications. The power of the press, with all its advantages, is in their hands; and they can use it to the very best account, or they can be half asleep, and through inaction miss the advantages that might be gained. By judicious calculation they can extend the light in the sale of books and pamphlets. They can send them into thousands of families that now sit in the darkness of error. (2)
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…. Exalt the value of the books you offer. You can not regard them too highly. (3)
My soul was agonized as I saw the indifference of our people who make so high a profession. The blood of souls will be on the garments of very many who now feel at ease and irresponsible for souls that are perishing around them for want of light and knowledge. They have come in contact with them, but have never warned them, never prayed with or for them, and never made earnest efforts to present the truth to them. There has been a wonderful negligence on this point. (4)
Charge for the Day: Acquire small tracts and books to keep with you everywhere you go, so that you may easily share them with those you come in contact with.
1. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, pp. 551-552
2. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, pp. 388-389
3. The Review and Herald, April 4, 1882
4. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 392