“But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”
– 1 Corinthians 12:11
The proper circulation and distribution of our publications, is one of the most important branches of the present work. But little can be done without this. And our ministers can do more in this work than any other class of persons. It is true that many of our preachers, a few years since, were carrying the matter of the sale of books too far. Some of them not only added to their stock of publications which they held for sale, publications of little real value, but they also united with their business, articles of merchandise, some of these of little real value. (1)
The publications are like the great light in a lighthouse, constantly sending forth their clear, living testimony as to what is truth. Lightness, jesting, and joking are the darkness of the world. The publications are to send forth their sacred beams of light in warnings throughout the world. Those publications sent forth from the publishing house are to prepare a people to see Christ in His beauty of holiness. Amid all the fallacies in printing offices, this office is to prepare a people, as did the message of John the Baptist, by startling messages of truth in warnings. “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2.
Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, to adorn your profession of the truth. Our publishing work was established of the Lord, and the truth handled is not to be treated as a common thing, but as a specific work. (2)
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, and one which will educate men and women to do pastoral labor.
Everyone is not fitted for this work. Those of the best talent and ability, who will take hold of the work understandingly and systematically, and carry it forward with persevering energy, are the ones who should be selected. There should be a most thoroughly organized plan; and this should be faithfully carried out. Churches in every place should feel the deepest interest in the tract and missionary work. …
Men should be at work who are willing to be taught as to the best way of approaching individuals and families. Their dress should be neat, but not foppish, and their manners such as not to disgust the people. There is a great want of true politeness among us as a people. This should be cultivated by all who take hold of the missionary work. (3)
Charge for the Day: Prayerfully consider how you can encourage your church community and friends to have an organized plan for missionary work and to faithfully carry it out.
1. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 14, p. 71
2. Manuscript 122, 1906
3. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, pp. 390-391