“And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” – Luke 14:23
Publications must be multiplied. Precious opportunities are passing and not much advantage taken of it. The light God has given in regard to the circulation of publications has not been carried out. Much might have been done in improving opportunities and present privileges which have been lost because not appreciated. An effort made might have resulted in the salvation of many souls.
Now is the very period to go out in the highways and hedges and compel them to come in. This does not mean that we shall force the truth upon those who utterly refuse to hear, but that these discouraging cases are not to be left as hopeless. They are to be followed with prayer. We must not think of giving up souls although they may seem to be unimpressible. Persevering labor in preaching followed up with publications and prayer, pleading with souls, praying with them and living out the faith, will make impressions and be a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. If these efforts do not save, they will condemn. Publications should be sent everywhere, scattered like the leaves of autumn, which are designed to follow close upon the interest aroused by hearing the living preacher.
There should be special ones who should have this department of the work as their branch of labor. Those who engage in this work should be men of judgment, men of good address who have winning manners, who will not repulse or be repulsed.
At every camp meeting and large gatherings should be men consecrated to the work of God, earnest, live men who will become missionaries, laboring with decided zeal to circulate tracts and papers which is seconding the efforts made in the desk.
As a people to whom God has entrusted great and important light in regard to His law, you are not doing one-twentieth part of what you might do. Impart knowledge and let the light shine forth to those who are in darkness.
There is much time wasted in seeking to make our publications perfect before giving them to the readers. Much time is lost and opportunities are not improved in getting reading matter before the people which would tell in some cases with the best results. (1)
Charge for the Day: Prayerfully consider how you can do your part to scatter publications like the leaves of autumn.
1. Letter 34, 1875