Chapter 9—The Publications of the Church
Our publishing work was established by the direction of God and
under His special supervision. It was designed to accomplish a spe-
cific purpose. Seventh-day Adventists have been chosen by God as a
peculiar people, separate from the world. By the great cleaver of truth
He has cut them out from the quarry of the world and brought them
into connection with Himself. He has made them His representatives
and has called them to be ambassadors for Him in the last work of
salvation. The greatest wealth of truth ever entrusted to mortals, the
most solemn and fearful warnings ever sent by God to man, have been
committed to them to be given to the world; and in the accomplish-
ment of this work our publishing houses are among the most effective
agencies. The publications sent forth from our printing houses are to
prepare a people to meet God
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
Canvassing for our publications is an important and most profitable
line of evangelistic work. Our publications can go to places where
meetings cannot be held. In such places the faithful evangelistic
canvasser takes the place of the living preacher. By the canvassing
work the truth is presented to thousands who otherwise would never
hear it. Canvassers must go out into various parts of the country. The
importance of this work is fully equal to that of the ministry. The
living preacher and the silent messenger are both required for the
accomplishment of the great work before us
God has ordained the canvassing work as a means of presenting
before the people the light contained in our books, and canvassers
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Testimonies for the Church 7:138, 139
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Testimonies for the Church 4:390
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Colporteur Ministry, 8
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