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Counsels for the Church
should be impressed with the importance of bringing before the world
as fast as possible the books necessary for their spiritual education
and enlightenment. This is the very work the Lord would have His
people do at this time. All who consecrate themselves to God to work
as canvassers are assisting to give the last message of warning to the
world. We cannot too highly estimate this work; for were it not for the
efforts of the canvasser, many would never hear the warning
Our publications should go everywhere. Let them be issued in
many languages. The third angel’s message is to be given through
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this medium and through the living teacher. You who believe the truth
for this time, wake up. It is your duty now to bring in all the means
possible to help those who understand the truth to proclaim it. Part of
the money that comes in from the sale of our publications should be
used to increase our facilities for the production of more literature that
will open blind eyes and break up the fallow ground of the heart
I have been instructed that even where the people hear the message
from the living preacher, the canvasser should carry on his work in
co-operation with the minister; for though the minister may faithfully
present the message, the people are not able to retain it all. The
printed page is therefore essential, not only in awakening them to the
importance of the truth for this time, but in rooting and grounding
them in the truth and establishing them against deceptive error. Papers
and books are the Lord’s means of keeping the message for this time
continually before the people. In enlightening and confirming souls
in the truth the publications will do a far greater work than can be
accomplished by the ministry of the word alone. The silent messengers
that are placed in the homes of the people through the work of the
canvasser will strengthen the gospel ministry in every way; for the
Holy Spirit will impress minds as they read the books, just as He
impresses the minds of those who listen to the preaching of the word.
The same ministry of angels attends the books that contain the truth as
attends the work of the minister
Let wise plans be laid to help worthy students to earn their own
schooling by handling these books, if they so desire. Those who earn
sufficient means in this way to pay their way through a course at one
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Testimonies for the Church 6:313
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Testimonies for the Church 9:62
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Testimonies for the Church 6:315, 316