Our Literature and Its Mission
7
things has hidden God and the truth from view. The forces of evil
are gathering in strength. Satan flatters his co-workers that he will
do a work that will captivate the world. While partial inactivity has
come upon the church, Satan and his hosts are intensely active. The
professed Christian churches are not converting the world; for they are
themselves corrupted with selfishness and pride, and need to feel the
converting power of God in their midst before they can lead others to
a purer or higher standard.—
Testimonies for the Church 9:65
(1909).
[3]
Means of Quickly Giving the Message—The book work should
be the means of quickly giving the sacred light of present truth to the
world. The publications that come forth from our presses today are to
be of such a character as to strengthen every pin and pillar of the faith
that was established by the word of God and by the revelations of His
Spirit.
The truth that God has given for His people in these last days
should keep them firm when there come into the church those who
present false theories. The truth that has stood firm against the attacks
of the enemy for more than half a century must still be the confidence
and comfort of God’s people.
Our evidence to nonprofessors that we have the truth of the word
of God will be given in a life of strict self-denial. We must not make a
mockery of our faith, but ever keep before us the example of Him who,
though He was the Prince of heaven, stooped to a life of self-denial
and sacrifice to vindicate the righteousness of His Father’s word. Let
us each resolve to do our best, that the light of our good works may
shine forth to the world.—
Testimonies for the Church 9:69, 70
(1909).
To Prepare a People to Meet God—The publications sent forth
from our printing houses are to prepare a people to meet God. Through-
out the world they are to do the same work that was done by John the
Baptist for the Jewish nation. By startling messages of warning, God’s
prophet awakened men from worldly dreaming. Through him God
called backsliding Israel to repentance. By his presentation of truth
[4]
he exposed popular delusions. In contrast with the false theories of
his time, truth in his teaching stood forth as an eternal certainty. “Re-
pent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” was John’s message.
Matthew 3:2
. This same message, through the publications from our
printing houses, is to be given to the world today....