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Colporteur Ministry
No One Branch a Specialty—In all our work, caution should be
used that no one branch be made a specialty, while other interests are
left to suffer. There has not been that interest taken in the circulation
of our health journals that there should be. The circulation of these
journals must not be neglected, or the people will suffer a great loss.—
The Review and Herald, November 12, 1901
.
Each Has Its Proper Place—But while the health work has its
place in the promulgation of the third angel’s message, its advocates
must not in any way strive to make it take the place of the message. The
health books should occupy their proper position, but the circulation
of these books is only one of many lines in the great work to be done.
[137]
The glowing impressions sometimes given to the canvasser in regard
to the health books must not result in excluding from the field other
important books that should come before the people. Those who have
charge of the canvassing work should be men who can discern the
relation of each part of the work to the great whole. Let them give due
attention to the circulation of the health books, but not make this line
so prominent as to draw men away from other lines of vital interest,
thus excluding the books that bear the special message of truth to the
world.
Just as much education is necessary for the handling of the religious
books as for the handling of those treating upon the question of health
and temperance. Just as much should be said in regard to the work
of canvassing for books containing spiritual food, just as much effort
should be made to encourage and educate workers to circulate the
books containing the third angel’s message, as is said and done to
develop workers for the health books.
Each Complements the Other—The one class of books will always
make a place for the other. Both are essential, and both should occupy
the field at the same time. Each is the complement of the other and
can in no wise take its place. Both treat on subjects of highest value,
and both must act their part in the preparation of the people of God
for these last days. Both should stand as present truth to enlighten, to
arouse, to convince. Both should blend in the work of sanctifying and
purifying the churches that are looking and waiting for the coming of
the Son of God in power and great glory.
Let each publisher and general agent [publishing department secre-
tary] work enthusiastically to encourage the agents [colporteurs] now
[138]