Chapter 13—Ministry of the Printed Page
      
      
        Work of First Importance
      
      
        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.—
      
      
        The Colporteur Evangelist, 80
      
      
        .
      
      
        Let every Seventh-day Adventist ask himself, “What can I do to
      
      
        proclaim the third angel’s message?” Christ came to this world to
      
      
        give this message to His servant to give to the churches. It is to be
      
      
        proclaimed to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. How are we
      
      
        to give it? The distribution of our literature is one means by which
      
      
        the message is to be proclaimed. Let every believer scatter broadcast
      
      
        tracts and leaflets and books containing the message for this time.
      
      
        Colporteurs are needed who will go forth to circulate our publications
      
      
        everywhere.—
      
      
        The Southern Watchman, January 5, 1904
      
      
        .
      
      
        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.—
      
      
        Testimonies for the Church 6:315,
      
      
        316
      
      
        .
      
      
        Let not the canvassing work be left to languish. Let the books
      
      
        containing the light on present truth be placed before as many as
      
      
        possible. The presidents of our conferences and others in responsible
      
      
        positions have a duty to do in this matter.—
      
      
        The Southern Watchman,
      
      
        April 25, 1905
      
      
        .
      
      
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