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Manual for Canvassers
narrow minds will cry, Speculation, not discerning that no one man
is benefited, and that God’s instrumentalities must not be crippled
for want of capital. Books that ought to be widely circulated are
lying useless in our offices of publication, because there is not interest
enough manifested to get them circulated. The press is a power; but
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if its products fall dead for want of men to circulate them widely,
its power is lost. While our brethren have freely expended means
in facilities to multiply books and tracts, they have not planned to
bring back the means invested, so as to produce other publications.
The power of the press, with all its advantages, is in their hands; and
they can use it to the very best account, or they can be half asleep,
and through inaction miss the advantages that might be gained. By
judicious calculation they can extend the light in the sale of books and
pamphlets. They can send them into thousands of families that now sit
in the darkness of error.
God calls upon His people to act like living men, and not be
indolent, sluggish, and indifferent. We must carry the publications
to the people, and urge them to accept, showing them that they will
receive much more than their money’s worth. Exalt the value of the
books you offer. You can not regard them too highly.
My soul was agonized as I saw the indifference of our people who
make so high a profession. The blood of souls will be on the garments
of very many who now feel at ease and irresponsible for souls that are
perishing around them for want of light and knowledge. They have
come in contact with them, but have never warned them, never prayed
with or for them, and never made earnest efforts to present the truth to
them. There has been a wonderful negligence on this point.
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