Chapter 1—Importance of the Work
The canvassing work, properly conducted, is missionary work of
the highest order, and it is as good and successful a method as can be
employed for placing before the people the important truths for this
time. The importance of the work of the ministry is unmistakable;
this is one of God’s means for enlightening the world. But He has
other means also. He uses the power of the press in printing papers
and books containing the messages of truth. These are essential in
the carrying forward of the gospel. Many who are hungry for the
bread of life have not the privilege of hearing the word from God’s
delegated preachers. For this reason it is essential that our publications
be widely circulated. The sheets that come from the groaning press
to be prepared as tracts and bound up as books are to go forth to all
parts of the earth. Thus the message will go where the living preacher
can not go, and the attention of many will be called to the important
events connected with the closing scenes of this world’s history.
God has ordained the canvassing work as a means of presenting
before the people the light contained in our books; and canvassers
should be impressed with the importance of bringing before the world
as fast as possible the books necessary for their spiritual education
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and enlightenment. This is the very work the Lord desires His people
to 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 can not too highly estimate this work; for were it not for
the efforts of the canvasser, many would never hear the warning.
It is true that some who buy the books will lay them on the shelf
or place them on the parlor table, and seldom look at them. Still God
has a care for His truth, and the time will come when these books will
be sought for and read. Sickness or misfortune may enter the home,
and through the truth contained in these books God sends to troubled
hearts peace and hope and rest. His love is revealed to them, and they
understand the preciousness of the forgiveness of their sins. Thus the
Lord cooperates with His self-denying workers.
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