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burden, and labor, should not add to their burdens by the sale of our
publications, especially at tent meetings and at General Conferences.
The view was given to correct those who at such meetings so far came
down from the dignity of their work as to spread out before the crowd
merchandise which had no connection with the work.
Our ministers who enjoy a comfortable state of health may, with the
greatest propriety, engage at proper times in the sale of our important
publications. Especially do the sale and circulation of such works
as have recently been urged upon the attention of our people, claim
vigorous efforts for them at this time. In four weeks, on our tour in the
counties of Gratiot, Saginaw, and Tuscola, my husband sold, and gave
to the poor, four hundred dollars’ worth. He first set the importance of
the books before the people; then they were ready to take them as fast
as he, with several to help him, could wait upon them.—
Testimonies
for the Church 1:687-689
.
Emphasize Message Books—In the night of March 2, 1907, many
things were revealed to me regarding the value of our publications on
present truth and the small effort that is being made by our brethren
and sisters in the churches for their wide circulation.
I have been repeatedly shown that our presses should now be
constantly employed in publishing light and truth. This is a time of
spiritual darkness in the churches of the world. Ignorance of divine
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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.
The afternoon of March 2 I spent in counsel with Brother and
Sister S. N. Haskell, discussing the work in Oakland and their plans to
go East to spend some time in South Lancaster. After our visit I was
weary and retired early. I was suffering with rheumatism in my left
side and could get no rest because of the pain. I turned from side to
side, trying to find ease from the suffering. There was a pain in my
heart that portended no good for me. At last I fell asleep.