January 3, 1875, Vision and World Expansion
29
A good work has already been done in these countries. There are
those who have received the truth, scattered as light bearers in almost
every land.... But how little has been done in comparison with the
great work before us! Angels of God are moving upon the minds of
the people, and preparing them to receive the warning. Missionaries
are needed in fields that have yet been scarcely entered. New fields
are constantly opening. The truth must be translated into different
languages, that all nations may enjoy its pure, life-giving influences....
Colporteurs are meeting with encouraging success in the sale of our
books. The light is thus brought to the people, while the colporteur—
who in many cases has been thrown out of employment by accepting
the truth—is enabled to support himself, and the sales are a financial
help to the office. In the days of the Reformation, monks who had left
[38]
their convents, and who had no other means of support, traversed the
country, selling Luther’s works, which were thus rapidly circulated
throughout Europe. Colportage work was one of the most efficient
means of spreading the light then, and so it will prove now.—
Life
Sketches of Ellen G. White, 304, 305
.
Books to Be Published in Different Languages—A far greater
effort should be made to extend the circulation of our literature in all
parts of the world. The warning must be given in all lands and to
all peoples. Our books are to be translated and published in many
different languages. We should multiply publications on our faith
in English, German, French, Danish-Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish,
Italian, Portuguese, and many other tongues; and people of all nation-
alities should be enlightened and educated, that they, too, may join in
the work.
Let our publishing houses do all in their power to diffuse to the
world the light of heaven. In every way possible call the attention of
the people of every nation and tongue to those things that will direct
their minds to the Book of books.—
Testimonies for the Church 7:160
.
Doubled and Trebled—The publishing branch of our cause has
much to do with our power. I do desire that it shall accomplish all that
the Lord designs it should. If our bookmen do their part faithfully,
I know, from the light God has given me, that the knowledge of
present truth will be doubled and trebled.... But let us remember, in
all our endeavors we must seek daily power and individual Christian
experience. Only as we keep in close touch with the Source of our