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The Publishing Ministry
there was quite a company observing the Sabbath. The influence of
that little book, now worn out with perusing, had extended from one
to another, performing its silent work, until the soil was ready for the
seeds of truth.
I well remember the long journey we took twenty-two years ago,
in Michigan. We were on our way to hold a meeting in Vergennes. We
were fifteen miles from our destination. Our driver had passed over the
road repeatedly and was well acquainted with it, but was compelled
to acknowledge that he had lost the way. We traveled forty miles that
day, through the woods, over logs and fallen trees, where there was
scarcely a trace of road....
We could not understand why we should be left to this singular
wandering in the wilderness. We were never more pleased than when
we came in sight of a little clearing on which was a log cabin, where
we found the sister I have mentioned. She kindly welcomed us to
her home, and provided us with refreshments which were gratefully
received. As we rested, I talked with the family and left them the little
book. She gladly accepted it, and has preserved it until the present
[394]
time.
For twenty-two years our wanderings on this journey have seemed
indeed mysterious to us, but here we met quite a company who are
now believers in the truth, and who date their first experience from the
influence of that little book. The sister who so kindly administered to
our wants is now, with many of her neighbors, rejoicing in the light of
present truth.—
Evangelism, 448, 449
.
Personal Witness With Literature—I have given my largest
works to families out of the truth, and I hear the testimonies of some
that it was these books, silently reflecting the light upon the Word of
God, that converted them to the truth. I have given away to families
no less than five hundred dollars’ worth of books, and by this means
the work is constantly going forward.—
Letter 48, 1899
.
Literature Distribution on the Trains—There was a larger num-
ber of passengers on the car than when we came east last year, but
during the whole trip nothing occurred to mar the harmony.
During the trip I gave away several of my books, and those to whom
I gave them were very much pleased. I gave a copy of Christ’s Object
Lessons to Mr. Phillips [conductor], and he seemed to appreciate the
gift very highly.—
Letter 135, 1905
.