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The Publishing Ministry
You are not as a people doing one twentieth part of what might be
done in spreading the knowledge of the truth. Very much more can be
accomplished by the living preacher with the circulation of papers and
tracts than by the preaching of the word alone without the publications.
The press is a powerful instrumentality which God has ordained to be
combined with the energies of the living preacher to bring the truth
before all nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples. Many minds can be
reached in no other way.—
Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 216, 217
.
[45]
Printed Page and the Spoken Word—The truth must be pub-
lished far more extensively than it yet has been. It must be defined in
clear, sharp lines before the people. It must be presented in short but
conclusive arguments, and plans must be laid that at every meeting
where the truth has been set before the people, it may be followed by
the distribution of tracts and pamphlets. At the present time it may be
found necessary to give these away, but they will be a power for good,
and nothing will be lost.
The discourses given in the desk would be far more effective if
reading matter were circulated, educating the hearers in the doctrines
of the Bible. God will make many willing to read, but there will also
be many who will refuse to see or hear anything upon the present truth.
But we should not even think these cases beyond hope, for Christ is
drawing many to Himself.... You should go forth with your hands
filled with proper reading matter, and your heart filled with the love of
God.—
Evangelism, 159
.
Preached Word Alone Nearly Fruitless—Several speakers had
addressed large and attentive congregations at the camp meeting at
Rome, N. Y., on first day, Sept, 12, 1875. The following night I
dreamed that a young man of noble appearance came into the room
where I was, immediately after I had been speaking. He said:
“You have called the attention of the people to important subjects,
which, to a large number, are strange and new. To some they are
intensely interesting. The laborers in word and doctrine have done
what they could in presenting the truth. But unless there is a more
thorough effort made to fasten these impressions upon minds, your
efforts will prove nearly fruitless. Satan has many attractions ready
to divert the mind; and the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of
riches all combine to choke the seed of truth sown in the heart.