The Circulation of Our Literature by R. J. BRYANT

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 8, 1908

The Circulation of Our Literature

By R. J. BRYANT

R. J. BRYANT

THE circulation of our literature is something in which every man, woman, and child in our ranks should be interested. About ten years ago there lived in the old Limestone City of Kingston, situated at the head of the St. Lawrence River, in Ontario, a young man who was canvassing for worldly magazines. While engaged in this work, he met a Seventh-day Adventist canvassing for our books. Becoming interested in the truth, he accepted it, and took up the sale of our books.

Shortly after this the president of the conference visited him, and was met at the station by our brother, who, offering to carry the minister’s baggage, found it so heavy that he could carry it but a little way before stopping to rest. After arriving home, he asked the minister what made the baggage so heavy. The minister showed him a good supply of books which he was selling. That was in the days when the canvassing work was progressive in the province of Ontario. The fact that the minister was selling books at every opportunity, indicated his belief in the idea that all of God’s people should be doing all they could to scatter the printed page. This left such an impression on that young man’s mind that he is still in this good work. The writer is that young man.

I know from experience that when our ministers and other workers again fall into line, and by precept and example urge our people to scatter the printed page, this message will go with a mighty power. The time has come when the canvassing work is to be revived. I believe we are now in the place where the children of Israel were when they came up to the borders of the land of Canaan the second time. They came there the first time with great power; but because

of murmurings, complainings, fault-finding, etc., they were driven into the wilderness until the grumblers were destroyed. The second time they came, they had a remnant of these complainers, who were destroyed in sight of the land. After their destruction, the people of God rose up as one man, and did the work he wanted them to do. Neither the swelling Jordan, the Moabites, nor the walls of Jericho, were barriers to them; but with a strong arm God led his people. We have been told that we should now be in the kingdom. Now I believe that a few years ago we were in sight of the land. We came up there with power, too. Everywhere the people were working. Books were being sold by the thousands, not only by the people, but by the ministers. Every one wanted to have a part in scattering the printed page. But a change came. Murmuring and complaining were heard on all sides. Then the Lord turned us back into the wilderness. But now we are told that delay shall be no longer. We are in sight of the land again. The murmurers and fault-finders are rapidly falling out. How many of us, ministers and workers, will rise up and lead the people on in this good work?

Let us use the power of the press which is in our hands, to scatter the printed page everywhere, and the earth will soon be lighted with the glory of God. Then we shall be at home in the kingdom of our God.

Saratoga Springs, N. Y.