How It Works by W. W. E.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Aug 13, 1914

How It Works

By W. W. E.

It is usually the case that those who come into the truth through reading our literature are very earnest in their endeavors to extend its circulation. This has been especially brought to my mind by a letter recently written to the general office by one of our superannuated ministers with whom I became personally acquainted when he first accepted present truth a good many years ago. He was pastor of a church when a copy of "Daniel and the Revelation" came under his notice. The book had been sold by a colporteur to one of his neighbors who did not appreciate it. He read it, and he and his companion accepted the truth, and later came in touch with our people. In common with all who from the heart accept the gospel message, his first desire was to pass on the light to others. Accordingly he entered the colporteur work, selling a large number of our books in several counties where he had been known.

He continued in the colporteur work until asked by the conference to enter the ministry. Associated in labor with others of our ministers, he had the joy of seeing a number of churches raised up; and that part of the State where there were no believers when he accepted the truth, was later organized into a mission field and then a conference.

During all this time this brother has been an earnest believer in the effectiveness of the printed page; and not only has he sold large quantities of literature in connection with his ministry, but through his influence others have given their lives to this work.

This aged brother is now confined most of the time to his bed; but the agency that brought him to a knowledge of the truth lies near his heart, and although he can sit up only a few hours each day, he spends a part of that time in writing letters soliciting subscriptions for our good books and papers. In this way, and by canvassing those who call at his home, he is able to continue the good work of extending the circulation of the printed page that bears the light to those who sit in darkness.

This affords a striking illustration of the statement "that one soul brought in the truth in this way [speaking of our colporteur work] will enlighten many others." And this explains why it is that our publishing work prospers and grows. Let us be more earnest in this work which brings such great returns.

W. W. E.