Your ShelfYour Projects

The Summary

20%

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 8, 1915

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 17.

Read the full edition

The Summary

By Francis M. Wilcox

To one who is interested in the spread of the gospel message through the printed page the figures published in this department from month to month must appeal with great interest. No branch of our work has been blessed more signally than our publishing work. Heaven has prospered the loyal men and women who have gone forth from day to day carrying the printed page to the homes of the people.
Only he who has had experience in the canvassing and colporteur work can appreciate the faithfulness and fortitude required to keep at this work month in, month out. All sorts of obstacles must be encountered. The agent must labor in all kinds of weather and must meet all classes of people. He must carry a warm heart and a cheerful face under the most depressing circumstances, even when met with coldness and rebuff. He must find his meals as he can, regularly and irregularly. He must eat all kinds of food with all classes of people. He must lodge for the night as the way opens, sometimes finding comfortable quarters, and at other times walking many miles before he can secure the most meager accommodations.
But added to the trials and difficulties are joys and victories; joy at being the agent in the hands of God for the distribution of good literature; joy in seeing souls receive into their homes that which will reveal to them the knowledge of God and of his truth in these last days; joy in the success which comes in victory over obstacles; joy in communion with God and in fellowship with his Holy Spirit. The joys of service far outweigh the trials and difficulties which the service entails. In fact, the trials only enhance the joys.
Let us remember daily before the throne of grace our brethren and sisters who are on the firing line. Let us pray God to open the hearts and homes of the people to them and to the message they hear, and to give them physical strength and health for their work. F. M. W.