The Distribution of Our Literature
By C. McReynolds
THE value of our literature as a means of bearing the message committed to us to carry to all nations can hardly be overestimated. That the art of printing and book-making has been especially brought forward in these last days for that very purpose, will not be questioned by any true-hearted Seventh-day Adventist. Of its importance the prophet says: “Write the vision, make it plain upon tables that he may run that readeth it.” That is to say that, having read it where it is made plain, he may run with alacrity, energy, and intelligence to spread the good news and pass it on to others. The result is much more effectively attained by reading the message where it is made plain. It is pleasant to listen to the message, well spoken; it is profitable to preach it in thunder tones. But he knows it best who reads it. To those who are hungering for truth, our books, pamphlets, periodicals, and tracts are like a well-spread table to a hungry man. When once seen and tasted, it is eagerly devoured. Our books are silent heralds of the truth,—silent, yet most effective implements in the hands of the Spirit of God to accomplish the work in the generation in which they are written. The first requisite for selling books is to appreciate their value in the accomplishment of the work we are called to do. But I can have no true sense of the value of a book which I do not understand, and I can not understand that which I have not read. Jesus says, “Let him that readeth understand.” The same is true of our smaller literature. If we as workers do not acquaint ourselves with the literature which is placed upon the market to-day, and renew acquaintance with our older publications, we shall cease to be booksellers. When may a minister sell books? — Whenever he is associated with people where he may have even a short conversation with them. Where may he sell books? — Wherever he is brought in contact with the people by visiting from house to house, and talking with them, endeavoring to make plain the way of life and salvation. He will interest them on some special subject; then is his opportunity to introduce a book that will enable his hearers to make thorough investigation on the point in question. If he is acquainted with our literature, the Spirit of God will bring to his remembrance the book that should be presented. A most favorable opportunity for selling literature is at the close of a discourse upon some point of present truth. When riding on the train, having interested a seat mate in that which is burning on his own heart’s altar, he may sell him a book which will lead him on in the investigation that has been started. While waiting in the depot, resting in the hotel, almost anywhere and everywhere this work may be done, for “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” The literature left in the hand will emphasize the truth that has been introduced, and will lead to further investigation. The minister who maintains such an attitude toward the distribution of our literature, and sets such an example, will impart to whole churches a desire to handle our literature, not from mercenary motives, but because of their wish to have a part in the work they see being done. Thus by example, much more than by exhortation, will our churches and individual members be led to participate in this most effective and inexpensive method of carrying the message to all the world. A retired canvasser who has entered the ministry because of a dislike for selling books will not impart that kind of inspiration. Both ministers and Bible workers need the experience gained in the canvassing work, as much as the accountant still has use for the multiplication table. He never gets beyond the place where first principles are necessary to success in the prosecution of his work. There will never be seen the success in getting men and women to enter and push the canvassing work which the Lord designs, while the sentiment prevails that after workers enter the ministry or Bible work, they are no longer to distribute literature by selling it. To assure success in any conference in getting out a good corps of canvassers, co-operation is required on the part of all the workers. No State agent can make a great success of the canvassing work without such co-operation and support. And it requires more than simply to speak favorably of the work which the State agent is doing, and to say that we want to see the canvassing work succeed. Such talk from those who do not engage in selling literature is like “sounding brass.” We can not impart what we do not have. If we have a real interest in selling books, papers, and other literature, it will be so manifest in our lives that it will give weight to our words. With a united effort on the part of ministers and other workers to set a right example in this matter, many will become interested in the canvassing work. Let short drills be conducted, not long months of school work, but a brief period, a few weeks devoted to study and practical experience intermingled,—say about one half of each day to be spent in practical work among the people, and the remainder of the time to be devoted to study and instruction. These drills may be conducted by the State agent, or by experienced agents where it becomes necessary to have more than one such drill conducted at the same time. The day for selling our literature has not passed. The time for canvassing is not over. Our work along this line is by no means finished, nor will it be until the time comes that he who does not have the mark of the beast can no longer buy or sell. When that time is reached, we will give away the surplus of our literature. With united effort on the part of all, with earnest and hearty co-operation of ministers, Bible workers, secretaries, State agents, and canvassers, we may sow the seed beside all waters, scatter the printed page like the leaves of autumn, gather the golden harvest, and soon, very soon, enter the haven of rest.
C. McReynolds.