Value of Our Papers in Evangelical Work by G. W. Caviness

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 21, 1916

Value of Our Papers in Evangelical Work

By G. W. Caviness

A REMARKABLE statement with reference to the publishing work in missionary fields, is found in “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VII, p. 145:—

“At various points in missionary lands publishing houses must be established. To give character to the work, to be centers of effort and influence, to attract the attention of the people, to develop the talents and capabilities of the believers, to unify the new churches, and to second the efforts of the workers, giving them facilities for more ready communication with the churches and more rapid dissemination of the message,—all these and many other considerations plead for the establishment of publishing centers in missionary fields.”

Our experience in Mexico has demonstrated the truth of this statement. When trying to open up missionary work in that country, great difficulties were found in getting into the houses to reach the people. It was practically impossible to get them to attend a meeting held by Protestants until an interest had been awakened and prejudice removed. The influence of the Roman Catholic Church was so very strong that all efforts seemed to be doomed to produce but meager, if any, results. After beginning the publication of a small paper, and circulating it gratuitously, we found that even in this way we could not do much because of the fear of receiving something containing Protestant doctrines. When, however, we began to sell the papers, it seemed that the very idea of their being offered for sale dispelled this fear, and our few canvassers were able to secure a number of subscriptions in different parts of the country.

Soon results began to appear. In one place in the southern part of the country a young Spaniard received the paper, read it, and soon accepted the truth and began the observance of the Sabbath. He began at once to teach it, and while working at his trade as a stonemason, he took opportunity at the dinner hour to read the paper to his companions. He then invited them to attend meetings at his house in the evening. Within a short time twenty persons were keeping the Sabbath. All this happened before any of our workers reached the place.

Not very far from this place another young man, receiving a copy of our paper, immediately subscribed for it and began correspondence, asking many questions on Bible subjects. The result was that he, together with four brothers, one sister, and his mother, accepted the truth. Later quite a number of other relatives, as well as neighbors, joined them, so that now one of our best companies is established in that place.

At another time, at a place still farther down the coast, I was holding a series of meetings where an interest had been created. A mechanic attended a few of the services, and came one day to talk with me. Taking out a tract from his pocket and showing it to me, he remarked that the preaching sounded very much like the tract. Upon examining the tract, I found that it was the first one we had published in Mexico. The man said he had carried it with him eleven years. Suffice it to say, this man attended all the meetings and was baptized at the close.

In the city of Torreon a man and his wife who were storekeepers, received the paper, and after reading it for some time, were convinced, and began the observance of the Sabbath, closing their store on that day. It was the writer’s privilege to visit the place and hold meetings for quite a while, building up a church; but this man and his wife had begun keeping the Sabbath one month before I reached the place. They have been the very center and support of our company there ever since.

In the cities of San Luis Potosi and La Visnaga an interest was also awakened by means of our papers, and help was called for. A worker was sent to the latter place, and a company was raised up in a comparatively short time, and from all accounts they have practically all proved faithful. In fact, in every place where there is a company of believers, the paper has had a large part to do in preparing the field, and as the statement quoted says, in seconding the efforts of the evangelistic work. I was about to say “workers,” but I remember that for the greater part of the time in Mexico there has been but one evangelistic worker in the field, together with a few canvassers. I feel I am perfectly safe in saying that the paper has been equal to two or three evangelistic workers in the amount accomplished in bringing souls into the truth. In some respects it is more successful, because the paper goes where the worker could not go, and thus opens up the field.

Our experience would indicate that the papers are much more successful in the extension of the message and in gathering in souls than are the larger publications, for, like the small stone from David’s sling, which penetrated the opening in the armor of Goliath, these smaller instruments of gospel warfare reach the mark and do effective work. We have had different ones show us the particular paper, and even the paragraph, that brought conviction and won them to the gospel message for these last days. Doubtless the effectiveness of the paper is due in a great measure to the fact that the editor has been directly engaged much of his time in evangelistic or soul-winning work. A missionary paper to do most good should be edited and managed by missionaries actively and continuously in the field.

Surely the printing press, which God has brought to us in these last days, is one of the great agencies that he will use to scatter the seeds of truth and thus extend the message more rapidly. If a paper does the work of an evangelist and brings souls into the truth, it should be sustained, even though it may not always pay in dollars and cents, just as a worthy minister may not always bring in present financial gain. We certainly have great reason to thank God for such a mighty agency as the press to assist the few workers in carrying the last message to the people of this world, so fast hastening to its end.

G. W. CAVINESS.