The Creation and Circulation of Our Literature

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 28, 1916

The Creation and Circulation of Our Literature

Our literature is one of the greatest sources of our success. In the very feeble beginning of our existence as a people, Elder Bates wrote a little pamphlet on the Sabbath question; and as a result of a vision given Mrs. White, the little paper was begun which finally became the REVIEW AND HERALD, the honored church organ of our people.

Our publications increased at a rapid rate. Books, pamphlets, and tracts were written on almost every phase of our faith. The great incentive to progress has been the statement of Holy Writ that this message must go to “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” in the world. How could this be brought about? Some means must be found by which it could be circulated in the broadest manner possible. Of course many preachers would proclaim it by word of mouth, but they could not possibly proclaim it everywhere; for some would never come out to hear.

But people who could not preach could circulate literature. Colporteurs were needed; but how to get people to leave their homes and go forth to circulate the printed page was the great problem; and here was seen the rallying influence of Sister White. The most stirring, forceful, and powerful appeals came forth from the servant of the Lord for our people to engage in this branch of the work. Not only were some to go forth as colporteurs, but the rank and file of our people everywhere were to feel that the circulation of our literature was their solemn duty. Through belief in this prophetic gift, the mass of our people accepted these appeals. And this is why, dear brethren and sisters, our publications are going forth to our fellow men in carloads from our publishing houses, and their circulation is rising into millions of dollars’ worth. We have been told that they are to be “scattered like the leaves of autumn.”

The world must be warned that the great day of the Almighty is upon us, that time is now closing, and that the end of the world is impending. This is our message. And who can estimate the effects of the circulating of our literature? Through it large numbers of people have been brought into the truth and converted to God. Never could this work have been made such a success as it is today without the instruction which has come through the Spirit of prophecy. As a people we should be most thankful to God for this blessed gift of his Spirit.

Bowling Green, Fla.