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The Book Work

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Aug 27, 1914

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 91, No. 36.

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The Book Work

By W. H. George

WE are all glad to see the good reports from the faithful colporteurs in the field. Mr. Spurgeon said, “There is no calling or occupation more beneficial to mankind than the business of selling good books.” Mr. Gladstone said, “The greatest benefactor is the man who sells good books.” Mr. Talmage said, “I always feel like lifting my hat to the book agent because he is doing more good than I can ever hope to do.” These eminent men, who were leaders in their day, recognized the need of placing good books in the homes. Education makes society what it is today. Minds are trained either for or against truth by what they feed upon.
We live in a time when the world is filled with violence and crime. It was Mr. Webster who said, “If we work on minds and imbue them with right principles, we build monuments that will not decay, but grow higher and broader with the roll of age, and brighten in all eternity.” The mind is molded according to the suggestion given in what we read.
A few days ago the writer saw a lad upon a bicycle clad in the garb of an Indian. The front of his trousers, from waist to feet, was covered with sheepskin with the wool on it, a colored handkerchief was about his neck, a wide hat on his head, and a large toy pistol in his right hand. He was riding fast in the street and going through the form of shooting right and left. One could very quickly decide what that lad had been reading. It was taking effect very soon in his life.
There never was an age in the history of this world when such books as are produced by our publishers, were so much needed as now; and those who see the value of this work are spoken of in the Bible in a manner that should make a very strong impression on the minds of all. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Thy watchman shall lift up the voice.” Isa. 52:7, 8. It is a voice of warning and reproof that is heard. It is the feet of the colporteurs that press the mountains and out-of-the-way places of the earth. But they are willing to go. And the Lord not only calls them beautiful, but crowns their efforts with success, and gives them souls for their hire.
W. H. GEORGE.