The Influence of Our Publications
By Ellen G. White
But few realize what can be done in reaching the people by personal, interested efforts in a wise distribution of our publications. Many who will not be induced to listen to the truth presented by the living preacher, will take up a tract or a paper and peruse it. Many things they read meet their ideas exactly, and they become interested to read all it contains. Impressions are thus made upon their minds which they can not readily forget. The seed of truth has in some cases been buried for years beneath the rubbish of the world, and the pleasing fables that deceived ones have enjoyed. After a time some earthly sorrow or affliction softens their hearts, and the seed springs up and bears fruit to the glory of God. Again, many read these papers and tracts, and their combativeness is aroused, and they throw the silent messengers from them in a passion. But ideas all new to them, have, although unwelcome, made their impression. Again the hand takes up the neglected paper or tract, and the eye is tracing the truthful lines, and again in passion it is thrown from them as their path is crossed. But the mind is not at rest; the abused paper is at last perused, and thus point after point of truth begins its convicting work; step by step the reformation is wrought, self dies, and the warfare against the truth is ended. The despised paper or tract is henceforth honored as the means of converting the stubborn heart and subduing the perverse will, bringing it into subjection to Christ. Had the living preacher spoken as pointedly, these persons might have turned from him, and refused to entertain the new and strange ideas brought before them. The papers and tracts can go where the living preacher can not, and where, if he could go, he would have no access to the people, because of their prejudice against the truth. Few have any adequate idea of what the distribution of tracts and papers is doing. The missionary work, in circulating the publications upon present truth, is opening doors everywhere, and preparing minds to receive the truth, when the living preacher shall come among them. The success which attends the efforts of ministers in the field is not due alone to their efforts, but in a great degree to the influence of the reading-matter which has enlightened the minds of the people, and removed prejudice. Thus many are made susceptible to the influence of the truth when it is presented before them.