p. 5 | Special Facilities by W. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 12, 1907

Special Facilities

By W. A. S.

WHAT a change in the facilities for scattering the truth since the day, in 1849, when a few pioneers in the message knelt round a little pile of the first issue of the Present Truth, in that room in Middletown, Conn., and with tears asked God to bless the paper as they sent it out.

Now, somewhere in the world, our presses are running every moment of time, night and day—presses in America, Europe, Africa, India, China, Japan, the Malay Straits, Australia, South America, Mexico, West Indies, and the South Pacific islands. Every sheet of the many millions, which are falling from the presses like the leaves of autumn, is helping to swell the cry, “The hour of his judgment is come.”

This wonderful development is by no mere chance; it is the visible providence of God. But our confidence is not to be in the increased facilities; rather, we need the same consecration and devotion that possessed the pioneers when facilities were few.

There is no chance to stand in the market-place idle, saying no one hath hired us. In this country three periodical specials press into our hands the weapons for service just now.

1. The Missions number of the Signs of the Times is a unique and invaluable missions document, and a review of the progress of this message which must appeal to inquirers after truth; for people desire not only to know the doctrinal basis of a faith, but to know if it has the elements of building up a movement and uniting masses of people in fellowship and common service. This Missions number must be an awakener to many who have considered that this advent movement was confined to a limited area.

2. The special Watchman presents an all-round summary of the definite message that we have to bear. Every article vibrates with the key-note of the soon coming of Christ. Every copy placed in a home bears the third angel’s message to that home. With its color printing and make-up, it is a most artistic and inviting number.

3. The “Our Truth” special of the Youth’s Instructor reviews the basis of our hope and work in a way to interest young people. Here is an arm of service to reach after the youth, and surely our young people will make earnest use of it.

While these special facilities are placed in our hands here, in other lands our brethren are likewise scattering the literature in various tongues. When the denomination sells a million dollars’ worth of publications a year to the public, it means that the world is putting a

million dollars a year into helping us proclaim the message.

Surely God heard and answered the prayers of that little company in Connecticut fifty-eight years ago, as they sought his blessing upon the printed page. The evidence is spread through the whole earth. Should not all the thousands of companies of believers pray now just as earnestly for God to bless the literature going forth? W. A. S.