Ellen White on Lending Books Until They Are Worn Out

The instruction to lend books until they are worn out was illustrated by a remarkable account where a single book left in a log house led to the conversion of an entire company of peopleSW January 23, 1902, par. 14. It is a beautiful testimony to the power of the printed page and the influence of unselfish sharing in the missionary fieldCM 6.1+1.

The Power of Loaning Books

• Worn Out by Use: A gentleman once shared that a small book left in a log house had been read repeatedly and was completely worn out from being loaned to neighborsSW January 23, 1902, par. 14.

• Fruit of the Labor: This simple act of sharing literature resulted in about forty people keeping the Sabbath, twenty of whom were present to express their gratitude for the truth they now understoodSW January 23, 1902, par. 14.

• A Duty of Believers: Every believer is encouraged to scatter tracts, leaflets, and books broadcast, ensuring the message reaches every home possiblePH164 3.2+1.

• Finding the Lost: Loaning or selling books is a primary way to find those in peril and bring them to ChristCM 36.1.

Divine Support in the Work

When we engage in this work with a heart of love and prayer, we are never aloneCEv 33.3. We must hold up our goings in the Lord's paths, that our footsteps slip not Psalm 17:5. The Holy Spirit and heavenly angels accompany the faithful worker, preparing the way and making lasting impressions on human heartsCM 112.1+2. As we draw out our souls to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted, our light shall rise in obscurity Isaiah 58:10.

... a log house a good many years before. Said he, “We have read it through and through and have worn it all out loaning it to our neighbors. There are now about forty in a church there, about forty keeping the Sabbath. Twenty of them are here, the rest are at home with their families and taking care of their farms. ...— SW January 23, 1902, par. 14 (1901)

...ou not try it? Will you not do what you can to circulate the books that the Lord has said should be sown broadcast through the world? Will you not place them in the homes of as many as possible? Think of how great a work can be done if a large number of believers will unite in an effort to p...— PH164 8.2 (1904)

As the canvasser visits the people at their homes, he will often have opportunity to read to them from the Bible or from books that teach the truth. When he discovers those who are searching for truth he can hold Bible reading...— CEv 19.2 (1920)