Ellen G. White: The Progressive Years: 1862-1876 (vol. 2)

A Call for Colporteur Ministry Evangelism

Then the angel called attention to a fruitful line of endeavor that Seventh-day Adventists had up to this time not employed: 2BIO 481.2

God has placed at the command of His people advantages in the press, which, combined with other agencies, will be successful in extending the knowledge of the truth. Tracts, papers, and books, as the case demands, should be circulated in all the cities and villages in the land. Here is missionary work for all. 2BIO 481.3

There should be men trained for this branch of the work who will be missionaries, and will circulate publications. They should be men of good address, who will not repulse others or be repulsed. This is a work to which men would be warranted to give their whole time and energies as the occasion demands. 2BIO 481.4

Those who distribute tracts gratuitously should take other publications to sell to all who will purchase them. Persevering efforts will result in great good.... God has committed to His people great light. This is not for them to selfishly enjoy alone, but to let its rays shine forth to others who are in darkness of error.—Ibid. (see also 3LS, p. 217). 2BIO 481.5

In a few days the Whites would be leaving for California, so it was not until they were back in their Oakland home that Ellen found opportunity to write out this far-reaching instruction, which was to set in motion the colporteur ministry of the church. 2BIO 481.6