General Conference Bulletin, vol. 3

OUR CANVASSING WORK

L. A. HOOPES

The sale of publications containing the truth for this generation is an important branch of our work. By this means thousands of people are reached, who otherwise might never receive the light of present truth. Selling publications treating on the prophecies which are calculated to build people up spiritually, and to help forward the cause of truth along all lines of church work, is something that should be most carefully fostered. Men and women of good address and godly piety should be enlisted to take up this line of work. Great care should be exercised to see that these persons do not get switched off on to side issues. GCB January 1, 1900, page 116.4

It is too bad to see so much energy expended, and talent consumed, in selling publications that do not bear directly on present truth. When a minister goes out into the field, he is expected to give the third angel’s message, and call out a people who will embrace every point of truth, who will in turn give the message. The same principle is involved in our canvassing work. Does it not seem like hiding our light under a bushel when we devote so much of our canvassing talent to the sale of books that have no particular phase of the message in them? GCB January 1, 1900, page 116.5

There are many of our standard books, such as “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” “Patriarchs and Prophets,” Great Controversy,” “Prophecies of Jesus,” etc., that are lying on our shelves. At a recent meeting of the stockholders of the Review and Herald Publishing Association, it was learned that there are over $74,000 worth of books in the wholesale department, ready for circulation. These books are in the English, Danish, Swedish, German, and other languages. One point worthy of earnest consideration is that many of our books have been on these shelves for a long time. It is safe to say that a similar condition exists in our other publishing houses. GCB January 1, 1900, page 116.6

A very much larger sale of the above-named publications should have been made in former years. These books contain the fundamental principles of our message. They are calculated to educate the people concerning the great issues that are before the world at the present time, and that are to be in the near future. GCB January 1, 1900, page 116.7

We have lost much, however, by not getting these books out before. Many of the issues predicted in the books, are now transpiring before our eyes. Many people will read the books, and will rather regard them as prophetic; whereas the longer the matter is put off, the more difficult it will be for the reader to disconnect the sentiments of the books from the political sentiments of the time. There is much in this statement that was penned in Australia the 19th day of February, 1892, which reads: “All heaven is represented to me as watching the unfolding of events. A crisis is to be revealed in the great and prolonged controversy in the government of God on earth. Something great and decisive is to take place, and that right early. If any delay, the character of God and his throne will be compromised.” GCB January 1, 1900, page 116.8

The compromise has been in our delay. Our books should have been circulated everywhere. Let us delay no longer. Let the books be sold. Let God-fearing men and women, upon whom God has laid the burden, be encouraged to give themselves to this important branch of giving this work. Why should we not be as intensely interested in the work of saving souls as are the angels? GCB January 1, 1900, page 117.1