WM-February 2002

We are told that, in the last days, the final crisis literature from our publishing houses will be a major factor in giving the first, second, and third angels' messages,-And a primary means of giving the fourth angel's message!

THE FIRST ANGELS MESSAGE "They [our publishing houses] are among the agencies represented by the angel flying 'in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: Revelation 14:6-7.

THE SECOND ANGELS MESSAGE "From them is to go forth the terrible denunciation, 'Babylon is Fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the Wine of the wrath of her fornication: Revelation 14:8.

THE THIRD ANGELS MESSAGE"'They are represented by the third angel that followed, 'saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God: Revelation 14:9-10.

THE FOURTH ANGELS MESSAGES"In a large degree through our publishing houses is to be accomplished the work of that other angel who comes down from heaven with great power and who lightens the earth with his glory."-7 Testimonies, 140.

How it began After coming out of vision, I said to my husband; 'I have a message for you. You must begin to print a little paper and send it out to the people. Let it be small at first; but as the people read, they will send you means with which to print, and it will be a success from the first. From this small beginning it was shown to me to be like streams of light that went clear round the world.' "-Publishing Ministry, 16.

'The truth sent out from the press was like rays of light emanating from the sun in all directions. This work was commenced and carried forward at a great sacrifice of strength and means."Publishing Ministry, 29.

Lift up the standard "The great and wonderful work of the last gospel message is to be carried on now as it has never been before. The world is to receive the light of truth through an evangelizing ministry of the Word in our books and periodicals. Our publications are to show that the end of all things is at hand.

"I am bidden to say to our publishing houses: 'Lift up the standard; lift it up higher. Proclaim the third angels message, that it may be heard by all the world. Let it be seen that 'here are they that keep the commandments of Gad, and the faith of Jesus.' Revelation 14:12. Let our literature give the message as a witness to all the world.

"Our Workers should now be encouraged to give their first attention to books that deal with the evidences of our faith, books that teach the doctrines of the Bible, and that will prepare a people to stand in the trying times before us."-9 Testimonies, 61.

One of the most effective agencies "Our publishing work was established by the direction of God and under His special supervision. It was designed to accomplish a specific purpose. Seventh-day Adventists have been chosen by God as a peculiar people, separate from the world. By the great cleaver of truth He has cut them out from the quarry of the world, and brought them into connection with Himself. He has made them His representatives, and has called them to be ambassadors for Him in the last work of salvation. The greatest wealth of truth ever entrusted to mortals, the most solemn and fearful warnings ever sent by God to man, have been committed to them to be given to the world; and in the accomplishment of this work our publishing houses are among the most effective agencies.

They do the work of a latter-day John the Baptist "The publications sent forth from our printing houses are to prepare a people to meet God. Throughout the world they are to do the same work that was done by John the Baptist for the Jewish nation. By startling messages of warning, God's prophet awakened men from worldly dreaming. Through him God called backsliding Israel to repentance. By his presentation of truth he exposed popular delusions. In contrast with the false theories of his time, truth in his teaching stood forth as an eternal certainty. "Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. was John's message. Matthew 3:2. This same message, through the publications from our printing houses, is to be given to the world today.

"'Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.' Matthew 3:3. As John prepared the way for the first, so we are to prepare the way for the second advent of the Saviour.

To exalt the Law of God "Our publishing institutions are to exalt the claims of God's downtrodden law. Standing before the world as reformers, they are to show that the law of God is the foundation of all enduring reform. In clear, distinct lines they are to present the necessity of obedience to all His commandments. Constrained by the love of Christ, they are to co-operate with Him in building up the old waste places, raising up the foundations of many generations. They are to stand as repairers of the breach, restorers of paths to dwell in. Through their testimony the Sabbath of the fourth commandment is to stand as a witness, a constant reminder of God, to attract notice and arouse investigation that shall direct the minds of men to their Creator.

"Let it never be forgotten that these institutions are to cooperate with the ministry of the delegates of heaven." 7 Testimonies, 139.

Quickly giving the sacred light' "The book work should be the means of quickly giving the sacred light of present truth to the world. The publications that come forth from our presses today are to be of such a character as to strengthen every pin and pillar of the faith that was established by the Word of God and by the revelations of His Spirit. 9 Testimonies, 69.

Sending light to dark corners The pen is a power in the hands of men who feel the truth burning upon the altar of their hearts, and who have an intelligent zeal for God, balanced with sound judgment. The pen, dipped in the fountain of pure truth, can send the beams of light to dark corners of the earth, which will reflect its rays back, adding new power, and giving increased light to be scattered everywhere." Life Sketches, 214.

The most effective agencies for giving the message Seventh-day Adventists have been chosen by God as a peculiar people, separate from the world. By the great cleaver of truth, He has cut item out from the quarry of the world, and brought them into connection with Himself. He has made them His representatives, and has called them to be ambassadors for Him in the last work of salvation, The greatest wealth of truth ever intrusted to mortals, the most solemn and fearful warnings ever sent by God to man, have been committed to them to be given to the world; and in the accomplishment of this work our publishing houses are among the most effective agencies."- 7 Testimonies. 138.

Our publishing work was established by the direction of God and under His special supervision," Testimonies, 138.

Could not be reached in any other way "Years ago the Lord gave me , . instruction that every effort should be made to send forth to the world from the press the messages of invitation and warning. Some will be reached by our literature who would not be reached in any other way. From our books and papers bright beams of light are to shine forth to enlighten the world in regard to present truth,"-8 Testimonies. 87.

Into many languages "l have been shown that our publications should be printed in different languages and sent to every civilized country, at any cost. What is the value of money at this time, in comparison with the value of souls? Every dollar of our means should be considered as the Lord's, not ours: and as a precious trust from God to us; not to be wasted for needless indulgences, but carefully used in the cause of God, in the work of saving men and women from ruin."Life Sketches. 214.

Our publishing houses are to uphold God's law "We must give warning to those who are standing on the very brink of ruin. God's people are to put forth every power in combating Satan's falsehoods and pulling down his strongholds. To every human being in the wide world who will give heed, we are to make plain the principles at stake in the great controversy. Principles upon which hangs the eternal destiny of the soul. To the people far and near we are to bring home the question: 'Are you following the great apostate in disobedience to God's law, or are you following the Son of God, who declared. 'I have kept My Father's commandments?' This is the work before us; for this our publishing institutions were established; it is this work that God expects at their hands,"-7 Testimonies 141,142.

"Our publishing houses are God's appointed centers, and through them is to be accomplished a work the magnitude of which is yet unrealized. There are lines of effort and influence as yet by them almost untouched in which God is calling for their cooperation." 7 Testimonies, 144.

A powerful means to move minds "The press is a powerful means to move the minds and hearts of the people. The men of this world seize the press, and make the most of every opportunity to get poisonous literature before the people. If men, under the influence of the spirit of the world and of Satan, are earnest to circulate books, tracts, and papers of a corrupting nature, you should be more earnest to get reading matter of an elevating and saving character before the people."Evangelism, 160-161.

"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."Life Sketches, 217.

"There is great need of men who can use the press to the best advantage, that the truth may be given wings to speed it to every nation, and tongue, and people."Gospel Workers, 25.

It may take years for them to respond to what you give them "We have no time to lose. Important work is before us, and if we are slothful servants we shall certainly lose the heavenly reward. But few have broad and extensive views of 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 cannot 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, and as the silent messenger bears the abuse without retaliation there is nothing to feed the anger which has been excited. 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 commences its convicting work; step by step the reformation is wrought self dies, and the warfare and antagonism to 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 in subjection to Christ. Had the living preacher spoken as pointedly, these persons would have turned from him, and would not have entertained the new and strange ideas brought before them.

The papers and tracts can go where the living preacher cannot go, and where if he could go he would have no access to the people, because of their prejudice against the truth.

"I have been shown that but few have any correct idea of what the distribution of papers and tracts 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." -Review, December 19, 1878 [Publishing Ministry, 397-398].

Supporting the publishing houses "Many among believers have scarcely food enough to eat. Yet in their deep poverty they bring their tithes and offerings to the Lord's treasury. Many who know what it is to sustain the cause of God in hard and trying circumstances have invested means in the publishing houses. They have willingly endured hardship and privation, and have watched and prayed for the success of the work. Their gifts and sacrifices express the fervent gratitude of their hearts to Him who has called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. Their prayers, and their alms come up as a memorial before God. No incense more fragrant can ascend to heaven."Publishing Ministry, 32.

A most powerful branch of the work "The press is a powerful means to move the minds and hearts of the people . . The press is a powerful instrumentality which God has ordained to be combined with the energies of the living preacher to bring the truth before all nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples. Many minds can be reached in no other way." Colporteur Ministry, 148.

"The publishing branch of our cause has much to do with our power. I do desire that it shall accomplish all that the Lord designs it should. If our bookmen [those who sell or distribute books free] do their part faithfully, I know, from the light God has given me, that the knowledge of present truth will be doubled and trebled."Life Sketches, 446-447.

"I have been shown that the press is powerful for good or evil. This agency can reach and influence the public mind as no other means can. The press, controlled by men who are sanctified to God, can be a power indeed for good in bringing men to the knowledge of the truth."-Colporteur Ministry. 149.

"The gospel message does not win a single soul to Christ, or make its way to a single heart, without wounding the head of Satan. Whenever a captive is wrenched from his grasp, delivered from his oppression, the tyrant is defeated. The publishing houses, the presses, are instrumentalities in God's hand to send out to every tongue and nation the precious tight of truth. This light is reaching even to heathen lands, and is constantly making inroads upon superstition and every conceivable error."-4 Testimonies, 595 [Publishing Ministry. 386].

So many are being reached with the truth "Among earth' s inhabitants, scattered in every land, there are those who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Like the stars of heaven, which appear only at night, these faithful ones will shine forth when darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people. In heathen Africa, in the Catholic lands of Europe and of South America, in China, in India, in the islands of the sea, and in all the dark corners of the earth. God has in reserve a firmament of chosen ones that will yet shine forth amidst the darkness, revealing clearly to an apostate world the transforming power of obedience to His law. Even now they are appearing in every nation, among every tongue and people; and in the hour of deepest apostasy, when Satan's supreme effort is made to cause all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,' to receive, under penalty of death, the sign of allegiance to a false rest day, these faithful ones, 'blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, will 'shine as lights in the world, The darker the night, the more brilliantly will they shine." Prophets and Kings. 188-189.

What they will tell you later "The redeemed will meet and recognize those whose attention they have directed to the uplifted Saviour. What blessed converse they have with these souls! 'I was a sinner, it will be said, 'without God and without hope in the world, and you came to me, and drew my attention to the precious Saviour as my only hope. And I believed in Him. I repented of my sins, and was made to sit together with His saints in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.'

Others will say: 'I was a heathen in heathen lands, You left your friends and comfortable home, and came to teach me how to find Jesus and believe in Him as the only true God. I demolished my idols and worshiped God, and now I see Him face to face. I am saved, eternally saved, ever to behold Him whom I love. I then saw Him only with the eye of faith, but now I see Him as He is. I can now express my gratitude for His redeeming mercy to Him who loved me and washed me from my sins in His own blood.'

"Others will express their gratitude to those who fed the hungry and clothed the naked. 'When despair bound my soul in unbelief, the Lord sent you to me: they say. 'to speak words of hope and comfort. You brought me food for my physical necessities, and you opened to me the Word of God, awakening me to my spiritual needs. You treated me as a brother. You sympathized with me in my sorrows and restored my bruised and wounded soul so that I could grasp the hand of Christ that was reached out to save me. In my ignorance you taught me patiently that I had a Father in heaven who cared for me. You read to me the precious promises of God's Word. You inspired in me faith that He would save me. My heart was softened, subdued, broken, as I contemplated the sacrifice, which Christ had made for me. I became hungry for the bread of life, and the truth was precious to my soul. I am here, saved, eternally saved, ever to live in His presence, and to praise Him who gave His life for me.'

"What rejoicing there will be as these redeemed ones meet and greet those who have had a burden in their behalf. And those who have lived, not to please themselves, but to be a blessing to the unfortunate who have so few blessings, how their hearts will thrill with satisfaction!" 6 Testimonies. 311-312.

SHARE THE SILENT PREACHERS

"The silent preacher [missionary literature] enriched with precious matter, should go forth on the wings of prayer, mingled with faith, that it may do its appointed work in shedding the light of truth upon those who are in the darkness of error." Counsels to Writers and Editors. 111.

"Books will reach those who can be reached in no other way. Letter 155, 1903 (Colporteur Ministry. 39).

"Our publications are now sowing the gospel seed, and are instrumental in bringing as many souls to Christ as the preached Word." Review, June 10,1880 (Colporteur Ministry, 150).

The prayer of all in the office should be: 'O God, make these truths, which are of such vital importance, clear to the comprehension of the humblest minds! May angels accompany these silent preachers and bless their influence, that souls may be saved by this humble means!' " 1 Testimonies. 592.

"The press is an instrumentality by which many are reached whom it would be impossible to reach by ministerial effort." Review, July 10. 1883.

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