That the pen is mightier than the sword is an axiom that has proved to be true in all ages. I believe that during the closing scenes of earth's history we shall see more than ever before the value of the printed page in heralding the message of a soon-coming Saviour. Inspiration brings this message:
"God will soon do great things for us, if we lie humble and believing at His feet. . . . More than one thousand will soon be converted in one day, most of whom will trace their first convictions to the reading of our publications."—Review and Herald, Nov. 10, 1885.
When we follow the blueprint we are assured of success. The blueprint reads, "If there is one work more important than another, it is that of getting our publications before the public, thus leading them to search the Scriptures."— Colporteur Evangelist, p. 80.
We believe the colporteur evangelist is to coordinate his labors with the evangelist and the pastor. There are several effective ways of doing this.
I find it helpful in my evangelistic work to have a small card printed announcing our campaign, giving the nights on which meetings are being held and other details, and placing the name of the colporteur at the bottom of the card to identify him as our field representative. The colporteur leaves these cards at every home he visits. Sometimes I introduce the colporteur to my evangelistic audience.
When a careful coordination between dolporteur and evangelist is worked out, we are always able at the close of the evangelistic campaign to see new converts who are the direct result of their combined labors.
The literature ministry was used as a spearhead for the Reformation. At Wittenberg today in Luther's church there can be seen in a glass-topped table different samples of literature that he used in the proclamation of his message. It was his circulation of literature that made the Reformation such a mighty force. Yes, truly Luther did fling the printed page over Germany. "His pen was never idle. . . . A host of tracts, issuing from his pen, circulated throughout Germany."—The Great Controversy, p. 169.
Luther knew that the pen was mightier than the sword. None valued more than Luther the invention of printing. " "Printing," said he, "is the latest and greatest gift by which God enables us to advance the things of the gospel." . . The ideas had long been born, but printing gave them wings.'"—Publishing Department Story, p. 12.
In our last tabernacle effort in Tacoma, Washington, we had the thrilling experience of seeing a Catholic priest attend some of our lectures. It was discovered that for a year he had been receiving, under an assumed name, the Signs of the Times. This priest engaged someone to go to our local Book and Bible House almost every week and purchase our publications for him. As a result he now owns most of our denominational books. In discussing the doctrines of our faith with this priest, we discovered that he was well instructed on all points of our message, and all this through the reading of our literature.
Recently we were asked to move to Centralia to hold another campaign. Upon moving to this district we learned that this priest was planning on baptism within a month, and wants to devote his life to colporteur work among Catholic people. It is experiences like this one that convince me that we must be nearing the time when "more than one thousand will soon be converted in one day, most of whom will trace their first convictions to the reading of our publications." Brethren, what the world needs today is to be flooded with our literature, which bears the last warning message for a needy world.
A Prayer (at ordination)*
The labor of Thy servant seal
With Thine own Spirit's might. A workman unashamed by day,
A watchman through the night.
His hands to pluck a burning brand, The uttermost in need.
Ne'er may he quench the smoking flax, Nor break a bruised reed.
Ordained for men to offer gifts,
Yea! Pearl of great price.
Ordained for God much fruit to bring,
A living sacrifice.
Transform his tongue—a tree of life,
His heart a fount of tears.
Hold in the hollow of Thy hands,
Dispel his doubts and fears.
Awake his ears, his lips anoint—
For clearer visions yearn.
Jesus! his theme--Christ crucified!
Soon, certain Christ's return!
Sustain Thy servant, Saviour dear,
Set as a flint his face;
Till he lays low at Thy dear feet
Rich trophies of Thy grace.
—Mrs. M. H. COOPER.