Loud Cry Evangelism

Revelation, 18:1, 2, 4

I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with His glory. And He cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 140

And 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.

What work will be accomplished to a large extent by the publishing work?

Get the Message Out

Review and Herald, vol. 1, p. 199

Publications must be multiplied, and scattered like the leaves of autumn. These silent messengers are enlightening and molding the minds of thousands in every country and in every clime.

What are the silent messengers doing?

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 231

The night of trial is nearly spent. Satan is bringing in his masterly power because he knoweth that his time is short. The chastisement of God is upon the world to call all who know the truth to hide in the cleft of the Rock and view the glory of God. The truth must not be muffled now. Plain statements must be made. Unvarnished truth must be spoken, in leaflets and pamphlets, and these must be scattered like the leaves of autumn.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 390

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. Missionary work—introducing our publications into families, conversing, and praying with and for them—is a good work, and one which will educate men and women to do pastoral labor.

What is one work more important than any another? 

Some Only Reached by our Literature

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 87

He [God] gave 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.

Review and Herald, vol. 6, p. 217

The lay members of the church are to share in the work of soul saving. By means of missionary visits, and by a wise distribution of our literature, many who have never been warned may be reached.

Christian Service, p. 153

There are many places in which the voice of the minister cannot be heard, places which can be reached only by publications,—the books, papers, and tracts that are filled with the Bible truth that the people need. Our literature is to be distributed everywhere. The truth is to be sown beside all waters; for we know not which shall prosper, this or that. In our erring judgment we may think it unwise to give literature to the very ones who would accept the truth most readily. We know not what may be the good results of giving away a leaflet containing present truth.

How many places are there that the ministers voice cannot be heard?

How then can they be reached?

Review and Herald, vol. 4, pp. 549, 550

We should treat as a sacred treasure every line of printed matter containing present truth. Even the fragments of a pamphlet or of a periodical should be regarded as of value. Who can estimate the influence that a torn page containing the truths of the third angel's message may have upon the heart of some seeker after truth? Let us remember that somebody would be glad to read all the books and papers we can spare. Every page is a ray of light from heaven, to shine into the highways and the hedges, shedding light upon the pathway of truth.

In the miracle of feeding the multitude with a few loaves and fishes, the food was increased as it passed from Christ to those who accepted it. Thus it will be in the distribution of our publications. God's truth, as it is passed out, will multiply greatly. And as the disciples by Christ's direction gathered up the fragments which remained, that nothing should be lost, so we should treasure every fragment of literature containing the truth for this time.

What will happen as God's truth is passed out? 

The Great Need for Distribution

of Pamphlets and Tracts

Manuscript Release No. 216

Light! Light! Let it shine forth everywhere. It is to be diffused in jots and tittles, here a little and there a little. I have been shown that where the distribution of tracts has been neglected, that much has been lost. Wiser generalship than has yet been displayed should be seen in the work of the Lord.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, pp. 315, 316

Papers and books are the Lord's means of keeping the message for this time continually before the people. In enlightening and confirming souls in the truth, the publications will do a far greater work than can be accomplished by the ministry of the word alone. The silent messengers that are placed in the homes of the people through the work of the canvasser, will strengthen the gospel ministry in every way; for the Holy Spirit will impress minds as they read the books, just as He impresses the minds of those who listen to the preaching of the word. The same ministry of angels attends the books that contain the truth as attends the work of the minister.

Colporteur Ministry, p. 7

When church members realize the importance of the circulation of our literature, they will devote more time to this work. Papers, tracts, and books will be placed in the homes of the people, to preach the gospel in their several lines… the church must give her attention to the canvassing work. This is one way in which she is to shine in the world. Then she will go forth "fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners."

What is one way the church is to shine in the world? 

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 590

I saw that the work of present truth should engage the interest of all. The publication of truth is God's ordained plan, as a means of warning, comforting, reproving, exhorting, or convicting all to whose notice the silent, voiceless messengers may be brought. Angels of God have a part to act in preparing hearts to be sanctified by the truths published, that they may be prepared for the solemn scenes before them.

The publishing work is God's ordained means to accomplish what? 

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 655

The efforts made to get the truth before the people are not half as thorough and extensive as they should be. Not a fiftieth part is now being done to extend the truth that might be done by scattering publications and bringing within the sound of the truth all that can be induced to come.

Review and Herald, vol. 1, p. 238

Satan is busy in this department of his work, scattering literature which is debasing the morals and poisoning the minds of the young. Infidel publications are scattered broadcast throughout the land. Why should not every member of the church be as deeply interested in sending forth publications that will elevate the minds of the people, and bring the truth directly before them? These papers and tracts are for the light of the world, and have often been instrumental in converting souls. Our publications are now sowing the gospel seed, and are instrumental in bringing as many souls to Christ as the preached word. Whole churches have been raised up as the result of their circulation. In this work every disciple of Christ can act a part. Let the leaflets and tracts, the papers and books, go in every direction. Carry with you, wherever you go, a package of select tracts, which you can hand out as you have opportunity. Sell what you can, and lend or give them away as the case may seem to require. Important results will follow.

All Church Members to be Involved

Review and Herald, vol. 4, p. 574

Let every Seventh-day Adventist ask himself, "What can I do to proclaim the third angel's message?" Christ came to this world to give this message to His servant to give to the churches. It is to be proclaimed to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. How are we to give it? The distribution of our literature is one means by which the message is to be proclaimed. Let every believer scatter broadcast tracts and leaflets and books containing the message for this time.

Christian Service, p. 147

Church members, awake to the importance of the circulation of our literature and devote more time to this work. Place in the homes of the people papers, tracts, and books that will preach the gospel in its several lines. There is no time to be lost. Let many give themselves willingly and unselfishly to the canvassing work, and thus help to sound a warning that is greatly needed.

Free Circulation of Small Publications

Publishing Ministry, p. 374

I have been shown that we are not doing our duty in the gratuitous [free] circulation of small publications. There are many honest souls who might be brought to embrace the truth by this means alone.

Counsels on Health, p. 466

Small tracts on the different points of Bible truth applicable to the present time should be printed in different languages and scattered where there is any probability that they would be read. 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 to engage in.

Where should the literature be scattered or distributed?

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 231

The night of trial is nearly spent. Satan is bringing in his masterly power because he knoweth that his time is short. The chastisement of God is upon the world, to call all who know the truth to hide in the cleft of the Rock, and view the glory of God. The truth must not be muffled now. Plain statements must be made. Unvarnished truth must be spoken, in leaflets and pamphlets, and these must be scattered like the leaves of autumn.

A Remarkable Dream

Review and Herald, vol. 1, p. 167

You are not as a people doing one-twentieth part of what might be done in spreading the knowledge of the truth. Very much more can be accomplished by the living preacher with the circulation of papers and tracts than by the preaching of the word alone without the publications. 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.

Youth's Instructor, August 20, 1907

It is our duty now to employ every possible means to help in the proclamation of the truth. We are to work as we have never worked before. The Lord is coming very soon, and we are entering into scenes of calamity. Satanic agencies, though unseen, are working to destroy human life. Now it is our time to work with vigilance. Our books and papers are to be brought to the notice of the people; the gospel of present truth is to be given to our cities without delay. We need to arouse to our duties.

Life Sketches, pp. 216, 217

Tracts, papers, and books, as the case demands, should be circulated in all the cities and villages in the land.

How are we to Get the Printed

Message to the People?

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, pp. 122, 123

We are to give the last warning of God to men, and what should be our earnestness in studying the Bible and our zeal in spreading the light! Let every soul who has received the divine illumination seek to impart it. Let the workers go from house to house, opening the Bible to the people, circulating the publications, telling others of the light that has blessed their own souls. Let literature be distributed judiciously, on the trains, in the street, on the great ships that ply the sea, and through the mails.

The Publishing Ministry, pp. 57, 58

The third angel's message is to be given through gospel literature, and through the living teacher. You who believe the truth for this time, wake up. It is our duty now to employ every possible means to help in the proclamation of the truth. When you are riding on the cars, visiting, conversing with your neighbors–wherever you are, let your light shine forth. Hand out the papers and tracts to those with whom you associate, and speak a word in season, praying that the Holy Ghost will make the seed productive in some hearts, this work will be blessed of God.

Review and Herald, vol. 1, p. 238

Let the leaflets and tracts, the papers and books, go in every direction. Carry with you, wherever you go, a package of select tracts, which you can hand out as you have opportunity. Sell what you can, and lend or give them away as the case may seem to require. Important results will follow.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, pp. 551, 552

I have been shown that we were not doing our duty in the gratuitous circulation of small publications. When you write to a friend, you can enclose one or more without increasing postage. When you meet persons in the trains, on the boat, or in the bus, who seem to have an ear to hear, you can hand them a tract.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 16

From door to door His servants are to proclaim the message of salvation . To every nation, kindred, tongue, and people the tidings of pardon through Christ are to be carried.

Welfare Ministry, p. 97

How can the great work of the third angel's message be accomplished? It must be largely accomplished by persevering, individual effort, by visiting the people in their homes.

List several ways from the above statements that the literature is to be given out.  Can you think of other ways?

Consecration of the Workers

Manuscript 26, 1901

Those who engage in the canvassing work should first give themselves wholly and unreservedly to God.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 602

While the silent messengers of truth should be scattered like the leaves of autumn, our ministers should not make this work a form and leave devotion and true piety out of the question. Ten truly converted, willing-minded, unselfish workers can do more in the missionary field than one hundred who confine their efforts to set forms and preserve mechanical rules, working without deep love for souls.

How can ten people accomplish more than one hundred? 

Manual for Canvassers, pp. 37, 38

No one can be a successful soul-winner till he himself has settled the question of surrender to God . We are individually to put on the Lord Jesus Christ. To each one of us He must become wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. When our faith lays hold upon Christ as our personal Saviour, we shall place Him before others in a new light. And when the people behold Christ as He is, they will not wrangle over doctrine; they will flee to Him for pardon, purity, and eternal life. The difficulty most to be dreaded is that the canvasser who meets these inquiring souls has not himself been converted; that he does not himself know by experience the love of Christ which passes knowledge. If he himself has not this knowledge, how can he tell others the precious old old story? The people need to be taught the very essence of true faith, the way to accept Christ and to confide in Him as their personal Saviour. They need to know how they may follow His steps whithersoever He goes. Let the feet of the worker follow step by step the footprints of Jesus, and mark out no other way in which to proceed heavenward.

What question must be settled to be a successful soul winner?

Heavenly Guidelines and Counsel

for all Workers of the Lord

Manual for Canvassers, p. 37

We need far less controversy, and far more presentation of Christ. Our Redeemer is the center of all our faith and hope. Those who can present His matchless love, and inspire hearts to give Him their best and holiest affections, are doing work that is great and holy.

We need less controversy and more of what?

Manual for Canvassers, p. 37

Often doctrinal subjects are presented with no special effect; for men expect others to press upon them their doctrines; but when the matchless love of Christ is dwelt upon, His grace impresses the heart. There are many who are seeking for light, who know not what they must do to be saved. O, tell them of the love of God, of the sacrifice made on Calvary's cross to save the perishing! Tell them to place their will on the side of God's will; and "if any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God." John 7:17.

Pamphlets in the Concordance, vol. 1, p. 26

Doctrinal points should not be forced upon the people by the canvassers; but if the people lead out by asking questions, give them ‘the reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.' What fear? Fear lest your words should savor of self-importance, lest unadvised words should be spoken. The words and the manners are to be after Christ's likeness.

Manual for Canvassers, p. 12

Our work is to direct minds to the solemn truths for this time. It is only when our hearts are imbued with the spirit of the truths contained in the book we are selling, (same principle as when giving away) and when in humility we call the attention of the people to these truths, that real success will attend our efforts; for it is only then that the Holy Spirit, who convinces of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment, will be present to impress hearts.

When is it that the Holy Spirit will impress hearts?

Review and Herald, vol. 2, p. 395

The canvassing work should be considered as sacred, and those who have unclean hands and defiled hearts should not be encouraged to enter upon it. The angels of God cannot accompany the unconsecrated to the homes of the people.

Colporteur Ministry, p. 37

The canvassing work is a work of great responsibility, and it means much not only to those who are engaged in it, but to the people for whom they labor. Let the canvasser remember that his work is evangelistic in its nature, and that God wants those whom he meets to be saved. Let him keep his heart under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Let him keep the Bible near him for reference, and when an opportunity presents itself to speak words of truth, let him pray for grace to speak wisely, that those to whom he speaks his words may be a savor of life unto life.

Manual for Canvassers, p. 13

Every canvasser has positive and constant need of the angelic ministration; for he has an important work to do, a work that he cannot do in his own strength. Those who are born again, who are willing to be guided by the Holy Spirit,doing in Christ's way that which they can do, those who will work as if they could see the heavenly universe watching them, will be accompanied and instructed by holy angels, who will go before them to the dwellings of the people, preparing the way for them. Such help is far above all the advantages that expensive embellishments are supposed to give.

When is it that angels will accompany us?

Manual for Canvassers, p. 16

The Lord desires everyone to improve to the utmost the talents committed to his trust. He desires the workers in His cause to study His word diligently, that its practical teaching may have a positive bearing upon their lives.

Manual for Canvassers, p. 17

Canvassers should be sent out two and two. Inexperienced workers should be sent out with those of more experience, who can give them help. They can converse together and study the word of life together, praying with and for each other.

Manual for Canvassers, p. 40

The workers should keep the soul constantly uplifted to God in prayer. They are never alone. If they have faith in God, if they realize that to them is committed the work of giving to the people light on Bible subjects, they constantly enjoy the companionship of Christ.…

The Lord Jesus standing by the side of the canvassers, walking with them, is the chief worker. If we recognize Christ as the one who is with us to prepare the way, the Holy Spirit by our side will make impressions in just the lines needed.

The Fruit to be Born at the End

by the Scattering of the Literature Seed

Review and Herald vol. 1, p. 564

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.

Great Controversy, p. 612

The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God. The arguments have been presented. The seed has been sown, and now it will spring up and bear fruit. The publications distributed by missionary workers have exerted their influence, yet many whose minds were impressed have been prevented from fully comprehending the truth or from yielding obedience. Now the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its clearness, and the honest children of God sever the bands which have held them. Family connections, church relations, are powerless to stay them now. Truth is more precious than all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the Lord's side.

Life Sketches, pp. 205, 206

As the preaching of Noah warned, tested, and proved the inhabitants of the world before the flood of waters destroyed them from off the face of the earth, so the truth of God for these last days is doing a similar work of warning, testing, and proving the world. The publications which go forth from the office bear the signet of heaven. They are being scattered all through the land, and are deciding the destiny of souls.

Notes