Publishing Directed of God

“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.” Testimonies for the Church 1:590.

“Our publishing work was established by the direction of God and under His special supervision. It was designed to accomplish a specific purpose.” Testimonies for the Church 7:138.

“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 co-operation. As the message of truth advances into new fields, it is God’s purpose that the work of establishing new centers shall be constantly going forward.” Testimonies for the Church 7:144.

“Our publications have a most sacred work to do in making clear, simple, and plain the spiritual basis of our faith…. At this time God’s message to the world is to be given with such prominence and power that the people will be brought face to face, mind to mind, heart to heart, with truth. They must be brought to see its superiority over the multitudinous errors that are pushing their way into notice, to supplant, if possible, the word of God for this solemn time.

“The great object of our publications is to exalt God, to call men’s attention to the living truths of His word. God calls upon us to lift up, not our own standard, not the standard of this world, but His standard of truth.” Testimonies for the Church 7:150, 151.

From the very small beginning set on foot by James and Ellen White as related above, the publishing work of the denomination has developed into very great proportions. In 1934 there were 69 printing plants in operation in different parts of the world. From these, literature was being sent forth in 169 languages. A total of 1,090 persons were employed in these plants, and 3,264 field workers were devoting their lives to the sale of this religious literature. For years the annual sales of the literature printed in these institutions have exceeded four millions of dollars in value.AGP 304.1