The printing press and the gospel...

Preface

'T'HE proclamation of the good tidings of the gospel by an ■*■ organized movement to distribute large quantities of literature is not a new method of Christian service. Faithful servants of God for centuries have marked out the way before us. The courage and devotion, the sacrifice and success, of the printers and colporteurs who have pioneered the way for other great religious movements, are an inspiration to us who are called of God to proclaim the gospel in its final setting to all the world in this generation.

This little book is made up very largely of quotations from histories, biographical sketches, incidents in the lives of Christian workers, stories of God's providences, and the experiences, achievements, and successes of other servants of the Master who have published the gospel by the distribution of the printed page.

It is the outgrowth of the author's desire to pass on to others some of the good things that have fallen into his hands during twenty-five years of service in this department of Christian effort. It is intended as a recruiting agent for gospel workers. There are thousands of men and women, and boys and girls, who are laboring faithfully and successfully in various departments of the world's work, who might become successful, soul-winning colporteurs if they realized the power of God to help them, and what a precious privilege it is to give one's self in service for the lost.

That the Spirit of God may accompany this little messenger, and so impress its appeal upon the hearts of its readers that they will hear in trumpet tones the Saviour 's invitation to labor, and obey his command, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature," is the sincere prayer of the author.

E. R. Palmer.

Takoma Park, Washington, D. C, "July, 1012.

Contents

PAGE

I The Beginning of Modern Printing . . . . 13

II Literature and the Reformation 29