What was the first book that was colporteured?

The first book that was colporteured, or sold door-to-door by canvassers, was "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation" by Uriah Smith. This practice of colportage was significant in the early Adventist movement as it helped to disseminate literature and educate people about the beliefs of the church, particularly the prophetic interpretations found in this book.

"Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation" provided a detailed analysis of the biblical books of Daniel and Revelation, which were central to the theology of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Uriah Smith's work offered insights into prophecy and the symbols found within these books, making complex theological ideas accessible to a broader audience. The colporteurs played a crucial role in the outreach efforts of the church at the time, and this book became a vital tool for promoting the church's views on biblical prophecy and eschatology.

This early emphasis on literature evangelism established a foundation for the continued development of Adventist literature work, which has evolved significantly over the years but maintains the core intent of sharing the church's message through published works.