Relationships Within the Church
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the intelligent, God-fearing, truth-loving canvasser occupies a position
equal to that of the gospel minister. Then should the canvasser feel
at liberty, any more than the ordained minister, to act from selfish
motives? Should he be unfaithful to all the principles of missionary
work, and sell only those books that are cheapest and easiest to handle,
neglecting to place before the people the books which will give most
light, because by so doing, he can earn more money for himself?—
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 317, 318
.
Do not flatter good colporteurs into becoming poor minis-
ters—In all parts of the field canvassers should be selected, not from
the floating element in society, not from among men and women who
are good for nothing else and have made a success of nothing, but
from among those who have good address, tact, keen foresight, and
ability. Such are needed to make a success as colporteurs, canvassers,
and agents. Men suited to this work undertake it, but some injudicious
minister will flatter them that their gift should be employed in the desk
instead of simply in the work of the colporteur. Thus this work is
belittled. They are influenced to get a license to preach; and the very
ones who might have been trained to make good missionaries to visit
families at their homes and talk and pray with them are caught up to
make poor ministers; and the field where so much labor is needed,
[111]
and where so much good might be accomplished for the cause, is
neglected. The efficient colporteur, as well as the minister, should
have a sufficient remuneration for his services if his work is faithfully
done.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:389
.
Business Administrators
Finances should be managed by those not set aside for preach-
ing—The finances of the cause are to be properly managed by busi-
nessmen of ability; but preachers and evangelists are set apart for
another line of work. Let the management of financial matters rest on
others than those set apart for the work of preaching the gospel. Our
ministers are not to be heavily burdened with the business details of
the evangelical work carried on in our large cities. Those in charge
of our conferences should find businessmen to look after the financial
details of city work. If such men cannot be found, let facilities be