Chapter 3—The Canvasser A Gospel Worker
The intelligent, God-fearing, truth-loving canvasser should be re-
spected; for he occupies a position equal to that of the gospel minister.
Many of our young ministers and those who are fitting for the ministry
would, if truly converted, do much good by working in the canvassing
field. And by meeting the people and presenting to them our publica-
tions they would gain an experience which they cannot gain by simply
preaching. As they went from house to house they could converse with
the people, carrying with them the fragrance of Christ’s life. In thus
endeavoring to bless others they would themselves be blessed; they
would obtain an experience in faith; their knowledge of the Scriptures
would greatly increase; and they would be constantly learning how to
win souls for Christ.
All our ministers should feel free to carry with them books to
dispose of wherever they go. Wherever a minister goes, he can leave
a book in the family where he stays, either selling it or giving it to
them. Much of this work was done in the early history of the message.
Ministers acted as colporteurs, using the means obtained from the
sale of the books to help in the advancement of the work in places
where help was needed. These can speak intelligently in regard to this
method of work; for they have had an experience in this line.
Let none think that it belittles a minister of the gospel to engage
in canvassing as a means of carrying truth to the people. In doing this
work he is laboring in the same manner as did the apostle Paul, who
[16]
says: “Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what
manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all
humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell
me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing
that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught
you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews,
and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our
Lord Jesus Christ.”
Acts 20:18-21
. The eloquent Paul, to whom God
18