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The Colporteur Evangelist
influence over others. Never lose sight of the fact that you belong to
God, that He has bought you with a price, and you must render an
account to Him for all His entrusted talents. No one should have any
part in the work of the canvasser or colporteur whose hand is defiled
with sin or whose heart is not right with God, for such persons will
surely dishonor the cause of truth. Those who are workers in the
missionary field need God to guide them. They should be careful to
start right and then keep quietly and firmly on in the path of rectitude.
They should be decided, for Satan is determined and persevering in
his efforts to overthrow them.
Periodical Subscriptions
A mistake has been made in soliciting subscriptions for our peri-
odicals for only a few weeks, when by a proper effort much longer
subscriptions might have been obtained. One yearly subscription is of
more value than many for a short time. When the paper is taken for
only a few months, the interest often ends with the short subscription.
Few renew their subscriptions for a longer period, and thus there is a
large outlay of time that brings small returns, when, with a little more
tact and perseverance, yearly subscriptions might have been obtained.
You strike too low, brethren; you are too narrow in your plans. You do
not put into your work all the tact and perseverance that it deserves.
[48]
There are more difficulties in this work than in some other branches of
business; but the lessons that will be learned, the tact and discipline
that will be acquired, will fit you for other fields of usefulness, where
you may minister to souls. Those who poorly learn their lesson, and
are careless and abrupt in approaching persons, would show the same
defects of manner, the same want of tact and skill in dealing with
minds, should they enter the ministry.
Short Subscriptions a Mistake
While short subscriptions are accepted, some will not make the
effort necessary to obtain them for a longer time. Canvassers should
not go over the ground in a careless, unconcerned manner. They should
feel that they are God’s workmen, and the love of souls should lead
them to make every effort to enlighten men and women in regard to the