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The Colporteur Evangelist
though you had a sacred charge. You should be Bible students, ever
ready to give to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is
in you. By your true Christian dignity give evidence that you know
you have a truth that it is for the interest of the people to hear. If this
truth is inwrought in the soul, it will manifest itself in the countenance
and demeanor, in a calm, noble self-possession and peace which the
Christian alone can possess.
Not to Rely on Premiums
Those who have genuine humility, and whose minds have been
expanded by the truths unfolded in the gospel, will have an influence
that will be felt. They will make an impression upon minds and hearts,
and they will be respected by the larger number, even of those who
have no sympathy with their faith. With the truths of the Bible and our
valuable papers they will have success, for the Lord will open the way
before them. But to urge our papers upon the people by means of gifts
and premiums does not have a permanent influence for good. If our
workers would go forth relying upon the truths of the Bible, with the
love of Christ and of souls in their hearts, they would accomplish more
in obtaining permanent subscribers than by depending upon premiums
or low prices. The prominence given to these inducements to take the
paper gives the impression that it cannot possess real merit in itself.
The results would be better if the paper were made prominent and the
money spent for premiums were reserved to distribute a few copies
[51]
free. When premiums are offered, some may be induced to take the
paper who otherwise would not, but others will refuse to subscribe
because they think it a speculation. If the canvasser would present the
merits of the paper itself, with his heart uplifted to God for success,
and would depend less upon premiums, more would be accomplished.
Canvass to Diffuse Light
In this age the trivial is praised and magnified. There is a call for
anything that will create a sensation and make sales. The country is
flooded with utterly worthless publications, which were written for
the sake of making money, while really valuable books are unsold and
unread. Those who handle this sensational literature because by so