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The Colporteur Evangelist
doing his work with tact and in a humble, prayerful spirit. He should
be familiar with the word of God and have words at his command
to unfold the precious truth and to show the great value of the pure
reading matter he carries.
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Dangerous to Do Careless Work
Well may everyone feel an individual responsibility in this work.
Well may he consider how he may best arrest the attention, for his
manner of presenting the truth may decide the destiny of a soul. If
he makes a favorable impression, his influence may be to that soul a
savor of life unto life; and that one person, enlightened in regard to
the truth, may enlighten many others. Therefore it is dangerous to do
careless work in dealing with minds.
The Work High and Elevating
The canvassing work is God’s means of reaching many that would
not otherwise be impressed with the truth. The work is a good one, the
object high and elevating; and there should be a corresponding dignity
of deportment. The canvasser will meet men of varied minds. He will
meet those who are ignorant and debased and can appreciate nothing
that does not bring them money. These will be abusive, but he should
not heed them. His good nature should never fail; he should take a
cheerful, hopeful view of every perplexity. He will meet those who
are bereaved, disheartened, and sore and wounded in spirit. He will
have many opportunities of speaking to these kind words and words of
courage, hope, and faith. He may be a wellspring to refresh others if he
will; but, in order to do this, he must himself draw from the Fountain
of living truth.
Care in Selecting Workers
The canvassing work is more important than many have regarded
it, and as much care and wisdom must be used in selecting the workers
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as in selecting men for the ministry. Young men can be trained to
do much better work than has been done and on much less pay than
many have received. Lift up the standard, and let the self-denying and
the self-sacrificing, the lovers of God and of humanity, join the army