Chapter 16—Fragments
Selection of Canvassers
Some are better adapted than others for doing a certain work;
therefore it is not correct to think that everyone can be a canvasser.
Some have no special adaptability for this work; but they are not,
because of this, to be regarded as faithless or unwilling. The Lord is
not unreasonable in His requirements. The church is as a garden in
which is a variety of flowers, each with its own peculiarities. Though
in many respects all may differ, yet each has a value of its own.
God does not expect that with their different temperaments His
people will each be prepared for any and every place. Let all remember
that there are varied trusts. It is not the work of any man to prescribe
the work of any other man contrary to his own convictions of duty. It
is right to give counsel and suggest plans; but every man should be left
free to seek direction from God, whose he is and whom he serves.
A Preparation for the Ministry
Some men whom God was calling to the work of the ministry have
entered the field as canvassers. I have been instructed that this is an
excellent preparation if their object is to disseminate light, to bring the
truths of God’s word directly to the home circle. In conversation the
way will often be opened for them to speak of the religion of the Bible.
If the work is entered upon as it should be, families will be visited,
the workers will manifest Christian tenderness and love for souls, and
great good will be the result. This will be an excellent experience for
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any who have the ministry in view.
Those who are fitting for the ministry can engage in no other
occupation that will give them so large an experience as will the
canvassing work.
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