Fragments
81
In evangelistic canvassing, young men may become better prepared
for ministerial labor than by spending many years in school. 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.
Induced by Financial Prospects
But many are attracted into the canvassing work to sell books and
pictures that do not express our faith, and do not give light to the
purchaser. They are induced to do this because the financial prospects
[94]
are more flattering than those that can be offered them as licentiates.
These persons are obtaining no special fitness for the gospel ministry.
They are not gaining that experience which would fit them for the
work. They are not learning to bear the burden of souls and daily
obtaining a knowledge of the most successful way of winning people
to the truth. They are losing time and opportunities.
Worldly Stamp of Character
These men are frequently turned aside from the convictions of the
Spirit of God, and receive a worldly stamp of character, forgetting how
much they owe to the Lord, who gave His life for them. They use
their powers for their own selfish interests, and refuse to labor in the
vineyard of the Lord.—
Manual for Canvassers, 41-43
.
Not All to Work for One Book
It has been urged as the best policy that only one book at a time
should have a place in the canvassing field—that all the canvassers
should work for the same book. Could this be done, it would not
be wise nor expedient. No one book should be carried exclusively
and kept before the public as if it could supply every demand for this
time. If the Lord has light for His people, brought out in different
ways in various books, who shall venture to put up barriers so that the
light shall not be diffused throughout the world? The Lord desires our
brethren to devise plans so that the light He has given shall not be hid
[95]
in our publishing-houses, but shall shine forth to enlighten all who
will receive it.