Chapter 4—Selection of Colporteur Evangelists
Those Who Feel Burden of Service—Since canvassing for our
literature is a missionary work, it should be conducted from a mis-
sionary standpoint. Those selected as canvassers should be men and
women who feel the burden of service, whose object is not to get gain,
but to give light to the people. All our service is to be done to the glory
of God, to give the light of truth to those who are in darkness. Selfish
principles, love of gain, dignity, or position, should not be once named
among us.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:317
(1900).
Care in Selecting Workers—The canvassing work is more impor-
tant than many have regarded it, and as much care and wisdom must
be used in selecting the workers 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 of workers. Let them come, not expecting
ease, but to be brave and of good courage under rebuffs and hardships.
Let those come who can give a good report of our publications because
they themselves appreciate their value.—
Testimonies for the Church
5:405, 406
(1885).
[27]
Our brethren should show discretion in selecting canvassers and
colporteurs, unless they have made up their minds to have the truth
misapprehended and misrepresented. They should give all real workers
good wages; but the sum should not be increased to buy canvassers, for
this course hurts them. It makes them selfish and spendthrifts. Seek
to impress them with the spirit of true missionary work and with the
qualifications necessary to ensure success. The love of Jesus in the
soul will lead the canvasser to feel it a privilege to labor to diffuse
light. He will study, plan, and pray over the matter.—
Testimonies for
the Church 5:403
(1885).
Some Better Adapted Than Others—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
24