Selection of Colporteur Evangelists
25
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.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:333, 334
(1900).
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Young men and young women who should be engaged in the
ministry, in Bible work, and in the canvassing work should not be
bound down to mechanical employment.—
The Review and Herald,
May 16, 1912
.
Men of Good Address, Tact, and Foresight—Missionaries are
wanted everywhere. In all parts of the field canvassers should be
selected, not from the floating element in society, not from among
men and women who are good for nothing else and have made a
success of nothing, but from among those who have good address,
tact, keen foresight, and ability. Such are needed to make a success as
colporteurs, canvassers, and agents. Men suited to this work undertake
it, but some injudicious minister will flatter them that their gift should
be employed in the desk instead of simply in the work of the colporteur.
Thus this work is belittled. They are influenced to get a license to
preach; and the very ones who might have been trained to make good
missionaries to visit families at their homes and talk and pray with them
are caught up to make poor ministers; and the field where so much
labor is needed, and where so much good might be accomplished for
the cause, is neglected. The efficient colporteur, as well as the minister,
should have a sufficient remuneration for his services if his work is
faithfully done.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:389, 390
(1880).
Those of the Best Talent—Everyone is not fitted for this work.
Those of the best talent and ability, who will take hold of the work
understandingly and systematically, and carry it forward with perse-
vering energy, are the ones who should be selected. There should be a
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most thoroughly organized plan; and this should be faithfully carried