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Colporteur Ministry
them before they claimed to be Christians. Of them it may be said that
God is not in their thoughts; He has no abiding place in their hearts.
There is a littleness, an earthliness, a debasement in their character
and deportment, that testifies against them that they are walking in the
way of their own hearts and in the sight of their own eyes. They will
not practice self-denial, but are determined to enjoy life. The heavenly
treasure has no attractions for them; all their tastes are downward, not
upward. Friends and relatives cannot elevate such persons, for they
have not a mind to despise the evil and choose the good.—
Testimonies
for the Church 5:402
(1885).
Chaste, Meek, Temperate—Canvassers need self-culture and pol-
ished manners, not the affected and artificial manners of the world,
but the agreeable manners that are the natural result of kindness of
heart and a desire to copy the example of Christ. They should cultivate
thoughtful, care-taking habits,—habits of industry and discretion,—
and should seek to honor God by making of themselves all that it is
possible for them to become. Jesus made an infinite sacrifice to place
them in right relations to God and to their fellow men, and divine aid
combined with human effort will enable them to reach a high stan-
dard of excellence. The canvasser should be chaste like Joseph, meek
like Moses, and temperate like Daniel; then a power will attend him
wherever he goes.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:396
(1885).
Pleasing Dress and Manners—We now have great facilities for
spreading the truth; but our people are not coming up to the privileges
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given them. They do not in every church see and feel the necessity
of using their abilities in saving souls. They do not realize their duty
to obtain subscribers for our periodicals, including our health journal,
and to introduce our books and pamphlets. Men should be at work who
are willing to be taught as to the best way of approaching individuals
and families. Their dress should be neat, but not foppish, and their
manners such as not to disgust the people. There is a great want of
true politeness among us as a people. This should be cultivated by all
who take hold of the missionary work.—
Testimonies for the Church
4:391, 392
(1880).
Untidiness in dress brings a reproach against the truth we profess to
believe. You should consider that you are a representative of the Lord
Jesus Christ. Let the whole life be in harmony with Bible truth.... This
is not a matter of but little consequence; for it affects your influence