58
Colporteur Ministry
What Christ was on this earth, the Christian worker should strive
to be. He is our example, not only in His spotless purity, but in His
patience, gentleness, and winsomeness of disposition. His life is an
illustration of true courtesy. He had ever a kind look and a word
of comfort for the needy and the oppressed. His presence brought
a purer atmosphere into the home. His life was as leaven working
amid the elements of society. Pure and undefiled, He walked among
the thoughtless, the rude, the uncourteous; among unjust publicans,
unrighteous Samaritans, heathen soldiers, rough peasants, and the
mixed multitude....
The religion of Jesus softens whatever is hard and rough in the
temper, and smooths whatever is rugged and sharp in the manners.
It makes the words gentle and the demeanor winning. Let us learn
from Christ how to combine a high sense of purity and integrity with
sunniness of disposition. A kind, courteous Christian is the most
powerful argument that can be produced in favor of Christianity.
Kind words are as dew and gentle showers to the soul. The Scrip-
ture says of Christ, that grace was poured into His lips, that He might
“know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.” And the
Lord bids us, “Let your speech be alway with grace” “that it may
minister grace unto the hearers.”
[74]
Some with whom you are brought in contact may be rough and
uncourteous, but do not, because of this, be less courteous yourself.
He who wishes to preserve his own self-respect must be careful not
to wound needlessly the self-respect of others. This rule should be
sacredly observed toward the dullest, the most blundering.—
Gospel
Workers, 121, 122
(1915).
The Saviour’s Voice—The Saviour’s voice was as music to the
ears of those who had been accustomed to the monotonous, spirit-
less preaching of the scribes and Pharisees. He spoke slowly and
impressively, emphasizing those words to which He wished His hear-
ers to give special heed.... The power of speech is of great value, and
the voice should be cultivated for the blessing of those with whom
we come in contact.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students,
240
(1913).
His Words Drew Hearts—We should speak of Christ to those
who know Him not. We should do as Christ did. Wherever He was, in
the synagogue, by the wayside, in the boat thrust out a little from the