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Manual for Canvassers
Canvassers should be impressed with the fact that the canvassing
work is the very work the Lord desires them to do. They should
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remember that they are in the service of God.
Painstaking effort is required; instruction must be given; a sense
of the importance of the work must be kept before the workers. All
must cherish the spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice that has been
exemplified in the life of our Redeemer.
Let canvassers read the sixth chapter of Isaiah, and take its lesson
home to their hearts:
“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of
unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for
mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the
seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken
with the tongs from off the altar; and he laid it upon my mouth, and
said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away,
and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom
shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
Isaiah 6:5-8
.
This representation will be acted over and over again. The Lord
desires to have many take part in this grand work, those who are
consecrated, whose hearts are humble, and who are willing to engage
in any line that demands their service.
Energy and Courage
Among the people who profess present truth there is not a mis-
sionary spirit corresponding to our faith. The ring of the true gold
in character is wanting. Christian life is more than many take it to
be. It does not consist in mere gentleness, patience, meekness, and
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kindliness. These graces are essential; but there is need of courage,
decision, energy, and perseverance also. Many who engage in the
work of canvassing are weak, nerveless, spiritless, easily discouraged.
They lack push. They have not those positive traits of character that
give men power to do something,—the spirit and energy that kindle
enthusiasm. The canvasser is engaged in an honorable business, and
he should not act as if he were ashamed of it. If he desires that success
shall attend his efforts, he must be courageous and hopeful.