Qualifications of the Canvasser
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He who is called of God to so sacred a work should feel that its
accomplishment demands all his energies. He should cultivate not only
the passive but the active virtues. While he should give the soft answer
that turns away wrath, the Christian must possess the courage of a hero
to resist evil. With the charity that endures all things, he must have the
force of character which will make his influence a positive power for
good. Into his character must be wrought faith and dependence upon
God. His principles must be firm. He must be noble-spirited, above
all suspicion of meanness.
The canvasser must not be self-inflated. In his association with
others he must not make himself conspicuous, or talk in a boastful
way; for this would disgust intelligent, sensible people. He must not
be selfish, overbearing, or domineering. Very many have settled it
in their minds that they can not read one in a thousand of the books
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that are published; and when the canvasser makes known his business,
the door of the heart often closes firmly against him. Hence the great
need of doing his work with tact, and in a humble, prayerful spirit.
He should be familiar with the word of God, and have words at his
command to unfold the precious truth, and to show the great value of
the pure reading matter he carries.
Well may every one feel a responsibility in this work. Well may he
consider how best to arrest the attention; for his manner of presenting
the truth may decide the destiny of a soul. If he makes a favorable
impression, his influence may be to that soul a savor of life unto life;
and that one person, enlightened in regard to the truth, may enlighten
many others. Therefore it is dangerous to do careless work in dealing
with minds.
The canvassing work is God’s means of reaching many who would
not otherwise be impressed with the truth. The work is a good one, the
object noble and elevating; and there should be a corresponding dignity
of deportment. The canvasser will meet men of varied minds. He will
meet those who are ignorant and debased, and who can appreciate
nothing that does not bring them money. These will often be abusive;
but his good nature should never fail. He should take a cheerful,
hopeful view of every perplexity. He will meet those who are bereaved,
disheartened, and sore and wounded in spirit. To these he will have
many opportunities of speaking kind words, words of courage, hope,
and faith. He may, if he will, be a well-spring to refresh others; but
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