Qualifications of the Canvasser
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mind in such a condition that God can impress it with the precious
truths of His word.
Thus you will have an influence upon others. Many try to correct
the lives of others by attacking what they regard as wrong habits. They
go to those whom they think in error, and point out defects, but do not
put forth earnest, tactful effort in directing the mind to true principles.
Such a course often fails of securing the desired results. In trying
to correct others, we too often arouse their combativeness, and thus
do more harm than good. Do not watch others in order to point out
their faults or errors. Teach by example. Let your self-denial and your
victory over appetite be an illustration of obedience to right principles.
Let your life bear witness to the sanctifying, ennobling influence of
truth.
Enduring Hardness
He who in his work meets with trials and temptations, should profit
by these experiences, learning to lean more decidedly upon God. He
should feel his dependence every moment. No complaint should be
cherished in his heart or be uttered by his lips. When successful, he
should take no glory to himself, for his success is due to the working
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of God’s angels upon the heart. And let him remember that both
in the time of encouragement and the time of discouragement, the
heavenly messengers are always beside him. He should acknowledge
the goodness of the Lord, praising Him with cheerfulness.
* * * * *
Whatever your work, dear brethren and sisters, do it for the Master,
and do your best. Do not overlook present, golden opportunities and
let your life prove a failure, while you sit idly dreaming of ease and
success in a work for which God has not fitted you. Do the work that
is nearest. Do it, even though it may be amid the perils and hardships
of the missionary field. Look at the Waldenses. See what plans they
devised, and what hardships they willingly endured that the light of the
gospel might shine into benighted minds. Christ laid aside His glory,
and came to this earth to suffer for sinners. If we meet with hardships
in our work, let us look to Him who is the Author and Finisher of