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Manual for Canvassers
Some who labor in the canvassing field have a zeal that is not
according to knowledge. Because of their lack of wisdom, because
they have been so much inclined to act the minister and theologian, it
has been almost a necessity to place restrictions upon our canvassers.
When the Lord’s voice calls, “Whom shall I send, and who will go
for us?” the divine Spirit puts it into hearts to respond, “Here am I;
send me.”
Isaiah 6:8
. But bear in mind that the live coal from the
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altar must first touch your lips and cleanse you from all impurity. Then
the words you speak will be wise and holy words. Then you will
have wisdom to know what to say and what to leave unsaid. You will
not try to reveal your smartness as theologians. You will be careful
not to arouse a combative spirit or excite prejudice by introducing
controverted points of doctrine. You will find enough to talk about
that will not excite opposition, but that will open the heart to desire a
deeper knowledge of God’s word.
The Lord desires you to be soul-winners; therefore, while you
should not force doctrinal points upon the people, you should “be
ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason
of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”
1 Peter 3:15
.
Why fear?—Fear lest your words should savor of self-importance, lest
unadvised words be spoken, lest the words and manner should not
be after Christ’s likeness. Connect firmly with Christ, and present
the truth as it is in Him. Work as Paul worked. Wherever he was,
whether before scowling Pharisee or Roman authority, rich or poor,
learned or ignorant, the cripple at Lystra or the convicted sinners in
the Macedonian dungeon, he lifted up Christ as the One who hates sin
and loves the sinner, the One who bore our sins that He might impart
to us His righteousness.
Hearts can not fail to be touched by the story of the atonement. As
you learn the meekness and lowliness of Christ, you will know what
you should say to the people; for the Holy Spirit will tell you what
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words to speak. Those who realize the necessity of keeping the heart
under the control of the Holy Spirit, will be enabled to sow seed that
will spring up unto eternal life. This is the work of the evangelistic
canvasser.