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Manual for Canvassers
elevating and purifying the soul through obedience to the truth. They
will have a true sense of the value of the soul, and will make the most
of every opportunity to make known the riches of the grace of Christ.
Let the canvasser go forth with the prayer upon his lips, “Lord, what
wilt Thou have me to do?” Let him labor as in the sight of God, and
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in the presence of heavenly angels; let him desire in all things to be
approved by God; and his work will not be fruitless.
We need far less controversy, and far more presentation of Christ.
Our Redeemer is the center of all our faith and hope. Those who
can present His matchless love, and inspire hearts to give Him their
best and holiest affections, are doing work that is great and holy. By
diligence in canvassing, by faithfully presenting to the people the cross
of Calvary, the canvasser doubles his usefulness.
But while we present these methods of work, we can not lay out
an undeviating line for every one to follow. Circumstances alter cases.
God will impress those who are longing for guidance. He will say to
His human agent, “Speak to this one or that one of the love of Jesus.”
No sooner is the name of Jesus mentioned in love and tenderness than
angels of God draw near, to soften and subdue the heart.
Often doctrinal subjects are presented with no special effect; for
men expect others to press upon them their doctrines; but when the
matchless love of Christ is dwelt upon, His grace impresses the heart.
There are many who are sincerely seeking for light, who know not
what they must do to be saved. O, tell them of the love of God, of the
sacrifice made on Calvary’s cross to save the perishing! Tell them to
place their will on the side of God’s will; and “if any man will do His
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will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God.”
John 7:17
.
No one can be a successful soul-winner till he himself has settled
the question of surrender to God. We are individually to put on the
Lord Jesus Christ. To each one of us He must become wisdom, righ-
teousness, sanctification, and redemption. When our faith lays hold
upon Christ as our personal Saviour, we shall place Him before others
in a new light. And when the people behold Christ as He is, they will
not wrangle over doctrines; they will flee to Him for pardon, purity,
and eternal life.
The difficulty most to be dreaded is that the canvasser who meets
these inquiring souls has not himself been converted; that he does not
himself know by experience the love of Christ which passes knowledge.