Canvasser a Gospel Worker
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Reporting
Let those who gain such an experience in working for the Lord
write an account of it for our papers, that others may be encouraged.
Let the canvasser tell of the joy and blessing he has received in his
ministry as an evangelist. These reports should find a place in our
papers; for they are far-reaching in their influence. They will be as
sweet fragrance in the church, a savor of life unto life. Thus it is seen
that God works with those who cooperate with Him. “Gather up the
fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.”
Canvassing a Preparation for the Ministry
There are more difficulties in this work than in some other branches
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of business; but the lessons learned, the tact and discipline acquired,
will fit you for other fields of usefulness, where you can minister to
souls. Those who poorly learn their lesson, and are careless and abrupt
in approaching persons, would show the same want of tact and skill in
dealing with minds, should they enter the ministry.
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Some men whom God was calling to the work of the ministry
have entered the field as canvassers. I have been instructed that this
is an excellent preparation, if their object is to disseminate light, to
bring the truth revealed in God’s word directly to the home circle. In
conversation the way will frequently be opened to speak of the religion
of the Bible. If the work is taken hold of as it should be, families will
be visited, the workers will manifest Christian tenderness and love for
souls, and great good will be the result. This would be an excellent
experience for those who have the ministry in view.
Missionary work—introducing our publications into families, con-
versing and praying with and for them—is a work that will educate
men and women to do pastoral labor.
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In evangelistic canvassing, young men may become better prepared
for ministerial labor than by spending many years in school. Those