God’s Plan for Students and Youth
249
are not prepared to enter a field in which the powerful influences
of talent and education combat the truths of God’s word. Neither
can they successfully meet the strange forms of error, religious and
philosophical combined, to expose which requires a knowledge of
scientific as well as Scriptural truth.—
Testimonies for the Church
5:390
.
Financial Help for Prospective Canvassers—It should be made
a part of gospel labor to help forward promising young men who give
evidence that the love of truth and righteousness has a constraining
influence upon them, leading them to dedicate themselves to the work
of God, as medical missionaries, as canvassers, as evangelists. Let a
fund be established to carry this work forward. Then let those who
have received help go forth to minister to the sick and suffering. This
work will surely open the way for the balm of Gilead to be applied to
sin-sick souls.—
Selected Messages 2:208
.
Blessings of Canvassing to Young Ministers—Should not our
ministers study this question? Many of our young ministers, if truly
converted, would do much good by entering the canvassing field. They
would there obtain an experience in faith. Their knowledge of the
Scriptures would greatly increase, because as they imparted to others
the light given them, they would receive more to impart. Let them enter
the canvassing field and see what they can do in the way of producing.
By meeting people and presenting to them our publications, they will
[288]
gain an experience which they could not gain by simply preaching. As
they go from house to house, they can converse with those whom they
meet, carrying with them the fragrance of Christ’s life.—
Manuscript
10, 1900
.
Practical Work Rather Than Years of Study—There are many
young men and young women among us who, if inducements were
held out, would naturally be inclined to take several years’ course of
study at Battle Creek. [
Not all the youth who labor for God require
extended college and advanced study and preparation. The canvassing
field is itself a classroom.
] But will it pay? Has not the Lord some
practical work to do in missionary lines? Manly young men will be
needed to enter the printing office when it is established in Washington,
to learn the printer’s trade. Our publications are to be prepared to go
forth to the world. Canvassers are to be educated to take up the work