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Means and Methods
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know how they appear to them when seen from their standpoint;
for circumstances may be so vividly impressed upon your mind,
that it is impossible for you to give an all-sided judgment. Let your
plans be closely investigated; and with earnest prayer commit your
case to Him who knoweth all things. Counsel together. Let not the
whisperings of your own mind or of other minds close the door of
your heart against the counsel of the Lord’s servants.
August 9, 1896. I have written this to you because it is a serious
matter, involving serious consequences, which will affect future
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work in other localities. Brother-----needs no flattering words from
you; for he has a full estimation of his own abilities and makes them
appear by demeriting others. He does not realize that he is seeking to
be first. He is not prepared to take upon himself the responsibilities
of a minister of the gospel; for he needs a humble and a contrite
spirit. He needs to continue to give Bible readings, and when his
brethren see that he is fitted to become a preacher of the gospel, this
will be made manifest. You need caution.
The Canvassing Work
I cannot see why the canvassing work is not as good and suc-
cessful a work as can be done for the Lord. Canvassers can become
acquainted with the people, they can pray with them, and can un-
derstand their true necessities. From the light which God has given
me, there is much responsibility resting upon the canvassers. They
should go to their work prepared to explain the Scriptures, and noth-
ing should be said or done to bind their hands. If they put their trust
in the Lord as they travel from place to place, the angels of God will
be round about them, giving them words to speak which will bring
light and hope and courage to many souls. Were it not for the work
of the canvasser, many would never hear the truth.
The canvasser should carry with him books and pamphlets and
tracts to give away to those who cannot buy books from him. In this
way the truth can be introduced into many homes.
Of all the gifts which God has given to man, none is more noble
or a greater blessing than the gift of speech, if it is sanctified by the
Holy Spirit. It is with the tongue we convince and persuade; with
it we offer prayer and praise to God; and with it we convey rich
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