Basic HTML Version
260
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
thoughts of the Redeemer’s love. By this work, the canvasser can
scatter the seeds of truth, causing the light from the word of God to
shine into many minds.
Does Not Belittle the Gospel Minister
I sincerely hope that no mind will receive the impression that
it belittles a minister of the gospel to canvass. Hear the apostle
Paul’s testimony: “Ye know, from the first day that I came into
Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving
the Lord with humility of mind, and with many tears, and tempta-
tions, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how
I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed
you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testi-
fying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward
God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” The eloquent Paul, to
whom God manifested Himself in a wonderful manner, went from
house to house, with all humility of mind and with many tears and
temptations.
A Most Precious Ministry
I have been shown that the most precious ministry can be done
by canvassing, and that by ministers. By doing this work, they will
obtain a varied experience and will be doing the very work that
the apostle Paul did. I copy an extract from an appeal made to our
brethren in regard to canvassing for our periodicals and books: “The
canvassing work is an important field for labor: and the intelligent,
God-fearing, truth-loving canvasser occupies a position equal to that
of the gospel minister. Then should the canvasser feel at liberty,
any more than the ordained minister, to act from selfish motives?
[318]
Should he be unfaithful to all the principles of missionary work,
and sell only those books that are cheapest and easiest to handle,
neglecting to place before the people the books which will give most
light, because by so doing he can earn more money for himself? The
canvassing work is a missionary work, and the field must be worked
from a missionary standpoint. Selfish principles, love of dignity
and position, should not be once named among us. The thought of
seeking to become the greatest should never come into our minds.”