Our Canvassing Work

AU.1900-09-01.001

We are permitted to use the following article, taken from unpublished manuscript recently written: —

AU.1900-09-01.002

I am awakened to the necessities of the canvassing work. In this work there is need of strong, well-educated, experienced men. It is not a work that every man can do intelligently; and in order to succeed, workers must have proper instruction and training. The Lord desires men to engage in this work who are capable of educating others; and those who have gained an experience in the work have a special duty to do in this line. An interest in the canvassing work should be awakened in promising, consecrated youth, leading them to take up the work, and to conduct it as it should be conducted.

AU.1900-09-01.003

The ministers have their appointed work. The importance of the ministry is to be understood and appreciated. The preaching of the word is one of the means by which the Lord has ordained that his warning message shall be given to the people; but He has other means also. He uses the power of the press in printing papers and books containing the messages of truth. These are essential in the work of carrying forward the gospel. With these he enlightens and confirms men and women, thus strengthening the gospel ministry in every way.

AU.1900-09-01.004

By the work of the canvasser the silent messengers of truth are placed in the homes of the people. The canvassing work, properly conducted, is missionary work of the highest order. We cannot too highly estimate the work of bringing before the people those books which are necessary to their spiritual education and enlightenment.

AU.1900-09-01.005

Those who thus present to the people the claims of God’s law will meet with opposition; but while we are not to despise the transgressors of God’s law, neither are we to fear them, because they are arrayed against the truth of God. Putting our trust in God, we are to go forward in faith, nothing doubting.

AU.1900-09-01.006

We are not to sit still in indifference. We are to work diligently while the day lasts, for the night cometh wherein no man can work. We are to advance in humble dependence upon God, believing His word, and committing ourselves without reserve to His guidance.

AU.1900-09-01.007

Let canvassing evangelists give themselves, without reserve, to be worked by the Holy Spirit. Let them, by persevering prayer, take hold of the power which comes from God, trusting in Him by living faith. His great and effectual influence will be with every true, faithful worker.

AU.1900-09-01.008

He who takes up the work of canvassing as he should, must be both an educator and a student. While he tries to teach others, he must learn to do the work of an evangelist. If he meets with trials and temptations, let him profit by them, learning to lean more decidedly upon God. He should feel his dependence every moment. No complaint should be cherished in his heart, or uttered by his lips. The angels of God are with him both in the time of encouragement and in the time of discouragement. When he is successful, he should take no glory to himself. He should acknowledge the goodness of the Lord, praising Him with sincerity of heart.

AU.1900-09-01.009

A great and good work may be done by evangelistic canvassing. The Lord has given men tact and capabilities; and those who use these entrusted talents to His glory, weaving Bible principles into the work, will be given success. As God blesses the minister and the evangelist in their earnest efforts to place the truth before the people, so He will bless the faithful canvassers. Angels will prepare the way before them. They are to work and pray, putting their trust in Him who will never fail. Mrs. E. G. White. —