Canvassing Work in East Pennsylvania by J. H. McEachern

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 21, 1912

Canvassing Work in East Pennsylvania

By J. H. McEachern

THE canvassing work in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference is onward. Our president, Elder W. H. Heckman, is giving this department his hearty support. His practical talks given at the institute held in Reading from February 20 to 29 gave prestige to our work and courage to the workers. The efficient help of Elders I. G. Bigelow and R. E. Harter and Brother A. J. S. Bourdeau contributed much to the success of the institute, and to the spiritual uplift of the Reading church. As a result of the evening meetings and the personal work of the canvassers, some have already accepted the truth, and request baptism.

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA CANVASSERS' INSTITUTE, READING, PA., FEB. 20-29, 1912

There were in attendance at the institute twenty-three promising workers. These all intend to devote considerable time to the sale of our literature. Seventeen signed contracts to begin work within a few weeks: one with “Heralds of the Morning,” two with “Practical Guide to Health,” four with “Daniel and the Revelation,” five with “Coming King,” and five with “Great Controversy.” A cut of these workers accompanies this article.

I praise God for this band of self-supporting missionaries. Their faithfulness will mean much to the unwarned people of Pennsylvania. The work of the canvasser-evangelist is fraught with wonderful possibilities for good. In a special sense he fulfils the commission: “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in.” Only those who are connected with God and who feel a burden for souls can be truly successful. To such, divine aid is promised.

As the canvasser meets the people, he finds that the Lord has prepared their hearts. “Behold,” says Jesus, “I stand at the door and knock.” Then as the worker sits by his customer showing the wonderful truths of his book, the Divine Canvasser pleads with that soul, saying: “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed; . . . and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see.” Thousands have already been made truly rich through the influence of our literature. Many who read this article can testify to the blessings brought to them by the canvasser. The books they purchased contained the “eye-salve” which opened to their understanding the beauties of the “everlasting gospel.” Millions of others are still in darkness. “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.”

J. H. McEACHERN.