V. O. COLE by V. O. Cole

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Dec 29, 1910

V. O. COLE

By V. O. Cole

Success

V. O. COLE

Success in life is not a “happen so.” It does not come by chance, but by the working out of divine principles through the operation of natural laws. These principles apply in any kind of work; so when we launch out into the realities of life, and do not adhere to them, and make a failure, it is not fair to lay it to the special work, or even to the capabilities of the individual.

There are certain principles which, if carried out, will make for success in any legitimate work; but when they are violated, we do away with the legitimate means, and the opposite results are obtained.

Take, for instance, the merchant. The law of success in his work requires, first, that he has fully made up his mind to do that work. “Let there be first a willing mind,” applies to the spiritual as well as to the temporal things of life. This law also requires that he become familiar with his business; that he locate his store in the most popular part of the city; that he study how to make the best bargains in purchasing his goods; that he mark his selling prices so that a reasonable profit is obtained. It requires that he keep accurate accounts, so as to tell where the profits are made, and where the leaks are; that he be at his business early and late; that he use courtesy and tact in dealing with his customers, and endeavor to win their respect and confidence. It requires that he carry a stock of goods that recommend themselves, and that are worth their price; also that the merchant take care of his bank account, and not foolishly spend his means, etc.

These principles, if carried out, are sure to win success in the commercial world. The same principles, if carried out, will also bring success in canvassing, or in any other work. Away with the thought that success in life comes by chance.

The law that makes for success in the canvassing field requires, first of all, that we make up our minds to do that work,—that there be first a willing mind. Then we must throw the whole soul into it. It requires that we get acquainted with our business, and master it; for it is of little profit to “run without a message.” It requires that we learn to love our work, and not to go at it just as a “bridge over.” It requires that we be at it early and late. Time is the canvasser’s capital stock; and if he lets that go to waste, he will go into bankruptcy, and his business will come to naught. It requires that he show Christian courtesy to all; that he dwell in the sunshine of life, and keep out of the shadows; that he push his work forward with faith and courage and in a systematic way; and above all, that there be a daily seeking after God for wisdom, strength, and power. This builds up the character of the man as well as the prosperity of his work.

Our Customers

In behalf of our customers, there are also certain laws governing and controlling their lives that will have to be met, if we are successful in our work. This is where the power of adaptability and the gift of discernment are brought into use. Paul no doubt referred to this when he said that he was “made all things to all men,” that he might by all means save some.

There are some who will be especially interested in the prophecies; while others prefer something of a historical nature. Some, again, are very emotional, so the canvass should be given in a special way for them. Still others are illiterate, some are abusive, and care must be exercised in approaching these. Special wisdom is required to reach all classes. It is therefore essential that the canvasser become a close observer of human nature, and learn how to discern quickly the best course to pursue.

There are four necessary steps to be taken in the sale of every book; namely, gaining a hearing, creating a desire, securing the order, and delivering the book. Just as surely as success comes to the merchant when he carries out the principles stated above in his work, just so surely, and even more so, will success come to the faithful canvasser who will carry out these same principles in his work.

The Holy Spirit

“But,” says one, “does not that make void the work of the Holy Spirit?”—Not at all. The Holy Spirit works through, and co-operates with, these laws and principles. It is true that the operation of the Holy Spirit is not confined to this law, and sometimes performs miracles outside of this channel; but these are exceptional cases, and are out of the ordinary.

In our health reform work we do not believe it is doing violence to the Holy Spirit to conform to the laws of health in the use of pure food, pure air, and pure water, in order that we may health; nor do we believe it is wrong to use simple treatments to assist nature in her work; yet after all this is done, it sometimes takes a miraculous working of the Holy Spirit to restore certain ones to health. However, God does not usually work through miraculous powers until we have done all we can through the operation of natural laws.

This same principle applies with reference to the canvassing work. It is not dealing fairly with this sacred work to make a half-hearted or careless effort, not being willing to work in harmony with the law that makes for success, or carry out these divine principles in our work. Rather, let us be glad that God works through natural laws and that success in life is not a “happen so.”

Graysville, Tenn.