Good Fields for Canvassing by F. B. Johnson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 27, 1907

Good Fields for Canvassing

By F. B. Johnson

WHERE is a good field to sell our books? This question is often asked, and the best answer I can give is, Anywhere you can find people who can buy.

A few weeks ago I told a brother that I was going to canvass for “Bible Readings” in the eastern part of this city [Battle Creek, Mich.]. He said, “You can not sell books in this place.” But after working sixty and one-half hours, my orders amounted to $79.50, and I was surely surprised to see what a small territory I had been over.

At first I would get a little uneasy when they asked what denomination printed the book, and what church I belonged to, etc., but I do not know where it has made a bit of difference unless it has been a help to me. At one place a neighbor was calling, and said, as soon as I began to show the book, “I have a book like that; it’s printed by the Adventists.” I said, “That does not hurt it, does it?” She replied, “Indeed it doesn’t; it’s the best book I ever had.” Before I got half through my prospectus, the lady asked the price, and I took her order.

As I was making out an order at another time, the daughter of the lady I had just canvassed came in, and asked: “What are you buying, mother?” I showed her a little of the book, and she asked, “To what church do you belong?” When I told her, she said, “I’m a Baptist.” But this did not interfere with the delivery of the book. This lady said to me, “My son never read the Bible much, but he is reading that book every spare minute he can get. It’s the best book I ever saw.”

The first thing necessary for success is to attend an institute, and learn how the work is done. Another important thing is to pray without ceasing, and to count your success by the number of souls you can warn. The Lord will see to it that you have all you need.

F. B. JOHNSON.