Object of the Institute
By J. B. Blosser
The canvassers’ institute that will be held at Berrien Springs, Mich., beginning October 15, is designed to give a thorough training to those who are desirous of entering the canvassing work as a means of saving souls. The purpose is to raise the standard of this branch of the work by giving a better training to those entering it than is possible for them to get in an ordinary canvassers’ institute. The following from “Manual for Canvassers,” pages 63, 64, sets forth the object sought: “Canvassers are to be educated and trained to do the work required in selling the books upon present truth which the people need. There is need of men of deep Christian experience, men of well-balanced minds, strong, well-educated men, to engage in this work. The Lord desires those to take hold of the canvassing work who are capable of educating others, who can awaken in promising young men and women an interest in this line, leading them to take up the book work and handle it successfully. Some have the talent, education, and experience which would enable them to educate the youth for the canvassing work in such a way that much more would be accomplished than is now being done. . . . Educate, educate, educate young men and women to sell the books which the Lord by his Holy Spirit has stirred his servants to write.” Those whose hearts have been touched with the Holy Spirit, and who believe that God can use them in this work, should come, no matter in what conference they live, or where they desire to work. Each will be encouraged to return to his home conference to labor unless he has a burden to go to distant fields. Those attending will board at the college, where board can be had at reasonable rates on the European plan. The average cost will be about $1.50 a week. For further particulars regarding expense, address Emmanuel Missionary College. At least half of the ten weeks’ course will be devoted to actual canvassing in the surrounding country, with competent leaders, and in this way those who attend can make their expenses, or even more. Those desiring to come should first write to the undersigned, at Berrien Springs, Mich. J. B. BLOSSER.
Lake Union General Agent.