The Selection of Canvassers
By A. Mountain
In the selection of canvassers the importance of the work should always be kept in view. In the “Spirit of Prophecy” it says that the canvassing work properly conducted “is missionary work of the highest order,” and that “we cannot too highly estimate this work;” also, “if there is one work more important than another, it is that of getting our publications before the people.” Since canvassing for our literature is a missionary work, it should be conducted from a missionary standpoint. “Those selected as canvassers should be men and women who feel the burden of service, whose object is not to get gain, but to give light to the people.” “As much care and wisdom must be used in selecting the workers as in selecting men for the ministry.” They are “not to be chosen from the floating element in society, from men and women who are good for nothing else, and who have not made a success of anything. No one whose hands are defiled with sin, or whose heart is not right before God, should have any part in the work of the canvasser or colporteur.” We are shown who ought not to be selected, and it also says who ought. “In all parts of the field colporteurs and canvassers should be chosen from among those who have good address, tact, keen foresight, and ability.” They must appreciate the value of our publications. “Let those come who can give a good report of our publications, because they themselves appreciate their value.” They must also have ability to speak clearly. “This qualification is indispensable to those who would become canvassers. The truth must not be marred by being communicated through defective utterance.” As to the needs of the field and the number to be selected, we are told that “where there is one canvasser, there should be one hundred.” The following impresses me as never before, and I believe that the work of selecting new agents is more important than I ever viewed it: “The lessons learned in this work will fit for other fields of usefulness.” “In evangelistic canvassing young men may become better prepared for ministerial labor than by spending many years in school.” “Those who are fitting for the ministry can engage in no other occupation that will give them so large an experience as will the canvassing work.” This shows that the canvassing work is a kind of school, and though it is a distinct and important branch of the work, and though many are called to this as a special work to occupy them till probation ends, yet it is evident that we must be prepared to have large drafts made on our ranks for workers in other branches. In the selection of canvassers, therefore, we must keep this in mind, so that we may have a supply of workers ready to take the places of any called to other work. Who should do the selecting? In the “Canvassers’ Manual,” we read, “Let each publisher and general agent work enthusiastically to hunt up and train new workers.” It also speaks of the canvasser as being called of God. Some, no doubt, have already heard God calling them, but the Spirit of God will call others through us also. But the publishers and general agents are not the only ones to hunt for laborers in this work; it says, “Conference presidents and others in responsible positions have a duty to do in this matter.” “Let not the canvassing work languish.” “That which is to be done in warning the world must be done without delay.” 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.” “Those who have gained an experience in this work have a special duty to perform in teaching others. Educate, educate, educate.” —A. Mountain, General Agent, New Zealand.