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THE CANVASSING WORK

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Feb 19, 1901

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 78, No. 8.

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THE CANVASSING WORK

By George A. Irwin

Plans for its Consideration at the Coming General Conference
We are rapidly approaching the time of our next General Conference; hence we deem it best to announce thus early such plans as have been matured for the consideration of the more important questions that will come up for consideration. Among these questions, the canvassing work will occupy a prominent part. To place in the hands of the people our publications and periodicals containing the present truth for this time, is the most important work in which we can engage. Souls are groping in darkness, and perishing for want of the light these publications contain. In each Conference and mission field a few devoted persons are engaged in this work; but where there is now one, there should be one hundred, and we believe there would be if the importance of the subject and our individual obligation were properly discerned. This is one of the Lord’s most important instrumentalities in warning the world, and it is a work in which all may have a part. Prosperity in the canvassing work means prosperity in all departments of the work, both spiritually and financially.
Inasmuch as it has been thought best to call other important meetings prior to the assembling of the General Conference, which will require careful thought and consideration, it has been deemed best to consider the canvassing work as a part of the General Conference proper. By this arrangement, publishing houses, Conference presidents, State secretaries, canvassing agents, and delegates may all have a part in the proceedings.
To facilitate matters, the following programme of topics for consideration has been made out:—
1. The Work to Be Accomplished by the Circulation of our Literature. L. R. Conradi.
2. Canvassers Needed, and How to Secure Them. S. C. Osborne.
3. Plans of Work. N. P. Dixon.
4. Education and Training of Canvassers, in the Churches, in the Schools, in the Field. A. F. Harrison.
5. How Can Ministers and Other Conference Laborers Assist the Canvassing Work? C. McReynolds.
6. The Relation of Religious and Health Works. Is It Competition or Co-operation? A. G. Daniells.
7. Resident Canvassers and Their Work. George A. King.
8. The Sale of Trade Books. H. H. Hall.
9. Methods of Finance; Work and Compensation for the Author, Publisher, State Society, and Canvasser. W. C. White.
10. The State Agent—How Supported, and Where Shall He Spend His Time? N. P. Nelson.
11. How Shall Foreign Fields Be Pioneered? Ellery Robinson.
12. The Recruiting of Canvassers for Foreign Fields. R. B. Craig.
13. Free Literature for the Use of Canvassers. E. P. Boggs.
14. Helps and Health Journals as Auxiliaries with Larger Works. W. D. Salisbury.
A name has been assigned to each topic in order that some one may be prepared to lead out in the consideration of each particular subject, after which it is expected that there will be as full and free discussion of the question as time will permit. It is hoped that all delegates, as well as those assigned, will give time and thought to these important questions, and come prepared to give the Conference the benefit of their thought and experience in a brief and concise talk.
I would suggest that all interested in this general subject cut out this notice and preserve it for reference, as no similar announcement is likely to appear.
Inasmuch as some Conference presidents have felt that it would be a great loss to the work in their States to have their State agent gone during the entire time of the General Conference, it has been thought best to take up the canvassing work the first thing after the Conference is duly opened. By this arrangement, all agents can be free to return inside of the first week, and most agents need not be out of their field to exceed eight or ten days, including the time occupied in going and coming.
I trust that the Lord, by His Spirit, will impart light and greatly bless us in the consideration of this important branch of His work.
GEO. A. IRWIN.