The Poor Canvasser by E. Russell Potter

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 6, 1904

“The Poor Canvasser”

By E. Russell Potter

A SHORT time ago an article that I heartily indorse, appeared in this paper from Brother Blosser, concerning the sending in of regular reports.

We, as canvassers, are not faithful in following the instruction to “let the canvasser tell of the joy and blessing he has received in his ministry as an evangelist,” and, because the people hear most of their trials, we frequently hear the expression, “the poor canvasser,” as though he, more than others, had a hard and trying time. While he does have many discouragements, he also has many special blessings; and often one precious experience outweighs a great number of trying experiences.

A few days ago I called at a place, introducing myself as being “engaged in missionary work, handling gospel readings, and works on health principles.” As I read some of the precious thoughts from “Christ’s Object Lessons,” the family enjoyed it very much until I incidentally mentioned that the true Christian counts it a privilege to obey the law of God. “O, we are not under the law, but under grace,” replied the lady, to which I answered, “That is a precious thought indeed; for, if we were not under grace, we could not keep that holy law. You are not under the law of the land because you obey it, and as long as you obey, you are under the freedom it allows.” “I never thought of that before,” said the man.

On having their attention called to the health publications, they ordered a copy of “Home Hand-Book,” and when I was leaving they invited me to remain with them over night or over Sunday any time, saying, “Anything we can do for you will be done heartily.”

After a good talk with a Presbyterian minister, and selling him a book, he said, “I am not an Adventist, but I find their books are not doing harm, but a great deal of good.”

“There are many who, because of prejudice, will never know the truth unless it is brought to their homes. The canvasser may find these souls and minister to them.”

While canvassing a young man and his wife a few days ago, reading some of the thoughts from “Christ’s Object

Lessons” concerning the Christian life, they frankly told me they had once known the peace of God, but they had become cold and indifferent.

I then read from “Power for Witnessing,” the chapter concerning the author’s own experience in receiving forgiveness after backsliding. This they appreciated very much, and purchased nearly five dollars’ worth of books.

“We need to realize the importance of the canvassing work as one great means of finding those who are in peril and bringing them to Christ. They [canvassers] should be free to speak or to pray with those who are awakened.” “When he discovers those who are searching for truth, he can hold Bible readings with them.”

Recently, at one place I found two young men who were anxious to walk in the light, and after a Bible study with them we had prayer together in which the Spirit of God came near indeed. One young man ordered two books, and said, as I was leaving, “I feel that God impressed me to order those books.”

Personally I feel the truthfulness of the following: “Canvassers need to be daily converted to God, that their words may be a savor of life unto life that they may exert a saving influence. Those who work for God meet with discouragement, but the promise is always theirs, ‘Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.’ God will give a most wonderful experience to those who will say, ‘I believe thy promise; I will not fail nor become discouraged.’”

E. RUSSELL POTTER.