p. 18 | 4 Revival in Sight by F. E. Painter

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Dec 17, 1903

4 Revival in Sight

By F. E. Painter

SINCE the canvassing work began, I think we have never had greater cause for encouragement than at the present time. The reason for this does not exist in any outward circumstances or conditions, though these are favorable, but in the fact that God is giving us the clearest evidence that he is stretching out his hand to finish the work and cut it short in righteousness.

One evidence of this is that God's people are beginning to take a deeper interest in this branch of the work. Our conference presidents and committees who are thoroughly awake to the fact that they have important responsibilities with reference to the canvassing work, and are trying to devise plans whereby they can best discharge them.

We confidently expect that in the near future most of our local conferences will have a competent State agent at work, and that every minister will consider himself a committee of one to help enlist new recruits for the State agent to train. If this is done, we shall find that there is plenty of use for the State agent, and he will earn his salary, too.

The conferences which are the most prosperous to-day are the ones where the circulation of our literature is a live issue, and where earnest efforts are made to enlist the people in this work.

The most prosperous days this message has ever seen was when all the ministers and people took an active interest in the sale of our books, papers, and tracts. A thorough revival of the book work and of the tract and missionary spirit is the shortest road to prosperity for any conference. When this work is revived as it should be, we shall see many more souls coming into the truth from the work of our canvassers and church-members, as well as more fruit from the efforts of our ministers.

I believe that such a revival is already in sight, that God's people are being awakened to the importance of this work as they have not been before in years, and therefore the outlook is most encouraging.

Word has come to us that “the canvassing work is to be revived, and carried forward with increasing success.” This does not state that this thing ought to be done, but it “is to be” done. It will be done; for God says so. It will be done because his people are willing in the day of his power. It will be done in spite of the opposition of the enemy, and in the face of all the difficulties and obstacles that can be placed in our way.

Battles are not won by timid, indolent soldiers, but by men who are strong, energetic, well trained, and full of courage. And that is the kind of men we want for the canvassing work,—men who are not afraid of anything, not even hard work.

They are not afraid of anything Satan can do, of any barriers he can place in their way, because they know they are backed up by the power of an almighty God. Success awaits such men and women who will enter the canvassing work.

Now no one need feel discouraged because he thinks this does not describe his condition; for all the qualities that are essential to the workers in the canvassing field are possible of attainment by any man or woman of average intelligence and ability who will seek for them in the right way. We are told that “the Lord imparts a fitness for the work to every man and woman who will co-operate with divine power.” In fact, no one is fitted for the work who does not obtain his fitness from the Lord. “What hast thou that thou didst not receive?” The answer to this question must be in every case, “Nothing.” So there is no room for boasting on the part of any one; for all the talents possessed by any man were imparted by the Lord.

The idea seems to have obtained that only a few who naturally possess certain qualities can make a success of the canvassing work; and therefore many who would like to engage in it do not have the courage to do so because they feel that they do not have these qualities. But I am thoroughly convinced that this is a mistaken idea.

It is true that not every one can make this work successful, and that there are some who could who have not been called to this service. But it is also true that there are many who have been called to it who are not in it now; and that the average man or woman can, by careful study and preparation, by energy and close application to the work, and faith in God's power to help, find success in the canvassing field.

If this were not true, it would be unreasonable for the Lord to call for so many volunteers for this work. The fact that the call is sounding is proof that it can be done; for God does not ask that which is impossible. Therefore the canvassing work offers a fruitful field for the exercise of the talents that have been entrusted to those who make up the rank and file of our people.

Now the fact that the man of ordinary ability can succeed in this work should not give the impression that it is in any sense undeserving of the best efforts of the most talented. God has told us that men of the best talent and ability should be in this work. The greater one's ability, the more efficient work will he be able to do. The canvassing work is not to be regarded as a dumping ground for those who are not able to do anything else; but it should be recognized as one of the greatest and most effective agencies God is using to finish his work in the world, and therefore it calls for the brightest minds, the stoutest hearts, and the best talent that can be found. “This is the very work the Lord desires his people to do at this time. All who will consecrate themselves to God to work as canvassers are assisting to give the last message of warning to the world. We can not too highly estimate this work; for were it not for the work of the canvasser, many would never hear the warning.”

If the salvation of many honest souls depends upon their being found by our canvassers, surely we ought to have many more in this work to help search them out.

The following comprehensive statement found in “Manuel for Canvassers,” page 17, is worthy of careful consideration by all who enter this work:—

“The work of the canvasser is elevating, and will prove a success if he is earnest, honest, and patient, steadily pursuing the work he has undertaken. His heart must be in the work. He must rise early and work industriously, putting to proper use the faculties God has given him. Difficulties must be met. If confronted with unceasing perseverance, they will be overcome. The worker may continually be forming a symmetrical character. Great characters are formed by little acts and efforts. . . . Exercise strengthens and expands the mind, and if heart-culture is not neglected, the character will be well balanced. The means of improvement are within the reach of all. Then let none disappoint the Master when he comes seeking for fruit, by presenting nothing but leaves. A resolute purpose, sanctified by the grace of Christ, will accomplish wonders.”

This ought to give courage and confidence to all; for it points out the fact that success may be attained, and how it may be secured. May the Lord lay

the burden for service upon many who are now idling away their time, so they may have a part in the work; and in the great harvest come with rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them.

F. E. PAINTER.