Qualifications of a Canvasser
The Spirit of the Lord has indicated to us that “the canvassing work properly conducted is missionary work of the highest order.” Therefore one of the first qualifications of the canvasser is— 1. Conversion. He should possess a missionary spirit.
“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.” “Canvassers need to be daily converted to God, that their words and deeds may be a savor of life unto life, that they may exert a saving influence. The reason why many have failed in the canvassing work is that they were not genuine Christians. They did not know the spirit of conversion. They had a theory as to how the work should be done, but they did not feel their dependence upon God.” 2. A spirit of self-sacrifice.
On this point the spirit of prophecy says, “Lift up the standard, and let the self-denying and the self-sacrificing, the lovers of God and humanity, join the army of workers. Let them come, not expecting ease, but to be brave and of good courage under rebuffs and hardships. Let those come who can give a good report of our publications, because they themselves appreciate their value.” “We should not labor with the expectation of receiving our reward in this life, but with our eyes fixed steadfastly upon the prize at the end of the race.” “Men and women are wanted now who are as true to duty as the needle to the pole,—men and women who will work without having their way smoothed and every obstacle removed.” “Canvassers need self-culture and polished manners, not the affected and artificial manners of the world, but the agreeable manners that are the natural result of kindness of heart and a desire to copy the example of Christ.” “Well may he consider how he may best arrest the attention; for his manner of presenting the truth may decide the destiny of the soul. . . . Therefore it is dangerous to do careless work in dealing with minds.” “If this truth is inwrought in the soul, it will manifest itself in the countenance and demeanor in a calm, noble, self-possession and peace which the Christian alone can possess.” “Many who engage in the work of canvassing are weak, nerveless, spiritless, easily discouraged. They lack push. They have not those positive traits of character that give men power to do something,—the spirit and energy that kindle enthusiasm. The canvasser is engaged in an honorable business, and should not act as though he were ashamed of it. If he would have success attend his efforts, he must be courageous and hopeful.” “The canvasser should not rest satisfied unless he is constantly improving. He should make thorough preparation, but should not be content with a set form of words. He should give the Lord a chance to work with his efforts, and impress his mind.” He should cultivate thoughtful, caretaking habits,—habits of industry and discretion,—by making of himself all that is possible for him to become. “When his laborers do the very best they can, God does for them what they can not do for themselves.” “The means of improvement are within the reach of all. . . . Those who are doing this work from right motives are doing an important work of ministering. . . . Their minds are enlarging, their manners are becoming more refined. They should place no bounds to their improvement, but every day be better fitted to do good work.” As the agent is intrusted with funds of the society, and is to a certain extent his own business manager, it is essential that he be fortified with sound business principles. He must be honest with the office, honest with the people, honest in working his territory. The Spirit of the Lord tells us: “The work is halting because gospel principles are not obeyed by those who claim to be following Christ. The loose way in which some canvassers, both old and young, have performed their work, shows that they have important lessons to learn. . . . The tract and missionary societies have been deeply involved in debt through the failure of canvassers to meet their indebtedness. Canvassers have felt that they were ill-treated if required to pay promptly for the books received. . . . Yet to require prompt remittal is the only way to carry on business.” 7. Prayer. He should be a man of prayer.
“Humble, fervent prayer would do more in behalf of the circulation of our books than all the expensive embellishments in the world. If the workers would turn their attention to that which is true and living and real; if they will pray for, believe for, and trust in, the Holy Spirit, his power will be poured upon them in strong, heavenly currents, and right and lasting impressions will be made upon the human heart. Then pray and work, and work and pray, and the Lord will work with you.”