The Canvassing Work by William Clarence White

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 23, 1883

The Canvassing Work.

By William Clarence White

DURING the last three months a few young men have been busily at work selling "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation." The three College students, two of whom had no experience in this work, entered what proved to be a hard field, for the people were largely Spanish and Irish Catholics; yet, by six weeks' earnest work, one hundred and fifteen books were sold, many, we trust, to persons who will read critically and to profit. Much time was spent by these young men in study, and the knowledge of the subject and experience in the work acquired fits them for successful work hereafter.

At the Oregon camp-meeting we engaged two of our brethren to enter the work in that field. Brother Harper, who has had marked success in canvassing, was to work with and instruct them. After two weeks' labor they report one hundred orders.

Since leaving them Brother Harper has canvassed a city in Oregon, where he took one hundred and fifty orders in thirteen days.

These things show that the time has come for this book to be read, and that it meets with a favorable reception when properly presented. In the work of canvassing as in any other business, experience cannot be valued too highly.

We want to see the agents going out in companies of three or four, with one experienced canvasser in each company. We are glad to know that some who have had extensive experience in past years are preparing to engage in this work. W. C. WHITE.