BENEFITS TO THE CANVASSER.
By E. W. Snyder
E. W. SNYDER.
(Buenos Ayres, Argentina.) The apostle’s exhortation applies especially at the present time: “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” 1 Cor. 16:13. Again, in 2 Tim. 2:3, it is said: “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” The term “men,” in the scripture quoted, signifies persons of perfect development, not alone in the passive traits of character, such as gentleness, meekness, patience, and kindness, but in the positive traits,—courage, force, energy, ability to meet and overcome difficulties. I ask, What work will give an experience that is better fitted to develop these traits than does the work of the Christian canvasser? In “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IV, page 390, of the work of “getting our publications before the public,” it is said: “It is a good work, and one which will educate men and women to do pastoral labor.” During an experience of over ten years in the canvassing work, half of which was spent as a State agent, I have seen the truthfulness of this statement verified in a number of cases. But let us see how the canvassing work tends to this end. First, in beginning the work the canvasser realizes his weakness and insufficiency. He calls to mind, however, the promises: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things.” 2 Cor. 12:9; 9:8. Feeling his need of strength, he pleads these promises; and through their fulfillment, they become a part of himself, thus building up a character that fits him to be a co-laborer with Christ, and to stand amid the trying scenes of these last days. In this experience he is also taught humility, realizing that his sufficiency is of Christ. If he were to remain at home, or to enter some routine work where every condition was favorable, necessitating no especial exercise of faith, could he expect to realize this beneficial experience? It is the sturdy oak, that, during the storms and tempests of centuries, becomes the giant of the forest, driving its roots deeper each year into the earth. Thus the canvasser, by a daily experience in overcoming difficulties through the Lord’s strength, builds up a strong character, which enables him to help others over similar difficulties; and this is a most essential qualification in pastoral labor. See 2 Cor. 1:4. On this point we read, in “Testimony for the Church,” No. 32, page 161: “He may be a wellspring to refresh others if he will; but in order to do this, he must himself draw from the fountain of living truth.” Second: “A great essential of the minister is adaptation to the classes of people and their circumstances, and especially can this be said of the foreign missionary.” The work of canvassing gives excellent opportunities for development in this particular. Meeting with people of varied minds,—the dignified and cultured, the ignorant and debased,—well might he shrink from the great responsibility imposed upon him, realizing that his manner of presenting the truth may decide the destiny of souls! In his extremity, however, he turns to him “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge;” and in answer to his plea, made in faith, wisdom is given liberally. James 1:5. And by this means, having learned to adapt himself to varied conditions and classes, will he not be better prepared to engage in any other department of the work? Third: While meeting with the people, the canvasser has many opportunities to converse on points of present truth. These are a stimulus to Bible study. Since the message is not to go so much by weight of argument as in the demonstration of the Spirit and power of God, the canvasser will feel the need of power from above; and according to his need, it will be meted out to him by the gift of the Holy Spirit. But let it be remembered that it is only as the power of God is put to use that it is given to us. Hence only to that degree that the canvasser realizes his need of power in order to use it, will the power be supplied to him, as will appear from Acts 1:8. In summing up the reflexive benefits received by the canvasser, we may mention the following: a deeper sense of humility; faith in the promises of God for strength; how to meet and overcome difficulties; adaptation to circumstances and minds; getting wisdom by faith; stimulation to Bible study; and feeling the need of divine power. Aside from the fact that the canvassing work is God’s means of reaching many who would not otherwise be impressed with the truth, how can we, in view of the foregoing, pass this work lightly by as something secondary? It is asked, How may the old-time enthusiasm in this branch of the work be revived? It is clear that the State agent’s efforts, unseconded, can accomplish little. He needs the co-operation of the president and Conference laborers in enlisting recruits, as well as opportunities for presenting the importance of this work at the general State camp-meetings, together with the help of the District agent and the circulation of Testimonies and literature bearing on the importance of it. In the words of the Spirit of Prophecy, “Well may every one feel an individual responsibility in this work.”