p. 23 | HOW SHALL WE PROCEED? by L. G. Moore

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 18, 1877

HOW SHALL WE PROCEED?

By L. G. Moore

As many are already engaged, and others are about to engage, in the work of canvassing for the Almanac and other publications, perhaps a word in relation to the way will not be out of place. Many no doubt are hesitating because they do not know how to take hold of the work. For the encouragement of such this article is written.

In the first place, take the whole business to the Lord and entreat him to bless his own work, and to give you as an humble instrument, wisdom and courage, for without these two essentials you will certainly fail. Study the publications until you have unlimited confidence in them. As you examine the Almanac you will see that it is worthy of a place in every family, workshop, and place of business in the land.

Let your deportment be such that you will gain the confidence of your patrons. If successful in this, your work is easy. Be so polished in your way and manners that if any are inclined to cast dust upon you, it will slide off and leave you unspotted.

Never descend to reply to the low and vulgar, but continually strive to elevate. I do not mean by this that you should hold yourself at a distance, oh! no, be friendly to all; but do not encourage low familiarity. Feel the importance of the work. Certainly you are engaged in as respectable a calling as if you were selling merchandise for the Stewart house of New York.

If you at any time give way to discouragement, think of the “well done” in a little way from this and of the untold benefits of health reform to thousands who now sit in darkness. Be energetic. When you enter a dwelling begin at once; if you do not the enemy will rapidly multiply the distance between you and the one you wish to benefit.

Perhaps it would be well to say after you enter, I am distributing a Health Almanac, and I desire to place one in every family, workshop, and place of business, in the city. To this end I cheerfully give my time; and as I am not advertising a patent medicine or drug establishment, I cannot afford to give them away. Then hold the book in your own hand, and turn the leaves, and explain briefly as you do so. Be thoroughly in earnest. They will catch the same spirit—and your work is done. Remember the first impression you make will tell nine, times out of ten, for or against you, therefore let your attire be clean and neat. Never take an old, dilapidated valise as your companion. Some may think this a small matter to speak of, but my experience is that people judge of the work very much by the condition of the tools.

L. G. MOORE.

Hastings, Michigan.