p. 7 | THE CANVASSING WORK by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 24, 1887

THE CANVASSING WORK.

By Editor

THE canvassing business has become one of the most effectual means of getting the truth which we profess before the people; hence it is as the Testimonies say, one of the most important branches of the work.

Much attention was given this subject at the last General Conference, and steps were taken to establish as nearly as possible, a uniform and systematic method of carrying on this branch of the work.

Many of the State Conferences have already begun to act in harmony with the resolutions and recommendations adopted by the International Tract and Missionary Society, in regard to systematizing the work and encouraging more to take hold of it, and as the result of the effort thus put forth, we are glad to refer to the rapidly increasing number of orders, which are coming in from all quarters, for our books, especially for "Daniel and the Revelation," and "Great Controversy." We have just completed the fortieth thousand of the "Great Controversy," thirty thousand of which have been sold already, and are like angel messengers, imparting joy and hope to as many anxious, weary souls.

Elder Haskell says that he thinks this most excellent book will be sold by the hundreds of thousands yet. The Subscription Edition promises to have a much larger sale than the Popular. The style of prospectus is something new, and we believe that it will meet with popular favor among the canvassers. It is, in fact, a complete copy of the book itself, bound in full Morocco, with samples of the sheep and half Morocco bindings inside of the front cover, and sample of cloth binding inside of the back cover. It has also ruled paper for names, etc., the same as any other first-class prospectus. Canvasser's complete outfit, including prospectus, sent post-paid for $3.00.

The canvassing work is something in which all can, by the help of the Lord, do something. There never was, in the history of our people, a more favorable opportunity for each individual to find a place in the work. There is certainly no excuse for anyone to remain idle. People everywhere are reaching out after something of the very nature of the matter contained in our books. Where are the canvassers to carry this desired information to the people? We should have a score, yes, a hundred, in the field as canvassers where there is one now. We are prepared to show that with the liberal discounts we offer, selling our publications pays much better as a business matter simply than the average trade occupation or profession. And yet the idea of making money should not be the main object in view. We want to get the truth before the people. Our ministers and other laborers are obliged to make great sacrifices in order to do this. Why should not our canvassers enter the work with the same spirit? If they will do this, God will bless and give success to the efforts put forth.

Many of our books have been revised, enlarged, and illustrated with fine full-page engravings, and are nicely bound to render them as attractive and salable as they are really instructive and valuable.

And now, in order to make the business pleasant, as well as profitable, books of instruction on "The Art of Canvassing," in general and descriptive circulars of each particular book, have been prepared to go with each outfit to the agents, as a means of giving them full information as to how to be successful canvassers. For circulars, terms to agents, etc., address your State T. and M. Society, or Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, California.