Experiences of a West Virginia Canvasser by Waldo H. Wilcox

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 19, 1914

Experiences of a West Virginia Canvasser

By Waldo H. Wilcox

Reading the interesting reports of other canvassers in the REVIEW, makes me believe a few of my recent experiences may interest some others.

Because of the work of the Millennial Dawn, or the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, followers, I had much trouble in one town. Their work was carried on under four different names. The people were very much afraid of me. At first I did not know that the “Dawnists” had gone before me, but as I called on one old gentleman, he asked me if I had sold many books in town. I told him I had found it hard on account of the “Russellism” there. He liked my book very much, however, and gave me an order.

Another old gentleman asked me to come over to the Methodist Episcopal church that afternoon at half past two, as they were holding revival meetings twice a day. I prayed over the matter, that I might know what would be right. I went on taking orders, knowing the Lord would help me. At meeting time I thought it would do no harm to go in, and thus let people know I believed in church work. As I was a stranger there, they came to me and said, “You are engaged in religious work; will you not give us a little talk?” I scarcely knew what to say, as I did not wish to talk books there. So I took the text the minister had used, Gal. 6:7. I tried to impress their minds with the thought that we should be always on our guard not to sow seed that would lead others in the wrong way.

One woman, on whom I had called, did not like my teaching that there is no second probation. Later I learned she was a Catholic. She talked very roughly to me, and said that the Catholics teach the doctrine of a second chance, and that they are right.

I visited the —— minister. He liked the book very much and gave me an order, and told me to see the —— minister. This I did, and he also liked the book, and said he would speak to his people about it. The second afternoon they had an old-time revival service. And to my surprise, before the last song was sung, I heard these words: “There is a book agent here selling Bibles and books, and all who have not a good Bible had better get one now. The book he has is a good one. I have looked the prospectus through, and it is one that you all ought to have. It will do you good to read it, and it is no ‘Russellism,’ so don’t be afraid of it, but all get it if you can.” Then he turned and signed his name in my prospectus. I secured the names of the three ministers of the place and of the chief of police. In three days I took forty dollars’ worth of orders, and I feel sure they are all good.

The Catholic woman was at the meeting the day the minister spoke of my book, and to my surprise she came to me after the meeting, with hand extended, saying: “I am sorry for the way I treated you yesterday. I am not angry now, so please forgive me.” I then gave her a tract on the “False Hope of a Second Probation.” She said she would read it with interest.

It makes me feel that I have had but little faith, and that I need the Lord more and more in my work, that I may show forth the grace he has given us. The Lord surely opens the way for his message to go, and it stands us in hand to work with our might, lest the Lord find others to fill our places in the work. So let us do what our hands find to do, and not forget that our success is in answer to prayer.

WALDO H. WILCOX.