Australasian Union Conference Record
April 1, 1901
Canvassing—A Branch of God's Work
The canvassing work, properly carried on, is missionary work of the highest order, and is as good and successful a work as can be done in placing before the people the important truths for this time. The importance of the work of the ministry is unmistakable; but there are many who, though hungry for the bread of life, have not the privilege of hearing the truth from the lips of God's delegated preachers. For this reason it is essential that the publications containing these important matters be placed before the people, that the truth given us of God may go where the living preacher cannot go. In this way the attention of many will be called to the important events which are to occur in the closing scenes of this world's history. God has ordained the canvassing work as a means of presenting before the people the light which is contained in these books, and canvassers should have impressed upon them the fact that the work of bringing before the world as fast as possible the books which are necessary for their spiritual education and enlightenment is the very work the Lord would have them to do at this time. We cannot too highly estimate this work; for were it not for the work of the canvasser, many would never hear the truth. AUCR April 1, 1901, par. 1
It is true that some who buy the books will lay them on the shelf or place them on the parlor table and seldom look at them. Still God has a care for His truth, and the time will come when these books will be sought for and read. Sickness or misfortune may enter the home, and through the truth contained in the books God sends peace and hope and rest. His love will be revealed to their souls, and they will understand the preciousness of the forgiveness of their sins. Thus the Lord co-operates with self-denying human workers. AUCR April 1, 1901, par. 2
There are others who, because of prejudice, will never know the truth unless it is brought to their doors and left in their homes. The canvasser may find these souls, and minister to them according to his God-given ability. He can do a line of work, of house-to-house labor, more successfully than any others. He can become acquainted with the people; he can pray with them, and can understand their true necessities. There is much responsibility resting upon the canvasser. He should go to his work prepared to explain the Scriptures, and nothing should be said or done to bind his hands. If he puts his trust in the Lord as he travels from place to place, the angels of God will be round about him, giving him words to speak which will bring light and hope and courage to many souls. AUCR April 1, 1901, par. 3
Let the canvasser remember that he has an opportunity to sow beside all waters. Let him remember, as he sells the books which give a knowledge of the truth, that he is doing the work of God, and that every talent is to be used to the glory of His name. God will be with every one who seeks to understand the truth, that he may set it before others in clear lines. God has spoken plainly and clearly, and we are to make no delay in giving instruction to those who need it, that they may be brought to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. AUCR April 1, 1901, par. 4
God calls upon us to lift up the standard. As God's standard-bearers we are ever to show our colors, revealing in our lives that we are keeping the commandments of God. Then let canvassers go forth with the Word of the Lord, remembering that those who obey the commandments and teach others to obey them will be rewarded by seeing souls converted, and one soul truly converted will in turn bring others to Christ. Thus the work will advance into new territory. AUCR April 1, 1901, par. 5
Mrs. E. G. White