Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 20, 1904

Introduction to Canvassing Agents

February 18, 1904 [typed]

This manuscript is published in entirety in PM 258-259.

Many times I have received instruction that the canvassers who are in the field should receive more encouragement. Our ministers should not be discouraged from engaging in the canvassing work, if for some good reason they desire to acquire means. 19LtMs, Ms 20, 1904, par. 1

The canvassing work is not to be conducted in a slack, loose manner. Those engaged in work that calls for the handling of money should keep a strict account of every penny received and paid out. The education in accuracy thus gained will fit them for greater usefulness. 19LtMs, Ms 20, 1904, par. 2

If a canvasser continues to order books, and sends no report of his work, making no statement regarding their delivery and the receipt and expenditure of the money that he handles, those in charge of the work should, in a kind, friendly manner, endeavor to ascertain the true situation. To supply books freely to an agent until he is hopelessly involved in debt is to do injustice both to the canvasser and to those by whom he is employed. Such a loose, careless way of working brings discouragement. 19LtMs, Ms 20, 1904, par. 3

A worker who sees that he is unable to make a success of the canvassing work should go to the proper persons and tell them that he cannot continue in that line of work. 19LtMs, Ms 20, 1904, par. 4

Every canvasser should be truthful, honest, and faithful. How many souls might be saved from temptation, and how much sorrow might be avoided, if all our workers were trained to be as true as steel to principle! 19LtMs, Ms 20, 1904, par. 5