General Conference Bulletin, vol. 1

INSTITUTES AND SCHOOLS FOR CANVASSERS

C. M. EVEREST

(Read before the Canvassers’ Convention.)

FIRST we will consider their importance. As our canvassers are the first to meet the people, and as the first impression is generally lasting, it seems that we should labor to so educate those who go out to carry the printed pages of truth to the people that they may properly represent the truth they carry. Our canvassers came from different vocations in life, and but few of them are natural salesmen. Many of them are but little used to meeting people and reading human nature. But they love God and his truth, and desire to do something to save souls in his kingdom. To send them out with little or no preparation, means their defeat. We have schools for our ministers, Bible-workers, and other laborers, and is it not just as important that our canvassers receive a proper education? GCB February 21, 1895, page 262.4

Some years ago we had no institutes or canvassers’ schools, and I spent some time starting canvassers. There were many ready to go and they went with strong courage, but they were unprepared to meet the difficulties, and the most of them soon returned home. But now, with our institutes and schools, it is very different, for they may now obtain before starting out a good idea of their book and a knowledge of God and the work he would have them do. They are taught something of what they may expect to meet and how to meet it. They learn how to trust God in all the trying circumstances in which they are placed and how to rely upon him, and they do successful missionary work. These statements are not mere theories. They are facts. I have known young men to come to our school who at their home church felt so timid they could hardly bear a testimony in meeting, but with three months’ training they have gone out and made successful laborers. GCB February 21, 1895, page 262.5

How long institutes and schools shall be held is an important question. Where institutes alone are held, three or four weeks will do very well, but when practicable, it is better to combine school and institute and have twelve or thirteen weeks. GCB February 21, 1895, page 262.6

The question then arises, What shall be taught? It seems to me that in many respects the answer to this question depends largely upon the needs of those attending the school. It is important for all to be acquainted with God’s word, for we read in 1 Peter 3:15, “Sanctify the Lord God in your heart and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” And “Testimony” 32, p.161, says, “The canvasser should be familiar with the word of God and have words at his command to unfold the precious truth and show the great value of the pure reading matter which he carries.” GCB February 21, 1895, page 262.7

It seems to me this clearly shows the need of schools and also the study of God’s word in them, and the book for which the individual is going to canvass, for the canvasser finds many who are hungering for the light of truth. GCB February 21, 1895, page 263.1

Reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, history, and book-keeping are all important studies, and should be taught as those in charge think advisable. GCB February 21, 1895, page 263.2

Where our schools are held in cities, if it could be so arranged that our canvassers could spend a few hours each day canvassing for some of our small books, it would be a good plan, as it would get the truth before the people and at the same time help the canvasser some financially and practically. GCB February 21, 1895, page 263.3