36
Colporteur Ministry
3:15
. Why fear? Fear lest your words should savor of self-importance,
lest unadvised words be spoken, lest the words and manner should not
be after Christ’s likeness. Connect firmly with Christ, and present the
truth as it is in Him.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:324, 325
(1900).
Lift Up Christ—Work as Paul worked. Wherever he was, whether
before scowling Pharisee or Roman authority, rich or poor, learned or
ignorant, the cripple at Lystra or the convicted sinners in the Macedo-
nian dungeon, he lifted up Christ as the One who hates sin and loves
[44]
the sinner, the One who bore our sins that He might impart to us His
righteousness.—
Manual for Canvassers, 34
(1902).
The Minister as Canvasser—The intelligent, God-fearing, truth-
loving canvasser should be respected; for he occupies a position equal
to that of the gospel minister. Many of our young ministers and those
who are fitting for the ministry would, if truly converted, do much
good by working in the canvassing field. And by meeting the people
and presenting to them our publications they would gain an experience
which they cannot gain by simply preaching. As they went from house
to house they could converse with the people, carrying with them the
fragrance of Christ’s life. In thus endeavoring to bless others they
would themselves be blessed; they would obtain an experience in faith;
their knowledge of the Scriptures would greatly increase; and they
would be constantly learning how to win souls for Christ.
All our ministers should feel free to carry with them books to
dispose of wherever they go. Wherever a minister goes, he can leave
a book in the family where he stays, either selling it or giving it to
them. Much of this work was done in the early history of the message.
Ministers acted as colporteurs, using the means obtained from the
sale of the books to help in the advancement of the work in places
where help was needed. These can speak intelligently in regard to this
method of work; for they have had an experience in this line.
Let none think that it belittles a minister of the gospel to engage
in canvassing as a means of carrying truth to the people. In doing this
work he is laboring in the same manner as did the apostle Paul, who
[45]
says: “Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what
manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all
humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell
me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that
was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you