THE CANVASSING WORK

[original illegible] Eldridge gave Wednesday evening a talk on the above work. Among other things, he said, “When the work began three years ago it had but few friends, but new it has a host of them; yet we do not half appreciate this branch of the Lord’s work. We are not selling books simply for the money but we are saving many souls. Our field is the world. Soon after our beginning all seemed discouraging, but the reason was, that we had no system. But about two years ago we saw the necessity for organization. Some were afraid to try it, but the first state that tried it found it a success. A state agent is necessary. Every state with an agent has succeeded. The states that have no agents are now calling for state agents. This work must continue until it reaches all the world. Our consecration demands that we continually do all we can to improve. Unless we do this we are not doing as we covenanted to do. We should never feel satisfied, we can each do [original illegible] in this work. Do not judge men by their talk but by their work. Once while on the sea, I brought a missionary and wife from Africa. They asked the privilege of praying in the cabin. It was granted. Gradually an interest was awakened. The gulf between the officers and seamen was soon bridged, and the Lord blessed the efforts of these servants of his, and when they left the vessel the sailors wept like children. Where are those among us who are willing to endure for Christ? Other incidents of interest were presented, showing how the missionary spirit had led many noble souls to sacrifice their lives for Christ, and for souls in all parts of the world where shall we draw the line? Shall we draw the line at the black, the red, or the yellow race? No! in every man I find my brother. All men must be reached. How can we reach the people? We cannot send ministers, but we can send books and periodicals. Trained canvasses can be sent. The true canvasser is hopeful and happy. The trouble with many is that they are inactive, they need work. To be hopeful we must be active. In one state the canvassers visited 60,000. families Twenty conferences could do just as well. A book has been left in every seventh houses and hundreds of orders were taken for periodicals. Thousands of workers can support themselves, and this too will solve some of the financial problems of our publishing houses. Kansas is ahead in the canvassing work.MMM 382.9

I have no fears as to the success of the canvassing work.MMM 382.10

When you go home encourage all you can to enter the canvassing field. The work has just begun. There are now about 500 canvassers in the United States, and about 100 in the rest of the world. $250,000 worth of books have been sold during the last year. A half car-load of books have been shipped in a day. I expect to soon see the time when the sun will not set upon our canvassers.MMM 382.11

I look forward to the earth made new and anticipate that the canvasser will have as bright a crown as any who may be there.MMM 382.12

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST
GENERAL CONFERENCE
DAILY BULLETIN
VOL. 2. MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., OCT. 29, 1888. NO. 8.

Ninth Day’s Proceedings