Colporteur Ministry is Ellen G. White's comprehensive 127-page manual for literature evangelists, presenting the work of selling truth-filled publications as sacred gospel ministry. Far from viewing book sales as mere commerce, White elevates canvassing to 'the very highest missionary work,' declaring that faithful colporteurs are doing the work of gospel ministers and deserve the church's wholehearted support and respect. The book addresses every aspect of this specialized calling—from the divine nature of the work to practical methods for successful canvassing.
White emphasizes that colporteurs serve as advance agents, entering homes where ministers could never gain access, planting seeds of truth that may germinate years later. She explains that 'the canvassing work is to continue to be done with increasing success,' and challenges workers to approach their calling with prayer, faith, and thorough preparation. The book tackles common discouragements—rejection, financial struggles, loneliness—while providing spiritual encouragement that God goes before His dedicated workers and angels accompany them.
Practical chapters address qualifications needed (tact, courtesy, perseverance, genuine Christian character), methods of approach, handling objections, and maintaining personal spirituality amidst the pressures of constant traveling and repeated rejection. White warns against descent into mere commercialism, urging colporteurs to 'keep heaven in view' and remember they are ambassadors for Christ, not mere salesmen. The book concludes with testimonies of remarkable conversions and church growth resulting from faithful literature distribution, demonstrating that 'there is no higher work than evangelistic canvassing.'
This book is indispensable for literature evangelists seeking to understand the sacred nature of their calling and gain practical wisdom for success. It speaks powerfully to those discouraged by rejection, offering spiritual motivation to persevere. Church leaders should study these principles to properly support and elevate canvassing work. Young people considering colporteur ministry will find both challenge and encouragement. Anyone involved in distributing truth-filled literature will benefit from White's balanced counsel on methods and spirituality.
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“The work of the canvasser is important, and as a rule it should be followed with as great earnestness and determination as that manifested by traveling salesmen of worldly firms.”
“There is no higher work than evangelistic canvassing, for it involves the performance of the highest moral duties.”
“Let our canvassers remember that they have a work to do; and as they take up their work, angels of God will go before them.”
“Thousands upon thousands might today be rejoicing in the message if all who claim to believe present truth realized their responsibility.”
“In many cases the truths thus brought to the homes of the people lie buried for years beneath the rubbish of the world, but in God's appointed time the Holy Spirit touches the heart, and brings to mind the very words needed.”