PROSELYTING WITHOUT PURSE OR SCRIP - JUST LIKE IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS

I am a big believer in sending the missionaries out two by two, to reprove and bear witness to the world of the truth and to call them repentance and prepare the way of the Lord.

Here is a quote by George Q. Cannon regarding this practice that I really think sums up how I feel on the matter:

Undoubtedly preaching "without purse or scrip" has a purpose. George Q. Cannon explained the reasons the Lord has sent out missionaries in this fashion:

There are two objects to be accomplished by the Elders going out without purse or scrip upon the apostolic plan. In the first place, they learn for themselves that God lives and that He hears and answers prayer; in the second place, they test the world. The Savior says: "Whoso receiveth you receiveth me, and the same will feed you, and give you money. And he who feeds you, or clothes you, or gives you money, shall in now wise lose his reward; and he that doeth not these things is not my disciple; by this you may know my disciples."

We test the world in this manner and prove whether they will receive the servants of God and supply their simple wants when they travel preaching the Gospel without salary or pay of a pecuniary character; but looking unto the Lord for the reward that He has promised to bestow. (JD 26:282.)


However, as should be obvious, it is very possible for missionaries to "learn for themselves that God lives" and to also "test the world" without specifically preaching "without purse or scrip." This understanding helps us to comprehend how the Lord is able to change such directives.

Here [D&C 84:86] the Lord lays forth His law. All who are called to preach the "gospel of the kingdom" must "from this hour"; [Sept. 22, 1832], not take purse or scrip that goes forth to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom... This is an eternal law. Its repeal has never been made public by revelation."