Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1855-07-06
seIttt MlistsIIanp.
The Colporteur and the Man with
Yu~

a Jug.
About six years ago, n colporteur
Of the American Tract Society was
travelling on horseback through one
of the most mountainous portions OF
Cherokee, Georgia, laden with books
for distribution and sale. When pass
ing through a narrow gorge between
two hills, where there was scarcely
room for more than one person TO
pass. he met n man with jug. The
jug had no handle, but was held by
a greasy old leathern string. tied
around the neck. The colporteur ac-
costed him:
Good morning, sir. can | sell you a
book?'
No, sir, | have no money he re-
Piled.
Where are you going my friend.
with your jug?
TO the still house. SIR
Suppose you take the money with
which you propose to buy the whisky,
and buy good book, and go home
without the whisky and read your
book. and promise you il will be far
better for YOU
But, sir, have no money, and am
to get the whisky on credit
We'll, my friend. / will make an
other proposition. / will buy your
jug. and give you book for it. You
can then go home and read your book,
and do without the liquor. What do
you say to that?'
The man hesitated awhile, and then
replied,
i will let you have the Jug
Tie colporteur took the Jug, and
gave him a copy of the Temperance
Manual, and hanging his new pur-
chase on his arm. journeyed on till
night, when he gave the jug to the
good landladys Of the house. at
which he spent the night. He visit
ed several houses before night, how
ever, carrying the jug, which was a
great matter Of astonishment and won
der to all who saw him, and the ques-
ton was frequently asked. What are
you going to do with that jug?'
The colporteur heard nothing more
Of the man from whom he bought the
jug, until this year, during the sitting
Of the Superior Court, in the county
Of C. six ycarshave elapsed
Being at Court. still engaged in col
portage for the Tract Society, he
was accosted with a gentleman with
the inquiry, DO you remember ira
ding for jug, several years ago, in
the hills above here?'
Il do, SIR replied the colporteur.
'Yonder, said the gentleman. point
ing to er-loolsing man. is the
man of whom you bought it. He
was at the time you met him a drum.
kard-a pest to society. Now he is a
sober man, and has ever been since
the day you took away the Jug from
him. lie is now and orderly and con-
sistent member Of the Methodist
Chu.ch. and enjoys religion. He is
industrious and supports his family
well. whereas, while he owned the Jug
he did little else than make his visits
TO the still house, and ill and empty
his Jug
The colporteur feeling some inter-
est. inquired Of the reformed man how
the change was so suddenly wrought
on him. Was it the tract?'
No. said he, it was your determin-
alton and the interest you seemed to
manifest in my welfare; and besides
this you took my jug, and that set me
thinking: then went home and read
the tract, and determined by the help
Of God | would never drink another
drop, and have been enabled to keep
my promise
This is plain. unvarnished tale,
and shows how much may be done
by strong personal efforts. Cast thy
bread upon the waters, for thou shall
find it after many days"