Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-11-05
Colporteur Convention.

A body ofhumble laborers in the highways
and hedges of the Lords Vineyard, met in
Goldsboro', on the evening of the 23rd inst,
and had their hearts encouraged by a sermon
from the Rev. J. NJ. Atkinson, Of Raleigh,
from JOHN LII CHI, 16 yer.
At 8 o'clock A. NJ. Of the 24th, the Con-
%vention was organized by election Of the fol-
lowing officers Rev. O.. Eastman of N. Y.
Pres, Ministers of the town Vice Pres, Revds.
NJ. I. Summer and S.. j. Love of Va, Secre-
taries. The President opened by reading a
portion Of scripture, singing and prayer
Morning and afternoon sessions were held
Friday, Saturday and Monday, during which
each one gave a brief statement of his early
religious history and conversion, bow led into
this work of the American Tract Society,
manner of doing it, the wants for il, and the
success in supplying those wants. These
delightful, soul-stiring exercises were varied
by singing and prayer; then again by Rev.
y. Eastman and j. Cross in giving a history
OF the providential rise and progress of Tract
and Colportage operations, showing clearly
that this work is Gods, and its exact adap-
tation IN supplying the wants of every fami-
ly, wherever scattered, with unsectarian
printed truth accompanied by religious in
struction and prayer. Each night a public
meeting was held, and on Sabbath thsre
were ii public religious meetings held in be
different places of worship in town, at W.
erettsyjlle, and 3 churches in the county,
addressed by a number of Ministers and Col
porteurs from various counties extending
over hundreds of miles. In these addresses
statistics and facts were given, showing the
awful destltution and ignorance vet in our
midst, and that the blessing Of God has richly
attended this humble instrumentality in sup
nj vin ~ b,nIro1c ,.pop hnp4uada ae e: n.
with the Bible and other religious books who
never had either before, very many Of whom
were neglecting church and never had a re-
ligious visit cSayer before in their houses
also formedT Sabbath Schools which
~prospered and led to the building Of churches
where there weretnone, and to the conversion
of many precious souls. Although the Con.
vention was composed Of 6 orr different de-
nominations ofchristians yet perfect harmony
prevailed-all feeling they were brought
together y the same Divine Spirit by which
they were made one in Christ, and having
but one object in view, that is, to learn how
to be more efficient F'helps" to Gods Minis.
tiers in bringing poor sinners to the Lord Je
sus. There were Nequent large ~attentiv,
audiences in attendance. Some who wer
prejudiced to this cause heretofore, from no
understanding it, are now its warmest friends
During the Cogyention the people of Colds
boro' have come forward with cheeful heart
prompted we truly believe by love for Chris
and immortal souls and contributed abou
$4,000, Everittsville about SIS, Providenc
50, and it continues to come, for whic
we thank God, and ask His blessing upo
both money and donors. On Monday nigh
the 26th, the power and love of God WEI
felt as we closed by prayer these heaven-lik
exercises, to go forth in our work with create
faitbfulness in the strength Of God, feelin
assured that we have increased knowledge
the work, and the sympathies and prayers
the kind people Of this town and the su
rounding community.
The following Resolutions were unan
mously adopted Ivy the Convention:
LIST. ResoIued, That the thanks of this Co
vention is hereby rendered to the Rail Rof
Companies who have extended to its mer
beers return tickets from it's sessions.
End, ResolUed, That the cordial thanks
the Convention is hereby rendered to t
citizens of this town for their kindness al
hospitality to it's members during its session
Sd. ResolUed, that we return our thanks
the Methodist Church for the use of the
house of worship rendered to the ~conyenti
in which to hold its sessions.
VIM. J. W CROWDER,
Agent of Am. Tr. Soc. for n. G.
Goldsboro, N. c., Oct'r. 28th., 1856.
EEgg Papers in the State friendly to t
cause will please insert the above as may
convenient.