The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-06-23
QUARTERLY REPORT OF COLPOR-
TAGE IN NORTH CAROLINA.

During this the first quarter of a new
year in Colportage, God has given me
greatly increased success and encourage
ment in my tolls. In the 19 counties visi
ted this quarter, | found the doors and
hearts of the people of all denominations
open to this work of God for the salvation
Of His poor; and such cheerful readiness
to help it forward by their prayers and
contributions as 1 have never seen sur
passed.
In these counties, as visited the poorer
class, l found great need for the work.
Besides 81 public addresses, and getting
men to act as Colporteurs, recommended
by ministers and christians of different de-
nominations, and receiving money for sup
port of the work; l visited, talked on re-
ligion or prayed with 545 families; of whom
107 neglected church; As destitute of the
Bible 100 without all other religious books;
247 never had a religious visit or prayer at
their houses before; and distributed over
l44,O00 pages Of gospel truth free of sec
tarianism; also talked to upwards of 800
Sabbath School Scholars, and aided in
organiz;ng7 of these schools where such
never existed before. Thus the work
serves as an auxiliary in turning the people
from darkness to light.
That every laborer and friend in this
humble work may be stimulated to greater
diligence and faith, would here state that
different Ministers of this city (Raleigh)
say that they believe the Tract work done
here has contributed much to the promo
ton of the recent extensive revival in Raj
eigh, during which about $50 have been
hopefully converted. I feel it due to say
that Ministers, and Female Tract Distribu
ters, and other active persons here, have
voluntarily done great part of this work.
May God continue to bless the gospel seed
sown here by every one for the salvation
of the souls of old and young, rich and
poor.
In country neighborhood, accompan-
led by two friends, | visited, talked and
prayed with 80 families, only 4 of whom
ever had religious visit before, and only
of them ever owned a page about Jesus.
=
fathers, 19 mothers and 90 children, the
alphabet, who never knew letter before
also engaged three suitable persons to visit
them every week and continue this instruc-
ton around the fresides of these humble
poor. This course is preferable to a Sab
bath School for such persons at first, be-
cause they are less int;midated, and the
social influence thus brought to bear upon
them at their own homes, is most powerful
for good.
In another neighborhood found all the
poor families supplied with the Bible and
some tracts, which was unable to account
for, as there had been no Colporteur in that
county. The explanation given was, that
| pious lady near by had visited them all
| to instruct and give them these books and
tracts. most of which had been furnished
| by her father. who had been a member of
the American Tract Society 90 years. and
| who has been firm and active friend in
| the cause, buying thousands of pages annu-
| ally to give away. which God has greatly
| blessed IN the reformation of dark section.
| Although he is near 81 years old. yet he
| continues to act as voluntary Colporteur;
and gave me half of his annual coutribu-
tion of 800. His interest was enlisted in
this work by the influence of the late Hon.
Duncan Cameron of our State, who was
Vice President of the Society until his
! death.
visited another prominent gentleman
who expressed himself with great decision
and interest, that State pride. together with
the privilege of doing SO much good for the
/ souls of the poor aud all. should prompt
every North Carolinian to readiness in
giving TO the support of this work at home.
| He agrees to give $50 three times year
1 a Colporteur's Salary.
Yours truly,
WM. J. w. CROWDER.