Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1858-12-01
For the Standard.
Colportage in North Carolina.


Since the 1st of Sept. haze labored more or less
in over 80 counties in n. c., travelling on Railroads,
in buggy, and in the rougher mountains, on mule
back, and day after day went on foot in order to
reach the poorer cabins. Of the 562 families vis-
ted, found 1T2 who never had religious visit and
prayer before and many had not attended preaching
from months to years, because of the distance
atfction, or ignorance of the duty, prejudice
love ofdisteries, grog shops and places of famuse
ments which are resOrted to on the Sabbath by pa
rents and children was kindly received by all at
their firesides, where could adapt both talk and
books to their wants. and they made to feel that they
were cared for by pous and intelligent christians be-
longing to more than 20 denominations who sent me
to their houses Which fact being made known, the
most ignorant is favorably impressed with christian
ity.
In this general work of christian effort. was
warmly received by ministers of. the dberept de-
nominations, who expressed, and acted olt their
increasing convictions of the necessity Tor this work.
by which most efectually to 60 every ywberS .pEea-
ching the word" A prominent itinens4t .Ripister
writes " I love the American Tract Society. .ftis
good work. and should cooperate with it and all
similar agencies that can reach the population of
our, as yet unexplored and neglected leountry
This minister enabled me to get about in three
of his feeble congregations Another writing to his
parish says, 80 very heartily commend the work Of
supporting Colporteur to all who desire to dis
charge a duty to the ignorant and destitute among
| u.s." He gave me $40 and soon about $50 were
| given.
In many of the more thickly settled sections there
churches we'll attended by pious intelligent peo-
pie, who are having good schools .:;-
was frequently told that our Colporteurs' visits
from house to house had awakened increased in
terest in going 10 church and reading.
learned of over 20 Sabbath Schools resulting,
more OF less, from Colportage. In one county
.where there were only 3 Sabbath. Schools there
fsSe 36 In this county, as far az known, every
nily was visited and each one supplied with gos-
4 Epel truth by sale grant; and over 500 converts
1 sre.feported from it this year. The work in. this
county is supported by few benevolent persons of
/ moderate means In many counties from 200 to
500 have been hopefully converted this year, many
/ of whom attribute their awakening to tracts and
books One lady thanks God for raising up the
| American Tract Society which sent her "Come to
Jesus" by which she was led to Christ. Her pious
example andteachng, in answer to her prayers, has
been blessedin the refprpation of her drunken hus
! band, to whom she was afraid even to speak about
religion. But the truth she taught the children
and their love of prayers, ehectually reached the
drunken fathers heart and he has embraced Christ,
and been consistent member of the church several
months, conducting family prayer.
Such facts should stimulate each person, whether
in out of the church, to prompt and continued
action either in giving to support Colporteur, who
will carry the Sabbath School and Gospel to the
| fireside of rich and poor in buying books and
tracts to distribute among the people, the influence
of which will continue for the good of souls and our
country. One of moderate means, obtained by dai.
ly labor, gave me 800 by which 8 children are
made Life members, who draw annually 1900 pages
gratis while they live. Many others doing the
same by giving $40 each. Others are giving $40,
s. and down to the widow's-50 cents. One of whom
senl with her so cents these lines: Enclosed is
the ~ lows mite 1t is the last cent haye, which
God EN- M me to earn with my fingers and lay by
to makSl IS. Although little, trust it will be
acceptable Such precious jewels in the church,
to bless and save the world, and showing that each
| lay man and woman can and must exercise his and
her talent to aid the ministry in spreading the gos
pei.
l shall ever owe debt Of gTatitude for the kind
ness and hearty cooperation of the many friends in
the different counties in the extreme western par,
ofN. c. That section is highly interesting and
pzonising sad / trust ~ shall coon havs , CGE