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AN ADDRESS OF THE COMMITTEE OF THB 9|pr €ui\hi €xui BatxtU) TO ^mcn IS ADDED, A REPORT OF CONVENTION OF COLPORTEURS, HELD IS TOEONTO, SEPTEMBER, 1854. |)Qbltsl|(^ fir ti)e S0({et9) \ qttfintly and their children, have become careless in relation to Education and Religion. In such cases each generation grows worse. They are without pastoral visitation, their stock of religious reading, if they have any, is small, books become old and unreadable, the people become wholly en- grossed in the world and forget that their souls are immortal and that their state will soon be ^unalterably fixed. Infidelity is often most insidious and destructive in its imlder forms of indifference and neglect of Religion and supreme attachment to the world, and in this way many in destitute districts who have gone forth from the warm em- brace of home relations and the blessings and restraints of the Gospel, become wholly reckless. The god of this world gains the control, and many can truly say " Our dear rela- tives and friends present in their circumstances strong claims upon those who are in more favored situations." We are taught in the Bible who is our brother^ and we are warned against indignantly, or even carelessly enquiring " Am I my brother's keeper ?" Our country is prosperous. Our people are many of them amassing wealth. The rush is after the world and away from God. As yet but little is done by us for benevolent objects. Our Christianity needs a large infusion of the benevolent element^ and the way is now opening by which we may greatly benefit ourselves and secure more of the ability and the heart to do good to others. With their two millions of people the Canadas have a great work to do at home, and if faithful to themselves they ma}*" do much for others, through benevolent agencies abroad,embracing as they do within themselves the elements of self-culture, socially, intellectually, and spiritually. Let there be a drawing out of these forces ! Canada presents a picture of loant and of hope. Let us attend promptly to her wants and our hopes shall not be disappointed. in. Tlie Population and Literature of Canada, In the Province assuredly there are valuable public and private Libraries, many religious books in families, som« good periodicals ; and a good beginning has been made to cherish a healthful Literature by Common School Libraries. Iq all this we rejoice. But it is a fact ascertained by care- 1/ 10 ful observations, to which we wish to call particular atten- tion, that there is scarcely any other country of the same extent so thoroughly deluged with a fictitious, iniidel, cor- rupting and mind-and-soul-destroying Literature. The infidel, corrupt and licentious Press has poured forth through its multifarious agencies a vast amount of its issues over our land. It has been common to speak of books which men read, as their companions ; and it is as just to infer the character of men from their reading as from their associates. Men will be like their books. It is, therefore, by no means uninteresting for the Philanthropist to inquire. '' What vnllbe the reading of our posterity and countrymen ten years hence ?" If it is pure, healthful, and fraught with wisdom, the generation will be exalted in holiness ; if it be frivolous, false, corrupting, or godless, the generation will be perverse and abandoned. Such is its mighty in- fluence on Society." This mischief-maker, this destroyer of mental energy, and of the souls of men, is abroad in the land doing its work of death. " The Press teems with it. The mails groan, and agents cover the country with fiction and trash. Daily, weekly and monthly periodicals are filled with matter not only worthless, but often positively demoralizing," and this miserable confection is conveyed lo the remotest villages of the land. The educated man, and the man of leisure, the intelligent traveller who desires a book for pastime, may read the more respectable of these without the moral contagion and mental enervation being so apparent ; and if this were the extent of the evil it might be borne, while it was lamented that the choice should not always fall on profitable reading, enough of which can be had full of interest. But this renders the thing respectable in the eyes of many who think a thing needs only to be respectable and popular to be good and useful. A young man in the city has access to good and bad books and bo has the young woman, and with the advantage of much else to interest and profit the evils resulting from bad books are known to be dreadful. The highest crimes in both sexes and in all relations and grades of society are directly traceable to their cause. A young man of highly respect- able family is hung at the yard-arm on the charge of mutiny. His practical education was from such works as "The ) 11 Pirate's own Book." A beloved daughter is seduced, and the offender murdered, and all is traceable, by the worse than bereaved, but too indulgent father, to the works of popular, but demoralising authors in France, England, and America. Still more dreadful is the result in the country where counteracting influences are fewer, and habits less varied. A young man of good character and firm standing is discovered to have murdered his fellow, or to have com- mitted some gross outrage. A young woman of unsullied reputation has descended to the circle of infamy — and the people wonder. But we seriously ask if the wide circula- tion in country places of such reading, grasped at, because cheap, devoured with avidity because exciting, made the topic of conversation in the social circle, or left to corrode the mind and soul in solitude, pre-occupying the mind to the exclusion of wholesome instruction and incentives to valuable thought, and familiarizing it with evcrytliing frivolous, false and criminal, — we ask if here the wonderer is not distinctly told where the mystery of iniquity has one of its strongest holds ? The amount of the issues of works of this kind, coming in from foreign parts and the States, is as incalculable as the mischief wrought by their indis- criminate and almost universal perusal is deplorable. The poison is at work, the taste for it 19, increasmg^ and how terrible a picture is presented to the Christian of Canada, when we think of this blighting influence upon our people — ^upon children — youth — all ages ! What shall be done ? WImt SHALL be done 9 To do nothing is to say that we approve, that we encourage this state of things. IV. The Characteristics of Colportage. Colportage, in its general application, is characterized by many excellencies which our limits will not allow us fully to illusuate. Its application to the fullest extent in Canada is regarded by those most familiar with its work- ing here and elsewhere, as not only practicable, but abso- lutely indispensable as a means of Evangelization for our country. Its adaptation to our wants — wants which none but those who carefully examine the matter in the light of reliable statistics are willing to admit — is found on Irial to be very marked, as may be inferred from what has been 12 said, in connection with the following brief summary. It aims : — 1. — ^To employ intelligent and devotedly pious laymen, or Ministers who are disabled from regular preaching service, in the judicious and widest possible circulation of such sound Religious Publications, Tracts, Books, and Periodicals, as the Committee, made up from different de- nominations, may approve, and thus : 2. — It meets and counteracts the vicious books and period- icals, prints and paper, which flood the land. Too much importance cannot be attached to this agency for this single fact. It is a powerful and almost sure preventative when it is applied in time. The child, or youth, or adult, who has been taught in the Word, and has had free access to the cheap, beautiful, attractive and instructive issues of the Tract Press, is provided with one of the most powerful safeguards against the seductive arts of the corrupters of mankind. It is also a powerful antidote to the moral poison. Many are the cases reported of those reclaimed from a downward course by the reading of such books and tracts as have taught them their danger and the way of escape. Many are the hearts lifted daily in gratitude to God for the returning again of some " lost" son or daughter, companion, relative or friend who has been " found" by this means. 3. — Its whole spirit is that of respect for the Ministry as God's appointed teacher of his Holy Religion, whose hands it aims to uphold and with whom it aims to co-operate in the departments of personal Christian efiort from house to house ; in establishing, encouraging and sustaining Sabbath Schools in destitute neighborhoods, and exciting a desire for education in all its departments ; in promoting tlie dis- tribution of thoroughly evangelical works, and saeh as bear directly on Sabbath observance, the Bible cause, Home and Foreign Missions, Temperance, practical bene- volence, and the general good of all ; in securing the at- tendance at Church of those accustomed to neglect the Sanctuary, and where there is no Ministry endeavoring to oejry the means of grace to the destitute and , neglected, who are themselves careless, and who may justly say, ** No man careth lor my soul." 13 4. — It aims to circulate the Bible, and co-operate with Bible Societies for this purpose. There it will be found a helpmate to the " Upper Canada Bible Society," whose Committee have entered in-o an arrangement to supply Colporteurs u ith the Scriptures, and thus ensure their cir- culation among all classes, and in all places. 5. — It interests professing Christians in personal active labors for souls, and oflers them the means of greatly augmenting their own usefulness by employing the Press. It tends to awaken general interest in spiritual Religion, stimulating to Christian faithfulness and parental fidelity^ and places in the hands of many destitute parents the only means they enjoy for the Religious instruction of their children. 6. — It illustrates Christian Union^ as it i? seen in almost no other country — " not a barren, constrained, abstract union ; but a free, fruitful, practical union in council, prayer and effort in the simple, sublime and Christ-like work of saving souls." 7. — By its kind and catholic spirit it has been largely instrumental in counteracting Romanism and other forms of error, and leading souls, long deluded, to Christ the" Savior. Wherever efforts have been successful for the con- version of errorists, w^hether in the time of the great Refor- mation, or at the present day on the continent, Colporteurs with Books and Tracts have constituted a prominent age7u:y. So it must J here. These men should speak the language of the people they approach, whether French, German or English, and go to the people at their homes^ commending to them the love of Christ and the completeness of his salvation. Colporteurs on their respective fields are ex- pected to approach the families of errorists in this way. 8 — It secures a knowledge of the wants of destitute dis- tricts which could not be sought out and supplied so well by any other means. It undeceives many who think the people well supplied with the means of grace, by carefully looking out and showing their destitution ; and is thus a source of national safety, by revealing the real state of Society, and enabling those disposed to apply remedies fdr existing evils to make a wise application, while it secures direct effort in behalf of the perishing, both individuals and famijjes. 14 9. — Finally it supplies a link between the minister and his congregation and the remotest back-woodsman, which renders this agency indhpensible.^ if the whole mass of our people are to be reached and blessed by the Gospel of Christ. It seeks to carry the Gospel to all and to place in every family, and so far as possible in the hands of every indi- vidual, by sale or gift, sufficient printed truth to show the way of salvation. Colportage is an earnest work— a work of self-denial and there must be simplicity of aim and of faith^ and its simplicity and adaptation are such that no one who will look at it candidly for an hour need be in doubt relative to its feasibility, efficiency or necessity. V. The Publications which this Society aims to circulate from its Depository^ at Nos, 65 and 67 Yonge Street^ Toronto, by its Colporteurs and Agents, and by all available channels of distribution. It is said of a certain eminent Divine that " His sermons are the Bible in solution.'*'* Publications of the various Tract and Sunday School Societies, bearing such a char- acter as deserves this description, are those which, in con- nection with the Bible, this Society aims to circulate as widely as possible, it being distinctly understood that no works of private or sectarian interest can be sanctioned by the Committee, but only such as meet the approval of the different denominations of Evangelical Christians repre- sented in this Society, and generally only such as are pub- lished by the great leading Societies in Europe and America, whose publications are selected with the greatest care, and from which this Committee make their selections. It is, therefore, quite sufficient to say that it will, in the judgment of this Committee, be entirely safe for parents, guardians or teachers to furnish any work which this Society keeps, for the children and youth under their care, and that they may feel assured that, by thus providing them they will secure the means of religious instruction such as Ood is wont to bless to the conversion of souls. And we would only add that the variety is sufficient to meet the demands of all classes — children of tender age, youth in all relations, and adults of every variety of char- acter ; and all in every stage in Christian progress. It is 15 believed that on careful examination of the publications available to us, and which we sell at the low rates at which they are published by the several Societies, something may be found really adapted to almost every case. VI. Systematic Benevolence. It is found on examination that the Bible inculcates the duty of giving " according as the Lord has prospered" us, as definitely and fully as the duty of prayer or the use of any other means of grace. Yes, practical benevolence is recognized as a means of grace^ and too careful attention cannot be given to its claims and advantages. That it is ** more blessed to give than to receive." God has declared. That fffideney in benevolence is best secured by systematic action is almost self-evident. To aid in securing the prompt and faithful presentation of this subject, the " Divine Law of Beneficence" will be sent to all the Evangelical minis- ters in Canada, so far as their address can be ascertained. It is furnished through the American Tract Society, by a benevolent gentleman whose heart has been touched by the Bible arguments it presents, to ministers in the United Slates, as well as Canada, post paid. We hope every minister who receives this will examine it, and devise means for placing a copy in every family in his congregation ; and we would respectfully suggest that all preach upon the subject, ex- tracting as largely as desirable from the work itself, which is a Premium Essay prepared with much care, and proves eminently useful. It can be had for 5 cents per copy in paper or 10 cents bound, by application to the Depositary, or at any Depository, or from any colporteur in the Pro- vinces or States. The object is to promote general systematic benevolence^ the " laying aside" for charitable and benevo- lent purposes a certain portion statedly " according as the Lord hath prospered." Our object in promoting the circulation of this and simi- lar works, as " Zaccheus, or the Scripture Plan of Benevo- lence," "The Mission of the Church," "Mammon" by Harris, and a 28 page tract, called " Systematic Benevo- lence," is not to provide for the wants of our own Institution alone. It is to awaken interest in the whole work of benevo- Imce, at home and abroad. And it is one of the distinctive 16 excellencies of the Tract cause that it is auxiliaty to Hotnd and Foreign Missions, the Bible cause and benevolent and philanthropic efforts of every kind. The operations of this Society are now conducted on the benevolent in distinction from the commercial principle. Its «jxponscs are to be met entirely by the benevolent contribu- tions of those who desire to aid in its work of love, The lxK)ks and tracts are sold at the published prices of tlie dif- ferent societies, from which they are procured and which aim to keep their prices at the lowest possible point, aiid it is estimated that the books sold will no more than pay their cost, as the small discounts allowed us will only cover expense of freight, exchange, postage, &c. It is intended to furnish all local Depositaries and dealers in the Province at the same rates we pay, and they in like manner, if they sell at catalogue prices, will only get their money back after paying expenses ; while we have much pleasure in offering these advantages and encouragements to all parties, which we are able to do on account of our large shipments. All publications granted to the needy will therefore be required to be paid for by the benevolent. " Blessed is he that sow- eth beside all waters." Here then is the ground of our ap- peal. We are doing a benevolent work, and our means to prosecute it must come wholly from the practical benevo- lence of the friends of the cause of Christ. We hope, too, that not only our own wants will be supplied, but that soon we may be able to have a fund accruing from the hands of the liberal who "devise liberal things" in Canada, from which to make remittances to aid in spreading the know- ledge of salvation by Chri>t in heathen and unevangelized ' countries. God grant that our practical benevolence may soon be so in proportion to our means that this may be dona, while other homo objects will meet a corresponding pa- tronage. " That tno-ney is best invested and will uhimately bring the richest harvest which is lent to the Lord. Even in this world none of our expenses bear reflection like those which were incurred to aid in advancing the kingdom of the Re* deemer. The Lord calls upon his people to put him to thie proof, by complying with all his requisitions. » Bring ye the tithes into the storehouse, and prove me now herewith 17 «aith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of Heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room to receive it. The remark was once ventured that the time would cx)me when Christians would fear to die rich, unless in good works. We firmly believe that it is at the door, that the hour is knocking at the heart of the wealthy Christian ; and as he repairs to the Cross and surveys its unutterable niysteries of crucified love, and then looks over his treasures, he will put the affecting inquiry to his own heart, * Shall I longer keep my hold of these to aggrandize myself and exalt my children to the high places of this world, or shall I lay them all down at the feet of Him who bought me with his blood ?' " It is a practical and honest question and demands an honest answer, by the light and under the responsibilities of the eternal world ; and we trust that this question will be held up to the rich until it shall rest upon their hearts with the weight of Christian obligation. Where is the wealthy Christian who can consent to die worth tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, and have six hundred millions of his fellow men perishing for the want of the Gospel? Who, that has means and lov^es the souls of men, had not rather far execute his own ivill and distribute accord- ing to the Scripture plan, to the necessities of those whom he cannot benefit when he is dead, for they are dying in their sins ? And to all we would urge that, as a general law of Providence, poverty is not the fruit of a judicious liberality to the cause of Christ. According to His admin- istration, they who give bountifully shall reap also bounti- fully. Zion has sent up her constant supplication, " Thy Kingdom come," and the Lord has given the response as clear as if he had written it on the face of the whole heaven, "My Kingdom shall come, certainly and gloriously, but only by this mode: when my people plead for its advent with fervent desire, attended by faithful labors; when they show by their self-denying toils and holy conver- sation that they prize its coming better than thousands of silver and gold." " Herein is my Father glorified, that ye hear much fruit; so shall ye be my ddsciples.^^ There is a daily beauty in the consecrated life of a consistent Christian, when the love and compassion of Christ beam from the eye 18 and modulate the voice, and prompt to sincere and kind efforts for the good of every being within the sphere of his influence, which the world cannot gainsay or resist. Contrast with all this that legitimate though startling declaration, that *^ selfishness is the parent form and el«- ment of all sin," and, we might add, the source of all misery, and then let us turn to God's more excellent way, and obey his word, thereby showing that we love God. VII. Efforts to Raist Funds. To save much of the expense of agency, and to provide for any deficiency in labor after the time and strength of the agent is judiciously expended, we earnestly request that each minister, in his place, will make an effort to raise funds annually for this Society, and as early as praie- ticable for this year; and that all who love the cause will help us To aid as much as possible in this indispensable branch of our work, we beg leave to suggest some modes of oo- operation, and to state what facilities we are able to furnish in turn to those who would do good. We recommend that in every congregation a Colporteur or Tract Association be formed, or a Committee appointed, who shall provide a book or books for the purpose, and obtain a subscription from every member of the congregation, without distinction of age, and that remittances be maxle as often as practicable to the Treasurer at Toronto. Any individual, church or association, paying into the treasury of this Society $200, or more, annually, may have the Quarterly Report of some Colporteur for their informa- tion and encouragement. This arrangement has proved very successful and satisfactory in the States. $200 is about the average salary of Colporteurs — single men receiv- ing $130, and men of family requiring $200, and $250, a« the case may be. To encourage personal Christian effort the Society have arranged for Life Members to draw 150 pages of Tracts annually, if called for within the year. Life Directors to draw 3000 pages within the year. $20 at one time, not specially appropriated to specific objects, may constitute a Life Member, $30 additional, or $50 at one time may con- stitute a Life Director. All annuities must be applied ioi 19 in person or by written order to the Depositary at 65 and 67 Yonge Street, Toronto, or at such Depositories as may be designated hereafter. Colporteurs are not permitted to de- liver annuities. — {See form of organization for Colporteur Associations on last page of cover.) VII£. Individual Responsibility. The progress of this enterprise will be in proportion to tlie means raised by its supporters and friends. Thence the responsibility of the matter rests with those who have the means, and those in a position to influence others to action in its behalf. The most definite encouragement is fumish- ed in the history of Colportage and Tract distribution for all to co-operate in prayer and effort and giving. The " mite" of the widow wHh her fervent prayers, the " child's offering" with warm hearty aspirations, and the hundreds and thousands of the rich with the prayer of faith and word of counsel and encouragement are alike needed, and we trust God will give them to this cause. It lo a work for all. Not one need say " It is not for me." It comes to the aid of every laborer in every department of Christian enter- prise. The minister may greatly increase his usefulness by the use of those precious works which were written hy men of the best intellect and the best heart ; those for whom nature and grace did so much to fit them to bless their own and other generations to the end of time. And every private Christian may here find an auxiliary to personal effort for souls, often rendering effective the very labor which would fail of its end without such aid. Each one, then, may justly feel that this is his work, that it is her work, and that they have a responsibility both in the t(se and support of this instrumentality. When shall it be that all who love our Lord and Saviour will esteem it a jwivilege to use and promote means which their judgment approves, for the work of his kingdom? It is a privilege. In some of the ways specified, or in others more acceptable to the parties concerned, we trust many cheerful responses will come in to encourage our hearts and make the way clear before us to prosecute this work of the Lord efficiently, acceptably and without embarrassment. 20 In the foregoing address illustrations of the topics in course have been purposely omitted, in order to give place to the following condensed report of a " Colporteur Conven- tion." A most interesting and profitable meeting in which matloTs of the greatest interest were brought out, and whicli can at best be but imperfectly reported. Upper Canada Tract Society, Toronto, October 10, 1864. REPORT OF THE COLPORTEUR CONVENTION, 1 » HELD IN TOBONTO SEPT. 27th, 28th & 29th, 1854, UNDER THE SUPERVISION OK TUK UPPER CANADA TMCT SOCIETY. REPORT OF COLPORTEUR CONVENTION. On "Wedaesday, September 27, at 10 o'clock A.M., the Convention met in Temperance Hall, and was organized by the appointment of Rev. James Richardson, President of the Upper Canada Tract Society, as President of the Convention, and Rev. A. "Wickson, A.M., of Toronto, and Mr. 0. D. Grogvenor, of Rochester, Secretaries. Convention was opened with reading of the Scriptures and prayer by the President, after which an hour was spent in devotional exercises as a fitting preparation for its deliberations. The following roll of members present was then made:— Secretaries. Rev. James Richardson, President, Toronto. Rev. A. Wickson, A.M., Mr. 0. D. Grosvenob, Rev. A. M. Stowb, Gen. Agent American Tract Society, Canandaigua. Rev. Tates Hickey, Gen. Agent and Supt. Colportage, Rochester. Colporteurs. Alix. Angus, London, Middlesex County, C. W. James Bates, JViagara, Lincoln, and Welland Counties. Rev. Daniel Bernet, Ingersol, Oxford County. R., B. Cook, St. George, Brant County. Jou:f CoNZELUAN, German, Chippawa, Germans in Lincoln ^ vicinity. 24 Louis Ealneb, German Interpreter, Buffalo. Joseph Little, Warwick, Lambton County. Geo. Lung, Phillipsburgh, Perth and Huron, German population. P. M. MuNBOE, Dunnvitle, Haldimand County. J. E. Martin, Simcoe. Jesse Nunn, Greenville, fVentworth County. Eev. H. Bees, Boon, Waterloo and vicinity. AvD^EW Bcnrnm, Bridgeport, Waterloo ^ vicinity, German population. EzEKiEL Sampson, Peterboro, Peterboro and Victoria. Geo. Stewart, Cobourg, Durham. Robert Sharp, Richmond Hill, York County. EoBERT Torney, Loudon. Robert Simpson, Niagara. The object of the Convention was explained by the President, referring for particulars to Circulars issued. Sessions were held mornings and after- noons, and on Wednesday evening for devotional exercises and business, and on Thursday and Friday evenings public meetings — all of which were attended by clergymen of the City and vicinity and other interested parties. All were invited to take part in the meetings. Ladies were present at some of the business sessions, and the public meetings, though not largely attend- ed, were of an encouraging character. None, it is believed, went from any of the meetings with other than feelings of satisfaction, and a greatly in- creased interest in the work of Colportage. It 4 Each Colporteur and Candidate present gave a brief account of his early history, reli 'ious training, the manner in which he was led to this work, and related s me incidents of interest connected with his labors. 1 hese exercises occuj ' I much of the time, and in the course of their progress opportunities were afforded for free interchange of sentiment, and for the Superintendent to give valuable and much needed instructions in relation to all parts of the world. ■ After spending three days together in prayer and council and material instruction on points of practical interest, and all feeling that the presence and promised blessing of God had been experienced, and without one di»- cordant clement having been discovered to exist among the membera of It 1 1 the ConveatioQ belongiog to eight different denomiDations. Each laborer returned to his field of toil better instructed in his duty, with more confi- dence in the work as God's work, with renewed zeal and energy and a con- fident trust in God that the work in Canada West, under the auspices of this Society, would find favor with the people and be extended rapidly till the whole land shall be supplied with faithful Colporteurs to carry messages of love and good will and the sowing truths of Christianity to the destitute in all places. Many interesting facts and incidents were related which had not been known before by any present except to those who related them, and many othoi-s not before made public. It was ascertained that six years ago Colportage was introduced into Ctmada West, in the following manner:— A German in New York who owned land in Waterloo, C. W., though an irreligious man himself, had discovered that where there was little or no regard for Christianity property is less valuable than where the Gospel is received and obeyed. Hence, in order to improve the value of bis lands, located in the midst of a German settlement ; where there were some forms of religion, but very little vital Christianity and consequently a very poor prospect of improvt'- mout, he applied to the Assistant Society for the Germans to aid him in improving the condition of his countrymen in Canada of whom there are now nearly 50,000. Handing the Eev. Mr. 11. .S50, with a request to e.\- plorc the field and see what could be done. The work was undertaken, and two Germans were then commissioned by the American Tract Society. One of these has labored very successfully in Perth, Huron, York, Lincob, Welland and other counties, and now lives at Phillipsburg, AVilmot The origin of the Niagara Tract Society, which has a Depository, sustains a Colporteur and is extending its usefulness, is traced to this men's labors by an interesting chain of Providence; and proofs of his usefulness are many on all the fields of his labor. The other German was at the end of five years earnestly solicited to re- ceive ordination and become the pastor of three German churches organized in Waterloo counties by those who had been brought to Christ by the blessing of God on his humble labors and the truth circulated and read. Ho reluctantly yielded for the simple reason that no one else could be found for the place. Saying then, what he repeated to Mr. E. on his way 26 to this Convention, that so soon as a gDod Pastor could be found for those Churches, now numbering 120 members, he would return to the Colporteur worif, take his box of books and tracts and go from house to house in his favorite department of labor. His successor on the same field is a young man, who in Germany was a Romanist, on coming to America lived with an Universalist and embraced his views — was awakened at a funeral which Mr. S. attended, purchased books from him, and was brought to know and submit to Christ while reading the " Rise and Progress of Religion in the tioul," by Doddridge. His labors are attended with much success, and there is much reason to hope that these two men, together with a third recently employed and now living at Chippawa, may be instrumental in securing, by the blessing of God on their efforts to circulate his truth, a great and saving change in the social and spiritual condition of these thousands of Germans, among whom is found at present a great prcdominence of error in its most destructive forms. The facts brought out by the aid of an interpreter, were calculated to deepen the conviction already existing in many minds that the German population in Canada 7nnst be cared for ; and that this is the best if not the only agency at present available for their evangelization. A large pro- portion of the German Colporteurs in the States and two out of three in Canada trace their conversion to the blessing of God on the publications of the Tract Society, and hence their earnestness and zeal in promotmg the work of Colportage. All the laborers, except the Germans, were bom in some part of United Kingdom or Canada, and with one or two exceptions had passed through severe trial and affliction, and been brought to Christ in such circumstances as to mark their conversion as decided and thorough. Some had long embraced error, others had large experience in the working of mind in varied circumstances, and all seemed to feel that necessity teas laid upon them to labor for Christ ; and the privilege of engaging in these toils, with such facilities for successful effort was very dear. Mr. A. after leaving Scotland, and passing some years in the "West Indies^ went to Halifax, and thence to London, C. W. ; was instrumental in or- ganizing Tract oistribution, was recommended to the American Tract Society, and employed in Middlesex, has seen the way openmg before him, interest increasing, sales of evangelical books easily effected where pace 27 they y^ere refiued, and has introdaced several new laborers. Mr. A. re- gretted not having fully reported incidents of great interest, not feeling at the time that it was important, but said "I have succeeded better as I proceed in my work by a more simple manner in pursuing it. I love it I desire to continue in it It has charms for me as no other work ha& Its epritoality attracts my heart to it, and I could not give it up." Bev. Mr. B. came from Ireland at 14 years of age. Went into the wOdeiness in Canada. A pious man visited his father's house, conversed with him and awakened interest. Convictions deepened at a meeting, truth was made effectual, and he embraced Christ as the only Saviour. Saw the books of the Tract Society some years since, and liked them. Heard of the work of Colportage, and desired to engage in it—" I leave no family without religious conversation. My views have changed much, the work has grown more and more in my affections as the result of a more practical knowledge of it" Rev. H. R., commissioned by the Upper Canada Tract Society, was bom in Wales. Has witnessed great changes — greatly increased desire for good books. Sabbath Schools organized and well sustained, and great interest in the work awakening. Is invited to labor in many parts. Hope more men will be employed, and doubf not the people will eome forward and sustain the Society in its noble woiic. Has known several Romanists to be con- verted to the truth, and among them one who had studied for the priest- hood, and read tracts, left by the doors. Won the attention and sincere consideration of two ladies, who were very light and trifling in their manner and conversation, by attention to the children and asking the mother if she would like to meet them in heaven. * A Mr. S., an old inhabitant of York County, had arranged in his mind a plan like Colportage and designed going out as a voluntary Colporteur but being prevented from that and hearing of their meeting, came to see end hear and offer his support to the enterprise. God had given him "means" and he could help in that way while he was prevented from en- g^ing pei'sonally. Mr. J. N., after various efforts to drive away the conviction that he Gboold devote himself wholly to Christian labor, met a Colpolteur, read the book of "Instructions," (a work setting forth the practical working of the 28 whole ^tcm of Colportage for the use of laborers and information of others) and resolved to engage if he could,— was received on trial, corn* menced permanent laoor, last December, obliged to explain the work to alL Well received when the objects are understood. People need and generally desire to obtain the whole variety of our books." Mr. J. B., bom in London, England, and early removed to Canada. "Pike's Persuasive to early Piety," and Dr.Watt's sermon to young persons, were blessed to his conversion. He became Superintendent of a Sabbath School. Met Mr. C, a Colporteur, and also the Superintendent "Was commissioned. Saw fruits of German Colporteur's labor in the awakening of some, and in preparing the way for the work. Mr. B. expressed much satisfaction in the success which had attended his efforts to reach and benefit Romanists, citing many instances in which he had first read passages from the Bible, Books and Tracts, and then had been applied to for the same^ and giving his opinion that much may be done for the social and spiritual benefit of these classes too generally regarded as inaccessible, thus proving again that Romanists are as easy of access as the same general class who make no profession whatever. At QueenstoD a revival of Religion occurred last winter. Many books were sold, a Union Sabbath School ors^anized and well sustained. Taverns closed and Grog Shops shut up by influence of the meetings and the Tracts, Books, and Bibles circulated. In one desolate house where the only seat discovered wag a small box, was a poor family — no Books, no Bible: de- sired one, and " casting bread upon the water," one was given. People said it would be sold for Rum or destroyed, but on calling again found leaves turned down in many places and straws to mark difTerent passages had been read much. Other incidents of similar character, and relating to various ages and circumstances. Thus he was encouraged to labor faith- fully with all classes. ]\Ir. C. was born at Niagara — was advised to study for the ministry. Not thinking himself adapted to be a Minister, he felt constrained to enter upon some missionary labor. Went to attend the ordination of Rev. M. S.,the German before referred to inthir ,h port, and was recommended for commission as a Colporteur. Has lab' ou two years and desires to :on- tinue. He commenced on the Railway line— Romanist wanted a Bibia Mr. C> had only the Testament — "not the right kind, not the troa ore" e9 Asked if she believed in Christ ; said yes, but we must go to him through the Priest, Bishop, Cardinal, Pope and Virgin. Asked her why not go to Christ direct, as it : . God and not man to whom we must go. Gave tracts* Saw her again, and she said she had been brought by that little book to consider and believe in Christ, and that she would purchase books at every opportunity. Mr. L. was hopefully converted before leaving Ireland. " In the wilder- ness of Canada," away from means of grace — backslid. Was in this statt for 7 years ; then read a Tract sent out from England " Do you love Jesus ?" " This went to my heart and I returned to my Lord, and resolved to spend much time in Tract distribution. I made my arrangements to give up business and, providentially, had my attention turned to the Col- porteur work by an advertisement of the Upper Canada Tract Society. ** 1 visited from house to house, amongst others, Boman Catholics who loved to hear me because I did not talk about the Virgin Mary, No ! I love talk about Christ I am embarrassed by the kindness of the people? and find myself more and more interested, and interest extending." The short time which the Convention were together, prevented the Col- porteurs from going largely into details of their labor, and consequently th* large fund of illustration with which most of them were prepared, was rendered unavailable for present use. It was the Superintendent's impresi- don, however, that no company of laborers had been together who were more thoroughly engaged in the work or on an average better calculated to succeed in their respective fields; and more names were reported of per- sons who were anxious to share in these toils and self-denial for Christ'^ sake. At the public meeting addresses were made by Colporteurs and Agents, and by the President and ma»y of the Clergymen of the City, from only one of which we can make an extract, and this because it explains tlie position of this Society — a subject about which erroneous statements have been made in some public prints. In the address it was stated, and with the distinct approval of the meet- ing, that the connection with the American Tract Society had all along been rather of a business character than that of affiliation ; that its publi- cations were found excellent and cheap, and therefore this Society availed so itsdf of them ; that the valuable services of the Rev. Mr. Hickey, Agent at Bochester, had been requested and granted on general grounds only-; and that the Directors of the Upper Canada Tract Society decidedly dis* approved of that practice which had been adopted in some instances of abstracting or changing passages of books on the subject of Slavery. Every point taken in the foregoing addresses was fully sustained by the accounts given verbally by these men who are constantly in the field, especially all the " characteristics of Colportage" named, and the state- ments relating to the " Situation of Canada," and the formation of Sabbath Schools. Books were sold to those possessing and reading no Religious books before. Destitution is everywhere found, and ready access obtained afber full explanation of the matter and object of the work, and all gave a plain indication of the duty of Christians in Canada, to do with their might what they find it possible to do for the estension of Colportage. I t PRINTKD AT THE " GLOBE" BOOK ASD JOB OFFICE, 22 KING STREET WEST, TOKOXTO. ,,^a«K'-'.4*M'^v*5-. ^^•■;''^■ \i. •^ *" "< '..t ^r: i» , .< -<->l. >.T rs' ^ , JUtiiiB-!*^ V ■ V,rt*««u .^■ai ;r^« -■«.: f^»^ m