The Colporteur

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 9, 1913

AMONG the workers in God's vineyard wide That tell the tidings that the gospel saith, Not least important, though less known than most, The colporteur goes forth in simple faith. Midst mighty cities' busy, bustling din, He hurries on to wage his war with sin; And in the humble hamlets of the West, To many a home he bears the message blest. Now, where the wintry sun doth disappear For full three months of every passing year, In ice-bound lands he joyful wends his way To sell his books that tell of endless day. In far Australia, newest land of earth, He goes to tell them of another birth. This world shall know when God shall cause to cease The curse of sin, and rule in sinless peace. In Eastern lands, where pagan temples rise, And shrill muezzins startle morning skies, He bears, to those who sit in error's night, Truth's beacon, pointing to the Source of light. Where the proud Briton in his "castle" dwells, In town and village joyfully he tells Of that great day when earthly kingdoms fall, And Christ shall rule eternal over all. Where Western genius marks its wondrous power, And cities rise as moments in the hour, And through the Spanish main that Southern ire Has cursed with revolutions, sword, and fire,— On goes our colporteur, nor slacks his zeal Through hard or prosperous times, through woe or weal;

Placing, in countless homes books full of grace, That point earth's weary to a resting-place. Speed on thy holy work. Let not despair Press down thy spirit; God for thee doth care. By every water sow thy seed, and he Who increase gives shall bless thee mightily. —Selected.