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In 1896, D. L. Moody wrote a note to the public. He wanted to get an earnest man or woman in every village and town and many in the cities to take up the work of selling good books house to house. He said "It's the Master's service and there is financial remuneration for any who will engage in it." Moody had a colportage library of books that were affordable by the poor as well as the rich. This is what we are providing here at A. B. Publishing.

TEN REASONS FOR ENGAGING IN THE COLPORTAGE WORK

  • 1. It is God's work, so in its aim, method and blessing attendant. It is a definite form of Christian work, not merely book-selling.

  • 2. It carries the Gospel  into thousands of homes where pastors or other Christian workers do not usually, or cannot go.

  • 3. By it the greatest amount of good, though direct contact, can be done to the largest number. People will read an attractive book who cannot be gotten to church.

  • 4. It presents countless opportunities for doing personal work and for enlisting men's lives and sympathies in the cause of Christ.

  • 5. It supplements all other evangelical agencies for the promotion of the kingdom of God among men. There need be no fear of rivalry or competition; Christian colporteurs are wanted everywhere.

  • 6. It may be undertaken in so great a variety of ways - home to home, churches, societies, conventions, mail, lectures, etc.

  • 7. The plan of colportage visiting or "book missionary" work is applicable anywhere, city , town and county.

  • 8 The work is not an experiment, but an established and thoroughly tried method of reaching the people, especially those who do not go to church nor care for religious things.

  • 9. The opportunity offered to travel, see the county and meet people of all classes.

  • 10. It provides paying employment at the smallest outlay of money, and the least possible risk of failure or loss. The remuneration  offered is liberal and in proportion to the amount of time and energy expended. Diligent and consecrated men and women make all expenses and enough more to provide a reserve fund.

D. L.. Moody founded what was known as "The Bible Institute Colportage Association." The purpose of the association was as follows: "To produce good literature at a price within the reach of all; To carry the Gospel by means of the printed page, where church privileges are wanting or not embraced; To provide suitable religious reading for distribution among all classes, young and old; To provide a profitable means of employment."

The following four titles, with several more coming, are books that were used in D. L.. Moody's Colportage Library, colportage being an old world term given to Christian book salesmen. Colporteurs were in evidence throughout the dark ages, many of them at the peril of their lives.

Liberal terms are made to colporteurs and canvassers. Previous experience not essential. Full printed instructions and suggestions provided. All of one's time need not be given, but the more the better.

 

"Alone in London"
Written by Hesba Stretton
D. L. Moody's Colportage Library - 
Series Vol. 1     
128 Pages     $4.95

This book is a facsimile reprint of one that famous evangelist Dwight L. Moody (d.1899) made available for sale through agents & colporteurs that Moody encouraged to work in every village, town and city. This is an illustrated character-building story set in the times of yesteryear. Originally produced for colporteurs, these engaging books will help teach your children lessons that will add to their development. At the end of each book you will find Psalms, God's answers to man's questions, and/or hymns for the whole family.
ISBN # 1-881545-81-4

"Nobody Loves Me" 

Written by Mrs. O. F. Walton
D. L. Moody's Colportage Library - 
Series Vol. 2
117 Pages     $4.95

This book is a D. L. Moody Colportage Library reprint. It was originally published by Moody Press and is illustrated with black and white pencil drawings that look almost like woodcuts. The story is about an old lady with no family who slowly learns to love, first a kitten and then a child. This heartwarming book is an illustrated character-building story set in the times of yesteryear. Originally produced for colporteurs, this engaging book will help teach your children lessons that will add to their development. At the end of the book you will find Psalms, God's answers to man's questions and/or hymns for the whole family.

ISBN # 1-881545-83-0

"Christy's Old Organ" 

Written by Mrs. O. F. Walton
D. L. Moody's Colportage Library - 
Series Vol. 3
255 Pages     $5.95

Originally produced for colporteurs, this engaging book will help teach your children lessons that will add to their development.

 

"Peep Behind The Scenes" 

D. L. Moody's Colportage Library - 
Series Vol. 4
255 Pages     $5.95

Sold door-to-door, this book has, and can be, a tremendous tool for  the character-building of our young people.

 

 

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