Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/64

48, whom I was desirous to educate with simple tastes and for useful ends, But I advised her to sell them, and use the money in advancing the kingdom of Christ. I have reason to believe that she appropriated every dollar she thus received for sacred purposes.

“By this time I had learned a precious lesson, that the blessing of the Lord alone maketh rich, and addeth no sorrow. Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I was taught to look up every day and every hour for that blessing. And O how sweet it is to feel and to say, ‘In Thee alone I put my trust!’

“From the commencement of my work as a publisher, I devoted my spare hours to reading books and manuscripts with a view to publication. I read thousands of volumes, and rejected perhaps five for one that I adopted. I cannot say that this was always wisely done, but it was a safe measure. When I had issued two hundred books, I examined carefully what they cost and what they brought, and found that there were only five on which I had sunk money, and the aggregate of loss was not more than two hundred dollars. There were at the same time not more than twenty on which much profit was made. Many just returned the investment, and little more. It required the strictest economy to make business prosper. But there was one great advantage. I gave no notes, and owed nothing, so that my mind was kept clear from anxiety. It was a delightful work. During the day I watched the current that was moving before me, and conversed with some of the best men and most ardent lovers of the lost whom Christ died to save. In my early years I owed much to Mrs. J. F. Sheafe, a sister of Mr. Lenox.