Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1813-09-08
ADDRESS
Of The Managers If the Bible Society Of
Virginia, to the PH6Gc.

Of The Managers sf the Bi5le Society Of
Virginia, to the PnbGc.
A Society for the distribution Of the Holy
IN, Scriptures 10 the poor in our country, *
to the Heather. has been recently instituted
in The city OF Richmond. The Managers
of this association solicit. the attention.of the
public to The following brief statement of
the origin and design Of the institution the
interest," of which they have in charge.
About ten years ago, an association was
formed in England, under the name Of
The British and Foreign Bible Society"
1t was soon perceived that this Institution
would he productive of the most important
benefits, both to the Christian and Heather
world. Hinder the favor of Providence, it
has been successful beyond the most SAN
guine hopes of its friends. The establish
ment of this society soon attracted the at
tcntion of the friends IF religion IN vhis
country and first in PhitsAeiphia, after
wards in various other towns in the United
States, associations we're formed fer the
charitable distribution of the Holy Scrip
lures. In imitation of this good example,
a society has been established in our metro
polls for the same purpose of love. For the
general principles, according 10 which this
Institution IS to be conducted, reference is
requested to the Constitution, subjoined to
this address.
1t has been already stated. that the OBJ
ject Of the society is the distribution OF the
Belle. II would seem needless, as well as
arrogant, to recommend this look ~ the
Christian public. TEey who are acquainted
with It's doctrines, It's precepts and promi-
SEES ; ar have feit their life giving mAuen-
ces, have, written on their hearts, q COM
mendation Of the Holy Scriptures, watch
supeTcedes the necessity of any other: To
persons OF contrary character we would
suggest, chat these gyyiingS were given by
Inspiration oI God aud are prohtabi= Tor
correction, for reprooi, tor institution in righ
teousnCss. They make known to as what God
IS * the duty which he requires of man.-
iheysaHord the best rules of ''hoty iUiryj" &
teach the Only way 70 die happy. they are
adapted 10 every age aud uauon; and to
very variety in the circumstances OF man.
They teach rulers 70 love righteousness !;
and the people TO render obed.e uce TO the
to the laws, and reverence to The magistrate
They teach husbands 10 be faithful, wives
a. be submissive, and children To be dutlful !:
They make humane masters aud honest,
industrious servants: They lay suitable res
traiuts upon the passions OF the young, aud
ahcrd strength TO the u!d--lhey are our
guide IN perpieXity, our ccmiJrc III sorrow,
our stay and support in the hour of death.
Inc light that beams from ihem, eliminates
even TIE darkness OF The grave. and enables
us to see beyo6d 1t a better country" than
thiss . sven heaycn.,-" In word, they
nj US for both words, T. > earth and heaven,
for the lie that no" is, and tor that which
is to come.
They who cordially receive the Scriptures,
esteem them their bI 4 I easnIe but do ncl
wish. like the mi-cr with ms gold, to-iock
them up III {. $ttre race, and GSbar others
from the use and enjoyment of them. When
once the word of GOO enters the mind, and
IS received IL iUye into the heart. it creates
the desire that o,hers may feel as sabitary
influence, and rejoice in It's Consultations.
When once this treasure is duly valued and
truly enjoyed, the wish is excited that the
whole human family may pgrtake of Il.
Hence, the efforts now making 10 circulate
the Scriptures. Hence have originated III
perons institutions in our own, and in other
countries, whose object it is to make know
diYire truth to all tue nations If the earth
10 aid IN the great anG>g glorious WORK Of
spreading the glad EdBass Of great joy
through all tie world, is tile Object a the
Blble. Society OF Virginia. Already, that
stream OF heavenly mercy, which FOR ages
mad been confined and limited in It's course,
has begun to How INFO all lands, and to diff
fuse through them its tertil.zing infldences.
II IS now allowed us 20 hope. that at 40 dis
tant period, and chiefly through The instru
mentality OF Bible societies, Rivers Of
gladDess will water q. the earth, and clothC
all climes in beauty" Even now tue solita-
~ place IS made glad, and the wilderness
buds and blossoms as the rose. Toad even
~ the smallest proportion, and as the hum
blest ims,rumcnts, ~ the establishment OF
Christ's kingdom ia all the earth, viii be an
honor, IN the Judgment Of the Managers of
the Bible Society OF Virginia, IN very high
degree tranycehdin5 any thing, and every
thing that the world can.bes,0w. They
therefore affectlonately, and respectfully
invite Christians, OF every creed and demo
mlnati u, 10 unite Wi,h them Gas they may
well do) ~ this labor love and let there
be an undivided effort 20 Communicate 20 the
whole human family, the light ana the hope,
ana tne peace which the gospel affords,
l hat there is at present great need for
the exercise of this charity, is most manifest
TO the impartial enquirer. Wide IS the do.
minion Of sin in tls world. Dark is the
cloud Of igBOIance and error now covering
the earth. Umumbered millions ct the hu
man race are now under the influence Of
1ahomedan driusion, or involved IN Heas
theHi5h darknsss---W no can contemplate
the wretched outcasts Of Africa, the mise
rab!s victims OF iiudu superstition, or the
savagcs uf Our own wilderness, engaged IN
theii obscene and bloody rites, niispaued
religion, aud not feel the lnvmCi5lc persua-
sion, that Carr tilus who rejoice Ia the biess-
cd hupes Of tire (.osyei, ought to contribute a