Portland gazette and Maine advertiser., 1816-02-13
TO THE PGg.IC.

would leave no suitable measure uninterrupted 10 ac
complish the important designs of its institution.
They have frequently published addresses and state
ments Of their doings. They would once more re-
quest the indulgence of the pubck, while they en-
ing of the Importance of the charity they have
in view, and of the duty OF awakening, if possible,
a more general attention to it.
The considerations, by which they are animated
are such, they confident, must interest every
friend to mankind. They are simply and briefly
| these.
The Bible nculcates those sentiments and duties
which the basis OF all security and happiness in
this life. 1t is calculated better than any other
book ever was and as well as any book pos
sby could be, to regulate the appettes and passions
of men, to render them merciful and just, good re-
latives and good citizens and as friendly and
useful to one another in every respect, they are
capable Of being. Of this every one must be con-
WINGED who examines its contents.
But while the Bible in its truths, precepts and
sanctions, is the best system of morals, that could
be selected for the instruction and Improvement of
mankind it is particularly suitable for distribution
ia christian country, where it is universally es-
teemed sacred book and would be perused by all
classes with reverence, which they would enter
tain for no other volume, that could be put into
their hands.
Passing from these recommendations of dle Bible
to its actual effects upon society, comparison of
those countries where il is read and regarded with
those, where il is unknown or neglected, would be
sufficient produce the most favorable opinion Of
its moral influence.
But to the believer in its Inspiration the Bible
presents itself in still more interesting view 1t
is capable Of making men wise unto salvation"
and therefore in the gisscf this volasas infinite
benefit may be conferred.
The christian will also remember his Obligation
to such charity in all those nunctons of scripture
which require him to do good, as he has oppor.
tuuity,"t to reprove,"to "exhort,n and to " ed
|ify''
These are some leading views OF the duty of pro.
noting the circulation and distribution oftha Holy
Scriptures But it is also to be considered, that in
tbiswork all denominations Of christians can unite
without any appearance Of concession in those re.
speets, in which they differ. 1t is a Common cause,
in which none by refusing to cooperate would lie
willing to give occasion for the remark, that they
were indifferent to the instruction Of their fellow
men, or reluctant that their sentiments should be
tested by the Bible, so presumptuous as to sup.
eose more ineligible account could be given of
the doctrines and precepts Of christianity than this
volume contains. The distribution Of the Holy
scriptures is therefore truly catholic charity.
This charity is also recommended by another con.
sideration. The Missionary travels from place to
place, and can devote but short time to the in
struction of single individual or town. But the
Bible remains a permanent observation-disclosures at
hand "for doctrine, reproof, correction and in
structon in righteousness" whenever a leisure or
serious moment may dispose its possessor to con-
suit it-whose sacred pages sense Of religious duty
will often prompt him to peruss. and to which he
will hardly fail to have recourse in sickness aud
Misunderstanding, like the dew and dropping like
the rain, whose drops in long period will make an
impression even on the rock ITSELF
. How pleasing must be the reflection, at the close
Of life, of having been the cause of putting il,
circulation one additional copy Of this invaluable
volume; to think it had, not mprobabiy, been pro-
ductive Of inesmable good, since il issued from his
hands and would continue to afford the means OF
moral improv ement and salvation to his fellow men,
With respect to the actual want of the scriptures
IN this and other parts Of the country it is ascer
tanned to be great.
To the considerations already mentioned in ga-
vor of the distribution of the scriptures il deserves
unquestonably to be added, that Providence seems
now TO be directing the attention of the christian
world in wonderful manner to this mode Of en-
larging the Redeemer's kingdom.
The Trustees c.aclude by observing, that they
have written to number of gentlemen in different
parts OF the District to request their aid in exciting
that attention to the subject Of this address. which
its Importance demands and hope, that the happi-
est success will attend their exertions.
Reported by Committee and published by or.
der of the Trustees
EDWARD H. COBB, RecOr,g. See,y.
Portland, Feb. 6, 1916.
The Editors Of the several newspapers q, Maine
are respectfully requested 10 aid IN attaining The CD
ject IN riefC, ty inserting the foregoing ADDRESS