Portland gazette and Maine advertiser., 1816-12-28
1mer1can Bible Sociefu.

turt, anu DINER Rellilt m n from 0incrcnt
parts OF the common wealth, convened in
the rep, esentatives rom IA, the State House
on Friday evening, December 9th, for the
purpose ol adopting measures tor recon-
n.nding the American Bible Society to
the patronage anc support Of the public !;
his Excellency the Governor in the Chair !;
the Constitution OF the Ame, ican Bible So
ciety thaving been read the subsequen,
resolutions, with the preamble, aficr a de.
bate oil some length, were unanimously a.
dop,ed.
PREAMBLE.
Having Witnessed the unparalleled exer-
,ions which have been made, within few
years past, to distribute the holy scriptures
III many languages, among the poor and
destitute, through several grea, and popu
ious nations having seen great multitude
OF christians OF all determinations, and scat
tered over both continents, embarking in
the sublime enterprise Of giving 10 every
individual OF the human race, the bible in
MS own language; and having recently be-
held IN our own country, the institution OF
national society which, from its suitable
aess to awaken public attention by the mag
nitude ofns plans and operations from
he ease and efficacy with which it can prin,
and distribute large ediiions Of the Scrip
lures from the facilities which it will pos.
sess for ascertaining The wants Of the bible,
IN different and remote parts of our widely
extended country from the resources
which ii may ultimately enjoy Tor the dis
sem;n nion oil the Scriptures throughout the
whole American Continent, and in other
parts OF the world and from its tendency
to unite the truly benevolent among Us in
the pursuit OF great common object, and
to harmonize Christians of various denomi.
nations, in one grand labour of love seems
destined to receive, as it we'll deserves the
good wishes, the prayers, and the warm
supper; OF all the friends Of the bible and OF
human happiness *s
|. Resofoed, That we regard these exer-
tins with lively interest and devout thank
fleess; that we most tordially approve of
the :urmation OF the American Bible Socie-
~, and that we gladly cooperate, as we
have opportunity, in sll such measures as
may tend to increase and extend its useful
ness ls -
2. Resolved That we consider il as an
auspieious circumstance, that the Massa
chusetts Bible Society, and o:her Bible So
cie,ies in this Commonwealth, have con
nsctsd themselves with the National Soeir.
~ upon the terms proposed in its cons,iiu.
ton, and have thus become in an impor-
tant sense, its auxiliarie. that these local
societies afford the readicst method OF re.
uniting funds 20 the general society, and in
their turn, are the most efrc,ual distrbu-
tors ofthe bible to the destitute within their
respective spheres of action and that i,
appears TO us highly desirable, that bible
societies, which have not yet connected
themselves with the national institution,
should place themselves in a condition TO
confer and receive the bene fits Of this rela.
tion.
s. Resolved, That we earnestly recon-
mend the formation of bible soeicties in
counties or other convenient Districts of
this CommonYealth,whe'e such Institutions