Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1817-06-13
ANNE4L REPORT

Ht managers Of tue tDiDlc society OF Nlrni-
MIA, according TO the duty imposed on them
BY the Constitution, again present an annual
report OF their proceedings 10 the Members
shortly after the last regular general NEE
t,ng, member of this board was appointed TO
attend Convention called TO meet in the CT
of New-York for the purpose of delibera-
ting ON the expediency of forming a National
Bible Society. On the return of our Delegate
ne reported that the American Bible Society
had been formed under the most favorable
auspices and a general meeting was called to
consider the constitution of that Society and
decide whether our institution should be
come ITS aux liary. On this OCCASION as but
one feeling was excited so only one voice was
heard in our Assembly. The establishment
OF the national institution was hailed with low
IL was anticipated that thereafter, instead of
desuitory efforts, made by insulated Societies,
the united energies Of American Christians
would give new life and vigor TO the cause. g
wider diffusion to that inexhanstibIe stream of
mercy which flows from heaven, for the life
ana nope or The nations. These expectations
nave not been disappointed: the American Ri :
BILE Society has prospered even beyond onr
hopes, and promises the ability to furnish the
Pnre gospel to all who dwell in our highly ia
yonrei Country. Nor will it's exertious be
limited by these boundaries America teo will
be called benefactor among the Nations of
the eartiI-And shonld the smiles of providence
be continued, will, by its christian IiberaIity.
excite the gratitude, and call forth the benedic-
IONS OF the people of all chimes. The Bible
tribute tive hundred dollars to the National
Institution, since our last Report. Besides
tins, several onr Sister Societies in this state
have made considerable donations So that
virginia upon the whole has afforded no con-
temptlbIe support to the American Society.
II affords us great pleasure TO announce that
within the last wear, several new Societies have
been organized within our state, )ail of which
IT rs believed arc auxiliary to .Ie American
Society. And we cannot forbear expressive the
hopes that the interest in this cause will ex
tend until in every part of the Country. yea
lous allies shall be found pouring their stores
INTO the treasury of our Lord, and thereby
making many rich in the gifts of eternal life
It's known to this Society that some yea
leus and able missionaries had translated fine
Scriptures into,the Chinese language, for the
purpose OF distribution. among the immense
population of that empire. This most impor-
tant work was greatly embarrassed for the
want of money to carry on the printing of the
Translation. A call was made on the IiberaIity
OF American Christians and, with exultation
we mention IT. in very short time upwards of
four thousand dolls. were raised for the aid of
this most worthy attempt. The Bible Society
OF Virginia out of its Scanty means afforded
one hundred dollars for this object. IT is due
to the benevolence of some ladies' in Richmond
TO mention that they unsolicited contributed
one hundred andninety -five dollars for the same
charity.
The Managers having been informed that a
worthy missionary of the BAPTIST Society had
the opportunity of distributing Bibles among
the Roman Catholics in the lower part of Ma
Tyland, and that they we're willing to receive
them, gladly embraced the opportunity thus
offered, and directed fiftv Bibles to he nIaced
at the disposal of the missionary.
Besides these, there have been distribu-
ted gratuitously i'll the course Of the
year 100
Aud forty testaments 40
There have been sold to auxiliary So
cieties and others 2SO 21
Making in the whole 42O PSI
Teal of Bibles and Tesiaments 7OI, which
have been issued during the year
This, added TO the amount of distributions
stated last year, makes the whole number is
sued siuce the commencement Of the Society.
56S2 Bibles and TeStameuts. a sum very far
short of what it might have been, provided
il had been possible to excite in the communi.
~ that deep and lively interest in this work Of
charity, that its importance seems to re.
quire. The managers greatly regret that
there should he any occasion for this re-
mark. They cannot however. but hope that
the time is coming when the Citizens Of Rich
mOnd aud the circunjacent country will feel as
Christians ought to feel on a subject so cOnnec.
ted with the honor ofGod, the good Of man, the
peace OF society.
The managers by securing depository for
Bibles in a central situation, and having il con
spicuOusly arked, have, they hope, secured
an important advantage. The enlargement of
the board Of managers. may also, perhaps OK
cite more extended interest iR The prospect
~ ofthe institution, and produce greater acti-
witty in distribution. II has frequently been p
source of deep regret TO the managers, that
Bibles gratuitously offered have been refused
because they TO whom they were offered did
not know how TO read. The establishment OF
several Sunday schools in this city, in addition
TO that valuable Institution the LaRcastriau
School, is hkely to do away this reprOach in
great degree. from the poor youth about town
-and already we have to mention the dona-
ton OF several Bibles and Tcstdments, for the
use ofchildren belonging to these institutions.
The members ofthe Billie Society, will, doubt