Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1821-11-19
YOUNG MEMS BIBLE SOCIETY.

Society under the name OF 1.-The Young
Dlsn. Bible Society of Alexandra" A
desire to assist in dispensing the light OF
! divine truth prompted to this measure,
together with a conviction that in this
snited capacity, their exsrtions would be
more eficacious than in any other; and
more satisfactory to themselves Their
object in common with all Bible Societies
is to supply with the word of life, the dss.
titute among themselves, and to send it to
those who are Perishing for lack ofknowl.
edge Although this Society commenced
in the midst of discouraging circumstan-
0es-Yet, its prospects have gradually
brightsned, and the number Of subscri-
bers has increased to upwards of forty.
The managers cordially invite their eoe.-
ais aud all others favorably disposed to
unite with them in the work OF benevo-
ience. AL donations, however small. will
be thankfully received, andfaithfully APP
pied TO the OBJECT mentioned.
1t seems hardy necessary to present
any consideration to secure the friendship
ofthe public, to an institution like this.
Once the formation of Bible Societies at
tracted genera! attention, now they excite
but little, unless circumstances of uncom.
mon interest are developed in their oper.
stions. They are now regarded not as
intruaers. but as thing Of course ia eve.
Fy we'll regulated Society.
Once they had to contend with much
opposition A host of adverssries strove
Go bafiis their exertions, and even threat
ened their existance The cause of truth
and virtuo however, has 50 far triumphed
that open opposition has been silrnced
and hunbled; 50 that now, none are found
In the ranks OF opposition to Bible Secis-
ties. but such as are enlisted against the
truth of God.
To defend the utility Of Bible Societies
this. The question has long since been
ssttled. Both reason and experience
have sealed their utility. None can lock
over their history, without discovering
mass of evidence to attest this truth, suf-
fcient to put Incredibly to he blush.
And if it be true that the Sacred vol.
ume is the foundation Of all morality, the
safeguard OF virtue, the sure friend OF
peace, Of refinement and happiness in civ
il society, wko would not wish that it's
light might be dlffused among all nations
that it might shine with tenio!d lustre
In our own; and soon irradiate heather
lands. And that this is the case does not
history proclaim: look back upon those
counties and societies, where it has
dweit. Wherever it has been perinitted
60 exert its influence unshackleI by tie
devices Of AMEN, its Influence has been sal
stary. Literature and science have flour.
ished, pure virtue and prosperity have
prevailed; it has shed down upon man
every thing which can disni.y and adorn
his nature, or promote and establish lis
comfort.
But 20 consider TIE Bible as connected
snly with the present lie, would be doing
II great injustice. That it is the chief
source ut human happiness, ought it
true, to secure 1t tAe friendship Of every
Kan; bul this is ons Of its accidents. not
Its 1hiei end. 1t co,nmends itself to our
attention by considerations Of far higher
moment; by its connection with our fu-
ture Interests, ana by the provision which
1t offers To secure them. Its grand object
Is 10 untold just views of God, OF the char.
seter and destination of man, and the plan
Of redemption; that wonde IN! expedient
OF divine love, which Is the admiration of
Angels. ana the only hope and refuge ofa
g,.lty world. Here life and immortality
are brought to light; here the way OF es-
cape from death, aud OF restoration to the
favor Of God is made known; and here
frm foundation is presented to man snvei.
cped in darkness, and overwhelmed with
doab;s. and working in despair, upon
which to build his hope. The Bible is
then not only the friend and safeguard of