The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1823-05-14
MISCELLANY.
1Frcm the New-York Statesman of MAY 81
AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY

L.
The seventh anniversary of this insti-
tuition, was celebrated at the City Hotel
this day. Owing to his great age and 10
ill health, the Hon. John Jay, the ven
cradle President of the Society. was alb
sent, and Matthew Clarkson, ESQ. first
Vice President, took the chair--the
Rev. Mr.. Woodruff Secretary. Mr..
Woodruff announced letters from sun
dry distinguished gentlemen in different
parts of the United States. A chapter
from the prophecy of Isaiah was then
read; after which an address from the
Hon. John Jay, President, was read by
the Rev. DR.. Minor, of ST. Georges
Church. The address contained con-
else and comprehensive view of all that
is now doing in various parts of the
world, for the diffusion of the scriptures
and of christian knowledge. The exer-
tons of our government TO civilize and
christianize the aborigines of this coun-
try we're particularly noticed Simulta-
neous efforts in Europe were also passed
In review.
VIM. w. Woolsey, Esq. then read
Report from the committee of finance,
the details of which we are unable to
recollect. The total of receipts for the
last year amounts to upwards of S54,-
600, and the expenditures to about
S $4,000, leaving in the treasury bal
ance of about 1000 dollars, exclusive of
the expense of the building lately erect
ed in Nassau-street for the use of the
institution.
The annual Report of the Society
was then. read by the Secretary, the
Rev. Mr.. Woodruff, of Brooklyn. The
Report states, that generally the con-
Germs of the institution have foo the last
year been unusually prosperous and fiat
tering. A large repository has been e.
rected, and sinking fund established.
Twenty-one thousand Bibles, and about
the same number of Testaments, in En-
glish-a great number in Spanish,
French, and other languages, making a
total of nearly three hundred and TWEEN
ty-three thousand Bibles and Tesla
ments, stereotyped during the last year.
Upwards of 100000 copies have been
distributed Spanish Bibles have been
circulated in various parts of South-A-
merica and Mexico The report ex-
presses conGdence that the day is not
distant when the light of the gospel
shall extend throughout those vast do
minions. Some Of the details of efforts
made in this State, showing that many of
the towns were found destitute Of the
scriptures, and that their wants have
been supplied, were highly interesting.
One thousand dollars were granted TO
DR.. Carey, towards defraying the ex-
pense of translating the Bible into the
Hindoo language. Other large appro-
priations have been made for similar
purposes in the eastern world.
The report contains an appeal to the
liberality of the publick for further con-
tributions, to enable the Society to pros
ecute their plans of benevolence. Mis-
sionaries and agents have been sent to
various parts of this country, and others
are to be dispatched, if the funds of the
institution will warrant. The exertions
of Auxiliary Bible Societies are particu-
larly noticed in the Report Many new
ones have been established, and those
already in existence have been stimuiat-
ed to still greater efforts. The Report
describes the wide field, which is still
open in every part of the globe, and
contains an animating exhortation 10 the
Benevolent and philanthropick, to press
forward in the great cause with ANNA
ton and zeal. Interesting details are
given of foreign Bible Societies, the
operations of which are immense, par
ticularly those of Great-Britain and
Russia. That of the former is the
parent institution and that of the lat
ter has become scarcely inferiour in IFS
extent and usefulness. The scriptures
have been sent TO every part of that
immense empire, and into the whole
east Similar institutions in other Eu-
ropean States, although less gigantick,
are in iourishing conditions, with eve-
ry prospect of extensive influence and
utility. Bible Societies are now estab-
lished in nearly every civilized country
on the globe, and one half of the world
are actively employed in christianizing
the other. Before the light of the gos-
pei and the triumphs Of the cross, the
idols of the heather are crumbling into
dust, and the day is rapidly approach
ing when the kingdom of the Redeemer
shall extend from the rising to the set
ting sun. The Report concludes with
stating the salutary effects which these
institutions have had in uniting and har-