Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-04-22

I'd. and the coaciliatory spirit Of the gospel has
sometimes been found to turn opposition 10
friendship.
But in general we cantruly say, that curing
the mast wear. the concerns of the Society have
exhibited pleasing and prosperous appear
apce. In the patronage with which we have
been favored, although not extensive, and in the
exertions we have been enabled to make. altho
NOT great. we still read the smiles Of an approx
ING Saviour. In these, we see tokens that ne
has not left US; that he is inviting us to go tor
ward; that he is encouraging us to hope for his
presence and blessing.
The Board did not consider their labours COM
pleted when supply OF Bibles and Testaments
had bsen procured and placed in the Deposlto'
~. Knowing the indifference with which ma
nv of the ignorant, and more especially the I'M
moral. regard the sacred scriptures, and their
CONSEQUENT Incidence in seeking Tor them, even
when brought within their reach, the Board
;udged il necessary to adopt measures to enforce
their circulation. The practice which was
commenced when the Society was In Its imam
cv and which has been found to be attended
,v;,h tho most beneficial effects, was continued,
!; . the appointment Of Committees, Tor the
nuroose of visiting the different sections OF the
Town, and supplying the destitute with the word
| Of truth, attending the gift with such familiar
instruction and advice as might be deemed ne
cessary. This self-denying and laborious work
has been cheerfully undertaken, and the happl-
est effects are anticipated. The seed thus scat
tered may spring up after many days, and pro-
duce an abundant harvest.
A committee was also appointed to supply
the shipping, which, from time to time, visit our
port The Board were particularly anxious
that those who are necessarily destitute Of the
means of grace, for so great a portion OF their
time, should be furnished with the word OF life
as far as in their power. The duty has, with
good degree Of fidelity, been attended TO- and
many, who go down to the sea in ships and do
business on the great waters, have, by US, been
provided with chart, TO guide them to the
port Of eternal rest.
Wishing to encourage every institution, in
their efforts to improve the moral state OF the
human race, and especially one so important
and useful as that Of Sabbath Schools, the Board
passed an order to furnish such institutions with
the New Testament, at a discount of 66 per
cent on the original cost. They felt that while
aiding and encouraging such institutions, they
were most effectually accomplishing the pur-
poses Of this Society.
chased is commonly more highly priced and
preserved with more care than what is receiv-
ed in ordinary charity, directed their agents q
dispose Of the Scriptures by sale, in preference
| to gratuitous distribution. But in no case to
withhold them, when there was a reasonable
prospect Of their being preserved and used. In
some instances the precious gift has been re-
ceived with the livelest gratitude, and in gene.
1c tLo f,,lr
Another object which attracted the attention
of the Board early in the year, was the destitute
condition Of the adjacent country. 1t was found
that large portion to the east, south and west
was destitute of the aid and influence Of any
Bible Society To obtain correct information
of the moral state of this extensive section Of
country, and to furnish with the bread Of life
those who were perishing for lack Of know
ledge, appeared to be highly desirable and i'm
portant. Measures were therefore taken to ef
feet this object Several suitable persons were
selected in different portions of the adjoining
country, and appointed as special agents OF this
Society. They were invited to cooperate with
US in the great work Of regenerating the HUI
man character-to collect funds and to distri-
butte the Scriptures, to the amount OF the funds
collected by them, at the original cost; we have
therefore reason to believe that much more
will be done in disseminating the sacred Scrip
lures, by the instrumentality of this Society in
future years, than in years past.
The Board were not ignorant that in effect
ing these designs, increasing exertions would
be necessary to procure an adequate amount
of funds. And these could be obtained from no
source but the pious liberality Of our citizens.
In former years, when another society of a SIM
liar character was in operation, delicacy was
felt in urging the claims of this institution.
But since that once highly respectable and use
full society has closed its labors, it was Judged
not to be an unsuitable time to make more
direct appeal than had ever been done, to the
public at large. Four different committees
were therefore appointed, to so through the
various sections Of the town, and to present TO
the inhabitants the objects and necessities Of the
Society, and to solicit subscriptions and dona-
tons The duty has been discharged with a
good degree Of faithfulness. The object has
met with very general appreciation, and the a.
mount collected although not large, owing to
the smalness Of the subscription price, has as
yet however, been sufficient to satisfy all de-
mands upon the Treasury. On the whole, we
may safely say the Society has never closed,
any year since it commenced its lahors, with
prospects so favourable and encouraging.
AT the commencement of the past year there
were in the Depository
Bibles, so Testaments, IL
n. q. ,a,. ,boro h., an Lao, oro.,roJ