Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-04-15

DIR. Ptpkerton. the lhue'dlsau'S -. |
3. aud F. B. Society, is still on the Cohuhsn,
visiting the Societies which have been torinea III
Denmark, Sweden, Norway, germany c:u
Frances; and he states that most OF tnese oI:'I
ties are actively engaged in the WORK Ior "sSn
tbav wore oroaoized. From the depository OF the
3. and F. B. Society in Paris, oo,ooo cop.eS
were issued during the past year. Even IN Spain'
pnrt,~sl. Italy. Austria, and Poland, opportu-
ni,ie, for introducing the Word of Lille are null
tiplying. In Greece, the prospects are hsniy
encouraging. In Constantinopie.. 500 copies
were sold the past wear. Some idea may be
formed of the Calcutta Bible Society, when It Is
stated that it has put into circulation l4o,ooo
copies of the Holy Scriptures. At Bombay
50. 1000 portions of the Bible have been d,striout-
ed-a place where, fifteen years ago.. the ho'y
volume was unknown, and could not have oeeh
known without studying new language. NOW
the people may read in their own tongues the
wonderful works of God. In the Burman EN-
pire: in the Island of Ceylon, in the Sandwich
and Society Islands; in New South Wales, ana
MANY other parts of the heather world. the d.
vine Word is distributes: and each OF these pla-
ces forms radiating point, whence light issues
in every direction, to guide those who are IN
darkness and in the shadow OF death.
From the success attending the labors OF the
American Missionaries in teaching the Sandwich
Islanders 10000 it is believed, are now prepared
to receive and able to read the sacred volume.
In conclusion your Board beg leave to be in
duleed IN few more remarks on the Bible cause
in general It's history from the first has been
one of the deepest most intense interest. Its orl
gin appeared like the addition of a new stan or
a new sun, to the moral armament. declaring the
glory of God, and showing forth his handy work.
In its progress. it has shed increasing light upon
the darkness that covered the earth, and we trust
it will shine on, without suffering an eclipse. un-
to the perfect day of millenial glory. TO change
the metaphor, this cause, after struggling through
the difficulties incident TO all new and great mo-
raj enterprises, has at length reached command
ing elevation, whence may be seen, not only the
monuments of lis past success, but the vast and
continually enlarging field OF its future opera
tons. Every year reports some new vantage
ground that has been gained, and fresh accesslons
of piety and talent and wealth and influence
To say nothing OF the patronage which the cause
has received in Europe; so many OF every rank y
character in our country have avowed themselves
to be friends of the Bible Society, and are con-
trlbuting annually to its funds, that we may safely
claim for it the preponderating influence OF the Ma
ton and for ourselves, the appellaton OF Chris
tan People. And 1t is pleasing to reflect that
the influence of this and other great benevolent
societies, is rendering US more worthy of the
name. Especially is this true with regard to the
effect of these Institutions, upon the different de-
nominations Of Christians. They have been
brought near together in the spirit of harmony
and love. and without the sacrifice of principle
on the part of any one concerned. The smiles
of Heaven have rested upon this Union and Co
operation; and the signal success with which it
has been crowned, gives encouragement to unit
ed effort in every way in which the interests of
our common christianity can be promoted. We
here see a pleasing specimen of what the differ
ent branches of the Church of Christ might &C
complish for the conversion Of the world, if their
energies and resources were concentrated and
rightly directed. The world has no power to
withstand the combined efforts of Christians in
huenced by love to Christ by love to one another
and by love to the souls of their felIow-men.-
When this spirit shall pervade the Churches so
as TO destroy the remains of bigotry and sectari-
an feeling, and cement the different denominations
together as one great spiritual Commonwealth
having the King Of Zion for its head, there will
be seen greater displays of the majesty and glo-
ry of the Lord going forth for the salvation OF
the world than have ever yet been exhibited.
And here it may be remarked, that as the
IflenuS OF the DlOle cause are IouHu IH every
part of our country, andare connected with every
class of society, and capable of exertlng vast
aggregate influence so it is morally certain. that
this influence will have the effect Of strengthen
ing the ties which bind together our political con-
federacy Viewing the subject in this light eve
ry wise statesman, and every true patriot, as
we'll as every enlightened Christian. may find
sufficient reason for giving his cordial approba-
ton and support to this, and other great benevo-
lent institutions, which, while they aim at the
promotion of interests vast as eternity, and high |
rs the lesnes of the immortal soul, exert an
influence so benign and so saIutary, upon the
temporal happiness Of man. The history of the
world demonstrates that the free circulation Of
he Holy Scriptures. is most favorable to civil as
we'll as religious liberty. While they assert the
claims of God, they define and establish the rights
If man. on foundation that can never be moved.
Believing all this, we cannot but rejoice in see
nc how Divine Providence is preparing the way,
or the operation of Bible Societies, in both he
nispheres. In the southern part of our own con-
inent. wide field will doubtless be opened,
When the storms of revolution shall have subsid
ID, and the elements Of society shall have settled
own in rpruI ar order In Frame the fold ;s