The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-01-28

meeting behalf of this society was held last even
ing in the Church Of the Purians, Union square, Al
though the weather rather unfavorable tho attend
ance was large, and the collection TOR the American
Tract Society was very liberal. The exercises we're
commenced with the singing of the sash hymn BY the
choir after which the 55h chapter of the Prophecy of
Isaiah read by the Rev. Mr. Parsona who also offered
a prayer Dr. Cheever then stated that this meeting
should have been held In October last but was deferred
in consequence Of some unavoidable delay present
time. The collection. he added which would be taken
up intended for the benefit of the Tract Society and
he desired those present TO understand that the
annual subscription, although this, he hoped would
prevent strangers from contributing portion
he introduced Mr.. Cross of Richmond, Virginia.
who gave an account Of the labors Of the
had, during their Visits to the coal mines found
state OF ignorance among those who worked In them that
was amentable They knew little nothing OF the svine
truths Of the Scriptures and the Of the Redsemsr
scarcely whispered to their benig tied under-
standings Yet, even with these the speaker said he
would rather live teaching them the principles of chris
anity than among the wealthy citizens Of this great
'ropolis The society had accomplished great oeal in
arousing tfese men to proper Of their condition
part of the State the society bad aso its agents
and in tie eastern also, where the good eecs
followed from their endeavors Even the children had
been brought under the influence OF christianity
through the Of the innumerabs tracts
that had been distributed among them. But
they did limit the fed their exerons to Virginia
alone South Carolina also brough, under the nau
OF the scriptures through the medium o. the society
He could enumerate many instances Of noble devotion
the part Of those who engaged the dssemlua
ION OF tracts, and also of those who received taem.
rheirf true spirit Of religion, for IL governed
by unselHsh motives. Even those who had refused at
first to receive the copereurs the books which they
offered became converted through the suce OF
the coporteurs, who would not driven away by refu
als retufs. The speaker rels ed q o. man sod
hi wife who visited by ageot OF the society AID
vho refused tc hear him either pray spea.. and who
on,y consented at his urgent request to receive copy
Of "Baxers CALI from him. On the occasion of his mex
vis however he found them In tears the book
esdy for the reception OF the truths Of Gods word
complete was the conversion In this nsauce that ths
man soon after became preacher. Great results had
also been effected by work entitled "Ffy reasons tor
gosg to the house Of Coo and other books circulated
ny the Tr Society Mr. Cross stated other instances
remarkabe copve sions, and closed by calling hs
hearers to lend their aid to the good work.
TIE pext ,I.sker WAS the Rev Prot Hitchcock Of the
Union Theological Seminary He spoke Of the origin
the Tract Society," and compared it, with the means
poesesiop 1T the present Gay During the first year VI
t existence, its receipts amounted to but $10O OO0:
but such has been the that has attended
its efforts, that it's annual receipts now exseed
$500, COO feeka to extend its empire not
only owe. a country, but q whole continent
IL was incumbent christians to lend Gil their eforts
is support and to that 1t did want for means
carry on the great work In which has embarked The
aocely had oganzed rs evangelical institution hav
ing the Scriptures for s basis Its object pro-
without regard to denominations dis,Dctops seeking
only the enforcement Of the pincioe Of catholic chris
taDfty For the furtherapce of this Rrea end the
cety asked the support of all loved the Gospel
and believed In 1t and all who had the moral and re
pious advancement of the gnorant at would do all
in their power to MAINTAIN and strengthen its efforts
collection taken up at the elcse Of Mr. Hitch
cocks remarks after which the meeting adjourned