, 1862-12-29

f1lGe no longer 1urHlsQ LueH1eS loE argument ,
or debate, yet it is well to dwell upon it's ft- |
ness and appropriateness for the great pur-
poses for which it was designed. The Bible
is the only book in the world that makes any
as divine revelation. We have
in this book a rule Of filth and practice, of
such size and furnished at such cost, aud in
such comprehensive language that it may be
adopted as the religious mans textbook, the
world orer, wherever man, in the image Of his
Creator, is found. The speaker allnded to
many Of the peculiar characteristics OF the !
Bible-that though it discusses and imparts
information upon topics Of the greateat I'M
port, in science, history and theology, yet SO
simple and comprehensive is the language |
that all may understand it. The language as
dictated BY the Holy Spirit las a general ap-
plication to all classes. No one, Of any class
or condition, can read the Bible without find
ing numerous passages strikingly applicable
to their own individual cases. He spoke Of |
its universal adaptation to all classes, whether |
rich or poor, bond or free. It is Gods manual !
for subjects as well as soyreigns. What had |
been its benefits to the soldier! Who can es-
innate: In the great struggle IN which this |
country is now engaged, the influence Of the |
Bible, as ever, is on the side Of Right, Justice,
and Freedom. The speaker concluded his |
able address By Stating that the Bible was
Gods last, best gift to man, next in import |
ance 10 the gift Of his only begotten Son.
REPORT OF TIE EXECUTIVE coMsaTTEE.
Tie work which has most fully engaged
the Committee during the past year, has been
the supply Of our brave soldiers i'll the camps
and in the field, and also the Union and the
paro1ed prisoners at Camp Douglas.
The Illinois volunteers In camp here have
been supplied with IL Bibles and 5 5,979 Testa-
merits; the rebel prisoners with 20 Bibles
and 5,49s Testaments; and the paroled
Harpcr's Ferry prisoners with l,21S Tcsta-
rnents, at total cost Of $9l2.9 81.
Two agents have been employed during :.
part Of the past year to labor in the city and
country: Rev. G. Wheeler for the city, and
Rev. J. q. Pinclles for the country. Besides
visiting the churches in the city, at Evanston
and Hyde Park, from whom he received cash
subscriptions amounting to s155.85, Mr.
Wheeler has visited 6,331 families, Offices and
shops, besides his frequent canvas Of Camp
Douglas Of the 213 families that were deEti-
tnte Of the Bible, 178 were supplied. The to-
tai expense Of Mfr. Whee1er's agency, for
term of about eight months, has been s43322 70.
Mr.. Pinches' field Of labor has been among
the Township Societies, and during the rs
days Of his services he visited 5A families,
none Of whom, however, are reported desti
tute of tile Bible. Most Of the town auxil-
liaries seem to be active and efficient, and
take deep interest III the Bible work. The
expense Of Mr. P.'s agency amounts to
$115.G0.
It is gratifying to be able to state that the
amount paid into the treasury, the past year,
is larger by over $50 than the year preceding.
Three societies have paid into the treasury
S630.15, and hare drawn books to the amount
Of f$l5s.S9
| Bibles and Testaments hare been drawn
from the Depository, during the past year,
| for the supply of destitute families and
others, to the number Of 1G7 Bibles, and 39S
Testaments, costing S146.77. The total num-
ber and cost Of Bibles and Tcstameuts dis
| tributed gratuitously, during the year, have
been $50 Bibles and l7,037 Testaments,
| amounting to 81 ,53G76. The sales at the
] Depository and by agents have amounted to
| $1,5S1.40 Books lave been furnished to
other county societies to the amount OF
| S5Se.47. Furnished to Rev s. Reynolds
$500; to Rev. A. Lord, $3.50; to Life
Director, s4l.40; to Il Life Member, sG1.00
Tie number aud cost Of books distributed
the past year rcaches 1856 Bibles and a7 ,657
Testan1ents. valued at s3, ,83t.32: and q total
:ggrvgate since The organization Of the go
cic1y twenty-five Years ago, 131, ,2s1 volumes
Of the sacred scripture.
There arc now in tile Depository Isl;
Eiblcs and 1863 Testaments. Psalms and Bool
Of Proverbs, valued at 81, ,SSS2.G5.
The total amount received tllc past year from
ali sources is =, SsSc5. Net gain for thu pas
year overall expenses si11.50-
In view If the prosperous condition Of tn,
Society, as shown By The foregoing state
mcnts, the large stock Of books now in TIL
Eerository-thc :id Though sma1l) we hay
rendered tile american Bible Society in thei
great work Of supplying tic armies Of Oil
country, and 1lc destitute in our land, Wit
the Bible, the Committee would express thei
l de;cut thanksgiving to Him who has blesse
them in their efforts to circulate His ow
Wcsa. They would express the hope tina
r the same generous aid winch has been give
). them the past year may be continued. Thl
: is TO time to s1acken our efforts in the goo
work. The demands upon the Society drrir1
:. the coming year viii be large. The wi1li1,
i offerings and fervent prayers. Of Il
who appreciate The Bible, arc meek
: cd in ordcr that the rich harycs
u now ready for thc reaper IT.,
> be gathered into the garner Of the Lors
9 The eyes Of nearly the whole civilized worl
- look to our fertile prairies for supply 1
l. bread for their hungry millions, and do nj
look III vain; SO may there be an hungerin
for the Bread Of Life. and who appeal for
4 share Of the rich bounties God has 81 free'
= bestowed upon us, be supplied-to the fu
), extent Of our duty-witA that which shall 81,
. Life to him who receives it; and return
If richer blessings to hin, who gives it. ''The1
- is that scattercth, and yet increaseth; IN
: there is that withholdcth more than il .aee
C but it tendeth to poverty
% The addresses by Rev. Mr.. Fowler and Re1
d Mr. Cheney, were eloquent, argumentati,
Of sndappEopgiate, and we'll worthy Of pnblic
|e tien, but We are unable to priut even I'LL a
&c stract Of them, owing TO the crowded state
/. ! our columns.
n The annual meeting Of the Society, for Il
ut election Of officers and transaction of bu:
r ness, will bc-1acld in the lecture room of Il
ac Second Presby tcrian Church, on Tuesday es
ID ming, December 80, st O'Clock.
&c Trfs1 OF william Tfopp for the murd
. ofhts Nffe-Ntnth Day.
The whole Of Saturday WAS consumed by +