The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-03-17
Virgil ia Bible Society.


The following address has been prepared, and
will be extensively crculatedas tract by the agents
of the Virginia Bible Society," in their efforts to pro-
mote the great objects referred to. In the mean
time it will aid this effort to publish the address as
extensively as possible.
ADDRESS TO THE FRIENDS OF THE BIBLE.
The Board of Managers Of the Virginia Bible
Society have determined after mature deibera
ton to solicit, through Agents known to be trust
worthy, a Donation, so far as may be practicable,
from eue,y friend of the Bible IN the Common
aceahh. They respectfully ask that the question OF
personal duty may be considered under the light
of the facts and suggestions here briefly presented
|. The various Bible Societies over the world
have all been organized during the present century
Within this period, and chiefly within the last
twenty years, they have issued about ninety mil
hons of Bibles and Testaments. OF this amount
about ffty.two millions Of copies were from the
british and Foreign Bible Society, organised II
1904 and about t,cnty-three millions from the
American Bible Society, organised in 1876
q The amount expended by the American Bible
Society in promoting its great work is about
tcelUe millions of dollars.
g. The Virginia Bible Society was organised in
1913; being thus an institution of earlier date
than the American Bible Society. Without en-
behalf that 1t has been, under Cod blessing fol
time and for eternity to thousands over all parts o.
the State, carrying to many destitute habltatlon'
the light, the comfort, and the saving power OF the
Holy Scriptures
4. 1t is, however, painfully apparent that this
Society, though receiving the confidence OF al
classes of the community to degree not equallec
by any other benevolent institution, is failing tc
exert the wide and pervadng influence which al
desire for it. The single fact that the contribu
tons from all quarters in the State during last
year we're only little upwards of 81 900, is mourn
fully conclusive on this point.
5. The main root of this failure is in the fact
that so few persons contribute anything for TIL;
great object; and this again results, it is believed
mainly from the fact that no distinct application /:
made to them.
g. With view to remedy this evil, the Board
of Managers have modified the former plan Of OPP
eratons. Instead of employing one Genera
Agent, they have, without any increase of expense
engaged the services of number of persons o.
approved fidelity, whose special Office shall be tt
invite donation from all persons within thel
reach, as we'll as to furnish information of those
who need or desire copies of the Scriptures.
T. We earnestly solicit contribution from all tt
whom application is made, h0wever small at ma,
be- If all will give ''ds the Lord hath prospered,
His treasury will be replenshed, the Society vii
be enabled to 90 on its way rejoicing, and the great
and constantly increasing restitution OF the country
will be supplied.
GEO WOODBRIDGE, d. D., President
EFFoRD B. BENTLEY, Corresponding Secretary
GEORGE J.. BIDGooD. Treasurer.
WooDHoUsE q PARHAM, Depositaries.
Richmond, Va.