The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1872-12-27

A ? p E A L
IL BEHALF OF THE
Maryland Bible Society.

Society, relying upon the general interest
of the religious community in their work
of circulating the Holy Scriptures without
note or comment, and confidng in the lib
crafty Of the Christian public, who have,
for many years. sustained their enterprise,
in their present need appeal once again for
prompt and liberal help.
/ The cost Of our work for the six months
ending October 1, 1872, is $134.37 more
than for the corresponding period of 1871,
while the contributions for the same period
are less by the sum Of $5G3.22.
An examination of the Thirty eighth
| Annual Report will show that the increased
cost is due to no want of economy, or mis-
management of the funds of the Society.
But few, if any, associations of our times
conduct their affairs with greater prudence
and Skill and it may be questioned if any
accomplish so much Mt so small expense
There isnot room here for detailed exhibit
but the closest investigation Of the work
and expenditures ofthe Society, as set forth
in its Annual Reports is earnestly invited
| 1t is sufficient to say now that the utmost
economy compatible with the faithful and
diligent discharge of the undertaking, is
used. The travelling agency, formerly en-
ploycd has been discontinued, and the en-
tire oversight of the work committed to
one agent, whose whole time is engrossed
by the duties of his position. Besides the
charge of the Bible House, in all its depart
mcnts, he is bound to further the interest
of the Society by every means ut his COM
mand. His work is such as to require I'M
remitting activity and no small ability.
| (See Plan of Operations, Sect 3D. Agent,
Thirty-eighth Annual Report, p. 1917 I'm
der his direction several colporteurs are
employed in regular visitation of the most
destitute sections of our State, one Gevo.
ting large portion ofhis time to the City
and the shipping in our harbor, in all
households calling attention to the Word
of God, making sales where the people arc
willing to buy, and gratuitously supplying
the needy. The value of the work done
by those men in an unobtrusivc, unostcn-
tatious way, cannot be reckoned in curren-
cy. Its entire effect, in aid of the ministry
and the churches, will only be known at
! the final settlement Of human affairs. One
of the colpor;eurs who has been engaged
in this labor for twenty years, has, in that
time, visited 6,040 families and dstrib-
utcd 1908 volumes of the Bible and New
Testament. These colporteurs often re.
quire the "Wisdom of the serpent" in theil
intercourse with the various classes tc
whom they come. Their business is not
to be done with the facility and careless
ness with which one would distribute
| handbils and it is matter of congratula.
ton and some surprise that the Society
offering, as it must, but poor remuneration
has been able to secure the services of men
of energy, prudence, and experience.
In addition to these methods of distribu.
ton, the Society, upon application we'll en-
dorsed, supplies destitute Sunday Schools
of all denominations in every part of the
State, aiding, thus, very materially in the
mission work of the churches. Through
these schools the Bible finds its way into
many families not otherwise reached.
BY all these means the Word of God
year by year, twins its widening .,ay," its
truths becoming more and more "housc-
hold words" and its messages Of life and
salvation, comfort and grace, finding en-
trance into the hearts of the helpless and
dying. We rejoice to be the agents in
such an enterprise, whose sole aim is to
bring the simple, unadulterated truth OF
God directly to the consciences and hearts
of men. No imputation of evil can arise
upon this endeayor and assured of the cX-
celency both of motive and result we APP
peal, in our emergency, to all generous,
Christian men and women for help.
To PASTORS will you not, at the carli-
est opportunity, notify your congregation
Of our work and wants, and solicit their
contributions Many Of the churches
throughout the State have had large dona-
tions OF Bibles from the Society, and have
made very slender returns to our treasury.
Give a speedy response to our call.
TO ALL WHO LOVE THE BIBLE Send
us out of your plenty such supplies as will
enable us to give the Book to all who need.
| You will be rewarded and enriched by
every gift to this cause, and the more abun.
dainty as you give freely and promptly.