National Republican., 1875-05-31
WASHINGTON BIBLE SOCIETY.
Forty-seYenth Anniversary at the Mstropol
tan Church.


tan Church.
The annual mcsting of the Washington City
Bible Society took place last evening, and the
remarkably large attendance spoke plainly OF the
interest which Christians take in the dissemina-
tiOn Of the Word Of God. The church was crowded,
and the meeting was only eclipsed in attendance
by the anniversary Of last year. held at the House
of Representatives, which afforded more sitting
room.
Rev. A. W. Pitzer presided, and conducted the
devotional exercises.
The annual report of the board of managers of
the society was submitted and DR.. Pitzer made
short address, touching upon its contents. He
said that the society was established in Philadel
pbia in 1904, thoug now located in New York and
it 1t was the parent out of which all others grew
and to which they were accessory. These societies
spreading the glorious Word of God and their
ethciency depends upon the lfberslity of each In
dividual Christian. The good work has been
going on, and the Bible Is now printed in two
hundred languages and dialects, and being circu-
lated among all peoples.
Since the formation of the society in Washing
ton, in 1928, the city has been canvassed six times
or about once in every eight years, and every
family without copy has had the opportunity Of
receiving one. Our last canvass commenced in
October, 1871, and continued to April, 1873, and
when suspended the Fifth and Sixth wards alone
remained unyisited. In November Of last year
81 families or these 276. or ,lO4 persons. were
without Bibles; 1s6 Of these families received,
while the remainder refused the Word Of God.
Mr.. Kings labors were suspended in January,
During the year p Bibles and Il Testaments,
valued at S3l.s5, have been granted to mission
Sabbath schools and destitute persons, while SO
Bibles and &c Testaments, worth SS429, have
been grstHitously distributed to families. Sold
at depository-4ls Bibles and $50 Testaments;
cost $4,000. On hand at beginning of the year
2lS Bibles and 800 Testaments; cost, $349.27. Re-
turned from Kirkwood house-22 Bibles. Re-
ments; net cost, STS22L Remaining in depository
April y, ls75-22 Bibles and $50 restaments;
cost, $44Los.
The report OF the treasurer William Ballan-
tyne, made the following exhibit:
Washington Bible Society in account with VIII
liam Baliantyne:
So1tTioutions ...................sl,Ol7 81
sl,o27 ~
Amount TeRiitq4 socieiy.:..:: SSs Sc
slO27 y
Amount due Bible Society, $679 81.
Attest: A. 5. PRATT,
A. W. PITzER.
Rev. J. p. Newman, d. D., then made an ad-
dress, bringing out forcibly the Importance of the
circulation Of the Bible as being the basis Of a
wise, paternal and stable government. The Bible
defines the rights Of man, the principles Of JUSTICE
civil government. 1t is our authority and guide
in legislation, and the of that public senti-
ment which gives stability TO our Institutions.
He then referred to the Bible as being unsecta-
rian, and that for this reason it should not be
kept out Of the public schools. This led him to a
consideration Of Father Whites reply TO a pre-
ViOus address by himself
He said that he had no hard feelings toward
tue Catholics diyiduslly, and meant no unkind-
ness to Father White. That the reporter had
not made a full account of his address, max
ing it to appear that he spoke only IN relation to
and against the Jesuits, which somewhat altered
the intends Of the remarks. He hoped that the
good father would live in peace, die happily, and
20 TO glory without stopping to serve his term in
purgatOry. Laughter.
After the address of Dr. Newman the meeting
adjourned.