The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-11-03
For the Central Presbyterian.
Rev. John H. Rice, d. d.
In Richmond l8l2-1S23.
1sl6.-American Bible Society-A
Visit to New York, &c.


1sl6-American Bible Society-A
Visit to New York, &c.
In April of this year we find Mr.. Rice
very busy in the prospect of journey
to New York, where he was to assist in
the organization of national Bible So
ciety The Bible Society OF Virginia had
been formed three years previously. Mr.
Rice goes to New York as a delegate
from this society. He corresponded be-
forehand with the auxiliary societies OF
Norfolk, Petersburg, and Fredericksburg.
He proposes on his way to visit Fred
ericksburg, Alexandria, Washington, and
Baltimore. In Washington he expects
to visit leading men, to ascertain their
views and secure their patronage of the
proposed institution. Among these he
mentions his friend, Mr.. William Writ,
who is taking more interest than he here
tofore appeared to take in the affairs Of
religion, and especially in Bible societies
" And as Madison, Monroe, and Jefer-
son are all members of the Bible Society
Of Virginia, it is to be presumed that they
will not discountenance the proposed
measure"
In his letter to Mr.. Maxwell, of Nor
folk, in which he mentions all these plans,
he regrets that ne cannot go by the way
of that city, and refers in the following
language to that church, about which
Mr.. Maxwell had written to him "The
information which you give me concern
ing the state OF religion in Norfolk, is
particularly acceptable. l rejoice to
hear of the success Of my brother Paxton,
than whom there is not, believe, more
faithful laborer to be found in the vine
yard of the Lord. His worth is great ;
and do expect that his usefulness will
be considerable. May God give him
many seals to his ministry
With pastoral solicitude he endeavors
to provide for his congregation during
his absence He begs Mr. Maxwell to
use his influence with his relative, Mr.
Cowan, that he may come and preach to
the people in Richmond, and also assist
Mr.. kirkpatrick in the vicinity OF the
city, who has vast field before him for
cultivation, and has not strength equal
to his labors."
The convention of delegates from va
rious Bible societies met in the consistory
room of the Reformed Dutch church,
New York, May 9Th, 1916 They re-
solved that it is expedient to establish,
without delay, a general Bible Institu.
ton for the circulation Of the Holy Scrip.
lures, without note or comment"
This was the beginning Of the great
Society which now issues millions Of
copies of the sacred Scriptures, and
prints them in az many as two hundred
and fifty languages and dialects.
Mr.. Rice was a member Of the com
mittee to prepare the plan Of consti
tuition for the Society, and an address to
the public, on the nature and objects Of
the institution. The address was writ.
ten by the celebrated Dr. John Mason
The interesting business which had
called him to New York being finished,
Mr.. Rice turned his face homeward He
stops first at Princeton to visit his friend
Rev. Archibald Alexander.
Great changes had taken place since
these two Vlrginians we've associated at
Hampden Sidney about twelve years be
fore this time. The growing importance
of Mr. Rice's labors and influence, IN the
Church and the country, is sufficiently