New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-19
BIBLES FOR THE WHOLE WORLD.
THE WORK OF THE AMERICAN BIBLE
1--c

The WORK OF THE AMERICAN BIBLE
SOCIETY AND ITS APPEAL
! The American Bible Society has published
some advance proofsheets OF its annual report
showing the world wide work Of the organiza-
ton, which contain much interesting matter
ana give the public an idea of the demands
which are mode its resources. The Rev.
Frederick D. Greene, the financial agent Of the
society. said
Although demands for a million and n half
volumes year now strain the resources Of the
American Bible Society to the utmost still we
have promptly undertaken the duty of sending
our experienced agents TO Porto Rico, Cuba and
the Philippines
Although all Americans naturally proud
Of this great National unsectarian society. still
few are aware that in eigthy-two years it has
distributed over sixty-four million volumes Of
Scripture, in one hundred languages and main
tans about four hundred colporteurs In foreign
lands alone
THE spirit Of Bib. liberty brought our fore
fathers. whether British. Dutch or Huguenot. TO
these shores and shaped our Government and
institutions. The millions now looking for the
first time to the Stars and Stripes for protection
can be civilized most thoroughly and most In
harmony with our own ideals by giving them
the same Bible. Schools churches. trade and
self government follow its lead"
But the work cannot be carried on without
funds. and funds urgently needed.
People who in sympathy with the Objects
of the society asked to send contributions
20 William Foulke, treasurer Bible House.
New-YoYk
Under the head Cuba and Porto Rico the
port says: we have given our bullets to free
them from Spanish tyranny Let now give
them our Bibles that they may be free indeed.
The Bible Society now appeals for special gifts
to meet this new sacred and patriotic duty at
our doors as well as in the distant Philippines"
Mexico is spoken Of as the nearest neighbor,"
and received in 1897 23.33S volumes from the
society. The report says:
IN face Of all difficulties we can double these
numbers each year If the free Bible-loving
Christians Of America will give the means. In
stead Of this. We actually had to reduce the
work last year
Mr. Hamilton. in charge Of this agency,
writes
These poor people for whom no man.
careth." after they have humbly listened to
chapter from the Bible, will make sacrifices to
obtain it. They offer. IN default Of money.
rosary. crucifx, pictures Of saints. the san
dals off their feet eggs. hrewood, anything in
their poor possession, TO obtain a copy Of the
Book Of God" as they call it.
There is a slow and quiet movement In
Mexico toward the simpler and deeper religion
OF the New Testament. The Mexicans are not
irregous people; sheer atheism Is not
known; they have only been crushed by ecclesi-
astcism in times past"
The report contains pictures Of curious OBJ
jects which have been given to the society in
exchange for Bibles in distant lands. These
objects comprise carving. tapestries. cutlery and
curios Of various kinds.
In the circular which has been issued in con-
nection with the report earnest appeal IL
made for funds. and the secretary says:
"Onc dollar will put twenty Testaments or
five Bibles in the hands Of eager readers. many
Of whom have never heard the gospel story
All gifts large or small. will he thankfully
ACKNOWLEDGED and used for this sole object
Pleas do not lay this aside without sending
something"