The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-01-02
BIBLE WORK
 IS REPORTED Alabama Society Holds
 Annual Meeting. SERMON BY DR. STAKELY Statements as to DiSSemina- tiOn of Sacred Word. During Year 1904, 12,2I4 Volumes Were Circuiated--Presiden washburn Urges Assistance in Way of
 Membership Fees.

meeting of the Alabama Bible Society.
 The report of President B. M Wash burn and the Board of Directors, the address of Rev. Charles A. Stakely. D. D., pastor of the First Baptist Church of Montgomery, and special music by the choir constituted the pro- gram.
 In the annual report presented by President Washburn, of the Bible Socie- ty, the work Of the organization, which is auxiliary to the American Bible Society, was reviewed and a statement of the finances of the society was read. It was shown that the society during thetyear ending December 31. 1904, cir culated total of 12,214 volumes, in- cluding bibles and testaments The cash oh hand January 1, 1905 was s2,- 404.79.
 The Society bought in 1904 14,27s volumes representing a cost of S6,20767. It now has on hand 2.611 volumes valued at s2.132.SS. The donations of the Society for the year just past amoupted to 1929 volumes.
 President washburn made a strong plea last night for an increase in the membership of the organization which is now in the fifty-fourth year of its existence. Several names were sub scribed to the membership roll last night.
 Report of the President
 The annual report of the President and Board and the financial statement of the Society is as follows:
 At the close of this, the fifty-third year of the existence of the Alabama Bible Society. we. the guardians to whom have been entrusted her affairs for the past year would congratulate you that you are engaged in a great inh ie hal and more as the days go by.
 The policy of the Board according to the original plans of the founders of the Alabama Bible Society is to place the greatest number of Bibles in the hands of the people and 12,214 volumes have gone out through our instrumentality this year. If but one soul Is reached by each Bible we have much for which to be thankful. Truly we are doing the Masters will.
 With a Bible in every home read night and morning. there would rise a sentiment for peace and law which have hitherto never been equalled in our fair State. With a healthly public sentiment law will be enforced This will come through no other source than a knowledge of Gods Word. It Is in cumbent upon us to see that this Word is put into the hands of every human DelOB III AldDdnd ana elScWucIC, tO the extent Of our ability.
 Tn this great work we have found invaluable the assistance of many min isters and laymen who want to see the people informed on what the Great Creator has revealed in His written Word to enable them to study and un- derstand the great laws of nature and to govern themselves accordingly. The palladium of our nation Is a heartfelt knowledge of the laws of God. Any people with such a knowledge is of necessity, a nation whose God Is the Lord These facts remind us forcibly that the duty entrusted to us Is a most sacred one and Is not to be lightly regarded.
 You can encourage our work by lending your financial aid in the way of membership fees, this, backed by your feryent prayers to God that we may wisely and effectively discharge the duties that are laid upon us. Membership for one year costs you $1. and then you become a voting member. and in fact a missionary. It Is your duty then 10 distribute fifty cents worth of books with which the society will supply. free of cost. These books are to be given to those who have not the word. want 1t, and are not able to buy.
 "Appreciating your confidence. CO., operation and prayers. and praying for an increase in the usefulness of tho Alabama Bible Society. we are.
 "Yours obediently.
 "B. M. washburn.
 President"
 Financial Statement.
 The statement of finances was as follows:
 RECEIPTS.
 Cash on hand Jan. 1st. 1904. .$2.102 20 Cash sales of Bibles ....... 6,422 2S Donations. .... .'.. .... .''' 2S.75 Membership fees... .... .... 34.O0 Rents co. .... 2.O4S.OO
 Total .... .... -... ....$10,6S5. 30
 DISBURSEMENTS. Superintendents salary .....S so5 .00 Miscellaneous expenditures .. 372.Ss Freight and drayage ........ 450.11 Paid for Bibles.... ... .... 6,203.1 Donated to Am. Bible Society 300. .O0 Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1905.... 2,4O4.79
 lOldAss sSAVsOOOs OO
 BOOK ACCOUNT. On hand Jan. l. 1904, 2,611
 vols. zee. .... .... .... .S2,l32. .SS Bought in 1904. 14.27s voIs... 6.2O7 .s7
 Total... .... .... .... ....$S,S4O. 55 Sold in 1904. 1O,3S5 vols. ...... $6,472. SC Donated. 1929 vols. ....... 217.7S On hand Jan. 1st, 1905. 4.625
 vols..., .... .... .... .... 1,649 .9l
 Total. .. .... .... .... .ss,s4O.55
 The meeting last evening opened with the organ voluntary followed by the anthem, Shout the Glad Tidings," which was sang by the choir. Next was sung a hymn by the congregation and then Rev. W. Nj. Cox. pastor of the Dexter Avenue Methodist Church. gave a Scriptural reading. A prayer by Rev. Neal L. Anderson, D. D.. pas tor of the Central Church, and another beautiful anthem. 70. Little Town of Bethlehem" by the choir led up to the address of Dr. Stakely.
 Sermon by pr. StakeIy.
 In % very able deliverance Dr. Stakeiy preached the exaltation of the Bible. It was not a sermon based upon any part of the sacred Word as a text, but a studied praise of the eternal importance of the Bible as a whole and the necessity for its cir culation in every part of the globe and among every people known.
 ''I feel at home here tonight,r began Dr. Stakely, among many men whose hands are on the Bible and who are consecrated to the great work of its circulation.
 And when your hands are on the Bible, you touch the most precious de- iposit of truth in the world. Here lies