The Christian's Magazine

The Managers rejoice that during the past year the num ber of Bible Societies has been increased in this Country, and especially in this State. There are now, according to the best information, about twenty Societies of this description within the United States. This number shows that the public are generally impressed with the importance of circulating the Bible in every direction.

The Managers have received official information of the organization of a new Society in Orange county, called the Orange Bible and Tract Society. They have directed a correspondence to be established with that Institution. On their application, they have furnished them with 55 bibles, at first cost. And, in consequence of the smallness of their funds, have also sent them 100 bibles to be distributed at the discretion of the Managers.

They understand that a Bible Society has been established in Dutchess county, but have received no official information respecting it.

The increase of Bible Societies in this State, has prompted them to turn their attention to the formation of some plan, according to which all of them may co-operate; but they have not been able, as yet, to mature one which is practicable. They hope another year will not elapse without success in this matter.

The correspondence with the several Societies noticed in the last report, has been continued. And the Managers are happy to state, that from the information officially received, they all appear zealously engaged in promoting the great object of their formation.

The Bible Society of Philadelphia, which was the first established in this Country, is especially blessed by God, in the course of his providence. They have distributed, according to their last report, since their organization, about three years ago, 5430 Bibles and Testaments, of which 1858 have been distributed during the year ending in May last.

The British and Foreign Bible Society are proceeding with unabated ardour, and with increasing funds, in their pre-eminently glorious career of usefulness to the souls of men. They have circulated within thirteen months, preceding their report of March last, 33,609 Bibles, and 69,009 Testaments, exclusive of those circulated at the charge of the Society in various places abroad. From their exertions the most confident expectations may be cherished, that editions of the Scriptures, in whole or in part, will ere long be printed in all the languages of modern Europe, and circulated among its several nations. Nor do we think it extravagant to say,

that at a remoter period they will succeed in furnishing, if not all, at least by far the greatest part, of the various peoples inhabiting the other quarters of the globe, with the Bible, each in his own tongue. In addition to the translations they have previously recommended and encouraged, they have concluded to print an Ethiopic version of the book of Psalms, for the use of the natives of Abyssinia; and they are endea vouring to procure a version of one of the Gospels in that language, with a view to the same object. They have, moreover, approved of, and encouraged by a liberal donation, the translation of the Scriptures into the Siamese, Macassar, Bughis, Afghan, Rakheng, Maldivian, and Jagatai languages, comprehending the colloquial dialects in use from the eastern boundary of Bengal to the islands of Borneo and Celebes, inclusive. To enable them more fully to execute their grand design, in different parts of Britain, 17 Auxiliary Societies have been formed, during the last year.

The Managers feel constrained to notice the efforts of the PARENT SOCIETY during the past year thus particularly, as a feeble tribute of esteem for the immense good they do, as also an incitement to our Society, and to the public at large, to follow this sublime example to a greater degree than has yet been done.

From the Treasurer's report, which is annexed to this, the state of the funds of the Society appear to be as follows:

The amount in the Treasury at the last report,
Added the last year by subscriptions unpaid and collections of
subscriptions, and donations for the present year,

Of which there have been expended,

Leaving in the Treasury a balance of

$ 3507 96

847

4354 96

2579 71

1775 25

This statement of the funds of the Society, when the number of bibles on hand is compared with the number distributed the last and previous year, clearly shows the necessity of an increase to those funds for carrying into effect the design of the Society in future. The Managers cannot for one moment doubt of success, if proper and prompt application be made to the public for assistance.

In the conclusion of their Report, they are happy to observe, that the experience of another year has added to the mass of proofs already before the public, of the necessity and utility of Bible Societies. They feel thankful to God that he has enabled them in any degree to carry into effect, even upon a small scale, a design pre-eminent for its felicity and gran

deur. In the fulfilment of their duty, as the distinctions of party have been rejected, the spirit of sect has found no support. To be instrumental in advancing the glory of God, and diffusing his own truth without explanation or comment, leaving it to his blessing and providence, they consider matter of gratitude in a day of rebuke like this, when the nations of the earth are involved in the calamities of war. In Christian exertions, divided in other objects, but combined in this, they hail the advent of that day when there shall be but one fold as there is but one Shepherd. Even so come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.

JOHN B. ROMEYN, Secry.

Names of the Board of Managers of the New-York Bible Society, for the ensuing year.

This number concludes the CHRISTIAN'S MAGAZINE. The ministerial avocations of the Editors, compel them to relinquish the labour of conducting the work.