If the efforts of the A. and F. B. S. were to be limited to a foreign field, it would, in the history of Bible Societies, be an institution without a precedent-it would necessarily be feeble and inefficient, and who can doubt, that many would withhold their contributions, while the kindling zeal of thousands would thus be in danger of extinction.

But the word of God is not bound." Let the American and Foreign Bible Society be untrammelled by any restrictions-let it be what its name imports,-let it be a BIBLE SOCIETY FOR THE WHOLE WORLD, and our denomination will act together in the glorious work of giving a copy of the divine oracles to every accessible family upon the globe. The Board of Managers confidently believe that upon this plan, thousands who have always refused to act with the A. B. S. will co-operate with us, in disseminating "the most faithful versions” of the Scriptures among all nations.

If to the above, we take into the account, what in the opinion of competent judges will probably occur, viz., that the English language, which, from its copiousness and flexibility, is peculiarly fitted for translation, and as a medium of written and colloquial intercourse, will probably become the language of a large portion of the human family; who can reasonably doubt that the A. and F. B. S. should publish the English Bible, and as far as possible, distribute it wherever readers can be found.

When it is remembered that the commercial, political, and religious influence of Britain and America extends over fiveeighths of the globe, and that the rising generation in every heathen land where missionaries are sent, discover great anxiety to acquire a knowledge of our tongue-and, that Baptist missionaries in India, Burmah, and other parts of the world, may distribute thousands of English Bibles among British residents, to American and English sailors and others; it is indeed a cheering thought, that this Society by engaging in Home distribution, will publish books that may be read, not only in our own land by generations yet unborn, but by our children's children in distant regions of the earth.

BIBLES DISTRIBUTED.

Although not more than two years have elapsed since the incipient organization of the Society, the Board of Managers have been enabled to assist in the publication and distribution of the Bible, in seven languages. It is a cause for devout thanksgiving to be permitted to add, that versions of the New Testament have been commenced by Baptist missionaries, in the Shawanoe, Delaware, Otoe, Creek, Choctaw, and Ojibwa languages. Portions of the first five have been printed at the Shawanoe mission press.

If from past favours we may judge of the designs of God in reference to this institution, will not the blessing of thousands ready to perish, come upon all who promote the objects of the A. and F. B. S?.

APPROPRIATIONS.

Freely ye have received, freely give, is the injunction of our ascended Redeemer. The Board cherish unfeigned gratitude to God who has enabled them during the past year to respond to the calls of the destitute among the aborigines of our own land, and the millions of distant Asia.

At the meeting of the Board in June last, $5,500 were ap. propriated for the printing and distribution of the Sacred Scriptures, viz.

To Rev. John G. Oncken of Hamburg, for printing
and circulating the Bible in Germany.
To the Baptist missionaries at Calcutta, for the
printing and distribution of the Scriptures in Benga-
lee, and other languages of India, at the discretion
of the missionaries.

$500

5,000

$5,500

At the meeting of the Board in August, it was further unanimously

Resolved, That after a careful examination of the actual moral destitution of the world, this Board feels great pleasure in being able to make an additional appropriation of $5,000

for the printing and circulation of the holy volume in foreign languages; and that the amount be transmitted through the American Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, to be applied in the following manner:

For printing and circulating the Bible in China, $1,500

At a meeting of the Board in December last, they were again assisted by Divine Providence to grant to the Baptist General Convention of the United States, $5,000, viz. :

For printing and circulating the Bible in China, $2,000 do. do. in Burmah, . 1,000

do.
do.

the New Testament in Germany,

2,000

The sum of $15,500 have been appropriated since the meeting of the Society in April last. The whole amount appropriated for Bible translation and distribution during the two years of the Society's existence, is $30,500; of which $20,500 have been voted to the A. B. B. F. Missions.*

The Board earnestly hope that the liberality of the churches will keep pace with the increasing demand. In proportion as the field of the Society's operations continues to expand, will be the necessity for resources far greater than have hitherto been employed. The Board confidently believe that the present is an important era in the history of the church, and that sacrifices and self-denying labours, greater than were required in former ages, are now demanded

* Since the last annual meeting of the Society, the Board have again enjoyed the pleasure of promoting the objects of the General Convention by an additional appropriation of $5,000. This sum is not included in the Treasurer's account now printed, and will therefore be embraced in the next annual Report. The whole amount contributed in aid of the Baptist General Convention, through the instrumentality of the American and Foreign Bible Society, is TWENTYFIVE THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS.

of all who desire the prosperity of Messiah's kingdom. The rich out of their abundance, and the widow with her "two mites" are alike invited by the openings of Divine Providence to bring their offerings to the treasury of the Lord, accompanied by fervent and believing prayer for the blessing of God. "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth, and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, and it tendeth to poverty."

The following appropriate sentiments expressed at a Baptist Association in June last, are respectfully commended to the attention of the friends of the A. and F. B. S.

"Resolved, That since the Bible is a revelation of the divine purpose and method of redemption, our measures for doing good can never be more wise and safe than when they contemplate its dissemination.

Resolved, That it is the duty of the friends of the Bible cause, to increase their efforts for its success during the coming year."

AUXILIARIES.

Your Board of Managers have been greatly encouraged during the past year, by the amount of $33,85-952, contributed for Bible translation, by Auxiliary Societies and individuals, notwithstanding the unprecedented pecuniary embarrass

ment.

29 Auxiliary Societies have been added to the previous number, making in all 98. Of these, 15 are County Societies; 3 State Conventions; 10 Associations; and 71 Churches who have, without exception, declared themselves in favour of Home as well as Foreign distribution.

IMPORTANCE OF COUNTY AUXILIARIES.

In promoting the interests of this Society, no other means are of greater importance than well organized Auxiliary Societies. These, to be efficient, should as far as practicable be County Societies. Although it is true that Associations and Churches may greatly advance the cause, yet as this is a great National Institution, consecrated to the moral interests. of the whole world, it is not intended to be limited to the members of Baptist Churches. No: let the inhabitants of every county in our free states have a rallying point-a

Bible Society of which every person willing to contribute may become a member.

Besides the cities on the Atlantic seaboard, there are in the United States many important inland cities and towns, where a Society may embrace several counties, and from one large depository, supply the surrounding population with Bibles; such as Cincinnati, Buffalo, Detroit, Chicago, Albany, Pittsburg, Wheeling, Lexington, Louisville, Natchez, and other similar places, in which the Board hope ere long, to hear that efficient Societies have been organized.

LIFE DIRECTORS AND MEMBERS.

There have been added during the past year 41 Life Directors, 176 Life members, making in all 92 Life Directors, and 420 Life members of the A. and F. B. S. "A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation; I the Lord will hasten it in his time."

QUARTERLY PAPERS.

The Board of Managers gratefully acknowledge the courtesy of those editors of public journals, who have unsolicited given publicity to some of the doings of this Society. But, the importance of an official periodical as the organ of the Society, must be apparent. By this means the Board have been enabled to announce to donors, the receipt of their contributions; to publish a list of Auxiliary Societies, Life Directors and members; and to spread before the Christian public, not only the sentiments of Baptists upon the subject of Bible translation and distribution, but the moral wants of the world, and whatever was particularly interesting in the Society's correspondence.

The first number of this paper, containing 8 pages, was published in January, 1837. It has since that time been. issued quarterly, and as far as practicable, transmitted to Baptist churches and ministers throughout the land. The several numbers have, it is hoped, been found in some degree interesting; but the Board invite particular attention to the 5th and 6th numbers. In the first of these will be found"The resignation of several Baptist members of the Board of the American Bible Society." This document is