BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

Press, Volume XXII, Issue 2718, 25 April 1874, Page 2

BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of the Lyttelton branch of the Christchurch Auxiliary of the above Society was held in the Colonists' Hall, Lyttelton, on Thursday evening last. The attendance was very limited. Mr H. R. Webb, M.H.8., occupied the chair, and the Revs F. Knowles, W. McGowan, and F. Pember, were on the platform. The proceedings were opened with prayer. The chairman expressed his regret that the attendance was so small, and read apologies from the Revs — Watkin and Mr Aldrcd. As the hon secretary to the society, he read the following report :-— -' Lyttelton Branch Bible Society, in connection with the Canterbury Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society. "ANNUAL REPORT. " The committee of the Lyttelton branch of the Canterbury Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society have pleasure in again presenting an annual report, "The lady collectors have been diligent as usual in obtaining the sympathy and contributions of many towards the funds of the society. Committee meetings have been regularly held, when the collected sums have been paid into the treasurer's hands. Various families have, by regular payments, been enabled to secure bibles of superior character. The amount received by the ladies in this way is £14 16s, while free contributions have reached the snm of £22 13s. '* A fair number of copies of the Word of God have been sold at the depot by Mrs. Gittons ; many cheap bibles and testaments have been purchased by young people. The committee have determined to enlarge the stock of books at the depot. " Much pleasure has been realised by the the friends of Scripture circulation through the visit of the Rev. B. Backhouse, the representative of the society and general agent in the Southern world. His lecture on the 4 Bible in India' was well attended, and appreciated by a large audience. A good collection was raised. ■•'' The general information as to the operations of the society throughout the world, derived from the monthly reporters, iB very gratifying. The knowledge of the word of the Lord spreads and-grows. The wonderfnl works of God are being made known by means of the press, the fociety being ever ready to print translations of the Scriptures, and to supply them to various Christian missions. The number of dialects into which the Bible has been translated and printed is over 250, yet there are many in the gross darkness of heathenism, to whom no messenger of peace bearing the everlasting Gospel has yet reached. Therefore there is demand on every one who is called Christian to aid in the promulgation of that word which is as a lamp unto the feet amd a light to the path. The Lord of light and glory commands men to search the Scriptures, and the disciples who have heard must repeat the word until the " Earth shall be filled with theknowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. " The committee have much pleasure in recommending that the sum of £20 be remitted through the Canterbury Auxiliary as a free contribution to the Parent Society." The receipts during the year had amounted to £98, and the disbursements to £38 10s 2d, leaving a balance of £59 9s lOd. The Rev F. Knowles strongly urged all present, and others interested in God's work, both to study and promote the circulation of the Holy Word, and moved—" That the report for the year be adopted, and that thanks "be rendered to God for the favor wherewith He has blest the Lyttelton branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society." This was seconded by Mr J. 8. Oliver, and unanimously carried. The Bey F. Pember moved the next resolution as follows :—" That the congratulations in which we may indulge, because of the wonderful progress that the Word of the Lord has made in the earth, yet in view of what remains to be done, we all consent to be more diligent in giving and praying that the Word may have true course." This was carried, being seconded by the Rev W. McGowan, who gave an address on the efficacy of prayer. It was then proposed by the Rev W. McGowan, seconded by Captain R. Wood, and carried—"That the thanks of this'meeting be given to the lady collectors for their very valuable.services, and that they be requested to continue the same, V..•--.' By a resolution proposed (by Mr J. G. Fyfe, and seconded by Mr Early, the following gentlemen were elected to act as a committee for the enguing. year .—"The Revs F. Pember, W. McGowan, W. J. Watkin, J. D. Fergusson, Messrs-H. R, Webb, H. Allwright, P. Cunningham, J. G. Fyfe, R. Wood, and W. Robinson." A vote.of thanks to the chairman concluded the meeting, the Benediotion being pronounced by the Rev F. Knowles.