BIBLE SOCIETY MEETING.

New Zealander, Volume 10, Issue 820, 22 February 1854, Page 3

BIBLE SOCIETY MEETING.

Os Monday evening: a Public Meeting of the Auckland Auxiliary to Ihe British and Foreign Bible Society was held in the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Queen-street. J. A. Gilfillan, Esq., in the Chair.

The proceedings were opened by Ihe Rev. J. F. Lloyd, Minister of SI. Paul's Church, who read the 551h chapter of Isaiah, and offered up prayer. The Chairman then briefly addressed the Meeting, remarking on the gratifying evidence of union in the great work of circulating the Scriptures presented by the fact that he was surrounded by representatives of all the Protestant denominations in Auckland, and reading an extract from the Rev. James Hamilton's “ Life in Earnest,” to illustrate the happy effect of Christian love and zeal in breaking down the barriers of narrow sectarianism. He then called on the Secretaries to rend Ihe Report. The Rev. J. H. Fletcher read an abstract of the operations of the Parent Society, from which it appeared that it had been the instrument, directly or indirectly, of effecting a translation of the Word of God into one hundred and fitly languages and dialects, and of circulating about forty-five million copies of the Scriptures. The Report slated (hat nothing had been done here during Ihe last year to solicit subscriptions or promote sales beyond those at (he Depot ; but it was fell that the time was now come for establishing! Depots throughout (be interior, and for appointing regular collectors of funds for the Society. ■ Mr. J. Rout read the Financial Report, which showed that during Ihe past eight months (since the last Public Meeting, held on the 2lsl June, 1853.) the receipts of the Auckland Branch had been 75/. Bs. Gd,, of which GO/, had been remitted to the Parent Society on Ihe purchase account. The total purchases by Ihe Auckland branch, including an invoice now on hand, had amounted to 252/.

The first Resolution (that the Report he received and approved) was moved by the Rev. J. F. Lloyd (Church of England), seconded by the Rev. A. Reid (Wesleyan), and supported by the Rev. A Macdonald (Independent). The second Resolution (expressinggratitude to Almighty God for the prosperity which had attended the Society during half a century, and cordial sympathy with its Jubilee services and projects both commemorative and aggressive) was moved by the Rev. Waller Lawry (Wesleyan), seconded by the Rev. Thomas Hamer (Independent), and supported by the Rev. David Bruce (Presbyterian). The third Resolution (which recognised the success of Missionary operations,—and the prosperity and endurance of nations, as being especially connected with the translation and circulation of the Word of God, and acknowledged the great obligations of New Zealand, to the British and Foreign Bible Society) was moved by the Rev. R. Maunsell, of Waikato Heads, (Church of England,) seconded by a Native, who had come to Auckland to present a sum of 41. IGs. 3 d. contributed by the Natives of Mangarei and Pukeiapapa in aid of the Society, and supported by the Rev. C. P. Davies, of Opoliki, (Churchof England). The fourth aud concluding Resolution was moved by the Rev. R. Ward ('Primitive Methodist) and seconded by Mr. J. Rout. It requested the Treasurer (Alexander Shepherd, Esq.) to continue his services, and appointed the lb I. lowing .Ministers and Gentlemen as the Locaj Committee for the ensuing year :—viz. Rev. J.

F. Lloyd’; Rev. G. A. Kissling, Rev. T. Buddie, Rev. A. Reid, Rev. A. Macdonald, Rev. R. Ward, Rev. T. Hamer, Rev. I). Bruce, Messrs. R. Vidal, John Gorrie, Joseph Newman, Wellesley Hughes, Samuel ForsaHh, E. 1. Matthews, R. Kemp, J. Williamson, K. B. Shalders, J. A. Langford; Caplain Daldy, and Captain Rough.

All the Resolutions were carried unanimously, and the speeches —which were of a very earnest, impressive, and animating character—were heard with the deepest attention, and frequently responded to with cordial sympathy. Several of the Speakers dwelt forcibly upon the benefits to the objects of the Society which would result from the more active co-operation of Ladies, both in augmenting the funds and in aiding in the distribution of the Scriptures. A collection in the Hall during the proceedings amounted to 12 1. Os. 9d., which with the sum already referred to contributed by the Natives at Mangerei and Pukalapapn, and IOZ. 7s. id. handed in by Mr. Reid from the Native Teachers and Pupils at Three Kings, made the total receipts at the meeting amount to 27/. 45.-4 d.

Mr. Giifiihm having left the Chair, and the Rev. J. F. Lloyd having been called to it, the Rev. T. Buddie, (Wesleyan) moved, and the Rev. G. A. Kissling, (Church of England) seconded a vote of thanks to Mr. Gilliilan for the manner in which he had presided over the meeting, which was appropriately acknowledged by that gentleman, and the Rev. T. Buddie concluded the proceedings with prayer.