BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7844, 13 January 1887, Page 6

BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

VISIT OF DEPUTATION. Last night a meeting was held in St. Mat* thew's schoolroom to heat a lecture by the Rev. H. T. Robjohns, from Sydney, who attended a? a deputation from the British and Foreign Bible Sooiety. The Rev. W. Tebba presided. There was only a very small attendance. Among those present were the Revs. R. Burrowa, J. S. Hill, Laishley, W. Jory, from Fiji, H. M. Lawry, hon. sec. of the Bible Society, Dr. Kenderdine, and Mr. Brakenrig, local secretary. The Chairman, in opening the meeting, expreieed his pleasure at having Mr. RobJohns present, and regret at the small attendance, whioh was easily accounted for by a prevailing impression that the steamer by whioh Mr. Robjohns was to come had not arrived. He mentioned two grounds upon which the Bible Society, which was not yet sufficiently well known, claimed their attention. The first was its cosmopolitan character, belonging to no special creed, seot, or party, and the other that there was no other existing society which had translated the Bible into the number of languages whioh this sooiety did, even printing it in railed type for the use of the blind. The Rev. H. T. Robjohns then addressed the meeting, expressing bis satisfaction at the reception he had met wifcb in Auckland, and his confidence that they would have a better meeting before they had done. He explained tbat he attended to represent the committee in London and address them in kind, informing words respecting the Society, and on the other hand, to convey their thoughts and views to the committee in London. Now he had a definite appointment, by whioh New Zealand was brought within the limit of his visits. The position of the society had greatly improved in Australasia. He did not feel disappointment at his reception here, but his first feeling was one At having escaped from the jaws of the sea after a very rough passage. He then proceeded to speak of the work of the Bible Society, giving a sketch of its labours since 1809. He drew attention to the state of the country in those days when the streets of London were not lighted with gas, and there were no railways or telegrams. One of their great early difficulties was that of want of facilities of communication. He also spoke of the political state of Europe at that time, and the state of religion which prevailed. He spoke especially of the work of the Swedish Society an a suggestive illustration of the general work of their own society, which had helped that of Sweden, and he sketched the great and beneficial change which had come over religious opinion in that country einoe the work of the society began there in 1809. He deferred fuller particulars until future opportunities, of which he trusted they would have many. He noticed the work of the pioneers of Bible circulation in India, Iceland, ati more folly in Denmark and Sweden. Stockholm bad been a centre of the commencement of the work, from whioh many branches had sprung, which were successfully printing and distributing the Scriptures. He narrated instances of the great good effected by the Society through the agenoy of oolporteur*. The Rev. Mr. Lai-hlkv moved a resolution very heartily welcoming Mr. Robjchna as the representative oi the British and Foreign Bible Society, and expressing pleasure at hearing of the extent of the work of the Society, and praying for the Divine blessing on its operations. Dr. Kbkdk&dine seconded the motion, whioh was carried. The Rev. H. Lawrt aa° representing the Auckland Society moved a. vote of thanks to the depntation, and to the incumbent., and choir. * -'• -i The motion was carried by acclamation. The Rev. W. Tebbs acknowledged the vote, stating that they vera very glad to have their building used for such a good purpose. He expressed his thanks to Mr. Robjohns for his address. Mr, Lαwry said it should be borne in mind that their friend Mr. Robjohns was only passing through just now and would be back again in April, and tell them much more about the work of the society. Mr. Robjohn.h said be had really not begun the story he had to relate whioh was of the work of the society, but had only given them a little lecture about the work in Sweden.