CHAPTER IV.

STATISTICS OF THE BIBLE SOCIETY.

VARIOUS statistical information is contained in the preceding portions of this work; and it seems only necessary to add the following.

The British and Foreign Bible Society, formed in 1804, soon became the parent of many others. They progressively increased, so that, at the present time, 1853, there are

The British and Foreign Bible Society circulated, copies of the Scriptures in the First Decade 987,087

PART V.

Prospects of the Bible Society.

CHAPTER I.

PROSPECTS FROM THE LANGUAGE OF DIVINE

PROPHECY.

ANTICIPATING the future progress of the Bible Society, we must be guided especially by the inspired prophets. "The signs of the times. are indeed auspicious; and we may be encouraged by past successes; but we must rest our hopes on the word of the Lord, and proceed in the light of his sacred truth.

Divine prophecy, in its most sublime revelations, comprehends the whole course of time, commencing with the first prediction concerning the Saviour of the world, given to guilty Adam in the garden of Eden; and extending to the consummation of the mysteries of providence in the kingdom of heaven.

Contemplating Divine Prophecy in its original revelation in its progressive fulfilment, in numerous tribes of people-in the advent of Messiah

in the accomplishment of his redemption-in the dispersion of his enemies, the Jews-in the establishment of his kingdom-and in the propagation of his gospel to regenerate our depraved world -no subject can be imagined so elevating to the brightest understanding, or so delightful to the pious mind. Events that are now transpiring in the silent, peaceful revolution which is taking place in the minds of men, not only in the British Empire, and through Europe, but through the vast regions of America, and of Asia,-manifestly declare the direction of Providence. But all the mighty movements of the human mind in our days, with the rapid and surprising changes which are taking place before our eyes, are only the results of those eternal purposes of God, assured to us in the predictions of the Holy Scriptures.

Minutely to examine in detail the prophecies yet to be fulfilled, in which the Bible Society is evidently adapted to perform a noble part, will be impossible within our brief limits. But a few notices of the most remarkable of them, appear indispensable; as the progress of science indicates momentous changes and a glorious improvement throughout the nations, by the advancement of pure Christianity.

THE BIBLE NECESSARY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE NATIONS.

Messiah was promised as the Saviour of the world. To Abraham it was delivered, "In thy seed shall all

the nations of the earth be blessed." (Gen. xxii. 18.) Jacob when dying prophesied concerning Him, as the heavenly" Shiloh,”—“ Unto him shall the gathering of the people be." (Gen. xlix. 10.) "All the ends of the world," as predicted by David, "shall remember and turn unto the LORD; and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee." (Psalm xxii. 27.) "Yea, all kings shall fall down before him; all nations shall serve him." (Psalm lxxii. 11.) Isaiah by the prophetic Spirit declared of Him-" The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek; and his rest shall be glorious." (Chap xi. 9, 10.) "Behold my servant shall deal prudently, He shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. So shall he sprinkle many nations. He shall see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities." (Chap. lii. 13, 15; liii. 11.) "And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising." (Chap. lx. 3.) Jesus himself declared "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." (John xii. 32.) "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and disciple all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am