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and promptly with them for its accomplishment.
The first object is to supply every family with a copy of the
Bible that is without it, and as many years have elapsed since there has been a distribution of the
Holy Scriptures among us, it is feared, for reasons that are apparent, that there is at this time a great destitution among the people.
The united and zealous efforts of all the denominations in the county are therefore earnestly solicited in aid of this good work.
Respectfully submitted,
General Lee was also deeply interested in the Virginia Bible Society and their noble work of giving the word of God to the people.
He wrote as follows to the president of that society:
Rev. and Dear Sir: Your letter of first instant was only received this morning.
To reach Richmond by to-morrow evening, the anniversary of the Bible Society, I should have to ride all to-night to take the cars at Staunton to-morrow morning.
I am suffering with a cold now, and fear the journey would lay me up.
I would, however, make the trial, did I think I could be of any service to the great object of the society.
If the managers could suggest any plan, in addition to the abundant distribution of the Holy Scriptures, to cause the mass of the people to meditate on their simple truths, and, in the language of Wilberforce, “to read the Bible—read the Bible,” so as to become acquainted with the experience and realities of religion, the greatest good would be accomplished.
Wishing the society all success and continued advancement in its work,
I am, with great respect, most truly yours,
The following graceful acknowledgment of a copy of the Scriptures sent him by some English ladies may be appropriately introduced at this point:
