ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BIBLE SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS, AT THEIR ANNUAL MEETING, BOSTON, MAY 22, 1853, BEING THE XLIV. ANNIVERSARY. Published by Order of the Trustees. BOSTON: PRESS OF T. R. MARVIN, 42 CONGRESS ST. To whom applications are to be made for Bibles. REV. GEORGE RICHARDS, GEORGE R. SAMPSON, Esq., and EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES. Rev. William Channing, D. D. 1809-18 Charles Tappan, Esq. 1830-40 1803-16 Rev. Francis Parkman, D. D. 1832-53 REPORT. THE Report of the last year began with kindly and respectful mention of officers and friends of the Society deceased since the previous Anniversary. Another twelvemonth has elapsed, and the hand that penned that Report is cold, the voice that read it is mute, the mind and heart that indited it, are transferred to other and higher scenes. Rev. FRANCIS PARKMAN, D. D., through a period of five-and-thirty years, occupied posts of honor and usefulness in this Association. From 1818 to 1849 he was its Corresponding Secretary. From 1849 to the date of his decease, he was its Vice President. In 1832 he became a member of its Executive Committee, and soon after its Chairman. Those of us who have been associated with him in these duties can bear witness to his zeal, his promptness, his punctuality, the keen zest which he brought to their discharge, and his uniform courtesy and urbanity. Those who have attended these anniversary occasions, must have listened with interest to the Reports of your Committee, ordinarily written and read by him, |