July 31st, 1872. Fine.

Accompanied by guides provided by the New York City government, we visited the Astor Library, where the director gave us catalogues.

From there we went to the Bible Society. This society was established with donations collected from those who wanted to spread the Bible's teachings throughout the world. At that time the book had already been translated into thirty languages. The society sells Bibles in many countries, and we were each given a Chinese translation. Not only does everyone in America own a copy of the Bible, which is kept in each home, but if people go away on a journey of a few weeks, they feel obliged to take it with them. It is especially revered by women. If the owner is wealthy, the book may be lavishly bound and decorated with gold and jewels, and some spare no expense in adorning their Bible, but there are also very plain versions which poor people can afford. Editions in Braille are also available for blind people. A copy of the book is always kept in the reception-rooms of commercial establishments and in hotel rooms; and each inmate in prisons or patient in hospitals is given a Bible and encouraged to study it. The Bible Society publishes the books very cheaply, selling them for less than the cost of the paper.