:-.rifc.» _ A ^ LIBRA^RY Theological Seminary, PRINCETON, N. J. Case, Shelf, Book,. .D.i.V.isj.pnj.iS. !"cc'ion Nc % "T. ^ yj9 AN ANALYSIS Vt^U.^ /^^<^/fcti^ OF THE OP THE BIBLE SOCIETY, THROUGHOUT ITS VARIOUS PARTS. A SKETCH OF THE ORIGIN AND RESULTS OF AUXILIARY AND BRANCH SOCIETIES AND WITH HINTS FOR THEIR BETTER REGULATION. INTERSPERSED WITH PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS, AND A CONSIDERATION OF SOME POPULAR OBJECTIONS, By C. S. DUDLEY. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world." PSALM XIX. 4. LONDON: * PRINTED BY R. WATTS. ^ AND SOLD BY J. AND A. ARCH, CORNHILL; HAMILTON, PATERNOSTER ROW; HATCHARD, PICCADILLY; SEELEY, FLEET STREET; AND BY ALL BOOKSELLERS. 1821. TO HER WHO HAS LABOURED WITH UNWEARIED DILIGENCE, FOR HALF A CENTURY, IN EXTENDING A KNOWLEDGE OF THE SACRED TRUTHS OF THE BIBLE; AND WHO HAS CONFIRMED THE FORCE OF PRECEPT BY THE INFLUENCE OF EXAMPLE ; THIS VOLUME IS INSCRIBED, BY HER AFFECTIONATE SON. London, May, 1821. Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive in 2011 witii funding from Princeton Theological Seminary Library http://www.archive.org/details/analysisofsystemOOdudl PREFACE. Were it possible to realize the idea, that only a single copy of the Bible was upon earth, and that all mankind knew where it was deposited, with what delight would myriads hasten to the favoured spot! what pilgrimages would be undertaken, to catch even a glimpse of the inestimable treasure ! Kings would lay down their crowns before it ; and Sages press, from the shades of retirement and the schools of science, to partake of wisdom at the fountain which Mercy had unlocked. And is the value of this treasure impaired, because means are devised to render it accessible to all ? Is the light of Revelation the less valuable, because it no longer emits "a struggling ray" through the jealous door- ways and narrow windows of the temple, but bursts forth in all the brightness of its majesty, to console, and cheer, and animate the uni-r versal family of man ? The application of the system detailed in the following pages has been the subject of surprise to some, and of ridicule to others : — but it is by the nature and importance of the object in view, and the adaptation of the means pro- vided for its attainment, that the candid and judicious will decide. It is no longer a question, whether the Bible Society be entitled to general support : — its claims are felt and acknowledged by the public : and the only matter of astonish- ment is, how, in a country professedly Christian, a doubt could have arisen in reference to the subject. If the religion we profess, be the Truth ; if the Bible be the basis on which it rests ; if " life and immortality " are indeed " brought PREFACE. to light tlii'ough the Gospel ;" no duty can be more clear and imperative than that of disseminating the holy scriptures, wherever a hvunan eye can peruse their glorious truths, or a human heart be changed and sanctified by that Holy Spirit whence they proceeded, and to which they lead. Nor is it possible to conceive a work, wherein the time, the talents, and the energies of mankind can be more profitably engaged. Shall he be commended, who applies the resources of ingenuity to the accumulation of temporal wealth ? and shall censure or ridicule be the portion of him, who facilitates the attainment of the imperishable treasures of an eternal world ? In tracing the progress of the system, and its practical operation and results among the various classes of society, it has been the aim of the author to establish and illustrate a position, of the truth of which heis himself convinced ; — that the several component parts are essentially necessary ; that no portion can be spared without injury to the whole ; and that, throughout all the departments of this extraordinary Institution, however designated, no one of its branches in- terferes with another. United in principle and harmonious in practice, the several Societies occupy their respective stations; and the health and vigour of all are indicated by the welfare and success of each particular part. Wliether this system have yet attained the degree of perfection of which it is susceptible, is a question whereon the reader will form his own opinion : but the author may be allowed to observe, that among the motives by which he was intjuenced to this publication, not the least powerful has been a hope that an opportunity will thus be afforded, to those who are interested in the object, for any suggestions and i-emarks which may tend to its improvement. That any hints in furtherance of this end will be gratefully accepted by the Committee of the Parent Institution, and, on their recom- mendation, by the numerous Local Societies, there cannot be PREFACE. a doubt : but the author begs it may be distinctly understood, that the present work is submitted without any authority, except that which it derives from its own merits. If he has quoted the sentiments of those who are quahfied by expe- rience and observation to form a correct judgment on the subject, he has done so merely to verify the accuracy of his own opinions, — not to get rid of that responsibility which at- taches exclusively to himself. To a respected and valued friend, the eloquent Historian of the Society, an apology is due, for the freedom m ith which Ms language has been occasionally borrowed. While acknow- ledging this obligation, the author may be permitted to express a sanguine, though perhaps presumptuous expecta- tion, that the extracts by which he has enriched his own pages, may be the means of exciting more general attention to a work which cannot be too highly commended. How far the system detailed and explained in the present work is applicable to Foreign Countries, it is not for the author to hazard an opinion: — his wishes will be amply gratified, if his labours tend, in any degree, to promote its extension in our own. But he indulges a hope, that, with such modifications as the circumstances and habits of other nations may render necessary, it may conduce to the establishment and organization of Bible Societies generally ; and thus extend those practical benefits which are attendant on the steady pursuit of an object altogether good. In a work of this nature, a considerable degree of repeti- tion is unavoidable ; but reference to preceding facts and docu- ments has been made wherever the practice could be adopted without ambiguity. In returning his acknowledgments to many estimable friends, for the zeal which they have manifested in promoting sub- JL aLj<*.\' Secretaries." C. F. A. STEINKOPFF, 5 2^ BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. 1. Mode of keeping the Accounts with Auxiliary Societies. 3. The Accounts with AuxiUary Societies are kept under the distinct heads of — *' Moiety Account" — for Bibles and Testaments, in re- turn for contributions, to the extent of a moiety, if required for local distribution ; and "Purchase Account" — for Bibles and Testaments, at cost and reduced prices : and the letters advising remittances, to the Accountant and Depositary, should distinctly specify the particular object, for which the whole, or any definite proportion of the sum, is remitted. Thus, if the local necessities of Auxiliary Societies, or their connected Associations, require that the ivlwle amount of any particular sum shall be returned in Bibles and Testaments at the cost prices, the remittance is made " on purchase account'," but if, as is generally the case, the return of one 'half be sufficient to supply those wants, the remittance is made " 07i moiety account." With regard to the supply of Subscribers, it would save con- siderable trouble to all parties, if the Secretaries of Auxiliary Societies were to furnish a statement, annually, of the number and description of Bibles and Testaments sold to their sub- scribers at reduced prices, and their loss on such sales : the amount of this loss would then be placed to the credit of such society, under the head of purchase or moiety account, at their option. The following observation, dictated by a sound judgment, is strongly recommended to the attention of those few local societies which continue the injudicious practice referred to: — " It is much to be regretted, that any of the Auxiliary Societies should retain the practice of allowing a proportion of Bibles and Testaments to the individual subscriber. A reference of the distribution to the Committee exclusively, would, in all cases, afford the best security for having the local wants supplied, on terms proportioned to the circumstances of the popu- lation *." When an Auxiliary Society finds itself enabled to remit a sum for the general and Foreign objects, it should be dis- tinctly stated that " no return is required" for such remittance, which would then be expressly acknowledged in the annual reports of the Institution. The circulation of more than Two Millions of Bibles and Testaments within the United King- dom, and the increasing magnitude'of the Foreign operations, justify the expression of an earnest hope, that the contribu- tions for this object will become annually more prominent. * Owen's History, Vol. II. p. 537, note. SECT. VI.] MODE OF SUPPLYING SUBSCRIBERS, &C. 23 Branch Societies entitled to tlie same advantages as Auxiliaries. The Secretai'ies of Auxiliary Societies should be particular in specifying the descriptions of Bibles and Testaments re- quired, according to their respective designations in the Society's Catalogue. Branch Societies are entitled to the same privileges in every respect as Auxiliaries; but it is very desirable, in order to prevent trouble and inaccuracy, that their orders and remit- tances should be transmitted through the medium, or in the name, of those Auxiliary Societies with which they are respectively connected. 4. It should be remembered, that the Society's cost prices, in consideration of the extent of its orders, are below the usual cost to Booksellers, of books bound in like manner ; and, consequently, materially lower than the prices at which Book- sellers can afford to sell them. The following Notice, appended to the Sixteenth Report, deserves the particular attention of those to whom it is addressed. " TO AUXILIARY SOCIETIES AND BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS. " The Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society, finding that their Third regulation for supplying Auxiliary Societies with Bibles and Testaments on a short credit, to enable them to supply their Members, has been misunderstood as extending also to supplies for Bible Associations, whose funds are chiefly limited to the purchase of Bibles and Testaments ; they beg leave to state, that it is necessary for orders intended for Asso- ciations to be accompanied with payment; it being understood that the moneys are usually collected from Associations previous to purchasing the books : and, from the vast increase of them, the demand has become so pi-ogressively extensive, that, were the Parent Institution to allow a credit to be given by their Depositary, they would be under the necessity of taking credit from the Universities ; whereby they would lose the benefit of the discount allowed for prompt payment, and, of course, the cost prices of the Bibles and Testaments would be proportionally advanced. " Of the copies sold by Auxiliary Societies to the poor at reduced prices, the loss must necessarily be sustained out of the Bibles and Testaments returned for a moiety of their contributions, or otherwise furnished to such Societies at prime cost ; as any other measures would be ruinous to the funds of the Parent Institution." The Rules recommended by the Parent Institution for adoption by Auxiliary Societies, Branch Societies, Associa- tions conducted by gentlemen. Marine Associations, and Ladies' Associations, with such alterations as experience and observation have suggested, will be found in the respective Chapters which treat of these societies. S4t BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I. Agents : — B,ev. Dr. Paterson — Rev. Dr. Henderson. SECTION VII. AGENTS. 1. In contemplating the progress of the Bible Society, especially in reference to its foreign relations, the great im- portance of that part of the system on which we are now about to enter, will be seen and appreciated. The chain of providential circumstances that led to the first engagements of Agents, and the astonishing results of their exertions, justify the introduction of the following extracts from a work, to which the reader is referred for more copious details on this highly interesting subject : — " In the year 1805, the Rev. John Paterson, and the Rev. Ebenezer Henderson, both natives of Scotland, and animated with a zeal for the pro- pagation of the Gospel, resigned their country, connections, and worldly prospects, in order to serve as Christian Missionaries in India. Precluded by the regulations of the British East-India Company from occupying sta- tions within their territorial dominions, they repaired to Copenhagen, in the hope of obtaining a passage to Tranquebar, and exercising their ministry within the settlement attached to the Danish Crown on the coast of Coro- mandel. Having been disappointed in their expectation, they felt them- selves compelled to abandon the design — a design nearest tlieir heart, of proclaiming the glad tidings of salvation to the heathen ; and began to con- sider, in what manner they might turn their Missionary zeal to profitable account in that part of Christendom upon which the Providence of God appeared to have cast them. " Under this impression, they commenced a very diligent inquiry into the state of religion in the countries by which they were more immediately surrounded. Among the individuals of consideration with whom they had formed a connection during their residence at Copenhagen, was Justiciary Thorkelin, Privy-Keeper of the Royal Arcliives, a person very generally respected, and distinguished for his zealous attachment to the cause of Christianity. This gentleman, being a native of Iceland, and feeling, as a Christian patriot, for the spiritual welfare of his country, laid open to these disappointed Missionaries a field of immediate usefulness, by directing their attention to the religious state of the inhabitants of that island, and to the dearth of the Holy Scriptures at that time prevailing among them. Mr. Thorkelin stated, that the popvdation, amounting to nearly 50,000, scarcely contained one person in a hundred, above the age of twelve or fourteen, who could not read ; that no people in the world were fonder of reading ; and that as the only press of which they were possessed had not been used for many years, the inhabitants supplied the want of printed books by the laborious and tardy expedient of transcribing them : that the Scriptures were no longer to be obtained for money ; and that not above forty or fifty copies of the Bible were to be found throughout the island. These affecting particulars excited in the breasts of these excellent young men the kindest emotions. Touched with compassion for nearly 50,000 of their fellow-Christians, inhabiting a remote island, and destitute of those sacred oracles which they so dearly prized and revered, IMessrs. Paterson and Henderson despatched the information, with which themselves had been 60 deeply impressed, to their friends in Scotland; and made an earnest SECT. VII.] ACCREDITED AGENTS OF THE SOCIETY. 25 Dr. Pinkerton — turns his attention to the want of Bibles in Russia. appeal on behalf of this interesting and destitute people. Through this circuitous channel the intelligence was conveyed, by a respectable corre- spondent in Edinburgh, to the Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and thus the question of administering aid to the necessitous Ice- landers was brought regularly and seriously before them. "■ Such were the circumstances to which we are to ascribe the intro- duction of the Rev. Messrs. Paterson and Henderson to the notice and the employment of the British and Foreign Bible Society ; and the origin of those exertions, which, promoted by the wisdom and activity of these diligent labourers, and fostered by the paternal care of a benign and gra- cious Providence, have terminated in measures so dignified and compre- hensive, on the part of the Northern Powers of Europe, for circulating the Holy Scriptures among the inhabitants of their respective dominions *." 2. Another invaluable Agent of the Society is thus intro- duced : — " The Rev. Robert Pinkerton, like his co-adjutors in the North of Europe, Messrs. Paterson and Henderson, is a native of Scotland, and emigrated from his country in May 1805, under the patronage of the Edinburgh Missionary Society, in order to serve as a iMissionary, at the religious settlement in the Caucasus. In this situation he continued at Karass, till the state of his health compelled him to leave it, in September 1808, In the month of March, 1809, he took up his residence at Moscow; and obtained very honourable and advantageous employment, as preceptor in the families of several persons of distinction. " While thus occupied, Mr. Pinkerton never lost sight of the spiritual object to which he had considered himself devoted : and as he had been diverted from the pursuit of it in one direction, he resolved to let no oppor- tunity escape, by which he might be enabled to promote it in another. In this state of mind, a letter from Mr. SteinkopfF, at the close of 1809, decided him to turn his attention to the state of the Scriptures in Russia, and to the means of providing for them, in that extensive empire, a more general and more effectual dissemination. In the winter of 1811, Mr. Pinkerton had so far succeeded, as to have prevailed upon some of the first nobility to take an active interest in promoting the establishment of a Bible Society in the city of Moscow. In the spring of 1812, the plan of such an Insti- tution was digested in the Russian Language ; and this plan, which com- prehended the Scriptures in the native Slavonian as well as the foreign dialects of the empire, was to have been submitted to his Imperial Majesty in the ensuing winter, and, in the event of its receiving the Imperial sanction, the Society was to be forthwith established at Moscow. Anxious for the accomplishment of this important undertaking, and encouraged by the success of similar exertions both at Stockholm and Abo, Mr. Pinkerton was induced to open a correspondence with Mr. Paterson, which terminated in bringing them together -f." One of the most important tours undertaken by the Society's agents, was that recently concluded by Dr. Pinkerton. Leaving his home and family at St. Petersburg in the spring of 1818, this devoted man proceeded into White Russia, Samogitia, and Lithuania, encouraging and assisting the societies already established, and preparing the way for similar institutions in • Owen's History, Vol. I. p. 240 et seq. f Il^id. Vol. II. p. 237 et seq. 26'. BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I. Dr. Pinkerton'^ tour in Europe: — the Ionian Islands — Greece- other places. In these provinces, and in many parts of the Prussian dominions, he found it his duty " to bring the consolatory doctrines of the Gospel to the wards of the sick in the hospitals, and to the cells of criminals in prisons. — With tears of gratitude (he observes) they usually received the precious boon of God's Word." Continuing his journey through Saxony, Prussia, Hanover, and Hesse Cassel, he proceeded into Switzerland, and thence throvigh France to England. After conferring with the Committee of the Parent Societ}^, he took his departure from London in February 1819 ; and after traversing France a second time, confirming and extending the interest excited in that kingdom for the great object of the Society, he proceeded through Italy to Malta, which he reached in the beginning of June. Here he "visited the friends of the Society from house to house ;" and after at- tending an important Meeting of the Committee, and suggest- ing various means for extending the Biblical cause in the Mediterranean, he embarked for Corfu, where the Ionian Bible Society was established on the 20th of July ; and the formation of the Auxiliary Societies of Cephalonia and Zante almost immediately followed *. In communicating these grati- fying events to the Parent Committee, our Christian traveller observes ; — " Hindrances have been removed, the mist of ignorance has been dispelled, the most conspicuous indications of unity of principle and feeling have appeared, and the cause is now patronized and supported by the united powers of all classes of the inhabitants. * Not unto us — not unto iia, — but unto HIM he the glory, out of ivhose fulness we have all received grace for grace !' In the Christian course, nothing should be considered as done, while any thing remains to be accomplished. So thought this indefatigable labourer; and proceeding byCorinth, "having constantly in view the beautiful mountain scenery of the an- cient Achaia, whose every path and plain have been trodden by the Apostles and first Missionaries of the Cross," he landed in Attica ; and on the 20th of August, Athens became the seat of a Bible Society. It is impossible to contemplate this me- morable- event without indulging the sanguine hope, that such an institution is designed to accomplish a great and important purpose. Established amidst the ruined temples which exhibit the evanescent nature of the wisdom that " de- scendelh 7iot from ahove" we may cherish the persuasion, that » Similar institutions, in connexion with the Ionian Bible Society, have been subsequently established at Ithaca and Paxos ; and others are in contemplation in the remainder of the Islands, as well as on the neigh- bouring Continent. SECT. VIL] accredited AGENTS OF THE SOCIETY. 85 Turkey, &c. — and return to Petersburg. " Christ crucified" will no longer be " unto the Greeks fooUsh- Tiess," but, " unto than who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God." From Athens, Dr. Pinkerton travelled to Constantinople. A primary object of this visit was the revision of the manuscript of the Turkish Bible, before it should be put to press at Paris : and the translation and printing of the Old and New Testa- ment in Modern Greek was another object of his attention, in which, by a train of providential circumstances, he happily succeeded. Having made these important arrangements, and settled a plan for supplying the numerous Armenian popula- tion of Asia Minor and Turkey with the Holy Scriptures, he left Constantinople on the 27th of October ; and after per- forming quarantine at Odessa, where his detention for forty- nine days afforded him an opportunity of witnessing the ex- traordinary success of this branch of the Russian Bible Society, he pi'oceeded, through Moscow, to St. Petersburg, where he arrived on the 13th cf January 1820, and rejoined his wife and family "after a separation of twenty long months." During the latter part of this tour. Dr. Pinkerton had two remarkable escapes from the plague infection, as detailed in his highly interesting letters ; the last of which, announcing his arrival at St. Petersburg, supplies this appropriate apo- strophe, in reference to a journey scarcely exceeded, in its importance, its object, and its extent, since the days of the Apostles : — " How often have I looked death in the face since I left home this last time — how many hundred horses have borne me along my course — not fewer than eleven different vessels have carried me from continent to continent, and from isle to isle, during the last twelve months ; frequently in disti'ess and sickness — but still preserved to praise the Re- deemer of men, who suffered not a hair of my head to be touched by the hands of violence, nor a bone of my body to be broken by any unfortunate accident!" 3. It is not consistent with the design of the author to follow more closely the progress and describe the labours of these indefatigable and devoted men, however it might re- lieve the detail of the system. The reader is necessarily referi'ed to the History and Annual Reports of the Society, for the particulars of their highly important services in Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Germany, the Nether- lands, Prussia, Poland, and, in an especial manner, the ex- tensive empire of Russia. While he traces their footsteps through so considerable a portion of the globe, and estimates — if indeed it be possible to estimate — the blessings which they were the honoured instruments of conferring on their fellow- 28 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I. Rev. W. Jowett— Rev. C. Burckhardt — Egypt, Syria, Palestine, &c. creatures, he will appreciate the value of agency in a cause like this ; and acknowledge the justice of an observation already made, that its officers and advocates have been pre- pared and qualified, in an extraordinary manner, for the work wherein they were engaged. 4. In another and deeply interesting portion of the globe, comprising the eastern shores and islands of the Mediterra- nean, Egypt, Syria, and Palestine, the Society has derived great advantage from the extensive travels and zealous labours of the Rev. W. Jowett and C. Burckhardt. The latter, " a young man of superior talents, ardent piety, and the most enterprising zeal," passed some time at Alexandria and Grand Cairo ; and then went to Jerusalem, where he visited all the convents and public places, and furnished them everywhere with the Word of God." — After succeeding in opening many acceptable channels for the distribution of the Scriptures, and making various important discoveries in connexion with this object in different parts of Egypt and Syria, he was suddenly carried off, by a fever at Aleppo, from his work to his reward ; leaving " to his friends," as the Secretary of the Malta Bible Society very properly observes, " the memory of an example, which must impel them to redouble their efforts, that the Word of the Lord may still have free course and be glorified*." 5. As the Christian reader contemplates the disinterested zeal and perseverance of these, and many other devoted labourers in this extensive field of usefulness, he will be reminded of the great Apostle of the Gentiles. Like him, they steadily pvu'sued their course, " iw journeyings often, in perils of luaters, in perils of robbers, in perils by the heathen^ in perils in the ivilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren ; in weariness and painfulness, in ivatchings often, in hunger ayid thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness." As he follows the bright track which, through the mercy of God in Christ Jesus, they were enabled to pursue, he will indeed be induced to pause on the banks of the Ganges and the Dahl, and to linger in the vale of Tocat and the plain of Aleppo, that he may drop the tear of gratitude on the graves of Brown and of BiiuNNMARK, of Martvn and of Burckhardt; but he will renew his survey, under the consoling reflection, that they devoted themselves to death "for the word of God, and the testimony of Jesns " — " as poor, yet making many rich ; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." They have • See Owen's History, Vol. III. p. 457 et seq. & 479 et seq. for many other interesting particulars relative to this faithful and indefetigable man. SECT. VII.] ACCREDITED AGENTS OP THE SOCIETY. 29 Important nature of the duties that devolve on Agents. entered, with Porteus, and Buchanan, and Milner, that " 1-est u'hich remainetli for the people of God." May their surviving friends and colleagues, rich in the same faith, and strong in the same hope, be incited, by their example, to renewed and persevering exertion ! 6. The numerous advantages derived from the employ- ment of suitable Agents, and the extensive field which is now open to their valuable labours, render it extremely desirable that a greater number of individuals, properly qualified, should be engaged for this important department. Under these considerations, the Committee have recently renewed their exertions to obtain additional aid, and with considerable success. The following are the accredited Agents of the Institution at the present time, in the order of then* appoint- ment:— ^^^ j)^. pj^terson. Rev. Dr. Henderson. \ Rev. Dr. Pinkerton. Mr. Charles S. Dudley. Rev. H. D. Leeves. f The Society is also under obligations of no common kind to many Clerical and other members of local societies, for their occasional assistance ; which has been sensibly felt, and gratefully appreciated. If Clergymen, and other gentlemen who are interested in the cause, would more freqviently offer their temporary services in visiting Societies and Committees, it would materially promote the design of the Institution. 7. It is difficult to define with precision the duties that devolve on an accredited Agent of the Bible Society ; and even the Annual Reports, and Monthly Extracts of Corre- spondence, supply but a faint outline of his engagements. The re-organization and encouragement of existing societies, and that assistance in the establishment of new ones, which prudence prescribes and experience suggests, constitute the more prominent feature in this outline. But the labours of an Agent, especially in reference to the domestic depart- ment, may be as profitably, though less conspicuously di- rected to the improvement of the system of local institutions, -f While this work was preparing for the press, intelligence was received of the decease of the Rev. Charles Williamson, who had recently been ap- pointed one of the Society's Agents. He died in the Isle of Samos, after a short illness, on the 8th of November 1820; — thus adding another name to the list of those who " rent from their labours" but whose " works follow 30 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. I. Rev. Leander Van Ess — his representations of the state of Germany- and the instruction of their Committees. Nor will he be less usefully engaged, in enforcing the necessity of a strict and inviolable adherence to the fundamental principle of the Society, and extending information relative to its practical results. Under the head of " Concluding Observations," at the end of this chapter, such further remarks will be intro- duced, as appear necessary with regard to this important subject. 8. It would indeed be unjust to».close this section with- out a distinct reference to an individual, whose indefatigable zeal and invaluable services are beyond all praise. — Profes- sor Van Ess is thus introduced by the historian of the Bible Society : — " About this period (towards the close of 1812) a new labourer presented himself to notice, and claimed, through the channel of its Foreign Secretary, the attention and assistance of the British and Foreign Bible Society, on behalf of the German Catholics. This labourer was the Rev. Leander Van Ess, who, together with his brother, had produced a Translation of the Testament from the Greek; which the first Protestant Clergymen at Dresden and Zurich* concurred, with respectable authorities among the Roman-Catholic Literati, in recommending, as exhibiting a pure and coiTect version of the Sacred Original. This Catholic Professor of Divinity (for to that office he had been recently appointed in the University of Mar- burg) described the solicitude of the people to obtain the Scriptures as exceeding not only his means of svipplying them, but almost any concep- tion which the most sanguine mind could ever have entertained. ' It is true (he says) that the New Testament is pretty weU distributed in our circle ; but what are a few copies among so many ? They are like the five loaves among those 4000 that lay at the feet of our Lord. 'May the great Head of the Church multiply this heavenly bread, as he once did the earthly, to the satisfying of all ! ... . The fields, (he continues) are more and more ripening for the harvest, by the increasing oppression of the times. All earthly comforts are vanishing from the children of men : ill-treated, plundered, and heavy-laden as they are, their eyes, full of tears, look for refreshment and comfort towards the realms above, where alone they are to be found. This is the time to work : the hearts of men, hum- bled and softened, are more accessible to divine light and truth ; they are opening, like the dry ground that languishes for the fertilizing shower : their eyes desire to see the salvation offered to them in the Word of God.' " And again, with a degree of importunity, truly affecting, he urges his suit in the following terms : — " ' For Clirist's sake, I intreat you to let me have a number of our New Testaments for distribution ! My sphere of usefulness is extending more and more : many worthy Clergymen of our Church join themselves to me, who, with the most lively zeal for the cause of God, assist me in my endea- • The late Rev. Dr. Reinhard, first Chaplain to the Court of Saxony ; and the present venerable Superior of the Zurich Clergy, Antistes Hess. SECT. VII.] CATHOLIC CO-OPERATION. 31 Results of the labours of Professor Van Ess. vours to do good. My request is for the highest and best gift ; even for the Scriptures of truth, which are able to make men wise unto salvation.' • " In availing themselves of this enlightened Catholic, the Committee had another opportunity of manifesting their scru- pulous and watchful adherence to their great and fundamental principle. It was made a primary condition of any grant, that the few notes accompanying his own impression should be struck out from that which was to be printed and cu'cu- lated at the expense of the British and Foreign Bible So- ciety. With this condition he cheerfully complied. His object was, the glory of God, and the temporal and eternal welfare of his fellow-creatures : this object he has pursued " with an intrepidity and perseverance increased, rather than diminished, by the difficulties and perils to which he saw himself exposed." In one of his letters to the Committee, he observes, — " There is a great and irresistible desire in the }>eople to have the Bible : the newly -issued mandates against reading the Scriptures have only tended to quicken attention, and to increase this desire. There is now a spirit evidently rising against the violated rights of conscience, which neither the sword nor any canonical proceedings can possibly stifle : and what right is more sacred than the undisturbed possession of that inestimable book, which is the property of all ; which is given from Heaven, to inspire faith, hope, consolation, and peace, for time and eternity ; and which is as much a man's property, as God himself is his portion ?" Within little more than three years and a half, ending in February 1820, Professor Van Ess had distributed 339,488 copies of his Catholic New Testament, and 287 Catholic Bibles, besides 10,639 Lutheran Bibles and Testaments ; making a total of 350,414 copies. Of the visible effects of the circulation, he thus speaks : — In some villages, meetings are held on sabbaths and other festivals, during which the New Testament is read with much edification. Where- ever it is introduced into schools, a cheering dawn of the approaching day in the kingdom of God may be perceived. " You," he observes, addressing the Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society, " have brought thou- sands nearer their Saviovir and their salvation ; you have conducted them • See Owen's History, Vol. II. p. 229 et seq. for an animated account of this extraordinary man, v.'ho is thus described in the 3d Volume of the History : — " Leander Van Ess is now in the prime of life. He appears to be about forty years of age. His countenance is intelligent and manly ; his conversation fluent and animated ; and his whole manner partakes of that ardour and vivacious energy, v^^hich so remarkably characterize all his writ- ings and operations. The dissemination of the Scriptures, and the blessed effects with which it is attended, are the theme on which he delights to discourse ; they seem to occupy his whole soul, and to constitute, in a manner, the element m which he exists." 82 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. I. Gossner—Wittman.— Publications of the Parent Committee. to the invisible Head of the Church ; you have opened to them the pure inexhaustible fountain, from which they may draw light in darkness, rest when oppressed by a sense of sin, comfort under the weight of affliction, undaunted courage on the approach of death, peace and joy in this world, and perfect bliss in that which is to come *." With the name of Leander Van Ess, those of M. Gossner of Munich (now of St. Petersburg), and Regens V/ittman of Ratisbon, will be united in the grateful affection of man- kind. The aggregate number of copies of the Holy Scrip- tures distributed by these three enlightened Catholics, chiefly through the aid furnished by the British and Foreign Bible Society, considerably exceeds half a million. The following extract of a letter from the pious and in- trepid Gossner shall conclude this division of the chapter : — " In the midst of all contradictions, blasphemies, and persecutions, the peaceful kingdom of God makes rapid advances : many, both of the Clergy and Laity, are awakened and illumined by the Word of truth, and the Gospel of our salvation. God himself seems to have excited a hunger after this wholesome food ; and there are many flocking to me, — soldiers and students, citizens and peasants, servant-men and servant-women, whose hearts I can gladden by nothing more than by the gift of a New Testament." SECTION viir. PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. Nothing, humanly speaking, has more essentially contri- buted to the extension and success of the society, than the publicity of all its proceedings. From the earliest period of its establishment, the Committee were sensible, that, in order to obtain general support and co-operation, it was only re- quisite to explain its object and its principles, and circulate information relative to the necessity which existed for such an institution. If the importance of this measure was evident at the commencement of their labours, it became still more so at a subsequent period, when the purity of those principles, and the existence of that necessity, were called in question. Nor was it less desirable that the friends of the society, at home and abroad, should be put in possession of those inter- esting details relative to its progress and success, by which the hearts of the Committee were cheered, and their hands strengthened, in the discharge of their arduous duties. To these combined causes may be attributed the numerous works, explanatory and illustrative, which have tended to * Owen's History, Vol. III. p. 98. SECT. VIII.] PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 3^' Annual lleport. — Summary. satisfy the public mind on this important subject — to silence, if not to convince, those whose sentiments were adverse to the society — and to confirm the zeal and interest of its friends and advocates. They may be divided into two classes ; the regular and periodical publications of the society, and those which may be denominated occasional. 2. Under the former class, may be included, — I. The Annual Report, which, with its Appendix, contains a compendium of the proceedings, and a selection of the correspondence, during the preceding twelve months; an account of all contri- butions and legacies ; an alphabetical list of Auxiliayr and Branch Societies; a catalogue of the various editions of the Holy Scriptures on sale at the Depository; a state- ment of all grants of Bibles and Testaments, and money made by the Committee; an abstract of the cash account, as signed by the Aviditors ; and a list of contributors, — the latter being appended to a limited number of copies. Evei'y member of the Parent Society may receive a copy of the Annual Report ; and a similar privilege is extended to the Presidents, and such other officers of local societies as, from their services and exertions, possess a peculiar claim on the gratitude of the Committee. The proportion allotted to every institution at home, and to kindred societies throughout the world, is assigned under the direction of the Local Sub- Committee, with a due regard to that economy which is so essentially requisite. Some further observations, in reference to this subject, will be found in the sequel. II. The Summary, It is much to be desired, that a new and revised edition of this admirable abridgment of the Annual Reports, designed for more general circulation, should be speedily published. The last Avas issued in 1816, and has long been out of print. While it is freely conceded, that a due regard to economy should pervade every department of the institution, the application of this pi'inciple cannot be admitted in reference to " the Summary ;" as the expense attending its occasional (suppose triennial) publication may be beneficially counter- balanced by a judicious curtailment of the Annual Reports, and a reduction of the number usually printed. There are numerous individuals who cannot spare time to peruse, with attention, the voluminous records of the society, to whom an epitome of its most interesting transactions from the earliest period, arranged in lucid and systematic order, v/ould D 34 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [ciIAP. I. Brief View. — Compendium. — Monthly Extracts of Correspondence. he truly valuable. Such a work, which might be comprised within the compass of fifty or sixty pages, is at present a desideratum. III. The Brief View, AND IV. The Compendium. The circulation of these papers has been productive of incalculable advantage ; and they are strongly recommended to National Bible Societies, as models of a condensed expo- sition of the nature, design, and effects of their institution. As these two valuable papers Avill be included in the Appendix, it is unnecessary to describe them more particularly. They should be liberally distributed previous to the formation of an Auxiliary Society, and in all cases where it is desirable to correct misrepresentation, or to extend a knowledge of the society. V. Monthly Extracts of Correspondence. The introduction of this important part of the system, and the beneficial effects which have followed its adoption, justify a more particular consideration of its merits. It had long been the practice of the Committee, to gratify the friends of the society with the occasional publication of interesting and important information, relative to the progress and results of the institution. The general satisfaction derived from these communications, and the example of cotemporary societies established for kindred purposes, in- duced a persuasion, that the more regular periodical issue of certain portions of intelligence, which the correspondence of the society abundantly supplied, would materially tend to the preservation and extension of an intei*est in the common efforts both abroad and at home. The result has afibrded ample proof of the correctness of this anticipation. The first number of the "Monthly Extracts" was published in August 1817; and was so appropriately and impressively introduced, that no apology is necessary for inserting the following " ADDRESS TO AUXILIARY SOCIETIES, &;C. " It appears to the Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society, to have become highly expedient that a plan should be adopted for trans- mitting to the various societies in connexion with the parent institution, more frequent communications than have heretofore been usual, of the in- teresting intelligence from time to time received, relative to the progress of the great work in which their efforts are united. The Committee regard it, indeed, little less than an act of duty, to impart to the friends of the cause, in every part of the empire, a portion of those moral treasures SECT. VIII.] PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 35 Committee's Address i-elative to the JMonthly Extracts. which are continualiy tiowing in from all quarters of the world ; and to admit them to share, with as little delay as possible, in the enjoyment of those fruits, to the production of which their local exertions have so mate- rially contributed. " But the Committee, in resorting to tliis plan, have an object beyond that of conveying satisfaction and delight. They are deeply sensible of the beneficial influence produced upon their own minds, by the communi- cations from distant lands, read to them at their periodical meetings, both in exciting their gratitude, and stimulating their exertions ; and they are anxious to establish such means of intercourse as may enable them to ex- tend, as widely as possible, these salutary impressions. Experience has taught them to believe, that if extracts from the most interesting parts of the society's correspondence were read in the meetings of the Local Committees, and distributed among the members, for the information of others, it would tend greatly to enliven the spirit of those meetings, and to invigorate and expand the general zeal. " Under this conviction, the Committee have determined to issue, in the last week of every month, a sheet of brief extracts, from their articles of coiTespondence, similar in form to the present, with a view to their being read at the meetings of the Committees of the different Auxiliary and Branch Societies and Bible Associations, and distributed among their officers, members of Committee, and gi-atuitous collectors. " These Extracts will be transmitted to the secretaries of the Auxiliary Societies, who are earnestly requested to forward, without delay, a due proportion of the present, and of all succeeding numbers, to the secre- taries of the several Branch Societies and Associations within their respec- tive districts, so as to ensure the receipt of thern in time for the meetings in each ensuing month. " The Committee anticipate much good from this measure, if their views are followed up by their friends in the country ; and they trust they may reckon upon a diligent and punctual co-operation from the Auxiliary Societies, in giving it effect in the manner suggested. "As Auxiliary Societies may expect to derive considerable accession of strength, and even of pecuniary advantage, by circulating, and encouraging their Branch Societies and Bible Associations to circulate, copies of these papers, greatly beyond the extent which the Parent Committee would con- sider themselves avithorised gratuitously to furnish, provision will be made for an extra demand ; and Auxiliary Societies may, for that purpose, be supplied with any quantity, on application to the Depositary, Mr. Cockle, at the Society's House, Earl Street, Blackfriai's, at the rate of Four shil- lings per hundred, provided the order for them be received within the month immediately following the date of each number." The best evidence of the satisfaction with which this paper is received throughout the numerous affihated societies, will be found in the fact, that 40,000 copies are scarcely sufficient to satisfy the monthly demands, — In many associations, and especially in those conducted by ladies, every free contri- butor of half-a-guinea or upwards per annum is presented with a copy monthly, and to regular subscribers of smaller sums they are lent for perusal. The following extracts are selected from a great variety of testimonies in favour of this measure : — " The Monthly Extracts from the correspondence of the British and d2 36 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I. Testimonies to the advantages of the Monthly Extracts. Foreign Bible Society continue to be circulated by this association, and appear to interest the lower classes of the inhabitants. The collectors have in some instances been reminded by the free subscribers, that they regard the regular perusal of them as their privilege and their right, while they continue to support the cause." — Hampstead and Highgate Fourth Annual Report. " The portion of the correspondence published monthly by the Committee of the Parent Society affords much true delight, and creates general interest. It is reported by one of the District Committees, that ' a little boy was so much delighted on reading one of the Monthly Extracts, that he imme- diately requested his mother, at whose house it had been left, to allow him to give the penny a week, which he had to buy cakes, &c. to the Bible Society, which was readily complied with ;' and he is now a free subscriber to the Ladies' Bible Association." — Northampton Second /Annual Report. " You would be surprised to see the avidity with which the Monthly Extracts are read, among the more sober and intelligent of the poor of our several districts. The greatest difficulty in aii Association is, to keep up the interest, and consequently the subscriptions of the small weekly free con- tributors. This difficulty is most effectually met hy the constant and systematic circulation of the Monthly Extracts. One or two of our subscribers have ex- pressed their disappointment and regret in very strong terms, when they have been accidentally passed over by the Collectors." Letter from, the Plymouth DJinute Secretary^ Jan. 1820. " The interesting intelligence, and solid advantages, which have been derived from the Monthly Extracts issued by the Parent Society, have come under the grateful observation of your Committee. The benefits have been considerably increased by the judicious plan adopted by the Ladies' Committee, of circulating them among the free subscribers, subsequent to their perusal at the Committee meeting. The good effects of this measure are sufficient to justify your Committee in earnestly recommending its continued use and universal adoption." — Horsham Fifth Annual Report. The certain publication of these extracts on the last day of every month, causes them to be anticipated with joy in every part of the kingdom. Often has the author beheld the mechanic or the peasant seated, after the labours of the day, in the midst of his family, listening with eager interest, as his wife or child read this announcement of " good news from a far country," or the triumphs of the Bible in his native land : and more than once has he heard the humble dwelling re- sound with the accents of praise and gratitude to God, who had enabled its lowly inmates to co-operate in so great and glorious a work! Surely, at a period like the present, when far different publications are so widely circulated, it is a sub- ject for congi'atulation, that this is added to the list of perio- dical antidotes to the poison of infidelity and sedition. The example of the Parent Institution, in this, as in other respects, was speedily followed, both at home and abroad. The Hibernian Bible Society pubhshed its first Monthly Sheet in November 1818; — a quarterly selection of Ex- tracts in the Welsh language, printed at Bala, commenced at Michaelmas 1819; — and the important continental tour of SECT. VIII.] PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 37- The plan adopted in Ireland, Switzerland, and Denmark. the Clerical Secretary, in the autumn of 1818, led to the adoption of a similar expedient at Geneva, Basle, and other places in Germany, on an extensive and systematic scale. The following extracts will afford satisfactory evidence, that the beneficial effects of the measure now under conside- ration are not confined to our own country :- — " The German translation of the Monthly Extracts has been attended with very considerable advantages. Copies of them have been widely circu- lated both in Switzerland and Germany ; and the perusal of them has tended greatly to dispel prejudice, to encourage exertion, and to excite, in those who before were languid or indifferent, a degree of zeal which pro- mises the happiest fruits. Your Committee cannot forbear citing, as illus- trative of the general spirit of these remarks, the liberality of a carrier, who voluntarily transported from Basle to Zurich several packages of Bibles, destined for Chur, of nearly 30 cwt., without receiving any compensation. " Of the Geneva Bible Society, your Committee will speak in the brief but satisfactory statement of its excellent President. ' Our biblical labours proceed well : thanks to your powerful support. The translation of the sheets of correspondence is attended with success ; and the transmission pf them into France appears to have produced great benefit.' " • Extract of a Letter from t7ie Rev. Dr. Henderson ; duted Copexpagen, yfpril 30, 1819. " It must have given you great pleasure to hear that a Monthly Paper has been projected, somewhat analogous to your Monthly Extracts. The Com- mittee look to your Extracts as the principal source whence to draw the most interesting matter relative to the progress of the Society." -|- It was finally decided by the Committee of the Danish Bible Society, to adopt the measure; and the publication has regularly appeared, in monthly succession, sir^ce the close of 1819, with the best effects. Extract of a Letter from tite Rev. Theophilus Blumhardt; rfa/eJ Basle, December 1, 1819. *' An expedient which, under the blessing of God, has been evidently greatly instrumental in furthering the cause of Bible Societies in Germany, by diffusing information of the most encouraging kind, are the Monthly Extracts, of which 7000 copies are every month going forth into the German world. They have proved a bond of fraternal union among the different institutions ; and from every quarter we receive the expressions of the warmest gratitude for this blessed gift of the honoured Parent Society. Mr. Breitinger assured me, that these sheets had paved the way for their society appearing, now, before a public better prepared to appreciate its object and tendency. In Bern, and in the whole of Wiirtemberg, they are read in the monthly meetings of the different associations, which are daily gaining more consistency and regularity. Thousands among the wealthy and the poor have, by these sheets, been brought to co-operate with Bible Societies, who had not before manifested any interest in the • Sixteenth Report of the British and Foreign Bible Society, p. xxxi & XXXV. About 1 0,000 copies of the Monthly Extracts are printed at Basle ; of ivhich 7000 are in German, and the remainder in French. ■j- Sixteenth Report, Appendix, p. 59- 38 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. T. American Quarterly Extracts. — Russian Monthly Paper of Business. cause. INIay the Lord abundantly bless the noble Parent Institution, for this, as well as for so many proofs of its Christian solicitude !"* From the Secretary of the Gothenburg Bible Society, dated Sept. 30, 1819. " I request you to send us the following numbers of your Monthly Ex- tracts ; namely, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 1 1, 12, 19, and 22 ; which we either have not received, or lost by frequently lending them to friends : these extracts are so edifying, and so adapted to awaken an interest for the Bible cause, that a complete collection of them would be considered a truly valuable gift."-)- From a Gentleman in Uppek Canada, dated Kingston, January i2, 1820. " Our friends in England are not generally able to form an adequate idea of the happiness the majority of British Christians abroad experience, on learning the progress of that Institution, upon which the greatest part of the world are looking with solicitude for its utmost success. From every quarter we are asked for the sheets of Monthly Extracts, which give great satisfaction."* From the Third Annual Report of^/ic American Bible Society, 1819. " Believing that in proportion as the public mind is informed, public feeling will be excited and a corresponding activity produced on behalf of Bible Societies, the Board of Managers have directed the publication of a periodical work, entitled " Quarterly Extracts." The good eifects of this measure have already been felt ; and the Board would take the liberty of suggesting to the members of the society, the expediency of contributing, by their example and influence, to the ciixulation and perusal of the pub- lication." The Committee of the Russian Bible Society — never the last to adopt any measure for consolidating and extending the interests of the cause — perceived the numerous advantages of this plan at a very early period, and regularly issue a monthly '* Paper of business," similar in its tendency and effects. A monthly publication at Berlin, exclusively devoted to the Bible and Missionary Societies, regularly gives a trans- lation of the " Monthly Extracts " as printed in London, which are thus circulated throughout the Prussian dominions. The good effects produced by these publications is spoken of in strong terms by correspondents from every quarter : they are stated to have contributed more than any thing else towards convincing those who were previously adverse or indifferent, removing prejudice, and securing the good- will and co-operation of many who formerly kept at a distance. The " Monthly Extracts" are published, as has been already stated, on the last day of every month, and are suc- cessively numbered and dated : they are regularly forwarded • Sixteenth Report, Appendix, p. 80. + Ibid. p. 141. + Ibid. p. 205. SECT. VIII.] PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 39 Circulation of Speeches, Addresses, &c. — beneficial effects. to all the Auxiliary Societies within the United Kingdom, and transmitted to kindred institutions on the continent of Europe, and in the other quarters of the globe. It should be an object of particular attention with the Committees of all these societies, that their Branches and Associations are regularly supplied with copies ; and a degree of liberality in this respect will be found highly conducive to the interests of the respective national institutions, as well as to those of religion and morality. Were every National and Central Bible Society to adopt this admirable plan, and publish a monthly sheet of corre- spondence and transactions, the results would be incalculably beneficial. Circulated throughout all their affiliated insti- tutions, and a copy sent to every National Bible Society throughout the world, the spirit of Christian union and be- nevolence would gradually extend ; — the tidings that filled a British heart with gratitude and joy, would produce a respon- sive glow of delight at St. Petersburg and Calcutta; and the notes of praise that arose on the banks of the Delaware or the iS^. Lawrence, be resounded on the shores of the Baltic and the Caspian. While the press is employed in proclaim- ing, with almost electrical rapidity, throughout the world, the follies and the vices of mankind, let us endeavour to conse- crate it to the duty of announcing to all kindreds, nations, tongues, and people, the bloodless triumphs of the Prince of Peace. 3. Under the class of Occasional publications, a numerous list of valuable documents, speeches, addresses, &c. may be included ; the design and effect of which are thus described by the society's historian : — " Another cause of the increased impresMon , which has been observed as characteristic of this era of the society (1812 — 1813) was the prodigious distribution of certain minor publications, adapted to explain its principles, and to confute the objections which, under different forms, were indust triously circulated with a view to its prejudice, and, were that possible, to its extinction. This plan, which was devised and conducted by Richard Phillips, Esq. consisted in selecting such speeches, addresses, or other com- positions, as were considered to be popular and impressive, and dispersing them, by means of a private subscription, in those parts of the country which required to be brought into a state of excitement, or to be fortified against the influence of sophistry and misrepresentation. To these causes —the regular publications of the Parent Society and its Auxiliaries, the productions arising out of the existing controversy, and the minor pieces thrown into circulation by private liberality, all co-operating in their several degrees — we are to ascribe, under the blessing of Providence, that rapid growth of the institution which exhibited, between its eighth and ninth anniversary, an addition of seventy -five new establishments to the numbey 40 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. I. On Foreign National Bible Societies — their origin. of its Auxiliary Societies, and an advancement of its income, through that channel, from '^.24,813. 55. to ^.55,099. 3*. lOrf." • Several of those papers will be more particularly alluded to, in reference to Auxiliary Societies and Associations ; and such of them as have been found most useful will be included in the Appendix. With regard to those more voluminous works which ex- plain and defend the principle and practice of the society, it may be sufficient to observe, that they do not fall within the scope of the author's design. His pages might, indeed, be easily enriched by quotations from the masterly productions of Dealtry, Milner, Vansittart, Owen, Cunningham, Otter, Cooper, Gisborne, and many other advocates of the insti- tution ; but the reader will find this part of the subject so ably treated in the History of the Society, that it is only necessary to refer him to those interesting volumes. SECTION IX. FOREIGN NATIONAL SOCIETIES. 1. Having considered, under the preceding heads, those various means and instruments to which the Parent Institution is indebted for her extraordinary success, it is necessary to take a review of those kindred societies which owe their establishment to her splendid example, and her munificent liberality. In discharging this duty, it may not be unnecessary to premise, that the manners and habits of foreign nations — ^with the single exception of the United States of America — preclude a perfect assimilation to the system adopted in our own country, although the object of all their Bible Institutions is identified with that of the Parent Society. Whether the suggestions respectfully submitted in the present work be applicable to continental establishments, it is not for the author to decide ; but having no reason to suppose that theu* organization is more complete than that of many of our do- mestic societies, he is induced, from experience, to believe that an improvement in this respect will be eminently con- ducive to their extension and success. 2. Without entering into a detailed statement of those causes which led to the formation of the numerous foreign societies, it cannot be uninteresting to observe, that the first of these institutions was established in a country which has been emphatically termed the Cradle of the Reformation. * Owen's Hist, of the Brit, and For. Bible Society, Vol. TI. p. 203 et seq. SECT. IX.] FOREIGN NATIONAL SOCIETIES. 41 First Foreign Society established at Nuremberg. — Eerlin. The importance of this commencement justifies the insertion of the following extract : — " The communication which had taken place with certain individuals of piety and influence in the imperial city of Nuremberg, led to the propo- sition of granting a donation of ^^.100 from the British and Foreign Bible Society, in the event of a similar institution being founded in that place. The result of this proposition was, the establishment of the first Foreign Bible Society. The foundation of it was laid on the 10th of May 1804; and the pious simplicity of the correspondent on whom it devolved to take the lead in the transaction, gives a pleasing interest to the following state- ment of the manner in which it was effected : — ' We cannot but return you our most humble thanks for having encouraged us in the most liberal manner to co-operate with you in this excellent work of love. While reading your kind invitation and offer, I was deeply impressed with that scripture— They beckoned to their partners which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them ; and they came and Jilled both ships, so that they began to sink. — Your letter afforded me so much joy, that I could not contain myself, but immediately went to the Rev. John Godfried Schoener, one of the most respectable ministers of our city, in order to communicate to him the joyful news from a far country. He was no less affected than myself: and we agreed to appoint a meeting of Christian friends on Ascension Day, at which we unanimously resolved to unite for the fonnation of a Bible Society, and, by a printed letter, to invite our Christian friends throughout Germany and Switzerland to assist us in so noble an undertaking.' This Address was soon after issued ; and while the generosity of England was warmly commended, and held up as an example, an animated appeal was made to the reverers of the Bible, ' which yet remains the Bible of all religious parties,' to lend their aid in promoting its distribution. ' The inherent value of the book, the religious wants of the people, the critical circumstances of the times, the present tranquillity of the states,' together with other cogent reasons, were seriously urged, as ' loudly calling for attention to this important undertaking.'"" The seat of the German Bible Society was subsequently removed to Basle, with the cordial consent of all the parties concerned ; and no similar institution on the continent has evinced a greater degree of prudence, ardour, and efficiency. 3. The establishment of this institution was followed, in the commencement of 1806, by that of the Berlin Bible Society. " No fire bums upon the altar of the Lord, without spreading its flames around. This fire has also extended its flames. The zeal of Christians in England has also ii;fused itself into the hearts of Christians in Germany." Such was the language of the Berlin Bible Society, in an admirable Address issued soon after its formation, " To the Christians of the Prussian States." This address was en- closed in an excellent letter from the Rev. John Jsenicke to the King of Prussia ; and the following reply gave the sanc- tion of Royal approbation to the infant society : — • Owen's History, "Vol. I. p. Ill et seq. 42 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I. Encouragement held out to Foreign Bible Societies. " It is with real satisfaction that I discover, from your letter of the 7th of February and the inclosed Address, the laudable endeavours of the Prussian Bible Society, for the gratuitous and cheap distribution of the Bible to the poor of my dominions ; and while I render justice to your particular merit in promoting such an useful institution, I transmit to you, at the same time, 20 Frederick d'ors, as an addition to its funds. " I am your gracious King, " February 11, 1806. " Frederick "William." This institution may be considered as the germ of the Central Prussian Bible Society, established in the summer of 1814, on a more regular and systematic basis. 4. The first institution of a kindred nature on the Western Continent, was the Philadelphia Bible Society, established in December 1808 : — " The intelligence was officially announced, in terms which ascribed the formation of the Philadelphia Bible Society to the example and influence of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and respectfully and affectionately deferred to it as to a patroness and a parent. In an admirable Address, the managers of this first American Society unfolded their views, with regard to the origin and design of their institution. Its origin (as has already been mentioned) they attribute ' to the example offered, and the efforts made, by the British and Foreign Bible Society.' — ' From the time (they say) that it was known in this city, it attracted the marked attention of several persons, accustomed to take an interest in whatever is calculated to extend the influ- ence of revealed truth. It was immediately seen, that the necessity for such an institution was the same here as in Europe ; and that there was every reason to believe, that, if suitable exertions were made, it could not fail of encouragement.' After assigning their reasons for choosing their limited de- signation, they express a hope, ' that the time is not distant, when they shall see institutions, similar to their own, in the town of Boston, and in the cities of New Haven, New York, Baltimore, Richmond, and Savannah, and in the town of Lexington and the state of Kentucky.' And they assert, that they ' will at all times be ready cordially to greet, as a sister institution, every Bible Society, in whatever place or part of their country it shall appear.' " * The hope thus expressed by the friends of the cause in Philadelphia was speedily realized, in the formation of nu- merous Bible Societies throughout the United States ; but it was not until the spring of 1817 that the greater number of these insulated establishments were connected, " with a har- mony and unanimity almost unparalleled in so large a body," + as Auxiliaries to a national institution under the appropriate designation of the American Bible Society. 5. It has been observed by the histoi'ian of the society, that " almost every thing that is wise and efficient in the practical departments of the institution, has arisen out of " Owen's History, Vol. I. p. 399 et seq. t See Letter from the President, Thirteenth Report of the British and Foreign Bible Society — Appendix, No. xv. SECT. IX.] FOREIGN NATIONAL SOCIETIES. Establishment of the Russian Bible Society. — Imperial Ukase. accidental and extemporaneous discussion." Of the truth of this observation, many striking evidences will be adduced in the following pages ; but in no instances is it more remark- able, than in the origin of foreign societies ; their progressive approach towards national or centi-al institutions ; and the improvement of the system on which they were originally constituted. Within six weeks after the formation of the British and Foreign Bible Society, the design was conceived of affording encouragement, by pecuniary grants, to the formation of Bible Societies on the continent, in preference to granting immediate relief by limited and merely temporary supplies of Bibles and Testaments. The results of this suggestion, as beheld in the success of more than 600 foreign societies, afford an incontestable proof of its wisdom ; while the increase of that success has been in direct proportion to the degree in which the constitution of those societies has approached that of their common parent. In the instances already re- ferred to, and in those of the Stockholm, Abo, Petersburg, and many other societies subsequently established, the design of a general national institution does not appear to have entered into the contemplation of the original projectors, but to have been the result of casual observation or accidental circumstance. The improvements which have, from time to time, taken place in their constitution and modes of proceeding, may be traced to similar causes ; and although the object and prin- ciple of the parent society appear to be distinctly recognised by all, it may admit of a doubt, whether the system of some be not susceptible of a yet greater degree of improvement. In order to illustrate this part of the subject, the Constitu- tions of the Russian and American Societies are selected. 6. The St. Petersburg Society was established on the 23d of January 1813 ; and celebrated its first anniversary on the 26th of September 1814, when its designation was changed to that of the Russian Bible Society. The plan of this remarkable institution cannot be more appropriately intro- duced, than by the Imperial Ukase, permitting the formation of the society, of which the following is a translation : — MEMORIAL, most humbly submitted to his Imperial Majesty , ly the Director-General of the Spiritual Concerns of the Foreign Churches. Petersburg, Dec 6, 1812, Old Style. The British and Foreign Bible Society, the design of which is to spread the doctrines of the Holy Scriptures in different languages and among various nations, being fully convinced that, in the Russian Empire, many 441 • BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. I. The Emperor's apjjrobation. — Rules of the Russian Bible Society. philanthropic Christians will be found who are desirous to advance the tem- poral and eternal welfare of their fellow-creatures, has requested one of its members, the Rev. J. Paterson, to promote the establishment of a Bible Society in St. Petersburg, provided it should meet with the approbation of your Imperial Majesty. The proposal of INIr. Paterson has induced many persons to express a wish that a Bible Society might actually be formed in this capital; being persuaded that such an institution would prove highly beneficial, and being desirous themselves to take an active part in the same. Influenced by sentiments like these, Mr. Paterson has presented to me a Plan for the formation of such a society, and requested me to lay it before your Imperial ]Majesty, and to intreat your most gracious sanction of the proposed measure. While the printing of the Holy Scriptures in the Slavonic language, for the use of the Professors of the Russian Greek religion, is to remain under the sole and exclusive controul of the Holy Synod, I consider the above- mentioned Plan truly useful for the dissemination of the Old and New Testa- ment among the professors of foreign churches resident in Russia, by enabling the less wealthy to purchase copies at a cheap rate, and by supplying the poor gratuitously. Encouraged by the sanction which your Imperial Majesty has been pleased to give to the Bible Society lately formed at Abo, I feel em- boldened to present this Plan to your Imperial Majesty for examination; and to submit it to your most gracious consideration, ^Vhether your Imperial Majesty may not think proper to direct, that the Plan suggested by the British and Foreign Bible Society, for the formation of a similar institution in Petersburg, on the principles therein stated, should be earned into execution. (Signed) Prince Alexander Galitzin. Approved by His Imperial Majesty, who subscribed with his own hand, "' ' Be it so. ALEXANDER," • PLAN o/'/Ae Pelershurg Bille Society, with its Rules ^ Regulations. I. The sole object of this Society shall be, to promote the circulation of the Holy Scriptures without note or comment. II. The Society shall consist of all such persons (of whatever religious persuasion they may be) as, convinced of the usefuhaess of diffusing the Holy Scriptures among all ranks and classes of people, but more especially among the poor, are willing to join the same, and to co-operate in its exertions. III. As in the extensive Russian Empire, besides the established Russian Greek Church, all other Christian denominations are tolerated, the profes- sors of which, being of different nations, speak severally their own languages, the principal aim of the societ}^ shall be directed to the diffusion of the Holy Scriptures among the Christian inhabitants of these countries in their own vernacular tongues. But should the society be furnished with sufficient means, it shall extend its benevolent views to supply the Asiatic tribes of Russia, who profess the Mahometan or Heathen religion, with the same, each people in its peculiar dialect. IV. In order to procure for the society the needful means to enable it to print the Scriptures in various languages, and defray all curi-ent expenses, a • Ninth Report of the British and Foreign Bible Society, App. No. xxxii, SECT. IX.] FOREIGN NATIONAL SOCIETIES. 45 Rules and Regulations of the Russian Bible Society. subscription shall be made, which is open to every one, not only in St. Peters- burg, but all over the empire. This subscription may be renewed every j^ear, while donations will be received at all times. Every one who endea- vours to promote the undertaking of the society, by subscriptions or dona- tions, will be considered one of its members. For the commencement and encouragement of such a society, the British and Foreign Bible Society has destined the sum of 500/., which will form part of its funds. The said society has also declared its readiness to contribute further assistance, if circumstances should appear to require it. V. A Committee shall be chosen, consisting of a President, two or more Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer, two Secretaries, and six or more Directors, five of whom, with the President, or one of the A'^ice-Presidents, are compe- tent to transact business. "VI. The President, Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, Secretaries, and Directors, shall be chosen from among the members of the Society. VII. Half of the Directors shall go out annually. From the other half, such as have most frequently attended the meetings of the past year may be re-elected. VIII. There shall be an Annual General Meeting of the Society in the month of March, in which a new Committee is to be chosen, the Accounts presented, and a report made of the transactions of the past year ; which Report, together with an authenticated statement of the income and expen- diture of the society, and a list of subscribers and benefactors, is to be printed for the use of the members. IX. The Committee is authoi-ised, in case of any emergency, to call a Special General Meeting of the society. The Committee has it in charge to devise the best means of furthering its designs, to exert itself in procuring an increase of members, and to appoint, from its number, Sub-Committees in various parts of the empire, which are to be dependent on the General Com- mittee, and actively engaged in the promotion of its views. The Committee has also to attend to the augmentation and security of the funds of the society, and to the moSt economical expenditure of the money, in the pur- chase of Bibles, or the printing of new editions of the Holy Scriptures in various languages. X. The Committee is regularly to meet at the commencement of each month, or oftener, if it be necessary. XI. At the General or Committee's Meeting, the President, or, in his absence, the first Vice-President on the list who attends, is to take the chair. XII. The Treasurer shall receive all subscriptions and donations, for which his receipt is a sufficient acknowledgment. It is incumbent on him to keep regular accounts of all the society's ' income and expenditure, which must always be open for the inspection of the Committee. His accounts must be presented to the Committee on the close of the month of January in each year, to be examined by auditors appointed for that purpose. All orders on the Treasurer for payment of money, in consequence of a resolution of the Committee, must be signed by the President or Vice-President who attends the meeting, and countersigned by the Secretary. XIII. The Secretaries must keep regular minutes at all meetings of the society, which are to be signed by the President : they are also to conduct the correspondence. XIV. AU officers of the society must serve gratuitously. No one, who receives any salary from this society, can be a member of its Committee, or possess the privilege of voting at any of its meetings. 46 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. I. Emperor of Russia's liberality. — Improvement of the system. While the Russian Bible Society is indebted for much of its extraordinary success to the ardent zeal and piety of its illustrious President, Prince Galitzin, Minister of Religion, it is to the decided attachment and paternal solicitude of the Emperor himself we must ascribe, humanly speaking, its astonishing progress towards the attainment of its object. Shortly after the establishment of the institution, he desired to be entered as one of its members, with a donation of 25,000 rubles, and an annual subscription of 10,000.* " Nor should it pass unobserved, that the Emperor postponed his depart- ure for the army, in order to examine the plan submitted for his approbation ; and that at the time when he was affixing his signature to the instrument which was to authorise tlie establishment of a Bible Society for the benefit of his subjects, the last enemy M'^as crossing the Vistula, and the deliverance of his empire was completed." -|- It will be perceived, that the original plan of the Russian Bible Society did not provide for the establishment of Auxiliary Institutions, although the appointment of " Sub- Committees in various parts of the empire" laid a suitable foundation for this essential improvement of the system. The first Auxiliary Society was established at Moscow, on the 16th of July 1813, under the designation of " The Moscow Committee of the Bible Society ;" and the importance of this first advance towards a more perfect constitution will be ap- preciated, when it is stated, that, by their second statute, the Moscow Committee pledge themselves to " assist the St. Petersburg Committee in every part of their plan, to further the distribution of the Bible ivithout note or comment ;" — to which it was added, " But this Committee shall in particular strive to disseminate our own Bibles among our felLoiv Russian subjects, as published by the Holy Synod, according to the manner already determined, and partly executed by the St. Petersburg Committee." This last provision, as has been very properly observed by Mr. Owen, gave the last finish to the constitution of the St. Petersburg Bible Society : — by au- thorising the dissemination of the Slavonian Scriptures, a deficiency was supplied which would have greatly abridged its useful«ess : the entire population of the empire, both native and foreign, was now brought within the scope of its bene- volent design ; and it became in efiect, what it was afterwards in designation, " The Russian Bible Society." • The value of a ruble is about one shilling English money. -)- Owen's History, Vol. II. p. 247-8. SECT. IX.] FOREIGN NATIONAL SOCIETIES. 47 Results — Former state of Eussia. — American Bible Society. The following abstract of the proceedings of the Russian Bible Society, to the period of its seventh anniversary in July 1820, constitutes the best comment on this extension of its object and improvement of its system : — Number of Auxiliary Societies in the empire . 53 Ditto of Bible Associations 143 Total .... 196 During the seven years of its existence, the society has printed and published 315,600 copies of the Holy Scriptures ; has now in the press 38,000 copies, and has undertaken to print 57,500; making a total of 411,100: and if to these be added 87,000 copies printed by the Auxiharies, the grand total is 498,100 copies, in twenty-six different languages and dialects. The total receipts of the society during the seven years have amounted to 1,747,862 rubles 74 copecks; and the total expenditure to 1,712,043 rubles 81 copecks. When we contrast results such as these with the state of Russia in the year 1812, when, " according to the most authentic sources of information, it appeared that during 234 years, since Bibles were first printed in Russia, no more than twenty-two editions of the Slavonian Bible have appeared, consisting, in all, of scarcely more than sixty thousand copies !"* and when we reflect that these were the only source of sup- ply for forty millions of people, during so many ages, we are constrained to adopt the language, " Wkat hath God wrought .'" and to acknowledge with the Committee of the Russian Bible Society, in their Seventh Annual Report, that " the rapid progress of the Bible cause, and the invisible power by which it is animated, are almost incredible. But although the first be evident to our bodily senses, yet the second must be in- conceivable by all who are not penetrated, to the depth of their souls, by the power and Spirit of the Word of God !" 7. The American Bible Society was established on the 8th of May 1816, at a meeting of Delegates from different Bible Societies. This Convention having first resolved una- nimously, " That it is expedient to establish, without delay, a general Bible Institution, for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures without note or comment," proceeded to appoint a Committee, consisting of eleven members, to prepare the * First Annual Report of the Moscow Auxiliary Society. 48 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I. Constitution of the American Bible Society. plan of a Constitution for the said Society, and an address to the pubhc on the nature and objects thereof. The Con- vention then adjourned for three days; and, at its second sitting, their Committee laid before them the draft of a Con- stitution, which, having been read first in the whole, and afterwards by paragraphs, and carefully considered, was unanimously adopted. The Committee reported also an Address to the Public, which, in like manner, was unani- mously approved. CONSTITUTION. Article I. This society shall be known by the name of " The Ameri- can BiBtE Society ;" of which the sole object shall be, to encourage a wider circulation of the Holy Scriptures without note or comment. The only copies in the English language to be circulated by the society shall be of the version now in common use. Art. II. This society shall add its endeavours to those employed by other societies for circulating the Scriptures throughout the United States and their territories ; and shall furnish them with stereotype plates, or such other assistance as circumstances may require. This society shall also, according to its ability, extend its influence to other coimtries, whether Christian, INIahomedan, or Pagan. Art. III. All Bible Societies shall be allowed to purchase, at cost, from this society. Bibles for distribution within their own districts. The mem- Dei's of all such Bible Societies as shall agree to place their surplus revenue, after supplying their own districts with Bibles, at the disposal of this so- ciety, shall be entitled to vote in all meetings of the society ; and the officers of such societies shall be, ex officio^ directors of this. Art. IV. Each subscriber of three dollars annually shall be a member. Art. V. Each subscriber of thirty dollars at one time shall be a mem- ber for life. Art. VI. Each subscriber of fifteen dollars annually shall be a Director. Art. VII. Each subscriber of one hundred and fifty dollars at one time, (5r who shall, by one additional payment, increase his original subscription to one hundred and fifty dollars, shall be a Director for life. Art. VIII. Directors shall be entitled to attend and vote at all meetings of the Board of Managers. Art. IX. A Board of Managers shall be appointed to conduct the business of the society, consisting of thirty-six laymen, of whom twenty -four shall reside in the city of New York or its vicinity. One fourth part of the whole number shall go out of office at the expiration of each year, but shall be re-eligible. Every Minister of the Gospel, who is a member of the society, shall be entitled to meet and vote with the Board of Managers, and be possessed of the same powers as a Manager himself. The ]\Ianagers shall appoint all officers, and call special general meetings, and fill such vacancies as may occur, by death or otherwise, in their own Board. Art. X. Each member of the society shall be entitled, under the direc- tion of the Board of IManagers, to purchase Bibles and Testaments at the society's prices, which shall be as low as possible. Art. XI. The annual meetings of the society shall be held at New York or Philadelphia, at the option of the society, on the second Thursday of SECT. IX.] FOREIGN NATIONAL SOCIETIES. 49 Official Communication from the President. May, in each year ; when the Managers shall be chosen, the accounts pre- sented, and the proceedings of the foregoing year reported. Art. XII. The President, Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, and Secretaries, for the time being, shall be considered, ex officio, members of the Board of JManagers. Art. XIII. At the general meetings of the society, and the meetings of the Managers, the President, or in his absence the Vice-President first on the list then present, and in the absence of all the Vice-Presidents, such member as shall be appointed for that purpose shall preside at the meeting. Art. XIV. The ]Managers shall meet on the first Thursday in each month, or oftener if necessary, at such place in the city of New- York as they shall from time to time adjourn to. Art. XV. The iManagers shall have the power of appointing such persons as have rendered essential services to the society, either members for life, or directors for life. Art. XVI. The whole minutes of every meeting shall be signed bj the chairman. Art. XVII. No alteration shall be made to this Constitution, except by the society at an annual meeting, on the recommendation of the Board of Managers. The following letter from the venerable President of this institution, announcing its establishment, is too important to be omitted : — '■^Burlington, New Jersey ^ May ^Z, 1816. " As President of the society, it is with more pleasure than can easily be expressed, that I officially execute the pleasing task of announcing to you the joyful event of our having, under the special agency of Divine Pro- vidence, after so great troubles and persevering efforts, succeeded in esta- blishing, with a harmony and unanimity unparalleled in so large a body, * An American Bible Society, of which the sole object shall be, to encou- rage a wider circulation of the Holy Scriptures without note or comment. The society shall add its endeavours to those employed by other societies, for circulating the Scriptures throughout the United States, and her terri- tories, &c. The society shall also, according to its ability, extend its influ- ence to other countries, whether Christian, INIahomedan, or Pagan.' " The subscriptions are filling fast, both as to members and donations ; and every thing wears the appearance of success. There was not a single dis- senting voice in the convention, though formed from various denommations : they seemed all to be of one heart and one mind. " The whole proceedings, in this business, from Wednesday the 8th inclu- sive, till Monday the 13th instant, clearly discovered the Divine agency; and even some from among those least expected, could not help crying out aloud, ' This is no other than the work of the Lord.' INIay God have all the glory ! " I have the honour to be, &c. " Elias Boudinot, President of the American Bible Society." The highly respectable writer of the above, having attained the object which has long lain near his heart, in the esta- blishment of a National Bible Society, has contributed the noble donation of 10,000 dollars in aid of its funds, which may secure the perpetual distribution of 1000 Bibles annually. £ 5& BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. !.• Scarcity of Bibles in America- — Address of the Committee. That such an institution was iiecessary, and that 108 local independent Bible Societies, scattered through the American Union, had not the means of supplying the wants of the population, the following statement will sufficiently testify : — "In 1814, it was estimated, that there were in Ohio 13,000 families destitute of the Scriptures ; 12,000 in the territories of Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri; 5000 in the Mississippi territory; 8000 in Louisiania ; 10,000 in Tennessee ; and 30,000 in Kentucky ! !" To which is added, by another writer, that, " So late as 1815, in many of the principal towns of the Western States and territories, there was not a Bible for sale." * The introduction of the following extracts from the Ad- dress already referred to, requires no apology : — " No spectacle can be so illustrious in itself, so touching to man, or so grateful to God, as a nation pouring forth its devotion, its talent, and its- treasures, for that kingdom of the Saviour, which is righteousness and peace^ " If there be a single measure which can over-rule objection, subdue opposition, and command exertion, this is the measure. That all our voices, all our affections, all our hands, should be joined in the grand design of pro- moting ' peace on earth and good-will toward man ' — that they should resist the advance of misery — should carry the light of instruction into the do- minions of ignorance, and the balm of joy to the soul of anguish ; and all this by diffusing the oracles of God — addresses to the understanding an argument Avhich cannot be encountered, and to the heart an appeal which its holiest emotions rise up to second. " Under such impressions, and with such views, fathers, brethren, fellow- citizens, the American Bible Society has been formed. Local feelings, party prejudices, sectarian jealousies, are excluded by its very nature. Its mem- bers are leagued in that, and in that alone, which calls up every hallowed, and puts down every unhallowed principle — the dissemination of the Scrip- tures, in the received versions where they exist, and in the most faithful, where they may be required. In such a work, whatever is dignified, kind, venerable, true, has ample scope : while sectarian littleness and rivalries can find no avenue of admission. " People of the United States, — " Have you ever been invited to an enterprise of such grandeur and glory ? Do you not value the Holy Scriptures ? Value them, as contain- ing your sweetest hope ; your most thrilling joy ? Can you submit to the thought, that you should be torpid in your endeavours to disperse them, while the rest of Christendom is awake and alert ? Shall j/ou hang back, in heart- less indifference, when Princes come down fi-om their thrones, to bless the cottage of the poor with the Gospel of peace ; and Imperial Sovereigns are gathering their fairest honours from spreading abroad the Oracles of the Lord your God ? Is it possible that you should not see, in this state of human things, a mighty motion of Divine Providence ? The most heavenly charity treads close upon the march of conflict and blood ! The world is at peace ! Scarcely has the soldier time to unbmd his helmet, and to wipe away the sweat from his brow, ere the voice of mere • succeeds to the clarion of battle, and caUs the nations from enmity t , love ! Crowned * Owen's History, Vol. III. p. 233. SECT. IX.] FOREIGN NATIONAL SOCIETIES. 51 llapid extension of the Auxiliary system in America. heads bow to the Head which is to wear ' many crowns ;' and, for the first time since the promulgation of Christianity, appear to act in unison for the recognition of its gracious principles, as being fraught alike with happi- ness to man, and honour to God." In America, as in Russia, the results of a National Bible Institution have afforded the best evidence of its advantages. In their Third Annual Report, the Committee observe, — " But three years are now elapsed since the American Bible Society was formed, and its success and the extent of its labours during this time have exceeded the expectations of its warmest friends." At the end of the fourth year, they report, — " It affords the managers unspeakable gratification, and will unite the hearts of their fellow-members of the Society in fervent thanksgiving to God, that, at the termination of their fourth year's labours, they have occa- sion for no unpleasant retrospect ; that Christian love and fellowship have grown with mutual intercourse; and that conciliation and harmony have uniformly governed their measures. They have found an amjile requital of all their exertions in those feelings of affection and attachment, which the principle of our association, and its simple but magnificent design, are so well calculated to foster and increase." The total number of Auxiliary Societies, officially known and recognised, as reported at the Foiu'th Annual Meeting, held in New- York on the 11th of May, 1820, was, two HUNDRED AND SEVEN. The total number of Bibles and Testaments, or parts of the latter in the Indian languages, printed for the society, or obtained for circulation, during the four years of its exist- ence, was ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY-TWO, in nine different languages; and several other editions of Bibles and Testaments had been put to press. It should be distinctly stated, that Russia and America have printing and binding establishments connected with their respective Bible institutions ; and that they possess many sets of stereotype plates, both for the whole Bible and for the Scriptures of the New Testament. The Board of Managers of the American Bible Society observe, — " The present printing establishment is sufficiently extensive to furnish an average amount of One Hundred Thousand Bibles and Testaments annually ;" and, as they judiciously remark, " the comparative difference of expense in conducting an establishment on a large and on a contracted scale, in the purchase of mate- rials, the cost of labour, and the superior execution of the work, warrant the belief that Bibles issued from the general depository of this society can be afforded at a much lower rate, in proportion to their quality, than from any other e2 52 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I. Remarks relative to Auxiliary Societies in America. source." * A mature consideration of this part of the sub- ject by every National Bible Society, will probably induce a general adoption of the plan. It has been already remarked, that the constitution of the American Bible Society approximates more nearly to the system of the Parent Institution, than that of any other national society. In no one respect is this more evident, than in the provision for exciting and extending an interest in the cause, by means of the auxiliary system. At an early period after their establishment, the Board of Managers appointed a " Standing Committee" of five of their members, under the denomination of the " Auxiliary Society Committee," for the purpose of " devising and suggesting means to promote the establishment, and animate the exertions of Auxiliary Socie- ties ; with authority to depute persons to attend meetings for these objects, and to open a correspondence with intelligent and influential persons, in different places, with a view of gaining such information as might enable them successfully to prosecute the above-mentioned designs." In connection with this important subject, the Board of Managers further observe,— " To accomplish, in their wished-for and practicable extent, the great objects toward which the National Society should not cease to direct its aim, the multiplication of Auxiliaries is indispensable. It is through their agency, principally, that the Parent Society must expect those supplies of a continually exhausting treasury, that will enable it to enlarge the extent of its operations to the progressively increasing demand for the Bible. It is almost entirely through the discoveries made by such societies in their various districts, and their subsequent activity in the work of dis- tribution, that the beneficent objects of this institution can be thoroughly effectuated, and the precious boon dispensed where it is most pressingly re- quired. Under these impressions, the Managers sincerely hope, that the instrumentality of individuals as Agents, in promoting the views of the society in various parts of the United States, may not be lost sight of: and to facilitate the prosecution of so promising an expedient, the Committee charged with the subject have been engaged in diligent inquiries after suitable persons to enter upon that service." -f It may be proper to state, that the American Bible Society has three Secretaries, who are thus designated : — Rev. J. Milnor, D. D. New York, for Foreign Correspondence. Rev. S. S. Woodhull, New York, for Domestic Correspondence. Mr. John Pintard, New York, Recording Secretary. * Fourth Report of the American Bible Society, t Ibid. SECT. X.] NECESSITY OF CONTINUED EXERTION. '53 Speech of the Right Hon. Mr. Roell. The titles and duties of the other officers, are similar to those already specified in reference to the British and Foreign Bible Society. SECTION X. NECESSITY AND ADVANTAGE OF CONTINUED AND INCREASED EXERTION, AS ARISING OUT OF THE SCARCITY OF THE SCRIPTURES, AND THE EFFECTS OF THEIR CIRCULATION. 1. The distribution, by the society, of two millions and a half of Bibles and Testaments in the languages of the United Kingdom, while it furnishes a decided and irrefragable evi- dence of the necessity that existed for such an institution, has been urged as a reason for relaxing those efforts which have conferred such honour on our country, by exhibiting her to the universe as the Almoner of the Most High. Were the object of the society exclusively British, this argument might be admitted to have some weight; though the deficiency that still exists in various parts of Great Britain and Ireland, and which are daily becoming more evident by means of Bible Associations, will require the exertions of many years to sup- ply. But it is in reference to the Foreign department that the claims on the society assume an importance, whose awful magnitude could scarcely be contemplated without dismay, were not the appeal directed to British liberality and Christian sympathy. Well has it been said, — " In other projects, though suggested by benevolence, and planned with ability, the success is uncertain, the operation partial, the benefit transient : but here we are fellow-workers with Omni- potence; WE labour for the whole human race; we sow for eternity." The argument referred to, if such it may be called, has been so ably refuted by an enlightened states- man in a neighbouring country, that it is only necessary to transcribe his words : — " He who is acquainted with the Bihle, who believes its doctrines, and wishes to apply them to himself, cannot hesitate to offer to others also the enjoyment of the same advantage ; with him there cannot exist a moment's doubt of the part he ought to take. To believe in the Bible, and yet de- cline the propagation of it, would be acting in open contradiction to the spirit and very letter of the precepts of Christianity ... I am not unacquainted with the arguments of some of our opponents, who contend, that many nations are not yet ripe for the reception of the Bible ; and that it would be neces- sary first to humanize them, and after that to make them Christians. But oh, how little do they understand the contents of that Holy Book, who do not find in it instruction for the temporal, as well as the religious conduct a€ 54 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I. Remarks of the Rev. Robert Hall of Leicester. mankind ! And does not the veiy spectacle exhibited by those formerly, uncultivated people, among whom Christianity is introduced, place in the clearest light the untenableness of such an opinion ? " It therefore behoves us, not to waver in the conviction, that to distri- bute the Scriptures, is not only a favour conferred, but a duty to be per- formed ; and no opportunity ought to be lost, of impressing this upon others, and representing to them what responsibility they take upon themselves, not only by counteracting the measure, but even by merely withholding their aid." " To this testimony in favour of the principle and object of the society, the author cannot deny himself the gratification of adding the following observations of his invaluable friend, the Rev. Robert Hall of Leicester : — " In the prosecution of this design, our party is the world ; the only distinction we contemplate, is between the disciples of revelation and the unhappy victims of superstition and idolatry : and as we propose to circulate the Bible alone, without notes or comments, truth only can be a gainer by the measure. — It is to be lamented, that Protestant nations have been too long inattentive to this object : we rejoice to find that they are now con- vinced of their error ; and that, touched with commiseration for the unhappy condition of mankind, they are anxious to impart those riches which may be shared without being diminished, and communicated without being lost to the possessor. Such is the felicity of religion ; such the unbounded liberality of its principles. Though we should be sony to administer fuel to national vanity, we cannot conceal the satisfaction it gives us to reflect, that while the fairest portion of the globe has fallen a prey to that guilty and restless ambition which, by the inscrutable wisdom of Providence, is permitted for a time to * take peace from the earth,'' this favoured country is employed in spread- ing the triumphs of truth, multiplying the means of instruction, and opening sources of consolation to an afflicted world." -f- 2. But if the obligations on the Christian, to use his most strenuous exertions to communicate the scriptures of truth to all mankind, be imperative, he will find, in contemplating the state of the world, that this duty demands his active and per- severing attention. The following extracts are selected with a view to bring the subject more immediately before him, in as brief a manner as is consistent with the nature of this work, yet so as to exhibit the wants of different nations, and the desire of many to possess the inestimable gift. " Speech of the Right Honourable Mr. Roell, Minister of the Interior, and President of the Netherlands' Bible Society. — See Appendix to the Fourteenth Report of the British and Foreign Bible Society, p. 218 et seq. t Address of the Leicester Auxiliary Bible Society, 1809. SECT. X.] NECESSITY OF CONTINUED EXERTION. 65 Europe.— Iceland — scarcity of the Holy Scriptures. — Germany. EUROPE. Iceland. — In addition to the particulars relative to the inhabitants of this country, stated in Section VII. it is ob- served,— " They have a bishop, 305 parish churches, and between 1 50 and 200 clergymen. The Bible, and particularly the New Testament, is read before the family, in every place where this precious book can be had. It is very lamentable, however, that it is not now to be obtained, even for money. When it happens to appear at an auction, it sells at an enormous price. — Never will Iceland forget her dear Stistrup, who, at his own expense, bought, and sent to this place, a great number of Bibles and New Testaments, to be given away gratis. This has now ceased, however, for the space of sixty years and upwards ; and the most of these Bibles are now worn out. I re- member frequently to have heard the best farmers in the parish warmly contending which of them should have the loan of the Bible, which was sent to their parish, for themselves and children. The printing-press in the island is no longer in order ; we therefore cannot do any thing to supply this want ; and the common people in Iceland will witliin ten years be entirely deprived of this blessed book, which is so dear and precious to them." — Third Annual Report, Appendix, No. vii. " In the east of the island," says Dr. Henderson, " I fell in with a clergyman, who has been seeking in vain to obtain a Bible for the long period of seventeen jeaxs \ His joy on my arrival was inexpressible. I passed also through a parish, lately, in which there are only two Bibles ; and another, considerably more populous, in which there are none at all. In general, there are not above five or six in any parish which I liave visited, except such as contain between 300 and 400 souls ; and in them there are not more than ten or twelve copies. For the accuracy of these statements I have the best vouchers — the Registers of Souls, which every clergyman in Iceland is obliged to keep ; in which, beside other particulars relative to his parishioners, he records what books are possessed by each family." * Germany. — " Every day's experience proves to us that the fields are white for the harvest. The poor, and especially the Catholics, come in crowds for Testaments ; others write the most pathetic letters ; one of which, from a shepherd, I inclose — " Lettei-frorn a Shepherd at TVertheim. " ' Reverend Sir — As I am a lover of religious books, and have heard a great deal of your Society, I am sure you will not refuse to give the Ca- tholic Old Testament to a poor shepherd who cannot hear the Word of God. I have got the New Testament from the Rev. Pastor Miiller, in Wer- theim ; but neither do I find there the Psalms of David, nor the history -of the Patriarchs, Jacob, Moses, and David, who were all shepherds. All this I wish to read, and to follow the example of those great men. I therefore request your Society to send this book to a poor shepherd who is day and night with his flock. The blessing of Gob will be with you, if you give these books to poor Christians who can hardly earn a bit of dry See " Iceland ; or the Journal of a ^^.esidence in that Island, in the Years 1814, 1815, &c. by E. Henderson, Doctor in Philosophy ;" a work of peculiar interest and merit. 56 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP, I. Germany — earnest desire to possess the Scriptures. — Prussia- bread. This holy book is not much seen among us Catholics : formerly we were not allowed to read it ; but now we may, and ought to do so. Have the goodness to let me have this book of life. When I read it, in my soli- tude, I shall find in it many things which will be profitable to me and my children.' " — Sixteenth Report-, Appendix., p. 97 et seq. " The country clergymen cannot find words adequately descriptive of the thirst which is felt by numbers of people for this sacred gift, or of the joyful hope with which they anticipate it." — Ibid. Appendix, p. IO9. " Inclosed, you wiU receive documents which will prove that I have observed with concern the great want of the Scriptures in several parts of Protestant Hessen, and gladly embraced every opportunity of supplying them. I succeeded in procuring a number of Bibles from Basle, of the Protestant version ; but they scarcely sufficed to satisfy the wants of the poor children in this city : in the country, the deficiency is still greater : . 76. ASIyi. Ceylon. — " The Cingalese Scriptures are become so very scarce, that to the bulk of the native Christians (amounting to about 200,000) they may be said to be in fact unknown." — Eleventh Report ; y^ppendix. No. vii. " In several parts of the island, the Scriptures, both in the Tamul and Cingalese dialects, have been sought for with great avidity : copies of the latter have been eagerly received by the intelligent among the Cingalese, and even by several of the Bhuddist priesthood, who have of late, in some places, been roused to an uncommon degree of inquiry on the subject of the Christian scriptures. This disposition has been greatly confirmed by the examples of certain natives of high rank and superior information, who, under the influence of divine grace, have been brought, chiefly through reading the Scriptures, to renounce their idolatry, and make a public pro- fession of the Christian faith. The influence of these events has been widely propagated ; and not only the superstitious Bhuddists, but the haughty Ma- homedans, have begun to manifest an inclination to receive instruction them- selves, and to permit their children to partake of the benefit of an improved education."— Fourteenth Report, p. 69. Java.—" Of the Arabic Bibles and Testaments sent to Java, a very consi- derable number have been sold: some of the Arabian merchants and sheiks 64 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. I. Amboyna, &c. — gratitude for the Scriptures. are described as sitting in company whole nights together, reading them with the greatest eagerness and attention. " One merchant actually delayed his departure from Batavia for many days, in order to read a Bible, which he had received from Mr. Supper, with tranquillity and reflection. He promised to reconnnend it to his country. men, and implored a thousand blessings on the Bible." — Twelfth Rep. p. 44. Amboyna, &c. — " The want of the Scriptures at Amboyna may be pain- fully inferred, from the fact of a Malay Bible having, in November 1816, fetched, at a public sale, forty -six Spanish dollars, upwards of 10/. sterling." Fourteenth Report., p. 44. " The Rev. Joseph Kam, minister of the Dutch Church at Amboyna, states the urgent need of a large supply of the holy scriptures for upwards of 20,000 native Christians, ' among whom the precious Word of God is very scarce.' He adds, that he writes ' with a broken heart,' from his inability to furnish a single copy of the holy scriptures, so much wanted by his ' dear people.' "—Ibid. Appendix., No. v. " The Committee of the Calcutta Auxiliary Bible Society having placed 3000 Malay Testaments at the disposal of "W. B. Martin, Esq., for the sup- ply of the native Christians of Amboyna, the following is his statement relative to the distribution. — It had been his intention to limit the distri- bution to persons selected for their respectability, and presumed desire to , profit by the gift ; and his lists were made out accordingly : ' But,' says Mr. Martin, ' this intention I was afterwards compelled to relinquish ; as I found it impossible to confine the distribution within the narrow limits which a rigorous adherence to it would have prescribed : for so great was the eagerness pervading the community, to reap the benefit of a liberality which they had not before experienced, and of which they would not expect soon to witness the recurrence, that, on the day appointed for the distri- bution, instead of the comparatively small and select nimiber of individuals designated by the lists, the church was crowded by a multitude of people of both sexes, and of all ages, imploring, with an earnestness of supplication which could not be resisted, the unreserved communication to them all, of an advantage which all appreciated, and all had been prepared, and were qualified to enjoy.' " — Fifteenth Report, p. Ixxiv. " The Rev. Joseph Kam, referred to in one of the preceding extracts, thus writes under date of the 1 4th of January, 1819: — " ' Besides the Negeries in the Celebes, I found, on my journey to the Sanguir Islands, upwards of 10,000 native Christians, among whom I did not meet with more than two complete copies of the Bible, and a few New Testaments. " ' When I lately arrived at a large Negery (or village), the name of which is Lileboi, north-west from Amboyna, upwards of 800 persons, in order to convince me of the reality of their faith in the only true and living God, brought all their idols before me, and acknowledged their foolishness. I advised them to pack them all up in a large box (into which they formerly used to be put for their night's rest), and to put a heavy load of stones upon them, and to drown them all in the depth of the sea, in my presence. They all agreed to follow my advice ; a boat was made ready for the purpose ; and with a great shout, they were carried out of the Negery, and launched into the bosom of the deep. After this business was over, we sang the four first verses of the 136th Psalm. " ' This is the fruit of preaching the gospel of Christ, and of the labours of your society.' " — Sieteenth Report : /Ippendtx., p. 196-7' SECT, X.] NECESSITY OF CONTINUED EXERTION. 65 India. — Grateful reception of Bibles by the Natives, and by Roman Catholics. Penang. — "In Penang, Mr. INIilne estimates the number of Chinese set- tlers at 8000 ; and he observes, that in the course of his distribution, he did not meet with one who did not thankfully receive a New Testament from his hands." — Fourteenth Report, p. Ixxiv. Malacca. — " Mr. Milne has found many openings for putting the Chinese Scriptures into circulation. By the communication which it maintains with those places in the archipelago where the Chinese reside ; with various parts of Cochin-China and Siam, where multitudes of Chinese are settled ; and even with three provinces of China itself; opportunities occur, of which Mr. Milne has diligently availed himself, and by a due use of which, much good, it is hoped, may hereafter be accomplished." — Ibid. p. 74-5. India. — " There is no part of the world which offers a wider scope for the operations of the British and Foreign Bible Society than Hindostan. The Christians dispersed over that vast country, including Ceylon, are calculated at nearly a million, using various dialects ; and few among this number have had the happiness to possess the sacred scriptures. Many of the descendants of the ancient Christians, it may be confidently affirmed, have, from the want of these precious records, relapsed into idolatry and superstition ; and many who now profess Christianity are, from the same deprivation. Chris- tians merely in name. " The Hindoos and Mahomedans subject to the British authority may be estimated at seventy millions ; of the remainder, no calculation can be made. These observations cannot but suggest the most forcible motives for the exertions of the British and Foreign Bible Society, both for supplying the wants of the Christians of India, and for displaying the records of divine truth to the natives who are ignorant of it." — Eighth Report, p. ]0 el seq. " Sandappen, a schoolmaster, in his address for a New Testament, says — ' Reverend Father, have mercy upon me. I am, amongst so many craving beggars for the holy scriptures, the chief craving beggar. The bounty of the bestowers of this treasure is so great, I understand, that even this book is read in rice-markets and salt-markets.' " Ninth Report: Appendix, p. 23. " As to the disposition of the natives themselves of the best caste towards the Bible, take the following among many other no less striking evidences. A Nayr, of Travancore, even reproached one of our Zillah judges on the coast, for not giving them our Scriptures. The judge had been reading to him some passages from the Malayalim Gospel ; when, on his stopping, the man, full of admiration of its divine sentiments, rather abruptly addressed him, ' What, sir, and are these indeed your shasters ? Why, why have you not given them to us ? We have not kept back ours from you ; why have not you given us yours ?' I could give you affecting instances of lively gratitude with which many have received the Tamul Scriptures, and the veneration they have expi-essed by word and action." — Letter from the Rev. M. Tliomson, Madras. — Eleventh Report : /4ppendi.v, p. 26. " At Nag-poora, the capital of the Mahratta dominions, a gentleman, friendly to the Scriptures, gave a copy of the New Testament to a Brahmin, a man of high estimation. He received and read it ; but discovered no pe- culiar regard to the Gospel, tiU about a fortnight before his death, when he openly declared, that he gave up all hope in his own religion, and trusted only in the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave his life a ransom for sinners. His astoniahed family expostulated with him, and even manifested resentment ; ■ F 66 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. I. India. — The Tamul Bible Association established at Madras — China- but all in vain : the dying man had obtained a view of the Friend of Sinners, and he appeared to cleave to him to his last moments." — Ibid. App. p. 31. " The expectation held out by the Committee (of the Bombay Auxiliary- Bible Society) in the First Report, of distributing the Scriptures in Portu- guese to the native Christians of that church, has been realized with great success ; and they have not only dispersed a considerable number on the islands of Bombay and Salsette, but have forwarded no less than 350 to Goa, iat the particular request of the British Envoy, who describes the natives, and even the priests, as coming in crowds to receive them." Thirteenth Report : Jppendix, No. ii. " A very intelligent and truly Christian native, Appavoo, having been employed by the learned and industrious Colonel Mackenzie to collect anti- quities for him, in aid of a great work in which he is engaged, undertook to distribute some Tamul New Testaments in the course of his journey. Among the happy results with which this procedure of Appavoo has been already attended, the deposed Rajah of Travancore has been so impressed with the Bible, that he has directed a chapter to be read to him daily ; and the high-priest of the Jainas has desired a visit from the Rev. Mr. Rhenius, who sent him the Tamul Bible, to explain the Gospel more perfectly to him and his people. Under the impression made by these and other interesting circumstances, the Christian native writes : — " ' WhUe we have time, let us sow the good seed of the Gospel ; the God of heaven will shower on it his Holy Spirit, that it may bring forth good fruits :' — and he adds, in a strain of interesting simplicity ; 'In every age there have arisen some alterations in their superstition. Inquiry is made into their own Vedam, to find out the good way : I am sure, very soon, God Almighty will enlarge his kingdom; and the venerable benefactors who exert themselves in this desirable cause, will be rewarded a thousand fold.' " — Fourteenth Report, p. Ixv. et seq. " A society has been established at Madras, called the Tamul Bible Asso- ciation. Under the presidency of the Rev. Mr. Rhenius (of the Church Missionary Society), this little groupe of native Christians held its first anniversary on the 26th of July 1818, at which not fewer than eight native converts delivered their simple addresses. Of these, one was ex- pressed in the following terms : — ' I am glad that a society like this has been established. By this means the word of God wUl be given to the poor ; yea, will be made known to alL This word of God is a cleanser of the heart : I wish that all may receive it.' " — Sixteenth Report, p. 73. China. — That a translation of the entire Bible into the language of this immense empire — supposed to contain one- fourth of the whole human race — is at length completed, must be a source of gratitude and joy to every sincere believer in divine revelation. Of the importance of this work, and the good effects of the partial distribution already commenced, the following extracts will testify : — " The intelligence from Java respecting the acceptance of the Chinese New Testament by the Chinese settled in that island, is highly encouraging and interesting. It appears that many of them not only read the New Testament, but are anxious to obtain explanations of passages which they do not understand. ' These Chinese,' Mr. Supper (Secretary of the Java Bible Society) adds, ' have already turned their idols out of their houses, and are desirous of becoming Christians.' One of the most opulent of the , SECT. X.] NECESSITY OF CONTINUED EXERTION. 67 Persia. — The Scriptures received with avidity, and read with attention. Chinese in Java observed : ' I have read Mr. Morrison's New Testament with pleasure ; it is very fine ; and it would be well if every one led such a life as Jesus Christ has taught him to lead.' This introduced a conversation, the result of which was, ' that the Cliinese, on his return to his home, tore all the painted images from the wall, and threw them into the fire.' He has never since frequented the Chinese temples." — Thirleeiith Rfport, p. Ixxi. " By the good hand of God," says the Rev. Mr. Milne, " and the liberal aid of your excellent society, we have been enabled to send the sacred volume to various parts of China, and to almost every place where any considerable number of Chinese are settled : from Penang, through the Malay Archipelago, to the Moluccas and Celebes, on the one hand ; and from Kiddah, round tlie Peninsula, through the Gulph of Siam, and along the coast of Cochin-China, on the other. " Such beginnings, at least, are auspicious ; and they encourage a hope that they may be the precursors of Scriptural light to the many millions of China, to whom the word of God is utterly unknown." Fifteenth Report, p. Ixxxi. Persia. — One of the last acts of the indefatigable and la- mented Henry Martyn, was his translation of the New Testa- ment into the Persian language. On this version he had bestowed the greatest pains, to render it perfect; and, agree- ably to his wishes, a copy of the manuscript was presented by his friend Sir Gore Ousely, Bart, to the Shah, or king, of Persia, whose approval of the performance, as signified in the following extract of his letter to Sir Gore, then Ambas- sador Extraordinary from Great Britain to his Court, is not the least remarkable instance of those providential openings so frequently recorded in the History of the Bible Society:— " In truth, through the learned and unremitted exertions of the Rev. Henry Martyn, it has been translated in a style most befitting sacred books ; that is, in an easy and simple diction. Fonnerly, the Four Evan- gelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, were known in Persia ; but now the whole of the New Testament is completed in a most excellent manner : and this circumstance has been an additional source of pleasure to our enlightened and. august mind. Even the Four Evangelists, which were known in this country, had never been before explained in so clear and luminous a manner. We, therefore, have been particularly delighted with this copious and complete translation. If it please the most merciful God, we shall command the Select Servants, who are admitted to our presence, to read* to us the above-mentioned book from the beginning to the end, that we may, in the most minute manner, hear and comprehend its contents." Eleventh Report : Jppetidix, No. LI. * " I beg leave to remark, that the word ' Tilawat,' which the Trans- lator has rendered ' read,' is an honorable signification of that act, almost exclusively applied to the perusing or reciting the Koran. The making use, therefore, of this term or expression, shews the degree of respect and estimation in which the Shah holds the New Testament." A'^ote by Sir Core Ousely. f2 68 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I. Georgia, Armenia. — Syria, Palestine, &c. The Committee of the Russian Bible Society, with equal cordiality and promptitude, undertook the publication of 5000 copies of this version, which has found " a grateful acceptance, and a wide circulation, in Persia." " The eagerness," observes Dr. Paterson, " with which the Persians receive, and the attention with which they read the New Testament, exceeds all expectation. The excellent Martyn, though dead, is novir preaching the Gospel to this numerous people. We cannot supply them fast enough. In three days I sent off one thousand copies to Astrachan." Seventeenth Report of the Church Missionary Society, p. 477. Georgia, Armenia, &c. — In the year 1814, it appears by the in- formation of the Georgian archbishop, Dositheos, " that the number of Christians belonging to the Grseco-Georgian Church exceeded a million ; that in Georgia Proper there were nearly 900 churches ; and in Imeretta and Mingrelia, 1100; and that among these 2000 churches, not 200 Bibles were to be found. In fact, but one edition of the Georgian Bible had been .printed, and that a folio. The Clergy were, for the most part, deplorably ignorant. Religion was more cultivated by the females than by the males, or even by the priests." Owen's History, Vol. III. p. 43. " The Bible in the Armenian language is much wanted, not only for the Armenian Christians in the south of Russia, but also for those who live beyond the confines of the empire. Copies of the Scriptures in this impor- tant language have become so scarce, that it has been impossible fOr the society to procure one at any price.' ' — Ibid. Vol. II. p. 424. Syria, Palestine, &c. — The Rev. Henry Lindsay, Chap- lain to the British Embassy at Constantinople, thus addresses the Committee in January, 1815 : — " Some Greek priests of Syria, by desire of the Patriarch of Jerusalem, who is at present at Constantinople, called upon me yesterday, with a view to procure some copies of the Ai'abic Bible, printed by the society, in conse- quence of his having seen the copy I presented to the Patriarch of Con- stantinople, and the short sketch of the society's proceedings which I got translated. I regret, however, I had none left in my possession. The priests informed me, that such is the want of the Bible in Arabic, through- out Syria, that only a few old copies are to be found, and these seldom entire : they therefore begged me to request from the society a speedy supply." — Eleventh Report : ylppendix. No. lxxii. This statement is confirmed by C. J. Rich, Esq. the East- India Company's Resident at Bagdad, who, after enumerating the various denominations of professing Christians in these extensive regions, observes : — " Of all these Christians, the Armenians are the only ones who have copies of the Bible among them, and those are by far too few to be pro- ductive of general good : this is the more to be regretted, as even the poorest classes are fond of reading the Scriptures. The Bibles in Syriac and Chaldee are to be found only in manuscript in the churches ; and indeed they would be of but small comparative use to the natives, the com- inon language of the greater part of which is Arabic. In Uie church of the SECT. X.] NECESSITY OF CONTINUED EXERTION. 69 I 'II Depository of Bibles and Testaments formed at Jerusalem. Catholic Chaldean Patriarch of Diarbekir, I heard a lesson read from the Gospels in Turkish, from a translation by a native of Kerkouk, which, to the best of my knowledge, exists only in this manuscript. By far the greatest part, therefore, of the Oriental Christians are wholly without any copies of the Scriptures ; with which they have no other acquaintance than what they acquire through the medium of their priests (who are too often lamentably ignorant), or from the detached portions which they hear in the churches, and which they are not often capable of understanding. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance to supply them with copies of the Bible in the languages with which they are most familiar." Twelfth Report ; Appendix, No. xlvii. One of the latest Christian travellers in this most interest- ing region, is the Rev. James Connor (employed by the Church Missionary Society) ; from whose communications, dated in March and April 1820, the following extracts are taken : — " The archbishop of Cyprus having given me an introductory letter to Procopius, the chief agent of the Patriarch of Jerusalem, I waited on him, at the Greek Convent, two or three days after my arrival. He received me in the most friendly manner. He expressed his warmest approbation of the plan and objects of the Bible Society ; and acceded immediately to my pro- posal, of leaAnng a considerable portion of the Scriptures, which I had brought with me, in his hands, for sale or distribution among the pilgrim$ and others." By a subsequent arrangement with this valuable agent, a Depository for the sale of Bibles and Testaments in different languages, during the Passover, has been established in the great square which fronts the Church of the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem. On this spot the pilgrims — amounting to be- tween 3 and 4000 — frequently assemble; and they will, by this important measure, be enabled in future to purchase, at the very gates of the Sepulchre, " the place where the Lord lay," and to carry home to their families and friends, those Scriptures which will tend progressively to inspire a purer and more exalted spirit of devotion. Thus we behold in our day the fulfilment of the prophetic declaration, " The Law shall go forth of Zion, and the Word of the Lord from Je- rusalem .'" " The patriarch of Damascus received me," observes Mr. Connor, " in the most friendly manner. The system and operations of the Bible Society delighted him. He will encourage and promote, to the utmost of his power, the sale and distribution of the Scriptures throughout the patriarchate. As a proof of his earnestness in this cause, the next day he ordered a number of letters to be prepared and despatched to his archbishops and bishops, urging them to promote the objects of the Bible Society in their respective stations. As soon as the Scriptures arrive in Damascus, the patriarch will make it known to the people, by ordering it to be announced to them in the different churches. — I have conversed with many of the Catholic eccle- aastics on the Bible Society, and ita labours of Christian charity, and nevar 70 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I. Present state of the Seven Churches in Asia- have I heard one voice lifted up against it : all that they require is, that the edition be conformable to the authorised text. This text (I have se- veral times made the inquiry) is universally intelligible. All can understand it." " This enterprising Christian traveller thus concludes his observations : — " From this sketch of my proceedings in Syria, you wIU have seen that the channels are now opened for the introduction of the Scriptures into these parts, and for their general circulation. — By means of our friends in Jerusalem, Jaffa, Acre, Saide, Beirout, Damascus, Tripoli, Latichea, Scanderoon, and Aleppo, they will be offered for sale in every part of the country. — I have prepared the minds of very many for the operations of the Bible Society in these parts; and I think I may say with truth, that these operations will be hailed with gratitude." — Missionary Register for Sept. 1820- The following communication, which has long been out of print, is too important to be omitted : — Extract of a Letter from the Rev. H. Lindsay, Chaplain to the Em- bassy at Constantinople, relative to the present State of the seveu CHURCHES IN ASIA, mentioned in Rev, ii. and iii. " Gmstnntinopfe, Jan. 10, 1816. " When I last wi'ote to you, I was on the point of setting out on a short excursion into Asia Minor. Travelling hastily, as I was constrained to do from the circumstances of my situation, the information I could procure was necessarily superficial and unsatisfactory : as, however, I distributed the few books of the society which I was able to carry with me, I think it ne- cessary to give some account of the course I took. The regular intercourse of England with Smyrna, will enable you to procure as accurate intelligence of its present state as any I can pretend to offer. " From the conversations I had with the Greek bishop and his clergy, as •well as various well-informed individuals, I am led to suppose, that, if the population of Smyrna, be estimated at 140,000 inhabitants, there are from 15 to 20,000 Greeks, 6000 Armenians, 5000 Catholics, 140 Protestants, and 11,000 Jews. " After Smyrna, the first place I visited was Ephesus, or rather (as the site is not quite the same) Aiasalick, which consists of about fifteen poor cottages. I found there but three Christians, two brothers who keep a small shop, and a gardener. They are all three Greeks, and their ignorance is lamentable indeed. In that place, which was blessed so long with an Apo- stle's labours and those of his zealous assistants, are Christians who have not so much as heard of that apostle, or seem only to recognise the name of Paul as one in the calendar of their saints. One of them I found able to * The edition of the Arabic Scriptures to which Mr. Connor alludes, as under preparation by the British and Foreign Bible Society, is precisely that ■which he states as exclusively acceptable among the Christians of Syria. It is a reprint of the Propaganda edition ; on the correction of which, Professor Macbride, of Oxford, and Professor Lee, of Cambridge, are bestowing un- wearied attention. The New Testament is just completed. On the commu- nication to the Committee of the despatches from Mr. Connor, they di- rected 1000 Copies of the New Testament to be forwarded without delay to the Mediterranean j and these will be followed by ample supplies. SECT. X.] NECESSITY OF CONTINUED EXERTION. 71 Present state of the Seven Churches in Asia. read a little, and left with him the New Testament in ancient and modem Greek, which he expressed a strong desire to read ; and promised me he would not only study it himself, but lend it to his friends in the neigh- bouring villages. My next object was to see Laodicea : in the road to this, is Guzel-hiser, a large town, with one church, and about 700 Christians. " In conversing with the priests here, I found them so little acquainted with the Bible, or even the New Testament, in an entire form, that they had no distinct knowledge of the books it contained, beyond the Four Gospels ; but mentioned them indiscriminately, with various idle legends and lives of saints. " I have sent thither three copies of the modern Greek Testament since my return. About three miles from Laodicea is Denizli, which has been styled, but I am inclined to think erroneously, the ancient Colosse : it is a considerable town, with about 400 Christians, Greeks, and Armenians, each of whom has a church. I regret, however, to say, that here also the most extravagant tales of miracles, and fabulous accounts of angels, saints, and relics, had so usurped the place of the Scriptures, as to render it very diffi- cult to separate, in their minds, divine truths from human inventions. I felt, that here that unhappy time was come, when men should ' turn away their ears from the truth, and be turned unto fables.' " I had with me some copies of the Gospels in ancient Greek, which I distributed here, as in some other places through which I had passed. Eski-hisar, close to which are the remains of ancient Laodicea, contains about fifty poor inhabitants ; in which number are but two Christians, who live together in a small mill : unhappily, neither could read at all : the copy, therefore, of the New Testament which I intended for this Church, I left with that of Denizli, the offspring and poor remains of Laodicea and Co- losse : the prayers of the mosque are the only prayers which are heard near the ruins of Laodicea, on which the threat seems to have been fully exe- cuted, in its utter rejection as a Church. " I left it for Philadelphia, now Alah-shehr. It was gratifying to find at last some surviving fruits of early zeal : and here, at least, whatever may be ^ost of the spirit of Christianity, there is still the form of a Christian Church ; — this has been kept from the hour of temptation, which came upon aU the Christian world. There are here about lOOu Christians, chiefly Greeks, who, for the most part, speak only Turkish : there are twentv-five places of public worship, five of which are large, regular churches : to these there is a resident bishop, with twenty inferior clergy. A copy of the mo- dern Greek Testament was received by the bishop with great thankfulness. I quitted Alah-shehr, deeply disappointed at the statement I received there of the Church of Sardis. I trusted that, in its utmost trials, it would not have been suffered to perish utterly ; and I heard with surprise, that not a vestige of it remained. — With what satisfaction, then, did I find, on the plains of Sardis, a small Church establishment : the few Christians who dwell around modem Sart were anxious to settle there, and erect a church, as they were in the habit of meeting at each other's houses, for the exercise of religion : from this design they were prohibited by Kar Osman Oglu, the Turkish Governor of the district ; and, in consequence, about five years ago, they built a church upon the plain, within view of ancient Sardis, and there they maintain a priest. The place has gradually risen into a little village, now called Tartar-keuy : thither the few Christians of Sart, who amount to sev^en, and those in its immediate vicinity, resort for public worship, and form together a congregatisn of about forty. There appears then still a remnant, ' a few names even in Sardis,' which have been preserved. I cannot repeat the expressions of gratitude with which they received a 72 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY* [cHAP. i; Siberia, Tartary — Conversion of two Heathen Chiefs. copy of the New Testament, in a language with which they were familiar. Several crowded about the priest, to hear it on the spot ; and I left them thus engaged. Ak-hisar, tlae ancient Thyatira, is said to contain about 30,000 inhabitants, of whom 3000 are Christians, all Greeks, except about 200 Armenians. There is, however, but one Greek church, and one Arme- nian. The superior of the Greek Church, to whom I presented the Romaic Testament, esteemed it so great a treasure, that he earnestly pressed me, if possible, to spare another, that one might be secured to the church, and free from accidents, while the other went round among the people, for their private reading. I have therefore, since my return hither, sent him four copies. " The Church of Pergamos, in respect to numbers, may be said to flou- rish still in Bergamo. The town is less than Ak-hisar, but the number of Christians is about as great, the proportion of Armenians to Greeks nearly the same, and each nation also has one church. The bishop of the district, ■who occasionally resides there, was at that time absent ; and I experienced, with deep regret, that the resident clergy were totally incapable of esti- mating the gift I intended them : I therefore delivered the Testament to the) lay vicar of the bishop, at his urgent request, he having assured me that the bishop would highly prize so valuable an acquisition to the church r he seemed much pleased that the benighted state of his nation had excited the attention of strangers. " Thus, Sir, I have left, at least one copy of the unadulterated word of God, at each of the Seven Asiatic Churches of the Apocalypse, and I trust they are not utterly thrown away : but, whoever may plant, it is God only who can give the increase ; and, from his goodness, we may hope they will, in due time, bring forth fruit, ' some thirty, some sixty, and some a hun- dred fold !' Believe me, Sir, ever yours most truly, " Henry Lindsay." Siberia & Tartary. — In reference to these extensive regions, it has been observed ; — " The zeal of Christians has been greatly stirred up ; Jews have been awakened to a concern for studying the Christian Scriptures ; and Mahome- dans and Heathens been brought to desire and peruse, in their own tongues, the sacred oracles of truth and salvation. Among other circum- stances illustrative of this statement, there is one fact, which, from its striking peculiarity, and the consequences with which it seems pregnant, deserves to be specially noticed. " The tribe of Burjats, inhabiting a distant quarter of Siberia, having been particularly struck with some sheets, which they had received, of the Gospel of St. Matthew, in the Calmuc, despatched two of their native chiefs, persons of high family, and very intelligent and inquisitive, to St. Peters- burg, in order to obtain a translation of the New Testament into their own, which is a kindred dialect. On this translation they are now occupied : and such was the almost immediate effect of what they expressively called ' the beautiful sayings of Jesus,' on the minds of these heathen inquirers, that they acknowledged, when they afterwards turned to pray to their idols as usual, they felt an internal disquietude, of which they never before had been conscious : and they requested to be more perfectly instructed in the nature of the Gospel. ' What a striking example,' exclaims his Excellency Mr. Papoff, ' of the life-givftg influence of the word of God on the hearts of the simple ; seeking alter truth, though they be heathens ! ' " Fourteenth Report, p. Iviii. et se^. SECT. X.] NECESSITY OP CONTINUED EXERTION. 73 Letter from a Peasant in Siberia. — South-Sea Islands. The sequel of this remarkable occurrence is thus related : — ■' " Of the impression produced on the higher orders of the laity, many ho- norable instances might be produced. Few, however, exceed in interest tliat of the two Burjat nobles, who, having been effectually converted to the Christian faith by translating the Gospel of St. Matthew into the INIongolian dialect, j|^dressed a letter to their prince, a heathen, and residing in the heart of Siberia ; in which are, among others, the following sentiments : — " By your kind endeavours we have been brought near the feet of our highly exalted monarch (the Emperor), and reached the city of St. Peters- burg, where shines the brightness of the holy doctrine : for here we have seen and heard the most sacred words of the Most High and saving God. — That we ever should see and hear such things, we never before had an idea. The word of God being so very clear and intelligible, we cannot sufficiently admire it ; and we feel that it is truth which may be relied on. This vehicle of a reasonable faith, this pearl of a devout heart, although existing eighteen hundred years upon earth, has hitherto not yet come to our IMon- gols and Burjats. According to our humble opinion, our highly exalted and gracious sovereign is a hand of God ; and the Society of the Holy Book of Keligion, called the Bible, a true apostle of Jesus Christ. ^Vlien, by the grace of God, our people, as well as every individual who speaks the Mongo- lian language, shall forsake their own faith, and receive the doctrine of Christ, — when they shall walk in the narrow and saving way, — they will, under his light and easy yoke, adopt a good conversation and good manners : that faith is the work of God alone." * — Owen's Hist. f^ol. III. p. 402 et seg. \ The following extract will shew, that the desire to peruse the sacred volume extends to the lowest ranks of the people : — From a Peasant in the Government 0/ Tomsk, in Siberia : March 6, 181 (J. " Among us also, in this distant region of Siberia, it is now known, that the pious Bible Society in Moscow bestows the word of God on the poor and needy, gratis. Such a gift I have seen in the village of Barn, in the pos- session of a poor ecclesiastic, who is thereby made happy, and reads his New Testament with joy. Dare I, an unworthy man, in poverty and tears, beg for a New Testament, gratis, also ? Though I do not understand to read myself, yet my son can read, and hears the holy scriptures, when read in the church, with pleasure. He will read to me the Gospels and the Epistles ; and there I shall also learn to know, how the Lord God took upon himself our flesh, came into this world, lived among sinners, instructed them, suffered and died for us, and gave to us the holy gospel, that all men might know the way of salvation. I intreat the pious Bible Society not to reject my petition, but to bestow on me the holy scriptures, to rejoice my soul, and my whole household ! " — Fourteenth Report : jlppendix, p. 85. South-Sea Islands.—" In the islands of the South Seas, particularly those of Otaheite, Huaheine, and Eimeo, in consequence of the extraordi- narj"- success with which the preaching of the Gospel has been recently attended, openings have been made of the most promising nature, for the * It will gratify the friends of the Institution to learn, that the translation of the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke have been completed and printed at Petersburg. One hundred copies of the version have been presented to the Parent Institution by the Russian Bible Society. 74 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY, [CHAP. I. Bible Associations established in New South Wales. dissemination of the holy scriptures. Specimens of the Gospel of St. Luke, in the Taheitan language, have been received. Three thousand copies had been printed on paper furnished by your society, and nearly distributed, when the specimens were despatched from the island of Huaheine (to which the press had been removed from Eimeo) ; and the other Gospels, together with the Acts of the Apostles, were nearly ready to be printed. Of these, when completed, it was the wish of the Missionaries to print 1 0,000 copies ; which number, considering the progress made by the natives in reading, and their urgent desire to possess the Scriptures, it was expected, would still not be sufficient to supply their wants. ' Multitudes,' say the Missionaries, ' can now read with ease ; and their desire to teach others the word of God seems to grow with their own knowledge.' " It is common to see those who have been taught to read, sitting in circles in the cooling shade, or in their own houses, teaching those who know not. Not content merely with what they learn at school, they frequently sit in circles till midnight, teaching each other. In some of the islands, where a Missionary has never resided, the natives can read and write ; and many have known how to teach their neighbours, before their names were ever enrolled in the school-book." — Sixteenth Report, p. Ixxx. et seq. New South Wales. — An Auxiliary Society, under the patronage of Governor Macquarie, was established in this colony on the 7th of March, 1817. In announcing this memorable event, his Excellency observes, " The colonists stand greatly in need of Bibles, and will be most thankful to receive them on any terms." In their First Annual Report, the Committee of this re- markable Institution state, that " more than one-third of the dwellings, and three-fifths of the inhabitants of Sydney, who can read, are without a Bible." Judicious measures were immediately adopted for supplying the most urgent cases ; a Branch Society was established at Van Dieman's Land, under the presidency of the Lieutenant-Governor; and three Bible Associations have been subsequently formed, on a regular system, at Sydney, Parramatta, and Windsor. But such was the deplorable want of the holy scriptures in the colony, that the Cc»mmittee, in their Annual Report for 1820, lament the destitute state of numerous families and individuals, while they express their laudable determination to adopt the best practicable means of distribution, " that, if possible, every person who is able to read, and desirous to possess, or at least every family or dwelling, may be furnished with a Bible or Testament." The number of copies of the Scriptures received from the Parent Institution, to the date of the last Report, is 6328, amounting, at cost prices, to 1176/. 8s. 7d. ; and the Auxiliary Society has, in return, remitted 690/. The peculiar nature of the claim thus urged on British benevolence cannot fail of being properly appreciated. SECT. X.] NECESSITY OF CONTINUED EXERTION. 75 Bibles and Testaments sent to the Cape of Good Hope received with joy. AFRICA. Of this quarter of theeglobe, containing more than 150 millions of inhabitants, to which Europe generally, and Great Britain in particular, owe such a heavy debt of reparation, our information is comparatively scanty. The following ex- tracts, however, afford a sufficient indication, that even here we have not " laboured in vain" nor " spent our strength for nought," while they incite to continued and more extensive exertion. Cape of Good Hope. — In the year 1810, a respectable icorrespondent thus addresses the Committee : — " It is impossible for me to convey to you in adequate terms the sense of feeling and gratitude expressed by many individuals here, who value and know the importance of the holy scriptures, when they heard that a supply of Bibles had been sent for the use of the inhabitants of this colony. To do good to our fellow-creatures, and to know that it has been followed with bene- ficial effects, must be highly pleasing to every sensible mind : — the British and Foreign Bible Society have that satisfaction in a very superior degree ; for the Bibles they sent, came to a needy, but not unthankful people. It is a fact, that, for some time past, not a single Dutch Bible could be got for money." — Seventh Report: Appendix^ No. xv. In reference to this first supply, the Secretary of the Moravian Missionary Society thus writes : — " I have, before now, expressed to you the thanks of our Missionaries among the Hottentots, for your kindness towards them, and their congre- gations of Christian Hottentots." — " We are sure," they write, " that if the worthy members of that benevolent society had been present, to see the tears, and hear the humble and joyful expressions of thankfulness for this precious gift, and the prayers offered up for the blessing of God to rest upon those ^'ho had so kindly considered the spiritual wants of the most distant nations, they would have thought themselves well rewarded for their generosity to these poor people." — Eighth Report: Appendix-^ No. xl. " The intelligence from the Rev. J. Read at Bethelsdorp, in South Africa, is also very gratifying. He mentions, that a Hottentot, named Sampson, •who, though more than fifty years of age, had learned to read, upon seeing the Bibles sent for distribution, exclaimed, ' These are the weapons that wiU conquer Africa ; they have conquered me.' The first purchaser of a Bible was a Hottentot, who, at the age of forty, had also learned to read. Fifty Bibles were presented, on the first day of distribution, to as many children who could read well. Mr. Read hopes, from the progress made in a few months, that there will soon be but few children of whom the same may not be said. He adds, that there are a vast number of adidts who can read the Bible." — Thirteenth Report, p. Ixv. It appears by a letter from his Excellency Governor Donkin, dated Cape of Good Hope, August 31, 1820, and addressed to Lord Teignmouth, that a Bible Society was established in that colony on the 23d of August, at a meeting 76 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP.I. African Bible Society formed at the Cape. — Great demand for Arabic Bibles. held in the Government House, under the presidency of his Excellency ; who observes : — " A Committee has since been formed, which is now employed in putting into activity the necessary arrangements for the distribution of the holy scriptures throughout this colony. " I took an opportunity of assuring the meeting, that, during the time I may administer this government, no effort shall be wanting on my part to promote the diffusion of Christianity throughout Southern Africa. I am per- suaded that, independently of the paramount duty by which every Christian is bound to impart the light of the Gospel to those who are unacquainted with it, I shall be rendering an essential service to this colony, if I can lay the foundation of a system which shall introduce Christianity, and consequently civilization, amongst the surrounding tribes ; and I hope the day is not very far off, when those who are now heathen savages shall be converted into civilized Christians." "Western Africa. — " The ready acceptance of some Arabic Bibles at Yongroo, in Western Africa, by the Mahomedans, encourages a hope that they may be more extensively circulated ; and has produced an application from the Rev. G. Nylander for a further suppW. He states, that the King of Bullam, to whom he presented a Bible in Arabic, recommended it to the first strangers who visited him ; and that, in a visit which he made to the King, he saw about twenty Mahomedans, and an aged Mussulman-teachef in the midst of them, reading the Bible. He requested, and with great thankfulness accepted, a Bible from Mr. Nylander, saying, ' When I come home, I shall read this book to all my people.'" — Eleventh Report, p. xxxvi. In the year 1813, a Missionary in the service of the Church Missionary Society, to whose care twelve copies of the Arabic Bible had been assigned, "was unfortunately wrecked on the coast of Africa. A portion of the cargo redeemed from the waves, was sold to the natives ; and of it, these Arabic Bibles formed a part. The Missionary made every effort in his power to re-purchase them, but without success. As much as £.% was offered for a copy, but refused ; the Mahomedan natives persisting in their resolution not to part with them on any terms." — Owtns History, Fol. I. p. 308. Egypt. — Allusion has already been made to the visit of the lamented Burckhardt to this country. In his corre- spondence with the Malta Bible Society, he states, that " the seamen, who are so very numerous at Alexandria, came so very often to him, that the Greek Testaments which he had dispersed would be only like so many drops thrown into the sea ; so great was the demand for the word of God." Only a few days after his arrival at Grand Cairo, he wrote thus to the Secretary : — " My dear Friend, I have now nothing more to give these people : all my stock is expended. If I had with me twice or thrice as many copies of the Scriptures, I could have disposed of them without the smallest diffi- culty." 5ECT. X.] NECESSITV Ot CONTINUED EXERTION. 77 State of Christianity in Egypt. — Attendance on Divine Worship. In one of the latest communications from this Christian traveller, he thus expresses himself: — " On my journey, I was solicited everywhere for Bibles ; and when I arrived at Cairo, I had nothing left but a few copies of the Scriptures, and the Ethiopic Psalters. This grieved me the more, as I was under the neces- sity of sending the applicants away empty ; and my regret would have been still greater, had I not, in full reliance on the continued assistance of the Bible Society, been able to assure them, that I had the prospect of soon getting a fresh supply of copies. I ardently wish that the impatience of the poorer Copts, who are extremely desirous of possessing an Arabic Bible, might soon be removed." — Fifteenth Report : Appendix., No. xviii. In the summer of 1819, the Rev. William Jowett, one of the Secretaries of the Malta Bible Society, followed the track marked out by his self-devoted friend : — " It was on my arrival at Esne," he observes, " that I first opened my small, but invaluable treasure. This is the last bishopric southward in Egypt. I waited on the bishop, and, having presented my letter from the patriarch, was very kindly received. I gave him a copy of the Arabic Bible, and begged him to recommend the sale of it among his people : the price I fixed was twenty piastres, equal to ten shillings English : it is quite necessary to reduce the price, the people are so poor, and the value of money so great in this country. But I soon found there was no need of soliciting this recommendation : the people, having seen the book, and witnessed the pleasure with which their bishop received his present, came immediately to buy, and I have no doubt that I could have soon disposed of my whole stock. A prudent consideration of the wants of the towns I meant to visit in my return, rendered it necessary that I should husband my poor resources. Besides the one which I had given, I could only spare three : it was really painful to see the eagerness with which one after another came to my boat, to ask whether I could not let them have one copy more ; they came with various reasons or pretences, and were with difficulty persuaded that the number I had could only furnish a small supply at best to the other churches." Proceeding further up the Nile, he stopped at Edfia, the last town where Christians were to be found. After describ- ing their extreme misery and poverty, he justly remarks : — " It is wonderful how, in such circumstances, even the profession of Christianity is kept up. These poor people, however, shew their attachment to their religion, by going some of them every week to Esne to attend their church. They set off on the Thursday night, and arrive there in time for vespers on Saturday evening, returning back on the Monday. — What a re- proach to many in Christian countries, who live within a few minutes' walk from a place of worship and yet seldom attend !" After remaining a few days at Thebes; passing the " mountains in which are excavated the tombs of the kings ; and numerous relics of churches and convents, which prove how far Christianity once extended in these countries ;" he observes : — " I found it difficult to determine how to dispose of the one Arabic Bible ■which I had allotted to Luxor. It was not the best plan to give it to the T8 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I. State of Christianity in Egypt. — Abyssinia, &c. priest, for the priests in these parts are not the best informed part of the community ; and besides, the book would in that case have been shut up in the church. Upon inquiry, I selected mallem Jacob as the intended pur- chaser. These mallems are in fact a kind of clerks to government, in all the principal cities and towns throughout Egypt. They receive the orders of the various governors, and coUect the tribute, &c. from the Copts ; con- sequently they are expert in reading and writing, and know every thing about their countrymen. I had sent word two days before to mallem Jacob that I should sell him the book : when, therefore, I had crossed over to the east side of the river, I called upon him. Besides his own little child, he has two young nephews, whom he has adopted ; their father being dead. He had announced the book beforehand to these lads. The younger, about twelve years of age, kept him continually in mind, with ' Father, the book is not come yet.' I heard both these boys read: the younger read me half a chapter very well ; and the priest told me that at church he had chosen a par- ticular seat, where he was used to sit and read by himself : I think the Bible, therefore, very fitly bestowed." Of Kennee, a very considerable town, and the thoroughfare of perhaps ten thousand pilgrims a year to Mecca, he writes : — " The Christians here are pretty numerous, and, comparatively speaking, in good circumstances ; but they have neither church nor resident priest in the town : some neighbouring villages are their resort on Sundays for reli- gious purposes. Here I found a very intelligent Copt, mallem Bottros (Peter) : he was surrounded by many of his nation, very respectable and well-behaved men. When he saw my Arabic Bible, he recognised the work, saying, that about two years ago he had bought a copy of a Jew in Cairo. Instead of twenty, with a promptitude very rare in these parts, he wished to give me fifty piastres for it ; but this I refused. Young men who were about him began to draw out their money, begging that they might have a copy. On returning to my boat, 1 sent him two more copies : he sent me word back, that the people snatched them up so quick that he had not one left for himself, and begged me to spare him another. I was so much gratified by this ready disposition, and had observed in the very countenances of the bye-standers so much superior intelligence and good training, that early next morning I called upon him with two more copies ; adding as a reason, that as this town was a grand thoroughfare of Mahomedan pilgi'ims, it was peculiarly desirable that the Christians should be confirmed in their faith by reading the Scripture ahund&ntly." — Sixleenlk Report : appendix, p- 170 et seq. Abyssinia, &c. — Tn reference to this country, M. Asselin de Cherville, French Charge d' Affaires at Cairo, thus writes in November, 1814: — " It is beyond a doubt, that an impression of the Scriptures in the Ethiopic, in a convenient form, must be very advantageous to so numerous and devout a people as the Abyssinians. Though several very different dialects are spoken in the countries subject to the dominion of the great Negus (or king), yet the learned, or Ethiopic, is the only one universally taught in his vast estates ; since it is in this language that all the books employed for public instruction are composed : but these books, being in manuscript, are scarce, and consequently very dear: and, I repeat, if there exists a people on the earth to whom the object proposed by the Bible SECT. X.] NECESSITY OF CONTINUED EXERTION. 79 Isle of France. — Manuscript of the Amharic Version of the Bible obtained. Society can be eminently useful, it is, without doubt, the Abyssinians : for their first study is that of the Bible ; their first spiritual want is the Gospel, which they read again and again constantly every day." Tiveljtk Report : /Appendix, No. xlviii. This opinion is confirmed by Henry Salt, Esq. British Consul-General in Egypt, who observes : — " The Abyssinians, in general, are exceedingly attached to their religion, and to the Scriptures ; but the unfortunate circumstances under which they have so long suffered, have led them astray into error." Fourteenth Report : y^ppendix. No. Li. The Rev. W. Jowett had rested but a httle while from the fatigues of his first voyage to Egypt, when he felt it to be his duty to visit that country a second time ; in order to resume, and, if practicable, to bring to a successful issue, the negociation for the purchase of the Amharic version of the Scriptures. In this great object he happily succeeded, and has ascertained, satisfactorily, that the manuscript answers the description of it — as a version, complete in all its parts, of the Scriptures into the Amharic, one of the two vulgar dialects of Abyssinia. This translation had been executed under the particular care of M. Asselin, the French Consul at Cairo, and it occupied him for ten years. It was rendered into Amharic by a native, under the assiduous examination of M. Asselin.* Thus this ancient people will become possessed of the Scriptures in a dialect with which they are familiar, and in which no portion of the word of God has hitherto been printed. It is impossible to trace the progress of this trans- action, without recollecting the prediction of the Royal Psalmist, — "Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God ;" and rejoicing in the conviction, that she shall no longer be "sent empty away." ^ Isle of France, &c. — In November 1812, a Bible Society was formed for the islands of Mauritius, Bourbon, and depen- dencies : — " In what degree the Scriptures may be supposed to have been wanted in the Mauritius itself, the seat of this institution, may be readily inferred from the account of the Secretary, that many persons were living in the island, at * The manuscript has already readied London ; and tlie Committee have adopted measures for its being immediately printed. f While the present work v.as in the press, the Committee of the Church Missionary SocfEXY, wiih a degree of Cliristian and fraternal liberality which enhances the value of the gift, presented to the Library of the British and Foreign Bible Society a beautiiul Manuscript copy of the eight first books of the Old Testament in Ethiopia, together with a translation of the Gospels in the Coptic and Arabic, and other valuable Eastern Biblical Manuscripts, which must materially facilitate the pending arrangements for supplying the inhabitants of those extensive regions with the Holy Scriptures. ^ BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. L America — Labrador — Nova Scotia — Cape Breton. the advanced age of sixty and seventy years, who never saw a Bible : and the reception which the Scriptures furnished by your society met with in the same island, may be sufficiently judged of by the further assurance of the .Secretary, that 'the avidity with which the Bibles and Testaments are purchased is beyond all description ; that 1 00 copies were sold in one day, and twice as many more could, he beli^es, have been disposed of with the greatest facility ;' and, finally, that he receives daily messages of gratitude and thanks from the inhabitants, for the more than kind attention of the British and Foreign Bible Society to their eternal welfare, in supplying them with the means of Scriptural knowledge." — Tenth Report, p. 24. AMERICA. LABRAbott — " Thanksgivings continue to be presented from the Christian congregations under the care of the Moravian brethren in Labrador. They 1-epresent the copies of the Scriptures which they have received in the Esquimaux language, as * an invaluable gift,' and as having tended to pro- mote a great eagerness to learn to read, both in children and adults ; and they unite, throughout all their settlements, in praying to the Lord, ' to bless that venerable society, which exerts itself with so much zeal and charity to publish the word of God in all languages, and send it forth into all parts of the earth.' " — Tenth Report, p. 28. " In Labrador, we observe the simple and patient missionaries, from the Church of the United Brethren, proceeding with their usual assiduity in the translation of the whole New Testament into the Esquimaux language, and pouring forth the warmest strains of gratitude to those benefactors by whose aid the portion already translated had been printed and brought into circulation. Of this, it appears, the most diligent use was made by the members of the Esquimaux congregations. They read it, during their leisure hours, in their houses and their tents ; and their whole conduct and conversation were a striking evidence of its power." Owen's Historyy Vol. III. p. 483. Nova Scotia. — In reference to the Bible Society esta- Hished in this province, it is stated: — " How much such an Institution was wanted, may be learnt from the assertion in the Third Report, that persons who had kept houses, with smaller or larger families, for five, ten, or more than twenty years, had not been able, till then, to obtain a Bible : and the further assertion, that ' in every instance the Scriptures seemed to have been thankfully received,' ^ves reason to hope that the society will not have been instituted in vain."— /6irf. Vol. III. p. 485. Cape Breton. — The Governor of this colony, in a letter to Lord Teignmouth, dated May 20, 1818, after acknowledg- ing the receipt of a liberal supply of Bibles and Testaments, in the Gaelic, English, and French languages, voted by the Parent Committee, observes : — " With respect to the great mass of our population, the Highlanders, they received the beneficence of the society with the utmost gratitude. Persons have been hired, and sent from distances of eighty to one hundred miles to intreat for the sacred volume ; and instances are not wanting of others sending their children five and six miles, over frozen lakes, to be aistrvicted by poor old widows, £» the avowed purpose of reading the Bibl« SECT. X.] NECESSITY OF CONTINUED EXERTION. Sh^ Canada. — United States. — Scarcity of the Holy Scriptures. to their parents, who were themselves, from ignorance, unable to do so. To those places of instruction, 7s I discover them, I send a few of the least expensive editions of Testaments, as school-books, of which they were nearly destitute ; and I consider myself acting in conformity to the wishes of the society, in agreeing to the petitions of families, who, totally ignorant of letters themselves, would occasionally have an opportunity of hearing the Sci-iptures read by travellers, to whom, with patriarchal hospitality, they give refuge for the night. These people are very poor ; and to expect any pecuniary return at present is in vain, and perhaps impolitic : they are, hoAvever, temperate in their habits, frugal, and laborious ; and I have no doubt, that the views of the society wiU be better fulfilled by penny -a-week associations, when they are in better circumstances in two or three years hence." Canada. — A minister in this extensive colony thus writes, when acknowledging a supply of Bibles and Testaments, sent from the Parent Society in August 1819: — " Every one. Sir, who knows the moral state of the Canadians, must concur with me in saying, that they could not come to a better place, nor in a better time. These provinces have long been neglected, and their true state but partially known. In I^ower Canada the population is estimated at seven or eight hundred Ihoitsnnd souls, many of whom have never seen a Bible. It is certain that a strong desire exists among them to read the Scriptures." Sixteenth Report : Appendix., p. 202. United States. — Reference has already been made, in the Ninth Section, to the wants of the extensive regions of the American continent which are included by this designation. But the following extracts will place the subject in a more clear point of view : — " There has been no edition of the Bible printed west of the mountainsy arid the inducement to merchants to take out many very small, as will appear from the following anecdote. A merchant in Tennessee observed, during the earthquakes in 1811 and 1012, that before these took place he used to sell ten packs of cards ivhere he sold one Bible : now he sold ten Bibles where he sold one pack of cards." — Tenth Report: Appendix, No. xxxviii. " It was very imusual to find any portion of the sacred volume among our soldiers ; and in many instances there were found a hundred sick assembled in a hospital, without having among them one Bible or New Testament. " Some of the Tennessee INIilitia, when passing through Nashville, on their way to New Orleans, had inquired in vain for a Bible ; not one was to be found for sale : and in the month of December last, a similar inquiry was fruitlessly made in this city, by a gentleman from the Amite ; nor is there at this moment a Bible to be purchased in any book -store in the city of New *^Orleans. " As there were not Bibles sufficient to supply even the sick in hospitals who were anxious to receive them, it was not uncommon to see one reading aloud to several around : and at other times, two or three, lying on the floor together, would be attempting to read in the same book at the same time. Some of those who had received Bibles, declared a determination to carry them home with them on foot, 800 or 1000 miles; and rather than not carry them, they would throw away part of their baggage. G ^2 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. I. Louisiana. — Earnest desire to receive the Scriptures. "Although 3000 copies of the New Testament in French had been re- ceived by the President of the Society about the middle of December last ; owing to the disturbed state of the country, at that time invaded, none of them were distributed until about the 1 0th of February. After a few persons had received the New Testament, and it had become generally known that there were more in the hands of one of the managers, who had been appointed to make the gratuitous distribution of the whole number designed for this city, the applications were more frequent than could be supplied : a large crowd of some hundreds of people, of all colours and ranks, was formed before the house, and became literally clamorous to have a hook ; a word which Avas often vociferated in French by fifty voices at once. " Such an assembly, for such a purpose, never before witnessed in Louisi- ana, presented to the beholder many affecting scenes : the young and the old, the rich and the poor, as if alike conscious of their wants, pressed for- ward with out-stretched hands to receive the valuable gift. A child, not more than five or six years of age, was borne in the arms of its mother, a woman of colour, pressing through the crowd as one of the candidates for a treasure which she seemed justly to estimate : the silence and attention exhibited by the bye-standers were immediately rewarded, by hearing this infant read in an inteUigent manner the story related in Mark x. 13 — 16, rendered doubly interesting by the incidents. " As all who presented themselves for a French New Testament were asked if they could read, and, if ^\\y doubts existed, were put to the trial. An aged black woman, being asked the usual qviestion, and requested to prove the fact, answered, that she could not without her spectacles, which she had not with her ; but, unwilling to depart until the object of her wishes had been obtained, she renewed her application, and observed to the distributor, ' If I get a book by a falsehood, it will not be deceiving you, but God.' Many persons, who could not read themselves, wished the New ■Testament for their children, who said they would read it for them." First Report of the Louisiana Bible Society. — Twelfth Report : App. No. xviii. " We know, from actual observation, that there are, on our western borders, thousands of families growing up without the Bible. Many of them are destitute of this invaluable treasure, not merely because they are too parsimonious or too negligent to obtain it, but because it is not within their reach. They reside 1000 miles from any place where the Bible is printed. Seldom is it carried thither by the merchants. We ascertained, by inquiry, that in many of the principal towns of the Western country there was not a Bible to be sold.''^ — Sixth Report of the New-York Bible Society. " Among the applicants for Bibles, there have been several, who declared that they had been endeavouring, for years, some as many as for twelve or fifteen years, to obtain a copy of the Bible in French. Some declared that no present could be more acceptable to them ; and others, that they esteemed it beyond hundreds of dollars. "The Catholics, even the strictest of them, are willing, with scarcely an exception, to receive and read the Bible. " The Spanish inhabitants have been remarkably pleased, on obtaining the New Testament in their native language : they have received it with great demonstrations of joy. The expressions used by some, on being pre- sented with a New Testament, deserve notice : One observed, ' This book contains the pure truth., and nothing but the truth.' Another, on reading the title-page of the New Testament, as soon as he came to the words ' Jesus Christ,' stopped, and said, with much earnestness, ' This is my King and my Cod — He is my AlV Another, on being asked if the Spaniards were satisfied SECT. X.] NECESSITY OF CONTINUED EXERTION. S3 Massachusetts. — Philadelphia. with their New Testament, obsen'ed, that ' they could not be Christians who were not.' "—^Second Report of the Louisiana Bible Society. " "When this Institution was first proposed, there were some who ob- jected, that it was not needeil ; that the poor in this country are as well supplied with Bibles as the rich. But inquiry has proved this objection false. Many ministers, who had the same impression, have expressed their ■surprise at the want of Bibles in their societies. One thus writes : ' I am astonished to think that I should know no more : how many poor people are unprovided with the Bible!' Another writes : ' It is surprising, that, when the case of the poor witli respect to Bibles is investigated, we should find such great deficiency^' Another says : ' I had no idea that there were so many destitute in this town.' "■ The books which have been distributed by the society have been received with gratitude and joy, and many interesting expressions of these sentiments have been transmitted to your Committee. One letter says : ' These poor people received the Bibles thankfully, and requested me to make their acknowledgments to the society. Some of them were very eloquent in imploring the benedictions of Heaven on those who were instrumental in imparting to them so valuable a present.' Another says : ' ' Till I had no more books to distribute, my chamber was constantly crowded. Could the society witness the manifest thankfulness with which their bounty is received, I think they Avould believe their charity well applied in this region.' Another says : ' They all expressed much joy at the reception of the gift. Some could scarcely S}ieak, to think that God should send them his blessed word, of which they were so unworthy. One aged man in par- ticular, on accepting one of the large Bibles, burst into tears of joy, and put it under his coat near his heart, and said, I will put it as near my heart as I can.' Another says : ' A very vicious and indigeat family, to which a Bible was given, have constantly attended Meeting for a number of Sab- baths, when I had never seen them in the Meeting-house for twelve years before.' — Can there be a greater encouragement or reward to the society, than this gratefiil eagerness with which the word of God is received ?" First Report of Massachusetts Bible Society. " The deficiency of Bibles has been found to be much greater than was expected ; and it is believed to be as great in many other places. The number of families and individuals who are destitute of a copy of the Scriptures is so considerable, that the whole of the funds of the Society could be profitably expended, in supplying the wants of tliis city alone ; and the opportunities of distributing them in other places are so numerous, that, if these funds were tenfold as great as they are, they would be still inadequate to supply the demand." First Report of the Philadelphia Bible Society. " The most affecting account which we have of the want of Bibles, in this country, is to be found in Messrs. IMiUs and Smith's Report of their ]Missionary Tour through it, during the last year. They represent every part of which they speak, as covered with gross darkness, for want of the light of Scripture. They teU us of old men, who greatly desired a Bible, and who had often sought it, who, nevertheless, have never had a Bible in their houses. They tell us of mothers, with their children in their arms, pressing through the crowd to solicit a Bible. They teU us of families who never saw a Bible, nor heard of J-estjs Christ. They speak of lai-ge territories, .where more than two-thirds of the inhabitants are supposed to be destitute of the Scriptures. ' In Kaskaskias, a place containing from eighty to one hundred families, there are, it is thought, not more than four or five Bibles.' In the Illinois territory thev sav, they ' did not find anyplace where a oopy ' ' g2 84 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. I. West Indies — Surinam — Demerara — New Providence. — Bahama Islands. of the Scriptures could be obtained.' They declare it as their sober con- viction, that at least 76,000 Bibles are necessary for the supply of the desti- tute in that part of our country. And, ' it is thought, by judicious people, that halfn million of Bibles are necessary for the supply of the destitute in the United States.' There is, then, much to be done ; and we are called upon by the worth of souls, by the exfimple of thousands, and by the blessing of Heaven, to engage, with renewed spirit, in this work." Thirteenth Report : Appendix^ No. xviil. West Indies, &c. — Extract of a letter from Surinam: — " You can scarcely form any adequate idea of the eagerness with which the Dutch Bibles and Testaments have been sought after. Indeed, scarcely was it known that such books hatl arrived, when old and young flocked to my house, in such crowds, that my door was, as it were, besieged from morning to night ; and, no sooner was it opened to dismiss one party, than anether en- tered, in such numbers, that 1 was really apprehensive lest accidents might happen. As I myself enjoyed the privilege of being an almoner of this bounty, I can testify, from personal observation, that the gift was received with evident marks of gratitude, reverence, and attention." Eleventh Report: /Appendix, A^o. xxxviii. " In the Islands of Antigua and St. Christopher, copies of the Scriptures, furnished by your Committee, have been distributed among an eager and a thankful people. ' Several pious Blacks,' writes a correspondent, ' came from Barbuda, an island a short distance from Antigua, to request that a few Bibles and Testaments might be given them : for these they begged in a very affecting manner. I gave them two dozen Testaments. On receiving the rich treasure, their joy was inexpressible, as might be seen by the tears which flowed down their sable faces." " Similar accounts have been received from Berbice and Demerara ; from the latter of which places, the distributor writes : — ' I had no just idea of the number of Negroes that wish for Bibles, till I mentioned to some of them that I would procure Bibles for those who wished to have them. The next week, applications poured in from every plantation, and every quarter.' " " Statements of a like nature have been transmitted from New Providence, where whites and blacks emulated each other in expressing their thanks for the Bibles and Testaments received, and in petitioning for further supplies." Fourteenth Report, p. Ixxxiii. et seq. From a Minister in one of the Bahama Islands : — " The books of which you advised me, arrived safe, and in excellent con- dition. They have proved a most acceptable and seasonable supply. I am persuaded the attention of the Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society could not have been directed to a part of his Majesty's dominions, which stood more in need of Bibles and Testaments than the Bahama Islands. I am happy to say, that numbers of families who had no Bible or Testament (some indeed had a few leaves carefully preserved) now possess the book they prize above every other, and rejoice in its possession. One poor woman told me, that she never read a chapter in her life, till she read one in the Testament I let her father have, and that she never received such light as she did from reading it. The Committee would be pleased to see the poor old widows reading their large Testaments : they consider themselves rich indeed, and they requested me to return their thanks to the Committee for so great a gift ; some of them would insist on giving the widow's mite, and some gave sixpence. I beg leave to offer my thanks, and those of the poor people, both whites and blacks, to the Committee, for the Bibles and Testa- SECT. X.] NECESSITY OF CONTINUED EXERTION. 85 Population of the globe. — Time required to supply the world. ments I received from them, and pray that God may bless every member of the Committee here and hereafter. " All the Spanish Testaments are disposed of; forty -eight were sold in one day. My friend, Dr. Dumaresq, who took upon himself the disposal of the whole, having been acquainted with many of the Spaniards, told me, that, as soon as they found it to be the New Testament, the avidity with which the books were purchased was beyond description. Dr. Dumaresq has re- ceived applications for upwards of a hundred Testaments." Fifteenth Report •• Appendix, p. 245 et seq. 3. Having thus shewn, from unquestionable documents, the state of the various portions of the world, with regard to their want of the holy scriptures, and their desire to possess them, it may not be unprofitable to place this important sub- ject in another point of view. To ascertain the population of the globe, is a question on which accuracy cannot be expected; but it has been estimated at one thousand millions, which have been thus divided : — 630 millions of Pagans, 12 millions of Jews, 188 millions of Mahomedans, 170 millions of Christians, including the Greek, the Papal, and the Protestant Communions. * And it has been computed, that the total number of copies of the holy scriptures issued from the press, from the disco- rery of the art of printing to the present time, does not ex- ceed twenty-five millions. When compared with the wants of the Christian world, how insufficient is this supply, even supposing every copy to have been preserved ! But, when viewed in reference to the infidel and heathen world, what a powerful claim does it furnish on the feelings and exertions of all who believe in the truths of the Bible, and acknow- ledge that " there is no other name given under heaven among men, whereby ive can he saved," but that of Jesus Christ ! On the basis of this estimate we may pursue the calcu- lation, and endeavour to ascertain the probable period when the light of revelation will illuminate the abodes of ignorance, superstition, and idolatry. Sixteen years have elapsed since the establishment of the Bible Society ; and it has, either directly or indirectly, added Four millions of copies to those which had been previously printed. Even supposing — what we know cannot be the fact — that these, and every Bible and Testament on earth, with all that have been ever printed, are still preserved, and possessed by professing Christians, and that we allow five individuals to a family, — no fewer than Nine * See Gregory's Dictionary of Arts and Sciences, article " Population ;" and, Adams's View of Religions. 86 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. T. Appeal founded on the preceding statements. millions of Christian families are still destitute of this guide to heaven and to happiness. And it is evident, that if it have required sixteen years to supply four millions of families, it will demand the continued exertions of thirty-six years to provide nine millions of copies, for our destitute brethren of the Christian name, so that every family may possess a Bible. But are eight hundred and thirty millions of our fellow- creatures to remain destitute ? They, too, are heirs of im- mortality ; they, too, have souls which must be eternally miserable, or for ever happy ! Many of them are now de- manding, with anxious solicitude, the blessed Scriptures, " which are able to make them wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus;" and under the influence of that charity which " never faileth" the means are provided for their supply. If we continue the estimate in reference to the heathen and infidel world, we shall find, that, without greatly- increased exertion and extended resources, it will require more than six hundred and sixty-four years to place one copy of the sacred volume in every family upon earth ! Well, therefore, may we adopt die words of an eloquent advocate of the Bible Society : — " Let any man, who feels as he ought for the interests of Christianity and the welfare of his fellow-creatdres, look upon a map of the world, and his heart must sicken at the sight of kingdoms and continents immersed in the profoundest ignorance, ' without hope, and without God in the ivorld* Whether we direct our attention to the myriads of China, and to the over- flowing population of the civilized East ; or pass through the barbarous king- doms of Africa, and then fix our regards on the superstitious inhabitants of the West ; how little has been done to spread, through those benighted lands, the knowledge of the word of God ! And if we turn to those countries where the light of Christianity has in some degree shone, how little, in most instances, are we able to trace of her genuine character !" * Contemplating, as Britons and as Christians, the state of the world as here exhibited, and beholding the prospects which a God of infinite mercy is opening on every side, we may surely urge on the attention of every individual, the animated appeal of the Bishop of Gloucester to the clergy of his diocese ; and tell him, " That, if, by elevating his estimate of the claims of charity a little higher, above the worldty, towards the Christian standard ; if, by a little stretch of self-denial, he can augment his fund for charitable contribution ; he may safely and joyfully cast his mite into the treasury of the British and Foreign Bible Society, enrol his name among a large proportion of the most justly distinguished characters in Church and State, and assume his share of the labour and delight of erecting that stupendous edifice which is the glory of • Dealtry's Vindication of the British and Foreign Bible Society, p. 35. SECT. XI.] JEWS DESIRE THE SCRIPTURES. 87; Desire manifested by the Jews to receive the Scriptures. his age, his country, and his church; which is so prosperously begun ; p.nd- which must surely continue, till the word of God shall have not only ' mighlili/ grown,'' but '' prevailed,'' to the enlightening of every people ; and till all ''the kingdoms of this world shall have becotne the kingdoms of otir Lord and of his Christ.' " * SECTION XI. ON THE DESIRE MANIFESTED BY THE JEWS TO RECEIVE THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 1. Having, in the preceding section, considered the state of the world, without particular reference to this peculiar and ancient people, it seems desirable, at the preseiit period, to select a few of those numerous testimonies from different quarters, which indicate a desire on the part of the Jews to receive and study the holy scriptures. Many excellent per- sons, in this age of benevolence, have cherished a persuasion, that the days are approaching, when the promises of God and the predictions of his prophets shall be accomplished; when " the remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, nnto the mighty God;" and it is difficult to reconcile this prevalent disposition with the former habits and character of this singu- lar people, unless we admit a belief, that the Lord is about to "arise and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to fovour her, yea, the set time is come." 2. Beginning with our own quarter of the world, the fol- lowing extracts appear important : — From the Rev. Dr. Pinkerton, dated " Moghiley, No- vember 1816:" — " Among other interesting things, the ai'chbishop- Anatoli informed me, that there is a great inclination among many of the first Jewish families in the province (Lithuania) to embrace Christianity ; that he has already bap- tized several of them, and has two under his tuition at present. He highly approved of the translation of the New Testament into the Hebrew, and earnestly desired a number of copies for immediate circulation. I presented him with a copy of the two first gospels in Hebrew, for the use of his two distinguished Hebrew pupils ; and promised to send him, for distribution, a number of copies of such part of the Hebrew Testament as were ready, as soon as possible after my return to St. Petersburg." Thirteenth Report: Appendix, p. 114 e/ seq. From the same, dated " Witepsk, November 1816;" — " You will have observed with pleasure, in my former communication, that, through the establishment of a Bible Society in Poland, and in the several provinces of the Russian empire, formerly belonging to that kingdom, • See Bishop of Gloucester's Charge at his Primary Visitation. S8 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I. Impression made on the Jews in Poland. — Colony of Caraite Jews at Troki. a wide door is opened for circulating the holy scriptures of both the Old and New Testament, among the numerous Jews inhabiting those countries ; many of whom, in the present day, seem well inclined towards Christianity. According to the calculation of his Excellency M. NovozilzofF, the number of Jews under the Russian sceptre is upwards of two millions, of whom about 400,000 are found in the present kingdom of Poland. Such of the twenty copies of the two first gospels, in Hebrew, which I brought with me from Berlin, as I presented to Jews, were always received with joy ; and I am fully of opinion, that the very circumstance of their being in the Hebrew language will gain them an attentive perusal among the learned Jews in every country, where no writings on the subject of Christianity, in any other form, would be attended to. Before my leaving Moghiley, the Jews in that city had sent in 500 rubles, to promote the object of the White-Bussian Bible Society." — Thhteenlh Report: /Appendix, p. 117. " Among the information collected by Mr. Pinkerton, in the course of his journey, that relating to the disposition of many of the Jews to receive the New Testament is particularly interesting. The late wars and commotions on the earth, with the present wonderful exertions to sjjread the holy scrip- tures among all nations, seem to have made a deep impression on the minds of many of that people. Your Committee, most anxious to gratify every such disposition, have procured from the Society for promoting Christianity among the Jews, copies of the Gospels and Acts in Hebrew, and despatched supplies to the Bussian, Polish, and Frankfort Bible Societies."— iiid. p- lii» ■ From the same, dated " Polangen, July 1818:" — " In the suburbs of the ancient town of Troki, I paid a visit to a colony of Caraite Jews, who have inhabited this delightful spot for several centuries past. On entering the house of the chief rabbi, I saluted him in Tartar, and, to my astonishment, was answered in the same language. None of them could speak Jewish German, the common language of all the Polish Jews. I inquired, whence they originally were : the answer was ; ' From the Crimea ;'.,that they and their ancestors have resided in Troki for nearly four hundred years, and that they possess very distinguished privileges from the ancient dukes of Lithuania and kings of Poland. " I asked them, whether they still had intercourse with their brethren in Dschoufait Kale. They replied, that they not only visited them, but also were visited by them. The Tartar language is stiU the only one spoken in their families, though most of the men could speak both the Russian and Polish. They are neither dressed like their brethren in the Crimea, who have retained the Tartar costume, nor like the Polish Jews, whose dress is pecu- liar to themselves, but like the common Poles and Russians. The number of the Caraites in Troki is about 160 souls. " Before I had finished my inquiries relative to these particulars, the house of the middle-aged rabbi was filled with his brethren, who were all anxious to know who the stranger was, and what he wanted. Our conversa- tion then turned upon the signs of the times, and the coming of the Messiah, and lasted upwards of an hour and a half. I stated the truth to them as clearly and as forcibly as I could. The rabbi defended his position — that the Messiah was still to come, with the Old Testament in his hand ; but having no Tabuudic interpretations to screen himself behind, he was soon greatly at a loss. The people in the mean time were all attention : they had never heard such discourse before. The rabbi was at last so much touched with what was said, that he changed colour, and turned aside- A»other of lus brethren, a merchant, then came forward, and, with con. SECT. XI.] JEWS DESIRE THE SCRIPTURES. 89 Joy and gratitude visible on receiving the Hebrew Testament. siderable shrewdness, attempted to defend the cause, in the view of the people, who were now muttering to each other, and anxious to know how all this would end. Having proved to him, also, that the INIessiah must needs have come, I spoke of the purity and spirituality of the Gospel, and of that eternal life which is revealed in the doctrines which Christ taught. The merchant, I found, had read the Polish Testament with considerable attention. The rabbi stood like one confounded : I never saw any indi- vidual in such a state before. I asked them, whether they had ever read the doctrines of Christ and his Apostles in Hebrew. The question seemed to rouse their curiosity to the extreme. They replied, that they had heard that such a thing existed, but that they had never seen the Hebrew Testament. I then inquired, whether they desired to see it. They all replied, that they would be very happy should they get a copy of it. By this time, my caleshe, and servant, with fresh horses, were before the door. I took out five copies of the Hebrew Testament, and presented the rabbi with the first. He seemed to get new animation at the sight of it, accepted it most willingly, embraced, and thanked me for it. I then gave a copy to the merchant, who seemed no less overjoyed, and was warm in his expressions of gratitude. Now the difficulty was, how to distribute the remaining three. All hands were stretched out, and every one cried, ' Oh, let me have one also!' I was greatly embaiTassed. An interesting young man stood near me ; several times he stretched out his hand, as if eagerly desiring to grasp the third copy, which I held in my hand, — and as often he abruptly drew it back again. I read in his countenance a strong combat in his feelings between civility and desire. To him I gave the third. His countenance now shone with gratification and joy, and all pre- sent loudly approved the act. A fourth and a fifth I bestowed on two other of these interesting people. They all commenced reading with great avidity ; and, before I left them, gave ine proofs of their understanding well what they read. I told them, that I hoped in a short time to hear of their having formed themselves into a community of believers in the Lord Jesus, founded on the glorious truths of that blessed volume which I had just put into their hands. Amid loud expressions of gratitude and wonder, I left the house of the rabbi, took farewell of this truly interesting little people, and proceeded on my journey. The merchant did not part with me, how- ever, so soon : he walked with me upwards of a verst up the border of the beautiful lake, whose surface, with the charming surrounding scenery, was gilded with the rays of the evening sun. He put many questions to me respecting the signs of the times, and the spread of the Gospel ; and left me with these words : ' I believe that some important crisis with our people is at hand ; what it is, I cannot now say, — God will direct all.' " In Rosiena, many of the Jews came to me, and begged for Hebrew Testaments ; some of them with money in their hands. I was able to spare five copies only." — Fifteenth Report : Appendix, p. h I et seq. From the same, dated " Memel, July 1818 :"— " Since I entered the government of Witepsk, not a great distance from Polotsk, I have distributed about seventy copies of the Hebrew Scriptures among the Jews. I could have given away many hundred copies more, had I possessed them. The number of those Jews who are capable of under- standing the Hebrew Testament, particularly about Witepsk, Orsha, SklofF, Minsk, and "Wilna, is far greater than I formerly believed ; and there seems to be a general readiness among them to accept of it — an impelling curiosity to read the doctrines of Christ and his Apostles in the Hebrew language. This circumstance ought surely to encourage us to put the New 90 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I. Eagerness of the Jews in Germany to receive the New Testament. Testament into the hands of that people. What regards the conversion of the Jews as a nation, is a subject with which we have but little to do ; but, as a Bible Society, let us strive to leaven the whole Jewish nation with the leaven of the Gospel. This is our duty: — this we are encouraged to do from the present circumstances of that people, and the promises of God, which assure us that our labour shall not be in vain. The Hebrew Testament will be read by them ; — the trial has already been made. The Jews in Russia and Poland have never, until now, had an opportunity of knowing what Christianity is. One of them, in the town of BorisofF, who had been in possession of a Hebrew Testament for some months before I came that way, told me, that neither they nor their fathers had ever read those things before." — Ibid. p. 55 et seq. From the Rev. Leander Van Ess, dated " Marburg, June 1818:"— " My church is frequented by many Jews, and numbers of them are fond of reading my New Testament." — Ibid. p. I96. From the same, dated " Wildbad, July 1819 :"— " I have stiU one request to make ; and that is, that your Committee would kindly supply me with a number of copies of the Hebrew New Tes- tament : I am frequently applied to for them by Jews from various places. Though this nation is brought with great difficulty to believe in the Messiah as already appeared, yet the reading of the New Testament pro- duces thoughtfulness and a better disposition of mind in them. I have often had an opportunity of observing this; for in many Jewish families the Hebrew New Testament is read with the greatest attention, and the pas- sages which refer to the prophecies concerning the Messiah are immediately compared." — Sixteenth Report : Appendix, p. 1 57« " Even among the Jews the same spirit seems to be moAnng ; and the dawn of a bright day begins to shed its reviving light. It has been observed, that many of the mechanics, who formerly used to riot and sport away their time in their lodgings, are now employed in reading the Testament in some retired spot." — Ibid. p. 97- From a correspondent in Germany, dated " Feb. 1818 :" — " We likewise have profited by opposition. From every quarter, appli- cations are making for Bibles. People are desirous to know what may be contained in the forbidden book, and many are made acquainted with it through their curiosity. The Jews likewise request copies, and we have dispersed to them upwards of fifteen. A rabbi, whose attention I directed to the Sermon on the Mount, causing him to observe the greater purity of the moral precepts contained in it, in comparison with the letter of the Old Testament, ran joyfuUy away, holding his finger upon the chapter, full of zeal to communicate this discovery to his disciples. May the Lord bless the scattered seed !" — Monthly Extracts, No. 9. " The Emperor Alexander has employed a converted Jew to visit the Jews in his dominions, to converse with them on religion, and to distribute among them Hebrew Testaments. In a letter received from him by the Hev. P. Treschow, he states, that he had been visited by several thousands of Jews ; that at Rodonov, the rabbles and several Jews expressed them- selves as quite astonished at the contents of the New Testament: at Grodno, numbers came to his lodging, anxious to obtain books ; and declaring, that the truth contained in the New Testament would by no means lead the Jews SECT. XI.] JEWS DESIRE THE SCRIPTURES. 91 Information collected in Russia, Poland, &c by the Rev. L. Way, &c. away from the God of their fathers, but that it tends to awaken the heart to love and serve God. — Many young men at Wilna came to Mr. JNIoritz, and stated, that they were convinced, from reading the New Testament, that Christ is the true Messiah, and that they were inclined to embrace Christianity. " At INIitau, so great was the desire to possess the Hebrew New Testa- ments, that some of the Jews offered to contribute to the printing of them, if Mr. M. would let them be printed in that town. " In a tour lately made for the purpose of inquiry, in Russia, Poland, &c. by the Rev. L. Way, and the Rev. B. N. Solomon, it was observed that most of the Jewish rabbles accepted copies of the Hebrew New Testament. The Jewish people in general discovered not merely a willingness^ but an anxiety to possess a copy. In a letter dated from Poland, JVIr. Solomon writes : — " I am happy to tell you, that what we have witnessed amongst the Jews, during our abode in Poland, has exceeded aU my expectations, and in some instances quite overwhelmed me with astonishment. Their old prejudices against the very name of Jesus, which have so long darkened their minds, and have been a bar against aU inquiry and reasoning, are now marvellously dispersed, and they are inclined and even desirous to speak about the Christian religion with every possible freedom. It was truly pleasing to see the avidity with which they received the Hebrew Testament from our hands, and the thirst which they uniformly manifested to know its contents. Wherever one was granted them, numbers of Jews were immediately after seen in the streets in rings, and one of them reading it aloud. Where we remained awhile, they used to surround me in the market-places, or come to the inn in numbers, asking explanations of some passages, or making ob- jections to others. All were patient for an answer ; and whilst sometimes a person stood up against it, others at the same time heard gladly, and even manifested joy in their countenances at what I had to say to them of Christ and his gospel." — Eleventh and Twelfth Reports of the London Society for promoting Christianity among the Jews. 3. From the Rev. Dr. Paterson, dated " St. Petersburg, July 1819:"— " The Jews, in Siberia, begin to manifest their zeal for the Bible Society; have collected money, and request to have Bibles." Sixteenth Report: Appendix^ p. 44. From the Rev. James Coimor, dated " Aleppo, April 1820 :"— " I had only two Hebrew Bibles, which were immediately sold ; and if I had had a hundred of them, I could have parted with them easily. Several Jews called on me, to inquire if I had the Scriptures in Arabic, but in the Hebrew character ; they told me that such an edition would have a great sale among the Jews in Syria : this is worthy the consideration of the Com- mittee of the Bible Society." — Missionary Register for September, 1 820. 4. From a Minister at Surinam, dated " Paramaribo, February 1815: — " The whole Bibles are in greater requisition than the New Testaments, which chiefly arises from the great eagerness of the Jews, who are very nu- merous in this colony, to obtain possession of the Old Testament in the Dutch language. They use the Hebrew language in their synagogues ; and 92 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHaP. T. Results of the system of the British and Foreign Bible Society. their children are taught in the schools to read that language, but merely to enable them to join in the prayers and psalms that are used in the synagogues. Most of them read Hebrew, but they do not understand it. " The Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society have there- fore rendered an essential service to the Jewish people in this place, by sending so large a number of Dutch Bibles ; for, by this means, the young people, among the Jews, may become acquainted with the true history of their ancestors, and read the Commandments of God in a language that is intelligible to them. Most of the Bibles which I have sold have been pur- chased by Jews." — Eleventh Report : yippendix, No. lxxiv. " The Committee established at Surinam have directed their exertions especially towards the Jewish population, with so much success, that many among them evince a true desire to read the word of God. A considerable number of Hebrew Bibles, and not a few Hebrew New Testaments, have been eagerly received, and a zeal and desire are discovered among the de- scendants of Abraham in that colony, scarcely to be met with in Europe." Sixteenth Report : y^ppendix, p. 77. " Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles ; how much more their fulness P For if' the casting away of them he the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them hdj but life from the dead? — Romans, xi. 12 — 15. SECTION XII. ON THE RESULTS OF THE SYSTEM OF THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. 1. The Annual Reports of the Parent Institution, and the luminous compendium of those reports contained in the his- tory of the society by its clerical secretary, supply much of that information which naturally falls under this division of the chapter ; yet a succinct review of the effects produced, and of many collateral advantages which have been but slightly adverted to in those valuable records, seems to be necessarily involved in a work of this nature. It is by the effects which it has produced, that the system now under consideration will be appreciated by posterity ; and it is by those effects that many of our cotemporaries will be induced to adopt it. In this, as in the preceding parts of the work, the author feels himself justified in fortifying his own opinions by those of many estimable individuals, and by adding their observations to the result of his own experience. Without attempting to define, with accuracy, that line which separates the direct benefits of the Bible Society, from those which may be termed collateral, it will be sufficient to consider both, in that order ^'herein they appear to have fol- lowed the progress of the Institution. SECT. XII.] RESULTS OF THE SYSTEM. 93 First supply of Bibles in Wales — Increased regard for the Scriptures. 2. An increased i-egard and reverence for the holy scrip- tures, and a desire for their possession, appear to have been among the first effects produced both in our own country and in foreign nations. " The partial distribution of English Bibles and Testaments had already (1810) produced a very discernible effect : it had awakened an attention to the subject, which appeared to be increasing ; and many were now seea to manifest a desire for a Bible, who had hitherto been insensible of its valu3, or even ignorant of its contents." * The following account of the manner in which the first supply of Testaments was received in Wales — a country which may be termed the birth-place of the Society — is given on the authority of " an eye-witness :" — " When the arrival of the cart was announced, which carried the first sacred load, the Welsh peasants went out in crowds to meet it ; welcomed it as the Israelites did the ark of old ; drew it into the town ; and eagerly bore off every copy, as rapidly as they could be dispersed. The young people were to be seen consuming the whole night in reading it. Labourers carried it with them to the field, that they might enjoy it during the inter, vals of their labour, and lose no opportunity of becoming acquainted with its sacred truths." — Christian Observer for July-, 1810. In America, a similar disposition was manifested, as appears by the following declaration of the Committees of the Connecticut and New- York Bible Societies : — " Never was the entrance of the kingdom of heaven so widely opened to mankind as it now is. Never were the importance and the encouragement of opening it still wider, more manifest. The disposition of men to receive the word of God is, in many places, scarcely less indicative of a divine hand, than the corresponding disposition to communicate it. Both together intimate the near approach of the happy period when the knowledge of the Lord shall fill the earth." f " A taste for reading the Scriptures is rapidly extending ; and we trust and believe, that pure religion is now taking hold of the hearts of the people in this country, in a manner before unheard of; and our Christian brethren of your country may rest assured, that our hearts are with them in all their efforts to diffuse throughout the world the light of the Gospel. It is a pleasing reflection, that 600 miles in the interior of our country, where fifteen years ago the foot of civilized man had never trod, you now find villages, churches, Bible Societies, and what is still more cheering, real piety:'X 3. That the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, as manifested in the progress of " righteousness and tnie holiness" has borne some proportion to the increased circulation of the holy scriptures, the Christian will readily believe ; while he • Owen's History Vol. II. p. 172. f TwelfthReport of the British and Foreign Bible Society; Appendix, p. 44. \ Ibid. p. 51. 94 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. I. Moral effects produced. — Beneficial effects in the Forest of Dean ; rejoices in every renewed confirmation of his faith in the ■ promises of God. The following instances, selcv^ted from a 'multitude of similar testimonies, will gratify the reader : — " Three hundred and fifty Bibles have been placed in the workhouse ; and it is most pleasing to listen to the religious strains which now resound through the vast wards of this institution, and to hear those, who formerly were a disgraceful rabble, proclaiming the praise of the Almighty. What may not the Bible effect, when accompanied with power from on high !"* " All good men will certainl}'- rejoice, wherever and by whomsoever good is done ; particularly if the effect be to glorify the word and the name of Christ : and this is surely the case now, when such earnest zeal is displayed to make known his great salvation, and proclaim his infinite merits. This grateful joy will be much heightened, by the pleasing intelligence which I have to communicate ; and which is the result, not only of my own observa- tions, but also of an extensive correspondence ; — that the dissemination of the holy scriptures is attended with a signal blessing, both among our Catholic and our Protestant brethren, whose hearts have been drawn to the God of the Bible by the perusal of bis holy word." -I* 4. A greater regard for the sabbath, and more general and regular attendance on divine worship, was another and an early result of the society's labours, and an evidence that they were not in vain. From among numerous testimonies to this effect, the following is selected, as coming from a clergyman resident on a spot long proverbial for the profligacy and irreligion of its inhabitants, among whom his ministerial duties have been discKarged with exemplary dihgence and success : — " On the arrival of your valuable present of Bibles and Testaments, I was surrounded by so many earnest applicants, that in six days all the Bibles were disposed of. The price put upon them appeared to enhance their value ; and so anxious were the poor to have them, that many borrowed the money through fear of losing the opportunity. — * Thank God ! I have at last got a Bible,' was their heartfelt exclamation. They considered it a blessing and a treasure. The effects already excited by the circulation of the Scriptures among us, have been very conspicuous. I have unexpectedly found several individuals with their Bibles before them. A comparatively veiy fuU attendance at public worship appears to have been already produced by the powerful word of God ; and an accession of eighteen communicants, shews an interest and emulation to partake of that happiness which a conformity with the precepts of Christ alone can inspire and secure." X That similar effects have been produced, in places still more unfavourable to the reception of divine truth, the follow- ing is a striking evidence: — ♦ Report of the Hoorn Auxiliary Bible Society, in connexion with the Netherlands Bible Society. t Letter from the Rev. Leander Van Ess, quoted by Owen, Vol. III. p. 455. ■ |. Letter from the Rev. P. M. Proctor, Newland, Forest of Dean — Second Report of Bristol Auxiliary Bible Society. SECT. XII.] RESULTS OF THE SYSTEM. 95 and in Ceylon. Conversions to Christianity in India. " Tlie introduction of the Scriptures among the prisoners in the jails (of Ceylon), through the instrumentality of the Wesleyan ]Missionaries, has been attended with the happiest success. When Mr. Lynch first visited the jail of Jaffna, he found only two of the prisoners who could read ; and he gave to each a Testament, which they promised to read to their fellow- prisoners. In the course of a short time, one of them had read the whole to eeveral who were anxious to hear it. The jailor reported, that since this humane attention had been shewn to the prisoners, the prison was no longer disturbed with the same drunken noise, and gambling, which before too frequently prevailed. A similar reform is stated to have followed the em- ployment of the same means among the prisoners in the jail at Point de Galle. This reform was characterized, among other things, by a particular respect for the sabbath. ' They were formerly,' observes the relater, ' in the habit of cleansing out the jail on Sunday morning ; but now they work after their usual hour on Saturday evening, to avoid breaking the fourth com- mandment.' Such results, while they evince the power of the divine word, and that under very unfavourable circumstances, demonstrate, at the same time, the seasonableness and utility of those exertions, _by which its disse- mination is promoted." — Fourteenth Report, p. 68. 5. Nor were these happy effects confined to the Christian world : " Evidences appeared of numerous conversions having taken place, without the intervention of any other means than the uncommented and unex- pounded text of the holy scriptures. These gratifying instances encouraged the British and Foreign Bible Society to proceed in its career, by justifying the belief upon which it has uniformly acted, that, ' the word of God 'would prove to be ' quick ani poivet/ul,' and the instrument of ' turning ma,nyfrom darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God.' " From among numerous instances which estabhsh the truth of this sentiment, the following is selected, in addition to those already introduced in the preceding Sections : — " Dr. Carey speaks of the Missionaries at Serampore being indebted for two of their ' most active and useful native preachers,' as well as several other brethren, ' to a New Testament left at a shop ;' and for two other members of their body, to the impression made ' by reading an English Testament.' But a still more extraordinary fact was, that, early in 1813, several Brahmins and persons of high caste, not many miles from Serampore, obtained the knowledge of the truth, and met for Christian worship on the Lord's day, before they had any intercourse with the Missionarie?, simply by reading the Scriptures. ' These,' adds Dr. Carey, ' were soon afterwards baptized ; and reported, that, by the same means, as many as a hundred of their neighbours were convinced of the truth of the Christian religion, and were kept back from professmg it, only by the fear of losing caste, and its consequences.' " * 6. So numerous and important have been the advantages derived from the establishment of the British and Foreign Bible * Owen's History: Vol. II. p. 454 et seq. In the " Episcopal Testimonies, " Appendix, No. III. the reader will find this sentiment, in favour of the sufficiency of the holy scriptures, confiimed and enforced by the late able and learned Bishop Horsley. 96 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I. Christian union and charity promoted. Society, that it has become the subject of common inquiry, why a design so simple in its nature, so practicable in its details, and so beneficial in its effects, was not sooner devised and executed. Without entering, at present, into this ques- tion, it may be sufficient to observe, that the period at which the society was instituted appears to have been peculiarly auspicious, and of his appointment " ivho ivorketh all things after the counsel of his own will." The minds of men were prepared in a remarkable manner for this event ; and the Bible Society soon became a " central point of union for individuals, and societies animated with the same spirit, however variously circumstanced or widely dispersed. Like a city set on a hill, it speedily became conspicuous ; and the rays of light which have flowed from it, have been reflected with undiminished lustre." Adverting to this happy result of their association, the Committee, in their Ninth Report, thus express their feelings : — " Amidst the various pleasing aspects under which the British and Foreign Bible Society may be viewed, there is none more gratifying to the feelings than the contemplation of it as a point of union among Christians in all parts of the world ; a union of spirit and co-operation for promoting the glory of God and the dearest interests of his creatures ; a union of feelings and affections inspired and fostered by the holy book which it circulates ; a union which national hostility has not been permitted to extinguish, and which cannot be better described, than in the emphatical words of the vene- / rable Bishop of Zealand, — ' A fraternal union, founded on the bond of o\^\ \ holy religion.' " -.•^ V Never did the author witness a finer illustration of this principle of mutual charity and peace, than on the 17th of December 1812, on an occasion which is thus commemorated by his valued friend, from whose volumes he has already so liberally borrowed : — " The union of men in the support and recommendation of the British and Foreign Bible Society, whose political sentiments were diametrically opposed to each other, had, by the frequency of its occuiTence, become, in a manner, familiar to the friends of the "institution, ^ut every former triumph of this description was lost in the splendour of that which was ex- hibited at the Westminster Meeting, when liord Castlereagh and the late Samuel Whitbread, Esq. were seen personally imited in recommending the formation of the Westminster Auxiliary Bible Society, and respectively moving aiid seconding the resolutions by which it was to be established." " " On this incident," he adds, " so honorable to the living fame of one of these characters, and the respected memory of the other, the pen of a celebrated female writer has furnished us with a very appropriate reflection : — " ' It is indeed a spectacle, to warm the coldest, and to soften the hardest heart, to behold men of the first rank and talents ; statesmen, who have never met but to oppose each other ; orators, who have never spoken but to * Owen's History, Vol. II. p. 333 et seq. SECT. XII.] RESULTS OF THE SYSTEM. 97 Similar effects produced in Germany, Switzerland, India, America, &c. differ ; each strenuous in what, it is presumed, he believes right, renouncing every interfering interest, sacrificing every jarring opinion, forgetting all in which they differed, and thinking only on that in which they agree ; each reconciled to his brother, and leaving his gift at the altar, offering up every resentment at the foot of the Cross.' " * Nor was the joy excited by those triumphs of charity and peace confined to British Christians : — " In Hanover, as in Petersburg, I saw," says INIr. Pinkerlon, " the Lu- theran, Calvinistic, and Catholic Clergy, join hands to promote the good cause : and some of these persons assured me, after the meeting, that though they had been teachers of the same religion in this city for many years, yet they had never had an opportunity of speaking to each other before. Oh ! what a blessed plan, which is capable of bringing together the long-divided parts of the Christian Church !" -f- Tn a similar strain, the venerable Antistes Hess, of Zurich, thus addresses the Foreign Secretary : — " To you we are chiefly indebted for that new (or, let me rather say, renewed) bond of Christian truth and charity ; by means of which we behold Christians, widely separated from each other by countries, forms, and names, daily approximating and coalescing, as it were, into one spiritual body ; yet without the least encroachment ujion outward distinctions, and without com- , pelling a single individual to desert his own church and to pass over to another. " You have, as it were, opened the door of the common temple dedicated to the worship of our God and Saviour, for all, to whatever particular Church they may belong, if they only agree in acknowledging, as a funda- mental principle of religion, the general use of the Scriptures by all classes of people : — a work worthy indeed of your piety and philanthropy !"J " Of all the signs of these eventful times," says the Rev. T. Thomason, of Calcutta, " none affects my mind, as indicating the near fulfilment of prophecy respecting the glory of the latter days, so much as the extensive union of Christians, differing in name and profession and nation, which is presented to us in the British and Foreign Bible Society. To this characteristic feature of the society must be ascribed, under God, the ex- traordinary vigour of its operations, and the extensive success with which they have been crowned. WhUe this union remains unimpaired, our prospects must continue to open, and shine with progressively increasing brightness, until the earth be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." § " As in England, so in Nova Scotia, Christians of every Church, forgetting lesser differences and distinctions, have assembled round the standard of the Bible, and have formed a bond of union, in their efforts to make known far and wide its blessed truths, proclaiming glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good-wiU to men." || In acknowledging a grant in aid of the Cologne Bible So- ciety, his Excellency Count William Ernst, of Lippe, Presi- * Hannah More's Christian Morals, Vol. II. p. 17. f Eleventh Report of the British and Foreign Bible Society, p. 3. I Ibid. Appendix, p. 149. Twelfth Report, Appendix, p. 84. § Thirteenth Report, Appendix, p. 5. II Twelfth Report, p. xxxii. H 98 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. I. Testimonies to the same effect from the Clergy of the Swedish Diet. dent of that institution, thus addresses the Right Hono- rable Lord Teignmouth : — " I feel constrained, in the name of our society, to seize this opportunity of rendering your venerable society the most fervent thanks for this assist- ance, and of soliciting that communion of spirit, which, by that one principle of life which bids us to love one another, melts the different languages of the earth into one, understood by all- For this sentiment there exist no national limits. Even across the sea we reach out to you our fraternal hand, for uniting our exertions in that holy cause which the Author of every good gift, and the Fountain of light, will vouchsafe to bless." * On this dehghtful theme it is difficult to limit the selection of extracts ; but there are two others of so remarkable a cha- racter, as to justify their insertion. The representative bishops and clei'gy in the Swedish Diet assembled at Stockholm, after expressing their " highest satisfaction at the institution of the Bible Society," and at- tending the meetings of the Committee, addressed an ex- hortatory letter to the clergy throughout the kingdom, in- viting their active co-operation in this work of mercy. From this official document the following passage is selected : — " When all Christian congregations, forgetting abstruse controversies, unanimously meet at the heavenly fountain, to drink and communicate its holy waters without human admixture, a great step seems to be taken towards ' the unity of the Spirit in the bo7id of pence.'' By this charitable union the Church of Christ will rise as one harmonious whole; and the consequence will be, the universal revelation of the heavenly light." -|- If the avowal of sentiments like these be animating and encouraging, how much is their value enhanced, when we find them supported and illustrated by a corresponding con- duct ! Too often the sense of gratitude, and the feeling of benevolence, resemble the " early detv" and evaporate in the expression of their existence. An opportunity, however, was affiarded, at an early period of the society's history, to our American brethren, of evincing, that, so far as they were concerned, those feelings were not of an evanescent charac- ter, but the mature product of Christian principle. This, which has been appropriately termed a " splendid occur- rence," is so well described by the Rev. John Owen, that it will be given in his own words : — " In the month of June, 1813, a supply of Bibles and Testaments, des- tined by the British and Foreign Bible Society for the inhabitants of Nova Scotia, was captured by an American privateer, brought into Portland, and there sold and dispersed. As soon as this fact became known to the Bible Society of INIassachusetts, a determination was taken, by the managers of that institution, to replace the value of the Bibles and Testaments ; their * Twelfth Report: Appendix, p. 130. f Owen's History, Vol. III. p. 76. SECT. XII.] RESULTS OF THE SYSTEM. 99* Striking illustration of this effect, in the instance of an American privateer. secretarA' was directed to ascertain, by correspondence, to whom the amount of the property captured should be transmitted : and he was at the same time instructed, ' to express the deep regret of the JMassachusetts Bible Society, that any occurrence should have so long detained so many copies of the Bible from their proper destination, and that to the other calamities of the disastrous war in which their country was engaged, should be added any inter- ruption of the charitable and munificent labours of their fellow Christians in Great Britain, in diffusing the knowledge of the word of God.' " In the mean time, a subscription was opened at Boston, to raise a sufficient sum, without diverting the funds of the Massachusetts Bible Society from their regular object ; and such was the eagerness manifested, by the citizens of Boston,* to shake off from their country the disgrace of this transaction, that, in the course of a few days, double the sum required was contributed ; and it might, as appears, have been easily increased to an almost indefinite amount. On the 9th of November, 1813, a bill for jf. 155 sterling, which covered the cost of the Bibles and Testaments, together with the expense of insurance upon them, was transmitted to the British and Foreign Bible Society, by the Secretary of the Massachusetts Bible Society, the llev. S. Thatcher, who concludes his letter in the following very appro- priate and excellent terms : — " ' We have thus done what we can to express our shame and regret at this occurrence, and to repair the evil which it has occasioned. We indulge the hope that we shall not again have to number it among the calamities of a war, in which we cannot cease to regret, that two nations, allied in feelings, habits, interests, language, and origin, should be engaged ; that it counteracts, in any degree, the exertions of any of the charitable institutions of Great ; Britain ; or tends to loosen or break that golden chain of mutual benevolence, / which ought to bind togetlier the disciples of Christ, of every nation and / clime, without regard to political animosities.' " -f 7. Among the collateral advantages of the British and Foreign Bible Society, there is one which the Christian may contemplate without a feeling of national vanity, while it in- creases his sense of individual responsibrlity, and his gratitude to that Almighty Protector who has preserved this highly- favoured country, to be a blessing to the whole earth. The respect and attachment of wise and good men, of every re- ligious denomination, in Europe and America, have been secured to Great Britain, by the unbounded zeal and liberality of the Bible Society. The following evidences of this grati- * This spirit of liberah'ty was not confined to Boston : assurances were re- ceived from other quarters, of a desire to participate in the transaction. In par- ticular, the Merimac Bible Society passed a vote to contribute 100 Bibles towards this object; but the largeness of the subscriptions in the town made it unnecessary to accept the proffered donation. -j- 0«en's History, Vol. II. p. 486, et seq. The address prefixed to the list of -subscribers at Boston on this memorable occasion vvill be found in the Appendix to the Tenth Report of the British and Foreign Bible Society ^it breathes, as has been well observed, " a spirit of genuine philanthropy, and conveys arT) /instructive lesson to the whole population of Christendom." — ' >- h2 100 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. I. Respect and attachment of Foreign Nations toward Great Britain illustrated. fying result, selected from numerous testimonies to the same effect, will be read with interest. On receiving intelligence that the formation of an " English Bible Society in Holland" was in agitation, the Committee of the Parent Institution encouraged it with a grant of 500 English Bibles, and 1000 English Testaments ; and promised the sum of 500/. upon the eventual establishment of a National Bible Society for the United Netherlands : — " When your Committee's coiTespondent mentioned tliis liberal offer iii presence of three of the wealthiest citizens of Amsterdam, (to use his own emphatical words,) one of them shed tears, another seemed petrified with astonishment, and the third exclaimed, ' The English are a pattern to all nations !'"* In their primary report, the Committee of the Swedish Bible Society thus address their constituents : — " This sacred fire broke out first in England, a country so memorable for the warfare that has been carried on between liberty and tyranny — between religion and infidelity and immorality — a country which has suffered less, whether spiritually or politically, from the desolating storm than an_y other, because it seems to have been Jehovah's object to spare it, in order to be- come a nursing mother, when the time was come for sending forth the know- ledge of His will to all nations. AVhat has been achieved by that coiuitry would require volumes to describe. The rest of Europe has caught the sacred flame from England ; and there is scarcely a countiy but has got its Bible Society. Our own is one of its glorious monuments ; and will hand down, to the latest age in which the Bible shall be held in due estimation, a memorial of the sacred feeling which prevails in that happy country." -|- From no part of the world have those expressions of gra- titude and affection been more frequent and ardent, than from Switzerland. The venerable Wyttenbach, member of the Ecclesiastical Coimcil of Bern, may be considered the inter- preter of the general sentiments of his countrymen, when he says,— " My very heart and soul exult in the idea, that millions, in all the ends of the earth, bless England's noble promoters of the knowledge of the only Mediator and Saviour, while they make known to him their requests with prayer and praise. What shouts of joyful gratitude to God wiU ascend on that great day of recompense, when every one shall receive according to his works !" 4: And where is the British Christian, whose heart will not beat responsive to the following apostrophe of the Committee of the Lausanne Bible Society ? — • Tenth Report, p. 25. f Twelfth Report : Appendix, No. lxxvii. I Fourteenth Report: Appendix, p. 187. SECT. XII.] RESULTS OF THE SYSTEM. 101 > Remarkable proof of this feeling in the case of Dalecarlia. " Thy real glory, Britain, that which shines in the present day with so much lustre, is, the glory of enlightening the whole world with the bright beams of the Gospel ; of making the ocean, on whose bosom thou art so majestically seated, proclaim to the four quarters of the world, ' Behold your God !' and, by the foixe of mild persuasion, bringing all nations to reply, ' Henceforth He shall be our God, and we will rejoice because our eyes have seen his great salvation.' Yes, Britannia, it is to the zeal of thy children, that we owe this harmonious concert of all people, and nations, and languages: it is through thy indefatigable zeal, that the isles and the continents, the Nile and the Ganges, the Niger and the Eujjhrates, unite in chorus with the Thames and the Wolga, the Rhine, the Danube, and the IMississippi — ' And I heard as it tvere tlie voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of mnnii waters^ and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, HaU lelujah^ for the Lord God Omnh'Otext reigneth !"'' * " Our Huss," says an Hungarian correspondent, " was the faitliful disciple and constant follower of your countr^nnan, Wickliffe. From you the first rays of light of holy scripture penetrated to us. Now, after the lapse of four centuries, you are preparing again to confer upon us this gift, and to lay our gratitude under new obligations. I say these things from a deep sense of thankfulness ; and all my coimtrymen will make the same acknowledgment." -j- Nor do we find the glow of grateful attachment less ardent among the simple inhabitants of Finland ; who thus conclude their filial address to the Parent Institution : — " Blessing and honour be upon that Christian nation, who profess and advance the gloi'ious sentiment, that the whole human race, whatever be their creed or however diversified their language, are brethren, children of the same gracious God and Father of us all, joint heirs of the same un- fading inheritance and the same glorious salvation I" J Here, again, it is delightful to find, that those, to whom the name of England is endeared by the labours of this Society, attest the sincerity of their attachment by their deeds. The pervading influence of British charity had reached the moun- tains of Dalecai'lia, in the heart of Sweden ; and the effect is thus simply and emphatically related by the lamented Dr. Brunnmark, late Chaplain to the Swedish Embassy at the Court of London : — " After Sweden was forced to make peace with France, and declare against England, the usual war-prayer continued to be read in all the churches. The Dalecarlians asked, who were the enemies of the country : and when they were told that the English were meant by that name, — ' No, no,' exclaimed they, ' the English are not our enemies ; they are our best friends : they sent us corn to sow our land, when in our distress we had con- sumed even the gi-ain intended for seed ; they sent us medicine for our sick and wounded soldiers, and woollen blankets for our hospitals ; — and, what is more than all, they have lately sent us Bibles .' ! ' The Dalecarlians there- • Second Report of the Committee of the Lausanne Bible Society. \ Owen's History, Vol. II. p. 97. J Sixteenth Report: Appendix, p. 187. 102 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CIIAP. I. Evidences of moral reformation in Germany, Switzerland, America, &c. upon requested of their ministers to discontinue the war-prayer; which soon afterwards was permitted to be done." * 8. Many instances of. moral reformation will be introduced in the subsequent chapters, as the results of the distribution of Bibles and Testaments by Local Societies at home ; but the following evidences of similar effects abroad, fall more appropriately within this division of the work. That distinguished philanthropist, Professor Van Ess, " has had the happiness to witness the most pleasing fruits of his bene- volent exertions, in the improved habits of those among whom the Scrip- tures have been distributed. Not only individuals, but whole families, have been reformed by the perusal of them. These and other good effects are so visible, that they have produced conviction in some Catholic clergy- men who were formerly hostile to the circulation of the Scriptures, or who entertained doubts at least as to its practical utility." -|- Of the Swiss Bible Societies, Dr. SteinkopfF observes : — " All the Societies have received striking proofs that their extensive dissemination of the Scriptures has, in many instances, been attended with substantial good. The chains of sin are broken ; drunkards become sober ; piety increases ; domestic order and happiness flourish." X From America, we have the following striking testimony : — " The advantages resulting from Bible Societies are indisputably great. We say indispulably ; because we can appeal to experience, to facts, in sup- port of the assertion. Even in a moral point of view, the position is correct. It has been actually found, that, in proportion to the dissemination of the Scriptures, a vicious has given place to a virtuous practice ; idleness has been supplanted by industry, intemperance by sobriety, and general impro- vidence by prudent management. Thus, a powerful antidote is formed to pauperism, and all its direful train of miseries. The example of industry, sobriety, and prudent management, which is set by parents and masters, it may be reasonably supposed, will be copied, in some measure at least, by their children, and by their servants." § Nor is the following evidence from the colony of Berbice less gratifying: — " On an estate, where one of the principal people had learned to read, several of the slaves contributed their mite to purchase a Bible for the benefit of all upon the estate who would meet to hear it read. Several have since learned to read, and now possess Bibles. Their master, in the beginning, was against their learning ; but his sentiments were soon changed : he saw. thieves becoming honest, rebellious persons obedient, and, instead of meetings for dancing and revelling, heard of meetings for prayer and praise." || To find that British soldiers, on a foreign station, derive si- milar advantages from the same source, is peculiarly satisfac- * Owen's History, Vol. II. p. 522. f Twelfth Report, p. 6. % Ibid. Appendix, p. 145, § First Ileport of the Columbia Bible Society. [1 Twelfth Report : Appendix, p. 90. SECT. XII.] RESULTS OF THE SYSTEM. 103 British Soldiers in Java. — Desire to learn to read. tory. A gi*ant of Bibles and Testaments having been made by the Committee to the soldiers of the 59th regiment, then at Java, they were received with strong expressions of grati- tude ; and in a subsequent communication from some of them, it is observed : — " Many of our companions, who once took delight in drinking down iniquity as the ox drinketh in water, are, through the grace of God, by reading the holy Bible, happily reclaimed from the error of their ways, and are now taking delight in retiring alone for the purpose of reading and studying the blessed word of God." * 9. Of the collateral advantages which have been remarked in our own country, none are more prominent than the desire manifested by children and adults to learn to read. This subject will be further adverted to in the chapters which treat of Associations; and the following extracts will furnish a sufficient indication that similar effects are produced abroad. A correspondent in Germany remarks : — " Old men, who had never learned to read, are now desirous to learn, that they, in their advanced age, may find consolation from the holy scrip- tures." f And the Committee of the Russian Bible Society, quoting the language of a correspondent in Liefland, observe : — " One of the benefits flowing from our association, which was originally neither contemplated nor expected, is, that many hundreds of the neigh- bouring children have learned to read; and that the peasants in twenty- three places in our parish have voluntarily adopted the plan of assembling, every other Sunday evening, such children as can read with propriety, and have a Testament, for the express purpose of reading a few chapters. I have likewise made a similar regulation in the school under my inspection, which I constantly visit, and in which, during the winter in particular, the children are made acquainted with the sacred volume : and it has afforded me the most sensible gratification to witness the unexpected progress which they have made in scriptural knowledge, as well as in singing, writing, and ciphering. A better spirit prevails amongst the Livonian youth of our parish since we began to distribute the word of God more plentifully ; even the fathers of families remain more at home, to hear their children read to them in the best of books while at their work." ^ 10. That the Bible Society has operated as a barrier against the progress of infidelity in our own country, we shall have abundant evidence, in considering the tendency and effects of Bible Associations : that it has repelled the same poisonous current on the continent, will be manifest from the following testimonies. * Thirteenth Report : Appendix, p. 22. -f- Ibid. p. 33. \ Sixteenth Report: Appendix, p. 144 et seq. 104 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. I. Circulation of the Holy Scri))tures a ban-ier to the progress of infidelity. From the Rev. Dr. Doering, Chaplain to the Court of Saxony: — *' Blessed be God for having made the British and Foreign Bible Society a light shining into all lands ! I am confident, that this growing insti- tution will prove a powerful barrier against the anti-christian spirit which had made such awful progress." * That the opinion of this enlightened clergyman was cor- rect, the declaration of the Rev. Professor Staendlin, of Got- tingen, affords a gratifying proof: — *' The word of God is obtaining its former authority and influence in Ger- many, triumphing over the systems of a spurious philosophy, and the efforts of a merely profane science, which, while it abounds in criticisms, and glories in philological learning, loses sight of the very essence of reli- gion." -j- In the address to the public, the Directors of the Potsdam Bible Society observe : — " Great Britain has, by steady perseverance, in a gi-eat degree promoted the civil deliverance of Germany : for her spiritual redemption from infide- lity, she will be indebted to the same benefactress." Nor were these sentiments confined to ecclesiastics; — nobles and statesmen, of exalted rank and extensive influ- ence, have participated in them. His Excellency, Count Ho- henthal, the Minister for Religion to the King of Saxony, thus addresses Lord Teignmouth, in his official capacity as President of the Saxon Bible Society : — " I feel constrained to adore God, that, in our age, in which infidelity has. made such awful progress, the idea originated in Great Britain, to form Bible Societies, by which so powerful a barrier has been opposed to it3 destructive influence : and I cannot but thank God that I also am privi- leged to be his humble instrument, in propagating the Bible among the poorer classes of the people in Saxony." + Similar in effect was the language of his Excellency Barori Rosenblad, a nobleman of the highest rank in Sweden, and Minister for the Home Department ; from whose admirable speech, on accepting the office of President of the Stock- holm Society, the following passage is extracted : — " We have outlived the awful period, when the doctrine of the atone- ment of Christ was shrouded in darkness. Mournful was the lot of those "who confessed his name. For almost an entire century, did infidelity, with unblushing front, deride the revealed will of God, and either openly or secretly undermine the sacred foundations of the gospel doctrine. The deleterious poison, having worked its way among what are called the most • Eleventh Report : Appendix, p. 103. f Sixteenth Report, p. 38. ^ Owen's History, Vol. III. p. 31. \- SECT. XII.] RESULTS OF THE SYSTEM. lOS The abolition and mitigation of slavery promoted by circulating the Bible. enlightened nations of Europe, and established its influence in their higher circles, soon spread abroad among the mass of the people, and rolled on in fearful torrents of iniquity, carrj'ing with it a sweeping destruction where- ever it went. Gospel light is dawning again on those nations where the shadow of death sat almost enthroned, and barriers are raising against ' the abomination of desolation. * 11. From two opposite quarters of the globe, we have received concurrent and simultaneous evidence, that, to the list of indirect benefits, we may add the partial abolition of slavery in one portion of the eastern hemisphere, and the mitigation of its evils in the west. The Honorable Sir Alexander Johnston, Chief Justice of Ceylon, thus expresses himself, in reference to the former effect : — " The assistance which the Bible Society in England has given the friends of Christianity in this island, has enabled the latter, as I have frequently written to you, to circulate the Scriptures among the people of the country in a manner which was never done before ; and I attribute the unanimity with which all classes have resolved to put an end to domestic slavery, to the effect which has been produced upon their minds, and upon their feelings, by those doctrines which are contained in the Scriptures, and which, from their simplicity, are intelligible to every description of the human race, whether European or Asiatic." f And an intelligent correspondent of the society, in Berbice, observes : — " What a blessed book Is the Bible ! It taught the Commissioners of the Crown properly how to manage negi'oes in their work, without whips and chains, while under the British government ; of which I have been a witness : but some of their new masters, who despise the Bible, and have taken it away from their unfortunate slaves, have completely restored whips and chains." J 12. It has been already observed, that the Bible Society has created an increased desire to possess the holy scriptures : but it should not be forgotten, that this desire is not confined to those who are the immediate objects of its benevolence : a general disposition to " search the Scriptures" has been excited, and is progressively extending, of which the aug- mented demand for copies, both abroad and at home, is a satisfactory evidence. The Committee of more than one Bible Society in the United States of America pointedly observe, " that since their existence in that country, the sale of Bibles by the trade has considerably increased." § * See the whole of this speech in Owen's History, Vol. II. p. 370 et seq. where it is justly characterized as " not more remarkable for ardent piety, than for just conceptions of religious truth and enlightened views of Christian policy." "Y Fourteenth Report : Appendix, No. cxvm. i Thirteenth Report j Appendix, No, cviii. § Eighth Report, p. xrii. 106 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. I. The demand for the Scriptures increasing both at home and abroad. From the Netherlands, it is stated, that, '* so eager a disposition has been manifested by many members of the Catholic communion, who use the Dutch language, to obtain a Bible in their vernacular tongue, that two booksellers have severally undertaken, on their own accounts, to publish, the one a Dutch translation of the whole Bible from the Vulgate, and the other a similar translation of Van Ess's New Testament."* One of the most remarkable facts, in confirmation of these sentiments, relates to the celebrated Canstein Institution, founded at Halle in the year 1710; and is thus reported by the Committee of the Parent Society : — " In consequence of a representation made by Dr. Niemeyer, Chancellor of the University of Halle, a descendant of the celebrated Dr. Frank, founder of the Orphan-house at that place, that the Canstein Bible Institu- tion, of which Dr. Niemeyer is a director, had exhausted its funds by the large sale of Bibles and Testaments at reduced prices ; and that neither its resources, nor its machinery, were sufficient to enable it to keep pace with the demands Avhich had accumulated upon it : your Committee, having seri- ously considered all the circumstances of the case, presented this institution, to which Germany and Christendom owe so many obligations, with a set of stereotype plates for a beautiful octavo Bible ; and added to this grant two Stanhope presses, that no delay may occur in satisfying the numerous and importunate applications by which that ancient and most useful establishment for printing the Scriptures is so greatly embarrassed." -f- The preceding observations will be strengthened by the further extraordinary fact, that, " within the last two years, a single printer at Leipzig has stereotyped the Scriptures in three sizes, and has actually disposed of seven sets of plates for two of those editions, to different societies and printers in Germany." X That a similar result has been witnessed in our own country, is a fact which may be established by official and unquestionable documents, to which reference will now be made. Until September 1805, no Bibles and Testaments were is- sued by the British and Foreign Bible Society, the Universities not having completed their stereotype editions. If, therefore, we compare the aggregate number of copies printed at Oxford and Cambridge during the last fifteen years, with the total number which issued from their presses within a similar period preceding the establishment of the society, we shall be enabled to ascertain the extent of the increased demand now under consideration. * Sixteenth Report, p. xxviii. .j- Ibid. p. J. J Ibid. p. xlv. et seq. SECT. XII.] RESULTS OF THE SYSTEM. 107 Compai-ative issues of Bibles and Testaments at Oxford and Cambridge. The total numbers of Bibles and Testaments printed at the two Universities, in the fifteen years ending 31st of December 1804, were — At Oxford 773,000 At Cambridge 509,000 Total 1,282,000 And the respective number^ printed in the fifteen years, ending 31st of December, 1819, were — At Oxford ' . . . 1,618,000 Al Cambridge 1,557,680 Total 3,175,680 Deducting from this total, the nmnber of copies ^ printed by the Universities for account of the /- 1,243,517 British and Foreij^n Bible Society The remainder, printed for other societies, or ") , q^^ „„ for sale to the public, is j-l,yJAlbJ which exceeds the number printed in the former period, by 650,163 copies, or more than one half; and establishes the fact of an increased demand, to this extent, during the last fifteen years. The following extract furnishes satisfactory evidence, that no inconsiderable portion of this extraordinary supply was required by individual purchasers. It is taken from an account laid on the table of the House of Commons, of the number and value of books printed within the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, which have been furnished to booksellers for sale, during the seven years ending December 1816: — it appears that there were sold, in Bibles. Testaments. Total. 1810 . . . 42.288 63,984 106,272 1811 . . . 37,292 62,045 99,337 1812 . . . 50,611 79,408 130.019 1813 . . . 67,585 50,344 117,929 1814 . . . 60,816 62,167 122,983 1815 . . . 66,388 64,229 130,617 1816 . . . 65,183 81,109 146,292 There is every reason to believe, that if returns were pro- cured from the King's printers, the result would be still 108 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I. Increase in the general sale of Bibles and Testaments. more conclusive of the gratifying fact, that, notwithstanding the vast additional number of Bibles and Testaments thrown into circulation by means of the society, and of kindred institutions, the number piu-chased by individuals has consi- derably increased. Nor is it immaterial to observe, that, as means were specially provided for the supply of the labouring classes, it is but reasonable to conclude, that the greater part of these copies have been purchased by persons in the higher and middle ranks of life. To these statements, another fact may be added, demon- strative of the beneficial tendency and effects of Bible Asso- ciations, which were first projected and established in the year 1812: — In the eight years ivhich have subsequently elapsed, a greater number of Bibles and Testaments have been printed at the two Universities, than in the twenty -two preceding years. The preceding observations will derive additional strength from the following summary account of the proceedings of " The Naval and Military Bible Society," established in the year 1780 : — In the thirty-one years, ending in May 1811, the total number of Bibles and Testaments issued by that excel- lent institution, was about 47,000. But in the nine following years, ending in May 1820, the number distributed was about 91,000, and the annual issues now average about 9000 copies. 13. Of the many other collateral benefits of the Bible Society, there are only two to which a distinct reference will now be made — the extraordinary impulse communicated to kindred institutions, and the increased circulation of the Book of Common Prayer, and other valuable publications. These are effects of no ordinary excellence ; and are so far identified, as to justify their consideration under the same head. It was, indeed, a natural expectation, that, while additional facilities were thus given to the distribution of that sacred volume, which the various denominations of the Chi*istian world regard as the standard of their common faith, a corre- sponding desire should be excited in each, to possess that particular formulary to which education, habit, or conscien- tious preference had attached a value, inferior only to that with which the holy scriptures are regarded. That such has been the effect with regard to the Liturgy of the Chui'ch of England, will now be demonstrated. By the official document which has been already quoted, it appears, that of the number of copies of the Book of Commpn SECT. Xll.] RESULTS OF THE SYSTEM. 109 Great increase in the sale of the Book of Common Prayer. Prayer, printed at Oxford and Cambridge, and furnished to booksellers for sale, during the seven years ending December 1816, there were sold, in 1810 47,889 copies 1811 41,951 1812 74,622 1813 67,809 1814 69,445 1815 88,233 1816 94,004 And the author is enabled to state, that the aggregate number of Prayer Books printed at the two Universities in the fifteen years ending 31st December 1819, exceeds, by 134,800 copies, the total number printed during the preceding fifteen years ; and that nearly as many copies have been printed during the last eight years as in the preceding twenty. This is a striking illustration of one of the many beneficial efi^ects resulting from the establishment of national and other schools, which, in connection with Bible Associations, have excited an increased desire to possess and read the Book of Common Prayer. This increasing demand for the Liturgy, and other autho- rised publications of the Established Chvn*ch, led to the formation of the " Prayer Book and Homily Society," instituted in May 1812. From that period to the 31st of March 1820, the following have been issued from its Deposi- tory in London: — Number of Books of Common Prayer . . 69,063 Psalters 8,050 Homilies, &c • . 457,755 The following statement, compiled from the Annual Reports of "the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge," affords a further and more gratifying illustration of the sub- ject; and exhibits a striking evidence of the increased means and extended usefulness of that venerable institution. It should be premised, that " the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge" was instituted in the year 1699; and in the year 1810 adopted the auxiliary system, by the esta- blishment of District Committees. " The British and Foreign Bible Society" was formed, it will be recollected, in the year 1804; and, in 1809, Auxiliary Societies in connection with it were first established. 110 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. T. Comparative operations of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge. Comparative View of the Receipts, Subscribers, and Issues of the Society for promoting C'liistian Knowledge, in the undermentioned Years : Amount of Donations and } Legacies 5 Annual Sub- 7 scriptions 5 Receipts for 7 Books sent out 5 Gross Receipts Nnmber of Subscribers . . . NewSubscribers Bibles issued . . . Testaments & 7 Psalters ditto. 5 Books of Com- 7 mon Prayer 5 Homilies,Tracts, } and other Books 5 1804. £. s. d. 2,77 14 6 2,549 3 0 4,659 5 11 12,390 1 8 2,000 209 7,5C8 5,820 14,230 154,609 1810. £. s. cL \,\77 1 0 3,033 0 0 6,229 14 2 16,053 15 10 1817. £. s. d. 5,968 17 10 11,684 10 3 21,784 19 5 60,221 17 0 3,560 323 9,533 15,169 19,136 190,052 12,000 3,000 • 23,627 56,605 89,498 1.049,714 1819. £. s. d 6,893 1 1 10,529 5 3 23,2:1 11 1 55,939 8 8 t 14,000 t 1,000 32,036 53,803 91,589 1,427,803 14. This brief and rapid sketch of the direct and collateral results of the institution cannot be more appropriately closed, than in the just and animated language of the Fourteenth Report : — " If to have roused the attention of a thoughtless world to the momentous concerns of eternity, and to the study of that word which reveals the only way to peace and salvation ; — if to have supplied the ignorant and inquiring with the means of gratifying their desire for spiritual and life-giving know- ledge;—if to have moderated the prejudices, and conciliated the affections of Christians of eveiy denomination, and to have taught them the wisdom and the duty of keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace ; — if effects like these deserve to exalt and endear the instrument by which they have been produced, the British and Foreign Bible Society may rea- sonably challenge no common rank in the esteem and the gi-atitude of mankind." * Exclusive of the Society's Family Bible, of which nearly 16,000 copies were sold in two years. f These numbers are estimated, as the Report for 1819 does not specify the precise number of subscribers. SECT. XIII.] HIBERNIAN BIBLE SOCIETY. Hl On the Hibernian Bible Society. — " Dublin Association," I792. SECTION XIII. THE HIBERNIAN BIBLE SOCIETY. As this institution could not, with propriety, be classed under the head of Foreign National Societies, and does not come under the denomination of an Auxiliary ; this appears to be the most proper place for its introduction. Identified in its design, and intimately connected 'n its de- tails with the Parent Establishment, it acquires, from the scene of its labours, the magnitude of its proceedings, and the peculiar features of its constitution, an importance which justifies this arrangement. 1. Before entering on the immediate subject of this section, it is due to the Christian liberality and feeling of the sister island to observe, that a society was formed in Dublin, in the year 1792, under the title of "The Dublin Association for discouraging Vice, and promoting the Knowledge and Pi*actice of the Christian Religion." — With such an object in view, the distribution of the Scriptures necessarily became a principal object of their attention ; and with a zeal that can neither be too highly commended, nor too closely imitated, they expressed their hope, in a printed address, " that effectual provision ivould be made that no house, no cabin, in the whole kingdom, in which there was a single person who could ready should be destitute of the holy scriptures" In an official communication to the British and Foreign Bible Society, dated October 11, 1804, the Secretaries of this " Association" state, that " between the commencement of the association in 1794, and the 5th of October 1804, there had been distributed, at reduced prices, (besides Prayer Books, Tracts, &c.) Bibles 16,725 \ at an expense to the Society Testaments . . . 20,355 j of £.2380. 125. Hd." In this letter, it is further stated, " that the demand for Bibles daily increases so much, that the funds of the associa- tion are unable to supply it." In confirmation of this latter fact, the following extract of a letter from a clergyman in Ireland may be appropriately introduced : — " I am sorry to mention, that there is no part of the United Kingdom in greater want of Bibles than the southern part of this kingdom, with which alone I am acquainted. As far as I have been able to discover, not more than one-thixd of the Protestant families have Bibles; and the Roman. H2 BRITISH AND'TOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. I. Establishment of the Society in Dublin — and in Cork. Catholic families, which are at least eight to one, haA'e scarcely a Bible among them, perhaps not one in five hundred families, and no exertions making to distribute them, except by a few clergymen, who go not beyond their own parishes, and those very few indeed." * 2. The " Dublin Bible Society '* was instituted in the year 1806; and in the following year assumed the designation of *' The Hibernian Bible Society." The formation of a similar institution at Cork almost immediately followed ; and both re- ceived that liberal assistance from the Parent Society, which the peculiar circumstances of Ireland so loudly claimed. Of the absolute necessity which existed for these and simi- lar institutions, the following melancholy proofs may be adduced : — Extract from the Report of the Hibernian Bible Society for 1808. , " During the time your Committee have been in office, they have had repeated proofs of the necessity and usefulness of the society. A very gene- ral desire to purchase and read the Bible prevails in Ireland ; and yet, in several parts of the country, the Bible cannot be obtained, at least by the lower classes. A letter from a clergyman, in a very populous district of the north of Ireland, stated to your Committee, that, in his neighbourhood, the Bible could not be procured for any money. From this circumstance the society may judge what must be the case in those parts of the land \vherethe people are less instructed, and where, of course, it might be expected that books would be very scarce." This general statement is illustrated by the following fact : — " A young man, aged about twenty-one, was veiy early bound to a linen-weaver. Having learned to read, and a New Testament happen- ing to lie neglected in his master's house, it became the constant com- panion of his leisure hours. His apprenticeship being finished, he pro- posed going to see his brother, a militia-man quartered in Castlebar, in the county of Mayo ; and begged of his master the New Testament, as the re- ward of his faithful services. The master, knowing his attachment to the book, refused giving it on any other terms than his further servitude for six months. The young man, judging that a Testament might be procui-ed on easier terms at Castlebar, declined this ; and, when arrived there, made dili- gent inquiry in all the shops to find one to purchase ; but, alas ! in vain : not a Testament was for sale in this, the principal town of a populous county in Ireland ! He could not live without it. The Testament, the much-regretted Testament, never was absent from his thoughts. He could dream of nothing else, and frequently awoke to regret that his desire of having it in his pos- session was only a pleasing delusion. Finding no rest, he returned to his master, and agreed to serve him half a j'ear for the Testament." -f- These reports, from different quarters of Ireland, were confirmed by an eloquent writer; who observed, — " You * First Report of the British and Foreign Bible Society : Appendix, No. xni. and XIV. f Eighth Report of the British and Foreign Bible Society : Appendix, No. tvi. SECT. XIII.] HIBERNIAN BIBLE SOCIETY. 113 General llules of the Hibernian Bible Society. might have travelled from one extremity of the kingdom to the other, and, avoiding the chief towns, visit every cabin in your way, without finding, perhaps, three hundred perfect Bibles among three millions of people. I speak," he adds, " from personal knowledge of the country." The reader will be better prepared to estimate the nature of this deplorable deficiency, when he learns, on the same authority, that " you cannot delight a poor Irish peasant so much with any thing you can bestow upon him, as with a present of a Bible : he hides it in his cabin, and reads it with an eagerness that can- not be conceived." * 3. General Rules of the Hibernian Bible Societv. I. The designation of this society shall be, " The Hibernian Bible Society ;" the sole object of which is, to encourage a wider circulation of the Scriptures in Ireland. II. The copies of the Scriptures to be circulated by the society shall be of the authorised version, unaccompanied by any note or comment. III. Each subscriber of one guinea annually shall be a member. IV. Ministers of all denominations, who shall transmit annual collections from their congregations, shall be members. V. Each subscriber of ten guineas at one time shall be a member for life. VI. A Committee of twenty-one members, resident in or near Dublin, shall be annually appointed to transact the business of the society ; shall fill up whatever vacancies may occur in their body ; and shall be empowered to make by-laws for the regulation of their own proceedings. Fourteen members of the Committee shall be eligible for re-election the ensuing year. VII. The Committee shall add to their number such members resident in the country as they shall judge expedient. VIII. The annual meeting of the society shall be held on the last Thursday but one in April, when the committee, treasurer, and secre- taries, shall be chosen, the accounts presented, and the proceedings of the foregoing year reported. IX. The Committee shall meet on the first and third Tuesday of every month, or oftener; shall call extraordinary general meetings of the society, when expedient ; shall, in the intervals between the general meetings, appoint all officers of the society ; and shall be charged with procuring for the society suitable patronage. X. The Treasurer and Secretaries for the time being shall be members of the Committee. XI. The minutes of every General and Committee IVIeeting shall be signed by the chairman. XII. Each member of the society shall be entitled, under the direction of the Committee, to purchase Bibles and Testaments at the society's prices, which shall be as low as possible. XIII. It is the desire of this society to co-opevate with every other society engaged in circulating the Scriptures in Ireland. 4. Whoever takes the trouble to collate these regulations with those of the British and Foreign Bible Society, will per- " Letter to Dr. Gaskin, quoted in Dealtry's " Vindication," p. 45, first edit. I 114 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. I. By-Laws of the Committee of the Hibernian Bible Society. ceive the points of difference, especially in reference to the first rule, lohich limits the operations of the Institution to Ire- Imid. It is ardently hoped, and may reasonably be expected, that, when the wants of that country shall be adequately sup- phed, her characteristic zeal and benevolence will prompt her to become the fellow-helper of Great Britain, in the great work of civilizing and evangelizing the human race. This hope derives additional strength from the recent material improvement in the system of the Hibernian Bible Society, which is now assimilated, as nearly as the peculiar circum- stances of Ireland and the limited nature of the society admit, to that of the Parent Institution. 5. By-Laws of the General Committee, or Regulations for conduct- ing business with the Auxiliary Societies, &(c. * I. All annual subscribers or benefactors shall be allowed to purchase, within the year, books to the full amount of their subscriptions or dona- tions, at a reduction of 50 per cent, from the cost price ; and to any amount further, at cost price. II. Benefactors of ten guineas, not purchasing according to Regulation I., may purchase annually to the same amount with annual subscribers of one guinea ; and benefactors of 50^. to the same amount with annual subscribers of five guineas ; and so on, to benefactors of any larger amount. — This Rule shall not be considered as affecting the privileges of the present life-sub- scribers, but only as regulating the privileges of future benefactors. III. As the nature of the connexion of the Branch Societies with the Parent Society will, after these Rules come to be acted upon, be altered, and become similar to the connexion of the societies auxiliary to the British and Foreign Bible Society with that society, it will be expedient that the name Branch Society be relinquished, and that the name Auxiliary Society be sub- stituted ; the name Branch to be appropriated to extensions of Auxiliary Societies in towns or villages within the district of the Auxiliary Society, and holding immediate communication with it. IV. Auxiliary Societies, and Associations in immediate connexion with the Parent Society, shall obtain their stock of Bibles and Testaments exclu- sively from the General Depository, and shall be entitled to receive Bibles and Testaments, estimated at cost prices, to the full amount of all money remitted by them, whether collected from contributions, or from the sale of books : and they shall be requested annually to devote to the general pur- poses of the society such part of their funds as they may be able to afford. V. It shall be competent for any Auxiliary Society to apply for a gra- tuitous grant of books ; and for the General Committee, if they see fit, to grant it. VI. To enable the General Committee to make gratuitous grants of Bibles and Testaments to those districts of the country which are most ne- cessitous, it shaU appeal to the Christian charity of its subscribers, and of those Auxiliary Societies and Associations that are in more highly favoured districts, to leave a balance annually in its hands for that purpose ; sub- mitting it, however, entii-ely to their own judgment. * The term " Parent Society," throughout these By-Laws, refers to the Hibernian Bible Society. SECT. XIII.] HIBERNIAN BIBLE SOCIETY. 1 15 By-Laws of the Committee of the Hibernian Bible Society. "VII. \VTien an order for books is given by any Auxiliary Society, it shall be fulfilled, as a matter of course, to the amount of the money remitted, provided the society have the description of books ordered. But when a gra- tuitous grant of books is required, the Committee shall transmit a list of queries to be answered, and the request shall come before them in the form of a memorial. VIII. The Auxiliary Societies shall each have districts of country assigned to them, to be detennined chiefly by themselves, but under the advice of the General Committee ; from which districts they shall take their names, and in which they shaU respectively be entrusted with the whole manage- ment of the society's business — as, the establishment of depositories, the cir- culation of the Scriptures, either by sale or gratuitous distribution, the fix- ing of prices, defraying of local expenses, &c. ; and so long as any Auxiliary Society does not exceed in its demands the money remitted by it, the Gene- ral Committee shall not interfere with it in these respects, otherwise than in the way of kind inquiry, exhortation, advice, and assistance : but when grants of the Scriptures are required, the Committee shall feel themselves at liberty to make what stipulations they may judge expedient. IX. It shall be recommended to Auxiliary and Branch Societies to give to their subscribers and benefactors the same privileges which are given by the General Committee to subscribers and benefactors of the Parent Society. X. The Committee shall use every practicable means to procure the formation of Bible /Issocialions, and Penny-a-week Societies, in aid of the society. When such an Association Ls formed within the district of any Aux- iliary Society, it may be connected with it on the same general principles on which the Auxiliary Societies are connected with the Parent Society : and, unless it choose to form a depository of its own, the subscribers to the Asso- ciation may enjoy the privilege of purchasing at the depository of the Aux- iliary Society, on the same terms with its own subscribers. Auxiliary So- cieties may make gratuitous grants to Associations, on the same principles on which the General Committee may make them to Auxiliary Societies. If an Association be formed in any district where there is no Auxiliary Society ; or if, where there is one, any circumstances may exist that would render it more expedient that it should correspond immediately with the Parent Society ; it may be united to the Parent Society on the same footing as if it were united to an Auxiliary Society. XI. The General Committee shall endeavour to keep up a stock of such descriptions of Bibles and Testaments as the Auxiliary Societies and sub- scribers may require. XII. Auxiliary Societies shall be requested to transmit their lists of sub- scriptions and donations, actually received, to the General Committee ; and these lists, if desired, the General Committee shall publish, separately and literally, in the Annual Report. Public notice shall be given on the report, annually, that such lists, intended for publication, must be transmitted pre- viously to the first of Maixh in each year. XIII. The General Committee shall use all its endeavours to procure such information as may interest the Committees of the Auxiliary Societies and Associations, and assist and stimulate them in their duties ; and transmit it promptly and regularly to them. XIV. The General Committee shall deliver all books, sold or granted by them, free of expense of carriage within the city of Dublin. 6. In the spirit of these regulations, an address was printed and liberally circulated, calling the attention of the i2 116 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I, Auxiliary Societies and Associations in connexion with the Hibernian Society. public to the magnitude and importance of the object ; sug- gesting a plan of operations for extending the Auxiliary- System ; and inviting persons of all denominations to come forward and carry it into execution. Of the beneficial effects which have already resulted from those judicious measures, the following extract from the Sixteenth Report of the British and Foreign Bible Society is a satisfactory evidence : — " Ireland has proceeded on the system of improved organization, noticed in your last report ; and the result has been, that, in the course of the last year, the Hibernian Bible Society has doubled its circulation of the Scrip- tures, formed new Auxiliaiy Societies, revived old ones which had become inactive, and witnessed generally the manifest indications of great and in- creasing prosperity." The importance of those measures, and of the results to which they have led, will be more fully appreciated by re- ferring to the language of the Committee in their report for 1810:— " The demands for Bibles and Testaments during the last year were so great, that, had it not been for the liberality of the British and Foreign Bible Society, the Committee would have been compelled to put a stop to their proceedings." Now that the resources of Ireland are called forth, and that plans are devised for the more general estabhshment of Auxiliary Societies, and especially of Bible Associations, throughout the country, it cannot be doubted that she will not only meet the exigencies of her own population, but, ere long, be in a condition to contribute her assistance to the ge- neral purposes of the British and Foreign Bible Society. 7. The number of Auxiliary Societies in connexion with the Hibernian Bible Society, is thirty-five; of which fourteen are County Societies : — and of Bible Associations, twenty- eight. The total number of Bibles and Testaments issued, from the formation of the society to the 31st of March 1820, is 254,048. In the list of patronage, it is highly satis- factory to observe, the Lord Primate of Ireland, the Arch- bishops of Dublin and Tuam, and nine other distinguished prelates of the Irish Bench. The officers consist of a trea- surer, three secretaries, an assistant secretary, and collector. The following extracts, to which many other similar tes- timonies might be added, will demonstrate the beneficial effects of this institution : — From the Report of the Shgo Bible Society : — " The word of God has forced its way into the most unenlightened parts of yoiu- county. Villages, glens, and mountains, denied by nature the SECT. XIIT.] HIBERNIAN BIBLE SOCIETY. 117 Beneficial Results. cheei-insT beams of the sun, have received ample compensation, in having tlieir hitherto unpierced clouds of ignorance dispelled b}' the rays of the Gospel. The Bible has now become the class-book of the hedge-school, and supplanted those foolish legends which poisoned the minds of youth. The children read no other book ; and must necessarily imbibe all their ideas of good and evil from this pure fountain of morality, this unerring standard of right and wrong. The attention of the parents has been arrested, by the read- ing of their children at home ; and in many places they have attended, with adults, the evening schools which have been opened for instructing persons prohibited by their daily occupations from giving up any other portion of their time. Nor is this the only eifcct of the circulation of the word of God. Your Committee have been credibly informed, that, in several remote vil- lages of your county, numbers of persons, anxious to receive Scriptural know- ledge, meet together after the close of the evening schools, not, as formerly, to witness scenes of idle amusement, drunkenness, and gaming, or to enter into illegal combinations and dangerous conspiracies, but to hear the sacred volume read aloud to them, and to listen to those sublime precepts which inculcate love to their neighbours, loyalty to their king, and reverence tg their God." • From the Ninth Report of the Hibernian Bible Society: — " Your Committee could mention entire villages, formerly the abodes of idleness and immorality, now exhibiting the pleasing aspect of industry and decorum. The blasphemer fears an oath ; — the Sabbath-breaker respects the holy day of rest ; — the drunkard is sober ; — and he that stole, steals no more, ' but labours with his hands, to j)rovide things honest in the sight of all men.' " A striking proof of the salutary effect produced by the circulation of the holy scriptures, has recently come to the knowledge of your Committee, and deserves particular notice: — 'A middle aged man, who had been lately expelled from a yeomanry corps in consequence of expi'essing rebellious sentiments, has, since that disgraceful occurrence, been so changed by reading the Bible, that he is reported by the clergyman of his parish to be now a person in whose loyalty and integrity he can place the fullest con., fidence.' " Although not immediately connected with the direct object of this work, it would be an act of the greatest injustice to conclude a section appropriated to Ireland, without a dis- tinct reference to two other institutions, which have essentially contributed to the moral and religious improvement of that country, by the circulation of the holy scriptures. These are, " The London Hlberidaji Society, for establishing Schools, and circulating the Holy Scriptures in Ireland," formed in the year 1806; and " The Sufiday-Sc/iool Sociely for Ireland" established in 1810. The former has now under its care 529 schools, containing 58,202 scholars ; and is only prevented by the state of its * Twelfth Report of the British and Foreign Bible Society i Appendix, No. I.XXX. 118 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I. Concluding Observations on Chapter tlie First. funds, from extending its operations in a fourfold degree.* The number of Sunday schools connected with the latter institution, is 1091, containing 113,525 scholars; and its sphere of usefulness is progressively enlarging.f To both of these institutions, the British and Foreign Bible Society has fre- quently afforded the most efficient aid, by grants of the holy scriptures for the use of their schools, to an extent exceeding, in the aggregate, seventy thousand copies. SECTION XIV. GENERAL REMARKS. 1. The reader, who has thus far traced the system of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and the more prominent results of its operations, will be prepared to acknowledge the justice of that sentiment, with the expression of which this chapter commenced ; and be disposed to ascribe the origin, the extent, and the success of the institution, to him alone, " icho is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working" It has been well observed, that *' the seed from which this fruitful plant has sprung, was sown in a season apparently little iavourable to its growth and fertility : but, nourished by the secret inflviences of Heaven, it has arisen and flourished amidst storms and convulsions ; extending its loaded boughs to the ends of the earth, and offering the blessings of shade and refreshment to the weary and afflicted of every nation under heaven. It is still putting forth fresh shoots, in almost every direction ; and proclaiming, to all who are hungering and thirsting after righteousness, " Fear not" — "for the tree leareth her fruit ."% Next to the protecting hand of Divine Providence, the success of the society is attributable to its strict adherence to the two great and fundamental principles of the institution — the distribution of the Scriptures alo7ie; and the admission of persons of all religious denominations to a participation of its privileges and its labours. But it is equally evident, that no inconsiderable portion of this success may be traced to the SYSTEM of the Society, and to those improvements of it which have from time to time been adopted. Whether this system * See Fourteenth Report of the London " Hibernian Society." f See Tenth Report of" the Sunday School Society for Ireland." J Tenth Report of the British and Foreign Bible Society, p. Ivii. SECT. XIV.] GENERAL REMARKS. 119 Importance of System. — Sub-division of labour. have yet attained that degree of perfection of which it is susceptible, is a question worthy the consideration of every National Bible Society ; and any suggestions in furtherance of this object will be treated with indulgence. 2. The distribution of the Scriptures throughout the world, may appear to be a simple design ; and so far as the term indicates a singleness of object, it is so: but the extraordinary fact, that three hundred and fifty years had elapsed from the invention of the art of printing, before any adequate measures were devised for the attainment of this object, is a conclusive proof that its importance was not duly appreciated ; or, that the means of its accomplishment, if suggested, were deemed insuffi- cient. Those means are now happily provided ; but it is evident that the superintendence which a national institution can exercise over their operation, must be of a very general, though highly beneficial nature. The system of the society is founded on the sub-division of labour ; and this principle, in its practical application, descends from the Parent Committee to its Auxi- Haries and Branches, and thence to their Associations, until it is brought down to the actual dissemination of the Scriptures among the people. A National Bible Society, if properly organised, and its executive details conducted by Sub-Committees, as recom- mended in Section II., will find ample employment in the exercise of this superintendence ; which may be divided into the following branches : — I. The employment of Agents. II. The establishment and assistance of Auxiliary Societies and Associations. III. The publication of important and interesting information. IV. The means of insuring a regular and adequatesuppjy of Bibles and Testaments. V. The correct appropriation of the funds placed at its disposal. On each of which a few suggestions will be submitted. 3. The numerous and important advantages of judicious and well-quahfied agents, cannot be too strongly impressed on the attention of the Committees of Bible Institutions. This subject has been amply illustrated in Section VII., as regards the foreign operations of the Parent Society : and the follow- ing instances will afford sufficient evidence of the value of domestic agency, in promoting the organization of local esta- blishments. 120 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. I. Comparative State of different Auxiliary Societies. The Reading Auxiliary Society was established in March 1809; and was re-organized in April 181 6. The following are the comparative results : — In Seven Years under former System : Total Amount coHected . . . .£.2066 18 7 Ditto remitted to > jg^^ 7 5 Parent Society 3 1723 Bibles and Testaments distributed. In Four Years under improved System ; Total Amount collected £.2435 12 1 Ditto remitted to ? nnnn ic n Parent Society 5 ^290 15 0 3805 Bibles and Testaments distributed. The Liverpool Auxiliary Society was established in March 1811 ; and was re-organized in January 1818. The following are the comparative results : — In Seven Years under former System: Total Amount collected . . . .£.8917 10 8 Ditto remitted to i w^o-t i to Parent Society 5 ^^^^ ^ ^" 21,213 Bibles and Testaments distributed. In Two Years under improved System : Total Amount collected.... £.6] 96 7 0 Ditto remitted to > Parent Society 5 5937 18 1 15,409 Bibles and Testaments distributed. The Northamptonshire Auxiliary Society was established in May 1812; and was re-organized in October I8I7. The fal- lowing are the comparative results : — In Three Years under improved System : Total Amount collected £.4123 7 9 Ditto remitted to > „f.oA o 1 1 Parent Society 5 ^^^^ ^ " 10,004 Bibles and Testaments distributed. In Five Years under former System : Total Amount collected . . . .£.4702 8 3 Ditto remitted to \ Parent Society 5 4010 0 0 8070 Bibles and Testaments distributed. The Plymouth, &c. Auxiliary Society was established in July 181 1 ; and was re-organized in November IS 18. The following are the comoarative results : — In Seven Years under former System : Total Amount collected £.2517 7 5 Ditto remitted to Parent Society 2275 7 10 5230 Bibles and Testaments distributed. In Two Years under improved System : Total Amount collected £.3317 18 9 Ditto remitted to } .vmo i/? .- Parent Society 5 ^^ ^^ ^ 6046 Bibles and Testaments distributed. The VALE-OF-AyLESBUR-i! Auxiliary Society was established in August 1815; and re-organized in October 181 7. The follow- ing are the comparative results: — In Two Years under former System : Total Amount collected £.243 11 4 Ditto remitted to > ,_„ ,, ,,, Parent Society 5 ^^^ ^^ ^" 317 Bibles and Testaments distributed. In Two Years under improved System : Total Amount collected. . . .£.1315 3 5 Ditto remitted to i ,.•,„, Parent Society 5 13 2 2873 Bibles and Testaments distributed^ SECT. XIV.] GENERAL REMARKS. 1^1 On the Employment of Agents. — Qualifications necessary for an Agent. Similar effects have followed the adoption of the system wherever it has been steadily pursued; and, as the employ- ment of suitable agents appears to be the only mode by which it can be generally introduced, the attention of National Bible Societies should be directed to the selection and appointment of individuals, properly qualified for this important depart- ment. The astonishing success that has attended the exer- tions of the Parent Society's foreign agents — of which a sketch has been already given — and the considerations which it forces on every reflecting mind, furnish an imperative call for the increase of such devoted labourers, to give effect to the gracious purposes of Divine Providence. An agent should be intimately acquainted with the system of the society, throughout its various departments, and quali- fied to assist in forming and organizing new societies and associations. In the pursuit of his object, he will find the advantage of consulting those individuals wliose station and influence in society, and knowledge of the district, render them competent advisers ; and as the attainment of a positive good may be retarded, if not frustrated, by injudicious haste, he should always be influenced in his proceedings by local circumstances. The attendance of general meetings constitutes a promi- nent duty; but his services in the committee-room are fre- quently of equal, if not superior, importance; and his arrange- ments shovdd always be made with esyjecial reference to this latter object, to which a more distinct allusion will be made in the next chapter. He should be furnished with an ade- quate supply of those publications which explain and illustrate the design and beneficial effects of the society ; and avail him- self of every favourable opportunity to circulate information on the subject. In visiting Auxiliary Societies and Associations, he should note their comparative progress or declension; — investigate the causes of such effect ; — point out, temperately, but firmly, the slightest deviation from the strict line of proce- dure recommended by the Parent Institution ; — and examine the tendency of every measure adopted for giving increased local facility to their operations. In no respect can his attention and superintendence be more profitably directed, than to the inspection and revision of the account-books of local societies. As it must be a source of satisfaction to all parties, to have these books kept in a correct and methodical manner, so as to exhibit, at any period, the actual state of the funds and stock of the society, any suggestions in fur- 122 BRITISH ANt) FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. 1. Bibles should always be distributed with prudence. therance of this object will be gratefully appreciated. Nor should he omit to recommend, where necessary, the regular collection of the annual subscriptions ; the immediate circu- lation of the reports, and other publications, of the Parent Society ; and that strict observance of economy, in every department, which is alike essential to the character and prosperity of the institution. His correspondence with the Parent Committee should be frequent and confidential, in- cluding an exposition of the actual state of every society he visits. And he should proceed in his work under the con- stant recollection, that he is the representative of an institu- tion, whose object is peace, and whose watch -word is cha- KITY. " Let every man when he puts his hand to this work, consider that he is entering into the immediate service of the Most High God ; that he is en- gaging in an enterpi-ise which is capable of producing more important results for this country, and for the world at large, than the greatest events of a mere temporal character ever have produced ; that he aspires to the high honour of being instrumental in a great moral and spiritual renovation, which God has declared the world will undergo, and to the effecting of which He invites the services of those who fear and love Him : and let every one bring with him to this service, such a solemnity of mind, such a conviction of the importance of it, and such a high sense of his privilege in being per- mitted to engage in it, as will prepare him for undertaking whatever part of the duty may be committed to him, with alacrity, and with a firm, decided pui'pose of diligence and perseverance. While those who embark in this great cause, do so with a seriousness becoming its importance, let them, at the same time, place their sole reliance on the special interference and blessing of God ; let them lift up their hands and eyes to Him who dwells in Heaven : and ask his support and direction, who alone can guide them in perplexity and sustain them under discouragements ; who can remove ob- stacles, quell opposition, and, as the rivers of water, turn the hearts of men whithersoever he will." * When agents are intrusted with Bibles and Testaments for distribution, as is sometimes the case, especially on the continent, they should be particularly careful not to circulate them in places where societies ai'e established, without a pre- vious arrangement with the local committees; as, by neglect- ing this precaution, they may injuriously interfere with the plans of such societies. And in every instance gratuitous distribution should, as much as possible, be avoided ; and the people be induced to purchase the Scriptures, which are generally valued and read in direct proportion to the expense or trouble which they have cost in obtaining them. A judi- cious regulation on this subject was adopted at an early period by the exemplary Committee of the Bisle Bible So- • Address of the Committee of the Hibernian Bible Society, 1820. SECT. XIV.] GENERAL REMARKS. 123 Auxiliary System the principal support of a National Society. ciety, on placing a number of French Testaments in the hands of a pious and zealous clergyman for distribution. After reducing the price of each copy to eighteen-pence, they inform their agent, that " he is at liberty to sell some of the copies at a higher price to wealthier persons, in order that he may be enabled to sell them to poorer classes for less than eighteen-pence, and to give some away to the most indigent and worthy." It may not be improper to observe, that grants of Bibles and Testaments for distribution should never be made to an individual, if a society be estabhshed in the district. In this, as in other respects, all unnecessary interference with the local institution must prove injurious. 4. It is in promoting and supporting the Auxiliary System that a national society is peculiarly indispensable, and consti- tutes a common centre of union and of strength. Without this central medium, the cause might indeed go forward, in a partial, unconnected, and imperfect manner, but destitute of that order, cohesion, and uniformity of proceeding which characterize the institution, and give facility to all its opera- tions. By allotting to every department its own particular duty, and providing for the strict adherence of each to its own business exclusively, the duties of the several parts are kept distinct and separate, the great work is carried forward with comfort, while regularity and energy pervade the whole. It is extremely desirable that some plan may be devised, by which the annual meetings of Auxiliary Societies shall be held in regular succession, on fixed and certain days, so as to allow of those preliminary arrangements which may secure assistance from the Parent Institution. The great and in- creasing number of those societies in Great Britain, precludes the possibility of such a measure, with a view to the attend- ance of all those meetings by the same individuals ; but the object may be attained by following the example of the Assize Circuits, and making an annual appointment of visiters for each division of the kingdom. If a map of the country, indicating those portions of it in which Auxiliary Societies and Associations are formed, were placed in the Committee Room of every National Bible Society, it would materially assist the arrangement now suggested. A similar plan may be beneficially adopted ])y the Associations in connexion with any particular Auxiliary Society, so as to secure the assist- ance of a deputation from the latter : this has been done in Southuark; and the happy efiects will be detailed in their proper place. 124 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I. liOcal wants best sup])lie(l by Local Societies. It would further facilitate the communication between the Committee of every national society, and the Committees of its affiliated institutions, if the latter were to inform the Parent Committee of their days of meeting, which should be entered in a book kept for that purpose. And it may not be improper to suggest the advantage of holding those Com- mittee Meetings early in the month, in order to receive and distribute the Monthly Extracts. It will be evident, that when individual applications are made to National Societies for grants of Bibles and Testa- ments, the first consideration should be, whether local means be not already provided for the supply of the applicants. If an Auxiliary Society be established in the district, the claim should be referred to it in the first instance ; and then all interference which might lead to confusion will be avoided. Even when the grant is solicited for prisons, hospitals, con- vict-ships, Slc. it will be found advantageous to make it through the medium of the Auxiliary Society, which may be credited in account for the amount of such grant. It may be safely laid down as a general rule, that local necessities sshould be > investigated and supplied by local societies ; and any deviation from this rule should be considered as an exception, justified by peculiar circumstances alone. If any Auxiliary Society require a supply of Bibles and Tes- taments, to an amount greater than the balance in its favour in the Parent Society's books, a minute investigation should precede the grant. Such an application would be novel in Great Britain, where it is the principle of every Bible Society and Association, at least, to support itself, if it cannot contri- bute in aid of the general object; but the case is different on the continent; and without the occasional aid of the Parent Institution or National Society, the demands could not be adequately supplied. It may be worth the consideration of National Societies, whether the establishment of Auxiliaries and Associations will not be facilitated, by keeping a stock of Minute and Account Books, to be sold to such societies at the cost prices. A similarity of plan throughout the various parts of the system will thus be secured, and the mode of conducting the business rendered plain and intelligible. The Hibernian Bible Society has adopted this plan with considerable ad- vantage. 5. The circulation of important and interesting information has been already referred to, as one of the most efficient SECT. XIV.] GENERAL REMARKS. 125 Correct Keturns from all Auxiliaries, &c. very desirable. means by which the design of the institution has been pro- moted. * But it cannot be too strongly recommended to National Societies, to provide for the early and regular deUvery of those publications to their subscribers and affili- ated societies, and to apportion the space allotted to intelli- gence, so that every department may receive a due share of attention. The Annual Report should appear as soon as possible after every General Meeting, so as to confirm the impression made and the interest excited by the latter. The Appendix should contain a judicious selection of extracts ; but brevity should be studied, not only from motives of economy, but because a voluminous report is seldom read by the great majority of those who receive it, and is unnecessary in reference to those Societies which publish monthly ex- tracts of correspondence. For similar reasons, the list of individual subscribers may be advantageously omitted in the copies designed for general circulation. Every means should be adopted to procure correct returns of all Societies in connexion with the National Institution, and to insert them in the Annual Report, under their respective heads of — Aux- iliaries, Branches, Associations, Marine, Juvenile, and Me- chanics' Societies — the five latter being classed under the Auxiliary Societies with which they are severally connected. The interest and advantage of such a list would be materially increased, if the following particulars were inserted opposite to each : — 1. The estimated population of the district. 2. The number of individuals engaged as officers, collectors, &c. 3. The total number of subscribers. 4. The total number of Bibles and Testaments distributed. 5. The total amount re- ceived : and, 6. The amount remitted for the general object of the Parent Society. A printed circular, with a blank form of the required abstract, sent annually to the Committee of every Auxiliary Society, appears to be the best mode of attaining this object ; which will be sufficiently illustrated by the following specimen of a return — the entries in IluUcs being made by the Secretaries of the Auxiliary Society. By deducting the aggregate population of those districts in which a Branch Society and Associations are established, from the total population of the entire district embraced by the Aux- iliary Society, as specified in the first line, the proportion of the latter, which is still unoccupied by Local Bible Institutions, is immediately ascertained. * See Section YIII. 126 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. T. Specimen of an Annual Return from an Auxiliary Society. SPECIMEN. N" 5.* Reading AuxiLiAur Society. Abstract to the 11th oi April 1820. NAME OF SOCIETY, Estimated Population Number of Officers Committee IfC. Total No. of present Subscribers Total No. of Bibles & Tests distributed. Total Amount received. Reading Auxiliary . . . Oakingham Branch Soc. 22,000 50 5 93 8 2,534 5 ^- s. d. 2,728 10 9 54 6 2 2,000 D«. D*. D". Reading Association • • . 12,000 95 763 2,135 1,278 18 2 Oakingham D". See Branch. 16 90 367 202 8 6 Shin/ield, 8fc. D". 2,000 14 110 427 265 2 9 Burghfield B». 500 8 71 60 39 15 0 D». D». D». D«. D». Marine Socy. none Juvenile D°. none D". Mechanics D". none General Total . . Total Amount ren 4,569 1 4 16,500 188 1,135 5,528 litted to the Parent Society . . . ...£.' 1,233 1 5 t iT r, ? c Secretaries Arc lid. DoiigLas, J * The Number refers to that of the Reading Auxiliary Society in the alphabetical list inserted in the Annual Report. SECT. XIV.] GENERAL REMARKS. ' 127 A Depository requisite. — Bibles, &c. should be stamped. In addition to the annual reports and monthly extracts of correspondence, occasional papers, similar to the " Brief View" and " Compendium,"* may be circulated with consi- derable advantage by National Bible Societies, particularly in districts where the design of the institution is not generally known or understood. 6. To insure a regular and adequate supply of Bibles and Testaments, a Depository is indispensably requisite. In Russia, America, Wurtemberg, and other' countries where Na- tional Bible Societies are instituted, an establishment for printing and binding constitutes an important branch of this department; but in Great Britain, where the privilege of print- ing the holy scriptures of the authorised version is confined to the two universities, the king's printers, and, under certain limitations, the patentee, a printing establishment is un- necessary. The trouble of examining and collating copies is materially diminished, except in the first instance, by the invention of stereotype printing ; but those who are charged with the su- perintendence of the depository cannot bestow too much at- tention on the duties of this appointment. The quality of the paper, ink, and binding materials, as well as the workman- ship, should be carefully examined, and no copies be sent out before they are properly seasoned. The designation of the society should be stamped upon the binding of every Bible and Testament issued, — a precaution which was adopted by the Parent Institution in London at its outset, and has been followed with advantage by the Russian, American, and some other National Societies. It may not be altogether unnecessary to observe, that Aux- iliary Societies, and, through them, Branch Societies and Asso- ciations, should receive their Bibles and Testaments from the National or Parent Society exclusively. The character of the institution is, in degree, involved in the acts of its connected societies ; and if incorrect copies of the Scriptures, or any ad- ditions to them, w^ere issued by any one of the latter, the whole would suffer. It should be the constant object and study of each and all, to preserve inviolate their fundamental principle. 7. The funds placed at the disposal of a National Society consist of its direct subscriptions, donations, and legacies; remittances from the institutions connected with it ; the pro- • See Appendix, Nos. v. and vi. 128 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [cHAP. I. System of Control over the Funds of the Society. — General INIeetings. duce of sales of Bibles and Testaments; and occasional grants from the Parent Society in London. The appropri- ation of these funds should be under the control and direc- tion of the General Committee ; but the examination and pay- ment of bills may be referred to a judicious Sub-Committee, which should report monthly. The mode of keeping the ac- counts with Auxiliary Societies has been already detailed in its proper place ; but it may be suitably observed here, that whether Auxiliary Societies give notice of their intention or not, they are at liberty to order Bibles and Testaments to the amount of the balance standing at their credit ; and they should be requested, annually, to specify what proportion of such balance may be transferred for the general purposes of the National Society. A statement of the receipts and ex- penditure, duly authenticated and signed by the auditors, should be included in the Annual Report. 8. As the tone and spirit of the General Meetings of Bible Institutions depend, in a considerable degree, on the recom- mendation and example of those who represent the Parent Society on these occasions, this appears to be the most suit- able place to introduce the subject. Whoever has been in the habit of attending those meetings, especially Mithin the last few years, must have perceived a material and progressive improvement in the manner of con- ducting them. In the earlier period of the society's exist- ence, when its principles and its practice were alike ques- tioned, the advocates of both found themselves compelled to adopt a defensive course, and an argumentative style, which are, happily, no longer necessary. — The importance of the cause, and the strict adherence of those who conduct its pro- ceedings to their fundamental principles, are generally felt and acknowledged ; and it only remains to confirm and extend these impressions, by the prudence, the wisdom, and the Christian liberality of its public agents, and the gradual de- velopement of its beneficial tendency and effects. " It were much to be desired," oliserves the Rev. J. Owen, " that in anniversary meetings in general, controversial topics should be wholly avoided, as alien from the nature of such commemorations, and adverse to the purposes for which they are lield." * And the following extract affords a gratifying evidence, that a similar feeling prevails on the continent of Europe : — " Bible Societies are neither preachers nor interpreters ; they provoke * See Preface to Owen's Hisjory, Vol. I. p.xvi. SECT. XIV.] GENERAL REMARKS. 129 Proper feelings to be cherished by tlie Society's advocates. no controversies; neither do they infringe the rights of any individual, or church : they content themselves with giving th3 book which every Chris- tian comnutiion respects, and which ail acknowhdge to contain the only laws which (ion his revealed to man. They engrave, on metal, the same commandments which were traced by the tingar of God on tables of stone ; and they leave to the mi.-.isters of every religious persuasion the task of ex- plaining them, and engraving them on the heart. Since, in the sight of God, there is no exjaptioi of persoas, revedeJ religion belongs to the whole human race: anl who can object, that this charter of the liberties and prerogatives of min should be translated into every languigi; for where is the nation, or where the savage tribe, that has not its lot or part in this in- heritance ?" * . Animated by sentiments like these, the Christian advocate of the Bible Society will pursue his course, " zcalousli/ affected in a good cause" but asserting its merits with temper and moderation ; — firm and unshaken in his attachment, but go- verned, in his expression of it, by that charity which " siiff'ereth long, and is kind ;" — expecting a continuance of that success whicli has hitiierto attended his exertions, but prepared to attribute it to the mercies of God in Christ Jesus ; and influ- enced by a desire to ascribe all the power and all the praise to the source of "' euenj goo I and perfect gift." Allowing, in its utmost latitude, the right of private judgment, he will never condemn the motives of those whose opinions differ from his own ; and will always recollect, that a man may love his Bible, and yet decline to co-operate with the Bible Society. Among the ma'.iy causes which have contributed to the success of the institution, none have been more conspi- cuous than the meekness and liberality manifested by its advocates : they appear to have imbibed the benevolent spirit of the c«use, and to have realized the hope so admirably expressed by the present Chancellor of the Exchequer : — " It is not simply," he observes, "to the diffusion of the Bible, but to the co-operation of all Christians to diffuse it, and to the effect of that co-operation on our own hearts, that I look, not only for the estabUshmenf of Christian faith, but the extension of Ckristian chirity" And in the loud language of their con- duct, they seem to have said one to another, " If we cannot reconcile all opinions, let us endeavour to unite all hearts."f Neither is it in his individual capacity alone, nor in the line of public advocacy, that he may thus illustrate the tendency and recommend the claims of the institution. His example will have a powerful influence on those who conduct the * Tliird Report of the Bible Society at Lausanne, for the Canton de Vaud. f See Letters to the Rev. Dr. .Marsh, and John Coker, Eq. Appendix, No. i. K BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. [CHAP. I. Complimentary votes at General Meetings may be avoided. proceedings of subordinate societies; and by "a word fitly spoken," he may contribute to the extension of the empire of charity and peace. The improvement in the mode of conducting public meet- ings, is in no respect more manifest, than in the avoidance of that comphmentary strain, which is pecuharly unsuitable on those occasions. " In every benevolent institution, the mem- bers are too ready to compliment one another for what they have done ; forgetting, that what has been accomplished, may bear such a slender proportion to what might and ought to have been attempted, as rather to carry with it a portion of blame."* And even in reference to those individuals whose patronage, or services, may have essentially contributed to the progress of the cause, the sentiment of gratitude should be expressed with caution, and under a constant fear of over- stepping the line which separates respect and adulation. The most zealous and ardent friend of the Bible Society would be the first to shrink from that praise which he best deserved, and which subjected him to the risk of being classed among those, " ivho receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from. God only." Conducted in this spirit of conciliation and Christian libe- rality ; giving honour to whom honour is due, but avoiding the language of flattery ; and keeping steadily in view the single and simple object they are designed to promote ; the meetings of Bible Societies will continue to confirm and ex- tend an interest in the cause. But whoever has attentively watched the progress of the institution, must have lamented, in too many instances, the speedy evaporation of that pure and generous feeling, which had been excited ; and under the influence of which, a strong desire had been raised to co-operate in a work replete with blessings to the human race. An im- pulse, rather than a principle, has been communicated ; — when we have separated, "the world and the things of it" have gradually resumed their empire in our hearts ; and we have continued to act as we did before, until another year has witnessed a similar scene of excitement, and been followed by a return of unproductive intention. " Work while it is called to-day: the night cometh, wherein no man can work" Such are the means, by the application of which, under the Divine blessing, the British and Foreign Bible Society has * Fifth Report of the Paisley, &c. Auxiliary Bible Society. SECT. XIV.] GENERAL REMARKS. 131 " We shall reap abundantly, if we faint not." been enabled to accomplish, thus far, its work of mercy. If there be errors in the agency employed, or in the system adopted, let them not impair the value of the object in our estimation, nor weaken our obligations as Christians and as men. " If, among the thousands to whom the Bible is given, only one weary pilgrim of this earth should be refreshed — one sufferer relieved — one weak believer strengthened — one thoughtless sinner roused — one wanderer led back to the right way — one who has fallen raised up — one soul saved who would not gladly co-operate in such a work, and cheerfully bestow his mite in its behalf?"* In concluding this division of the work, the author recurs with pleasure to the just and animated language of his friend, the historian of the Society : — " Of this institution, founded on principles so simple and just ; directed to ends of such transcendent excellence and utility ; combining moreover in its favour so many and powerful interests'in almost every part of the world ; and — what is more than all — distinguished by such signal testimonies of the Divine approbation and blessing ; our hopes may be permitted to keep pace with our wishes : and there is scarcely a measure of prosperity that we could reasonably desire for it, on which we may not venture with humble con- fidence to reckon. Past occurrences authorise the expectation of its perpetuity ; and present appearances lend to that presumption every con- firmation. " In the confidence inspired by these considerations, the friends of the institution, both at home and abroad, may prosecute their labours with cheerfulness, and wait the issue of thera with more than resignation. In disseminating the word which God has revealed, they are executing the plans of His wisdom, and fulfilling the purposes of His love. Every step they take in such a career, is so much done towards advancing the knowledge of His will and the kingdom of His Son. Through their instrumentality, and that of those who may succeed them, the work shall progressively go forward ; till, all nations being brought to the light of Divine truth, and subdued to the obedience of faith, every knee shall bow to the sceptre of Christ, and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." -|- • Speech of Lord Teignmouth, at the Sixteenth Anniversary. + Owen's History, Vol. III. p. 511 et seq. k5 132 CHAP. II. AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. NOW ARE THEY MANY MEMBEKS, YET BUT ONE BODY. 1 COR. XII. 20. PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. It is in the very nature of Christian benevolence to diffuse itself in direct proportion to the value of its object. Never did fire descend from heaven, without finding an altar pre- pared for the sacrifice, and materials to receive and to extend the sacred flame. We have seen, in the instance of Nurem- bei'g,* that scarcely had the flame been kindled in Britain, when the reflected light was caught by Germany, and hailed as the dawning of a brighter and a better day on that afflicted country. In our own highly-favoured land, it appears as though it was beheld, for a season, with mingled feelings : — if there were some, who thought it the flash of a meteor, and antici- pated its speedy extinction ; there were others, who believed it had already attained its meridian brightness, and was suf- ficient for the sphere it was destined to illuminate. But if the British and Foreign Bible Society did not imme- diately receive that general support to which it is so eminently entitled by the importance of its object and the liberality of its constitution, it has attracted and secured the public ap- probation in a manner the best calculated to insure its per- manence. The principle and the practice of the institution have been scrutinized, with a degree of acuteness and inge- nuity seldom applied to investigations of this nature ; and the result has not only manifested the correctness and integrity of both, but called forth the expression of the public sentiment to an extent unparalleled in the annals of practical benevo- lence. For more than five years, the society pursued its course in comparative silence and obscurity ; gradually establishing its claims to the sympathy and confidence of the Christian world, but vmsupported by that gemral demonstration of regard and attachment which was subsequently displayed. During those five years, endingolst of March 1809, the total • See Chapter I. SecUon IX. CHAP. II.] PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 133 Necessity of Local Societies to supply the wants of the People. amount of its receipts, exclusive of sales of Bibles and Tes- taments, was 33,2561. lis. 5d.: — in the spring of 1809, the first Auxiliary Societies were formed ; and the total amount derived from this source alone, in the five succeeding years, ending 31st of March 1814, was 145,332/. 5^. 9c/. The gene- rous flame soon pervaded every cownty of the kingdom ; and the aggregate sum remitted by Auxiliary Societies during the eleven years, ending March 1820, exceeds four hundred and seventy-eight thousand pounds. There is another test, by which the importance and the value of this part of the system should be estimated. It is obvious, that a Committee of thirty-six Gentlemen, meet- ing in London, could not ascertain the wants of the whole population of Great Britain. That a deplorable deficiency of the holy scriptures existed in many parts of the country, they had ample reason to believe ; and the result of some partial investigations had abundantly confirmed this conviction : but they were not prepared for the melancholy fact, which subse- quent and more minute inquiry established, that, in a land on which the light of the Reformation had been shed for more than 250 years, nearly one half of the people were destitute of that sacred volume which reveals the foundation of their faith and the source of their dearest hopes. It will readily be admitted, that local committees furnished the only adequate means of ascertaining the real state of their districts, and of extending the requisite supply : and thus, by the establish- ment of Auxiliary Societies, the first step was taken towards the accomplishment of an object, more intimately connected with the peace, the happiness, and the best interests of our country, than any which the wisdom of our ancestors had ever devised. It is sulficient in this place to observe, that the eflicacy of Auxiliary Societies, in reference to the circulation of the holy scriptures, is satisfactorily proved by the fact, that the total amovmt of sales of Bibles and Testaments, in the five years ending March 1809, was 9,764/. 75. 2d. ; and the number of copies distributed, 158,429 : — but in the five years imme- diately succeeding, and ending March 1814, he amount of sales was 56,056/. 0^. 7d. ; and the number ot copies distri- buted, 828,658. The rapid increase of sales during the seven years which have subsequently elapsed, must be attributed to the still further extension of the system, and will be con- sidered in reference to Bible Associations. Nor are these advantages, great as they confessedly are, the only benefits derived from the institution of Auxiliary Societies. " The importance of these estabhshments is not to 134 AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. [cHAP. 11. On the Origin of Auxiliary Societies. be estimated merely by the acquisition of splendor, and the accession of means and influence, which the Parent Institution derives from them, however indispensable to the success of its proceedings ; nor from the consideration, that, through their instrumentality, the wants of the people, respecting the holy scriptures, are ascertained and supplied. By their intervention and inquiries, the benefits of the institution are extended, in a degree which coidd not be effected by any other means ; the perusal of the holy scriptures is not only assisted, but recom- mended; and the public attention is thus attracted to that book, on the observance of whose precepts, both the happiness of individuals and the peace of society alike depend, and from which only the knowledge of eternal life is to be de- rived."* And it has been well observed, that such an union of rank, of talents, and piety, in a cause so pure, " could not fail to strike foreign nations as the collected homage of Britain to her Saviour and her God." SECTION I. ORIGIN OF AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. 1. When a desire is once excited to co-operate in a design which the judgment sanctions, and the best feelings of the heart approve, the mode of gratifying that desire will speedily be discovered. It may, indeed, at first be crude and undigested ; but it will gradually acquire order and consistency, and adapt itself equally to local circumstances and the nature of the ob- ject it is intended to promote. The justice of this observation will be acknowledged by all who have followed the progress of the British and Foreign Bible Society. The first demonstration in its favour, upon a principle of combined and aggregate exertion, was made in the form of congregational collections : nor should it be forgotten, that this example was set by Scot- land, a country which Divine Providence has made, above every other on the face of the earth, the land of Bibles. — Neither will this source of supply be treated with indifference, when it is stated, that the amount contributed by it to the funds of the Parent Society exceeds twenty-Jive thousand pounds; and that in many places it still constitutes the only means by which a desire to assist in this great work can be prudently manifested. • Ninth Report of the Britiiih and Foreign Bible Society, p. xxxvii. SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. 135 The "French Bible Society," 1792- — Essay by the llev. J. Hughes. 2. In tracing the origin of Auxiliary Societies, it is impossible to avoid a reference to another institution, short-lived indeed, in consequence of the melancholy events which almost imme- diately succeeded its establishment in London in the year 1792; but evincing, as has been remarked, in the recorded exposition of its design, " much of the liberal spirit and practical views which have characterized the British and Foreign Bible Society."* The institution alluded to, was designated " The French Bible Society ;" and was " formed for the purpose of disseminating pure Christian knowledge in France, by obtaining a general distribution of the holy scrip- tures, printed in the French tongue, throughout that nation." In the prospectus issued by the society, they " recommend the formation of societies in different parts of the country, to assist them in the attainment of their object:" and they further express a confident expectation, " that smaller societies ivill be formed in the provincial towns of France, to assist the general plan." Had the existence of this institution been generally known, we might here find the germ of that plant, which has struck its roots into the soil of our country ; and, like the sacred tree of India, bent its branches to the earth, whence they have again sprang forth and extended the refreshing shade through- out the land. But it appears that this institution " was alto- getlier zinknown" to him in whose enlightened and capacious mind the idea of the British and Foreign Bible Society originated ; and the lapse of nearly twenty years precludes our tracing to this suggestion the origin of the Auxiliary System. 3. In the summer of 1803, the Rev. Joseph Hughes pro- duced that admirable essay, entitled, " The excellence of the Holy Scriptures an argument for their more general di- spersion ;" which, it is observed by his colleague, " may be regarded as containing the rudiments of the future society." In the ardour of his benevolence, the author pursues the prospect which Infinite Mercy had opened to his view ; and, be- holding with the eagle-eye of faith those remote scenes, which were hereafter to expand in all their beauty beneath the beams of the Sun of Righteousness, he exclaims — " Let us then cast a friendly eye over distant countries, and be the parents of the first institution that ever emanated from one of the nations of Europe, for the express purpose of doing good to all the * See Owen's History, Vol. I. p. 24 et seq. for an interesting account of this remarkable society, and its early dissolution. 136 AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. [CHAP. 11. London Association, 1 805. — Itules of that Society. rest." — " Many arrangements," he continues, " must be left to the determination of experience. " Light will break in, us the friends of the institution advance: they ivill act as occasion dictates; aluays having that to do, ivliich will either coimect with remoter branches of their design, or staiid ivell insulated and alone." Whether the first conception of the Auxihary System can be discovered in this language, the reader will decide ; but there is a peculiar satisfaction in tracing to the founder of the institution, the origin of those means by which the attainment of its object has been so essentially promoted. 4. The first establishment in aid of the British and Foreign Bible Society was formed in London, in July 1 805 ; and as it furnishes the primary instance of an approach towards the system now under consideration, the following statement of its plan and constitution cannot with propriety be omitted. Extract from the address of the London association for contributing^ to the Fund of the British and foreign bible society. " It having been considered that there are many persons, who, on account of their subscriptions to other societies, or on account of the narrowness of their incomes, would not be justified in becoming direct members of the British and Foreign Bible Society, who would yet be desirous of contri- buting somewhat proportioned to their ability ; it is, therefore, the objnct of this Association to embrace such persons, according to the subsequent plan." LAWS and regulations of the association. I. Each member to commence with a donation of not less than 'is. and not to exceed 7*. To continue a member at a monthly subscription of not less than Qd. and not more than J s. Members' subscriptions to be due on the first day of each month. II. Each member to be a collector in his turn, to collect from eight mem- bers, including himself; to be changed annually, proceeding alphabetically : those who were collectors during the past year to be liepresentatives of the Association to the British and Foreign Bible Society during the ensuing year. III. The collectors shall deliver the subscriptions received to the secre- tary, in sufficient time for him to pay it to the treasurer at the Quarterly Meeting. IV. The secretary (who shall be considered a member of the Committee) shall issue the notices, receive the collectors' accounts, &c, gi'atuitously. V. A Committee shall be appointed to conduct the business of the Asso- ciation, consisting of thirteen members : nine of the above number, who shall have most frequently attended, to be eligible for re-election for the ensuing year. VI. The Associations hall meet quarterly ; viz. on the first ^Vednesday after the loth of November, February, May, and August, in each year. VII. The money to be paid by the treasurer, immediately after the Quar- terly Meeting in February, in each year, to the Collector of the British and Foreign Bible Society. SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. 137 Formation of the IJirniinghani Association, 1806. — Its regulations. VIII. The Annual Sleeting of the Association shall be held the last Wednesday in June ; when the Committee shall be chosen, the accounts presented, and the proceedings of the foregoing year I'eported. IX. That, at all General and Committee jNIeetings, such member as shall be chosen for that purpose shall preside at the meeting. X. The Committee shall meet the first Wednesday in the month, or oftener if needful. 5. The next instance of an associated effort in furtherance of the cause, appears to be that of Blrmmgham. It was formed in April 1806, " chiefly through the active instru- mentality of the Rev. Edward Burn, the diligent and highly respected Minister of St. Mary's in that town;" and who has subsequently acquired, by his zealous and efficient services, the merited distinction of an honorary Life Governor of the Parent Institution. The following is an extract from the printed Resolutions of the Birmingham Association: — " At a very respectable INIeeting, held this day, to consider the best mode of promoting the great objects of the British and Foreign Bible Society : George Sijicox, Esq. in the Chair, &c. &c. " The following Resolutions were unanimously passed: — " Resolved — That it is the opinion of this meeting, that an imited effort be made, by the different denominations of Christians in this town, in aid of the British and Foreign Bible Society. " It appearing to this meeting, that the most eligible plan, for carrying this design into effect, will be by a personal application throughout the town : " Resolved — That the town be divided into the following twelve districts; and that the gentlemen, Avhose names are affixed thereto, be requested to solicit subscriptions and donations, and to I'eport to the Committee the result at the Blue School, by twelve o'clock on Monday the 5th of JNIay ; in order to its being transmitted in time for the next annual report of the society." [llirn /o(/ouX. 20. The Cliairman^ will second the Motion No. 3. The Chairman having put the question, will acknowledge the Resolution on behalf of himself and colleagues. wUl move the Resolution No. 4 — " That B. C be Treasurer, and D. E., F.G.^ and H. I- Joint-Secretaries of this institution ; and that the following gentlemen be members of the Com- mittee, with power to fill up any vacancies in their number, viz." [Here insert the names of the gentlemen composing the Committee.l will second the Motion No. 4. The Chairman having put the question, will move the Resolution No. 5 — " That this meeting acknowledges, with cordial satisfaction, the judicious zeal and activity mani- fested by the Provisional Committee, in arranging the important business of this day." will second the Motion No. 5. The Chairman having put the question, wUl move the Resolution No. 6 — " That while this meeting acknowledges the obli- gation under which it is placed by the valuable ser- vices of the Secretaries of the Parent Society, it gladly embraces the opportunity thus afforded to congratulate the Committee of that institution on the astonishing success with which Divine Provi- dence has blessed their exertions, and the unin- terrupted harmony and union which have charac- terized all their proceedings." will second the Motion No. 6. The Chairman having put the question, will move the Resolution No. 7 — " That the cordial and respectful thanks of this meeting be presented to £!.F. for his attention to the business of this day, and for his conduct in the chair." will second the Motion No. 7. The mover having put the question, will acknowledge the Resolution ; refer to the gentle- men who are placed at the doors to receive con- tributions and to enter the names of subscribers ; and adjourn the meeting to the day specified in the Fourteenth Rule. SECT. IV.] MODE OF ESTABLISHING AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. 165 Organization of Committee. — Resolutions of First Committee IMeeting. 4. The mode of establishing the society having been de- tailed, it is necessary to describe that internal organization of the Committee without which no extensive or permanent success can be anticipated. It has been already intimated that the Committee should meet on an early day ; and it will be found advantageous if the members can be convened on the day immediately succeeding the General Meeting, and the secretaries or agents of the Parent Society be invited to attend. The secretaries should send timely notice to every member, and make the necessary preparations, by engaging a suitable room and adopting such other measures as may facilitate the proceedings. 5. The following Resolutions will be found to embrace all the business usually transacted at the First Meeting of the Committee : — they should be entered in the Rough Minute Book, in the order of their adoption, by one of the secretaries. At the First IMeeting of the Committee, held the ■ of — — 18—: PRESENT : A. B. in the Chair, C Z)., E. F., and G. H., Visitors, And the following IMembers of the Committee ; [Here insert the 7iames of those piesent ;] The Chairman having read the Resolutions of the General Meeting, held instant, it was resolved — 1. That the following Code of By-Laws be adopted for the government of this Committee ; and that the secretaries be authorised to get 100 copies printed, and to send one to each officer and member of the Committee ; viz. [Here insert the By-Laws recommended in Section III. of this Chapter^ or such modijication of the^n as may be adopted.^ 2. That the duties of the secretaries be thus defined— D- E. to be Minute Secretary : F- G. to be Cash Secretary : and H. /. to be Bible Secretary :* and that they be authorised to procure the requisite account-books, Com- mittee notices, forms of reports, and other papers, for the use of the society. 3- That the sphere of this society be divided into the following districts ; viz. [Here specify distinctly, in rmmerical order, the several districts, as recoM' mended in Observation x. Section III. of this Chapter.^ 4. That the following be the respective District Committees ; viz. District, No. l.—A. B., C. X)., and E. F. and that A. B. be District Secretary. [Here specify the other District Committees in the same manner, and nomi- nate a secretary of each, as recommended in Observation x. Section III.] » For a more full explanation of these duties, respectively, see Observation ix. Section HI. of this Chapter. 166 AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. [ciIAP. Jti Resolutions adopted at the First Committee Meeting. 5. That the several District Committees be requested to commence an immediate canvas of their respective districts, for the purpose of soliciting subscriptions and donations from the inhabitants : and that the Minute Secretary furnish the secretary of each district with a book properly ruled for entering subscribers' names,* and the requisite number of the address and printed papers explanatory of the design, for circulation. 6. That the several District Committtees, while engaged in fulfilling the immediate object of their appointment, endeavour to ascertain the most favourable situations for the establishment of Branch Societies and Bible Associations, and include the result in their Monthly Reports. 7. That the IVIinute Secretary be authorised to get 500 copies of the Rules and Regulations printed, with the names of the Officers and Com- mittee annexed, and send twenty copies to the Seci'etai-y of each District Committee for distribution, and a copy signed by the President to the Committee of the Parent Society. The Cash Secretary having reported that the amount collected at the (General Meeting was, In Donations £.- Annual Subscriptions Pontributions in the Plates Total It was RESOLVED — 8. That the said sum of £.— • _ : — be paid over to the Treasurer. 9. That the Treasurer be requested to remit to the Treasurer of the British and Foreign Bible Society the sum of £ — : — : — , on Moiety Account,t and request that the acknowledgment of all remittances may be addressed to the Cash Secretary, and that the orders of the Bible Secre- tary may be duly recognised. [The Names and Jddrcss of the respective Secretaries should he communi- cated to the Assistant Secretary and Depositary of the Parent Society.] 10. That BA; DC, and F. E. be a Sub-Coiiimittee to examiiie and re- port to the next meeting the most suitable place for establishing a depo- sitory, and also the name of an eligible person to act as Collector. B. A. to be Secretary to this Sub-Committee. 11. That the Bible Secretary be authorised to procure a stamp, for the purpose of marking the Bibles and Testaments issued with the designation of this society. 12. That the Minute Secretary apply to the Depositary of the Parent Society for a regular supply of 200 copies of the " Monthly Extracts of Correspondence ;" and that they be delivered, at the close of every committee meeting, to the District Committees, for distribution. 13. That H. G; K. /., and M. L. be appointed Auditors for the present year. 14. That this Committee do adjourn to the of , at o'clock precisely. \_Here insert the d dies' Branch 5 ByBrit.ZiForeign > Bible Society 5 John Brown .... Cask Secretary Brit. &c Foreign } Bible Society 5 MB. 26 39 84 Collect, poundage ]31 James Smith . . . 132 Brit. ^Foreign J Bible Society 5 Do. on account of } Ladies'Branch S 143 144 £ £. s. d. 1300 0 0 3 7 6 4 3 2 400 0 0 26 4 6 7 7 4 403 8 5 500 0 0 •2614 10 11 It will be perceived, that the plan here recommended is founded on the presumption that all the pecuniary concerns are transacted through the medmm of the Treasurer, by which the greatest possible simplicity is given to the accounts. The column headed MB. is designed to contain the numbers of the Minutes which authorise every payment to or by the Trea- surer. 176 AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. [chap. It. Specimen of Account with Parent Society- 4. SPECIMEN OF ACCOUNT WITH PARENT INSTITUTION. D^ The British and Foreign Bible Society. O, 1820 MMar. 10 June 31 Aug. 1 Sept. D". on Moi- ] ety Account D". (no return } required) 5 Balance due ' onPurchase . Account . . . Do. on Moiety Account . . MB 26 84 143 £. s. d. 1300 0 0 400 0 0 403 8 5 2103 8 5 204 12 6 200 0 0 I Aug. 31 1820. 2 Apr. 10 June 17 By Bibles & Tests. Moiety of Re- } mittance . . 5 Bibles k. Tests.. Ditto Ditto General Object: ^ (jio return re- > quired) 3 Balance due on \ PurcJtaseAcc*. 5 Ditto on Moiety > Account 3 DB. 1 £. s. d. 117 14 2 200 0 0 188 18 4 788 15 0 403 8 5 204 12 6 200 0 0 •2103 8 5 The figures in the column MB., on the Debit side, denote the numbers of the Minutes which authorise the remittances; and those in the column DB., on the Credit side, the folio of the " Deposi- tary's Book" which contains the particulars of the invoice of Bibles and Testaments received. The entries at the Credit side, under the liead of " General Object," exhibit the amount annually appro- priated to this purpose. — Thus £.400 having been remitted on Moiety Account, in the year ending 31st of August, and the Aux- iliary Society having a claim under the Ninth General Rule to a return of Bibles and Testaments to one-half this amount, the other moiety, with the sum of 403/. Ss. 5d. specifically voted, goes for the general and Foreign purposes of the Parent Institution. BfiCt. v.] FORMS OF BOOKS AND PAPERS* tn Specimens of Account with a Branch Society, and a Bible Association. 5. SPECIMEN OF ACCOUNT WITH A BRANCH SOCIETY. D"". The Branch Society. C. 1820. 24Jtme 9 full/ 31 Aug. To Bibles and } Testaments J Do. If Do. .. General oh- " ject ; viz. i proportion \ of Moiety \ Account . . J Balance due £. £. e. d 47.18 .4 31.16.8 56. 8.0 8. 9.8 144.1-2.8 1820. 9 June 8 July I Sept. By Cask Do. on account of~ the Asso-i ciafion for Bi- ' l>les and Testa- i 7nents By Balance due . . MJi. 82 lie £. £. s. d. 112. ICO 3I.lt3.8 144.12.8 8. 9.8 The figures in the column DB. on the Debit side, refer to the folio of the " Depositary's Book" which contains the particulars of the Bibles and Testaments delivered ; and the entries in the column MB. on the Credit side, denote the respective numbers of those Minutes which recognise payments by the Branch Society. The connexion between an Auxiliary Society and a Branch Society is precisely similar to that between the former and the Parent Institution, as will be more fully explained in Section VI. — A moiety of the amount remitted is consequently appropriated annu- ally to the general object, unless it be ma''o on purchase account, for the supply of an association in connexioa with the Branch Society; when the whole amount, if required, is returned in Bibles and Testaments at cost prices. *— — «— — ^ 6. SPECIMEN OF ACCOUNT WITH A BIBLE ASSOCIATION, D^ The Bible Association. C. 1820 11 June 7 Aug. 31 ... To Bibles «■ > Testaments 5 D". ^Do.... Genl. Object Balance due £. s. d 37.12.4 20.13.4 10.10.0 6.14.4 75.10.0 1820. 9 Ju7ie 7 Aug. 1 Sept. By Cask . Ditto.. D". (no return } required) ... 5 By Balance due MB 82 128 £. £. 8. d 45. 0.0 20. 0;0 10.10.0 75.10.0 6.14.4 The references in the columns DB. atid MB. are explained in the observation under the preceding Specimen. 178 AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. [chap. 1I« Specimen of Account with a Ladies' Branch Society. The connexion between a Bible Association and an Auxiliary, or Branch, Society, so fiir as relates to the pecuniary transactions, is simply this : — The Association has a claim for the return of Bibles and Testaments, at cost prices, to the whole amount of the money remitted, for the supply of its local necessities ; but is at liberty to appropriate its surplus funds, or any portion of them, in aid of the general object. The assistance derived from this comparatively humble source is very considerable, and may be expected progres- sively to increase, as the wants of our own population become satis- fied. There is something peculiarly attractive in this view of the subject : — we here behold the tendency and practical effects of the system ; and in contemplating the triumphs of thatChristian charity, under the influence of which the poor man cheerfully contributes his weekly penny that some benighted heathen may possess the holy scriptures, we are led to consider what personal sacrifices we have made ; what indulgence we have relinquished ; and how far we have co-operated in promoting the cause of our God and Saviour. 7. SPECIMEN OF ACCOUNT WITH A LADIES' BRANCH. D'. Ladies' Branch of the Auxiliary Bible Society. C"" 1820. A May 16 ... 31 Aug. To Bihles and} Testaments . 5 Do. and D». . . . General Object Balance due £. £. s. d.\ 75.16.10 . 36. 9. 2 500. 0. 0 458. 4. 0 1070.10. 0 1820. 7 Mar. 7 Aug. I Sept. By Cash, on Pur- } chase Account 5 J>. D" D". (no return requiredj ... By Balance due . . MB. 2] U7 12C £. £. s. d. 370.10.0 200. 0.0 500. 0.0 1070.10.0 458. 4.0 The references in the columns DB. and MB. have been al- ready explained in the observation on Specimen 5. The constitution of a Ladies' Branch of an Auxiliary Society will be fully explained in Chapter VII. — It is only necessary, in explanation of this specimen, to 'observe, that it constitutes the medium of communication between the several female associations of an extensive district and the Auxiliary Society ; and that it possesses an unlimited right to purchase at cost prices, on behalf of the connected associations, for the supply of the local wants. As the depository of the Auxiliary Society is always in the same town, that of the Ladies' Branch does not require an extensive stock, as it can be supplied from time to time according to the demand. The assistance given to the general cause by the Ladies' Branches of the Liverpool, Plymouth, Manchester, Hull, and New- castle Societies,will be more distinctly adverted to in the proper place. S"ECT. v.] FORMS OF BOOKS AND PAPERS. 17^ Specimen of Account with Subscribers ; — and with Collector. 8. SPECIxMEN OF THE PRIVILEGE ACCOUNT. D"". Annual Subscribers to Auxiliary Bible Society. C"". 1820. 3lMar. 30 Apr. 31 Mrt-y 30 June 81 Jtify 31 Aug. D.B. €. s. d. To Sales Month this I S I. 0.7 D". D".... .10.6 D". D".... .14.9 D". D'.... .11.1 D". D"... .11.2 D-. D".... £. .13.3 I. 7.4 1820. \^Apr. 6 May 9 June S July 7 Aug. 31 By Cash, V- 1 Depositary, 5 J>>. D' J)'. £>» Z>». D" D'. D" D". D" MB. 36 47 82 115 126 141 e. s. d. 1. 0.7 .16.6 .11.9 .11.1 .11.2 .13.3 4. 7.4 The figures in the columns DB. and MB. have been already ex- plained. Where Bible Associations are established and properly con- ducted, the members of Auxiliary Societies will find little if any occasion to avail themselves of their privilege of purchasing at re- duced prices. They have only to refer applicants, or poor persons, to the Committee of the Association, or one of its members ; and if, on personal investigation, they appear suitable objects, they are recommended accordingly. It is worthy the serious consideration of those who are in the habit of exercising this privilege, how far they interfere with the design of Bible Associations, while they diminish the resources of the Parent Institution. 9. SPECIMEN OF THE COLLECTOR'S ACCOUNT. D^ E.F. Collector of the Auxiliary Bible Society. C". 1820. SB. £. s. d. 1820. MB. e. 6. d. 27 Feb. Donations 4- ^ Subscriptions > 78 426.16.0 7 Mar. By Cash per Cash } Secretary. .... 5 21 426.16.0 V this month 3 12 Apr. Ditto Ditto 36 160. 0.0 30 Mar Ditto Ditto 78 !60. 0 .0 9 June Ditto Ditto 82 55. 0.4 ?lMay. Ditto Ditto 78 £. 55. 0.4 £. 641.16.4 641.16.4 n2 180 AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. [chap. lU Specimen of Account of Incidental Expenses. The figures in the column SB., on the Debit side, refer to a monthly summary at the end of the " Subscription Book," in which the Cash Secretary enters, from the Collector's list, the total amount i-eceived that month. Tlie references in the column MB. have been already explained. As all payments are made by or- ders on the Treasurer, the Collector's poundage is included in " In- cidental Expenses." 10. SPECIMEN OF ACCOUNT OF INCIDENTAL EXPENSES. D' Incidental Expenses. C. 1820. MB. £. s. d. 1820. Fo. £. s. d. Apr.17. J. Brown, Printer 39 3. 7. 6 Aufj.31. Annual Statemen t 88 41. 2. 6 •-•• Cash Secretary, } Sundries. ... 5 39 4. 3. 2 Aug. 8. E. F., Collector . . 131 26. 4. 6 ****" Ja'. Smith, Ac- ^ count Books Sf f Papers for 2 ^ Associations * 132 £. 7. 7. 4 £. 41. 2. 6 41. 2. 6 The entries in the column MB. on the Debit side, refer to the Minutes authorising those respective payments ; and that in the co- lumn Fo. on the Credit side, to the folio of the Leger containing a copy of the annual audited account, which forms the next spe- cimen. It will be found highly conducive to the interests of Auxiliary and Branch Societies, to defray the expenses attending the esta- blishment and organization of their connected associations ; not only on the grounds of economy — which should always be studied — but because it will promote that mutual confidence and good un- derstanding so essential to success. It is eventually the same things, in a pecuniary point of view, whether an association remit 5oL, after paying 51. for account books, &c., or remit 55L, and have the 51. paid by the Auxiliary Society ; but it is of material impoi-tance that an association should commence its important labours without any weight, except that of obligation to the society with which it is connected. SECT, v.] FORMS OF BOOKS AND PAPERS. 181 Annual Statement of Heceipts and Payments. 11. SPECIMEN OF AN ANNUAL STATEMENT. D"". j4.B. Treasurer of the Auxiliary Bible Society. C\ 1819, to 1820, Aug.'il. Annual Subscriptions . $ . . Donations t Branch Society ; viz. On Moiety Acct. .U2 \Q 0 On Purchase ditto 31 16 8 Association; viz. On Purc/iase Acct. .65 0 0 For General Object h) 10 0 The Ladies' Branch ; viz. On Parch. Acct. . . 570 10 0 For Geni. Object, 500 0 0 Sales to Suhecnbers . £. £. s. 641.16 70r.l4 144.12. 8 75.10. 0 1070.10. 4. 7. •2644.10.1] 1819, Auf/.'il. By theBrifish andForeiyn to Bible Society ; viz. " ' On Purchase Ac- Aug.Sl. . 1300 0 0 count y On Moiety Account, 400 0 0 For General Object, 403 8 5 For D^. from the i ^^^ Ladies Branch i Licidental Expenses of' Printing, Postage, Col- i lector's Poundage, Ac- ^ count Books, Carriage oji Bibles, &c. &c £. s. d. •2603. 8. 5 41. 2. 6 £.•2644.10.11 Si'ist of August, 1820. H. G.^ K. L / Auditors. M. L. 5 A few folios at the end of the Leger are appropriated to these annual statements, which should be regularly signed by the Audi- tors, who present a copy of each to the Committee, for insertion in the Annual Report, pursuant to the Xth By-Law. It will be ob- served, that this statement is equivalent to the balance-sheet of a common leger. NO. IV. — BIBLE SECRETARY S ORDER BOOK. I. This book may be about the size of the "Subscription Book," {No. 2. of this Section) ; but made to open lengthways, hke a mer- chant's Bill-book. It should be half-bound, and the forms, of which it wholly consists, printed on strong paper. II. Those who are concerned in conducting the practical details of Bible Societies, are aware of the importance as well as diffi- AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. [cHAP. II. Bible Secretary's Order-Book, — and Explanation. culty of preserving a regular and correct account of the receipts and deliveries of Bibles and Testaments ; owing alike to the simila- rity of appearance which different editions present, and lo the want of a suitable form for orders and bills of parcels. These are, gene- rally, made out on loose pieces of paper, and no check is provided by which their accuracy is ascertained. Hence the great difficulty of making the stock-account balance at the end of the year, and the apparent difference which often exists between an Auxiliary So- ciety's statement of the issues, and the statements of its connected societies and associations, as to the aggregate number of copies re- ceived. This difference, it is true, is comparatively trifling ; and more frequently relates to the description of Bibles or Testaments, than to the total number received ; but it must be satisfactory to all concerned to have a plan by which the risk of error is mate- rially diminished, if not entirely obviated. III. In the Specimen now submitted for adoption, the reader will consider all the entries in Italics, with the number and amount of Bibles and Testaments, as manuscript ; and the remainder of the form, as printed. When the Bible Secretary receives an order for Bibles and Testa- ments, he refers to his colleague, the Cash Secretary, and ascer- tains that the Branch Society or Association giving the order has remitted the amount. If this be the case, he first fills up the form A, and calculates the amount, which he enters ; he next fills up and signs the form B, which is the authority on which the Depositary acts; and lastly fills up and signs the form C, which is the bill of parcels. He then cuts off, and sends to the Depositary, the paper containing B and C; retaining A in the book, as a permanent check and voucher. When the Depositary receives the paper, he examines the calculations in the form C, which he cuts off and de- livers with the Bibles and Testaments specified ; retaining and fiUng the order B, as his voucher. Blank lines are left for any Bibles or Testaments in Foreign languages which may be ordered. ' SECT, v.] FORMS OF BOOKS AND PAPERS. 18^ SPECIMEN OF THE ORDER BOOK. ,000 = a? = K a, s, _ 2. o a._o a, .-a en S -< Eh E o o » _ g _ g :, C". r. 0 = CO X 2 t^ £0 2 5 iJ '-' -O ^5 30 "-' 0 •* 0 ^-aO> = :c £ 0(?< •* t^ ~. '3''3'C0C0'^»^'J''-«O '4 ^ c^t;--- — t^ 0 •* iS -3' ■q> r: CO ■N '>»'-■ — -M — ^^^ u .2 rSQ *^S W n e2 ^ 7; t^H 03.3 C >g eu £ i c u." ; o— . i a S s ^ CU c- _ A is dSs ii:r: IK'S;:; a. as s-= »-=— caj: 0^0^ Ot^ uoa tn • fc- H • -2 ^ • £ . H : U 3 < • 1''^ H • S g> u ^ 0 S| H : 1 _2 e 0 0 ^ a .2 0 13 0 -^ c ^ ■|q ^ I 55 =. CO X .^^--•-=§5 S =« Sa- D ^ re ^ :o y; C/D -3 ffl m ^ Z § ; & £. & ^ a; Oh a g s jf - - •-• 5 5 jqmqqSq O (N -MO 2; ->« 184 AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. [CIIAP. II, Depositary's Book. Specimen, and exj)lanation NO. V. — depositary's book. 1. This Book should be of folio size, containing two or three quires strongly bound, and, like the " Order Book," made to open lengthways. It will appear from the Specimen subjoined, that it is designed to be a register of all proceedings relative to the receipts and issues of Bibles and Testaments ; and that it is so constructed, as to render the duties of the Secretary and Depositary as easy and simple as possible. For this purpose, all the headings of the dif- ferent columns are printed. 2. When the Bible Secretary receives an invoice of Bibles and Testaments, he first ascertains, by reference to the Depositary, its agreement Mith the number and description of the copies received. The latter then makes the requisite entry at the Debit side, insert- ing the carrier's name, not only as a proper check on his account, but that the person answerable for any damage may be referred to if necessary. The folio of the Leger, containing the account with the British and Foreign Bible Society, is inserted by the Cash Secretary. 1. D. BIBLES AND TESTAjMENTS RECEIVED, ,c Carrier's Name. BIBLES. TESTAMENTS. Amount at Cost Prices. Date, 5 J 7. c« ^ 1 M S 55 s 20 20 4 z 20 20 4 J 1^ 100 100 500 :>•-.: 428 20 200 40( 620 438 -J J 100 100 20 .1 50 50 _{ 50 too J50 320 73 1 a: 100 100 10 J. 200 £00 >< 100 ■J I 20 20 10 ■A >•■; 1820. 2 Jpril 17 June 1 Juff. V: J. IVood Ditto Jones ^Co, STOCK 10 10 I 50 400 100 300 •20 SO 100 38U 200 100 30ii £. S.d. 117 14 e 188 18 4 788 15 0 400 380 Sept. Ut. 450 404 400 290 •20 4 450 311 250 200 >=; 1095 7 6 839 5 4 5ECT. v.] FORMS OF BOOKS AND PAPERS. IS5 of the mode of keeping the Bible Account. 3. When the Depositary receives an order for the delivery of Bibles and Testaments, he first ascertains the correctness of the bill of parcels (Specimen C. of the " Order Book"), and then makes the requisite entry at the Credit side he/ore he delivers the books. The references to the several accounts in the Leger are entered by the Cash Secretary. . 4. The stock should be taken, and the book balanced, annually, by the Bible Secretary, assisted by the Depositary ; and the present stock brought forward to a new account, as in the specimen. It will be observed, that the amount of loss sustained by sales to sub- scribers, at reduced prices, must be added to the amount of sales and the value of the stock on hand, in order to balance the total amount at the Debit side. 5. Th e bl an k columns are left for Bibles and Testaments in foreign languages. ; From this t the Coromittee )ook the Depositary prepares his monthly report to — [See No. 7 of this section.) f=MEN, AND TESTAMENTS DELH-EBED. C\ 1. BIBLES .c Date. V For = Account of BIBLES. TESTAMENTS. Amoiinl Amount S 1 1 a; fC ui 1 X 1 a i z s ' 2 6 0 ^ 1 C 0- J 1- -J 1 2: ■ji 1 i4 1 m 11 S 3 at Cost Trices. at Reduced Trices. 1820. 2 March 5 1 IV. Clarke .e. S. d. £. s. cL 1 0 7 4 April 5 I R. Fisher e 16 6 iMay 4 1 Ladies' Bran. C 12 50 50 6 6 50 30 100 75 16 10 16 ... 4 I Ditto 15 10 100 5 0 20 36 9 2 16 ... 5 1 H. Grant 1 2 14 9 1 June 0 1 E. Swaine 1 U 1 11 ... 3 0 — Association 40 12 2t' 30 20 20 57 12 4 24 ... 2 1 —Branch Soc. 10 20 50 30 10 30 47 IB 4 2 July 5 I J. Harris 0 11 2 9 ... ■: 1 — Branch Soc. 20 20 0 50 50 31 16 8 1 Aug. 5 1 H. Rugman 1 S 13 S 7 ... 3 0 -^Association 5 15 10 20 20 10 20 13 4 31 ... -STOCK 1 404 290 4 311 200 380 4 4 428 438 20 320 10 100 10 839 5 4 y<> From Mr. J. Smith, Brook Slreet, Annual Subscription . 2.2.0 17 T. Williams., Esq. Haywood, Donation . . # . 20. 0.0 Fth.^ Cash Secretary, Subscriptions ^ Donations 61.10. 0 Z)". . on account of the Branch Society . 100. 0.0 IP. . on account of the Association . . . 25. 0.0 D°. . on account of the Ladies' Branch . . . 200. 0.0 t)56 . 8.2 PAID. £. s. d. Jan. 5 To the British and Fureisrn Bible Society, 1^ f- f^ote of Committee J 200. 0.0 Collector, for poundage, '^ D° 14.17.0 6 Cash Secretary, Incidental Expenses, "^ D°. 4.13.6 7 Butter if Co. Stationers, '^ D° 5. 5.8 224.16. 2 Feb. 6 Balance in hand this day . . . i 431.12.0 A. B. Treasurer. NO. VII. — depositary's report. This Report is presented to every monthly meeting of the Com- mittee, pursuant to the IXth By-Law, and is an abstract of the Depositary's Book, The blank columns are left for the insertion of Bibles and Testaments in foreign languages, * These Reports should be numbered successively : — thus, the Report presented in March was No. 14. This observation is equally applicable to the two follow- ing Specimens. 188 C/3 H -51 o o O C o *« H 5 H 3 o »* AUXILIARY SOCIETIES, Ph . Ph . P K^ M M W U § P^ • ^ y PL, 02 Ph O ^' ;?; ri ^ p^ p CC ^; •^ ^ X s i; K tf [chap. it. SECT, v.] FORMS OP BOOKS AND PAPERS. 189 Monthly Report of District Committee. NO. VIII. DISTRICT COMMITTEE'S REPORT. 1. This Report is presented monthly, by every District Com- mittee, pursuant to the XVIIIth By-Law. It is generally contained on a half sheet of post paper; but if any information of peculiar interest require the addition, another half sheet may be appended, 2. The design of these Reports is, to give to the General Com- mittee a full and correct view of the society throughout its various parts. The importance of this information, to those who are re- sponsible in the eyes of the public for the regular discharge of the duties assigned to them, is sufficiently obvious ; nor is it less evident that it can only be acquired by the division of labour. On this principle the whole system of the Bible Society proceeds : — the several minor districts of a Bible Association are confided to the care of their respective Sub- Committees, who report monthly to the Committee of their Association : the District Committee of the Auxiliary Society then present this condensed epitome to their General Committee : and, lastly, an abstract of the whole is furnished periodically to the Parent Institution. The neglect of a duty so important, and so easily fulfilled, as that of presenting a monthly report, should never be passed over without animadversion^ since >t is impossible for the Committee of an Auxiliary Society to present a faithful Report of their proceedings, unless they possess, collec- tively, an intimate knowledge of the state of their several districts. 3. It will be perceived that the heads No. 5 and 6, in the annexed form, are exclusively applicable to those districts in which associa- tions are established, and may be omitted where Branch Societies only are formed. The last member of the 6th head is only applicable where the Loan-fund is adopted. — See Chap. VIII. Section II. The interesting fact recorded in the Specimen, is extracted from the Fourth Annual Report of the Bible Association of Cavershaniy a village in Oxfordshire. SPECIMEN. N°. 12. AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY. Monthly Report of the 7th District Committee, Presented Qth of October, 1 820. Messrs. TV. Jones, Thomas Smith, H. TItomson, and TV. Clarlte attended the last Committee of the Bible Associatiuyi in this district ; relative to which we have to report : — 1. Number of members present was 28. — Total number of Committee, 36. 2. Reports were presented from all the districts. — Total number of districts, 20. 3. The amount paid in by the District Committees was £.34.2. 9 4. Amount voted to Auxiliary Societ}', on Purchase Account 14. 2. 9 Moiety Account . . . for General Object 20.0.0 5. Total number of free subscribers, 612. — For Bibles and Testaments, 186- 6. Total number of Bibles and Testaments distributed, 2136. — Number of Bibles and Testaments out on loan, 33. (Xj" The Jsso. 190 AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. [chap. II. Specimen of Report of District Committee. — Committee Notice. C^The Association is in a very ^flourishing state ; nearly every family found destitute has been supplied with the holy scriptures ; and many evidences of the good effects attending their circulation were reported. From these, we select the following : — " /« the ISth district, a poor woman, the wife of an unsteady and immoral character, had subscribed for and obtained a Bible. In their recent visits to her humble abode, the collectors have been delighted to find, that the perusal of the sacred volume has, under the Divine blessing, produced a complete alteration in the habits, temper, and disposition of this man. ' I never knew him take to any book as he has to that,' said his grateful wife ; ' he reads it every morning and night, and is become like a new man. All the neighbours can tell you that he is like another person ; besides, he is now so kind to me and the children; indeed we are much happier.' This man is now strictly observant of his religious duties ; attends his parish church punctually ; and never goes to the public house. He regularly takes his Bible every Sunday evening a considerable distance, to read to his aged mother." We have received this month the following Donations and Sub- scriptions for the Auxiliary Society; viz. — NAME. RESIDENCE. Old Subscrip. New Donat. New Subscr. Andrew Black . • Mrs. Hunter . . . Henry Brawn . . Mo. 8, Broad Street . Rutland Place .... Summer Hill . . . . £. s. d. 1.1.0 £. s. d. 10.10 . 0 £. s. d. 1.1.0 2.2.0 W Jones Secretary, ^i ^^^^^^,^ ^f ^he ihomasbmilh, > -r^- ^ • ^ r^ William Clarke, j ^^^^"^^ Committee. •»" It is particularly requested, that the actual state of the Branch Society, or Association, may be fully described every month. NO. IX. — COMMITTEE NOTICE. 1. As the regular time and place of meeting are specified in the 1st By-Law, they may be included with the Secretary's name in the printed form, so as to render it necessary to insert the date only. Whatever tends to save the valuable time of the secretaries is worthy of attention, 2. When it is necessary to call an extraordinary meeting of the Committee, which should never be done if it can be avoided with- out injury to the cause, the pen may be drawn through the words SECT, v.] FORMS OF BOOKS AND PAPERS. 191 Specimen of Committee Notice: — Collector's lleceipt. " the next " and " A Special" be substituted in their stead. The object of such meeting should be specified, pursuant to the XVth By-Law, under the Secretary's name. It may not be altogether unnecessary to observe, that, at all Special Meetings, the Chairman should confine the attention of the Committee exclusively to the object for which it has been as- sembled. SPECIMEN. Auxiliary Bible Society. Sir, The next Meeting of the Committee will be held, at the Council Chamber in the Guildhall, on JMonday next, the 16th instant, at Six o'clock precisely, 9th Nov, 1820. Wm. Brown, Minute Secretary. NO. X. — collector s receipt. 1. The Cash Secretary furnishes the Collector annually with a book of Receipts, successively numbered both in the Receipt and cor- responding Check. The Collector fills up the particulars in the checks, which he returns, with any receipts not used, to the Cash Secretary; by whom those receipts are handed to the Committees of the Districts within which the respective subscribers reside, pur- suant to the XXIId By-Law. SPECIMEN. No. 161. Ofc:) No. 161. 24./AO./oi.er,1820.gg8 AuxiliaryJ^ible Society. T> r S8^ Received, this 24//i of October 1820, of Received or C_>^i /oA« Martin, Esq., the sum of Two John Martin, Esn.r~y^^-^ _ . , . , . ' . ^ , . . r^fO=^ Guineas; bemg Ins Annual Subscription, =^•2.2.0 OOO ending 29/ A Heplember, 1820. Annual Subscription g§g IF. Richardson, due at Michaelmas. C^^O'^!Z> ' Collector. 2. It would save considerable trouble, if every Auxiliary Society endeavoured to specify one particular day on which all subscriptions should be considered as due, and gave notice to that effect in the Annual Report. 192 AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. [cMAP. II. Annual Meetings of Auxiliary Societies : — their necessity and advantages. It will be perceived, by the specimens, that all the books and papers are so constructed, as to give as little trouble to the Officers and Committee as is consistent with regularity and accuracy in the accounts. The advantage of printed forms is obvious, not only as they tend to facilitate the business and diminish the risk of error, but as they are more carefully preserved than loose memoranda. The expense attending these forms does not exceed that of good writing paper. This appears to be the most suitable place to introduce the Order of Proceedings at the Annual Meetings of Auxiliary Bible Societies, and such observations connected with the subject as experience has suggested, in addition to the remarks already submitted in the 8th division of Section XIV. Chapter I. 1. " As a general principle," says a judicious writer,* " it will be allowed that an Anniversary Meeting of a charitable societjs to inspect the accounts and to choose officers for the ensuing year, &c. is absolutely requisite, in order to prevent abuses, and to satisfy the subscribers of the due appro- priation of their bounty. I doubt, however, whether the members of our charitable societies could ever be brought together, merely to hear a report and attest proceedings which they can afterwards read over in print." An interest must be excited and maintained ; but this should be effected in a manner consistent with Christian simplicity ; [and it is highly gratifying to perceive, that a desire to render our festivals of benevolence all that they ought to be, is increasingly manifested both by the speakers and the members at large. " The spirit displayed," observes the same writer, " is sober, yet cheerful — animated, yet rational — grateful for the past, and hopeful for the future — in a word, as far as earth may approach to heaven, a spirit imitative of those celestial beings whose matin song, on the day of the Nativity, was ' Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace-, good-will to men.'' " The collateral benefits which result from these meetings are numerous and important : — " The mind becomes stimulated to new and more healthy action- in the cause of God and man ; the social and benevolent feelings are excited ; the importance of Eternal things becomes more fixed upon the heart ; a spirit of prayer is cherished and increased ; and from hearing what is our * See an admirable paper, entitled, " Beneficial effects of Meetings of Cha-- ritable Societies," in that excellent periodical work, " The Christian Observer" for July 1818, and a judicious letter signed S.N. in the same publication fop April 1820. SECT, v.] FORMS OF BOOKS AND PAPERS. 193 xVlterations suggested in the mode of conducting Annual INIcetings. duty at a time when the mind is particularly affected and impressed, a more permanent and active desire is often excited for its performance. It is almost impossible for an individual to plead the cause of this society, without feeling himself in some measure excited to be and to do what he descrii)es ; and it cannot be doubted that many holy resolutions have been formed on these occasions, which may have materially atfected the future life. If thei-e were no other advantage connected with the system, it would be an important one, that the members, and especially the committee of a society, are animated to begin another year with diligence and hope. Few men can labour long and zealously in complete retirement and shade ; the stimulus of social feeling is often necessary to animate the heart, and recruit the exhausted powers. Subscribers, also, soon become uninterested, and gradually drop off, without this occasional excitement : so that, as loiig as the excite- ment does not exceed the bounds of sobriety, and remains duly regulated by piety and discretion, it is rather to be encouraged than repressed." 2. But it is worthy of serious consideration, whether these and the other advantages derived from our pubhc meetings may not be strengthened and extended, rather than impaired, by a Uttle alteration in the mode of conducting tliem ; — whether, instead of the customary votes of thanks, the reso- lutions may not be so framed, as to recognise principles and practice rather than men, and express the opinion of the meeting upon the past prosperity and opening prospects of the society whose objects it is convened to promote. It is respectfvdly submitted, that, by the adoption of a plan some- what similar to the following, " the addresses would be more especially confined to the main subject of the operations and efficiency of the society ; and the praise of all the good effected would be more readily and cheerfully and entirely ascriljed to Him alone, * from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed.' Every sjiecies of adulation, on occasions like these, is foreign to the production of that Christian huinility by which we ought at all times to be actuated, and at variance with the genius and spirit of the Gospel of Christ." 3. There is another branch of the subject which cannot with propriety be entirely overlooked, although it is difficult to recommend any general rule, where local circumstances and individual feeling must define the line of prudence. The time occupied by the General Meetings of Bible Societies is, in general, profitably spent ; but it may be extended beyond the period which a right judgment and correct taste would prescribe. It may admit of a doubt whether this period should in any case exceed four hours ; and, perhaps, if the duration of those of Auxiliary Societies and Associations were limited to three, the beneficial effects 194 AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. [chap, II. Order of Proceedings at an Annual Meeting. would be increased. It is evident that, in any arrangement of this kind, much will depend on the respective speakers : — the length of an address, however, is usually estimated by its interest, rather than the time occupied in its delivery ; but it ' should never be forgotten, that there is a courtesy due to the audience, as well as to those who are invited to take part in the proceedings. 4. ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION AT THK ANNUAL MEETINGS OF AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETIES. The President, or one of the Vice-Presidents, having been called to the Chair: 1. The Chairman^ 2. A.B. 3. C. D. -—. 4. E.F. G.H. 6. I.K.. 7. L. M. will open the business of the meeting, and conclude by requesting one of the secretaries to read the Re- port of the Committee. will read the Report, including the Treasurer's ac- count as audited. will move the Resolution No. 1 — " That the Report now read be received, adopted, and printed under the direction of the Committee." will second the jNIotion No. 1. The Chainnan having put the question, will move tlie Resolution No 2 — " That this meeting avails itself of the renewed opportunity now afforded, to express its undiminished attachment to the object and design of the British and Foreign Bible Society ; and desires to congratu- late the Connnittee of that Institution on the suc- cess of their benevolent exertions at home and abroad." will second the Motion No. 2. The Chairman having put the question, will move the Resolution No. 3 — " That this meeting congratulates the Committees of the several Branch Societies and Associations con- nected with this Institution, on the progress already made towards supplying the destitute in tlieir re- spective districts with the holy scriptures, and on the assistance afforded to the Parent Society in extend- ing the same invaluable blessing throughout the world." SECT, vr.] BaAXCH BIBLE SOCIETrES. 195 Branch Societies generally less productive than Auxiliaries. B. N. O. D. P. <2- -^ 10. R.S. 11. T. F. 12. fr.x. 13. Y.Z: 14. B.4. 15. The Chairman. will second the Motion No. 3. The Chairman having put the question, will move the Kesolution No. 4 — " That this meeting participates in the satisfaction which the success of this society, during the past year, must afford to the President, the Vice-Presidents, Officers, and Committee; and that the following gen- tlemen be the officers and committee for the ensuing year, with power to fill up any vacancies in their number ; viz." [Here insert the names o^ the Treasurer^ Secreta- ries., and members of the Committee.^ will second the ]Motion No. 4. The Chairman having put the question, will move the Resolution No. 5 — "■ That this meeting cordially acknowledges the kindness of those gentlemen who have attended on behalf of the Parent Society, and who have thus afforded a fresli illustration of that spirit of harmony and love which unites the various denominations of the Christian Church in this work of mercy." will second the INIotion No. 5. The Chairman having put the question, will move the Resolution No. 6 — " That this meeting aknowledges, with grateful respect, the obliging manner in which the Chairman has conducted the business of the day." will second the Motion No. 6. The Mover having put the question, wiU acknowledge the Resolution, refer to the plates for receiving contributions, and adjourn the Meeting to the day specified in the General Rules. SECTION VI. BRANCH BIBLE SOCIETIES — CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. 1. It has been already intimated, that Auxiliary Societies are, in general, more productive and efficient than Branch Societies of the same extent ; and where the population is of sufficient magnitude, and suitable patronage and officers, with an effective Committee, can be obtained, the constitution of the former may be recommended as preferable. But there are many situations wherein it may be desirable o2 196 AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. [CHAP. 11. Rules and Regulations recommended for adoption by Branch Societies. to establish a " Branch Society," but where it may be im- practicable or inexpedient to form an "Auxiliary;" and the subject will now be considered in reference to such cases. 2. It will be recollected, that the only difference between the two establishments is this : — that an Auxiliary Society remits its funds to, and draws its supplies of Bibles and Tes- taments from, the Parent Institution ; while a Branch Society maintains a similar connexion witli the Auxiliary Society. The extent of privilege, collectively and individually, is pre- cisely the same in both cases. Where a Bible Association is established within the district embraced by a Branch Society, the latter possesses the same unlimited right of purchasing Bibles and Testaments at cost prices, with the funds and on account of such Association, from the depository of the Auxiliary Society, as the latter enjoys from the Parent Institution on behalf of an Association connected directly with it. 3. The following are the Rules and Regulations recom- mended by the British and Foreign Bible Society for adop- tion by Branch Societies; the parenthetical additions being suggested, to render the plan more explicit :— 1. That the object and constitution of the British and Foreign Bible Society have the cordial approbation of this meeting. 2. That a society be (now) formed, to be called " The Branch Bible Society of ," for the purpose of co-operating with the British and Foreign Bible Society {through the medium of the /Juxiliary Society), in promoting the distribution of the holy scriptures both at home and abroad. S. That, conformably to the principles of the British and Foreign Bible Societ}^ the Bibles and Testaments to be circulated by this society shall be without note or comment, and those in the languages of the United Kingdom of the authorised version onl}"^. 4. That all persons subscribing one guinea per annum, or upwards, or ten guineas, or upwards, at one time, shall be members of this society. 5. That the business of this society shall be conducted by a President, "Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer, Secretaries, and a Committee consisting of other members, half of whom shall be members of the Esta- blished Church ; and that — members of this Coiumittee constitute a quorum. 6. That every clergyman, or other minister, who is a meiuber of the So- ciety, shall be entitled to attend and vote at the meeetings of the Committee. 7. That the Committee shall meet once every month, or oftener, on some day to be fixed by themselves. 8. That the Committee divide this neighbourhood into districts, and appoint two or more of their members for each district, who may associate ■with themselves any subscribers for the purpose of soliciting subscriptions and donations from the inhabitants thereof; and that they establish proper agents and correspondents in different parts within the limits of this Branch Society. SECT. VI.] BRANCH BIBLE SOCIETIES. 197 Rules and Regulations recommended for adoption by Branch Societies. 9. Tliat the wliole of the subscriptions and donations received by this So- ciety shall be remitted half-yearly, after deducting incidental expenses, to the Auxiliary Bible Society of , on condition of sucli society grant- ing to this the same privileges which the Parent Institution grants, in such case, to its Auxiliary Societies. 10. That the Committee shall make it their business to inquire {either personally or by means of Bible ^Associations) what families or individuals residing within the several districts are in want of Bibles or Testaments, and unable to procure them ; and that it sliall be the duty of the Committee to furnish them therewith at prime cost, reduced prices, or gratis, according to their circiunstances. 1 1. That such persons as may not find it convenient to become members of this society shall, upon forming themselves into Bible Associations {and sending- a copy of their Rules to the Committee), he entitled to purchase, at the depository of this society, under the direction of the Committee, copies of the Scriptures at prime cost, for gratuitous distribution, or sale at prime cost or reduced prices, among their poorer neighbours. 12. That all clergymen, and other ministers, within the sphere of this society, making collections in their respective congregations in behalf of the institution, shall be entitled, on remitting such collections to the Treasurer of this society, to receive Bibles and Testaments to an amount not exceed- ing one-half of the said respective collections, estimated at prime cost, as shall be found to be needed by the poor in the vicinity ; such return of Bi- bles and Testaments to be claimed within one year from the remittance of the collection. It is recommended, in all practicable cases, to supply the poor by sale, rather than by gift. 13. That a General Meeting of the subscribers be held at the in each year, when the accounts shall be presented, the proceedings of the past year stated, a new Committee formed, and a Report agreed upon, to be printed under the direction of the Committee, and circulated among the Members. 14. That, in the formation of the New Committee, the {President, Vice- Presidents) Treasurer, Secretaries, and such three-fourths of the other Members as have most frequently attended the Committee, shall be re- eligible for the ensuing year. 15. That be President, Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Secretaries, and Members of the Committee for the year ensuing. 1 6. That annual subscriptions and donations be now entered into, and that they be also received by the treasurer, {secretaries,) and tlie several bankers of this town and neighbourhood. 17. That these Resolutions be published in such manner as the Committee may direct ; and a copy of them, signed by the chairman, transmitted to the President of the Auxiliary Bible Society at . 1 8- That the Committee meet tlie — — • — instant, at o'clock, and prepare, print, and circulate an address on the objects and viewa of this society. 3. The " Observations" on the Rules of an Auxihary So- ciety {see Section II. of this Chapter) are equally applicable to those of a Branch Society ; and the few verbal alterations which are necessary, in order to adapt the By-Laws (see Sec- /io7i III.) to the design of the latter, will readily suggest them- selves to the reader. 198 AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. [cHAP. IF. Observations on the Rules. 4. When one or more individuals feel disposed to establish a Branch Bible Society in the town or district where they re- side, they should proceed towards the attainment of their object in the manner described in Section IV. ; only deriving the requisite assistance from the Committee of the Auxiliary Society with which they propose to connect themselves, in- stead of applying to that of the Parent Institution. But as it more frequently happens that the impulse is given by the District Committee of the Auxiliary Society, in fulfilling the duties prescribed by the XVIth By-Law, it may be proper to observe, that much will depend on the prudence and wisdom of their preliminary proceedings. Those individuals to whom the design is first communicated should be persons of local respectability and influence, and the object and plan of the society be thoroughly explained to them, before any mea- sures are adopted for calling a General Meeting and esta- blishing the society. Important as is the design, and replete with blessings wherever it has been steadily pursued, it should never be forced on the public attention, in opposition to the wishes of those who are most competent to judge of its expe- diency. Delay may sometimes be as much a duty as de- spatch, and may be rendered more profitable by the prudent circulation of full and accurate information on the subject. 5. The mode of organizing a Branch Society, — the duties of the officers and Committee, — the mode of conducting the Committee Meetings, — and the forms of the books and pa- pers,— are so similar to those already described, that it is only necessary to refer the reader to the ])receding Sections. Every suggestion which may be found useful to the officers or Committee of an Auxiliary Society, is equally applicable to those of a Branch Society, who should cultivate, by every means in their power, that mutual confidence and good un- derstanding which has hitherto characterized the various parts of the system, and facilitated all their proceedings. 6. Where the seat of a Branch Society is at a considerable distance from that of the Auxiliary with which it is con- nected, it may be found advantageous to the former to avail itself of the following regulation, adopted in the spring of 1818 by the Parent Society : — " The Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society, desirous of rendering the utmost practicable facility in furnishing Bibles and Testa- ments to every department connected with their Auxiliary Societies, respect- fully inform the several Committees, that, where it may be found more coi>. SECT. VII.] GENERAL REMARKS. 199 Two-fold object of Auxiliary Societies. venient to have their Branch Societies supplied direct from the depository in London, they may authorise tlieir Branches to remit their moneys and or- ders to the house of the Parent Institution, when they M'ill be regularly entered to the account of the Auxiliary Society, as though transmitted through the medium of its officers." It should be distinctly understood, that this arrangement is dependent, in all cases, on the mutual consent of the re- spective AuxiUary and Branch Societies, between which the most perfect unanimity ought always to subsist. And it will be evident, that a statement of all remittances made, and the particulars of all Bibles and Testaments received, should be immediately furnished by the Secretaries of the Branch So- cieties to those of the Auxiliaries, in order that the accounts of the latter may agree with the book^ of the Parent In- stitution. SECTION VII. GENERAL REMARKS. 1. It has been truly remarked, that " in no respect is the British and Foreign Bible Society more peculiarly distin- guished, than by the facility with which it has been found to adapt itself to the circimistances of mankind, and the capability which it has thereby shewn of converting to its use whatever could forward its purposes, or conduce to its im- provement." * — And with equal justice it may be added, that, in the application of those diversified means, the fundamental principles of the institution have been preserved inviolate ; and the system, throughout its various parts, has been founded and progressively matured with a sti'ict observance of the singleness and purity of that object which it is designed to promote. 2. Nor v»ill it be less evident to the reader, that the w^hole organization of 9.n Auxiliary, or Branch Society, proceeds according to a clear and intelligible line, which distinctly recognises the two-fold object of their establishment : — -Jirst, the adoption of measures for the supply of their local defi- ciencies ; and, secondly, a co-operation with the Parent Society in promoting the universal dissemination of the holy scrip- tures. That the system detailed in the preceding sections of this chapter is calculated to effect both, has been sufficiently proved in the comparative statement introduced in the third * Oiven's History, Vol. III. p. 354. 200 AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. [cHAP. II. Many Societies defective in their organization. division of Section XIV. Chapter I. ; and it only remains to consider its practical operation in a few points, which could not, with propriety, be introduced under any of the preceding heads. 3. It will readily be acknowledged, that many Auxiliary and a still greater number of Branch Societies in the United Kingdom are susceptible of a higher degree of organization than they have hitherto received. Most of them were esta- blished before the system had reached its present state of per- fection; and the incessant claims on the time and attention of the officers of the Parent Institution have not left them at liberty to adopt such measures, in reference to this important subject, as the nature of the case demands. While this con- sideration affords an additional argument for that increase of agents Avhich has been recommended in a former part of this work, it furnishes a powerful motive to those who occupy this responsible station, to investigate the actual state of the societies they visit, and to attend, not their General Meetings only, but their Committees, where alone this know- ledge can be acquired, and the system be practically adopted. If this plan were steadily and perseveringly pursued through- out the empire, the results would be incalculably beneficial, not only in promoting the primary object of local societies, but in extending the means and increasing the usefulness of the Parent Institution. 4. But the organization of Auxiliary and Branch Societies, however important, can never supersede the necessity of a regular, or at least occasional attendance of their Annual Meetings by the Officers of the Parent Society. The ad- vantages derived from their assistance on these occasions are known and appreciated thoughout the nation, and cannot be better described than in the following extract from the Tenth Report :— *' For much" of that vigor which has characterized the Auxiliary Societies in several parts of the country, your Committee are authorised by those Auxiliary Societies to say, that they are indebted to the seasonable visits and zealous services of your secretaries, whose exertions during the past year, both in discharging their official and these extraordinary duties, have given them a renewed claim to the respect and gi-atitude of the society." 5. As it is through the medium of Bible Associations that the local wants of the district can be most accurately known and most efficiently supplied, the Committee of an Auxiliary, or Branch Society, should direct their early attention to the establishment and proper organization of those highly SECT. VII.] GENERAL REMARKS. 201 Mode of conduct proper to pursue towards Associations. miportant institutions. The mode of proceeding will be fully explained and illustrated in the succeeding Chapters ; but it may not be unnecessary to observe, that the Committee, and especially the secretaries, of an Auxiliary or Branch Society, should be well acquainted with the whole system, and exer- cise a constant and vigilant superintendence of its practical details. At the same time, it should always be remembered, that, as no authority is assumed by the Parent Society over the internal regulations of its affiliated institutions, so none is possessed by the latter over the proceedings of their con- nected Associations, while they adhere with scrupulous fidelity to those principles which constitute the bond of union. Every separate establishment, vuider whatever designation, is an independent society, and governed by its own rules and regulations ; but there is a law of kindness and mutual con- fidence, which, as it has hitherto been preserved unbroken, will, it is confidently hoped, always characterize the members of the Bible Society. 6. The Southwark Auxiliary Bible Society, to which allusion has been already made, has committed the supply of the local wants exclusively to the Associations connected with it, except in reference to Prisons and Hospitals : and the Auxiliary Society of the County of Kent, following this example, judiciously observe, in their Annual Report for 1815:— " At the request of the Committee of the Maidstone Bible Association, your Committee no longer distribute Bibles in this town, but have gladlj transferred that work to the Association ; fully persuaded, that, to enable the poor to supply their own wants through the medium of Bible Associations, is to impart to them a double benefit — is to produce in their own minds a more just valuation of the holy scriptures ; and also to excite a sympathy of no ordinary kind with the spiritual poverty of those of their fellow-creaturea who have hitherto had no access to the word and promises of God." 7. The attainment of this primary object, and the asto- nishing increase of the funds of Auxihary and Branch Societies by means of Bible Associations, constitute a suffi- cient reason for recommending their general encouragement : but this, it has been well observed, — " is not the only benefit likely to accrue from the general prevalence of such institutions. Their indirect effects, upon the character and circumstances of that class of the community which they chiefly embrace, are of a nature highly interesting to the patriot, the philanthropist, and the Christian. To every reflecting mind it must be apparent, that to interest the great body of the community about matters of this nature, must tend to elevate their character, by engaging their attention to noble and worthy objects ; to foster the spirit of honourable independence> by placing them in the station, not 202 AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. [cHAP, II. The public Proceedings of Ladies' Societies, conducted by Gentlemen. of recipients, but of donors; to apply an impulse to their benevolent aiFec- tions, by making them feel in their experience the truth of that beautiful saying, ' Jt is more blessed tn give than to receive;^ to stimulate, by means of the same experience, to honest industry, and promote the habits of economy and sobriety ; to raise their own estimation of the Bible, by leading them to view it as a valuable gift to others ; and by drawing their attention more closely to that blessed book, to advance individual and social- happiness, by teaching them to ' do juitly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God.' " * 8. When Ladies' Bible Associations are formed in a district, it will devolve on the Officers and Committee of the AuxiUary or Branch Society to conduct their public proceed- ings, and to afford them every requisite facility and encou- ragement. If these associations be connected with the Auxiliary Society through the medium of a Ladies' Branch, the secretaries should be officially appointed a District Com- mittee to attend and assist the latter at their regular Com- mittee Meetings. In this, as in every other part of the pro- ceedings, nothing ought to be left subject to uncertainty, but a specific and responsible appointment be made for every department. 9. It may probably be going too far to say, that in no case whatever should a Branch Society, or an Association, be supplied with Bibles and Testaments beyond the amount of the balance at their credit in the Leger ; but as every insti- tution ought at least to support itself, if it cannot contribute to the general object, no deviation from this principle should be allowed without the most minute investigation of the cir- cumstances. The following fact will affiard a gratifying illus- tration of this remark. — In a populous district in the vicinity of the metropolis, the Committee of a Bible Association had adopted a scale of prices, at which Bibles and Testaments might be sold to the poor considerably under their cost : the number of Bible Subscribers rapidly increased ; and it soon became evident, that the amount of free contributions was insufficient to counterbalance the loss, and that the funds were consequently inadequate to the supply of the subscribers. An appeal was in consequence made to the Committee of the Auxiliary Society, and a grant of Bibles and Testaments solicited. This application was calmly and fully consi- dered, and, on a review of all the circumstances of the case, unanimously rejected : but the Committee of the Association were earnestly recommended to institute a general canvas of * Third Annual Rgport of jlie Glasjjow AuxiUary Bible Society. SECT. VII.] GENERAL REMARKS. 20S Inexpediency of gratuitous grants exemplified. their several districts for free contributions ; and a few mem- bers of the Auxihary Committee, offered their services, to assist them herein, if necessary. This recommendation was promptly adopted ; and the measure carried into effect with such success, that, at the next meeting of the Auxiliary Com- mittee, the thanks of the Association were officially commu- nicated, for that refusal which had given a new impulse to their proceedings. The scale of prices was subsequently revised, in reference to all future subscribers ; and, before the close of the following year, this Association had contributed nearly two hundred pounds to the general object of the Parent Society. 10. The privilege of making graluitoiis grants of Bibles and Testaments should be vested exclusively in the Com- mittee of an Auxiliary or Branch Society. This plan is now adopted in every well-organised institution, and materially diminishes the trouble and responsibility of the Associations on whose recommendation alone any grant should be made. On receiving an application of this nature, it is immediately referred to the District Committee, within whose allotted boundaries the party resides, for investigation ; and on their Report is finally complied with or rejected. It may not be improper to observe, that the general adoption of the Loan- Fund plan, which will be fully detailed in Chapter VIIL, has in many places entirely superseded gratuitous grants. 11. Among the most important duties which devolve on the Committee of an Auxiliary or Branch Society, is that of circulating information relative to the proceedings of the Parent Institution, and the progress of the cause both at home and abroad. The Annual Reports, Monthly Extracts of Correspondence, and other publications of a similar description, should be transmitted promptly and regularly to the Committees of the several Associations ; and nothing be omitted which can assist and encourage them in the discharge of their interesting duties. Nor is this recommendation inconsistent with that strict attention to economy, in every department, which should characterize a Bible Society ; as the expense thus incurred repays itself, in a tenfold degree, by the additional interest excited, and the gratification afforded to subscribers. That husbandman is the most likely to per- severe in his labours, who beholds the increase of the seed which he has scattered ; — and never did a field present a more rich and abundant harvest than that we are now con- templating. 204 AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. [CHAP. II. Economy promoted by keeping a stock of Account Books, &c. The extent to which this information is supphed, will of course depend on circumstances ; but, as a general rule, it may be prudent to furnish an association with two or three copies of the Annual Report of the Parent Society, to circulate among the members of the Committee, and subsequently to be lent to the free contributors. Every collector should be regularly presented with a copy of the Monthly Extracts, and a requisite supply for the subscribers in the district. This subject will be more fully considered in Chapters III. and VII., in reference to the internal arrangements of Bible As- sociations. 12. It will be fovmd conducive to the economy which has been recommended, for Auxiliary and Branch Societies to keep a stock of such account-books, papei's, &c. as are necessary for organizing and conducting Bible Associations, and enabling them without delay to proceed to the discharge of their duties. Another advantage derived from this regu- lation, is the maintenance of one uniform mode of proceeding throughout the whole system, and the consequent facility of its extension where it is deemed expedient. Of the im- portance of this last consideration, the Committee of the Parent Society thus express their opinion, in the Fourteenth Report : — " Your Committee take this opportunity of suggesting, as the result of their experience, that, in order to render these institutions prosperous and effective, it will be necessary that their Committee Meetings be as frequent as local circumstances will admit; and that their operations be conducted throughout Avith that regard to system which is essential to the accoraplish- oaent of every undertaking." 13. It has already been observed, in reference to the XXIVth By-Law, that a number of the Annual Reports of an Auxiliary Society should be promptly transmitted to the Parent Institution. But the communication of any important intelligence is not to be limited to this medium : — any inter- esting information relative to the progress of the Society, derived from the Reports of the District Committees, Branches, or Associations, should be transmitted from time to time to the Committee of the Parent Institution, whose duty it is to select, arrange, and circulate such intelligence, as may tend to promote the general cause. Any Auxiliary Society that expects to be furnished with intelligence of the foreign and domestic operations, shovdd not be remiss in contributing its quota to the general stock. SECT. VII.] GENERAL REMARKS. 203 Influence of Bible Institutions on Society'-. 14. The Annual Report of an Auxiliary or Branch Society should contain a clear and faithful exposition of its pro- ceedings and results throughout the whole of its allotted dis- trict. It has been already observed, that in places remote from the metropolis, a condensed view of the recent opera- tions of the Parent Society may be introduced with advan- tage: but it should always be recollected, that the domestic details constitute the primary and paramount subject of a Local Report. 15. The benefits derived to the British and Foreign Bible Society from the practical application of the system detailed in the preceding pages, cannot be better described than in the following extract from the Twelfth Report : — " The Auxiliary Societies have justified their claim to that title, in the most extensive interpretation; as, independently of their liberality to the Parent Institution, and their local efficiency in distributing the Scriptures, they have contributed, by their influence and example, to excite an atten- tion to the establishment of other Auxiliaries, of Branch Societies, and of Bible Associations — the whose exhibiting a system of benevolent co-operation for the best end, and through the purest means. By these gradations the lowest orders of society become connected with the highest in one great work of Christian charity' ; and the bounty of all, accumulated into one stream, is again poured forth, to enrich the spots from which it flowed, or to fertilize the barren tracts of distant regions." But important as are these advantages, there are other grounds on which the Auxiliary System may confidently rest its appeal to the countenance of the wise and good, while they furnish matter at this eventful crisis for deep and so- lemn reflection. These have been described by the Com- mittee, at the close of their Sixteenth Report, in a manner which justifies the selection of the passage as an appropriate conclusion of this Chapter : — " Nor will it fail to have struck the members of the So- ciety, while attending to the transactions of the year, how greatly the Institution has strengthened its claims to the vene- ration and support of the Christian public, by the increased evidence of its usefulness in cherishing the growth of vital religion, and thereby promoting the happiness of individuals and the best interests of the community. The craving desires which have been expressed for the word of God, and the thankfulness which has been uttered when this desire has been gratified, have been uniformly associated with those principles and feeUngs on which are founded loyalty and contentment, subjection to Principalities and Powers for con- son AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. [cHAP. II. Exemplary conduct of Ijocal Bible Societies. science sake, and a quiet and peaceable demeanour in all godliness and honesty. Nor would your Committee stand excused to themselves, if they were to omit to remark how strikingly the truth of this observation has been illustrated in the conduct of the Society's Domestic Auxiliaries, during the trial through which they have recently passed. While Infidelity has been lifting up her audacious front, and utter- ing her many blasphemies ; while her adherents have been labouring with infatuated zeal to detach the labouring classes of the community from their allegiance to the Bible, the So- cieties and Associations in connexion with your Institution remained steady to their engagements ; and bore, at their anniversaries, an unshrinking testimony to the truth and ex- cellence of that WORD which no calumnies will be able to de- preciate, and no violence to destroy." 207 CHAP. III. BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS (CONDUCTED BY GEtiTLEMES). AS POOR, YET MAKING MANY RICH." 2 COR- VI. 10. PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. The system of Bible Associations has now been in operation for more than eight years : the results are before the public ; and the general opinion of tlreir importance is manifested by the establishment of more than one thousand of these interest- ing institutions, and the progressive increase of their num- ber. We are justified, therefore, in considering their effects with that attention which a national object demands : and as these effects are naturally connected with the developement of the system, a few general remarks, on the tendency of Bible Associations, will not be considered out of place in a work of this nature. It is a prevalent, but most erroneous opinion, that the end of these associations is attained when the local wants of the poor are supplied ; and that the efforts of benevolence and the visits of mercy may then cease, with- out injury to the cause, or an abatement of that interest which had been excited throughout the mass of the community. Such a sentiment, in the author's view of the subject, strikes at the vitality of the Bible Society, to which the permanency of Bible Associations appears to him to be as essential as that of any other portion of the Auxiliary System. But the consequences of this impression appear yet more un- favourable in another point of view. In direct proportion to the knowledge of the labouring classes acquired by those in the superior ranks of society, and to the benevolent interest and prudent attention manifested towards them, will the frame of civil society be strengthened and maintained. The rich will feel for the poor, and the poor will be grateful and respectful to the rich. There are a thousand kind offices that each may render to the other, but of which both have been deprived by mutual ignorance and distrust. Is it not evident, that the cessation of those kind visits and inquiries which originated with the Bible Association, will induce a ^08 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [ciIAP.III. Effects of Bible Associations on the I'oor. belief that a merely temporary motive influenced them? And will not the interest felt by the affluent in the welfore and happiness of the poor gradually decay, if that which has nourished it be Mathheld ? To render real assistance to the poor, by instructing them how to assist themselves, you must not only acquire but retain their confidence ; and this can be done by steady perseverance alone. The various ranks of society may be compared to the inequalities of the earth — the streams gush forth from the hills, that they may fertilize the valleys : yet it is not the wintry mountain-torrent, rushing impetuously from its transient source, that gives verdure to the fields ; but the brooks, whose fountains are perennial, and whose waters overflow at their appointed seasons. It has been asked by an able and eloquent writer,* in reference to this subject: " What, after all, is the best method of pro- viding for the secular necessities of the poor ? Is it by la- bouring to meet the necessity after it has occurred, or by labouring to establish a principle and a habit which wovild go far to prevent its existence ?" To this important question the answer is obvious — " If you wish to extinguish poverty, combat with it in its first elements. If you confine your be- neficence to the relief of actual poverty, you do nothing. Dry up, if possible, the spring of fpoverty ; for every attempt to intercept the running stream has totally failed." That it is the tendency of Bible Associations, in connexion with other admirable institutions, to effect this great object, we have the most ample and unequivocal evidence. Education has laid the grovmd-work ; but education is an evil rather than a good, if correct principles of action be not instilled and enforced. From the Bible alone can these be derived ; and hence tl^e have an increased motive to exertion. The poor, taught by the visits of the collectors how they may acquire a Bible at a sacrifice that is scarcely felt even l)y the most indigent, gladly embrace the opportunity. Gratified by the regular weekly calls of their superiors, they endeavour to render their humble abodes more cleanly and attractive: — the effort is noticed with approbation, and comparative comfort and order are enj<5yed. The husband and the father no longer spends his evenings from his family ; — he begins to taste the pleasures of home ; and to consider whether his weekly earnings may not be more profitably expended than in sensual and degrading pursuits. The expected Bible is at length obtained, — the • Dr. Chalmers, in his admirable pamphlet entitled " The influence of Bible Societies en the temporal necessities of the poor." SECT. 1.] ORIGIN OP BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS. 209 Origin of Bible Associations — projected by Mr. Richard Phillips. perusal of it confirms the habits recently acquired, and they gradually attain the force of principles. He finds he is able to lay by a portion of his weekly gains ; and cheerfully devotes the first-fruits of his increase to that cause which he has found to be a blessing. The visits of the collectors are con- sequently continued regularly, their advice is solicited, and the Savings' Bank is recommended as a secure depository for the newly-formed basis of future independence. Here is the natural progress of the system, not drawn by the pencil of imagination, but indited by truth. In numerous cases the poor have acknowledged, that, although they conceived at first it would be difficult to spare the requisite subscription, they were soon convinced of their error ; — that in endeavour- ing to save one penny a week, they acquired habits of system and economy ; — and that, by perseverance in those habits, they speedily found themselves placed in comparatively easy circumstances. To increase the comforts, harmonize the affections, and give a moral feeling to the character and pursuits of the poor, must afford pure and unmingled plea- sure ; but to accomplish this without inflicting the sense of obligation, and by their own agency alone, enhances the sa- tisfection, while it increases the effect. SECTION I. origin or BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS. 1. He who would trace the History of the British and Foreign Bible Society should keep steadily in view the first principles of this remarkable institution. Uniting the affec- tions and securing the co-operation of the members of all denominations of professing Christians, the energies and the abilities of all have been called into exercise ; and many indi- viduals, whose retired habits had long concealed them from the public eye, having been attracted by the importance and purity of the design, have here found a centre whence their benevolence might expand, while their various talents wer€ directed to the attainment of the higl.est object of human pur- suit— the glory of their Creator, and the happiness of man. Among those individuals was Richard Phillips, Esq., to whom allusion has already been made in the preceding chapter, and to whom the British and Foreign Bible Society is indebted for the regulations which have given order and efficiency to its Auxiharies. But it is in reference to the par- ticular subject on which we are now entering, that he pos- sesses a peculiar claim to the gratitude of his country and of 210 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [cHAP. III. Origin of Bible Associations — projected by Mr. Richard Phillips. mankind. Auxiliary Societies had succeeded in awakening an interest in the more affluent orders of the community, and in disseminating information relative to the object and design of the institution ; but little had hitherto been effected to- wards the extension of this interest throughout the great mass of our population. Partial and unconnected efforts had, indeed, been made in some few places, by benevolent indivi- duals ; but nothing seems to have been contemplated, far less attempted, on a scale commensurate v.'ith the acknowledged importance of the object, or on a plan calculated to insure stability and permanence, 2. In the summer of 1811, Mr. Phillips had an opportunity of witnessing the mode generally adopted by the Auxiliary Societies then established, for circulating the Bibles and Testaments received from the Parent Institution, and was speedily convinced of its inexpediency. In pursuing the train of reflections attendant on this conviction, and in contemplat- ing the destitute state of our own population, he perceived the insufficiency of the means thus provided for ascertaining the extent of the deficiency, and providing an adequate supply. To a mind constituted like his, the discovery of an evil is a sufficient motive to seek a remedy. He conceived it possible to interest the poor themselves ; to create a desire for that sacred treasure which so many thousands of them had never possessed ; and to liberate the funds of the Auxi- liary Societies for the general object, while the home supply should be more effectually secured, in a manner calculated to enhance the value of the sacred volume. To realise the prospect which had thus opened to his view, this Founder of Bible Associations immediately prepared a Code of Rules for their government, and introduced a provi- sion for their establishment in the regulations he had em- bodied for Auxiliary and Branch Societies. Those admirable measures constitute the ground-work of every subsequent proceeding, and the basis of that system which has already produced such astonishing effects in our own country, and promises, in its ultimate results, to be a blessing to the world. This Code of Rules was originally prepared in the autumn of 1811, and was unanimously approved, and recommended for general adoption, by the Committee of the Parent Institu- tion in the spring of 1812. The very few alterations which the experience of nine years has suggested in these regula- tions, afford the best evidence of their adaptation to the end designed. SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS. 211 First Bible Associations formed at Higli Wycombe and Darlington. 3. The Bible Associations of High Wycombe in Buck- inghamshire, and of Darlington in the county of, Durham, appear to have been the first that were established on me- thodical principles.* But the introduction of the system in SouTHWARK, and the invention and adoption of those minor details that gave faciUty to its application, led to results so far surpassing all previous calculations as to demand especial notice. The practical illustration of the system, as exhibited in this populous district, may be considered the primary cause of that extensive success which has attended its adoption throughout the empire. The force of example was here superadded to the lessons of benevolence and wisdom, and both combined became resistless. 4. About the close of the year 1811, the idea of forming an Auxiliary Bible Society in Southwark was first suggested. Hitherto, no establishment of this description had been con- templated in the metropolis ; and it is a gratifying reflection, that the idea was originally communicated in the course of a casual conversation with Mr. Phillips. The only apparent difficulty arose from the proximity of the seat of the Parent Institution, and the consequent belief that the necessity for the propctfed establishment, so far as regarded the home sup- ply, had been superseded. To meet this objection, by as- certaining how far it was well-founded, it appeared desirable to investigate the fact by extensive personal inquiry. During the succeeding winter, the author visited more than two thousand families in this crowded portion of the capital; and, with respect to the immediate object of inquiry, the result was painfully corroborative of previous opinions — con- siderably more than one-half being found destitute of the holy scriptures. But it is in reference to another subject that this allusion is made. In the course of these visits, a high degree of satisfaction was experienced, in witnessing many instances of grateful sensibility and disinterested benevolence, even where it might have been supposed that provision for the daily wants of life must absorb every other consideration. We are too apt to complain of the selfishness of the labouring • It should be stated, that this observation is made in reference to the rules devised by Mr. Phillips. The remarkable instances of the Sheffield Juvenile Bible Society, established in the year 1804, without any knowledge of the ex- istence of the British and Foreign Bible Society ; and of the Aberdeen Female Servants* Society ; will be more distinctly considered in Chap. VII. p2 212 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [cHAP. III. Adoption of the plan in Southwark on systematic principles. classes, and to exaggerate the effects of penury upon their hearts ; but it does not always " Freeze the genial cuiTent of the soul :" and never can it be forgotten by the author, that it was in these visits he first conceived it possible to realise the most glowing visions of philanthropy ; — to direct the rays of mercy on the obscure abodes of poverty ; and, when they had illu- minated the narrow walls, and cheered the awakened inmate, to reflect them back on distant and benighted lands. Not only was the greatest willingness manifested to subscribe for Bibles, and the most cordial gratitude expressed ; but, in numerous instances, individuals who were destitute were pointed out by their poor neighbours, and money importu- nately ofl'ered to assist in their supply : and when the state of foreign and heathen countries was occasionally described, the glowing cheek and the moistened eye rarely failed to bear testimony to the interest excited, in behalf of millions of whom they had never previously heard. The General Meet- ing, convened for the establishment of the Southwark Society, was not calculated to remove or weaken these impressions;. The almost prophetic language of the lamented Henry Thornton, Esq. in allusion to those " visits to the poor, which seem to connect them with their superiors, and to pro- duce a feeling of mutual regard and general philanthropy," was followed by that masterly exposition of the tendency of Bible Associations, which has identified Professor Dealtry* with the earl;^ history of these important institutions. 5. The district embraced by the Southwark Society com- prises a population exceeding 150,000 souls. Scarcely had the Committee commenced their labours, when it became evident that the time and attention which could be devoted by thirty or forty individuals, engaged in the active duties of professional and commercial life, must be utterly inadequate to the due investigation of the state of the poor, so as to ascertain the extent of the deficiency and the best mode of supply. But the very limited degree of experience that established this fact had likewise confirmed another — by prov- ing the readiness of the labouring classes to assist, not only in supplying themselves, but others, were a proper medium * Now Rector of Clapham. The address alluded to. extended and rendered more general, now forms that admirable paper, entitled, " The Advantages," sshich constitutes No. VII. of the Appendix, SECT. I.] ORIGIN OP BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS. 213 Improvement of the system by the introduction of By-I^aws. provided through which this disposition might be gratified. The subject of Bible Associations was thus brought more distinctly under the consideration of the Committee ; and the By-Laws contained in the preceding chapter were framed witli a view to this precise object. The ground having been marked out for Twelve Associations, and the Committee of the Auxiliary Society divided into the same number of Dis- trict Committees, attached respectively to each, and desig- nated accordingly, a supply of the various minor publications, that have so essentially contributed to the success of the institution, was placed in their hands for circulation ; and they were particularly instructed to report, monthly, the pro- gress of the measures adopted. 6. In this stage of the business, it became necessary to examine with more scrupulous attention the Rules recom- mended for adoption by the Parent Society ; and some requi- site alterations were made in them. Bvit the consideration of this subject involved another. Admirably suited to the ob- ject as were these Regulations, it was evi(^ent that something more was necessary, in order to direct tl' ir practical applica- tion ; and it devolved on the author, in his official capacity, to prepare a code of By-Laws, which was subsequently adopted by the Committees of the respective Associations. — The only merit these regulations possess, is derived from the rules whereon they are founded, and the tendency of which they are designed to explain; but without them it was found impossible to conduct the executive details in an orderly and systematic manner. These Rules and By-Laws, with Speci- mens of the various Books and Papers required by Bible Associations, will be found in the following pages ; and such observations are introduced as appeared necessary, in order to give a clear and connected view of the subject. 7. In the application of those means to the local circum- stances of Southwark, peculiar delicacy was requisite. It was the first attempt on a scale of magnitude : the machinery had hitherto been untried ; and its failure in this instance would, in all probability, have long deterred the advocates of the cause from making an attempt to introduce it elsewhere. But, on the other hand, the value of the object justified the risk. The Auxiliary Society had already interested such of the more affluent inhabitants as were willing to support this noble cause; but something was yet required, which should call forth the dormant energies, and excite the affections of the great body of the population — of those, whose example 214 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [cHAP. III. The interests of both Rich and Poor promoted by Bible Associations. would prove resistlests, if exhibited on the side of virtue ; and who, while they receive the greater share of benefit themselves, give, by their individual and combined exertions, the moral tone and feeling to the country. 8. That the destitute families in Southwark coyldhaxe been supplied with the holy scriptures without the adoption of those means, is not denied, though it may admit of a doubt; — but it is unquestionable, that many years must have previously elapsed, and a degree of zeal and perseverance beyond what we generally witness must have characterized the agents employed. This however is not the question; — a gratuitous distribution could not satisfy the minds of those who Avished to counteract the degrading influence of Pauperism, to check the progress of Infidelity, and to extend the empire of Religion and Morality. They beheld in this unfolding system a moral engine of incalculable power, but which could be employed only on the side of Virtue. The spring that governed its movements was the Bible ; — the power that directed their application was Christian Charity. To bring the rich in contact with the poor, in a manner peculiarly cal- culated to increase the knowledge and promote the interests of both ; — to direct the footsteps of Benevolence into those obscure lanes and alleys whose inhabitants had rarely been beheld by their sviperiors, except in the casual fight that Charity shed upon their miseries, or the stronger glare that Justice flashed upon their crimes ; — to raise the sinking spirit of honest independence from the degradation of abject and sensual addiction, and elevate the tone of moral feeling by giving it a just and Christian direction — these were the con- siderations that incited hope; these were the prospects that ap- peared worthy of steady and persevering pursuit. Here, if He vouchsafed His blessing who can alone command success, that success would be the best reward ; and if the effort failed, the consciousness of an upright motive would at least acquit. 9. Nor were these the only incitements. The " sig7is of the fimei^" appeared, as now, portentous — "Men's hearts failivg them for fear ;" and something was required that should erect a secure mound against the tide of infidelity and the waves of licentiousness. Of what materials could that safeguard be composed, if the Bible proved insufficient to stem the tor- rent ? What voice could lead the poor man to the path of peace and safety, if that of sympathy and kindness from the SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS. 215 Eesults of the system in Southwark. lips of his superiors proved ineffectual ? What footsteps would be welcome at his humble door, if those of Mercy and Gentleness and Benevolence were repelled ? 10. Influenced by these considerations, and animated by these hopes, the Committee of the Southwark Society entered on their new and arduous duties. In the pursuit of their object, many impediments were presented ; but fully appreciating its hnportance, and confident of ultimate success, they steadily per- severed, and at their Second Annual IMeeting had the un- speakable satisfaction to report the full completion of their dearest wishes : they beheld the mIioIc of their extensive dis- trict divided and enclosed ; the boundaries of each allotment defined ; the mode of cultivation agreed on, and practically pur- sued : — above all, they beheld competent and voluntary hus- bandmen resident on the soil and ac.'[nainted with its nature ; and they rejoiced in the anticipation of that day, when the " wilderness and. I he solitary place should be glad for them, and the desert should rejoice and blossom as (he rose." 1 1 . These hopes, sanguine as they were, have been realized to their utmost extent. Whether the effects produced be considered in a moral or pecuniary point of view, and whether we contemplate the direct or collateral advantages of the sys- tem, the results have been equally gratifying : they have af- forded the most delightful recompence to those on whom the labour and the responsibility devolved ; and they have evi- dently satisfied the public mind on this important subject. Although it does not comport with the design of this work to enter into a detailed statement of the moral effects result- ing from these institutions, many evidences of their existence will be found interspersed throughout the following pages. The following statement of pecuniartj results in Southwark, unexampled as they are, is introduced rather as a proof of the interest excited and steadily maintained, than as affording an incentive to similar exertion: — this will be found in higher and infinitely more important considerations. ^16 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [CHAP.III. Abstract of Pecuniary Results in Southwark. Abstract of the Results of the Twelve Associations of Southwark, to the i\st of March 1820. NAME OF ASSOCIATION. Surrey Chapel West-Lane Chapel .... St. John and Bermondsey St. Saviour and St. Thomas . St. George Newington Lower Rotherhithe .... Upper Rotherhithe .... Lambeth (South) . , . .. Christ Church St. Olave Lambeth (North> .... Total Bibles & Tests, received. Bibles. iTestam. Total 4705 428 2542 1831 2618 2000 464 6T9 2069 1068 478 1203 20,085 4611 74 855 376 595 636 214 156 332 136 120 288 8393 Amount paid to the Auxiliary Society 9316 502 3397 2207 3213 2636 678 835 2401 120) 598 1491 28,478 £. 2115, 251, 1366. 991. 1630. 1480. 308. 709. 1354. 1037. 504. 839. A-. d 0. 0 12. ] 0.10 18. 6 16. 3 12. 6 6. 5 1. S 18. 0 0. 0 14. 1 11,11 12,589.11.10 Abstract of the Accouitts of the Southwark Auxiliary Societt, t9 the3\st of March 1820. Total Amount received was ,£.18,786.18. 0 Of this sum the Twelve Associations have contributed, as above stated £■'.12,589.11.10 Total Amount paid to the Parent Society .£.16,887. 0. 9 Total Number of Bibles and Testaments issued from the depository ; To the Associations, as above stated . . . 28,478 Sold to Subscribers at reduced prices, accord- ing to privilege 2,917 Voted gratuitously for the supply of Prisons, Hospitals, &c 327 Total number of Copies issued in Eight Years, 31,722 In the following sections, the mode of establishing and con- ducting a Bible Association, as pursued in Southwark, and subsequently adopted throughout the other districts of the Metropolis, will be fully explained. Such improvements as SECT. II.] RULES ANB REGULATIONS. 217 Rules and Regulations originally prepared for Associations. have been suggested by experience are interwoven with this detail, which is now submitted, under a hope that it will be found applicable, either wholly or in part, to every place wherein it may be deemed expedient to form a gentlemen's BIBLE ASSOCIATION. SECTION II. RULES AND REGULATIONS. 1. The following are the Rules recommended by the Parent Committee for adoption, at meetings convened to establish Bible Associations : — I. That an Association be formed for the purpose of contributing toward the circulation of the holy scriptures without note or comment, particu- larly among the poor of this neighbourhood ; and that it be denominated the Bible Association of . II. That every IMember of this Association subscribe not less than one penny a week : the contributions to be payable quarterly, monthly, or weekly, at the option of the subscribers. III. That for every twenty-four members, the Committee appoint a gratuitous collector, (or that office may be filled by the subscribers in rotation, each for a certain period,) to receive the contributions, who shall pay the same to the treasurer early in every month. IV. That the business of the Association be under the management of a Treasurer, a Secretary, and a Committee, consisting of other Msmbei-s; and that the Treasurer, Secretary, and three-fourths of the other Members, who have most frequently attended the Committee, shall be eligible for the ensuing year. V. That the Committee meet once every month, or oftener, on some day to be fixed by themselves ; and that should form a quorum. "VI. That the Committee divide this neighbourhood into districts, and appoint a Sub-Committee for each district, for the purpose of soliciting sub- scriptions from the inhabitants thereof. YII. That the Committee shall make it their business to inquire whe- ther any families or individuals residing within its sphere, are in want of Bibles or Testaments, and unable to procure them ; in which case it shall be the duty of the Committee to furnish them therewith at prime cost, or reduced prices, according to their circumstances. VIII. That the funds of this Association, or so much thereof as the Com- mittee shall direct, whether arising from subscriptions, donations, or the sale of Bibles or Testaments,_at prime cost or reduced prices, shall from fme to time be expended in the purchase of Bibles and Testaments at prime cost, to be given or sold among the poor of this neighbourhood, as before directed; and that the remainder of such funds shall be remitted to the Auxiliarj^ Bible Society at , or the Branch Bible Society at , in aid of its benevolent designs. IX. That application be made by the Committee to the Auxiliary Bible Society at , or to the Branch Bible Society at , for per- mission to lay out the funds of this Association, in purchasing, at the depo- sitory of the said Society, Bibles and Testaments at the cost prices. X. That a Greneral Meeiing of the subscribers be held at , ths — — in each year ; ^^hen the accounts (as audited by the Committee) 218 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [cHAP.in. Regulations recommended for adoption at the formation of Bible Associations. shall be presented, the proceedings of the past year reported, and a trea- surer, secretary, and committee-men, appointed. XI. That be Treasurer, Secretary, and Members of the Committee for the year ensuing. XII. That subscriptions and donations be now entered into; and that they be also received by the treasurer, secretary, and the members of the Com- mittee. 2, When these regulations were originally issued, they ap- peared to their benevolent projector and to the Parent Com- mittee fully adequate to the end designed ; nor could any consideration short of that derived from experience justify the suggestion of any material alteration in their provisions. It may however be safely asserted, that the Third Rule in- volves two principles, the advantages of which, in their prac- tical tendency, are more than questionable — that of a per- sonal, and consequently uncertain sphere of exertion, instead of a local and defined district, — and the employment of indi- viduals, as collectors, who are not members of the Conimillee. Nor is the last clavise of the same Rule less objectionable; the inexpediency of any payments to the treasurer, except in Committee, being sufiiciently obvious. Besides the omission of this Rule, several alterations, principally with a view to greater perspicuity, were adopted in Southwark; all the other leading provisions, and even the phraseology of the regulations issued by the Parent Committee, being studiously preserved. The reader, who collates the following Code with that already given under the preceding division of the sec- tion, will appreciate the very few discrepances, and make his election accordingl3% Resolutions recommended for adnptinn at flfeedns^.i assemlUd for the Formation of Bible Associations. At a Meeting of several friends to the British and Foreign Bible Society: in the Chair: RESOLVED, I. That we fonn ourselves into an Association in connexion with the British and Foreign Bible Society, through the medium of the — Auxiliary (or Branch) Bible Society,* for the purpose of contributing to- wards the circulation of the holy scriptures without note or comment, particularly among the poor of this neighbourhood ; and that it be denomi- nated the Bible Association of • II. That every person subscribing not less than one penny a week, or making a donation of one guinea or upwards at one time, shall be a member of this Association. The contributions to be paid annually, quarterly, monthly, or weekly, at the option of the subscriber. " When a Bible Association is formed where no Auxiliary or Branch Sccfety exists, the first part of the resoluiion should conclude thus : — " in connexion with the British and Foreign Bible Society." SECT. 11.^ RULES AND REGULATIONS. 219 Regulations recommended for adoption at the formation of Eible Associations. III. That the business of the Association be under the management of a president, treasurer, three secretaries, and a committee, consisting of not less than other members, eligible for re-election ; and under the patronage of such other honorary members as the society or committee shall select and obtain. IV. That the Committee shall meet once every month, or oftener, on some day to be fixed by themselves ; and that five shall be a quorum. V. That the Committee divide this neighbourhood into districts, and appoint collectors from among their own members for each district, for the purpose of soliciting and collecting donations and subscriptions ; and that these contributions be paid to the treasurer, at the ^Monthly Committee Meetings. VI. That the Committee shall make it tlieir business to inquire whether any families or individuals residing within its sphere are in want of Bibles and Testaments, and unable to procure them ; in which case it shall be the duty of the Committee to furnish them therewith, at prime cost, reduced prices, or gratuitously, according to their circumstances. VII. That the funds of this Association, or so much of them as the Com- mittee shall direct, whetlier arising from subscriptions, donations, or the sale of Bibles and Testaments, shall from time to time be expended in the purchase of Bibles and Testaments at prime cost, to be sold or given among the poor of this neighbourhood, as before directed, until they shall be ade- quately supplied with the holy scriptures ; in which case, the amount of future subscriptions and donations shall be remitted to the Auxi- liary for Branch) Bible Society, in aid of the general object of the British and Foreign Bible Society. VIII. That be president of this Association. IX. That be treasurer, secretaries, and the following gentlemen members of the Committee for the year ensuing, with power to add to their number : \^H ere follow the names. ^ X. That a general meeting of the subscribers be held on the — in in eacli year, when the accounts (as audited by the Committee) shall be presented, the proceedings of the past year reported, and a treasurer, secretaries, and committee-men appointed. XI. That a copy of these Resolutions, signed by the president, be sent to the Committee of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Bible Society, with a request that pennission be granted to lay out the funds of this Association in purchasing, at the depository of the said society, Bibles and Testaments at the cost prices. 3. OBSERVATIONS. Many of the remarks which have already been made on the Rules of an Auxiliary Society {see Chap. II. Section II. Third Division) will be found equally applicable to those of a Bible Association : but there are some peculiarities in the nature and constitution of the latter, which require distinct conside- ration. As a society should never retain any rule which is not carried into effect, so the practical meaning and tendency of every regulation should be fully and clearly understood by those who are appointed to conduct the business of the institution. ^10 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [cHAP.m. Observations on the general Rules. — Extent of an Association. I. Few circumstances connected with this subject are more important than the extent of the proposed Association. As a general rule, it may be safely recommended, that the district should not include a population exceeding ten or twelve thousand ; but local considerations will, necessarily, induce many exceptions. There is reason to fear, that in many places, and especially in the metropolis, the districts embraced by existing Associations are too extensive to be regularly visited : parochial boundaries have usually governed the allotment; and where parishes are of moderate size, it is difficult to conceive a more definite and correct line ; but when the extent or population exceeds a certain limit, the parish may be advantageously divided, as in the case of Lam- beth and Rotherhithe in connexion with the Southwark Society. When parishes are unusually small, and do not supply, separately, a sufficient number of collectors, they may be beneficially united ; a measure of which the same exten- sive district furnishes more than one example. II. The First Rule contains a distinct recognition of the single object of the institution, which should always be kept steadily in view. In addition to many preceding remarks on this important subject, it may not be altogether unnecessary to observe, that the circulation of " notes and comments" in a detached form is equally a violation of the great principle of the society, as if they were bound up with the Bible. III. It is extremely desirable, especially in the commence- ment of an Association, that the greatest caution be exercised in the selection of the Officers and Committee. Gentlemen who possess local information can here render very essential service, by their advice and recommendations. It will be per- ceived that the Third Rule does not enjoin any limitation to the number of the Committee, while it enables the members to secure the valuable services of active and prudent indivi- duals. In reference to the Foiirth Rule it should be observed, that the Quorum should be considered as exclusive of the Officers. IV. The disadvantages of large Associations will be prac- tically felt, in complying with the provision of the FiJ'th Rule. If the entire district be extensive, its sub-divisions must be proportionally dilated ; and thus the design of the establish- ment will, in degree, be defeated. The active members of Bible Associations are, generally, selected from that class of society to which the value of time is best known ; and if the SECT. II.] RULES AND REGULATIONS. 2S1' No Collector should be employed who is not a Member of the Committee. portion required by their new and interesting engagement be greater than they can, with perfect convenience, spare from their more immediate duties, it is evident that the latter must be neglected : — on the other hand, the weekly hour reserved for the Association will be found insufficient if the district be extensive, and consequently the interests of the society must suffer. In all these arrangements, much will depend on local circumstances ; but experience has proved the inexpediency of including more than one hundred houses in any one district ; and perhaps the important purpose in view would be more fully answered, especially in Country Associations, if they were reduced to a moiety of this number. With regard to the last clause of this Rule, the injudicious practice of employing any individuals as Collectors who are not members of the Committee, has been already adverted to, and cannot be too strongly deprecated : — every Collector of a Bible Association should be a member of the Committee ; and, if possible, every member should be a Collector. The practical import of this and other regulations will be more fully explained in the next section, which treats of the By-Laws ; — and the duties of Col- lectors, in reference to the Sixth Rule, will be brought under view, in one connected series, in Chap. VIII. V. The twofold object of the Association is distinctly recog- nised in the Seventh Rule. — The first duty is the home supply ; but in proportion as this is discharged, the interest in the ge- neral object, and the desire to co-operate in its attainment, will extend. It is one of the most happy effects of Bible Asso- ciations, that they excite and foster a spii'it of Christian bene- volence : — the heart, expanding under the sacred influence, soars beyond the narrow confines of its former habits : the blessings diffused within the limited sphere of immediate duty cannot satisfy its desires : these take a wider range : the eternal happiness of all mankind becomes their object; and they long to ^'take the wings of the morning, and fly to the ut- termost parts of the earth." The feeling thus excited in the mind may be compared to the pebble cast into the untroubled ocean ; the first circles that it produces are seen and mark- ed, but they increase in number and in magnitude till they are lost in the boundless expanse. VI. The observations which have been submitted on the subject of General Meetings in the preceding Chapters, will he found to apply generally ; and such further remarks as ap- 222 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [CHAP. III. Necessity of By-Laws to render an Association efficient. pear necessary will be introduced in Section IV. of this Chapter. The Specimen of an Annual Report of a Bible Association will be included in Chap. VII. VII. In fulfilling the duty enjoined by the Eleventh Rule, it is recommended that the Treasurer and Secretaries be deputed to present a copy of the Rules and Regulations to the Committee of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society. The bands by which they are united to the latter will thus be strengthened ; and an opportunity be afforded for mutual suggestions and expla- nations, by which the future proceedings may be materially facilitated. SECTION III. BY-LAWS OF THE COMMITTEE. 1. The origin of these regulations, and their importance in directing the proceedings of the Committee, have been advert- ed to in the Preliminary Observations on this Chapter. The fundamental Rules of the Institution, as detailed in the pre- ceding Section, clearly define the nature of the object in view : but it is the peculiar design of the By-Laws to point out the mode by which that object shall be attained ; and it may be safely asserted, that in no case has a Bible Association suc- ceeded, to any extent, without having adopted these or similar minor regulations for the government of its executive members. The following Code is recommended with confidence, as having borne the test of experience ; while the success of those Associations by which it has been adopted satisfactorily de- monstrates its efficiency. 2. By-Laws recommended for adoption by the Committees of Bible Associations. T. That the Committee meet at , on the day in every month, at — o'clock precisely. II. As soon as a quorum is present, the Chair shall be taken by the Presi- dent, or the Treasurer, or in their absence by one of the members of the Auxiliary Committee. If no one of these gentlemen be present, the Com- mittee shall appoint a person to the Chair from among themselves. III. It is earnestly requested that no member will leave the room, during the sitting of the Committee, without permission from the Chair. IV. That the order of proceeding shall be, 1. To call over the names of the Committee, and mark off those who are present. % To read, and correct or confirm, the Minutes of the preceding meeting, and dispose of the business arising therefrom. 8. To call for a written report from the Collectors of the districts, in order. SECT, in.] BY-LAWS OF THE COMMITTEE. 22S Code of By-Laws recommended for adoption. • '-^ 4. To receive the Treasurer's and the Cash and Bible Secretaries' reports of the state of the funds, and of the receipts and deliveries of Bibles and Testaments ; with any official communications the secretaries may have to make. — After which, fresh propositions shall be taken into consideration. v. The sphere of this Association shall be divided into convenient districts ; to each of which two or more members of the Committee shall be attached as Collectors, who shall appoint one of their number as District Secretary, and apprise the Committee of such appointment in their first Monthly Report. VI. When any district is not represented in the Committee, nor a report presented by its Collectors, the secretary shall be directed to remind them, by letter, of their omission, and to request their greater regularity in future. VII. Nothing shall be procured for the use of this Association, nor any bills be discharged, without a regular vote of the Committee. VIII. No member of the Committee shall, on any account, be paid for his services. IX. The Secretaries shall be ex -officio membei's of all Sub-Committees. X. The Secretaries shall call a Special INIeeting of the Committee on receiving a requisition signed by any five of its members, or may do so oa their own authority : such meeting not to take place until at least three days after the date of the summons, which shall specify the object of the meeting. XI. The Bible Secretary is empowered to procure Bibles and Testaments when necessary ; and shall report to the Committee every month the state of the depository. The Cash Secretary shall also report monthly the state of the funds of the Association. XII. That the Bible Secretary inscribe or stamp the name of this Asso- ciation on the title-page of every Bible and Testament issued by him ; and insert the number of the receiver on the page containing the 9 1st Psalm, and the 15th Chapter of the Gospel of St. John.* XIII. No Bible or Testament shall be gratuitously gi*anted without a vote of the Committee, after a strict investigation of the circumstances of the case. XIV. The Collectors of each district shall present, through their secre- tary, a written report to every monthly meeting of the Committee, contain- ing every particular relative to the state of their district. XV. It shall be the duty of the Collectors to endeavour to obtain the free ■\ contributions of those who have been supplied with Bibles and Tes- taments, provided their circumstances justify the application. XVI. No family, after having received one Bible and one Testament undtr the cost prices, shall be supplied with any more copies under such cost price without the approbation of the General Committee. XVII. The Collectors shall re-visit the whole of their respective districts at least once in every twelve months. XVIII. The Collectors are requested to call punctually for the weekly subscriptions every week — to solicit new subscriptions occasionally throughout ■ * It will readily be perceived that these Chapters are incidentally ^uggested : every Association will insert the number in such parts of the Sacred Volume as they may t'liuk proper, but every member of the Committee should be acquainted with the precise place in which to look for it when necessary. t Free contributors are those who do not require Bibles and Testaments, but subscribe for the benefit of others. 2M BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [CHAP. HI. By-Laws of the Committee. — Observations. their several districts — and to insert in their monthly reports the names and address of such persons as they may consider proper to be invited to join the Committee. XIX. That the Collectors shall make inquiry every three months of all the pawnbrokers within their respective districts, whether any Bibles or Testaments are pledged, and to what extent ; and ascertain, if possible, the names and address of the parties who have pledged them ; and shall include all such information in their next monthly report. The Collectors are also requested to endeavour to interest pawnbrokers in the great object of the Bible Society. XX. At the Committee Meetings in February, May, August, and No- vember, a Sub-Committee shall be appointed to prepare and bring to the next meeting of the Committee a draft of a report to the ensuing Conference. Such report to be taken into consideration, and, when adopted, to be handed to the secretaries, who shall fiU up the blanks, sign, and present the same.* XXI. That the Bibles and Testaments issued by this Association shall be sold at the cost prices, as specified in the annexed table : — but the Collectors are authorised, in cases of poverty, or under peculiar circumstances, to de- liver copies when not less than one-half of the cost price has been paid. BIBLES, t s. d. Small Pica, Marginal References, 14 0 Small Pica 10 6 Long Primer 9 6 Brevier, Marginal References ... 11 10 Brevier 7 2 Minion 6 0 Nonpareil 4 2 Pocket, Minion-tj'pe 5 7 Pocket, Nonpareil-type 4 6 TESTAMENTS. 8. d. Pica bound in Calf 4 3 Pica Sheep 3 3 Long Primer Calf 3 2 Long Primer Sheep 2 2 Brevier Calf 2 3 Brevier Sheep 1 6 Brevier Linen Cloth . 1 3 Pocket Calf 2 1 Pocket Sheep 1 6 XXII. No new By-Law shall be made, nor any existing By-Law repealed or altered, without one month's previous notice being given, and a copy of the proposed alteration sent to every member of the Committee. 3. — OBSERVATIONS. The reader is referred to Chap. II. {Section III. Fifth Divisioji) for many general remarks on the nature and ten- dency of those regulations. Such further observations as appear necessary will now be submitted. I. It is very desirable that a place should be gratuitmisly obtained for the meetings of the Committee. It frequently * This By-Law is only applicable where Conferences arc held; — these are at present confined to the metropolis, but rnay, with considerable advantage, be instituted in those places where several Associations are connected with the same Auxiliary (or Branch) Society. f The cost prices specified in this list are those of the present time (March 1S21). Every alteration of price is communicated by the Parent Committee to the Secretaries of Auxiliary Societies, who should immediately apprise the Secretaries of their Associations ; and the latter should promptly inform the Col- lectors, and make the requisite corrrection in this By-Law. SECT. III.} BY-LAWS OF THE COMMITTEK. 22.^ Importance of punctuality, and adherence to prescribed order of proceeding. happens that a school-room is offered for this purpose, or one of the apartments belonging to a public establishment ; and it is of importance that it be a place to which every member can come with the most perfect freedom. The day and hour should be selected which are the most convenient to the majority of the Committee. The advantages of punctuality in the attendance of Committee Meetings cannot be too strongly enforced. In this, as in other respects, the example of the officers will have a powerful influence on the other members of the Committee. II. A due attention to the provisions of the Second and two following By-Laws will materially tend to facilitate the business. The Chair should always be taken at the hour specified ; and if the officers can make it convenient to be at the committee-room half an hour previously, it will expedite the business, especially if the Collectors be informed of this arrangement, as they will then apply for any requisite assistance. The regular attendance of the members of the Auxiliary Committee should be always encouraged, and their advice or suggestions received with respectful attention. The gentleman who presides should have a copy of the By- Laws before him, and should strictly maintain the decorum and order of the meeting. Much valuable time will be saved by a strict adherence to the prescribed arrangement of the committee-business, which it is the peculiar province of the secretaries to enforce. The nature of the Collectors' and Officers' Reports will be considered in Chap. VIL, in order to avoid repetition, and to bring the whole subject under review in a connected series of observations. III. The practical operation of the Fifth By-Law, as regards the arrangement of the districts, has been considered in the preceding section. In the appointment of Collectors, it will be found advantageous to leave the members at liberty to select those districts which they respectively prefer, and to make their own election of their colleagues. In some of the Associations connected with the Southwark Society, the secretaries have rendered very essential services to the insti- tution by occasionally assisting the Collectors. IV. The duty enjoined by the Sixth By-Law, though a painful one, should always be impartially fulfilled. It is much more easy to arrest the progress of decay, than to recover the ground which has been lost by inattention ; and Q 226 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [cHAP. III. Special Meetings of the Committee should be avoided. no rule of the society should be considered a dead letter. This remark is equally applicable to the Nirdh By-Law : — the more frequently the secretaries can make it convenient to attend the meetings of Sub-Committees, the more likely is it that the object of their appointment will be attained. V. Although cases may sometimes occur to justify the extraordinary meetings of the Committee, authorised by the Tenth By-Law, they should be held as seldom as possible. An hour or two, monthly, will be found quite sufficient for the usual duties of a Committee, and the valuable time of its members should never be trifled with. VI. The observations on the duties of the secretaries of an Auxiliary Society {See Chap. II. Section III. Ninth Division) may afford some useful suggestions to those who occupy a similar situation in Bible Associations, so as to explain the tendency of the Eleventh By-Law ; but the subject will be more explicitly treated in Chap.VIII. Section I. VII. Great advantage has been found to result from the regulation contained in the Twelfth By-Law, as every Bible and Testament found at a pawnbroker's or book-stall can be immediately traced to the original receiver. The observation on the Nineteenth By-Law will furnish a satisfactory illustra- tion of this remark. The propriety of the Thirteenth By-Law will be more fully appreciated on reference to Chap. VIII. Section 11. ; as the regulations of the " Loan-Fund" provide for all cases of emergency. VIII. The important duty enjoined by the Fourteenth By- Law, and the facility with which it may be discharged, will be more fully understood on referring to the Specimen of a Monthly Report, Chap. VII. Section V. IX. In reference to the Fifteenth By-Law, it may be suffi- cient, in this place, to observe, that while the two-fold object of Bible Associations should never be lost sight of by the Collectors, they are recommended to exercise the greatest delicacy and prudence in soliciting free contributions from the labourmg classes of society ; and in every instance where the real comforts of a family would be abridged thereby, such contributions should be kindly, but firmly declined. This part of the subject, which involves the most im- portant considerations, will be treated of more at large in the sequel. X. Although the funds of the Association are prudently protected by the Sixteenth By-Law, it will be observed that SECT, in.] BY-LAWS OF THE COMMITTEE. 2^ Success depends principally on the attention of Collectors. a door is left open for the supply of individuals going to service, &c. XI, The provisions of the Seventeenth and Eighteenth By- Laws involve no inconsiderable portion of the practical details of a Bible Association. In every well-organized Association, provided the districts be adequately furnished with Collectors, a perpetual system of re-visiting will be kept up, and an accurate knowledge of the neighbourhood be obtained. But it is advisable that the ivhole of the district should be periodically re-visited. Of the importance of punctuality in collecting, it is scarcely possible to say too much. The success of every Association will always be in direct proportion to the degree of regularity evinced by the Collectors ; and although it has been said, that the poor had neither the ability nor the inclination to co-operate in this good M'ork, the event has proved that they have both : they have manifested the greatest readiness to subscribe, not only to procure the sacred volume for themselves, but to promote its universal diffusion ; and in many cases the Collectors have felt it their duty to accept a part, only, of what they had liberally offered to contribute. The ability of the poor who subscribe is evinced by the aggregate amount of their con- tributions— by the decided preference given to the highest priced Bibles — and, in numerous instances, by the continuance of their regular subscriptions after they have obtained the wished-for treasure. XII. The Nineteenth By-Law had its origin in the opposi- tion made to the society, on the grounds which tliis regula- tion proposes to examine. Few objections have been more strongly and pertinaciously urged, than that which is founded on the presumption that the subscribers would pawn the Bibles and Testaments supplied by the Bible Society : re- peated and strict investigations, in various places, have how- ever completely refuted this objection. In no part have these inquii'ies been more systematically and perseveringly pursued than in Southwark, "where it has been correctly ascertained, that of 25,484 Bibles and Testaments, circu- lated up to March 1818, only twenty-four copies (fourteen of which were issued by one Association) had found their way to the pawnbrokers, being in the proportion of on: '■:, every eleven hundred copies issued. The result of a simi-- lar investigation in Liverpool, where more than 30,000 copies had been distributed by the Auxiliary Institution and its con- nected societies, appears to have been still more satisfac- 228 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [CHAP.III. Result of inquiries among the Pawnbrokers of Liverpool and Newcastle. tory : — in their second Annual Report, the Committee of the Ladies' Branch of that Society observe : — " Your Committee have made repeiited visits to the pawnbrokers in this town, and the result has been highly satisfactory. After every pains in their power to elicit the truth, only one Bible has been discovered ; and although their vigilance may, from interested motives, have been, in some instances, eluded, your Committee believe that these instances have been ex- ceedingly rare. The pawnbrokers have generally declared, that they nei- ther had received nor would receive the Society's Bibles ; and many of them have become contributors as well as their servants." And the following extract from the first Annual Report of the Tindale Ward Auxiliary Society affords a gratifying evidence of similar results in another extensive district : — " Your Committee cannot avoid remarking upon one circumstance most nearly connected with the success of the societ^s the circulation of a report, * that the poor were so crammed wdth Bibles, that the pawnbrokers' shops ■were filled with them ; and that the booksellers could afford to sell them (so purchased of the poor) at half price.' Groundless as such assertions must have appeared to your Committee, it yet became their duty to inquire minutely into these alleged facts, not onl}' as they were said to exist in their own district, but in the town of Newcastle, where the fourth Auxiliary Bible Society in the kingdom had been established. It is with pleasure your Committee state the result of their investigation to be, that during the whole period of the late scarcity, ' not more than two Bibles had been left at a pawnbroker's shop, and that only for a short time :' and ' but one Testa- ment had been offered for sale ' by a little girl, who had picked it up in one of the soldiers' billet-rooms. This latter however was, even in the first in- stance, refused, from the society's mark being observed on the back." xiir. The practical application of the Twentieth By-Law will be fully explained in Section V. of this Chapter. XIV. In reference to the Twenty -first By-Law, Collectors should be particularly careful not to inform the subscribers that they are empowered to deliver Bibles and Testaments under the cost prices. They are indeed, by this By-Law, authorised to deliver copies before the cost price is com- pleted; but this power should always be exercised with pecu- liar caution and discretion, not only to prevent jealousy on the part of subscribers, but the misapplication of the funds. In those few cases, where copies are delivered under the cost prices, the subscribers should be distinctly told, that they are supplied in the confidence of their continuing their sub- scription, and that the cost prices are considerably lower than those at which similar copies could be procured from booksellers. XV. The tendency of the Twenty-second By-Law will be evident. Many disadvantages have resulted from frequent and unnecessary changes in the regulations which govern SECT. IV.] MODE OF ORGANIZING A BIBLE ASSOCIATION. 229 First Meeting of the Provisional Committee. societies ; and while the Committees possess an undoubted right to make any alterations in their By-Laws, this right should not be exercised, except in cases of obvious necessity. •»* Specimens of all the Books and Reports referred to in the By-Laws will be found, in one connected series, in Chap. VII. Section V. with such remarks and explanations as may be necessary to illustrate their practical tendency. SECTION IV. THE MODE OF ESTABLISHING AND ORGANIZING A BIBLE ASSOCIATION. 1. A shght review of the By-Laws of the Auxihary Society, and the observations annexed to them, {See Chap. 1\. Sec- tionWl.) will be sufficient to shew, that they are framed with particular reference to the subject on which we are now about to enter. It will be recollected, that the several districts of Southwark were regularly defined, and respec- tively placed under the care of a Sub-Committee, who were instructed to adopt measures for forming a Bible Association in their district. In order to acquire a perfect knowledge of the plan adopted and pursued, it is only necessary to follow one of these District Committees, and to trace their proceed- ings until the object was finally attained. 2. Having interested a few" serious and active individuals, and secured their co-operation by a clear and simple statement of the design, they were invited to meet the District Committee at a suitable place, — generally the house of one of the members. At this, the^r*^ meeting of the Provisional Committee, after every requisite explanation had been given, the Chairman (who was always a member of the Auxiliary Committee) asked each indivi- dual present, for the names and address of such of his friends and acquaint- ance in the district as he conceived likely to promote the important de- sign, and to become efficient members of the Committee of the intended Bible Association ; strongly impressing on the attention of those present, the importance of moral and religious character in their selection, in pre- ference to any other consideration. Fifteen or twenty names having been thus procured and entered on the INIinutes, they were subsequently tran- scribed into two or three separate lists, which were numbered from one up- wards. The following Resolution was then adopted :— " Resolved — That ^. B. and C D- be deputed to wait personally on the individuals comprised in list No. I. for the purpose of endeavouring to in- terest them in the projected association, and to request the favour of their attendance at the adjournment of this Meeting." Similar resolutions were then adopted with respect to the other lists, and the respective deputations were furnished with a supply of printed papers for circulation among their friends. " * The most useful papers for this purpose are Nos. I, V, & VII, of the Appendix. 230 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [CHAP.III. Second Meeting of the Provisional Committee. If any one of the new members appeared qualified to act as Secretary, the following resolution was adopted : — " Resolved — That E- F. be requested to officiate as Provisional Secretary to this Committee; that he be authorised to get 250 notices printed,* and that he send one timely to each person now present or specified in the lists." If none of the new Members appeared qualified to act as secretaries, the above resolution was deferred till the next meeting, and the Auxiliary District Committee continued to issue notices in the mean time. The meeting then adjourned for a few days. The interval between the first and second meeting was occupied in spread- ing information, and soliciting additional personal aid ; the co-operation of clergymen and ministers was requested, and their knowledge of character and ability was always found eminently conducive to the progress of the work. In reference to this primary meeting, it is only necessary to observe, that the individuals engaged should be prudently and cautiously selected. — It is to be presumed that the gen- tlemen who compose Auxiliary Committees possess an ade- quate knowledge of the inhabitants of the district, to enable them to select those who are best qualified to fulfil the duties assigned them. The most clear and correct information rela- tive to the object in view, should be diffused at the outset, and every misapprehension be promptly explained. S. At the Second Meeting; from twenty to thirty individuals usually attended ; and the members of the District Committee — who were always assisted on these occasions by one or more of the secretaries of the Auxiliary Society — having answered every objection, e:'plained the pidnciples and ob- ject of the institution, and rendered the plan perfectly intelligible to those who were present; the following resolutions were adopted: — I. Resolved — That it is highly expedient to form a Bible Association in this parish [or district] ; and that it be denominated the Bible Asso- ciation. II. Resolved — That the concerns of this Association be under the manage- ment of a President, Treasurer, three Secretaries, and a Committee of not less than other persons. III. Resolved— That JB., CD., and E.F. be a Sub-Committee of patronage, and that they submit to the next meeting the names of suitable persons for President and Treasurer. IV. Resolved— That G. H., I. K., and L. M. be a Sub-Committee, for dividing this parish [or district] into [l2, 18, 24, &c. according to the extent * FORM OF NOTICE. " PIBLE ASSOCIATION. " The next Meeting of the Provisional Committee will be held at , on the evening of next the day of , at — o'clock precisely. E. F. Secretary," Brj drawing the pen through the word " Provisioned" any surplus copies of tliis notice may be subsequently used for the Permanent Committee. SECT.IV.} MODE OP ORGANIZING A BIBLE ASSOCIATION. ^1 Observations on the INIinutes of the Second INIeeting. and population] sub-divisions; that they specify, on different sheets of paper, the respective boundaries of each, with the several streets, lanes, &c. com- prised therein, and that they submit the same to the next meeting. V. Resolved — That A^ 6. be requested to bring to the next meeting a Code of Kules for the government of the intended Association, leaving blanks for the names of the President, Treasurer, Secretaries, and Committee. VI. Resolved— That P. Q., R. 5., and T. U. [having previously consented to act,) be proposed to the General ^Meeting as Secretaries for the en- suing year. VII. Resolved— That TV.X. and Y. Z. be requested to examine and report to the next meeting the most suitable place for holding the General Meeting. VIII. Resolved — That the following persons be proposed to the General IVIeeting as ^Members of the Committee for the ensuing year, with power to add to their number. [.Here the names of those who had agreed to act on the Committee were inserted.] TVhen a sufficient number of persons to constitute a Committee could not he procured at the Second Afeeting, the following Resolution was adopted- — IX. Resolved — That B. J., D. C, F. E. be a Sub-Comnuttee, to bring to the next meeting a list of persons suitable for committee-men, and who shall have consented to the appointment. If no particular business demanded attention, the Meeting was then adjourned for three or four days by the following Resolution: — X. Resolved — That this meeting do now adjourn to next — the ^ instant, at o'clock precisely, at this house ; and that the secre- tary give timely notice to those who are now present, and such other persons as he may deem suitable. As these Resolutions irivolve some measures which materially affect the future prosperity of the Society, the following Observations will not be considered out of plape. I. The Committee being authorised by the Third general Rule to add to their number, it is unnecessary to admit many members in this stage of the proceedings. Every day will increase their knowledge of suitable characters ; and it is only requisite to secure the services of a sufficient number of indi- viduals to carry the preliminary arrangements into effect. II. In reference to the Third Resolution, the clerical head of the parish should always be solicited to fill the office of Pre- sident: should he decline, a respectable layman should be selected: — and as the Treasurer is Chairman ex officio of the Committee in the absence of the President, an intelligent, prudent, and respectable person should likewise be chosen for this office. III. In the division of the town, parish, &c. into districts, the observations already offered in Section II. will be found to apply. These arrangements should be made by those gentlemen of the Committee who possess the greatest local knowledge. 232 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [CHAP. III. Observations on the INIinutes of the Second Meeting. IV. The duty enjoined by the Fifth Resolution is usually ful- filled by the Secretary, who prepares a fair copy of the rules recommended for adoption. ( See Section II.) — It is certainly at the discretion of every Association to adopt these or any other regulations ; but it is respectfully submitted, that many ad- vantages will result from having one uniform plan of operation throughout the whole system. V. Few considerations are more important than those con- nected with the choice of the Secretaries. They should not only be active and zealous, acquainted with the details of business, and interested in the object, but respectable indi- viduals who have a certain portion of time at their own com- mand : they should also possess that degree of talent and influence which may enable them promptly to assist the col- lectors in any case of difticulty and doubt. The regular and punctual attendance of Secretaries at the meetings of the Com- mittee is of vei'y mateinal consequence : — if they be remiss in the discharge of this duty, the collectors will speedily manifest a similar declension; while their punctuality and judgment will not only encourage the collectors, but strengthen their own hands in the impartial administration of the rules. It may be proper to observe, that from this time the Secretaries act as such, in conducting the preliminary business. VI. As much of the success which has attended Bible Asso- ciations may be ascribed to the tone and spirit which have been excited by the primary General Meeting, too much attention cannot be directed to those preparatory measures which are now under consideration. The place, day, and hour should be selected which appear most accordant with the comfort and convenience of the inhabitants ; and it is evi- dent, that the co-operation and harmony, which so particu- larly characterize this great design, will be most effectually preserved by avoiding every thing partaking of a sectarian aspect. The place of meeting should be central and commo- dious ; and the time appointed, such as not to interfere with the duties and engagements of the labouring classes. VII. In reference to the Tenth Resolution, great advantages have been derived from a strict adherence to the time ap- pointed for committee-meetings, by which habits of regularity and attention are inculcated and confirmed. VIII. At the close of every meeting of the Provisional Com- mittee, the Secretary shovild immediately furnish an active individual of each Sub-Committee, then appointed, with a copy of the resolution which requires attention ; and he should SECT. IV.} MODE OF ORGANIZING A BIBLE ASSOCIATION. 233 Third Meeting of the Provisional Committee. take clue care to summon his colleagues, and proceed to tlie business for which they were appointed. The several Sub- Committees, if composed of judicious persons, will find ample time to perform their respective duties within the prescribed period of adjournment : should any difficulty occur, the;* ^PP^y to the District Committee of the Auxiliary Society, whose duty it is to afford them full information and any requisite assistance. 4. At the Third Meeting:, the several Sub-Committees presented their respective reports, which, with any necessary amendments, were adopted. The Resolutions to be submitted to the General Meeting were completed, by inserting the names of the President, Treasurer, Secretaries, and Com- mittee. The sheets of paper, specifying the several sub-divisions of the parish [or district^ designed to comprise the Association, having been given in, the names of two or more members were attached to each, one of whom was appointed Secretary of the district ; and these arrangements were regularly entered on the Minutes. The following Resolutions were then adopted : I. Resolved — That the General Meeting be held at [here specify the place\ on the evening of the day of , at o'clock precisely ; and that the President be requested by the secretaries to take the chair. II. Resolved — That a circular letter be addressed by the secretaries to the following clergymen, ministers, and other gentlemen, respectfully re- questing the favour of their company, to take part in the proceedings of the meeting ; and that the assistance of the Committee of the Auxiliary So- ciety to conduct the business be requested. [Here insert a list of proper persons to be invited as Speakers on the occasion, to each of whom one of the hand- bills to be adopted by the following Resolution should be enclosed, j III. Resolved — That the following form of a hand-bill be adopted : viz. A GENERAL MEETING, FOB THE ESTABLISHMENT OP A BIBLE ASSOCIATION, INXONNEXION WITH THE AUXILIARY. OR BRANCH. SOCIETY, To include the Co-operation of aU Classes in supplying the Poor, particularly of this District, with the Holy Scriptures, WILL BE HELD AT ■ On , the of 182—, AT o'clock precisely, ■ , in the Chair. The Attendance of the Inhabitants, particularly of the Labouring Classes, is earnestly requested. Suitable Accommodation will be provided for those Ladies u>fu> may he desirous of promoting this important design." S34 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [CHAP.flL Observations on the Minutes of the Third Meeting. IV. llesolved — That the secretaries be authorised to have copies of the liand-bill printed [about as many as there are houses in the parish or district^ forthwith ; also, copies on large paper, as postmg-bills ; and that they be laid on the table at the next meeting. V. llesolved — That the secretaries be authorised to procure such books, papers, &c. as may be necessary for the purposes of the intended Asso- ciation. VI. llesolved — That A. B. and C. D. be requested to prepare a fair copy of the order of proceedings for the General INIeeting, and submit the same to the next meeting ; leaving blanks for the names of the diiferent Speakers. VII. llesolved — That this Meeting do now adjourn to the of — — , at — o'clock precisely: and that the secretaries give notice accordingly. On these Resolutions it may be observed, — I. That, generally speaking, the early part of the week is the most suitable for a general meeting. In large towns the evening of Monday has been found the most convenient for the labouring classes. In the choice of speakers, care should be taken to invite gentlemen of every denomination of pro- fessing Christians. If any occurrence prevent the President from taking the chair, the Committee should select, timely, another respectable and judicious person as the Chairman. II. In distributing the hand-bills, the Sub-Committees should be careful that every family is supplied : all classes of the community thus acquire a knowledge of the object in view, and are at the same time apprised of the place where they may receive more full information. IIL It will be perceived that the duties prescribed by these Resolutions devolve principally on the Secretaries, who should see that every necessary arrangement is completed previous to the last meeting of the Provisional Committee : the hand- bills, with any other requisite papers, should be divided into as many parcels as there are districts : if answers are not obtained from the gentlemen who have been invited as Speakers, they are personally waited on ; and the attendance of every member of the Provisional Committee, and of the District Committee of the Auxiliary Society, is particularly requested at the next meeting. IV. The " Order of Proceedings," to which reference is made in the Sixth Resolution, will be given in the sequel. O. At the Fourth Meetings the Secretary of each district havmg taken charge of the paper describing its boundaries, &c. the following resolutions were adopted : — I. Resolved — That a sufficient number of copies of the hand-bill, an- nouncing the General IMeeting, with any other papers wliich may be required SECT. rV.] MODE OP ORGANIZING A BIBLE ASSOCIATION. ^5 Proceedings at the Fourth Meeting of the Provisional Committee. for circulation," be now delivered to the Secretaries of each Sub-Committee, the members of which are requested to distribute them throughout their several districts. II. Resolved— That the Secretaries take charge of the posting-bills now produced, and that they have them placed in conspicuous parts of the parish [or district] at least three days before the General IMeeting : and that they send copies of the hand-bill to the Ministers of the several places of worship in the vicinity, with a request that the meeting may be announced to their respective congregations. III. Resolved — That J.B., C. D-, and E.F- be a Committee of arrange- ment, to superintend the fitting-up of the place of meeting ; that they pro- vide a sufficiency of seats and lights, and have a proper platform erected. IV. Resolved — That the Secretaries prepare two copies of the Order of Proceedings for the evening (one to be laid before the Chairman, — the other before the Secretary, who jflinounces each Speaker's name as he comes forward), copy tlie Resolutions, and deliver them to the several Speakers, and assign each his place ; and that they attend at the place of meeting one hour previous to that appointed for taking the chair, in order to receive the gentle- men invited, and to see that the prelimlnarv arrangements are completed. V. Resolved— That G. H., I. A"., L. M., N. O., P. Q., and li. S. be a Committee of Accommodation to attend at the place of meeting at o'clock, (at least an hour before that which is appointed for taking the chair,) in order to shew the company to their seats, and to preserve due order and decorum during the meeting. VI. Resolved — That the gentlemen composing the District Committee of the Auxiliary Society be requested to attend, at the close of the meeting, with plates, in order to receive contributions. VII. Resolved — That the Secretaries summon the members of the Com- mittee to meet at , on next the instant, at o'clock precisely, and that they also give notice to the members of the District Com- mittee of the Auxiliary Society. In reference to these Resolutions, the following observa- tions are submitted : — I. It will tend to the publicity of the intended meeting, if respectable shopkeepers are requested to place some of the hand-bills in their windows, especially in considerable tho- roughfares. It has not unfrequently happened that strangers have been thus induced to attend these meetings ; and, in con- sequence of what they have there witnessed, to adopt similar measures for the benefit of other and more distant districts. II. Ic has been found liighly advantageous to accommodate everT/ individual with a seat, as it conduces to the order and decorum of the meeting. Churches, chapels, schools, &c. in the vicinity will furnish a supply of forms and benches, where required. The Sub-Committee of accommodation should comprise every member of the Committee who is not other- wise engaged ; and it ought to be their individual, as well as * The most useful papers for this purpose are Nos. VII, VIII, IX, & X. of the Appendix. 236 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [CHAP. IIL Order of Proceedings at the General Meeting. collective object, to maintain that order and decorum which should always characterize the meetings of a Bible Society. III, It has been the custom, in the estabhshment of some Associations, to receive the names and address of contributors at the close of the general meeting ; but it will be found beneficial to omit this practice, and for one of the Speakers to inform the auditors that they will be called on, by the collec- tors, in their respective districts. IV. The first meeting of the permanent Committee should take place as soon as possible after the general meeting :^if on the day immediately succeeding the meeting, it will be the more desirable. 6. Having thus traced the progress of those measures which have usually preceded the establishment of a Bible Association, it may be proper to remark, that in many instances the whole of the preliminary business has been trans- acted in two or three meetings of the Provisional Com- mittee, and occasionally even in one. There is, however, a risk in acceleiating these important arrangements, which should always be conducted with judgment and order. Local circumstances, and the prudence of those who are charged with the executive duties, will suggest the proper line of conduct to be pursued, and induce the postponement of a general meeting, rather than expedite it before those arrangements are matured. The next subject for consideration, is the mode of con- ducting the General Meeting for the regular establishment of the Society. 7. ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS AT THE GENERAL MEETING. 1 . The Chairman ~-. opens the business of the meeting ; states the ob- ject in view ; and conludes by referring, for a more full explanation, to y4.B. 2. A. B'^ .>,,~,-..,.— ^ explains more ftiUy the design of the British and Foreign Bible Society; the nature of the Aux> iliary Society ; and of the Association : — the con- nexion which subsists between the relative parts : — the manner in which the funds of each institution • This requisite information is generally given by one of the Secretaries of the Auxiliary Society; or, in his absence, by any other gentleman who is master of the subject. SECT. IV.] MODE OF ORGANIZING A BIBLE ASSOCIATION. 237 Order of Proceedings at the General Meeting. 3. C D. {one of the Secretaries of the proposed Associa- tion) A. E.F.. 5. G. H. 6. /. K. 7. L. M. 8. The President 9. A^. O 12. T. V. ...^ 13. W.X.^ are applied ; and the privileges to which they are severally entitled : concluding by a reference to the Code of Rules and Regulations, which will be sub- mitted for approval and adoption. I reads the Rules and Regulations, as adopted by the s Provisional Committee, including the names of the k President, Officers, and Committee. moves No. 1 — " That the Rules and Regulations now read be adopted by this meeting, and that the gentlemen named therein be the President, Officers, and Com- mittee of this Association, and that the latter have power to add to their number." seconds the Motion No. 1 . The Motion No. 1. having been put and carried, moves No- 1 — " That while this meeting gratefully acknow- ledges the kindness of the President, in complying with the request of the Provisional Committee, it desires to express, thus publickly, an earnest hope that the Association may experience the benefits of his personal attendance at the regular meetings of the Committee." seconds the Motion No. 2. The Motion No. 2. having been put hy the Mover, and carried, acknowledges the Resolution. moves No 3 — " That this meeting confides in the judgment and prudence of the Officers and Committee now ap- pointed, to preserve unimpaired the pure and sin- gle principle of the Parent Institution." seconds the Motion No. 3. The Motion No. 3. having been put and carried, moves No. 4 — " That in thus recognising the claims of the Bri- tish and Foreign Bible Society to general support, this meeting respectfully congratulates the Com- mittee of that Institution, on the manifest extension of the Divine blessing in prospering their exertions." seconds the Motion No. 4. The Motion No. 4. having been put and carried, moves No. 5 — " That the thanks of this meeting be presented to the Chairman for his attention to the business of the evening." 238 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [cHAP. m. Observations on the Proceedings at the General Meeting. 14. Y. Z. 15. The Chairman^ seconds the Motion No. 5. The Question No. 5, having been put hy th« Matter, and carried, acknowledges the Resolution, — refers to the plates for receiving contributions — and adjourns the meet- ing to the day specified in the General Rules. OBSERVATIONS. I. In the proceedings of a General Meeting, and especially of that for the estabhshment of a Society, it is of the greatest importance that the object should be clearly and fully ex- plained, and the results of similar institutions in other places correctly detailed. In this " Order of Proceedings" it will be observed, that this important duty is assigned to one of the secretaries of the Auxiliary Society, whose statements should be rather practical than argumentative ; his language simple and clear ; but, above all, whose sentiments should be of that liberal and catholic nature, which best accords with the cha- racter and design of the institution whose merits he advocates. II. The object of Bible Associations being to excite an interest in the great body of our population, it is evident, that every exertion should be used to induce a full attendance of the labouring classes of the community. For this purpose, a decided preference should be shewn them in the invitation to the General Meeting : having never before heard a similar ap- peal to their feelings and their judgment, the effect is decisive. The object, piu'e and simple in its nature, is comprehended, while its value and importance are felt ; and the conviction that even thei?- limited support may be rendered conducive to the promotion of the glorious design, and their services availing in the extension of its benefits, produces a moral effect to which they had hitherto been strangers. They are attracted from sensual and degrading pleasures, and pre- sented with a view of higher and superior enjoyments. That which they have long wanted, is proved to be within their reach ; and they feel a strong desire to co-operate in a cause where pursuit confers its own reward, and where ulti- mate success is certain. But in order to eflect this, — to give the Poor this neAv moral tone of feeling, and to instil this new and pure incen- tive to action, — the attention of the Speakers at the General Meeting should be directed to the peculiar character of the auditors. It will easily be perceived, that many of those addresses which would be admirable at the establishment of an Auxiliary Society, are out of place at tHat of an SECT. IV.] MODE OP ORGANIZING A BIBLE ASSOCIATION, 239 Organization of the Committee. Association; where simplicity of language is one of the principal means by which the attention of a popular assembly can be engaged. And especially, those cheering anecdotes and interesting facts, of which no friend to the Bible Society should be ignorant, ought to be brought forward ; and, if prudently introduced, the effect is irresistible : — they exhibit the most striking illustration of the design, and they are remembered when argument is forgotten. — It is scarcely ne- cessary to observe, that no anecdotes should be introduced which are not well authenticated. III. It may not be improper to suggest, that the length of the General Meeting ought not to exceed from two to three hours ; the auditory should depart with a desire of hearing more of " this new thing" rather than fatigued and incon- venienced by too long detention from their homes and families. On this part of the subject, the reader is referred to Chap. I. Section XIV. and to Chap. II. Section V. for such general observations as appeared necessary to elucidate the nature and character of those meetings. 8. As the ORGANIZATION of the new society cannot be con- sidered complete until after the first regular monthly meeting of the Committee, it is necessary to detail the proceedings of that meeting. The chair being taken at the hour appointed, the names of the members present are marked off in the list, and those of visitors inserted in the Eough Minute Book : — the Minute Secretary next reads the Ilesolutions adopted at the General Meeting, including the Rules of the Association. The duties that devolve on the Committee, as arising out of those proceedings, are then regularly fulfilled by the adoption of the following Resolutions : — 1. That the duties of the respective secretaries be thus defined, — 1. That j4. B. be Minute Secretary. II. That C D- be Cash Secretary. III. That E. F. be Bible Secretary. nnd that the INIinute Secretary furnish his colleagues and the treasurer with their proper books and papers. * 2. That the following individuals be added to the Committee. \,Here insert the names and address of new tnetnbers, each of whom should be proposed by one and seconded by another member, to whom he is persoiially known-^ S. That the district embraced by this Association be sub-divided as under: viz. [Here specify the Streets, Lanes, 8fc. comprised in the District No. 1, and proceed in a similar manner to describe every other district correct It/.] -f * See Specimens, Chap. VII. Section 5. t See Chap. VII. Section IV. for a more full explanation. ^40 BIBLE ASSOCIATONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [cHAP. III. Resolutions adopted at their primary Meeting. The Minute Secretary then reads, dis/inclli/, the description of No. 1, and the Chairman requests the members present to offer their services for those districts which they prefer, while the Minute Secretary frames the following Resolution : — 4. That the following be the appointment of the members of the Com- mittee as Collectors : viz. District No. 1. G. H. and /. A'. 2. L. HI. and N. O. [Proceeding in a similar manner with respect to all the districts of the /4ssociation.^ 5. That the following be the By-Laws of this Committee {see Section III.) ; and that the secretaries be authorised to get copies of the Rules and By-Laws printed as soon as possible, and send two copies to every member of the Committee, and ten copies to the Committee of the Auxiliary Society. 6. That the secretaries immediately furnish the secretary of each dis- trict with proper visiting and collecting books, * printed papers for cir- culation, and all other requisites ; and that the collectors be requested to commence their visits on next, the instant. The Cash Secretary having reported that the sum of £. was re- ceived at the door at the close of the General Meeting, and that he had paid £, for incidental expenses attending the said Meeting ; HESOLVED, 7. That the balance of £. be paid over to the Treasurer. 8. That the Treasurer and Secretaries be requested to attend the next Jneeting of the Committee of the Auxiliary [or Branch^ Society, to present a copy of the Rules adopted at the General Meeting, and to request permission to lay out the funds in the purchase of Bibles and Testaments at their depository, in the manner prescribed by the 8th Rule. On these Resolutions it is only necessary to remark, that the Secretaries should make their own arrangements, with re- gard to the division of their duties, previous to the meeting of the Committee. All business arising out of the Minutes should receive the immediate attention of those officers ; but in this stage of the proceedings, more particularly, delay should be studiously avoided. The numerous advantages resulting from the attendance of the members of the Auxiliary Committee at the Monthly Committee Meetings of the Association, are too obvious to require particular notice : — the members of the District Committee should always receive an official invitation to those meetings, and the occasional company of their col- leagues be likewise solicited. The " Hints to Officers and Collectors," constituting Sec- tion I. of Chap. VIII. will be found to embrace a general view of their respective duties. 9. Having thus traced the rise and progress of a Bible As- sociation to the conclusion of the First Meeting of the regular * See Chap. VII. Section V. SECT. VI.] MODE OF ORGANIZING A BIBLE ASSOCIATION. 241 The importance of punctuality in collecting, illustrated. Committee, it is not necessary to follow the subsequent pro- ceedings of the Society. That which has been already de- tailed will afford every requisite information, and convince the friends of the cause, that the establishment of those institu- tions is attended with little difficulty, and that simplicity is the prominent feature in the plan. But it may not be im- proper to submit a few general hints illustrative of the system adopted, and the observance of which has been found con- ducive to success. I. Where any doubt exists as to the actual dearth of the holy scriptures in a parish or district, it should be the duty of tlie Pro- visional Committee of the intended Association to appoint a Sub- Committee, to ascertain the fact by a personal investigation. This is the more necessary in those districts in wliich a parochial or pri- vate fund for the supply of Bibles exists, as the inadequacy of all such funds to supply the demand, forms a powerful argument at a General Meeting. II. In the appointment of Secretaries, and in the selection of the Committee, attention should be paid to their religious profes- sions. If eligible persons otl'er, it is adviseable that the Secretaries should be of different persuasion ; and that one-half of the Commit- tee should consist of members of tlie Established Church. Too much care cannot be taken to introduce into every branch of the society, that admirable regulation of the Parent Institution, which attracts the affections and secures the co-operation of every deno- mination of Christians. III. Great advantage has resulted from engaging Foremen, Clerks, and Superintendants of manufactories and workshops, as members of the Committee ; their influence and example, when properly directed, being found to operate powerfully on the sub- ordinate workmen. Similar benefit has been derived from engaging the valuable services of a class of young men, who are never back- ward in promoting the great cause of religion and morality — the Teachers in Sunday Schools : their exertions in behalf of the Bible Society have been conspicuous ; and the efi'ect on the minds of the children has surpassed the most sanguine expectations. IV. The importance of punctuality in collecting the subscriptions has been already adverted to. When the collectors call regularly once a week, the subscriptions are cheerfully paid ; but if they neglect their duty, the poor are too frequently induced to apply their money to other purposes. The following httle anecdote will illustrate this observation : — In one of the Associations connected with the Southwark Auxili- ary Society, an old Soldier had long been a cheerful free-con- tributor of a penny a week. The Collectors having omitted to call for three successive weeks, visited him at the beginning of the fovn-th, R 242 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [CHA'P. in. Origin of the Southwark Conference. and informed him that they beheved he owed them four-pence : the old man smiled, and, pointing to a tea-cup on the chimney-piece, re- plied, " Gentlemen, you have been lazy, and I'll punish you for it : — in that tea-cup 1 laid by for you a penny a week for three weeks ; but as you did not think proper to call for it, I spent it; and I'll now give you only a penny : this will make you more careful in future — the cause is too good to be neglected." It may not be improper to add, that this lesson from the old man was not lost on the Col- lectors. SECTION V. THE QUARTERLY CONFERENCE. Proceeding with the detail of the system as adopted in Southwark, the next subject for consideration is that of the Quarterly Conference ; an institution to which, humanly speak- ing, much of the success which has resulted may be ascribed. Many of the following remarks, in reference to this measure, and to the effects and inflvience of Bible Associations in that important and interesting district, may require an apology to those who have perused the Reports of the Southwark So- ciety ; but where the observations of the author have been confirmed by experience, he has not hesitated to express them in the same language which he originally adopted. 1. When the Southwark Associations had been established, it was perceived, that, although a constant and harmonious intercourse was kept up between the Auxiliary Society and each of those dependencies, something was yet required which should bring the ivhole into one collected point of view, — some centre of unity and concord, which should attract the various members of the family, and from which the rays might ema- nate, conveying heat and light to the boundaries of the system. This centre was happily found in the establishment of a regular Quarterly Confereiice, comprising the members of the Auxihary Committee, and deputations, consisting of eight, ten, or twelve members, from the Committee of each Asso- ciation (in which the respective officers are included), but at which the other members of the different Committees have the privilege of attending as visitors. 2. The following are the Regulations of the Quarterly Conference, with such improvements as appear expedient: — I. That ^. B. be requested to officiate as secretary. II. This Conferenceshall consist of the president, vice-presidents, trea- surer, secretaries, and Committee of the Auxiliary Bible Society ; the presi- SECT, v.] QUARTERLY CONFERENCE. g43 Regulations of the Quarterly Conference. dents, vice-presidents, treasurers, and secretaries of the respective Associ- ations connected with the said Auxiliary ; and a deputation from each of their Committees : the names of the members deputed to be transmitted to the secretary, at least four days previous to each Conference. III. This Conference shall be held on the evening of the first Thursday in January, April, July, and October, at six o'clock precisely. IV. The order of proceeding shall be : — 1. To elect a chairman. 2. To call over the names of the members. 3. To read, and confirm or correct, the Minutes of the preceding Con- ference, and dispose of any business arising therefrom. 4. To call on the secretaries of the Auxiliary Committee for such in- formation as they may deem necessary and interesting. 5. To receive the reports from the Associations in their order of esta- blishment. 6. To receive and consider new propositions. V. The report from each Association shall not exceed the limits of a folio sheet, prepared for that purpose, and supplied by the Secretary ;* — and shall specify — 1. Total amount of moneys received since the establishment. 2- Amount received since the last Conference. 3. Total amount paid to the Auxiliary since the establishment. 4. Amount paid to the Auxiliary since the last Conference. 5. Total number of Bibles and Testaments delivered at cost-prices. 6. Total number of Bibles and Testaments delivered under cost-prices. 7. Total number of Bibles and Testaments gratuitously distributed. 8. Total number of subscribers for Bibles and Testaments. 9. Total number of free contributors. 10. Increase or decrease of subscribers in the last quarter. 11. The number of individuals on the Committee, and the average num- ber of those who have attended during the last quarter. 1 2. A statement of any interesting facts and observations, including the result of inquiries among the pawnbrokers. TI. No report shall be received, imless it has been previously adopted at, a regular committee meeting of the Association: and in case any Asso- ciation shall omit to present a report, the secretaiy shall remind them, by letter, of such omission. VII. All resolutions relating exclusively to the internal government of the Conference shall be binding : but those which regard the proceedings of the Associations shall be sent to the Committee of each, simply as a re- commendation, having been first entered on the IMinutes. VIII. Any person making a proposition shall put it in writing, and hand it to the secretary. IX. No person shall be permitted to speak more than once on the same question, unless in explanation. X. In order to defray the incidental expenses of this Conference, each Association shall from time to time remit such sums as shall be required to the secretary, who shall submit an account of his receipts and disburse- ments annually at the January Conference. But no sum exceeding live pounds shall be voted by the Conference at one time, without the written consent of each Association having been previously obtained. * See Specimen, Fourth Division of this Section. R 2 244 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [CHAP.IIU Observations on the preceding Regulations. XI. The several Associations are recommended to hold their Annual Meetings, in succession, on the second Monday in every month, and in the following order : — West Lane Januaiy. Lanibeth, South February'. St. George March. Newington April. llotherhithe, Lower May. St. John and Bermondsey... June. St. Olave July. Lambeth, North August. Christchurch September* St. Saviour & St. Thomas... October. Surrey Chapel November^ llotherhithe, U/fcr December^ XII. The Minute Secretary of each Association is requested to transmit a few hand-bills announcing their Annual Meeting, to the secretaries of all the other Associations, at least a fortnight previous to such meeting. XIII. No new regulation shall be adapted, nor any existing one repealed or altered, without having been proposed at the preceding Conference, and a copy of such addition or alteration sent to the Committee of each Association. XIA''. This Conference, conceiving that much advantage may arise from the mutual interchange of visits by the Metropolitan Auxiliary and Associa- tion Committees, hereby cordially invite them to attend the regular sitting* of this Conference. And the Committees of the respective Auxiliary Socie- ties are requested to send a copy of this Resolution to their several Asso- ciations. Observations on the preceding Regulations. I. The Secretary of the Conference is generally an indi- vidual who fills the same office in one of the Associations : he should be intimately acquainted with the business, and, if possible, with the local circumstances of all the connected societies. His duties, as Secretary of the Conference, are — 1. To send regular notice of the Conference to every member, at least three days previously. 2. To conduct the proceedings according to the prescribed order, 3. To send copies of any Resolutions to those whom they re- spectively concern. 4. To keep a regular account of his receipts and payments. 5. To take home and file the Reports, and have those of the re- spective years bound in separate volumes. II. The Chairman has been generally chosen from among the secretaries or members of the Auxiliary Committee. He ought to be a gentleman well acquainted with the mode of conducting a pubhc meeting, and with the general object and detail of the Bible Society. After the reports have been read, he should advert to any peculiar circumstances arising from them, — briefly communicate the latest and most interest- ing information relative to the Parent Institution, — and then ask the secretaries of the Auxiliary Society, and of the several Associations, in order, whether they have any new proposi- tion to submit or observation to make. The business being SECT, v.] QUARTERLY CONFERENCE. 545 Beneficial effects of the Southwark Conference. concluded, the Chairman announces those general or anni- versary meetings w'hicli occur in the ensuing quarter, and adjourns the Conference. III. In reference to the Vllth Regulation, it may not be improper to observe, that while it is optional with the Com- mittee of every Association to adopt these recommendations, they should always be received and considered with the great- est attention ; and, if rejected, the grounds of such rejection should be fully and respectfully reported to the ensuing Con- ference. IV. Many advantages have arisen from the arrangement specified in the Xlth Regulation. The precise time for hold- ing every meeting being generally known, those gentlemen who are in the habit of attending them form their engagements accordingly ; and the unabated interest that has been main- tained for more than eight years, furnishes the best evidence of the propriety of this plan. Were the anniversary meet- ings of Bible Societies, throughout the whole kingdom, simi- larly and definitively fixed, results equally beneficial might be confidently anticipated. 3. The institution of a Quarterly Conference in South- wark has been attended with the most happy effects. It has not only produced that mutual knowledge and affection which should characterize a band of brothers, but it has tended to infuse a full and correct knowledge of the object in view; the design is comprehended and appreciated ; and that cordial co-operation which results from decided conviction and conscientious approval is firmly secured. — Before the establishment of this Periodical Conference, the Committee of the Southwark Auxiliary Society had reason to believe the effects of their labours were beneficial ; but they little expected, that, within so short a period, there could have been collected a mass of evidence so strong as to carry conviction to every unprejudiced mind. The records of the Quarterly Conference exhibit a conclusive proof that every objection hitherto urged against the Bible Society is founded on as- sumptions that do not exist ; and that none of the anticipated evils have resulted from the greatest possible extension of the system. The advantages attending this regular interchange of sen- timent, have been more fully developed in each successive year. To the Conference, as to a centre, the wants, the knowledge, the zeal, and the inquiries of the Associations are 246 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [cHAP. III. Bible Society will be judged by the effects produced. directed ; and, from it, the members return to their various allotments, cheered, delighted, and instructed. On these in- teresting occasions, every new measure which has been at- tended with beneficial effects in any one Association, is com- municated and explained for the benefit of the whole ; those little difficulties which will occasionally occur, even in the best arranged system, are prudently but effectually re- moved ; and a spirit of friendly concert and co-operation is cherished and extended. In order to render the example of Southwark still more attractive, by the detail of beneficial and practical results, a SHEET OF FACTS, extracted from the records of the Quarterly Conference, was published in the beginning of the year 1816, which has been extensively circulated throughout the kingdom, and may now be considered as one of the stock -papers for Bible Associations. The anecdotes in the following specimen are derived from the same source : and while they confirm the zeal of those who have already stepped forward in support of this great design, they may induce others to consider whether they, also, cannot assist in its extension. The Bible Society is, indeed, established on that firm ground which argu- ment can never shake, and which reason and revelation support ; but it is by the evidence of facts that it will be judged, and by its results that it will be appreciated. Bible Associations may be termed the Fruit-bearing Branches of the Parent Tree — to these, then, it becomes us to look with hope and confidence. That authority will not be questioned, by which it has been declared, that by its fruit we shall know the true nature of every plant ; nor will the Christian be in- duced to believe that the grapes and the figs which he beholds are the produce of the thorn and the thistle. The author will esteem his labours amply repaid, if only one indi- vidual shall be thereby incited to virtuous activity and perse- vering exertion. He is abundantly convinced, that the atten- tion of the pviblic will be more and more awakened to this subject; that the system will become wiiversal; and that every friend to his country and to mankind may rejoice in the an- ticipation of that day, when every village, town, and parish of our land shall exhibit its Bible Association. •The returns under the printed heads in the following spe- cimen are those of the St. George's Bible Association, but the facts and observations are selected indiscriminately from IChc Conference Records. It is to be observed, that the i:c turns under the 5th and 6th heads are given jointly, instead SECT, v.] QUARTERLY CONFERENCE. 247 Specimen of a Report to the Quarterly Conference. of being entered separately, owing to some little inaccuracy in keeping the accounts. REPORT of the St. Georges Bible Association TO THE QUARTERLY CONFERENCE: Presented 4th of April, 1821. 1. Total amount of money received since the establishment . . 2. Amount received since last Conference 3. Total amount paid to the Auxiliary since the establishment i. Amount paid to the Auxiliary since last Conference . . 5. Total number of Bibles and Tests, delivered at cost-prices 6. Ditto Ditto under cost-prices . . 7- Ditto Ditto gratuitously distributed £. s. d. 2000. 14 ■ 9 41 . 3 .10 1775. 14 . 4 28. 14, . 5 B. T. 2568 505 CO I 27 8. Total number of subscribers for Bibles and Testaments not") - yet supplied j g. Total number of free contributors now on the books . . 395 10. Increase or decrease of subscribers in the last quarter . . 8 less 11. The number of individuals on the Committee . . . 30 1 2. The average number of the Committee who have attended 7 in the last quarter $ 20 Facts Sf Observations. Eight years have now elapsed since the establishment of this Association : many have been the changes, both in public and private life, that have cha- racterized this period; but, through the blessing of the Most High, no change has taken place in our love for the cause we have espoused, nor any abatement of interest been experienced in our ardent desires for its success. Nor is this a matter of surprise : whatever is of earthly origin, partakes of an earthly nature ; it flourishes for its appointed hour, and is gone ! But that wluch is of Heavenly birth, is of an immortal nature ; and those aflfec- tions wliich are attracted by it, are of an eternal duration: " The grass withereth, the flower fadeth : but the Word of our God shall stand for ewer." Were it not for those frequent changes of residence to which the poor, espe- cially in the metropolis, are subjected from a variety of causes, we should say that the circulation of 3000 copies of the holy scriptures in our parish had almost supplied the home demand. But the distribution of nearly 200 copies during the last twelve months affords sufficient evidence, that even for the attainment of this, its primary object, a Bible Association must be a permanerU Institution. It is, however, on other and more extensive grounds that we rest our principal claims to continued and even increased support. If the Bible be a Revelation from God, and if it be addressed to all man- kind, it becomes the bounden duty of Christians to assist in its universal dissemination. Let us then cast our eyes over the map of the world, and estimate the condition of its inhabitants by contrasting it with our own. What deep and extensive shades do we behold ! — of how many wide-spread regions 248 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [cHAP. Ill* Reformation of an abandoned Female in Southwark : — may it yet be said, that " darkness still covers the earth, and gross darkness the people!" Surely then, if we rightly appreciate our own blessings, the sacred llame of charity will pervade our hearts, and be not only a living but an active principle. We have had much to encourage us ; and now that pre- judice has yielded to conviction, and hostility is disarmed by the mild and steady progress of truth, let us be watchful, lest, having no enemy to con- tend with from without, a spirit of apathy and indifference should grow up within. Against this spirit it is that we would guard ourselves and caution our brethren. — Can the Christian be cold, when the Bible is the object ? Can he be supine, when the temporal and eternal welfare of mankind is the point in view ? We are justified, by the authority of Him who is emphatically denominated ' The Truth,' in saying, that he cannot ; and that he is called upon by the profession he makes, by the hopes he cherishes, and by the Saviour who died for liim, to consider every human being ivho requires Ids aid as his neighbour and his brother. Under these considerations, qud contemplating our connexion with the British and Foreign Bible Society, through the medium of the Southwark Auxiliary Society, we feel, in an increasing degree, the duty that devolves on us, of senchng forth to the unenlightened nations of the earth that sacred volume which '"'' brings life and.immurtaHty to light." Often have we identified ourselves with the Parent Institution ; and we love to cherish the idea ; to feel actuated by the same principle ; animated with the same hopes; and having our views directed to the same beneficent purpose — - the promotion of the divine glory, and the eternal welfare of the human race. In reference to the co-operatioii of our Committee in this great design, it seems appropriate to state, that a spirit of uninteirupted love, unity, and concord pervacles our meetings ; and that those meetings have been recently better attended, the avera^i. number present during the last quarter being twenty. It is also gratifying to report, that, in a partial re-canvas of three districts, eighty-six new subscribers have been obtained, among whom are a young man and his wife of the Jewish persuasion, who both appeared glad of the opportunity of freely contributing to the cause. And we would also further remark, that in part of another district we have no less than thirty free-subscribers among a class of persons who, we fear, are frequently over- looked ; — we mean, the shopmen and clerks of our different tradesmen. Pursuant to a resolution of the last Conference, a strict inquiry has been made of aU the pawnbrokers residing in this parish, relative to the number of Bibles and Testaments pledged. The result, we rejoice to say, has been honourable to this class of tradesmen as well as to the poor, as we did not find a single copy in the hands of any broker. Having alluded to that interesting people, the Jews, it may be proper to observe, that we have recently perceived an increasing and gratifying desire on the part of many of them to possess copies of the Hebrew New Testament. This may be considered as one of the collateral advantages of Bible Associations ; as the desire has evidently been excited by the visits of the Collectors to these poor and hitherto neglected people. Since our last report, we have been privileged to behold some more of that fruit which is promised to those who go forth " bearing precious seed" and we select the following specimens for the table around which our brethren are now assembled. — In one of our districts, so proverbially profligate as to have acquired the name of the "• forlorn hope," the Collectors called at a house of the worst description : — on making their errand known, a young woman about twenty-two years of age replied, " It is not fit for a person like me to have a Bible — I am wicked enough !" She seemed to think that the possession of a Bible would increase her responsibility, and consequently her guilt and future misery. They had much conversation with her : and SECT, v.] QUARTERLY CONFERENCE. 249 and her admittance into a Penitentiary. — Refonnation of a Drunkard. althoucb thev found, in the followmg week, that she had removed to another street in the same district, she made it a point of meeting them, told them she was extremely desirous of leaving her way of life, and earnestly begged for a Testament. This was cheerfully voted by our Committee : and the Collectors m the following month report — "■ The young woman spoken of in our last report, on our next collecting-day, presented herself to us before we reached her abode : she was evidently looking for us ; her demeanour was humble, and her looks expressive of great anxiety and contrition. AVe shall long remember her expressions of gi-atitude on receiving the New- Testament voted to her : clasping it in her hands, she exclaimed, *• Never, no, never, under any circumstances, will I part with it.' From all that we beheld, we do cherish the pleasing hope that it has been said to her, ' Go outhwark, and that the ramifications of this dangerous conspiracy would be traced through the open and unguarded barriers of your Bible Asso- ciations. But what is ihefacl ? Let the clergymen of your district be asked the question— they will tell you that their churches have been better filled, and more regularly attended, since your establish- ment— that their congregations not only progressively increase in numbers, but improve in habits of decorum and propriety of conduct — and that, amongst them, therearemany individuals who have been awakened to a sense of their religious duties, through their con- 252 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [CHAP. IIL Union and peace promoted in Southwark. nexionwith your Bible Associations. From amongst numerous anec- dotes illustrative of this fact, your Committee select the following: — A tradesman in the parish of Roiherhithe had been frequently solicited to join the Association, but had declined, having, as he expressed it, " nothing to do' with the Bible ;" and truly his practice corresponded with his sentiment, as he lived in utter violation of the sabbath, jiever attending religious worship, and keeping his shop constantly open on that day. After many months, he was induced by the ex- ample of his neighbours to become a free-contributor; and on being asked by the collectors whether he had a Bible, he replied that he had, and that he should noiv look into it and see what it was about : he kept his promise, and the effect has been such as might be ex- jj)ected ; his sliop is now closed on the sabbath-day, his conduct and manners have undergone a total change, and he is constant and regu- lar in his attendance on divine worship at his parish church. Surely every ingenuous mind must acknowledge, that the dangerous ten- dency of societies producing effects like these, is purely imaginary; and that the only unpleasant consequence to be apprehended from their universal establishment, is, that every place opened for Christian worship will be found insufficient to accommodate those who are desirous to attend. 3. An opinion having been expressed, that the union of persons of different religious persuasions would not only impede the progress of this work of mercy, but lead to strife and contention, it is ob- served : — Several years having now elapsed since the formation of your society, ample opportunity has been afforded for forming a just estimate of those means which have contributed to its success ; and your Committee would not do justice to their feelings, did they not record, as one of the most prominent of those means, that spirit of harmony and love which has constantly governed their proceedings. Nor has this cementing power been confined to their own members ; — like the precious oil poured on the head of Aaron, and which fell even to the skirts of his garment, it has descended to your children, and its sweet and balmy influence has been equally perceptible in the several Committees of your Twelve Associations; evincing its presence by that affectionate forbearance, that mutual concession, and that cordiality of co-operation, which so well become the singleness and purity of the object, and the character of its professed advocates. Your Committee cannot contemplate a scene like that which is continually before them, without asking whether this happy union of iiiore than G.^O individuals, comprising members of every denomination of professing Christians, annually formed, renewed, and preserved, could possibly exist, were the object in view unworthy of decided and unqualified support ? On the broad and firm basis of THE BIBLE, they meet and they unite — they erect no separate tabernacles, but they preserve inviolate their individual partialities — they regret that they have been so long divided, but they rejoice ia the discovei'y of that common centre where they can conscien- SECT. VI.] GENERAL REMARKS. 253 Ability of the labouring classes to contribute, illustrated. tiously and cordially meet, and where the love which they bear one another is but an evidence of that affection wherein they embrace the universal family of man. 4. It has been asserted, that the labouring classes of society can- not comprehend the Bible alone. It is at all times painful to con- tradict a positive assertion; but your Committee would be guilty of a dereliction of their duty, did they not unequivocally declare, that they have had ample proof that the poor do comprehend the sacred writings, so far at least as to experience, in numerous instances, a happy change wrought in their lives and conversation by the per- usal. How far the individuals who compose the great mass of ■society may view every text and passage in precisely the same light, it is not for your Committee to judge ; nor, perhaps, would it be reasonable to expect it, until their more enlightened brethren ex- hibit this clearness of vision and unity of comprehension. You have already received the most satisfactory evidence, that the Bibles hitherto distributed by you have produced a great and beneficial effect; but if there be any one who is desirous of placing the " Book of Common Prayer," or any other "Illustration" of the Sacred Text, in the habitations of the poor, the way is plain and open ; and he may conscientiously satisfy his benevolent intention, either per- sonally as an individual, or through the medium of those excellent institutions formed for this special purpose. Your object is the circulation of the volume of inspiration alone ; — here, there can be no doubt, no diversity of opinion, no obstacle to cordial and entire union : this is the ground of our common Faith, the source of our common Hope, the pledge of our common Charity: it is the sacred charter of our dearest privilej^es : it is equally addressed to all : it is the common property of created man ; and he who withholds it from any portion of the universal family, deprives them of a right which they derive from Gop. 5. Some opponents of the Bible Society, who formerly denied both the inclination and ability of the labouring classes to co-operate in promoting its design, liavenow changed sides, and affect to trace, in the astonishing growth and success of Bible Associations, a desire to " oppress the poor." If such objectors be actuated by the spirit of Christian candour, they will behold satisfactory proofs of this ability and inclination, in the aggregate amount contributed; in the decided preference given to the highe^l-prictd bibles; and in the lists of subscribers, which comprise a body exceeding 21,000 persons within the sphere of your society. And the same candid feeling will intimate, that it is a voluntary co-operation on the part of their less affluent neighbours, who experience, in this new exercise of benevolence, a pure delight to which they had previously been strangers; while many of them acknowledge that they have thus ac- quired habits of domestic order, sobriety, and economy, highly con- ducive to their temporal welfare. Among the many practical illus- trations of these remarks, which have fallen under the observation of your Committee, there is one so peculiarly applicable to this sub- 254 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDtTCTED BY CFENTLEMEN. [cHAP. IH. The temporal wants of the Poor receive greater attention. ject, that they deem it worthy of particularnotice. — A publican, who had been repeatedly, but vainly solicited to subscribe, at length ad- dressed the collectors in these words: "Gentlemen, I have often told you that you would spoil my trade; and now I find I was right; for 1 do not sell near so much liquor as I formerly did ; and instead of spending their Sunday evenings at my house, drinking and smoking, my customers stay at home poring over your Bibles," The collectors asked him whether he did not believe that his cus- tomers got all they wanted from his house, and whether they did not now pay for all they got. After a pause, he replied, " Yes, Gentlemen — I see it is a good thing :" and he has since become a member of the society. 6. Much has been said relative to the supposed danger of con- vening together the labouring classes ; and much ingenuity has been wasted in the supposed discovery of manifold evils which were to follow those general meetings of Bible Associations. Your Com- mittee would again answer by Facts. In no part of Great Britain has the experiment been so long, so fully, and so frequently tried as in Southwark ; and you know the result : not only have those dangers been proved to be altogether visionary, but the most pro- minent advantages have been of a nature diametrically opposite : instead of " disorder and confusion," the greatest regularity and decorum characterize those annual assemblies ; instead of " ignorant enthusiasts," we see rational and quiet auditors ; instead of fanatics, we behold sober-minded Christians. If our opponents would only favour us with their company on these interesting occasions, they would speedily find that their views of the subject are merely imagi- nary, and that the advantages of those general meetings are equally numerous and striking. 7. Some worthy individuals have expressed a fear, that the tem- poral necessities of the poor may be neglected in the universal desire to administer to their spiritual wants : and others have been appre- hensive lest the numerous charitable institutions of our land should suffer, by having the stream of public bounty directed into a new channel. Your Committee rejoice that they are enabled to remove those fears, and that your district affords a perfect illustration of the train of argument adopted in a late admired and valuable publica- tion*:— the funds of other institutions are not only unimpaired, but materially augmented, and the temporal wants of the poor are re- lieved beyond all former precedent. 8. Nor should it be forgotten, that there is indisputable evidence, that to the influence of Bible Associations we may confidently look for that ultimate amelioration of the state of the labouring classes of society, which has long been rather the desire than the expectation of every true friend to his country. While the gradual increase of * Dr. Chalmers on " the Inflnence of Bible Societies on the temporal Beoessijiei of the Poor." SECT. VI.] GENERAL REMARKS. 255 Bible Associations a barrier against pauperism. pauperism has afforded a subject for deep and serious concern, it is consoling to reflect, that something comparable to a moral sinking- fund has been thus established, wliich operates powerfully towards the liquidation of this heavy and deplorable incumbrance, and the effect of which may be already traced in the improved aspect of numerous families within your district. 9. But let it always be remembered, that an object infinitely higher, and effects incomparably more valuable, are involved in these considerations. To place the sacred volume in every cottage of our land, and, by interesting its inhabitants in the nature and design of a Bible Association, to " raise a defence against the extension of pauperism," is a great and happy re- sult. But will the effects terminate here ? We have the most conclusive evidence that they will not : the fountain of charity is opened ; the stone has been rolled away from the weU's mouth, and the waters, long restrained, now burst forth and flow in every direction. No one is such an enthusiast as to suppose that a moral change has been wrought in every mind ; or that every habitation into which the Bible has been introduced, has resounded to the song of gratitude and praise : the tip of truth itself has declared, that all would not receive the seed of the kingdom ; and those who are pri- vileged to dispense this inestimable blessing are sensible, that when, like " the sower," they have gone forth to sow, some has ^'fallen by the way side," some " on stony ground" and some " among thorns;" but they gratefidly feel and know that much has "fallen upon good ground" and that the fruit is rapidly maturing. The poor already begin to feel that they live not for themselves alone ; that tlmj can assist in throwing open the portals of benevolence ; and that, while they receive the greater share of benefit themselves, they may dispense blessings to the universe. It has been well observed by the enlightened author to whom reference has just been made, *' that it is not so easy to awaken the benevolent principle out of its sleep, as, when once awakened in behalf of one object, to excite and interest it in behalf of another." And never has this truth been so strikingly exemplified, as by the results of Bible Associations. The heart that appeared cold even to its own immediate claims, has awakened at the unwonted voice of kindness to a sense of relative and social duties : no ledger rendered torpid by the persuasion that its happiness or misery was alike the subject of indifference to all arovmd, it shakes off the benumbing influence, and rejoices in the light of the Sun of Righteousness, whose beams not only irradiate its path, but animate its hopes. The low pursuits ^56 BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CONDUCTED BY GENTLEMEN. [CHAP.III. Bible Associations the most efficient means of elevating the moral cliaracter. that had so long degraded and enslaved, assume their proper aspect ; and as they diminish in the estimate, the value and the beauty of industry, morality, and religion, are beheld and appreciated; the claims of duty are recognised; and, as these are discharged, the generous principle expands. He who recently believed that no one felt for him, now feels for all mankind : he to whom the Bible was an object of total unconcern, now glows with an ardent desire that all may be partakers of the blessings it offers and imparts : he may, indeed, be one of " the poor of this world" but, " rich in faith," his charity extends, his capacity enlarges; he has tasted the " luxury of doing good ;" and his existence has derived new charms from the exercise of Christian benevo- lence : wherever man exists, he hails a brother — wherever misery is found, he pants to be a friend. " If we would fully appreciate the glorious exercise of charity, to which the Bible Society invites us," says a distinguished advocate of the cause,* " we should consider ourselves not merely as Englishmen, but as members of the whole family of man. The miserable savage, who wanders in the desert of the forest, untutored and unsubdued, is still a brother of our own, created like ourselves in the image of God, and like us an heir of immorta- lity. For near six thousand years, the groans of nature have been heard in every land : but sages and pro])liets have consoled us with the assurance, that these times shall have an end ; that a new order of things shall arise, and that the blessings of the Gospel shall, ere long, call forth from aU na- tions the sacred and lofty measures of adoration and praise. Even now, I seem to myself to behold the dawning of that brighter day : even now, by the favour of Pi'ovidence upon the labours of Englishmen, and especially by means of the Bible Society, the glad tidings of the Gospel are heard in the most distant regions. Translations of the Scriptures are proceeding to an extent beyond all example ; and if the society continue to act according to the promise of its present exertions, the Gospel will soon have been preached not in this island only, or where its institutions and language are known, but ' unto all that dwell on the earth, to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.' AVherever the footsteps of civilization can be traced, there will men read, in their own tongue, the wonderfld works of God. In the contemplation of these things, I am struck with a degree of admiration and astonishment which I cannot express. I v\^ould venture to borrow the words of that sacred book which it is the object of this meeting to dispense to all men, and inquire, ' Who hath heard such a thing ? Who hath seen such things ?' ' Ask now of the days that ai-e past since the da}' that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, -whether there hath been any such thing as this gi'eat thing is, or hath been heard like it ?' Except the day of Pentecost, I know of nothing to compare with it. The temple of Truth has been founded and built up in Britain ; but the light is streaming through every outlet to all the regions of the world. It has penetrated the hut of the shivering native of Labrador : it has cheered the dwelling of t-lie poor Hindoo. The glory of the Lono is visiting his Church ; from every quarter the gentiles are coming to her • Rev. W. Dealtry, Rector of Clapham. SECT. VT.] GENERAL REMARKS. 257 Testimonies of the Parent Society in favour of Associations. light, and kings to the brightness of her rising. The consoling declarations of the prophets appear, even in these days of conflict, to be last approach- ing their completion ; the brightest visions of our poets seem on the point of being realised, when, * One song employs all nations, and all cry, Worthy the Lamb, for He was slain for us ! The dwellers in the vales and on the rocks Shout to each other, and the mountain tops From distant mountains catch the flying joy, Till, nation after nation taught the strain. Earth rolls the rapturous Hosanna round.' " As sure as the voice of prophecy has foretold them, these glorious times will arrive ; and we in our generation are called to the distinguished honour of acting as instruments in the Divine Hand to hasten their approach. We are invited to the privilege of humbly combining our efforts ' as workers together with Goo.' Let us then work, while it is day ; the night cometh, when no man can work : the opportunity is now in our hands : Ave soon shall go hence, and be no more seen." 10. This chapter cannot he more appropriately closed, than in the language of the Committee of the Parent Society, in their Twelfth and Thirteenth Annual Reports : — " Your Committee think it unnecessary to repeat what has been said on former occasions respecting Bible Associations, farther than to certify, that their experience has again confirmed all that has been asserted in their favour in former reports. They acknowledge, with gratitude, the great efficiency which the Parent Institution has derived from their assistance, while they contemplate with admiration and delight the moral effects which have resulted from them, in the encouragement of religious habits, and in the increase of kind affections and brotherly love : and they are persuaded, that nothing is better calculated to extend the influence of the holy scrij)tures, to excite a personal interest in the knowledge of revealed truth, and (what is the natural consequence of such knowledge) an anxious desire to make others partakers of it, than these most laudable and efficacious Associations The very principle of those Associations is calculated to operate as a monitory and restraining influence on the members of them. They see and feel the incon- sistency of a life devoted to licentious indulgences and immoral habits, with the open and reiterated profession of a veneration for that Book which so forcibly and explicitly condemns them ; while their regulated orderly meet- ings, and their monthly and weekly contributions, for promoting the circu- lation of it, tend to invigorate those feelings, and render them habitual. And when this influence is considered as extending (as, from the active pai-tl- cipation of females, and the young. In this service of love, it will naturally do) to the families of the members of these Associations, the consideration opens a new source of exlularating hope, with respect to the rising and future generations." 258 CHAP. IV. ASSOCIATIONS OF MECHANICS. " TO SET FORWAHD THE WORKMEK IK THE HOOSE OF GOD." EZRA, III. 9. PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. ix is impossible to enter on this part of the system, without mingled emotions of pleasure and regret. To behold those useful and intelligent men, from whose industry and skill so much of the wealth and comforts of our country are derived, associating for suck a purpose, affords the most lively satisfac- tion ; while we cannot but feel desirous, that the example so nobly set by a few, had been followed by the many. The subject is one of peculiar importance ; and were it only taken up with that interest, which it merits, by those who conduct and superintend our manufactories, the most happy results might be anticipated. It was the observation of a celebrated statesman, ** When the bad combine, the good must asso- ciate ;" — and if the same industry were manifested by the lat- ter in circulating moral and religious information, which characterizes the former in distributing publications of the most pernicious tendency, there is every reason to believe that the consequences would have surpassed the most san- guine expectations. Instead of Combinations for bad pur- poses, we should behold Associations for the best : instead of lamenting over the progress of infidelity and disloyalty, we should witness the extension of scripture principles, and i-e- joice in their blessed effects ; — for those who had learned to "fear God" would also " honour the King :" instead of indulging improvident and profligate habits, our Mechanics would more generally feel the value of character and the bless- ings of independence. If those who possess the means of giving a right direction to the minds of their woi'kmen, would only make trial of the experiment now recommended, the seeds of good order, subordination, and virtue would be scat- tered throughout the land ; and we might safely leave the SHAP. IV.] ASSOCIATIONS OF MECHANICS. 259 First Association of Mechanics formed in Dean Street, Soho, London. increase to Him, who hath said, " My word shall not return unto yne void, but it shall accoviplish that which I please, audit shall pro'sper in the thing whereto I sent it." SECTION I. ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF MECHANICS' ASSOCIATIONS. 1. The first Bible Association of Mechanics, of which any account can be procured, was that of the w'orkmen employed by Messrs. Storr and Co.* in Dean Street, Soho, London, in the year 1812. As this was not only the model on which every existing institution of a similar kind has been formed, but that which furnished the incitement to kindred exertion, no apology will be requisite for introducing their own Report of tlie origin and progress of this interesting society. Report of tlie Deax-Street Associatiox or Mechanics, presented at the Conference of the ffestminster Auxiliary Bible Society and Associations : January 10, 1815, With regard to the origin of a Bible Association among vis, this, under God, is to be attributed to the introduction of the Report of tlie British and Foreign Bible Society for the year 1812. It was the first report that any of us liad seen ; it was handed about from one to another, and read with great interest. The effect was, that four of us became subscribers to that society, each of a guinea a-year, which subscriptions have still continued to be paid. Not only so, but we became advocates for the institution : and as the idea of an Association had not then been formed, we solicited donations from our friends ; and we had the pleasure of procuring, under the head of donations, the sum of six pounds sixteen shillings, which we paid, part to the Parent Society, and the rest to the Westminster Auxiliary Bible Society. Our next step was, to try if a small Association could be formed among the men. In order to make the subject understood, we procured from the de- pository several of the " Brief Views of the Proceedings of the Society," which were put into the hand's of the men ; and rules were drawn up, con- taining the project of an Association : to which the following article was prefixed : — " We, the undersigned mechanics and others, in the employ of Messrs. Storr and Co. Dean Street, Soho, approving as we do of the designs and pro- ceedings of the British and Foreign Bible Society, have resolved to contribute weekly the sums subjoined to our respective names, for the purpose of raising a fund, which, as soon as it shall at any time amount to £. • , Mr. ■ shall be requested to pay into the hands of the Collector of the Westminster Auxiliary Bible Society." The following directions are taken from that sacred volume which we wish to circulate : — 1st. As to the motive which ought to influence us in this and every good work that we do, read 1 Cor. vi. 19, 20 : " Ye are not your own ; ye are * This establishment now belongs to Messrs. Ilundell and Co. S2 260 ASSOCIATIONS OF MECHANICS. [CHAP.IV, Motives that influenced the Founders of the Society. bought with a price ; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 2d. As to the amount of your subscription, see 2 Cor. ix. 6, ^ : ' »He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly ; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give ; not grudgingly nor of necessity : for God loveth a cheerful giver." 3d. If any man should say, The trifle I can afford to give is so small that I may as well not give, see Luke xxi. 1. 4 : " And Jesus looking up, saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury : and he saw a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all :" — so that the Searcher of hearts sees and esteeius your penny, given from a just motive, more than the wealthier man's guinea, if his motive be corrupt. 4th. As to reward, see Matthew x. 42 : " Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a dis- ciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward." A book, containing these rules, with some blank paper, was left for the sig- nature of such of the men as were disposed to become members, who also put the sum, whether a penny or more per week, that they intended to give, against their names : — and we had the pleasure of seeing, in a short time, the names of more than one half of the people employed in the manufactory. Our Association, at present, comprises one subscriber of fivepence per week ; eleven of threepence per week ; eighteen of twopence per week j seventeen of three-halfpence per week ; and twenty-one of one-penny per week. We have now nearly accomplished our object of supplying ourselves with Bibles. Whether, when that object is rendered complete, our Associa- tion will continue to exist, may be doubtful : but, should it dissolve, we shall have the satisfaction of knowing, that, while we have been serving our- selves, we have not neglected others. The whole amount paid to the support of the Bible-cause from persons in the employ of Messrs. Storr and Co., in little more than two years, is, sixty-four pounds seventeen shillings. We mention this, in the first place, to shew the great utility of circulating printed intelligence concerning the grand and benign operations of the Parent Society. It has been already stated, that one of their Reports was the instrument to kindle the flame with us ; and this flame has since been fed with " Summaries, Brief Views, Extracts of Intelligence," &c. which (on declaring the purpose for which they were requested) we found no difficulty in obtaining from the depo- sitory. We mention it, secondly, to shew what great aid may be obtained from manufactories. There are many advantages to be found in a manufactory which do not exist elsewhere ; for instance, we can instantly circulate in- telligence. Men, it is well known, will do that cheei'fully in conjunction with their fellow-workmen, which they will not do at all in other con- nexions. The labour of collecting is reduced to almost nothing, for we have our subscribers all before us ; and (which is no small advantage) we stand at little if any expense ; indeed we have never yet incurred any. We hear great things said of the magnitude of the funds of the Bible Society ; and it is to be feared that this style of talking induces many to suppose that those funds ai"e rich enough without any assistance from them. We are far from thinking that what has been done is an adequate expres- sion of gratitude to God from a nation so deeply indebted for its prosperity, and from so numerous a population. One farthing a month, or threepence SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF MECHANICS* ASSOCIATIONS. 261 Desire to assist in promoting the Foreign objects. a-year, from every individual in the United Kingdom, would produce a much larger revenue than the funds of the Bible Society and all the dif- ferent ^Missionary Societies together. It is evident, therefore, that, while a small portion of the community has taken a becoming interest in this truly honourable and glorious cause, the great mass has hitherto been unmoved. A considerable portion, we know, of that mass is employed in manufac- tories ; and we have proved, (not by logical deductions, but by the fact,) that a manufactory, possessed of no peculiar local facilities above others, can furnish a Bible Association. WTiat more likely to draw down the bless- ing of God upon our manufactories and commerce, than to have Bible Associations established in them ? In every institution where business unites and associates a number of men, the subject might be introduced with advantage. The Bible, we know, is the germ from which our great- ness and that rank of pre-eminence which we hold among the nations liave arisen. God has communicated it to us as a precious talent, of which he will require an account. It is by communicating, that we shall enjoy ; by scattering, that we shall increase our store. There is now an open door set before us : we have the means of enlightening the nations : it is no small honour that God has conferred upon us. If we use our means, it is well; but if we callously and from narrow selfishness refuse, God will raise up delive- rance for the nations from some other quarter; for his time seems to be approaching, and we shall lose the reward." 2, When this report of their proceedings was printed, by desire of the Conference, and read to the subscribers, the only part of it with which they foirnd fault, was, tlie para- graph in which a doubt is intimated as to the continuance of their subscriptions after they should be supplied with Bibles. The general feeling was thus expressed : " No, we will not give it up ; we will continue it ; and we hope our example will be followed by other manufacturers." The following extracts, from the subsequent reports of this remarkable Association, will sufficiently illustrate the motives that influ- enced the members, and cannot fail to interest the reader. " Under the divine blessing, we owe the credit we have gained to the exercise of these three virtues >— liberality, moderation, and patience: — libe- rality, exercised towards foreign objects; — moderation, in that we have always taken the Brevier Bible, that we might be able to be liberal: in every case where the Small-Pica Bible has been taken, the individual has paid the diflference of the price ; — and patience, each man having waited patiently until he could be supplied ; and that was not before double money had been paid to the Auxiliary. Now, if these three virtues can be made to predominate more in the respective associations, we shall soon lose our distinction ; and we do most devoutly wish tliis to be the case : for, though it would argue insensibi- lity to be unaffected with the applause of good and discerning men ; yet, feel- ing as we do, that before God we are unprofitable servants, and that before men we have done no more than it was our duty to do, — feeling also the im- portance of the great cause in which we are all engaged, — we say, that we had rather be obscured by the great crowd of vigorous associations, each of which should come up to or exceed our standard, than continue to m.erit any peculiar distinction among them. " We have never witnessed upon any other subject so much unanimity and concord, kept up for so long a time (now three years), as we have on 262 ASSOCIATIONS OF MECHANICS. [cHAP. IV. Liberality manifested. — Kesults of tlie Dean-Street Association. the subject of the Bible Society. The subscribers think they shall never be poorer for what little they give for this purpose ; they feel it an honour to stand foremost in the ranks ; and what they do is done heartily. " It gives us great pleasure to find that the subject has been successfully introduced into several manufactories : there is in such establishmente, generally speaking, a current, which, whatever way turned, runs with great violence. Democracy hath often profited of this ; calling to its aid, drunken- ness, and every evil work in its train. Infidelity hath profited of this : — thanks be to God ! its day, we trust, is nearly passed. " At the time our Bible Association was formed, a lottery- club existed in one of the shops ; but, in consequence of the former association exciting and producing (as is always its natural tendency) a higher tone of thinking and acting, the men have recently determined to trrms/er their suhscriptions from the lottery to the Church Missionary Society : and we hope to produce for that society about seven pounds per annum. " About a month ago, the adjoining premises to ours were burnt domi ; the destruction was rapid, and our manufactory was in imminent danger ; but, hy the prompt assistance and activity of some of our men, the fire, which had caught the top of the building, was extinguished. For this their activity and exertion, they were presented by the Fire-insurance Company with a gratuity of five pounds, which was equally divided. When the division was made, one of them observed, — ' It was not we that saved the building, but Providenci^ ; — the wind blew the flames and smoke directly from us ; and we were enabled, in consequence, to stand upon the roof and extinguish the flames where they had taken hold : I will therefore give my quota to the Bible Association : it may be the means of putting a Bible into the hands of some child, or ignorant person, and teaching them the consolatory truth of a particular Providence, that not even a sparrow falls without our Heavenly Father's knowledge.' His example was followed by some others; and hence we received a donation of twenty -three shillings. " The principle upon which this society acts, is, That each member shall subscribe from one penny to sixpence per week ; and the value of one lialf the amount paid into the general fund shaU be received back in Bibles, if required, to be distributed among the men. " On a reference to the First Report of the Dean-Street Association, it-will be found there is a doubt expressed, whether, after their object (which was that of supplying themselves with Bibles) was accomplished, the Association would continue to exist. It is with the greatest pleasure that we observe this apprehension to be without foundation ; our subscriptions being at pre- sent nearly double the amount of those at the time the Report was made. We have at present eleven subscribers at sixpence per week ; two at four- pence ; ten at threepence ; forty -three at twopence ; and thirty -one at one penny per week ; making, in all, eighteen shillings and fivepence per week." The following abstract exhibits a statement of the Accounts of this Association to the month of April 1 820 : Total ] amount paid to the Westminster Auxiliary Bible Society £.271.10. 6 Keceived 3M Bible,__^^^^ J „„„„„,„g, ,, ,„,^ p^,,,, ,„ . „a.|..8 Balance appropriated to the general object of the British and Foreign Bible Society £■ '^' • 18. 10 Number of Contributors, in April 1820, one hundred and twenty -five. SECT. 1.] ORIGIN OF MECHANICS* ASSOCIATIONS. 263 Tribute to the memory of INIr. Dyke, the founder of the Association. In their Report to the Westminster Conference, April 1820, this Association place the value of their establishment in a new and interesting point of view; while they afford another evidence of the importance of giving every facility to the circulation of the Monthly Extracts : — " Another decided proof of the utility of circulating printed intelligence has lately fallen under our observation. At the time of the recent trial of an individual for vending blasphemous publications, the principals of a manu- factory, in which twenty-four men were employed, were made very uneasy by hearing that some of their workmen had adopted his pernicious opinions, and were doing all in their power to make proselytes among their fellow workmen. At this critical juncture, the " INIonthly Extracts" for September fell into the hands of one of the principals ; who, seeing the success of the Dean-Street Society, immediately thought that the formation of a similar establishment, in his own manufactory, would be the most proper and effectual method to counteract the efforts of these deluded men. Having drawn up a kind of prospectus, he called a general meeting of his workmen ; and having explained the object, and satisfactorily answered every objection that was urged, he had the happiness of succeeding beyond his most sanguine ex- pectations ; no fewer than twenty-two, out of the twenty -four persons em- pioyed, having the next day enrolled their names as weekly subscribers." 3. In reference to this Association, the Committee of the Westminster Auxiliary Society, in their Annual Reports for 1818 and 1819, observe:— " Besides the more extended operation of this example in other circles, your Committee are peculiarly gratified to report, that several similar Associations have been fonned in different manufactories in this district. Among these, your Committee would direct your attention to the following : viz. — the Association of Manufacturers in the employment of Messrs. Hawkes, Mosely, and Co. which has contributed 48^ ; of Messrs. Hatchett, 12/. ; of Messrs. Spode and Copeland, 7/. 10*. 9d. ; of ISIessrs. Hansard and Sons, 3/. ; of Messrs. Hancock, Shepherd, and Co. ; and of Messrs. \V. Smith and Co There are now eleven Associations in various kinds of manu- fectories within the sphere of this Auxiliary, ten of which form Branches in connexion with the Associations in whose districts they are established." It would be unjust to conclude this sketch of the progress and effects of the Dean-Street Association, without some allusion to the founder of that remarkable institution ; nor can this be more appropriately made, than in the language of those who were best qualified to appreciate his worth; and who observe, in their Report for 1817, — " It is with feelings of deep regret, we hav« to state the death of our highly -respected Secretary', Mr. Joseph Dyke. To our departed friend, as an instrument, we are indebted for the formation of our Society ; and whatever degree of reputation it may have acquired amongst the friends of Bible Associations, must principally be ascribed to the intelligence and ability with which he conducted its concerns. Having said thus much, we should afford a very feeble proof of our regard for his memory, were we to allow the result of his labours to crumble into dust : the dictates of friendship forbid this : but considering, as we do, the British and Foreign Bible Society as amongst 264 ASSOCIATIONS OF MECHANICS. [cHAP. IV. Similar Associations in Southwark and Liverpool, the instruments which an all-wise Providence will make use of to enlighten the whole world, it becomes no longer a matter of friendship or choice ; but an imperative duty, from which we can in no wise free ourselves, and be guiltless." Thus, " being dead, he yet speaketh;" and to every one placed in a similar station, as a foreman or superintendent, the lan- guage addressed is, " Go, and do thou likewise." 4. Proceeding in the order of their establishment, the next Association of this description appears to have been formed among the workmen of Messrs. Pritchard and Co., hat-manu- facturers, Dean Street, Canterbury Square, Southwark ; esta- blished in the year 1813, in consequence of the visits of the collectors of the St. Saviour's Bible Association, to which its funds have been paid. The aggregate results during the last seven years are : Number of Contributors 128 Number of Bibles and Testaments received . 101 Amount collected £.66.16.1 Ditto appropriated to the general object of the British and Foreign Bible Society . . . . £. 32 . 8 . 1 5. The light that was kindled in the south was reflected from the north with increased brilliancy. In the year 1815, the Committee of the Liverpool Bible Society directed their attention to this important subject ; and the following extract of a communication from their able and indefatigable Secretary (Samuel Hope, Esq. J to the lamented founder of these in- stitutions, is a gratifying record of their success : — " "We have proposed the formation of Voluntary Associations among the mechanics collected under their own masters, in the more extensive manu- facturing establishments of the town ; and have every encouragement to proceed in the work. We have not yet met with one refusal from the pro- prietors, to whom we have made application for permission to lay the plan before the men for their consideration. In every instance, the men have heard us with respectful attention : and though many of them were evidently strangers to the Bible, they have not only fallen cheerfully into the pro- posal, but, so far as we can judge, it appears to have called their attention to the revelation which God has given us." The Associations of Mechanics in connexion with the Liverpool Society will appear, by the following statement of their respective contributions to April 1820, to have aided, in no inconsiderable degree, the fur'^'j of that flourishing in- stitution : — SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF MECHANICS ASSOCIATIONS. 265 Results of the Liverpool Mechanics' Associations. ASSOCIATIONS OF MECHANICS IN CONNEXIOK WITH THE LIVERPOOL AUXILIARY SOClEXy. Phoenix Iron Foundry Amount remitted, 148 . Herculaneum Pottery Ditto 115. Mr. Bartin Haigh's Ditto 105 . Caxton Printing Office Ditto 36 . Messrs. Thomas Dove and Co. . . . Ditto 32 . Mr. Henry Holt's Ditto 22 . Messrs. Staniforth and Laird .... Ditto 10. Lamp Contractors and Lighters . . . Ditto 10. Messrs. John Johnson and Son . . . Ditto 9 . Messrs. Webster and Forshaw . . . Ditto 3 • Mr. William SoutheU's Ditto 3 . Messrs. John Eccles and Son .... Ditto 3 . Mr. John Sutherland's Ditto 2 • Messrs. Thomas Rbberts and Co. . . . Ditto 1 . Mr. Fairclougb's Ditto 1 . Mr. James Holmes Ditto 1 . Messrs. M. Gladstone and Co. . . . Ditto 0 . £.506 . s. d. 10. 6 0. 0 14. 10 9. 10 16. 9 9- 7 0. 0 0. 0 1 . 9 16. 9 0. 0 15. 6 3. 3 3. 4 1 . 0 0. 0 9. 0 12. 1 The aggregate average number of subscribers in these seventeen Associations may be estimated at 800 ; — they have received about 700 Bibles and Testaments ; — and the total amount for which no return has been required, and which has consequently been contributed in aid of the general object of the Parent Society, exceeds two hundred andjifty pounds. On this subject, the following extracts from the Eighth Report of the Liverpool Society are important, as affording an additional evidence, that the effect of the Bible Society, throughout all its ramifications, is such, as not only to supply the demand for the holy scriptures, but to create and extend a desire for their possession, and an interest in their universal circulation : — " When the Ladies began their important visits upon that extended plan, and pursued them with that minuteness of detail by Avhich their labours have been characterized, it might have been expected that they would, in some degree, prejudice the funds derived from the Mechanics' Associations ; whose members, finding their families called upon to provide themselves with the Word of Life, might probably transfer their contributions to that channel through which the objects of their first solicitude would be most surely benefitted. But where is the wisdom of the wise ? Contrary to the common elements of calculation, the very agency which appeared likely to diminish has, in fact and practice, augmented the funds of the Mechanic Associations. The amount acknowledged in the last lieport was 1 02/. 1 8*. 1 rf.; ^66 ASSOCIATIONS OF MECHANICS. [CHAP. IV. Similar Associations in Stocki)ort and its Vicinity ; — that which has been received during the past year is 122/. 7*. 4d. The desire to possess the Scriptures has resembled a vigorous spring, long pent up in the earth, and long struggling to be free : when the first opening was made, it gushed instantaneouly to the day ; and the more that opening has been enlarged by the hand of art, the more copious has been the flow. If increasing effort be thus followed by increasing success, the limit of the society's operation must become vastly enlarged, and the prospect of its usefulness almost incalculably great." 6. In the year 1814, a Bible Association was formed among the workmen of Mr. Atwell, in Glasgow, which con- tributed 61. I6s. 5d. to the funds of the Auxihary Society of that city. And it is with feelings of peculiar satisfaction, that the author is enabled to announce the commencement of similar institutions, in the important district embraced by the Stockport Auxiliary Society. The first of these was esta- blished in December 1819; and such was the zeal manifested by its members, and the success which attended their exertions, that, in August 1820, they had upwards of three Imndred sub- scribers, of whom about 200 required Bibles or Testaments ; and had remitted to the Auxiliary Society no less a sum than Jlfty pounds. Under a conviction, " that the open efforts of infidelity should be met by the open efforts of Christian be- nevolence ; and that nothing was more likely to destroy its practical operation than the introduction of Bible Associa- tions into our cotton manufactories ;" the Committee of the Stockport Auxiliary Society published an address to the mill-owners of that town and its vicinity, explaining their object, and soliciting co-operation: — ■ " We call," they observe, " upon the master-manufacturers of the town to join us in this undertaking ; and if they cannot bestow much of their time in practical efforts, at least to bestow upon us the smile of their appro- bation. Their respectability as men, and the extensive influence they command over the working population of the town, justify such an expec- tation : and if these Associations had no higher aim than to exert a com- manding influence over the morals of the people, where is the master who would not sanction them ? where is the master who would not rather see his workmen subscribe a penny a week for a Bible, than bestow their money in the chronicles of impiety and sedition ? and where is the master among us, who, instead of hearing in his factory the strains of impure and licentious songs, would not rather see that place hallowed by the influence of religion ? We submit these remarks to their considerations with great deference, as we have the pleasure of numbering among them some of the best friends and best supporters of our society." 7. Besides those which have been enumerated, the only Association of Mechanics with which the author is ac- quainted, is that established in March 1820, by the indivi- duals employed in the manufactory of Mr. Paul Storr, in Harrison Street, Gray's-Inn Road, London, for the express purpose of contributing to the funds of the British and Fo- SECT. T.] ORIGIN OF MECHANICS* ASSOCIATIONS. S67 and in Mr. Storr's Manufactory, who himself acts as President. reign Bible Society. In their printed address, they observe, — " The generaUty of the members have been ah-eady sup- phed with Bibles from a former society of this description ,• and a sufficient number remains on hand to supply those who are in need of the sacred volume." They further state, that " a fund had already been raised by some zealous indi- viduals, which was immediately placed in the hands of the treasurer, as a first-fruit of their earnestness to promote so good a cause." Within six weeks after the formation of this Association, it consisted of seventy-four members, who were thus classed : Six of One Guinea per Annum, | Two of Sixpence . . per Week, One of One Pound . . . ditto, I Eight of Threepence . . . ditto. One of Ten Shillings . ditto, Twenty -eight of Twopence ditto, Tvyo of Sixpence per Month, | Three of Three Halfpence ditto, and Twenty-three of One Penny per Week : Forming an aggregate of 34^. 55. 1 Orf. per Annum. In concluding their address, they remark — " In stating these particulars, this Association disclaim all intention of boasting — they simply detail facts ; but at the same time indulge an earnest hope that this Report may afford one more stimulus (should any be vranting) to the establishment of similar societies in large manufactories ; being iirmly convinced of the vast importance and salutary effects of sound religious instruction at all times, but more particularly at present, when every means are resorted to by the enemies of social order to undermine all the foundations both of the temporal and eternal happiness of mankind." This Association held its first Annual General Meeting on the 5th of February 1821, when it appeared that the total receipts amounted to 29/. 125. l^c?.; and it was resolved, that after paying for fifteen Bibles received for the members, the balance in hand, being 21 Z. Qs. \0\d. should be paid to the Committee of the Bloomsbury and South-Pancras Auxiliary Society, " for the general, and more especially the foreign, objects of the Parent Society." The Report concludes with the followincr striking observation : — " As this Association is unavoidably confined to the manufactory in which it is situated, it cannot be expected to furnish subject for very extensive comment : but we must not omit stating our firm belief, that the circulation of the Word of God among its members has contributed, in an eminent degree, to the peace and good order of this concern." It is worthy of particular notice, that this report is signed by Mr. Storr, as President of the Association : — an example deserving general imitation, and which goes far in accounting for the success with which it has been attended, both in a pecuniary and moral point of view. S68 ASSOCIATIONS OF MECHANICS. [cHAP. IV. Rules and llegulations recommended for adoption While these examples demonstrate the value and import- ance of Bible Associations of Mechanics, and afford a satis- factory evidence of the facility with which they may be established, their results, both moral and pecuniary, excite a feeling of regret that they have not been more generally formed throughout the kingdom. The limited circulation of local reports, and the consequent ignorance of these institu- tions, and of the mode of conducting them, have doubtless prevented the extension of the system, the great importance of which must be evident to all who rightly consider the subject. Under this impression the author respectfully sub- mits the following Regulations to those who may feel interested in this object. SECTION II. RULES RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION BY BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS OF MECHANICS. I. That we form ourselves into an Association in connexion with the British and Foreign Bible Society, through the medium of the Auxiliary {or Branch) Society, for the purpose of supplying ourselves with the holy scriptures, and of assisting in their universal circulation. II. That every member subscribe not less than one penny a week. Such contribution to be paid regularly every Saturday to the Treasurer. III. That as soon as the fund shall at any time amount to five pounds, it shall be paid over by the Treasurer to one of the Secretaries of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society ; and acknowledgments of all such payments shall be produced by the Treasurer at the next Quarterly jNIeeting of the Association. IV. That we avail ourselves of the offer of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society to return us Bibles and Testaments, at cost prices, to the amount, if required, of one-half the aggregate sum paid by this Association, for the supply of our own members and their families. The remaining half of ■our contributions shall be applied to the promotion of the general object of the British and Foreign Bible Society. V. That a meeting of the members of this Association shall he held in the evening of the first Monday in January, April, July, and October, at seven o'clock precisely, for the purpose of receiving the Treasurer's account of receipts and disbursements, and of delivering the Bibles and Testaments. VI. That the Bibles and Testaments distributed to the subscribers who require them, shall be delivered according to priority of claim ; unless it should appear to the meeting that one case is more pressing than another. VII. That the Treasurer shall be annually chosen at the meeting in January : he shall also act as Secretary, and keep an exact account of all receipts and disbursements, also of all Bibles and Testaments received and delivered, and any other particulars relative to the proceedings of this Asso- ciation. VIII. That the Treasurer be requested to make application to the Secre- taries of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society for two copies of their last Annual Report, and two copies of the last Report of the British and Foreign Bible Society : and that they be also requested to supply this Association, monthly, with twelve copies of " Extracts of Correspondence :" — these books and papers to be circulated among the members, under the direction of the Treasurer. SECT. II.] RULES FOR MECHANICS* ASSOCIATIONS. 269 by Associations of Mechanics. — Observations on the Rules. IX. That a Committee of three subscribers, including the Treasurer, shall be annually appointed, at the meeting in October, to prepare a report of the pi-oceedings of the Association, with any interesting particulars of beneficial effects. Such report to be submitted to the meeting in Januarj', and, when adopted, to be transmitted to the Committee of the Auxiliary (or Brmick) Society. X. That Mr. be appointed Treasurer for the ensuing year. XI. That respectful application be made to Mr {the Proprietor of the Concern)^ requesting him to accept the Presidency of the Association. XII. That a copy of these resolutions, signed by the {President or) Treasurer, be transmitted to the Committee of the Auxiliary {or Branch) Society. OBSERVATIONS. I. "Where no Auxiliary (or Branch) Society exists, the Association may be formed in direct connexion with the British and Foreign Bible Society. In reference to the Second Rule, strict attention should be paid to punctuality of payment, and collection. The day most convenient to the members should be appointed for this purpose ; and the sum be immediately entered in the book, opposite to the sub- scriber's name. — {See Specimen of the Treasurer's Book.) II. The sum specified in the Third Rule may be increased or diminished, according to the extent of the Association, and the wishes of the subscribers. III. If the return of one-half, as stated in the Fourth Rule, should be found inadequate to the wants of the members, the Auxiliary (or Branch) Committee will grant a further supply, on application, even to the full amount of the contri- bution from the Association. IV. The Quarterly Meeting should always be held on the premises where the members are employed, and at an hour which does not interfere with their work. The President, or in his absence the Treasurer, should preside at all such meetings. V. In reference to the Seventh and Eleventh Rules, it will be found very important to get one of the proprietors of the manufactory to accept the appointment of President, and the principal superintendent to fill the office of Treasurer. In a large Association it may be desirable to appoint a Secretary in addition, who should also be one that occupies a respon- sible station in the concern. VI. The number of copies of the Reports and Monthly Extracts will, of course, vary according to the extent of the Association : of the latter, one copy may answer for every four subscribers, eadih of whom may have it for two or three days. A constant interest will thus be maintained, and a 270 ASSOCIATIONS OF MECHANICS. [CHAP. IV. Simplicity of the design, and facility of carrying it into eifect. knowledge of the proceedings and effects of Bible Societies be diffused among the members. Nor is it unreasonable to expect, that the perusal of these documents may have a powerful influence on the minds of the subscribers. Of the pernicious tendency of those publications that have recently been circulated with so much industry among our manufac- turing population, every reflecting and well-governed mind is abundantly convinced. And can we hesitate to adopt a measui'e which provides a silent but effectual corrective ? Shall we suffer the Press to become the instrument of evil, and not call forth its powers to counteract the mischief? Those powers are resistless, on whatever side they are employed ; and it is alike our interest and our duty to enlist them in the cause of virtue. And surely nothing is more likely to introduce a correct taste, to awaken the benevolent principle, and to attract the affections of the heart, than these records of mercy, peace, and gratitude. Here the rich tribute is rendered to British charity : here the irrefra- gable evidence of benefit is produced : and here the volun- tary witnesses assemble, from the four quarters of the globe, to testify their grateful attachment to that generous land which could not rest satisfied with the possession of the sacred treasure, without making all nations partakers of its wealth and participants of its joy. SECTION III. MODE OF KEEPING THE ACCOUNTS. 1. As the distinguishing feature in the plan of these Associations is simplicity, and those who conduct them have in general but little time at their command, the accounts should be so kept as to save all unnecessary trouble, while they exhibit a clear view of every transaction. These objects, it is submitted, can be fully attained, by having only two books, which may be so constructed as to contain all the requisite particulars in the most simple and intelligible form : a Minute Book, in which the proceedings of the Quarterly and Annual Meetings should be inserted by the Secretary, and the Reports of the Treasurer be transcribed; and the Treasurer's Book, in which a statement of every pecuniary transaction should be kept. The former requires no particular ob- servation ; and the annexed Specimen, with the explanatory remarks subjoined, will sufficiently illustrate the latter. 2. The Treasurer's Book should be of Quarto size ; and if it contain fifty or sixty leaves, it will comprise the accounts of the Association for several years. It will be perceived by SECT. III.] MODE OF KEEPING THE ACCOUNTS. 271 The Minute and Treasurer's Book described. the Specimen No. 1, that a number is prefixed to the name of every subscriber: — these numbers should be continued un- interruptedly throughout the Book : thus the first number in folio 2 will be 19. It will save considerable trouble, if the Treasurer specify an hour, weekly, for receiving the Contri- butions, and make the regular entry in his book at the time the subscription is paid. 3. Should any subscriber wish for a Bible or Testament, after having originally declined availing himself of his pri- vilege, he should be supplied. In all such cases, the entry of " No " should be erased, and the description of Bible or Testament inserted in the proper column. When a subscriber dies, or discontinues his subscription, a notification to that effect should be inserted opposite to his name, as in the case of No. 7 in the Specimen. The requisite entry should be made in the last column, before the Bible or Testament is delivered to the Subscriber. 4. It will be observed, that spaces are left at the bottom of the page, for the purpose of adding up and inserting the Weekly and Quarterly amounts. These entries, checked by the cash in the Treasurer's hands, will enable hiin to prepare his Quarterly Statement, according to the following form ; viz. TREASURER'S REPORT. Presented the 3d of April 1820. ^-^-- £. s. d. Amount received in January 4.0.8 Ditto . . in February 0-9.2 Ditto . . in March 0.10.9 Total received •>. 5.0.7 Paid to the Auxiliary Bible Society 5 . 0-0 Balance now in the Treasurer's bands . . £.0 . 0.7 Received from the Auxiliary Society : — 2 Brevier and 2 Minion Bibles ; 3 Pica and 2 Brevier Testaments ; amounting, at cost-prices, to '21. 3i. Ad. Claimed by Subscribers : — 2 Brevier Bibles, and 1 Pica Testament. ,*• This report should hejiled, for reference. « ■ 5. In reference to the Specimen No. 2, the Treasurer should always give a ivritten order for Bibles and Testaments : and it is the duty of the Secretary or Depositary of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society to furnish an invoice with every parcel. This invoice should be immediately entered by the Treasurer, and produced, with the acknowledgment of the last remittance, at the next Quarterly Meeting of the Association. 272 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. JO. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. SPECIMEN, [To occupy all the Book, except the Four last Folios.- SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. Messrs. Storr & Co. Mr, William Storr. Mr. Joseph Dylce . . John Brown Thomas Johnson . . . James Field Matthew Gage . . . George Jones Peter Grant John Thomas Robert Bruce , Edward Price , Thomas Bond Joseph Ford William Took Charles Morgan . . . . Henry Hart Samuel Stringer . . . . Rate of Contribution. 2 Guineas per ann. 1 Guinea 10*. 6d 4d. a week 3d. 4d 2(f. Id. Id Id 2 — I I *» I I III 13-21 April. May. — rt ^ -^ LTi £.5.0.7 18 1: n-2 Annual Amount s. d. When sup- plied. Apr.2i. No. 2. Folios of the Book.] account with tlie Mechanics' Association. C^ 1820. Marclrl7. By 2 Brevier Bibles, at 7s. bd. 14 2 Mi7no7i D". at Qs.2d. 12 3 Pica Testaments, Calf, atAs.AcL 13 2 Brerirr D\ f-heep, atls.ld. 3 274 ASSOCIATIONS OF MECHANICS. [cHAP. IV. Peculiar importance of these institutions at the present period. SECTION IV. GENERAL REMARKS. 1. If there be any portion of the system of the Bible Society that is peculiarly apphcable to the circumstances of Great Britain at the present period, it appears to be that which we are now considering. To those who possess a salutary in- fluence over the minds of their subordinate workmen, a question of vital importance suggests itself — " How has this injluence been exercised P" If every master-manufacturer and superintendant would seriously put this inquiry to his own conscience, and be governed by the answer he receives, the results would be speedily witnessed, and the best interests of our country be essentially promoted. 2. That universal education on the basis of the Bible would be an universal benefit, is the decided conviction of the author ; but whether this opinion be well or ill founded, is not now the questio,n. The evil, if it be one, is done ; — an appetite is created, which must be fed ; and if you do not supply it with wholesome and solid food, we too well know that there are others who will administer attractive poison. And shall we sleep, while the enemy is sowing tares ? Shall the Christian be supine, when the Infidel is active? Shall the friends of good order and subordination slumber at their posts, when the advocates of anarchy and confusion are abroad? If apathy and indifiTerence be the consequence of superior knowledge, then indeed education is an evil: but if wisdom and intelligence be conferred, as they undoubtedly are, for practical and good purposes, it is in such times as these that their value is felt and their application demanded. 3. " The Bible," says Locke, " has God for its author; salva- tion for its end ; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter." The interest excited by a desire to possess it, or to assist in its universal diffusion, is as much superior to every sensual pursuit, as the concerns of eternity surpass those of the present hour. He who feels and cherishes this interest is elevated above the mean and sordid considerations that had formerly occupied his attention. His character expands with his capacity for enjoyment; and he rejects those incitements to evil, a compliance with which would degrade him in his own estimation, and in the opinion of those whose respect he can now appreciate. 4. The effect of this elevation of character will be felt in reference to his daily habits. The man who passes his even- SECT. IV.] GENERAL REMARKS. 275 ■ ' — The effects on habit and character. — Illustration of the subject. ings at the public-house, and associates with the idle and the profligate, gradually depresses the spring of honest in- dustry, and weakens his attachment to domestic pleasures : whereas he who is induced by reflection and conviction to avoid those scenes of dissipation, and to find his best and tranquil enjoyments at home, will have a perpetual stimulus to exertion, in the increased comforts of his family and the satisfaction of his own mind. A strong and increasing sense of duty will render his toil a pleasure ; and his emjiloyers will not be the last to reap the reward of this high tone of correct moral feeHng, which they have been the instruments of exciting. 5. These observations will derive tenfold force, if we con- sider the Mechanic in the light of a dispenser of charity. Those know but little of the labouring classes in our country, who assert, that selfishness is their predominant characteristic. The benevolent principle maybe torpid, but it still exists; — it may have been kept down by the leaden influence of pauperism, or misdirected by artifice and sophistry ; but if you place it under the guidance of Religion, it will rise above these obstructions, and acquire strength and vigour by ex- ercise. He who knows himself to be a benefactor of man- kind, however limited the extent of his aid, will find within his own heart a stronger incentive to economy and industry than legislative enactments have ever provided. " I never knew," said an honest carpenter to the author ; " I never knew, Sir, the value of independence till now. Formerly I never had a shilling to spare, because I always owed it at the public-house. I had a Bible, but I never read it, until the collectors of the Bible Association told me what it was. They asked me whether I could not spare a penny a-week, to send it over all the world ; and I gave it without thinking about it. But when I read the paper they gave me, and my Bible afterwards, I found I had been for ten years injuring myself and my family, without getting any good by it ; so I thought it was high time to make a change : and, blessed be God ! He has enabled me to make it. I began to think, tt^hether I could not give more than the poor penny a-week to such a great and good work ; and I soon found I could double it without missing what I gave. This was the begin- ning. Sir ; and now I have eighteen pounds in the Savings' Bank, my family and home are comfortable and orderly, and I never was half so h^ppy in my life." t2 276 CHAP. V. JUVENILE AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS. JOSIAH WHILE HE WAS YET YOUKG, BEGAN TO SEEK GOD." 2 CHRON. XXXIV. 3. PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. Among the many considerations which a review of the Bible Society involves, few are more replete with interest than that on which we now enter. That persons of mature age, with- out distinction of country or sex, should co-operate in a work like this, does not excite surprise ; but that the zeal and energy of Children should be called into exercise, is a subject of peculiar gratification, and affords one of the finest illustrations of that singleness of object and that simplicity of design which characterize this institution. It might naturally be supposed, that the interest manifested by the young, in this compre- hensive scheme of Christian charity, had its origin in the sug- gestion of their parents, or was the result of similar exertions on the part of their seniors : but it is a memorable fact, that Juvenile Bible Associations constituted the eor/^e■5^Auxiliaries of the Parent Institution ; and have continued to the present day to pour their small, but unfailing rills into that mighty river by which the nations are refreshed. It has been well observed by Mr. Owen : — " If a justification were required of this mode of employing the energies of the young, no other need be given than what is furnished by the following Scripture authority : — And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David, they wei-e sore displeased; and said unto him, Hearest thou what these say P And J esvs saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes a7id sucklings thou hast perfected praise F* CHAP, v.] JUVENILE AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS. 2^77> First Juvenile Bible Society fonned at Sheffield. SECTION I. ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF JUVENILE ASSOCIATIONS. 1. The first Juvenile Bible Society of which we possess any information, is that of Sheffield, established, in the year 1804, -wathout any knowledge of the existence of the British and Foreign Bible Society. The following extract of a letter from the Rev. T. Best, one of the Secretaries of the Sheffield Auxiliary Society, conveys so interesting an account of the origin of this remarkable Society, that no apology can be necessary for its introduction : — " The Sheffield Juvenile Bible Society commenced in 1804. Its beginning was very small ; it was indeed the least of all seeds. — A young lady about fifteen years of age,* observing, in her visits to the poor, a deplorable want of the holy scriptures, determined to do what she could towards supplying this want : she mentioned to her younger brother her intention of contri. buting something every week towards purchasing a Testament ; for at thia time she had no idea of being able to give away a Bible. She began with a penny, and he with a halfpenny : they procured a tin box, in which they kept their savings, till at length they amounted to sixteen pence, with which they bought a Testament. This young lady next drew up a short appeal, which she sent to her school-fellows : the proposal was received and entered upon with ardour, and the Testaments were given away as fast as they could be procured. A degree of system was gradually adopted ; and the society has at different times received presents of books and money. The largest amount received in any one year was 32/. At first the society distributed Testaments only ; but of late it has confined its distribution to Bibles ; and these, as mvich as possible, of the largest size. The Committee consists of four of the members, who meet every fortnight." Although an Auxiliary Society, and, more recently, a Ladies' Association, have been established at Sheffield, this little society continues its operations independent of both, paying over its funds to the former, and drawing back the full amount in Bibles and Testaments at cost-prices. The total number of copies distributed, during the sixteen years of its existence, exceeds tivo thousand Jive hundred. This Society, it will be perceived, expends the whole of its funds in the purchase of Bibles and Testaments for gratuitous distribution ; — a system which experience has proved to be inexpedient, and the evils of which can be counteracted only by the greatest caution and judgment in the selection of the recipients. * The name of this young lady was Catheruie EHiott. She is now the estimable mother of a family; but her zeal for the interests of the Society, which she founded, is unabated, and she still acts as Its Treasurer. 278 JUVENILE AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS. [cHAP. V. Holborn Sunday School. — Surrey-Chapel Association. 2. From no class of the community has the Bible Society received more constant, and, in proportion to their means, liberal support, than from the teachers and children of Sunday Schools. The first contribution from this source was made, in the year 1808, by the Holborn Sunday School; and the aggregate amount remitted by that institution, to the close of the year 1819, is 282/. 7^. 6d. The following extract of a letter from the Secretary explains the mode of contribution: — - " Each teacher subscribes one penny per week ; and those children who wish it give one halt'penny per week : and we have the gratification to see several of the old scholars, who have been honourably dismissed the school, cheerfully petitioning to add their little mite weekly to the common stock. May the Divine Author of the Bible continue to prosper the efforts of your truly honoui-able Society, till all the inliabitants of the globe shall possess the precious "Word of God, and, by the influences of the Holy Spirit, savingly understand it." 3. In the summer of 1812, the first Juvenile Association on a regular and systematic plan was established, under the designation of the Surrey-Chapel Bible Association, and composed principally of the children and teachers of twelve of the schools in connexion with the Southwark Sunday-School Society, comprising about three thousand scholars. In re- ference to this subject, the author feels a melancholy pleasure in recording the name of his lamented friend Mr. Benjamin Neale, to Vvhose judgment, energy, and perseverance, the institution of this extraordinary Association must, in a great measure, be ascribed. He watched over its progress with parental anxiety ; and to the close of his active and valuable life it continued to be an object near his heart. Of the suc- cess which has attended this Association, the following state- ment of the aggregate results, to April 1 820, will be a satis- factory evidence : — Total number of Contributors and Subscribers, about. . . 12,000 Ditto of Bibles and Testaments distributed . . 9,316 Total amount remitted to the Southwark Auxiliary Bible-) -^ ^,,^ Society . . K-2n5 4. In- the year 1809, the young ladies of Miss Teulon's School at Hackney made their first remittance to the Parent Society, and have steadily continued their generous aid in every succeeding year. The average number of contributors is about twenty-five ; and the total amount contributed to the present time is 108/. for Vv^hich no return is required. 5. Amongst the earhest efforts of this description, those of a^. young lady at Colchester deserve particular notice. On tlie 1st of January 1813, she commenced a Juvenile Bible SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF JUVENILE ASSOCIATIONS. 2'J'9 Colchester. — Association at Mr. Elwell's School, Hammersmith. > = Association, consisting oiffty young persons, chiefly under ten years of age, by whose united subscriptions she was enabled, before the close of that year, to present a donation of 11/. \2s. 8d. to the Auxiliary Society. Under the prudent and persevering direction of the same benevolent individual, this little society continues its laudable exertions ; and the aggregate amount of its contributions in the seven years, end- ing November 1820, exceeds ninety pounds, for which no return of Bibles and Testaments has been required. Several School Associations have been subsequently established in connexion with the same Auxiliary Society, which are thus noticed in their Tenth Annual Report: — " From one of these it appears the sum of 9/. 1 8*. 4d- has been received ; from another, organized with a president, treasurer, secretary, and nine collectors, the sum of 10/. \2s. ; from another, the sum of 1/. 4*. 8d. a con- tribution equally honourable to the parties who made it ; and from two schools of poor girls in the parish of St. Peter, 11.; making together 22/. 15*. —In addition to these sums, your Committee have to state the receipt of 3/. from an Association among the young gentlemen of Mr. Robertson's esta- blishment ; and of 5/. from one among those of Mr. Seaman's ; and from the children of the Lancasterian Sunday School a free contribution of I?*. lOrf. in addition to their purchase of Bibles These may be regarded only as parts of the sums actually contributed by our youth, many among them being subscribers to the collectors of districts in the Ladies' Associa- tion ; and it is also pleasing to observe, that many of those who have assisted your object have given a considerable assistance to other institutions of a religious nature." 6. In February 1813, a Juvenile Bible Association was established among the young gentlemen of Mr. Elwell's School at Hammersmith; which has been conducted with such exemplary attention to system, and characterized by such a degree of perseverance, as entitle it to particular notice. As the members of this little society attribute much of their suc- cess to the practical application of their Vlllth, IXth, and Xth Rules, no apology can be requisite for introducing the entire Code of Regulations. Laws and Regulatioxs of the Association. I. That this Association be denominated, " A Juvenile Bible Associa- tion, formed for the purpose of aiding the Funds of the Kensington, Chelsea, Fulham, and Hammersmith Auxiliary Bible Society, by Annual Donations." II. That a Committee be appointed, consisting of nine members, includ- ing a chairman, a secretary, a treasurer, and a collector ; which shall meet every Wednesday ; when the treasurer and collector shall give an account of subscriptions received that day, and donations received during the preceding week. III. That no business be transacted, unless five of the committee be present. 280 JUVENILE AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS. [cHAP. V.; Rules and Regulations of Mr. ElweU's Association. IV. That all sorts of conversation, or behaviour, irrelevant to the business before the committee, from the time that order is called till the lime that the meeting is actually adjourned, be considered disorder, and, as such, punished by a fine of twopence, to be added to the funds of the Association. V. That all llesolutions agreed to by the committee be signed by the chairman. ■ VI. That a new committee, chairman, secretary, treasurer, and collector, be ap])()inted at the commencement of every half-year. VII. That, at the commencement of each half-year, the chairman make inquiry whether any evidence of improper conduct can be substantiated against any member of the committee ; and that if no such proofs are ad- duced, each member of the former committee may resume his seat in the i^w one ; — aWvncancies being filled up by election. VIII. That if any member of the Association give a donation of two guineas, or separate donations to that amount, at or after his departure from the school, he shall become a Vice-Patron. IX. That those members who, at their departure from the school, give a donation of one guinea, shall be considered Members for Life. X. That thvee deputy collectors be elected quarterly, who shall receive the weekly subscriptions and donations ; and that no person be chosen a member of the committee who has not previously passed through the office of deputy collector for a quarter of a year. XI. That the committee be regular in their attendance on the appointed day ; and that no member of it be absent more than once, (unless some suf- ficient reason for his non-attendance can be assigned to the chairman,) on pain of vacating his seat. XII. That when the votes are equal, the chairman may give a casting or deciding vote ; and shall have the power of calling a special meeting of the committee when lie thinks proper. XIII. That no sort of canvassing or bribery be allowed at the election of new committees, or officers of the Association, or at the proposing ofReso- lutions. XIV. That no member be permitted to borrow money out of the funds of the Association. XV. That a general meeting of the members of the Association be held twice every year, at such times as the committee shall think fit to appoint. The following is an extract from the Report of this Associa- tion, for 1819:— " Resides the advantage immediately derived from your subscriptions and donations, your example brings with it one still greater. It will, doubtless, give you great pleasure to hear, that one of your former members, whose zeal in this cause has often been witnessed, has lately established a Juvenile Bible Association in a school near Portsmouth, and adopted the rules of your association. Your Committee earnestly exhort other members to follow this example ; hojiing that, by this means, associations on a similar plan may be formed, and thus a greater number of youthful advocates may arise to succeed those who are now the great supporters of the Bible Society. Your Committee feel happy in the consideration that it is not a fleetmg impulse of youthful ardour which has excited you to undertake the support of so great a cause, but a steady determination, arising from feelings of love 'to mankind and gratitude to God, which has influenced your exertions, and directed your operations." SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF JUVENILE ASSOCIATIONS. 281 Results of this Association. — Leaf-Square School. — Edinburgh Association. The average number of contributors is thirty-six ; and the total amount ah'eady remitted for the general object of the British and Foreign Bible Society, is 231/. 3s. 7 Id. In reference to this Association, and to a kindred institution in the same district, the Committee of the Kensington Auxi- liary Society, in their Third Annual Report, observe : — " The young gentlemen of Mr. Standen's Academy (Hammersmith) have continued to present their yearly donation of fourteen guineas : while those in connexion with the establishment of Mr. Elwell, of the same place, have raised their former subscription of twenty guineas to twenty -five, and have given five guineas, in addition, to the Hammersmith Association. Let those attend to this fact, who thought that the continuance of juvenile ardour -was not to be expected, and that the hopes expressed of this nature were sanguine and unwarranted. For themselves, the Committee still entertain the same hopes ; and from no quarter do they less apprehend disappointment than from the young." At Yo7-k, Bradford, Exeter, Manchester, Kingston-on-Thames, and a few other places, similar Associations have been subse- quently formed. Of these, the Juvenile Association of the Leaf-Square Academy, near Manchester, merits particular notice, in consequence of the zeal and judgment that have characterized its proceedings. It was established in the year 1814: the average number of conti'ibutors is about forty ; and the amount, collected to April 1820, is 117/. 11 5. 3d. 7. As there is no country upon earth which is more in- debted to education and the Bible than Scotland — elevated as she has been in the scale of nations through their instru- mentality— so there is none that has more strikingly evinced its gratitude, by promoting the extension of the one, and the circulation of the other. In the formation of Juvenile Bible Associations, her youth exhibited an early example, and have continued with steady perseverance their liberal aid. The first institution of this kind in Scotland appears to have been that of the Edinburgh Juvenile Society, established in the spring of 1813, the origin of which is thus described in the fourth Annual Report of the Edinburgh Bible Society : — " A few young persons connected with a Sabbath School voluntarily began with contributing the small sum of a halfpenny per week on account of the Bible Society : their numbers gradually increased, until some grown- up persons considered it their duty to encourage their efforts, and agreed to form them into a society, and to assist in the management of their con- cerns. It appeared to them, that, by an Association of this kind, besides the pecuniary advantage to the Bible Society, an impression peculiarly favourable might be made on the minds of the young persons themselves. While it cannot be expected that all who become members will do so under the influence of serious feeling, it is at least likely that this Society will contain none openly wicked and profane. By the frequent intercourse of 282 JUVENILE AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS. [CHAP. V. Glasgow, &c. Associations. — Savings from infancy. such comparatively well-disposed youths, will the danger arising from bad associates be diminished, the influence of religious example be generally diffused, and the attention of all be habitually drawn to the good ways of the Lord. While engaged in providing Bibles for others, may the God of all grace make them anxious to read and understand their own ; and while assisting in the glorious work of making others wise unto salvation, may each of them be made wise for himself !" The aggregate amounts derired to the funds of the Edin- burgh, and Glasgow Societies, from this source, to the year 1819, are, Edinburgh, from seven Juvenile Associations . £.546 . 1.0 Glasgow, from six . . . ditto . . . . £. 267 . 19 . 0 By similar Associations at Aberdeen, Greenock, Paisley, &c. a proportional degree of zeal and liberality has been mani- fested ; and it is very probable, that in many other parts of Great Britain combined indications of the interest felt by the young in this work of mercy, have been discovered, although the particulars have not been made public. The following is selected from among numerous evidences of an individual desire to contribute towards an object which even children can understand and appreciate. After an interesting meet- ing in the North of England, a paper was handed to the author, of which the following is a transcript : — " A young person was at the meeting last night, Avhose exertions in aid of the Bible Society began at perhaps an earlier period than most in the room : and as I feel confident that the circumstance excites in her mind no feeling but that of gratitude to God, and to her excellent parents, I will mention the fact to you, in the hope of its furnishing a hint for usefulness to others. In her days of infancy, when a penny was given to her for learning a hymn, it was, at her mother's suggestion, deposited in a little box till it had five companions ; they were then exchanged for a silver sixpence. A shilling, by the same process, soon occupied its place, or became united to it at once, by a chapter being committed to memory. Whenever ten shillings could be counted, they were placed by the child in the hand of her affectionate father, who returned to his pleased little-one a promissory note for the ten shillings with interest, in due form. On the establishment of the Bible Society here, the several notes were produced, and the accumulated fund was called in :— 'it amounted to ten guineas, which were with un- speakable pleasure committed to its better bank, as ' Saviners frovi Infancy,' and inserted as such in the first Annual lleport of the Auxiliary Society." SECTION II. RULES AND REGULATIONS. In preparing the following regulations, the author has en- deavoured to render them as simple as possible ; and such observations are subjoined as appeared necessary to make SECT. II.] RULES AND REGULATIONS. 283 Rules for Juvenile Bible Associations. — Observations. the plan perfectly intelligible to those for whose use they are designed. 1. Rules recommended for adoption by Juvenile Bible Associatioks. I. That an Association be now formed in connexion with the — — . Auxiliary (or Branch) Bible Society (or Bible Association), to be denominated " The Juvenile Bible Association, for the purpose of contributing towards the circulation of the holy scriptures, without note or comment, throughout the world." II. That each Member of this Association subscribe not less than one penny a-week ; and that every person presenting a donation of one guinea, or upwards, either at one time or within a year, shall be a member for life. III. That the business of this Association be conducted by a treasurer, secretary, and a committee, consisting of all the members who collect six- pence or upwards per week : the treasurer and secretary to be chosen annually, and to be eligible for re-election. IV. That the committee meet on the day of every month, at — o'clock precisely, and that the business commence as soon as five members are present. V. That each collector be furnished by the secretary with a collecting- book, numbered according to the order of appointment, for the purpose of entering the names of contributors and Bible subscribers; and that the amount received shall be paid over to the treasurer at every committee meeting. "VI. That if any member of this Association wishes to subscribe for a Bible or Testament for his (or her) own use, or for the supply of any poor child or person unable to subscribe, such subscription shall be received, and the Bible or Testament be delivered when the cost-price has been paid. VII. That the whole of the contributions, after deducting incidental expenses, shall be paid by the treasurer, quarterly, to the committee of the — Auxiliary (or Branch) Bible Society (or Bible Association), to be applied, after paying for any Bibles and Testaments which have been received, to the general object of the British and Foreign Bible Society. VIII. That a general meeting of the subscribers shall be held annually, when the treasurer's account, as audited by the committee, shall be pre- sented, the proceedings of the last year reported, and a treasurer and secre- tary appointed. A copy of the Report to be sent to the committee of the — Auxiliary (or Branch) Society (or Bible /fssociation). IX. That /i.B. be treasurer, and C. D. secretary for the year ensuing. X. That a copy of these Rules, signed by the treasurer and secretary, be transmitted to the committee of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society (or Bible Association) ; and that they be respectfully requested to furnish the Association with their Annual Reports, and with five copies of the " Extracts of Correspondence," monthly. OBSERVATIONS. 1st Rule. — If the society be established in a school, it may be denominated " The Bible Association of Mr. {Mrs. or Miss 's) School." 2d Rule. — In School Associations, the privilege of being life- members may be extended to those subscribers who leave the school, but who still manifest an interest in the cause. 284 JUVENILE AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS. [cHAP. V,> Observations on the llules and Regulations. 3d Rule. — The treasurer of a School Association should always be one of the principals or teachers of the seminary. The SECRETARY should be one of the scholars; and in this appointment, the master (or mistress) should be consulted : — temper and character, as well as ability, should distinguish the individual selected. 4th Rule. — The day and hour of the committee-meeting should be such as do not interfere with the duties of the members, who should endeavour to meet punctually, and to give their undivided attention to the business. At every committee-meeting, the trea- surer presides to preserve order. When the secretary calls for the Reports, the collectors, beginning with No. 1., present their books {see Specimen), and pay over the money to the treasurer, while the secretary examines the additions in the book. When all have been presented, the secretary reports the amount of each, and the total sum received. The treasurer then reports any payment made to the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society (or Association) since the last meeting ; after which, any claims for Bibles and Testaments are received, and the stock in hand (if any) is reported by the secretary. 5th Rule. — In School Associations, the collectors should be approved by the master (or mistress) before they are furnished with books : and in all juvenile societies, they should be selected with caution. The entry of every sum should be made at the time it is received, and the collecting book be neatly and correctly kept. 6th Rule. — In Sunday Schools, and other Associations of poor children, the rate at which Bibles and Testaments shall be delivered may be fixed by the committee. In many instances it may be de- sirable to deliver them when half the cost-price has been paid, and in some few cases gratuitously ; but this should be done only after strict personal investigation. 7th Rule. — The treasurer should receive an acknowledgment for all payments to the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society, and submit it to the next meeting of the committee : and the secretary should present the account of any Bibles and Testaments received. 8th Rule. — In School Associations, the Annual Meeting may be advantageously held immediately before the vacation. The child- ren should be allowed to take home their books, [which should be carefully preserved and returned,) and any papers relative to the society \ by which means an interest in the object may be mate- rially promoted and extended. lOth Rule. — The " Extracts of Correspondence" should circu- late among the members, and be lent to their friends and acquaint- ance. Nothing is more likely to confirm their attachment to the society, than the perusal of these important and interesting docu- ments. The number required will depend on the extent of the Association, SECT. Iir.] MODE OF KEEPING THE ACCOUNTS. 285 : •■■ ■ - ■■ ~ — ■ ■ ■ — •-• ■ ■■ ■ , ■ ■ • r r . — a Collecting Book. — Minute Book. — Proceedings at a Committee IVfeeting. SECTION III. MODE OF KEEPING THE ACCOUNTS. •«* In all the Specimens re/erred to or contained in this Section, the entries in Italics are to be considered as Manuscript. The following Books are recommended for Juvenile Bible Associations : 1. THE COLLECTING BOOK. As this book, with which every Collector is furnished by the Secretary, is precisely similar to the Specimen No, 2 of the " Collecting Book " used in Ladies' Bible Associations, it is only necessary to refer the reader to Chap. VII. Section V., where every requisite information will be obtained. 2, MINUTE BOOK. This is a thin quarto book, and is kept by the Secretary. The names of the Committee should be inserted on the first page, with blanks opposite to each notifying their attendance, as described in the Specimen of the " Fair Minute Book," Chap. II. Section V. The Rules of the Association should next be inserted ; and then the Minutes of every Committee Meeting in succession. The following Specimen of the Minutes of a Committee Meeting will sufficiently illustrate this part of the subject : — At the Sixth Meeting of the Committee, held on the 13th of April 1820:' PRESENT : Mrs. j4. B. in the Chair, and those Ladies who are marked as present in the list. 56.* The Minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed, the Treasurer reported that she had paid to the Cash Secretary of the Auxiliary Society, since the last meeting, the sum of 8/. 10*., for which an acknowledgment was now produced, and marked No. 2 by the Secretary. Also, that the total amount paid to the Auxiliary Society since the esta- blishment was 2 1 /. 1 bs. 57. The Secretary reported, that she had received from the Depositary of the Auxiliary Bible Society, since the last meeting, two Brevier and three Nonpareil Bibles, and three Pica and two Pocket Testaments, amounting to 21. OS. ; and that the total amount of Bibles and Testaments received from the Auxiliary Society since the establishment is 4Z. Is. 1 Od. * If the Minutes be numbered progressively throughout the book, it will save considerable time and trouble in referring to any particular subject. The first -Minute of the Seventh Committee Meeting will thus be numbered, " 60." 286 JUVENILE AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS. [CHAP. V. Specimen of Proceedings at a Committee Meeting. 58. The Reports having been called for from the Collectors, the follow- ing sums were paid in : — N". 1. from 7 Contributors 2. . .. 6 D". 3. . .. 11 D". 4. . . 23 DO. 5. . .. 7 Do, 6. . .. 8 DO. 7. . • 13 DO. e. . . 16 DO. 9- • .. 11 DO. 10. . . 9 D". 11. . . 21 DO. 12. . . 10 DO. 13. .. . 14 DO. Total which said sum of 61. 16*. 3d. was paid over to the Treasurer. 59. The following copies of the holy scriptures were delivered : viz. To the Collector No. 4, a Nonpareil Bible, for the supply of Mary Smith, a little girl of ten years of age, who has paid up the cost-price. This interesting child had been long very anxious for a Bible ; but her parents, who are honest but extremely poor cottagers, were unable to afford the money. INIary often brought the Collector sixpence at a time, and once brought a shilling. On being asked how she had obtained so much, it appeared that she rose every morning by five o'clock, in order to collect violets and other early spring flowers, which she made up in bunches and sold in the market. This waa her own spontaneous act, suggested by her earnest desire to obtain a Bible, which will be doubly valuable as the reward of her early industry. To the Collector No. 7, a Pica Testament for the supply of John Simpson, a little orphan boy, who has paid up more than half the cost-price. He earned the money by going on errands ; he is supported by the parish ; and the Collector has very properly refused to take more from him, as he now wishes to lay by all his little savings to buy clothes. To the Collector No. 13, a Brevier Testament for Jane "Williams, a servant in the family, who has been taught to read by the Collector, and cheerfully pays the cost- price. — Adjourned. 3. treasurer's BOOK. This book may be of the same size as the Collecting Book, but should be ruled according to the following Specimen. SECT. IV.] GENERAL REMARKS. 287 Specimen of the Treasurer's Book. It will be perceived that the account is balanced quarterly, pursuant to the Vllth Rule. The D"". side occupies one page ; and the C^ side that which is opposite. SPECIMEN. D"". the Treasurer of the Juvenile Bible Association. C'. 1819. A^ov.\5. Dec. 13. 1820. Jan. 17. Feb. 14. Mar. 13. Apr. 10. May 15 To Monthly Collection D: D". 1>. ly. To Mpnthly Collection Do. D'. D'. D\ To Monthly Collection £. s. d. 1820. 4.17. 9 Jan. 10. 3.12. f. 17. 5. 7. 3 Apr. 17. 13 . 17 . 6 2.12. 0 3. 4 2 2.13 10 8. 10 0 6.16. 3 ?y Collecting Books, ^c. Auxiliary Society : for Bibles, ^c. 2.2.10 forGeni.Objectn.2. 2 By Auxiliary Society : for Bibles, ^c. 2.5. 0 forGeni. Object, 6.5. 0 £. s. d. 0.12. 6 13. 5. 0 13.17. 6 8.10. 0 8. 10. 0 SECTION IV. GENERAL REMARKS. 1. The preceding details afford sufficient evidence of the importance of Juvenile Associations, as auxiliary to the British and Foreign Bible Society. But in estimating their value, we may take still higher ground, and contemplate their influence on the minds of the rising generation. If it be desirable that the benevolent principle should unfold itself at an early age ; that the practical tendency of Christianity should be im- pressed on the hearts, and illustrated by the conduct, of the young ; and that an attachment to the Sacred Volume, and a reverence of its Divine Author, should be cultivated and encouraged in the bosom of infancy; it requires but little argument to convince every unprejudiced mind, that the 288 JUVENILE AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS. [cHAP. T. t ■ -=-: Anticipated effects in the formation of character. general establishment of these institutions would be pro- ductive of incalculable benefit ; since it is impossible to ima- gine a measure better calculated to produce and extend these effects. Excluding all selfish considerations, it is a design of pure and unmixed charity in its best and widest range. The child who sacrifices some little personal indulgence in order to promote the circulation of the Bible, will be incited to read that Bible with increased diligence, and to ponder on its con- tents with greater attention. The very sacrifice will induce an examination of its object. The state of distant nations will become a subject of interest ; and the privileges and blessings of our own be more justly appreciated. Nor is it an extravagant hope, that a sense of gratitude to the Source of all Good may be thus implanted in the youthful mind, — may " Grow with its growth, and strengthen with its strength ;" and produce, in future days, the rich fruit of active piety and heartfelt peace. 2. When Juvenile Bible Associations are established in towns or villages, they should be frequently visited by one or more judicious members of the Auxiliary or Branch Com- mittee. When they are instituted in schools, they should be under the superintendence of the heads of the seminary. Many young persons are supplied with pocket-money to an extent that frequently proves injurious ; but it has been found, that the early habit of appropriating some portion of it to charitable purposes has counteracted this effect, and tended in no inconsiderable degree to form the future cha- racter on the basis of Christian benevolence. 3. Example has an immediate and powerful influence on the young ; and happy would it be for our country and the world, were it attractive only when exhibited on the side of benevolence and virtue ! The generous ardour of our British youth in this work of mercy excited, at an early period, a kindred feeling among their coevals on the American con- tinent, the first manifestations of which are thus described in the Report of the Philadelphia Bible Society for 1813: — " It will be interesting to the Society to receive an account of a contri- bution to their funds, which, though it amounts to no more than one dollar and eighty-four cents, (rather more than six shillings), merits special com- mendation. It is the gift of a little girl; and was accompanied by the following letter from a respectable merchant of this city : — ' The donor of this small sum is a dear little female, about six years old. She reads the Scriptures daily, and never omits morning and evening prayers. Some time last fall, she read, or heard read, an Address of the Societj SECT, rv.] GENERAL REMARKS. 289 Association of the Students at Princeton College. on the importance of distributing the Bible. Her little heart seemed immediately impressed with the duty of saving her cents, to buy Bibles for the Indians. Ever since that period she has not spent one farthing of what her parents gave her as her accustomed weekly allowance. Her residence is in the country. During the last week she paid my family a visit, and brought the box with her treasure in her hands. My children took her several times to town ; and, in order to try her, shewed her every thing the shops or fruit-staUs afforded, and asked her repeatedly whether she would not lay out her money for some of the articles which she saw. Her answer was, uniformly, that she would like to have many things she saw ; but she would not spend the money that was to buy Bibles for the Indians. I requested her to take the money home : she seemed affected, and thought I did not like the trouble of disposing of it.' — How easily can God touch the heart, and multiply streams of liberality to replenish our funds ! When He gives the word, even children shall hasten with their little offerings to his altar ; and, by their zeal, chide the sluggishness of age in the discharge of an important duty." After announcing the receipt of one hundred dollars from a society recently formed in Princeton College, New Jersey, and designated " The Bible Society of Nassau Hall," the report states — " The manner in which this last society originated deserves to be related. It affords a pleasing instance of good educed out of evil, by the superin- tending influence of a wise and holy Providence. The establishment of this society was the result of a gross indignity offered to the Bible, and was intended by the students as an expression of their abhorrence of the crime. They have associated with a view to distribute the holy scriptures in the American army and navy ; and likewise copies in their original languages to suitable persons unable to buj' them. Of this society most of the students in that College are members." In their address to the public, these noble-minded young men observe, " that a desire to manifest their sense of the infinite value of revealed truth, and the high esteem they have for the Bible which contains that truth, was among the causes which led to the formation of their society." Well might the Commit'tee of the New-York Bible Society remark on this occurrence, — " What an edifying example is here ex- hibited to the rising generation, when they mIio are to con- stitute the hope and the ornament of their country, thus glorify the Giver of every good and every perfect gift !" At New York, and several other parts of the United States, Juvenile Bible Associations have been established ; and at Quebec, a similar; institution has afforded considerable aid to the Auxiliary Society of that city. 4. Nor is it in the Western hemisphere alone that this bright example has been followed. Even on the shores of the Black Sea and of the Baltic, and among the mountains of Switzerland, the generous flame has been kindled. " At Odessa,^' says Dr. Paterson, " the boys in the L3'ceum united among themselves, and collected 130 rubles for the Bible Society in that U S90 JUVENILE AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS. [CHAP. V. Prince Oscar's School for Soldiers' Children. place ; and, on delivering the contribution, requested that they might be allowed to form an Auxiliary among themselves, and that some of the directors might have a seat in the Committee, that they might be regularly acquainted with the progress of a cause in which they take so deep an in- terest. This was permitted ; and a letter was ordered to be written, to encourage them to persevere in the good cause in which they had engaged." When Dr. Pinkerton visited Odessa, in December 1819, he attended a committee-meeting of this Juvenile Association ; relative to which he observes, — " I was peculiarly pleased to o1)serve the order and instructive manner in wliich the business was transacted. The Secretary, a fine-looking boy of about nine years of age, read the Minutes of theu* last meeting, and pre- sented . to the Committee the papers which had been received since that period. The Treasurer then laid before us the account of their last year's subscriptions. A petition on behalf of eight poor boys, scholars in the Lyceimi, who were unable to purchase Testaments for themselves, was next read, and granted. The Association consists of eighty-four members, and is under the special direction of the archimandrite Theophilus, principal pre- ceptor of the Lycevim." One of the most interesting Juvenile Associations on the continent of Europe is that formed at Gothenburgh, in Prince Oscar's School for Soldiers' Children. Its establishment was the spontaneous act of the children themselves, in conse- quence of the deep impression produced in their minds by the occasional addresses of the Rev. Mr. Rahmn, one of the Chaplains of the Royal Regiment of Artillery. In his Report he observes, that he interspersed his addresses with anecdotes of children who loved their Bible better than their play. The children desired his countenance and help, in order to form themselves into a Bible Society ; intending, under his guid- ance, to distribute Bibles and Testaments gratis among the poor people. The offer was received by him with dehght, and rules were drawn up for them accordingly. The Report further states, that twenty-eight children began this good work ; that it speedily increased to sixty ; that their minister, Mr. Rahmn, is their President and Treasurer ; and their sub-schoolmaster, the Secretary ; and that the Committee for the time being consists of six boys. In further reference to this important Juvenile Society, it has been subsequently re- ported, that their funds employed for the purchase of Bibles and Testaments consisted, on the 28th of December 1815, of 138 rix-dollars, the number of subscribing childi-en one hundred and six, and ninety-eight adults ; and that in conse- quence of the admission of the latter, the Committee now con- sisted of twelve members, six children and six adults. From Zurich, the amiable and excellent Mr. Gesner thus writes : — " Last week I had a great treat, at a visit which I paid to the girls' school : I addressed the children on the Bible in general, and then stated SECT. IV.] GENERAL REMARKS. 291 ■g ■ Association of the young Nobility in ^Moscow. what pains were taken to supply the poor with it. In England, I said, even little children, like you, [the school consists of children between six and ten years,] have contributed to this j)urpose ; should you like to do the same ? Joy brightened all their little countenances into smiles ; and, at the next visit, every one brought me her little boon, the whole of which amounted to thirtA'-five florins.* Their number was sixtj' ; many of whom must have given tlieir all." And the secretary of the Frankfort Bible Society^ in a more recent communication, reports as follows : — " Desirous of calling the attention of the public, especially that of the more respectable and opulent, to tlie concerns of the Bible Society, we deter- mined to print an address, and to distribute it from house to house. No sooner had this address been published, than its good efTects were visible. A copy found its way into the orphan-house, and one of the teachers gave it to an orphan boy to read at prayer-time to the rest of the children in the hall. As soon as they heard of what had been done for the cause of the Bible by poor orphan children in London, they exclaimed, with one voice, ' ^^""6 must follow this example !' and immediately a little Association was formed of seventy boys and thirty-eight girls, which produced, from their small sav- ings, of three to six kreutzers, a contribution of eighteen florins, and twelve kreutzers."f While it is delicfhtful to behold the generous zeal thus manifested by the pupils of the Lyceum at Odessa, the sol- diers' children of Sweden, the little school-girls of Zurich, and the poor orphans of Fi-ankfort, it is peculiarly gratifying to find that the example has extended to that class of society which should ever lead the van in the march of Christian benevolence. The ardour and liberality of the young nobility of Russia, as described in the follov/ing communication from the secretary of the Moscow Bible Society, may well incite their British cotemporaries in the higher walks of life to similar exertion : — " A number of noble youths in Moscow formed themselves into an Auxi- liary Bible Association. They drew up a set of regulations for themselves, signed them, and commenced raising subscriptions to promote the object of their Association. In a very short time, these benevolent youths collected a very considerable sum (2000 roubles, as their first contribution), which they presented to the Treasurer, and prayed that it might be put into the treasury of the INIoscow Bible Society." In reviewing these striking evidences of interest manifested by the young in the circulation of the Scriptures, we may well regard them as some pledge, that they will make this sacred volume the guide of their youth ; and thus, through the infi- nite mercy of Him from whom it proceeds, find it the support of their riper years, and their strong and unfailing consolation in the approach of death. * About four pounds sterling. f About two pounds sterling. u 2 292 CHAP. VI. MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES & ASSOCIATIONS. THEY THAT GO DOWK TO THE SEA IN SHIPS, THAT DO BUSINESS IN GREAT waters; THESE SEE THE WORKS OF THE LORD, AND HIS WONDERS IN THE DEEP." FS^LM evil. 23, 24. IN THAT DAY SHALL MESSENGERS GO FORTH FROM ME IN SHIPS." EZEK. XXX. 9. PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. W HOEVER attentively considers the peculiar situation of Great Britain, her extensive commerce and numerous colonies, must be convinced of the importance of that part of the system on which we are now about to enter. According to the Census of 1811, the number of seamen employed on board registered merchant vessels, was at least one hundred thousand ; and if to these we add the crews of foreign ships resorting to the ports of Great Britain and Ireland, we may safely estimate the aggregate at one hundred and thirty thousand. The question that naturally arises from this simple statement, in reference to the subject before us, is, Whether such a numerous and interesting body of valuable men should be excluded, as objects or agents, in the mighty scheme of benevolence which has attracted the affections of all classes and denominations in our country ? This question derives additional importance from the peculiar character of seamen. Open and ingenuous in their disposition, warm and generous in their feelings, and too often careless, and improvident in their habits ; many of them are the dupes of artifices against which they cannot guard, or the victims of temptations, with which they have neither the strength nor the inclination to contend. Generally speaking, no means are provided for their religious instruction when on board ; the few books with which they are supplied are not calculated to instil or to confirm correct principles ; and if Rehgion be not contemned, it is too frequently treated as a matter with which they have no concern : and yet it is a CHAP. VI.] MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. 293 Origin of the Thames Union Committee. remarkable fact, that in no body of individuals can you find more striking instances of firm and decided piety, of gratitude for kindness, and of a willingness to receive instruction. Whatever be the faults of a British sailor, he is rarely a hypocrite : you see him as he is; and to secure his attention and respect, it is only necessary to convince him that you have his interest at heart. Extensive as was this field, and favorable as is the soil, it is a matter of astonishment, that measures were not devised at a more early period for bringing it under cultivation. This appears the more remarkable, when we reflect, that an ad- mirable Institution — the Naval and Military Bible Society, established in the year 1780 — had been engaged for more than thirty years in supplying the seamen of our ships of war with the holy scriptures, and had received the most unequi- vocal evidence of the happy effects of their distribution. It might naturally be supposed, that, by an easy extension of the plan, the merchant service could be included in the naval department of this valuable society ; but its conductors found the sphere of action, originally prescribed, sufficiently large and arduous ; and until the winter of 1812, no means appear to have been adopted for exciting a general interest in favour of the object of the Bible Society, among this numerous and im- portant class of our fellow subjects.* SECTION I. ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF MARINE SOCIETIES AT SEA-PORTS. 1. Towards the close of the year 1812, the author had occa- sion to visit some mtaxhant vessels lying in the Thames ; and the result of his casual inquiries induced a belief, that an un- expected and deplorable dearth of the holy scriptures existed among the British and Foreign sailors resorting to the port of London. In order to ascertain the fact, eleven ships were indiscriminately visited by him, and only one Bible found, and this on board a Swedish vessel. A subsequent and more extensive investigation followed ; which led to a conviction. * It would be unjust, in connexion with this object, to omit the name of the Honourable Lady Grey, to whose ardent piety and indefatigable zeal many thousands of our seamen are indebted for their possession of the holy scriptures. A more distinct allusion to the extraordinary exertions of this inestimable Lady will be found in Chapter VII. 294 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [cHAP. VI. Establishment and design of the Tiiames Union Committee. that, of the ships that entered the Thames, not one in twenty was furnished with a Bible. In pursuing this investigation, more than three hundred vessels were visited ; and in no in- stance whatever were the inquiries treated with disrespect. The seamen appeared, indeed, surprised at these unwonted questions ; but many of them expressed their grateful sense of the motive by which they were prompted, and declared their willingness to contribute towards the purchase of Bibles and Testaments. With the assistance of the late Mr. Benjamin Neale — a man whose memory is endeared by numerous evidences of ardent benevolence and genuine piety — a plan was prepared, and submitted to the Committee of the Southwark Auxiliary Bible Society, by which it was unanimously adopted. Copies were subsequently transmitted to the Committees of the City of London, Blackheath, and East-London Auxiliary Societies ; and having received their cordial approbation, the first meet- ing of the Thames Union Bible Committee was held on the 21st of June 1813. This society was composed of the secretaries and four representatives from each of the above- named Auxiliaries ; and a temporary fund was raised, by a transfer, from the respective committees, of one tenth of the privilege to which they were severally entitled from the Parent Institution. Nearly twenty depositories were established on both banks of the Thames, from London Bridge to Woolwich, which were supplied with Bibles and Testaments in the several European languages hereafter specified, for sale to Mariners, at an agreed scale of prices, averaging about one half the cost- price. At the request of the Committee, an " Address to Mariners,''* explanatory of the object in view, and intended to direct their attention to the sacred records, was prepared by the author, and published in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch, and Danish. A framed notice, containing the words " Bibles for Sailors," in each of these languages, was placed in a conspicuous part of every deposi- tory; and the Committee secured a regular channel of distri- bution for the address, through the liberal assistance of a gentleman residing at Gravesend, whose orficial duty it is to visit every vessel which enters the port. A list of the deposi- tories was annexed to the address ; and sailors -were thus in- formed where they might be promptly and cheaply supplied with the holy scriptures. In addition to this general outline of the plan of the Thames • Tliis Address forms No. XI. of the Appendix. SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF MARINE SOCIETIES. 295 Ey-Laws of the Thames Union Bible Committee. Union Committee, it appears desirable to insert the Code of By-Laws, by which their proceedings were regulated. By-Laws of the Thames Union Bible Committee. « I. The Committee shall meet at the Three-Tuns Tavern, Southwark, ou the second Thursday in January, March, ]\Iay, .Tuly, September, and No- vember, at six o'clock in the everiing precisely ; and five members shall be a quorum. II. As soon after six o'clock as a quorum is present, the chair shall be taken, and the business commenced. III. The chair shall be taken by the Treasurer, or, in his absence, by such member of the Committee as those who are present may elect. IV. The order of })roceeding shall be — 1. To read the IMinutes of the preceding meeting, and to dispose of any business arising therefrom. 2. To call for a written lleport from each District Committee ; such Report to be taken into consideration, and to be received if approved. 3. To receive the Treasurer's Report, and any official communication which the Secretary may have to make. — After which, fresh proposi- tions shall be taken into consideration. V. The Committee shall be divided into the four following District Com- mittees ; to each of Avhich a Secretary shall be appointed ; viz. 1. Southwark, | 3. Blackheath, 2. City of London, \ 4. East London : which shall severally consist of the members deputed by these societies re- spectively. VI. Each District Committee shall meet at least once in two months, and prepare a Report to the General Com.mittee ; which Report shall specify, 1. The stock of Bil-Ies and Testaments at each depository ^vithin the district, and the number sold since the last Report, specifying the descriptions and amount received. 2. Any interesting facts or observations arising out of their inquiries at the depositories. 3. The names and address of all persons who have consented to open new depositories. 4. The amount of any subscriptions received for the purposes of this Committee, with the names and address of the contributors. VII. Each District Committee shall take charge of, and superintend, the depositories situated witliin the bounds of that Auxiliary Society which they represent. VIII. Each District Committee shall frequently visit the several de- positories under their care, to inspect the state of the books ; and, should any case appear to require it, they shall visit those mariners who have been sup- pliei^ with the holy scriptures, and report the result. IX. Each District Committee shall liave the power of giving orders on the Secretary for such Bibles and Testaments as may be required by the depositories; and they shall arrange the proportion and the mode o£ gratuitous distribution. X. No new business shall be taken into consideration after eight o'clock. The numerous applications at the depositories speedily and amply confirmed the melancholy estimate which originally 296 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [CHAP. Vf. Beneficial effects of this establishment- prompted the formation of this estabHshment ; while they convinced the Committee, that the funds placed at their dis- posal were utterly inadequate to the increasing demand. The inability of foreign seamen to purchase copies of the holy scriptures, even at the very reduced scale of prices adopted by the Committee, was evident at an early period, particularly among the crews of Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Greek ships ; and it therefore became necessary to arrange some mode, by which the requisite supply of Bibles and Testaments for gratuitous distribution might be obtained, without encroach- ing on the annual income of the four Auxiliary Societies beyond the amount of their original agreement. The Thames t Union Bible Committee naturally looked with filial confidence to the Parent Institution ; and a liberal grant of Testaments in foreign languages was immediately made by the British and Foreign Bible Society, for the gratuitous supply of those destitute strangers. That they were most gratefully received and duly appreciated, the following anecdote from the Records of the Society will testify : — " The crew of a large Portuguese ship, consisting of nearly fifty persons of the Romish persuasion, had applied for, and been supplied with, Testa- ments from one of the depositories ; the ship proceeded to the Brazils ; but on her return to England was totally wrecked near Portland, the crew escaping with great difficulty. They proceeded to London; and, shortly after their arrival, went, accnrnpanied hy their Chaplain, to the gentleman who kept the depository, to whom they told their melancholy tale ; adding, thai though they had lost every thing, even their clothes, they regretted most the loss of their Testaments, and earnestly entreating a fresh supply; which was, of covirse, cheerfully granted." The following instance will prove that the influence of the sacred volume on the minds of British seamen is not less evident nor less powerful : — " A pilot, residing in Southwark, called on one of the Committee for the purpose of purchasing a Bible. After he had obtained the wished-for object, he stated, that within the last few days he had witnessed two remarkable instances of the good effects of reading the holy scriptures. He had been engaged to conduct two vessels, successively, to the Downs; and being struck with tlie astonishing quietude and good order on board, he was anxious to know the cause : this he speedily discovered to be the same on board both ships : the' morning's toil commenced, and the evening's labour concluded, by the respective captains reading a portion of Scripture to the assembled crew, accompanied with prayer to the Almighty Father for his blessing and watchful care over them. From the Docks to the Downs he declared he did not hear a single oath nor profane expression ; and before he resigned his charge, he could not help acknowledging to the respective masters, that in no instance whatever had he beheld the duties of a sea-faring life so well and faithfully performed." These and many similar instances of beneficial effects SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF MARINE SOCIETIES. 297 Tyne Union Bible Committee.— liberality of the Cambridge Auxiliary. cheered and animated the Committee. Nor were they with- out some gratifying proofs that the example of London stimulated the out-ports to similar exertion. In the year 1814, the Committees of the Newcastle and North-Shields Bible Societies adopted the plan; and the Tyne Union Committee was formed and organized on the model of that in the me- tropohs. An " Address to Ship Owners" was drawn up, and liberally circulated ; wherein it was stated, that a partial survey of the ships entering the River Tyne had tended to corro- borate the melancholy fact, that not more than one in twenty was furnished with a Bible. About the same period this important subject was brought under the consideration of the Committees in other sea-ports of England and Scotland ; and it was evident that a growing interest was felt, which would ultimately manifest itself in the general adoption of the system, with such improvements as observation and experience might suggest. It will be recollected, that the Thames Union Committee was composed of the secretaries and four members of the respective Auxiliary Societies which surround the port of London ; and it will be readily believed, that the individuals selected for this interesting duty were not the least active and efficient conductors of tliose societies. The time and attention which these gentlemen could devote to this extraordinary engagement were consequently limited ; and, in proportion to the extending claims, a conviction was gradually acquired, that some alteration in the constitution of the society was in- dispensably necessary. This persuasion was strengthened by their inability to provide for that personal and systematic in- vestigation which is essential to success ; and by the inade- quacy of the funds placed at their disposal, to meet the exigencies of the case. Li reference to this latter subject it should be observed, that a circular letter had been addressed to the Auxiliary Societies in the southern and midland counties of England, explaining the nature of the institution, and soliciting assistance. This appeal was promptly recog- nised by several Committees, and by none more liberally than that of the Cambridge Auxiliary. From the generous aid extended by the Parent Institution, it might appear that this was the source to which the jNIanagers of the Thames Lnion Committee would have looked with confidence ; but they felt that they had no right to encroach further on the general funds, before an appeal was made to that numerous and opulent body of individuals, the ship-owners of London, whose interests and duty were equally concerned in the object. 298 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [cHAP. VI. Whitby IMarine Bible Association. These and similar considerations occupied the Committee for several months; and towards the close of the year 1817, it was determined to adopt measures for establishing a general and independent society, on a scale sufficiently exten- sive to meet the pressing exigencies of the case. The prac- ticability of the design had been fully demonstrated, and its beneficial tendency and effects had been decidedly mani- fested ; the Committee had therefore the strongest ground of experience and observation on which to rest their claim. They felt that the object had become too important to con- tinue merely as an appendage to other institutions ; and " they resolved to call together some known friends of their vmdertaking, with a view to lay before them the destitute condition of the objects of their benevolence, and to obtain their counsel as to the best means of more effectually discharging the obligations of the community towards them, — of paying its debt of gratitude and justice to these invaluable instruments of its commercial greatness." After many meetings, and mvich anxious deliberation, it was the opinion of the gentlemen who were thus convened, that measures should forthwith be taken to establish in London an Auxiliary Bible SocieL.', for the supply of British merchant ships with the holy scriptures ; — and that this society, while more immediately occu- pied in supplying the wants of the seamen belonging to the port of London, should also endeavour to procure the formation of similar institutions in every out-port of the empire."* How far this design has been realised, will appear in the sequel. To preserve the narrative vmbroken, the progress of the " Thames Union Committee" has been traced to the period of its dissolution, in consequence of the establishment of the Merchant-Seamen's Society. But before we enter on the consideration of the latter, our attention is claimed, in order of time, by other kindred and important institutions. It is very desirable, in order to avoid confusion, that the de- signation of *' Marine Bible Association" should be confined exclusively to those formed on board ships ; and that the term " Society" should distinguish those established on shore for the supply of seamen. With this little exception, the institution which next demand? our consideration merits unqualified praise; and only requires to be more generally known, in order to incite to similar exertion throughout the sea-ports of the kingdom. 2. The Whitby Marine Bible Association was instituted in the beginning of the year 1816. The Committee attribute much of the success which has attended their proceedings to * Address of the Committee of the Merchant- Seamen's Auxiiiaiy Bible Society; London, 1818. SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF MARINE SOCIETIES. 299 Laws and Regulations adopted by the Association. tlie generous co-operation of the Whitby Auxihary Bible Society, and the hberahty of Captain Scoresby, of the Mars, Greenland ship, who presented a munificent donation of fifty guineas in aid of the funds of the infant establishment. — The following are the Laws and Regulations of the Whitby Marine Bible Association. I. This society shall be designated " The "Whitby INIarine Bible Asso- ciation, for promoting the circulation of the Scriptures among the seamen belonging to this town or visitants to this port, and for emplojdng them as agents to convey this sacred treasure to those parts of the world which they may visit" — in the fulfilment of tiiese objects, co-operating, through means of the 'Whitby Auxiliary Society, with the British and Foreign Bible Society. II. Every subscriber of one penny per week or upwards shall be a member of this society. III. The business of the institution shall be conducted by a president, (who shall also be treasurer,) two secretaries, and a committee of twelve members, any five of whom shall be competent to act. IV. The members of the Committee of the Whitby Auxiliary Bible Society shall have the privilege of attending and voting at the committee meetings of this association. V. The Committee shall meet, once every month, on some day and place to be fixed on by themselves. VI. It shall be a particular part of the business of the Committee, either themselves or by means of agents, to visit the ships in this harbour, whether they belong to this or any other port, with a view to their being supplied with Bibles, and to promote, when it is practicable, the establishment of Associations on board the vessels. VII. Ail members of Associations on board of ships belonging to this port shall be considered as members of this x\.ssociation ; and all jiresidents and other office-bearers of such Associations shall be entitled to attend and vote at the meetings of the Committee. VIII. Such part of tlie funds of this Association as may not be required for its own immediate objects, if any, shall be annually given to the Whitby Auxiliary Bible Society, with a view to aid the funds of the British and Foreign Bible Society. IX. Tlie annual meeting of the Association shall be held on the second Tuesday of February, in each year, when a Committee shall be chosen, the accounts presented, and the jjroceedings of the foregoing 3'ear reported. The mode of distribution originally adopted by the Committee was, to send on board every ship requiring a supply, a few copies for the use of the crew, and a more considerable number for sale, under the care of the captain ; to whom a paper containing printed directions, and a form for returns, was addressed, — Specimens of which are subjoined. But owing to the protracted returns which they received, they have found it expedient to restrict their issues, by confining them to these captains, and others, who purchase copies for sale and distribution ; except in reference to the Green- land ships. With regard to these, the Corani'ttee still adhere to their former practice, and entrust their captains, as before, with Bibles and Testaments for sale ; their usually quick return not 300 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [CHAP. Vr. Mode of distribution. — Directions to Captains of Ships. occasioning the same difficulties as with vessels bound on other foreign voyages. This plan is extremely simple ; and in those cases where the ships belong to the port at which the socie y is formed, it is well calculated to effect the object. For every parcel of Bibles and Testaments sent on board, the captain signs a printed receipt, of which the following is a Specimen ; — the words in italics being inserted by the Secretary, " No. 117. "Whitby, nth August, 1819. Received of the Committee of the Whitby INIarine Bible Associa- tion, for sale among the Crew of the Ship Henry, or others, Twelve Minion and Eight Nonpareil Bibles ; together with Twenty Brevier English, and Ten Foreign Testaments. John Thornton, Master." A paper, of which the following is a copy, is at the same time given to the captain: — Directions to the Captains of Ships, for the Distribution of the Bibles and Testaments committed to their Charge by the Committee of the Whitby Marine Bible Association. 1. The captain is desired to dispose of the Bibles and Testaments among his crew, at the following prices :* viz. s. d. Minion or larger Bible 4.9 Nonpareil, or smaller ditto 1.0 Foreign Testaments (if any) ....2.0 English Testaments 1.0 2. Provided the captain finds he has more Bibles and Testaments com- mitted to his care tlian are requisite for the use of his own crew, he shall be at liberty to dispose of the surplus, at the above prices, to the captain or crew of any sliip witli which he may meet who are in want of Bibles. 3. The Foreign Testaments (if any) may be disposed of to any person acquainted with the language, at 2«. each, or as near that price as can be obtained. 4. If any of the Bibles or Testaments remain unsold after the termina- tion of the voyage, the captain is desired to return them to the depository at Messrs. Clark and ]Medd's, or to either of the secretaries of the Asso- ciation ; togetlier with an account of tlie money he may have received in return for the Bibles sold. 5. It is reconnnended to the captain to establish, where it is practicable, an Association on board of his ship, agreeable to the plan suggested in the circular " Address to Owners, Commanders, and Mariners."-}- " The author would respectfully sugfjest the advantage of inserting the cost- prices, and giving a discretionary authority to the respective captains to sell, if necessary, at a specified abatement. -}- See Section V. of this Chapter. SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF MARINE SOCIETIES. 301 Form of a Captain's Account of Sales, &c. On the corresponding half sheet of this paper (which is of octavo size) the form of the Return is ruled, according to the following SPECIMEN. Account of Bibles and Testaments. RECEIVED. B. T. 1 Amount at Cost Prices. Date. DELIVERED. B. 1 'J '. Date. ; 'l 1 4 5 7 12 i 2 I 3 5 C 1 7 I. 3 20 1 5 10 Sold for. 1819. Auff.17. From the Whithy ^ Marine Bible > Association, j 12 8 •20 J 10 £. s. d. 9. 6.]0 1819 Sept. 7. ... 1.3. Oct. 9. John Smithson Ship Dublin . . James Lewis . . Samuel Lee . . . Ship Carlotta. Sold. . . . On hand £. s. d. — . 4.9 1 . 9.— -. .S.— -. ].— — .10.— 2. 7. 9 Returned the above, and paid 21. 7s. 9d. to the Secretary of the Whitby Marine Bible Association. J. Thornton. During the four years, ending February 1820, this So- ciety has distributed 824 Bibles and Testaments ; and col- lected 237/. 14,?. ^\d., of which the sum of 27/. \s. has been voted to the Auxiliary for the General Object of the Parent Institution. In their Annual Report for 1819, the Committee state, that — " a large increase of subscribers has been obtained : so that the amount of annual subscriptions, exclusive of donations, exceeds that of any former year. Of the donations received this year, several were collected by Capt. Potter, among his friends at or near Stokesley ; and one donation of a guinea, communicated by Capt. Scoresby, was contributed by fourteen Shetland seamen, belonging to the Fame : which instance of liberality your Com- mittee think proper to notice, not only as a stimulus to others, but as a pleasing indication of the gi'owing interest which seamen feel in the cause of the Bible." The following extract from the same Report forms an appropriate conclusion to this sketch of the constitution and proceedings of this interesting society : the language is cer- tainly strong ; but it is a melancholy fact that it is too generally applicable : — 302 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [CHAP.VI. Hull Marine Bible Association. " Our sailors have been complained of by foreigners, as exhibiting a most lamentable specimen of the British character: and no wonder ; for they have been left too long, to wander in the darkness of ignorance, to riot in the excesses of vice, and to sport with their immortal interests on the very brink of an eternal world. If merchants have had cause to complain of the pro- fligacy of seamen, surely they themselves are to blame : there is a Book that would have taught them, but that Book has never been given : they have denied them the means of instruction, then complained of their ignorance : they have kept the light of Heaven from their minds, then wondered at their superstition : they have condemned their profligacy, yet never warned them of the great evil of sin, or pointed out the dreadful consequences of their crimes. Surely the language of the sacred moralist is of extensive, yea of universal application, ' JVithhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it i' for, ' to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.'' " * 3. A Marine Bible Association, on the plan of that at Whitby was established at Hull, in February 1817. The prudence, animation, and perseverance that have characterized this society, and the success which has attended their judi- cious measures, entitle it to particular commendation. Pre- viously to its formation, the plan was laid before the principal Ship Owners, and communicated to a number of resjiectable Masters of Vessels ; and, as it met with their approbation and concurrence, no time was lost in carrying the design into execution. The General Meeting was attended by 700 or 800 seafaring men, who conducted themselves with the greatest propriety, and listened with the most evident interest and feeling to the addresses which were made to thein. Several Owners immediately subscribed on behalf of their respective ships, as did a considerable number of Masters, who likewise undertook to superintend the affairs of the society on board their vessels. Within six months after the establishment of this Association, 1133 Bibles and Testaments were consigned to various captains for sale : and the first Master from whom intelhgence was received on the subject, reported, that he had disposed of his whole stock previously to his reaching the Orkney Islands, and within seven days of liis leaving Hull ; and that he was unable to afford to many of his crew the supply they desired. In their first Annual Report, the Committee state — " In the course of the year, 720 Bibles, 207 Testaments, or, in the whole, nearly one thousand copies of the sacred writings, have been furnished to different vessels from the stock of this Association, and sold to the seamen. It is needless, after this statement, to say that the IMasters have been foimd * This Association has supplied many Fishermen on the coast with Bibles and Testaments, by sale and gratuitously : an example worthy of general imitation. SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF MARINE SOCIETIES. SOS Proceedings and results of the Hull Association. extremely ready to promote the objects of this institution : but it is grati- fying to add, from the report of the IMasters, that the seamen were gene- rally well disposed to avail themselves of the opportunity of procuring copies of the Scriptures, and that in many instances they were observed, both singl}^ and in groujies, making a proper use of them, at times of leisure. Several INIasters of fishing-ships state, that they could have disposed of more copies than they took out ; and one of them, who, owing to particular cir- cumstances, had on board the stock designed for the unfortunate ship ' London,' * sold the whole of them, as well as his own stock. It is to be observed, however, that as it was thought necessaiy to sell the books to the men at the reduced prices of the Bible Society, (which are much below the cost-prices,) a loss of nearly 60/. has been sustained upon the books thus dis- posed of. To counterbalance this loss, as well as to defray incidental ex- penses, and thus to prevent the Association's becoming a burden, instead of an aid, to the Parent Society, two measures have been resorted to. One is, that of soliciting subscriptions from the owners of the ships : — and the Committee are happy to state, that subscriptions of one guinea each have been put down for forty -three fishing ships, and of half-a-guinea each for twenty -six merchant vessels ; and further subscriptions, they hope, will be obtained. The other measure, which is to be considered as a primary object in view, is the formation of INIinor or Branch Associations on board the several vessels, under the superintendence of the jNIasters, for the reception of free subscriptions, of one penny a-week each, from such of the seamen as, being themselves furnished with Bibles, may be willing to contribute that sum during their respective voyages, for the pious and benevolent object of putting the sacred scriptures into the hands of those who may not otherwise have the means of obtaining them. This moasure has hitherto been carried into effect on board only three vessels : but the Committee trust that the general establishment of such Branch Associations will furnish a leading feature in the next year's Report." The hope thus expressed has been in a good degree realised. At their second Annual Meeting in February 1819, the Committee were enabled to state — I. That Bible Associations had been established on board ?une ships, which had produced the sum of 15/. 13^. id. II. That the total number of Bibles and Testaments supplied to different vessels was 1581, the whole of which had been sold to the crews, with the exception of fifty copies lost on board the ships Three Brothers and Manique. III. That the cost-price of these 1581 copies was 336/. 17s. lOd.; and that this amount had not only been discharged, by means of the produce of the sales, and of free contri- butions and associations on board ships, but that a balance of 27/. 5s. Id. had been presented to the Treasurer of the Hull Auxiliary Society, for the general object of the Parent Institution. — And, IV. That the amount of incidental expenses was only 4/. \2s. 2d. * The London perished, with all hands, in a storm among mountains of ice. 304 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [CHAP. VI. Judicious measures adopted by the Committee. At this Annual Meeting, the following important Reso- lutions were unanimously adopted : — 1. That it be particularly recommended to the Committee for the ensuing year, to wait upon such Ship Owners as have not subscribed for their respective vessels, to solicit their subscriptions ; and to endeavour to extend the benefits of the institution to the vessels employed in the General Mer- chant Service, as well as to all the ships engaged in the Whale Fisheries. 2. That the Masters of vessels be particularly requested to form, and undertake the management of Associations on board their respective ships, according to the simple plan pointed out to them by the Bible Society. 3. That Mr. Curtis Bailey, Mr. John CoUender, ]\Ir. William Priest, and Mr. Christopher Reed, having kindly offered their services, be requested, with the aid of such other gentlemen as they can associate with them, to visit all vessels about to leave the port, to see that, if possible, none may sail without at least one copy of the Scriptures on board ; and to induce each sailor, where it may be practicable, to furnish himself with a copy. It appears by the Annual Report of this Association for 1820, that the total number of copies of the holy scriptures distributed within three years was 2047 ; and that after pay- ing the full cost-price of the whole number, they had been enabled to appropriate 45Z. \8s. 5d. as a free contribution to the funds of the British and Foreign Bible Society. The Committee conclude their Report by observing, " That they have ample reason to be assured that the institution had been productive of good. Through its means more than two thousand copies of the Scriptures have been put into the hands of our seamen. They have purchased them ; and in very many instances, there is reason to believe, make a good use of them. Nor are the opportunities of usefulness ex- hausted : they may easily be increased and extended : as it is hoped will appear, when measures, already resolved upon, shall be more completely carried into execution." 4. A similar institution was established at Aberdeen in Fe- bruary 1818; of the success of which the following extracts exhibit a gratifying evidence. In their first *Report, pre- sented only eight months after the formation of the Society, it is stated, that " the Committee have purchased at the depository of the Auxiliary Society 216 Bibles and 60 Testaments, which have been partly sold to mariners on board Greenland and trading vessels, at the standard reduced prices ; and partly entrusted to ship-masters, to be sold in like manner to their respective crews. The amount of subscriptions and sales received by the Treasurer is upwards of 95/. ; which, after deducting the sum. paid for Bibles, leaves a balance of 30/ — which sum has been remitted, in terms of the Regulations, to the Treasurer of the Aberdeen Auxiliary Society." In a letter recently received from one of the secretaries of this Association, he observes : — " We have already circulated upwards of 900 copies of the holy scrip- tures. We entrust to the respective captains such a number as we think SECT. T.] ORIGIN OF MARINE SOCIETIES. 305 Aberdeen IMarine Bible Association. — Bishop- Wearmouth Auxiliarv. they maj' dispose of during their voyage, varying from six to twenty -four to each captain. In general they are disposed of; and many captains report that the}^ could have spld thrice the number : — this was the case with all the Greenland captains last year. Associations are frequently formed on board during the voyage, and from three to six pounds collected in aid of the institution. Bibles are offered to every vessel leaving this port ; and in several cases which have come under our notice, the effects have been highly beneficial. Seamen are xiniformly disposed to purchase Bibles., if their captains wish them to do so. In the ships connected with this port, both captains and seamen are gradually becoming more attached to the object, inasmuch as Ave have an increasing demand for the holy scriptures." 5. From the preceding details it will be evident, that no insuperable difficulties present themselves in the establisli- ment of Marine Bible Societies. But there is one remarkable fact in reference to the three instances adduced, which merits distinct consideration. We have here a striking proof that these institutions are not only capable of attaining their im- mediate object, but of rendering no inconsiderable aid to the funds of the Parent Society. The aggregate number of copies distributed by the Whitby, Hull, and Aberdeen Associations is nearly four thousand: — for these they have paid the full amount at cost-prices, and, in addition, have remitted upwards of one hundred pounds for the general object. It will also be observed, that these Societies adopt the principle of distribution by sale ; to which they have strictly adhered, except in those very few cases where extreme po- verty justified the deviation from their established practice. It is indeed difficult to find any class of our labouring popu- lation by which the requisite sacrifice is more lightly felt than by seamen : the greatest difficulty is, to excite an interest in favour of the object; and this can be accomplished only by the personal attention of the individual members of the Committee, or by agents properly qualified for the important service. For awakening this interest, no means hitherto devised are so efficient as Bible Associations on board the respective ships ; and to this part of the plan the constant care of every Marine Committee should be directed. 6. There is reason to believe that a few other Societies for supplying seamen with Bibles existed previous to the London Merchant-Seamen's Society ; but it has been found impossible to obtain particulars of their proceedings. It would be unjust, however, in a work of this nature, to pass over in silence the exertions made by the Committee of the Bishof- Wearmouth Sac. Auxiliaiy Society, in reference to the supply of seamen with the holy scriptures. The subject was brought under X 306 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [cHAP. VI Exemplary conduct of ]\Ir. J. J. Beard, of Bristol. theii" consideration at an early period ; but, owing to local and distressing circumstances, it was not until the summer of 1817 that measures were adopted for giving effect to the benevolent design. A Sub- Committee having been appointed for the express purpose, the members commenced their labours on the 4th of June, — a day peculiarly appropriate, as being that of the birth of our late ve- nerable and lamented sovereign; whose declaration, that " he hoped to live to see the day when every poor child in his dominions should be able to read his Bible," entails a legacy of practical duty on his surviving subjects. The mode of distribution adopted by this Committee is that of gratuitous supply ; and certainly, if this be deemed expedient in any case, the plan pursued with respect to the Sunderland vessels is best calculated to qualify the attendant disadvantages. Boxes, judiciously contrived, with the word " Bible" painted in large letters on the front, and secured near the steerage of each vessel, are presented with the Bibles ; and a label is affixed, declaratory of the grant, and specifying that "ire case of the sale of the ship, the Bible and box shall remain as a fixture." This inscription, it is ob- served by the Committee, " has been the means of preserving the Bible in one instance al least which came under notice." The ships supplied are frequently revisited; and the " reports of the Sub- Committee contain the most satisfactory accounts of the esteem in which the Bibles formerly distributed are holden, and of the grateful feelings with which every successive distribution of Bibles is received." The total number of Bibles thus supplied to ships, from the 4th of June 1817 to the 21st of September 1819, is 220 ; at an expense to the Auxiliary Society of 84/. \s. Sd. Whether tliis mode be calculated to awaken an interest in the minds of seamen, and to secure the co-operation of their employers, are questions which tiie Committee havenovvhad sufficient experience to decide. And its failure with respect to the attainment of the latter object, as inferred from the language of their Annual Reports, may probably suggest to the benevolent individuals concerned, the wisdom of assimilating their plans to those of the Wiiitby and Hull Societies. This alteration appears the more desirable, when we consider the high and important object of exciting in the minds of seamen an interest in the welfare of the whole human race. Where no personal sacrifice is called for, the evidence of this interest is at best ambiguous. 7. Among the few individuals whose exertions have been conspicuous in this particular sphere of Christian duty, there is one who deserves more especial notice : — this individual is Mr. J. J. Beard, oi Bristol His duty, as a Collector of one of the Bible Associations of that city, having led him into the neighbourhood of the shipping, he was induced, by his ardent desire to effect all the good in his power, to make some inquiry relative to the state of the seamen : and finding they SECT. 11.] LONDON MERCIIANT-SEAMEn's SOCIETY. 307 Address of the Committee, and appeal to the Public. were in numerous instances destitute of the holy scriptures, he applied to the Association for leave to supply them -tvith copies on the same terms as the inhabitants of his own dis- trict. Having obtained their cordial consent, he has, in the space of eighteen months, ending in April 1820, sold to the seamen in the port of Bristol no fewer than 2198 Bibles and Testaments, and paid the amount of his receipts, being 370/. 2s. od. to the Auxiliary Society of that city. It may reasonably be expected, that the zealous and disinterested services of this benevolent individual will now find a wider range, as a Marine Bible Association has been recently estabhshed at Bristol, under very encouraging circumstances. SECTION II. LONDON merchant-seamen's SOCIETY, &C. 1. Towards the close of 1817, those measures which have been already detailed in the preceding section, in reference to the Thames Union Committee, were sufficiently matured to induce the gentlemen concerned to prepare and circulate an Address explanatory of the object. This admirable Address places the subject in so clear a light, that no apology can be requisite for introducing the following extracts : — " Upon an average, about five thousand vessels, of different descriptions, sail from the port of London every year. These measure upwards of one million of tons, and appear to be navigated by about sixty -five thousand men. 13ut as some vessels make two or more voyages in the year, the seamen going annually from the port of London may be estimated at about forty-five thousand. It would be, perhaps, an unwarrantable calculation, to suppose that one-tenth part of this number are possessed of the Word of God, with- out which it can hardly be supposed that they should be acquainted with the doctrines and duties of our holy religion. But even on this estimate, not fewer than forty thousand of our seamen would still remain in a state of lamentable destitution of the means of religious knowledge, and consequently in a state of afflicting ignorance. The number of seamen, however, who sail from the port of London, do not constitute a third of the mercantile navy of Great Britain. The object of the proposed institution, therefore, is to pro- vide Bibles for at least about 120,000 Eritish seamen, now destitute of them. " And here let not the peculiarity of their situation, and of their manner of life, be forgotten. They are necessarily deprived of many advantages of instruction enjoyed by persons who live regularly on shore. Once at sea, a seaman has no choice of associates ; he is fixed to his shipmates, and thus, for the most part, secluded from any society but that of the profane and dissolute. The privilege of resorting with their families to the house of God, to listen to his word, and of uniting with the congregation of Christian worshippers in the services of pra^'er and praise, is in a great measure un- known to them. The sun of the sabbath generally arises to their view from beneath the same waste of waters with the light of a common day ; and x2 308 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [CHAP. VI. > Address of the Committee, and appeal to the Public. their thoughts and duties seem to merge in the single object of guiding their vessel through the deep. It has been calculated that one half, or two thirds, of a sailor's life is thus spent on the ocean: and that, of the remainder, one half is supposed to be passed in foreign harbours, where no Christian instruction can in general be obtained. Under these unfavourable circum- stances, it is scarcely to be expected, that, during the fragment of his time which he passes in his own land, the means of instruction, even if offered to him, should be eagerly embraced. In point of fact, they are generally neglected ; and for this neglect, those who are even slightly acquainted with the force of habit, and the common principles of our nature, will not find it difficult to account. The seaman remains, therefore, for the inost part, as ignorant of the things which accompany salvation, as if the will of God had never been revealed to man : and even the hardships of a sea-faring life, and the thousand perils peculiarly incident to his profession, instead of awakening his mind to serious reflection, too often produce in him, from the want of Christian instruction, a contrary effect, and lead him to dedicate almost every moment of his time, while on shore, to the most sordid, and debasing, and ruinous indulgences. " With respect to some of the disadvantages which have been enumerated, it is obvious that we cannot remove them : they belong of necessity to a sea- faring life. Eut then these evils are not without the means of alleviation. Sailors often have at sea much time for reading. By the general diffusion of education, many of them are qualified thus to employ their time ; and the disposition either to read for themselves, or to listen to others, is very pre- valent among them. Uiahappily, the few books to which they have access are often of the worst description. But may not their leisure hours, and their inclination for reading, be converted to a better account ? Is it im- possible to give a more profitable direction to their minds ? Will they have ■ no curiosity, if the means be afforded, to learn something of that God whose path is in the great waters, and whose wonders they behold in the deep ? Is there nothing to interest them in the representation of their own state, and of the awful eternity to which they are hastening ? Will they turn a deaf ear to the history of their Redeemer, to the hopes and promises, the invitations and threatenings, which involve their present peace and ever- lasting welfare ? Is not the seaman, then, formed by the same Hand with ourselves ? Is he not capable of being moved by the same feelings and affections ? Does the volume of divine truth appeal so forcibly to all other men ; and is he alone, by some law of creation, or by some hard condition of his lot, to be regarded as excluded from the common range of his IMaker's bounty, and as inaccessible to the influence of his Word and Spirit ? "With the evidence before us of Pitcairn's Island — an island far removed from European civilization — where the descendants of a British seaman, who was happily possessed of a Bible, trained, by means of that blessed book, in the fear and love of God, are now exhibiting an example of piety which might ■well put even Britain to the blush ; — with such an example before us, can we doubt for one moment that the Word of God is still capable, under every variety of circumstance and situation, of answering the high and ennobling purposes for which it was given to mankind ? " That sacred volume, it is the object of this Addi-ess to provide for the seamen who are employed in navigating our commercial marine. And should it succeed in that object, it may be reasonably hoped, of numbers among them, that, through the blessing of its Divine Author, the Bible may become their companion and guide through life ; their consolation and support in every danger; the standard, as it were, under which they sail; the SECT, ir.] LONDON MERCHANT-SEAMEN's SOCIETY. 309 Kules and Regulations of the Society. anchor by which they hold amid the storms of this world ; and the compass to direct them to that haven, where perils will no longer beset their course, nor disturb their enjoyment of rest and tranquillity for ever. " Nor is it unimportant, on the present occasion, just to glance at the various classes of the community who have a direct and personal interest, exclusive of the paramount obligations attaching to them as Christians, in thus providing for the moral wants of this body of men. The owners of the vast mercantile marine of Great Britain, and the merchants, manufacturers, and traders of every description whose property is confided to the hazards of the deep, or whose prosperity is connected with foreign commerce, together with their numerous dependants ; and the insurers of the almost incredible amount of merchandize and shipping entrusted to the care of British seamen ; are all deeply interested in using their utmost exertions that those seamen should be raised from the degradation of their present acknowledged state of ignorance and profligacy, imj)rovidence and insubordination ; and that they should be taught principles calculated to render them pious, sober, and in- telligent ; faithful to their trust, and obedient to their superiors." 2. This address having been extensively circulated, a general meeting was convened on the 29th of January 1818, at the Mansion House, the Lord Mayor of London in the chair, when the " London Merchant-Seamen's Auxiliary Society" was established, " for the purpose of supplying British merchant ships with the holy scriptures," and subject to the following Rules and Regulations. I. That the Bibles and Testaments to be circulated by this society shall be without note or comment ; and that those in the languages of the United Kingdom be of the authorised version. II. That each subscriber of one guinea annually shall be a member of the society ; and each subscriber of ten guineas at one time, a member for life. III. That each subscriber of three guineas annually shaU be a governor of the society ; and each subscriber of twenty guineas at one time shall be a governor for life ; and that governors be entitled to attend and vote at all meetings of the Committee. IV. That the business of this society shall be conducted by a president, vice-presidents, treasurer, secretaries, and a committee, consisting of twenty- four other members, half of whom shall be members of the Established Church, and that five members constitute a quorum. V. That all clergymen and other ministers making collections in behalf of the institution shall be members of this Society, with the privilege of at- tending and voting at the meetings of the committee. VI. That the committee shall meet once every month, or oftener, on some day to be fixed by themselves. VII. That a general meeting of the subscribers be held once, at least, in each year, when the accounts shall be presented, the proceedings of the past year stated, a new committee appointed, and a report agreed upon, to be printed under the direction of the committee. VIII. That, in the formation of the new committee, such three-fourths of the other members who shall have most frequently attended the committee shall be re-eligible for the ensuing year. 310 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [cHAP. VI. Indifference of Ship-owners to the spiritual welfare of Seamen. In addition to these Regulations, the following resolution was adopted at the general meeting : — " That the Committee be instructed to take the earliest and most effec- tual measures for obtaining the patronage, contributions, and active co-ope- ration of tlie various corporate bodies, and of all merchants, sliip-owners, underwriters, tradesmen, ship-masters, and otliers connected with the trade or marine of the port of London : that the officers and crews of merchant ships be encouraged to form Bible Associations on a plan to be framed by the Committee : tliat it is expedient to encourage tlie formation of Branch Societies at the principal out-ports of the British empire; such Branch Societies, and their individual members, to be entitled to the same privileges from the Auxiliary Society as its members derive from the Parent Institu- tion : and that immediate steps be taken, by opening a correspondence with the different out-ports, for giving effect to this Resolution.'' 3. A very limited degree of experience was sufficient to convince the Committee of the London Merchant- Seamen's Society, that the peculiar nature of the work in which they had engaged, demanded the application of extraordinary means. The plan of Depositorits had been tried by the Thames Union Committee, on a scale that must have ensured success, had the inclination to possess the sacred records been prevalent among seamen. In addition to this, the Committee of the new society issued circular letters to the owners or ships' husbands of all vessels entering out at the Custom House, and to the captains of all such ships, soliciting their countenance and support, and proffering a supply of Bibles and Testaments on the most liberal terms. At their first annual meeting, they were compelled to report " the total and absolute failure of every effort made by them in this direction." " The numerous letters which they circulated among the owners and masters of vessels did not produce a single application for Bibles at the Society's depository in London : and since the formation of the institution, to the 31st of December 1819, only twenty-one Bibles and thirty -nine Testaments have been sold there. So utterly inefficient, indeed, did this method of accomplishing the object of the society prove, that the Committee, after persevering in the experiment for upwards of three months, were at last in- duced to discontinue it." Nor should this failure excite surprise, however it may oc- casion regret. The nature of that connexion which subsists betAveen seamen and their employers, particularly in the port of London, is too transient and uncertain to create or cherish an interest, on the part of the latter, in the spiritual welfare of the former. The ship-owners of Great Britain are, as a body, remarkable for their attention to the personal comforts of the men; but it cannot be tienied, that an indifference to those concerns which regard their eternal interests has been SECT. II.] LONDON merchant-seamen's SOCIETY. 311 Necessity of an Agent; and appointment of Lieutenant Cox. long and lamentably prevalent. On the other hand, sailors, as has been already observed, too generally look upon re- ligion as -a matter with which they have no concern ; — the Bible is a book of which they had seldom heard; and they required to have its inestimable value pointed cut to them in a manner which they could understand. Here arose another difficulty — for sailors must be addressed in their own way. The observation may seem strange, but it is no less true, that few landsmen are qualified to gain the attention and awaken the interest of this singular but valuable race of men. To these combined causes may be attributed the failure of every measure founded on the presumption that seamen would ap- ply for Bibles. It was therefore evident that an interest must be created in the minds of sailors in favour of the Bible. To effect this, it became necessary to select an individual as Agent, whose knowledge of the peculiar character, maimers, and habits of seamen qualified him for this particular service. In reference to this important subject, the Committee thus express themselves: — " As vessels proceeding on foreign voA'^ages generally bring up at Graves- end, for the purpose of obtaining their final clearance, it appeared to the Committee, that it would be highly important, indeed indispensable, with a view to the success of the institution, to station at that place an active and intelligent Agent, whose business it should be to visit all outward-boinid ships, and to act, in supplying them witli the Scriptures, under the general instructions of the Committee, according to the circumstances of each case. In Lieutenant Cox-, of the lloyal Navy, they had reason given them to exjiect the zeal, activity, intelligence, and discretion which the situation required ; and they have not been disappointed. They were led to cojifide in his exertions, and he has fuUy justified their confidence." As the Committee report, that " this plan has succeeded beyond their hopes," it appears necessary to enter more fully into its details ; commencing with the 4, Instructions ruRNisHED to Lieutenant Cox. " I. It will be proper that you should make some provisional arrangements for a depot, where the books in your possession may be safely kept, and con- veniently arranged ; and which may unite the advantages of forming a good look-out towards the river, and of being tolerably easy of access. It wiU be fiu-ther necessary to engage the means of boarding outward-bound vessels with promptness and facility. II. It will be your main business, for the present, to visit every ship des- tined on a foreign voyage, which may bring up at Gravesend, or stop there a sufficient time to admit of your boarding her; and to ascertain whether there are on board any, and what number, of copies of the holy scriptures, for the use of tlie ship's company during the A'oyage. III. If no supply, or only an inadequate one, should have been previously procured, we authorise you to present to the captain or chief officer, for the 312 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIOKS. [CHAP. VI, Instructions furnished to the Agent. use of the ship's compriny, a supply of Bibles and Testaments, according to the following scale : viz. For vessels navigated with six or seven men, one Bible and two Testa- ments. For vessels navigated with eight or nine men, one Bible and three Testaments. For vessels navigated with ten men and upwards, a Bible for each watch, and a Testament for every three or four men. IT. This authority to bestow Bibles and Testaments gratuitously on ships that are unfurnished with them, need not, however, be used in cases where the captain feels the obligation incumbent on him, or shews a willingness to provide the requisite means of instruction for his crew. In such cases, copies of the Scriptures may be supplied to him at prime cost, and the gra- tuitous supply will then be unnecessary. v. The description of Bibles and Testaments to be gratuitously bestowed must for the present be left to your discretion ; with this general remark, that we should wish economy to be consulted, as far as may be consistent with higher objects. VI. At the same time that the ship is thus supplied with the Scriptures for the use of the seamen, it will be desirable that an offer should be made to the seamen themselves of Bibles and T'estaments, for their own use, at half the prime cost. AVe are disposed at present to think that it will not be expedient to give copies of the Scriptures to individual seamen. Those who value them sufficiently to make this course at all proper, will not hesi- tate to purchase them at the reduced rate which has been mentioned. VII. It will be particularly important that every fact should be minutely noted by you, as far as time and circumstances will permit, which may be likely to aid us in our future measures, and to throw light on the moral condition of the seamen, on the disposition manifested by them to receive and read the Scriptures, and on the disposition shewn by the officers to en- courage their men in so doing. It would also be useful to know how many there may be on board who can read them ; and if an opportunity should be offered of making the suggestion, those who cannot, might be incited to employ their leisure time, during the voyage, in learning to read from those who can. VIII. We are well persuaded that no prudent exertions will be wanting on your part to interest all classes on board in the Society's object, to induce the officers to give the requisite encouragement to the men in reading the Scriptures, and to induce the men to read them, and to dispense the benefit of them also to such of their shipmates as cannot read themselves. IX. It will be pi'oper also to recommend the books to the special care of the captain or chief officer. X. Besides keeping a book, which shall exhibit clearly the receipts and issues of Bibles, and the stock in hand, under columns corresponding with the numbers in the inclosed schedule," and a book which shall also clearly record all your cash transactions in the societj^'s account (with which books you will be furnished), it will be necessary to keep a clear register of all your proceedings in a book which will also be furnished for the purpose, and according to the form there prescribed. -j- Of the entries in the book, it will be necessary that transcripts should, on a fixed day in each week, be sent to us. / • This schedule will be found under the head of " Agent's Registry," in Section IV. •J- This form ig similar to that recommended in Section IV. of this chapter. SECT. II.] LONDON MERCHANT-SEAMEN's SOCIETY. 313 Weekly Report of the Agent. XI. The secretaries will also furnish you with a number of copies of the address and plan of the society, and of the circular letters intended for ship, masters, which you will employ according to your discretion in forwarding the society's views." 5. The following extracts from the First Annual Report of the London Merchant-Seamen's Society, will illustrate the practical tendency of these instructions, and of the mode pur- sued by this society : — I. " Those who are acquainted with the state of the maritime concerns of this port, will feel the propriety of confining the gratuitous supply of the Scrip- tures within the limits prescribed by the Committee. AV^hile such seamen as value the Scriptures sufficiently to pay a trifling price for them, have the op- portunity of purchasing them, the copies which are gratuitously supplied are given, not to the seamen themselves, but to the ship for their use : they are to be regarded as part of the ship's furniture, to be used for the instruc- tion and edification, not merely of the present crew on the present voyage, but of successive crews on successive voyages. ri. The instructions given to Lieutenant Cox have been carried into effect with a singular degree of regularity. The Committee have never failed to receive, on the appointed day, the weekly report of his proceedings ; and each succeeding report has tended at the same time to excite a livelier interest in the society's objects, and to call forth their gratitude for being allowed to bear any part, however humble, in promoting their attainment. III. The reports of Lieutenant Cox are drawn up in a tabular form, and they exhibit distinctly the following particulars :— 1. The Date. S. The Name of the Ship visited. 3. The Captain. 4. The Ship's Owner or Husband. 5. The Port to which the Ship belongs. 6. The Voyage on which the Ship is bound. 7. The number of the Ship's Company. 8. The number of those who can read. 9. The number of Bibles and Testaments found on board. 10. The number supplied gi-atuitously. 11. The number sold, and the amount. These particulars are accompanied by general observations, of a verj useful and interesting description." In order to prevent the improper disposal of Bibles and Testaments designed for " the use of the ship," the Commit- tee, in addition to the stamp affixed to the title-page, have directed their agent to brand the outside cover of every copy distributed, with the words " Merchant-Seamen's Auxiliary Bible Society, London." They have also adopted the plan, originally devised at Bishop-Wearmouth, of recommending the owners and captains of ships to provide boxes, of which the agent exhibits a model, for the preservation of the Bibles. 314 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [cHAP. VI. Abstract of the Proceedings to the present time. 6. In the Second Annual Report, the Committee detail the mode of their proceedings, in reference to the supply of sea- men in the coasting-trade ; for which purpose, exclusively, they have appointed an active and judicious agent, and fixed the rate of sale at three-fourths of the cost price. The pro- priety of this arrangement will be evident, when it is stated, that, in the short period of nine months, nearly 1300 Bibles and Testaments have been sold to seamen employed in this branch of trade. 7. The following abstract of the agent's reports will exhi- bit the results of this institution to the 21st of March, 1821 : — I. Total number of ships visited and supplied II. . . D". III. . . D". IV. . . DO. V. . . D". VI. . . Do, of men on board . of ships found totally destitute of 7 Bibles, &c 3 of men on board ... ....... of ships revisited, having been supplied of copies distributed, Bibles .... 2391 Testaments . 6309 9100 bles .... 1819 Testaments . 1204. 3053 Gratuitously . . At reduced prices \ ™' 3,157 49,456 832 8,149 1,962 12,153 The total amount of 14,031 Bibles and Testaments- £. ,, d. received by the Society to March 1821, at cost i 2983 .3.5 prices, is j The amount remitted to the British and Foreign i.^- Bible Society, is 5 ^^^"- "' " Leaving a balance against the Society of . . £. 1633 .3.5 But the Committee of the Parent Society, under a sense of the exigency of the case, and of the unavoidable extent of the incidental expenses attending the institution, have, with their usual liberality, granted Bibles and Testaments to the amount of this balance, and thus extinguished a debt which must odierwise liave paralysed the future efforts of the Committee. On this subject they observe, in their Second Annual Report, — ■ " Wliether we shall be hereafter enabled, by the zeal and charity of the merchants and ship-owners of London, to repay these sums into its treasury, and thus to vindicate the title we have assumed of an Juxiliart/, is uncertain. But we can make them a return, which, to the members of that institution, will he still more gratifying ; — we can shew them that good has been effected by their bounty ; and that the seed they liave enabled us to sow among our seamen is producing a rich harvest of blessings." SECT. II.] LONDON MERCHANT-SEAMEN's SOCIETY. 315 Beneficial effects produced on the moral character of Seamen. 8. An important part of Lieutenant Cox's duties consists in revisiting the ships he has supphed, to ascertain whether the Scriptures furnished by the society remain on board, and whetiier they have been read by the seamen. In discharging this branch of his duty, he has received the most gratifying and unequivocal evidence of the moral benefits derived from this institution. — " ' The alteration that has been effected in my crew,' said one captain, ' by reading of the Scriptures, would astonish any one : they are become quite different beings.' — ' I can assure you, sir,' said another, 'I see an alteration in seamen every voyage for the better.' — A third observed, ' I am persuaded your society has been the means of altering the manners of seamen much, for the change is of late ; and to what can we attribute that change, but to those means which have been used in behalf of our seamen ? They are not that ungrateful and unprincipled set of men they were.' — On board another ship, the captain observed, ' It is to me, sir, astonishing, to see the alteration which seems to have taken place in the manners of seamen. Ah, sir, religion will soften them down, if any thing can : they are not those swearing, cursing, drunken, debauched creatures they were a little while ago.' — In another vessel, where the agent found twenty-eight Bibles among thirty-six men, the language was, ' Some of the seamen went to sea lions, and came home lambs.' — ' I wish,' observed another captain, ' I could always secure a religious crew : all connected with the vessel would reap the benefit of it.' — ' Oh,' said the master of another ship, ' you know not how glad I am to see you : come, and see the books, how well they have been used : they have been well read, indeed.' Here he produced them, saying, ' Do look at the corners of the leaves : see with what attention they have been read. How often have I been delighted in observing the attention of the crew to the Scriptures ! and were you to behold them, I am sure you would be equally pleased, sir : they are a world the better for them. Alas ! no good owners — no good captains — no good seamen — no good any thing, without religion.' " It would be easy to multiply testimonies of a similar kind, extracted from the agent's reports : nor is it matter of sur- prise, that one of the captains, under a conviction of the benefits resulting from the labours of the society, should exclaim — " Ship-owners^ I presume, defray all the expense offending this work. If they do not, they ouiiht to do so. Every man of the least consideration must be convinced m a moment of the vast utility of such an institution." 9. It will be recollected, that the Bibles and Testaments gratuitously supplied are not presented to individuals, but to the ships, for the use of the crew ; and that they are given in charge to the captain or chief officer. Yet it will doubtless excite surprise, that the number of copies distributed by sale bears so small a proportion to the total issued by the society. As this subject will be more fully considered in the sequel, this sketch of the Merchant-Seamen's Society cannot be better closed than in the energetic language of tlieir appeal to 316 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [cHAP. TI. Appeal of the Committee. — Liverpool IMarine Bible Society. the sympathy and Christian feeling of the merchants and ship-owners of London: — " The benefits resulting to them from the communication of Scriptural knowledge can no longer be questioned : still less can the line of conduct, which, under these circumstances, is jirescribed to us, by our obligations to God and man, admit of a moment's doubt or hesitation. Even if we were insensible to those obligations, insensible to the motives, which are furnished by the religion vve profess, to minister to the spiritual wants of our seamen ; — if we could shut our ears to the claims of common humanity, which call upon us to raise them from the misery and degradation which are the never- failing eiFects of ignorance and vice ; — if we could remain unaffected by all the facts which have been produced, to prove the ameliorating influence of Scriptural knowledge on their state and character ; — if we could be indifferent to the consideration of the advantages which, as members of this gi-eat and happy community, we should derive from having our future navies manned by men who have been taught to fear God, and honour their king, and love their country ; — if we could be insensible to all these purer and loftier incen- tives to exertion, let us at least be swayed by the more sordid calculation of personal interest. Even that lower motive would bring us to the same con- clusion. Even in the estimate of pecuniary profit and loss, we should find ourselves gainers, by expending on our seamen the cost of the Bibles they require. No fact can be more incontrovertibly established, by what has passed under the observation of the Committee during the last year, than this, — that the effect of religious instruction on shipboard, is, to diminish among our seamen the evils of intemperance, insubordination, and wasteful- ness ; and to substitute habits of order, sobriety, carefulness, cleanliness, obedience to superiors, and general attention to the duties of their station. No policy, therefore, can be more undeniably expedient on the part of mer- chants and ship-owners, if we could suppose the weight of higher motives to fail, than that Avhich the Committee now beg leave, in conclusion, most respectfully but most earnestly to recommend to their adoption ; namely, that of supporting, by their countenance and contributions, the Merchant- Seajien's Auxiliary Bible Society, for supplying British merchant-ships with the Holy Scriptures." There are two other institutions of this description, which ax^quire, from their importance or pecuHarity of constitution, a distinct notice : — 1. The Liverpool Marine Bible Society. — This so- ciety was estabhshed on the 13th of January, 1818; and in the October following it was organized on the plan of that in the metropolis. -The Committee, however, appear to have been aware of the insufficiency of their Rules ; and shortly after- wards the following additional Regulations were adopted : — I. " That two members of the Committee be appointed as a Sub-Committee for each Dock, with power to add to their number ; that each Sub-Committee meet once every fortnight, and make a written report of their proceedings once a month to the Secretaries. II. That a suitable person be obtained, on as moderate terms as possible, to assist in procuring information as to the vessels on the point of sailing, and in the delivery of Bibles and Testaments. III. That the attention of the Committee shall be confined at present to SECT. II.] LONDON MERCHANT-SEAMEN's SOCIETY. 317 Greenland Fishery Murine Bible Society in the Shetland Islands. vessels bound on foreign voyages, except in cases of direct applications, to be supplied at cost prices only. IV. That the co-operation of the owners shall be obtained in all cases, when it is practicable. V. That no Bibles or Testaments shall be given, if it is possible to sell them at any price : that the ship-masters should be requested to encourage the sailors to subscribe for them : and that in cases where they are not purchased, and there appears to be no probability of any subscriptions being received, three Testaments only be given ; one for the master, one for the officers, and one for the men, to be stamped " For the use of the Ship." VI. That in case the Superintendent finds any captain deserving of con- fidence, and desirous of distributing Bibles in Foreign Ports, he be directed ■ to make the circumstances known to the Sub-Committee of the Dock, and that the Sub-Committee should be recommended to communicate the same to the Secretaries of the Liverpool Auxiliary Bible Society." Two AGENTS have been subsequently appointed ; — and by the returns up to January 18'20, it appears that nearly one thousand Bibles and Testaments have been distributed. The necessity of such a society in the second mercantile port of Great Britain, is established by the fact, that of 437 ships visited, 268, containing 3790 seamen, were found destitute of the holy scriptures. 2. The Zetland, Davies' Straits, Greenland Fishery, and Marine Bible Society. — As this remarkable institution differs in many respects from those which have been already described, and the plan is recommended to other sea-ports of Scotland, on the high authority of the Edinburgh Bible So- ciety, it is necessary to detail its Regulations more particu- larly. In contemplating its establishment among a group of islands at the northern extremity of the empire, and consider- ing its peculiar nature and design, we are powerfully reminded of the prophetic declaration — " Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their siluer and their gold iviih them, unto the name of the Lord thy God and to the Holy One of Israel.'' The formation of this society is thus announced by the Committee of the Edinburgh Society: — " In the establishment of this Institution, your Committee recognise an in- strument of the greatest value. It will be associated in your minds with the Merchant-Seamen's Bible- Society in London, the Bible Societies of Liver- pool, of Hull, and other ports — a branch of exertion in the circulation of Scripture, the importance of which is yet very far from being fully appre- ciated. If, by means of such institutions, an interest, first, in favour of the possession, and then in favour of the dispersion of the Scriptures, can be created on board of every vessel that leaves a British port, there is, per- haps, no measure which may ultimately be productive of more powerful effect in promoting the distribution of Scripture abroad. Your Committee therefore cannot refrain from taking this opportunity of earnestly recom- mending the example which has been set by the Zetland Marine Institution, to the immediate attention and imitation of every sea-port in Scotland,'''' 318 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [ciIAP. VI. Greenland Fishery Marine Bible Society in the Shetland Islands. The following is a copy of the Regulations, as furnished by the Secretary : — The Zetland, Davies' Stuaits, Greenland Fishery, and Marine Bible ^oci^ir— Instituted 23d Mar ch^ 1818. The shipmasters, agents, and mariners of vessels engaged in the Davies' Straits and Greenland Fisheries, and ship-owners, masters, and mariners engaged in the trade of these islands, and others, having this day formed themselves into an Association, for the purpose of contributing to the circu- lation of the Holy Scriptures without note or comment, and for other pur- poses connected with or conducive to the spreading of the Gospel, more par- ticularly amongst the mariners of these islands, under the denomination of the Zetland, Davies' Steaits, Greenland FisaEav, and Marine Bible Society, — Resolve— I. That every mariner be invited to become a subscriber i and that no subscription be received, but such as is voluntary on the part of the sub- scriber. II. That every mariner, being a member of this Sooiety, employed in the fisheries, subscribe sixpence for the voyage ; and in the country -trade, six- pence per annum. III. That the ship-masters of the Davies' Straits and Greenland vessels shall have at their disposal, under the management of the society, so much of its funds, after defraying all expenses, as the proportion of their mariners from their ports of outfit bears to the mariners of these islands, upon the total enumeration of their crews, being members, but not otherwise. IV. That each ship-master take charge of the subscription in his ship, distinguishing betwixt those from the mariners from his port of outfit, and those from the mariners of these islands, and that he do collect the same before he proceeds to the fishery ; paying over to his agent the subscriptions from the mariners from his port of outfit, and giving an order to his said agent to deduct the subscriptions from the native mariners in his employ for the voyage, from the wages in his hands payable to them ; who shall thereafter, being so authorised, pay the same into the hands of the Trea- surer, upon his receipt, for account of the society. V. That a regular list of mariners subscribing, distinguishing as above, be made out each voyage, from the articles and muster-roll of each ship, by the surgeon ; and delivered to the agent, with tlie subscriptions for the use of the society. VI. That the business of this society be managed by the ship-masters, agents, ship-owners, and others connected with it ; whereof nine, with the Secretary and Treasurer, shall form a quorum, with power to appoint a preses : and that the Secretary and Treasui-er act during the pleasure of the society, from year to year. VII. That the general annual meeting be held at Lerwick, the third Thursday in March, in every year, to audit the accounts, to report the pro- ceedings of the society for the past year, and for such other purposes as are or may be connected with or conducive to the objects of the society. VIII. That besides the annual meetings, there be held, at Lerwick, quar- terly meetings, on the third Thursday in June, September, and December in each year, for the purpose of receiving and answering applications for sup- plies of Bibles and Testaments ; and that five of the resident members be a quorum, including the preses. IX. That the funds of this society, whether arising from subscriptions, donations, or the sales of Bibles or Testaments at prime cost, or at reduced SECT. III.] RULES AND REGULATIONS. 319 Necessity of a revised Code of Rules. prices, shall, from time to time, be expended in the purchase of Bibles and Testaments at prime cost, to be given or sold amongst the mariners of these islands. X. That application be made to the Edinburgh Bible Society, for per- mission to lay out the disposeable funds of this society in purchasing, at their depository, Bibles and Testaments at their prime cost. XI. That a list of vessels employed in the Davies' Straits and Greenland fisheries in the year 1818, which touched at the port of T.rrwick, whose masters, agents, and mariners are members of the society, Le made out, to accompany these regulations. XII. That a sufficient number of these regulations and list be printed, for distribution amongst the subscribers ; and that the expense be defrayed out of the funds of the society. XIII. That these regulations remain in force until altered or amended in a general meeting of the society, of which due notice must be given at the quarterly December meeting preceding. Signed, in the name and on the behalf of the subscribers, by W. GN. M'CRAE, Comptroller of Customs, Secretary and Treasurer." The list referred to in the 11th Rule comprises the names of thirty-four ships, whose masters are members of this society ; and blanks are left opposite to each, for the insertion of the requisite particulars, on a plan similar to that of the " Agent's Registry," a specimen of which will be found in its proper place, in Section IV. of this chapter. SECTION III. RULES AND REGULATIONS. 1. Having thus traced the progress and observed the modes of proceeding adopted by the various Marine Bible Socie- ties established in the sea-ports of Great Britain, the reader cannot fail to remark the want of uniformity in the Regula- tions by which they are governed, and of that mutual identity of organization, to which much of the success which has at- tended kindred institutions may be ascribed. — The state of this part of the system, at the present period, bears a strik- ing resemblance to that of " Auxiliary Societies" in the year 1811 ; aiid the necessity of a Code of Rules adapted to the peculiar nature of the design, and calculated to promote its stability and extension, must be evident to all who feel inter- ested in the object. Whether the follov/ing Regulations be altogether such as may meet the exigencies of the case, it is not for the author to decide : if they only furnish hints on which others may improve, or induce the more general adop- tion of the measures detailed in the preceding Sections, his wishes will be equally gratified. 320 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [CHAP.VI. Laws and Regulations recommended for adoption. «v. Resolutions recommended for adoption at Meetings convened fur the establislmieiit of Marine Bible Societies, at Sea-porls. I. That the object and constitution of the British and Foreign Bible Society have the cordial approbation of this INIeeting. II. That a Society be now formed, to be called " The Marine Bible Society," for promoting the circulation of the holy scriptures among Seamen, and of co-operating, through the medium of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society, with the British and Foreign Bible Society. III. That the Bibles and Testaments circulated by this society shall be without note or comment, and that those in the languages of the United Kingdom shall be of the authorised versions only. IV. That all persons subscribing one guinea or upwards per annum, or ten guineas or upwards at one time, shall be members of this society. V. That the business of this society shall be conducted by a President, Treasurer, Secretaries, and a Committee consisting of other members, five of whom shall be a quorum. VI. That the Committee shall meet once every month, or oftener if necessary, on some day to be fixed by themselves. VII. That it shall be the duty of the Committee, either personally, or by means of agents regularly appointed, to visit the ships in this harbour, whe- ther they belong to this or any other port, in order to ascertain the want of Bibles and Testaments ; and that the Committee shall furnish them there- with, at prime cost, reduced prices, or gratuitously, at their discretion. VIII. That the Committee shall adopt every suitable measure for encou- raging and assisting in the formation of Bible Associations on board Merchant Ships, according to the rules recommended by the Parent Society. IX. That the funds of this society, or such part thereof as the Committee shall direct, whether arising from subscriptions, donations, or the sale of Bibles and Testaments, shall from time to time be expended in the pur- chase of Bibles and Testaments at prime cost, to be distributed among Seamen as before directed ; and that any surplus which may arise, be remitted annually to the Auxiliary (or Branch) Bible Society, in aid of the general object of the British and Foreign Bible Society. X. That the Committee shall be authorised to entrust Captains of Mer- chant Ships with Bibles and Testaments for distribution by sale, to an extent not exceeding £. — to any one Master. Such Bibles and Testaments to be sold at not less than one-half their cost prices, a list of which, with a form of returns, shall be given to every Captain witli the Bibles and Testaments committed to his charge. XI. That the Committee shall endeavour to obtain the cost prices of all Bibles and Testaments issued by them, whether to seamen individually or for the ship's use ; and that in all cases where copies are delivered under such cost prices, or gratuitously, the name of this society shall be branded on the outsides of the cover. XII. That a General Meeting of the Subscribei's be held at , on the in each year ; when the accounts shall be presented, the proceed- ings of the past year stated, a new Committee appointed, and a report agreed upon, to be printed under the direction of the Committee. XIII. That in the formation of the new Committee, the Treasurer, Se- cretaries, and such three-fourths of the other members as have most fre- quently attended the Committee, shall be re-eligible for the ensuing year. XIV. That be President, Treasurer, Secretaries, and JNIembers of the Committee for the year ensuing. XV. That annual subscriptions and donations be now entered into, and SECT. III.] RULES AND REGULATIONS. 321 Observations on the Rules and Regulations. that they be also received by the Treasurer, Secretaries, and the several bankers of this town and neighbourhood. XVI. That a copy of these Resolutions, signed by the Secretaries, be transmitted to the Committee of the — Auxiliary (or Branch) Bible Society. XVII. That the Committee meet on the — — instant, at — — o'clock, and prepare an address on the object and views of this Society, to be printed and circulated with the Rules now adopted, among the merchants, ship- owners, and captains of this port ; and that a copy be transmitted to the Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society. OBSERVATIONS. 3. Many of the remarks already submitted, in reference to the Rules and By-Laws of Auxiliary Societies, (See Chap. II. Sections II. <^ III.) will be found equally applicable in the case now under consideration. There are, however, some peculiarities in the nature and constitution of a Marine Bible Society, which demand more particular notice. I. It will be observed, that the term " Auxiliary" is omitted in the Second Rule; as its adoption might lead to confusion, by identi- fying the establishment in question with the Local Society. It is however earnestly hoped, that many Marine Societies will follow the example of their elder sisters in the Northern Counties, by contributing their aid to the general object of the Parent Insti- tution. II. It may be occasionally found of advantage to add "Vice- Presidents" to the honorary officers specified in the i^//if/j Rule : this, however, will be matter for local arrangement. With regard to the number of secretaries, iwo will be sufficient, especially if the society employ agents. The appointment of the latter will, in all probability, be a circumstance of rare occurrence, except in sea- ports of considerable magnitude, and the duties enjoined by the Seventh Rule be discharged by the members of the Committee in rotation. If the Committee consist of twenty-four or thirty mem- bers, and six be appointed monthly as Visitors, the state of every ship may be investigated, and the interest be preserved, without subjecting the gentlemen thus engaged to any extraordinary incon- venience. III. As the practical tendency of the Eighth Rule will be fully considered in Section V. it is only necessary, in this place, to observe, that in no respect can the services and influence of the Committee be more profitably directed, than in the promotion and organization of those highly important institutions to which the regulation refers. IV. The Reader will be prepared to appreciate the provisions of the Tenth Rule, on referring to the proceedings of the Whitby and Hull Societies, in Section I., where every necessary information relative to this part of the plan has been already given. It is difficult 322 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [CHAP. VL The Agent's or Visitor's Memorandum Book. to specify the precise amount of Bibles and Testaments which should be entrusted to any particular captain for sale, as much will depend on the character of the individual, and the nature of his voyage; but perhaps 10/. may be judiciously entered as the maximum. In this, as well as every other part of the design, the discretion of the Committee must be exercised, to guard against abuse, and protect the interests of the society. The considerations suggested by the Eleventh Rule will be found among the general remarks in the last section of this chapter. SECTION IV. FORMS OF THE BOOKS, AND MODE OF KEEPING THE ACCOUNTS. %" In all the Specimens contained m this and the following Sections, the entries in Italics are to he considered as RJaituscript. Many of the Books and Papers required by a Marine Bible Society are similar to those of an Auxiliary Society, which have been fully described in Chap. II. Section V.; and the requisite alterations in the mode of making the entries will readily suggest themselves to the secretaries. It may be necessary, however, to observe, that an account should be opened in the Leger, with every owner, &c. whose ship has been supplied, whether by sale or gratuitously, in order to shew what it has cost the society to furnish the vessel. The London Merchant-Seamen's Society has experienced the ad- vantage of this plan; as in many instances the owners have subsequently paid for the Bibles and Testaments on receiving a bill of parcels, though the supply in the first instance was gratuitous. The following are the Books and Papers peculiar to a Marine Society. I, THE agent's (or VISITOR's) MEMORANDUM BOOK. This book should be of a convenient size for the pocket, and ought to be taken on board every ship visited or revisited. The author is not aware that any such book is now in use ; but he ven- tures to recommend its adoption, as calculated to save considerable trouble. It may contain about 300 pages, each of which should be printed according to the Specimen, leaving blanks for the entries, which are here inserted in italics. If it be cut in the form of an alphabetical index, leaving a suitable number of pages for every letter, it will facilitate the reference to any particular ship. A few blank pages may be left at the end of the book, for the purpose of noting any observations in reference to vessels revisited, the original entries of which are in a preceding Memorandum Book. SECT. IV.] FORMS OP THE BOOKS. 323 Specimen of the Agent's Memorandum Book. — Observations, &c. SPECIMEN. 3. 4. 5. C. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11, 12. 13. 14. 15. Number in the Registry Date of Visit Name of the Ship Captain's Name Ship's Owner or Husband Port to which the Ship belongs Voyage on which the Ship is bound Number of the Ship's Company Number of those who can read Number of Bibles and Testaments on board .... Nimiber of Ditto and ditto sold for Ship's use . Number of Ditto and ditto sold to individuals . Number of Ditto and ditto gratuitously supplied Amount received for Bibles and Testaments . . . . Amount of Donations and Subscriptions received for J the Society 5 C24, l2thSept.l8^0, Alary. Hughes. F. Todrig, Esq. London. South Seas. 56. 31. 16. 4 Bibles No. 2. 6 D°. No.Z. None. £.3.6.8 One Pound. OBSERVATIONS. T'he Capfain to!d me, thnt in his Inst long voyage he found the henejit of giving suitiihle instruction to those undtr his orders. Every suhbuth morning it was his prnctice to nssetiihle his people together to prayers and to hear the Scriptures reud : and in the after-part of the day, he observed, it was pleasant to behold the stamen scattered about the ship, undtr the boats, and in other shady places, reading their Bililes. " Great things. Sir," said he, " can be done, if Owners and Commanders are pleased to put thtir hands to the good Work, which I hope they will do, when they see it to be their interest, as well as their duty, to attend to the morals of their people : no Owner or Captain ought to receive the Scriptures without contributing to the funds. I intreat yoUy Sir, to accept of a poumt note, towards defraying the eapense attending (he circulation of Bibles and Testaments amongst our a rmen : I wish I could do tniire." — It ivill be observed, that cost prices have been ' tained for all the copies sold on board this ship. I vias pleastd with the candu '.-onfession of one of the crew, who carried with him nn honest countenance : he said aloud — " fPi sailors have been swearers quite long enough ; it is notv high time we began to pray : — let me have a Bible." 11. — THE agent's registry. This should be a large quarto book, to open lengthways. A few pages at the beginning may be ruled according to the Specimen No. 1, for the purpose of entering the receipts and deliveries of Bibles and Testaments, which should be balanced every month. The remainder of the book should be ruled according to Specimen No. 2. On returning to his office, the Agent should immediately enter from the Memo- randum Book the requisite particulars into the Registry, the specimen of which will sufficiently explain the mode of pro« ceeding. y2 S24i MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [CHAP. VI. [1 0 SPECIMEN, ; occupy the first ten •. I No. of Invoice- RECEIVED. Date. Bibles. Testaments. 1820. 1 10 2 ■20 3 5 4 5 10 12 4 15 17 19 11 6 7 8 9 6 11 13 14 6 16 18 20 •21 10 22 23 24 nth Sept. 47 SPECIMEN, [To occupy the re- No. Date. Ship's Name. Captain's Name. Ship's Owner or Husband. Port to which she belongs. Voyage. c a^ e o' Z 36 15 26 14 ■c a Z, 31 12 18 13 Supply found on Board. B. T. 624 625 630 674 1820. ISthSept. mk Mary Jane Maria Caroline Hughes Fawcett Biggs Scott F.Fodrig, esq. Mr. King Wilson If Co. Mr. James London Bristol Liverpool Sunderland South Seas Jainaica Ditto Malta 6 1 2 10 4 I 6 SECT. IV.] No. 1. Folios of the Book.] AGENT S REGISTRY. S25 ■"■ Week ending. 1820. Respective Nos. of the Ships supplied. DELIVERED. Bibles. Testaments. 1 2 2 4 3 3 6 4 1 3 2 10 12 15 17 19 6 6 7 8 9 11 6 13 14 16 18 20 21 22 •23 24 20tA Sept. 624 625 630 674 2 0.2. -mainder of the Book.] Sold for Ship's use. Sold to Individuals. Gratuitous Grants. Amour of Sales t General Observations. B. No. 1 T. No.| B. No. T. No. 1 £. s. I /. 4 2 3 2 1 2 6 2 1 3 5 4 6 2 6 6 7 11 3 2 2 6 6 15 0 ^ Donation from the Captain, £.1. 5 i 8 Donation from the Captain, lOs.Gd. S26 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [CHAP. VI. The Agent's Registr}', and Weekly Report. With every parcel of Bibles and Testaments forwarded to the Agent, the Secretary should furnish an invoice, specifying the precise number and description of the copies sent. This invoice should be immediately entered in the Kegistry (Specimen, No. 1.), and then folded and indorsed with its appropriate number, to pro- mote facility of reference. The London Merchant-Seamen's Society adopts the plan of designating every description of Bible and Testament by a Number : and as that plan is followed here, it is necessary to transcribe the List, a copy of which should be pasted inside the cover of the Registry. No. 1 2, 3, Cost the Society. EKGLTSH BIBLES. *. a. Small Pica . . . 10 . 6 Brevier . . . . 7.2 Minion ... .6.0 4. Nonpareil . . . 4.2 5. Pocket Nonpareil . 4.6 ENGLISH TESTAMENTS. 6. Pica 4.3 7. Long Primer . . 3.2 8. Brevier ....2.3 9. Pocket . . ..2.1 s. d. No. 10. Welch Bible . . 5 . 0 11. Testament . 2 6 12. GaeUc Bible . . 6 .6 13. Testament . 2 .6 14. Irish Testament . 3 ,3 FOREIGN BIBLES AND TESTAMENTS. 15. French Bible . . 6 8 16. Testament . 2 9 17. German Bible . . 7 0 18. Testament, 2 9 19. Dutch Bible . . . 7 0 20. Testament . 3 .9 21. Spanish .... 2 9 22. Portuguese . . . 2 9 23. Danish .... 2 9 24. Italian . . . . 2 .9 ^11 the above are bound in Calf. III. AGENT S WEEKLY REPORT. This is simply an abstract, taken from the Registry, of all proceedings during the past week. It should be presented on a sheet of large paper; and it will save much valuable time if the form be printed, so as to render it necessary only to fill in the returns. The amount received by the Agent, and the names and address of all new contributors to the society, should be transmitted with the Report. If the Form be printed on one side, it may be found sufficient; and the other may be appropriated to those interesting facts and observa- tions that confer a peculiar value on these documents, which should be ti-ansmitted, weekly, to the Committee, on a stated day, and preserved by the Secretaries in a Guard Book, in a regular series. SECT, v.] MARINE BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS ON BOARD SHIPS. 327 First Association formed on board the Vigilant, Capt. Rej'nolds. SECTION V. MARINE BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS ON BOARD SMIPS. 1. Scarcely had the Thames Union Committee commenced its labours, when the indefatigable Mr. Phillips perceived that something was yet wanted to complete this part of the system. With his usual acuteness, he beheld the full extent to which the operations of this new society could be carried, and the point at which its deficiencies would become obvious. To supply seamen with the holy scriptures is a great and good object ; but to excite that interest which shall induce them to assist in supplying ihemselves, is of far higher moment. The astonishing results of Bible Associations had begun to unfold themselves ; the moral tone of feeling which they are so peculiarly calculated to arouse, had in some degree been developed ; and it occurred to this enlightened philanthropist, that if a similar cause were brought into operation among the wanderers of the deep, similar effects might be anti- cipated. Under this impression, he suggested the idea of Marine Bible Associations; and subsequently prepared, in conjunction with the author, a Code of Rules for their govern- ment, and an Address to Ship-owners and Commanders. These Regulations, having received the approbation of the Parent Committee, were printed on a sheet, containing also the Address to Mariners, specimens of the types, and of the mode of keeping the accounts ; and in this form, were circu- lated generally through the country. 2. The first Marine Bible Association appears to have been formed on board the ship Vigilant of Hull, Francis Reynolds master, previous to the publication of these Rules. As it may be interesting to observe the mode of proceeding in this early commencement of the system, and will afford a gratifying evidence of the facility with which these little societies may be established, the following account of the transaction cannot with propriety be withheld. Proceedings of a Mfe/ing field on board the ship Vigilant of Hull, lying off the Mother Bank, \9thJuly, 1813. — Francis Reynolds, Master, in the Chair. Present, the Crew of the said vessel. " The crew having been informed of the reason of their being called to- gether, namely, to contribute their mite towards aiding the funds of the British and Foreign Bible Society, in the great work in which it is engaged,— resolved unanimously, — ■ I. That the crew of this vessel do form themselves into an Association for 328 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [cHAP. VI. Marine Bible Association formed on board the Falmouth Packets. the purpose of contributing towards the circulation of the holy scriptures, both at home and abroad, and that this Association be denominated ' The Ship Vigilant {of Hull) Bible /Issocintion.^ II. That the members of this Association, who are officers or seamen, do subscribe twopence per week, and the apprentices one penny per week ; and that they be debited with the same weekly by their Treasurer, the INIaster. III. That this Association be under the management of a Treasurer (the master), and a Committee of three of the members of the Association; viz. Edward Kirk, Thomas SAvann, and J. Waldby, who shall, if necessary, meet every month ; and that their meetings begin and end with prayer. IV. That the members of this Association have the privilege of purchas- ing Bibles and Testaments, for their own use, of the Treasurer, at the re- duced prices of the British and Foreign Bible Society. V. That the whole of the funds arising from this Association be applied to the purpose as stated in the first resolution ; and that the subscriptions be transmitted, at the end of this present voyage, by the Treasurer to the Treasurer of the British and Foreign Bible Society in London, as a dona- tion in aid of their funds from the Ship Vigilant (of Hull) Bible j^ssociation. VI. That this Association do continue to exist untU the end or completion of this present voyage to the Mediterranean. (Signed) F. Reynoi-ds, Chairmany S. The Commanders of the King's Packets on the Falmouth station were the next in this work of benevolence. The example was set by Captain Furze, of the Chesterfield, on a voyage to Surinam ; and the Association was formed on Christmas-day 1814. As the Rules had not then been pub- lished, Captain Furze drew up a paper declaratory of the object, and invited his officers and crew to subscribe, if they felt inclined. This they cheerfully agreed to do : and the carptain having first entered his own name, twenty-four others were speedily enrolled at one penny per week each ; the money being deducted from the wages of the men. The amount paid to the Falmouth Bible Society was 4Z. 195. 2d. ; and the crew were supplied with twenty-five Bibles. On the 18th of August 1815, a similar association was formed on board the Swiftsure Packet, Captain Pederson, on a voyage to the Brazils. As this ship was well supplied with Bibles, the contributions, amounting to 4/. 2s. 8d., were prin- cipally/-/ee, only two Bibles having been required. Capt. P. having taken the command of the Speedy Packet in 1816, a Marine Bible Association was established on board that vessel; and the sum of SI. 14^. 7^c?. was collected, and pre- sented to the Falmouth Bible Society as a free gift. Both of these Commanders bear testimony to the attention with which many of the men read their Bibles, and the gratifying manner in which they appeared to appreciate this inestimable bless- ing. It is probable that many other Marine Associations have been established on board other ships, of which no par- SECT, v.] MARINE BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS ON BOARD SHIPS. 329 Rules recommended. — Observations. ticulars have transpired : but it cannot be denied, that this important and interesting subject has not yet received that degree of attention to which it is eminently entitled. If the Committees and other friends of Auxiliary and Branch Societies, at the difterent sea-ports, exerted themselves, and formed Sub-Committees for this express purpose, there can be no doubt that the system would be generally adopted. The following suggestions will be found to contain every requisite information relative to the design. 4, Rules recommended for Adnplion by the Crew of any Ship desirous of forming a Bible Association. 1. That we form ourselves into an Association, for the purpose of contri- buting toward the circulation of the holy scriptures, without note or com- ment ; and that it be called " The Bible Association of the ship , Captain ." 2. That each member of this Association subscribe not less than one penny per week. 3. That A. B. be President, C. D. Treasurer, and E. F. Secretary of this Association. 4. That, on the arrival of the ship at any port where a Bible Society is established, the Treasurer be requested to state the amount in his hands ; and the whole, or such part as the subscribers shall direct, shall be expended in the purchase of copies of the holy scrij)tures, at prime cost, from the depository of such society. 5. That the descriptions of Bibles and Testaments to be purchased shall be fixed by the subscribers. 6. That it be optional with the subscribers to vote any part of their fiinds occasionally for the general purposes of the British and Foreign Bible Society : the money so voted to be paid to the Committee of the Bible Society at any port where the ship may touch, specifying the name of such ship and Captain. 7. That aU orders on the Treasurer shall be signed by the President, Se- cretary, and two other subsci'ibers. 8. That three subscribers shall be appointed to examine, approve, and sign the Treasurer's accounts, previously to the General Report, and also before any considerable payment is made cut of the funds. 9. That the Secretary shall keep minutes of all the proceedings of the Association, and shall, in connexion with the President or Treasurer, draw up, at least once a-year, a Report, to be read jiublickly to the subscribers : which Report shall specify the amount of mone^' received and paid, the number of Bibles and Testaments sold, and also of those given, with any interesting facts arising out of the proceedings of the Association ; a copy of which Report shall be transmitted to the Committee of any Bible Society on shore which the subscribers may think proper. 5. — OBSERVATIONS. 1st Rule. — If it be the wish of the subscribers, the Association may be united to the Bible Society of the town or port to which the ship belongs. In this case, the following words should be added to this Rule " in connexion with the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society." 330 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [cHAP. VI. Observations on the Ilules. — Books for Marine Associations. 2d Rule — The subscriptions may be paid either by the men themselves, or the master may be authorised to deduct it from their wages. 3d Rule — On board large ships, the Captain should be solicited to become President; the chief officer. Treasurer ; and one of the subordinate officers, Secretary. On board small vessels, the master may fill all those offices himself; or he may act as President and Treasurer; and the mate, or a seaman properly qualified, may act as Secretary. 4-th Rule. — In the case here alluded to, a written order should be sent for the Bibles to one of the Secretaries of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society, whose address can easily be obtained ; and a supply of Reports, Monthly Extracts, &c. should be requested, for the information of the crew, who would thus be furnished with interesting matter for reflection and conversation during their next voyage. 5th Rule It has been found that the Minion and Nonpareil Bibles and Brevier Testaments are best calculated for the use of seamen. But if they are bound to a foreign port, great advantage may be derived from their ordering a few copies in the language of the country they are about to visit, for sale or gratuitous distri- bution, at their own option, 6th Rule. — The^ri^ object of a Marine Bible Association should be, the supply of the crew: when this is attained, the destitute state of millions of their fellow- creatures may be properly urged on their attention. If the Association wish to remit the money direct to the Parent Society, a banker's bill should be inclosed to Mr. Joseph Tarn, 10, Eari Street, London, with a few lines specifying the name of the ship and master. 7th Rule. — In small ships, if the Captain act as President, Trea- surer, and Secretary, this order should be signed by three of the subscribers. 8th Rule.— The object of this Rule is, to prevent a doubt in the mind of any subscriber as to the regular and correct appropriation of the funds. 9th Rule. — The Secretary should provide himself with a Minute Book, for the purpose of preserving the heads of any interesting results, either on board, or in reference so the sale or gift of Bibles and Testaments in foreign countries. The account of receipts and expenditure should be clearly detailed : and no unnecessary delay should occur in transmittmg a copy of the Report to the Bible Society, selected by the subscribers. 6. On board large ships, it will be found conducive to regu- larity and correctness to have three books ; viz. I. The Minute Book. This book is of quarto size, con- taining about fifty leaves, and is kept by the Secretary. The following Specimen will sufficiently illustrate the mode of making the entries. £. s. d. 6s. 2rf. . . . . 1 . 17. 0 4s. 4d. . , . . . 1 . 6. 0 2$. 4rf. . . . . 1 . 3. 4 2*. 9'/. . . . . 0. 16. 6 2s. 9d. . . . . 0. irt. 6 £.5. 19. 4 SECT, v.] MARINE BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS ON BOARD SHIPS. 331 Specimen of the ^Minute Book. " 5th January, 1819. Ship, Lord Teignmouth, Captain Alexander, lying in the Cove of Cork. The Captain having circulated some Reports and Papers concerning the Bible Society, among the ship's company, on the 1st instant, all hands were mustered this day, and he proposed to them to form a Bible Association. This being unanimously approved of, it was Resolved, that the following be the Rules and Regulations: — [Here copi/ the Rules as inserted in the fourth diuision of this Section.^ 1 2th January. — This day the subscribers were called together; and the Treasurer reported, that he had ll. \As. in hand ; when it was resolved una- nimously to lay out part of it in the purchase of the following Bibles and Testaments ; viz. 6 Minion Bibles at 6s 6 Nonpareil ditto 10 Brevier Testaments, calf. 6 Spanish ditto .... ditto 6 Portuguese ditto . . ditto which I accordingly received from the Depositary of the Cork Bible Society, with a bill and receipt for the amount. 24th March. — At anchor, off Funchal, ^Madeira. A Portuguese Friar came on board ; and seeing one of the Testaments, begged hard for a copy, offering to pay any price the cajitain asked : he was told what it cost, and gladly paid down the money. In the evening two other friars came, and wished to buy copies ; but as we had so few, we only let them have one more at cost price. They seemed rejoiced to get even this one, and begged we would bring out more, if we ever made the voyage again. It would be a happy thing if sailors thought more of the Bible themselves, and then they would think more of giving it to others. 2d May. — Rio Janeiro. 'Tis a great pity we did not bring out more Spanish and Portuguese Tes- taments, as we could sell hundreds of copies here at the cost prices. This day we voted one gratuitously to a poor Spanish sailor, who had been a prisoner in England during the war; and who told us, with tears, that he had never forgotten the comfort he derived from the Testament given to him at that time, but which he lost when shipwrecked on his voyage to Spain. 4th May. — Mr. Bellarmo, one of the consignees of the cargo, came on board ; and understanding the plan of our Bible Association, gave us a dona- tion of one guinea, and offered to take all our stock of Spanish and Portu- guese Testaments at cost prices, to distribute among deserving poor people. This was cheerfully agreed to, and they were delivered accordingly. 17 th August. — At anchor in Stromness Harbour, Orkney. The captain brought a gentleman from shore, who had just received a packet of books and papers from London. All hands were called on deck ; and he gave us an account of the proceedings of the British and Foreign Bible Society at home and abroad, and distributed some of the papers among the crew. He then told us the following anecdote, which was the more interesting, as the place where we lay was the spot where the circum- stance occurred : — ' Last year,' said he, ' a vessel from Stockholm, in Sweden, was driven upon our coast in a tremendous gale, and became a total wreck, situated so that no human aid could possibly be administered for the preservation of the crew. In a short time after the vessel struck, she went to pieces. The spectators on shore beheld with pungent grief the awful situation of S32 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [CHAP. VI. Anecdote of a Swedish Sailor — Specimen of the Bible Book. those on board ; but those on shore could render no assistance. All on board perished, except one man ; and he was driven by the merciless waves, upon a piece of the wreck, entwined amongst the ropes attached to the mast. Half -naked and ha I/- drowned, he reached the shore, and was disengaged by the spectators from his heart-rending situation. As soon as they rescued him, tiiey observed a small parcel tied firmly round his waist with a hand- kerchief. Some concluded it was his money ; others, it was the ship's papers ; and others said it was his watch. The handkerchief was unloosed ; and to their sui-prise and astonishment, it was his Bible — a Bible given to the lad's father from the British and Foreign Bible Society. Upon the blank leaf was a prayer written. That the Lord might make the present gift the means of saving his son's soul. Upon the other blank leaf was an account how the Bible came into the old man's hands ; and that gratitude to the British and Foreign Bible Society which inspires the heart of every II.— me PThis book Is of octavo size. 1819. Jan. 12. Aug. 17. RECEIVED. From the Depositary of the Cork Bible Society. Stock in hand. English. Bib. Test 12 10 10 Foreign 12 7. OBSERVATIONS. I. On board small vessels, where the duties of Treasurer and Secretary are discharged by the same individual, one book may suffice for all purposes. In such cases, one half of the leaves should be appropriated to the Minutes, and the other half be ruled accord- ing to the specimens for the Cash and Bible Accounts. II. The numbers prefixed to the subscribers' names in the Cash Book [Specimen, No. I.) should be continued uninterruptedly. Thus the last entry will always shew the total number of contributors since the establishment of the Association. III. The entries of all receipts and payments, and of Bibles and Testaments received and delivered, should be made at the time, and thus the risk of error will be materially diminished. IV. At the close of every year, the names of these suscribers who continue their contributions, should be transferred to the next blank page of the Cash Book, with the amounts which they have respectively paid since the last Annual Report was presented. SECT, v.] MARINE BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS ON BOARD SHIPS. 333 Specimen of the Bible Book. Christian, was undisguisedly written by the old man. The request was, that the son should make it the man of his counsel ; and it stated, that he could not allow his son to depart from home without giving him the best pledge of his love a Bible, although that gift deprived the other parts of the family of this invaluable blessing. The Bible bore evident marks of being often read.' • The Treasurer presented a report of tlie funds of the Association ; and it was unanimously resolved, that the sum of 51. 13s. lid., being the balance in hand, should be remitted as a free gift to the Hull Auxiliary Society, for the general object of the British and Foreign Bible Society ; and that a copy of the Report, this day read to the subscribers, should be signed by the Treasurer and Secretary, and sent to the said Auxiliary Society." " This anecdote was related at a Meeting of the Aberdeen Auxiliary Bible Society, by the Rev. Mr. Grant of Orkney, who was an eye-witness of the scene. and kept by the Secretary.] 1819. Mar. 7. 24. April 2. 4. Mai/ 2. 4. Aug. 17. DELIVERED. English. To John Brovm James Thompson Rev. Francis Pinto Rev. Dominic Lusado Samuel Allen William Jackson T. Fernandez — voted gratuitously Mr. Bellartno Stock in hand this day 10 12 10 Foreign. 12 » V. Every subscriber who has paid up the cost price should be immediately supplied with the Bible or Testament which he ha» selected ; but no gratuitous grant should be made without the ap- probation of the subscribers at large. VI. On board a ship belonging to the port of London, a Bible Association was formed in the year 1817, comprising thirty-two individuals. Shortly after its formation, those of the crew who were destitute received Bibles and Testaments; and the immediate effect of their perusal and of reflection was, a resolution to levy a fine of sixpence, in aid of the funds of the Association, on every seaman who uttered an oath or a profane expression. This was unani- mously agreed to by all the sailors ; and every man who subse- quently entered was invited to sign the agreement. In one instance only, during a period of eleven months, was it found necessary to enforce this fine. Were a similar plan generally and spontaneously adopted, the character of British seamen would speedily be ele- vated in the opinion of those whose esteem is most valuable. 334 [This Book is of octavo size, containing aboufti SPECIMEN, [To occupy about three-i LIST OF N". BegRn to sub- scribe 1819, Jan. 5, May 4. Subscribers' Names. Captain Alexander Thomas Charles, Chief Mate Joseph Hughes, Second D". . Henry Thornton, Esq. Pass. John Broiim Satnvel A lien James Thompson William Jaclcson Joseph Smith Henry Jones Mr. Bellarmo Rate of Subscription. 1 Guinea ')^ Annum, and 4 Guineas Donation 1 Guinea '^ Anyiutn Is. '^ Month 1 Guinea Donation 2.f . ^ Month .3s. Donation, and ] «/. ^ Week .... '2d. ^ Weelc \d. D" lof. Do U. D" 1 Guinea Donation Bible or Testament wanted. None. None. None. No7ie. Minion Bible. Nonpareil Bible. Brevier Testament. Brevier Testament. None. None. None. Monthly Keceiptj. 32. D 1819. January .... fehruary . . . March April May June July August September . . . October November . . . December . . . CASH RECEIVED. SPECIMEN, [To occupy the latter To Subscriptions this Month D". D' JD». Do. Cash from Rev. F. Pinto and D. Lusado, for two Portu- } guese Testaments 5 Subscriptions this Month 2?". D" Cash for 4 Portuguese and 5 Spanish Testaments Subscriptions this Month P». D" jD°. D" £ To Subscriptions this Month jD». Do. D'. D» D". ' D' £. s. d 7 u 0 0. 4 8 0. 5. 4 0 5 6 0 3 8 ] . 2 8 1 . 4 9 0. 5. 4 0. 4. 8 0. 2 8 11 . 13 . 3 0. 3. 8 0 . 3. 10 0 . 1, 10 0. 4. 2 t^ forty leaves, and is kept by the Treasurer.] ij'So.l. . -fourths of the Book.] S35 j SUBSCRIBERS. 1. ' Montlily Subscriptions paid. Total Jan. Feb. March. April. May. June. July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. this Year. £. s. d. 5/. 5s. 5. 5. 0 1/. Is. 1. I. 0 Is. Is. Is. 3s. 2s. Is. Is. Is. Is. 0.12. 0 I/. 1*. I. 1. 0 2s. 2s. 2s. 2s. Is. 2s. 6d. 6d. dd. 0.12. 6 3s. 4d. 4d. 4d id. id. id. id. id. id id. id. 0. 6. 8 6d. lOd. Sd. 2s. 2s. 0. 6. 0 6d. 6d 4rf. id. id. Is. Is. 4rf. 0. 4. 4 Is. id. Sd. id. id. 4rf. 0. 3. 0 Is. \l. Is. Is. Is. Is. 0. 4. 0 1. I. 0 7.I4.0I 0.4.J- 0..'j.4 0.3.S ].2 h 0..5.4 0.4.S 0.2.8 0.3.8 0.3.10 0.1.10 0.4.'; 10.16. 6 No. 2. part of the Book.] Account* CASH PAID. C-^. 32. 1819. fan. 12. Aug. 17. By ike Depositary of the Cork Bible Society for Bihles and Testaments, > as ■^ Account J Balance in hand, voted to the Committee of the Hull Bible Society for > the ijeneral object of the British and Foreign Bible Society 5 e. s. d. 5. 19. 4 5. 13. 11 11.13. .3 336 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [cHAP. VI, Associations have contributed largely. — Ability of Seamen to co-operate, SECTION VI. GENERAL REMARKS. In submitting a few observations which naturally arise out of the preceding details, the author is painfully sensible that his views may not altogether accord with those of some highly-valued friends ; but as it is his avowed design to offer such suggestions as appear to him calculated to improve the system, those friends will at least do justice to his motives. ( 1. Of the great importance of exciting and encouraging in seamen an interest in the possession and universal circulation of the holy scriptures, there cannot be a second opinion among the friends of the Bible Society. And as it has been abundantly proved, that Associations on board ships are the most effectual means by which this interest is produced, it follows, that evei'y Marine Bible Society should be so consti- tuted as to promote their establishment and extension. 2. It should be a fundamental principle of Bible Associa- tions, that they shall at least support themselves, if they do not contribute to the funds of the Parent Society ; and in numerous instances they have, highly to their praise, liberally supported the foreign objects of the institution. This prin- ciple is practically applied throughout the kingdom : its operations are beheld in the crowded lanes and alleys of the metropolis ; among the dense population of our manufacturing districts ; and in the scattered cottages of our peasantry : but, hitherto, it has scarcely been called into exercise in reference to our seamen ; and it would be difficult to assign an adequate reason for this remarkable exception. In the former cases, the earnings of the labourer or mechanic are appropriated to the purchase of the daily bread for himself and his family: in the latter, the sailor is provided with that bread by his employer, and his wages are, comparatively, clear gain. The abilily to subscribe which a seamen possesses, is, in general, far superior to that enjoyed by the great mass of our labour- ing population. It is therefore submitted, that the same principle which governs the society in repect to the latter, should be applied throughout the whole extent of its do- mestic operations. 3. It affords matter for serious reflection, whether Marine Bible Societies, and especially Associations, may not be made the principal instrument of effecting a change in the habits and character of our seamen. Proverbially careless and pro- fligate, and having every necessary provision and comfort SECT. Vr.] GENERAL REMARKS. 337 and importance of encouraging them. abundantly supplied, they require to be taught the value of money, as the means of attaining future independence. Let the registers of our savings banks be examined, and it will appear that the deposit of a sailor is a rare and remarkable occurrence ; — but let the haunts of profligacy and vice be surveyed, and his ability to lay by a portion of his wages will cease to be a matter of doubt. The question then is, Whether yovi do not, by giving him that which he has the power to purchase, diminish the value of what you bestow, and confirm rather than counteract the influence of habit ? 4. But considerations of infinitely higher moment are in- volved. Every observation submitted in the preceding chap- ters, with regard to the tendency of Bible Associations to purify and elevate the tone of moral feeling, and to awaken the benevolent principle, applies with increased force to sea- men. The very nature of their occupation furnishes an argu- ment to strengthen the appeal. Every region they visit sup- plies a claim on their sympathy and kindness. But to excite and cherish the inclination to do good, they must be told how it can be eftected, and instructed in the mode of proceeding. This is one of the most important objects of a Marine Bible Society. 5. The experience of several years justifies the assertion, that the grainilous distribution of the Scriptures at home is neither necessary nor prudent. A general desire, not only to possess, but to assist in disseminating the sacred records, is rapidly increasing throughout the kingdom ; and there cannot be a doubt, that, by the adoption of proper measures, oui* seamen will participate in this feeling, and manifest a similar desire to leave the funds of the Parent Society free, for those great and extended objects of foi'eign usefulness which are daily assuming a more important aspect. 6. It is respectfully submitted, that the instances already adduced confirm the justice of those remarks, and illustrate their tendency. But in order to place the subject in a more clear and practical point of vievv, the following recapitulation seems necessary : — I. The IVhilby-, Hull, and Aherdeen Societies, "^ „ww, -r.., , -, co\\eci\ve\y, hvLve purchased at the cost prices, \- L ^ ^f and distributed by sale J Testaments. Remhted, for the general object of the Parent) p ■, , o q Institution, a surplus balance of J ' >^ • -* • •* And already report the establishment of Twenty-five Bilk Associations on board the ships visited by them. z 338 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIQNS. [cHAP. V Comparative results. — Marine Bible Societies established in America. II. The London Merchant-Seamen's Society has | 9100 Bibles & distributed graluilously f Testaments. By sale 3053 ditto. Received from the Parent Society, by the remis-^ sion of the balance due to that institution \- £. 1500. for Bibles and Testaments J ~ And has not yet reported the estabhshment of any Bible Associations on board the ships visited. 7. In submitting this comparative statement, it is far from the author's design to infer that the Committee of the Mer- chant-Seamen's Society have been remiss, in the discharge of the important duties confided to them. In their Annual Re- port for 1820, they express, in strong terms, " the regret and disappointment they have felt at the backwardness which has been shewn by the merchants and ship-owners in general to promote the society's objects, notwithstanding all possible means had been adopted to endeavour to awaken the interest, and obtain the countenance of this respectable and opulent class of society." And it appears, by a comparison of that Report with the statement submitted to the annual meeting in 1819, that a material improvement had taken place in the mode of distribution ; the proportion of gratuitous grants to sales, during the first year, being as 7nne to one, but in the second as four to one. That this improvement has been pro- gressive during the third year, the comparative statement given in the preceding division of this section aflbrds a grati- fying evidence. Still it must be acknowledged, that even the present state of this society is not such as becomes the metro- polis of the British Empire, and the first mercantile sea-port of the world. If there be any defects in its constitution, the candour, the talents, and the piety of those who superintend its executive details, aflbrd the best pledge that they will be remedied : but it depends on the merchants, ship-owners, and underwriters of London, whether this important institution shall assume the high and distinguished rank to which it is so eminently entitled. 8. In no part of the world has the importance of Marine Bible Societies been more sensibly felt, than in the United States of America. Second only to Great Britain in the extent of her mercantile navy, that counti-y manifested, at an early period, a cordial interest in a design so peculiarly cal- culated to elevate the moral character of her seamen. In the spring of 1816, a Marine Association was established at Phila- delphia, countenanced and supported by the merchants of SECT. VI.] GENERAL REMARKS. 339 Beneficial Results of Marine Associations. that city. This example was speedily followed by New York, Charleston, and Neiviiuven ; and there is every reason to hope that it will gradually extend to every sea-port of the American Union. The Annual Reports of these societies, and of the local institutions with which they are respectively connected, afford the most gratifying testimonies of their beneficial effects. Of these, the following will be read with peculiar interest : — " The Chaplain at the navy-yard, after circulating among the crew of the . Hornet sloop of war some copies of the Fii-st Report of the society, and ex- hibiting to them the importance of possessing the holy scriptures, received the following address, which he inclosed to the Secretary in a letter, wherein he remarks : — ' Judge for yourself ; for I have not language to express, what must have been the state of my feelings, when the inclosed paper was put into my hands this daj'. I have ascertained that it was written, wiliiout any assistance, by a common seaman : — ' To the Rev. John Irelavd — ' We the subscribers, fully impressed with the importance of the truths promulgated by you, kind sir, to the crew of the Hornet this day, are de- sirous of uniting with our Christian brethren in the dispersion of the Gospel of that Jesus to whom we all look as our common Saviour; and for that purpose (with our grateful thanks to you for your kind attention), do agree to allow, out of our monthly pay, the mites affixed to our respective names, to the Bible Marine Society, in support of so generous, so worthy, and so charitable an institution. ' New York, Feb. 1, 1818.' " This was signed by fifty of the crew. The sums afiixed to their names were from six cents, to one dollar a month ; the whole amounting, during the two years for which they subscribed, to about two hundred dollars. This being communicated to the Board, they immediately passed a resolution expressive of their high approbation of this truly generous and praiseworthy conduct ; and, as a testimony of their regard, presented to each of the men a Bible. The purser of the Hornet agreeing to deduct from their wages the sums subscribed, they received their certificates of membership. "When the resolution was communicated, several of the crew became members for life." " A short time since, a seaman called on one of the managers, and proposed giving a dollar to the jNIarine Bible Society. He observed, that after the Bible was put on board the vessel in which he sailed, his companions, instead of assembling together to gamble and drink, as they formerly had done, would surround any one who was disposed to i-eail the Bible, and listen to the instructions of heavenly wisdom." " A ship from this port received at Canton a Bible from another ship belonging to this country. The crew, consisting of about thirty, began to read it, and soon became dissatisfied with their former mode of spending their leisure hours. They destroyed a pack of cards which was on board ; and, during their vovage home, frequently assembled to read the Bible. Not satisfied with one copy, they resolved, that, should they arrive in New York, they would have Bibles of their own. Several of these men have joined the society." The Committee of the New- York Marine Bible Society, from whose Second Annual Report the preceding Extracts are taken, pointedly observe : — " Of the Bibles distributed by this Society, we z2 S40 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [CHAP. VI. Exemplary conduct of Captain Osman. — Stockholm Marine Association. do not know of a single instance of improper usage : but we know of many in which the most happy effects have been produced." In the same Report, a remark is offered, which well de- serves the serious consideration, not only of the Committees of Marine Bible Societies, but of every individual connected with shipping, who rightly appreciates his own interest : — " We must avail ourselves of this opportunity to suggest to merchants, ship-owners, and captains, who are desirous of promoting the best interests of seamen, the importance of giving a preference to those men who are members of this society, a list of whom may always be found at the depo- sitory. Seamen, in order to be benefitted in this way, must report their names at the depository, whenever they come in from sea, or are in want of employment." The following letter from Captain IK B. Osman, of the ship Pacific, was transmitted, in the autumn of 1817, to the Pre- sident of the Philadelphia Marine Society, with a box of Chinese silks ; and holds out an example worthy of general imitation : — " Sir — On my departure for Canton, last year, you did me tlie favour of placing in my hands a number of copies of the Holy Bible, for the purpose of distribution. I have now the satisfaction to inform you, that, in every instance, they have been received with emotions of joy and gratitude. " Highly appreciating the objects of your institution, while at Canton, I originated, among our countrymen there, a subscription in aid of your funds ; and feel much pleasure in communicating to you the result. One hundred dollars were paid to rue at Canton, and seventy dollars subscribed payaljle i.i Philadelphia. Believing that the interest of the society would be pro- moted by the measure, I invested the hundred dollars in Canton goods ; which, togetlier with the original book of subscription, and thirty dollars since collected, I now commit to your care, with my warmest wishes for the prosperity and usefulness of your association. If this hiunble effort to sub- serve the cause of religion and truth should meet your approbation, I shall be amply rewarded. W. B. OSMAN." 9. In the year 181 8, a Marine Bible Association was formed in the city of Stockholm, which distributed, within the first year, nearly three hundred New Testaments to the seamen belonging to the squadron in ordinary at that port. " But (observe the Committee) there are still three hundred more marines, and seven hundred enrolled seamen, who are looking up to your Committee to fulfil their hopes, which have been so long deferred : the intention is, to give each of them a New Testament in duodecimo, that it may be carried either in their knapsacks or tea-chests, when ordered upon duty." ■ Eternity's vast ocean lies before vis. Give the mind sea-room ; keep it wideof earth. That rock of souls immortal ; cut the cord, Weigh anchor, spread the sails, call every wind. Eye the great Pole Star — make the land of life !" SECT. VI.] GENERAL REMARKS. 341 Grand Junction and General Canal Association. This appears to be the most suitable place for introducing a brief sketch of an institution, M'hich holds a kind of inter- mediate rank between Marine Bible Societies and those of a more general description. The establishment referred to was formed at Paddington, on the 20th of March 1816, and was designated " The Grand Junction and General Canal Bible Association," under the distinguished patronage of the Bishops of Durham, Norwich, and Gloucester ; and con- ducted by a President, Treasurer, three Secretaries, and a Committee consisting of thirty-three other gentlemen. The object of this Association was defined in an Address, from which the following is an extract : — " The number of persons employed in navigating the boats on the Grand Junction and other canals, is estimated at about 6000 : including their wives and families, the number is probably not less than 20,000. These may be said almost to live upon the water ; and, by the peculiar nature of their occupation, are precluded all opportunity of attending public worship on the sabbath-day. For this deprivation, no remedy offers itself, equal to that of providing them with copies of the holy scriptures. The Bible is the word of life; — it is the Christian's grand charter ; it is his guide through a world of son-ow to a world of happiness ; it is the rich man's best treasure ; the poor man's best friend. The object of this institution is therefore to supply these people with Bibles and Testaments at cost or reduced prices. The experiment has already been made ; and the proposal has been most cordially and gratefully received : many Bibles and Testaments have been eagerly purchased ; and there appears, on inquiry, a great and increasing desire to possess the Word of God." On the establishment of this society, a grant of three hundred Bibles and Testaments was immediately made by the Committee of the Parent Institution, of which the major proportion were speedily and gratefully purchased by the boatmen. In the spring of 1818, it was deemed advisable to unite this association to the North-West London Auxiliary Society, a measure which has been attended with very con- siderable advantage. As the constitution of this society is precisely similar to that of other associations, — although its object, as already observed, is restricted to the supply of the canal boatmen and their families, — it is only necessary to add the following summary of its results : — Total Amount paid to the Auxiliary Society . . £. 45 . 0 . 10 Total Number of Bibles and Testaments distributed . . 426. Nor has the progress of this little Association been unaccom- panied by those collateral benefits which never fail to follow the establishment of Bible Societies. At an early period after its formation, a " Canal School" was instituted at Paddington, 342 MARINE BIBLE SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. [cHAP. VL School for the Education of Children of Boatmen. for the education of the children of the boatmen ; in reference to whom the Committee of the AuxiUary Society observe : — " Tliere are already more than 150 children, lately running about the wharfs in idleness and ignorance, but now making a progress in reading and writing, and especially in a knowledge of the Bible, which has been truly gratifying and surprising to all who have attended in order to examine them. It is but a just tribute to a humble and worthy individual, to state, that this school owed its commencement to the zeal and benevolence of « gcntlcmnns servant^ who had frequently witnessed with regret the ignorance of these boatmen's children, and which induced him modestly to exert what influence he possessed with others in their behalf, in which he succeeded beyond his most ardent expectation. It should also be subjoined, as a fair addition to this sketch, that, besides certain small donations, this individual has tendered his name as a subscriber of not less than a guinea a year." In reference to this particular subject, it would be unjust to omit an allusion to the exemplary Committee of the Uxbridge Auxiliary Society, who adopted measures in the year 1812 for supplying this long-neglected class of men with the holy scriptures, by allotting a Bible of a large print to each of the barges navigating the canal between Brentford and Rickmans- worth. In order more effectually to insure the object of this benefaction, they directed the Bible to be attached to the barge itself, by a printed label specifying its name, and in- viting all persons employed therein to avail themselves of the privilege of reading it. It is earnestly hoped that those examples will be more generally followed by Local Bible Societies on the line of our numerous canals and navigable rivers ; and that those who feel interested in the moral and spiritual welfare of this class of our labouring population, will co-operate in this work of mercy, anticipating His blessing, who hath said, " Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt Jind it after many days." 34S CHAP. VII. LADIES' BIBLE SOCIETIES. " SHE STRETCHETH OUT HER HAND TO THE POOR; VEA, SHE REACHETH FORTH HER HANDS TO THE NEEDY." PROVERBS, XXXI. 20. PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 1. In no respect is the present age more peculiarly dis- tinguished, than by the disposition so strongly and generally manifested by the Female Sex to co-operate in those exten- sive plans of mercy and benevolence, which have shed around it a lustre unknown to any former period. To those who are acquainted with the modern literature of our country, it must be evident that a great and important change has gradually taken place in the Female character; — that the intellectual powers have been more diligently studied and assiduously cultivated ; the superiority of mental pursuits more fully appreciated ; and that, without forfeiting a particle of that delicacy, for the sacrifice of which no attainment can com- pensate, Woman has assumed a higher title to our admiration and esteem. Nor is it less obvious, that this general improve- ment is owing, in no inconsiderable degree, to the admirable writings of many enlightened females, and especially to those of one venerable character, v.ho may justly be entitled the Moralist of her Sex. But it is the practical application of the lessons thus acquired, which we are now called on to con- template. The acquisition of knowledge, however extensive, loses half its value if it be not communicated to others ; and that benevolence is of a very questionable nature, which can rest satisfied with a desire to be useful, hut makes no sacrifice and no effort to accomplish the object of its wishes. Happily for the interests of our country and of humanity ; happily for the children of poverty and wretchedness ; the Women of Great Britain have afforded an illustration, unequalled in the annals of the world, of a truth which no sophistry can hereafter successfully assail, — that the cultivation of the mind 344 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vii. Improvement of the Female Character. is not incompatible with the indulgence of the best feelings of the heart. We behold them assisting, with steady per- severance, in those various plans for the education of the poor, to which the public attention has been at length awakened : we see them ascertaining, by patient and painful investigation, the nature and extent of human suffering, in its most obscure abodes ; and applying, with system and effect, those remedies which strike directly at its source : and we may follow their noiseless footsteps into the receptacles of guilt and misery — into those gloomy mansions from which ours have too long shrunk back appalled — and mark the transformation which gentleness, wisdom, and religion, can produce within the walls of a dungeon. It is in the contemplation of scenes like these that Christianity appears in all her loveliness, because con- sistent with herself, by exhibiting the necessary and indispen- sable connexion of faith and Avorks, of knowledge and obe- dience. Nor is there, in the records of Benevolence, a more striking evidence of this consistency, than that which now demands our consideration. Strange indeed would it have been, had the Females of Great Britain pursued the path of duty in any light but that which is reflected from the Bible ; and stranger still, had they hesitated to co-operate in pro- moting its universal diffusion ! 2. It cannot however be denied, that some real friends of the Bible Society have been disposed to question the pro- priety and expediency of Female exertion in this great and good work : and although their fears have almost invariably subsided, wherever Ladies' Societies have been established, the acknowledged importance of the subject, and the progres- sive extension of the system, not only throughout this king- dom, but in foreign countries, demand an hivestigation of the nature and extent of those doubts which have been suggested, and which, in many instances, have arisen from ignorance or misrepresentation of the plan adopted and pursued. To those who can perceive no impropriety in admitting individuals of the female sex to the participation of the duties and privi- leges of practical benevolence, this inquiry must appear al- together superfluous ; since tlieij cannot find, either in Scrip- ture or common sense, an adequate reason for depriving one half of our species of the highest source of gratification of which it is susceptible — the manifestation of love to God, by *' good-will to men.'' If it be right that they should assist in the education of the poor, it cannot be wrong that they should circvdate that sacred volume, which is the only solid founda- tion of moral instruction, and by which they are enjoined to CHAP. VII.] PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 345 Domestic duties not neglected. train up children "in the nurture and admomtion of the Lord." If it be proper that they should visit the habitations of indi- gence, for the purpose of alleviating the miseries of their fellow-creatures, it cannot be improper to refer the sons and dauohters of affliction to the only source of consolation and support. If we behold with admiration the success of their persevering efforts, to reclaim the vicious, and reform the criminal, shall we withhold the tribute of praise, when the same zeal and prudence are displayed in circulating the everlasting Gospel of Him who came " to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound P" If it be deemed consistent with the highest attributes of the Female character, to administer to the temporal necessities of the poor and destitute, but incon- sistent to supply them with spiritual food, we admit a paradox which reason and Scripture alike reject, — that the evil is de- pendent on the value of the blessing conferred; — that it is right to dispense an inferior good, but improper to bestow the highest gift which one created being can commimicate to another. S. * But it has been asked, whether Ladies could devote the requisite portion of time to these labours, without neg- lecting their domestic duties, relaxing in their attention to other benevolent establishments, or forfeiting some portion of that delicacy which is the peculiar ornament of the female character. These are questions which should be openly and candidly met, and satisfactorily answered ; for no considera- tion can sanction a measure susceptible of the evils which such questions pre-suppose. In reference to the first inquiry, it might well be asked, What are the purposes for which time and health are bestowed upon us? Is there wo practical meaning in the Divine injunc- tion, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thysefP Are sordid cares and pleasures to absorb every thought? or shall the current of benevolence be restrained within the narrow limits of a cold and heartless calculation, till it stagnate into selfish- ness?— But let the objection be fairly met: we have the best * Sliould the reader perceive a similarity in some of these remarks to a passage in the Fourth Annual Report of the Henley Auxiliary Bible Society, it will be accounted for, by observing that the latter was drawn up by the author of the present work. He takes, iiowever, this opportunity to disclaim an objec- tionable passage in the Appendix to that Re])ort, which was penned by another hand ; and cheerfully repeats the candid acknowledgment of the gentleman alluded to, that " no one more regrets the publication of the passage in question, than the person who unguardedly first committed it to paper." 346 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vii. Decorum and propriety strictly preserved. evidence — that of the Ladies themselves — that they i^ain time by this apparent sacrifice, in those habits of system, diligence, and attention, vrhich they have acquired : — they have become economists of time, by perceiving more clearly its incalculable worth. To the fathers, the husbands, and the brothers of those who are thus occupied, the author would confidently appeal for a refutation of the objection invohed in this ques- tion:— thei/ are the only competent judges in such a case; and they are well aware that their family arrangements are not worse ordered and conducted, in consequence of the offering thus made on the altar of Christian charity. The second inquiry finds its best reply in the present state of every district wherein a Bible Association is established. Never were the wants, the feelings, and the dispositions of the poor, so accurately known, nor their distresses so promptly and effectually relieved : and it should be remembered, that this investigation is made, and this relief extended, princi- pally, by the active members of those institutions. As this part of the subject will be more fully considered in Sect. VI. of this chapter, it may be sufficient at present to observe, that Bible Associations have not only given a stimulus to local feeling, and thereby induced the establishment of phi- lanthropic societies, but have also fed the flame which they were made the instruments of kindling. With respect to the last question, it might, indeed, have some ground for support, if the public proceedings of these institutions devolved on females. But this is not the case : they are conducted, exclusively, by the gentlemen of the Auxiliary or Branch Committee with which the Associations are re- spectively connected ; and at the general meetings of the latter, those on whom the previous labour had fallen are un- known and undistinguished. Is it then in the weekly visits to the habitations of the poor that we are to trace the ele- ments of indecorum? If so, it must be wrong to visit them for any purpose; and benevolence is monopolized by one sex, to the total exclusion of the other. But where are the grounds for this fear, or the solitary fact by which it is sup- ported ? AVould those who profess to entertain it, leave the industrious classes of society a prey to artful and designing men ; and suffer the poison of infidelity to be infused or circu- late through the veins of our country, without applying the antidote which God has provided, in that manner which the experience of nine years has confessedly proved to be the most efficient ? If such objectors were influenced by right motives, and would only approach a Uttle nearer, and examine CHAP. VII.] PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 347 Effect of Biblical engagements on the character of Collectors. the practical tendency of those measures which they con- demn, they woukl speedily perceive the fallacy of their argu- ment: they would acknowledge, that the robe of modesty was never tarnished by being brought into contact with the mantle of poverty ; that the tear of the widow has never soiled, nor the sigh of the orphan blown aside, the veil of feminine deli- cacy; and that the eye of heavenly charity has never hghted on a scene more accordant with the })urity of its nature, than Woman entering the poor man's cottage, and bearing to penury, ignorance, and woe, the glad tidings of mercy, peace, and happiness ! 4. On such a subject, the most unequivocal testimony is necessary : and the author gladly avails himself of a recent publication,* wherein the inquiries to which he has alluded are answered, in a manner that precludes the necessity of apologising for the length of the following extracts, which merit a far more extensive circulation than that of a local report. " To the formation of Ladies' Associations and their collecting amongst the houses of the poor, objections have been made. It has been said by parents, that the (i7ne of their daughters is so taken up in the acquisition of the different branches of knowledge, that such occupations would occasion an injurious interruption. But the sacrifice of time is not great ; for after the first inquiry to ascertain what is the actual want of Bibles in the district, one hour is amply sufficient for the weekly collection ; and the meeting of the association, at which it is necessaiy for the collectors to give in their contri- butions, occurs but once in the month, and then occupies only two hours at the most. This therefore cannot be a very injuiious demand upon the time of the most studious: but were the sacrifice required much greater, surely in this enlightened age it will not be contended that mere accomplishment is the sole or even principal end of education : and if its true and legitimate aim be to form the character by the operation of proper principles, and to ameliorate the heart by exciting it to virtuous feeling, then the influence of these exertions in the sacred cause of humanity and religion will be found a most powerful and efficacious auxiliary ; and the circumstance, that it begins its operation when the routine of education usually ceases, will plead strongly in its favour. Indeed, it appears to your Committee, that the estimate of benefits arising from the Bible Society, in its influence on individual cha- racter, has either not yet been made with sufficient accuracy, or at least has not met with the attention it deserves. The human mind is formed for activity ; and if not occupied with what is great and noble, will become the prey of what is mean and contemptible. If not expanded by benevolence, it will contract into selfishness ; and if not trained to exertion and virtuous self-denial, will repose itself in listless indolence, or indulge in unrestrained self-gratification. The contrast of character arising from the effects of such opposing habits of mind, it cannot be necessary to exhibit ; for even where Religion does not exert her full influence, the attraction of Virtue in her own * Third Annual Report of the Ladies' Branch of the Manchester and Salford Auxiliary Bible Society. 348 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vii. Gratitude of the Labouring Classes. native loveliness will determine the point : and it only remains for the Committee to exhort those whose hearts have thus decided, to act in unison with their own decision, and to reject the inconsistency of opposing, by their conduct, the principles which they openly profess and internally ap]irove. " The indecnrum of young women entering alone into the cottages of the poor, where their feelings might be hurt by improper language, or their delicacy wounded by witnessing unpleasant scenes, has been brought forward as another argument against such associations. In answer to this, your Com- mittee appeal to the experience of those ladies, who have ventured, notwith- standing these predicted dangers, to undertake the office of collectors. That they have observed a striking difference among the poor cannot be denied ; but this difference has only operated as a stimulus to further exer- tion : for where they have witnessed comfort, cleanliness, and respectability, they have almost universally found jthe Bible; and where they have encoun- tered poverty, wretchedness, and filth, the Bible either has not been pos- sessed, or has been uttei'ly disregarded. And with respect to the collectors themselves, they believe that they may venture to affirm, that they have, generally speaking, been received with civility and treated with respect ; or, if at first, in some instances, regarded with a degree of jealous apprehen- sion, the}'' have, in their subsequent visits, been delighted to see the scowl- ing eye of distrust softened to the expression of welcome confidence ; the look of defiance brightened into the smile of peace ; and the countenance clad with cold indifference, warmed by the glow of animated pleasure. Such an intercourse with their superiors is calculated, at once, to soften and humanize the manners and sentiments of the lower orders, to discover their wants and distresses to those who are able and wilHng to relieve them ; and, what is a point of no small importance, to form a bond of union, a con- necting link, between the higher and lower classes of the community, which may be capable, in some degree, of supplying the place of those relations, which the present artificial state of society has dissolved, and the want of which is already so severely felt. It cannot be denied, that the exchange of mutual benefits has a tendency to soften and ameliorate the heart ; and therefore, both the ladies, and those they visit, may be expected to be gainers by this intercoiu-se. But if it still be said, that it is calculated to impair, if not entirely to destroy, the delicacy and refinement of manners, so estimable and necessary to the female character ; — to the injury done to the manners, yovu' Committee might well oppose the benefit gained to the heart. But they venture to take a higher ground, and to assert, that this apprehended deterioration is wholly imaginary. That which improves the mind can never injure the manners ; for manner is but the expression of mind, the image of internal feeling reflected by external conduct ; and that poUsh of manner which usually distinguishes well-educated persons is to be traced to the influence which education has had upon their minds. The sickly refine- ment, fastidious deficacy, and helpless dependence of females, which was the idol of former years, has, if they mistake not, been exploded by the better taste and sense of the present age ; and -if genuine sensibilit}^ and tender- ness of feeling, be the only real source of that propriety, modesty, and retirement of behaviour, which all admit to be essential to the perfection of the female character, then your Committee contend, that nothing is to be feared, on this account, for those whose benevolence may lead them to the cottages of the poor ; where, be it always remembered, the intercourse carried on is that of humanity and kindness on the one side, and of respect- ful gratitude on the other. " The following remarks, though not so immediately con- CHAP. VII.] PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 349 The sacrifice on the part of the Poor is voluntary. nected with this particular branch of the subject, are too valu- able to be omitted: — " It has, however, been objected by some benevolent persons, who appear to have confined their attention to one view of the subject, that the poor are oppressed by the contributions required from them, and that they are induced to give what would be better spent upon their families. In answer to this, it may be observed, that all that the collectors undertake, is to explain the purpose of their en-and, and set before them the advantages of possessing a Bible. They are then left to decide for themselves — either to give or to withhold — and to proportion their contributions to their means : and as the smallest sum is never rejected, or received with contempt, they can have no inducement to give beyond their means. Free contributions from the labouring classes bear a very small proportion to the whole amount collected, and, where they have been received, have always been volun- tarily given : nor have the collectors been willing, by refusing them, to deprive others of a participation in those benevolent feelings, which have contributed so largely to their own gratification. By swch conduct, the poor are elevated from the rank of beggars, to that of the benefactors of mankind ; and in teaching them to be generous towards others, they learn to be just to themselves, to rise from that state of helpless dependence which degrades their moral character, and to cultivate those virtues which ennoble and adorn it. To teach the poor man to respect himself, is the only method of restoring to him that feeling of honest independence, the want of which is so universally acknowledged and lamented. But to accomplish this, it is necessary to shew him his own powers and resources ; and whether this can be more effectually done, than by giving him habits of liberal feeling, and prudent economy in order to gratify such feelings, your Committee willingly leave it to the candour of the public to decide." " At a period like this, when the minds of the lower orders have been exasperated by the heavy pressure of calamity, the peaceful influence of the Bible Society is peculiarly needed. Steeped in poverty, and drinking the bitter cup of suffering to its last dregs, the poor have been artfully taught to regard their superiors with suspicion and dislike. Left to struggle alone with tlie complicated hardships of their lot, unpitied and unknown ; and driven almost to desperation by the distresses, which they have been made to believe were wantonly entailed upon them by the great ; revenge for imaginary wrongs, and what they called their injured rights, has appeared, in too many instances, to usurp the place of better principles. Such in- stances have been met with by the collectors, in their respective districts. But the voice of compassion has struck upon their ears, and their hearts have vibrated to the unwonted sound : the look of pity, or the tear of sym- pathy, has awoke the kindlier feelings of humanity from their long and death-like sleep : their bosom has expanded to the reception of better senti- ments; and envy, hate, and vengeance, the demons of the human mind, have fled before the benignant influence of love and pity ; while resigned submission, and patient hope, have occvipied their place. " Ye who mingle in the scenes of gaiety and splendour, revel in the luxui'ies of imagination, or tread the fairy fields of pleasure, and, dazzled by the gay and brilliant prospect that surrounds you, alike forget that a clouded atmosphere may ere long eclipse in darkness those sun-beams that now shine upon your meridian of happiness, or that there is beyond the limits of your horizon a dark and dreary region, inhabited by want and wretchedness and woe — listen to the voice of those who have awakened from the dream that hitherto has enchanted you ; hear them tell what they have S50 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vir. Testimony of the Glasgow Auxiliary Committee. witnessed, in their visits of mercy, of human misery and of more than human jo.ys ; hear them declare Avhat they have too frequently found the poor, and what they have sometimes had the happiness to leave them ; hear them describe the piu-e and holy pleasui-e that attends the consciousness of their awakening the miserable to the percejition of happiness : and then say, whether the cause they advocate is not wisest, best, and happiest ; and •whether the enjoyment which selfish pleasure yields, can for a moment bear comparison with that which flows from benevolent exertion. Your Committee do not say that you will have no difficulties to encounter, and no personal sacrifices to make ; but they assure you, that the jjleasure you will receive in the performance of these kind acts of charity, will more tlian a thousand times repay you for any others that you may forego." 5. To these admirable observations it would be unneces- sary to add any thing in the way of defence, if those who still entertain a doubt on the subject admitted a Committee of Ladies to be competent judges of the case. The following extract from the Sixth Annual Report of the Glasgow Auxiliary Society may therefore be perused, by such indivi- duals, with more attention, as expressive of the unanimous sentiments of a body of gentlemen, comprising no common portion of intellect, acuteness, and discretion : — " Far be it from your Committee to recommend any scheme for your adoption, incompatible with that retiring delicacy, Avhich is the loveliest beauty of the female character, — any scheme that would divest the Chris- tian Fair of that ornament ' which is in the sight of God of great price, the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit;' — that would 'quench the blushes' of feminine sensibility, or fix, in the openness of masculine efi^rontcry, the downcast eyelids of modesty, liut, in the inspired records of Christianity, your Committee read of tlTe Marys and Priscillas, the Tryphenas and Try- phosas, of early times, on whom, for their active co-operation in the cause of the Gospel, apostolic commendation is bestowed ; and in whom respectively, by such commendation, the words of the Saviour, with regard to another female, when she gave a silent but costly expression of her gratel'ul attach- ment, have been verified, — ' Verily, I say unto you, Wheresoever this Go- spel of the kingdom shall be preached, throughout the whole world, there also shall this, v/hich this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.' Your Committee feel themselves warranted in assiuning, that, where inspired approbation is bestowed, there could be no departure from the delicacies and proprieties of female deportment. And if, without such departure. Christian women of old rendered essential service to the progress of truth, it seems a reasonable inference that, by the same description of agency, similar service may and ought to be rendered still. This conviction, indeed, has already been acted upon by the Ladies of Glasgow, in support of various benevolent objects, in a way eminently to their credit : and 3'our Committee are fully persuaded, that there is nothing wanting, but the marking out of a field of appropriate exertion, and an invitation from you to occupy it, to bring forward mvdtitudes, ' whose hearts God has touched,' to consecrate the energies of youth, and the experience of maturer years, to the all-important interests of the Bible Society." 6. In selecting from the mass of testimonies in favour of Ladies' Bible Societies, those which may place the subject in every point of view of which it is susceptible, it would be CHAP. VII.] PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 351 Address of the Right Rev. Bishop White. unjust to omit that of a venerable prelate of the Protestant Episcopal Church of America, the right reverend Bisliop White, from whose admirable Address to the Female Bible Society of Philadelphia the following extracts appear pe- culiarly appropriate : — " If there should press on the minds of any of you, the apprehension of exceeding the bounds which the modesty of your sex prescribes, it does not appear to me that there is the least ground for such reproach, so long as the Association is within yourselves. As to the circumstance, that some of you will be called upon to act in certain official characters necessary for t * e con- ducting of business, if we look beyond names, there is nothing in the subject itself, but what would apph', with equal force, against the presiding at a dinner, or at a tea-table ; unless, indeed, it could be alleged, that this is less alien from the female character than the gathering and the dispensing of alms. But this is a sentiment which, it is supposed, will hardly be hazarded by the most jealous assertors of the prerogatives of the men. " It is one of the most conspicuous of the many beneficent properties of the Scriptui-es, that they are the charter of the female sex against degrada- tion and oppression. Look at the condition of women in the countries where the religion of the Gospel is unknown ; and all the arrangements of domestic life will be found a comment on the position. Can it then be out of the sphere of your sex, to be actively engaged in disseminating a system of truth and morals, whicli has so excellent a bearing immediately on your interests ; and, through you, on whatever contributes to the rectitude, to the decorum, and to the rational enjoyments of social life ? " You have also this especial interest in the same sacred treasure, tha*", of our sex, as well as of your own, you are the earliest instructors in morality and in religion : and what is there deserving to be commended as moral or religious, if detached from the lessons which speak so immediately from the oracles of God to the best sensibilities of the human heart ? Under so loud a call as this, to the estimation of the Bible, surely you cannot be stepping out of your proper sphere, by being prominent in measures for the depositing of it in such needy families as would otherwise be without the means which you enjoy, of rendering it salutary to their rising hopes. " If there were nothing more than the undeniable property of the human condition, that, under all states of society, the women sustain the greatest share of its sorrows, it must give them an essential interest in the best source of countervailing consolation: that source is, the "Word of truth. This being the case, can it be out of character, where pecuniary means are within the power, to add their personal attention and exertion for the ex- tending of so inestimable a benefit ? " It has been thought an incidental advantage arising from Bible Societies, that, by combining persons of different religious denominations, they have the effect of promoting unity of affection, under irreconcileable differences of opinion. The British and Foreign Bible Society set off on the fun- damental principle, of avoiding whatever could bring such diversity into view. They professed to deliver the Book of God without note or comment. The societies instituted in America have trodden in their steps. While this plan shall be pursued, there can be no dissatisfaction on account of interfering opinions or modes of worship. Is it possible that such a course can be persevered in, without its contributir^ to all the charities of life? And if this is the natural consequence, can any scruple be well-founded which would I'estrict the benefit to men ? S52 ladies' bible societies. chap. Vlf. Official testimony of the Parent Society. " I will only add, that, contemplating the recent institution of Bible Societies, begun in England, and extending rapidly throughout the world, as a prodigious effort for the raising of a mound against the threatening inundation of infidelity ; as being also one of the happiest expedients which have been devised, for spreading the knowledge of the Gospel of Christ ; and as tending directly to the accomplishment of the assurances given, that His kingdom will at last be co-extensive with the world ; I will not suffer myself to believe that your sex, any more than ours, are debarred from promoting these blessed ends, in your distinctive character. Accordingly, I take the liberty of exhorting you to persevere in the work begun, and of assuring you of my best wishes, and my prayers for your success." 7. That the results of Ladies' Bible Associations, and the conduct of those ^yho take an active part in their concerns, have fully justified the observations just quoted, and amply satisfied the warmest friends to these institutions, is a fact which, however gratifying, excites no surprise. It is pre- cisely what was anticipated from British and from Christian Females : — thej/ have remembered, that it was by honoured individuals of their sex the Redeemer of the World was attended, during his sojourn upon earth; that they " ministered to Him of their substance;" — followed Him even unto Calvary; and were the last to leave His cross, and the first to announce His glorious resurrection from the dead: — they have borne in mind, that it was to a Woman the encouraging language was addressed, " She hath done what she could T and in assist- ing to distribute the divine legacy of His Gospel, they have found they were fulfilling one of their highest duties, exer- cising one of their dearest privileges, and promoting their own happiness and peace. The following official testimony to the value of those institutions, extracted from the Sixteenth Report of the Parent Society, supplies an appropriate conclusion of these remarks: — " Your Committee have often expressed their high opinion of the various advantages derivable from Bible Associations ; and in that opinion they find themselves, by progressive exjjerience, continually more confirmed. "Whether they look to the increase of the funds of the Society, or the improving ten- dency of its local operations, they find ample ground for regarding Bible Associations as deserving the warmest commendation, and the most decided encouragement and support. These remarks, which comprehend Bible Associations in general, are particularly applicable to those which are con- stituted and conducted by the Female portion of the community. In every part of the country, where the trial has been correctly made. Ladies' Bible Associations have justified the strong language in which your Committee have recommended, and in which they think it their duty again to recom- mend, their establishment in connexion with the Auxiliaiy Societies of the District." SECT. I.] FEMALE BIBLE SOCIETIES. 353 liCtter from Pastor Oberlin, of Walbach. — Sophia Bernard. SECTION I. ORIGIN OF FEMALE BIBLE SOCIETIES. 1. In tracing this stream of Christian charity to its source, we shall find the spring among the mountains of Alsace. If there be any man to whom the merit of opening the fountain appertains, it is Pastor Oberlin, of Walbach, in the Ban de la Roche. It was the perusal of a letter from this extra- ordinary man, in the Appendix to the First Annual Report of the British and Foreign Bible Society, that originally suggested to the author of the present work, the possibility of interesting the Females of Great Britain in the cause of that institution : and as this communication breathes a spirit which cannot be too widely diffused, no apology will be necessary for introducing the following extracts.* After expressing his gratitude for a donation of 80/. for the purpose of purchasing and distributing French and German Bibles among the poor inhabitants of that sequestered region, he observes: — " I have made a list of such persons as I consider most deserving of such a present. Among the large number of individuals and families to whom a Bible is a most welcome present, 1 first put down such characters as are most active in promoting the Redeemer's kingdom, and in doing good to the bodies and souls of their fellow-men. 1. " The Jtiit Bible shall be given as a present to Sophia Bernard, who is one of the most excellent women I know, and, indeed, an ornament to mv parish. While unmarried, she undertook, with the consent of her parents, the support and education of three helpless boys, whom their wicked father had often trampled under his feet, and treated in a manner too shocking to relate, when nearly starving with hunger they dared to cry out for food. Soon afterwards, she proved the happy means of saving the lives of four lloman-Catholic children, who, without her assistance, would have fallen a prey to want and famine. Thus she had the management of seven child- ren, to whom several more were added, belonging to members of three several denominations : she now hired a house and a servant-girl, and supported the whole of the family entirely with her own work, and the little money she got from the industry of the children, whom she taught to spin cotton. At the same time, she proved the greatest blessing to the whole village where she lived : for it is impossible to be more industrious, frugal, clean, cheerful, edifying by her whole walk and conversation ; more ready for every good word and work ; more mild and alFectionate, more firm and resolute in dangers, than she was. Satan so enraged some of her enemies, that they threatened to destroy her old tottering cottage ; but God was graciously pleased to preserve her. A fine youth, of a noble mind, made her an offer of his hand. She first refused, but he declared he would wait • See Owen's History, Volume III. page 420 e< ,«ey. for an animated sketch of this venerable character, who, " with the simplicity of a patriarch, and the zeal of an Apostle, has done so much to promote both the temporal and tlie spiritual welfare of his charge." A A 354 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vii. Letter from Pastor Oberlin. — Maria Schepler — Catharine Scheiddegger. for her even ten years. When she replied, that she could never consent to part with her poor orphans, he nobly answered, ' Whoever takes the mother, takes the children too.' So he did — and all these children were brought up by them in the most careful and excellent manner. Lately, they have taken in some other orphans, whom they are training up in the fear and love of God. Though these excellent people pass rather for rich, yet their hicome is so limited, and their benevolence so extensive, that sometimes they hardly know how to furnish a new suit of necessary clothes. To them I intend to give a Bible, considei-ing that their own is very often lent out in different lloman-Catholic villages. 2. " A second Bible I intend to give to an excellent woman, IMaria Schepler, who lives at the opposite end of my extensive parish, where the cold is more severe, and the ground unfruitful; so that nearly all the house- holders are poor people, who must lend their clothes to each other when they intend to go to the Loi-d's Supper. This poor woman is also a very distinguished character, in whose praise I could say much, were I to enter into particulars. Though distressed and afflicted in her own person and circumstances, yet she is a mother, benefactress, and teacher to the whole village where she lives, and to some neighbouring districts too. She takes the most lively interest in all which relates to the Redeemer's kingdoin upon earth, and often groans under a sense of all the inroads made by the powers of darkness. She also has brought up several orphans without re- ceiving the smallest reward, keeps a free school for females, and makes it a practice to lend her Bible to such as are entirely deprived of it. 3. " A third Bible-present I intend to make to an excellent widow woman, Catharine Scheiddegger, who is, like the former, a mother to orphans, and keeps a free-school ; as also does another young woman, v>ho instructs little children in a neighbouring village, in such knowledge as may render them useful members of human and Christian society. " I might easily, enumerate many more characters of a similar descrip- tion, whose eyes will overflow with grateful tears if they are favoured with the present of a Bible." How many English Sophias, animated by this example, have directed the fainting steps of the orphan to Him who is ^^ a father of the fatherless:'" — how many Marias have become blessings "to the villages wherein they dwell:" — how many Catharines have placed in the hands of children that sacred guide which has taught them " the way in iihich they should go r May the voice from the mountains of Alsace be still heard in Britain, and her daughters be excited to persever- ance in a cause so holy ! 2. The idea originally suggested by this communication, was materially strengthened by the result of subsequent in- quiry, which established the fact of a desire, on the part of the female sex, to co-operate in this work of mercy. In addition to the " SheffieldJuvenile Bible Society," {see Chap- ter V. Section L), another institution of a remarkable cha- racter deserves attention, as a fresh illustration of the ten- dency and effects of that benevolent spirit which had been awakened in the country, and in its prosrress eradually per- SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF FEMALE BIBLE SOCIETIES. 355 Aberdeen Female-Servants' Society. — Regulations. vaded every class of the community. " The Aberdeen Female Servants' Society, for promoting the diffusion of the Scriptures,'^ is thus introduced by the Committee of the Edinburgh Bible Society, in their Second Annual Report : — " Some time ago, a few female-servants in Aberdeen, desirous of testify- ing their good-will toward the support of these excellent institutions formed of late in the country, for sending the Scriptures, and, by them, the know- ledge of salvation, to such as are yet destitute of that inestimable privilege. Resolved to meet together, and contribute a little in aid of the funds of such institutions. Their numbers increasing, and having obtained the consent of some ministers of the Gospel to preside at their meetings, they did, on the 16th of August 18U9, form themselves into a society, to be called 'The Aberdeen Female Servant Society, for promoting the diffusion of the Scrip- tures.' *' Grateful that their own humble situations have been cheered by those discoveiies and prospects presented in the Bible, the members of the society cannot be indifferent to the condition of such as are yet in darkness and in the shadow of death ; persuaded that the present appearance of Divine Providence invites co-operation in the cause of righteousness, from those who, individually, could accomplish little ; apprehending perseverance in the course they have begun likely to promote their own religious improve- ment, and encouraged by what they have hitherto experienced, they have adopted, for the conduct of tlie society, the following llules : — I. The society shall admit as members, such female-servants of decent character, and other females of good report, of different religious denomina- tions, as may be inclined to join them. II. That the society shall have a general meeting at least once every quarter ; the duration of which, for obvious reasons, shall be short ; when such ministers of the Gospel as may be favourable to the society, shall be requested to attend, that they may give necessary information and advice. III. Each member shall pay one shilling on admission, and the like sum, or what she can afford, at each quarterly meeting afterwards, to the funds of the society.* IV. That a Treasurer shall be annually chosen by the society, who shall keep a list of the members, the accounts of the society, and dispose of the funds according to the society's direction. V. That a Committee shall be chosen annually, consisting of six members of the society ; who shall provide for the accommodation of the society at its meetings, warn tlie other members of the times of the stated and occasional meetings, and bring the contributions of such as may be prevented from giving personal attendance. VI. The application of the society's funds shall be determined on, only • It would appear, by the following extract from the Annual Report of the Paisley and East Renfrewshire Auxiliary Society, that this Rule was subse- quently modified in its practical application. " Let it be remembered, that the first Bible Association consisted of 240 female-servants in a town in Scotland. They had voluntarily associated, even before any Bible Society had been esta- blisliej in that part of the United Kingdom, for the purpose of contributing each a penny a-week, towards the general objects of the British nnd Foreign Bible Society. Ttiei/ met at a stated hour, every Saturday evening, and each paid her pcjiny to the persons appointed as Receivers: a7td such was their punctuality, that though many of them came from a distance, the time occupied in the payment seldom exceeded jive minutes." A A 2 356 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vii. Legacy from a Female Servant at Nurenberg. in a genei'al meeting of the society, either at a quarterly meeting, or one called by the ministers who countenance the society, for the express pur- pose ; and in determining how the society shall distribute its funds, it shall be guided by what appears to be the most urgent call of Providence, in behalf of the respective institutions for diffusing the Scriptures. The society consists at present of 1 1 0 members ; meeting statedly on tho first Wednesday of August, November, February, and INIay. Aberdeen^ 6th February, 1811. The first donation of this Society was presented to the Edinburgh Bibfe Society, amounting to 20?. sterling : and '201. \s. has been lately given towards aiding the translations of sacred scripture now carrying forward by the Missionaries at Serampore, in the East Indies."" There is every reason to believe that this was the first association of adult females for promoting the object of the Bible Society ; although its remittances have not been limited exclusively to that institution, but have occasionally aided the funds of various Missionary and School Societies. From the time of its establishment to March 1820, the aggregate amount derived from this comparatively humble source ex- ceeded 220/. ; and the number of subscribers at the latter period was about one hundred and fifty. It is pleasing to reflect, that this benevolent disposition on the part of domestic servants is not confined to our own country. In the Wenden Association, connected with the Dorpatian Branch of the Russian Bible Society, " Female servants presented their gifts with joy." — Two sisters rephed to the question, whether they meant their gifts as a donation or annual subscription ; " That they wished for the honour of being enrolled among the members of the Bible Society ; and were determined to offer a similar gift next year, though they should have to sacrifice their rest for several nights." One added, " Love to the Redeemer minds no trouble."* And a still more remarkable evidence of this generous feeling has transpired while the first sheets of this work were going through the press, in the following communication from a correspon- dent in Nurenberg, to the Committee of the Parent Society : — " I had lately an affecting proof of the great interest excited even among the humbler classes of the community, by the cheering accounts of the extensive operations of your society. A maid-servant, who had for some time lived in the family of the llev. INIr. Kanner, City Librarian in thia place, and who had frequently heard of the excellent effects of the labours of the British and Foreign Bible Society, was so penetrated with admiration and esteem, that on her death-bed she left a legacy of 100 florins (about 10/.) to your society, naming me as the person through whom it should be trans- mitted. The legacy was announced to me in the town-hall, by order of the magistrates ; and as soon as it shall be paid to me, I shall remit you a bill to that amount." Foiiitfentli Report of the l>ri'ish and Foreign Bible Society, p. 13' SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF FEMALE BIBLE SOCIETIES. 35*7 Westminster Ladies' Auxiliary Society. — Rules. A coincidence of no common kind will be traced in this event. It is the first legacy bequeathed by an European foreigner. She resided in that city wherein the first Conti- nental Bible Society was formed ; and she belonged to that humble but important class of the community, among the members of which the first female institution for promoting the circulation of the Scriptures was established. 3. The first Ladies' Bible Society, in direct and exclusive connexion with the Parent Institution, appears to have been that of IVest minster, established in August 1811, under the following regulations : — " I. That this society for raising subscriptions in aid of the British and Foreign Bible Society, be denominated ' The Westminster Ladies' Auxiliarj Bible Society.' II. That the Committee consist of forty -eight ladies, with a Treasurer and Secretaries, who shall be requested to raise subscriptions, and transact the business of the society. ■ III. That subscriptions of one penny or more per week, and all donations, be received by the Committee, and paid into the hands of the Secretaries, who will rest the same in the hands of the Treasurer. IV. That any member of tlie Committee be allowed to propose a new member, till the number be completed. Notice of these elections shall be given to the Secretary, by the proposing member, with the name and place of abode of the person proposed, at least fourteen days before she be elected. V. That this and all other questions be determined by a majority of votes. VI. That the Committee meet in the vestry of the Adelphi Chapel, the second Monday in every month, at eleven o'clock in the morning. — Five of the members constituting a quorum. VII. That an annual general meeting of the society be held the second Monday in March, to review the business of the preceding year, and for the election of officers and new members of the Committee, if necessary. — : At such meeting, any subscriber of a penny per week may give a vote in any business then discussed. VIII. That the moneys collected be remitted to the British and Foreign Bible Society annually." This society commenced its operations by circulating a judicious and forcible Address to the Public, which tended in no inconsiderable degree to prepare the way for the subsequent establishment (in December 1812) of the Westminster Aux- iliary Bible Society. But it will readily be perceived, that the regulations adopted were inadequate to the end designed. Of this the Committee soon became sensible ; and in the winter of 1815, the author was invited to assist in the orga- nization of the society, which appeared to be in a very de- clining state. He accordingly prepared a code of Rules and By-laws, which provided for the division of Westminster and its immediate vicinity into thirteen suitable districts, and the establishment of a Ladies' Association in each. This was 358 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vii. Paisley Female Bible Association. the first approach towards that system which will be more fully developed in the succeeding sections : and in order to illustrate its advantages, it is only necessary to state, that the total amount collected by the Westminster Ladies' Auxiliary Society, in the four preceding years, was about 150/., and the number of Bibles and Testaments distributed, 223 ; whereas the aggregate amount collected by the same institution and its connected associations, in the five following years, exceeded 2650/ ; and more than 2400 Bibles and Testaments were distributed. In reference to this early and important institution, it would be improper to omit the following record of the sentiments, with which the Committee of the Westminster Auxiliary Society contemplated the organization, on more systematic principles, of the pre-existing establishment. In their Third Annual Report, they observe, — " Your Committee unfeignedly rejoice in announcing to you an event which will shed, they are persuaded, a lustre over the proceedings of the past year, and form an era in the history of the society, to which memory shall never recur but with feelings of animated and lively gratitude. They refer to an union wliich has been effected between this society and a society instituted in the year 1811, under the denomination of 'The Westminster Ladies' Auxiliary Bible Society.' On the circumstances connected with this union, your Committee will not enlarge ; but they congratulate you on the advantages which may be anticipated from the combined exertions of the two societies in the promotion of the one great cause, whose interests are interwoven with the best affections of your hearts. They who have often visited the poor man's dwelling, to wipe away the tear of human misery, and assuage the bitterness of temporal distress, are now become fellow-labourers with you in circulating that sacred volume, which not only affords the sweet- est consolation amidst the calamities of life, but directs the weeping eye to a world where there is no more curse, neither sorrow nor pain, but where the poor in spirit and the pure in heart shall see God." 4. In the year 1811, a society was formed at Paisley, under the title of " The Paisley Female Bible Association," for the purpose of affording to the Ladies of that town " an opportunity of contributing to the promotion of the best interests of mankind, by encouraging the translation and distribution of the Bible." The regulations of this society exhibit a nearer approach to that system which has been subsequently adopted throughout the nation, than those which have been already considered. The business was conducted by " a Treasurer and Secretary, seven Directors, and thirty- two Collectors. The town being divided into sixteen wards, two collectors were appointed for each, who collected the subscriptions quarterly." This appears to have been the first association of adult females which contemplated the SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF FEMALE BIBLE SOCIETIES. S59 Instituted on a different plan — Results. — Lochwinnock. — Johnstone. supply of local wants as a primary object. Bibles sand Tes- taments were ordered and received from the Parent Institu- tion, and several poor females were furnished with them on the recommendation of the members. The collectoi's were instructed to inquire into the wants of their districts, that they might be supplied ; and prudential measures were de- vised to prevent mistake or imposition. At the close of the first year, the number of subscribers was about two hundred ; and the amount collected, 45/. 13^. od. : but at the second annual meeting, the contributors had increased to above six hundred, and the year's income amounted to 160/. 10s. At this meeting, it was resolved, that a connexion should be formed with the " Paisley and East Renfrewshire Bible Society," instituted in May 1813; from whose First Annual Report the following appropriate observation is extracted : — " It is becoming in women as well as in men to aid so valuable a ])urpose. It is equally the duty of females to believe and obey the Gospel : and if ]\Iary chose that better part which shall not be taken away, even the doctrine of •lesus as the one thing needful ; if Lydia attended to the things spoken of by Paul ; and if Priscilla assisted in teaching Apollos the wa}"^ of God more per- fectly ; surely it is the duty of female Christians now to Ibllow these exam- ples ; and not only to be religious in private, but in public also, encouraging by secret prayer and public exertion every pious undertaking." The funds of this association, like those of its more humble but not less efficient precursor at Aberdeen, were apportioned to various, though kindred benevolent institutions, at the dis- cretion of the Committee. This mode of proceeding is pe- culiar to Scotland : and it well deserves the serious consi- deration of the acute and enlightened philanthropists of that country, whether the streams of Christian charity be not limited rather than increased by its adoption, — whether the refreshing waters would not flow in richer abundance, if a separate fountain were unlocked for each particular object. In reference to the Paisley Association, it appears that the plan did not altogether succeed, as a Ladies' Bible Society on the improved system has superseded that establishment. * 5. In the year 1812, a society was established in Dublin, * It would be unjust to pass over two other Female Associations, in con- nexion with the Paisley and East Renfrewshire Auxiliary Society; — that of Lochwinnock, established in March, and that of Johnstoxe in April, 1813. Both these institutions were formed on tlie model of iliat of Paisley, with some slight modifications, and appear to have contributed liberally to the funds of the Auxiliary Society, which acknowledges a remittance of 381. 16$. 2d. by the former, and of 761. by the latter, in the first year of their existence. There is reason to believe that a similar association, on a more limited scale, was instituted in February 1814, at Balfron, in connexion with the Glasgow Bible Society. 360 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vii. I Dublin Ladies' Auxiliary Society. — Limerick. — Sligo. — Colchester. under the designation of " The Ladies' Auxiliary Bible Society, for the purpose of contributing to the Hibernian Bible Society." This institution was countenanced by per- sonages of great distinction ; and its regulations appear to have been similar to those originally adopted in Westminster, and already detailed. As it has gradually merged into the less prominent, but more efficient " Associations," subse- quently formed in that city, it is only necessary to allude to it, as an additional motive for the formation of a " Ladies' Branch Society," which experience has satisfactorily proved to be expedient in extensive districts, where more than one association is found necessary. In reference to this society, and to similar institutions in the sister island, the Committee of the Hibernian Bible Society, in their Eighth Annual Re- port, observe: — " One, instituted by the Ladies in Limerick, though formed only three months, has produced the sum of 42/. ; and another, set on foot by the La- dies in Sligo, has in the same time raised 451. From the first of these so- cieties which was formed, that established by the Ladies of Dublin, your Committee have received, during the last year, the sum of 240/." In November 1812, an Association on a limited scale was formed at Lymington, in Hampshire, principally by means of a pious and benevolent lady, whose unremitting exertions led to its organization on more regular and systematic princi- ples at a subsequent period. 6. In tracing the progress of female interest and exertion in the cause^ the next society which claims attention is that of Colchester. It is not improbable that the example of Westminster first suggested the idea of a similar institution to the Committee of the Colchester and East-Essex Auxiliary Society ; and the design appears to have been encouraged by the difficulties which those gentlemen found in their way, in the course of their endeavours to ascertain and supply the wants of the poor, and by their inability to devote the requisite time for collecting the contributions of the labouring classes. A Sub- committee was accordingly appointed, *' to prepare a plan for the formation of a Bible Association, particularly among the Ladies ;" and the active and zealous individuals to whom this duty was assigned, immediately proceeded to select, from the Rules recommended by the Parent Institution for Bible Asso(Jiations (See Chap. III. Section II.), such regulations as appeared suitable for an association of females. When the plan was sufficiently matured, it was submitted to a meeting of Ladies, convened at the Vicarage of St. Petei-'s by a cir- cular invitation; and on the 1st of "March, 1813, the society SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF FEMALE BIBLE SOCIETIES. 361 Colchester Ladies' Association — Defective provisions of the Rules adopted. was regularly established, under the patronage of the Countess of Chatham. A President, Treasurer, three Secretaries, and thirty-one Collectors, were appointed : and within little more than six months from its establishment, this association distri- buted 106 Bibles and Testaments, and collected above eighty pounds; of which sum, 47/. 45. 8i. was appropriated to the general object of the Parent Institution. This success justifies the language in which the Auxiliary Society, in their Third Annual Report, announce its formation, as — " an institution worthy of extensive imitation, and from which the most beneficial effects have already arisen ; not only by imparting the holy scriptures to the poor in the town of Colchester, but also by contributing up- wards of one-half of its funds to the general purposes of the Society ; which were raised by the meritorious exertions of a Committee consisting of nearly forty Ladies, who collected from above 600 members their subscrip- tions of one penny a week and upwards. Your Committee notice with much pleasure the patronage by which this institution has recently been honoured : and as the supply of the poor in the town of Colchester is its first concern, your Committee cheerfully commit this part of their duty into its hands." It must however be acknowledged, that the rules adopted by this association were deficient in some important particu- lars. It was resolved that the members of the Committee should be selected from among " such Ladies as shall pro- cure and pay to the amount of twelve subscriptions (of one penny a week) and upwards :" — and by another regulation, it was provided, " that it be determined at the monthly meetings to whom the Bibles and Testaments shall be dis- tributed, and that they be applied for one month previous to their being delivered." Hence it will readily be perceived, that the qualification of a member of the Committee, or Col- lector, might be, and in many cases was acquired by Ladies, without going out of their own families, or the circle of their immediate friends; and thus the primary object of all such institutions — that of meliorating the condition of the poor — was, in a great degree, defeated. Experience has abundantly proved, that it is only by assigning a local and defined district, of limited extent, to voluntary and approved collec- tors, and by that knowledge of its inhabitants which personal investigation alone can supply, that this important object can be accomplished, and permanent benefit conferred. And it is equally evident, that the latter regulation implies an extent of gratuitous distribution, unnecessary in reference to the labouring classes, and subversive of those powerful principles which should constitute the basis of every attempt to improve their state. A comparison of the rules in question, with those recommended in the following sections, will supersede S62 ladies' bible societies. [chap. VII Bocking. — Coggleshall. — Guildford — results. — Godalming. the necessity of any further remark on this part of the sub- ject, especially as the Committee of the Colchester Ladies' Association have recently adopted, with considerable effect, the improved system. 7. The example of Colchester was speedily followed by the neighbouring towns of Booking and Coggleshall. In the former, a Ladies' Association was established in August; and in the latter, a similar institution was formed in November 1818. The early success of both was commensurate to that of their elder sister; and if their subsequent declension ap- pear to have been more rapid and considerable, it must be ascribed to the defects of the constitution adopted, rather than a deficiency of interest and zeal in those who conducted their concerns. Nor is it an unreasonable hope, that the ex- emplary piety, diligence, and judgment, which distinguish the Officers and Counnittee of the Colchester and East-Essex Auxiliary Society, will prompt them to devise speedy and effectual measui-es for the revival of those associations, and the more general extension of the system ; thus perpetuating that bright and early example, which has conferred such honour on their district, and contributed, in no slight degree, to its good order, tranquillity, and happiness. 8. In July 1813, a Ladies' Association was instituted at Ouildford, in the county of Surrey; of which it was one of the rules, " That a part of the funds of this association be transmitted to the Treasurer of the Surrey Auxiliary Society, half-yearly, in aid of the foreign department of the British and Foreign Bible Society." Within seven years, ending in May 1820, this society distributed 2160 Bibles and Testa- ments, and remitted 2221. for the general object of the Parent Institution. The example of Guildford was followed, in April 1814, by the neighbouring town of Godalming, where a numerous and efficient committee was formed — the offices of treasurer and secretary being filled by gentlemen. In the month of December following, the author was invited to attend one of the general meetings of the latter, and, on investigation, found the system defective in many important points ; but convinced, by the zeal and animation manifested by one of the secretaries, and the ladies of the Committee, that if it were im- proved on the model of that which had been attended with such unprecedented success in Southwark, the best effects might be anticipated, he turned his attention more decidedly to the subject. In attempting to revise the various and dis- cordant regulations which had fallen under his notice, it SECT. I.] ORIGIN OP FEMALE BIBLE SOCIETIES. 363 First application of the Improved System at Godalming. became evident, that a more clear and intelligible system was requisite, not only to preserve uniformity of design and ope- ration, but to excite and maintain an interest in the cause. With these views, he prolonged his stay at Godalming; and having matured a code of Rules and By-laws, with forms of the Books and Papers necessary for the association, they were submitted to a special meeting of the Committee, and unani- mously adopted. The results of those measures were speedily witnessed : in a district embracing a population of scarcely four thousand, the first year's aggregate collection amounted to 204/. 13^. 10^.; and within the same period, 502 Bibles and Testaments were sold to the poor at reduced prices ; while a moral interest was excited throughout every class of the com- munity, in favovir of a cause, equally benevolent in its design and beneficial in its effects. Under a review of these grati- fying circumstances, and desirous of extending a knowledge of the plan, the Committee of the Godalming Association felt themselves justified in recommending the following Resolution to the First Annual Meeting of the subscribers, by which it was unanimously adopted : — " That this meeting, convinced of the benefits arising from the adoption of the SouTHWARK Bible Association system, adapted to the local circum- stances of the country, do request that such extracts may be made by the Committee, from the documents in their possession, as may tend to explain the plan, and encourage its general adoption ; and that the same be printed and published, as an Appendix to the Report." 0. The several societies and associations now enumerated, were the principal, if not the only Female institutions for pro- moting the circulation of the Scriptures, which existed in Great Britain and Ireland previous to the year 1814. But before we trace the progress of the system from the period of its first application to Ladies' Societies at Godal- ming, it is necessary to take a slight review of the effects of a similar disposition on the part of the Female sex in America, to co-operate in this work of charity and peace. The first demonstration of thi§ generous feeling is thus noticed in the Report of the New- York Bible Society for 1813 : — " During the past year, an association, composed of a number of pious and benevolent ladies, and called ' The Female Bible Society of Geneva,^ was formed in the town of Geneva, on the Seneca Lake. In the month of April last, they forwarded to this city fifty dollars, being the amount of their funds, to procure Bibles on the most advantageous terms. Your Board, desirous of aiding and encouraging the laudable efforts of that infant institution, resolved to furnish them with the Scriptures at first cost, to the amount of their funds, and to present them with fifty Bibles in addition. One hundred 364 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vii. Establishment of Female Societies in America ; — in Saxony. and thirty Bibles were accordingly delivered to their agent, to be forwarded to them." The feeling thus manifested rapidly extended. In the spring of 1814, a Female Bible Society was established in the city of Philadelphia ; and was announced to the Parent Institution in London by the following communication from the Secretary: — " Inclosed you will receive a copy of the Constitution of the Female Bible Society of Philadelphia, together with an Address from Bishop White,* delivered at the second meeting of the members. By a Resolution of the Managers, I am directed to make a communication to the British and Foreign Bible Society of I^ondon, advising of the establishment of this institution. " You will perceive, sir, that this society has been recently organized ; but the encouragement and success it has already experienced, are strong indications of its future respectability and usefulness. As soon as the plan was proposed. Ladies of all Christian Denominations in this city came forward to promote it ; and during the first week there were nearly five hundred subscribers. Since then, the number has been considerably augmented, and is now daily increasing. The counsel and assistance of the Clergy and dis- tinguished members of the Philadelphia Bible Society have been liberally conferred; and the direction of Female efforts to this object, has received un- qualified approbation and support from the most eminently pious among us." In their Annual Report for 1814, the Board of Managers of the New-York Bible Society observe : — r " The Board notice with much pleasure the establishment, during the past year, of several Female Associations in this country, formed for the purpose of contributing, by their personal attention as well as by their pecuniary means, to disseminate the Word of God. In the last year's Report, mention was made of the formation of The Female Bible Society of Geneva, on the Seneca Lake. Since then, another of the same kind has been instituted in this state, at the village of Poughkeepsie ; also, one at Philadelphia ; one at Boston ; one at Burlington, in the state of New Jersey ; one at Carlisle, in Pennsylvania ; one at Newville, twelve miles from Carlisle ; and one at Manchester, in Virginia. It will doubtless be considered an important acquisition to the cause of Bible Societies, to have engaged in its active duties that sex, so distinguished for their benevolence and piety, and so peculiai-ly qualified for dispensing with advantage the ofFex'ings of this sub- lime charity among the children of sorrow and of want." 10. Even at this early period, a similar disposition was mani- fested on the Continent of Europe,'in the establishment of two Female Bible Associations. The first institution of this nature appears to have been formed in 1814, and is thus announced in the primary report of the Saxon Bible Society : — " Several ladies have sent in their contributions; and we have lately received a gift of thirty rix-dollars, fro7n a Female Associutioji at Freyberg m Saxony ^ The precise period at * See ihis Address, Preliminary Observations, No. 6. SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF FEMALE BIBLE SOCIETIES. 365 and in Bremen. — Rapid progress of the system in England. which the second was established is not so easily ascertained ; but it appears, from the interesting letters of Dr. Steinkopff in 1815, to have been attended with the most beneficial effects. Speaking of Bremen, " a city distinguished by the religious spirit of many of its inhabitants, among the higher as well as the lower classes of society," he observes — " A most benevolent lady, the President of the Ladins Association at Bremen, was an eye-witness of the good done by the Bibles and Testaments distributed among the Hamburg exiles." Brief as is this notice, what a volume of encouragement does it contain ! Banished from his home and country, the Christian finds his consolation and support in the precepts and example, the sacrifice and atonement, of Him who " had not IV here to lay his head .'" 1 1. The publication of the Southwark system for conducting Bible Associations gerierally, in the summer of 1814, and the circulation of two large editions, had prepared the public mind to appreciate those institutions, and consequently fa- cilitated the application of the same principles in reference to Female exertion. The Godalming Association, as already observed, was thejirst regularly-organized Ladies' Society : and the system adopted by the Committee being detailed in the Appendix to their First Annual Report, published in the autumn of 1815, this institution speedily became a model for many others, not only in the county of Surrey, but in more distant parts of the kingdom. The towns of Farnham, Maidenhead, Kingston, and Henley-on-Thames, M'ere among the first to follow this example, and to experience the beneficial effects, both direct and collateral, of Female practical benevolence. 12. In following the chain of circumstances which have gradually led to the improvement and general adoption of the system, it is necessary to advert more particularly to the state of Southwark in the spring of 1815. The twelve associa- tions, conducted exclusively by gentlemen, had then been in full operation nearly two years and a half; and the results had surpassed the most sanguine expectations of their warmest friends. Nearly 14,000 Bibles and Testaments had been distributed ; more than ten thousand subscribers were contri- buting to their funds ; and upwards of 4600/. had been remitted to the Auxiliary Society ; — no symptom of decay was exhibited, and the highest degree of regularity and order characterized the whole body. Such being the flourishing S66 ladies' bible societies. [chap. Vlli Guardian Society — Female Servants. state of that district with which tlie author was more imme- diately connected, he did not feel himself justified in recom- mending the adoption of measures, which, however applicable to other places, appeared to him to be a hazardous experi- ment in reference to Southwark. At this period, his official duties, as Secretary of the Guardian Society, led to an investi- gation of the circumstances attending nearly two hvmdred wretched females, who had become the objects of that ad- mirable institution ; when it appeared, that more than one hundred and fifty of these unhappy victims of vice and misery had been domestic servants. In pursuing the inquiry sug- gested by this discovery, the melancholy fact was ascertained, that it is from the bosoms of our own families the deluge of iniquity, which covers the streets of the metropolis, is prin- cipally supplied : but the pain of this disclosure was in some degree mitigated by the reflection, that it is more easy to cut off the streams which feed this flood of profligacy, than to devise measures for restraining the overwhelming tide. The immediate consequence of the information thus acquired, was, an application to the Committees of the several associations in Southwark, to ascertain the number of female servants who were members, either as free contributors, or subscribers for Bibles and Testaments ; and the preparation of a specific Address* to this numerous and important class of the com- munity, which, being approved and adopted, was very exten- sively circulated in the winter of 1814. In the following summer the author renewed his inquiries in the twelve associations, and found, to his extreme disappointment, that the apparent effects produced by the circulation of the " Address " were inconsiderable : — in a district embraciiig a population of 150,000, of which, on a moderate estimate, 9000 are domestic servants, only fifty-three individuals of this description were reported as subscribers. Scarcely had this unexpected information been obtained, when, on accepting an invitation to the first general meeting of the Kingston- iipon-Thames Ladies' Association, the author found a sohition of his difficulties. That society had been only a few months established ; the estimated population of the district was about 4000 ; and the number of domestic servants computed to be 500, of whom more than one Jumdred and twenty were sub- scribers : — the deduction from such premises was clear and indisputable : it was evident that Females constituted the pro- per and legitimate medium of application to the members of • See Appendix, No. X. SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF FEMALE BIBLE SOCIETIES. 367 Ladies' Associations indispensable in reference to Servants. their own sex ; and tliat in order to excite that general interest wliich was the immediate object of this inquiry, the formation of Ladies' Associations in Southwark was indispensable. A proposition to this effect having met the unanimous appro- bation of the Committee, measures were devised for carrying it into effect ; and, before the close of the year, six associations were established, in connexion with those previously existing in the respective parishes ; and means were adopted for the formation of similar institutions in the remaining districts. One of the immediate results of these proceedings, satisfactorily demonstrated the correctness of the view already taken, by exhibiting more than one hundred and Jifly female servants as subscribers to one of these associations within six weeks after its establishment. 13. Those considerations which arise out of our daily habits, and are connected with our immediate interests, are frequently the last to force themselves on our attention ; — that which maxf be always done, seems to carry our apology for leaving it undone; and "a more convenient season" will ever be an- ticipated, for the discharge of an obligation which we feel no inclination to meet. Except on these grounds, it is impossible to account for that apathy and supineness with which almost every measure suggested for the improvement of female ser- vants has been received, while the complaints of their mis- conduct are proverbially incessant. Under this view of the subject, it becomes an important object of inquiry, whether we are not ourselves accessary to those faults which we so loudly condemn ; and whether we may not at least diminish an acknowledged and extensive evil, if we cannot altogether prevent its existence. As professing Christians, we acknow- ledge one fixed and unalterable standard of morals and of duty, for every rank and denomination, — " Knowing that what- soever good thincrs any man doelh, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free ;" but if we neglect to impress on the minds of our domestics a due sense of the authority and purity of this standard, an habitual reverence of its injunctions, and a settled conviction of their responsi- bility to Him who framed it, we shall assuredly be disap- pointed in our expectations of that faithful obedience to an earthly master, which is withheld from the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In the discharge of this duty, our own temporal interests and comfort are deeply involved : we do not hesitate to entrust our lives and property, the health, safety, and morals of our children, to our domestic servants ; but we are too often indifferent to the momentous inquiry 368 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vii. Ladies' Associations indispensable in reference to Servants. whether the character we have received with them, and that which they acquire in our service, be estabhshed on the only foundation which insures its stabihty, and justifies our con- fidence. There is yet another point of view in which it may not be unprofitable to consider this important subject. To those who have perused some recent and valuable works on criminal jurisprudence, and especially to those benevolent individuals who have been made the honoured instruments of changing the moral aspect of our principal prisons, it will be a familiar observation, that a love of dress is one of the first temptations which assails the female sex; and that, in numerous instances, the gratification of this vanity has been the primary step in a career of guilt and misery. There are but few female servants, in respectable families, whose wages are not more than adequate to their necessary expenses, and to that moderate provision for the future which should always be encouraged and assisted ; but it is a notorious fact, that the surplus is too generally appropriated to the indulgence of this prevalent passion; and the consequences are lamentably evident to every reflecting mind. From these considerations, and many others which will readily suggest themselves on a calm review of the subject, it is obviously our duty and our interest to countenance and support such measures as have a tendency to elevate the moral character of female servants, while they promote those habits of conscientious fidelity, industry, and sobriety, by which domestic peace and good order are secured and main- tained. Nor is it possible to conceive a more effectual and less objectionable mode of accomplishing this object, than that of exciting among them an interest in the great design of the Bible Society, — first, by supplying themselves, and then by contributing their limited aid to supply the whole human race. These observations cannot be more appropriately con- cluded, than by the following extract from the Annual Report of the St. Saviour's and St. Thomas's Assoiciation, Southwark : — " Within the district were three poor orphan children, without a father, without support, and without a Bible. Their situation attracted the atten- tion of a female servant. She could not supply their other necessities — she could not give them food and raiment for their bodies ; but she gave what she could give — the Word of God ! She subscribed for them to the Asso- ciation, and presented each child with a Bible ! As long as the Bible Association of St. Saviour's and St. Thomas's exists, shall this that she hath done be told for a memorial of her /" 14. Returning from this digression, which will find an SECT. I.] ORIGIN OF FEMALE BIBLE SOCIETIES. 369 Establishment and organization of the Reading Association. — Abingdon, &c. apology in the importance of its subject — the next Female Association to be noticed is that of Reading. It will be recollected, that it was in this town the first regular Auxiliary Society was established ; and seven years having elapsed since that memorable event, it might have been rationally presumed that the primary object of local supply had been fully accomplished. Some casual inquiry, however, induced a doubt as to the correctness of this con- clusion: and an appeal having been made to the Ladies, it was promptly recognised ; and the Association was instituted on the 4th of April 1816, with a degree of unanimity and zeal rarely equalled and never surpassed. The town, containing a population of about 12,000, was divided into 54 districts, which were regularly and systematically visited every week, by one hundred and nine ladies; the results of whose exertions during the first four weeks, as reported at the Committee- meeting held on the 14th of May, exhibited a list of 1790 contributors, of whom 863 were subscribers for Bibles and Testaments, and an aggregate collection of 103/. 16^. At the termination of the first year, 1056 copies of the holy scriptures had been distributed by sale; and 643/. 12^. 3d. had been paid into the hands of the Treasurer, of which 70/. was unanimously voted, as a primary remittance for the general object of the Parent Institution. 15. The unprecedented success of the Reading Ladies' Association, and of several similar establishments formed about the same period in the neighbouring villages, in con- nexion with the Henley Auxiliary Society, induced the Com- mittee of the latter institution to include in the Appendix to their Annual Report for 1816, a detailed statement of the Southwark system, as applicable to Female Associations. This publication being extensively circulated, produced a conside- rable effect. At Abingdon, Southampton, Bristol, Brigh- ton, Lewes, Weymouth, Poole, Bridport, Sherborne, and many places of minor importance. Ladies' Associations were speedily organized ; and it was evident that a disposition in their favour was rapidly spreading throughout the kingdom. In the course of these operations, the author had found occa- sion to revise the Rules and By-laws originally framed at Godalming ; experience and more close obs. rvation having suggested various improvements in the plai; calculated to facilitate and simplify the proceedings. In October 1817, the entire code of Regulations was submitted to the Committee of the Parent Society; and after a full and minute examina- tion into the tendency of each particular part, and such few B B 370 ladies' bible societies. [chap, vir Revision of llules by the Parent Committee Effects. alterations as appeared necessary to render the design more clear and explicit, it received the unanimous approval of the General Committee on the 17th of November ; and a Resolu- tion was adopted, that copies should be immediately printed and circulated in the name and under the sanction of the R'itish and Foreign Bible Society. This decision was officially announced by the following communication, prefixed to the " Monthly Extracts of Coi-respondence, No. 4." " Society's House, Earl Street, Blackfriars, Nov. 17, 1817. " The Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society avail them- selves of their monthly communication, to make known the result of their recent inquiries and proceedings, in reference to certain points materially connected with the interests of the institution. " The first subject of their investigation was, the most proper mode of turning to advantageous account the zeal so generally and laudably mani- fested by the Female sex in favour of the society's object, both in its Domes- tic and Foreign Department. The course which that zeal had spontaneously taken in the establishment of ' Ladies' Bible Associations,' left nothing for the Committee to do, but to recommend the best means which their experi- ence could furnish, for giving to Female agency, in this way of employing it, a prudent and useful direction. With this view, the Committee examined the Regulations in most general use : and they now present tliera i-a a revised form,* in the hope that they may be found serviceable in modelling that class of Associations, which, if regularly constituted, and discreetly conducted, is likely to become an instrument of extensive and permanent good."^ The consequence of these judicious and well-timed pro- ceedings, and of this explicit approval on the part of those to whom the superintendence of the system is so beneficially entrusted, were speedily manifested. Before the close of that year, no fewer than twenty-eif^^ht Female Association's were established and organized in the counties of Buckhigham, Oxford, Northampton, and Lancaster; and the following year was characterized by the formation of more than seventy similar institutions. 16. Such were the origin and progress of that system, which will be developed in Section III.: but it is first neces- sary to consider the nature and constitution of Ladies' Branch Societies, to which some slight allusion has been already made. These institutions are of a more recent origin, and were not contemplated when the plan of Female Associations was first devised; but they claim priority of place, on the grounds of their importance, and on those of clear and lucid arrangement. They will therefore form the sub- ject of the next section. See Section IILof this Chapter: SECT. II.] ladies' branch SOCIETIES. 371 Origin of Ladies' Branch Societies. It would indeed be unjust, in a section which professes to trace the history of Female exertion in the best of causes, to omit a distinct allusion to a Lady, whose ardent zeal and per- severance justify the application of the inspired language — "Many daughters have done virluoiislt/ ; but thou excellest ihem all." Those readers who are familiar with the Annual Reports of the Parent Society, will recognise, in this allusion, *' a correspondent at a principal naval station," who has, during the last eleven years, been the honoured instrument of distributing more than tiventy-nhie thousand copies of the holy scriptures, in ten different languages, among a descrip- tion of persons to which few could find access, except those who are animated, like her, with a fervent desire to promote the glory of God in the salvation of her fellow-creatures. SECTION IL ON ladies' branch societies. 1. In unfolding the practical constitution of the auxiliary system, we are perpetually reminded of the insufficiency of every human invention, for the accomplishment of even the best and purest ends. The works of the Divine Architect alone bear the stamp of wisdom and perfection ; and the highest attainment of sublunary intelligence can only be a progressive approach towards that excellence which it can never reach. It has been already observed, that every suc- cessive improvement of this system has been the result of accidental circumstances ; and the division of it which now claims our attention, exhibits a striking illustration of this remark. On the 25th of March, 1817, a society was established in Liverpool, under the designation of the " Liverpool Ladies' Auxiliary Bible Society;" conducted by a treasurer, two secre- taries, and a committee of twenty-four other ladies; and under the patronage of the Countess of Derby, Lady Stanley, and other elevated characters in the neighbourhood. A judicious Address was adopted and circulated, wherein the '* great defi- ciency of Bibles still existing among the poorer classes in the town and vicinity," and the importance of " the general objects of the Parent Institution," were strongly urged, as the grounds of appeal to the public sympathy and benevolence. About sixty ladies, having subsequently offered their services as collectors, were appointed to extensive districts, under the direction of the respective members of the Committee, to B B 2 312 ladies' bible societies. [chap. VII. Liverpool Ladies' Auxiliary Society — Defective nature of the plan. whom they presented their reports monthly, and paid over the amount collected. In announcing this institution, the Committee of the Liver- pool Auxiliary Society, in their Sixdi Annual Report, ob- serve : — " Your Committee had lamented equally with all their predecessors, the great inefficiency of Gentlemen, in a plan professing to embrace the distribu- tion of the Bible, through every part of a numerous, poor, and ever-varying population. That defect will be supplied — that difficulty will be removed. A society of Ladies will be organized, under the direction of their own Com- mittee, which, by dividing the town into districts, and examining minutely into the wants of the poor, may be able to supply them, under circumstances of more hope and encouragement than can be expected from any other plan. The benevolence of the female character leads Ladies continually into those scenes of sorrow and suffering, where the mind is (humanly speaking) more pervious to the lessons of the Gospel. Your Committee anticipate a period, not very far distant, when the Ladies' Society may abundantly supply their lack ofsei'vice, and promote in the hearts of the poor, generally through the town, the interests of that spiritual kingdom, which is rigliteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Their influence will be materially useful in the collection of small subscriptions: and if these District Associations be put into full activity, the difficulties hitherto experienced will, probably, be materially diminished, the support of the poor more extensively obtained, and the poor themselves brought into more intimate acquaintance with their duty to the commands, and their interest in the blessings of the Gospel." That those prospects have been abundantly realized, will be shewn in the sequel : but the experience of a few months was sufficient to convince the Ladies thus engaged, that the plan they had adopted was totally inadequate to the end designed. No provision was made for exciting and perpetu- ating that feeling, which gives to every individual engaged in the work, an interest in its success ; — the local districts were too extensive, and many parts of them were, consequently, unvisited ; — the mode of gratuitous supply was carried to a mischievous excess ; — but, above all, no measures were devised for awakening, in the labouring classes of the community, the benevolent principle, and calling into life and exercise, even within the walls of a cottage, those Christian charities, the developement of which are among the first and happiest results of Bible Associations. In reference to these, and other defects in their system, the Committee of Ladies observe, in their First Annual Report : — " The further the collectors advanced in the work, the more they were convinced of its urgent necessity, and of their inability to perform it. The funds of the Society being inadequate to the demands for Bibles and Testa- ments, even at reduced prices, your Committee were obliged to refuse several applications for grants to persons in indigent circumstances ; but a seasonable donation of Bibles and Testaments, to the amount of 5^., intended for the SECT. II.] ladies' branch SOCIETIES. S73 The Liverpool Ladies' Branch Society established. temporary supply of such persons as were unable to purcliase, prevented the inconvenience which this circumstance would otherwise have occasioned. Kew difficulties were, however, continually arising, which called for new and Imtried expedients ; and the benevolent designs of the institution were frequently impeded, by that want of system which your Committee felt themselves incompetent to supply." Such was the state of this society in December 1817, when the author accepted an invitation to assist in organizing it on more correct principles. On investigation, it appeared that, during the preceding nine months, about 500 persons had entered their names as subscribers for Bibles and Testa- ments, and about 200 as fre6 contributors; that 271 copies of the Scriptures had been distributed by sale, and 35 gratuitously ; and that the total amount collected was 412/. 18^. 3d. In a district, the popvilation of which exceeded one hundred thousand, it was evident that one Bible Association would be insufficient: and as no plan had hitherto existed for connect- ing several institutions of this description, conducted by Females, with the same Auxiliary Society, it became necessary to devise a mode by which their operations should be carried on with uniformity and effect. The precedents exhibited in Southwark, Westminster, the City of London, and Bristol, were totally inapplicable to Liverpool; as in these, and many other populous places, Gentlemen's Associations pre-occupied the ground. — After mature deliberation, it was resolved to divide the town and its immediate vicinity into ten districts, and to establish and organize a Female Association in each ; of which the Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Treasurers, and Secre- taries, unitedly, should constitute a distinct Society or Com- mittee, under the designation of " The Ladies' Branch of the Liverpool Auxiliary Society." From this plan, it was pre- sumed, many beneficial effects would result : — the several Associations, under the superintending care and direction of judicious individuals of their own sex, would preserve an uni- formity of design and proceeding; — a regular and proper medium of communication with the Auxiliary Society would be provided, calculated to prevent trouble to all parties, and to facilitate the separate and combined operations ; — the remittances would be received, and the Bibles and Testaments issuedjwith order, economy, and despatch ; — any improvements in the system would be deliberately considered, and effectually recommended ; — and one Annual Report would exhibit the collective results of the whole institution. A Code of Rules and By-Laws, founded on these princi- S74 ladies' bible societies. [chap, vir. Similar Institutions at Manchester, Plymouth, Hull, &c. pies, having been prepared, it was submitted to the Ladies' Committee, and being unanimously adopted, the society was re-formed on the 26th of December 1817; and the ten con- nected Associations were established within the following week. If a doubt had hitherto existed relative to the comparative efficiency of the plan thus adopted, the immediate effects would have removed it. The zeal, the talents, and the in- fluence of more than six hundred Ladies were called into exer- cise, and directed, in a methodical and systematic manner, to the investigation and supply of three hundred and forty -one districts. At the close of the first year, the number of sub- scribers exceeded ten thousand, of whom 3364 were free contributors; more than three thousand Bibles and Testaments had been distributed by sale; and the aggregate amount col- lected was 25521. I6s. 10c/., of which the sum of 518/. 1^. M. was remitted for the general object of the Parent Institution. During this period, " more than 20,800 visits had been paid, and been attended, by the blessing of God, with the happiest results, not only to the families of the poor, but amongst the collectors themselves." In surveying these unexampled effects, well might the Committee observe, — " Though the operations of your society, like the mechanism of a watch, have been concealed from view, their influence has extended through the circle of the Associations, and their beneficial effects have been pointed out by the Branch Committee, as the hours by the fingers on the dial : the eye of the most indifferent will be struck with the pleasing results; while the more attentive observer will perceive the adaptation of the various parts to the perfection of the whole, and, thereby discerning the ' signs of the times,' will give the praise to that divine Artificer, whose providence directs and regulates all our movements." The establishment of the Ladies' Branch of the Liverpool Auxiliary Society was immediately followed by that of a similar institution at Manchester: and the plan was adopted at a later period by the Ladies of Plymouth, Hull, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The complete success with which it has been attended, not only in its pecuniary and moral results, but in its tendency to preserve inviolate the prin- ciples and regulations recommended by the Parent Society, justifies the expectation, that the Ladies' Associations in the several auxiliary districts of the metropolis will speedily form establishments of a like nature; and that the principal towns and cities of the empire, in which more than one Female Association is found expedient, will follow the example. In the formation of the societies just enumerated, and especially that for Plymouth and its vicinity, many improve- SECT II.] ladies' branch SOCIETIES. 37, Regulations of a Ladies' Branch Society. ments in the original design suggested themselves ; and it is now submitted in its matured state, with such observations as appear necessary to render the various regulations more clear and intelligible. 2. Rules and Regulations rcco??iw!cn(/f Secretaries." JE.F.J 7. The forms of the Books and Papers, and the mode of keeping the accounts, resemble in many particulars those of an Auxiliary Society, which have been minutely described in Chapter IL, Section V. Where any difference exists, it will be distinctly pointed out in the subsequent observations, *#• In all the following- Specimens, the entries in Italics, and the amounts of moneys, are to be considered as manuscript. NO. I. — MINUTE BOOK. The rough and fair Minute Books are precisely similar in form to those of an Auxiliary Society. The follt>wing specimen, which includes the proceedings of the first and second meetings of the Committee, will sufficiently illustrate the mode of transacting the business. At a Meeting of the Presidents, Treasurers, and Secretaries of the several Ladies' Bible Associations in the towns of Plymouth, Plymouth Dock, Stonehouse, and their vicinity ; — PRESENT, j4. JB. in the Chair ; and the following Officers of the respective Associations, [Here follow the names^ Ttrith Messrs. [here follow the names of the Secretaries of the Auxiliary . Society, and that of a gentleman who attended on behalf of the Parent [nsti. ttUum], "Visitors. SS4> ladies' bible societies. [chap. VII. INIinutes of the First Committee Meeting. The following Resolutions were unanimously adopted : — 1. That a Ladies' Branch of the Auxiliary Bible Society of these towns be now established, of which the following shall be the llules and Regulations:— {See the Second Divisioyi of this Section.') 2. That the regular meetings of the Committee be held on the last Tuesday in every month, at eleven o'clock precisely, in the forenoon ; and that the said meetings be held at the Lecture-room of the Literary and Philosophical Society, Plymouth Dock, until a suitable Depository be opened. 3. That the following be the By-laws of the Committee :— {See the Fourth Division of this Section.) 4. That the following Ladies be the Officers of this Society ; viz. Mrs. H. Treasurer. Miss C. D. Minute Secretary. Miss E. F. Cash Secretary. Miss G. H. Bible Secretary. 5. That the Minute Secretary be requested to have 250 copies of the llules and By-laws printed, and to send three copies to every member of the Committee. 6. That the Address to the Mistresses of Families, now produced and read, {see the Sixth Division of this Suction) be adopted; and that the Minute Secretary be requested to have 1000 copies printed, and an adequate number sent to the Minute Secretary of each Association, to be addressed and circu- lated at the discretion of the collectors. 7. That the Minute Secretary be requested to have 100 Committee-cards* printed, and to have two copies sent to every member of the Committee. 8. That the Minute Secretary be requested to fulfil the duty prescribed by the Eighth General Rule. 9- That J.K., L.M., and N.O., be requested to examine and report to the next meeting, where a suitable place can be procured for a depositary. I.K. to act as Secretary of this Sub-committee. 10. That the District Committees be requested to report to the next meeting, the number of copies of the " Monthly Extracts" required by their respective Associations, in order to enable this Committee to order a suitable regular supply. 11. That P.Q. and R.S. be appointed Auditors for the present year. 1 '2. That the Minute Secretary be requested to furnish the District Com- mittees, and other parties interested, with Forms of the several Reports required by the By-laws, as early as possible. 1 3. That the Secretaries address an application to the following Ladies, respectfully soliciting their patronage of this institution : [Here follow the Names of several Ladies of distinguished lank and character. '\ 14- That this Committee adjourn to Tuesday, the 24th instant, at 1 1 o'clock. The importance of completing all the preliminary arrangements as soon as possible, so as to get the society regularly organized, justifies'a Special Committee Meeting in this early stage of the pro- ceedings. This consideration will be strengthened, if the services of Gentlemen connected with the Parent Institution can be obtained ; * See Specimen, No. 10 of this Section. SECT. II.] ladies' branch SOCIETIES. 385 Minutes of the Second Committee Meeting. as the advantage of their assistance will be so far appreciated as to prevent their unnecessary detention. The subsequent Minutes embrace the usual proceedings at the Second Committee Meeting. At the Second Meeting of the Committee, 24th November, )818; — PRESENT, A.B. in the Chair. CD., E.F., G.H., and [ K., Visitors; and those Ladies whose names are marked off in the list : — The Minutes of the last meeting having been read, it was resolved — 1 5. That the said Minutes be confirmed. 16. The Minute Secretary reported, that the 5th, 0th, 7th, 8th, and 12th Minutes were complied with. 17. I.K., on behalf of the Sub-Committee appointed by the 9th Minute, reported, that they had seen and provisionally engaged a very eligible room for a Depository at jNIr. W — 's, No. — , Street, at the annual rent of siK guineas, subject to the approval of the Committee. 18. Resolved, That this meeting approve and confirm the said engage- ment ; and that the Treasurer and Secretaries be requested to have the room properly fitted up as a Depository. 19. That the Minute Secretary request the Committee of the Auxiliary Society to order from the Parent Institution, on account of this Committee, a regular monthly supply of six hundred copies of the " Extracts of Cor- respondence," for the connected Associations. 20. That the 13th Minute be continued. 21. Reports were presented and read from the Treasurers of the respective Associations, of which the following is an abstract : — Received this month. Voted to the Branch. £. s. d. £. s. d. 1. Charles' 58 . 1 . 6 50 . 0 . 0 2. St. Andrews' 48 . 0 . G 40 . 0 . 0 3. Northern Dock . . . . 41 . 10 . 7 35 . 0 . 0 4. Southern Dock . . . . 46 . 16 . 5 40 . 0 , 0 5. Stonehouse 48 . 2 . 10 45 . 0 . 0 6. Stoke, &c 26 . 0 . 7 20 . 0 . 0 7. Torpoint 34 . 16 . 6 30 . 0 . 0 8. Millbrook 19 . 3 . 5 15 . 0 . 0 £.322 . 12 . 4 £. 275 . 0 . 0 22. Reports were presented and read from the several District Committees in order ; and it was resolved, that the said Reports be received. 23. The depository not being yet opened, no report was presented by the Bible Secretary. 24. The Cash Secretary reported, that the total amount paid in this day by the Treasurers of the several Associations, is £. 275. 25. Resolved, That tlae said sum of ;^. 275 be paid to the Treasurer. 26. The Treasurer presented her report, by which it appears that the amount in her hands is £■ 275. 27. Resolved, That the Treasurer be requested to remit j^. 250 to the Cash Secretary of the Auxiliary Society, on Purchase Account. . 28. That the Bible Secretary be requested to order from the Bible Secretary of the Auxiliary Society, Bibles and Testaments, at cost prices, C C ladies' bible societies. [chap. VII, Report Book superseded by a Guard Book. — Cash Book. of such descriptions as she may deem most suitable, to an amount not ex- ceeding 250/. 29. The INIinute Secretary presented a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the Ivy-bridge Ladies' Association, formed on the 23d instant in connexion with this society ; and reported that the following Ladies had been elected officers of that institution, viz. Mrs. A. . . . President. Mrs. B. . . . Treasurer. Miss C . . . Minute Secretary. Mrs. Z). . . . Cash Secretary. Miss E.F. . . Bible Secretary, whom she had supplied with the requisite books and papers. 30. Resolved, That it be sti'ongly i-ecommended to the Committee of evefy Association in connexion with this society, to establish, by private subscription, a Loan-fund^ for the purchase of Bibles and Testaments, or Testaments only, at their discretion ; and that a copy of the Rules * of such institution be transmitted, with this Resolution, to the respective Minute Secretaries. 31. That this Meeting do now adjourn. KO. IL — REPORT BOOK. This book is designed to be a register of the facts and ob- servations contained in the Monthly Reports of the District Com- mittees. But it is respectfully submitted, that the necessity of such a record, and the trouble of transcribing from these documents, may be altogether obviated by the plan of pasting the Reports in what is called a Guard Book [See Chap. II. Section IV. 9th division}; a few leaves at the beginning of which may be appropriated to the purposes of an Index, to promote facility of reference when pre- paring the Annual Report, &c. For instance, the following, among other heads, may be adopted ; the figures referring to the pages which contain illustrations of the subject : — " Advantages of the Loan-fund"— 3, 8, 22, 36, 41, "Advantage of circulating the Monthly Extracts'" — 2, 7, 13. " Collateral Benefits"—!, 4, 11, 14, 23, 33, 40. Those societies which prefer the former mode, of copying the Facts and Observations contained in the Reports, will find the proper book for this purpose described in Section V. NO. III. — CASH BOOK. This book is precisely similar to the Leger of an Auxiliary Society (see Chap. II. Section V. No. 3.), except that it may be of a smaller size. The only accounts required to be kept, are those with the Treasurer, the Auxiliary Society, every separate Association, and incidental expenses ; and a few folios at the end may be reserved for the Annual Statement, on the plan recommended to Auxiliary Societies, Chap. II. Sectio?i V. No. 11. • Sec Chapter VIII. Section II. SECT. II.3 LADIES BRANCH SOCIETIES. 387 Bible Book. — Order Book — Treasurer's Book. NO. IV. BIBLE BOOK. This has been ah-eady described under the title of ''Depositary's Book," {Chap. II. Section V. No. 5.); and the only points of diffe- rence are, that the Bibles andTestaments are received from the Auxi- liary Society, and the issues are restricted to the respective Asso- ciations. The last column on the Credit side should consequently be omitted, in preparing this book for a Ladies' Branch Society. NO. V. — BIBLE secretary's ORDER BOOK. This Book has been fully described, as No. 4 in Section V. of Chapter II. ; and the few alterations required in reference to a Ladies' Branch Society will readily suggest themselves. But as the duties of a Depositary are, in more than one institution of this description, discharged by the Bible Secretary, it may be necessary to observe, that where this is the case, the middle form, marked "B," may be altogether dispensed with. When the Bible Secretary of an Association sends an order for Bibles and Testaments, the Depositary first ascertains whether the stock on hand enables her to comply with it : if not, it should be returned, and a fresh order be given for that part which can be supplied. Such disappointments will rarely occur, if due care be taken to maintain a sufficient and assorted stock in the depo- sitory; but it is of material consequence that the entries in the Bible Book shall agree with the vouchers. If, as already recom- mended, the orders be given to the Branch Bible Secretary at the regular Committee-meetings, delay will generally be avoided ; as she can immediately ascertain the state of the stock on hand, by reference to her report on the table. Of the preceding Books, Nos. 1 and 2 are kept by the Minute Secretary ; No. 3, by the Cash Secretary ; and Nos. 4; and 5, by the Bible Secretary. NO. VI. treasurer's BOOK. This may be of octavo size, ruled like a common account book ; in which the Treasurer, for her own satisfaction, keeps a duplicate copy of her account as entered in the Cash Book, The following specimen will afford a sufficient illustration: — D'. 'The Ladies' Branch of the Plymouth, &c. Auxiliary Bible Society. C^ 1«18, £. s. a IblcS. £. i. d. Nov.'2j. To Au.xUiary Society, on ? 250. 0. 0 Nov. '24. Bij Cash Secretary pG. 0. 0 Purchase Account. . . 5 Dec.-Ji. Ditto ditto 316.10. 0 Dec.^S. J)', on Purchase Account 300. 0. 0 Lady B. , Donation 21. 0. 0 CashSecretary,forIn- } 7 2 6 IS19. 1819. Jan. 2o. cidental Expenses . . 5 Jan. 23. Cash Secretary 320. 0. 0 Auxiliary Society, for } 500. 0. 0 Hon. Mrs. G. — , Annual 5. .f-,. 0 General Object .... 5 c c2 S88 ladies' bible societies. [chap. VII. Specimen of the Treasurer's Monthly Report. It will be recollected, that the Treasurer makes no payment without receiving a copy of the minute which authorises it ; and which is pi-eserved as her voucher, and produced to the Auditors at the end of the year, when the Annual Statement of receipts and disbursements is prepared. See Chap. II. Section V. No. 11. NO. VIL treasurer's REPORT. , This Report is presented to every Monthly Meeting of the Committee, pursuant to the Vllth By-Law, and requires no further explanation than is afforded in tlie following specimen : — No. 3. LADIES' BRANCH PLYMOUTH, &c. AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY. The Treasurer's Report of Receipts and Disbursements, from the 27th of December, 1818, to the 25th of January, 1819. 1819. 35c/an. 1818. mDec. RECEIVED. Balance in hand, F last Month's Report From Cash Secretary this day, on account of Associations Ditto . . ditto . . Donations and Subscriptions Total to account for . . £ £. s. d. 300 . 0. 0 PAID. To the Auxiliary Society, on Purchase Account on Moiety Account for General Object . Cash Secretary, for Incidental Expenses . . Balance in hand, this day . £. j4.B. Treasurer. 7.2.6 £. s. d. 362. 10.0 520. 0.0 5. 5.0 887. 15.0 307. 2.6 580. 12.6 NO. VIII. CASH SECRETARY S MONTHLY STATEMENT. This document is filled up previous to every Committee-meeting, and consequently does not include the money paid in by the several Associations at that particular meeting. It is designed to exhibit a clear abstract of the financial concerns of the society, and serves as a general check on all the accounts. The Specimen subjoined precludes the necessity of farther explanation, except in reference to the first column, which contains the respective amounts remitted since the last annual meeting. That of the Plymouth, &c. So- ciety, being held in September, accounts for the comparatively small amounts entered. SECT. II.J LADIES BRANCH SOCIETIES. 389 Cash Secretary's Monthly Statement. No. 26. LADIES' BRANCH OF THE PLYMOUTH, &c. AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY. Cash Secretary's Monthly Statement, presented 29^/i of December, 1820. STATE OF THE SOCIETY'S FUNDS on the 28th of December. Associations. Amount paid this Year. Amount paid since Establisliment. Amount of Bibles, &c. received. Amount voted lor General Object. £. S. d. Amount du< by Branch Society. £. s. d. £. s. d. £. s. d. £. s. d. Charles' .... 55 . 0 . 0 485.12. 6 309. 6.10 87. 7. 6 87.18. 2 St. Andrews' . 22 . 0 . 0 542.19.11 210.14.11 66. 2. 6 66. 2. 6 Northern Dock 20 . 0 . 0 550. 5. 7 216.10. 0 66.17.10 66.17.10 Southern Dock o6 . 0 . 0 452.19. 9 280. 4.11 76. 7. 5 76. 7. 5 Stonehouse . . 15 .0 .0 255.15. 9 172. 1. 2 41.17. 4 41.17. 5 Stoke, <|-c. . . 18 .0 .0 272. 1. 5 171.18. 5 50. 1. 6 50. 1. 7 Torpoint . . . 8.0.0 185.19. 5 157. 7. 4 25. 6. 0 25. 6. 0 Millbrook . . . 5.0.0 157. 1.10 80. 9. 6 28. 6. 2 28. 6. 2 Ivy-Bridge . . 5.0.0 85.15. 5 59. 7. 9 13. 2.10 13. 2.10 Saltash I'J.O .0 147.15. 6 86.19. 9 30. 6.11 50. 6.11 Brixham i . .. £. 12.0.0 178. 4.10 143.16.10 16. 4. 0 17. 4. 0 188 .0.0 2870. 7.11 1868.17. 5 500. 0. 0 501.10. 8 Received. From the connected Associations In Donations and Subscriptions to this Society.... Paid, To the Auxiliary Society. — On Purchase Account. On Moiety Account . For General Object . To the Cash Secretary, for Incidental Expenses.... This Year. £. s. d. 188. 0. 0 O. 0. 0 188. 0. 0 186. 0. 0 0. 0. 0 0. 0. 0 0. 0 0 Balance due by the Auxiliary Society Ditto in the Treasurer's hands . Since Establishment. £. s. d. 2870. 7.11 0. 0. 0 i^h7u. 7.11 2324. 3. 4 0. 0. 0 500. 0. O 57. 7. 4 2881 .10. 8 858. 4. 3 2. 0. 0 Total unapplied balance £, C. D. Cash Secretary. 840. 4. 3 390 ladies' bible societies. [chap. VII. Bible Secretary's Monthly Report.— Committee-Card— and Specimen. NO. IX. BIBLE secretary's MONTHLY REPORT, This Report, like the preceding, is filled up previous to the Committee-meeting, and contains a detailed account of all Bibles and Testaments received and delivered, with the stock on hand. A similar document, as connected with an Auxiliary Society, hav- ing been fully described in Chapter II. Section V. No. 7. it is only necessary to refer to the Specimen there given. — The few- verbal alterations necessary, in order to adapt the form to a Ladies' Branch Society, will be readily perceived. NO. X. — committee card. It has been observed, in the fifth division of this Section, that every member should be furnished, innually, with a Committee Card, and that any further intimation of the regular monthly meetings will be unnecessary. The expense of issuing notices to those Ladies who reside at a distance from the place of meeting, is frequently considerable ; and this, with the attendant trouble, is completely obviated by the expedient now recommended. The following Specimen is a transcript of the Card adopted at Ply- mouth; and by introducing the " Auxiliary" Society, a still further saving of expense is effected. PLYMOUTH, PLYMOUTH-DOCK, STONEHOUSE, &c. AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY. MONTHLY committee-meetings, 1820— ISil. Socictj', Day. AUXILIARY LADIES' I BRANCH S"' Charles' St. Andrew's Stonehouse . NortiiernDock Southern Dock StOke.&c. . . Tor POINT.. . jNIili.brook, S:c. Ivy-bridge . . ISaltash .... Brixham 6 P.M. ■ 11 A.J "l Sd Friday last Friday 2d Friday .'?d Friday 2d Thins. 1st Friday 2d Wed. .3d Wed. I 11 A.M. IstMond. j 6 P.M. 1st Friday I noon 1st Thms. I 11 A.M. ,3d VVed. j 10 a.m. 1st Friday! 2 p.m. 11 A.M. 11 A.M. 11 A.M. 11 A.M. 11 A.M. \J'orIc/ioi/se Doric. . . Ditto Plymouth. . . . Depository Lecture Room, Docl; Gmldlmll Ditto Adult School Lecture Room Ditto Ditto Members' Houses . . Maker Girls' School Members' Houses . . Tamar Hall Ciuh-Room 30 20 16 8 2 IJ 21 5 2 1 1 2121 2 25 19 26 12 19 11 5 10 17 1 5 On the other side of the Card, the name of the member for whose use it is designed is inserted, with the following intimation. . • — " It is earnestly hoped, that, by a strict attention to this Card, a punctual attendance of the respective Committees may be obtained, and the society be relieved from the many disadvantages which must inevitably accompany a neglect of this most important duty." SECT. ri.J ladies' branch Societies. 391 The public proceedings conducted exclusively by Gentlemen. The Monthly Reports presented by the District Committees, and by the Treasm'ers of the respective Associations, will be con- sidered in Section V.J as more properly appertaining to that division of the Chapter. 8. In no respect are the advantages of a Ladies' Branch Society more conspicuous, than in the faciUties afforded by them to the extension of the system of Female Associations. Where every requisite and proper assistance can be given by quaUfied individuals of their own sex, the laudable desire to form those important institutions is promptly and efficiently met ; while the best security is attained for their proceeding on firm ground, and maintaining unimpaired the simple prin- ciples of their establishment. This remark finds its best illustration in the history oT the Liverpool, Manchester, and Plymouth Societies; which have gradually extended their limits beyond the districts originally embraced ; and have thereby not only preserved, but increased their strength, and essentially promoted the general cause. Without exercising any authority but that which is cheer- fidly conceded by the respective Associations, and without the power of evincing any undue partiality, this centre of unity and concord attracts the confidence and aflfection of the various Committees, and preserves the order and regu- larity of the whole. It may not be altogether unnecessary to observe, that even when assisting in the establishment and organization of new Associations, the Branch Committees alluded to have never taken any part in the public proceedings connected with such institutions, which have wholly devolved on the gentlemen of the respective Auxiliary Societies. If any circumstance have occurred, calculated to justify the fear which has, in some few quarters, been expressed in reference to female exertion, it has been concealed with unexampled caution and success, and has never reached the ears of those who are most deeply interested in detecting and correcting the evil. On the contrary, it is but justice to remark, that the prudence, the decorum, and the propriety, which have marked the operations of Ladies' Bible Societies, and characterized the demeanour of tlrose by whom they are conducted, can only be equalled by the zeal and diligence they have manifested, and the unparalleled success of their proceedings. 9. This section of the chapter cannot with propriety be closed, without transcribing the Resolutions of the Committee previous to the Annual Meeting, which, it will be recollected, is held jointly with that of the Auxiliary Society. The S92 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vii. Minutes of the Committee previous to an Annual Meeting. example selected is that of the Plymouth Branch ; and the Minute relative to Pawnbrokers is extracted, as containing decisive testimony on a subject vihich has too frequently afforded a pretext to the lukewarm and indifferent. The resolutions which relate to the regular business of the Com- mittee are, of course, omitted, having been already detailed in the 7th division of this section. At the 1 2th Meeting of the Committee, 13th September 1819,— 187. The Sub-Committee appointed by the 1 7 1st Minute, to ascertain the truth of certain reports relative to the Pawnbrokers, reported as follows : — " On the most minute investigation in the town of Plymouth, we are convinced that the objection to the Society on this ground is totally unsup- ported. Very few copies, comparatively, have been even offered as pledges ; and those have been refused, except in one instance ; and in this the Bible was redeemed within the week. Not a single copy was found in the pos- session of the Pawnbrokers. In the town of Plymouth Dock, twenty-two houses of this description wore visited, but not a single Bible or Testament issued by the Society was found. We were received with civility and respect ; and informed, that in the few instances in which copies had been pledged, thei^ were redeemed within a few dai/s, and that during the last five or six months none had been offered as pledges. In the town of Stokkhouse, the result of the investigation was equally satisfactory, not one copy being discovei-ed at the Pawnbrokers' shops." • 188. The Minute Secretary having read a communication from the Com- mittee of the Auxiliary Society, stating that the Annual Meeting of that institution was fixed for the 30th instant, it was resolved, 189. That the Secretaries be requested to prepare the draught of a report to the ensuing general meeting, and submit the same to a future meeting of this Committee. 190. That the Treasurer be requested to pay over to the Auxiliary Society, on PurchaseAccount, the balance which she shall have in hand on the 26th inst. 191. That the Auditors be requested to prepare and present a statement of the funds of the Society, made up and balanced to the '27th instant. 192. That the Bible Secretary make up her account.' 'o the 27th instant, and present a statement of all Bibles and Testamentv eceived and issued, and the stock then on hand, to a future meeting of this Committee. 193. That a Circular be immediately addressed to the several Associations connected with this society, requesting that their annual reports may be presented to the adjournment of this Committee on the 22d instant, with the names of tlie Officers and Committee for the ensuing year ; and that the balance in the hands of their respective Treasurers, after deducting incidental expenses, be paid over at the same time. 194. That this Meeting adjourn to the 22d Instant, to receive the reports of the several Associations. It is not necessary to detail the subsequent proceedings arising out of these Resolutions. The Annual Report, after being adopted by the Committee, is transmitted, with an Abstract of the Cash and Bible Accounts, and a list of the Branch Officers and Committee for the ensuing year, to the * The result of tliis inquiry will be the more gratifying, when it is stated, that at this period nearly 1700 Bibles and Testaments had been circulated by the Ladies' Society alone, besides 5000 copies previously distributed by the Auxiliary Society. SECT. II.] LADIES BRANCH SOCIETIES. S93 Abstract of the Results of the Liverpool Society. Minute Secretary of the Auxiliary Society, by whom it is submitted to the General Meeting. The following Statement of the Results of the five Ladies' Branch Societies already enumerated, will exhibit a clear view of their proceeding to the 1st of January, 1821, and afford a gratifying evidence of their efficiency. LADIES' BRANCH OF THE LIVERPOOL AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY, Established Dec. 1817. ASSOCIATIONS. 14 2 0) ^ as, Si X. a Total Amount paid to the Branch Society. -la «5 o H (5^ H^ H l J £. s. d. Harrington .... 42 27 397 973 1370 53? 251 788 63 440. 3 . 8 St. James's .... .55 42 388 1263 1651 489 300 789 \n 410 . 14 . 6 Great George Square 54 36 600 1139 1739 741 167 908 70 676. 15. 11 Castle Street . . . 58 35 673 1082 1755 499 237 736 46 483 . 4 . 9 St. Paul's .... 92 32 544 1386 1930 689 366 1055 53 550 . 11 . 10 Mary-le nONNE . . . 54 39 382 1434 1816 550 393 943 86 454 . 12 . 3 St. Anne's 46 27 299 948 1247 455 153 608 39 415. 11. 0 Queen Square . . . 76 31 571 998 1569 511 161 672 45 473 . 13 . 1 Everton, Kirkoale, &c. "4 9 169 313 482 162 67 229 4 232 . 4 . 9 Edge Hill, &c. • . . -^9 17 164 278 442 145 55 200 197. 2.10 West Derby, &c. . . 19 12 102 240 342 166 121 287 18 142 . 12 . 8 St. Thomas's .... 17 17 202 225 427 45 12 57 8 83. 1. 4 Litherland .... 12 8 86 102 188 46 110 156 1 65 . 18 . 5 Tranmere 6 11 27 86 113 4 13 17 2 34 . 0 . 0 VVoolton 6 10 52 104 156 33 30 63 2 48. 0. 0 Branch Committee . • Total . . • 96 •• 700 700 •• 2247 107 641 . 19 . 1 696 333 5356 10571 15927 5072 2430 9755 655 5350 .6.1 Distributed, at Cost price, 4979 copies .... Under^Cost prices, 4776. Remitted for General Object, if. 1642. %s. Estimated Population of the District embraced by the Society, 110,000. S94. LADIES BIBLE SOCIETIES. [chap. VII, Manchester and Salford. LADIES' BRANCH OF THE MANCHESTER AND SALFORD AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY. Established May 1818. i •6 2-3 -a £ Total Amount paid ASSOCIATIONS. Is 5 - 3 'u S 3 in 'J H 3 M'5 ll o H V c to the Branch Society. £. S. 1/. New Cross . , . . 13 29 97 317 414 130 59 189 4 83 . 3 . 11 St. Michael's . . . 14 36 62 361 423 179 71 250 23 112 . 0 . 0 Exchange, &c. . . 19 22 112 236 348 116 26 142 4 98 . 0 . 0 St. Clement's * . . 24 38 117 450 567 186 78 264 13 153 . 4 . 2 St. Paul's .... 1? 19 26 278 304 130 44 174 7 85 . R . 10 MlNSHULL . . . . 9 22 26 258 284 125 26 151 3 85 . 0 . 0 St. James's . . . 28 21 144 303 447 128 64 192 26 129 . 14. 4 St. Anne's, &c. . . 22 30 163 226 389 98 31 129 9 103 . 18. 6 St. Peter's, &c. . . 22 45 72 365 437 190 63 253 8 135 . 0.0 Trinity- 28 17 275 607 882 282 90 372 16 239 . 0 . 6 St. Stephen's . . . 30 31 245 739 984 369 113 482 64 309 . 2 . 9 Pendleton, &c . • 16 14 132 431 566 214 86 300 6 145 . 4 . 0 Ardwick . . . . 26 19 132 395 527 183 64 247 6 198 . 1 . 6 Patricroft, &c. . . 17 17 60 496 556 274 144 418 6 157. 0. 0 Branch Committee . Total . . . 285 360 89 89 128 62 190 ... 283 . 19 . 7 1752 5465 7217 2732 1021 3753 !195 2317 . 18 . 1 Distributed, at Cost prices, 2539 copies .... Under Cost prices, 1214. Remitted for General Object, £.100. Estimated Population of tlie District embraced by the Society, 120,000. SECT. II.] LAD^E^S BRANCH SOCIETIES. 395 Plymouth, Plymouth Dock, &c. LADIES' BRANCH OP THB PLYMOUTH, &c. AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY. Established Oct 1818. ASSOCIATIONS. o u Is o'o °2 ^ o Total. ■6 a £-6 c ^ - 3 CO ■--3 5 o •3 i o c V c Total Amount paid to the Brauch Society. £. s. d. Charles' .... 50 38 606 1281 1887 499 255 754 83 483 . 12 . 6 St. Andrew's . . . 32 39 553 928 148] 426 12t 552 28 342 . 19 . 11 Northern Dock . . 35 21 64S 944 1587 414 153 567 45 350. 5 . 7 Southern Dock • . 37 27 857 1340 2197 523 271 794 50 432.19. 9 Stonehouse . . . 25 27 435 66S 1098 288 104 392 34 255 . 15. 9 Stoke & Morristown 31 20 437 773 1210 330 164 494 21 272 . 1 . 5 TORPOINT .... 17 8 15G 39'i 548 227 116 343 0 183 . 19 . 3 MlLLBROOK, &C. . . 18 14 130 276 406 118 75 193 8 137 . 1 . 10 IVY-BRIDGE .... 38 9 108 175 283 109 2h 137 0 85 . 13 . 5 Saltash .... 24 17 lOV 410 512 117 124 241 13 147 . 13 . 6 Brixham .... 39 38 1S6 537 673 201 151 352 0 178 . 4 , 10 Total . . . SAG 2oi:; H63 7719 11882 3252 1567 4819 282 2870 .7.11 Distributed at Cost prices 3841 copies .... Under Cost prices, 978. Remitted, for General Object, £.500. Estimated Population of the District embraced by the Society, 75,000. 396 LADIES BIBLE SOCIETIES. [chap. VIL Hull. — Newcastle-upoii-T3'ne. LADIES' BRANCH OF THE KINGSTON-UPON-HULL AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY. Esfahlislied in Mnrch 1819. ASSOCIATIONS. o , o . t'B 3.2 1 3 Si o if a ^ men _• S e2 -a 3 a 5; H'-i i o H -a £ .- c "a c °-- 1 Total Amount paid to the Branch Society. £. s. d East Hull . . . 19 18 285 375 660 129 71 200 4 164 . 6 . 4 West Hull . • . 24 24 349 520 869 228 101 329 3 239 .12.4 Myton 1 . . . . 30 31 289 741 1030 270 147 423 6 289 . 6 . 6 Sculcoates, &c. . 42 36 373 781 1154 273 200 473 5 316. 10. 10 Drypool, &c. . . 10 15 123 307 430 137 109 246 2. 107 .9.2 CoTTINGHAM,&C. . 10 7 127 137 264 67 24 91 0 109 . 12 . 0 Hessle, &c. . . Total . . .' 14 8 50 109 159 59 33 92 0 54 . 17 . 5 149 139 1596 2970 4566 1169 685 1854 20 1281 . 14 . 7 Distributed at Cost prices, 1811 copies. . . Under Cost prices, 43. Remitted for General object, i£. 407 • 5 . 5. Estimated Population of the District embraced by the Society, 42,000- LADIES' BRANCH OF THE NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY- Established in November 1819. ASSOCIATIONS. E ° s o Zii So 0 . ts 3.2 zo 3 to i 1= Men 1 73 3 ffl'-S i5T3 i| H-o 1 ■3 £ S i i i Total: Amount paid to the Branch Society. St. Andrew's . . St. John's . . . St. Nicholas . . Pilgrim Street . Pandon .... Sandgate . . . Gateshead . . . Total '. . 15 10 12 21 10 4 * 6 12 16 10 12 8 3 12 141 129 71 68 44 0 36 312 287 221 209 130 65 300 453 416 292 277 174 65 336 85 88 68 69 48 5 67 39 49 36 24 22 10 68 124 137 104 93 70 15 135 7 11 5 1 5 0 7 £. s. d. 114. 0. 0 94 . 0. 0 64 . 0. 0 62 . 0. 0 49 . 0 . 0 6.2.6 76 . 0. 0 78 73 489 1524 2013 430 248 678 36 465 . 2 . 6 Distributed at Cost prices 660 copies .... Under Cost prices, 18. Remitted, for General Object, f .100. Estimated Population of the District embraced by the Society, 40,000. SECT, in.] ladies' bible associations. S9T, — '~A Abstract of the Results of the Liverpool and other Branch Societies. RECAPITULATION. Aggregate Population. : 387,000 D". . .Number of Districts 1,183 of Collectors, &c 1 ,554< of Free Contributors 13,356 of Bible Subscribers 28,249 of Bibles and Testaments dis- ) «^ ,, ^^ tributed J-20,8o9 of Persons supplied with Loans 1,188 Amount paid £.12,285 .9.2 Amount voted for General Object . . . £. 2,749 .15.5 It will be observed, that the proportion which the total number of Contributors and Subscribers bears to the Popu- lation is, — In Liverpool about .... 1 to 7 Manchester — , ... 1 to 16 Plymouth, &c. ... — .... 1 to 6 Hull — .... 1 to 9 Nevrcastle-on-Tyne . — .... 1 to 20 And that the ratio of Collectors, when compared with the population, is precisely similar. This furnishes a conclusive evidence, that it is only necessary to increase the number of those valuable Agents, in order to extend an interest in the cause, and diffuse more widely the advantages and blessings of the system. SECTION III. ON ladies' bible associations. It has been observed, that the Parent Institution assumes no control over the internal arrangements of Local Societies; and that the recognition and strict observance of its fun- damental principle, alone, constitutes the bond of uniom But the advantages of one uniform mode of proceeding in all societies of the same designation, are evident : and among them, no one is more impoitant than the security which is thus afforded, that the integrity of this principle will be main- tained throughout every part of the system. 1. The following are the Rules recommended by the Committee of the Parent Society for adoption by Ladie^' Bible Associations: — I. That we form ourselves into an Association, in connexion with the Bri- tish and Foreign Bible Society, through the medium of the Aixxiliar*- 398 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vii. Rules recommended to Ladies' Bible Associations. — Observations. [or Branch] Bible Society, for the purpose of contributing towards the circulation of the holy scriptures " without note or comment," particu- larly in and its vicinity ; and that this Association be denominated " The Ladies' Bible Association." II. That all persons, subscribing the sum of one penny, or upwards, per •week, or making a donation of one guinea or upwards, at one time, shall be members of this Association. III. That the business of this Association shall be conducted by a Com- mittee, to be chosen annually, consisting of a Treasurer, Secretaries, and not less than other members, eligible for re-election, and under the patronage of such other honorary members as the Society or Committee shall select and obtain. IV. That the Committee meet once a month, or oftener, if necessary, on a day to be fixed by themselves ; and that members be empowered to act. V. That, for the purpose of soliciting and collecting donations and sub- scriptions, the Committee divide this neighbourhood into districts, and ap- point one or more collectors from among themselves to each district ; and that these contributions be paid to the Treasurer at the Monthly Committee Meetings. VI. That the Committee make it their business to inquire, Whether any families or individuals, residing within the limits of this Association, are in want of Bibles or Testaments, and unable to procure them : in which case it shall be the duty of the Committee to supply them therewith, at prime cost, or reduced prices, according to their circumstances. VII. That the funds of this. Association, or so much thereof as the Com* mittee shall direct, whether arising from subscriptions, donations, or the sale of Bibles and Testaments, shall, from time to time, be expended in the purchase of Bibles and Testaments at prime cost, to be sold to the poor in the neighbourhood, as before directed ; and that any surplus which may arise, be remitted, at the discretion of the Conunittee, to the Auxiliary [or Branch] Bible Society, in aid of the general purposes of the British and Foreign Bible Society. VIII. That a General Meeting of the subscribers and friends of the Association be held on such day as shall be fixed on by the Committee in each year, at — o'clock ; when the accounts (as audited by the Com- mittee) shall be presented, the proceedings of the past year reported, and a Treasurer, Secretaries, and Committee, chosen for the ensuing year. IX. That a copy of these Rules, signed by the Secretaries, be transmitted to the Committee of the Auxiliary [or Branch] Bible Society ; with a request, that they will grant permission to lay out the funds of this Asso- ciation in purchasing, at the depositorj' of the said society, Bibles and Testa- ments at the cost prices* 2. OBSERVATIONS. The following remarks, in addition to those submitted in Chapter III. Section II. may tend to elucidate the practical operation of these Rules : — I. When the Association is formed in connexion with a Ladies' Branch Society, the introduction to the Jirst Rule should be thus expressed ; — " That we form ourselves into an Association in cou- SECT. III.] ladies' bible ASSOCIATIONS. 399 Simplicity of the object. — Inexpediency of large Districts. nexion with the British and Foreign Bible Society, tlirough the medium of the Ladies' Branch of the Auxiliary Society." In this, as in the primary regulation of every Bible Society, the single object of the institution is distinctly recognised. On this subject it has been justly observed, — " Its grand design is, to cir- culate the volume of divine inspiration among all the nations of mankind, in all their several languages. This is its sole business : it intermeddles with nothing else. It distributes the Scriptures— the whole of the Scriptures — and nothing but the Scriptures. It gives them, as God has given them, without note or comment ; pleading the example of God as its precedent ; and relying on the blessing of God for success." " Blend this object with others, and you dissolve the charm that binds the whole together ; — you narrow again the sphere of co-operation, by unavoidably touching, in some degree or other, on party peculiarities ; — you introduce variations of sentiment, and scruples of conscience ; — and by bringing Chris- tian association back to its former circumscribed state, you destroy one of the chief glories of the singular period in which we have the happiness to live." II. It is a mistaken idea to suppose that the funds of Bible Asso- ciations are derived, exclusively, from the contributions of the labouring classes. They have, in numerous instances, been aug- mented by the liberality of individuals in the middle and upper ranks of society ; and nothing tends more to encourage the former, than this co-operation on the part of their superiors. At the Annual Meeting of the Liverpool Auxiliary Society, in the year 1813, when a resolution had been adopted for forming Bible Asso- ciations, the Chief Magistrate, who presided, after declaring " that he accounted it the greatest honour that could be conferred upon him to have an opportunity of standing up as the warm friend of the Bible ;" and avowing his peculiar admiration of the plan of penny- a -week societies ; in order to sanction the measure, imme- diately added, " Put my name at the head of that list, and all my domestics shall become subscribers too." According to the census of 1811, there are more than 2,100,000 inhabited houses in Great Britain. If each of these furnished only a single subscriber of a penny a week, the annual aggregate amount would exceed four hundred and fifty thousand pounds; being con- siderably more than double the income of all our Bible and Mis- sionary institutions. III. In addition to the remarks already offered {Chap. II. Sect. II.) relative to the provisions of the third and fourth Rules, it is only necessary to observe, that, in order to conduct the business with system and efficienc}', three Secretaries should be appointed. The number of the Committee will always depend on the extent of the Association. IV. Allusion has already been made to the inxepediency of large districts ; and, in Associations conducted by Ladies, it will be found, 400 ladies' bible societies. ' [chap. VIi"! Necessity of Associations. that fifty or sixty houses are amply sufficient for each. The inju- rious consequences of suffering any individual to collect, who is not a member of the Committee, have likewise been pointed out ; but this must be accepted as a general remark, since it is evident that places will always be found, especially in large towns, which it would be inconsistent with the delicacy of the female character to visit regularly. — The following extract from the Second Annual Report of the Bristol Association will illustrate the author's mean- ing, and suggest a mode by which this difficulty may be obviated. " A young man employed in the coach-office at the Eush Tavern, at an interval of leisure, was talking with three or four of the servants and porters about different religious societies, and, among the rest, about the Bible Society ; when, on his observing that hundreds subscribed to it only one penny per week, all said, one after another, " I should not mind that." Immediately he inquired into particulars respecting the Bible Association, and began to solicit subscriptions ; and he has obtained, by his own unassisted exertions, forty-eiglit subscribers for the benefit of the Association, and thirty-one subscribers for Bibles and Testaments, at the Society's prices. It deserves to be particularly noticed, that all these seventy-nine subscribers are com])osed of book-keepers, coachmen, guards, horse-keepers, porters,- and other servants connected with the inns, who probably would never have been prevailed on to subscribe by any other person." This fact clearly proves the beneficial effects of circulating printed 'Papers explanatory of the nature, tendency, and effects of Bible Societies. It is scarcely necessary to observe, that the respective individuals who collect in such places should pay over the amount, monthly, to the collectors of the districts in which they are situated. V. It has been well observed, that " it is no difficult task to imagine that the inhabitants of a town or village are adequately supplied with the holy scriptures ; but it is diffieult and laborious to investigate whether they are or are not," The following Extracts from the Annual Reports of Local Societies are selected from an immense number of similar testimonies, which afford decisive evidence, that it is only by the practical operation of the sixth Rule that this investigation tow be prosecuted. In every case, an Auxiliary or Branch Society had been previously established, and had suc- ceeded in attaining its immediate and important object ; but was found incompetent to conduct those regular and systematic in- quiries, which constitute the peculiar province of Associations, an^ by which alone an accurate knowledge of the state of the poor can be acquired. Colchester, 1813 — In one parish connected with the Hinckford Hundred Society, 144 families were visited, consisting of 689 persons: of these there were, 34 families, in which no person could read; 80 families having no copy of either Old or New Testament; 30 families having a defective or torn copy of a Bible or Testament. Ditto, 1818.— Of 69 families inhabiting one street, in each of which was some person who could read, were found 52 families, embracing about 20(1 SEiCT III.3 LABIES* BIBLE ASSOCtAlTIO'MS. 401 Wants of the Scriptures ascertained — requisite supply furnished. persons, without either Bible or Testament : of these, 56 individuals ex- pressed their willingness to contribute a penny a-week to obtain a Bible. North- ff^est London, 1818 — In one division of the Oxford-Market Asso- ciation, out of 150 subscribers which were obtained, upwards of 90 were in want of Bibles. And in a single court within the limits of the same Asso- ciation, consisting of ten houses, and containing about sixty families, only Jive copies of the Scriptures were found. Daventry, 1819. — The necessity for a Ladies' Association at By field is established by the report of the collectors of one district, who state, " Out of the first twenty-three houses which we visited, there were nineteen families *iranting Bibles, being either without them, or those they possessed bein^ torn and useless." Staffordshire, 1819.-^*' It was discovered, by actual investigation, that in One village, twenty-nine families, containing 153 individuals, and amounting to about half its population, had amongst them, only three Bibles, and not ona Testament. And there was every reasonable ground for believing that tha remaining half of this village, and also three other villages in the near neighbourhood of it, were in a condition equally destitute and deplorable." Southampton, 1817. — The formation of this society, in 1814, was preceded by an inquiry, the result of which was, that, among 4165 individuals, thero were found to be no more than 439 Bibles and 123 Testaments. In Sep- tember 1816, a Ladies' Association was formed: and in reference to one of the country districts, which the Committee of the Branch Society believed to have been adequately supplied, they observe, — " Your Committee had con- sidered that there was no necessity for their exertions in that quarter ; and bad accordingly abandoned any intention to do any thing further, than to supply two Bibles to that number of cases recommended to them by a resi-. dent. On actual investigation, however, to their great surprise, it appeared that forty-four families (out of sixty visited by the Ladies) were destituto of the holy scriptures; while many others possessed such books alone a* were mutilated, and in great part useless." Doncaster, 1820.—." It is a great argument in favour of Bible Associations, that it is only through their operation that any thing like a true estimate of the want of the Scriptures existing in a district can be obtained. The re- turns made by Auxiliary Committees have usually fallen far short of the truth i and the actual wants can only be brought to light by the minute investigation of Association collectors. Hence it has not unfrequently happened, where a hundred copies of the Scriptures have been reported as wanted, ten times that number have been found insufficient. The truth of these remarks has been proved in our own society. Seven years have elapsed since this Auxiliary was established : — at that time, two hundred and eightif poor families, amounting to near one-fifth of tlie population of Doncaster, were reported as destitute ; and during i\\Q four years entling 1817i three hundred copies were circulated, which it might have been plausibly contended would be a sufficient supply. But what is the ftict ? — A Bible Association was esta- blished in 1817 ; and within three years, no fewer than nine Itund red and four. teen Bibles and Testaments have been diatributed to persons who voluntarily and cheerfully enrolled their names as subscribers .... As a further proof of the great efficiency of Bible Associations, above every other means of distribution, it may here be mentioned, that through the channel of sub- scribers to your Auxiliary, resident in Buic'ry, only sini/sii- copies of the Scriptures found their way into that town up to 1818 ; while during the two years the Association has been in operation, 7iine hundred and eighty-six JBibles and Testaments have been issued from the Doncaster depository to answer the demands of Buwtry and the adjacent villages." .... The DD 402 ladies' bible societies. [chap. VII/ Readiness of the Poor to contribute to the Foreign object — parish of Clayton, though of circumscribed extent, and with a population not exceeding 300 souls, enjoys all the advantages and all the blessings of a well- ordered Bible Association. The excellent clergyman of that parish thus writes : — " Had not a resource of this nature been within our reach, the ear- nest applications we have received, could not, as far as I am aware, have been answered to the satisfaction of the parties, with respect either to time, or the most convenient price of the books Every day convinces me, that, in accomplishing the establishment of a Bible Institution among the poor people of this place, I have done more towards promoting their best happi- ness, than would have been ef[^'ected by the most active personal exertions^- unassisted by so truly valuable a support." Nothing more, your Committee are persuaded, need be advanced to establish the justice of the fol- lowing assumption : — That the number of persons returned without the Scrip- tures, in any particular district, from the enumeration of families, is generally underrated ; that the only means of obtaining correct information of the full extent of the deficiency, is through the means of Bible Associations ; — and that the most effectual, and therefore the best method of supplying that de- ficiency, is by such Associations." VI. Many observations have been submitted in the preceding chapters, with regard to the practical application of the Seventh rule. Were it the only object of a Bible Association to satisfy the home demand, one of the most happy eflPects of these institutions would instantly cease. The labouring classes, might, indeed, be supplied, but they would be deprived of the means now provided for mani- festing their interest in the cause ; — a cause which attracts by its simplicity, and retains its hold on their affections by the unequivocal evidence of its beneficial results. Nor is it too much to assert, that no part of our population would more unfeignedly lament the adoption of any measure, were it possible that such should be sug- gested, which could restrict the operations of the Society : it is the two-fold object which constitutes its principal beauty, and secures its permanence. The following extracts will sufficiently illustrate this part of the subject. North, TVe$t- London, 1820. — "A poor woman, who supported herself by washing, and letting the spare apartments of her little habitation, subscribed, as a free-will offering, six-pence per month to the Fitzroy-Square Asso- ciation. Deeply impressed with the importance and usefvdness of the insti- tution, as her circumstances improved, she increased her subscription to one shilling per month. This she continued for three years. Unfortunately, some of her lodgers, in whom she had placed too much confidence, went away without pa^'ing her : nearly at the same time, also, lier employment was gi'eatly reduced. In consequence of these privations, she was compelled to relinquish her monthly subscription : this she did with expressions of the deepest regret : she said that she felt this painful necessity as the greatest of all her deprivations ; for she had felt a pleasure which words could not describe, in contributing her widow's mite to the blessed cause ; and she had hoped that her subscription would continue to the end of her days. Another individual in the same district had been afflicted in her health, and was admitted as a patient into St. George's Hospital. In this situation she received a present of a Bible from a pious young lady, who visited her in her confinement. This Bible she read with devout impres- lions of its excellence, and with an anxious ',vish to know and practise the SECT. HI.] ladies' bible associations. 403 Instances of their liberality. will of God. Being restored to health and to her home, she felt an earnest desire to extend to other sons and daughters of affliction the support, conso- lation, and improvement of the divine word, and to express her gratitude by assisting to circulate the holy scriptures. Accordingh', she became a subscriber to the Bible Association ; and expressed herself thus to one of the Collectors, who accidentally called at her lodgings : ' You are the person I wished to see ; God has blessed me with a little work : I have just received the first shilling for it ; I wish to devote it to his service.' The Collector, ■ with that wisdom, pi-udence, and kindness, which should never be lost sight of, remonstrated on the occasion, and declined taking the contribution. The poor woman exclaimed, ' Oh, do not rob me of this only comfort : when distress prevented my contributing, it pierced my heart with sorrow ; but now that I can afford to give this one shilling, it feels like as if my wounds were healed.' " Ouudle and Thrapston- — For several years, an item has appeared in the Reports of the Society, acknowledging an annual remittance of nearly two pounds, from " An Association of some Poor Women, whose names and re- sidence are unknown, of one halfpenny a-week." The name of her, whose little contribution was blessed by the Saviour's approval, is not recorded on earth ; but He still sits over against the treasury, and knows and marks the motives of those who cast money into it. IJaventry, 1820. — " Two poor wo.aen, who have received their Bibles, and paid the full })rice, after gi-atefully expressing their thanks to the Society for affording them the opportunity of purchasing the Bible in such an easy way, and indeed the only way in which they could have spared the money, re- quested they might each be allowed to subscribe for a Bible to give away. They now jia}', one twopence, the other threepence per week, for that purpose. How charity expands the heart and fills it with holy zeal ! Even the cottager is capable of feeling her heavenly emotions, and shares with the noble and the rich the sacred benediction — ' it is more blessed to give than to receive."' fVestminster, 1816. — " An officer ot this Association was called upon by a respectable-looking young woman, apparently a servant, who desired to know whether he received subscriptions for the Bible Association ; and on being answered in the affirmative, she put a one-pound note in his hand. Not supposing her to be the author of such liberality, he inquired in whose name he should place it on the society's accounts. The question evi- dently confused her ; and with some embarrassment, she asked whether it would be necessary to expose her name : the necessity of it, of course, was not insisted on ; and, seemingly glad that her benevolence might escape the glare of jaiblicity, she begged it might be accounted for as the gift of a ser- vant ; and went away, bearing in her countenance a most pleasing evidence that regret was not amongst her feelings, and leaving the individual she had entrusted with her bounty to exclaim, moi'e from a consideration of her circumstances than of the magnitude of the gift, ' Verily, she hath cast in more than they all.' " Staffordshire, 1818—" The Rev. Secretary of the Tamworth Branch writes thus : — ' It is not now that there is here and there a Bible on the shelf, covered with dust and cobwebs ; but it is sought for, and it is read. The moral and the religious feelings of the people ai'e improved. I can add one little anecdote, which occurred here some short time ago. A person gave me a small donation for the Society, with these remarks : ' The Bible is my source of comfort and joy. I wish others, Sir, to partake of that blessing as well as myself. I and mme are but poor ; but we have been enabled, by means of this society, to obtain the Scriptures at an eassy rate. These Scriptures have D D 2 404 ladies' bible societies* [chap. vi?. Advantages of General Jleetings — taught us to be humble, industrious, and frugal. I have saved a few shil- lings : take them, Sir, as a small donation. This mite may, in a little de« gree, further the intentions of this valuable institution.' " Smit/iampton, 1819. — " It is a very pleasing fact, that seven of the Bibles supplied were j)urchased by the children of a Female Sunday-school, from the accumulation of little gratuities which they had received as rewards for good conduct, on purpose that they might be given to poor persons destitute of the holy scriptures. The money saved, and thus appropriated, was five- and-thirty shillings ; and the act was spontaneous on the part of the children. So fine an example of self-denying benevolence, it is hoped, may not be with- out its use, both among the children of opulent families, and among persons of more advanced age in general." VI r. When the annual meeting of a Bible Association is held jointly with that of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society, the folloMnng should be substituted as the EighlliRule : — " That the Annual Gene- ral Meeting of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Bible Society be considered the Anniversary Meeting of this Association 3 and that a copy of the Treasurer's account (as audited by the Committee), a Report of the proceedings of the past year, and the names of the Officers and Committee, be transmitted to the Secretaries of the said society, one month previous to such Annual Meeting." The following extracts afford a gratifying evidence of the advan- tages attending those Meetings, and exemplify their beneficial effect* on the different classes of the community : — North- ffest London, 1815. — " An instance has occurred of a person sub- scribing for Bibles to be given to each of his servants ; a person who, pre- viously to the formation of this society, as he himself stated, discredited the Bible, lost no opportunity of contending against it, and would not suffer a single copy to be kept in his house ; but having heard much of the great activity and zeal displayed in the formation of Bible Associations, he was induced to attend the meetings, and afterwards to search the Scriptures him- self diligently ; the result of which was, a deep conviction of the truth of the divine oracles, and of the fallacy of those arguments which he had formerly employed against them." hit to, 1818 — "At the General Meeting of the Edgeware-Road Bible Association, a poor woman, who had already subscribed for and received a Bible, and continued her subscription of a-penny per week, was so delighted at some interesting intelligence from Russia, which was read at the meeting, that she went the next morning to the collector, and said she would pay threepence per week in future." .... The Percy-street Ladies' Report states, " That a female servant, who lately attended a meeting of a Bible Associa- tion, was so deeply impressed with a sense of her duty to ' do what she could ' in so good a cause, that she immediately became a free subscriber ; solicited her companions to contribute also ; and, having succeeded with several of them, has undertaken to collect their subscriptions." City of London, 1816'. — " Nor have the public meetings of the Associa- tions been luiproductive of benefit : they have served to awaken the slumber- ing zeal of some who attended them, have elicited friends to the institution, and abated the prejudices of those M'ho had been unfriendly to Bible Socie- ties. There is one delightful tale told, in a report from one of the Associations, of a person who went, both ignorant and careless, to the Anniversary ]\Ieet- ing ; but retired thoughtful, and inquiring the way to heaven. From tihaj SECT. IIlJ XADIES' BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS. 405 and Instances of their good Effects. auspicious hour, she has been pressing forward in her religious career; to wbicli she is an honour, by her devout and liumble spirit, and by the con- sistency of conduct which she displays." St. George's Association, 1815. — "A person, who had been blessed with pious parents, but had lost them at an early age, and had since forgotten their parental instructions and admonitions, living " without God in the world," ■was prompted by curiosity, as he passed, to step into Jones's Hiding School, during the General Sleeting for the formation of this Association. — At that moment, a minister was advocating the cause of your society ; and address- ing himself to the younger part of the audience, with such warmth as to attract his attention, he was thereby induced to hear the remaining addresses ; and on leaving the place, his reflections led him to consult his long-neglected Bible : the result is, that he has become a good husband, an affectionate father, and a decidedly religious character : he is now a constant and serious attendant on the ministry of that gentleman who was, under Providence, the first instrument of awakening him from his thoughtless state ; and he ia also an active and zealous member of one of our sister Associations.' Fitzroy-Square Association, 1816. — " Soon after the last Anniversary Meet- ing, a labouring man called on one of the collectors, stating, that he had at- tended there, and had been so impressed by what he heard, that he could not be satisfied in his mind till he had given his mite towards the distribution of that great book (so he called it), the value of which he so well knew. The poor man then cheerfully and modestly put down liis piece of five shiUinga and sixpence." Daventry, 1 820. — " A lady, who was on a visit in this neighbourhood at the -period of your last Anniversary, attended on that very interesting occasion. When she heard the detail of the operations of your society, and of the man- ner in which your funds were increased and your Bibles and Testaments disti-ibuted, by the energy and assiduity of her own sex, she felt a convic- tion that it was her duty to 'go and do likewise.' Immediately on returning to her usual residence, a distance of thirty miles, she attempted to investi- gate the wants of the poor in her neighbourhood, and proposed to those, who were destitute of the holy scriptures, to become weekly subscribers. She was soon astonished and delighted to observe how easily the plan was adopted, and how gladly the proposal was generally accepted. In the space of twelve months she has cu'culated more than twenty-five pounds' worth of books ; and has frequently declared, that ihe pleasure of the work abundantly recom- pensed the labour of it ; and that it was ' more blessed to give than to re- ceive.' " JVestminster , 1817. — "A poor man came to offer himself as a free subscriber to this Association. The meanness of his appearance astonished the collector, and he did not accept his offer. Being thus disappointed, he applied to ano- ther member, and expressed the same wish. He was asked, ' Where do you live ?' He replied, ' Near Saffron-hill.' — ' You had better, then, subscribe to the Association of that district.' He said, he had been induced to make this application in consequence of seeing a printed placard, announcing the annual meeting of the St. Clement Dane's Association ; and he had brought a one-pound note, not in payment for a Bible, but as a free gift. Intreaties ■were used to induce him to change his mind, but in vain ; he would not be moved from his purpose. He said he had been at sea, and could well spare it ; as he had lately received some prize-money. The collector's astonishment was stiU more increased, when he infonned him that he was a Roman Ca- tholic. He acknowledged that the Bible was the only book that could meet the necessities of the soul, and shewed much solicitude for the more geiieral diffusion of it." 406 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vir. By-Laws of the Committees of Ladies' Associations. It has been already observed, that the public proceedings of Ladies' Bible Societies are conducted exclusivelv by the Committees of the Auxiliary [^or Branch^ Societies with which they are con- nected, who should always appoint a judicious and efficient Sub- Conunittee for this particular purpose. The form of the Annual Repoi t, and such further remarks as a])pear necessary, will be found in Section V. of this chapter. When the Association is connected with a Ladies' Branch Society, the duty enjoined by the Ninth Rule is fulfilled by the Treasurer and Secretaries, who should present a copy of their Rules and Regulations to the next meeting of the Ladies' Branch. 3. The following are the By-Laws, recommended for adoption by the Committees of Ladies' Bible Associations : — I. That the Committee meet at , on the , in every month, at o'clock precisely ; and that as soon after that time as Members be present, business shall be commenced. II. That the chair be taken by the President ; in the President's absence, by one of the Vice-Presidents ; in their absence, by the Treasurer ; and in the absence of all these officers, the Committee shall appoint a person to the chair from among themselves. III. That the order of proceeding shall be, I. To read the Minutes of the preceding Meeting, and dispose of busi- ness arising therefrom. S. To receive the Treasurer's and Secretaries' reports of the state of the funds, and of the stock of Bibles and Testaments on hand. 3. To call for a writ fen report from the Collectors of each district: such reports to be taken into consideration, and, if approved, to be re- ceived, and copied into the " Report Book." 4. To receive any official communications which the Secretaries m" " A Member of the Bible Society." Surely there never was a gem or jewel worn by British female, — surely there never sparkled a diamond in the courts of kings, — which would not be gladly expended to pur- chase such a Bible, to be used by such a child, on such an occasion !"* VI I r. Many of the observations just offered are equally ap- plicable to the Twelfth By-Law. It is evident that a Bible and Testament constitute an adequate supply, generally speaking, for every family ; but where there are several children, and especially when they are about to leave home for service, the importance of encouraging their parents to supply them with this, their best companion, will be duly appreciated. The Committee of the Plymouth Ladies' Society observe, — " It is a touching and a beautiful sight, and by no means unfrequent, when the collectors are called on to receive from the pittance of age and infirmity the weekly penny for the purchase of a Bible or a Testament, designed to be the legacy of affection to the lisping grandchild. The poor have feelings ; and rightly do they seek to embahn and perpetuate their memories, by selecting such a memoriak" But this benevolent principle acquires a higher value, when we behold its influence extending beyond the limits of the domestic circle. — The Committee of the Sherborne Ladies' Association re- port : — " A poor youth, about eighteen years of age, called on one of your secre- taries for two Testaments. On being asked if he had not some months past obtained a Bible for himself, he replied, " Yes ; I do not now buy for my- self: there is a poor lad living near me without a Bible, and I want him to read it, because it has done me so much good : the other I want to carry to an old woman, who has long been confined to her bed, in order that I may read to her ; and I assure you, there is no Bible in the room, and I wish to leave it there, for the good of all her neighbours who visit her." And the exemplary Committee of the Colchester and East-Essex Auxiliary Society place this subject in a new and interesting point of view, by stating, that, " among the recent issues, have been twelve * Spv-cch cf the Rev. John Cawood at the AVorcestcr Meeting, 1813, 414 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vir.T ■ ■■ ... 2 ■ Circulation of INIonthly Extracts. Bibles, at the reduced price, to the proprietor of the principal inn in this town, to be placed in the sleeping-rooms, for the use of those who have occasion to take up a temporary residence there. Your Committee would recommend the practice to be adopted as gene- rally as possible ; and sincerely hope the good intentions of those who have commenced it will be fully realized." IX. The following extracts, in addition to the remarks submitted in Chap. I. Section VIII. , will exemplify the beneficial effects re- sulting from the provisions of the Thirteenth By-Law : ff^esimhister, 1818- — " The plan recently adopted, of printing ' Monthly Extracts,' from the correspondence of the Parent Society, has been highly beneficial, in exciting new and zealous exertions in the several departments of the society. With these extracts in his hand, every contributor to the Society can trace its inci'easing progress and success, in opening the treasures of. Divine Wisdom to regions hitherto unsupplied with the word of life." Blackheath, 1818. — " The occasional circulation of the ' Monthly Ex- tracts' among persons who knew but little of the extensive labours of the Bible Society, has made the most salutary impression. It has, in many cases, silenced objections, and brought new friends to the cause in which that Society and its Auxiliaries are engaged." Plymouth Ladies\ 18-20. — " Your Committee have, during the past year, judged it expedient to give increased circulation to those very interesting documents, the ' Monthly Extracts of Correspondence:' having been satisfied of their tendency to excite and maintain a powerful interest in the operations of the Pjirent Society. By rich and poor they are perused with equal in- terest. In most of the poorer districts they ai-e regularly circulated ; and the eagerness with which they are inquired for, evinces that poverty may restrain the hand, but cannot chill the heart." Specimens of all the Books and Reports referred to in the By- Laws, will be found in one connected series in Section V. of this Chapter, with such remarks and explanations as may be necessary to illustrate their practical tendency. SECTION IV. ON THE MODE OF ESTABLISHING AND ORGANIZING LADIES' BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS. 1. In yjlaces where Auxiliary or Branch Societies are esta- bhshed and properly organized, the formation of Associations generally originates with their Committees : and it will be recollected, that their By-Laws {Chap. II. Sect. III.) are framed with particular reference to this subject. The mode of proceeding, in regard to Associations conducted by Gentlemen, has been explicitly detailed in Chap. III. Sect. IV. ; and the members of a District Committee w ill find no difficulty in accommodating the directions there given to the peculiar circumstances of a Ladies' Society. "When the SECT. IV.] MODE OF FORMING LADIES* ASSOCtATIONS. 4l5 Facility of establishing I^adies' Associations. measure arises spontaneously with anyLady, the first proceed- ing, after forming a provisional committee of three or more Ladies, should be, to request the assistance of the nearest Auxiliary or Branch Committee, who immediately depute a judicious Sub-Committee, — if regular District Committees be not already appointed, — to meet the Ladies, and afford them every requisite aid in carrying the design into effect. It is the duty of those gentlemen to make the necess^wy arrangements for the general meeting ; to conduct the proceedings of svicli meeting ; and to reheve the Ladies of all that part of the busi- ness which involves publicity and active exertion. 2. Such is the facility with which a Ladies' Bible Associa- tion may be established, and the readiness of the female sex to co-operate in this work of benevolence, that the author has frequently found a few hours sufficient for the purpose. After introducing the subject at the annual meeting of an Auxiliary or Branch Society, and briefly explaining the nature and de- sign of the proposed institution, accompanied with a sketch of the results of similar societies, a meeting of Ladies has been appointed for the same evening, or the following day, when the Association has been regularly formed, and the Committee organised. Whether this plan, or the more deliberate and methodical mode alluded to in the preceding paragraph, be adopted, the following order of proceedings will be found to embrace the several heads of business to be transacted. — The entries in italics will be considered as manusci'ipt. 3. Order of Proceedings at the Formation of a Ladies' Eible Association. Aylesbury^ \Slh September, 181 7. At aJMeeting convened for the purpose of establishing a Ladies' Bible Association for Aylesbury and its vicinity; — Sir James Macintosh, Bart, in the Chair. A. B. having explained the nature and design of the proposed societjt, and detailed the beneficial effects of similar institutions in other places, the following Resolutions were unanimously adopted ; viz. No. i . Moved by C D. ; seconded by E. F. " That a Society be now formed, to be called ' The Aylesbury Ladies' Bible Association ;' of which the following shall be the Rules and Regulations." {See Rults, SectiotilU.) No. 2. Moved by G. H. ; seconded by /. K. " That the following be the Officers of this Association ; viz. Lady Nugent Patroness. Lady Macintosh President. 416 LADIES* BIBLE SOCIETIES. [CHAP. VIF* Order of Proceedings at the Formation of an Association. Vice-Presidents : Mrs. A. S Mrs, C. Mrs. B. S Miss D, Mrs. £.... Treasurer. Miss B. A. i Miss D.C. r Secretaries. Mrs. F.E * *' And that the following Ladies be members of the Committee, with power to add to their number, and to obtain such further patronage as they may deem suitable i" viz. [Here follow the names of the Ladies.1 No. 3. INIoved by L. M, ; seconded by N. O. *' That the following be the By-LAWS of the Committee of this Associa* tion." (5ce By-Laws, Section iii.) No. 4. Moved by P. Q. ; seconded by R. S. " That the Secretaries be authorised to get two hundred copies of the Rules and By-Laws, and Jive hundred copies of the Form of the Monthly Reports, printed : and to procure the requisite account-books, papers, and collecting- bags, for the use of the Association ; and that they send, as soon as possible, to the Collectors of each district. Six copies of the Rules and By-Laws. ASllSfngB^ok,|P'^«P^^^^"^^'^'^^'^^°^h^^^^^ _ A Collecting Bag, marked with the number of the district. A Form of the Monthly Report. Twenty Bible Subscribers' Cards. Twenty Transfer Tickets ; And a supply of printed Papers. On the receipt of which, the several District Committees are requested ta commence their inquiries." (For Specimens of the Books, Papers, i{c. alluded tain this resolution, see Sect.Y.) No. 5. Moved by 7'. U. ; seconded by fT. X. "That the Committee meet at tfie National School- Room, on next Monday, the 22rf instant, at eleven o'clock precisely, in order to divide the town and neighbourhood into convenient districts, and appoint one or more members to each as collectors. And that such meeting be open to any other Ladies who may feel disposed to join the Committee." No. 6. Moved by Y. Z. ; seconded by A. B. " That the cordial thanks of this meeting be presented to A. B-, for^ the favor of his company and assistance on this occasion." No. 7. Moved by C D. ; seconded by E. F. " That the thanks of this meeting be presented to the Chairman, for his able and obliging conduct in the Chair." The Chairman having acknowledged the vote of thanks, adjourned the meeting. 4. OBSERVATIONS. In addition to the remarks on this branch of the subject, in the corresponding divisions of the preceding Chapters, the following hints may be found useful ; — SECT. IV.] MODE OF FORMING LADIEs' ASSOCIATIONS. 417 A clear Explanation of the System should be given. I. The business should be opened by a Gentleman who is per- fectly acquainted with the subject, and competent to explain the nature and design of the proposed institution. Many benevolent Ladies are deterred from offering their services on these occasions, under an apprehension that the duties are arduous, and the time required to fulfil them more than they can spare, — who would cheerfully unite if they understood the simple nature of those duties, and how small the sacrifice of time really is. It is therefore of importance that this, and every other difficulty, should be ob- viated, and any doubts satisfactorily removed. As the meeting may be considered of a select description, an opportunity is afforded for friendly discussion ; and the Ladies should be invited to make any inquiries that may lead to a more perfect knowledge of the system. n. The Gentleman who moves the First Resolution, should take a concise but clear review of the object and intention of each par- ticular regulation. It is vain to hope, that rules which are not fully understood will be strictly obeyed -. and as this code contains no provision which has not been found necessary, every requisite explanation of their practical tendency and effects should be given in this stage of the proceedings. III. If suitable Ladies have not previously signified their consent to accept the honorary offices of Patroness, President, &c., the Second Resolution may be so expressed as to convey an invitation to those who are selected ; or the choice may be left to the future decision of the Committee, and the word " further," at the close of tJhe minute, be omitted. In the appointment of Treasurer and Secretaries, the remarks submitted in the preceding chapters may afford some useful suggestions. It should be observed, that in Associations connected with a Ladies' Branch Society, no honorary officers but Presidents are elected ; tlie List of Patronage being considered applicable to all the united Associations. IV. The preceding observation. No. ii., is equally applicable to the gentleman who moves (he Third Resolution. As it is the pecu- liar property of the By-Laws, to point out the manner in which the Rules of the Society shall be carried into effect, they cannot be too clearly illustrated. For this purpose, specimens of the various books, papers, &c., should be exhibited, and their several uses explained ; and every apparent difficulty should be met by a clear and explicit statement of the mode of proceeding adopted in other places. If there be not sufficient time to enter into those important and highly necessary details, the discussion of the third and fourth Resolutions may be deferred to the first meeting of the Committee. It will, however, be most expedient to adopt them at this primary meeting, not only to enable the Secretaries to make the necessary arrangements without delay, but to give the ladies present a clear and uninterrupted view of the whole subject. V. It will be found highly conducive to the interests of the Asso- s E 418 ladies' bible societies. [chap. VII. Proceedings at the First Meeting of the Committee. ciation, if the gentlemen who take the lead in its establishment meet the Treasurer and Secretaries immediately after the meeting, in order to give them such hints and instructions, relative to their respective duties, as may appear necessary. At this interview, if not previously arranged, the Secretaries may select their several departments, and adopt measures for complying with the provisions of the Fourth Resolution, which should be carried into effect with the least possible delay. VI. The time appointed for the first meeting of the Committee, according to the Fifth Resolution, will generally depend on the convenience of the gentlemen who attend on behalf of the Parent or Auxiliary Society, and whose presence will be found highly bene- ficial, until the Association is completely organized. It will save considerable time, if the Secretai-ies, assisted by gentlemen who possess local information, prepare a list of suitable districts before the first meeting of the Committee, when any requisite alteration may be easily made. The Minute Secretary should send an official notice to every member ; and the company of any other ladies who may feel disposed to join the Committee should be solicited. The Cash and Bible Secretaries should see that a suitable place is engaged for the Committee Meeting. 5. The following transcript of the Proceedings at the First Committee Meeting of a Bible Association, with the obser- vations subjoined, will convey a clear idea of the mode of organization : — " At the First Meeting of the Committee, held at the National School Room, 22d September, 1817;—- PKESENT, Mrs. H., President, in the Chair. Messrs. A. B., C. D., and E. F., Visitora ; and the following Members of the Committee, {Here follow the Names.) The Resolutions of the General Meeting having been read, — 1. Resolved, That the duties of the Secretaries be thus defined :— Miss J3. A. to be Minute Secretary. Miss ZJ.C. ... Cash D". Mrs. E.F. ... Bible D«. and that the Minute Secretary furnish her Colleagues and the Treasurer with proper Books and Papers. 2. That the following Ladies be added to the Committee ; viz {Here the Names and Address of those who have consented to act, are inserted.) 3. That the following Ladies be invited to join this Committee by the Ladies respectively annexed to their names ; viz. — INIiss A.R by Miss A. Miss B by Mrs. F. ^Irs. A^^ by Miss G- {Here follow the Names of other Ladies proposed and approved.) SECT. IV.] MODE OP FORMING LADIEs' ASSOCIATIONS- 419 Observations on the Minutes of the Committee. 4. That the town and neighbourhood be divided into the following twenty -five districts ; viz. — District No. I . Broad Street and Crown Court 42 houses. 2. Eagle Street and Fort Lane 50 B". 3. School-house Yard and Courts 38 D". 4. North side of High Street, to Mr. > j.^ Brown's inclusive 5 (Here follows a specification of the remaining Districts^ 5. That the following be the appointment of the members of the Com- mittee as Collectors; viz. — District N°. 1. Mrs. A. and Miss B. 2. Miss C and Miss Z). 3. ISIrs. E., Miss F., and Miss G. H. 4. Mrs. I.K. and Miss L.M. {Here follow the remaining appointments.) 6. The Secretaries produced the various Books, Papers, &c., ordered by the Fourth Resolution of the General Meeting : and a specification of the respective districts, with the names of the Collectors, having been regularly inserted in the Visiting and Collecting Books, they were delivered ac. cordingly. 7. Resolved, That the Collectors be requested to commence their \'isits, in their respective districts, on next Monday, the 25th instant. Read over the Minutes, and adjourned." 6. — OBSERVATIONS. I. It has been already remarked, that no appointment in a Bible Society involves more important considerations than that of the Secretaries; and although this office, in reference to a Ladies' Asso- ciation, is of a more private nature, much of the welfare and success of the institution depends on the manner in which the duties are discharged. This subject will be treated of more at large in Chap. VIII. Sect. I.; where such suggestions will be submitted as may render the mode of proceeding perfectly intelligible. II. In the selection of suitable Ladies to be admitted members of the Committee, it is evident that caution and delicacy are required. No lady should be invited who has not been proposed and seconded by two members to whom she is personally known. The character of Ladies' Societies, hitherto, has stood deservedly high ; and it is confidently hoped, that the same prudence and discretion which have secured to them the respect and admiration of the public, will continue to mark their proceedings, and extend their influence. III. The inexpediency of large districts has been strongly ad- verted to in Chap. III. {Sect. II., Third Division), and the remarks there offered apply with increased force to Ladies' Associations. A district oijijly houses will be found sufficiently large; and there are few places wherein a sufficient number of benevolent Ladies can- not be found, to justify an arrangement on this basis. IV. The Fifth Minute of the Committee is in accordance with the Fourth By-Law. If three collectors can be appointed to each district, it is the more desirable ; as illness, or other unavoidable ££ 2 420 ladies' bible societies. [chap. VII. Forms of the Books and Papers, &c. and Mode of keeping the Accounts. impediments, may occasionally prevent the attendance of one of the ladies; and in all practicable cases, the weekly visits should be paid by two colleagues. The Lady whose name stands first on the minute of appointment, takes charge of the Books, &c. V. It will be perceived by the Sixth Minute, that the duties pre- scribed in the Fourth Resolution of the General Meeting were ful- filled at the First Committee Meeting. 'I'liis is extremely desirable on every account, but particularly as it affords an opportunity to the gentlemen who attend, to give any requisite explanation to the Col- lectors, at the precise time when it is most likely to be understood and remembered. The Books, &c. should be delivered in regular order by the Secretaries, beginning with the collectors of District No. 1 ; and those printed papers should be selected which appear best adapted to the circumstances of the particular district. Thus the Papers No. I. III. V. VI. and VII. of the Appendix are designed for the higher and middle ranks of society, and No. VIII. IX. X. XI. and XII. for the labouring classes. To the latter, the '< Monthly Extracts," " Southwark Sheet of Facts," or any similar publication, may be beneficially added ; as no papers are so acceptable to the poor as those which detail the moral effects of the institution. Many advantages have resulted from specifying a fixed day for commencing, in all the districts, those interesting weekly visits ; which have been attended with incalculable benefit wherever they have been steadily and systematically continued. •♦• The Specimen of the " Fair Minute Book," Sect. V., will exhibit the Minutes of the Second Committee Meeting, and super- sede the necessity of any further observation on this part of the subject. SECTION V. FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS, &c, AND THE MODE OF keeping THE ACCOUNTS. •»*» In all the Specimens contained in thii Section, the entries in Italics are to be considered as Manuscript. 1. Every book, paper, &c. of which a specimen is here given, is recommended as having borne the test of experience ; and the author has strenuously endeavoured to render the system, in all its parts, as simple as possible ; while a check has been provided, by which every inaccuracy is promptly detected and corrected. In the preparation of these books, economy has been diligently studied : this is a subject which should never be lost sight of in the concerns of benevolent institutions, but especially in those of the Bible Society. The account-books are calculated to last for six or seven years ; SECT, v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. 421 Importance of Economy in the Books, &c. and as all those required by an Association may be procured for two or three pounds, the annual expense is only a few shillings. The books, from which the following specimens are taken, ai*e those of an Association connected with a Ladies' Branch Society. But the observations prefixed to each book and paper, and the notes at the foot of every specimen, where necessary, will render them equally applicable to all Bible Associations, whether conducted by Ladies or Gentlemen, The Association in question having adopted the plan of the Loan-Fund, and also that of Public Distributions, the spe- cimens will be found to allude to both. While considerable repetition is thus avoided, the Committees which do not adopt those parts of the system will find that the passages relating to them may be omitted, without any interruption of the general detail : where it was thought likely that any dif- ficulty would arise, a note has been subjoined. The various specimens are inserted as nearly as possible in the order in which they will be required by the Collectors, Secretaries, and Treasurer ; and the explanatory observations are prefixed to each. To those who ai-e unacquainted with the system, many of the following remarks and suggestions may appear super- fluous or unnecessarily minute : but those who have taken an active part in the proceedings of Bible Associations, especially at their commencement, will acknowledge that they are re- quisite ; andthat by attending to them, much valuable time will be saved, and increased facility given to the operations of the Society. It will be observed, that all the books and papers are so constructed as to answer for any Bible Asso- ciation, the name of which should be inserted by the person who fills up the other blanks. A very considerable annual expense is thus saved ; as the printer's charge, for any spe- cified number of copies, is proportionally less according to the number originally struck off. »*» The Facts and Observatiotis contained in the foUowinsT Specimens are transcribed /mm the Reports of the Ladies' Associations of Plymoutli, Liverpool, mtd Manchester^ except where it is otherwise expressed. 2. The Books, Papers, &c. used by the Collectors are, 6". The Subscribers' TranferTickets. 7. . - Loan Tickets. 8. . - Delivery Tickets. 1. The Visiting Book. 2. - - Collecting Book. 3. • - Collector's Bag. 4. - - Committee Card. 5. - - Bible Subscribers' Cards. 9. - - Public Distribution Tickets^ 10. - - Form of the Monthly Report. These will now be separately considered, in the order here specified. 422 ladies' bible societies. [chap, vii, I ' . I. . . .-. __i Observations on the Visiting Book. NO. I. — THE VISITING BOOK. I. Tliis book is of the size called " large post octavo," of stout quality, and covered with strong blue paper : it consists of eight leaves, or double folios, and is ruled, throughout, with transverse lines in red ink. As it contains the original entries of those par- ticulars which are subsequently transcribed into the Collecting Book, and constitutes the basis of all the accounts and records of the society, care should be taken that the different heads are cor- rectly noted and legibly written. II. The manuscript part of the first specimen is filled in by the Secretaries, before the book is delivered to the collectors of the district ; with the exception of that portion which comes under the head, " When visited, and what part." The name of the book, and the words " District," and " No." are printed on the cover, and the Secretary fills in the figures which denote the latter. The annexed Specimen belongs to District No. 2, and is therefore " indorsed thus : — " VISITING BOOK. DISTRICT No. 2. " III. If the collectors find that the description .of their district is not sufficiently accurate, or that any street, lane, court, &c. has been overlooked, they should report the inaccuracy to the Minute Secretary, and make the requisite correction in their Visiting and Collecting Books. When a collector resigns her office, a line should be drawn through her name, and that of her successor be inserted after the names of her colleagues. IV. In reference to the second specimen, it is only necessary to observe, that the Visiting Book is used at the commencement of a Bible Association, and at every re-canvas of the district : it has frequently been found a very useful register of valuable information relative to the state of the labouring classes, and many benevolent institutions have derived their origin from these little records. V. The mode of proceeding when a new Visiting or Collecting Book is required, will be explained in the " Hints to Collectors," {Chap. VIII. Sect. I.) The old book should be carefully preserved, either by the Secretaries of the Association, or by the Depositary of the Ladies' Branch Society. If the collectors paste a copy of the " Specimen of the Types" {See Appendix, No. IV.) on the inside of the cover at the end of the " Visiting Book," it will be found useful in directing the choice of many of the Subscribers. SECT, v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. 4^ First Specimen of the Visiting Book. pq Iz; n w g ^ a o l-H Q c o o m .2 Oh ^ «s W § s: s .^ ° ••* 3 r/7 -5 P5 ;^ w >^ o H :z; ^ h-5 -< w 1^ U w C/2 12; r/j P£5 ca •M I s ^ M ^ i ^ a, 0 s e ^ si, (-< o J v >^ 5 « 3 C c c o 3 a3 g -2 'S CO O <^ d ^ M H a CO ^2 n3 nS s rs ^ e s tn -« ^ « a 6 S o s , o R ^ sq s. ^ « p o g ^ C« ^ i ^ Si < 3 So "^ 424 LADIES BIBLE SOCIETIES. [chap. VII. Second Specimen of the Visiting Book. 525 '^ W _c Q O 1-1 ^ -1 cc » tas o h « ) X Q^ to ;?^ o -«i» > jfe 3 o o o OQ o =0 S !» O eg ^ I a I • ■so *^'s":£-~-2-~ s ^ Ktf> .h ^-§•5?' o g^>«. ■S s I' ^ S 1=5 ^ S •S c. « 09 ^ ^ 09 V •2'i: p a: eg "* CS -"i ^ s -= -^ c« \ r^ r'^ 6,&H ;0' ^N t^c^ •o- .c&fi3Q3Qq . Cq cq .QQ ft ») aj .$ ^ (S _k r^ > r^ t§^ Hj &3I1; ^a^iij'^te = 1 (N^c^co eo Tfi c^MMC^ m ^o^s^5'!J■cc Q\ciTfia K inTtMTfKr*: 00 .« = o^§ S~«^w^in?o K 00 05 o — OJ M -^ (Tt M ^iftto^ §0 so l'_tC«i t2 ill"' : fecQ ^ « III I'-l ?5 ^ a 5 a> ■— ' _> ^ U 'Z ^ 3 a. e8 ° •~ £8 01 -00 a> ^ a. ^ >^ c o o •" ■■5'a • t SECT, v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. 425 Observations on the Collecting Book. NO. II. COLLECTING BOOK. I. This book differs from No. i. only in the mode of ruling. It is a register of all the pecuniary transactions of the district, and supplies the information which is subsequently condensed in the Collector's Monthly Report. The manuscript part of the first sPEciiviEN is wholly filled in by the Secretaries before the book is delivered to the collectors, and the cover is inscribed with the No. of the district. By having the spaces for the Committee-days left sufficiently wide, and inserting the figures close to the line, the table may answer for two or three years ; but the Secretaries should fill in the proper dates immediately after every Annual Meeting. — See Observations on Committee Cards, No. iv. of this Division. The Observations III. and v. on No. i. are equally applicable here. II. The SECOND SHECiMEN requires more particular consideration. The Collecting Book is used every week; and Monday has been invariably found the best collecting day, as being that which is the most agreeable to the subscribers. As it would be impossible, without the knowledge of the precise time when an Association was established, to have the " Days for collecting the Subscriptions" printed in the book, those dates are inserted by the Secretaries, beginning with the first Monday after the collectors have received their books and papers. This can be done with great ease from the " Bible Subscriber's Card." — (See No. v. of this Division.) III. The Nos. in the first column should be continued regularly: thus, the first No. in folio 2 will be 20. When a new Collecting Book is required, the collectors should first copy into it the No. and name, .2 ., ^ 'cl, ' ' ■r; 3 •'" C ^ 5 3 J3 O (►. S te = pq c3 a U P H dj ^ o .'S f D ^ W -rH rt 3 fc- "S c s =* 5 .2 "B ^ bo 01 S =< -ra 3 O) tn .3 QJ O t^ CS t^ S o S, a) »5 S ^- 1^ =« Si J-" C3 S -^ 01 ■*^ r^ O) ni — i'h i^ 3 _- !-i o -W ?^ 0) oj U 3 s 0) 'S O OJ ^ '3 ?. aj « o^ 0) O) _ c S " S^ Q-^CJS =3 o -^ CS ■ <(< jH pq <(j _2 .2 1 to" t-* .> OD *< q3 ^ b? <^ " .- i PL, Pi Q ^i -« 3 o G 1* P^d -tJ '^ is ^ E^ ^ ^ g 3 M "S: =»5 CO O Q CO ■C 13 3 rC ^ jj ■sT o .- H 5 >) s "U _^ Si O « 1 2 •2 «1 ^^ H .«> ;^ O O ^ £! a.0 '^ P SO o Si- Q -il' G* Oi 3 1 ^ « P •* « o O S V ^ s ^ ^ P 00 G> O o «: s s Vj O ■« o ^ Q P Ol M O ■>. * £ O o 1 S H ^^^ 428 ladies' bible societies. [chap. VII. Second Specimen of SECOND OF [To occupy the Six No 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. Began to subscribe. 1819. July 5. -12. Oct. 25. Nov.l. Name. Captai?! Owen , Daniel Goss . . . Mary Cox Susan Lad J . . . Henry Walters William Hatton Eliza Bacon John Heel Martha Berry . Charlotte Butler Thomas Day Edward Hodgson John Buck .... George Johnson Richard Jeffrey Mary Cox Kitty Blake . . . William Leas . James Smith . . . Residence. 5, 6, 10, 11, 13, Abbey House No. 1, William Street 3, Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto No. 1, Plough Court. . 2, Ditto 4, Ditto 5, Ditto 6, Ditto No. 1 , Cross Lane . . . 2, Ditto No. 3, William Street lVo.2, Back Alley 4, Ditto Mo. 7, William Street WTiether Free or for B. or T, Free Free B. T. Free Free FVee Free B. .B. T. Free Free B. Free Free B. Free Free Called over 12 November, 1819. A. B. Minute Secretary. C. D. Ca.'>h Secretary. E. F. Bible Secretary. Sort and Amount of Contrib. A.21.2S. Q.is. W.6d W.U. M. 6d. Q. ]s.6d D. 10s. W.4d. W.2d W. Id W. Id. W. Id. W.2d Pd.5s.6d M. Ad. W. 2d W. Id W.2d A. I0s.6d Amounf brought forwards £. Weekly Collections Monthly Amount. SECT •v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS 429 the Collecting Book. SPECIMEN THE Ruled double Folios.] DAYS FOR COLLECTING THE SUBSCRIPTIONS. Total Amount received to 27 Dec. Date when the B. or T. was delivered. r^ August. September. October. November. December. Ju/t/. 4-2^. 4s. 6 I 6 1/C 10.. 4 12 6 ) 6 26 ■) h. 6 8 4 1 2 I 2 11 1. 4 4 •2 1 I 2 4 16 6 2 ] 1 2 2 'S 6 2 1 1 I 2 30 Is. 1 6 8 6 1 J 2 6 h. 4 2 1 2 1 4 13 6 4 2 1 1 1 4 ■2U 6 4 2 1 1 3 27 I 1 1 4 4 4*. \s 5 11 1'. 1 18 2c. 1 2i 2 6 mo 2 J 2 2 1 2 1 1 c\ 1 •erf 8 2 1 R 1 2 1 8 2 1 2 8 mme SI to I 4 2 1 mov 1 2 1 15 '"/ i..(r 4 2 1 di. 1 2 1 •22 IF lo. icl 4 1 D 1 •2 1 26 6* 12. 4 I str 3 2 4 2 D 2 6 4 6 1 c< 2 2 2 2 13 rih 4 1 1. 2 2 2 ned 2 20 1^. 4 4 1 I 2 2 2 2 27 4 6 1 2 1 2 2 £. 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 s. 2 8 11 1 3 3 10 8 4 2 ] 2 4 6 2 1 0 1 10 5 d. 0 0 6 7 6 0 0 8 10 1 3 5 4 6 0 10 4 6 6 10 180c/. 181S 15/an.l82( 15Ja«.lS20 4 2 1 I 1 2 5/6 4 4 •2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 1/6 4 2 1 1 2 4 2 1 2 1 2 2 h 4 2 1 1 1 4 2 2 2 lo'e 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 •-0 1 1 1 7^ 1 1 o 1 1 1 TO 1 1 M 1 o> 1 1 1 1 J 1 1 £.3.8.2 £.0 .11.2 £.0.6.9 £.0.14.11 £.0 . 18 . 2 £.0.6.8 ' 430 LADIES BIBLE SOCIETIES. [chap. vir. Third and Fourth Specimens THIRD OF oroUecting [To occupy one half of the last double Discontinua- FREE. No. No.inlhel List of Contribu tors G 12 8 u Name. William Hat ton . Edward Hodgson John Heel .... Ceased to contribute 1819. 18 Oct. 27 Dec. 7 Observations. Removed to District 12. fpages reduced. Until he obtain a Testament. FOURTH OF [To occupy one half of the last double Loan Tes- When voted. N». of Testament. Receiver's Name. Residence. 1819. 9 July. 13 Oct. 7 22 Mary Candler Thomas Jones No.Z, Plough Court . . . SECT, v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. 431 of the Collecting Book- SPECIMEN THE Folio at the end of the Book.] -tion List. FOR BIBLES AND TESTAMENTS. | No. N". in the List ol" Suljscri- be IS. Name. Ceased to subscribe. Observations. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 3 9 14 11 17 Mary Cox Manila Berry . . George Johnson . . Thomas Day .... KUty Blake .... 1819. 'lb Oct. 27 Dec. 25 Oct. 22 AW. Became a Free Contributor. Ditto . . . Ditto. Left the Town. Removed to District 6. Removed from the Town. SPECIMEN THE Folio at the end of the Book.] -taments. , Observations. When returned. Loan renewtd \Z August ; Ditto 10 September Became a Subscriber for a Testament 8 November. . . . 1819. 12 December. 10 November. - 432 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vii. collectors' bags. COMMITTEE CARDS. BIBLE SUBSCRIBERS' CARDS. NO. III. — collectors' bags. These Bags are made of strong Brown Holland, and are about six inches long, and five inches wide. Two Bags are appropriated to each district ; both of which are stamped, or printed, with the num- ber of the district ; thus : — " DISTRICT No. S." One of the two bags is delivered with the books, &c. to the Col- lectors of the district, and the duplicate bag is retained by the Cash Secretary. The use of these bags, and the mode of exchanging them at every Committee meeting, will be fully described in refe- rence to the " Fair Minute Book," No, xi. of this division. NO. IV. COMMITTEE CARDS. I. Many Associations adopt the plan of giving, annually, to every collector and officer, a card, containing on one side a list of the committee-days for the ensuing twelve months ; and on the other, a few " Suggestions," similar to those inserted in the first page of the Collecimg-book. The author would, however, respectfully sub- mit, whether these cards may not be altogether dispensed with, and the expense, as well as that of Committee notices, be saved to the Association, by adopting the plan already recommended. (^See No. II. First Specimen.) The importance of economy, as far as is consistent with a due attention to order and regularity, has been already adverted to ; and those who are really interested in the cause will find the information contained in their Collecting-books a suffi- cient monition, to remind them of a duty and a privilege. If, how- ever, a card be deemed requisite or desirable, it is only necessary to add, that the customary size is that denominated " half-large " by the stationers. II. Whether the plan here recommended, or that of cards be adopted, it will be evident no official notice of the regular committee- meetings will be necessary. Such notice should be confined to special committee-meetings ; and the less frequently such meetinga are called, the better. As, however, they may occasionally be neces- sary, the form of the summons is given, (See No. xiv.> NO. V. BIBLE-SUBSCRIBERs' CARDS. I. These cards are of the size called " half-large," and of a strong though cheap quality. As many as appear liktly to be required are given to the collectors of each district, with their books, &c. ; and should more be required, the collectors are supplied on application to the Bible Secretary. II. The author acknowledges, with pleasure, his obligation to the zealous and indefatigable Ladies of the Liverpool Branch Committee, SECT, v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. 4SS Observations on the Bible-Subscribers' Cards. for this recent improvement, which obviates many difficulties, and furnishes a constant check to the Collecting-books. When col- lectors exchanged districts (an evil that should be guarded against as much as possible, for the poor love old faces better than new ones), or a new collector was appointed, the respectful but shrewd remark, " You are not the good lady that calls on us," frequently saluted her ears, and the production of the Collecting-book did not ahvays satisfy incredulity. But this little card removes every doubt, by confirming the answer which the Collecting-book enables the new collector to give to the second question, — " Pray, Ma'am, how much have I got to pay up ?" The feeling of confidence is thus transferred to the new visitor, who gradually succeeds to that respectful attachment which her predecessor enjoyed. Nor are these the only advantages which are derived from this simple inven- tion. The subscriber shews the card to his or her neighbours, and confidence extends with a knowledge of the object. If a col- lector omit calling regularly, the inattention is immediately detected, as the card is shewn to the collectors of a neighbouring district. And finally, it gratifies the poor — a consequence which, alone, is an ample repayment for the trifling expense incurred. III. The sum paid by the subscriber, at every visit, should be immediately filled in ; and no money should be received without ask- ing the subscriber for the card, that it may be regularly entered. When the Bible or Testament is delivered, a memorandum similar to that in the specimen is made, and the card remains in the posses- sion of the subscriber. IV. On the back of the card, the name and address of one or more of the collectors of the district should be legibly written, before it is delivered to the subscriber. V. It will easily be perceived, that this card answers for twelve months, whatever be the time of commencing the subscription. It is only necessary to enter the weekly payments opposite to the month and day on which they were received, and to add up the total of each column. Should a second card be required, the total amount should be carried forward from the first. But this is rarely the case : the habit of saving a penny weekly, is one that gradually strengthens and extends ; and the subscription is generally doubled, or even quadrupled, before many weeks have elapsed. Many a Bible in Great Britain is increasingly endeared to its possessor, by the recollection, that the first penny subscribed, in order to obtain it, laid the foundation of comparative independence and temporal com- fort. r F 484 ladies' bible societies. [chap. VIII. Specimen of Bible-Subscribejis' Card. — Transfer Tickets. SPECIMEN OF THE BIBLE SUBSCRIBERS' CARD. DISTRICT NO. 2. 1 Mary Cox, No. 3, TFilli am Street. BIBLE SUBSCKIBER. j July ... . 5 s. d. 6 Oct 4 s.d. 1.0 Jan. . . . 3 s.d. Apr 4 «. d. 12 6 11 1.0 10 11 M 19 6 IS 3.0 17 18 _ 36 25 24 25 a Aug. ... 2 9 IG 1.0 1.0 6 Nov.... 1 8 15 Feb. . . 31 . 7 14 May 2 9 16 ? 1 23 30 6 1.0 22 29 21 28 23 30 II Sept 6 13 1.0 6 Dec 6 13 Mar... .. 7 14 June 6 13 5" 20 6 20 21 20 o a '27 2/ 28 27 7 .C 4 . 0 Total . . . 11. C NO. VI. TRANSFER TICKETS. I. The importance of this part of the system will be evident to those who have considered the habits of the labouring classes of society, especially in large towns. Either from choice, or from necessity, their change of residence is frequent ; and great inconve- nience has consequently arisen in carrying the regulations of the Society into effect. After several years' experience of the advan- tages of this plan, it is recommended, as the most simple and effec- tual mode of preventing loss to the subscriber, and trouble to the collector. II. The tickets are printed on stout paper ; their size is that of the annexed specimens ; and a k\v of both kinds are given to the re- spective collectors, with their books and papers. Should more be required, they are supplied on application to the Minute Secretary. III. In both the cases to which the following Specimens refer, the subscribers removed into other districts of the sarne Association ; consequently the mode of proceeding in reference to such instances will he first considered. When a Free Contributor or Bible Subscriber removes into ano- SECT. V.J FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. 435 First Specimen of the Tkansfer Ticket. ther district of the same Association, it is unnecessary for the Secre- taries to take any notice of such removal in the "List of Free Contri- butors,'' or " Bible Book." But when the party removes to a place within the compass of a^oMer Association, an entry of the fact should be made, opposite to the name, in the proper book. IV. In reference to the First Specimen — The collectors of dis- trict No. 2, having ascertained that William Hatton had removed to Broad Street, vi^hich is not in their district, made the requisite en- tries in their Collecting-book, and filled up thisTransfer-ticket ; which was put into their bag, and presented, with their report and money, at the next Committee-meeting. On calling it over, in its turn, it appeared that No. 7, Broad Street, is in district No. 12 ; and the ticket was accordingly handed to the collectors of that district, who were thus prevented from calling on him before the termination of the quarter, and reminded of doing so at the proper time. V. The mode of proceeding with regard to Bible Subscribers' Transfer-tickets is somewhat different, and is illustrated by the Second Specimen. The collectors having been informed by Ehzabeth Day, that she was about to i-emove to Long Lane, made the requisite entry in their book, and gave her this ticket, properly filled up and signed ; informing her, that she would be regularly called on by other Ladies of the Committee, to whom she should give this ticket. A duplicate ticket having been put into the bag, and pre- sented at the Committee, was handed to the collectors of District No. 6, which comprises Long Lane ; and being entered in their Collecting Book as a new subscriber, who had paid \s. 3d., she was called on, in course, on the following Monday. From the preceding observations, it will be evident, that an Asso- ciation will require double the number of BisLE-Subscribers* Trans- fer-tickets. FIRST SPECIMEN, FREE CONTRIBUTORS' TRANSFER TICKET. Charles,' Plymouth, LADIES' BIBLE ASSOCIATION. DISTRICT NO. 2. William Hatton, a free Contributor of li'. 6d. a Quarter., has removed from this District, and now resides at No. 7, Broad Street. Caroline Thompson, Collector. istk o{ Oct. laio. ______ N. B. The last payment was made on the 4/A of October. F F 2 436 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vir. Second Specimen, — and further Observations on the Transfer Tickets. SECOND SPECIMEN, BIBLE SUBSCRIBERS' TRANSFER TICKET. Charles' , Plymouth, LADIES' BIBLE ASSOCIATION. DISTRICT NO. 2. Elizabeth Day has removed from this District, and now resides at No. 21, Long Lane. Has paid Is. 3d. towards a Testament. Jane Brown, Collector. 25 th of Oct. 1813. ximcxxxxxxsojxx ><><:>''•;-' VI. The mode of proceeding, in all cases where the subscriber removes from one to another district of the same Association, is thus clear and simple. But as the place to which the individual has removed may belong to anotlier Association, in connexion with the same Ladies' Branch Society, the mode pursued in such case should next be considered. 1. The Free-Contributors' Transfer-ticket is presented by the collectors, as in the former case, to the Committee, and is given in charge to the Cash Secretary, who hands it over, at the next meeting of the Branch Committee, to the Cash Secretary of that Association into which the contributor has removed ; and she delivers it, as mentioned in the Fourth Observation, to the proper collector. 2, The BiBLE-SuBSCRiBERs' Transfer-ticket is, as in the former case, delivered to the subscriber, and ihe duplicate presented to the Committee; but the latter is retained and filed by the Bible Secre- tary. The counterpart being received by the collectors of the district into which the subscriber has removed, is presented at their Committee, and retained and filed by the Bible Secretary of their Association. At the end of the year, a little bill is I'urnished by the latter Association to the former; which, after having been checked by means of the duplicate tickets, is discharged by a resolution of that Committee which had received the first part of the paj'- ment.* All money thus received, is reported by the Bible Secre- tary, and entered, at the end of the District Collections, in the Cash • Or the claims on all sid^s maly be caflcell^, by a reeolution of each Com- mittee to that effect, if the amounts be inconsiderable. In Associations con- nected vith the sattie Ladies' Branch, this is strmigly recommended. SECT, v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. 437 Observations on the Loan Tickets. Book, under the head " Bible Secretary." — See No. xv. First Specimen. VII. Where no Ladies Branch Society is formed, but two or. more Associations are in connexion with an Auxiliary or Branch Society, a similar mode of proceeding may be adopted : and in the Metropolis, the plan of a periodical "Conference" affords peculiar facilities for carrying it into effect. viii. This subject may appear of comparatively trifling im- portance ; but those who have had experience in the practical duties of Bible Associations, will not speedily forget the difficulties and misrepresentations to which they were subjected before the introduction of this plan, by the adoption of which they have been entirely obviated. IX. It must be evident that this mode cannot be pursued when the Bible Subscriber removes to a considerable distance, as the ex- pense of postage precludes the necessary intercourse. The usual proceeding in such a case, is, either to refund the money received, or to get the subscriber to authorise some person to continue the subscription, and receive the Bible or Testament. Occurrences of this kind are not very uncommon; and the character and reputation of the society will be best maintained, by immediately refunding the money paid by any subscriber thus circumstanced, who may wish' to have it returned. NO. VII. — LOAN TICKETS. It has been already observed, that the Association in ques- tion has adopted the Loan-Fund plan. For the Rules and Regulations by which it is governed, and a short statement of its more prominent advantages, the 'reader is referred to Chap. VIII. Sect. II. It is now necessary to describe the practical application of these Rules. I. The Tickets are of the same size as the Specimen, and are printed on stout paper. They are stitched in books, containing 100 Tickets each; and given in charge to the Bible Secretary, who places one of the books before the Treasurer at every Committee meeting. II. In the case to which the Specimen refers, it will be found {see No. i. Second Specimen) that the collectors describe Mary Candler as destitute of the holy scriptures, " a widow, and very poor;" circumstances which they, very properly, judged to be sufficient grounds for recommending her to the Committee, as a suitable object for a Loan Testament. She was accordingly recom- mended in their next Monthly Report [see No. x, Second Specimen) ; and being approved by the Committee, the ticket was filled up by the Treasurer* at the table, and handed to the collectors, by • "When the Chair is filled by the Treasurer, she requests one of the Collectors to sit near her, and fulfil this duty. 4S8 ladies' bible societies. [chap, vii Specimen of the Loax Ticket. — Delivery Tickets. whom it was signed, and delivered to Mary Candler ; who was at the same time told to apply for the Testament at the specified time, and to preserve it from injury while in her possession. in. As the Rules of the Loan Fund authorise a collector to extend the advantages of it to persons in sickness, &c., without waiting for a Committee meeting, it should be recollected that the same form of application must be adopted, although the Testament may have been delivered : as, without this, the regular order of the proceedings would be violated, and the Bible Secretary's account and vouchers be incomplete. IV. When the Bible Secretary receives the Ticket, she makes the requisite entry in the Loan-Fund Book, and fills up the blanks at the end of the ticket, by inserting the ^o. of the Testament lent, which she then delivers. V. According to the Rules, the respective collectors have autho- rity to extend the loan beyond a month; but their Monthly Report should specify every outstanding Testament in their district. SPECIMEN OF THE LOAN TICKET. :»<:;>«">';;><::»i::;'<><:s<>tc>>::;-<;:<;o<>ou:;i<:x Charles ladies' bible association. district iVo. 2. 9th oi July, \d,}9. The Bearer, Mary Candler, Residing at No. 3, Plough Court, is the person to whom the loan of a Pica Testament was voted at the last Meeting of the Committee. To Mrs. Williams, ;f «^^'^ ^"li!^' I Collectors Bible Secretary '^'''''' '"' Thompson, f ^o^^ectors. at No. 14, Green Street. Apply any Tues-daj between 12 and 3 o'Clock. NO. Vin. — DELIVERY TICKETS. I. Although this Association adopts the plan of Pudlic Distri- bution, some cases occur, and M'ill be found to occur in most Associations, which justify a departure from it ; and provision is made for such cases by the Eighth By-Law. — See Observation on that By-Law, Section III. II. The Tickets are the same size as the Specimen, and are printed on stout paper. They are stitched in books containing SECT, v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. 4S9 Specimen of the Delivery Ticket. — Public Distribution Ticket. 50 each, and one or two books of each kind will be generally found sufficient for a moderately extensive Association : they are given in charge to the Bible Secretary. III. The case to which the Specimen refers, was one which amply justified the immediate delivery of the Bible. By the entry in the Visiting Book {See A^o. i. Second Specimen), it appeared that Mary Cox was in bad health, and " anxious for a Bible :" and by the Collecting Book ( A'o. ii. Second Specimeri), it will be found that she had not only paid up the Cost price, but had become a Free Contributor of twopence a- week. Under these circumstances, the collectors immediately applied to the Bible Secretary, w^ho filled up the ticket and check; and cutting off the former, delivered it to the collectors, by whom it was given to the subscriber. IV. In Associations which have not adopted the plan of public distributions, each district is furnished with a book of these tickets, and the collectors apply to the Bible Secretary when a further supply is required. V. It will be perceived that the number following the subscriber's name has reference to her number in the " Bible Book" [See No. xviii. First Specimen). This will be found useful in detecting any error. The number is inserted by the Bible Secretary when the Ticket is presented. SPECIMEN OF THE DELIVERY TICKET. <>k>k>k:j^':: ■'■0'<.:'<><:.>-' Charles' ladies' 'BihXz a^jsociatiom District No. 2. No. I. 25o/OcM819. To Mary Cox. {No. 23.) at 3, William Street, a Small-Pica Bible, Sum paid, lis. 6d. Charles* Ladies* Bible Association. No. of District, 2, 18th of October, 1819. IBelibn: to Mary Cox, No. 23, residing at No. 3, William Street, a Small-Pica Bible, for which 11^. 6d. has been paid. Jane Brown "l Collectors' Caroline 1 liontpson, J To Mrs. Williams, Bible Secretary, at No. 14, Green Street. On any Tues-day, between 12 and 3 o'clock. NO. IX. PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION TICKETS. The reader is referred to Chap. VIII. Section III. for Speci- mens of these Tickets, Collectors' Lists, &c., and every other requisite information on the subject of public distributions. The importance of giving full consideration to this mode of supply, and its general adoption by Country Associations, seem to justify this arrange- ment ; as the Specimens will be more clearly understood when seen in connexion with every other part of the plan. 440 ladies' bible societies. [chap. Vll. Obsei-vations on the Collectors' Monthly Report. NO. X. — collectors' monthly report. Hitherto we have considered the duties of a Collector, only in reference to her character as such ; but we have now to view her as a member of the Committee, and as supplying that information which shall satisfy herself, her colleagues, and the public ; that the cause of benevolence wherein she is engaged is one that is worthy of pursuit, and that the results of her exertions are beneficial to her fellow-creatures. I. This Report is contained on both sides of a half sheet of copy paper; and should be filled up previous to the meeting of the Com- mittee, and placed, with the money collected, in the Bag. II. The importance of these Monthly Reports will be evident, when it is considered, that it is to them we are indebted for the most full and authentic details relative to the domestic proceedings of the Bible Society. The Collectors may be considered as the representatives of that Institution, within their allotted sphere of usefulness ; and their reports constitute the materials for those ge- neral statements which the Association furnishes to the Branch or Auxiliary Society ; as well as an interesting portion of the annual details published by the latter, and transmitted to the Parent In- stitution. This periodical information, like the contributions by which it is accompanied, may be compared to those rivulets, small but refreshing, that gradually increase the river into which they flow, till the united waters, rolling onward, dispense health and fer- tility around. III. An examination of the First Specimen will convince the reader, that the form of this report is so prepared as to save the time and trouble of the Collectors as much as possible : but care should be taken that every blank is filled. The erroneous insertion of a subscriber's name a second time is one of the principal risks against which a Collector must be on her guard. It should be always remembered, that the only information required, under this head, relates to those who have become subscribers, or free con- tributors, since the preceding report; and that the object is, to enable the Secretaries to keep a correct list of all the contributors and subscribers. All persons giving donations, should be included, during the current year, in the return of " Number of Free Contributors." A reference to the Collecting Book {See No. il. Second Specimen) will afford any further requisite explanation. IV. It frequently happens, especially at the commencement of an Association, that the spaces left for the insertion of new sub- scribers' names are inadequate to the purpose. Jn such case, a piece of paper should be appended to the report, for those names which cannot be inserted in the printed form. It will be perceived, that the other particulars required are also obtained from the Collecting Book ; and their importance will be obvious to those who consider how necessary it is to provide a constant check on the books of the Association, in order that any inaccuracy or omission may be promptly corrected. SECT, v.] FORMS OF THE BOOK^ AND PAPERS. 441 Observations on the Collectors' Monthly Report. V. It sometimes happens, that the subscriber wishes for a diffe- rent kind of Bible or Testament to that originally selected; and this wish should always be gratified. The principal advantage will still be attained — that of enabling the Bible Secretary to keep a stock of the descriptions most in request. VI. Allusion has already been made to the importance of those " Facts and Observations" which these reports have been the means of eliciting, and which the Second Specimen is designed to illustrate. But it cannot be too strongly impressed on the minds of Collectors, that the best fact is that which is best authenticated ; and the best observation, that which is the result of experience. Facts, like valuable fruit, should be attentively watched, and suffered to ripen and mature before they are gathered ; and it will be generally found, that those are the most precious which have been the longest in attaining this state of maturity. Nor is an inferior degree of caution and prudence requisite in reporting these facts: — compres- sion, simplicity of language, and a disposition to withhold rather than exaggerate the truth, will always render a fact more pleasing in itself, and excite a greater degree of interest in the auditors. When the allotted space is insufficient to contain the informatioh which the Collector wishes to communicate, a piece of paper is appended to the report. — See ivth Observation. A reference to the Visiting Book [No. i. Second Specimen) will enable the reader to trace the information communicated in thi« part of the First Monthly Report. VII. As the annexed Specimens are transcripts of the First Monthly Report presented by the Collectors of a district, they do not embrace some important subjects which arise out of the pro- ceedings of the Association. In order to give a clear view of this part of the system, a copy of the Sixth Monthly Report of the same Collectors is subjoined. — The interesting facts which it com- municates preclude the necessity of apology for this apparent repe- tition. VIII. The Collectors who sign the report, are those who have acted during the past month. It frequently happens, that illness, absence from home, or some other unavoidable cause, prevents one or more of the Collectors of a district fulfilling the requisite duties ; and it is necessary that the Secretaries and Committee should know to whom they may refer, in case of any explanation being required. The names are not read at the Committee. IX. The interesting fact related under the head of " Loan Stock," in the second of the two following Duplicate Specimens, is a delightful evidence of the advantages of this part of the plan ; especially as the author is enabled to state, on the same respectable authority, that the perusal of the sacred records was obviously blessed to this poor penitent, who died " with a hope full of im- mortality, rejoicing in the name of Jesus Christ !" 442 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vir. F«r*< Specimen of the Collectors' Monthly Report. FIRST SPECIMEN OF THE COLLECTORS' MONTHLY REPORT. [Being the First Page of the Report.] Charles' Ladies' Bible Association. Monthly Report of District No. 2, Presented 9e Association in question, are — To the Minute Secretary: The Rough Minute Book. IL The Fair Minute Book. 12. The Agenda. 13. The Report Book. 14<. Special Conmiittee Sunmions, SECT, v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. 44-7 Secretaries' Books and Papers — Fair Minute Book. To the Cash Secretary : 15. The Cash Book. | 16. The Free Contributors' Book, 17. The Monthly Statement. To the Bible Secretary : 18. The Bible Book. I 20. The Monthly Report. 19. TheBibleSecretary's Orders. | 21. The Loan-Fund Book. As the " Rough Minute Book" is merely a quire or two of paper, of the most convenient size, procured by the Minute Secretary, to enter the proceedings of the Committee, and to preserve the neat- ness of the Minute Book, it requires no further notice. The " Loan-Fund Book," it will be evident, is not necessary where this part of the system is not adopted. The five other books are required by every Association which is properly organized : they are of the size denominated " Large Post Quarto," and are strongly half- bound and lettered.* Each book contains about 200 single pages, or 100 leaves, ruled throughout with faint lines : they are calculated to last for five or six years. For small Associations, embracing a single village, &c., a less expensive set of books, on the same plan, may be procured. These various Books and Papers will now be described in their proper order. The following appertain to the department of the Minute Secretary — NO. XI. FAIR MINUTE BOOK. I. This Book is precisely similar in form to that which has been described as No. 1 , Section V. Chap. IL ; and a few leaves at the beginning should be ruled according to the Specimen there given, to contain a register of the attendance of the members. When the Bible Secretary calls over the names {See "Hints" to the Secre- taries, tsfc. Chap. VIIL Section I.), she places P. opposite to those of the Ladies who are present, and leaves blanks opposite to those of the absentees. The number of attendances being filled in at the end of each year, is a gratifying record of the punctuality of the members. The Fair Minute Book is laid on the table at every Committee-meeting, and the Bible Secretary reads from it the proceedings of the preceding Committee : this should never be done from the Rough Minute Book, which is designed to save time, but should not in any case be considered the register of official records. * Thesehooks may he hail, hound ill s/ieep, at a very trifling additional ex- pense. The superiority of this binding, in books designed to last for several years, h manifest. - • . 448 LAOTES' BIBLE SOCIETIES. [cHAP. VU* Observations on the Fair Minute Book. ir. The Minutes of the first Committee-meeting having been already transcribed in the preceding Section, the following Specimen contains the Minutes of the second meet'mg i and will sufficiently illustrate the mode of proceeding at every subsequent meeting of the Committee ; with the exception of those which precede a public distribution, and the Annual Meeting of the Association, or of the Auxiliary or Branch Society with which it is connected. III. The last Minute of the /irst Committee-meeting having been No. 7, the first Minute of this meeting is No. 8, and the first Minute of the third will be 25. By adopting this mode of continuing the numbers progressively throughout the book, the reference to any particular Minute is made with greater facility, and a considerable saving of time and trouble is effected, A marginal line is ruled for this purpose. IV. After inserting the names of the officers and Committee, the Minute Secretary begins to transcribe, at the first page, the pro- ceedings of the General Meeting at which the Association was esta- blished ; but instead of copying the Rules and By-Laws, she refers to the printed copy, one of which should be pasted inside the cover of every book used by the Secretaries. Having transcribed the re- solutions of the General Meeting, she draws a double line, and begins on the next page the Minutes of the first Committee-meet- ing. Thus the Minutes which supply this Specimen begin at page 15. V. It will be perceived, on reference to the 3d By-Law, Sect. 3, that the proceedings are conducted in strict accordance with the prescribed regulations. The Lady who presides should always have a copy of the By-Laws before her, and should prevent any devia- tion from the regular course, as well as the introduction of any sub- ject not immediately connected with the single and pure object of the Society — " the circulation of the holy scriptures v/ithout note or comment." The first meeting of the Committee having been a special one, in order to complete the organization of the Society, this Specimen should be considered as detailing the proceedings of the first regular Monthly Committee-meeting ; that is, the first at which the Collectors presented Reports and paid in their col- lections. VI. So much depends on the order and regularity with which the business of a Committee is conducted, that no apology will be requisite for the minuteness of the following suggestions : — At every Committee-meeting, the Minute Secretary should sit on the left of the Lady who presides, and the Cash and Bible Secretaries on her right ; the latter having the duplicate collecting-bags, de- livered in the preceding month, piled before her, in order ; No. 1 being on the top ; and each bag being furnished with a blank form of the Monthly Report, and the requisite number of copies of the " Monthly Extracts." When the 'Minute Secretary calls for the Collectors' Reports, the bags are handed in numerical order, to the s;ect. v,J forms of the books and papers. 44S* Specimen of the Fair Minute Book. Bif'le Secretary, who returns the duplicate bag to the Collector, and then passes the Report to the Minute Secretary, by whom it is read: the Bible Secretary in the mean time counts the money she has received in the bag, and enters the amount on a strip ot" paper. 5^sthe Minute Secretary announces the respective amounts, " Free," " Bibles," and " Total," the Cash Secretary enters the several sums in the proper columns of the Cash Book [See No. xv. First Specimen). It" the total announced by the Minute Secretary be different to that which the Bible Secretary has found in the bag, the latter immediately refers to the Collector of the district for the necessary explanation, before the Cash Secretary has made the entry. Tlie risk of error is thus avoided by the immediate correc- tion of any inadvertence. Having replaced the money in the bag, the Bible Secretary proceeds in the same manner with respect to the remaining districts. Before the Cash Secretary makes her report of the sums received, she compares the aggregate amount with the Bible Secretary; and it will preserve the neatness of her book, if she make the entry of the " Total" amount received, after such comparison. The Ca^h Secretary takes home the bags and money, pays over the whole of the latter to the Treasurer, and arranges the bags in readiness for the next Committee-meeting, when she places them on the table before the Bible Secretary. •»* Such further observations as appear necessary will be inserted after the Specimen. SPECIMEN OF THE FAIR MINUTE BOOK. [Being the Minutes of the Second Committee-Meeting.] Council Chamber, Guildhall, 9th July, 1819;— 15, At the Second Meeting of the Committee. Present, Mrs. H. in the Chair; Rev. T.H... and H. M. . . and IMessrs. H. C, fF.P., i and J. H. . . from the Auxiliary Society ...... >• "Visitors ; Miss J. P. . . and H. T. . . from the Branch 3 and those Ladies who are marked as present in the List of the Committee. The Minutes of the last Committee having been read, it was resolved— 8. That the said Minutes be confirmed. 9. That the following Ladies, having accepted the invitation conveyed to . them, pursuant to the 3d Minute, be added to the Committee ; viz. Miss /l.R of ... . Place, Miss 5. . . . . . . of . . • . Street, Mrs. iV. ...... of ... . Street, Miss P. ..;... of ... . Square, Mrs. D. D of ... . Row. 10. That the following alterations be made in the appointments of the Collectors; viz. 1. That Miss S. C be the Colleague of Miss //. M. TV., for District 9, in the place of Miss H. 2. That Mrs. S. be appointed joint Cjollector for District No. 31, with G Cr 450 ladies' bible societies, [chap, vm Minutes of the Second Committee-Meeting. Miss H. And that these Ladies be requested to make the requisite alterations in their Visiting and Collecting Books. 1 1. The Minute Secretary having reported, in reference to the 4th Minute^ that the A'illage of Oreston has not been included in any of the Associations- established in this town and its neighbourhood, and that ]\Irs. /i. and Miss B- had offered to visit it as Collectors; it was resolved, That the village of Oreston be added to this Association, as District No. 33 ; and that Mrs. A. and Miss B. be attached thereto as Collectors. And that the JNIinute Secretary be requested to furnish them with Visiting and Collecting Books, Collecting Bag, Form of Monthly Report, Bible Subscribers' Cards, and a supply of printed papers for circulation. 1-2. The Minute Secretary reported, that the Ninth General Rule had been complied with, by the transmittal of a copy of the Rules, signed by the Secretaries, to Miss J. P., Minute Secretary of the Ladies' Branch of the Auxiliary Society. 13. The Treasurer reported, that she had not yet received any money on account of the Association. 14. The Bible Seci-etary reported, that she had not yet ordered any Bibles or Testaments. 15. The Collectors' Reports having been called for, were presented and severally read ; and the Cash Secretary reported, that the amount now- received is, In Free Contributions ig.36. 15. 6 In Subscriptions for Bibles and Testaments . . 3.12.0 Total . £. 40 . 7 • 6 16. Resolved, That the said sura of 40;. 7«. Qd. be paid over to the Treasurer by the Cash Secretary. 17. That the Treasurer be requested to pay to the Cash Secretary of the Branch Society*, thirty pounds. 1 8. That the Bible Secretary be requested to order of the Bible Secretary of the Branch Society, Bibles and Testaments, to an amount not exceeding 30/., and of such descriptions as she may consider best calculated for the wants of the subscribers. 19. That the Minute Secretary be requested to apply to the Secretaries of the Branch Society* for 200 copies, monthly, of the " Exti-acts of Cor- respondence" of the Parent Society ; and that a sufficient number be put in the Collecting Bag of each district, to furnish every Collector, and every annual Free Contributor of half-a-guinea and upwards, with a copy monthly. 20. That a Loan Stock of Testaments, for the temporary supply of tlie poor, be now established, of which the following shall be the regulations {St:e Chop. VIII. Section II.) ; and that the said stock be under the care of the Bible Secretary, who is requested to order one hundred copies of the Rules, and to send one to each member of the Committee. 21. A collection having been made at the table for the purchase of the Loan Stock, the sum of 5/. 15*. lOrf. was contributed, and paid over to the Bible Secretary, who is requested to invest the same in the purchase of Testaments, from the AitxUiory Society, at the reduced prices. 22. That a Loan Pica Testament be granted to the Collectors of District No. 2, for the supply of ]Mary Candler. * In Associations not connected with a Ladies' Branch, and in those con- ducted by Gentlemen, it will be evident that this application and remittance should be made to tlie Secretary of the -Auxiliary, or Branch, Society with which they arc respectively connected. . - . , SECT, v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. 451 Observations on the Minutes of the Second Committee-Meetino'. 23. That the following Ladies, proposed by the Collectors of District No. 2, be invited by them to join the Committee ; viz. : Miss Jane Goss . . • No. 1 , William Street. Mrs. Walters .... No. 6, Ditto ditto. S4. That Mrs. Y. . . and Miss Z... be appointed Auditors for the pre- sent year ; and that all bills be referred to them for examination. Kead over the Minutes, and adjourned. VII. It will be remarked, that three Gentlemen from the Com- mittee of the Auxiliary Society, and two of the Secretaries of the Ladies' Branch, attended this Committee. Such attendance is highly desirable, and should always be encouraged, as it tends to promote a mutual knowledge of the system, and the maintenance of one uniform mode of proceeding. vrir. It frequently happens, that alterations, similar to those de- scribed in the 10th Minute, take place at the beginning of an Asso- ciation; and as local convenience, and the wishes of the individual Collectors, should always be consulted, these occasional changes will be found unavoidable. But they should take place as seldom as possible ; and the increasing attachment which the Collectors will feel to their districts, will prove the best preventive. See Observa- tions on No. V. IX. Additional districts are often united to an Association, after its establishment, as in the case referred to in the 11th Minute ; and where proper persons can be obtained as Collectors, it is highly de- sirable that the whole of the vicinity should be included. But there is a danger, unless caution and prudence be exercised, in adding to the number of districts before suitable Collectors are obtained. It is at all times a matter of greater importance to consolidate an Association than to extend its limits. X. In reference to the 13th and l-ith Minutes, the Specimens of the Monthly Reports of the Cash and Bible Secretaries (A^o*. xvir. and XX.) will sufficiently explain the nature of these Minutes, at every subsequent Committee-meeting. XI. In order to allow the Cash Secretary time to add up the columns of her receipts, and to prevent the unnecessary pro- traction of the meeting (which should never exceed tiuo hours, and the business of which may, generally, be despatched in one), it is usual, at the third, and all subsequent Committee-meet- ings, to consider the applications for loans, the admission of new members, and any proposed alteration in the appointments of the Collectors, in the interval between the reading of the Collectors' Reports and the reception of the Cash Secretary's Report. See Specimen of Agenda, No. xil. xii. It will be perceived, that the amount reported by the Cash Secretary in the 15th Minute, is the aggregate sum received from gg2 45^ ladies' bible societies. [chap. VII. Observations on the Minutes of the Second Committee-Meeting. the Collectors at. the second Committee-meeting. See No. xv First Specimen. XIII. When it happens that the Collectors of a district omit to present a Monthly lieport, the following Rtsolution should be adopted, and a copy sent to the Collectors ; viz. " The Collectors of District No. — , not having presented a Report, the Minute Secretary is requested to remind them of the importance of the duty prescribed by the 9th By-Law, and to beg their attention to it in future." Should this omission occur at two or three Committee- meetings successively, a deputation should be appointed to wait on the Col- lectors of the district; and if the latter cannot fulfil the duties of their appointment, the books should be transferred to other hands. XIV. The Minute Secretary should send to the Cash Secretary a duplicate copy of every Resolution authorising a payment : the lat- ter is thus enabled to make the requisite entry in the Cash Book immediately. The copy may be given at the table of the Com- mittee. XV. The importance of giving free circulation to the " Monthly Extracts of Correspondence" must be evident. These interesting papers are most gratefully received by the Free Contributors ; many of whom have increased their annual subscriptions in order to acquire this privilege ; which might be beneficially extended to all Free Contributors of 3d. a-wcek. Is. a month, and 3s. a quarter. In some Associations they are letit by the Collectors to the Free Contributors, and pass from hand to hand, like books in a reading society. The gratitude with which they are tlius received, and the avidity with which they are read, constitute the best proof of the advantages of this plan. XVI. As the Bible Secretary is authorised by the Sixth By-Law " to procure Bibles and Testaments when necessary," the repetition of the 18th Minute, in the proceedings of future Connnittee- meetings, will be unnecessary. It is usually adopted at the first meeting of the Committee, as a guide to the Bible Secretary. xvii. A reference to Chap. VIII. Section II. will sufficiently explain and illustrate the 20ih and 21st Minutes. It will be per- ceived, that the 22d Minute is founded on the recommendation contained in the Collectors' Monthly Report, No. x. Second Specimen. xviii. The advantage of reading over the Minutes before the adjournment of the Committee is two-fold: — it enables the Minute Secretary to correct any inaccuracy in the Rough Minute Book ; and it affords to all who are present a clear and succinct view of the proceedings. SECT, v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. 453- Minutes of the Committee, in reference to an Annual Meeting. Tlie preceding Specimen and Observations will, it is hoped, sufficiently elucidate the Minute Book, in reference to all or- dinary cases, and to Bible Associations generally. But some additional Resolutions ai'e adopted at the Committee-meet- ings preceding a Public Distribution, and the Annual Meeting of the Association, or of the Society with which it is con- nected, to which a more distinct reference is necessary. For the reason already assigned (See Observations on No. ix.), the reader is referred to Chap. VIII. Section III. for a transcript of the Resolutions adopted preparatory to a Public Distri- bution, and every other requisite information on this subject. As the Ladies' Branch of the Plymouth, Plymouth Dock, and Stonehouse, &;c. Auxiliary Society, holds its Annual Meeting, and that of all its connected Associations, conjointly with that of the Auxiliary Society, the following Minutes have reference to this arrangement : but the mode of pro- ceeding in other cases will be explained in the subsequent Observations. DUPLICATE SPECIMEN of the MINUTE BOOK. Additional Minutes adopted at the Committee-Meelings preceding the Annual Meclins. At the INIonthly Committee-Meeting, held on the 10th of December, after the regular business had been transacted, it was Resolved, — 189. That, pursuant to a recommendation of the Ladies' Branch Society, this Committee hold a Special ]Meeting on the 17th instant, to make arrange- ments preparatory to the General Annual JNIeeting. 190. That the Treasurer be requested to submit to the said Special Com- mittee-Meeting, a Statement of the Receipts and Payments to the 17th inst.; sic^ned by the Auditors. That the Cash Secretary be requested to prepare a similar account, distinguishing the Free Contributions and Bible Subscrip- tions. And that the Bible Secretary be requested to prepare a statement of the Receipts and Deliveries, distinguishing the Bibles and Testaments issued at and under cost prices. 191. That the Minute Secretary, with IMrs. A., Miss 5., and Miss C, be requested to prepare and submit to the said Special Committee the draught of a Report to the Branch Society. At a Special TsleeWng of the Committee, held on the 17th of December— 192. The Treasurer presented her Report, of which the following is ao an abstract ; viz. Total Receipts from 1 0th of July to 1 7th December . . . £.150.7-0 Paid to the Cash Secretary of the Ladies' Branch. . 150.0.0 Do. . to the Cash Secretary, for Incidental Expenses . 0.7-0 ■ £.150.7.0 45t ' ladies' bible societies. [chap. vit. Minutes of the Committee, in reference to an Annual Meeting. 193. The Bible Secretary presented her Report, of which the following is an abstract ; viz. Received from the Ladies' Branch 166 Bibles, 1 17 Testaments. Delivered at cost prices ... 38 Bs. 26 Ts. Under cost prices .15 8 Total . . 53 34 Stock in hand . .113 83 166 117 And that the said Stock is more than sufficient to supply all the Subscribers now on the Books. 194. The Minute Secretary presented the draught of the Annual Report, which having been read, it was resolved, That the said Report, with the Statements of the Treasurer and Bible Secretary, be received, adopted, and transmitted to the Minute Secretary of the Ladies' Branch Society. 1 95. The Cash Secretary presented her Annual Summary ; by which it appeared, that the Total Receipts have been. In Free Contributions £.77- 7-6 In Subscriptions for Bibles and Testaments . 72.19.6 £. 1 50 . 7.0 And that the Balance due to this Association by the Ladies' Branch Society is £.68. 8s. 6d. 196. Resolved, That the said sum of £.68. 8s. 6d. be presented to the Ladies' Branch Society, for the general object of the British and Foreign Bible Society. And that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted with the Annual Report. 197. That the following Ladies be the Officers and Committee of this Association for the ensuing year ; viz. ]Miss M. F. . . . Treasurer. Miss J. C ... Minute Secretary. Mr. J. M.JV. . . Cash Secretary. INIiss /* Bible Secretary. Committee : [Here follow the Names of the Ladies.] And that a copy of this List be transmitted to the Minute Secretary of the Ladies' Branch Society. 198. That the thanks of this Committee be presented to the Mayor, for his kindness in granting the use of the Council Chamber ; and that he be respectfully requested to continue the same accommodation during the ensuing year. OBSERVATIONS ON THE PRECEDINO ADDITIONAL MINUTES. xix. As the public proceedings of Ladies' Bible Societies are conducted, exclusively, by the Gentlemen of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Committee, it will be evident that the information referred to in the preceding Minutes is transmitted to the Ladies' Branch Society, for the purpose of enabling the latter to prepare a con- densed Report of the proceedings and results of all the united Asso- SECT, v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. 455 Observations on the preceding JNIinutes. — Agenda. ciations, which is read at the annual meeting of the Auxiliary Society.* XX. Of the preceding Minutes, those numbered 190, 191, 192, 193, 194^, 195, 196, and 197, are equally applicable to Ladies' Bible Associations which hold their annual meetings independent of those of the Societies with which they are connected ; with the fol- lowing exceptions ; viz. 1. In reference to the Minute 19 i, the Annual Report, includ- ing the Cash and Bible statements, should be transmitted to one of the Secretaries of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society, or to someone of the other Gentlemen deputed by the Com- mittee of that Society, to assist the Ladies, and transact the business. 2. The balance alluded to in the Minute 195, will, of course, be due from the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society; and a cor- responding alteration will be necessary in the Minute 196, as well as in those numbered 192 and l93. XXI. Resolutions similar to the following are also adopted by the Committees of Ladies' Associations which hold their own Annual Meetings, at least a month previous to such Meeting ; and copies of them are sent to the Secretary of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society. 1. That the Minute Secretary remind the Committee of the Auxiliary Society, that the next Annual Meeting of this Association will be held on Monday, the 50th Dtcemier, at 12 0 clock ; and request the said Committee to appoint a deputation to engage and fit up the place of meeting, and make the requisite arrangements. 2. That A. B. Esq. be invited to preside at the Annual Meeting. 3. That the following Gentlemen be invited to attend and assist in the procedings ; viz. \_Here follow the names.'] NO. XII. — AGENDA, OR PAPER OF BUSINESS. This Paper, or Card, is prepared by the Minute Secretary, and laid before the Lady who presides, at every Meeting of the Com- mittee. The several heads are arranged in the order prescribed by the 3d By-Law, and in reference to the Minutes of the preceding Committee Meeting :— thus the following Specimen is a transcript of the Card prepared for the Second Meeting, the proceedings of • The Reader will find this suhject amply illustrated in the Annual Reports of the Ladies' Bible Societies of Liverpool, Manchester, and Plymouth, &c. These important and highly interesting publications contain the best evidence of the beneficial tendency and effects of the system. 456 ladies' bible societies. [chap, vil Agenda. — Observations on the Keport Book. which constitute the Specimen of tlie last No., and refers to the Minutes of the first Committee. SPECIMEN. COMMITTEE MEETING, 9th July. 1. Read and confirm Minutes of the last Meeting. 2. Call over Members' Names. .3. Business arising out of 3d Minute. 4. Ditto . ditto . ditto . 5th ditto. 5. Village of Oreston not included in the Districts, 6. Report 9th General Rule complied with. 7. Cash Secretary's Monthly Statement. 8. Bible Secretary's Report. 9. Collectors' Reports in order. 10. Cash Secretary's Report. 11. Vote Remittance to Branch Soclet3^ 12. Order Bibles and Testaments. 13. Monthly Extracts. 14. Loan Stock, and Collection of Loan Fund. 15. Vote Loans. 16. Admit Ladies, proposed by Collectors, on Committee. 17. Appoint Auditors. 18. New Business. 19. Read over Minutes, and adjourn. Officers to remain and prepare their Reports to the Ladies' Branch, or fix a time for this purpose. NO. Xin. — REPORT BOOK. I. This Book is designed to be a Register of all the information detailed in the Collectors' Monthly Reports, under the head " Facts and Observations ;" in order to record them in a more permanent form, and to exhibit, in one connected series, the results of the Association. It is similar in size to No. xi ; and, like it, has a marginal line, for the purpose of specifying the number of the Dis- trict, from the Report of which the extract is made. II. The advantages of this Registry, particularly in preparinor the Annual Report, are evident. In these interesting but unobtru- sive records, the best evidence of the beneficial tendency of Bible Societies may be found, — here the strongest proofs of a strict adhe- rence to the principles of the Parent Institution are discovered, — and hence the Collectors derive the greatest encouragement to perseverance. It is scarcely possible to peruse, with an unpre- judiced mind, the Report Book of a well-conducted Bible Associa- tion, without arriving at a clear conviction that these Societies are a national blessing. SECT, v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. 457 Specimen of the Report Book. III. The Facts and Observations in the following Specimen are selected from the Annual Reports of the Ladies' Societies of Liver- pool and Manchester. While they illustrate that part of the system now under consideration, they will afford an interesting and satis- factory evidence, that, whether the seed has been scattered on the banks of the Tamar, or on those of the Mersey or the Irwell, the dews of Heaven have descended upon it, and already produced some prospect of that fruit on which " the Lord will command his llessingS^ In some Associations, the " Facts and Observations" of the pre- ceding month are read a second time from the Report Book, at the following Committee-meeting, as part of the minutes to be confirmed. Where time admits, this practice may prove beneficial and encouraging, especially if there be a more numerous attend- ance of the members. Local convenience will, however, be the best guide, in this and some others of the minor details. SPECIMEN. [Supposed to occupy three Pages of the Report Book.] Committee-Meeting, lOth September, 1819. DISTRICT Upon inquiry why one of the girls in the Caledonian School 3, was behind her class in religious knowledge, the fact was ascertained, that she was the on/i/ girl in the School whose parents were destitute of the Bible. May we not hope that the day is not distant, when, through the medium of the Bible Society, the children in all our schools, private as well as public, shall be equally well provided ? DIST. The poor continue to subscribe with cheerfulness, and with in- 8. creased respect and gratitude to the collectors, who have received many applications from districts yet unvisited. We have some grati- fying reason to hope that we have been made the means of restoring four unfortunate females to the paths of virtue. DIST. Our Bible Subscribers, as well as Free Contributors, increase 1 5. monthly. We have an addition of forty-four this month. We fre- quently find the subscribers waiting for us in the streets ; and many give three times as much as when they began. DIST. The population of this district consists principally of Welsh 17. laboui'ers, and the lower classes of Irish Catholics, of whom by far the ■ greater proportion were found destitute of the Scriptures; yet, with few exceptions, willing to provide themselves, by means of small weekly subscriptions : these have been paid with great regularity, and in genei'al with as much cheerfulness as the collectors received them; — " their poverty abounding to the riches of their liberality.'''' DIST. We were much affected by the remarks of a man, who has a family 22. of ten children, and who contributes a penny a-week. " I often think," said he, " how pleasant it must be in Heaven, to point out the person who was the cause of my becoming possessed of a Bible ; and to say, it was that Lady who first gave me a Bible, and it was that Bible which brought me here !" 458 tADIEs' BIBLE SOCIETIES. [cHAP. VII. Specimen of the Report Book. PiST. There is a general improvement visible in the conduct of those who 26. have been supplied with Bibles. The Bible Subscribers in our district, being informed of the deep distress of a family in the neighbourhood, voluntarily united their exertions to furnish their habitation with necessaries. They clothed the whole family, sent the children to school, and invited them to come daily to the house of one of the subscribers, to hear the Scrip- tures read. DisT. On our asking a poor woman who had obtained a Bible, by her 30. child's subscribing a penny weekly, how she liked it, she said, " Very much indeed ! I return you many thanks for it : had I known what a blessing the Bible was, I should not have been so long without it." Her husband, who Avas previously a careless and abandoned character, had been carefully reading it, and had never since spent an evening from home. She then exclaimed, " What a mercy, that by a child's paying only a penny a-week, it should become such a blessing to its father !" Committee-Meeting, Sth of October, 1819. DisT. About two years ago, Mary M , an Irishwoman, fifty years of 6t age, applied to one of your collectors to be tauglit to read. If ever poverty was personified, it was in INIarj'-. Being almost blind, she thankfully received a pair of spectacles, being certain that with these Jielps to read she should soon become a scholar. In consequence of a fall received some months before, she was lame, and unable to earn a shilling. The idea of setting a stitch into her ragged dirty garments had never entered her head. Gratitude for instruction soon, how- ever, induced a change. Mary's natural shrewdness and close appli- cation soon enabled her to read the Testament. One very snowy day, with an animated countenance, she entered the school-room on her crutches ; and immediately, as her custom was, laid her shoes on the top of the fire to dry. When told that she had better not have come so far through the snow, while so ill, "Aye," said she, " so the neigh- bours said ; and all along by the brick-fields they were at the cellar- heads, laughing at me : but I shows 'em the nice Testament, and tells 'em they'd have more ruison to laugh if they could read in it like me." Mary was afterwards absent for some weeks ; and her little girl came to the school, with "Mrs. M — 's compliments to Lady , and she had been six weeks in the Infirmary ; but was getting on finely with her Testament." The teacher called shortly afterwards at her house, to ask if she were better : her husband came to the door, and the little girl at the same moment i-eturned from the Infirmary. "How is your mother?" "A deal better," said the child ; "she hopes to be out soon." " What does she do in the Infirmary ?" " O, nothing at all, but read in the Testament to herself and the other women : she has read it all through." " That's what she did afore ever she went," said the husband. " She was fond of it then, I suppose : did it do her good, think ye ?" " Good !" said he, " aye, nothing pleased her afore ; she was grumbling all day : but since she got to reading the Testament, she has been quite content and happy." A few weeks ago Mary returned from the Infinnary ; and has since attended the school, comparatively neat and clean, and very thankful. The Testament, which had been lent for eighteen months, and which, SECT, v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. 459 Specimen of Report Book. — Special Committee Summons. to use her own expressions, she had " read twice through, and all up and down," had not a soiled leaf in it, when, with regret, she took out of it her manriage and other certificates, to exchange it for a large Bible given her by the Branch Committee. Committee-Meeting, I'Hth of November, 1819. uisT. There is a visible improvement, both in the manners of the inha< 5. bitants of this district, and the cleanliness of their abodes. We are always welcomed Avith smiles ; and,_in general, the money is laid ready for us, and paid witii many thanks and blessings for our trouble in calling. KisT. At the establishment of the Association, we called at the house of a 8. poor woman, who began to subscribe for a Bible for her son — a depraved, wicked man. A short time ago we inquired of her, " Whe- ther her son had benefited by reading the Bible ?" She rephed, " That he was, in consequence of perusing it, become quite an altered character ; that he now went regularly to church ; and was become a teacher in a Sunday School." DTST. The collector, in her first weekly visits, felt much distressed, 21. owing to a number of butchers, who came to sell meat to the poor every Monday morning, completely blockading her way with their carts, and swearing, in the most shocking manner, against " this Bible work." After some time, however, when they saw her coming up the street, if they were in the way, she heard the pleasing addi'ess of— " You can pass here, INIadam." In a few weeks more they began to wheel their barrows round, that she might pass ; and, at length, one of them, remarkable for drunkenness and swenring, said to his com- panion, " Come now, she deserves encouragement, she comes so regularl}"^ ; she shall have something. Here, Mistress, you shall have threepence a-week from me." — An old subscriber, hearing this, ob- served, " Yes, Samuel; but the lady will now talk to 3'ou, if you are drunk when she comes." On which he said, he would try to keep sober till after she had been : and the collector has great pleasure in stating, that he has kept his word ever since ; nor has she heard one oath among them. — In addition to the above, the collector can bear her further testimony to the continued improvement of Samuel ; as the money formerly appropriated to the indulgence of his pernicious habits is now carefully saved for the purpose of supporting an aged mother. BIST. Being earnestly solicited to call at the house of two poor widows, 24. residing in an unvisited district, we did so, and received their names as Bible Subscribers. One of them, a most interesting woman, very far advanced in years, told us, while the tears trickled down her cheeks, that she was most anxious to receive a Bible, that she might leave it as a parting gift to her grandson. She hoped a blessing would always attend the collectors in their weekly visits ; " for the Ladies' Bible Association was the best thing for the poor that had ever been thought of." NO. XIV. — SPECIAL COMMITTEE SUMMONS. In order to secure the punctual attendance of the members at the regular Monthly Committee-meetings, it is very desirable that no extraordinary &\ii\n§^& be held, except when really necessary. That 460 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vii. Specimen of the Special Committee Summons. — Cash Book. such meetings are occasionally requisite, the instance adduced in the Duplicate Specimen of" No. xr. is a sufficient evidence ; and it is obvious that other circumstances may occur to render them expe- dient. These Notices are issued b}'^ the Minute Secretary ; and should be delivered, if possible, two or three days previous to that appointed for the meeting, the precise object of which should always be specified. SPECIMEN. CHAULES' LADIES' BIBLE ASSOCIATION. Madam, Plymoutb, 13 For. Bible Society . 3 £. 68. 8.« 68. 8.6 68. 8.6 1 1th December, 1819 — Examined and found correct. . _ \ Auditors, • In other Bible Associations, tliis account will be between the Association and the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society with which it is coniucted. seCT. v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. 467 Fourth Specimen of the Cash Book. FOURTH SPECIMEN OF THE THE CASH SECRETARY'S ACCOUNT OF INCIDENTAJ. EXPENSES. [To occupy from Folio 141 to Folio 1€0.] D'. The Cash Secretary of the Charles' Bible Association. 141 Cr. 1819 ISSept. Received from Treasurer \ ¥" Vote of Commit lee \ 17 Dec. Receivedfrom Treasurer ' I*' Vote of Committee \ e. s. d- 1819. 0.3.6 4 July 11 ... 12 Aurj. \OSept. 1 Oct. 0.3.6 1 0.3.6^ 8 ... llA^o'j. 10 Dec. 0.3.6 Postage Messenger Paper and Pens . ...^ . . Gratuity to Servant for ' cleanimj Committee- . Room ' Paidfornew Collecting ) Bags 5 £.s. d. 0.0. 6 0.0. 8 0.1. 4 0.1. 0 Postage Porterage of Parcel .... Gratuity to Servant . . . . 0.3. 6 0.1. 4 0.0. 4 0.0. 10 0.1. 0 0.3. 6 *#* It will readily be perceived, that tliis account does not include the In- cidental Expenses attending the establishment of the Association, for books, papers, &c. These were defrayed by the Auxtxiary Society ; and the author respectfully recommends a similar mode of pi'oceeding in all such cases. This judicious and well-timed liberality relieves the funds of the infant Asso- ciation, and strengthens the bonds which unite it to its immediate Parent In- stitution. But it should be distinctly understood, that this act of liberality cannot be repeated ; and that all subsequent expenses must be defrayed out of the regular funds of the Association, the Committee of which should be early taught to depend on their own resources exclusively. H H 2 4i68 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vif. Fifth Specimen of the Cash Book. FIFTH SPECIMEN or THE ANNUAL SUMMARY OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE. [To occupy from Folio 181 to Folio 190.] 181 ANNUAL SUMMARY. AMOUNT RECIEVED. Amount Amount 1819. Free For Bibles Amount Amovmtof voted for of Inci- Months. Contribu- & Testa. Total. paid to the Bible§,&c. General dental tions. ments. * Branch. received. Object. Expenses. £. »•. d. ,£. s. d. £. $. d. £. s. d. £. s. d £. *. d. £. s. d. January . . Febi-iuiry . . Marc'h . . . April . . . . May . . . . June . . . . July . . - . 3G . 15 . 6 3.12. 0 40 . 7 • f' 30 . 0. 0 27. 6. 0 August . . . 9.4.] 8 . 9.11 17 . 14 . P September . 11 . 19. 2 19 . 18 . 1 31.17. 3 50 . 0 . {. 9. 13. 8 0. 3. C October. . . 5.7.1 11 . 5 . 8i 16 . 12 . 9 25 . 0 . 0 6. 15 . 8 November . 9.8.9 17 . 17 . Oi 27 . 5.9 27 . 0. 0 37 . 16. 2 December . . 4 . 12. 11 11 . 16 . lOj IG . 9 . ^ 18 . 0 . 0 68. 8. 6 0. 3. 6 0 . 7 . 0 77 . 7 • 6 72 . 19 . G150 . 7 . (! 150 . 0 . 0 81 . 11.6 68. 8. 6 Total Amount received this Year, as above D". paid this Year . . . . . .£. 150 . 7 , 0 150. 7 . 0 17//* December, 1819. Examined, and found correct. IV. Y. A. Z. \ Auditors. * Or, in other Associations, to the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society, with \vliich they are reipectively connected. SECT, v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. 469 Observations on the Free Contributors' Book. NO. XVI.—^FREE CONTRIBUTORS BOOK. I. In this Book is inserted the name of every individual who con- tributes, either by donation or periodical subscription, to the funds of the Association, without requiring a Bible or Testament. The advantages of keeping such a register, distinct from that of the Bible Subscribers, are sufficiently evident. II. It is not necessary to page this book. The Nos. should be continued uninterruptedly throughout : thus, the first No. on the second page of the book from which this Specimen is extracted, is 27. By this plan the Cash Secretary has only to look at the last entry, in order to ascertain the total number of free contributors since the establishment of the Association. To know the precise number at any given period, it is only necessary to subtract from the No. of the last entry, the number of those who have declined, retnoved, and been transferred ; and the remainder is the answer required. III. It sometimes happens, that individuals among the labouring classes, either from not having had the term ^'■free " clearly ex- plained to them, or from a subsequent change of mind, wish to receive a Bible or Testament, although they have been entered as free contributors. All such cases are specified by the Collectors in their Monthly Reports ; and they are then " transferred to the Bible Secretaiy," as in the instance No. 22 in this Specimen. These cases are of unfrequent occurrence, especially where the Bible Subscribers' Cards have been introduced ; but they should aVays be met by the most prompt and cheerful acquiescence on the part of the Collectors. IV. The blanks under the year 1820, opposite to Nos. 20 and 23, are left, because the Collectors of the Districts Nos. 2 and 3 have not i-eported whether these contributors continue their support. When this information shall be furnished, and the rate of subscrip- tion specified, the requisite entries will be made. V. This Specimen only contains the entries of two years ; but the Free Contributors' Book is calculated to contain those of six years. The figures denoting the year are inserted by the Cash Secretary. VI. The advantages attendant on a quarterly examination of the books, by calling them over with the Collectors, are so numerous and evident, that it seems only necessary to allude to them. In a well-organized Committee, the entries of the preceding three months may be called over within an hour : and it is respectfully, but earnestly submitted, that the appropriation of four hours annually, to ensure the regularity of. the accounts, and correct any inad- vertence, cannot be a misapplication of the time. — See Observa- tion VIII. on No. II. 470 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vm. Specimen of the Free Contributors' Book. SPECIMEN. No. Began to subscribe. Contributors' Names. No. of district. 1819. Contribution. Sort. Amount. 18^0. Contribution. Sort Amount. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Jiili/ 5. Mrs. E. Williamson Master W. Saules . . J. W. miles C. W.Hilles /. D. miles Mrs. Done^. Mrs. Berberd Masters. Wells... Master Y. Weils... Mrs. Davidsoll Mrs. Norcots Mr. B. Denshaw ... Mrs. m Denshaw . . Master J. Denshaw Mrs. Smithers Mrs. Reedeer Captain Oiven , Daniel Goss Henry Walters William Hatton . . . Eliza Bacon Jvhn Heel Hannah JoUings . . . , Miss J. Denshatv . . . Mary Hubbard Charles Newman . . . £. s. d. 1. 1. 0 .. .. 2 .. .. ] .. .. I .. .. 1 .. .. 1 .. 1. 1 .. .. 1 .. .. 1 .. .. 1 .. .. 1 .. .. 1 .. .. 1 .. .. 1 .. .. 4 .. .. 6 2. 2. 0 .. 4. 0 .. .. 6 .. 1. 6 ..10. 0 .. .. 4 1. 1. 0 .. .. 1 .. .. 2 .. . 10 A. W. W. W. W. W. Q- W. W. W. w. w. w. w. w. Declined. £. s. d. 1. 1. 0 2. 2, 1. 1. A. I. 0. 0 Trnnsferred to Hible Secretary,, . .. 1 I. 0 10. 6 SECT, v.] FORMS OF tHE BOOKS AND t»APERS. 4Ti Observations on the Cash Secretary's Monthly Statement. NO. XVII. — CASH SECRETARY S MONTHLY STATEMENT. I. This statement should be presented to every Committee- meeting, immediately after the Minutes of the preceding meeting have been disposed of, and before the Report of the Bible Secretary is called for. The paper on which the form is printed is about the same size as the Specimen, When the Cash Secretary has filled in the several returns, she procures the Treasurer's signature to the statement. II. As it would be impossible for the Cash Secretary to Include the money received, and the particulars reported by the Collectors, in the current month, this statement is made up without any re- ference to these particulars, and is a Report of the funds, &c. of the Association on the day preceding the Committee-meeting. It will be perceived that the returns, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4s and 5, are ex- tracted from the " Annual Summary ;" No. 6, from the account with the " Ladies' Branch ;" and No. 7, from the " Treasurer's" account in the " Cash Book ;" and that the answers under the re- maining heads are supplied by the " Free Contributors' Book." As the statement, of which this Specimen is a transcript, was delivered previous to the first Annual Meeting of the Association, the returns to Nos. 1 and 2, and to Nos. 4 and 5, are respectively the same amount. It is scarcely necessary to observe, that this will not be the case after i\\e first Annual Meeting. III. The advantages to be derived from this Monthly Statement are numerous. It serves as a general check to all the accounts, as well as to the Collectors' Reports ; is a guide to the Committee with respect to votes for the general object ; and gratifies the members, by a clear and correct view of the state of their Association. In Associations not connected with a Ladies' Branch, the terra "Auxiliary (or Branch) Society" is inserted by the Cash Secretary. 472 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vh. Specimen of the Cash Secretary's Monthly Statement. SPECIMEN. Charles' Ladies' Bible Association. Cash Secretary's Monthly Statement; presented lOM of December, 1819- State of the Association on the 9th of December, 1819 " Total 1. Amount received this Year :— In free Contributions . , Subscriptions for Bibles, See S. Amount received since the establishment :- In free Contributions Subscriptions for Bibles, &c. . . Amount paid to Ladies^ Branch — 3. Since the last Committee . . . 4. Since the last Annual Meeting 5. Since the establishment .... 6. Balance now due by the Ladies^ Branch 7. Balance now in the Treasurer's hands . Total due to the Association . . £. $. d. 72 . 14 . 7 61 . 2.8 72 .11.7 61 . 2.8 £. s. A 133 . 17 . 3 133. 17 8 27 . 0 0 132 0 0 132 0 0 50. 1 . 8 13. 6 9 52 o 3 8. Total Number of Free Contributors since the establishment 9- Number of those who have declined Number of those who have removed Number transferred to Bible Secretary *Number transferred by Tickets Number now contributing . . . 10. 11. 12. 12 6 3 10 13. 478 31 447 M.F. . . . . Treasurer. A.M. IV. . Cash Secretary. * Where the plan of " Transfer Tickets " is not adopte Members of the District Committee. A.M.W.. . \ There is yet another, and an important document, which demands consideration, and forms an appropriate conclusion of this Section. It is a judicious regulation of every well- constituted society of a benevolent nature, that an Annual Report of its proceedings and results shall be submitted to its friends and supporters, by those to whom the executive duties have been entrusted : and in no case have the advan- tages of this regulation been more evident, than in reference to the British and Foreign Bible Society. The numerous Reports of Auxiliary and Branch Societies and Associations, 49* ladies' bible societies. [chap. vit. Observations on the Annual K-eport. with the periodical and occasional pubHcations of the Parent Institution, have enhghtened the pubhc mind on the nature, tendency, and effects of their proceedings. They have afforded the best evidence that the funds have been faithfully applied; that the great principle of the Society has been maintained inviolate ; and that the results, both direct and collateral, have been in a high degree beneficial. In the perusal of the many hundreds of these Reports which have fallen under the author's observation, nothing has appeared to him more astonishing, than the universal prevalence of that judgment, prudence, and charity, so essential to success. When it is considered, that, on a moderate computation, at least twenty thousand individuals, within the United Kingdom, take an active part in the concerns of these societies, it might naturally be expected that occasional deviations from the strict line of propriety, either in practice or in language, would be mani- fested. Whatever is entrusted to human agency, necessarily partakes of human frailty. But these Reports speak for themselves: and the author is not ashamed to confess, that the perusal of them has deepened the impression long made on his mind, in contemplating the rise and progress of the Bible Society, that " this counsel and this work is 0/ God !" In Associations which hold their own Annual Meetings, the Reports are read at such meetings; in a Gentlemen's Associa- tion, by the Minute Secretary ; in that conducted by Ladies, by the Chairman, or by one of the Secretaries of the society •with which it is connected. In both cases, the Report is, ge- nerally, printed and circulated subsequently ; although some Associations have discontinued the practice of printing their Reports. The propriety or impropriety of this depends so much on local circumstances and opinions, that the re- spective Committees can alone be the proper judges: but in such cases, the Annual Report of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society should include all the particulars relative to its Associations. In Associations connected with a Ladies' Branch Society, the Annual Reports are transmitted to the Secretaries of the Branch; and one general Report is prepared, which is read at the Annual Meeting of the AuxiUary Society. The following Specimen belongs to this class. NO. XXV. — ANNUAL REPORT. I. This Report is detailed on a sheet of folio paper ; and the printed form occupies about one-third of the first page. The returns under the several heads exhibit a clear view of the concerns SECT, v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. 495 Observations of the Annual Report. of the Association, and of its annual progress towards the attain- ment of its object. This, it should always be recollected, is two- fold ; first, the supply of local wants ; and secondly, the supply of all mankind with the holy scriptures. ir. The Collectors should be requested to specify, in their Re- ports to the Monthly Committee-meeting immediately preceding every Annual Meeting, the number of families visited during the past year, and the numbers still destitute of the holy scriptures. This is easily ascertained by reference to the Visiting and Collecting Books, and constitutes an important head of information. The sources that supply the returns under all the other heads, have been pointed out in the observations on the preceding numbers. III. It has been already stated, that the Facts and Observations detailed in these Specimens are extracted from the Annual Reports of the Ladies' Bible Societies of Liverpool, Manchester, and Ply- mouth. In the following Specimen there are some exceptions to this remark. The interesting fact numbered (2) is derived from the Ladies' Bible Association of Ckristchurch ; that numbered (3) from the Association of Douglas, Isle of Man ; and (4), (5), (6), and (7), from the Associations established at Hull. IV. In the preparation of an Annual Report of a Bible Associa- tion, simplicity of language and perspicuity of detail should be principally studied, especially in reference to those Associations which hold their own Annual Meetings. Few of the poor are habituated to an argumentative disquisition ; but all can understand short and simple statements, and those instances of individual re- formation, and moral improvement, that constitute the best evidence of the beneficial tendency and effects of the system. Allusion has already been made {see No. x.) to the importance of strict and judicious investigation, before these facts are reported to the Com- mittee ; but an equal degree of judgment is requisite in selecting them for the public eye. With a due regard to brevity and variety, it may be safely asserted, that one well-authenticated instance of moral reformation is of more value xhanjifty professions of attach- ment to the Bible. Deeds speak louder than words : and those on whom the sacred Oracles have made the deepest impression, will shew their faith by their works, rather than their oral declarations : — Silent and fuU the deepest rivers flow ; 'Tis shallow brooks that babble as they go. V. The printed form that occupies the first part of this Report has not been adopted by any Associations, except those connected with a Ladies' Branch. How far it may be deemed applicable in other cases, is a matter of local consideration ; but its advantages, in presenting a lucid and connected statement, are sufficiently evident. The remarks submitted in the last division of Section V. Chap. II., and those in reference to the same subject in Section IV. of Chap. III., afford every requisite explanation relative to the mode of conducting a General Meeting. 496 LADIES BIBLE SOCIETIES. [chap. VII, Specimen of the Annual Report of a Bible Association. SPECIMEN OF THE ANNUAL REPORT. Annual Report of the CA'-zr/es' Ladies' Bible Association. Presented 2S^/i of December, 1819. 1. N". of Families visited this Year ... 2. D".of P'aEEContrib^novv subscribing 3. Total N». of D». since establishment 4. N". of BIble Subscr^ not yet supplied 5. Total N". of D°. since establishment 6. N°. of Copies distrib. this Year, Bibles, ■ " ~ " 38 15 '729 447 478 182 269 At Cost Prices, Under Cost Prices Gratuitously . . . Total . . . Total N°. distributed since the establishment, At Cost Prices . . Under Cost Prices Gratuitously . . . General Total . . 55 Test 25 34 38 15 53 25 34 8. Amount received this Year, In Free Contributions In Bible Subscriptions Total . . . . 9. Amount received since the esta- blishment, In Free Contributions . . In Bible Subscriptions . General Total . . . ID. Amount paid to the Ladies' Broncli this Year, For Bibles and Testaments . For General Object Total . . . . 11. Amount paid to D". since the establishment, For Bibles and Testaments . For General Object General Total 12. Number of Persons supplied with Loan Testaments this Year 86 15. D». of D". supplied with D». since the establishment 86 14. Amount of Incidental Expenses this Year 15. Total amount of D". D°. since the establishment 16. Number of Districts 58 17. Number of Ladies now on the Committee 49 J 8. N°. of Families destitute of the Holy Scriptures, as far as can be ascertained, 416 £ s. d. 11 . 1.6 72 . 19 . 6 150 7 . o 77 . 7.6 72 . 19 ,6 I 50 . 7.0 8] . 11 .6 68 . 8.6 150 . 0.0 81 . 11 . 6 68 . 8.6 1 50 . O . O 7 . 0 7 .0 In presenting their first Annual Report, the Committee desire to acknow- ledge, with reverent gratitude, the extension of the Divine blessing in giv- ing effect to their humble exertions. To the same source of Infinite Mercy, they would trace that uninterrupted harmony which has characterized their proceedings ; and to its continued influence they would look, for the ability to preserve unimpaired that pure principle, which can alone enable them " (o keep the unit}) of the Spirit in the bond of Peace.'''' In reviewing the events of the last year, we cannot help contrasting our present feelings of grateful satisfaction, with those that occupied our minds when we first engaged in this interesting undertaking. It is true we had not, even then, any doubts as to the importance of the cause, and the advan- tages likely to accrue from our visits to the poor : but many fears and diffl^ SECT, v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. ' 497 Specimen of the Annual Keport. culties suggested themselves, arising out of the state of the labouring classes, and their presumed misapprehension of our motives and intentions. TJiese fears and difficulties we have indeed found to be imaginary : we have been imiformly treated, not only with respect, but with the greatest kindness and affection. The weekly visits by the Collectors are anticipated with evident and cordial satisfaction ; and are rendered increasingly gratifying, by the improved habits of cleanliness, order, and deconun, that are gradually ex- tending among the subscribers. In reference to this subject, and as an illus- tration of these remarks, the following fact, reported by the Collectors of one of our districts, is presented. ( 1.) " Shortly after the establishment of the Association, we called on a poor woman in our district ; and, in answer to our inquiry, were informed that she had neitlier Bible nor Testament. Her manner, and general appearance, gave us reason to fear that !ie attached no importance to the inquiry, nor any value to the Sacred Volume. She and her children were ragged; her apart- ments extremely diity ; and every object around denoted idleness and waste. After some conversation, she agreed to become a subscriber. In the coin-se of a short time, the sum was completed, and she received her Bible. Not many weeks had elajwed, when she sent a message, requesting us to call upon her again, as she was particularly desirous of seeing us. We complied with her wishes, and were highly gratified by our visit. The poor woman burst into tears as soon as she saw us; and, in the most affecting and grateful language, expressed her feelings. — ' Never,' said slie (taking down the Bible from the clean shelf on xvliich it was placed), ' never can I pay sufficiently for this Book : it has proved a blessing to me, and my dear husband.' Upon further conversation, we discovered that, indeed, a great alteration had taken place in her habits and conduct ; and that both spiritual and temporal benefit appeared to have resulted to her family and hei'self from the perusal of the Scriptures. From nev^er having been in tlie habit of going to a place of worship, we now learnt that she was constant in her attendance : her children seemed no longer neglected ; her room was in perfect order ; and every tiling wore the air of neatness and comfort." Your Committee beg leave to add the testimonj'^ derived from their limited experience, to those of other and older Associations, in favour of the plan adopted for supplying the poor vi'ith tlie holy scriptures, thraugh (heir own instrumentality. It has been abundantly proved, that the value of the Bible is considerably enhanced by its being obtained through some sacrifice on the part of the receiver ; and few indeed are the instances, in this happy land, wherein some portion of the cost price cannot be contributed. One of these instances, however, has fallen under our observation, in a manner so pecu- liarlv calculated to excite attention, that we cannot refrain from placing it on more permanent record. (2.) Shortly after the establishment of this Association, one of the Secre- taries called at the house of a poor widow, who was a free contributor of a penny a-week. On asking who lived at the adjoining cottage, the woman replied', that it was a poor, aged, bedridden cripple. " But, Madam," added she, " it is of no use for you to call on her, as she is too poor to subscribe anv thinp- for a Bible." On hearing the name of the poor sufferer, the I-ady immediately recollected that she was entered as a subscriber of ourjience a-week, for a Small-pica Bible : and on mentioning this, with some expres- sion of surprise, to the widow, the latter appeared confused ; and at length confessed, that her two little daughters had privately agreed to subscribe two- pence a-week each, out of their earnings at a manufactory, in order to pro- vide this poor destitute cripple with a Bible ; and the money was paid in her name, that their benevolent secret might not transpire. K K 498 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vit. Specimen of the Annual Report. We feel convinced, that the establishment of the Loan Fund has been productive of much benefit, both to this Society and the poor. The delight with which the Testaments have been always received, and the eagerness which many have manifested to obtain similar ones, which they might call their oivn, are gratifying proofs of the truth of this observation. (3.) We have been delighted in perceiving the deep and increasing interest which the poor manifest in the Foreign object of the Bible Society ; a feeling that has been considerably strengthened and extended by the circulation of the Monthly Extracts of Correspondence. The following fact is a gratifying evidence of this prevalent sentiment : — A woman, whose husband possesses a few acres of land, and with whom, when visiting the district, we had left some papers, explanatory of the na- tui-e of the Association, called at our house one day, and presented three shillings, which she said was to go towards the purchase of a large Bible for herself, as the one she possessed was of so small a print she could scarcely read it. At the same time she expressed her desire to become a fi'ee con- tributor, and laid down threepence for the three weeks which had elapsed since we called on her. Although gratified by her cheerful willingness to subscribe, we were inclined to think she did not understand what was meant by a free contributor ; and therefore asked, whether it was her intention to subscribe freely while she was also paying for her own Bible ? " Yes," she replied ; " I see, by the papers you gave me, how necessary it is to give money to get Bibles for the poor creatures in foreign countries :" and bursting, into tears, she added, " Oh ! how much better are they when they get Bibles ; and how much more they profit by them than we do, who know what we ought to do !" It has been frequently remarked, that the proceedings of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and of its numerous Auxiliaries and Associations, have produced a two-fold effect — that of exciting a desire to possess and read the Sacred Volume, as well as supplying the wants of the poor. Of this we have had many proofs ; among which the following are not the least gra- tifying : — (4.) A little girl, having heard the Collectors, as they called at a neigh- bour's house, immediately offered her subscription of twopence a-week for a Bible. On being asked how she could afford it, she said, she gathered a pennyworth of bones every week ; and she would try to gather more, so as to add another penny to it. She has since paid threepence a-week. (5.) A German coal-carrier, who had received a Bible from the Hull Bible Society, was asked by one of our Collectors, whether he could afford to be- come a free contributor. " Oh, yes," he I'eplied ; " for I do not only pos- sess an English Bible, but a German one, which I loved in my own coun- try ; and I do so wish every body to have one, that I will subscribe to send the Bible back to my own country." (6.) A woman, being asked to become a free contributor, replied, that she would give a penny as long as she had two in the world. And a neighbour, asking her what the Ladies were about ; she answered, " Collecting for the Bible Society : and when the circulation of the Bible is the question, the cause must be good." (7.) A poor man, who had saved some money, in order to spend it at the fair, on hearing of the Bible Associations, thought he mights devote it to a better purpose, rmd requested he might have a Testament of the largest type, as he had a mother residing in Lincolnshire, whose sight was bad from age. He said, lie knew she would be delighted with one of the Society's Testa- ments, and shed many a tear over it, as she had offered up many a prayer for the Bible Society. He then added, " As soon as I can afford it, I mean SECT, v.] FORMS OF THE BOOKS AND PAPERS. 499 Specimen of the Annual Report. to subscribe for a Bible for myself ; as I know a man who had one from your Association, and before he got it he was all for reform : ' but now,' says he, ' Thomas, / have read the Bible, and I hope it has been blessed to me, as I Jind reform must begin in my own heart.'' " (8.) A boy, about ten years of age, frequently asked the Collector, with -great anxiety, how much he had to pay towards his Bible ? The last time she called upon him he repeated the inquiry. The money owing was 1*. 8rf. He gave her threepence. In the evening he called on her, to ask if she would allow him to have his Bible ? The Collector supposed he had received a pre- sent ; as he had before brought her 1 s. I Od. which was given him as a Christ- mas gift. But he infoi-med her, that, in the course of the day, a lady called at his tather's house, who had taken a great fancy to a little dog of his, and offered to give him a shilling for it. He Avliispered to his brother, " It will not pay for my Bible." His brother told the lady what he had said ; and insinuated, that, if she pleased to give him fivepence more, he thought he might be per- suaded to part with his little favourite. " I will freely give him the other pence, replied the lady, in so good a cause." By this means the little fellow was enabled to have his long-vvished-for Bible sooner than he expected. (9.) On calling upon a boy for his subscription, he came delighted from his work with a Bible under his arm, that he had received as a present. His contribution previously was only a penny ; noAv, he said, he would advance it to threepence weekly, to procure a Bible for his father. (10.) A little girl earnestly requested, and obtained permission from her mother, to subscribe the sum of sixpence per week, arising from the sale of flowers out of their garden, which had been allowed her for the purchase of a new bonnet ; which she said she would much rather spend for a large Bible, as she could then lend it to her mother, who had only a small one. After paying the full price, and receiving it at the last distribution, she brought to the Collector her new-year's gift of sixpence, as a free donation. There is something in the very name and character of the Bible, that excites respect and attention even from unblushing profligacy ; and, by a natural transition, some portion of this feeling is transferred towards those who are privileged to co-operate in its universal dissemination. In this point of view, the following extract may not be uninteresting: — (1 1.) As two of the Collectors were going their usual round, in one of the streets they heard a group of women quarrelling. As they approached near the place from whence the noise proceeded, they were perceived by one of the women, who exclaimed, " Hush ! hush ! the Bible Ladies are coming." Upon hearing this they immediately separated, and returned quickly to their houses. Although the Christian requires no evidence of the sufficiency of the Scriptures, under the teaching and guidance of the Holy Spirit, to make men " wise unto siloation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus," yet every renewed confirmation of this sacred truth, as exhibited in a corre- sponding change of life, will be welcomed by those, who, in obedience to the Divine injunction, judge of the " Tree" by its " Fruits." (12.) A Collector lent a Testament to a poor woman who was unable to subscribe for one. About six weeks after, as the Collector was passing by, she called her in, and told her, that the Testament she had lent had been the means of changing her husband's conduct ; for he used to be quarrel- some, fond of the alehouse, and never went to any place of worship. Alow, he is quiet in his temper, fond of remaining in the house ; and every oppor- tunity he has, he reads the Testament to his children, and regularly attends divine service. K k2 500 ladies' bible societies. [chap, vii Specimen of the Annual Report. (13.) The Collector in No. 36 District, reports, that she lent one of her subscribers a Testament, with which he and his wife were much pleased ; they read it every opportunity. "When the Collector first called, the man could not read ; but he has since been taught by an old match-man, who lodges with them. The papers explaining the nature of the Institution^ that were left when the District was first visited, are treasured up and read every Sunday night. They say, "■ they are sure that God sent the Bible Ladies to their cellar ; for they are much happier since they visited them than ever they were before." After the mention of facts such as these, will it be necessary to inform you, that the strong and prevalent sentiment of the poor towards theii" Collectors is that of affectionate gratitude ? — This feature is so striking, that your Com- mittee, in speaking of it, feel that they are in no danger of exaggeration. In a variety of ways, and by a thousand little actions, it is so feelingly and unequivocally expressed, that the heart must be cold which could be insen- sible to it. One poor woman, who had received a Bible, hearing that her Collector was ill, called at the house to inquire for her, offering her services " by day or by night," if they could be of any avail. Oftentimes is the little garden stripped of its finest flowers for a nosegay, to welcome the arrival of the Collector. A basket of fresh vegetables, a plant, or some little article of curious manufacture, have been so many proofs that your Collectors are beloved — that the poor are grateful. A poor woman who was subscribing for a Bible, and whose poverty induced the Collectors to recommend her as a claimant on a benevolent society, received them on their next visit with strong emotions of affection and sensibility, earnestly wishing she had any thing, in " her poor little way," worth presenting : and when they assured her they were amply recompensed by seeing her neat apartment, and being able, through a kindred institution, to procure her any additional comforts, she seemed as if considering how she should evince her feelings ; when taking down two ears of Indian corn, she presented one to each Collector, strongly urging their acceptance ; and was so pained by their refusal (as though fearing it was not " good enough") that they were compelled to accept her grateful tribute.* It is the peculiar, the distinguishing feature of this charity, that its ten- dency is always in favour of the better feelings of our nature. The key that unlocks the most sullen and selfish heart is kindness : employ but this means, and the benevolent affections spring forth in all their energy, in bosoms where their existence might, })reviously, have been doubted. Casual, though munificent, bounty, often fails in accomplishing this : but the individual who from week to week, and from month to month, pursues with untiring dili- gence, and frequently at the expense of personal ease and comfort, a work whose law is kindness — whose object is mercy — whose only reward is found in the increased happiness of mankind — gives such a proof of the pui'ity and disinterestedness of her charity, that, sooner or later, the heart becomes a willing captive to its influence. In conclusion, the Committee cordially invite the co-operation and support of those benevolent Ladies, who may devote a portion of their time to this important work, without the neglect of any more immediate duty. They beg leave to assure them, that the office of a Collector is formidable in appear- ance only ; 'and should it even be attended by the sacrifice of a small portion Second Annual Report of the Plymouth, &c. Ladies' Bible Society. SECT. VI.] GENERAL REMARKS. 501 Increased Demand for the Scriptures, by means of Ladies' Associations. of that time, much of which may innocently and laudably be devoted to intellectual pursuits, oi" the acquisition of elegant accomplishments, your Committee think they will not regret the exchange, when what is now pre- sent and future becomes iiTevocably past ; — when all the glories that now gild the twilight of time, shall fade before the splendour of eternal day ; — when the Son of Man, appearing in the clouds of heaven as the Judge of an assembled universe, shall deign to acknowledge the work of faith and labour of love of the humblest of His followers in those transporting words, — " Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.''' SECTION VI. GENERAL REMARKS. When it is considered, that, on a moderate computation, at least ten thousand Ladies in Great Britain and Ireland are engaged in the practical application of the system detailed in the preceding Sections, and that many of these " honourable women" are distinguished for their elevated rank, their talents, and their virtues ; it becomes a matter of profitable inquiry, whether the benefit derived from their generous zeal and disinterested services be commensvu'ate with the time and energy thus benevolently directed. That the results have satisfied themselves, is a truth which their steady perseverance satisfactorily establishes : and the instances of moral benefit, interspersed throughout this Chapter, will sufliciently account for their unabated ardour in a cause, the happy effects of which they daily behold. But there are many extensive districts of our own country, nominally included by Auxiliary and Branch Societies, to which this portion of the system may be advantageously appHed ; and on the Continent of Europe it has been but very partially adopted in a few principal towns. Under a conviction, therefore, that the tendency and eftects of those institutions have not yet received a due share of public attention ; and satisfied that it is only necessary to investigate their merits, in order to promote their universal extension ; the author submits the following illustration of those remarks which have been already offered in Section VII. of Chap. III. and in other divisions of the present work. 1. The effects o( Auxiliary Societies, in exciting a desire to possess the holy scriptures, has been ah-eady shewn in the Preliminary Observations, Chap. II. ; and the following Table will satisfactorily establish the extension of this result, by means of Ladies Bible yissociatio7is. 502 LADIES BIBLE SOCIETIES. [chap. VII. Instances of the direct Benefits of Bible Associations.— Henley, &c. SALES ^ ISSUES 0/ BIBLES dfJ" TESTAMENTS. During tliejive years ending March 1 809 During ihejive years ending March 1814 Total in the first ten years No. of Copies issued ill Great Britain. Amount of Sales. 158,429 828,658 £. 9,764 . 56,056. s. 7. 0. d. 2 987,087 65,820. 7. 9 1,145,321 503,840 125,561 . 55,170. 9. 12. 4 6 1,64,9,161 180,732. 1 . 10 2,636,248 246,552 . 9. 7 During the^ir years ending March 1819 . During the two years ending March 1821 . Total in the last seven years . . . Total since the establishment of the , British and Foreign Bible Society . . ' 2. Of the direct benefits resulting from this increased circulation of the holy scriptures, and consequently to be ascribed, under the Divine blessing, to the institution of Bible Associations, numerous instances have been adduced in the preceding Section. In adding to this mass of evidence, the only difficulty is, to select such testi- monies as maj' place the subject in every point of view; and thus attract the attention of some who have hitherto appeared indifferent to the progress of a cause, wherein the best interests of their country are involved. Henley on-Thames I^adies\ 1816. — " One person, who has now given her name as a free contributor, had before determinately refused, being decidedly of opinion that no benefit could arise from such an institution. The only reason which now induces her to subscribe, is the evident improvement in the conduct of those in the district who are subscribers to this society." /fl-stminster, 1818. — " An interesting circumstance has lately occurred in our district. A person of very depraved habits, who was a ringleader in every species of dissipation, and especially eminent as a pugilist, had his attention directed to serious subjects. The energy of character by which he exceeded his companions in wickedness, now displays itself in endea- vouring to do good : he is become as earnest in inviting his former associates to attend public worship, as he was before in encouraging them to drink or to fight. He is, of course, a diligent reader of his Bible; and anxious to give his ignorant neighbours the means of participating in the advantages and enjoyments he himself has experienced, he has become a Collector to our Bible Association, and, among the most unpromising habitations in "Westminster, has procured fifteen subscribers for Bibles, three of whom have entered themselves in an Adult School to be taught to read-" Gndalminfc, 1815. — " Your Committee have heard, with peculiar pleasure, that the habits oi twearing and drunkenness are certainly lessening ; and that SECT. VI.] GENERAL REMARKS. 503 Godalming, Rochester, Blackheath, Famham, &c. those of decency, order, economy, and industry, are evidently increasing among the poor in this i>eighbourhood." Rochester, S(c. 1820. — " We are not at a loss to prove that the Scriptures have really been productive of moral and religious good. We know that many who swore, swear no more ! — that many who were spending their all in public-houses, and thereby bringing ruin upon themselves and their families, are become domestic and moral, if not religious characters — that many, who have scarcely had bread to eat, have submitted to privations and distress, rather than break the commandments of God, or the laws of their country." Blackheath, 1814. — " The Bible Association formed in the Dock-j'ard at Woolwich has TO.S subscribers at one penny a-vveek each, furnishing the annual amount of j&.15l. 1.5*. The Committee remark, with the highest satisfaction, ' that in many instances the perusal of the Word of God has produced, as was to be expected, a very manifest improvement in the moral conduct of those who have i-eceived it.' In proof of this, the Committee quote especially the language of 3Ir. Willmott, of the "Woolwich rope-yard ; who testifies, ' that there appears a general reform in the moral character of the rope-makers there employed.' Formerly, their habits were exceedingly censurable ; intoxication and profane swearing being very common amongst them. ' But now,' he says, ' it is very unusual to see a single individual the least disguised in liquor, while on duty ; nor does he ever now hear . them make use of the profane and blasphemous expressions formerly so com- monly indulged in that yard.' " Ditto, 1819- — " One of the parishes within the sphere of this Society's labours, and where an Association was formed about foui- years ago, consists chieHy of farmei's, labourers, and mechanics. Every Sunday afternoon, it has been long customary for the farmer's men to assemble together in the stables, and talk over the occurrences of the week. The intention having been to divert each other, the practice, according to their own account, was to relate childish tales, and often false stories, for this purpose. Some of the men having been supplied with the Scriptures, it has afforded the Com- mittee peculiar satisfaction to become spectators of the moral and religious benefit which has since accrued. Now, every Sunday afternoon, instead of meeting to gamble, engage in unbecoming games, and utter idle or pro- fane language, they meet to hear the Scriptures read to them. One of their own party is often seen reading to the rest, whUe they earnestly listen to everv word. Afterwards, too, as soon as they have attended to their unavoidable business, they no longer resort to a public-house, but devoutly attend a place of worship." Famham Ladies', 1816- — " Mrs. , the mother of a numerous family, which she had entirely neglected, for the sake of associating with persons of the most abandoned character, was formerly a bad wife, a careless mother, and an injurious neighbour. At the commencement of this Association, in August, 1814, she because a subscriber; and received a Bible in April, 1815. Some time afterwards, there was a visible alteration in the appearance of her children, who were much neater, and seemed happier than formerly : — she has become active, sober, and industrious. She now reads the Bible as often as her numerous engagements will permit ; is become a dutiful wife, an affectionate mother, a good neighbour ; and no longer frequents the public- house, and that abandoned society, which was once her chief employment and principal delight." " A poor man, who was notorious principally for his intemperance and domestic misconduct, has exhibited a remarkable change in his behaviour. His chUd received a Bible from the Association twelve months ago ; and for the greater part of this time he has been an altered character : he has 504 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vii. Farnham, Wokingham, St. Clement Danes, Windsor, Worcester, Plymouth. not committed one act of intemperance ; his family are now cleanly, and happy in participating a father's kindness, instead of the sh&meless brutality of intoxication ; and lie devotes all his leisure hours to the duties of home, and to the perusal of the Bible, which before were spent in tlie joj-ous though wretched insanity of the alehouse, and solely marked by the neglect of lus family and every kind of religious dutv." 3. Among the many collateral benefits of Bible Associations, few have been more decisively evinced than the increasing desire to possess the Book of Common Prayer, and other valuable publica- tions of a kindred nature. The following evidences of this disposi- tion will afford a satisfactory illustration of the remarks offered on this subject, in Section XII. of Chapter I. TVoli bighorn Ladies'-, 1820. — " ]\Iany of the poor, having been put in possession of the inspired volume, have become anxious to supply them- selves with the 13ook of Common Prayer : and tliereby, it may reasonablv be concluded, they have gained more advantage from their attendance at Church than before this Association was established, when they had neither Bible nor Prayer Book." St. Clement Danes, IFestminster, 1816. — " IMany of those who are at pre- sent subscribing for, or who have obtained the Scriptures, have eagerly in- quired of the Collectors, how they may be supplied witii the Common Prayer-Book." JVindsor, 1817 — " The Vicar of Staines stated a fact, that proved the support Avhich Bible Societies afforded to the Established Cluu-ch. At Staines, soon after an Auxiliary Society was formed, the demand for Prayer- Books greatly increased. The Church is better filled, the populace better disposed. Three hundred Prayer-Books had been since disposed of at a cheap rate; and the deinand is not diminished." Ucnleii, 1816. — " Your Committee rejoice ir being enabled to state, that the'Ladies of the Henley Bible Association, both members of the Establish- ment and Dissenters, have, as individuals, received subscriptions for, and supplied the poor with, a greater number of copies of the Book of Common Prayer, at half cost price, than had been previously distributed in this dis- trict during many years : nor has a solitary case occurred wherein the application has not been promptly and cheerfully complied with." 4-. It has been already remarked, that an increasing desire on the part of both children and adults to learn to read, was one of the earliest effects produced by the Bible Society on the Continent of Europe. The following extracts will establish the fact of a similar disposition in our own country, and on the American continent, TVorcester, 1813. — "In the town and neighbourhood of Stourbridge, one hundred and ninety-six persons, betv/een the ages oi fifteen and forty-five, who, before the institution of a Bible Society in that neighbourhood, were unable to read, have voluntarily, between the hours of labour, began to learn, in order that they may peruse the Scriptures." To this statement it is added, — " The places of public worship also are more numerously attended ; and religious animosities are much softened, if not entii'ely subdued." Plymouth Ladies', 1819. — " Adults have commenced learning to read. A very prosperous school of this description, containing forty scholars, traces its origin entirely to the influence of your Associations ; and those pre. viously existing have acknowledged considerable augmentation since the period of your commencement : scarcely one of the Associations but SECT. VI.]" GENERAL REMARKS. 505 Increased desire to be taught how to read. mentions some instance of this effect having been produced. ' Our Adult Schools,' say they, *■ have been again revived ; and the Collectors have recorded several instances of individuals, who, on their first visit, were totally unable to read, but can now peruse with facility a chapter in the Testament.' The number of children also, who applied for admission, particularly in the Sunday Schools, in the course of a few weeks after the formation of the Associations, was truly astonishing. In the female part of one school alone, the increase was from ninety to upwards of one hundred and fifty : and this increase was traced directly to this operating cause. It is a pleasing fact, that, in one of these schools, twenly-fLve of the children became subscribers for Bibles and Testaments." Cumberland, New Jersey, 1818. — " In this town we have had a Sunday School established for about three years; which is increasing. But since the formation of our Bible Society, eight more Sunday Schools have been opened." Rending Ladies\ 1817- — "Anxiety to peruse their Bibles has likewise in- duced some, even in advanced age, to apply themselves so assiduously to im- prove in reading, as to make a siu-prising progress in a short period : several instances of this earnestness in children might be mentioned ; but the follow- ing has been selected from many proofs of serious application in adults. On visiting an aged woman who had received a Bible, she declared it was the best piece of furniture in her house ; adding, " Now that I have a Bible with so good a print, I shall tr}^ hard to get on in reading : for though I only knew my letters, last night, after persevering a little, I made out two or three verses ; and I mean to continue spending my evenings in the same manner." Godalming Ladies\ 1815. — "A poor man, who had lately learned the value of the Bible, and could not read, determined to teach himself; and bought a Testament of a neighbour for a shilling, just before the commence- ment of this Association, and then began immediately to subscribe for a Bible : he has now, with much diligence and perseverance, learned to read ; and his wife, who cannot yet read herself, says her husband is never happy if he does not read a chapter or two every evening to his family. The instructions and comfort which they continually derive from reading their Bible, are their chief delight and subject of conversation." j)itlo. — " Another poor man and his wife, who have ' received a Bible, became very desirous of learning to read, and have now begun : the man, especially, is so earnest, that when he has not much time to read in the evening, he will rise earlier in the morning, and has been seen at five o'clock pursuing his object : the neighbours remark, that this man has not been to the public-house so much since he has been learning to read." Bristol, 1813. — Extract of a letter from a clergyman at Mitchel Dean, Gloucestershire. — " I was obliged to transfer nearly all the Testaments for the use of my Sunday School, which has increased wonderfully in number. At the time of my former application I had only about forty children ; but since that time moi'e than 500 have been entered on the books: 221 ap- peared at school last Sunday, and I may reckon on nearly 400 who attend at one time or other ; though the scattered state of the population and distant residence are frequent hindrances. A few live near the school, but many more come five miles by eight o'clock in the morning. Among them are several lads nearly grown up to manhood, who have bought Bibles of me with their own earnings. Two years ago they were perfectly ignorant and vicious : now they are an advantage instead of a nuisance to society ; have gained a taste for reading; and have learned to value that blessed book, which, it may be hoped, will be a lamp to their path through life. The sjjirit of inquiry for Bibles has appeared only within these last few months." i 506 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vii. Present state of gratuitous Education in Great Britain and Ireland. Bristol, 1813. — " In the course of the present year upwards of one hundred persons have been supplied with the Scriptures, who have been taught to read in the Adult Schools. The Association has likewise been maile useful in a collateral way, by furnishing those schools with learners. A single member of one of your Sub-Committees recommended twenty-six persons out of one street ; eighteen of whom, he afterwards found, attended the scliools." Cork Lnrf!es\ 1818. — " An interesting account has been lately received from an officer on board the Dorothy convict-ship, off llio Janeiro ; men- tioning, that twenty -five convicts, who did not know a letter in the alphabet on leaving Ireland, are now reading their Bibles with so much attention, that there is reason to hope, through the Divine blessing, the good seed has been sown in their hearts. He adds, that some Bibles have been cheerfully purchased ; and that a general anxiety has been evinced to possess that greatest of earthly treasures, the Word of God." In connexion with this branch of the subject, it appears important to consider the increased facilities now given to the work of gra- tuitous education in Great Britain and Ireland : — I. According to the Ninth Annual Report of the A'a-' tioual Sociely, the number of children, in 1614^ 220,000 schools, connected with that institution, exceeds II. By the Report of the Minutes of Evidence before" the Committee of the House of Commons on Edu- cation, published in 1S20, we may safely estimate ^ 60,000 the numbi r of schools on the Brilish syslcm at 300, and the number of children at . . . III. On a moderate computation, the number of cliildren in England and Wales receiving daily instruction by means ol' BenevoU-Tit Societies and individuals, V 50,000 and not included in either of the preceding re- turns, is IV. The parochial and Gaelic schools of Scotland con-") tain at least I ^^'^^^ V. On the authority of the Right Hon. M. Fitzgerald, "J in his speech on the state of education in Ireland, I ^^ 1st March, 1821, there are in that country no less | --"^'^"^ than 3776 schools, containing j VI. The Annual Report of the Sunday-School Union, for 1820, contains a specilication of 4,226 Sunday Schools in Great Britain and Ireland ; and estimates the number of children at 427,553. If from this ] 280,000 number we deduct one-third, as being, probably, included under the preceding heads, there remain about Aggregate number of children receiving") daily or weekly gratuitous instruction/ ' ' "" ' The impression which such a statement is calculated to make on the reflecting muul, will derive tenfold strength from the considera- tion of those facts which have recently been brought before the public by Mr. Montague, Mr. Brougham, and other enlightened SECT. VI.J GENERAL REMARKS. 507 Temporal Necessities of the Poor ascertained. philanthropists ; — facts which incontrovertibly estabhsh a trutli of equal importance to the statesman, the patriot, and the Christian ; that ignorance is the parent and the nurse of crime ; and that educa- tion, on the basis of the Bible, is the foundation of individual hap- piness and of national morality, strength, and safety. 5. That the intimate knowledge of the actual state of the labour- ing classes, acquired by means of Bible Associations, has been made conducive to the relief of their temporal necessities, is a fact which every Collector can testify. Of this result, the following extracts afford a satisfactory evidence : — Southampton^ 1817- — " It has been gratifying to your Committee to observe, that the interests of general benevolence have been promoted by the efforts of the Ijadies' Bible Association ; many miserable and destitute per- sons having, by their means, been sought out and assisted, with that prudent discrimination which alone entitles to the name of charity the aid that is bestowed on the necessitous." Jersey [jndics\ 1820. — " It may not be irrelevant here to remark, although unconnected with the immediate object of the society, that whilst admini- stering to the mental wants of their fellow-creatures, their bodily necessities have not been overlooked ; and that many a poor family has been fed and clothed, whose miseries would have remained unknown, but for the visits of your members in their official capacity." Poole [judies\ 181.9. — " The constant visits of the Collectors to the habita- tions of the poor, have rendered tliem more familiar with the wants and woes of their fellow-creatures ; and this has awakened fresh anxiety for their relief; many of whom, in consequence of their repeated and friendly visits, have acquired habits of greater neatness in their persons and houses : and the distresses of some, whose modesty had prevented a voluntary disclosure of them, have thus been discovered, and eifectually relieved." Rochdale^ 1820. — " In the judgment of your Committee, the system of IjAniEs' IJiBLE Associations is, perhaj)s, as perfect as any ever devised by the ingenuity of benevolence, 'i'he habitations of a large population are almost instantly visited, and the want of Bibles ascertained : — the mode of payment is so adapted to the circumstances of the poor — expectation precedes the possession of the sacred volume — a friendly intercourse is maintained — so manv sympathies are, on the one hand, awakened, and on the other, such gratitude is excited, that every unprejudiced mind must admit, that, while hardier frames are employed in more distant and public work, the female sex are most suitable distributors of domestic charity. Your Committee, in re- calling to your minds the llej)ort of the liadies, merely to answer an ob- ]ection to weeklv contributions from the poor in this season of distress, wovdd point out this circumstance, that though you have heard what sum has been received from the poor, you have not been told what benefits, in a thousand forms, the Agents of the Association have bestowed on the objects of their weekly visits." Plumouth Ladies', 1820.—" Of the collateral benefits of your institution, there is no one more striking, nor of which the Collectors speak with greater confidence, than tlie opportunities aifordcd, by their regular visits among the poor, of discovering and relieving rtal distress. ISIany an unrecorded instance of this will recur to the recollection of the Collectors ; which, if it speak not to the public, furnishes to individual consciousness a most satis- factory pledge that its labours have not been in vain. It is by means of these visits to the poor, that their characters are developed ; that it becomes 508 ladies' bible societies. [chap. vii. Necessities of the Poor relieved. possible to distinguish between the Avorthless and the deserving — between the clamorous mendicant and the unobtrusive sufferer. Acting upon this conviction, the Gentlemen of the Committee for relieving the distresses of the poor in Dock and Stoke, during the late severe season, requested the assistance of the Collectors of the respective Associations — satisfied that no other persons had such opportunities of becoming acquainted witli the indi- vidual necessities of the families in their districts ; and consequently, none would be so little liable to imposition in the distribution of the funds raised for their relief. — Yoiu- Committee woidd here lay before you one or two circumstances corroborative of the foregoing remarks. — ' In prosecuting their inquiries in one house, the Collectors found a poor woman who pro- cured her subsistence by knitting, in Avhich employment she sometimes earned two shillings per week, ninepence of which she jiaid for rent : she had neither bedding nor fire, although it was during the inclemency of winter. Her distress, which was previously uidvnown to any one, was re- lieved by the immediate supply of a bed and blanket, and some small allowance from the parish. A loan Testament was also placed in her hands. Her health, which had suffered considei-ably, Avas gradually re-establislied, and she enjoyed a comparative state of comfort. On again seeing the Ladies, she burst into tears of gratitude, and said, The Lord must have directed their steps to her dwelling, to preserve her from perishing from want.' " Tlie Collectors of another Association repoi't, that, " going into a room to inquire if the inhabitants of it possessed the sacred scriptures, they were struck with the appearance of a boy, about sixteen years of age, sitting silently by the fire-side, whom they discovered to be totally blind, having lost the organ of vision in infancy. On entering into conversation with him, they found him possessed of a mind susceptible of cultivation : he expressed an ardent desire to be led to the house of God ; and his mother remarked, that he often bittei'ly lamented, when the bell sounded from a neighbouring church, that the want of clothes prevented him from going with the multi- tude to keep holy-day. On making his situation known, he was soon furnished with necessary apparel ; and has ever since been a regular and constant attendant at church. He has been admitted into a Sunday-School, where his conduct is exemplary, and his progress rapid : he has committed to memory the Avhole of one of the Epistles, several chapters of Isaiah, and many of the Psalms." It will gratify the reader to learn, that, through the continued exertions of those benevolent Ladies, this poor boy is about to be admitted into an asylum for the blind, in order to gratify his earnest desire to acquire the means of contributing towards his own support. Boston, 1819. — " By weekly visits to such poor families as are subscribing for Bibles, the Collectors have obtained a full acquaintance, not only with their moral wants, but with their temporal domestic wants likewise. These wants have also been sujiplied : the various distresses of numbers have been greatly alleviated : the sick have been furnished with medicine ; the liungiy have been fed, and the naked have been clothed. A Clothing Society also has been formed, and is principally supported by the Ladies, who are active members of the Association." 6. A striking improvement has been witnessed in the domestic habits of the poor : and in no respect is it more conspicuously manifested than by an increased attention to cleanliness and decorum. Dudley, 1813. — The Rev. Dr. Booker, the highly-respected Vicar of this extensive parish, observed, at the General Meeting of the Worcester Auxili- ary Society — " (^n going among the dwellings of the poor, our Committee SECT. VI.] GENERAL REMARKS. 50& Iniprovement in the Domestic Habits of the Poor. soon began to remark a diiference between those families who possessed a Bible and those who were destitute of it ; so striking a difference, that, on entering any house, we could generally tell, without making an inquiry, whe- ther it contained a Bible or not: for, with few exceptions, where the Bible was not, cleanliness was not ; but every thing, Ijoth in person and apartment, that is squalid and disgusting. On the contrary, among persons of the same trade or calling, Avherever the Book of God blessed the humble dwelling, eveiy thing seemed sanctified by it : every thing was clean ; every thing ' decent and in order.' He, then, must be a bad politician, and a worse philo- sopher, who has to learn what a close alliance there is between foul habits and religious ignorance." Jyj/me, I8I9. — " The Ladies have, with the utmost pleasure, observed, that the poor in general subscribe with the gi-eatest cheerfulness ; and that, on the day when the Collectors are expected, in many instances both persons and houses are cleaned in readiness to receive the visitors." Plynioutli Ladies', 1819. — " The conviction once established, that the Collectors have no other aim in their visits than the good of their subscribers, enables them to recommend with effect, improved habits of decency and cleanliness. In these particulars, many of their apartments present a strUc- ing contrast to what they did at first ; and, in some cases, the poor have not been backward to acknoAvledge, with gratitude, tlie increased comfort which they have derived from attention to their friendly hints." Daventry Ladies\ 1 820. — " It is really comfortable," observed a poor woman to one of the Collectors, " to see the change since last year. So many used to be either standing at their doors, or running aliout the streets, on a Sunday evening, who are no^v shut in their houses, reading the Bible to their families." Seven Dials\ Westm'mster, 1816". — " One person, who formerly employed the hours of the LoRn's-Day in reading a Sunday newspaper, has relin- quished his usual gratification, and has devoted his time and money to the purchase and study of a Bible : his wife has burnt the objectionable books they before possessed, in the presence of her husband ; and he, who once delighted in them, now reads his Bible, and attends the house of God, which he had before forsaken." Blfick/riars, S(c. London, 1816. — " Several very wicked and profane per- sons, who habitually worked together, were persuaded to join your Asso- ciation. No sooner had they received a Bible, than one person read aloud, for the benefit of the rest, while they partook of their meals. Doubtless, curiositv at first induced the perusal ; but after that stimulus subsided, they continued the practice, till they gradually discovered that there is a divine realitv in the Bible, which they had never before suspected. An important alteration was soon evident in the conduct and conversation of several of these persons: they were induced statedly to read the Bible for thexnselves, to fear an oath, and to frequent the house of God." Liverpool Ladies', 1819.—" A woman has given up the ruinous practice of drinking spirits ; and her whole conduct appears to have been altered : her cellar and children are now clean and neat. She is subscribing for a Bible, and is often found reading the Testament. Her husband has become a regular attendant on public worship, and assists in raising the weekly subscription, which at first he opposed." 7. It is to Bible Associations we are indebted, if not for the abso- lute orio-in of Savings Banks, at least for their general extension ; and for the disposition excited in the labouring classes to avail themselves of the advantages afforded by those admirable institu- 510 ladies' bible societies. [chap. VII. Habits of Loyalty and good Order promoted. tions, and by establishments of a kindred nature. The following extracts will afford a gratifying illustration of these remarks : — Liverpool, Ladles', 1819- — " Often, upon a first visit to an abode of penury and wretchedness, has a Collector been reminded, that it was more becoming in her to give than to receive ; and that to raise a penny per week for any other article than food or raiment was wholly impossible: but when she has once succeeded in convincing the inhabitants that she has sought only their welfare ; and has kindly directed them how to provide, by a prudent disposal of their income, for their own comfort and that of their families ; not only has the weekly penny been easily spared for a Bible, but, in many instances, the Col- lector has afterwards been requested to receive even a shilling a-week in the summer, as a provision for the temporal wants which might be felt in the winter : thus the poor have been essentially served, by being taught to help themselves. As the confidence in the Ladies, on the part of the subscribers, has increased, so generally has this disposition been manifested, that the Com- mittees of several Associations, whose districts are inhabited principally by the labouring classes, have deemed it expedient to form themselves into Societies foii Savings: and in the Harrington Association alone, inde- pendently of money for Bibles, more than 220/. has been deposited, in small sums, for blankets, coals, and the Savings Bank." Plymouth Ladies', 1820. — "Your Committee have great pleasure in stating, that the hope expressed in their last Report, that the Associations established in these towns might operate in promoting habits of saving among the lower classes, has been justified by the successful formation of a society for the direct and express purpose of assisting the poor in making some provision, during the time they are regularly employed, for the hard- ships of the winter-season. The " Plymouth Provident Society," esta- blished early in the spring, has already two hundred and sixty -seven deposi- tors, whose weekly savings are collected by Ladies, on a plan similar to that of the Associations : and from the eagerness with which it has been met by the poor, your Committee are confirmed in their anticipation, that the habit once formed, its application to other objects will easily and naturally follow." 8. It has been well remarked, that every feeling inspired by the operations of a Bible Association, is on the side of virtue and inde- pendence ; and forms a strong preservative against that mean, selfish, and degraded spirit, to which a great part of the miseries of the ignorant and profli<;ate are owing. In no respect has the justice of this observation been more decisively proved, than in the loyalty and good order which have characterized the members of these institutions, in every part of our country : — " It is a well-authenticated fact," observe the Committee of the Sher- borne Branch Society, " that wherever the Bible Society has conveyed her living stream, the demoralising effxjcts of sedition and tumult have been crushed ; so that 7iot one of her ntetubers has been identified with those who have evinced insubordination to the government under which we enjoy so many real blessings ; but have been found cultivating peace on earth and good-will towards men. If we look, therefore, only to our own domestic advantages, the preservation of our youth, the tranquillity and prosperity of our empire, we cannot but solicit all who have put their hands to this good work to be steadfast and unmoveable." 9. It will readily be believed, that the influence of a cause pro- ductive of effects like these must extend beyond the immediate SECT. VI.} GENERAL REMARKS. 511 Influence of the Holy Scriptiu-es, in Suffering and the approach of Death. objects, and manifest its practical tendency in the feelings and dis- position of the agents. That such has been the result, the following extracts will be a sufficient evidence ; — Plymouth Ladies', 181.9. — "Nor have the advantages resultmg from these visits of mercy been wholly confined to the poor .- the Collectors feel, that they too have to acknowledge their obligations : — valuable lessons of con- tentment, patience, and resignation, have been learnt in these abodes of poverty : — the opportunity of doing good has been the blessed opportunity of purchasing pure and elevated pleasures: — and some of your Collectors have traced their first feelings of genuine benevolence to the knowledge thus acquired of the actual degree of wretchedness existing among so many of their fellow-creatures, of which before they had formed but a faint and inoperative conception." Liverpool Ladies', 1820. — " The Collectors have not only been cheered by observing the happy effects of their labours upon others, but also by per- ceiving the blessing return to themselves. The question naturally suggests itself, ' If a knowledge of the Bible which I distribute is essential to tlie present and future happiness of others, is it not equally so to mine ?' They have hence been induced, in more instances than one, to ' search the Scrip- tures ' with personal interest ; and two Collectors, who now rest from their labours, left behind them an undisputed testimony, that, having been first led by this consideration to an attentive examination of the contents of the sacred volume, under the blessing of God, they found them able to make them ' wise unto salvation.' " 10. " Nothing," said an estimable Clergyman to the author of this work, " nothing of an earthly nature has ever tended more to strengthen my hands, than the Ladies' Bible Association of my parish. I behold its fruits everywhere. I see them budding in my school ; I behold them ripening in my daily visits to my people; but, above all, I see them matured as I sit beside the dying Chris- tian— poor in this world's wealth, but ' rich in fait k.' And let me add, that my congregation has materially increased since the esta- blishment of this blessed Society." 11. To these testimonies, it only remains to add that which crowns the whole. Let us follow the Bible to the bed of suffering and of death ; and trace it in its sacred office, under the regenera- tin«'- and sanctifying influence of that Holy Spirit by which it was dictated in mercy and applied in love. Here the believing heart finds an answer to the all-important question, " IFhat is truth?"— Here the vain delusions of the world, its cares, its sorrows, and its joys, assume their real value: — Here nothing can satisfy, console, and animate, but that which comes from Him who triumphed over death. If the Bible can mitigate the calamities of life, where is the philanthropist who would withhold the balm? If it can disarm the king of terrors, and dispel the last cloud that hangs upon the confines' of mortality, where is the Christian who would not fly to introduce the messenger of joy and peace? The Committee of the North- l^est London Auxiliary Society, in their Report for 1819, communicate the following particulars, as detailed by the Collectors of a district in the Cavendish-Square Association : — 512 ladies' bible societies. [chap. VIIw Influence of the Holy Scriptures, in Suffering and the approach of Death. *" A young man was found, in dying ciiTumstances, in a dark back room. The whole external scene was that of poverty, affliction, and Avoe : but the state of his mind was a foretaste of heaven. All within was calm and happy. His hope was beyond the grave : and the peace of God, which passeth all undei'standing, kept his heart and mind in holy tranquillity and joy. "When inquiry was made by what means he had attained to this happy state of mind, it was ascertained that a little girl, of ten years of age, had been accustomed daily to read to him in a Bible, which she had received from this Association. This enabled him patiently to bear his advei'sity : he believed the word of God; and its holy influence imparted happiness in misery, riches in poverty, joy in sorrow, and life in death." In concluding this Chapter, the author cannot deny himself the pleasure of adding another testimony to the sufficiency of the holy scriptures, as delivered by his valued friend Dr. Olinthus Gregory, of the Royal Military Academy, Woohvich, at the Fourth Annual Meeting of the Blackheath Auxiliary Society. While it exem- plifies the awful but sustaining truth, that " he that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in hirnself, may it incite us to increased and persevering exertion in making known to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, that Record which He hath given us—" And this is the Record, that God /lath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son .'" — " Immersed, as I long have been, and sinking, as I sometimes feel myself, under the pressure of numerous duties and avocations, it has not been my lot to visit the abodes of adversity and want so frequently as some of my respected friends near me. Nevertlieless, I have sometimes seen the power of religion exemplified among those whom the kindness of others has furnished with the Word of God ; and the remarkable instance to which I now advert, I would fain describe, though I feel myself utterly incompetent to do it justice. " More than twelve months ago, I went, pursuant to the request of a poor but benevolent woman in my neighbourhood, to visit an indigent man, greatly afflicted. On entering the cottage, I found him alone 5 his wife having gone to procure him milk from a kind neighbour, I was startled at the sight of a pale emaciated man, a living image of death, fastened upright in his chair by a rude mecha- nism of cords and belts hanging from the ceiling. He was totally unable to move either hand or foot ; hav'mg, for ?nore than four years, been entirely deprived of the use of his limbs ; yet the whole time suffering extreme anguish from swellings at all his joints. As soon as I had recovered a little from my surprise at seeing so pitiable an object, I asked, ' Are you left alone, my friend, in this deplorable situation ?' — ' No, Sir,' replied he, in a touchingly feeble tone of mild resignation (nothing but his lips and eyes moving while he spake), ' I am not alone, tor God is with me.' On advancing, I soon found the secret of this striking declaration ; for his wife had left on his knees, propped with a cushion formed for the purpose, a Bible, lying open at a favourite portion of the Psalms of David. I sat down by him, and conversed with him. On ascertaining that he had but a SECT. VI.] GENERAL REMARKS. 513 Influence of the Holy Scriptures, in Suifering and the a])proach of Death. small weekly allowance certain, I inquired how the remainder of his wants were supplied. ' Why, Sir,' said he, ' 'tis true, as you say, seven shillings a-weck would never support us : but, when it is gone, I rely upon the promise I find in this Book, ' Bread shall be given him, and his water shall be sure.' I asked him, if he ever felt tempted to repine, under the pressure of so long-continued and heavy a calamity? ' Not for the last three years,' said he ; ' blessed be God for it !' — the eye of faith sparkling, and giving life to his pallid countenance, while he made the declaration ; — ' for I have learned in this Book in whom to believe : and though I am aware of my weak- ness and unworthiness, I am persuaded that he will never leave me nor forsake me. And so it is, that often when nij' lips are closed with locked-jaw, and I cannot speak to the glory of God^ he ena- bles me to sing his praises in my heart.' " This, and much more, did I hear during my first visit : and, in my subsequent visits (for I am not ashamed to say, that often, for my own benefit, have I gone to the cottage of this afflicted man), I generally found him with his Bible on his knees, and uniformly wit- nessed the like resignation flowing from the blessing of God upon the constant perusal of his Holy Word. He died with a hope full of immortality, and is now gone to the ' rest that rcmahiethjhr the people of God.' And gladly would I sink into the obscurity of the same cottage, gladly even would I languish in the same chair, could I but enjoy the same uninterrupted communion with God, be always filled with the same strong consolation, and always behold with equally vivid perception sparkling before me, the same celestial crown. " What, I would ask, what but the heartfelt influence of the truths of religion, what but the most decided faith in the promises of the Gospel, could enable a man to sustain such a continuity of affliction, not merelywith tranquillity, but with thankfulness ? And what can convince an individual of the utility, nay, the duty, of dis- tributing Bibles among the indigent, who does not become per- suaded by such an example as this ? for all this poor man's know- ledge, and all his internal comfort, were derived from the Word of God !" L L 514 CHAP. VIII. CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. " LET ALL THINGS BE DONE DECENTLY AND IN OHDEU." 1 COR. XIV. 40. SECTION I. HINTS RELATIVE TO THE DUTIES THAT DEVOLVE ON THE OFFI- CERS AND COLLECTORS OF BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS. 1 HE following suggestions are respectfully submitted to those who superintend and conduct the operations of these important Institutions ; under a hope that they may facilitate their proceedings, and explain every point of apparent diffi- culty. In many of them, a degi'ce of repetition, and a minute- ness of detail, will he observed : but these defects appear of minor consequence, when compared with the advantages to be derived from a clear and accurate knowledge of the system. Those passages in the Hints to the Officers which are in Italics, are exclusively applicable to Associations connected with a Ladies' Branch. In every case where difficulty was anticipated, a note has been subjoined ; and it is hoped the purport has been rendered sufficiently clear to explain the mode pursued in all Bible Associations, however constituted, and whether conducted by JLadies or Gentlemen. •»* All the Specimens referred to will be found in Chap. VII. Section V., U7iless it be slated to the contrary. i._PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENTS. 1. The President of a Bible Association may render essential services to the cause, by attending the Meetings, and taking the chair of the Committee. 2. A similar remark is applicable to the Vice-Presidents, one of whom occupies the chair in the President's absence. 3. Punctuality of attendance is highly desirable, not only as an example to tlie other members, but that the business may com- mence precisely at the hour appointed, and much valuable time be saved. 4. In the circles wherein they move, these officers may mate- rially promote the object of the Institution, by circulating informa- tion on the subject, and correcting erroneous impressions. It is SECT. I.] DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND COLLECTORS. 515 Treasurer's Duties — at a Committee-Meeting. scarcely necessary to add, that they will be better qualified to eiFect this if they regularly attend the meetings of the Coramittee> and judge for themselves. II.— TREASURER. The only book of which the Treasurer takes charge is the small Cash-Book — Sfiecimen A'o. xxir. The duties of the Treasurer are as follow : — , At a Committee-Meeting — 1. In the absence of the President and Vice-Presidents, to take the chair, and preserve order. 2. To be intimately acquainted with the several duties of the Minute, Cash, and Bible Secretaries ; and with the regular order of proceeding at a Committee-meeting. 3. To regulate the proceedings by the Agenda, or paper of busi- ness {See Specimen, No. xii.), then laid before the chair by the Minute Secretary. 4. When a resolution has been moved and seconded, to request the opinion of the Committee by a shew of hands, both for and against. 5.* While the Minute Secretary reads the Collectors' Reports, the Treasurer (if not in the chair) will observe that the Testaments LENT are accounted for; make out a list of applications for loans ; and, when voted by the Committee, fill up tickets for their delivery, and give them to the Collectors. When the Treasurer presides, she requests one of the Collectors to sit at the table, and perform this duty. The regularity and decorum of the meeting should consti- tute the sole object of attention with the individual who presides. 6. To sign the Cash Secretary's statement, after having compared it with the entries in her own book. 7. f The Treasurer is recommended to fill up her Monthly Report to the Ladies' Branch (see Specimen, No. xxiii.) before she leaves the table of the Association Committee; or to fix a time of meeting tuith the Secretaries for this purfjose. A duplicate copy of this Report should be handed to the Minute Secretary, to paste into the Report Book. 8. The Treasurer to consider herself, upon all subjects before the Urauch Committee, as the representative of her Association ; and as such, present, monthly, a Report; and pay over the amount voted by her Committee to the Cash Secretary of the Ladies' Branch. * This hint is, of course, inapplicable to those Associations which liave not adopted the plan of a Loan Fund. I Should the plan of transmitting Monthly Reports to the Auxiliary (or Branch) Societies with which they are connected, he hereafter adopted l)y any Associations, this suggestion will be equally applicable to them. LL2 516 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. [cHAP. VIII. Minute Secretary's Duties — at a Committee-Meeting. 9. • The money voted should be paid to the Cash Secretary of the Ladies' Branch only at the Branch Committee-meetings. 10. The Treasurer is particularly requested, never to pay any money until furnished by the Minute Secretary with a copy of the vote of the Committee authorising such payment. This copy to be filed as a voucher. III.— MINUTE SECRETARY. The Minute Secretary takes charge of the " Rough Minute Book," the " Fair Minute Book," and the " Report Book" {see Specimens, No. xi. and No. xiii.) ; and is considered the Depositary for all the books and papers required by the Collectors, except those relating to the delivery of Bibles and Testaments. Her duties are, — At a Committee-Meeting — 1. To place the Agenda, or paper of business, previously pre- pared, before the Lady who presides. 2. To take up the business from the minutes of the last meeting, when they have been read by the Bible Secretary; and either report each of them " Complied with," or move " That it be continued." 3. To call for the Treasurer's Report; read, and attach the same to the Rough Minute Book. 4. To call for the Cash Secretary's Monthly Statement ; read, and attach it to the Rough Minute Book. 5. To call for the Bible Secretary's Report; read, and attach it to the Rough Minute Book. N. B. If what is termed " a Guard Book " be procured by the Minute Secretary, and these Reports be pasted in it, in regular order, after every Committee-meeting, it will save considerable time in copying ; as a reference to the page of the Guard Book will be quite sufficient to insert in the Fair Minute Book. 6. To call for Reports from the Collectors of each District, be- ginning with No. 1, and read audibly the amount of " Free Contri- butions," " Bible Subscriptions," and "Total;" with the other par- ticulars on the first page; then the " Facts and Observations :" and, if correctly filled up, proceed to reverse them successively upon the table, separating those which require observation, to be read and considered subsequently, whilst the Cash Secretary is adding up her columns. 7. To move that the Reports then read be received. 8. -f- To read over the list of Loans applied for, and move that they be granted. * 111 reference to Associations connected directly with an Auxiliary (or Branch) Society, the Treasurer remits the money to the Cash Secretary of such Society, and requests an acknowledgment of the remittance. + Where the Loan Fund is not established, this suggestion is, of course, inapplicable. SECT. I.] DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND COLLECTORS. 517 Minute Secretary's Duties — after a Committee-Meeting. 9. To inquire if any member of the Committee wish to propose any Lady as a Collector or Visitor. The absent person, being pro- posed and seconded by Ladies who know her, will be received by vote of the Committee, and immediately appointed to a district. 10. To report any vacant districts, in order that they may be supplied with Collectors. 1 1 . To propose new business. 12. To call for the Cash Secretary's Report; and move that the amount be paid over to the Treasurer. 13.*To move that the Treasurer pay over a certain even sum to the Cash Secretary of the Ladies'' Brunch. 14. To inquire if any Lady have any new business to propose. 15. To read over the Minutes of the meeting before the Com- mittee separate. After a Committee-Meeting — 1 . To copy the Minutes into the Fair Minute Book ; and enter into the Report Book all the important " Facts and Observations" contained in the Reports of that month ; and afterwards file the Reports, date them, and preserve them, with all other documents belonging to the Association. 2. To copy, and send to the Treasurer, the Minute authorising her to make every payment ; to the Cash Secretary, a copy of the Minute authorising payments to the Treasurer -, to the Minute Secretary of the Ladies Branch,-\ a copy of any Minute requiring her attention ; and to every other person whom it may concern, a copy of the iVIinute specifying the duty to be discharged by such person. 3. To give the Collectors any instructions they may require relative to their duties ; to supply them with Visiting and Collecting Books (e latter should humbly and constantly endeavour to *' adorn the doctrbie of God their Saviour in all things." vir.— *COLLECTORS. In reference to their Selection of Districts. 1. Some Ladies prefer collecting near home, and others select a more distant district. This is a matter of individual choice : but Collectors are strongly recommended to exercise caution ; and having once chosen their district, not to allow any ordinary con- sideration to induce a change, which is equally injurious to them- selves and to the cause. The poor, grateful for those visits of mercy, gradually become attached to the Collectors ; but frequent change of districts impairs, if it do not destroy, this effect, with all its collateral advantages. 2. Similar caution is necessary in the selection of their colleagues. In these weekly visits, and in the considerations which they involve, friendship has found a powerful cement, and relative affection a new and sacred charm. But Ladies will find advantage in consult- ing the interests of the cause, rather than their own inclinations. 3. Many Ladies will find it necessary, at the commencement of an Association, to be on their guard against the temptation of too extensive usefulness. It is no uncommon circumstance to see a Collector volunteer for two or three districts, particularly when those already appointed to them are her intimate friends or relatives. But it will generally be found, that one moderately -sized district is a suf- ficient field of labour for mind and body ; and, by confining her exertions within these limits, a Collector will rarely find her duties oppressive, but, on the contrary, a source of increasing interest and gratification. Volunteers for the temporary occupation of a district are, however, very desirable in some cases, but only until more per- manent Collectors are obtained. Visiting. {See Visiting Book, IVo. i.) 1 . Having been informed, by the Minute Secretary, of the day on which they are expected to commence their visits, the Lady * The alterations necessary in order to render these Hints applicable to Gen- tlemens Associations, will suggest themselves to the reader's mind. Those which refer to the " Loan Fund," " Transfer Tickets," or " Public Distributions," are, of course, inapplicable where these parts of the system, respectively, are not adopted. 526 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. [cHAP. Vlir. Collectors' Duties — as regards Visiting : y - , . — > whose name stands first in the appointment will be furnished with the following Books, Papers, &c. ; viz. Visiting Book See No. i. Collecting Book — ii. Collecting Bag — iii. Form of Monthly Report — x. 20 Bible Subscribers' Cards — v. 6 Free Contributors' Transfer Tickets ? 12 Bible Subscriber's . . . Ditto . . . 5 "" "*'^' 6 Loan Tickets — vir. 2 Specimens of Types . . See Appendix, No. IV. 6 Copies of Rules and By-Laws. See Sect, III. Chap. VII. An Assortment of Papers explana- ? „ . ,. ^ tory of the object for distribution.* * I ^ N.B. The uses of these several Books and Papers will be found detailed in the Observations prefixed to each Specimen. 2. Having arranged with each other the time for setting out, which should, if possible, be in the forenoon, the Collector to whom they are entrusted prepares the Visiting Book, a few Bible Sub- criber's Cards (with the names and address of the Collectors written on the back), a Specimen of the Types, Copy of the Rules and By- Laws, and the papers for distribution (see appendix), folded and arranged according to their various kinds. Of these last, Nos I. III. V. VI. and VII. will be found best adapted for circulation among the higher classes, and No?.. VIII. IX. and XII. most suitable for the poor ; No, X. is specially addressed to Female Servants ; and No. XI. to Mariners. 3. As one Collector never calls at the house of another for the purpose of soliciting contributions, the first names entered should be those of the members of the Collectors' families who may feel inclined to contribute. 4. To those benevolent Ladies who are in the habit of visiting the humble abodes of poverty and industry, it may appear superfluous to observe, that the slightest marks of attention and respect are pe- culiarly grateful to the poor : but as these hints are intended princi- pally for those who have not yet acquired an intimate knowledge of this numerous class of their fellow creatures, it may not be unneces- sary to remark, what experience will soon confirm, that the surest passport to the heart of the cottager is the evidence of interest and kindness. 5. In reference to the " Visiting Book/' it will be under- stood, that the information required relative to the " Number who can read," &c. applies exclusively to the poor, and will be best attained by requesting to know how many can read ; as few ave * Where the " Committee Card" (see N't), iv.) is adopted, one should bo given to each Collector ; atid, in Associations that do not hold public distribu- tions, two books of " Delivery Tickets," (see Specime7t, N'a. vm.), one for Bibles, and the other for Testaments, are given to the Collectors of every district. This may be done in all Associations, if the number of Bibles and Testaments thus distributed be considerable. SECT. I.] DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND COLLECTORS. 52'7 Conduct to pursue when visiting their Districts. willing to acknowledge they cannot, especially to strangers. To obtain this, and all other necessary information, Collectors should avoid the appearance of doing so formally, but suffer the conver- sation to lead naturally to those points. 6. While one Collector is conversing with the inhabitants, her colleague should select such paper or papers as appear suitable ; and, if the party be not perfectly satisfied with the explanation of the object, an intimation should be given that the Collectors will call the ensuing Monday, when the perusal of the papers left may have given a more satisfactory view of the subject. 7. Collectors should be particularly careful not to offer Bibles or Testaments under Cosi prices. When evident poverty and dis- couragement, on the part of the subscriber, render it expedient to deliver the copy before cost price has been paid, it should be done with a clear understanding that the subscription is to be renewed M'hen ability admits. To excite and perpetuate a habit of saving and economy, is one grand collateral benefit of Bible Associations ; and it is evident that the longer this habit is fostered, the greater is the chance of its be- coming a permanent principle of action. It is likewise an esta- blished fact, that Bibles which are sold are not only more prized, but inore read. 8. Parents, who cannot read, should be encouraged to subscribe for Bibles and Testaments for their children who can ; and a hint may be beneficially given, of the comfort of sitting down together of an evening, and hearing the child read the sacred volume to the assembled familJ^ 9. The Specimen of the Types will enable subscribers to select the most suitable Bible or Testament: but children, and those whose sight is good, should not be encouraged to subscribe for the higher- priced editions. 10. While one of the Collectors enters the name, &c. of a Bible Subscriber, her colleague should fill up a card, with ink; insert the sum paid, opposite to the date ; and explain the object of leaving it. 11. The object of the Bible Society should be fully stated, in plain, simple language ; and any questions addressed to the Collec- tors should be kindly and patiently answered. The principal end» of a first visit is to make the design of the Society clearly known. / 12. The requisite particulars, and the amount of money received^ should be correctly entered in the " Visiting Book," before leaving the house. 13. Collectors should endeavour to make the poor sensible of the privilege they enjoy, in being thus enabled to obtain so inestimable a treasure by such easy means. Free Contributions. 1 . These should never be accepted from persons who are receiv- ing parochial relief; nor from that class of females too justly termed " unfortunate." But as suitable opportunities offer, both should be 528 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. [cHAP. nil. Collectors' Duties — relative to Free Contributors and Collecting. encouraged to subscribe for Bibles, either at the cost or reduced prices, according to the discretion of the Collectors. 2. The Collectors should never accept free contributions from persons who appear doubtful as to the utility of the Society, without leaving some of the printed papers, to explain its nature, object, and results. 3. No one should be importuned to contribute. In all cases the application should be made in a respectful manner, and so as to con- vey a clear understanding, that while the Collector is fully convinced of the purity and importance of the cause, the most perfect liberty of judgment as to approval and co-operation is cheerfully allowed to all. At the same time, the object, tendency, and effects of the Society, should be fully explained. 4. Free contributors should be frequently told of the progress and success of the Society both at home and abroad. The last nuniber of the " Extracts of Correspondence" should be regularly given to every free contributor of half-a-guinea and upwards per annum ;* and to those who contribute smaller sums periodically, these in- teresting publications should be lent for two or three days monthly; each person being told to whom it is to be forwarded when read. One copy will thus suffice for several families ; and its temporary possession is calculated to ensure its perusal. 5. Collectors should be particular in supplying their free contri- butors of half-a-guinea and upwards per annum with the Annual Reports of the Association, or of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society with which it is connected. Occasional and annual publications of the Parent Institution may likewise be thus distributed, or lent, with considerable advantage. 6. Where a Lady appears suitable for the appointment, and is in- terested in the object, the Collectors should propose her admission on the Committee in their Monthly Report. 7. In soliciting free contributions from the labouring classes, a Collector should never make vase of that influence which her station in life may be supposed to give her. The principle of Bible Asso- ciations excites and encourages a spirit of proper independence among the poor ; and it is their free-will offerings alone that possess an intrinsic value. They should be taught, that the cause is one whose claims entitle it to support, and that their own gratification and interest are connected with it. Collecting. {See No. ii. Second Specimen.) 1 . On returning from their first visit to their district, the Collec- tors should immediately enter, from the " Visiting Book," the name * It may be respectfully submitted to the free contributors, as suitable oppor- tunities offer, that by lending the "Monthly Extracts," and the other publications of the Society, to their friends and acquaintance, they will essentially promote the interests of the institution. SECT. I.] DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND COLLECTORS. 529 ~ .' - Collectors' Duties— relative to collecting weekly. and other particulars of every free contributor, and Bible sub- scriber, in the " Collecting Book." If the whole of the district be visited, the former may be carefully laid aside ; but if not, it should be used until this be accomplished. 2. The " Collecting Book" is used every week; and it will save time if the Collectors take with it a few " Loan Tickets" and " Transfer Tickets." 3. The amount received should be immediately entered in the *' Collecting Book," in the presence of the contributor or sub- scriber ; and (with respect to the latter) a similar entry made in the " Bible Subscriber's" card. This may be done by one of the Collec- tors, while her colleague counts the money and puts it in the bag. 4. Although it may detain the Collectors a few moments, every question asked by the subscribers, relative to their subscription or to the Society, should be satisfactorily answered. Where implicit confidence is placed, this patient attention is due to the poor, 5. Collectors should never give money to the subscribers for the purpose of aiding their subscription. This partiality invariably occasions jealousy, and strikes at the root of a principle already adverted to — the personal independence of the poor. A judicious Collector will find many other opportunities of assisting a distressed family. 6. Having once fixed on the day and hour, weekly, for collect- ing, no ordinary circumstance should induce an alteration. Many advantages attend this adherence to punctuality, both as it regards the Collectors and the subscribers. The former will find it conducive to the systematic arrangement of their time ; and the latter, expecting the grateful call, will be ready ; or will leave the money with a neighbour, if likely to be absent. 7. Although it is earnestly hoped that few cases will occur to induce a Collector to resign her district, while health and ability qualify her to discharge the interesting duties of her office, yet unavoidable circumstances may render it necessary. In every such instance, she ought to feel it to be her duty, and not that of the Committee, to provide a successor properly qualified, and propose her admission before she tenders her own resignation. She should then consider the new member as her colleague, and accompany her for a few weeks through the district, in order to introduce her to the contributors and subscribers, and make her acquainted with the pri ctical duties that devolve upon her. 8. When a new Visiting or Collecting Book is required, the Col- lector applies to the Minute Secretary, by whom she is imme- diately supplied. She then carefully copies the names, sub- scriptions, &c. of all her free contributors in the new Collecting Book ; and also transcribes in it the names, &c. of all her Bible sub- scribers who have not been supplied, with the total sums they have respectively paid ; the latter being inserted in the proper column. In fulfilling this duty, it should always be recollected, that the MM '530 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. [cHAP. Vfll. Collectors' Duties — as regards Visitors — Servants — Loans. contributor or subscriber bears the original number prefixed to the name. The old books should be handed to the Minute Se- cretary, Visitors. (See Observation i. on the By-Laws, Cfiapter YIl. Section III.) 1. The importance of engaging young Ladies as Visitors, and of proposing them to the Committee as such, should never be lost sight of by Collectors, who are thus training up their future suc- cessors in this line of usefulness. 2. No young Lady should be proposed as a Visitor without the cordial approbation of her parents. 3. Visitors should collect only in their own families, and from their immediate friends and schoolfellows. Servants. {See /Appendix, No. x.) 1. No application whatever should be made to a servant without the express permission of her mistress. This is a subject wherein too much caution and delicacy cannot be exercised by a Collector, 2- At their first visit to a respectable house, after having heard the sentiments of the heads of the family relative to the Bible Society generally, and to the Local Association in particulai', the Collectors will be enabled to judge how far it may be proper to advert to the servants, and to request their mistress to circulate the ** Address to Servants," and other papers, among her domestics. But the subject should never be urged, if the slightest disinclination be manifested. Important as it is (and few considerations are of greater importance) to elevate and confirm the tone of moral prin- ciple and feeling in this* numerous class of the community, their employers should be the sole judges of the propriety of these ap- plications. 3, Many servants have access to a Bible or Testament through the kind and judicious attention of their employers ; but it is fre- quently found, that the individual possession of a copy increases its value, and secures its more diligent perusal. 4. It will, generally, be found more convenient to servants to pay their contributions and subscriptions monthly, or quarterly, rather than weekly. Loans. {See No. vii. and Section II. of this Chapter.') 1 . The Collectors who recommend individuals for Loan Bibles or Testaments are responsible to the Bible Secretary for their safe return. 2. It is a painful fact, that, in several instances, persons who pos- sessed Bibles or Testaments have informed the Collectors they had SECT. I.j DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND COLLECTORS. 531 Collectors' Duties — in reference to Transfer Tickets. no copy, in the expectation of receiving them as a gift. This should make Ladies cautious in their proceedings. The idea of being gratuitously supplied should never be suggested: but in cases of absolute distress, the individuals should be informed that they will be recommended to the Committee for Loans. 3. Collectors are authorised by the Rules [see Section II. of this Chapter) to lend Bibles and Testaments, in cases of sickness, &c,, in the intervals between the Committee-meetings ; but all such cases should be regularly reported monthly. 4. When Collectors have recommended an individual for a loan in their " Monthly Report" [see Specimen, No. x.), and it has been voted by the Committee, a ticket is delivered at the table, which is subsequently signed by the Collectors, and given to the poor person. The party should be distinctly informed, that the Bible or Testament is lent for a month ; and that the Committee expect it will be dili- gently read, and carefully preserved from injury. .5. It it highly desirable that Collectors, in their weekly visits, should call and see the Loan copies ; but this duty becomes indispensable monthly. In numerous instances, the temporary pos- session of this inestimable treasure has induced the receivers to become subscribers for Bibles, and to relinquish those vicious and extravagant habits which had previously led them to believe they were unable to spare a penny weekly, 6. Collectors are authorised to extend the loans beyond a month, if they see occasion ; but all such cases should be regularly re- ported to the Committee. 7. The names and address of those to whom copies have been lent should be inserted by the Collectors at the end of the " Collecting Book" [see Fourth Specimen of No. ii.), as a guide to them in their weekly visits; and every copy returned should be im- mediately marked off in the list. If there be not sufficient space in the last folio of the Collecting Book, a piece of paper should be attached for this purpose. Transfer Tickets. (See Specimen, No. vi.) 1. As soon as possible after a/ree contributor has removed, the Collectors should ascertain his or her present residence; fill up the proper ticket, and put it in the coJlecting-bag, to present at the next Committee-meeting. 2. When they ascertain that a Bible subscriber is about to re- move, they should immediately fill up two of the proper tickets. One should be given to the subscriber, with an intimation that it is to be delivered to the Ladies, who wHl call for it at the house to which the party is about to remove ; the other should be put in the collecting-bag, and presented at the next Committee-meeting. N.B. All tickets should be filled up with ink. M M 2 5S2 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. [CHAP. VIIT. Preparation of the Monthly Report. 3. When a subscriber removes without informing the Collectors, they should inquire of the neighbours, and lose no time in giving or sending the ticket. 4. The preceding hints are only applicable when the party removes to another District of the same Association, or to a place within the limits of an Association connected with the same Auxiliary (or Branch) Society. If the removal be to a greater distance, the tickets are altogether dispensed with ; and in the case of a Bible Subscriber, the party is requested to name some one who may continue the subscription, and receive the Bible or Tes- tament. But if such be the wish of the subscriber, the amount received should be returned, and reported to the next Committee, when the Treasurer should be authorised to repay it to the Collectors. Monthly Report. {See Specimen, No. x.) 1. Collectors should always bear in mind, that on the regularity and correctness of this important document the accuracy of the Secretaries' Books wholly depends. Nor should it ever be for- gotten, that if the Collecting Book be incorrectly kept, the Monthly Report will likewise be inaccurate. A very slight degree of attention will prevent any deficiency or error in either the one or the other. 2. Collectors will find it advantageous to fill up their Reports on the day preceding the Monthly Committee-meeting. The number of the district should be first inserted, with the date of presen- tation ; next, the amount received since the last Report, specifying accurately the separate sums, under their proper heads of " Free Contributions," " Subscriptions for Bibles and Testaments," and " Total," and checking the several amounts by their " Collecting Book," and the money in the bag. The names of all persons who have become new free contributors, or Bible subscribers, since the dale of the last Report, should then be inserted correctly, under their respective heads, from the Collecting Book ; which also sup- plies the information required under the remaining heads in the first page of the Report. When inserting the total number of free contributors and Bible subscribers, care should be taken to deduct the number of those, of each description, who have dis- continued. 3. It should always be remembered, that in two cases only should the name of a contributor or subscriber be reported more than once, under each separate head : first, when the party had been reported as having discontinued, but subsequently renewed the subscription ; and secondly, when a Bible subscriber requires another copy. In the latter case, the party should be reported as a new subscriber for every copy required. 4. The name of every individual who discontinues should be $ECT. I.] DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND COLLECTORS. 533 Committee-Meeting — Public Distribution. reported, from the " Discontinuation List " at the end of the " Collecting Book ;" and, if possible, the reason that influences the individual. By this information many false reports and groundless insinuations have been promptly corrected. 5. In filling up the second page of their Report, the Collectors will have to depend on the correctness of their memory, if they have not previously taken notes of any interesting occurrence. The observations already made, in reference to No. x., preclude the necessity of further remark on this important subject. N. B, The Report should always be written with ink. 6. It will save time and trouble at the Committee-meeting, if the Collectors exchange their pence for silver, and the latter for bank notes, when the amount admits of it. In reference to the Committee-Meeting. 1. Collectors should frequently recur to the list of the Com- mittee-days, in the first page of their " Collecting Book," and always endeavour to be punctual in their attendance at the hour appointed. 2. When illness, or any other unavoidable impediment, prevents the attendance of a Collector, she should always send the bag, containing the Report and money, timely, to her colleague, or to the Committee, and instruct the bearer to receive the duplicate bag. Inattention to this simple duty may occasion serious incon- venience to a Committee, 3. When the number of her district is called over in its turn, the Collector hands her bag to the Bible Secretary, and receives the duplicate bag, which she should immediately examine, to see whether it contain the form of the Monthly Report, and the requi- site number of copies of the " Monthly Extracts." 4.. Collectors are respectfully requested to give their undivided attention to the business before the chair. They will thus faci- litate the proceedings of the Committee ; and their own Reports will become doubly entitled to that respect which they shew to those of their colleagues. 5. Collectors should always endeavour to remain till the conclu- sion of the business. In reference to a Public Distribution. {See Section III. of this Chapter.) 1. When informed of the time fixed, the Collectors should immediately inform all their Bible subscribers, and specify the latest day {which should never be altered) for those to complete their subscriptions who may wish to receive their copies at the distribution. 2. When the " Lists" are furnished by the Minute Secretary, the Collectors should fill them up carefully and correctly, and send them to the Bible Secretary, on or before the day appointed by her. 534 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. [cHAP. VIII. General Hinfs to Collectors. Without strict attention to this duty it will be impossible to con- duct the business with order and propriety. No addition whatever should be subsequently made to the lists ; or confusion will ensue, and the charge of partiality be incurred. 3. When the Collectors receive the subscribers' tickets, they should be immediately delivered to the respective individuals, with a charge to attend punctually at the appointed time and place, and to shew (but not deliver) their tickets at the doors, that they may be conducted to their proper place in the room. Those who cannot conveniently attend should be requested to' send their tickets by some member of their respective families, or by one of their neighbours, 4, In their weekly visits immediately succeeding a public distri- bution, the Collectors should inquire of the subscribers whether the Bibles and Testaments give satisfaction. GENERAL HINTS. 1. Collectors should always remember the responsibility that attaches to their characters. The poor know little or nothing of the Bible Society, but through the medium of the Collectors, who should consider themselves, individually, as the representatives of the Parent Institution within their respective districts ; and it is by their csnduct and manner the Society will be judged and appre- ciated by many, 2. Although these Hints are intended merely as practical sug- gestions, the author cannot refrain from recommending Collectors to cherish and cultivate a disposition of mind consonant with the great cause in which they are engaged. If undertaken in a right .spirit, the pursuit will become a privilege and a pleasure ; gratitude and respectful affection will gradually extend among the poor ; opposition will be disarmed by the steady but unobtrusive progress of truth ; and apathy will be warmed into co-operation, in behold- ing the wisdom and the prudence of Christian Females, animated by Christian zeal, but governed by Christian principles. Among those graces that should characterize the Collector of a Bible Association, no one is more valuable, nor more attractive, than " the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." 3. Peculiar caution and delicacy will be required, in meeting the objections of those whose views of the Bible Society are different from our own. Arguments repeatedly refuted, and misrepresenta- tions frequently exposed, may be again adduced ; but they should always be met with temper and forbearance ; under the influence of that "charity" which ^' suff'ereth long and is kind," which " vaunteth not itself," " doth not behave itself unseemly," " is not ■easily provoked," " hopeih all things, endureth all things," and " never faileth." The best answer to opposition will be found in the SECT. I.] DUTIES OP OFFICERS AND COLLECTORS. 53$ General Hints to Collectors. beneficial effects of the Bible Society; but many valuable hints and cautions may be acquired from those who think differently from us. 4. A similar degree of patience is frequently necessary when visiting the poor. Every allowance should be made for their ig- norance, and occasional rudeness of manner ; and the object in view, as well as the inestimable value of the sacred volume, should be explained with mildness and judgment. 5. In all suitable cases, the frequent perusal of the Bible, when found in a poor family, should be recommended with kindness and gentleness. 6. It will sometimes happen, that a subscriber prefers having a different sized Bible or Testament to that originally selected : all such cases should be met with cheerful acquiescence on the part of the Collectors. 7. If a Bible or Testament be damaged, or badly or incorrectly bound, it should be immediately exchanged by application to the Bible Secretary, and sent back by her to the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society, by the Secretaries of which it will be returned to the Depositary of the Parent Institution. Cases of this kind are com- paratively unfrequent; but they should always receive prompt attention. 8. If a Lady collect in more than one district, the accounts and Reports should always be kept completely separate and distinct, or confusion will ensue. 9. Collectors should frequently revisit their districts ; and, ac- cording to their own discretion, solicit the support of those who have hitherto declined, 10. Pawnbrokers should be requested not to receive Bibles or Testaments issued by the Society. 1 J , Papers, explanatory of the object of the Association, may be beneficially left for distribution at suitable places in a district ; such as bakers' shops, chandlers', &c. 12. When a contributor or subscriber discontinues, the name should be immediately inserted in the list at the end of the Col- lecting Book, and reported at the next Committee-meeting. 13. As the Collectors of Bible Associations are frequently mem- bers of other benevolent institutions, it may not be unnecessary to remind them of the singleness of the object now under consideration. Several valuable individuals make it a point never to discharge the duties appertaining to other societies on the day appropriated to those of the Bible Association. The prudence of individual Col- lectors will suggest the proper line of conduct to pursue, in re- ference to this subject; and thus protect the Society from the ground- less accusation of having concealed objects to promote. 14. It is perfectly consistent with the spirit and letter of the preceding observation, to remind Collectors of those numerous collateral benefits which never fail to attend a well-conducted Bible Association. The advantages of cleanliness, sobriety, and economy — the duty of loyalty, and subordiriatioja to their superiors 536 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. [cHAP. VIII. General Hints to Collectors. — the importance of having their children educated, and of learning to read themselves — and the blessings attending a state of inde- pendence, and freedom from pauperism, may be, and in numerous cases are suggested, vv^ithout the slightest departure from the fun- damental principle of the Bible Society. The establishment and success of savings banks, provident societies, schools for children and adults, village libraries, clothing societies, and other ad- mirable institutions of a kindred nature, may be traced in many instances to the kind and judicious hints of the Collectors of Bible Associations. 15. Another collateral benefit arises from the recommendation of Collectors to the poor, to attend regularly their respective places of worship. It is scarcely necessary to say, that no particular place, or religious denomination, should be alluded to : and if any question on this subject be asked, the author would venture to suggest some such answer as the following : " The Bible Society is composed of members of the Church of England, Independents^ Baptists, Moravians, Quakers, Methodists, &c. We have no wish as to the place you attend, nor can we recommend any one in preference to another ; but it is your duty, and will be your interest, to go to some place regularly." 16. Much of the effect will depend on the manner in which these hints are given. They should never be obtruded; but as suitable opportunities offer, a prudent Collector will suggest them with affability, gentleness, and judgment. Encouragement, rather than complaint, will best produce the desired effect : but wisdom will neither attempt nor expect too much, nor be discouraged by the apparent failure of the effort to improve. Many of these hints, like the divine lessons of the Bible, may be long ere they pierce through the stubborn soil of ignorance and habit ; yet they may ultimately reach the heart ; and taking root there, spring forth into life and fruitfulness. 17. As connected with the three last observations, there is yet one suggestion which is offered with affectionate respect to all who are connected with the Bible Society. Standing as this great Institution does, on the broad and firm basis of Christianity, in- viting the co-operation of all who believe and accept the Saviour, and influenced by that perfect liberality which excludes no human being from becoming a participant of its blessings, it is the imperative duty of its friends to manifest a kindred spirit. Whe- ther by the public advocate of the cause, or the private Collector in a retired district, it is alike important that no allusion be made to any point of difference on religious subjects : even the con- scientious prejudices of those who dissent from us should be re- spected; and our motto be, *' Unity in things necessary : Liberty in things indifferent^ Charity in all things," SECT. I.] DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND COLLECTORS. 537 Address to Collectors. VIII. This Section cannot be more appropriately closed than by the following address ; for which, with the exception of a few verbal alterations, the author is indebted to a valued friend. ADDRESS TO COLLECTORS. It has been observed, that the " Collectors are the life-blood of every So- ciety ; and that the health of the system may be judged of by their regu- larity, as its pulse." If this be correct, great is the honour, and great also the responsibility, of your station. It is not a compliment earned by ap- pearing once a year, with a look of interest, at a public meeting, or even once a month at a Committee-meeting : it is the reward of retired, monotonous, persevering exertion ; of man}"^ a weary step, and patient word ; receivmg little excitement from the eye of man, and able to endure with meekness his ridicule and his censure. When the first novelty of the thing is over, your weekly rounds are little noticed. There is One only who continually seeth in secret, with the gracious design of rewarding openly : and to you — you who, in simplicity and sincerity, pursue your labours, with an eye to His approbation, with a desire to promote His cause in the world, and thereby to communicate to His creatures a happiness which you have yourselves expe- rienced,— to you will He assuredly say, " Well done, good and faithful ser- vants ; inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these little ones, ye did it unto me." But notwithstanding the favourable regard thus paid to the diligent and conscientious, let it be observed, — and allow the thought to " stir up your minds by way of remembrance," — that it is to them only it can be given. It is readily acknowledged, that the temptations to remissness are great and many. Duties so constant, so laborious, and perhaps occasionally so ill re- ceived ; — duties which require the sacrifice of so much valuable time, and, in many cases, such a rigid arrangement of business at home ; the wearisome repetition of the same steps, the same persuasives, the same forbearance — which some may ridicule as superfluous, and a few resent as impertinent ; — which must be done at seasons not of your own choosing, and in the face of various difficulties, sometimes from weather abroad, and sometimes from en- gagements at home, — duties such as these — such as yours — there is no small tendency in human-nature gradually to shrink from. The first generous impulse subsides into an almost sickening feeling of difficulty and disappoint- ment. Some discouraging word, dropt by a half-hearted friend, or a secret enemy to the cause, sinks like lead into your bosoms, and checks the reso- lution which had already, perhaps, begun to fail. You feel ashamed, or weary, or indifferent, or hopeless ; and, in the absence of any immediate sti- mulus, or apparent success, you almost wish to resign an office, the duties of which, in an hour of excited feeling, you undertook to discharge with SYSTEM, PUNCTUALITY, and PERSEVERANCE. But is it true that such a thought has occurred to you ? — that your heart has already been chilled ! — that your hands have already slackened ! — and have you been able to persuade yourself that this second thought is best ? Revert for a moment to the scene, in which it is probable the generous de- termination was first inspired; and ask. Whether the conviction of duty then impressed on your mind, was, in reality, greater or less than the occasion ? Did not your heart bum within you, when, in some large and attentive as- sembly, the wants of a dying world were set before you ? when you heard of thousands passing, even from Christian countries, into the region of th© 538 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. [cHAP. VIII. Address to Collectors. shadow of death, without any adequate knowledge of the Saviour, or even a possibility of possessing His Word as their guide ? when, " not the In- dian, not the Negro," not men of other climes, but your own poor neigh- bours— the families of your servants and labourers — the burdened mothers whom you see in every cottage, oppressed with exertion, want, or sick- ness— the old people, whose infirmities you have seen and pitied ever since you were children; and by some of whom, perhaps, you were nursed, — when these were pointed out to you as perishing for lack of knowledge — and when the thought was deeply impressed on your spirit, that, in some degree, their blood would be required at your hands — was it a heated imagination merely, or not rather an enlightened and sensible conscience, which induced you to say, notwithstanding every discouragement. Here am I; send me f— Was it to man, or to God, that you uttered the vow of perseverance, and made the willing sacrifice of a portion of your time, your convenience, and your feelings ? — It was not to man. The eloquent speaker did not see your heart, and will never, it may be, hear of the ardour with which it prompted your first efforts in this work of Christian benevolence ; nor wiU he know, it is probable, the decline it has since experienced : but there was One to whom the glow of your spirit was known ; and, while the figures of a grace- fill oratory, the smiles of superficial interest, or the thunders of a momen- tary excitation, were utterly disregarded, the resolve passing in your bosom reached Him in the highest heaven, and was met by His gracious approba- tion— Suffer not your conduct to retract the rational, the pious determi- nation, then formed. But was it from no such conviction of its duty and usefulness that you engaged in the business ? Perhaps you were solicited by some friend, whom you could not well deny ; or you thought it would be less arduous, and more agreeable, than, on trial, you find it: — or you joined the many, at a time when collecting was in fashion ; and now you feel the weight, without a supporting sense of the utility of the task. But though you might begin without consideration, is it inevitable that you go on so, or that for want of it you turn back ? Pause for a moment, you who have thus unthinkingly put your hand to the plough ! — " The field is the world ;" and see how large a part is yet uncultivated ! — Shall it still lie waste, barren, and desolate, — even around your own dwellings ? — and that not for want of seed, but only of sowers ? — Though you are but one, your services are needed, and wiU as- suredly be useful. If, one after another, the Collectors should decline, or if few should be induced to come forward to fill up such vacancies as must naturally occur, what would become of the Society ? Ministers might preach, and pubUc Meetings declaim, and Committees deliberate ; but if the Collectors fail — if you, the strength, the vital principle of the Society, lose your vigour — if this pulse does not beat warmly, strongly, regularly — all shall be in vain. Your exertions present a visible answer to all the prayers of aU Christians for the progress of the Gospel. Your weekly walks, slender as they may seem among the resources of Infinite Power, and inefiicacious as they may appear to the eye of human wisdom, may be made the means of directing the children of sorrow to the only source of consolation, — the desponding, to the only hope, — and ruined sinners, to the only name given under heaven, whereby they may be saved. To those who go forth in their own sufficiency, and whose object is human praise, it is probable that human praise may be allowed, as the empty reward of external services : but to the sincere and single-hearted — to those who desire nothing more than thus to do good in secret — shall be given the delight of present success, and the honour of an open, as well as an eternal lewatd. SECT. 11.] LOAN FUND. 539 Origin and Advantages of the Loan Fund. Go on, then, forgetting privation, sunnounting difficult}'', resisting every inducement to decline, secure of the approbation of a dying pillow, and the gracious approval of the God you serve. Submit your motives to the Searcher of hearts ; and rely continually on Him, for strength to keep you from inde- cision and remissness ; above all, to preserve you from the condemnation of those to whom He shall say, " I know not whence ye ars;" though they may plead, " Thou hast taught in our streets : — Lord, Lord, open to us !" SECTION II. LOAN FUND. 1. A decided conviction of the general inexpediency of gratuitous grants of the holy scriptures by Bible Associa- tions, and fi'equent experience of the improper disposal, by the receivers, of copies thus voted, induced the suggestion of a plan by which this mode of distribution is rendered alto- gether unnecessary, with reference to the resident inhabitants of places where Associations are established. The Loan Fund is composed of a small subscription, con- tributed by the members of the Committee and their friends for this express purpose. The amount is appropriated to the purchase of Bibles and Testaments (principally the latter) from the Auxiliary Society, at the reduced or subscribers' prices of the Parent Society ; which are placed under the care of the Bible Secretary of the Association, and kept distinct from her general stock. They are marked and numbered conspicuously on the title-page and on the edges of the leaves, which precludes their being sold or pawned, and distinguishes them from the copies issued by the Society to subscribers. Every Collector is at hberty to recommend, at the foot of her Monthly Report, any of the inhabitants of her district for loans ; but is responsible for the safe return of the copies to the Bible Secretary. The advantages of this simple and efficacious plan, in cases of extreme poverty, sickness, or confinement, are evident: every individual, however impoverished or afflicted, may be immediately supplied with a Bible or Testament, in a manner the best calculated to secure its perusal and preservation ; while the certain loss to the society, and the other disadvan- tages of the former system, are altogether avoided. It is a gratifying evidence of the beneficial effects of the Loan Fund, that although the plan has been adopted by more than one hundred Ladies' Associations, the author has never heard that a single copy has been either lost or injured by the grateful recipients, many of whom have expressed the 640 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. [CHAP. VIII. Rules recommended on the establishment of a Loan Fund. greatest pleasure at being thus enabled to peruse the Oracles of Truth, before they completed, and in some instances before they even commenced, their subscriptions. However unimportant, in a comparative point of view, this subject may appear, the author has had ample cause to testify that it involves considerations of no slight moment. Those who have been engaged in the practical duties of Bible Asso- ciations, must have frequently felt, or witnessed, the difficulties that attend the necessary discussion of claims of gratuitous grants ; and the delicacy required, in order to avoid the appearance of partiality on the one hand, and of a some- thing approaching to invidiousness on the other. By the establishment of a Loan Fund, these and many other dif- ficulties are altogether averted, while every desirable ob- ject is attained : — the temporary possession of a Bible or Testament, and the intimation that it must be returned within a certain time, not only ensure its perusal, but in many in- stances have induced the borrowers to become willing sub- scribers, in order to make this new and sacred companion the permanent inmate of their homes. 2. The following Regulations are recommended for adop- ti on : — RULES FOR THE LOAN FUND. I. That a stock of not less than six Bibles and twelve Testa- ments be provided, for lending to the sick poor, or to those whose circumstances may prevent their subscribing the whole, or a part, of the sum necessary for the purchase of a Bible or Testament. II. That the requisite fund be raised by a private subscription, distinct from the regular funds of the Association ; and that the amount be paid over to the Bible Secretary, who shall expend the same in the purchase of Bibles and Testaments, at the rec?Mcerf prices, from the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society. III. That the Bible Secretary mark every Bible and Testament, on the margin of the leaves, with the word " lent," and its appro- priate No., in legible characters ; and inscribe or stamp on the title- page the name of this Association: and that no copy be lent with- out being thus marked. IV. That the Bible Secretary keep a regular account of the fund, and its appropriation, and of all Bibles and Testaments lent and returned, in a book to be kept for this purpose exclusively : and that she include in her Monthly Report to the Committee, a state- ment of the total number of persons supplied, and the particulars of all outstanding loans. V. That every Collector shall be at liberty to recommend any persons residing in her district, whom she may consider suitable -objects to be supplied with loans. Such recommendation, with SECT, n.] LOAN FUND. 541 Observations on the Rules. the names and address of the parties, to be inserted, under the pro- per head, in the Monthly Report to the Committee. VI. When a loan Bible or Testament is voted by the Com- mittee, a ticket shall be immediately filled, and handed to the Collectors of the district, by whom it shall be signed, and delivered to the person recommended. VII. In the intervals between the Committee-meetings, the Collectors are authorised to apply, by note, to the Bible Secretary for loans for the supply of sick persons : the names and address of such persons to be specified in the note. But the particulars of CTery case supplied in this manner shall be included in the next Monthly R.eport of the Collectors, as prescribed by the fourth Rule. VIII. The Bibles and Testaments shall be lent for one month : but the Collectors are authorised to extend this period at their dis- cretion, reporting to the Committee every instance of such extension. IX. The Collectors shall keep a regular account, at the end of the Collecting Book, of all Bibles and Testaments lent in their district ; and shall include in their Monthly Reports to the Com- mittee, a specification of all outstanding loans, and any informa- tion of an interesting nature connected with the subject. X. Whenever a Bible or Testament is returned to the Bible Secretary, she shall write the word " discharged" across the loan ticket, and return it to the Collectors by whom it was originally signed, to be preserved by them as an official acknowledgment. XI. That no individual residing within the limits of the Asso- ciation shall be recommended to the Committee of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society, as a suitable object of gratuitous supply, until the result of a loan be first ascertained. XII. In all cases, the Collectors, respectively, shall be responsible for the safe return of Bibles and Testaments lent on their recom- mendation. 3. OBSERVATIONS ON THE RULES. I. The stock specified in the ^r*^ Rule will generally be found sufficient for an Association of moderate size ; but if the subscrip- tion be adequate, it may be beneficially extended. In many Asso- ciations, the stock consists exclusively of Testaments : but the following extract from the Second Annual Report of the Plymouth Ladies' Society affords a gratifying evidence of the advantages attending the mode now recommended : — " Your Committee have to acknowledge, on the part of the Associations of Northern Dock, Southern Dock, and Stoke, the receipt of twelve pounds, from the Gentlemen's Associations, being the balance remaining in hand at the close of their labours in those places. By two of these Associations their share of this sum has been appropriated to the purchase of a stock of 5i2 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. [cIUP. VXVU The Advantages of the Fund not confined to the Sick. loan Bibles .• and it is worthy of observation, that solely by these means the injurious practice of gratuitous gi-ants has been rendered entirely unne- cessary ; no recommendations having been made by either of the Asso- ciations, where the simple expedient of a J5ible loan-stock has been adopted. " Your Committee take this opportunity of expressing their renewed conviction of the superiority of the plan of lending the Scriptures, when circumstances prevent the purchase : two hundred and eighty persons havings by means of the loan-stocks of the several Associations, enjoyed the benefits of this society, without being burdensome to its funds." The best Testaments for the purposes of the Loan Fund are the Brevier, bound in linen-cloth, II. A reference to the 20th and 21st Minutes of the Committee [Specimen of No. xi. Section V. Chap. VII.) will sufficiently explain the mode of proceeding, in carrying the second Rule into effect. The author has never known a single instance wherein the requisite fund has not been immediately and cheerfully contributed. III. In addition to the distinguishing marks placed on loan Bibles and Testaments, as described in the third Rule, some Asso- ciations adopt the practice of pasting on the inside of the cover a printed paper, containing the following intimation : — " This is a Loan from the Bible Association. It is to be used with care ; and on no account to be sold or pledged." IV. The practical tendency of the fourth Rule will be found sufficiently illustrated in the Specimens, Nos. xx. and xxi. Section V. of Chap. VII. V. It is not intended that the benefits of the* fund should be confined exclusively to the sick, nor to those who appear unable to subscribe. In numerous instances, they have been extended, with manifest advantage, to aged subscribers of a penny or twopence a week, to whom time is peculiarly precious ; and in others, they have induced individuals to become subscribers, who were pre- viously indifferent to the Bible, and regardless of its saci'ed lessons. The Committee of the Liverpool Ladies' Society, in their Third Annual Report, observe : — " The loan of Testaments, under the direction of the Collectors, who are responsible for them, and who make periodical reports of their condition, has been found exceed- ingly useful, in quieting that impatience which many subscribers feel, until, on the completion of their subscriptions, they obtain their Bibles ; and in exciting in many, who at first set little value on the Scriptures, a reverence for them, and a desire to possess copies for themselves The number of Loan Testaments in circulation is upwards of 500 : the use of these has induced many to become subscribers, whose names would not otherwise have been obtained for that purpose. Among them are to be found, especially in one Association, a considerable number of Roman Catholics." VI. The sixth and seventh Rules have been fully explained and illustrated, in treating of the "Loan Ticket" (See No. \ii. SECT. II.] LOAN FUKD. 54^ ■ ' ' ■ . i Anecdotes, exemplifying the beneficial effects of the Loan Fund. Section V. Chapter VII.) ; and the intention of the eighth Rule will be rendered perfectly clear, by referring to the duplicate Second Specimen of the " Collectors' Monthly Report." — See No. x. of the same Section. vii. The Fourth Specimen of the " Collecting Book " (iVb. ir. Section V. Chap. VII.) will explain the method of keeping the account referred to in the ninth Rule ; and the following extracts will illustrate the design of the latter part of this regulation : — Leeds Ladies\ 1819. — " The Collectors of District No. 6 have been much pleased with the effect of a loan Testament. They report — Having called upon a family in the beginning of March last, and finding them quite destitute of the Scriptures, the poor woman expressed a wish to have a Bible, and subscribed sixpence, saying, she would continue that weekly. The second time she was called upon, she said she could not continue her subscription, as she had spoken to her husband on the subject, who told her, a Bible would be of no use to them, and that he would not have one. The Collectors endeavoured to convince the woman that it might be of great use to them ; and desired she would speak with her husband, and they would call again in a week or two. In the mean time, they learnt from a neighbour that this man was a drunken, wicked character ; nefer entered a place of worship; and, when in full employment himself, was maintained by his wife. The Ladies called again ; when the woman said, she had at last prevailed on her husband to let them have a Bible. A loan Testament was left with them, and they were promised the use of it till they received their Bible. The woman continued to pay her subscription punctually ; and, when pre- sented with the Bible, gave a gratifying account of the change in her husband. She said, that ever since he had been in possession of the loan Testament, he had constantly, and at every opportunity, read it with the greatest ap- parent concern ; — that he had become a regular attendant at a place of worship ; and frequently manifested much sorrow at the recollection of Ills past conduct. He now brings home his weekly earnings every Saturday night ; and has never been heard to use any profane language since he became a reader of the Testament. When his wife subsequently presented him with the Bible, he seemed quite overpowered, and wept much." Plymouth Ladies', 1819. — " Your Committee cannot here refrain from expressing their unqualified approbation of this part of the system, which has proved a source of joy and consolation, to many of the sick poor in par- ticular ; nor from stating, that in no instance has a single copy been lost which has been issued from this source. From among the many instances which might be adduced in proof of the utility of these loans, and of the gratitude evinced by the poor, one only their limits allow them to extract : — " The Collectors of a district having supplied a poor woman with a loan Testament, called, a few weeks afterwards, for the purpose of ascertaining whether she had made any use of it : she expressed herself under the most lasting obligations to them for the treasure they had lent her, and spoke of having derived the greatest comfort and consolation from its perusal, dwelling with peculiar earnestness on those parts of the Scriptures which relate more immediately to the love of the Saviour for sinners — The neigh- bours also stated, that though she was absent from home, at work, during the day, she never retired to rest without spending a considerable portion of time in reading her Testament; — that she was constantly speaking of its contents, and blessing those who were the means of providing her with it." 544 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. [CHAP. VIII. The Labouring Classes induced to subscribe by Loans. VIII. It is evident, that unless some acknowledgment of the return of a Bible or Testament be given, as provided by the tenth Rule, there is a danger of incorrectness and misunderstanding ; as it is generally sent by the borrower to the Bible Secretary, without the knowledge of the Collectors. In all such cases the ticket should be returned at the next meeting of the Committee, and the Col- lectors should immediately make the proper entry at the end of their Collecting Book. When a person who has been supplied re- moves into another district, it is usual for the Collectors of the latter to assume the responsibility attached by the twelfth Rule ; and it will save much trouble if a general understanding, to this effect, prevail in every Committee. IX. The following extract from the Second Annual Report of the Manchester Ladies' Society will illustrate the tendency of the eleventh rule. " One hundred and seventy-three persons have been supplied with loans : and your Committee have every reason to believe that very extensive and important blessings have arisen from this part of their plan. The use made of loans enables the Collectors, in a great measure, to ascertain the charac- ters of those to whom they are entrusted ; and prevents the funds of the Society from being squandered on those who might eagerly accept a Bible, without any wish to peruse it. Many sick persons, who were entirely destitute of the Scriptures, have been thus supplied." And it will gratify the reader to perceive, in the anecdote sub- joined, a renewed evidence of an increasing disposition on the part of the labouring classes to assist in supplying themselves. The Committee of the Liverpool Ladies' Society, in their Report for 1819, observe, — " One of the grants made at the recommendation of your Committee was to a shoemaker, in straitened circumstances, who had a wife and ten children to support. When the Collectors called upon him, he expressed so earnest a desire for a Bible, that they immediately applied for a grant, not thinking it right to require payment from so poor and industrious a man : but he declined receiving it otherwise than as a loan, expressing his determination to do all in his power to spare the money ; and he has since succeeded in paying the full price." X. It may reasonably admit of a doubt, whether the advantages of the Loan Fund be not questionable, without the responsibility attached to the Collectors by the Twelfth rule : nor can any Lady justly complain, when required to exercise that discretion in re- ference to the property of the Society which she manifests in the disposition of her own. This responsibility not only makes them more cautious in the selection of those whom they recommend, and more diligent in acquiring a knowledge of their character and cir- cumstances, but induces greater punctuality in those visits of mercy from which such incalculable benefits have resulted. The loss of a few Testaments is a matter of little importance, when compared SECT, in.] PUBLIC DISTRIBUTIONS. 54<5 The Flan of Public Distributions first adopted at Paisley. with the principles of honesty and justice, and the habits of re- gularity, order, and attention, which it is the great object of a Bible Association to encourage and perpetuate : and whatever tends to counteract the temptation to fraud on the part of the poor — to strengthen those principles, and confirm these habits — must be a positive good. Experience has proved, beyond the possibility of doubt, that the weekly visits of the Collectors pro- duce this effect : — in the case of subscribers, there is an evident motive to punctuality ; but, without this regulation, there would not be a similar inducement to call on those who had been supplied with loans. »*» See Hints to Collectors, Section I. of this Chapter. SECTION III. PUBLIC DISTRIBUTIONS. 1. The reader who is conversant in the proceedings of Bible Societies on the European Continent, cannot be igno- rant that this mode of distributing copies of the holy scrip- tures has long prevailed in many parts of Germany, &c. ; although it has been an occasional act, and connected with devotional solemnities, rather than a systematic periodical measure, arising out of the regulations of the respective insti- tutions. The first Bible Society in Great Britain by which this plan was adopted, appears to have been that of Paisley and East Renfrewshire. The Committee, in their Annual Report for 1814, observe, that "they were actuated by a desire at once to guard against an indiscriminate distribution, and to secure, so far as depended on them, a proper attention to the Bibles distributed." After due investigation, hsts of the families requiring a supply, in the several districts of the town and neighbourhood, were made out by the Committee ; and " each of the families was furnished with a ticket, having inscribed on it the name of the head of the family, the place of residence, and the extent of aid required. These tickets were distributed by gentlemen appointed for the purpose, who were carefid to make accurate inquiry into the state of those who were represented as in necessitous circumstances, and to whom the distribution was made. With the tickets thus dis- tributed and received, the people were appointed to repair, at a fixed time, to certain places appropriated for distribution of Bibles." S. Whether the example was originally derived from Ger- many or Scotland, is of little moment ; but it is certain, that whatever merit belongs to the more general introduction of N N 546 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. [cHAP. VIII. Public Distributions adopted at Godalming with considerable effect. this measure into the system of Bible Associations, may be claimed by the Committee of the Godalming Society. It has been ali'eady stated {see \iut/i Division of Sect. I. Chap. VII.), that they were directed, by the First Annual Meeting of their Subscribers, to prepare and publish a detailed account of " the Southwark Bible Association System, adapted to the local circumstances of the Country :" this publication appeared in the autumn of 1815: and it is due to those by whom this mode of distribution was first recommended and explained, to extract the following exposition of the views by which they were influenced : — " Tha method which your Committee has adopted, for the distribution of Bibles and Testaments, has been an important part of the proceedings of the past year. They were induced, by some considerations, which they think the results have fully justified, to prefer a public to a private distribution : accordingly, they instituted a quarterly meeting for this purpose. The effects of these meetings have been truly gratifying ; in the interest which they have excited, particularly among the poor — the consequent increase of applications for Bibles and Testaments, and of donations and subscriptions. By these meetings, every appearance of party or private charity is avoided ; the plan and operations of the society are better understood ; and, while the prejudices of som.e are melted away, the attachment of others is confirmed." As the Godalming Association was not only the first regu- larly-organized Ladies' Society, but the first which presented to the public a sketch of the system on which it was con- ducted, it might naturally be expected that the plan of Public Distributions would be adopted in other places; though it by no means constitutes an essential part of the design. Such, in fact, was, with few exceptions, the case ; and in the regulations prepared for similar institutions, pro- vision was expressly made for this mode of delivering the copies to the subscribers. {See i Yth Observation on the By- Laws, Chap.Wll. Section Ul.) Experience and observation have suggested many improvemertts in the original plan, which will be found included in the following remai'ks. 3. It may not be altogether unnecessary to observe, that the proceedings of Bible distributions, like those of the Annual Meetings, are conducted exclusively by the members of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Committee, and such other Gen- tlemen as may be invited to take part in the business. The plan of quarterly distributions, as originally devised at Godal- ming, has been very generally superseded by half-yearly meetings for this purpose ; and in some Associations of long standing, which have nearly satisfied the local demand, a public distribution connected with the Annual Meeting is found sufficient, and has been attended with considerable SECT. III.] PUBLIC DISTRIBUTIONS. 547 Resolutions of the Committee in reference to a Public Distribution. advantage. Whatever be the period agreed on, it will con- duce to the order and regularity of the proceedings if the days be positively fixed l)y a By-Law ; so that the Collectors and subscribers may be previously acquainted with the time appointed, and make their arrangements accordingly. 4. The following, or similar Resolutions, should be adopted by the Committee of a Bible Association, at least six weeks previous to the time appointed for a public distribution : — I. That the next public distribution of Bibles and Testaments be held at the Boys' Fri^e School, on the evening of Monday, the 15th of October 1 and that /J. B. Esq. be invited to preside on the occasion. II. That a copy of the preceding resolution be transmitted to the Com- mittee of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society ; with a request, that they will appoint a deputation, to engage and fit up the place of meeting, and conduct the business of the evening. III. That the following Gentlemen be respectfully invited to take part in the proceedings of the public distribution ; viz. {Here folloiv the Names.) IV. That the Collectors be requested to inform all the subscribers for Bibles and Testaments, in their respective districts, of the day ap- pointed for the public distribution ; and that no subscriber can be then supplied who shall not have completed his or her subscription on or before Monday, the lAth of September. V. That the Collectors return their lists, properly filled {see Specimen sub. joined), to the Bible Secretary, at the Committee-meeting, on the ] st of October. VI. That the Minute Secretary be requested to order a sufficient number of hand-bills, announcing the public distribution ; and to have them laid on the table, at the next meeting of the Committee, with a supply of " Free Contributors' Tickets." — See Specimen subjoined. 5. At the next meeting of the Committee, the Collectors' lists are delivered in ; and the Bible Secretary fills up, and gives to each Collector, the proper number of public distri- bution tickets {see Specimen sjibjohied) ; which they subse- quently sign, and deliver to the respective subscribers for whom they are intended. The Bible Secretary also makes out a list of all the subscribers to be supplied at the public distribution, with a specification of the kind of Bible or Tes- tament which they are severally to receive ; which list is placed before the chairman. At the same meeting, the hand-bills are given to the Col- lectors, with a request that they will circulate them in their respective districts ; and they also receive a ticket for every free contributor then on their books, which they subsequently deliver to the parties. •»* The other duties which devolve on the Secretaries and Collectors, in reference to the public distribution, have been already explained in Section I. of this Chapter. N N 2 "548 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. [cHAP. Vllt. Specimen of the Collectors' Lists. — Public Distribution Ticket. 6. SPECIMEN OF THE COLLECTORS' LISTS. «• The entries in Italics, in this and the following Specimens, are to be considered as Manuscript. Charles LADIES' BIBLE ASSOCIATION. The Collectors for the District No. 1 recommend the following persons to the Committee, to be supplied with Bibles and Testa- ments at the next distribution : viz. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 NAMES. Mark Snelling . Susan Dunsler . Jane Lurnme . Mnry Nallen . . Mr. PensilHs • Mrs. Hedflar Mrs. Innrent Mrs. Brooks Catheri7ie Brooks . M. /I. Snello . James Woods . Mary Knighton Elizabeth Church Sort of Bible. Test. S.P. M.P. M. S.P. N. L.P. Amount paid. PC. P.C. B.S. B.S. M.P.C. M.P.C. P.C. II 4 5 6 4 1 1 2 7 2 4 3 10 6 0 10 2 4 7 7 1 6 1 4 0 0 Ut October, 1819. D B J Collectors. 8. PUBLIC-DISTRIBUTION TICKET. These Tickets are of the same size as the Specimen, and are stitched in books, containing about fifty each. The Bible Secretary inserts the No., which is placed against the sub- scriber's name in the Bible Book (see No. xviii. Fir.<;t Spe- cimen, Chap. Vn. SeclionY.), by which any necessary reference is materially facilitated. When the Tickets are cut out, and delivered to the Collectors, the checks should be carefully preserved. SECT. III.] PUBLIC DISTRIBUTIONS* 549 Specimens of the Public-Distribution and Free-Contributors' Tickets. SPECIMEN. No. 4. District No. 1-^--^^,^ Charles LADIES' BIRLE ASSOCIATION. Mark Snelling, O^O ^°- "*• District No. 1. a Small-Pica BIBLE. ^^ P^««" ^^'^ 5«.«mg- to receive a Small- 1=:^^^^ Pica BIBLE, at the Public Distribution-, Sum paid, 11*. 6d. OOO °" Monday, the 15M of October, 1819. C!5^<:>ir>cu>i;>o-c><>o<>oi<:;is'<>5":><.5<::i-i:::»<>«:* 9. At a meeting convened for a public distribution, the chair ahould be taken preclsehi at the hour appointed, by the President, or some other officer of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society. The Bibles and Testaments are placed on a table before him ; each description being separated, to prevent mis- takes. The subscribers who are entitled to receive copies present their tickets at the doors, but retain them in their 550 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. [chap. VIII, Ox'der of Proceeding at a Public Distribution. own hands : they are then conducted to seats appropriated exclusively to them, either in front of the chair, or around the room, so as to admit of an uninterrupted approach to the table when they are called on to receive their copies. On a due attention to this part of the business much of the interest of these meetings depends. The free contributors deliver their tickets at the doors, and ai'e conducted to their appointed seats ; and the platform is occupied by those Gentlemen only who conduct the business. The Secretaries of the Auxiliary (or Branch) Society should always prepare an order of proceeding, and place a copy of it before the Chairman. The following is recommended for this purpose : — ORDER OF PROCEEDING AT A PUBLIC DI S TR ILLTK N. 1. The Chairman. 2. A. B. 3. CD. 4. E.F. S. G.H. opens the business of the meeting ; explains the object and design of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and of Bible Associations as connected with it ; and details the-recent proceedings of the Institution both abroad and at home. * moves the Resolution No. 1 — " That this meeting feels desirous of expressing its increasing attachment to the pure and single principle of the Bible Society ; and its gratitude to Divine Providence, for the blessings which it has been the instrument of confeiTing on the nations of the earth." seconds the Resolution No. 1. The Chairman having put the question, moves the Resolution No. 2 — " That this meeting entertains an earnest hope that the welfare and happiness of the labouring classes will be essentially promoted by the opera- tions of the Bible Association established in this district." seconds the Resolution No. 2. The Chairman, having put the question, re- quests the subscribers who have received tickets to approach the table, in regular order, and to hand their tickets, successively, to one of the Secretaries of the Auxiliary Society, who an- nounces the description of the Bible or Testament specified in the ticket : — the proper copy is handed hy another Gentleman to the Chairman, by whom it is delivered to the subscriber, who immediately returns to his or her former seat. When the dis- tribution has been completed. * If any officer or member of the Parent Society be present, the Chairman generally refers to him for this statement of the operations and results of the Institution. SECT. III.] PUBLIC DISTRIBUTIONS. 551 Public Distributions are not an essential part of the System. 6. I. K. 7. L.M. 8. The Chairman moves the Resolution No. 3 — " That this meeting acknowledges, with grate- ful respect, the obliging manner in which the Chairman has conducted the business." seconds the Resolution No. 3, and puts the question. acknowledges the Resolution, refers to the plates for receiving contributions, and dissolves the meeting. 10. It has already been observed, that the plan of " Public Distribution" does not constitute an essential or necessary part of the system of Bible Associations ; nor is it expedient to introduce it where the mode of delivery described in Chap. VII. {Section V. No. viii.) has been adopted. How far it may be applicable to country Associations, generally, is a subject on which the author does not presume to decide : but, while he acknowledges that he partakes of those fears which have been suggested by some judicious friends, he would respectfully submit, that the question is not whether this mode of distribution be altogether unexceptionable, but whether the benefits do not overbalance the disadvantages. On the one hand, it has been contended, that those meetings are inconsistent with the simplicity of the Society ; — that they confer on it the character of ostentation or display ; — and that the tendency of Bible Associations to elevate the moi'al cha- racter of the poor, is counteracted by a proceeding which con- firms the habits of pauperism. On the other, the results of experience and observation have been adduced ; and, as it is by these that the Committees of Local Associations will judge and decide, the following testimonies are extracted from the Reports of those societies which are best qualified to pro- nounce an opinion on the subject : — Codahninsr, 1815. — "It is impossible to give an adequate description of these meetings: the sight of the Bibles before distribution is peculiarly- interesting ; and when they are ti-ansferred to the hands of the grateful poor, the sight, thus varied, becomes truly affecting. To these meetings the poor come from several miles distant. //iew/ey, 1816. — " We have been quite happy in witnessing the delight which the poor felt at our last public distribution of Bibles. Those who re- ceived Bibles spoke of it with gratitude ; and others, who were spectators, with much interest; and, in consequence of it, voluntarily offered a free subscription." Abingdon^ 1 8 1 8- — " Your Committee would record their conviction of the utility of public tlistrihutinns. Within the last year, three of these interest- ing exhibitions have taken place ; at which 6"22 Bibles and Testaments were put into the hands of the poor." Daventry, 1818. — ''It is impossible for your Committee to pass by in 652 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. [CHAP. VIII. Evidences of the good effects of the Plan. silence the excellency of this manner of distributing the copies of the holy scriptures. It may be doubted, by man_y persons, whether such large num- bers of books are disseminated as the society assert : here the doubt is dis- siy.nted by the fact. It maybe questioned, whether the Bible is of the autho- rised version : here the books are open for inspection. It may be insinuated, that tracts accompany the pure word of God : here the treachery' must be instantly detected." Plymouth, S{c. 1819. — " The advantages of public over private distribu- tions of the Scriptures are great : a practical refutation is thus given to the calumnies of those, who assert that the Bibles never reach the jwor, or that notes and comments accompany their delivery : interest is excited in all classes, and more especially among the poor ; who, without these meetings, would have few, if any, opportunities of becoming acquainted with the ex- tensive operations of the Parent Society : while the rich and the poor, brought thus into contact, in circumstances peculiarly calculated to awaken benevolent and moral feeling, find, that, in co-operating to promote the glory of God and the happiness of mankind, they insensibly imbibe a spirit of mutual kindness, with which envy and discontent, pride and selfishness, are equally incompatible. Your Collectors have repeatedly witnessed such effects -with delight : and so great has been the interest excited by the dis- tributions, that purchasers of Bibles and Testaments, supplied by this means, have frequently become free contributors, for the avowed purpose of enjoying the privilege of attending them : even, in some cases, where cir- cumstances prevented a stated subscription, a small donation has been given, as it were, to purchase the pleasure. But at no period are public distribu- tions so advantageous as in the early stages of a society, when the first object is to ensure confidence in the minds of the subscribers : and by no other means can this be so effectually attained." It is certainly difficult, especially in the country, and among a scattered population, to induce the labouring classes to attend an Annual Meeting ; and thus the attainment of one principal object of a Bible Association — that of interest- ing the poor in the nature and design of the Institution — is at least rendered more uncertain. But they have a personal motive to attend a public disti-ibution, and frequently make considerable sacrifices for this gratification. In conclusion : — the strongest argument that can be urged in favour of the plan, is, that it affords a practical refutation of the assertion, that " notes and comments " are distributed with the Bibles issued by the Society. The author is fully aware that an objection has been taken to those meetings, on the ground of reported injudicious addresses : but he can conscientiously aver, that in those which he has attended, the only " notes and comments " he has heard may be comprised in one sentence — " Read your Bibles ; and shew, by your lives and conversation, that you are influenced by what you read." APPENDIX. No. I. TWO LETTERS ON THE SUBJECT OF THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY, By the Right Hon. NICHOLAS VANSITTART. Letter to the Rev. Dr. Marsh, Margaret Professor of Divinity in the University of Cambridge ; occasioned by his Address to the Senate of that University. Dkar Sir, — I beg to return my best acknowledgments for the commu- nication of your Address to the Senate of Cambridge ; which I the more strongly feel as a mark of your kind attention, as I have not the honour of belonging to that University, and as it is a considerable time since I have been so fortunate as to have had an opportunity of meeting you. You were perhaps not aware that you were sending your Address to a member of the British and Foreign Bible Society ; but I accept, as a proof of kindness, your candid and friendly admonition, which affords me an opportunity of justifying myself to you, as a Church-of-England man, for contributing my assistance to that institution. I never indeed before thought it necessary to offer any apology for so doing : for though I was aware, before I engaged in the society, that it had been represented as dangerous to the Church, it appeared to me that this cbarge had been so completely refuted, that it is with no less surprise than regret that I now learn that you still think it well founded. I must first remark, that your observation respecting the funds of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, compared with those of the Bible Society, must give a very erroneous impression respecting the com- parative wealth of the two societies. You state that the funds of the latter are much superior to those of the former. This is so far from being the case, that, by the latest annual account, the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge appears to be possessed of property in the public funds producing about 5300;. per annum, besides some landed property ; while the Bible Society was, in April last, possessed of no more than 38Jj/. per annum in the funds, and of money and exchequer-bills capable of producing about 180/. more ; making together about 570/. per annum : and although its total receipts within the year exceeded those of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, in the proportion of about 24,600/. to about 1 9,000/. yet these receipts were not only principally derived from casual and occa- sional sources, such as congregational collections, and contributions from Auxiliary Societies, but they actually fell short of the expenditure of the year by upwards of 3600/. It is not therefore without necessity, much less is it from an invidious spirit of rivalry towards any other institution, that the friends of the Bible Society are making those exertions to obtain further patronage and support from the public, which appear to excite your alarm — an alarm for which I confess myself totally unable to account, A (2) Appendix, No. I. when I consider that the sole and exclusive object of the Bible Society, so far as it respects the United Kingdom, is the circidation of the authorised translation of the Scriptures, without note or comment. I should, as a member of the Church, be very sorry to think that the devout study of the Scriptures could lead to the disregard of our I^iturgy : on the contrary, I should hope that it would produce a more general acknowledgment of its excellence ; as it originally, at the period of the Reformation, led, through the blessing of Divine Providence, to its establishment. The Bible, says Chillingworth, and the Bible only, is the religion of the Protestant ; it is the sole basis of the Church of England, and the only one on which you, I am sure, would wish to place it. But you observe, that j'ou can have no guai'antee, that, as the power of the Bible Society increases, other objects, inimical to the Church, will not in time be associated with the main object. To this I answer, that so long as the members of the Church take part in the Bible Society, its very constitution will afford such a guarantee as you desire. The President, and all the Vice-Presidents without exception, are Churchmen, and are constant members of the managing committee, in which they always preside ; and of the other members of this committee, the Churchmen are equal in number to all the Dissenters of different sects : so that, in every question, the Church must have a constant majority ; and in the general meetings, in which alone all points affecting the constitution of the society must be decided, the members of the Church must have a weight in proportion to their numbers and consequence. In proportion, therefoi'e, as Cliurchraen of talents, rank, and influence, join the society, this preponderance must increase. Among the patrons, either of the Parent Society or its branches, are already nvnnbered the four Archbishops of Ireland, and eight English and eight Irish Bishojis. I doubt whether the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, which now, as you observe, enjoys the countenance of the whole Episcopal Bench, was, at so short a period from its formation, honoured with the support of so large a body of the Prelates ; and I should hope the time might not be far distant, when tlie two societies may equally flourish under the general patronage of them alL This would appear to me the most effectual remedy for any supposed danger from the Dissenting influence in the Bible Society^ To those who are intimately acquainted witli the society, this danger must indeed appear chimerical. So little does the spii-it of mutual jealousy" exist, that there has been no instance of a division taking place in a general meeting ; and I scarcely recollect one even in the committee, in the course of a frequent attendance : but what may appear to 3'ou more extraor- dinary, I have not yet been able to discover which of the members of the committee are Churchmen and which are Dissenters, except in the instances of those gentlemen with whom I happen to be personall}^ acquainted, and a few members of the Society of Friends, who are of course distinguished by their dress. - "*" But supposing, for the sake of the argument, that there may be real danger from the preponderance of the Dissenting interest. What is tlie remedy you propose? — that air Churchmen should withdraw themselves from the^ society, and leave it wholly in the hands of the Dissenters. If any thing can make the society dangerous, this must do it ; because thete would then be no check to any sectarian spirit which might introduce itself, and which must be unavoidably irritated by so harsh, and, I think, sO unjust an indi- cation of jealousy. But even if no sentiment of resentment should be excited, one of two consequences must inevitably follow : either the society, being deprived of the hope of further supjjort, and cri|)pled by the loss of its pecuniary means, and of many of its most vahiable members, would wholly expire, or sink into insignificance ; or else the Dissenting interest, making up for these losses by more extensive sacrifices, and an increase of Appendix, No. I. (S) zeal and activity, and availing itself of the assistance of the foreign societies already formed, would carry on the institution in nearly the same manner as before. In the first case, you would have crushed an establishment which has done more for the diifusion of Christianity than has been effected in the same space of time in any age since the Apostolic : which has in seven years been the means of preaching the Gospel in fifty-four languages. This ■X^ould indeed be putting out one of the eyes of Britain. The other alternative would be, to transfer to the body of Dissenters all the honour and influence of whatever has been done, and whatever may be done, by an institution, of which the dawn has been so glorious, but which is visibly rising into brighter day. Shall it be said that the Dissenters alone have carried the Word of God to every nation under heaven ? or shall the Church of England continue to claim the leading part in this important work ? And can the Church of England stand so secure upon a narrow and exclusive policy, as by deserving the blessings, and uniting the prayers, of all people, nations, and languages ? The evils of either alternative seem to me equally fatal and inevitable. I am far from undervaluing the efforts of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge : I am an old member of that society, and am heartily disposed to lend any assistance in my power to its useful plans. Eut how little, either that, or any other society now existing, would be competent to supply the place of the Bible Society, the experience of above a century has shewn. Even supposing (what I think impossible) that it might be made, in some considerable degree, to answer the same purposes, I sea superior advantages in the present constitution of the Bible Society. The co-operation of Churchmen and Dissenters in religious matters, so far as they can conscientiously co-operate, seems to me one of the most efficacious means of lessening both the political and religious evils of dissent. It dispels prejudices, promotes candour and good-will, and must prepare the mind for . the reception of that truth, which every one perceives to be no less the object of those who differ from him than his owiv From such a communication, the Church of England has nothing to fear, and every thing to ho])e ; as holding (in our judgments at least) that middle line of truth in which all opposite opinions have a natural tendency to coincide. And is that truth more likely to be acknowledged and embraced by minds embittered by mutual jealousy and aversion, or by sucli as have been previously softened by conciliation ? The existence of dissent will perhaps be inseparable from religious free- dom, so long as the mind of man is liable to error ; but it is not unreasonable to hope, that hostility may cease where perfect agi-eement cannot be esta- blished. If we cannot reconcile all opinions, let us endeavour to unite all hearts. I ought, perhaps, to apologise for troubling you, with arguments which must prabably have been already brought before you, as I know your opinions are not taken up hastily and lightly. But I have thought it ne- cessary to state such as have chiefly induced me to consider my taking a part in the concerns of .the Bible Society, not only as consistent with, but as a proof of the sincerity and warmth of my attachment to the Church of England ; and which still, on reflection, seem to me to have so much weight, that, far from repentmg of what I have done, I feel convinced I shall least of all repent of it as I approach that state in which the distinction of Church- man and Dissenter shall be no more. I am, &c. N. Vansittart. Great George Street, 4th Dec 1811. AS (4) Appendix, No. I. Letter to John Coker, £sq. in answer to his Letter to the Right Hon. N. Vaksittaiit ; published in the Oxford Paper. Dear Sir, — I have at all periods of my life had a particular objection to newspaper controversies ; but to a controversy so amicable as that to which I am invited by your Letter — which not only breathes the spirit of a gentle- man, but the kindness of a friend — I cannot object, whatever may be its form. I consider your Letter as a public a])peal to the University of Oxford, against the sentiments expressed in my Letter to Dr. Marsh. That Letter was, in the first instance, a mere private answer to his communication to me of his Address to the Senate of Cambridge. I expressed myself as a Church- man writing to a Churchman. I publislied my sentiments under the sanction of the highest authority in that University ; and I have had the satisfaction of learning that many of the most distinguished members of both Universities approve of them. But I value both the judgment of our University, and your private opinion, too highly not to offer some further explanation. The question between us is not, whether the Dissenters are, or are not, hostile to the Established Church, but whether they can acquire any power of injuring it from the operations of the Bible Society. What are those operations ? — simply, the distribution of the authorised version of the Scrip- tures. How can such a distribution be injurious to the Church by which that version was made, and which professes to rest upon it as the sole foundation of its doctrines — that version from which the Church has taken the language of her Litui-gy, and which has been sanctioned from age to age by the authority of all our ecclesiastical rulers ? But if we pertinaciously reject the assistance of the Dissenters in circulating our Bible, what should hinder every sect from having, not only a Bible Society, but a Bible of its own ? The Unitarians have already their improved version of the New Testament. And who can estimate the extent of mischief which might arise from such a collision of contending translations ? To the unlearned, the version to which they are accustomed, stands in the place of an original ; and to injure their opinion of its authenticity, is to shake their confidence in the Word of God itself. We are apt to consider the Dissenters as narrow-minded and unreasonable : but while we condemn the prejudices of other men, let us be on our guard against our own. Let us for a moment suppose that the Bible Society, instead of being formed in London, had originated in the northern metropolia of our United Kingdom, under the patronage of tlie Chuixh of Scotland ; and that when their Episcopal brethren had petitioned to unite with them in the glorious work of diffusing the knowledge of their common Saviour, the Presbytery had replied, by a haughty refusal, ' Keep aloof ! Your piety, vour learning, may be equal to ours ; your zeal may be exemjilary, your morals irreproachable ; — but you have no lay-elders, you have bishops and deans : nay more, you wear white surplices, and have organs in your churches : and we had rather the Scriptures should be for ever unknown, than disseminated by such polluted hands in conjunction with ours.' Such, my Dear Sir, is the conduct which you would recommend to the Church of England. How far it would conduce to its honour, or its substantial interests, I leave to your cool reflection. My ardent wish, as I know it is yours, is, that the Church of England may be the first of Christian churches, and our country the first of nations— not for the purposes of any worldly splendor (whatever ambition of that kind I may once have felt), but as an instrument in the hands of Divine Providence of extensive benefit to mankind : the first of churches, as the model of pure faith and unfeigned piety to all the kindreds of the world: the first of nations, as the guardian and champion of justice, liberty, and the true rights of man. These, however, are high considerations, and above the reach of himian foresight. To us it belongs to use our reason im Appendix, No. II. (5) seeking the most beneficial ends by the wisest means, and to leave the event with humble confidence to Hui who rules above. With respect to the latter part of your Letter, I shall only observe, that you greatly mistake the views of the Bible Society, if you suppose they condemn the use of notes and commentaries for elucidating the Scriptures. On the contrary, one of our most active members is now publishing a learned and elaborate Commentary ujjon them. But the society, as a body, takes uo part in this, or any other work of its members. Confident that the Bible alone is able to give wisdom to tlie simple, it leaves to the Church, to every sect, to every individual, the right of selecting and recommending such further helps as may be necessary for critical research. In so doing, every man will consult his own judgment, and the authority to which he has been accustomed to defer. I am far, as you well know, from undervaluing the advantages of learning : and I should think, that, upon the ground of literary merit, the Bible Society might claim some countenance in a learned University. We justly prize the profound erudition and indefatigable diligence of the compilers of the Polyglott Bible : but what a Polyglott has the Bible Society produced ! Can it lessen the merit of such e5re!t'iroii'§i"'that they, have been applied to living languages, and to purposes of immediate and important service to mankind ? But literary merit is not (except in a very subordinate degree) the aim of the society ; nor the tribunal of learning that at which it is to be judged. It§ objects are of a higher order, and far more important to mankind ; — and its appeal is to ever^"^ Christian heart. If you can point out to me any means of promoting these great objects as powerfully, as rapidly, as extensively, with- out incun-ing the dangers you appreljend from the Bible Society, I shall readily concur with you in adopting such means ; but till you can do so, I think myself bound to persevere : nor do I believe they will ever be found, except in some plan similar to ours. For it is not simply to the diff"usion of th^- Bible, but to the co-operation of all Christians, to diftuse it, and to the effect of such a co-operation on our own hearts, that I look, not only for the esta-, blishment of Christian faith, but tlie extension of Christian charity. N. Vansittart. Great George Street, Uth Feb. 1812. No. II. EDITIONS OF THE SCRIPTURES, On sale to SUBSCRIBERS, at the SOCIETY'S DEPOSITORY, No. ] 0, Earl Street, Blachfriars, London. ENG1.1SII— BIBLES. Pocket, Nonpareil type, bound in calf Ditto, Minion type • , . . Nonpareil, 12mo. . ' Minion, crown paper, 8vo. Brevier, demy paper, 8vo Brevier, medium paper, 8vo. with marginal references, Long Primer, demy paper, Bvo Cost the Prices to Society. SuOscrib. s. d. S. d. 4 6 . •• 3 6 5 7 • ..4 2 4 2 . ••3 3 6 0. ..4 6 7 2 . .. 5 5 11 10 . .. 9 S 9 6 . •• T 2 (6) Ahpendix, No. II. WELSH. Nonpareil Bible, 12mo. calf 4 Small Pica Bible, 8vo. calf 12 Brevier Testament, 1 2mo. cloth ....... 1 Ditto sheep 1 Ditto calf 2 Small Pica Testament, 8vo. sheep 3 Ditto calf 4 GAELIC. Brevier Bible, 12 mo calf 6 2 Bourgeois Testament, demy 12mo. sheep .... 19 Ditto calf 2 G MANKS. Brevier Bible, 8vo. . . . calf Brevier Testament, 12mo. sheep Ditto calf. IRISH. Brevier Bible, 8vo calf . . . Long Primer Testament, 1 2mo. sheep . . Ditto calf . . . Small Pica Testament, Irish character, sheep Ditto calf 2 2 10 2 3 3 3 FRENCH. Nonpareil Bible, 1 2mo. (Ostervald) calf 6 Pocket Bible 5 Brevier Testament, 12mo. (Ostervald) sheep ... 2 Ditto calf .... 2 Brevier Testament, 1 2mo. (De Sacy) sheep ... 2 Ditto calf .... 2 1 ,arge Tyjie, 8vo. (Ostervald) calf 5 Ditto, 8V0. (I)c Sacy) . . calf. 5 Testament, French & English, in parallel columns, Bvo. calf, 7 Cost the Prices to Society. Subscrib. ENGLISH— jB/BZ^-S continued. s. d. s. d. Long Primer, super-royal paper, 8vo. with the full re- ferences of tlie authorised 4to. Bible in the mar- gins, fine edition, 2 vols, boards 34 0 ••• 34 0 Small Pica, medium paper, 8vo. calf 10 6 ••' 710 Ditto, with full references at the end 1210.-. 9 8 Ditto, royal paper, 8 vo. with marginal references . 14 0 •••10 6 Ditto, royal paper, 8vo. without references, fine edit. 19 6 •••19 6 Ditto, with full references at the end 23 0 ••• 23 0 Sm.Yica,4to. with broad 7iiargins for writing upon, hoards, 52 6 ••• 52 6 ENGLISH— TESTAMENTS. Pocket, sheep, Minion type . • 16 Ditto, calf . . . .' 2 1 Brevier, 12ma. cloth 13 Ditto . . sheep 16 Ditto . . calf 2 3 Long Primer, 8vo. sheep 2 2 Ditto .... calf 32 Pica, 8vo. . . . sheep 3 3 Ditto .... calf 43 4 0 1 2 1 9 0 2 9 0 4 0 6 2 5 0 3 9 1 6 2 0 1 6" 2 0 Appendix, No. II. (7) SPANISH. Brevier Testament, l2mo. (Enzina) sheep . Ditto calf . . . . X)itto (Scio) • . . sheep . . . . Ditto calf . . . . PORTUGUEZE. Long Primer Bible, 8vo. (De Almeida) calf . . Brevier Testament, l2mo. (De Almeida) sheep . Ditto . calf . . Ditto (Pereira) sheep . Ditto calf . . Long Primer Testament, 8vo. (De Almeida) sheep Ditto calf . ITALIAN. Brevier Testament, 12mo. (Diodati) sheep . . . Ditto calf . . . Ditto, (Martini) sheep . Ditto calf . . . DUTCH. Bourgeois Bible, 8vo. calf Ditto, Testament, J2mo. sheep Ditto calf Ditto 8vo sheep Ditto calf DANISH. Bible calf . , Long Primer Testament, 12mo. sheep . Ditto calf ICELANDIC. Bible, 8vo New Testament, crowni 8vo. Bible, 8vo calf New Testament, 8vo. sheep Ditto .... calf Ditto, 24mo. . . sheep. Ditto .... calf Bible, 8vo. . . . calf . New Testament, 8vo. calf . SWEDISH. POLISH. GERMAN. Nonpareil Bible, 12mo Bourgeois Testament, 24mo. sheep .... Ditto calf ... . Bible, royal 4to. . calf New Testament, 8vo. calf ARMENIAN. Cost the Society. Prices to Subscrib. s. d. S. d. 2 0.. 2 9.. 2 0.. 2 9.. . 1 . 2 . 1 . 2 6 0 6 0 8 0.. 2 0.. 2 9.. 2 0.. 29.. 2 9" 39.. . 6 • 1 . 2 . 1 . 2 . 2 . 2 0 6 0 6 0 0 10 2 0.. 2 9- 2 0 . 2 9.. . 1 • 2 • 1 • 2 6 0 6 0 7 6.. 2 0.. 29.. 2 9.. 39- . 5 . I . 2 . 2 . 2 8 6 0 0 10 7 0.. 2 0.. 29.. . 5 . 1 • 2 3 6 0 5 0.. 24.. . 3 • 1 9 9 75.. 2 0" 3 0.. 1 8 .. 2 4.. . 5 . 1 . 2 . 1 1 7 6 3 3 9 11 0 .. 2 9" . 8 . 2 3 0 7 0.. 2 3.. 29.. . 5 . ) 3 3 8 1 25 0 .. 5 0.. . 19 . 3 0 9 (8) Appendix, No. III. Cost the Piites to Society, Subscrib. MODERN GREEK. *. d. s. d. Long Primer Testament, foolscap 8vo. calf .... 4 0 ... 4 0 Ditto, with the Antient and Modern Greek in parallel Columns, demy 1 2mo. calf ..... 63... 63 HEBREW. Bible, 8vo 136. ..126 Testament, 8va 7(5... 76 ETHIOPIC. The Psalms of David, 8vo. calf 40... 40 Ditto, 4to calf 76. ..76 Ditto, fine paper, extra boards 60.-. 60 SYRIAC. New Testament, crown 4to. calf . . ... . . . 12 6 •••12 6 Ditto . . demy 4to. boards 11 6 ••• II 6 ARABIC The Psalms of David, royal 1 8mo. calf 20... 20 TURKISH. New Testament, demy 8vo. calf 76. ••76 MALAY. New Testament, demy 8vo. calf 5 0 ••• 6 0 HINDOOSTANEE. New Testament, demy 8 vo. (Marty n) calf .... 6 6 ••• 6 6 CHINESE. New Testament, 12mo. (Morrison) in a case. ... 7 o ... 7 0 No. III. EPISCOPAL TESTIMONIES, IN FAVOUR OF THE GENERAL CIRCULATION AND PERUSAL OF THE SCRIPTURES, WITHOUT NOTE OR COMMENT. The late Bishop Horslet's Opinion of reading the Bible without Note or Comment- " IT should be a rule with every one who would read the holy scripture* with advantage and improvement, to compare every text which may seem either important for the doctrine it may contain, or remarkable for the turn of the expression, with the parallel passages in other parts of holy writ. In doing this, you will imitate the example of the godly Jews of Beroea, which is recorded with approbation in the Acts of the Apostles; who, when Paul and Silas reasoned with them out of the Scriptures of the Old Testament, searched the Scriptures dai/i/, whether those things were so. It is incre- dible to any one, who has not in some degree made the experiment, what a proficiency may be made in that knowledge which maketh wise unto salva- tion, by studying the Scriptures in this manner, without any other com- Appendix, No. III. (9) mentary or exposition than what the different parts of the sacred volume mutually furnish for each other. " I will not scruple to assert, that the most illiterate Christian, if he can but read his English Eible, and will take the pains to read it in this manner, will not only attain all that practical kno\vledge which is necessary to his salvation, but, by God's blessing, he will become learned in every thing relating to his religion, in such degreee that he will not be liable to be misled, either by the refined arguments or false assertions of those who endeavour to engraft their own opinion upon the oracles of God. He may safely be ignorant of all philosophy, except what is learned fi-om the , sacred books ; which jiadeed contain the highest philosophy, adapted to the j lowest apprehensions. He may safely remain ignorant of all history, except ao much of the history of the first ages of the Jewish and of the Christian Church as is to be gathered from the canonical books of the Old and New Testa- ment. Let him study these in the manner I recommend ; and let him never cease to pray for the illumination of that Spirit by which these books were dictated ; and the whole compass of abstruse philosophy and recondite history shall furnish no argument with which the perverse will of man shall be able to shake this learned Christian's faith. The Eible thus studied will, indeed, prove to be what we Protestants esteem it, — a certuin and sufficient rule of faith and practice, a helmet of salvation, which alone may quench the fiery dartsof the wicked." — pp. IIZ-II?) oi Bp- Horsley s Nine Sermons. jLo«rf. 1815. In another "Volume of Discourses (2d. edit. 1811.) the Bishop expresses himself as follows : — " It is the glory of our Church, that the most illiterate of her sons are in possession of the Scriptures in their mother tongue. It is their duty to make the most of so great a blessing, by employing as much time as they can spare from the necessary business of their several callings, in the diligent study of the written word. It is God's will that all descriptions of men, great and small, rich and poor, learned and ignorant, should come to the knowledge of the truth ; that is, of the truths bi'ought to light by the Gospel ; not only of the fundamental truths, of faith towards God, of repentance from dead works, and of a future judgment, but of all the sublimer truths concerning the scheme of man's redemption." Serm. I. pj}- 3 ^" 4. " Our Lord said of himself, that he came to preach the Gospel to the poor: and the same thing may be said of the word of Revelation in general, — that it was given for the instruction of all mankind, the lowest as well as the highest, the most illiterate as well as the wise and learned. It may be reckoned, therefore, a necessary characteristic of Divine Revelation, that it shall be delivered in a manner the most adajjted to what are vulgarly called the meanest capacities : and by this perspicuity, both of precept and of doc- trine, the whole Bible is remarkably distinguished. For, although St. Peter speaks of some things in it hard to be understood, he speaks of such things only as could never have been understood at all had they not been re- vealed; and, being revealed, are yet not capable of proof or explanation upon scientific principles, but rest solely on the authority of the Revelation : not that the terms in which these discoveries are made are obscure and ambi- guous in their meaning ; nor that the things themselves, however hard for the pride of philosophy, are not of easy digestion to an humble faith." Serm.Ylll. p. 121. " The obscurity of the Prophecies, great as it is in some parts, is not such as should discoui-age the Christian Laic from the study of them, nor such as will excuse him under the neglect of it. Let him remember, that it is the Apostle's admonition, who would not enjoin an useless or impracticable task, to give heed to the prophetic word." Serm. XVIII. p. 339. (10) Appendix, No. III. The Bishop of Bangor (the late Dr. Warren) gave the Bible Society in 1804, soon after its establishment, " the benefit of his recommendation; and instructed the Rural Deans throughout his diocese to distribute its plans and solicit benefactions in its favour." Owen's Hist, of the Bible Society, f^ol. I. p. 160. Extract of a Letter//ow the Bishop o/ Durham to Lord Teignmouth, dated May 1, 1810. " The British and Foreign Bible Society has my warmest wishes for a con- tinuance of success in the important worlc in which it is engaged ; — wishes which were formed on the fullest conviction that its meritorious exertions have contributed, and wiU contribute, to make known the holy scriptures in the most unenlightened regions of the earth, and to convey to millions what they otherwise would not have enjoyed — the inestimable blessing of the Gospel." In another Letter, dated May 5th, 1812, he apologized for his non- attendance at the Anniversary on account of indisposition, and sent a second donation of 50/. This Prelate has also subscribed libei'ally to the Cavendish- square Bible Association, of which he is the President or Patron. Copy of a Circular Letter addressed by ike Bishop of Bristol to the Clergy of his Diocese. "Rev. Sir, January 9, 1810. " Having been requested by the Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society to recommend the formation of an Auxiliary Society in the City of Bristol, similar to those which have been established in several great towns throughout the kingdom ; I beg leave to state, that such a measure has my hearty a])probation, and that it will aiford me the greatest pleasure to see it carried into execution. " I am, Reverend Sir, yours faithfully, ''' Trinity College, Cambridge. "W.Bristol." " The late Bishop of Sodor and ]Man, in 1811, co-operated with the So- ciety in distributing the Manks Testament throughout his diocese." Owen's Hist, of the Bible Society, Vol. II. p. 55. Extract of a Letter from ^/ic Bishop o/Norwicii to the Rev. Mr. Cobbold, respecting t lie Formation of the Suffolk Auxiliary Society, dated Dec. 1811. " It will be impossible for me to make my appearance in person at the meeting to be liolden at Ipswich on the lOth of this month (December). May I request the favour of you to take the chair in my stead ? I can with truth add, that I shall have a jiarticular satisfaction in being represented by a Clergyman, whose steady and judicious attachment to our excellent eccle- siastical establishment renders him a peculiarly proper person to promote the success of an institution, so inseparably connected with the best in terests of this establishment. " I am, Dear Sir, sincerely yours, " H. Norwich." The Bishop of Salisbury has, on several occasions, borne his public tes- timony to the merits of this institution, in the most decided terms. The Bishop of Kildare, at the Annual Meeting of the British and Foreign Bible Society, in May 1812, after having stated the want and ac- Appendix, No. III. (11) ceptability of the Scriptures, according to tlie authorised version, not only among the Protestants, but also among very many of the Roman Catholics in Ireland, and spoken in terms of high commendation of the exertions made by the Hibernian Bible Society of Dublin to meet the exigency, asserted that the ignorance which prevailed in that country on the subject of religion was not to be conceived, and that the doctrines of the Keformation were utterly unknown in many parts of it. The Bishop of Meath, at the same meeting, concurred with the Bishop of KiLDARE, in representing the state of Ireland as deeply needing the benefit which it was in the power of the society to impart. The Bishop remarked, that only the skirts of that cloud, charged with fertilizing showers, to which the noble Pi'esident had compared this benevolent society, had yet extended to Ireland. His Lordship expressed the warmest satisfaction at witnessing so numerous a meeting, united thus cordially and ardently on an object of so much importance ; and assured them that he should endeavour to impart a similar impression to the Clergy of that diocese which constituted the sphere of his labours. Extract from the Speech of the Bishop o/Cloyne, March 18, 1813. " As an old member of the Parent Society, I rejoice in the sight of this numerous and respectable meeting, convened for the purpose of forming an Auxiliary. I am proud of the healthy and vigorous offspring which is rising on every side around that parent ; and I do think its signal and honest merits liave fixed, and are fixing themselves every day, upon the firm and broad basis of decided public opinion. That there should be learned and respectable men, and such men I am afraid are to be fovuid, who object to oiu- princi])le, and are alarmed at our progress, is to me matter of pure and simple astonishment ! "W^ill any one of this assembly stand forward and tell us, that to give a Bible to a poor man, who is unable to purchase one, is unbecoming a Christian assembly ? Will any one stand forward and tell us, that to be at the expense and difficulty of translating the Bible into a foreign language, and to send it into a country where the name of the Bible has hardly ever been heard, is likely to produce very dangerous con- sequences ? No, Gentlemen : I know proofs to the contrary ; and I agree with the noble Lord who spoke last but one, that in Ireland tlie limits of this institution are spreading everywhere • I see and converse every day, in my own neighbourhood, with men who have been beyond measure benefitted by the exertions of the society. Go on, then. Gentlemen, in the name of God ; spread the Word of Gob, without the opinions of man, throughout ever}' part of the world ; translate it into every language, and send it into every country. And if this be a crime, it is one of a very singular nature ; for our Saviour set the example, the Apostles followed it, and God himself has commanded and sanctioned it. I proceed, therefore, to move, that a society be formed, to be called ' The North- West London Auxiliary Bible Society.' " Extract from the Charge of the Bishop o/"St. David's, in 1813. " The unexampled success of the British and Foreign Bible Society is very interesting to us, as Christians and Protestants. Auxiliary Societies continue to multiply throughout the united kingdom. A great accession has been very lately made to it, both of numbers and credit, by the establish- ment of an Auxiliary Society at Oxford. Its only object, the promotion of Christian knowledge, it has in common with the old national society. The old society pursues this end by various means ; the new society by one only ; but that is one in which all Christians can concur. " The Bible Society undertakes to distribute the Bible : it confines itself (12) Appendix, No. III. to the Bible ; but it neither obstructs nor discourages the circulation of the Common- Prayer Book (for every member of the society is at liberty to give the Prayer Book with the Bible) : but if the society had refused to sell the Bible without the Prayer Book, it would certainly have obstructed the circulation of the Bible. The Society is constituted on this simple and comprehensive principle, that it may not exclude the aid of any persons pro- fessing to be Christians. Indeed, no contribution for the distribution of the Bible can be unacceptable, whether it come from a Churchman or Dissenter, from a Christian, Jew, Mahometan, or Heathen." In a book, entitled " The Bible, and the Bible alone, the Bellgion of Protestants," his Lordship again speaks highly in commendation of the Bible Society. Extract of a Letter from the late Bishop of Li-ANDAFr to Lord Teigv- MOUTH, dated Oct. 12, 1814. " Allow me to congratulate your Lordship on the flourishing state of the society : it portends, I trust, the commencement of a new epoch in the his-- tory of human kind, when the Christian religion shall be universally received, rightly understood, and conscientiously practised." Extract of a Letter/jow - ^ r K O <,• (^ o <^ ;2 S ^ CU O vr ^ s - a; I <^ .§ «3 Jr ^ « *S ^ u T) o C CS H '7', -3 03 -*!"* R H ?! 03 v: . K5 "=- C3 o o -c M D a "s § ° s «^ c p •-TO c S 4-1 ra r>^ ., O C S I- j3 3 ° ^ S ^ i _- -g -T3 o .-: i-H ^^ c =^ ■^ ^- t/3 5; a? W I— I > cq £ a u _6C ^ "i^ .S i 3 O *- •= S c^ c*- •— ^^ . !J S OJ = c o o n «s; o -o ■;: S ■J t. o 2 «.o -.C -D ._i * H ^ "o OS ,s "3 a tf H > "3 o Si O O Br -3 W re PS P3 S 2 S hJOO C >> -S ^ .« 3 b! « ■•s-^ fc t! - • "»i t:^ '^ ^Spo fe g 5 .sis ■£ ii "^ O 1^ M ;r^ "^ '^ J a M u" "»" pq ^ 3 S:g_s H o t^ S- le Scrip ink ye 1 hey are le. Jo p. rcht ye th dnd t y of n H E- lij W ^— ♦J u o fL. m HH P5 u.^ ~ m a.* PS (^ 5ic=- Ph -^ -o =. ^ |si *^ o J. c CO o ^•■- •. pq o PS "^ O J5 rr. =5 -^^ = 0-2 «-= " c S . "^ "S? ■;:5 Q CC TO o -5 "5 C'.'< >!C:'-!;.'>i::>::: ^ OJ p ri o JS .^ 0) 03 0) c ■1-^ .4^ QJ fcfi .- G C G CO o 3 " 9J .r -Q l~? ^ '') O Z te S 3 '^ i« X ^ 15 Appendix, No. V. (15) No. V. BRIEF VIEW OF THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. April, 1821. President — Right Hon. Lord Teignbiouth. VICE-PRESIDENTS : Rt. Hon. & Most Rev. Archbp. of Cashel. Rt. Hon. & Most Rev. Archbp. of Tuatn. Hon. & Rt. Rev. Lord Bishop of Durham. Rt. Rev. Lord Bishop of Chichester. Rt. Rev. Lord Bishop of 8t. David's. Rt. Rev. Lord Bishop of Salisbury. Rt. Rev. Lord Bishop of Norwich. Hon. &; Rt. Rev. Lord Bj). of Gloucester. Rt. Rev. Lord Bishop of Meath. RtRev. Lord Bishop of Kildare. Rt. Rev. Lord Bishop ofDerry. The Very Rev. the Dean of Bristol. Rt. Hon. Earl of Harrowby, President of the Council. Most Noble Marquess of Hastings, Go- vernor-General of India. Rt. Hon. Earl of Livei-pool, First Lord of the Treasury, Sec. Rt. Hon. Earl of Romney. Rt. Hon. Admiral Lord Gambler. Rt. Hon. Lord Headley. Rt. Hon. Nicolas Vansittart, M.P. Chan- cellor of the Exchequer, &c. Rt. Hon. Sir Evan Nepean, Bart. His Excellency Sir Gore Ouseley, Bart. William VVilberforce, Esq. M.P. Charles Grant, Esq. Thomas Babington, Esq. TREASURER, John Thornton, Esq. King's Arms-Vard, Coleman Street. SECRETARIES (gratis) : Rev. John Owen, M.A. Rector of Pagle sham, Essex. Rev. Joseph Hughes, M.A. Battersea. Rev. Charles Fr. Ad. Steinkopff,D.D. Mi- nister of the German Lutheran Church, Savoy, London. Assistant Secretary and Accountant — Mr. Joseph Tarn. Assistant Foreign Secretary — Mr. E. F. Roenneberg. Depositary— Mr. Richard Cockle. Collector — Mr. Anthony Wagner. N.B. It is requested that alt Letters to the President, or to any of the officers^ viny he addressed to them respectively at the Society^s House, 10, Earl Street, Blackfriars, London- PLAN OF THE SOCIETY. The Object of the British and Foreign Bible Society is, exclusively, to promote the circulation of the holy scriptures, without note or comment, both at home or abroad. By a fundamental law of the society, the copies circulated in the languages of the United Kingdom, are to be those of the authorised version only. The Constitution of the society admits the co-operation of all persons who are disposed to concur in its support. The Proceedings of the society are conducted by a Committee, consist- ing of thirty-six laymen, six of whom are foreigners residing in London and its vicinity : half of the remainder are members of the Church of England ; and the other half, members of other denominations of Christians. The President, ^'^ice-Presidents, Treasurer, and Secretaries, are, ex officio, ]\Iembers of the Committee ; and every clergyman or dissenting minister, who is a member of the societ}'^, is entitled to attend and vote at all meet- ings of the Committee. One guinea annually constitutes a member ; five guineas annually a (16) Appendix, No. V. Governor; ten guineas at one time, a Life Member; fifty pounds, a Life Governor. Governors are entitled to attend and vote in the Committee. Members are entitled to purchase Eibles and Testaments, at reduced prices, to five times the amount of their annual subscription ; — donors of ten guineas being classed with annual subscribers of one guinea ; and donors of fift}' pounds, with those of five guineas. N.B. Auxiliary Societies contributing the whole of their funds (necessary expenses excepted) are allowed to draw for Bibles and Testaments, esti- mated at prime cost, to half the amount of the sum so contributed : their members retaining the same privilege of purchasing Bibles and Testaments at the local de^jository at reduced prices, as the Members of the Parent So- ciety enjoy from the London depository. The Auxiliary Societies are also entitled to purchase with the funds, and on behalf of Bible Associations, any number of Bibles and Testaments at prime cost. In the present age, no circumstance claims more strongly the notice and approbation of every friend to Christianity, than the zeal displayed for the circulation of the holy scriptures, and the facilities provided for the accom- plishment of this object. Our forefathers have long been honoured with the gi'atitude they deserve, for having, at the period of the Reformation, laid open those heavenly treasures to the eyes of the people. Societies were subse- quently formed, schools were founded, and other regulations adopted, for promoting this desirable work. Little however, comparatively, was done towards generalizing the knowledge of the Bible till within the last fifty years ; when an increased attention to education brought the minds of the common people moi-e extensively into cultivation, and multiplied the readers of the Scriptures to a degree beyond all former example. To this, and other causes of similar operation, ma}"^ be ascribed the superior estimation into which the Scriptures have risen of late years, and the strong disposition which has been manifested to promote their diffusion and reception among all orders of society. At length, an expedient was deA'ised, of equal simpli- city, liberality, and wisdom, for accomplishing this purpose, on a scale which promises eventually to comprehend, not merely the inhabitants of the British Empire, or the population of Christendom, but the whole family of man. This expedient was, to circulate the sacred text, upon which Christians in general are agreed, and to which they appeal as their common standard, without human interpretation, criticism, or comment. The proposition was acceded to, and practically adopted, by a respectable body, consisting of mem- bei's from various communions of professing Christians ; and it was recom- mended to public patronage and support, in the year 1804, under the desig- nation of " The British and Foreign Bible Society." The institution was regarded with considerable interest. To some indeed it appeared so doubtful an experiment, that they could not be prevailed upon to join immediately in giving it the ti'ial ; while others, and those not a few, of almost every persuasion, saw in it the germ of Christian concord and social happiness, and rallied round it, as a standard of piety and peace and pure religion. Lord Teignmouth accepted the appointment of President ; as did the Bishops of London, Durham, Salisbury, and St. David's, together with cer- tain lay -lords and gentlemen of the highest character, that of Vice-Presi- dents. Thus constituted and patronized, from the popularity of its plan, and the exertions of its conductors, it obtained a rapid establishment in the world ; and may be considered as already possessing a larger and more efficient operation than was ever acquired in so short a time by any charitable institution. Upon its first appearance before the public, Wales and Scotland rivalled each other and their fellow-christians in England by the promptitude and Appen£>ix, No. V. (lY) liberality of their support. Ireland did not remain uninterested in this strife ■ of love; but manifested as strong a disposition as its local impediments would allow, to aid in promoting so glorious a work. The continent of Europe felt the impulse which London had excited ; and evinced the eflfects of it, in local associations for prosecuting the same common purpose, after the example" and by the aid of the Parent Institution. Asia displayed a similar spirit ; and Calcutta (where certain individuals from the Baptist Society had made a most auspicious beginning in the work of translations) became the seat of a Corresponding Committee ; professing, in the name, and chiefly by the funds of the Society in London, to aid and encourage transla- tions of the Scriptures into all the vernacular dialects of the East. This initiatory measure led to the formation of " the Calcutta Auxiliary Bible Society" — an event which has since been followed by the establishment of similar institutions at Bombay, Sladras, Ceylon, Sumatra, Java, and Amboj-^na- At Prince of "Wales's Island, a Branch Society has been regularly constituted in connexion with the Calcutta Auxiliary Society, which has also received con- siderable aid from Malacca. America caught the same holy ardour ; and a similar union of Christians, upon kindred principles, and with the same object in view, was speedily witnessed in various places throughout the United States ; to many of which, in proportion as they became known, encoui'age- ment and assistance were liberally afforded. In order to form a just conception of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and to prognosticate its effects on the civilised world, it will be necessary to view it a little more nearly, and to enter more particularly into the details of its present vast and increasing magnitude. The centre of this institution is in London. Its component parts are chiefly to be traced in Auxiliary Societies, Branch Societies, and Bible Asso- ciations, formed under its encouragement, and contributory to its object, in the different counties, towns, and villages of Great Britain ; and in various stations of importance, throughout the other portions of the world. Its Auxiliary and Branch Societies alone, within the "United Kingdom, already amount to 630; in the British Dominions, to 672. — On the Continent of Europe, it has produced kindred institutions of great activity, and operating under the highest and most respectable patronage, in the capitals of Prussia, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, the United Netherlands, "Wurtemberg, Hanover, Saxony, France, &c. ; in the principal cantons of Switzerland ; together with numerous Branch Societies, and minor Associations, in those and other European countries. In Malta, the Ionian Islands, and Athens, Bible Societies have been established. In Asia it also possesses, as has already been stated, Auxiliaries, at Sra^Tna, Calcutta, Bombay, Madras, Colombo, Sumatra, and in New South Wales, with a Branch Society at "Van Diemen's Land. The societies established in those places consist of individuals of different Christian denominations, many of them eminent for piety, learning, and sta- tion ; and they are honoured with the countenance and support of the respective governments. Through these Associations, and the instruments employed under their direction and encouragement, the Society at home will be enabled to contribute considerably towards furnishing the native Christians in India (amounting to nearly a million) with Bibles ; to produce correct versions of the Scriptures in the various languages of the East ; and to open channels for their circulation among millions of people, who might otherwise have remained utter strangers to the words of eternal life. In Africa, it is chiefly employed in distributing copies of the Scriptures, fiimished from its domestic depository : but the establishment of Auxiliary Societies for the Mauritius, the Isle of Bourbon and dependencies ; for Sierra Leone and its vicinity ; and still more recently, at the Cape of Good Hope, under the immediate patronage of the respective governors ; encourages a belief that . B (18) Appekbix, No. V. something more extensive and effectual will be done for enlightening and christianizing that dark and degraded portion of the globe. In America, the object of the Society is prosecuted by the Bible Societies of Nova Scotia, at Halifax, with thirteen liranch Societies, besides those of New Brvniswick, Pictou, Yarmouth, and I^iverpool : several in the Canadas, at Prince Edward's Island, Berbice, and Honduras. A National Society has been recently established under the title of " The American Bible Society," to which, within the first year of its existence, nearly 100 Auxiliaries united themselves, and with which no fewer than '23.') are now connected ; and the total number of Bible Societies within the United States exceeds '2()0, all produced by the example of the British and Foreign Bible Society, acting in harmony with it, and occasionally aided by its funds. In the West Indies, the Auxiliary Societies of the British Colonists at Barbadoes, Antigua, and the Bermudas, with those of the People of Colour at Jamaica and Antigua, are worthy of notice. In addition to these regular and organized bodies, the British and Foreign Bible Society has correspondents both among the Clergy and the Laity, in different parts of the world, actively engaged in promoting its designs, by dispersing, at its expense, the sacred oracles of divine truth, " to tuen of every ■naflnn under henren." In less than sixteen years it has issued Three Millions of copies of the Scriptures. In England, it has printed the Scriptures, or parts thereof, at its own expense, in the English, Welsh, Gaelic, Irish, JNJanks, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, German, Ancient and Modern Greek, Hebrew, Syriac, Malay, Arabic, Ethiopic, Esquimaux, IMohawk, and Bul- lom languages. In Europe, it has largely aided the printing of them in the French, Italian, Komanese, German, Bohemian, Wendish, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Polish, Danish, Swedish, Finnish. Laponese, Icelandic, Georgian, Samogitian, "Wallachian, Tartar, Turkish, Cabnuc, Esthonian, Lettonian, Armenian, Slavonian, and Russian languages. In Asia, it has promoted, by liberal and repeated contributions, the translation and publication of them in Hindoostanee, Bengalee, Persian, Arabic, IMahratta, IMalayalim, Sanscrit, Chinese, Telinga, Tamul, Malay, Orissa, Seik, Burman, Carnatica, and several other dialects. The result of these operation:, has been, that many countries, remotely d'stant from each other, and from the parent source of supply, have already been furnished with copies of the Scriptures in their respective languages; and means have been provided for insuring, under the auspices of Divine Providence, a diffusion of the same blessing among those nations on which the sun of Revelation has never yet risen. The impressions made by this Catholic institution on the objects of its kindness both at home and abroad, have manifested themselves in addresses rejjlete with expressions of the most genuine jjathos. It appears impossible for persons not enslaved by jnejudice, or destitute of Christian sensibility, to read, without emotion, the foreign communications which enrich the Society's Annual Reports. To receive acknowledgments for the best of all gifts, from persons of every language and communion, on continents and islands, whe- ther kindred or aliens, bond or free, friends or enemies, — and those acknow- ledgments conveyed in the language of their hearts, and written in their tears, — is a felicity which no words can adequately express. After presenting this Sketch of the institution, any thing like a formal ap- peal, on its behalf, to the liberality of the public, would be superfluous. When it is considered that the society is engaged in promoting the transla- tion, printing, or distribution of versions of the Scriptures, in One Hundred andThirty-tu-o AiSerexii languages and dialects; that it stands pledged to aid the several Bible Societies already formed, and still forming, in different parts of the woild ; and that, after issuing nearly Three Million$ of copies of Appendix, No. VI. (19) the Scriptures, and expending more than Nine Hundred Thousand Pounds, the demands upon its services appear i-ather to have increased than dimi- nished ; — when these circumstances, together with the simplicity of its prin- ciple, the Catholicism of its spirit, and the correctness of its proceedings, are deliberately considered, no additional motive can be wanted to stimulate the inhabitants of the British Empire to promote, by all the means in their power, the interests of an institution, which promises, if liberally and exten- sively supported, to become a Idessbtg to the whole earth. No. VI. COMPENDIUM or THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. April, \%1\. AUXILIARY AND BRANCH SOCIETIES IN THE BRITISH DOMINIONS, IN- CLUDING THOSE IN CONNEXION WITH THE HIBERNIAN BiBLE SOCIETY : Auxiliaries SO.s Branches 3(j7 Total . . . 67 2 BIBLE SOCIETIES AIDED BY THE BRI- TISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY: Europe. Instituted 1. Basle 1804 2. Zurich 1«'2 3. Chur 1813 4. SchafFhausen . . . . 1813 5. St. Gall l>^I-< G. Aargoviaii 1815 Bern. Lausanne 1814 Geneva 1814 Neufchatel 181*. Waldenses, at La Tour . 1816 12. Glarus ■ 181.9 13. Hungarian, at Pre sburg . 1812 Kcenigsfeld 1816 Wurtemberg, at Stutgardt 1812 with Branches at Tuebingen, Haidenhelm, &c. 16. Grand Duchy of Baden . 182o 17. Strasburg 1815 18 Hesse Darmstadt . . • 1317 comprehending, among other Auxi- liaries, those previously formed at Michaelstadt, in the Oldenwald, and at Worms, and a sister iasti- tution at Giessen. 19. Hanau 1818 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 14. 15. 20. Hesse Cassel 2 1 . llatisbon 22. Hesse-Homburg 23- Nassau, Duchy . 24- Frankfort . . Berg, at Elberfeld Instituted . 1818 . 1805 . 1816 . 1816 . 1816 . 1814 with Auxiliary Societies at Solin- gen, &c. and Bible Associations in the Manufactories. 26. Cologne _ . 1814 '.-7. Kreutznach 1816 28. New-Wied &AViedRunckel, 18 16 2.9 Waldeck and Pyrmont . 1817 .50. Lippe-Detmold . . . . 1816 31. Hanover 1814 with Auxiliary Societies at Osna- burg, Aurich, and Bueckeburg. 32. Gottingen 1818 •!3. Hildesheim 1818 34. Bremen 1815 with an Auxiliary at Vegesack. 3.1. Hambro-Altona . . . 1814 36. Luebeck (City of) . . . 1814 37. Eutin, for the Principality of Luebeck 181 T 38. Pomerania and Rugen, at Stralsund 3.0. Lauenburg-Ratzeburg 40. ISrecklenburg-Schwerin 41- Rostock 42. Brunswick 181S 43. Berlin 1805 44. Prussian 18 '4 with thirty-eight Auxiliary Societies at Potsdam,Dantzig, MemeL.Posen, Halle, ^lagdeburg, Breslau, AVeseL, Cleve, Stettin, Stralsund, and I other places. Bt 1815 1815 1816 1816 (20) Appendix, No. VI. 45. Kcenigsberg, 1812; enlarged 1815 46. Thuringian, at Erfurt . . 1814 47". Wetzlar 1819 48. Ekhsfeld 1815 with an Auxiliary Society at Nordhausen. 49. Eisenach 1818 50. Anhalt Koethen . , . 1818 51. Saxon Bible Society . . 1814 and Auxiliaries in Leipsic, Herm- hut, &c. 52. Icelandic Bible Society . 1815 53. Russian, at St.Petersburgh, 1813 with its 196 Auxiliaries at Moscow, Dorpat, Mittau, Riga, Revel, YaroslafF, Arensburg, Irkutsk, Voronez, Vladimir, Kamentz- Podolsk, Theodosia, Tula, Sym- pheropol, Odessa, Cronstadt, Wil- na, Moghilef, Witepsk, Grodno, Minsk, Kostroma, Pscow, Pensa, Charkow, Saratow, Simbirsk, Re- san, Taganrog, Bialastock, Tcher- kask, Wiatka, Kiew, Pernau, Twer, Kasan, Krasnqjarsk, Tiffis, Kursk, Orlow, Bessarabia, Tambow, Perm, Nischnenovogorod, Poltawa, Is- ehewsky, and other places : These have undertaken the printing of the Scriptures, in tile Twenty-three following Languages and Dialects : — Calmuc ; the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. John, in which language the Scriptures were never printed before. Buriat Mongolian Gospels of St. Matthew and St. John. Armenian Bibles and Testaments. Finnish Bibles and Testaments, for the use of the Finnish Inhabitants in the Govern- ment of St. Petersburg. German Bibles and Testaments. Ditto Testaments, Catholic version. Polish Bibles and New Testaments. French Bibles and Testaments. Slavonian Bibles and Testaments. Dorpatian-Esthonian Testaments. Revalian-Esthonian Testaments. Lettontan,or Lettish Testaments. Persian Testaments. Georgian Testaments. Samogitian Testaments. Antient Greek Bibles. ' Modern Greek Testaments. Moldavian Bibles and Testaments. Tartar Testaments, Gospels.'and Psalters.&c. Modern Russian and Slavonian Gospels and Acts, in two columns. Turkish Armenian New Testaments. Tschuwash Four Gospels. Carelian Gospel of Matthew. 54. Finnish, at Abo, 1812; with Auxi- liaries at Kuopio, Uleaborg, Bjor- iiaborg, Wasa, Tavastehus, Borgo, and Wiborg. 55. Swedish, 1809; enlarged 1814; withita Auxiliaries at Gothenburg, Westeras, Wisby, Lund, Upsala, Askersund, Hernosand, Skara, Carlstadt, Wexio, Carlscrona, Linkoping, and Calmar. 56. Norwegian 1816 57. Danish, 1814; with Auxiliaries at Odensee, Aalborg, Kioge, Lyng- bye, Friedericea. 58. Sleswick-Holstein, 1815; with Auxiliaries at Flensburg, INIeldorf, Kiel,Ploen,Tonderen, &c., Husum, Hadersleben, Apenrade, Olden- burg, &c. : in all, 1 1 8 Auxiliaries. 59- Rendsburg 1817 60. Polish, at Warsaw . . .1816 61. Netherlands' Bible Society; com- prehending, among others, the following districts ; viz. Amster- dam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Enkhuysen, Utretcht, Haerlem, Leyden, Arnheim, Dordt, Assen, Vlaerdingen, Groningen, Delft, Leeuwarden, Middleburg, Vollen- hoven. Goes, Schiedam, Oud Beyerland, Zutphen, Alkmaar, Maassluys, Gorcum, Hillegonds- berg, ZwoU, Zirczee, Zalt Bom- mel, Breda, Araersfoort, Nimeguen, Bleigswick, Campen, Deventer, Edam, Putten, Tholen, Zaanland den Briel, Gouda, Schoonhoven, Heusden, Nykerk, Culenborg, Jisselstein, Medemblick. 62. Malta 1817 63. Paris Protestant, 1818; with Auxiliaries at Nismes, LarocheUe, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Tonniens. 64. Montauban 1817 65. Ionian, at Corfu, 1819; with Auxiliaries at Cephaloraa, Zante, Ithaca, and Paxos. 66. Athens 18 1&^ 1. Calcutta, 1814; with Branches at Malacca, and Prince of Wales's Island. 2. Colombo (in Isknd of Ceylon) 1 8 1 3 3. Bombay 1813 4. Sumatra, at Fort Marlboro',1818 5. New S. Wales, with Branch at Van Deimen's Land , 1817 6. Java 1814 7. Amboyna 1815 8. Smyrna 1818 9. Astrachan 1815 10. Tobolsk 1317 11. Madras 1820 1. Mainitius & Bourbon, Isl. of, 1813 2. Caledon 1815 3. Sierra Leone 181 6 4 . Cape of Good Hope . . . 1820 Appendix, No. VI. (21) Institute America and TVest Indies. American National, New York, 1816 About TWO HUNDRED AND SIXT YBXist iii the United States; (of which 233 are Auxiliary to the National Society) several of which, as well as the above, have been aided by the British and Foreign Bible Society. J^ova Scotia, at Halifax . . 1813 with Branch Societies ; viz. Anna- polis, Antigonishe, Barrington, Douglas, Chester, Cornwallis, Cumberland, Hampshire, Horton, Liondonderry, Parrsborough, Dor- chester, Shelburne, Truro. Instituted Pictou 1813 Yarmouth and Argyle . . . 1816 Liverpool 1817 Prince Edward's Island . . 1817 Quebec 1813 Niagara 1816 Upper-Canadii MidlandDistrict, 1817 Berbice 1815 Honduras 1818 Jamaica ; People of Colour . 1813 Antigua 1815 Barbadoes 1818 Bermudas . . . . . . . 1819 New Brunswick 1820 EDITIONS iJrinied fur the Society, previously to March 31, 1821 Bible . Bibles. Testaments. English,vanousedits.lI45,961 . .1,038,780 Welsh 60,297 .. 104,'25'2 Gaelic 28,500 . . 43,700 Irish 5,000 .. 17,801 Manks 5,000 .. 2/250 French 18,000 .. 81,000 Spanish — .. 35,000 Portuguese 5,000 . . .30,000 Italian _ .. ]9,000 Dutch 10,000 . . 15,000 Danish 800 . . 10,000 Hebrew 500 .. 3,700 Swedish — . . 506 German 8,000 .. 38,000 Do. Hebrew Charac. Gre«kAiitient&Mod. — Greek, Modern .... — Arabic 1,450 Arabic Psalter... . 3,000 Syriac — Esquimaux — Mohawk, StJohn'sGos. — Ethiopic Psalter.... 2,100 French and English . — Malay — Malay, in Arabic Charact. — Turkish — Hindoostanee — Testaments, 1,600 13,000 10,000 5,000 6,000 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000 10,000 5,000 5,000 From March 7, 1S04, to Sept. 17 issued ; the Universities not hav stereotype editions. From Sept. 17, 180.5, to Mar. ,31, Mar. 31, 1808, to Mar. 25, Mar. 25, 1809, to Feb. 16, Feb. 16, 1810, to Mar. 25, Mar.-25, 1811, to Feb. 21, Feb. 21, 1812, to Dec. 31, Dec. 31, 1812, to Mar. 31, Mar. 31, 1814, to Mar. ,31, Mar. .31, 181.5, to Mar. 31, Mar. 31, 1816, to Mar. 31. Mar. 31, 1817, to Mar. 31 Mar. 31, 1818, to Mar. 31 Mar. 31, 1819, to Mar. 31 Mar. 31, 1820, to Mar. 31 ISSUES OF BIBLES, &c. Bibles. , 180.5, none were ing completed their 1808, (2J years) . 1809, {\year)... 1810, [nearly^ mo. lSll,(13>«o«"rated ; and the best and chiefest of his works — for the sake of which this fair and fertile earth is commanded to yield her increase, and the lights of heaven to travel on their destined way — presents little else than the fragments of a mighty wreck. Public principle has been violated ; public order inverted : the fury of the nations has shaken, even to their base, the pillars of civilized society, and the stately edifice itself seems tottering to its fall. These are scenes at which wise men are confounded, and good men turn pale. Nor will the considerate mind be much eased of its anxiety, by turning to the occurrences of private life, especially among the ignorant and uninstructed. In poverty there is nothing which necessarily tends to debase the character. Many have " wandered about in sheep-skins and goat-skins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented, of whom the world was not worthy :" " the Son of Man" had " not where to lay liis head :" — but who can dwell, without emotion, upon the wretched state of the untutored and in'eligious poor ? It is here that we see human -nature in its lowest condition, degraded and sunk in shame- We behold a creature formed after the Divine resemblance, but without one feature remaining to indicate his heavenly origin. For him there exists no reciprocal charity, no real union of affection, no Christian sentiment of mutual regard. To these feelings he is unable to rise ; he knows them not, neither does he desire to know them. That state which was intended by the Giver of every good and perfect gift, to add, above all earthly means, to the happiness of man, by the society of one who should be at the same time the ornament and the blessing of social life, presents little else than the spectacle of cruelty and of suffering. The wickedness of the parent is reflected in his offspring. Scarcely has the infant tongue learned to articulate, before it begins to blaspheme its Maker. The language of cursing and reviling is there ; and those who ought to be the pledges of affection, contribute only to exasperate evil, and accumulate misery, — the scandal of their neighbours, and the disgrace of their kind ; without comfort in this world, and without hope for the next. Many are the evils, both of a public and private nature, to which human legislation can apply no remedy : they are to be removed by that influence alone which can reach the heart ; by those sacred principles, which are developed and enforced in the records of unening wisdom. The Scriptures have ever been acknowledged, by good men, as the best foundation of morals : and those who labour to give them general circulation, and to excite a general interest for the perusal of them throughout the great body of the people, must be considered as rendering no common service, both to indi- viduals and their country. Let it be granted, that by any means the holy scriptures are perused with diligence bj' every poor manwho is able to read them; — "What wovild be the con- sequence ? Is it too much to hope, that the noise of tumult and disorder may be hushed in peace ? that men may be taught to fear God and to honour the king — to do unto others as they wish that others should do unto them — and to discharge with fidelity all the duties and relations of life ? Is it an unreasonable expectation, that husbands may learn to cherish their wives and to love their children ; that woman may rise to her just elevation and legitimate influence ; and that the virtues of the parents may shine Appendix, No. VII. 25) forth in their offspring ? If the blessings of Christianity should be extended to all, according to tiie measure in which they are enjoyed by many, hoAv would this world of sorrow and of pain be converted into a picture o£! heaven ! Should we refer to past experience, there is no fact more certain, 1 than that the religious and moral state of every country may be fairly 1 estimated by the facility of procuring Bibles, and the disposition to read J them. Appeal to a Christian, in any age and in any country, and ask him what is the gi-eatest benefit which one child of mortaUty can confer upon another. Will he not refer you to the Bible? He will tell you, that the streams of charity may indeed flow in ten thousand channels, and that they will not fail to convey blessings wherever their course can be directed ; but that the records of heaven are calculated, above all other means, to meet the wants and to diminish the sufferings of man ; to point out to him his condition ; to point out also to hiin his privileges ; to improve his state, and to brighten his prospects ; to impart consolation as he proceeds on his earthly pilgrim- age ; and to cheer his last hours, even in the agonies of dissolving nature, with a hope full of immortality. It would seem as if the very touch of the inspired volume had power to communicate new feelings, and to kindle new desires ; to elevate the standard of principle, and to raise the tone of morals ; to purify the springs of domestic happiness, to tame the fierceness of the passions, to civilize manners, to bind in harmony the various " rnem- bers of the embodied state ;" and to give to the family on earth some resemblance to' the family above. Whenever Christianity has been per- mitted to walk forth in the native majesty of her form and the loveliness of her character, a blessed influence has travelled by her side. Her charms have fixed the regards of lisping infancy and of hoary age. The mouth which was once *■' full of cursing, deceit, and fraud," has learned to utter the language of sincerity and praise. The feet which were " swift to shed blood," have run with alacrity in the way of God's commandments. INIan- kind have been taught to love one another, and have delighted in the assembling of themselves together: the house of prayer has been crowded with worshippers, and the sentiment of every heart has echoed responsi^'e to the sweet singer of Israel : " How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts ! my soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord ; my heart and flesh crieth out for the living God. — Blessed are they that dwell in thy house : they will be still praising thee." ^#^f it be granted " that the Scriptures are read with assiduity through the whole extent of our population, and results like these may be confidently anticipated. " I\Iy word shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it." What though the effects are not immediately perceptible ; what though the groans of the creation are not at once hushed in repose, or converted into sounds of joy ; the promise is indisputable, and the blessing is sure. The ciiange in the moral world wiU resemble the change in the natural : the sun arises, and the dewa descend ; but the rigours of winter do not instantly abate, nor does the face of nature at once resume the gaiety of spring : yet the great principle of life and fertility is secretly at work ; it is imperceptibly operating in ten thousand channels, anrl gradually covers the regions of sterility with luxuriant vegetation and abundant harvests. If this be a just representation of the moral change which a knowledge of the Bible is calculated to produce ; and if the system of Bible Associations tend, in an especial degree, to the general diffusion of that knowledge ; few arguments can be so powerful as those which recommend their adoption. To the rich and to the middle ranks it may be urged; " You have a deep interest in the welfare of the poor. If the security of a state depend upon the loyalty and morals of its people, by what other means can you contribute sc- (S6) xA.PPENDlX, No. VII. essentially to the preservation of order, to the authority of the law, and the stability of the government ? Among what description of men will you look tor patience and industry, for sobriety and obedience ? Who are the persons most detent in their demeanour, most frugal in their habits, and— what is no mean ])olitical consideration — most anxious to avoid the necessity of becoming chargeable to their parishes '■' — The answer is obvious. And is it not, then, a matter of policy, as well as of duty, to create an interest among the lower classes for the possession and perusnl of those sacred records, trom which benefits so great and various are acknowledged to flow ? And if ■•' righteousness cxalteth a nation," if national piety be recompensed by national mercies ; in what way can you hoj)e so effectually to secure to your native country the protection of Him by whom "• kings reign and princes decree judgment," as by extending the knowledge of His name and the blessings of His religion ? By such means may this empire be fixed indeed upon the Rock of ages — tranquil amidst general disturbance, and safe amidst surrounding ruin. Your zeal has already been attended by great success. By your liberal exertions, Britain has already become the benefactress of distant lands ; and, while the nations are crumbling around her, she stands alone and pre- eminent. You have opened many channels, through which the streams of mercy and of life may flow : but extensive deserts are still to be found, and England itself yet contains many a parched and thirsty waste. If the lower orders be ignorant, it must be yours to instruct them : if they be careless and indifferent in this good cause, it must be yours to rouse them into action. Shew them their privileges and their duty ; lay before them the benefits which they must themselves experience from hearty co-operation in such a service ; and appeal to their best feelings, by displaying the blessings which they will confer upon others. Let a concern for the circulation of the Scriptures be thus excited through the great body of our population, and the lapse of a few years will furnish every poor family in the British domi- nions with the treasure of a Bible. If the poor can be induced to subscribe, even the smallest weekly sum, for the possession of the Scriptures, and the distribution of them to others still poorer — if they can be led to inquire into the wants of their neighbours, and to arrange the best means of supplying them — an intei'est will gradually be created in their own minds, to which they have hitherto been strangers ; and that, which at first was matter of indifference, will become the object of earnest attention. Such is the natural progi-ess of the human mind. Those who give the Bible will soon find a desire to peruse it; and while engnged in recommending it to others, they will be impelled to examine it for themselves, to read it in their houses, to teach it to their children, and to make it the frequent subject of their thoughts and conversation. Let not coldness or timidity suggest, that the attempt will be abortive : if despair of success should be the guide of our counsels, what great project could ever be accom})lished ? Had this feeling been suffered to damp the ardour of those who first raised the standard of Christianity among our ignorant forefiithers, or to depress the spirit of our Reformers, what might have been it this day the condition of England ! Was it in despair of suc- cess that the champions of humanity fouglit for twenty long years the battles of injured Africa ? Was it thus that they rose again and again, after combat and defeat, still fresh lor engagement ? No ! confident in their good cause, and in the approbation of Him who is the friend of the poor and needy, hoping as against hope, they pursued with determination their glorious way, till at length they broke her chains, and gave freedom to her sable sons. And why should you doubt of success, in attempting to interest the poor upon the most interesting of all subjects ? Have they not senses, feelings, affections, p.issions like ourselves ? Are they not infiu.. Appendix, No. Vlt. (27) enced by the ordinary motives of hope and fear ? Shall the ebullitions of follv, and the harangues of democracy, awaken their enthusiasm for earthly liberty, even in cases when they can complain of no o])pression, and can urge no wrong ; — and shall they be utterly insensible, when called to con- template that heavenly liberty which makes them " free indeed" — which releases them from the dominioi of tliose sordid habits and di>grading pas- sions, whose tyranny they experience every day — which rescues them from the bondage of Satan, and convert'^ t'lem into the children of God ? Are they, in so many instances, ready to confer a trifling benefit upon their poor neighbour, and will they deny him the greatest whi».h a child of mortality can bestow ? Shall the motives which direct and govern them in the ordi- nary transactions of life fail in that instance alone from which they derive tenfold force and incalculable importance ? Shall the impression be less, as the reasons are more powerful ? Will it be insinuated, that the lower orders woidd rather associate and contribute for a bad purpose, than for a benevolent object ? The very per- suasion of their proneness to associate should be an argument for attempting, with all your might, to give a right direction to that tendency, and to cor- rect and approve it. If, by thus employing them in a good cause, they can be preserved from base and injurious combinations, you will render both to them and to society a double service. In times like the present, these con- siderations come with peculiar force. Will it be urged, that we have no encouragement to proceed in this work of charity ? What ! when millions are rousing themselves, in different quarters of the world, from the lethargy of ages, anxious to behold " the Desire of all nations," can we possibly need any additional encouragement or motive for circulating those inestimable records which testify of Him. ••w Will it be contended that no great eflfect can be produced by small contribu-"^ tions ? The contribution of an individual to the government is small ; but it is by the aggregate of such sums that the state is supported. A ray of light and a drop of rain are small : but it is by the sun and the shower'tTiat our harvests wave in the field, and by the accumulation of waters that the riches of all lands are transferred to this. " Freely ye have received, freely give :" if you acknowledge for yourselves the blessed influence of divine revelation, invite others to partake of it. The light of heaven is streaming, in all its effulgence, above and around you : O, let not the beams be intercepted ! Open for it a free passage into the dwellings of the poor ! To men of humbler condition it may be observed, in addition to the arguments already adduced : Although, for reasons best known to infinite Wisdom, the Almighty has withheld from you rank and opulence, yet has he given to you the privilege of conferring benefits on others, and of conferring them in the highest degree. The facilities which you possess for discovering the wants of those immediately around you, may be considered as an intimation of Providence, that, according to your ability, you should seek to relieve them. Silver and gold you may have none to give ; but you can give that which is better than rubies. You cannot, indeed, raise your poor neighbour above the pressure of the times, or remove those afflictions which are especially inci- dent to his condition ; but you can furnish him with a remedy for all : you can present him with those oracles of wisdom which will enlarge his views and brighten his prospects ; which will teach him that this scene of trouble is but the pilgrimage of a day ; that he is but the tenant of an earthly tabernacla, which shall presently be dissolved ; and that the disem- bodied spirit shall then seek its everlasting home, shall ascend to that *' building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." (S8) Appendix, No. VII. Since the beginning of time, no method has ever been devised, by which yoii might do good on so large a scale, and by such easy means. Tlie ett'ects arising from other acts of charity, must often be confined to the immediate object ; but the influence of your liberality will probably be permanent, and descend, with increasing blessings, from age to age. It is an enterprize of exalted benevolence, which would become a sovereign better than his crown, and add a greater lustre to his throne than the widest enlargement of dominion. This is a work which may bring all classes into action, without prejudice to any : here the rich and the poor may meet together in common exertion, for common good. Poverty itself may be thus enriched, and the lowest rank ennobled. One generous feeling may animate all the orders of society, may impel them to the same labour of love, and crown them with the same reward. What pleasure can be derived, even from wealth, like the pleasvn-e of doing good ?— and this is a gratification, which, without riches, you may enjoy in its highest measure. Look upon your poorer brethren, and then ask whether any delight can surpass the enjoyment of charity like this ; — of charity, that extends blessings the most pure and exalted, to the humblest of mankind — that produces ' an elevation of mind and of feeling, which no poverty but Christian poverty can exhibit' — that gives light to the blind, heals the broken in heart, brings life and immortality to light among those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, and renders the poor of this world rich in faith and heirs of the promises. If the blessings of those who are ready to perish be worthy of acceptance, then may you be blessed ; if there be joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, then may the angels of God rejoice even in your labours, and the Father of mercies himself look down with approbation upon us. Above all other considerations, let this be supreme ; — if, by engaging in these acts of benevolence, you are induced to read 3^our Bibles w^ith more earnestness for yourselves, you may become Christians indeed ; and howeA'er low your situation in this life, the treasures of that better world wiU be your rich and eternal re-payment. And is it not a recommendation to men of all classes, that this system w^ill soon carry the tidings of Salvation into the most distant lands ? When the demands at home shall have been satisfied by the contributions of the poor, the subscriptions of the more opulent to the Parent Society and all the Auxiliaries may be wholly converted into foreign channels. Thus wiU the lower orders, by their exertions at home, greatly contribute to the increase of the supply abroad ; and, in this view, may even be considered as elevating on high the standard of Christianity, — as becomuig " heralds of salvation to the ends of the earth." They will share in the services and in the triumphs of those, Avho, by the blessing of the Almighty, shall be made the instruments of " shewing his glory" to the millions of their fellow-creatures that sit in utter darkness, or that hitherto have only caught glimpses of the light of Revelation, like inter- rupted flashes, distantly shooting across a gloomy sky. They will march, if we may so speak, in the retinue of Him who shall come forth " conquering and to conquer." They will add wings, as it were, to that angel of mercy, who shall fly into all lands, bearing the everlasting gospel. Their hearts will be gladdened by the gratitude of those, whom, under God, they shall have assisted to save : and they will receive yet a far ampler reward in that place where " they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firma- iuent, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars, for ever and ^ver." Appendix, No. VIII. (^) No. VIII. APPEAL TO MECHANICS, LABOURERS, AND OTHE RESPECTING BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS. (WIUTTEN BY Mil. JA31ES MONTGOMEllY, OF SHEFFIELD.) " The fFiirkmen wromht-, and the work was perfected by them-, and they set tlif' House o/GoD in his state, and strengthened it." — 2 Chron. xxiv. 13._./ The British and Foreign Bible Society is a treasury, open to receive not only tlie gifts of the rich, but the niites of the poor.^TEe widow of old, who of her want threw all that she had into the offering /of God, was said by our Saviour himself to have cast in more than all they that of their abundance had cast in mucli. Who then shall say, " I am too poor to contribute any thing of value to so amazing a work as the publication of the Scriptures in every language, among every people under heaven ?" — jGod sees the heart of every man, and judges its thoughts : He watches the motions of every hand, andr ecords its deeds. If the heart be riglit towards Him, the deeds of the hand, however few and small, will be accepted and sanctified. It is, there- fore, right that the poor should lend unto the Lord, by bestowing on those who are poorer than themselves, that Book which may enrich them for ever. It is right : — is it not more than right ? — Is it not necessary that every one, according to his ability, should minister in the service of God, the Author of all the good he ever had, or has, or hopes to have ? Under the law, none approached the altar without a gift : the gifts were indeed proportioned to the circumstances of the parties ; but every one was required to bring a gift. Oxen, and sheep, and goats were sacrificed by those who could aftbrd them ; but the most needy were not exempted from making some oblation. Have you not heard of a mother, %vho came to present her first-born Son in the temple of God ? Too poor to furnish a'^amb, she brought only a pair of doves for an atonement ; — yet shall all generations call her blessed; and that Son, whom at his birth she had kid in a manger, was the Lord from heaven. O how did God honour poverty here ! And how does he still honour poverty, by receiving and recompensing its meanest offerings ! " Whosoever shall give you a cup of cold water to drink, in my name, verily he shall not lose his reward." So said our Saviour concerning the gift of the poor to the poor, — a cup of cold water to one of his disciples. Does our Saviour bless a cup of cold water, given for his sake ; and hast thou not a cup to spare for thy brother wlio is perishing for thirst ? A'VTien there was a sore famine in Israel, God sent his prophet to ask bread of a poor widow, who had but a handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse, and who was gathering two sticks, as slie said, to dress it for herself and her son before they died of want. You know the story : she made a cake for the prophet first ; — and did she repent of her generosity? No: none ever trusted in the Lord in vain. But is it practicable for the poor to contribute effectually to the purposes of the Bible Society ? Remember the saying of the Lord Jesus, — " It is more blessed to give than to receive." What, then : is tlie greater blessing reserved for the rich alone ; and can the poor only enjoy the lesser ? God forbid! The whole tenor of Scripture contradicts the supposition, that there is one higher blessing promised, in any passage of it, to the rich than to the poor. The poor therefore may give as well as receive : they may possess the greater as weU as the lesser blessing. A labouring man who can support his family, (SO) Appendix, Nos. VIII. & IX. -f may well afford a penn}' a-week to a Bible Association, which will enable him, at the year's end, to be the benefactor of a man poorer than himself, by V presenting him with a gift moi-e precious than all the treasures of the earth. Si-If' it be thus blessed to recclre n Bible, how much more to yirt one! ^•^rhe poor are as deeply interested in the success of the Bible Society as any other class of people ; — and in the promotion of this great work, they can essentially contribute to its success. How ? — A jienny a-week subscribed by evei-y poor person in this kingdom, who really could afford it out of his earnings without hurting his family, — for how little food can a penny pur- chase ! — would exceed, oh a very moderate calculation, half a niillitm iinnu- oil}/. And who can ««/ afford a penny a-week for such a noble end ? — those only who are in the lowest state of famine, wretchedness, and disease. Among all others, ivhrrerer there is lieatlh and a williny henrt^ there is an able hand. On these we call, not to confer an obligation upon the Bible Society, but to partake of its benefits, by sharing its labour of love. We call upon them fn exercise a riaht, und to enjoy a privilege, which belongs as well to them as to the rich. All that have, may give, whether of their poverty or their abundance ; — and all may prove that it is more blessed to give than to receive. When our Saviour opened his mission on earth, he read to his audience, from the prophecy of Isaiah, " The Spirit of the Lord is ujion me, because the Lord hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor." And who was this preacher? — our Lord Jesus Christ, ^ who, though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich." And whom did he afterwards send to preach this Gospel to every creature ? — poor fishermen, and others in the humblest ranks of life. Thus, in its commencement, was the Gospel preached, not only to the poor, but by the poor ; herein shewing its excellency above the philosophy of the heathen, which was confined to the learned, the rich, and the great ; the connnon people being overlooked, and despised as a profane herd. -v^ To you then, ye Poor, is this Gospel sent : and if ye receive it, ye will be eager to send it forth to others. When ye have found it the power of God unto salvation in your own souls, ye will earnestly desire the salvation of the souls of your neighbours. — And who are 3'our neighbours ? Not the rich only, but the poor throughout this land, and all throughout the world, who are yet strangers to God and his truth. Come then. Men and Brethren, join hearts and hands with us ! We are building the Church of (ion, by the promulgation of his Word. In such a work, what the greatest among us cau do, is little ; and what the least does, is something ; — all shall receive their reward — they that labour in the foundations, as well as they that bring forth the head-stone with shoutings, crying, " Grace, grace unto it !" No. IX. THE BIBLE. (written by me. DUDLEY.) " Search the Scri/itures " — John V. 39. B,eader, is it in j'our power to obey this command ? Have you a Bible P — In a Christian country, this may appear a strange question ; but. Reader, it has lately* been asked in more than ten thousand families in the metropolis * This Address was written in the year 1813. Appendix, No. IX. (31) of this kingdom ; and, stranger still, the answer, in more than Jire thousond, has been — "" No !" The inquiry has been made by persons earnestly desirous of ascertaining tlie fact, in order that proper measures might be adopted for supplying so serious a want, wherever it is discovered. They have gone from house to house, and from room to room ; and they have found one half of their neighbours destitute of that sacred Book, which would '" make them wise unto salvation, through faith in Christ Jesus !" If such be tlie case in London, what must be the condition of the people in the more neglected parts of the kingdom ? It is now made certain, that mul- titudes, in every dir^vtion, are longing for the treasure which, hitherto, they have been unable to obtain. — And why is it that you are told these awful facts ? It is, that you maj-- assist in supplying yourself, your neighbours, your countrymen, and the world, with this guide through life, this teacher of the way to heaven. — Header ! look around you : consider the conduct of those of your friends and acquaintance who read the Bible, and endeavour to obey its holy precepts. — Are thei/ bad fathers, husbands, or neighbours ? Are tliKi^ drunkai-ds, liars, or pilferers ? Are they violent and quarrelsome?^ Are they not honest, industrious, and peaceable ; domestic in their manners, sober in their conduct, and friendly in their dispositions ? Reader ! observe them closely, and answer these questions for yourself If you possess a Bible, and read it with serious attention, you know its value : if you do not possess it, you may have one for a trifle, which the generality, even of the poorest, may contrive to spare. Your neig'ibours, whom Divine Providence has blessed with affluence, are willing to bear the greater part of the expense ; they are cheerfully coming forward, to enable you to ])ossess this cheap, but invaluable treasure. But you must do some- thing yourselves ; — you are not asked for tlie full price of a Bible. Those who now address you, can feel for your temporal wants ; they know that many of you cannot afford to pay what a Bible costs ; and therefore they contribute what you cannot spare, in order that you may be supplied with, aai-fclwit -a^rar-^T f..»^ai».hi^^>>ot p^if..;^ UPOiT""" a Bible. You are now, for the first time since the creation of the world, invited, as a bod}^ to hi partakers in the privileges of the rich : you are invited " to taste the luxury of doing good," — to assist in a great and glorious design, that of hastening the happy period, when peace, mercy, and love, shall reign throughout the universe, and " the kingdoms of this world become the king- doms of our LoKD and of his Christ." And how, you say, can I contribute to the support of this great and good work ? ]iy joining one of the Bible Associations which are establishing all around you. One penny a-week constitutes you a member of such a society, whose only object is to distribute the Bible. Header ! to be a member of such a society is an honour indeed. If you have not a Bible, you may speedily possess it : if you have one, you will speedily be the means of sup- plying a neighbour ; and may, under the blessing of God, be an instrument of leading a family to heaven. Before you enter on the labours of the day, and when those labours are con- cluded, and you retire to your homes, if you take up the Volume of Truth, and read a portion of it to your assembled family, delightful consec^uences may be expected to flow from the practice, as it regards both yourself and your child- ren ; and among those consequences, we anticipate a readiness, or rather an eager desire, to promote all around, what you and your children enjoy. (32)^ Appendix, No. X. No. X. ADDRESS TO SERVANTS. (WRITTEU" BY MR. DUJiLEY.) " TVhatsnever e;ood thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free." — Eph. vi. 8. Such was the encouraging language addressed by the great apostle St. Paul to that numerous and useful class of society denominated Servants ; and tlie promise remains in full force unto this day. To you, then, who occupy this station, the present appeal is made ; and your attention is earnestly solicited to a few observations, peculiarly interesting to your present and eternal welfare. Had you an opportunity of comparing youj- situation with that of servants in other countries, you would be convinced that you have abundant cause for gratitude: you enjoy comforts and privileges to which they are strangers ; and you derive those blessings from a source which can never fail of being effectual, if it be not your own fault. The religion of Great Britain is the religion of the Bible : its promises, its consolations, and its privileges are extended alike to all — to the rich and to the poor, to the master and to the servant : the religion of Jesus Christ knows no distinction of persons; and it is to the Bible you owe the many blessings which you enjoy. This sacred volume, coming forth from God, is designed to lead us to Him : it contains the purest and the best rules for every rank in life : — while it commands obedience on the part of servants, it says unto their employers, "■ Masters, give unto j'our servants that which is just and equal, knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven." — But above all, it is designed, through faith in Him who " took upon himself the form of a servant," ta conduct you to everlasting happiness. For the sole purpose of placing this blessed book in the hands of every individual upon earth, a society has been established, called the British and Foreign Bible Society. It mvist be evident to you,Jthat, in the execution of this grand design, the assistance of eveiy friend to religion and virtue will be required : already numerous societies have been formed for the purpose pf promoting this noble work ; Auxiliary Societies and Bible Associations are establishing tljroughout the kingdom ; and it is to these latter institu- tions that your attention is particularly requested. The design of a Bible Association is plain and simple : it is, first, to supply every inhabitant, who may be desirous of possessing this treasure, with a Bible or Testament, at the cost, or a reduced price, or gratuitously, according to the nature of the case ; and, secondly, to assist in extending the same blessing to every nation upon earth. Every subscriber of even One Penny a-week becomes a member of the Bible Association, and conse- quently of the great Bible Society : and who is there amongst you that cannot afford this trifle ? Only consider the great, the glorious object for which it is reqvured — To supply you with the scriptures of truth, and ttf assist in their publication, in every language, and among every people under heaven ! And by whom are those societies conducted ? — by persons of every religious persuasion : for this is a design which knows no sect nor party. Surely, if ever a cause was worthy of unqualified support — this is that cause! And to whom is this appeal made ? — to you, who, while many, even of your employers, find it difficult to answer the numerous calls on their means, are exempt from those claims — your daily meals are provided for you ; you have neither rent nor taxes to discharge; the only debt you have Appendix, No. XI. (SS) to pay is the debt of gratitude. And how can you prove your sense of the taany benefits conferred upon you by Abnighty God, better than by a life devoted to His service, and by contributing to the universal circulation of His law ? Ask yourselves whether those duties are fulfilled : ask your- selves how your superfluous money is disposed of: if it be in the purchase of extravagant and ornamental dress, in dissipation, vanity, and folly, look at the reward ! — Behold our public streets, crowded with wretched and un- happy outcasts, many of whom lately occupied your stations ; but who now, cut off from friends, connexions, and virtuous society, frequently sink to an early grave, unnoticed, unpitied, and unlamented ! Had those miserable victims of sin been governed by the divine precepts of the Gospel, and felt an interest in its universal diffusion, how different would have been their lives, how far different their end ! They would have lived respected and beloved ; the bed of death would have been a scene of peace ; and their last Ojoments cheered by the smile of a reconciled God ! Come then, join heart and hand in this blessed work. This is a privi- lege which you may enjoy in common with the rich ; and, while you expe- rience the truth of that saying of the Redeemer, " it is more blessed to give than to receive," be assured that you will never be the poorer for having thus contributed to the promotion of His glory, and the eternal sal' ration of your fellow-creatures. No. XI. ADDRESS TO MARINERS. (written by MR. DUDLEY.) *' They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters: these see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep" Psalm cvii. 23, 24. Have you a Bible on board ? If you have, and read it Avith attention, you may know its value : if you have rtot, you little know what a treasure you are without. The Bible is the best gift which man can bestow on man : it came forth from Cod, and it is designed to lead us to Him — to point out the only mode by which we may be saved from sin and misery, and conducted to heaven and happiness. If there be any body of men to whom this blessed book should appear to be of greater value than to others, it is to Sailors. A\Tien in harbour, and even while prosecuting a voyage, they have ample time for reading those lessons of sacred wisdom, and those deeply interesting and instructive narratives, with which the holy scriptures abound ; while they have constant opportunities, in the different countries they visit, of being convinced that they are indeed the Scriptures of Truth ; for " they that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters ; these see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep." But, when you consider the perils which surround you, the frequent dangers to which you are exposed ; and reflect, that another and an eternal world commences when this passes away, you must feel the boundless importance of possessing that which points to Him who can deprive those dangers of all their terrors, and can render that future world the haven of eternal security and happiness ! You call yourselves Christians ; but do you possess that knowledge of th^ Scriptures, and that &ith in them, which would make you Christians indeed— which. would sjjijie forth ja your actions, and render you e3?ample» «id patterns on distant shores ? To acquire thip tnowledge and this faith, C (34) Appendix, No. XL *' search the Scriptures,"* and be governed by their holy precepts : the effect is certain ; for they "■ are able to make you wise unto salvation, through faith in Christ Jesus."-)- With such a compass on board, the tempest may blow, and the angry billows may beat ; but they cannot shake your confidence in that Pilot who said unto the raging waves, " Peace, be still ! and there was a great calm.":): When you possess a Bible, and, reading it with serious attention, find that it leads to that hope which is " an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast," § a sacred joy will fill your heai'ts ; you will feel desirous of imparting to others the happiness which you enjoy ; and, while you are engaged in conveying to foreign nations the necessaries and the comforts of life, you will meet with many an unenlightened Heathen, and many an ignorant professing Christian, to whom you may be the messenger of glad tidings, and the happy instrument of eternal salvation. You live in an age of the world which may well be called an age of wonders. — Among those wonders, the Bible Society is a noble First-Rate : she has hoisted the colours of the Prince of Peace : she has visited with favouring gales the most distant shores, and found a friendly harbour on every coast; — she has conveyed Three Millions of Copies of the holy scriptures to the various nations of the earth : and she still pursues her course, and will pursue it, until every port is blessed by her entrance. The crew of this noble ship is composed of all nations and of all classes — the Emperor of Russia, and the Princes of the House of Brunswick — the Kings of Prussia, Sweden, Denmark, Saxony, and Wiirtemberg — the admirals of our fleets, and the generals of our armies — the prelates of the church, and the members of the senate — tradesmen, mechanics, and servants — all meet on her deck, and cordially lend a hand in spreading her canvas to the winds of heaven. While the rich and the poor, the high and the low, are thus coming forward to assist in the glorious design of distributing the Bible to all the nations of the earth, will you be the last in supplying yourselves with this teacher of the way to heaven, and in sharing the happy privilege of con- veying it to foreign lands ? There was a time when a Bible cost a sum which few of you could afford to pay : but, thanks be to God ! it may now be purchased for that which any of you can spare : and, in order that evtry one may possess this inestimable treasure, you may be supplied with any number of copies of the holy scriptures, in different languages, at the cheapest rates. Annexed are a list of the Society's cost prices ; and a code of rules, by the adoption of which you may assist in enabling every sailor, and every landsman, to read, in his own tongue, " the wonderful works of God !"[| *»• To this paper, if printed for general circulation, a copy of the Society's Catalogue (No. II. of this Appendix), and the rules recommended for Marine Bible Associations, should be appended. And, if the following Address be prefixed, or printed on an envelope, and circulated among those for whom it is intended, it may contribute very materially to promote the design. ADDRESS TO OWNERS AND COMMANDERS. (written BY MR. PHILLIPS.) The Owners and Commanders of vessels must be aware of the great advantages derived from a sober and orderly crew ; for they know, by ■ • Seejohn, chap. 5 f See the Second Epistle to Tiinoiliy, clinp. 3- 'j •'■-♦. Sre Mark, chap.-4. §- See the Epistle to the Hebrews, chap. G. -■{[• Seer the Acts, chap. S. Appendix, No. XII. (35) observation and lamentable experience, that numerous ships have been wrecked, many valuable lives lost, and a ruinous waste of property occa- sioned, in consequence of the inattention, drunkenness, or disobedience of sailors. It cannot, therefore, be doubted, that any measure which has a tendency to promote sobriety and good order, and to improve the morals of seamen, will meet with the warm approbation of the proprietors and masters of ships, and obtain their immediate and hearty support. And such, it is confidently expected, will be the effects produced by the forma- tion of Marine Bible Associations ; by means of which the sailors may pro- cure the holy scriptures on the easiest terms, not only for themselves and families, but even for disposal in foreign countries. Deriving inestimable advantage from this invaluable book, they may become the instruments of conveying it to millions of their fellow-creatures ; and thus greatly promote the glorious Christian object of the British and Foreign Bible Society, to extend the knowledge of the Gospel of peace and salvation to all the nations of the earth. For eleven years, the inhabitants of the British Isles have manifested their zeal and liberality by assisting in this great cause. It is surely, then, full time that an opportunity be afforded for the well-known generosity of British sailors to manifest itself, in aid of this noble undertaking. And, if the pure and simple object be explained to them, it would be unjust to sup- pose, either that their characteristic zeal, liberality, and activity, will be unemployed in forwarding this benevolent design, or that they will not equal, in every respect, the hitherto unexampled exertions of their brethren on shore. The plan has been already adopted, not only on board King's ships, but merchant vessels ; and the effects on the morals and behaviour of the men have been such as to encourage every true friend to his country, and to mankind, to assist in the general establishment of similar Asso- ciations. To accomplish this object, it is proposed that the Captain or Master of any ship should, by his example and recommendation, encourage his crew to subscribe, either monthly or weekly, at the rate of one penny a-week, or upwards, from each person ; and the Captain or Master may be authorised by the subscribers to stop it out of their wages, if more agreeable to them; — the whole amount received to be expended, from time to time, in the pxuT- chase, at prime cost, of such descriptions of Bibles and Testaments, pub- lished by the British and Foreign Bible Society, as the subscribers shall require and direct : and, as Bible Societies are formed at all the principal ports in Great Britain and Ireland, application may be easily made to any one of their Secretaries for the requisite supply of the holy scriptures, at prime cost ; specifying, that the application comes from a Marine Bible Association ; and stating the name of the ship and her commander. Any number of Bibles and Testaments may thus be obtained, not only for the supply of the crew, but in different languages, for sale in foreign lands. To facilitate the establishment of these Associations, a few hints for their regulation are subjoined, together with an Address toMariners, the prices and Specimens of different editions of the Scriptures, and the proper Forms for keeping the accounts of the Association. No. XII. ADDRESS ON BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS. WRITTEN BY THE REV. W. DEALTRT.) TO a good man, there ia nothing more delightful than to do good ; and those -who possess the opportunity, and neglect to improve it, omit a positiv* r 5 (36) Appendix, No. Xll. duty. As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men. It is thus that we best imitate the God and Father of us all. The goodness of God we perceive in all his ways : he considers all the sons of men as the children of his care : we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. It has pleased him, for wise ends, to place us in different situations ; but he has withheld from none of U5 the means of adding to the comfort of others. If there be an honest and pure heart, it will excite us to generous actions. How many poor persons have cast in their mite at a charity sermon, for the instruction of youth or for the benefit of age? And did they become poorer for the gift ; or could they ever repent of it ? It is a great privilege to be able to feed the hungry : but how much greater is the privilege, if we can direct those who are hungering after righteousness to Him who hath declared himself to be the Bread of Life ! Millions of human beings are ignorant of God, and have no knowledge of his revealed will. Would it not be a blessed thing to tell them, that they are the creatures of a Divine Hand, and must live in happiness or misery for ever ? Would it not be a noble act to endeavour to raise them from a death of sin to a life of righteousness ; to seek out those wlio are as sheep going astray, and to bring them to the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls ? Shall we ask, who is sufficient for these things ? The answer is. That this privilege may belong to the poor. It was through the poverty of Jesus Christ that many of us have been made rich — rich in the possession of his Gospel, in the enjoyment of his favour, and in the hope of immortality : and, by such acts of charity as our poverty can bestow, many may obtain those treasure?, which no moth can corrupt, and no thief can steal. Be merciful a^ter your power. If you that have little, do your diligence gladly to give of that little (although the sum should be only a penny a-week), you may not only supply your poorer neighbours with a Bible, but may carry it even into distant countries ; into countries devoted to idolatry and im- mersed in darkness ; where innocent children are delivered, even by their parents, to crocodiles and bef^^tc of prey ; where women, upon the death of their husbands, are burned alive ; and the wr?tclied enthusiast throws him- self under the wheels of the machine which carries his god, that he may be crushed to pieces in honour of the idol ! Yet even upon these victims of superstition may the light of Truth, through your charity, arise and shine : the wilderness and the solitary place may be glad for you •• you may cause the name of a Saviour to be heard, Avhere now it is utterly unknown. Thus shall new songs of Sion ascend from those, who at this day have no heart to sing, and no feelings of devotion to be kindled into joy. And it will not be forgotten by them, that toj/ou, as tlie instruments of heavenly mercy, is their gratitude owing. It will not be forgotten by the Father of mercies, that you did good virith a willing mind. It will not be forgotten by Him, who commended the contribution of the poor widow, that you also of your want have thrown into the offerings of God ; — and he will bless the gift. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus ; how He said, " It is more blessed to give than to receive." It is sweeter in the recollection ; it is more excellent in its effects. Even a cup of cold water, when given for His sake to a poor disciple, shall not lose its reward. Those who, upon Christian principles, do good to others, enjoy in the present life a pleasure which the mere possession of wealth cannot confer. The benefits thus imparted shall be returned abundantly into their own bosoms, even in this world ; and will be followed by an exceeding great reward, when the earth and its glories shall have vanished away. Appendix, No. XIII. (37) , No. XIII. LIST OF LANGUAGES. The Translation, Printing, or Distribution of the Scriptures, has been aided by the British and Foreign Bible Society, in the Languages enume- rated in the foUovving Lists, which will be found to contaui one hundred AND THIRTY-TWO ditFerent Languages or Dialects. This aid to the circulation of the Scriptures has been rendered, either by printing them at home, or by grants in furtherance of their publication in foreign parts. These grants have been — 1. Of a general nature, for the specific purpose of translating, printing, or purchasing the Scriptures abroad. 2. To India : through the Corresponding Committee in Bengal ; to the Bap. tist Missionaries at Serauipore ; or to its Auxiliary Societies at Cal- cutta and Colombo. 3. In aid of Bible Societies in diflferent parts of Europe. 4. In aid of Bible Societies in America. In some of the following languages and dialects, the Scriptures, or parts of them, had been printed before. These are distinguished as Re-prints. In others, they had never been printed before the institution of the Society. These are denoted as Not printed before. A third class consists of new translations into languages into which the Scriptures, or parts of them, have been formerly translated ; and are noticed as Re-translations; often, indeed, being almost wholly new. The last class is that of those which are translated or translating, but not yet printed ; and are marked as Translated or Translating: and these are such as had not been printed before, in every instance except that of the Modem Greek Testament. These distinctions are noted in the following Lists. AT HOME. Re-prints : I.Arabic. S.Danish. S.Dutch. 4. English, n. Ethiopic (or Ecclesiastical Language of Abyssinia). 6. French. 7. Gaelic. 8. German. 9. Greek (Ancient). 10. Greek (Modern). 11. Hebrew. 12. Irish. 13. Italian. 14. Malay. 15. Manks. 16. Portuguese. 17. Spanish. 18. Syriac. 19. Welsh. Not printed before : 1. BuUom. 2. Esquimaux. 3. Susoo. Re-translations ■' 1. Hindoostanee. 2. Mohawk. Translated or Translating : Arawack (Indian). BY GRANTS OF A GENERAL NATURE. Re-prints ■■ 1. Greenlandish. 2. Greek (Ancient). S.Hebrew. 4. Hungarian. S.Ice- landic. 6. Italian. 7. Latin. 8. Slavonian. 9. Wendish, or Vandalian. Not printed before •• J. Calmuc. 2. Maltese. 3. Otaheitean. 4. Tartar-Turkish. 5. Tartar, in Hebrew Characters. (38) Appendix, No. XIII. ' - ■' ■ ' • » .. ■ .tica: Re-translat.iotis : 1. Chinese. 2. German. 3. Greek (IModerri). 4. Turkish. Translated or Translating ■ 1. Albanian. 2. Ethiopic-Amharic (one of the vernacular dialects of Abyssinia). 3. Ethiopic-Tigre (the other vernacular dialect of Abyssinia). 4. Greek (Modern). BY GRANTS TO INDIA. Re-prints •• 1. Armenian. 2. Bengalee. 3. Malay. 4. Tamul. IVol printed he/ore : 1 . Afghan, or Pushtoo. S.Assamese. 3. Bikaneer. 4. Bruj. 5. Burman. 6. Canarese. 7- Gujuratee. 8. Hindee. 9- Jo3'^pore. 1 0. Juynugui-. ll.Kashmeer. 12. Khassee. 13, Konkuna. 14. Kutch. 15. Mahratta. 1 6. Malaj'alim. 1 7- Marnwar. 18. Mithllee. 19. Nepal. 20. Oodoypore. 21. Oojjuryinee. 22. Orissa. 23. Sanscrit. 24. Seik, or Punjabee. 25. Telinga, or Teloogoo. 26. Watch, Wucha, or Multanee. Re- translations : 1. Arabic. 2. Chinese. 3. Cingalese. 4. Hindoostanee. 5. Persian. Translated or Translating- : 1. Bhojpooree. 2. Bhugelkhundee. 3. Birat. 4. Budrinathee. 5. Bugis. 6. Bulochee. 7- Bundelkhundee. 8. Huriyana. .9- .Tagatai, or Original Tm-coman. 10. Javanese. ll.Jumboo. 12. Kanynkoobja. 13. Koomaoon. 14. Konsulee. 15. Kucharee. 16. Macassar. 17. Maldivian. 18. Mughuda. 19. Muiiipoor, 20. Munipoor-Koonkee. 21. Palpa. 22. Rakheng. 23. Siamese. 24. Sindhee. 25. Southern Sindhoo, or Hj'drabadee . 26. Tripoora-Koonkee. BY GRANTS IN EUROPE. To the Russian Bible Society and its Auxiliaries. Re-prints : I. Armenian. 2. Dorpatlan-Esthonian. 3. Finnish. 4. French. 5. Georgian. 6. Greek (Ancient). 7- Greek (Modern). 8. German. 9. Lettonian, or Livonian. 10. Moldavian, or Wallacbian. II. Polish. 12. Revalian-Esthonian. IS. Slavonian. Not printed before . I. Buriat-Mongolian. 2. Calmuc. 3. Karelian. 4. Morduinian. 5. Nogai-Tartar. 6. Olenetz-Karelian. 7. Orenburg-Tartar. 8. Russ (Modern). 9. Samogitian. 10. Tartar-Turkish . II. Tscheremissian. 12. Tschuwashian. 13. Servian. 14. Zirianian. Re-translation : Persian. Translated or Translating : 1. Moi'dwaschian. 2. Ostiakian. 3. Samojedian. 4. Siberian-Tartar. 5. Tschpozii'ian. 6. Tungusian. 7. Wogulian. To Other Bible Societies. Re-prints : 1. Bohemian. 2. Danish. 3. Dutch. 4. Finnish. 5. French (to two Societies). 6. German (to eight Societies). 7. Italian. 8. Laponese. 9. Lithuanian. 10. Malay (in Arabic characters). 11. Polish (to two Societies.) 1 2. Romanese (Ladinsche). 1 3. Romanese (Churwelsche). 1 4. Swedish. 1 5. Wendish, or Vandalian (to two Societies). Re-translations: 1. Creolese. 2. German. Translated or Translating ■■ Faroese. Appendix, No. XIIT. (39) GRANTS TO AMERICA. Ke-prints ■■ 1. English. 2. French. 3. Spanish. JVoi printed before: Delaware (Indian). Ke-translatio7t: Mohawk (Indian). RECAPITULATION. Re-prints 41 Re-translations 7 Number of I^anguages and Dialects, ^ in which the Scriptures have never f g . been printed before the Institution C of the Society . . ^ Total of Languages and Dialects . . 1.12 LONDON: PRISl'ED BY R. WATTS. m * I. jt. .<;*-a-ii-' ^^•{j'.'Sis^'t.; n\i ^ro* K iuriii^ii*