fT'} 1} i.\ ^ t , ' i:. ' > f: ' \. / PRINCETON, N. J. '^^* IjfLe^'^t^ t^/T -I r ■■'J i'< t:i ti-^o^t CONTENTS. KaOLOGIOilli Chap. Page I. Early Tract Distribution 1 II. The Formation of the Society U III. The Early Addresses of the Coniniittee 17 IV. The Founders of the Society 23 V. The Founders of the Society — (continued) 35 VI. An Unexpected Event. — The British and Foreign Bible Society.. 10 VII. Early Supporters and other Friends of the Society 53 VIII. The Union of Christians on the Committee. — Rev. Lcgh Rich- mond, and the Society's Clerical Secretaries Gd IX. Labourers in the Foreign Field 85 X. The Threefold Cord 91 XI. The Society's Locality and Depositories 10!) XII. The Society's Publications 1 1 (j XIII. The Funds of the Society 15'2 XIV. Active Distributors l(j !■ XV. Auxiliary Societies 17!) XVI. Libraries for Home and the Colonies 18() XVII. Benefits of Books 199 XVIIL Loan System 215 XIX. Hawkers and Colporteurs 220 XX. Home. — Gratuitous Operations 235 XXL Illustrations of the Usefulness of Home Operations 248 XXII. Foreign Operations.— France and Brittany 2S2 XXIII. Western Europe.— Spain and Portugal 302 XXIV. Northern Europe. — Iceland, Sweden, Lapland, Finland, Denmark, and Norway 309 XXV. Central Europe. — Holland, Belgium, Germany, Carinthia, Bo- hemia, Hungary, Bavaria, Wurtemberg, Saxony, Hanover, Prussia, Frankfort, Westphalia, Poland 327 CONTENTS. Page Chap. XXVI. Southern Europe, and Countries bordering on the Mediterranean —Switzerland, Italy, Malta, Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Wallachia, Nicomedia, Bagdad, Syria, Jerusalem, Smyrna 363 X X V 1 1. Russian Empire ^^^'^ XXVII I. Armenia, Georgia, and Persia 406 XXIX. India 415 XXX. India— (continued) 432 XXXI. Ceylon 452 XXXII. Indo-Chinese Countries, and Japan 460 XXXIII. China 471 XXXIV. Hither Polynesia.— Java, Sumatra, Borneo 501 XXXV. Further Polynesia. — Georgian and Society Islands, Saraoas or Navigators Islands, Tonga Islands, Sandwich Islands, New Zealand, Madagascar, Mauritius 509 XXXVI. Australian Colonies 528 XXXVII. Africa 541 XXXVIII. Spanish America 563 XXXIX. British Colonies in North America 572 XL. West India Islands, and British Guiana 596 XLI. United States of America 612 XLII. Summary of the Society's Benevolent Receipts and Expenditure. . 617 XLIII. Objections Answered 623 XLIV. Review, and Conclusion 633 I. Appendix— Abstract of Cash Receipts 642 II. Appendix — Annual Issues of Publications 646 III. Appendix— Languages and Population of the Countries in which the Society's works have appeared, and the amount of its Grants 647 IV. Appendix— Committeesand Officers during fifty years 652 V. Appendix— Circulation of a selected portion of the Society's Publications. 656 List of Contiibutions to the Jubilee Fund 661 J"dex ^^2 PfiXirO^rOIT ^HI^QLOQIC^L 6^'Ftr PREFACE. The history of the Religious Tract Society now presented to its supporters and the pubhc, has been compiled during brief seasons of leisure secured from pressing official engagements, and therefore may be expected to bear much cWdence of im- perfection. It was considered desirable by the Committee that the work should be prepared by one who had long been con- nected with the Institution, and who was thoroughly acquainted with its details. Accuracy of information must, therefore, be accepted instead of the polished and finished production of " the ready writer.^' In preparing this record of the Society's operations, the anxiety of the compiler has been to furnish a simple and correct statement of all the leading facts connected with its origin, principles, and operations. He trusts it will be clearly shown that the founders were guided by the " wisdom from above," in all the steps which led to its formation ; and that its labom-s for the long period of fifty years have been the means of widely and beneficially spreading Divine truth in the British dominions, and among many of the nations of the world. It will be evident to every reader, that only the leading facts connected with the history of the Society can be given in the compass of a single volume ; i-esults, therefore, rather than minute details, will be stated. The statistics connected with the annual receipts and expenditure of the Society, and the total grants to institutions and individuals, both at home and alji-oad, will be- touiiil in the Appendix. They will show that the benevolent receipts, inchiding- legacies, have been 17-1',1G7/. Ss. id., which have been wholly expended in the Society's gratuitous objects, without any deduction for agency : that the sales have realized 1,023,215/. ISs. Id.; that the total receipts have been 1,202,242/. I3s. Sd. ; and that five hundred millions of copies of tracts and books have been circulated in one hundred and ten languages and dialects. The success of the Society having resulted from the agency raised u]) by the providence of God, a sketch of some of its founders, early supporters, active agents, liberal donors, and zealous distributors, will be given, that others may be led to emulate their example, and press forward, its objects with increased and untiling effort, until the knowledge of the Lord, shall universally prevail. The unbroken harmony which has prevailed in the counsels and operations of the Society is not one of the least of the important facts in its history. A great experiment has been successfully tried, and the result is recorded, in this volume, proving, for the encouragement of the church and. the con- futation of the unbeliever, that true Christians, though they differ upon some secondary points, are one in every truth essential to salvation. It was intended, in the first instance, to pursue a chronolo- gical order in detailing the operations of the Society, but that was found to be impracticable, as it would have caused frequent repetitions, and extended the work far beyond the necessary limits. The leading subjects, therefore, have been given in distinct chapters, although their proper arrangement has been somewhat difficult, arising from the miscellaneous nature of the facts recorded. The foreign operations of the Society furnish a large amount of interesting information. Its early efforts in many countries, to spicad the truth through the press, will show the clear leadings of His providence " who hath the key of David ; who opencth, and no man sliutteth ; and shntteth, and no man openeth." It will be seen that regions of barrenness have for a season appeared fruitful and beautiful as "the garden of the Lord/' but that through the desolating blights of unsanctified power, they have been nearly reduced to their primary sterility. Such painful changes were trying to the faith of the Society's friends; they were led by them, however, to rest their cause more entirely upon Him "who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will." The happy results connected with the Society's labours in heathen and unenlightened lands will justify the large space which their details occupy. Among the indirect benefits which have resulted from the Religious Tract Society, none have been more interesting and important than the formation, through means of it, of the British and Foreign Bible Society. In its minute books are recorded the first suggestion, and all the subsequent steps, in which that noble Institution originated. The officers and Com- mittee of the Religious Tract Society were the privileged agents employed in the attainment of this holy object, and several of them were among the first officers and committee of the new society, and continued until the close of their earthly course to be its devoted friends and supporters. In this case, as in many others, a small spring has been the source of a mighty river, which has borne its fertilizing influences through a lai-ge portion of the earth. The particulars connected with this interesting subject are fully given in the subsequent pages. The compiler of this volume commends it to the kind for- bearance of the Society's friends. Although the condensation of its proceedings for fifty years has been a work of considerable difficulty, yet the constant exhibitions of the Divine goodness furnished by its records have been most refreshing to his spirit. In completing the work, he can sincerely employ the language of Bishop Home, in reference to his 'Commentary on the Psalms ' : " And now, could the author hope that any one would take half (he pleasure in reading his work wlucli lit- liath taken in writing: it, he wonkl not fear the loss of his hibonr. — Tie arose fresh as the morning to his task; the silence of the night invited him to pursue it ; and he can truly say, that food and rest were not preferred before it. Happier hours than those which lia\c been spent in its preparation he never expects to see in this world. Very pleasantly did they pass, and moved smoothly and swiftly along; for, when thus engaged, he counted no time. They are gone, but have left a relish and a fragrance upon the mind, and the remembrance of tliem is sweet." W. J. JUBILEE MEMORIAL CHAPTER I, EARLY TRACT DISTRIBUTION. The truth spread by letters from early times — Dr. Bogue on the Holy Writings — Tractates of the Reformers ; Wickliff 's and Luther's writings— John Fox on the mighty power of the printing-press— Singular anecdote from Strype — Associations for printing religious works in the seventeenth century— Three great Christian Societies formed in London— First Society founded on catholic principles — Societies at Edinburgh and Glas gow— Mrs. H. More and the 'Cheap Repository Tracts'— Mrs. Wilkinson's republications— Rev. C. Simeon and Rev. J. Campbell— Conversion of Baxter by a book from a pedlar's pack. In commencing- this work, it may be interesting to trace the first eifoi-ts which were made to diffuse divine truth by means of letters. In ancient times it pleased God thus to make known his will. " Man," remarks Dr. Bogue, — in the first sermon preached for the Religious Tract Society, in the year 1800, — "has a hand to write as well as a tongue to speak; and God has employed the pen of the ready writer, as well as the tongue of the learned, to convey a word in season to him that is weary. The oldest book extant is a volume of divine truth, which Jehovah dictated and Moses wrote. Joshua, cap- tain of the host of Israel, Samuel, the judge, David and Solo- mon, the Lord^s anointed, the prophets of the Lord, and the apostles of Christ, all composed religious tracts for the benefit of mankind. Providence has mercifully preserved them to be the light, the joy, and the consolation of every succeeding age; and they are now the sun of the moral world. Where divine truth shines with its bright beams from the ark of the cove- nant, it is day — day as the light of seven days. Where these tracts are not known, where truth shines not, it is night — 2 KAHLY TRACT DTSTRTBUTION. night like Eg}T)tian darkness, with all the hon-or of the black- ness of the shadow of death. Nay, to do the greatest honour to this way of diflPusing divine truth, God himself becomes the author of a short religious tract : with his own hands he wi-ote the Ten Commandments of the law. What high, what early authority can thus be shown for writinff, as well as speaking, the great truths of God. "No language can fully describe the benefits which have resulted from the wi-itten communications which God has been pleased to make to man. These inspired but brief works have shed abroad the light of divine truth through the world from that time to the present horn-. David's short devotional tracts, especially, have enlightened, sanctified, and consoled milhons, and the works of evangelists and apostles have instructed every generation since they were written. These holy inspired productions will continue to be the world's great blessing, until the scenes of time are exchanged for the unclouded scenes of eternity.'' Long before the discovery of printing, the early reformers sent out their little tractates to enlighten mankind. Wicklifi''s productions were the means of extensive usefulness. He wrote above one hundred volumes against Antichrist and the Church of Rome, besides commentai-ies on Scripture, and the trans- lation of the Bible into English. "Although all his books were commanded to be bm-nt, yet before this measure could be executed they had enlightened so great a number of persons, who carefully kept his books, maugre all the diligence of his adversaries, that they could never wholly deprive the Church of them : for the more they laboured, by horrible threats and death itself, to hinder the knowledge and reading of them, the more were many kindled in their affection to read them with ardency ; by which means such abundant seeds of sacred truth were dispersed in various parts of the land, as sprung up many years after, and helped to produce a plentiful harvest, when Almighty God, to show forth his glory, brought about the Reformation from Popery," * Among the remarkable facts of usefulness connected with Wickhff's writings, one is of special interest. A young man, of an opulent and noble family in Bohemia, came over to Oxford, about the year 1389, for the prosecution of his studies. * ' Gillies' Historical Collections,' vol. i., p. 34. EARLY TRACT DISTRIBUTION. 2. 26 THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. continue to bless the seed already sown by former publications, that when I am dead I may yet speak for awhile for the good of immortal souls. Amen and Amen." Notwithstanding the impression on Mr. Burder's mind that he had finished his literaiy labours, he was spared to write a second volume of ' Cottage Sermons.' In December, 1828, when he Avas in his seventy-seventh year, he composed twelve ' Sermons for the Aged,' a book that was much wanted for this class of readers. " These discourses," remarks his son, " may be regarded as a transcript of his own feelings in the near view of eternity, and lender the pressure of age and of many infirmities." It was the privilege of the Religious Tract Society for many years to publish all the series of Mr. Burder's sermons, except the 'Village Sermons,' so that up to the time of his decease 989,014 had been circulated. After his death the 'Village Sermons' also were placed on the Society's catalogue by his surviving sons. The extent of Mr. Burder's usefulness as the writer of simple sermons will never be known in this world. His own testimony is truly cheering on this point : — " I bless God with all my heart, for accompanying the reading of these discourses with the power of his Holy Spirit, to the conversion of many, and among others of some clergymen and other ministers, as well as for rendering them viseful in families and villages, making them the occasion of the introduction of a regular gospel minis- try. To God alone be all the gloiy ! " After this encouraging statement, he adds : — " In the firm behef of the truths con- tained in these volumes, I desire to die." The venerable founder of the Tract Society was an ardent lover of all good men. The image of the Saviour, wherever he discerned it, attracted his attention, his esteem, and affection. There was nothing sectarian in his soul. He engaged in his last public service on the 6th March, 1833, when he preached from those affecting words, "A man of sorrows." The few re- maining days of his life were marked by great calmness. His hvmg rather than his dying testimony led survivors to exclaim, " jNIark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace." Thus happily departed, on the 29th May, 1832, the founder of the Society, after having been spared for thirty-three years to see the permanent establishment and prosperity of the cause he loved. THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. 27 The venerable Rowland Hill is entitled to the next notice among the honourable men who formed the Society. He presided at the public meeting in May, 1799, when a Com- mittee was formed to prepare the needful regulations of the Society. He was chosen on the first Committee, and continued till the close of life the warm and attached friend and advocate of the Institution. Mr. Hill was born at Hawkstone, in the county of Salop, August the 23rd, 1744. He was the third son of Sir Rowland Hill, and uncle of Lord Hill, the late Commander-in-chief of the British forces. His early religious impressions were pro- duced by the Divine blessing on Dr. Watts's 'Hymns for Child- ren,' and these were strengthened by the watchful care, con- versation, and correspondence of his beloved brother Richard. In the year 1761, Mr. Hill went to Eton; and in 1764 en- tered St. John's College, Cambridge, as a pensioner, but after- wards became a fellow-commoner. Here he formed the friend- ship of the Rev. David Simpson of Macclesfield, the Rev. Mr. Pentycross of Wallingford, and the Rev. Mr. Robinson of Leicester. He frequently attended the ministry of the Rev. John Bemdge of Everton; and the eccentricities of his early clerical guide in all probability gave a bias to his own mind in future life. In 1769, Mr. Hill obtained his bachelor's degree with honours ; and on Trinity Sunday, 1773, he was admitted to deacon's orders by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, and became curate of the little village of Kingston, near Taunton. He afterwards erected Surrey Chapel, Blackfriars-road, London, in which he laboured until his death. His whole course was one of peculiar sanctity and zeal. Mr. Hill's principal work was his 'Village Dialogues;' the first numbers of which were issued by the Society, but they were subsequently printed on his own account. ' The Four Dialogues in Prison,' and ' Thomas Steady and John Wild,' are the only productions of Mr. Hill's pen that remain on the Society's catalogue. Soon after the latter tract was published, a friendly objection was taken to one statement it contained ; namely, the exclusive reference to a minister of the Established Church, which gave it a sectarian appearance. The venerable author was called on, when he denied any sectarian intention in the passage, and added to the tract the following 28 THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. sentence : " But then everybody says you have a very good minister at the meeting. Our minister and he are quite thick with each other;"— and said, "There; no one can find fault witli it now." ^^■lu■ll the Society printed a tract in the second series, entitled, 'An Imiwrtant Discoveiy; or, Temper is Eveiything,' he was much pleased with it, and felt that its tendency was to do good. In his own peculiar manner, he told his people from the pulpit that the Tract Society had issued a valuable tract, and gave some particidars from it. He added: "Thinking that some of my dear people are a little troubled in the temper way, I bought a hundred copies of the tract, and shall be happy to present one to any of my flock who need its advice, if they will call upon me." Not a single call took place ; whereupon he subsequently expressed his hope that they did not need any admonition on this subject. Mr. Hill was a man of truly catholic principles. " There are essential truths," he remarked, "by which we must abide; but if you saw a good Churchman and a good Dissenter upon their knees, you would not be able to find out which was which." It was after Dr. Bogue's striking reference to the funeral of Bigotiy, when preaching for the Missionary Society in 1795,* that Mr. Hill undertook to write a suitable epitaph on the auspicious event, and produced the following lines : — - " Here lies old Bigotry, abhorr'd By all that love our common Lord ; No more his influence shall prove The torment of the sons of love. "We celebrate, with holy mirth, This monster's death of hellish birth ; Ne'er may his hateful influence rise, Again to blast our sacred joys. Glory to God ! we now are one, United to one Head alone ; With undivided hearts we praise Our God for his uniting grace. Let names, and sects, and parties fall. Let Jesus Christ be all in all ; Thus, like thy saints above, shall we Be one with each, and one with Thee." * See Chapter V. THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. 29 "There is reason to fear/^ remarks one of Mr. Hill's bio- graphers, "that there has been a resurrection of this enemy of the church f but till the close of life, Mr. Hill often repeated the remark of a favourite author, "Mr. Bigotry fell down and broke his leg ; would that he had broken his neck ! " The extraordinary labours of this good man continued until his eighty-ninth yeai*, when he approached with solemn awe " the house appointed for all living.'^ He sometimes trembled at the prospect of the last conflict. Death is our enemy , therefore we tremble to approach him. He found him, however, a conquered foe ; and just before his departure he remarked, " God is letting me down gently into the grave, and I hope there will be found a crevice in the door, through which a poor worm may creeip into heaven.^' Mr. Hill made many generous benefactions before his death, and among them was a donation of 200/. to the Religious Tract Society. His decease took place on the 11th of April, 1833. The late Thomas Wilson, Esq., as the chairman of the meeting when the Society was actually formed, must be numbered among the Society's early friends. He was born November 11th, 1764. He received a private education, was apprenticed in 1778, and in 1785 was admitted into partnership with his father and cousin as a silkman. The son and biographer of Mr. Wilson thus exhibits one excel- lent phase of his character : " While diligent in business, he did not devote the whole of his time to his secular interests, but reserved a portion of it for God and his cause; he did not act as if the one great end, the sole object of life, was to 'buy and sell and get gain ;' he did not resign himself to the absorbing and engrossing occupation of '■ the life that now is.' He knew too well that ' a man's life,' properly so called, ' consisteth not in the abundance of the things that he possesseth.' He was not one of those who was determined, at all hazards, to be rich, who ' fall into temptation and a snare, and too often pierce themselves through with many sorrows.' He entered upon a course of well- doing, and was led to begin right and to give liberally at his first setting out in life." In this respect Mr. Wilson is a noble example to the youthful tradesmen of the present times; an imitation of whose course would tend greatly to counteract the selfishness " which the spirit 30 THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. of trade, when tliorouglily imbibed, strongly tends to generate and cherish." Mr. Wilson's liberal views were greatly strengthened by a ser- mon preached by the Rev. Andi-ew Fuller, from Eccles. xi. 1—4 : " Cast thy bread upon the waters/' etc. The remark on " thy bread" deeply impressed his mind. "^ Thy bread;' not a few crumbs, not a thin slice, but a large piece, a substantial portion of the loaf. Let others really partake of thy bread— give a por- tion to seven and also to eight ; let many share, and share largely of that which you call your own, which God has given you richly for enjoyment. Do not keep all your good things to youi-self, or resei-ve them entirely for your o^vn family ; but divide and dis- tribute a considerable measure of them among those who need; and let a large portion be presented on the altar of God as a free-will offering to his cause — a thank-offering for his great and manifold mercies, especially for ' his unspeakable gift,' even his own Son, 'whom he spared not, but freely gave up for us all.' Do not give to God, who demands and deserves the best, and who 'filleth you with the finest of the wheat,' that which the dogs may eat — the crumbs that fall from your table — small morsels — your mere leavings and refuse; but consecrate to him a large mass of your necessary food, even of 'the children's bread.' " In reference to Mr. Wilson's connexion with the Religious Tract Societ)^, his biographer observes:* "My father had the honour — such indeed it was, and such I doubt not he accounted it — of being chairman of the meeting held in St. Paul's Coffee House, on May 9, 1799, for the formation of the Religious Tract Society. He continued a member of the Committee till the year 1806, when, probably the pressure of other engagements induced him to withdraw. In this and other instances, he sustained the honourable position of being among the first and foremost to encourage a benevolent design, as one ready to every good woi'k, forward to lend a helping hand to an infant society, struggling with difficulties amidst the weakness of its feeble years. When he saw that the cause had acquired considerable strength, and that the same kind of help was no longer needed, he was not vmwilling to resign it into the hands of other founders, and of those who had joined them." f Mr. Wilson continued the firm friend of the Institution, and * Life, by liis Son, p. 192. ^ Ibid, p. 194. THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. 31 sometimes supported its interests at public meetings. After a long, devoted, and consistent life, he was called to his rest. Not long before nature sank, he exclaimed : " By the grace of God I am what I am," and soon after quietly fell asleep in Jesus, and entered into his heavenly home shortly after midnight, June 17th, 1813. Joseph Reyner, Esq., the Society's first treasurer, was a meek, holy, and devoted Christian. It may be truly said of him that he was a man " full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." The late Rev. John Campbell, for many years an active member of the Religious Tract Society, has given the following brief but interesting account of him : — " Mr. Reyner and his partner, Joseph Hardcastle, Esq., came from the same part of the country, the vicinity of Leeds, and when boys were accustomed to play with each other, little di-eaming that one day they would form one of the most respectable mercantile houses in the first commercial city of the world, and be leaders in producing and promoting such important institutions as were novelties in our world, and produced a new era in the history of mankind. How little we know what shall be the future history of a parcel of boys, whom we see rushing from a country school-house, with great noise and hilarity of spirits ! On such an occasion I have sometimes said to myself, ' Perhaps I am beholding the kernel of a Lord Chancellor, an Archbishop of Canterbury, a George A^liitefield, or a Captain Cook.^" Long before Mr. Reyner became partner with Mr. Hardcastle, he was in business for himself as a general merchant, but chiefly in the cotton line, importing from various parts of the world. At one time he sustained so heavy a loss that he was under the necessity of compounding with his creditors. This was a source of the deepest sorrow to his tender and highly consci- entious mind. He determined, however, should God prosper him, that he would fully discharge the balance due to his. cre- ditors. His future labours were crowned with success, and prosperity again smiled upon him. WTien he was able to meet the former claims upon him, in his usual quiet way he called on his old creditors, saying to each, " I am come to pay my debt." On turnins; to the books, the remark was made. 32 THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. " Mr. Rcyner, you owe us nothing." " But I do ;" and handing them a paper, he said, "You will find there a statement of the original sum I owed you, the composition I paid, and the balance now due, for which balance I give you a cheque." On receiving a receipt for it, he made his bow, and quietly walked off, to call upon his other creditors for the same purpose, never hinting that he had done the same thing to others. This honom-able conduct raised him very high in the esteem of his commercial friends, and led the late Rev. David Simpson, in his ' Plea for Religion,' to observe : " Of the many thousands in this country who fall short of their payments, how few, how extremely few, do we meet with, or hear of, who after- wards, like the most worthy Reyner, call their creditors toge- ther, and pay them what indeed is justly due, but what they could never demand." For thirty years Mr. Reyner continued the devoted friend of the Society. " Often," writes Mr. Campbell, " when the Com- mittee were hesitating about adopting a measure for want of funds, have I heard him say, with burning zeal and sparkling eyes, and at a time when the Society was deeply in his debt, * Go forward, brethren ; never mind funds ; they shall not be wanting.' I should then have rejoiced to have had a painter present capable of taking an exact likeness of the man." The Treasvu-er purchased tracts largely for his own personal distribution. He was often seen on Tower Hill, and other parts of London, on the Sabbath morning, giving away hundi'eds of these silent monitors. The gentlemanly and polite manner in which he presented them, connected with his tall, manly figure, disposed all, rich or poor, whether in the streets of London or in the fields, to receive the tracts readily, and without taking offence. When thus employed, he would sometimes remark : " This is my way of preaching." Li the Society's Report for 1824, presented at the last meeting but one at which the venerable Treasurer presided, the Committee, in allusion to the steadiness and constancy of his attachment to the Society, remarked : — " They cannot refrain from adverting to him, who, for twenty-five succes- sive years, has, with only one exception, presided at your anniversai-ies. He has been spared till he beholds 'the little one become a thousand,' and has witnessed many instances of good resulting from your labours, which, by the blessed iuflucnee of the Holy Spirit, ' have distilled as the dew, as the small ' i^a/^/iA/yr^ r^ 'U -n THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY, 33 rain upon the tender herb, and as the shower upon the grass ;' and the Committee are confident that he will join in the sentiment which has ever been expressed by your Society, ' Not unto us, 0 Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give the glory and the praise.' He is willing to be found engaged in the blessed work till the hour shall arrive when his hand can no longer be raised in your service, when his eyes will no longer behold this animating scene, and his tongue can no longer say, ' Be not weary in well doing.' " In the year 1827^ lie intimated his wish to retire from the office he had so long and so honourably held. On this the Committee remarked, in their report : — " The infirmities of growing years prevent the discharge of active duties, and the affection he still entertains for the best interests of the Society has led him to wish the appointment of another treasurer. He leaves to his successor an example of warm and unabated attach- ment to your cause. In your treasurer you see the man who patronized your Institution in its weakness, supported it through many difficulties, and rejoiced above most others in its increas- ing success. To him it must be a source of no common joy, in retiring from office, to remember, that now the weekly issues of tracts from your Depository frequently exceed those of entire years in the early period of your Institution. The Com- mittee are satisfied that all their friends will long remember the manner in which he presided at your anniversaries. The feelings of his soul were frequently too powerful to be expressed by his lips, and the eloquence of feeling has affected the meetings when his tongue was unable to plead your cause. The Committee sincerely hope and pray, that the remainder of his days may be peace, and that when called to join the redeemed above, he may meet many who have been led to seek for ' glory, honour, and immortality,' through the instrumen- tality of this Institution."* It was not long after Mr. Reyner's retirement from the treasurership, that his days were ended. Mr. Campbell thus notices the subject : — " Even trees of righteousness must wither and die ; his ability to labour was gradually taken away by means of paralysis on the brain, which greatly affected his memory, and eventually disabled him from holding conversation with his most intimate friends ; but even long after this, he seemed to understand what was plainly and briefly stated to * Report, 1827, p. (iO. B 34 THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. him, but it was instantly forgotten. He could make no reply, though he often attempted it. If I told him any good news from the exertions of any of the great societies, his heart evidently wanned, for he would clap his hands while hearing it, in the way he formerly did, when he would say, *I would rather sell my coat than the work should stop,' with full joy and love in his countenance, which I cannot describe, which only a Hogarth could have put down on paper, had he seized the moment it lasted." Mr. Reyner finished his course at Liverpool, suiTounded by his affectionate relatives, in the month of April, 1837^ in his eighty-third year. CHAPTER V. THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. [CONTINOED.] The Rev. J. Hughes— Rev. David Bogue— Rev. W. Newman, D.D.— Rev. Matthew Wilks. The Rev. Joseph Hughes, the Society's secretary, to employ his own words, di'cw his first breath in No. 14, Hand-court, Holborn, London, on the 1st of January, 1769. His father was a native of Wales, his mother of Lancaster. Their circumstances were humble, but their characters were eminently good. His early attachment to the Bible led some friends to consider that he was " a Christian in embryo ;" and the remark was not unfrequently heard, " He will be a minister.'' In his tenth year he was placed with Mr. Smalley, minister of a Presbyterian congregation at Darwen, near Blackburn, in Lancashire. To- wards the close of 1780, he was removed to the Free School at Rivington, a township in the same county, founded by Pil- kington, bishop of Durham. At the conclusion of his educational course at Rivington, in 1784, he returned to London, and soon aftei"wards entered the Baptist Academy at Broadmead, Bristol. Dr. Caleb Evans was then its president. In 1787 he entered King's College, Aber- deen, where, in 1790, he took his degree of a.m. He after- wards spent one session at the Metropolitan University of the north. For a short time Mr. Hughes occupied the chair of classical professor, in the Baptist College at Bristol. In 1792 he be- came assistant minister at Broadmead, with the Rev. John Ryland, who had just been invited to the pastorate, but only remained in this position for a short time; and in 1796 he accepted an invitation to become the minister of an old meeting-house at Battersea, a pleasant village on the banks of the Thames, about D 2 36 THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. foui- miles from London. He continued in that sphere of labour until his death. It was soon after the commencement of his residence at Bat- tersea that new scenes of usefulness opened to his pious and active mind. His removal from Bristol to the environs of Lon- don was evidently by the guidance of God, that he might be ready for the work which was preparing for him. Mr. Hughes was in Surrey Chapel in May, 1799, when Mr. Bm-der stated his wish to form a society for the publication and sale of reli- gious tracts. He was present at the conference in the school- room, and at St. PauFs Coffee-house, when the Society was formed, and offered up the first prayer in its behalf. His biographer well remarks on this incident : — " The disclosures of the last day will alone reveal how fully the pertinent and com- prehensive requests then preferred have been answered."* The account of the plan of the Society, issued in 1803, to- gether with an address to the public on its behalf, were drawn up by Mr. Hughes. His pen furnished several of the early tracts, namely : ' To a Youth on Purity / ' To the Unfortunate Female ;' 'To a Prisoner ;' ' The Importance of Sobriety ;' ' The Better Gift ;' and, ' To the Spectators of an Execution.' The important part which Mr. Hughes took in the formation of the British and Foreign Bible Society is described in another chapter. t The magnitude of that noble institution compelled him to devote to its important objects a large portion of the attention which he had previously given to the Religious Tract Society ; yet he continued to labour for it to the full extent of his ability. At the Society's anniversary in 1823, he regretted that he did not render to the Institution the full assistance he could wish; but assured the Society that, while health and strength remained, he would willingly be found in its service ; and if the powers of nature should fail, disabling him from any efforts on its behalf, yet, " while his trembling limbs could bear him to the annual assembly, he would hope to derive new strength from the animating scene." The presence of Mr. Hughes at the Committee meetings was always a som-ce of great satisfaction to his friends. In the early years of the Society, during breakfast, the time was often devoted to free conversation, on the general topics of * Life, by Dr. Leifchild, p. 180. f See Chapter VI. THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. 37 the day bearing on the Saviour's cause. There are a few still living who can call to mind his chaste and pointed wit^ and the playfulness of a cheerful mind, particularly when he came into happy collision with friends whose liveliness re- sembled his own. In subsequent years, when the growing business of the Society required every moment of the Committee to be given to its dispatch, the excellent Secretary would occa- sionally wander into the pleasant paths of familiar converse ; and when called to order, would say, " Mr. Chairman, I must contend for the ancient usages of this good Society j" but then immediately bowed to the business requirements of the chairman. In the examination of the tracts and works submitted to the Committee, Mv. Hughes' services were found most valuable. His biographer remarks, with much justness and discrimina- tion : — " If he were somewhat over-scrupulous about the sentiments, and somewhat hypercritical about the style, and if his extreme caution and fear of making an enemy to the Institution might sometimes hold the Society back where a bolder hand might have pushed it forward to advantage ; yet these very qualities may have contributed in no ordinary degree to insure its safety and growth in its infant state, and to mature its powers to their present strength and usefulness."* There were seasons when Mr. Hughes became the advocate of the Society, and defended its publications with great wisdom and candour. A review of its publications had appeared in the ' Guardian of Education,' in which some objection was taken to their decided tone on the subject of regeneration and the implied reflections alleged to be contained in reference to incon- sistent ministers. It was known to have proceeded from the "fascinating pen" of Mrs. Hannah More, to whom the Secre- tary wrote a most appropriate and satisfactory letter. On the subject of regeneration, he reminded her "that the sentiments of the Committee were neither novel nor confined to vulgar theologians, which might be evinced by an appeal, not only to a Watts and a Doddridge, but to a Beveridge, a Hopkins, an Usher, and a Hall." Some of these writers, he remarked, ex- pressed themselves respecting baptism in terms which the Com- mittee might deem too strong; but when the direct explanation * Life, p. 182, 38 THE FOUXDEllS OF THE SOCIETY. of the regenerated state was given, there was a substantial agreement between the Committee and all these writers. He added, though the Committee were averse to the tone, and the spirit too, of ])roud, pertinacious confidence, they believed that the highest authority of all, the Holy Scriptures, supported their view^s. In reference to the statements which had been made on the evils resulting from the conduct of inconsistent ministers, he wrote: — "If ministers degrade themselves by sloth, avarice, or profligacy, surely their investiture with office is no sanction to their vices ! And if the regularly appointed teachers led abandoned lives, or suppressed a part of Christian doctrine, we ought not to refrain from rejoicing that teachers, less the ob- jects of legislative patronage, and perhaps of far meaner literary accomplishments, whose lives and doctrine correspond with each other and with the New Testament, attracted the multitude and did them good." This courteous but faithful defence of the Committee appears to have been kindly received by Mrs. More ; for some years afterwards she applied for a grant of books for the benefit of the children in her local schools. The Society's secretary was admirably adapted for the work to which he was called. He was prepared for his position, by the gracious Being who raised him up. One who knew him well for more than thirty years,* gave a just description of his cha- racter, in a letter addressed to the Committee on his death : — " How often have I had occasion to admire his indefatigable zeal, the holy ardour of his mind, the soundness of his judg- ment, the eloquence of his lips, the discretion of his conduct. How often have I been edified by observing his fervent love to Christ and to his people, his truly catholic spirit, his unfeigned modesty in preferring others to himself, his meekness, patience, and active benevolence. How attractive to my mind was his gentle spirit, the amiableness of his temper and deportment, his warm attachment to the word of life and salvation, his anxiety to adorn the doctrine of God his Saviour in all things, his peculiar talent of conversation, his desire to improve present opportunities for the gloiy of God and the good of his fellow men, his affectionate regard for young people, and his skill in addressmg them so as to arrest their attention and eoncihate then- affection. If I add to this the calmness and composure, * Rev. Dr. Steinkopff. THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. 39 the serenity and cheerfulness of his well-regulated mind ; his delight in private communion with God, and in public acts of devotion; his self-abasement and contrition of soul, his disin- terested and steady friendship, his readiness to forgive injuries, his tenderness in judging of others, and the enlargement of his views, desires, and wishes for the good of mankind; I cannot but praise God for having blessed me with such a friend, and society in general with such an unwearied labourer in the cause and kingdom of our adorable Redeemer/' This truly devout and useful man, after a life of more than usual activity, gratefully remembered all the way which the Lord God had led him. He recalled with calm delight the results of his early labours ; and as the season of his departure approached, he cheerfully bowed to the Divine will in the midst of great bodily suffering. At that solemn moment, he desired his son to write to his old and valued friend, John Foster, and acquaint him " that his life was quivering in the socket." He heard with peculiar satisfaction the reply of that eminent man ; and when his son read the following words from his letter, " But oh ! my dear friend, whither is it that you are going? where is it that you will be in a few short weeks or days hence?" he lifted up his hands as if to give effect to the reply, "To heaven I am going — there to dwell with God and with Christ, and the spirits of just men made perfect." Into these hallowed scenes he en- tered on the 3rd of October, 1833. Tlic venerable David Bogue, of Gosport, was present at the formation of the Society, and at the special request of the Com- mittee prepared the tract. No. 1 on the Society^s list. He was born at Dowlan, in the parish of Coldingham, near Eyemouth, in Berwickshire, Februaiy 18, (o.s.) 1750. His father, Mr. John Bogue, was a man of respectability and moderate fortune. The son was trained up in the ways of God, and in early life became eminent in the knowledge of the Scriptures. He was educated in the Grammar School of Dunse, the birth-place of the cele- brated Duns Scotus. On leaving this school he went to the University of Edinburgh, where he mati-iculated in 17(52, and for nine years aftei'wards continued to prosecute his studies in Greek, Latin and Hebrew, mathematics, philosophy, and divinity, until he took his m.a. degree in March, 1771. He was afterwards licensed as a preacher in the Church of Scotland. 40 THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. Tn the summer of 1771, he proceeded from his native land to London. He became a tutor in a respectable school, and even- tually joined the Independents, and settled over the church at Gosport. ]\lr. Bogue possessed a truly catholic spirit, and acted on liberal principles at a period when a spirit of bigotry too generally pre- vailed. It was in the year 1789 that he became the tutor of an academy, formed at Gosport, for the education of young men for the Christian ministry. In 1794, Mr. afterwards Dr. Bogue, published his Address on missions, which was the precursor of the London Missionary Society. In the following year that society was formed, when the Doctor preached from Haggai i. 2. His biographer remarks on this event : — " The union of Christians of all denominations added beauty to the hallowed grandeur of the spectacle on this great occasion ; and it is stated, that when Dr. Bogue said, with that patriarchal dignity of language and appearance for which he was so much distinguished, ' We are called this evening to the funeral of bigotry, and I hope it will be buried so deep as never to rise again,' the vast assembly visibly manifested a thrill of electric sympathy with the preacher, and could scarcely refrain from one general burst of joy." " Such a scene," says Dr. Bennett, " per- haps was never beheld in our world; it afforded a glorious earnest of that nobler assembly, where we shall meet all the redeemed, and before the throne of the Lamb shall sing, ' Crown him, crown him. Lord of all !' " The ' Essay on the Inspiration of the New Testament' was published by Dr. Bogue soon after the formation of the Missionary Society. This work w^as eminently useful, and has not only been widely circulated, but it has been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A copy was in the possession of Napoleon Bonaparte at the time of his death, and several passages were marked by his pencil. It was sent to the ex-emperor by the Honourable the Dowager Lady Grey.* This copy of the essay, after Napoleon's death, was returned to Dr. Bogue, with some marginal notes in the fallen emperor's own handwriting. This work has long been pubHshed by the Society, and has been the means of leading many sceptics to embrace the truth as it is in Jesus. At the first anniversary of the Society, Dr. Bogue preached * ' Fathers and Founders of the London Missionary Society,' p. 100. THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. 41 on its behalf, on Sunday evening, May 18, 1800, at Dr. Hunter's cliapel in London AVall, when a liberal collection was made. His text was most appropriate to the occasion : " 0 send out thy light and thy truth." The introduction was novel and impressive. " You often think of heaven. You entertain high ideas of the happiness of the spirits of the just made perfect ; and your ideas never can exceed the reality. But did it ever occur to you that there is one privilege, and, consequently, one source of felicity, which saints on earth have over saints in heaven ; and that is, ' they may be the instruments of converting sinners to God ? ' Peculiar privileges are highly valued ; those which we enjoy over our superiors are usually cherished with singular affection. What men on earth possess above saints in heaven, should they not eagerly hold fast, and with no common zeal improve ? Does not the singularity of the case point out a quarter to which, with increased ardour, we should direct our efforts ? Some privileges we shall enjoy through all eternity; but here is one enclosed within the boundaries of a present life. It will be snatched from us by the hand of death, and never be restored. Does not this consideration loudly call on us to make the most diligent use of it while it is continued with us ? For a few years we may retain the privilege; and then it is lost for ever. To have to look. back on it with regret, and be compelled to say : ' I neglected to improve the golden opportunities, and now they are gone, never to retm'n ! ' will be but an unprofitable employment in a future state. Let present diligence and augmented zeal preclude the necessity of such bitter thoughts. But how shall the end be attained ? What means shall we employ for bringing sinners unto God ? Look to the appointment of Heaven ; for there is wisdom, and God's method is infinitely best. He has revealed it to us ; it is mentioned in the text. The grand instrument is Divine Truth ; and my aim in this discourse is, to recommend the diffusion of it to the utmost of your power." After lengthened services to promote the diffusion of the gospel, this able minister reached the day when he was to complete his holy work. He went to Brighton to assist at a missionary meet- ing. He ascended the pulpit to minister for the last time in the earthly sanctuary. He offered up the last prayer, which he closed with the following words, so striking, as coming from his lips at such a moment : " Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven : let all nations call the Saviour blessed, and 42 THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. the whole earth be filled with thy glory, Amen and Amen. The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended." On the 25th October, 1825, he was called to his rest, in his seventy-fifth year, his last words being, "I know in whom I have believed." The Rev. William Newman, D.D., was one of the founders of the Institution. He was born at Fern Tree Hill, in the parish of Enfield, Middlesex, on the 10th May, 1773. When he had just completed his tenth year, his heart received religious impres- sions, to which he afterwards looked back with thankfulness and joy. In reference to the means which produced these impres- sions, he remarked : ^' I went with my mother and several more friends to the ordination of the Rev. George Townsend, at Cheshunt, in Hertfordshire. I do not recollect that what I heard there was particularly blessed to my soul. The friends I refer to, coming home, stayed a little at my mother's to refresh themselves. Their conversation, as became Christians, was on the best things. One of them, Mr. Ray, speaking to another — ^for I was only a listener — -said : ' If a man's heart is not changed, he must be lost for ever.' That sentence I shall ever remember, and I hope with unfeigned gratitude to God, who graciously impressed it on my mind. I was deeply con- cei-ned, and began, for the first time, to ask God to give me a new heart; and, blessed be his name, he is the hearer and answerer of prayer." * During Dr. Newman's youthful days, he was a diligent student. He was placed with the Rev, John Ryland, formerly of North- ampton, who afterwards removed to Enfield, and became the proprietor of a respectable seminary there. He was led to feel the great importance of the Christian ministry, and after much preparatory private study, he became the pastor of the church at Old Ford, and was ordained on the 15th May, 1794. During eleven years Dr. Newman continued his attendance on the Committee, and zealously supported the objects of the Society, until other duties made his retirement from this labour of love indispensable. The pleasure which he experienced in the meetings of the Committee was strongly expressed and often referred to by him. In his diary, such reflections as these are frequently found :— " Pleasant meeting with the Committee of the Tract Society; large orders for the tracts; who can tell but * ' Memoir of the Rev. Dr. Newman, by George Pritcliard,' p. C. THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. 43 the salvation of thousands may be involved in the success of the Institution ? "* So, in reference to the happy anniversaries of the Society, he records : " Annual meeting of the Tract So- ciety ; veiy animating ; the infant has become a Samson, the little one has become a thousand. We had a thousand to breakfast at the City of London Tavern.^'-j- This excellent man was a frequent contributor to the Society's tracts. Among these may be mentioned : ^ Friendly Hints to Servants ; ' 'To a Youth at School ;' 'To the Afflicted ; ' ' Moderation in Food •' ' A Letter to a Young Lady at a Boarding-school;' 'Sin no Trifle;' 'To a Child;' 'A Letter to the INIother of a Family ;' ' A Letter on Marriage, addressed to Young Christians ;' ' The Histoiy of the English Bible ;' and ' On Drunkenness and Lewdness.' These tracts have been useful, and several of them have, at the present time, a large circulation. On one occasion Dr. New- man attended a meeting of the Tract Association at Stepney, where he heard from a speaker a striking fact, of the value of ' Sin no Trifle' to a soldier in a foreign land. The devoted writer was much afi"ected, and remarked : " I wrote that piece as an essay at school, and afterwards turned it into the tract form ; and now I have heard, after the lapse of many, years, that one of my earliest productions has been the means of good." No one gave the entire praise to God for all success more than Dr. NewTiian was disposed to do. In reference to another of the Doctor's tracts, an interesting fact has been stated. A pious tradesman in London was accus- tomed to put a tract into eveiy parcel of goods he sent out. He was kindly introduced by a friend to a new customer of rank. This friend, knowing the tradesman's practice, said to him : " No tract in the parcel, or you will give offence." The goods were packed, but they were delayed, the tradesman doubt- ing as to his duty. He resolved to keep up his invariable custom, and leave results with God. He, however, thought it right to render honour to whom honour was due. He went to the Depository of the Tract Society, and inquired if any tracts were printed on superior paper. lie found there was one only, and he took a copy. He was in haste, and never looked at the title, but, placing the silent messenger with the goods, they were despatched to the noble customer. The time for payment of * Lifo, p. in. t Ibicl, p. SfUi. 44 THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. the account an-ived, when a summons was received to call for the money. To his surprise he found her ladyship present, with her steward. The money was paid, the goods were approved, and the order renewed. Just when the man of business was retiring, her ladyship said : " There was a small tract found in the parcel ; why was that inclosed ?" The pious tradesman calmly replied : " It has always been my custom to put a small tract in each parcel of goods ; I hope I have given no offence to your ladyship." " Oh, no ! but sui-ely you could have found a more suitable one for me, who am approaching my seventieth year." " May I ask the title of the tract ?" said the anxious man of business. " To a Young Lady at a Boarding School." There was a mutual smile : the good man knew how the mistake had happened ; but merely replied : " I beg your ladyship's pardon — it was certainly not a very proper tract; but, by your permission, a more suitable one shall accompany the next order." In April, 1835, Dr. Newman had an attack of paralysis. He soon rallied, and then wrote in his diary : " My Saviour is say- ing, ' I have no need of thee ;' but I have need of Him, and shall have need for ever. Pack up, as Newton used to say, ready to sail away." Apoplexy svicceeded the first attack; and on the 22nd December his gentle spirit winged its way to ever- lasting joy, being then in his sixty-third year. The cause that was loved in life was not forgotten by the Doctor in his testamentary arrangements. He bequeathed a liberal portion of his residuary estate to the Institution, after his widow's death, which realised the sum of 720/. The Rev. Matthew Wilks was a founder of the Society, and for eight years an active member of the Committee. He was born at Gibraltar, in the year 1746, on St. Matthew's -day, which suggested his name. His father was an officer in the army. Matthew afterwards settled in England. Dr. Morrison, his biographer, referring to the year 1771, states: "His steps were providentially conducted to the town of West Broniwich, where the Rev. W. Percy was curate of the parish. This clergyman was once preaching in a private room, when young Matthew, hearing the sound of his voice, stationed himself under the window, out of mere curiosity. The word fell with ahnighty and resistless power on his spnit ; he was pricked to THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. 45 the heart, and began to cry earnestly : ' What shall I do to be saved ?^ "* jNIr. Wilks laboured with great success for more than half a century at the Ta])ernacle and Tottenham Court chapels. He was zealously connected with most of the early efforts to extend the Saviour's cause. In reference to the Religious Tract Society, his biographer states : — " It had his early, warm, and generous support. In its original constitution as a voluntary society, composed of Christians of various denominations, he cordially sympathised and greatly rejoiced. After its formation he re- mained with it a few years, and during that time assisted in the establishment of the British and Foreign Bible Society. When he saw the evangelical clergy and other friends come for- ward, he remarked to some of his friends : " Thank God, the ship is launched ; now let us retire ; let them take the helm, and let us content ourselves with filling the sails." Mr. Wilks departed this life on the 29th day of January, 1829, in his eighty-third year. There were several other friends who aided the Society at its formation, among whom may be mentioned the Rev. Dr. Waugh, the Rev. George Collison, and the Rev. W. F. Piatt ; and. Messrs. Cowie, Mills, and Gouger. They only continued a short time with the Society, the claims of other institutions preventing them from rendering it permanent aid. These, and the other founders, have long since ceased from their earthly labours ; but the Society they were the means of forming holds on in its course, sustained and blessed by Him who is " the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever." * ' Fathers and Founders of the London Missionary Society,' p. 445. CHAPTER VI. AN UNEXPECTED EVENT. THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. Circumstances which led to the formation of the Bible Society — Rev. T, Charles of Bala, and the child— His visit to the Religious Tract Society— Suggestion of Mr. Hughes the germ of the new Society — Issue of a circular letter by the Committee — Preparation of rules — Encouraging letter from Mr. Keisling of Nurenberg — Difficulties encountered and surmounted— Successful organization of the Society. In former times the Lord made known his will to his people in visions^ or spoke unto them in di-eams ; but in these latter days he guides them by his Holy Spirit^ and, by his provi- dential dispensations, leads them clearly to understand his mind. Soon after the establishment of the Tract Society, an event occurred which may be considered one of the great collateral benefits of its formation ; and the part taken by the Committee in furthering the noble object will justify the introduction of the subject as a deeply interesting episode in the history of the Society's operations. Several circumstances, apparently trivial in themselves, led to the formation of the British and Foreign Bible Society. In the year 1802, the Rev. Thomas Charles, of Bala, was walking in one of the streets in that town, when he met a child who attended his ministiy. He inquired if she could repeat the text from which he had preached on the preceding Sunday. Instead of giving a prompt reply, as she had been accustomed to do, she remained silent. " Can you not tell me the text, my little girl?" repeated Mr. Charles. The child wept, but was still sdent. At length she said : " The weather, sir, has been so bad that I could not get to read the Bible.'' This remark sui-prised the good man, and he exclaimed : " Could you not get to read the Bible ! how was that ?" The reason was soon ascertained : THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. 47 there was no copy to which she could gain access, either at her own home, or among her friends; and she was accustomed to travel eveiy week seven miles over the hills to a place where she could obtain a Welsh Bible, to read the chapter from which the minister took his text. . But during that week the cold and stormy weather had prevented her usual journey. Surely the word of the Lord was precious in those days to this lamb of the Saviour's fold. This incident made a deep impression on the benevolent mind of Mr. Charles, and increased the anxiety he had long felt to secure for the Welsh a good supply of the Scriptures in their own tongue. The next step which advanced the Bible cause is stated by his biographer. After noticing the failure of various attempts to obtain the Scriptures in Welsh, from the Christian Knowledge Society and other sources, " Mr. Charles, in December, 1802, took his annual journey to London, intending to lay certain plans for securing his object before several charitable friends, particularly the Committee of the Religious Tract Society, of which he was then a member. The subject was much on his mind ; and while awake in bed, as he told me himself, the idea of having a Bible Society established in London, on a similar basis to the Religious Tract Society, occurred to him. He was so cheered by the thought that he instantly arose, and went out to consult some friends on the subject." The tirst person he met was Mr. Tarn, who was then on the Committee of the Tract Society. They discussed the subject together for a considerable time. At the next meeting of the Society, held on Tuesday, the 7th December, 1802, Mr. Charles was introduced. On this occasion, the Rev. Matthew Wilks occupied the chair, and the following friends were present : — The Rev. Messrs. Steinkopff, Townsend, and Hughes ; also Messrs. Pellatt, Alers,* Mackenzie, Gouldsmith, Shrubsole, Preston, Freshiield, Reyner, Hamilton, Fowler, Shotter, and Tarn. Mr. Tarn, after the regular business of the Committee was finished, mentioned the particulars of his conversation with Mr. Charles, when the latter fully unfolded his plans, and urged assistance in the attainment of an object which had long occupied his mind. How deej)ly important was the hour devoted to this conversation ! Surely the Lord was in the midst of the little assembly, suggesting holy thoughts to his servants ! At the * Now W. Alers Hankcy, Esq. 48 THE IHUTISH AND FOREIGX BIBLE SOCIETY. moment when Mr. Charles was appeahng for the Bible for Wales, it oecuiTed to Mr. Hughes, " Surely a society might be formed for the purpose, and if for Wales, why not also for the empire and the Avorld 1" He mentioned to the friends that it appeared to him desirable to extend the plan suggested by Mr. Charles, so as to facilitate a general circulation of the Scriptures. In these views all present united, and instructed Mr. Hughes to make the following entry in the minute-book of the Tract Society : — " Mr. Cliarles of Bala, having introduced the subject, which had been previously mentioned by Mr. Tarn, of dispersing Bibles in "Wales, the Com- mittee resolved that it would be highly desirable to stir up the public mind to the dispersion of Bibles generally, and that a paper in a magazine to this effect may be singularly useful. The object* was deemed sufficiently connected with the object of the Society thus generally to appear on these minutes ; and the secretary, who suggested it, was accordingly desired to enter it." This minute is not very correctly expressed, though it gives a clear view of the result of the conference. In the early histoiy of our leading societies, the resolutions were entered on the minutes during the sittings of the committees, which frequently led to small inaccuracies of expression. Mr. Hughes was requested at this conference to prepare a circular-letter, inviting Christians of every name to unite in a society to send the word of God, without note or comment, all over the world. The origin of the Bible Society, as furnished by its eloquent historian, the Rev. John Owen, agrees very much with the state- ments which have been given. He notices the Committee of the Religious Tract Society as "a circle of friends who had met to transact a different business;" and in a note acknowledges the services they rendered "at the commencement of the noble effort, to spread scriptural truth throughout the world." It is due to the Society, however, fully to state the part its Committee took in this holy work. We have shown the dawn — let us now exhibit the progress of the cause. On Tuesday, the 21st December, 1802, the Tract Committee again met, when IMr. Thomas Pellatt presided. There were present, the Rev. Messrs. R. Hill, Townsend, Hughes, Anlezark, Charles, and Wilks ; and Messrs. Preston, Alers, Shrubsole, * That is, the circulation of the Bible throughout the world. THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. 49 Freshfieldj Reyner, Rogers, Gouldsmith, Tarn, Saddington, Mills, and Williams. The following entry on the minutes is in the writing of Mr. Pellatt : — " Mr. Secretary read a paper on the importance of forming a society for the distribution of Bibles in various languages. " Resolved — ' That a special meeting be holden next Tuesday, at eight o'clock, as preparatory to a general meeting to promote that end.' " At the appointed time the Committee met. Mr. Charles was in attendance. The following minute was the result : — " The object of the intended society was maturely considered, and deter- mined unanimously to be : ' To promote the circulation of the Holy Scriptures in foreign countries, and in those parts of the British dominions for which adequate provision is not yet made ; it being understood that no English translation of the Scriptures will be gratuitously circulated by the Society in Great Britain.' " The address by Mr. Hughes, explanatory of the object of the intended society, was adopted after careful revision; and Mr. Mills was requested to prepare the outline of a plan for its regulation. In January, 1803, it was arranged that Mr. Reyner should "correspond with some liberal individuals in different parts of the country on the subject of opening a subscription as the basis of the intended society." On the 1st of February, 1803, the rules of the society were finally settled. On the 8th of the same month, an important minute is recorded — " That the translation of the Scriptures, established by public authority, be the only one in the English language to be adopted by the society." At this meeting also it was proposed to apply to His Majesty George iii. for his patronage of the society ; but the design was afterwards aban- doned. The friends appear to have considered that a more suitable patron could not have been found, than the monarch who had expressed the pious wish, "that the day might soon come when every poor child in his kingdom should be taught to read the Bible." At this period the friends of the new cause were greatly en- couraged by a letter received from Mr. Kiesliiig, of Nurenberg, in Germany,* one of the earliest and most efficient correspondents of the Tract Society. He was a merchant, who annually travelled through sevei-al parts of Europe, in the prosecution of his business. In his letter he described in very affecting terms the great * His life is published by the Religious Tract Society. E 50 THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. difficulty under wliicli the poor laboured in procuring Bibles, and the eager desire manifested by persons of all ages to be supplied with the word of life. He lamented the inadequacy of his own means to satisfy their pressing wants, and expressed his hope that the friends of religion in England would afford him that aid, without which they must remain unreheved. This letter led the Committee, by the advice of Mr. Wilberforce, to adopt measures to ascertain the want of the Scriptures both at home and abroad. Dr. Steinkopff, who was about to visit the Con- tinent, was requested to obtain all the information he could on the subject. He subsequently presented an interesting and affecting statement, showing the great destitution of the people, both in Germany and Switzerland, of the sacred volume. At the fourth general meeting of the Tract Society, held at St. PauFs Coffee-house on the 12th of May, 1803, the contem- plated Bible Society was the great absorbing subject of the morn- ing. The secretary stated " that it was in the contemplation of some respectable friends to form an extensive plan for the dif- fusion of Bibles into the hands of such persons as are at present unable to procure them, and requested the members present to inquire, in their respective vicinities, as to the facility of procuring Bibles, and to communicate such information.^^ After this communication, several of the ministers addi-essed the meeting on the subject, and the following record is copied from the Society's minute-book : " The Bev. John Townsend, in a very impressive address, urged the necessity of a diligent attention to the want of Bibles both in this Island and on the Continent. " The Rev. Mr. Knight related an instance of a man who had travelled sixty miles over the snow in Nova Scotia to obtain a Bible, which he received with the deepest expression of gratitude. " The Rev. Mr. Bogue suggested the propriety of printing a Bible in the modern Greek language, should a society be formed for the noble purpose of extending the distribution of the Scrip- tures. " Several gentlemen stated the great want of Bibles in various parts of the country. " The Rev. Mr. Tracey mentioned that in the countries which had been under the power of infidehty, during the French Revo- lution, the Holy Scriptures had been generally destroyed in the THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. 51 conflagrations with other religious books, which had occasioned such a scarcity as cannot be possibly supplied by the Missionary Society/' Subsequently to this meeting, and during the remainder of the year 1803, various difficulties impeded the formation of the society, but a wise and prudent course on the part of its fi-iends gradually removed them. In January, 1804, a special meeting was held " for the purpose of promoting the Bible Society,^' when it was resolved, " That the title of the society should be ' The British and Foreign Bible Society,' agreeably to the suggestion of the Secretary, and that he be requested to prepare a circular letter on the subject," This circular was soon presented by Mr. Hughes to the Com- mittee, and approved by them. It was extensively circulated, and led many persons to consider the great object which had so long engaged the anxious attention of the Tract Committee. Among other results, Mr. Reyner reported "■ that from a conversation he had had with Robert Howard, Esq., he had reason to conclude that several respectable members of the Society called Quakers would attend the public meeting, and exert themselves on behalf of the excellent object." At length the happy period arrived when the prayers of many Christians were answered, and the preliminary and anxious labours of the Tract Committee were happily and successfully terminated On the 7th March, 1804, the British and Foreign Bible Society was fully established. On this occasion several members of the Tract Committee "explained the nature and design of the pro- jected society, demonstrated its necessity, and in a strain of good sense, temperate zeal, and perspicuous information, urged the importance of its immediate establishment." The historian of the Bible Society appears to have been deeply impressed by this meeting. He describes himself as having been " surrounded by a multitude of Christians, whose doctrinal and ritual differences had for ages kept them asunder, and who had been taught to regard each other with a sort of pious estrangement, or rather of consecrated hostility." He adds: "The scene was new; nothing analogous to it had perhaps been cxliibited before the public since Christians had begun to organize among each other the strife of separation, and to cany into their own camp that war which they ought to have waged in concert against the common enemy." To the author it appeared to indicate the E 2 52 TllK BRITISH AM) FURlOHiN bJBLK SOCIETY. dawn of a new era in Christendom, and to portend something like the return of those auspicious days, when "the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul ;" and when, as a consequence of that union, to a certain degree at least, the word of God mightily grew and prevailed * Among the elected committee were the following members of the Tract Society : Messrs. William Alers, Joseph Bunnell, Robert Cowie, Joseph Hardcastle, Thomas Hodson, Samuel Mills, Joseph lleyner, Robert Steven, and C. Sundius. The Rev. Joseph Hughes was one of the secretaries of the new institution. The auspicious commencement of the society was immediately communicated by Mr. Tarn to Mr. Charles. He wrote : — " The meeting consisted of about three hundred persons from different denominations of Christians, and there was nothing but harmony throughout. A subscription was opened, and 700/. obtained on the spot." He added : " We cannot, my dear brother, but rejoice together when we consider that this work had its beginning in a conversation we had one morning which will never be forgotten. Hence I was induced, at the next meeting of the Tract Society, to mention the scarcity of Bibles in Wales, and then it was the flame was kindled which now breaks out, and wdiich I hope will burn brighter and brighter till that day of universal knowledge comes, when w^e shall no more teach our brother, saying, ' Know the Lord ;' but all shall know him, from the least to the greatest. To the Lord be all the glory." It was no common privilege for the friends of the Tract Society to take a leading part in the work which has been thus described. The minutes which have been given are found in the Society's books, incorporated with its own benevolent transactions, and recorded by its official friends. It has ever possessed the kindest paternal feelings for the Bible Society, and now rejoices that so great have been its hallowed achievements, that 21,973,355 copies of the Scriptures, in whole or in part, have been dis- tributed in 162 languages and dialects. " Its line has gone out through all the earth, and its words to the end of the world." * 'Owen's History of the Bible Society,' vol. i. p. 44. CHAPTER VII. EARLY SUPPORTERS AND OTHER FRIENDS OF THE SOCIETY. Mr. Joseph Tarn— Mr. William Shrubsole— Mr. Thomas Pellatt— Mr. Hardcastle— Rev. John Townsend— Mr. William Alers Hankey— Mr. Robert Steven— Rev. John Camiibell- Mr. John Broadley Wilson— Mr. Samuel Hoare— Mr. John Gurney Hoare. The immediate successors of the Christian men who had the original management of the Institution are worthy of a brief and faithful record, because they were intimately connected with the origin of plans which have led to its growing prosperity and permanent establishment. In 1800, Mr. Joseph Tarn was chosen upon the Committee. His esteemed minister, the Rev. Thomas Lewis, of Islington, thus sketches his histoiy : — " Our friend, Mr. Tarn, w^as occasionally taken by his father, when about the age of fifteen, to hear the Rev. Rowland Hill preach in the fields; and under the discourses he then heard from that zealous, faithful, and useful minister of the gospel, it is believed that he received his first serious impressions. He was afterwards led to attend the ministry of the Rev. Richard Cecil, of St. John's, Bedford-row, and at Long Acre, where those impressions became more deep and permanent, issuing in the conversion of his soul unto God. About this time also — for the newly-enlightened and renewed are generally found availing themselves of eveiy opportunity of spiritual instraction and improvement — he occasionally attended the ministry of Mr. Romaine and Mr. Newton, both of whom he has often been heard to speak of in terms of great veneration and affection, as happily instrumental in leading him forward in his Christian course. And though he met with no small degree of opposition 54 THE EARLY SUPPORTERS AND OTHER when he first set out in earnest in the Divine life, he was mercifully preserved with his face Zionwards, and enabled to ^0 forward, Hooking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of his faith/ pursuing the even tenor of his way, through evil and through good i-eport/' Mr. Tarn had been previously active in the formation of the Evangelical Tract Society, which embraced somewhat similar objects; and which, chiefly through his means, was united to the Religious Tract Society. The Society is much indebted to Mr. Tarn for the admirable business principles upon which the Institution has been conducted, and to which, as a means, its present state of enlarged usefulness is owing. He watched with anxiety its varied operations for the diffusion of the gospel, and the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom at home and abroad. It was while he was engaged in these proceedings that Mr. Tarn became one of the honoured instruments in the formation of the Bible Society, the particulars of which have been fully detailed in another chapter.* Although the new society claimed and received his primary services as its assistant-secretary and ac- countant, he nevertheless continued for many years to attend the Committee meetings of the Tract Society, kept its minutes with great care, and devoted much time to its general interests. The private religious course of Mr. Tarn was such as became the gospel of Jesus Christ. One wxll writes : " His general character was marked by humility, integrity, and uprightness. He always acted from principle, and then left results with God." It pleased the Almighty Dispenser of events to summon his servant by repeated calls and a gradual decay : this gave oppor- tunity to show that his faith and love were firmly built upon the Rock of ages. As he approached the shores of eternity, he was able to look forward with calmness, and say : " I am dying in the faith and hope of the gospel." On the 9th of January, 1837, he finished his useful course. The Society is indebted to him for two tracts now on the catalogue. No. 43, ' On the Im- portance of Speaking Truth,' and No. 46, 'Dialogue between two Seamen.' About ten years before the death of Mr. Tarn, he had the pleasm-e to see his son occupy a seat in the Committee of the Society he had so long and devotedly served. During the last twenty years he has been officially connected with the Institu- * See Chapter VI. FRIENDS OF THE SOCIETY. t>5 tion, and has zealously and faithfully discharged the duties devohing upon him. The name of AVilliam Shrubsole is intimately connected with the early progress of the Society, He joined the Committee in 1800, and for eighteen years continued one of its active friends. He was born at Sheerness on the 21st of November, 1759, and was the eldest son of the Rev. WiUiam Shrubsole, a minister in that town. His first employment was in the Sheer- ness Dockyard; but in 1785 he removed to London, and was admitted a clerk in the Bank of England, in which he was raised to one of the most important departments. In early life he became decided for God, and was accustomed to commune at Blackfriars' Church, when the Rev. William Goode was rector. He was a man of catholic character. When he joined the Reli- gious Tract Society, there w^as some little difficulty in ascertain- ing whether he was a churchman or a dissenter. On this sub- ject his daughter remarks : " When elected on the first com- mittee of the Bible Society, he looked with some curiosity to see which party would appropriate him, and found his name enrolled among the members of the Church of England.'' During the last twenty years of his life he attended Hoxton Chapel, where he sat down at the table of the Lord. Mr. Shrubsole contributed to the Society's publications both in prose and verse ; but as his pieces were generally called forth by passing events, their interest was not of a permanent nature. He wrote an ' Elegy on the Death of Lord Nelson,' soon after the battle of Trafalgar; 'A Christmas Carol;' and several other pieces. After a long and useful life, Mr. Shrubsole was suddenly called to enter into rest. On Sunday, the 22nd of August, 1829, he was unwell, and remained from pubhc worship. The morning was spent in devotional reading. Soon after noon he was found stretched on the floor of his chamber, in a state of insensibility, from an attack of apoplexy; consciousness never returned, and early in the morning of the 23rd August, 1829, his spirit returned to God who gave it.* Mr. Thomas Pellatt joined the Society in 1801, and remained on the Committee, with few intervals, until his death. The * 'Fathers and Founders of the Missionary Society, by Dr. Morison,' p. 14G. 56 THE EARLY SUPPORTERS AND OTHER early labours of Mr. Pellatt were of great value. At the time that efforts were made for the benefit of foreign prisoners, detained in this country, he took an active part in the pre- paration of suitable tracts, and frequently formed one of a deputation to visit the depots in which the prisoners were confined. Although these labours occupied a considerable poi-tion of time, he considered them among the most in- teresting engagements of his life. On the Committee, the wisdom of his counsels was felt by those who were his coadjutoi-s. At times, when there were dif- ferences of opinion among its members, he would suggest such a medium course as was generally satisfactoiy to all parties. His chaste and ready wit, his judicious conduct, and his Christian forbearance, tended to maintain the peaceful spirit which has prevailed in the Society. His opinions on all scriptural sub- jects were lucid, and appeared to be gathered from the Re- formers and Puritans of by-gone days. Mr. Pellatt presided at the anniversary of the Society which preceded his death, and was present at a Committee meeting only two days before the attack which terminated his life. On the very day preceding he wrote to one of the officers of the Institution respecting an important measure then under con- sideration, promising " if health should be spared" to give it his attention. The summons reached him when engaged in prayer, and he suddenly finished his earthly course on the 18th day of December, 1829. Joseph Hardcastle, Esq., was elected on the Committee in 1800, and continued on it for fourteen years. He was born at Leeds, on the 7th December, 1752, and at the age of fom-teen came to London, and was placed with Mr. Nathaniel Hardcastle, his uncle. In his own language, uttered near the close of his mortal career, he observed, " The Lord gave me veiy early im- pressions of religion, and enabled me to devote myself to him; and this God is my God for ever and ever. I said to Him when a young man, 'Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory.^ " Mr. Hardcastle was a member of the chm-ch in Bury-street, St. Mary-A\e. No man was more distinguished by the large- ness of his heart, and his dislike of party spirit. He sought the company, and attended the ministry, of those excellent FRIENDS OK THE SOCIETY. 57 clergymen, who, like Mi*. Romaine, Mr. Newton, Dr. Conycrs, Mr. Foster, Mr. Bentley, and others, so faithfully preached the great doctrines of grace.* Among the means adopted by Mr. Hardcastle to bring to- gether, in fraternal intercourse, good men of all denominations, it was his custom to invite a large party of friends to dine and pass the day at Hatcham-house, on the Saturday of the mis- sionary week. " I have known," says Mr. Townsend, " this interesting group consist of the established clergy of England, Ireland, and Scotland, of all the various denominations of seceders, of Calnnistic and Wesleyan Methodists, of Independ- ents, Baptists, Mora^dans, etc. Nor did the variety of country or denomination in the least diminish the harmony or pleasure of the meeting ; for they had all come there in one character — that of friends to the poor heathen. The intellectual pleasure which the meeting afforded exceeded what I ever enjoyed in a social meeting elsewhere." In 1802 Mr. H. was enabled to carry out a plan he had long cherished — the preparation of suitable books for France. A re- mark in a letter to Dr. Bogue, " Perhaps it vvould be advisable to compose new works, adapted to the actual state of the people, rather than to re-publish old ones," led the Doctor to write his excellent 'Essay on the Inspiration of the New Testament.^ In 1814 the extension of the Society's objects compelled the Committee to give up the accommodation which they had long gi-atuitously received in Mr. Hardcastle's house of business. On this occasi(m, the Rev. Joseph Hughes, at the request of the Committee, expressed to him their sincere acknowledgments. In his letter he obseiTed : — " Well may grateful sentiments resound from all the nations of the earth, when it shall be told them, that the plan of the British and Foreign Bible Society was proposed, and advanced far towards its mature state, on your premises, and that its first meeting was held in compliance with an invitation, which among other signatures contained your own." Mr. Hardcastle's reply contains the following remarks : " That the gentlemen who compose the Committee of the Tract and other important Societies, should have found it convenient to discontinue the use of the rooms they have occupied, is felt by nic as a loss both of privilege and honour, to which I can only be reconciled by the hope that the interests * ' Fathers and Founders of tlio London Missionary Society,' p. 52. 58 THE EAKLY SUPPORTERS AND OTHER of those Institutions, and the convenience of those who conduct them, may be thereby promoted. If I receive the congratulations which your kindness offers with that doubt and hesitation which I feel I ought to do ; with how much greater propriety and justice may I return them to the Committee, whose labours have been so abundant and successful, and more especially, dear sir, to yourself, whose life is entirely engaged in the diffusion of divine light throughout the world, either from its great fountain— the Holy Scriptures, or from those pure though lesser luminaries, which partake of its rays, and contribute also to cheer and enliven this dark world ? " In the spring of 1815, while at family prayer, Mr. Hardcastle first sustained a slight stroke of paralysis, from which he soon recovered. He retired from his official connexion with the dif- ferent societies he had long supported, that he might calmly finish his earthly course. It was in the afternoon of the 1st November, 1817, that he went forth, for the last time, to take his accustomed walk amidst his pleasant grounds. On that evening the sun went down encanopied with clouds of gilded splendour ; and while he paused to survey the majestic scene, with his young- est daughter and infant grandson, it seemed as though his ardent thoughts glanced forward to the time when his sun too should set, to rise again in the cloudless skies of a brighter world. On the same evening, a few hours afterwards, while kneeling before the family altar, in the midst of that dear circle in which his affections had been centred, again the summons reached him, as if borne by a swift messenger from the mercy-seat before which he bowed, to tell him that the Master whom he loved no longer required his service upon earth. He was struck with paralysis, but not deprived of his recollection or speech. While his sons were raising him, with unruffled serenity he said : " I could not pass better than from the throne of grace to a throne of glory." He was spared till the 3rd of March, 1819, that faith and patience might have their perfect work, and then rested from all his labours, exchanging the garments of mortality for the glorious robes of Christ's everlasting righteousness.* In the year 1800, the Rev. John Townsend, of Bermondsey, joined the Committee. He was born in London, in March, 1757, and educated at Christ's Hospital. He became a devoted and useful minister ; was the early friend of missions, and the founder of the Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb. He remained on the Committee of the Tract Society several years. His biographer * ' Fathers and Founders of the London Missionary Society,' p. 127. FRIENDS OF THE SOCIETY. OU gives the following information in reference to his labours for its benefit : — " Mr. Townsend had no immediate share in the formation of the Society, but he soon fell into the ranks of its supporters, and was introduced into the Committee. He assisted in reading and preparing tracts for publication ; and several were written by himself, amongst which are the following : ' Scripture Extracts,' ' Parental Duties,' ' Filial Duties,' ' To the Aged,' ' On Late Attendance at Public Worship,' and ' Important Questions.' Various interesting anecdotes might be related connected with the above tracts, which have been translated into several of the European languages. Mr. Townsend has recorded his gratitude for the astonishing success of ' Scripture Extracts,' which has been ti'anslated into Bengalee, Hindoostanee, Sanscrit, and other languages." A beautiful incident in reference to Mr. Townsend is mentioned in the life of the Rev. John Campbell. " Finding him on Tues- day morning, shortly before his last illness, leaning on the balus- trade of the staircase that led to the Committee-room of the Tract Society, and scarcely able to breathe, I remarked : ' Mr. Townsend, is this you ? Why should you come in this state of body to our meetings ? You have now attended them for a long time, and you should leave the work to younger men.' " The reply of Mr. Townsend was worthy of his character. Look- ing at his friend, with a countenance brightened and elevated by the thought that was struggling for utterance, his words were, "0, Johnny, Johnny man, it is hard to give up working in the service of such a Master.^' Mr. Townsend finished a life of great usefulness in the valley of humility, on the 7th of February, 1826. In his dying hour there was no dependance upon past duties ; all hopes of salva- tion rested upon the atonement of his Saviour, and the immuta- bility of Divine love. He was overwhelmed with regret that he had done so little for God. When a minister reminded him that the promised crown was waiting for him, he exclaimed, " It is well for me that it is a blood-bought crown, or I could never expect to wear it." When the death of this holy servant of Christ was reported to the Committee, they remarked, in a resolution passed on the occa- sion, ^'that on his devotional spirit, on the soundness of his judgment, the simplicity of his manners, the suavity of his dis- position, and his exemplary zeal in the numerous departments of labour into which his ])iety and philanthropy conducted him, it were both easy and gratifying to expatiate ; but to speak more GO THE EARLY SUPPORTERS AND OTHER aj)propriatcly, in hiui the Committee welcomed one of their earliest friends, an acceptable contributor to their publications, for many years a member of their body ; and they feel persuaded, to the latest period of his life, an individual whose congratulations and ])rayers accompanied the progress of the Society in its opera- tions throughout the world." In 1801, a gentleman was added to the Committee, William Alers, now William Alers Hankey, Esq., who for eight years took a zealous part in the early proceedings of the Society. In his house the venerable John Townsend and other friends compiled 'The Scripture Extracts.^ It was a suitable tract for the times in which it appeared, when the Holy Scriptures had but a small circulation, particularly in foreign countries. This judi- cious statement of the doctrines of the gospel in the words of inspiration has done much good, by leading many to inquire for the whole of the sacred volume. Mr. Hankey rendered essential service to the Society when it began to publish tracts in foreign languages for the beneiit of prisoners who were confined in this country. These tracts were referred to him for careful revision, and he devoted much time to the object, after the hou.rs of business were over. This esteemed friend is still spared, and therefore little more can be said in reference to his official labours. He made one interesting and somewhat novel contribution to the Society's objects. He mastered Spanish, that he might be duly qualified to revise the tracts in that language for the press, so as to insure their freedom from error. Such an unexampled effort shows how entirely his heart was consecrated to the great objects of the Society, w^hen the time and mental labour necessaiy to acquire a language was presented as a cheerful ofiering to the Institution. In 1804 the Society was favoured with the services of Robert Steven, Esq., who for thirteen years rendered to it his efficient assistance. He was a man of business habits, and of strict in- tegrity of character. He wrote the tract, 'The Lost Sheep.' When the Bible Society was formed, he rendered it his zealous support ; but the London Hibernian Society was the object that secm-cd his primary and persevering labours. He loved and pitied Ireland, and devoted a large portion of time to its interests. FRIENDS OF THE SOCIETY. 61 He died in great peace in 1827, after a short illness, in his 73rd year. He left a bright example* for the imitation of pious laymen, who, no less than ministers, may extensively promote the cause of God and truth, both at home and abroad, by a similar application of their time and their talents. The Rev. John Campbell was identified with the Society from 1804 till his death. His early labours in the tract cause have been detailed in a former chapter.f He was born amidst the beautiful and romantic scenes in the Highlands, in March, 1766. His mind was directed to the Redeemer by domestic instructions. During the early labours of Mr. Campbell, and at tlie time when he was in correspondence with the Rev. John Newton, Rev. T. Scott the commentator, and other excellent men, he was pursuing the business of an ironmonger in the Grass Market, in Edinburgh. The time, however, came when he was anxious to devote himself to the great work of the ministry. On this subject Mr. Newton was consulted, when he sent the following- judicious advice : — " Whdst you have a secular calling, it is your duty to be active and accurate in it. Self likes to be employed in great matters — grace teaches us to do small things in a great spirit. Allien you are engaged in business in a right frame of mind, you are no less serving the Lord than when you are praying, exhorting, or hearing.^' Mr. Campbell studied for a short time under the Rev. Greville Ewing ; and after itinerating in Scotland, he settled at Kingsland, in 1803, which soon brought him into connexion with the Society. In various respects he was one of the most useful persons ever connected with the Committee. He had been for many years deeply impressed with the value of the tract cause, and brought the subject before his numerous and influential correspondents. He sometimes was the unseen link between the Society and devoted persons who subsequently became its zealous promoters. This was the case when two devoted young men, Messrs. Hen- derson and Paterson, were detained at Copenhagen, waiting the will of God as to their proceeding to India to make known the gospel to the heathen.;]: They corrcs])onded with Mr. Campbell during tlieir detention in that city ; and, among other results, * ' Evangelical Magazine,' June, 1827. + Chapter 5. * Soo Chapter XXIV. G2 THE EARLY SUPPORTERS AND OTHER they were brouglit by him into connexion with the Tract and Bible Societies, which, in a remarkable manner, led to the forma- tion of numerous institutions in Northern Europe for the spread of the Scriptures and religious publications. Mr. Campbell was an extensive contributor to the religious literature of our country, particularly for the young. One of his early works was ' The World Displayed,' which was very popular, and passed through many editions. In reference to this little work, Mr. Campbell stated, in advanced life : " About twenty-five years ago I had eight gospel ministers, and more than that number of ministers' wives, upon my list, who told me that their first serious impressions about religion arose from reading that book; and many more have told me the same thing since that time." He afterwards wrote ' Peter Patience,' ' Fanny Faithful,' ' David Pride,' ' The History of the Bible,' ' Visits to Souls in Prison/ ' Walks of Usefulness,' ' African Scenes,' etc. There are also several works on the Society's catalogue from Mr. Campbell's pen, among which are, ' Journal of Travels in South Africa,' ' Journey to Lattakoo,' ' Voyage to the Cape of Good Hope,' ' The African Drummer,' ' Africaner,' and the tract, ' To the Finder.' For a few years he edited ' The Youth's Magazine;' a periodical which has conveyed much valu- able information to the juvenile population of our country, and has liberally contributed from its funds to the benevolent opera- tions of the Tract Society. The latter years of Mr. Campbell's life were employed in active engagements in the cause of truth. He was much interested in the spiritual good of the young. He not only wrote for them, but his biographer states : " He always had his pockets full of little books for distribution whenever he met with children. He was not, however, an indiscriminate or lavish distributor; he required some account of the contents, as well as the names, of what he had last given to his greedy groups, whether within doors or without. The children laid their account with this. There can be no doubt that his labours for the young were greatly blessed. Indeed, he was accustomed to relate many interesting facts, shomng that this was the case."* It was a pleasing sight to witness the arrival of Mr. Campbell at the Committee-meeting in Paternoster-row, exactly at eight * ' Pliilip's Life of Campbell.' FRIENDS OF THE SOCIETY. 63 o'clock in the morning, after a long walk from Shacklewcll. His attendance was continued until a short period before his death. It was in the winter of 1839 and 1840 that he was missed from his favourite seat at the Committee-table. He assigned as the reason, that until the sun got up a little earlier in the morning, he was unable to leave home. Mr. Campbell continued his services to the Institution for thirty-six years, interrupted only by his journeys to South Africa for the London Missionary Society. By the zealous and con- scientious discharge of the duties which devolved upon him, his judicious counsels, his Christian spirit, and fervent prayers, he greatly promoted the objects of the Society. In the closing scenes of life Mr. Campbell was peaceful, though deeply humbled that he had not done more for Christ. " All I want,^' said he to Mr. Aveling, " is to feel my arm round the cross." " I told him, I dovibted not it was ; and asked if his heart was not there?" He smiled, and said " Yes." " I told him then that I believed his arm was, too, although a little benumbed with grasping hard." He smiled again, and then spoke of the wonderful love of God in saving sinners by such a sacrifice as that of His Son. When his friends witnessed the last scene, they exclaimed : " Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." He died April 4th, 1840, aged seventy-four years. As the early friends of the Society were removed from their useful engagements in connexion with the Society, others were raised up by the good providence of God. On the retirement of Mr. Reyner, he was succeeded by John Broadley Wilson, Esq., a gentleman of ardent piety, catholic spirit, and distin- guished liberality. He was elected to the office of Treasurer at the anniversary in May, 1827, and kindly and liberally fulfilled its duties for a period of eight years. During his official con- nexion with the Society, he warmly promoted its operations, both by his counsels and his pecuniary aid. No one rejoiced more than he did in its rapid prosperity, and equally so in the constant manifestations of the Divine blessing on its pro- ceedings. His great anxiety was to place on its catalogue the best works of the Reformers and the Puritan divines. He generously gave the Society the stereotype plates of many useful works, which remain as memorials of the soundness of his 04 THE EARLY SUrPORTERS A\D OTHER jiulgmcnt, and liis love for the solid and scriptural divinity of former times.* The donations for stereotyping these works amounted to up- wards of 1500/.; in addition to which he contributed most liberally to the general operations of the Society. These generous contributions to the Society's publications will long perpetuate the treasurer's usefulness. It may truly be said, " that by them he, being dead, yet speaketh/' and will continue to do so, in many parts of our land and its distant and extensive colonies. The course of Mr. Wilson through the world was quiet and xmobtrusive. In early life his means for doing good were limited; but then he had the commendation of the woman who brought the alabaster box of ointment to the Redeemer — " She hath done what she could." As his means increased, there was an enlarge- ment of generous effort, not only for the temporal necessities of the afflicted, but in devising liberal things for the general exten- sion of the Saviour's cause. It is difficult adequately to describe the value of Mr. Wilson's connexion with a public institution. He " was the city set on an hill, which cannot be hid." His light shone before men, not for the exaltation of the creature, but " that they might see his good works, and glorify his Father who was in heaven." In this imperfect state of being, the ex- ample of a leader is most important. Many look to him, rather than to the great object with which he stands connected ; and if he " withholds more than is meet," it tends greatly to the poverty of the cause. Mr. Wilson felt the importance of the posi- tion he occupied, and, by a noble consecration of his property, he exhibited a worthy example to all the friends of the Institution. The nature of his last illness, an attack of paralysis, prevented him from giving that full testimony to the supporting power of the gospel, which often cheers afflicted relatives in the prospect of separation. In his case no such testimony was necessary. His life was governed by the principles of the gospel, and was emi- nently distinguished by spirituality, simplicity, and devotedness.-j- He died on Monday, February 16th, 1835, in the seventy-first year of his age ; and by his testamentary arrangements, bequeathed to the Institution the reversion of 1000/. in the three per cent, consols. * See list of these works in Report for ISSii. t Thirty-sixth Report of Society. FRIENDS OF THE SOCIETY. 65 The vacant office was supplied, at tlie annual mcetinp; in 1835, by the election of Samuel Hoare, Esq., of Hampstead. He felt a constant interest in the concerns of the Society. After laying- the foundation-stone of its new warehouses, he stated that the first tract he received was presented to hirn at Messrs. Hardcastle and Reyner's counting-house, when, in early life, he called there on business. How deeply interested would the first treasurer have been in this little incident could he have known that the youth who had received the silent messenger of truth would in future years occupy a position similar to his own in the counsels of the Institution he so highly valued. INIr. Hoare suddenly departed this life on Saturday the 26th December, 184<6, after sustaining the duties of the office nearly eleven years. On this painful event being reported, the Committee and officers of the Society, by a resolution, sincerely sympathised with the family and friends of their departed treasurer, on his removal from scenes of honourable usefulness in this world to the rest which remaineth for the people of God. They acknowledged the great benefits which the Society had enjoyed from the services of their departed friend; the catholicity of his sentiments ex- pressed when presiding at its anniversaries ; his liberal contribu- tions to its funds ; his cheerful and prompt attention to all matters connected with his office ; and the influence of his name and example through his extensive connexions. In thus recording the removal of the Society's third treasurer, the Committee felt it their solemn duty to commend the Society to Him who alone could efficiently guide and prosper its future operations. On the death of Mr. Hoare, his son, John Gurney Hoare, Esq., of Lombard-street, was appointed the treasurer of the Institution, whose life, it is devoutly hoped, may be long spared for extensive usefulness ! The commencement of his official course has happened at an eventful period. Nations hitherto closed against the truth are gradually opening to its reception. It will require increased and persevering efforts on the part of the Institution to cultivate these new and extensive fields of labour. CHAPTER VIIL THE UNION OF CHRISTIANS ON THE COMMITTEE. REV. LEGH RICHMOND AND THE SOCIETY'S CLERICAL SECRETARIES. The Tract Society, a beautiful manifestation of the unity of Christians — The punctual attendance and devotion of the members of the Committee — The Anniversaries occasions of joyous excitement — Difterences of sentiment have not prevented harmony of operation — Accession of Rev. Legh Richmond to the Secretariat— Sketch of his previous career— The eminent services he rendered — Appointed chaplain to the Duke of Kent, to whom, and to the Duchess, he presented a set of the publications of the Society — Interview between Mr. Richmond and the Emperor Alexander, and its important influence upon the ope- rations in Russia— Letters to the Emperor and the Princess Metstchersky— Their replies- Mr. Richmond at the Anniversaries — His affliction and death— Rev. R. W. Sibthorp, and Rev. Robert Monro. In ancient times there was one song which must have been in sweet harmony with the feehngs of all the true followers of the Lord, — " Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity ! " This love of unity has charac- terised many of the true disciples of Christ, who have breathed the spirit of the adorable Redeemer when he prayed for his disciples, '' That they all may be one ; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us : that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." In no society has Christian harmony been more delightfully manifested than in the Religious Tract Society. It is a fact worthy of record, and deserves to be handed down to future generations, that during the first fifty years of the Society's history there has been one constant, uninterrupted flow of brotherly love and forbearance among its members, which have made its weekly meetings, and also its more public assemblies, " Like a little heaven below." The weekly meetings, which are always sanctified by prayer, THE UNION OF CHRTSTTANS ON THE COiM.MITTEB. 67 have been of a peculiarly interesting character. One of the early reports, when noticing- this subject, states : " United by grainl principles, they have felt no impediment from the peculiarities of their respective denominations, which they merge in the common object ; but have been delighted to find how truly in the weightiest matters of the law, they agree. At the close of their meetings they have generally parted with regret, conscious of zeal for the accomplishment of the great object of the Society, and the most cordial affection for each other." * Such have been the attractions of these meetings, and so conscientiously have the Committee attended to the trust reposed in them, that although they have been held at the early hour of eight in the morning, and most of the members have resided several miles from the Board-room, yet the business of the Institution has never been impeded for want of the needful attendance. Even through the darkest months of winter, and during the prevalence of storm and tempest, nearly every mem- ber has been seen round the friendly Board. It may also be stated that it would have been a circumstance calling for special remark, had the chairman taken his seat five minutes beyond the appointed hour : when the cathedral clock of St. Paul's is striking, he is generally summoned to occupy the chair, f There are several gentlemen, now Trustees of the Society, who have, for a long series of years, supported it by their pecuniaiy aid, and by almost unexampled personal dcvotedness to its interests. One of them, actively employed in the arduous duties of the medical profession, has for nearly thirty years been in constant attendance on the weekly meetings of the Board. He has generally been found among those friends against whose names the largest number of attendances has been marked, amounting sometimes to fifty in the year. His semces as a writer of some and a reader of other ]niblications, and in obtaining liberal assistance to the funds, will long endear his name to those who have been cognisant of his frequent self-denying labours. Another friend has for twenty-nine consecutive years taken his seat regularly at the Board. He has frequently been present ■* Thirteenth Annual Report. t By the sixth rule of the Society, only three of the ministers and six of the laymen of the Committee, who have most regularly attended, are eligible for re-election. It has frequently happened that the friends who have retired hy the operation of this rule have been present at forty meetings of the Conimittee in the year, besides attendances on Sub- committees. F 2 68 THE UNION OF CHRISTIANS ON THE COMMITTEE. at every weekly ineetin- in tlie year, in addition to an eqnally eonseientious attendance on tlie Snb-committees witli which he is connected. Although actively engaged in commercial pursuits, he has secured time for the efficient discharge of his disin- terested engagements, and has had many of his happiest hours in association with brethren confederated together for the advancement of the Saviour's glory in the world. His sound views of Christian truth, and his hrm maintenance of them, has rendered him a valuable friend of the Institution. For a long period he contributed 40/. annually to meet the personal expenses of Thomas Dakin, a Greenwich pensioner, who devoted for many years his entire attention to the distrilration of tracts among the most depraved portion of the population of London.* A gentleman, who has been on the Committee for twenty-two years, appeared specially raised up to exercise a careful watch- fulness over the Society's finances. Engaged in one of the large national establishments of our country, his mind had been directed to public accounts, and, therefore, he was prepared to render truly acceptable service to the Institution. He has been enabled, by his judicious counsels, efficiently to promote its interests, not only in its financial department, but in all matters connected with its home and foreign operations. It is also due to another friend, who was elected on the Committee in 1821, to record his seasonable and valuable services. For many years he was in constant attendance on the general, the finance, and copyright Committees. His practical knowledge of business enabled him to advance the Society's objects at a period when they required much care. Although now actively occupied with several kindred institutions, he feels an unabated interest in the affairs of the Tract Society. The only other friend who will be specially noticed, has, for more than twenty years, given to the Society his able and unremitted support. Although much occupied in his own professional duties, he has laboriously engaged in the examina- tion, and occasionally in the preparation, of various publications. He has been found among the most liberal contributors to various objects which have engaged the Society's attention. One important and successful efiFortf originated with him, namely, the circulation of 6000 copies of AVilberforce's ' Prac- * Sec Cliaptev XIV. t See page 201. THE UMOX OF CHIUSTIANS OX THE COMMITTEE. 69 tical View of Christianity' among members of the upper classes of society in the metropolis. These notices might be greatly enlarged; but they have been confined to those who have for more than twenty years dis- interestedly and perseveringly promoted the general interests of the Society. The vigilance of the Committee, and their affectionate and generous support of their business officers, has been one great source of the prosperity of the Institution.* At the weekly meetings of the Committee, Christians of various nations and sections of the orthodox Protestant church have frequently been present; and their mutual conmiunications have melted many minds into a oneness that may be felt, but cannot be fully described. The beautiful i)icture sketched by Mr. Richmond, in the Society's seventeenth report, has often been fully realised : "Although as individuals the Committee belonged to various denominations • of Christians, and both thought and worslripped accordingly, yet in the common principles of vital religion, in love for the souls of their fellow men, in a disposition to let every lesser consideration merge in the grand effort to promote evangelical piety throughout the world, they constituted but one denomination. In the prosecution of their earnest wishes to promote the temporal and spiritual welfare of mankind, they have often met together ' all with one accord in one place;' they have ' continued together in the apostles', doctrine and fellowship,' and their communion with one another has been sweet." The anniversaries of the Society have also been seasons of peculiar interest to its members, particularly when they were held early in the morning. They were anticipated with much delight by the supporters of the Institution ; and the veiy writers of its reports appear to have experienced the most pleasurable emotions when preparing the needful information for the as- sembled hosts. " The rapid and ceaseless evolutions of time," wrote the com- piler of the twenty-second report, " have again brought us to that season of the year which, on many accounts, has always been considered the most joyous and enlightening. The (;artli is covered with verdure, the beautiful freshness of which imparts to it an additional loveliness ; the animal tribes are awakened from the torpor of the winter months; the visible heavens have assumed their vernal lustre; and the native face of nature is clothed with gladness and exultation. ' The winter is past, the * Sec ' Apiiendix, No. ■!,' for a lit-t of the Cominitttcs and Ofliccrii froni tlie commcnee- Jiient of the Society. 70 THE UNION OF CHRISTIANS ON THE COMMITTEE. rain is over and gone, the flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing birds is come, and the voice of the tui-tle is heard in oui- land/ But to the Christian there is another reason why he hails with such emotions of gladness this de- lightful season. For many years he has been accustomed to meet the thousands of our British Israel, assembled to hear of the progress of ' pui-e and undefiled religion,' and to renew to each other and to God their mutual pledges of devotedness to the sacred cause of their divine Redeemer, The various reli- gious and benevolent societies, as if by common consent, have selected this season of the year to meet together in holy con- vocation, as though awakened to increased exertions by the renewed efforts of surrounding nature." These anniversary occasions were times of pleasui'able ex- citement to the aged and the young : it was animating to see the friends of the Institution pouring into the breakfast-room soon after five in the morning, and to witness the happy' countenances of those who having secured the hasty meal suddenly disappeared, bearing their seats up the lengthened staircases to the great hall of meeting. The seasons spent in that place were "as the days of heaven upon the earth;" they are still associated with the fondest recollections of many who sm'vive; and happier moments they do not expect to realise mitil they join " the general assembly and church of the first- born," and unite in the perfect services of " the spirits of the just made perfect." The harmony which has marked the public and private pro- ceedings of the Society has not been the result of a plan, so well prepared that no differences in carrying it out could arise; if so, the simple but sublime object of the British and Foreign Bible Society would have secured it from all painful misunder- standings. That noble Institution has been tossed upon the tempest of public opinion, but after passing through the storm, she is now on her course, with her sails unfurled, and filled with celestial gales, bearing the treasures of heaven to all the nations of the world. In the Religious Tract Society, although its objects were clearly stated in the early addresses of its founders, yet there were many subjects calculated to produce difference of sentiment among the most sincere and devoted Christians. In the Bible Society there was one clearly-defined object — the circidation of the THE UNION OF CHRISTIANS ON THE COMMITTEE. 71 Scriptui-es without note or comment ; but in the Religious Tract Society^ publications were issued in vast numbers, and on an almost endless variety of subjects; each tract and book comment- ing on the great truths of revelation, and yet there has been unity — so much so, that it has been found practicable to publish a commentaiy upon the Holy Scriptures, the works of the two great expounders of God^s truth, Matthew Henry and Thomas Scott, forming its basis. Such a work as this, prepared by Christians differing on minor points, furnishes a faithful illus- tration of the words of Baxter : " In things essential, unity ; in things non-essential, liberty ; in all things, charity." The union which has prevailed in the counsels of the Society has been secured by brotherly love and mutual Christian for- bearance among the Committee. To such an extent have these feeUngs been exercised, that visitors have frequently remarked that they could not distinguish between the churchmen and dissenters, when they were engaged in warm and animated dis- cussions. Let all the supporters of the Institution imite, with those to whom its management is committed, in fervent prayer, "that the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, long- suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith," may continue to abound in all its future counsels. The friends of the Society, in its early proceedings, firmly maintained the catholic principles on which it was based. On its early Committees were Christians of various sections of the Lord^s chui'ch. In 1802, the union with the friends of the establishment was effected ; and we find the Rev. John Eyre, of the Episcopal Chapel, Homerton, at the Board. In subsequent years, the Rev. W. L. Eancourt, the Rev. Thomas Webster, the Rev. WilHam Gm-ney, the Rev. John Wilcox, the Rev. William Goode, the Rev. Heniy Foster, the Rev. David Ruell, the Rev. William Mann, the Rev. H. G. Watkins, the Rev. Edward Bickersteth, the Rev. John Bull, the Rev. Isaac Saunders, and other devoted clergymen, engaged in the Society's management. These friends, and many well-known lay-churchmen, not for- getting the venerable Zachery Macauley, all cheerfully united with their nonconformist friends in " the work of faith" entrusted to the Society. It was in the year 1812, that an event happened which tended greatly to estabhsh the confidence of the episcopal friends of the Society in the true catholicity of its principles and 72 CLERICAL SECRETARIES. practice. It is thus noticed in the report for 1813: "With peculiar satisfaction the Committee announce the accession of the Rev. Legh Richmond, m.a., rector of Turvey, as an additional secretary. This information, they are confident, will be received with the most lively interest by all assembled at the anniversary, as exhibiting both a proof and a pledge of that complete co-operation, which, while it reflects so much credit on the several parties concerned, tends, with the blessing of Di\inc pro\ddence, at once to establish and enlarge our invalu- able Institution." Mr. Richmond was no stranger to the Society; he had long been one of its correspondents. So early as the 20th March, 1802, a letter was received from him, suggesting the propriety of publishing a selection from the Homilies of the Church of England. In 1810, he gave the Society permission to pu1)lisli ' The African Widow ;' in the following year ' The Dairyman's Daughter' and 'The Negro Servant;' and eventu- ally ' The Young Cottager ' appeared on the catalogue. The important position which Mr. Richmond held in the Society, and the influence he exercised for its benefit, renders it desirable that a brief detail of his history should be furnished to its friends, that it may be pennanently recorded in its annals. He was the son of Henry Richmond, Esq., m.d., who practised as a physician, first at liiverpool, and afterwards at Bath. Mr. Richmond was born at the former place on the 29th January, 1772. After the usual course of education, he was removed to Blandford in Dorsetshire, under the care and tuition of the Rev. Mr. Jones, vicar of Loders and curate of Blandford. He entered Trinity College, Cambridge, in August, 1789, was ordained deacon in June, 1797, and entered upon the curacies of Brading and Yaverland on the 24?th July. He was ordained priest in February, 1798. The way in which this interesting man was led to feel the value of spiritual religion is thus related by himself. Speaking of his son Wilberforee, he remarks :— " He was baptised by the name of Wilberforee in consequence of my personal friendship with that individual, whose name has long been, and e^-er will be, allied to all that is able, amiable, and truly Christian. That gentleman had already accepted the offer of sponsor to one of my daughters; but the subsequent birth of this boy afforded me the additional satisfaction of more familiarly associating his CLERICAL SECHETAHIES. 76 name with that of my family. But it was not the tie of ordinary friendship, nor the veneration which in common with multitudes I felt for the name of Wilberforce, which induced me to give that name to my child ; there had for many years past subsisted a tie between myself and that much-loved friend, of a higher and more sacred character than any other which earth can afford. I feel it to be a debt of gratitude, which I owe to God and to man, to take this affecting opportunity of stating, that to the unsought and miexpected introduction of Mr. Wilberforce's book on ' Practical Christianity,' I owe, through God's mercy, the first sacred impression which I ever received, as to the spiritual nature of the gospel system, the vital character of personal religion, the corruption of the human heart, and the way of salvation by Jesus Christ. As a young minister, recently ordained, and just entrusted with the charge of two parishes in the Isle of Wight, I had commenced my labours too much in the spirit of the world, and founded my public instructions on the erro- neous notions that prevailed amongst my academical and literary associates. The scriptural principles stated in the ' Practical View' cominced me of my error; led me to the study of the Scriptures with an earnestness to which I had hitherto been a stranger ; humbled my heart, and brought me to seek the love and blessing of that Saviour who alone can afford a peace which the world cannot give. Through the study of this book I was induced to examine the writings of the British and Foreign reformers. I saw the coincidence of their doctrines with those of the Scriptures, and those which the word of God taught me to be essential to the welfare of myself and my flock. I know too well what has passed within my heart, for now a long period of time, not to feel and to confess that to this in- cident I was indebted originally for those solid views of Chris- tianity on which I rest my hope for time and eternity. May I not then call the honoured author of that book my spiritual father? and if my spiritual father, therefore my best earthly friend ? " Many were the blessed results of this conversion to God* :Mr. Richmond became a faithful ambassador of Christ, and both from the pulpit and the press he pointed many sinners to the Lord Jesus Christ as the (mly and almighty Saviour. The appearance of Mr. Richmond's interesting tracts, ' The Daii-yman's Daughter ' and ' The Young Cottager,' natm-ally 74 CLERICAL SECRETARIES. directed the attention of the Society towards the writer. " Pub- lications like these/' remarks Mr. Grimshaw, "could not fail to attract the notice of such an institution ; and his well-known liberality, together with the high estimation in which his cha- racter was held, induced the Committee of that Society to make proposals to him of becoming one of their secretaries. At that time the Institution had no church representative, i. e., in the Secretariat, though the Committee was composed of persons of all denominations. The Secretaries were the Rev. Joseph Hughes and the Rev. Dr. SteinkopfF, well known from their connexion with the British and Foreign Bible Society. By the accession of Mr. Richmond, it was justly expected that the Society would derive increased wisdom in its counsels, and vigour and unity in its operations." The esteemed biographer adds: "He thought that under the sanction of a sufficient guarantee against the introduction of peculiarities, there was no just reason for his refusal of the office offered to him ; and that by his acceptance of the secretaryship he might even promote the interests of his own church, by preventing the circulation of tracts hostile to her opinions ; as well as advance the common cause of true religion. The required guarantee was given : Mr. Richmond accepted the proposal of the Tract Society; and from that period to the day of his death, he had no reason to complain that the engagement was violated in a single instance." * The guarantee alluded to consisted in a pledge, that the prac- tice of the Society should at all times coincide with its avowed principles. This was sufficient to satisfy Mr. Richmond, and the services he rendered were most seasonable to the cause. His name was a tower of strength. His residence in the country prevented his frequent attendance on the Committee ; but he was seldom absent from the anniversaries, where his presence always produced feelings of the most pure and lively joy* The union of Mr. Richmond with the Society induced many persons to examine with care its principles and practices. He had an extensive correspondence with clergymen and lay friends on these subjects, and his early letters show that, in these respects, the newly- appointed secretary had done excellent service to the cause. He frequently pressed on the Com- mittee his conviction, that with a clear statement of principles, and a committee formed of an , equal portion of chui'ch- * 'Life, by Rev. T. S. Grimshawe, a.m.,' p. 340. CLERICAL SECRETARIES. 75 men and dissenters, all difficulties must eventually be removed from tnily catholic and Christian brethren. Mr. Richmond's language was : — " A great many of the serious and friendly clergy intend the formation of aiLxiliary societies, when they are fully satisfied through mc on these points. Let it be thoroughly understood that no complaint has been made by them, no suspicion of departure from past principles entertained; but, in reply to opponents, they want a public document, to which, as churchmen, they can boldly appeal in full and unqualified justi- fication of their union with the Religious Tract Society." The views of Mr. Richmond had in substance always guided the Committee. It is true they had hot thought it necessary to have an exact proportion of churchmen and dissenters on the Committee. Tlieir views on this subject are given in their annual addi-ess in 1816 : — " As the Society is composed of mem- bers of the Church of England, and of dissenters of several deno- minations, the Committee have been assimilated to this leading and characteristic feature of the Institution ever since its estab- lishment; and this measure has been, attended with the utmost cordiality of operation, and been productive of the most pleasing effects. It may be added, that this principle of assimilation is preferable to any specific and determinate division of the Com- mittee, because it precludes any direct idea of opposition of character and interest; it admits of partial variations in circum- stances which may make it convenient to propose or to retain an individual, whether churchman or dissenter, whose talents and zeal may particularly benefit the Society; and it is thought to proceed upon a fair and just comparison between the members of the Society considered under these various denominations." Kind and Christian as these views were, and desirable as it must have been to retain the devoted labourer, for his works' sake, without any reference to the section of the church to which he belonged, yet, after further and mature consideration, it was thought better that the Committee should be composed of " an equal number of members of the Established Church, and of Protestant Dissenters" — a course which has ever since been pursued. Tliere were frequent communicatioiis with Mr. Richmond on the affairs of the Society, and particularly in reference to its annual report. In 1815, he was requested to write that docu- ment. He consented, examined the minute-books, and made con- 7G CLKllICAL SECKETARIES. siderable and judicious extracts. On tlie 24th of April he was compelled to write : " Truth needs no apology, though she is often grieved when she is compelled to make one. Just as I was beginning to prepare the report, my wife's illness, added to a severe one of my own, incapacitated me in mind and body fj-om proceeding. I therefore beg you instantly to communicate with Mr. Hughes, and tell him that he has the pen of a ready writer, and a heart to pray for a friend in difficulty." Although prevented on this occasion from meeting the wishes of the Committee, the report for 1816 was from his pen, and contains his views of the unity of feeling which had for so many years pervaded the minds and the operations of its counnittecs in the management of the Society's affairs. Soon after Mr. Richmond's union with the Religious Tract Society, he was appointed chaplain to his late Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, the father of Her present Majesty. In June, 1816, Mr. Richmond requested the Duke's acceptance of the Society's publications from the Committee. He received the following reply : ^' KensiiKjton Palace, June 7, 1816. " The Duke of Kent does himself the pleasure of acknowledging the Rev. Legh Richmond's favour of the 3rd instant, and begs to offer his best thanks, through Mr. liichmond, to the Committee of the Religious Tract Society for the set of their publications which accompanied it, and the receipt of which he was led to expect from a conversation he had some time since, at a public meeting, with his respected colleague, the Rev. Joseph Hughes. " Mr. Richmond will oblige the duke when next he meets the Committee, by expressing the satisfaction he derives from being possessed of such valuable works, rendered doubly so by the manner in wliich they have been presented, and the channel through which they have reached him." The gracious acceptance of these works led the Committee, in 1818, to present another set of them to Her Royal High- ness the Duchess of Kent, which were kindly acknoAvledged to Dr. Steinkopff, the Society's foreign secretary. " Komngtoii Palace, Sept. 6, 1818. ^ " Lieutenant-colonel Harvey has received the directions of the Duke of Kent, who has just set out for the continent, to acknowledge the Rev. C. F. A. Stciukopff's letter of the 4th instant; and to apprise him that his Royal Highness will place in the Duchess' hands, the moment she is competent to i-ead the English language, the handsome present destined for her by the Religious Tract Society, for which her Royal Highness also has already commissioned Lieutenant-colonel Harvey to convey her grateful thanks. To CLERICAL SECRETARIES. T^ this the Lieutenant-colonel has to add their Royal Hij^hncss's joint ac-knoM-- Icdgments of Dr. Stcinkopft^'s kind allusion to their recent union."* The usefulness of ]Mr. Kichmond's tracts created so great a demand for them, that it required many successive editions to satisfy the wants of the pubhc. Their circulation was so general that they found their way to the ]ialaces of kings, and entered the hut of the wandering Indian. During the visit of Alexander, the Emperor of Russia, to this country, in June, 1814, Mr. Richmond had the gratification of meeting him at Portsmouth. To this pleasing incident, and the results which follo\\ed, Mr. Grimshaw thus adverts : '• ;Mr. Richmund liad ascended a lofty tower in the dock-yard, and from its summit was viewing, through a telescope, the surrounding ohjects, when his Imperial Majesty and m\tc unexpectedly came to the spot. Mr. Richmond offered to -VA-ithdraw ; hut the Emperor would not consent, saying, ' Perhaps, sir, you are acquainted with the points of view hefore us ? ' ^Mr. Richmond assured him he well knew^ every spot in the neighbourhood ; and drawing out his telescope, directed the eye of the Emperor to the diffei-ent objects Avorthy of notice. After a long and interesting conversation with his Majes'y, before they separated, Mr. Richmond said, — ' I avail myself of this opportunity to thank your Lnperial Majesty, in my own name, and in that of all the friends of the Bible Society in England, for the distinguished patronage and support that your Majesty has shown to the same cause in Russia.' The Emperor obligingly replied, — ' Sir, my thanks are rather due to your country, and to the friends of the cause: for had it not been for your example, we should have had no Bible Society in Russia.' Some months after this interview, Mr. Richmond inclosed a copy of his tracts, with the following letter, to his Imperial Majesty : " May it please your Imperial Majesty, " An offer has been made to me, by the Rev. Mr. Paterson, of conveying a copy of the book which accompanies this letter to your Imperial Majesty, through the kindness and condescension of his Excellency the Prince Galitzin. " In presuming to take this liberty, I am influenced, not by the opinion which I myself entertain as to the value of the contents of the volumes, but by the firm persuasion which I hold, that the Christian sentiments which form the foundation of those simple narratives are dear to your Majesty's heart. '• Your ^Majesty's public conduct and avowed jjrinciples have tended to convince me, that neither the splendour of imperial dignity, nor the glory of military conquests, are, in your Majesty's estimation, comparable to the privileges and blessings which Ciiristianity alone can confer on those who live under the influence of the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. * In 1842 the Committee (lutifully presented cojiies of the Society's 'Commentary on the Holy Scriptures' to Her Majesty and tlie late lamented Queen Dowager, which were most graciously received. 78 CLERICAL SECRETARIES. " In the belief and hope that it is yonr Majesty's desire to promote the temporal and eternal interests of the people of Rnssia, by any instrument, however apparently small and unworthy, which God may sec good to bless, I submit this little volume to your Majesty's candid acceptance. " These short ' Annals of the Poor ' have been made very useful, through the mercy and power of God, to many in this country. England is now attached to Russia, not only by past political and friendly relations, but much more than ever, by your Majesty's dignified and condescending deport- ment, during your recent visit to this kingdom. May the King of kings, who is alike the Lord of Russia and of Britain, make use of even so feeble an instrument as this little volume, to convey some of the spiritual blessings which have attended its publication in Britain, to the utmost extent of your Majesty's dominions. " When your Majesty shall be pleased to receive this book, may the author of it be permitted to remind your Majesty that he is the same individual whom your Majesty saw at the summit of the lofty tower, in the dock-yard at Portsmouth, on Fiiday, the 24th of June last ; and who then had the unexpected honour of lending your Majesty the telescope with which your Majesty suri'eyed the surrounding prospect. The kind and condescend- ing manner in which your Majesty was pleased to notice an English stranger on that occasion, is recollected with the sincerest satisfaction and gratitude, whilst I now present this volume to your Majesty's notice. " Your Majesty will be pleased to allow me, as a minister of the gospel, to conclude by praying Almighty God, that his grace, peace, and mercy, may be abundantly poured down upon your Majesty, and upon the people of your extensive dominions, over whom he has given you the earthly sovereignty ! " May the gospel of the blessed Jesus prosper amongst the subjects of all the Russias ; and that it may be your Majesty's chief crown of rejoicing, in the great day of his appearance, is the supplication of " Your Imperial Majesty's % " Most obedient and unworthy servant, " Legh Richmond." The following reply was received from his Imperial Majesty, accompanied with a ring of considerable value : " St. Petershurgh, Jan. 14, 1817. " Reverend Sir, — The copy of your book, entitled ' Annals of the Poor,' was, according to your desire, presented to his Imperial Majesty the Emperor Alexander, by me, together with your letter ; and accepted by his Majesty with the greatest satisfaction. The object of this volume, the promotion of Christian charity and truly religious sentiments, renders it most interesting and valuable in the eyes of the Emperor, who desires nothing so much as to see the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ our Saviour more and more universal in his dominions, and in the Avhole world. " On tliis occasion, his Imperial Majesty recollected also having made your acquaintance in Portsmouth, under the circumstances you describe in your letter. CLERICAL SECRETARIES. 79 " In consequence of all this, his Majesty ordered me to deposit your book in the library of the Imperial Humane Society, and to send the ring which accompanies this letter, as a mark of his true esteem for you, and high approbation of your work. " It is very agreeable to me, in thus fulfilling the order of my sovereign, to assure you of the sincere esteem with which I have the honour to be " Your most obedient servant, " Prince Alexander Galitzin." Mr. Richmond also presented a copy of his ' Young Cot- tager' to Princess Sophia Metstchersky, who first translated the tract of the ' Dairyman's Daughter ' into the Russian language, and he received from her Highness the following answer : " Reverend Sir, — I have been hesitating for some days if I shoukl stop to answer you till Mr. Pinkerton would be here, in hope that he would help me to express my gratitude for your kind letter and valuable present, in proper time ; but I am afraid it will be too long, and you will perhaps suppose me indift'erent and ungrateful, so I venture to send you my bad English without correction. " Remember, dear sir, that I am but a scholar ; a very new one, and quite unfit to correspond with such a man as you ; though my soul is capable of loving you as a brother and friend in Christ Jesus, and of admiring you as a chosen servant of his, a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for the Master's use, and for the edification and comfort of his children. Yes, sir, I hope I am united to you in one body and soul, which is Christ Jesus the Saviour ; and I say, with ' Little Jane,' that I am happy to be even the smallest and lowest of all his members. How much I delighted in reading this narrative ; how wonderful the grace of our Lord ! how happy the country where children are brought up in the fear of God, and taught so young, to love and serve the Saviour ! what an eminent Christian — so young a child ! But this is neither to be taught nor learnt. He alone can give it. Mho is love itself, and who purchased us to himself by shedding his precious blood for us. Oh, sir ! you do not know, perhaps, to what an unworthy being you wrote. I have passed all my life in the ignorance of Him who died for me, without love to Him who loved me first, and sought me out, when I hastened to my ruin in a life of enmity to my God. He sought me out, and mercifully sent his servant Pinkerton to open my eyes and my ears by the power of His word, so that I plainly see now what a sinful, wicked creature I am: what a gracious mei-ciful God to offend! and how kind, and always ready and willing to receive us, our Saviour Jesus Christ is, and always will be ! How good he was to me, sending such a meek, patient, loving soul, as the worthy Mr. Pinkerton proved to be during his living in my family. What a life of disgust it must have been to a man of his distinguished merit, to bear with the caprices and wickedness of a spoiled, ignorant, and proud woman : but ' chai-ity sceketh not her own ; is not easily provoked ; bcareth all things ; hopeth all things ; endureth all things : charity never faileth ; ' I have had an evident proof of it in my dear friend and instructor. But I must stop, and ask to be forgiven for having written so much : my heart opens at 80 CLERICAL SECRETARIES. the voice of a friend, and then I speak out of the fulness of it. Excuse me, then, sir, for intruding so much upon your time. Pray for me, that I may come in faith and grace to the happy day, in which I shall be enabled to join with you in joyful hallelujahs and eternal praises of our heavenly Father and Divine Saviour. Oh, may his peace always be with you ! Receive with indulgence, dear sir, my hearty thanks ; and in the assurance of the sincere esteem and high regard with which I am " Your much obliged and obedient, " P. SoriiiA Metstoiiersky." In tlie account of the Society's operations in Russia, it Avill be seen that one fact was not noticed in the humble letter of the Princess, namely, that 'The Dairyman's Daughter/ read by Mr. Pinkerton in her family, was one of the means that led to her happy decision of character. The incidents here mentioned are simple in themselves, but they eventually led to important results. This interview with the Emperor, and the subsequent presentation of tracts to him and his illustrious cousin, prepared the way for enlarged efforts in the Russian dominions. At the anniversaries of the Society, Mr. Richmond appeared to great advantage, and produced the most hap])y impressions upon the assembled friends. His presence was always hailed with loud acclamations. "By his fine imagination," remarks the Rev. Edward Bickersteth, " his devotional spirit, his full and copious flow of expression, and his rich exhibition of the good tidings of redeeming grace, he interested, in a very uncommon degree, the large assemblies he was accustomed to address. Some of his most extemporaneous addresses had a beauty of conception and a glow of feeling quite irresistible." A few extracts will be given from his delightful addi-ess at the Society's anniversary in 1811, when its friends met at the London Tavern to breakfast, at six in the morning. On moving the adoption of the report, he remarked : " I trust, Mr. Chairman, I shall not infringe upon the peculiar privilege of the pulpit when I say, my brethren. I think that great satisfaction has been kindled in your hearts by the report which has been read. The objects of this Society are simple— they are grand. The distribution of religious tracts may appear to the ignorant, the uninformed, or the prejudiced, a matter of slight and unimportant moment ; but what we have seen and heard this day is a demonstration, a manifest demonstration, that a religious tract is an engine of gigantic importance. It has been supposed by those who never tried the experiment, that the smallness of a tract is itself an argument that it could ,lo but little good : when the physician or the ai.otliccary tliinks it CLERICAL SECRETARIES. 81 right to give us a stronger medicine than ordinarj-, it is generally given in the form of a diminutive pill, and sometimes he gilds it to make it more palatable. Now our pills are not gilded, because they are altogether fine gold. We are told that when a company of grenadiers storm a town or a port, they carry with them a weapon known by the name of a hand-grenade, which kindles, burns, bursts, and destroys life. We are a company of grenadiers, but we carry in our hands grenades of a better character and composition. We, indeed, scatter them, hoping thereby to destroy the strong- holds of Satan. We throw them into the ranks of the enemy, not to destroy life — oh ! no, but to save it. Our volumes indeed are small : if we cannot compare them to the sun and the moon of the firmament, we may compare them to the stars, the planets, and the comets. Like them, our tracts have the Sun of righteousness for their centre, and always continue their circula- tion within his attraction. We know that our little agents turn many to righteousness, who will shine as the stars for ever and ever." Mr. Richmond then noticed the special duty resting upon Christians who had been benefited by the reading of religious works to give them circulation, and delicately referred to his own history on the point : — " There are some friends whom it has pleased God to awaken, in a very short space of time, by the reading of a portion of a book, and they were brought in deep humiliation to adore the God they had long neglected. Such should all declare what God has wrought, and if they are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, they will. At a meeting of the Bible Society, I felt myself constrained and dra^vn by a powerful influence I knew not how to " resist, to declare before that society that such, through God's mercy, had been my case. I therefore ought to recommend the reading and distribution of tracts as a means of grace, which has been blessed of God to many. Has it been deemed an important object, worthy of social and national concern, to go to heathen countries, and from thence to bring the bread-fruit tree and transplant it into our own country for the benefit of the body? Let us return this blessing with interest, — let the people have our bread fruit, that is, our tracts." The following simple but beautiful remarks on Christian imion and brotherly love will be read with much interest : — " It is a matter of general rejoicing that this is a day of societies, not merely for individual and independent exertion in promoting the glory of God, the salvation of sinners, and the increase of the Mediator's kingdom, but also for societies formed upon the principle of mutual co-operation, which of all others, I think, call down the blessing of God, through the merits of Jesus. I rejoice that I am now present at a society of this kind. We have too long been like merchants residing in the same city, but each trading on his own bottom. We have become in this Society a united company of merchants, not merely trading to the East Indies, but to every part of the enlightened and unenlightened universe. Forgive me, if I suggest that our minds are not sufficiently impressed either with the beauty or the duty of 82 CLERICAL SECRETARIES. this union. Wc are gradually learning the lesson, but we are yonng scholars in this important branch of the school of Christ. If I may be permitted to use such an expression, with the greatest love and affection to my brethren of the Independent denomination, I would say, we have all been too long independent ; we are now called Episcopalians, Independents, Baptists, Pres- byterians, Friends ; but we want a new name, and ' The Company of the United Ones ' will not disgrace us. I believe, ray brethren, that we see the dawn of the latter day approaching ; there will be some change of principle or conduct among us, not as it respects the walk of a believer to glory, but as to their united walk on the road. I therefore desire to impress it upon all our minds, that we strive to walk together, and continually pray for an increase of brotherly love. We read of it in the Bible ; we say something about it in our sermons ; let us remember that solitary trees are liable to a thousand dangers from wind and storm and thunder and lightning, which trees growing together in a wood are not exposed to. We know the fable of the old man and his sons ; the single sticks were easily broken, but when presented in a united form, the fagot was invincible." There were seasons when the pressure of engagements and domestic trials prevented the Society from enjoying the presence of their clerical secretaiy at its anniversaries. These disap- pointments were frequently the means of eliciting from him letters that glowed with those Christian feelings which were the charm of his public addresses. On the 7th of May, 1825, he wrote as follows : — " I can truly say that it will be a great disappointment to me not to join the anniversary meeting of the Tract Society on Friday next. I ever attend it with joy and gratitude : my recollections of the past are lively, and, so far as I dare to anticipate any earthly comfort, my anticipations of future meetings with you are lively also. My affections towards every object con- nected with the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom of grace are strengthened by many deep exercises of heart, allied to the sickness and death of a dear son, who was lately translated to the kingdom of glory.* I know the members of the Committee too well not to feel an assurance of their sympathy both with my grief and my joy. They will kindly and spiritually enter into the nature of those peculiar experiences of the soul, which present time and eternity, grace and nature, the past and the future, in one affecting combination. Parochial and domestic circumstances require my presence here, and I deny myself my wonted anniversary pleasures in London during these first weeks of May. In the course of the past year, several interesting cases of the marked usefulness of your tracts have been made known to me. The Lord of the great spiritual harvest is the Lord of the Religious Tract Society. He blesses your endeavours for the salvation of man. The efficacy of his Son's blood gives energy to the truths which your pages circulate. The diversified operations of his Spirit are daily un- folded in the simple but affecting annals of your numerous converts. May God multiply them a hundred-fold ! " * His son, Wilberfoice, died January ICtli, 1825. CLERICAL SECRETARIES. 83 The fond but guarded anticipations of this letter were never reahzed. A succession of heavy trials bowed down this devoted labourer in his way. He never appeared to recover from the shock occasioned by the death of his son Wilberforce. Only two days before the call to his reward he received a letter mentioning the conversion of two persons, one of them a clergyman, by the perusal of his tract, ' The Dairyman's Daughter.' " AHien the letter was given to him/' remarks his daughter, "he seemed too feeble to open it himself, and requested his son Henry to read it to him. The contents deeply affected him. He raised himself in the chair, lifted up his hand, and then let it fall down again; while he repeatedly shook his head. His manner spoke the greatest humility, as if he would say, ' How unworthy of such honour ! ' For a few moments it seemed to administer a cordial to his fainting spirit, and led our minds, in reference to our dear father, to contem- plate the near fulfilment of that ]n-omise, ' They that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars for ever and ever.' " He died on Tuesday, the 8th of May, 1827. The first intimation of this afflictive event was communicated to the Society on the 11th of May, when assembled at its twenty- eighth anniversaiy. All present were deeply affected, and with most chastened and subdued feelings passed the following reso- lution : — " Tliat the friends of the Society now present have heard with deep emotion, that since their assemhling, intelligence has arrived announcing the decease of the Rev. Legh Richmond, m.a., who for many years has sustained, with distinguished fidelity and assiduity, the office of one of the secretaries to this Institution. That while they mourn his loss, they desire to record their gratitude to the Father of mercies and the God of all grace for his abundant usefulness; and they recommend to the Com- mittee to consider of a proper person to fill the vacancy occasioned by his removal, trusting that He who has so eminently blessed the exertions of the Society will aid them in the choice of a successor to • the late lamented Secretary." Thus terminated the Society's connexion with its first clerical secretary, after more than fourteen years' useful and devoted labours. His works have endeared him to thousands, while his Christian spirit strongly united him to those who enjoyed the privilege of his personal friendship. The successor in office to Mr. llichmond was the Rev. 81 CLERICAL SECRETARIES. Richard Waldo Sibthorp, b.d., Fellow of Magdalen Col- lege, Oxford. His acceptance of the office gave sincere satisfac- tion to the Society's numerous friends, many of whom had been familiar with his clear and faithful exhibitions of divine truth. During the summer of 1828, Mr. Sibthorp endeavoured to re-organize several of the continental societies, and by personal conference with Christian pastors to extend the influence of the Institution. He formed a new society at Leipzig. He also visited Berlin, Nurenberg, and other towns, met various com- mittees, and revived the zeal that had long languished. Mr. Sibthorp continued for several years a disinterested sup- porter of the Society, contributed liberally to its funds, and advocated its claims both from the pulpit and the platform. In 1837, he retired from the office, which he had held for nine years, when the Committee in their report acknowledged them- selves under great obligations to him for the efficient services he had rendered, and trusted that the Divine blessing would rest on all his eff'orts to promote the glory of God and the welfare of immortal souls. On the retirement of Mr. Sibthorp, the Rev. Robert Monro, M.A., chaplain of Bridewell Hospital, acceded to the unanimous wishes of the Committee to become the clerical seci'ctary. Mr. Monro, in his letter complying with the invitation, ex- pressed his desire, "that the conductors of the Institution might ever act together in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ; respecting, but not obtruding, the points on which they differ; and setting forth in all their scriptural efficiency the great essentials of the everlasting gospel, on which they are so happily and so firmly agreed." CHAPTER IX. LABOURERS IN THE FOREIGN FIELD. The Rev. Dr. Sfeinkopff appointed Foreign Secretary— Formation of associations on the Continent— Relinquishment of his official conne.xion with the Society — Rev. Dr. Paterson ; his services In Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Finland, Norway, and Berlin— Rev. Dr. Henderson's labours In the north of Europe ; and his appointment as one of the Secretaries of the Society— Rev. Dr. Pinkerton's foreign labours— Rev. Peter Treschow — Rev. Charles Scholl. The account of the Society's friends cannot be completed with- out a brief but grateful reference to four individuals, who were connected with the origin of the leading tract societies on the European continent, and who for many years watched over them with paternal care and Christian disinterestedness. The refer- ence now made is to the Eev. Dr. Steinkopff, the Rev. Dr. Paterson, the Rev. Dr. Henderson, and the Rev. Dr. Pinkerton. The Rev. Dr. Steinkopff took a lively interest in the proceed- ings of the Society soon after his settlement in London. On the 5th of Janviary, 1802, his name appears for the first time on the minutes as a visitor, when the thanks of the Committee were presented to him for the kind services he had i-endered in the translation of foreign letters. He was present with the Committee on the 7th of December, in the same year, when the interview took place with Mr. Charles of Bala, which eventually led to the formation of the British and Foreign Bilile Society. In 1803, serious indisposition rendered it necessaiy for the Doctor to return to his native land. On this occasion the Committee presented him with two copies of the works of the Society, " as a small testimony of their affection," and requested him to correspond with them as often as opportunities occurred. The wishes of the Committee were kindly regai'ded by Dr. Steinkopff; and he pointed out, as they occurred, openings for 8G LABOURERS IN THE FOREIGN FIELD. tlie Society's operations. He was permitted to return to England with restored health, when he renewed his personal intercourse with the Committee. At the Society's anniversaiy, in 1808, Dr. SteinkopfF was appointed its Foreign Secretary, and became officially associated with the Rev. Joseph Hughes in the proceedings of the Insti- tution. In this character he was able to promote the Society's cause on the Continent, when engaged in other important objects. In 1812, the Committee, anxious to avail themselves of every opportunity for extending the benevolent views of the Society in foreign parts, placed the sum of 200/. at the dis- posal of the Foreign Secretary, to be used according to the best of his judgment, as circumstances might render advisable, during a lengthened tour in Europe. This grant was appropriated to societies at Nurenberg, Stutgardt, Frankfort, Basle, and Zurich. In these places, associations were formed for the translation and printing of useful tracts. Nor were the grants confined to Protestant so- cieties. In several provinces of Germany, Dr. SteinkopfF met with Catholic clergymen of enlightened views and truly exem- plary lives, who were anxious for tracts written in an evangelical style. It afforded him great pleasure to enable some of these excellent men largely to distribute such tracts as, in unison with their Protestant friends, they thought best calculated to instruct, enlighten, improve, and comfort their minds. The letters of Dr. Steinkopff from the Continent were full of interesting facts, which are incorporated in the detail of the Society's foreign operations. The Committee, encouraged by the results of his tour, placed with him, in 1815, another grant of 290/. for the encouragement of friends disposed to form associations for the dispersion of evangelical publications. This sum enabled Dr. Steinkopff to assist eleven continental societies already formed, to make grants to friends at Zeist, Cleves, Cologne, Koenigsfeld, St. Gall, and Schaffhausen, on the forma- tion of new societies, and to assist benevolent individuals at Hildershiem, Brunswick, and Munich. His fellow-labourer at the latter place was the Bev. John Gossner, whose work on ' Prmntive Catholicism ' has been extensively issued by the Society in many parts of the Continent. The kind services of Dr. Steinkopff were the means of exten- sive good. He continued them untd 1820, when he found it LABOURERS IN THE FOREIGN FIELD. 87 necessary to relinquish bis office as Foreign Secretary, the in- creasing importance of his avocations in connexion with the Bible Society having rendered him unable to continue his assist- ance regularly to the Institution. Since that time, however, he has been its constant friend. He has promoted its objects as far as practicable, and has been a frequent attendant at its anniversaries. The remark of the Committee on the retirement of their friend from his official connexion with them may be here repeated : — " The name of Dr. Steinkopff cannot require any eulogium : your cause is still, and will ever remain, dear to him; and, as far as he is able, he will continue his advice and counsels; and his prayers will never be wanting for a con- tinuance of the Divine blessing upon your labours.'' The Rev. Dr. Paterson has been one of the principal instru- ments, in association with Dr. Henderson and Dr. Pinkerton, of originating the tract societies in the north of Europe. The particulars connected with his first movements in Iceland will be given under the head of ' Foreign Operations.' This was in the year 1806. He afterwards promoted the Society's objects in Denmark, until the war with that country compelled him to retire to Sweden. This movement, in the providence of God, enabled him to excite attention to the publication and circulation of tracts, and led eventually to the formation of the Stockholm Evangelical Society. In 1815, the Society placed mth Dr. Paterson a grant of 150/., to promote the circulation of tracts in Poland and the vast regions of the north. One of the happy results of this grant was the advancement of the tract cause in Russia, and the cir- culation of several thousands of tracts in Dorpatia, which were eagerly sought after and read with attention. In 1817, the Society's devoted friend visited Finland, and was enabled with its grants to originate agencies which led to an extensive circu- lation of evangelical publications. The correspondence and labour connected with the efforts now briefly narrated occupied a large portion of time ; the satisfaction, however, of Dr. Paterson was great, when he found that in the leading capitals of northern Europe, religious truth had been diffused to a great extent. A few years after the completion of the works of faith already noticed. Dr. Paterson was in Noi-way promoting the great primary 88 LABOURERS IN THE FOREIGN FIELD. object of his life, the distribution of the word of God. Here, however, he did not forget the humbler design of the Tract Society. He brought before its Committee the necessitous con- dition of the country, and the willingness of a few pious people to form societies for the publication and circulation of religious works. The grants he was enabled to convey to several Christian friends led to the formation of associations at Christiania, Dron- theim, Bergen, Stavanger, and Christiansand, which continue to this day. In 1835, Dr. Paterson was at Berlin, and by his counsels and exertions, revived the society in that city. He fui'nished to the parent Institution full particulars of its local operations, and strongly appealed for help, midertaking personally to examine the tracts he recommended for publication. This appeal led the society to make liberal grants for Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Bohemia. The letters of Dr. Paterson, in the appendices of the Society's reports, evidence the deep and untiring interest he felt in its foreign operations. Nor has his zeal in the cause abated since his return to his native land, after long and anxious labours ; but on several occasions he has excited the benevolent feelings of friends in Scotland, in aid of the publication of Gaelic tracts and books. The Rev. Dr. Henderson was associated with his beloved friends Drs. Paterson and Pinkerton in most of their efforts in the north of Europe. When he was at Copenhagen in 1806, he published the first tract in the Danish language, which led to the results as stated in Chapter xxiv. He co-operated with Dr. Paterson in the formation of the societies in Stockholm and Finland. He zealously furthered the benevolent movements of Dr. Steinkopff during his tour in 1812, particularly in the Danish dominions, and such was the prudence and the success that marked his course, that he was able to write : " I do not remember a single instance of any individual in po\^^er, to whom I have applied for liberty to do good, having refused me. The Lord has wonderfully turned their hearts to that which was for the good of his cause." In the years 1814 and 1815, Dr. Henderson visited Iceland on behalf of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and while he felt anxiously desirous to enrich the inhabitants with the treasure of the Scriptures, he improved the opportunity of pro- LABOURERS IN THE FOREIGN FIELD. 89 moting the benevolent designs of the Tract Society. He caused suitable tracts to be printed, which he widely circulated, and at length succeeded in the establishment of the Icelandic Tract Society, and cheered it by the grants he obtained from the parent Committee. After the Doctor retired from scenes of foreign labour, to undertake important duties at home, he continued to be the friend and adviser of the Institution. In 1834, on the death of the Rev. Joseph Hughes, the Society's first secretary, he con- sented to be nominated to the vacant office, which he still continues to hold. His primary duties have prevented his fre- quent attendance at the meetings of the Committee, but his judicious counsels and attendance at the anniversaries have evidenced his unabated attachment to a society which he has disinterestedly served for more than forty years. The Rev. Dr. Pinkerton was first known to the Society in connexion with its operations in Russia. He enjoyed the friend- ship of the Pi'incess Metstchersky, and through that channel he was enabled greatly to promote the issue of Christian books. In 1815, he announced the publication of fourteen important Russian tracts through grants which had been placed at his disposal. Some of the happy results of their circulation will be found in the detail of the Society's labours in that country. When Dr. Pinkerton became an agent of the Bible Society, like his esteemed coadjutors Dr. Paterson and Dr. Henderson, he brought the Society's objects before many influential persons whom he met with in his various tours. He assisted in the establishment of the society for Elberfcld and Barmen in 1815. Shortly afterwards another society was formed at Hanover, through the influence he had acquired with a few leading men of piety. He also devoted much time to revive and extend the operations of the society at Berlin, which has been the means of doing much good. When Dr. Pinkerton reviewed the results of his labours in connexion with the societies he had formed, he stated to the Committee, " that the encom'aging success and pleasing fruits that had already sprung from their benevolent labours had tended to augment their strength and increase their numbers from year to year." He assured them that pious men on the Continent, in the veiy first ranks of society, not merely 90 LABOURERS IN THK FOREIGN FIELD. patronised the institutions, but zealously co-operated in their labours. The footsteps of Dr. Pinkerton having been directed, in 1824, to Greece and the Ottoman empire, a grant of 200/. was placed at his disposal, to aid the circidatiou of tracts in the Greek, Armenian, and Tm-kish languages. These objects were only partially attained, indisposition rendering it necessary for Dr. Pinkerton to retm-n to his native land. In subsequent years, Belgium and Norway were pressed on the Society's notice by their esteemed friend, which led to new efforts for the benefit of those countries; and since his resi- dence at Frankfort, his counsels have always been promptly given to the Institution whenever they have been sought. These brief records of the foreign labours of fom* of the early and chsinterested friends of the Society have been given, that its supporters, by a concentrated view of them, may be able to appreciate their extent and value. The result will be found in the account subsequently furnished of the operations in Russia, and the leading countries in Europe. TheLr generous services justly entitle them to a distinguished place among the friends and patrons of the Religious Tract Society. On the retirement of Dr. StcinkopfF from the office of Foreign Secretary, the Rev. Peter Treschow, whose correspondence, when residing at Zeist, added interest to the Society's reports, was appointed his successor. He attended the meetings of the Committee, and was much devoted to the laboui-s he had undertaken. In the summer of 1821, he travelled through a large portion of the north of Em-ope, and assisted in the forma- tion or rcnval of societies in Holstein, Denmark, Sweden, and Noi-way. He encoiu'aged these new efibrts by grants from the Society. Mr. Trcschow's connexion with the Society was of short dura- tion. In 1825, his removal to the Continent rendered it neces- saiy for him to retire from his official duties. He was suc- ceeded by the Rev. Charles Scholl, whose presence at the Committee meetings enabled him to furnish valuable information in reference to continental efforts. He continued the Society's Foreign Secretaiy until his retm-n to Switzerland in 1837. CHATTER X. THE THREEFOLD CORD. Mr Lloyd— Brought into contact with the Society by his devotion to Sabbath-school objeclB — Election on the Committee— Engagement in the Editorial department — The results of his valuable labours— Retirement through ill health.— George Stokes, Esq.— His first literary efforts— Attention to business objects— Translations— Short Stories and Children's books- Projects Magazines — Stereotype plates given to Society — Works on the Romish controversy — British reformers — English histories — The compilation of the Commentary and other Scriptural works — His latter end, and munificent bequests. — Mr. Jones — Requested to accompany a deputation to Scotland— Elected on Committee— Appointment to the office of Travelling Secretary — Effects of his efforts on the prosperity of the Society and its Auxiliaries — Succeeded Mr. Davis as General Superintendent— Tracts and children's books written by him. When the founders and early friends of a society feel the time approaching for the termination of their personal efforts, the anxious thought must frequently press on their mind.s, "Where are our successors to be found ? " Sometimes they have rested from their labours before suitable agents have been raised up, and they have commended their much-loved cause to Ilim who alone could sustain it, believing that in due season ncctlful help would be obtained. The founders of the Society were cxcm])tcd from anxiety on this point. They all lived until they were able to render up their ti-ust into the hands of men who, like themselves, felt deeply interested in the objects of the Society. The friends of the Institution had been much encouraged in their work, and had the satisfaction of seeing it advance far beyond their expectation. In the year 1816, however, they felt that increased efforts were needful to maintain the Society in a healthful state. In that year only six small tracts were pub- lished, and some of its friends, once devoted to the cause, were almost exclusively engaged in advancing the interests of the Biljle and missionary institutions of the day. This interesting 93 THE THREEFOLD COllD. crisis of the Society's history will introduce to the reader three individuals— Messrs. Lloyd, Stokes, and Jones, the "Threefold cord" — who had the privilege of co-operating with the Com- mittee, for the long period of nearly thirty years, and of witnessing with them the gradual and successful advancement of the Institution. It was about the year 1807 that Mr. Lloyd, then quite a youth, came to London to engage in commercial pursuits. He was zealously devoted to the Sunday-school cause, and his connexion with that object led him to feel the great import- ance of securing a suitable supply of religious books for the vast multitude who were taught to read. His engagements for the benefit of the young eminently qualified him for the work the Lord w^as preparing for him. In May, 1811, he was appointed the secretary of " The Hawkers' Tract Distribution Society," through which he became acquainted with the operations of the parent Society, and felt much interested in them. This circumstance brought him to the knowledge of its revered conductors, who, in 1813, requested him to advocate its claims at the anniversaiy in May. On that occasion, from a deep conviction of the power the Society might exercise on the population of the country, if rightly managed, he pressed, with youthful ardom-, its objects on the meeting. For the reason already stated, he urged the Society to send forth a variety of scriptural and suitable works for the young. He secured the aid of his esteemed friend, the late Mr. Benjamin Neale, who w^as ardently devoted to Sunday schools, in promoting the object, which eventually succeeded to a remai-kable extent. The results of these exertions will be seen in the chapter on ' The Society's Publications ' for the young. In this way Mr. Lloyd came into friendly alliance with the supporters of the Society, who, with great cordiality, requested him to join their number. He was elected on the Committee in May, 1816, and for nine years devoted a large portion of his time gratuitously to the Society. In 1825 he retired from commercial life, and, on the unanimous invitation of the Com- mittee, devoted his entire attention to the varied and important concerns of the Institution. The services he rendered were soon found to be of great ^1^' vo voj'^v^; '^A <^J. V.,!^^!^. o^^^^y?^, i^^,^ 'y^ymy ror/y. . THE THREEFOLD CORD. 93 value. He fonvarded its general objects with much zeal, and gave special attention to its literary department, particularly in writing and editing works for the young. In the 'Daily Food for Christians/ ' Gems of Sacred Poetry/ ' Sunday-school Hymns/ and other works which he selected, are to be found a variety of original pieces in prose and verse. Besides various articles in the periodicals, he wrote the following separate publications for the young: — 'The History of Joseph Green, a Sunday Scholar,^ ' Susan Green,^ ' Betsey Green,^ ' The Poacher^s Daughter,^ ' Old Hardy the Soldier/ ' John Robins the Sailor,' ' John the Ploughman,' ' Maiy the Milkmaid,' and ' The His- toiy of Shadrach, i\Ieshach, and Abednego.' These works were among the early efforts for schools, and excited much attention among juvenile readers. Their circulation has been exceed- ingly large; the number issued of 'Daily Food' alone having exceeded 238,000 copies. Among the Society's tracts there are several by Mr. Lloyd, namely, — ' Common Errors,' in the first series ; and ' William Black,' ' William Bro\Mi,' and ' John Robins,' in the publica- tions for hawkers. The editorial labours of Mr. Lloyd were most laborious and efficient. During more than twenty years he conducted ' The Child's Companion,' a periodical which has conveyed instruction and amusement to many youthful minds. His ready and prac- tical mind suggested a large number of the works which have long been issued by the Society, particularly ' The Christian Biography,' * The Anecdotes,' and similar selections. His valuable efforts, particularly in the origin of its periodical literature, were in connexion with Mr. George Stokes. In all important plans for the Society's benefit, they were identified. They worked together with most remarkable union of heart and mind. Frequently, when their opinions were requested on any particular subject, the coincidence of their views was so very observable as greatly to increase their value. The numerous children's books, ' Selections from the Works of the English Reformers,' the ' Commcntaiy on the Holy Scriptures,' from Heniy and Scott, and many other valuable works prepared by Mr. Stokes, were carefully revised by Mr. Lloyd, and passed through the press under his watchful care. There was a combination of excellences in Mr. Lloyd, that qualified him for the varied and important duties he was led 94 THE THREEFOLD CORD. to undertake. His thorough knowledge of business enabled him to render efficient help in all the Societ^-'s commercial transac- tions; his Uterar\- taste and habits qualified him to superintend its editorial department; whilst his eminent piet^', imobtrusive manners, and sound judgment, led the Committee to place great dependance on his covmsels, and zealously to promote his well- digested plans for the attainment of the great designs of the Institution. The incessant and anxious engagements of thuty years in Hteraiy toil greatly affected Mr. Lloyd's health. He was most reluctant to relinquish engagements which were so congenial wath his benevolent ^-iews; but, urged by the addce of medical friends, he retired from his official station in November, 1846, amidst the deep regrets of the Committee and officers of the Society, and all who had been associated with him in its management. In his retirement, however, his interest in the cause remains unabated : he frequently revises works offered for pubhcation; cori'esponds on various matters connected with the operations of the Institution; and, when in London, regularly attends the weekly meetings of the Committee. THE LATE GEORGE STOKES, ESQ. This truly valuable and disinterested friend joined the Com- mittee in 1818, two years after Mr. Lloyd's union with the Society. He was led, by circumstances apparently trifling in themselves, to take a deep interest in its objects, and eventually to devote his well-regulated energies to their advancement. The agency employed by the Society was stiikingly adapted to call forth his peculiar acquirements. In childhood, paralysis, occa- sioned by dentition, produced lameness for hfe. This painful event was ovemiled for good. He was unable to enjoy the usual recreations of young men, and therefore he had recourse to literaiy pm-suits, for the occupation and improvement of his mind. The finiits of early attainments, sanctified by true reli- gion, prepared him for a Hfe of eminent usefulness. "N^Tien Mr. Stokes joined the Committee, he was in his twenty- ninth year, and extensively engaged in commercial pursuits. He proceeded to the active discharge of the duties he had undertaken, consideiing the office to which he had been chosen a solemn trust reposed in him for the benefit of the chui-ch and the world. He at once devoted his talents and enertries THE TIIUEErOLD CORD. 95 to the Society's interests. He did uot place a divided heart upon its altar. Its high objects were never sacriticed to new projects ; but, after the long period of nearly thirty years, he was as zealous on its behalf as when he conmienced his useful course. He presented to the Society his first literaiy efforts in 1819. The tracts entitled, ' ]\leditations of Queen Catharine Parr, the last consort of Henry the Eighth / ' Confidence in God, illus- trated in the Life of John Antes •/ and ' Luther on Justifica- tion/ were prepared by him. These were followed, in 1820, by ' The Life and Death of Lady Jane Grey,' and ' The Dangers of the Ice on the Coast of Labrador.' In this year, he dis- played much zeal in assisting to counteract the awful progress of infidelity, through the issue of suitable publications. The attention of Mr. Stokes, at this period, to the business of the Institution, was most remarkable. He was often in daily attendance ; he examined, with the greatest minuteness and care, all calculations connected with publications ; and brought his business habits to bear beneficially on the interests of the Society. In all matters connected with the Institution, Mr. Stokes took an enlarged \iew of its probable extension. When he entered the Society, he found the total annual receipts 6,13.2/. ; and its circulation of publications, about three millions and a half. This satisfied some, but not jMr. Stokes. A few years aftei'wards, he expressed, with a confidence of tone peculiarly his own, that he could never be satisfied until the Society's annual receipts reached 20,000/. There were some who doubted the soundness of the expectation ; others hoped against hope ; but he turned out to be no visionary upon this point. Before he finished his earthly course, the Society's receipts were nearly 60,000/., many of its works published in about one hundred languages and dialects, and its annual circulation from London, more than eighteen millions of copies of nearly four thousand religious works. In 1821 and 1822, several useful tracts were written by Mr. Stokes, namely, ' The Mission in Greenland,' ' The Power of the Gospel,' and ' The Sinner's Help.' In the latter year, he compiled, in connexion with Mr. Lloyd, ' The Cottage Hymn- book / a little work in which he always took a deep interest. It was an acceptable selection to the public ; and the Report 9G THE THREEFOLD CORD, for 1838 states, that in five years, more than 167,000 copies had been sokl. It has been introduced into numerous places of worship, and is the closet companion of many humble Christians. The growing usefulness of Mr. Stokes continually manifested itself. He wrote the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth Annual Reports of the Society, which contain many valuable and prac- tical remarks. In addition to original compositions, he placed several useful translations on the Society's catalogue; these in- cluded ' The Watchmaker and his Family,' ' The Swiss Peasant,* 'The Woodman of Switzerland,' 'The Two Old Men,' 'The Eldest Son,' and ' Add to your Faith, Knowledge j' all written by Dr. Malan, of Geneva. The year 1824 witnessed Mr. Stokes's first attempts in the production of children's books. Some of these were suggested by, or founded on, juvenile works of a past age, and adapted for the purposes of the Society. 'Little Susan and her Lamb,* ' The Vine,' and ' Life of Jesus Christ,* were from his pen. His principal attention, however, was given to the preparation of ' Short Stories for Children,* under ten years of age, a series of fifty-one little publications, which were at that time most seasonable. Our friend's ingenuity was here to be seen. To prevent a heavy expense to the Society, in obtaining new cuts to the matter he might produce, he took its old engravings, and fitted his little tales to them. In a few months, about 928,000 of the 'Short Stories' were issued, and in some places they superseded the pernicious trash often sold to the young. Before our friend finished his earthly course, about 5,084,958 copies of these books for the young had been issued from the Society's depositoiy. The year 1824 was a truly memorable one in Mr. Stokes's connexion with the Society. In association with Mr. Lloyd, he prepared the plans for the publication of the 'Tract Magazine* and ' Child's Companion,' which they jointly edited for nearly twenty-two years. The ' Tract Magazine' was more particularly under Mr. Stokes's care. These works were early in the field of penny literature, and have been the means of usefulness to an extent that will never be known in this world. The extensive editorial labours of Mr. Stokes would have satis- fied most men that their energies were sufficiently taxed, so as to prevent any new attempt to advance the interests of the THE THREEFOLD COP.l). 97 Institution. The Report for the year 1825, however, shows that new thoughts had occupied his mind. He then made known to the Committee a plan for benefiting- the Society, by benevo- lent individuals paying the expenses of stereotyping useful works, so that they might be sold at a low price. But he did not recommend to others a course he was unwilling to pursue him- self. He led the way in this new enterprise, by paying for the stereotype plates of ' Bunyan^s Holy War,' * Brooks's Pre- cious Remedies against Satan's Devices,' and ' Adam's Private Thoughts.' The works stereotyped at the expense of Mr. Stokes cost him about 600/. The result of the appeal, enforced by his own example, produced for the Society 2,718/. The books thus presented to the Society commenced a new and important era in its history. The mind of our friend was in advance of some of his coadjutors, on the importance of being prepared for the ra])id progress of education. He felt that the tract had led to an inquiry for the larger work, and that the Society must keep an onward course, if it wished to be useful, and to be liberally sustained by the public. A subject of great interest cannot be justly omitted in this sketch of our friend's connexion with the Society. His mind being very deeply impressed with the necessity of a constant exhibition of the eiTors of the church of Rome, he prepared a series of monthly tracts, under the title of ' The Lollards,' and ' The Days of Queen Mary.' In these works his desire was to exhibit the truth, in opposition to the errors of the church of Rome, without any reference whatever to political subjects. Tlie labours which have been described, did not terminate his efforts for the year 1826. He proposed the publication of 'The Histoiy of the Church of Christ,' by the excellent Milner, with a few omissions. He carefully edited this important work, add- ing many valuable notes to the first live volumes, and wrote the sixth or additional volume, after much preparatory research. In addition to his gratuitous literary labour, Mr. Stokes paid 480/., the expense of the stereotype plates. A very large number of this work has been sold. In 1827, a series of works on 'Christian JJiograjjliy ' was prepared for publication. Here again the anxiety of our friend to press forward this new subject will be seen. He revised many of the lives which were published, and prepared himself those of 'Bishop Hall,' 'Rev. George Herbert,' the 'Rev. David 98 THE THREEFOLD CORD. Brown/ and the 'Rev. Samuel Kilpin/ which have been read by many with deep interest. In 1828, Mr. Stokes began his editorial laboui's in connexion with the ' Selections from the Works of the English Reformers.' His research and labour connected with this work were exceed- ingly great. In 1833, he added ' The Lives of the British Reformers, from Wickliff to Fox ;' a work calculated to animate the Christian to follow those "who, through faith and patience, are now inheriting the promises." In the midst of the numerous engagements which have been already noticed, Mr. Stokes was reading and editing many works by the Puritan Divines, for publication by the Society. There are many volumes in the catalogue that he carefully examined. In 1828, 'The Domestic" Visitor' was published, under the editorial care of Mrs. Copley, in which Mr. Stokes assisted. The work was discontinued, and was succeeded by ' The Visitor.' To this latter periodical Mr. Stokes continued to furnish a por- tion of the contents, particularly a series of valuable papers on the New Poor-Law, written during the time he was efficiently connected with the Board of Guardians of the Colchester Union. At the very time he was thus engaged with the writings of the Puritans and Reformers, he was contemplating, if life should be spared, the issue of a Commentaiy on the Holy Scrip- tures. This subject was matter of much thought for several years. It does not appear that, in the first instance, he intended to be the compiler, but only one of the examiners of the work. He was anxious carefully to prepare a plan, for a competent divine to carry out. When every effort failed to obtain the needful assistance, Mr. Stokes was urged to undertake the work. After much reflection, he complied with the unanimous wishes of the Committee. This great work engaged the unremitted attention of Mr. Stokes for more than five years. It was carefully revised by Mr. Lloyd and several members of the Committee. The editor, for this long period, often devoted eight hours a day to the object ; and, during its progress, consulted the works of ancient and modern biblical critics, of this and other countries. In carrying this work through the press, he took no authority which he met with for granted, but went to the original sources when he could obtain them. His own libraiy was one of the largest collections usually belonging to a private gentleman, and THE THREEFOLD CORD. 99 coutainecl many of the best biblical works^ both English and foreign. He, however, was a frequent visitor at the public libraries within his reach ; and by diligent research, and an extensive correspondence, he procured much valuable inform- ation. He has been heard to say, that in the coui'se of his necessarily extensive reading of the early authors, he often found out the pastures in which many of our popular writers had loved to feed; so that he felt the force of Solomon^s remark, " There is no new thing under the sun," Eccl. i. 9. TMien the Committee reported the completion of the Com- mentaiy, they remarked : — " They cannot fail to record their great obligations to the esteemed friend, who has laboured so devotedly and successfully in carrying on and completing this important work : they believe that the numerous readers of these volumes will cheerfully join with them in this sincere though inadequate expression of their gratitude." The ' Short Comments ' and ' The Miniature Commentary,' in three volumes, royal 32mo, were afterwards prepared by Mr. Stokes ; and he was one of the editors of the * Paragraph Bible.' He was deeply solicitous concerning the circulation of this ver- sion ; and in the year previous to his death, he arranged with several other friends the publication of a ' Pocket Paragraph Bible,' which has since been issued. It is surprising how Mr. Stokes could accomplish the amount of labour connected with these important scriptural works, with- out their exclusively engaging his attention. He appears to have had several works in progress at the same time, and passed from one to another for the sake of mental change and relief. Hence, in 1831, the first year after he commenced the Com- mentaiy, he wrote the ' Manners and Customs of the Jews,' to explain many parts of Scripture that are obscure to English readers. This was followed, in 1833, by ^The Journeys of the Children of Israel;' and prior to 1840, there appeared, ^ The Rites and Worship of the Jews,' ' The Judges of Israel,' ' The Kings of Judah and Israel/ 'The Patriarchs,' and 'The Capti- nty of the Jews, and their Return from Babylon.' To complete this historical series of scriptural works, he wrote, in 1841, ' The Connexion of the Old and New Testament.' This work contains a history of the Jewish people during the interval between the periods of the Old and New Testament, of which there is no record in the inspired writings. The authorities are from various u 2 100 THE THREEFOLD COIID. accredited sources, many of which arc far beyond the reach of the general reader. ]\Ir. Stokes was engaged in ])reparing a work on the Laws and Pohty of the Jews, when he was laid aside : he had con- ferred with ]\Ir. Lloyd, at Cheltenham, on the subject, about four months before his decease. He conmiitted the manuscript, so far as he had wi'itten it, together with his suggestions, into the hands of one of his daughters; who has completed it. With the 'Manners and Customs,' and *^ Rites and Worshi}) of the Jews/ it completes this series of biblical works. In 1838, he began a series of volumes on English History, for the young. Li this year, ' The Britons and Saxons ' appeared ; the following year produced ' The Middle Ages of England ;' then 'The Eeigns of the House of Tudor;' and, lastly, 'The Eeigns of the House of Stuart.' He prepared a continuation of the histoiy to the year 1802, which was issued as a series of papers in the 'Visitor,' and has since been published in a volume. These books engaged Mr. Stokes's time, in connexion w4th his editorial labours, until 1846; when he prepared for the press ' The Life of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,' written by Miss E. A. Stokes ; edited a volume of ' xlncient Devotional Poetry ;' and examined a few mss. of Monthly Volumes, which nearly closed his long and successful course. He also took an active part in the publication of the work of the Italian Reformer, Paleario, ' On the Benefit of Christ's Death.' He felt so deeply interested in this book, that he transcribed it with his own hand from a rare copy, and from which the Society's volume has been printed, verified by the old edition. During the time that his various publications were in hand, Mr. Stokes was in constant correspondence with the Society's officers : a weekly box was regularly received from him with the fruits of his labours. He carefully watched its business con- cerns, superintended several auxiliaries, exercised a powerful influence over many correspondents in favour of the Society, and wi'ote long and interesting pamphlets in reply to those who opposed some of its measures. The general correspondence of Mr. Stokes was very extensive. Even during the month of March preceding his death, when the number of letters was considerably less than in the days of his full activity, eighty Avere written or dictated by him. There THE THREKFOLD CORD. 101 were few weeks during the winter of 1846, though he was then in decUning health, that he did not dictate upwards of twenty, besides writing ten or twelve himself. In November, 1846, he was informed that his much-valued friend, Mr. Lloyd, with whom he had happily laboured for nearly thirty years, had, through continued indisposition, resigned his position in the Society. His reply to the letter which conveyed this painful intelligence, contained also his own virtual retire- ment from all active duties. The receipt of IMr. Stokes's letter produced a sorrowful im- pression on the minds of the Committee and officers. It was affecting to see such a sun going down ; and there was a general fear that it would soon set. The Committee passed suitable reso- lutions, which briefly detailed his varied labours, and, with a view to perpetuate the memory of his eminent services, requested him to sit for his portrait, to be placed in the Committee-room. To this request he consented ; but added, " The likeness must remain laid aside until after my departure; then, but not till then, will be the time to consider what shall be done with it." Our friend continued to receive regular communications from the officers of the Society until the close of life. He did what he could until he was obliged to dictate, on the 14th of May, 1847: "Whether I shall ever be able to be of any use again is doubtful; it rests entirely with the Lord our God. At any rate, for the present, I am ordered to be ivholhj quiet." Then, in a fortnight, in his own hand, he wrote : " Pray that I may be kept in peace, and resting on the Rock of ages. This, however, under weakness and nervous feeling, is easier to say than do; and must be given, and therefore asked for." All the arrangements of our friend at this time appeared to be a practical comment on the text, "Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live." Shortly before his decease, he was enabled to look at the books he loved so well in his libraiy, and to say, " I am now even weaned from you." lie then clung to a small pocket Testament, as his one book. It is pencilled in many places, and in some with a double mark, especially the passages adapted to establish his faith and hope. Not long before his death, he conversed with several intimate fi'iends on the exceeding great and precious promises of the gospel. The subject of inquiry was, "l^Hiat may be considered one of the most precious of all the promises?" The opinion of 102 THE THREEFOLD CORD. several pointed to St. John's Gospel, chapter vi. verse 37, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that Cometh to me / will in nowise cast out." These words greatly comforted our friend. He never let them go. He found in them all that he needed as he passed through the valley of the shadow of death. He one day observed, "I have been busy all my life labour- ing for others ; I have depended on the promise, ' He that watereth shall be watered also himself/ and I have found it to be true. But now God seems to be giving me time for medi- tation and communion with himself." In reference to the closing scene of this eminent Christian, his daughter wi'ote, on the 1st of June: — "All things temporal to him are now exchanged for those things that are eternal. We are not sorrowing as those that have no consolation. To as it is given to know that he rests from his labours, and his works do follow him; and now day and night he is praising Him who enabled him for so many, many years to devote him- self to his service. Sunday only was he confined to his bed, and he did not require any one to sit up with him that night. The medical man, who had been in constant attendance upon him, visited him on Monday morning, and had only left a quarter of an hour. All was peace. He was not even aware that he was going. My elder sister had scarce time to cross the room to his bed-side, before he was gone. It was just after ten, on Monday morning, that his eternity of joy began. Peace of mind was continued to the last. I am not aware that in any period of his illness it was otherwise. His little Testament and hymn-books have been his constant companions dm-ing the last few weeks. Now he needs them no more. He knows even as he is known. He sings the song of thq ransomed believer.'^ He died on the 31st of May, 18^7, in the 58th year of his age. When the painful intelligence of Mr. Stokes^s death was reported to the Committee, suitable resolutions were passed, and forwarded to the bereaved family. The first referred to the works of the departed friend. The following were added, which will show his liberal contributions to the Institution, in addi- tion to his donations for stereotyjje plates, and a pecuniary legacy of 100/. : " That the Committee have heard with the greatest satisfac- THE THREEFOLD CORD. 103 tion, that their beloved friend, by liis testamentary arrange- ments, has bequeathed to the Society's trustees the whole of his copyi'ights now on its catalogue; having previously given to the libraiy of the Institution upwards of one thousand volumes on various important subjects. That in thus recording a brief statement of the eminent services of their friend for nearly thii-ty years, the Committee, while they feel grateful to him as the instrument, would render devout thanksgivings to God, who imparted to him those varied and useful gifts, which enabled him so efficiently to promote the numerous objects of the Institution. "That the Committee have a melancholy satisfaction in ten- dering to the bereaved family their most sincere sympathy, on the decease of so valued and beloved a parent; at the same time, they rejoice with them that, during his illness and in the season of death, he experienced 'the perfect peace' promised to those whose minds are stayed upon God. And they pray that they may be comforted by the voice from heaven saying unto them, ' Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from hence- forth : yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours ; and their works do follow them.' " The language of these resolutions vnll be fully justified by the following record of the astonishing circulation of Mr. Stokes's various works, up to the time of his removal: Short Stories 5,084,958 32mo Books 2,779,732 18mo ditto, boarded 336,076 12mo ditto, ditto 62,812 Commentary in Volumes ..... 245,185 Short Comments on Scripture .... 6,646 Miniature Commentary 14,929 Tracts 5,325,850 Total 13,856,188 These numbers, though great, do not include the circulation of the periodicals edited by Mr. Stokes, or the ' Cottage Hymn- book,' and other publications, which he either wholly or in part compiled. The hst shows the great and persevering labours of this departed friend, and calls for devout thanks- givings to God in raising up such an instrument. He appeared in the Society just when the work he had to do was ready for him. Its founders had successfully laboured, but it was neces- sary for others to enter into their labours, and to use fresh efforts to secure their extension. In Mr. Lloyd he found a lO-l' THE THREEFOLD CORD. zealous coadjutor, and a man of kindred spirit. Their minds became the pivot on which the most important movements revolved, and their names are identified with the most inte- resting events of the Society during the last thirty years. Mr. Jones, the third individual in this threefold cord, was unexpectedly and providentially led to join the Institution.* He, like Mr. Lloyd, had devoted his youthful energies to the cause of Sunday-schools; he had laboured, for many years, with Mr. Benjamin Neale, Colonel Handheld, and others, in the Surrey Chapel Sunday-school, and was thus prepared for other benevolent efforts. He had also pleaded publicly on behalf of those institutions with great fluency and ability, so as to secure the approbation and esteem of his fellow -labourers. In the year 1820, the Committee were invited to send a depu- tation to the north of England to awaken greater attention to the movements of the Society. Mr. Jones v/as requested to accompany Mr. Davis, the superintendent, and the Rev. Joseph IMather, then of Sheffield, on this tour. They proceeded to several towns in the north of England, and then visited — Edinburgh, Glasgow, Haddington, and other places. They were everpvhere kindly received, and much regard to the objects of the Society was uniformly manifested. They suc- ceeded in establishing auxiliaries or depositories for the sale of publications in many important districts. This tour introduced Mr. Jones to the Society, and, on his return to London, the thanks of the Committee were voted to him for his exertions, and he received a set of the Society^s publications " as a small testimony of their grateful feelings for the services he had ren- dered." He was also appointed a member of the Committee, and of the Sub-committee for auxiliaries. Mter he had been thus connected with the Society for three years, a special meeting of the Committee was convened, to consider the desirableness of a new agency for the extension of the Society. After lengthened conversation, Mr. Lloyd, in the form of a minute to be entered on the records of the Society, thus sketched the duties and qualifications of the new officer : — " It is cx])edient that this Institution should have the assist- ance of a suitable person to visit its various auxiliaries, and to promote the formation of new ones; to advocate the cause, and * The remaiks in this chapter are not by tlie compiler of the volume. THE THKEEl'OLD CORD. 105 to advance its general interests tliroughont the country : it is suggested that the person so to be employed should be a gentleman of a truly catholic spirit^ well acquainted with the Religious Tract Society, and attached to its interests, and pos- sessing capabilities of addressing public meetings. It is further thought desirable, that he should have a general knowledge of business, and be well acquainted with Sunday-schools." After due consideration, it was determined to secure the needful agent. A letter was addressed to Mr. Jones, signed by the officers, and all the Committee, requesting him to accept the appointment. The invitation was most unexpected to him. He had much anxiety as to the course of duty ; but eventually retired from the legal profession, with which he had been connected from his youth, and devoted his time and versatile talents to the new and onerous duties which he thus cheerfully undertook. In the Report for 1824, after noticing the wishes of the auxiliary societies to receive occasional visits from friends well acquainted with the proceedings of the Parent Institution, it is stated : — " For some years past your Committee have received many pressing applications of this nature, with which they have always found great difficulty in complying, as the clergymen and. ministers, as well as most of the other friends connected Avith your Society, were deeply engaged for other Institutions, and thus were unable to render that assistance which othenvise they would have rejoiced to afford. Upon calculation, the Committee foimd that the expense of an agent for the purpose would be, propor- tionally, far less than the cost of the friendly yet desultory assistance hitherto afforded, while the direct advantages would be exceedingly great. " The details of business to M'hich such an agent would be called to direct his attention, as well as the neutral ground occupied by your Society, required tlu; selection of .1 layman ; while it was indispensable that he should hv devoted to the cause of your Society, and only engage in the work from dis- interested and Christian moti\-es. " The wishes of your Committee unanimously centred in one of their number, who had laboured in your cause for three years, and had shown that in every respect he was eminently qualified for such an office. Tliis unanimous wish was intimated to him; he felt it his duty to give full consideration to so im- portant H subject ; eventually he deemed the call too strong and 106 THE THREEFOLD CORD. too important to be negatived^ and lie has become your agent for auxiliaries. " Upon this subject your Committee will only further remark, that they are confident that every member and friend of your Society who is acquainted with the individual in question, will participate in their gratification at announcing the success of their application ; and they deem it but justice to add, that the actual and prospective advantages he has relinquished to laboui' in the cause of your Society, prove that his decision has been disinterested, and could only have been adopted from a sense of duty and a desii-e of usefulness." The friend whose connexion with the Society has been no- ticed, resided at Battersea at the period when the late Rev. Joseph Hughes, the Society's first Secretary, was engaged in his early labours in that retired village; he was then a little child, quite unknown to that good man, and a stranger to the Christian church. His connexions removed him far from all association with religious institutions, and yet in due time he was led to the very chapel in which the first announcement was made by Mr. Burder which originated the Society, and there, it is hoped, the truth came home with power to his heart. Mr. Jones has been diligently occupied for many years in visiting the old auxiliaries, and in forming many new ones. The success which attended these efforts was of a varied character. The information imparted at public meetings excited attention to the great work contemplated by the Society, and many per- sons were stirred up to activity in local efforts to circulate its publications. In his private mtercoui'se with provincial friends, he was eminently successful in removing many crude and erroneous notions which had prejudiced their minds against the claims of the Institution. Among all sections of the church he was enabled so happily to pursue the course of catholicity enjoined by the fii'st principles of the Society, and to which he felt prompted by his own impulses, that in some places it was frequently matter of curiosity to find out to which denomination of Christians he belonged. After the Boston Anniversary, more than twenty years since, a few friends met at the house of a benevolent individual. Among them was the late Rev. William Bolland, then the vicar of Swineshead. " Is Mr. Jones a Clim-ch- man or a Dissenter ? " inquired one. " I really don't know,'' rephed Mr. Bolland. " Indeed ; has he not been stopping at the vicarage?" "Yes." "And yet you know not his religious THE THREEFOLD CORD. 107 answered the vicar. Vg dif- denomination ?" " It is so/ fering opinions were given, grounded on the speech which had just been deHvered; when at length the matter was put to the vote. Tlie division was equal ; one half of the friends thought the Society's agent was a churchman, and the other half believed he was a nonconformist. "Now," said one, " Mr. Bolland, you must give the casting vote." " No," he rephed ; " I think you have shown that he is just fitted to be the agent of a truly catholic society." The point, therefore, remained unsettled. The results connected with the \isitation of the auxiliaries, and the various plans adopted for the general benefit of the Society, were quite satisfactory to the Committee, and justified their appointment of a travelling agent. These efforts were made simultaneously with others connected with the editorial and other departments of the Society. They all worked together for good. They were all necessary to produce the results, which will be seen in the following comparative statement : — The Contributions from the auxiliaries in 1824 The like, exclusive of about £1800 con- tributed to the Jubilee Fund, in . 1849 The total benevolent income in . . 1824 The like in 1849 The grants in 1824 The like in 1849 The sales in 1824 The like in 1849 The total annual receipts in . . 1824 The like in 1849 Ditto, with Jubilee Fund ..... The total circulation of publications in 1824 The like in 1849 £ 1083 1573 12 2849 2 4939 2 1578 17 7630 1 7802 13 10 44,603 16 6 11,068 5 3 50,981 15 8 57,458 13 4 10,012,760 18,223,955 The results for 1849 have been less than in some former years ; the auxiliaries in general being more active in local efforts, and the sum received for sales considerably reduced by the reductions made in the prices of the works. The highest returns in one year since 1824 have been: — Contributions from auxiliaries Total benevolent income * Total grants . . . . Total sales . . . . Total receipts Total circulation * Except 1849, whicli amounte to £U,41(; Os. id. with Jubilee Fund. £ s. d. 2423 4 3 7020 12 6 9004 12 0 57,173 16 1 66,850 2 6 19,425,002 108 THE THREEFOLD COUU. For nearly twenty-five years, Mr. Jones has spent a large portion of his time in visits to the auxiliaries. In this way he has frequently been introduced into circles in which he succeeded in obtaining liberal contributions. Some of these are detailed under the head of " The Society^s Funds.^^ He originated auxiliaries in places where the Society was unknown, and extended its objects where a beginning had been made. He greatly increased the sales of the publications by his private and public efforts. After visiting the auxiliaries for twenty-five years, his presence is greeted as warmly as ever, the friends in the country only regretting that his increased engagements in Lon- don render his visits in some places so comparatively mfrequent. A considerable part of the foreign and domestic correspondence has devolved on Mr. Jones. He has prepared the annual reports from the year 1825 to the present time; and the testimonies are numerous that these documents, which are full of important facts, are much valued both at home and abroad. He has also written the following tracts and children's books : — Tracts : No. 375, ^The Brand plucked out of the Fire;' No. 380, 'Jerry Creed;' No. 396, ' How do we know there is a God?' altered from Todd; No. 524, 'The Wedding Garment;' No. 561, ' Are you prepared for Heaven ?' adapted from Gurney. And juvenile books — ' I'm afraid I have a Soul;' ' The Flower Gathered;' ' Not yet.' The special efforts of the Society to raise contributions for India, China, Germany, the building and jubilee funds, were mainly conducted by Mr. Jones. He prepared all the needful addresses : — these appeals proved successful, and greatly pro- moted the important objects for which they were made. Since the retirement of Mr. Davis from the Society in 1842, Mr. Jones has had the general superintendence of the Society. This notice of an old and active officer cannot be concluded without the expression of a fervent hope that he may long be spared to be blessed, and made a blessing in connexion with the more widely-extended operations of the future. Neither cari a grateful notice be omitted on the uninterrupted harmony which for more than twenty-live years marked the intercourse of the three friends specially referred to in this chapter. Love to the cause, union of spirit, and diversity of gifts, which happily characterized them, made them eminently successful in pro- moting the great work in which they were unitedly engaged. CHAPTER XL THE SOCIETY S LOCALITY AND DEPOSITORIES. Historical associations connected with the precincts of tlie Society's depository— Origin of the name " Paternoster-row"— Imprisonment of William Livin;,' and his wife— Smithfield— ■\Vickliff cited to appear at St. Paul's— The Lollard's tower — Paul's cross — The Chapter-house — The Shunamniites' house — Famous book-mart in St. Paul's churchyard— Modern changes —Places of tlie Committee's early meetings— Successive depositories— Mr. Davis— The new buildings. There are few spots in London more fruitful in historical recollections of the past ages of the church than the neigh- bourhood in which the Society has been located from its com- mencement. There scenes of bitter persecution, for conscience' sake, have been witnessed by our Protestant forefathers; and enlightened minds, who longed for the spread of knowledge, have rejoiced in the issue of some of the earliest publications for the young, though they sorrowed to find them mingled with senti- ments not in accordance with " the true sayings of God." They believed that these productions would prepare the way for others of a better character; and in their hopes they were not disappointed. The design of this chapter is to describe the events which have transpired within a small circle around the Society's Deposi- tory. Within its precincts martyrs once bore a noble testimony for the truth ; "NVickliff met his haughty and imperious perse- cutors, who challenged him to recant his principles ; and Tyndale's Testaments and Luther's writings were committed to the flames. These views of former times will lead the friends of the Society to mark the wonderful changes which have taken place in the district, and to admire the merciful workings of Divine providence, which has established in a locality so replete with soul-stirring associations, a truly Protestant and evangelical Institution. 110 THE society's LOCALITY AND DEPOSITORIES. " The houses in Paternoster-row/' writes Stiype, " from the first north gate of St. Paul's Churchyard unto the next gate, were first built without the wall of the churchyard by Heniy Walters, mayor, in the year 1282. The rents of these houses go to the maintenance of London Bridge." " This street is called Paternoster-row, because of stationers or text-writers that dwelleth there, who wrote and sold all sorts of books then in use. There dwelleth there also turners of beads, and they were called paternoster-makers, as I read in a record of one Robert Nikkee, paternoster-maker and citizen, in the reign of Henry the Fourth, and so of others."* The first books which preceded the horn-books were prepared in this Row. They were called ^ Abeis,^ that is, A-Bs, and con- tained the Alphabet, the Paternoster, the Ave-Maria, etc. William Living, in Queen Mary's days, was apprehended in this district, and charged with being a schismatic, because he was in possession of a Avork on astronomy, the ' De Sphsera ' of Manilius. The clever spy, on observing the figures, round, triangidar, and gradulateral, carried Living and his wife away, exclaiming, in the street, " I have found him at length ; and it is no marvel the queen be sick, seeing there be such conjurors in privy corners; but now, I trust, he shall conjure no more." The husband was ordered to Bishop Bonner's coal-hole, and the wife to the Lollards' Tower. In conveying the former to his prison, the jailor carried him first to his own house, in Paternos- ter-row ; and there says Living, " he robbed me of my pm'se, my girdle, my Psalter, and a Nev/ Testament of Geneva." After sufi'ering in the stocks, he was conveyed to the Lollards' Tower; " having the favovir," says the prisoner, " to put my leg in that hole which Master John Philpot's leg was in, and so lay all that night, nobody coming to me with either meat or drink." His partner in life had been separately handled; and one of her replies is very expressive : " You be not ashamed," said the jailor, " to tell wherefore you came hither ? " '^ No," replied the good woman, " I am not ; for it is for Christ's Testament."-]- Only a few minutes' walk from the site of the scene now described is Smithfield, the hallowed spot where part of the glorious army of martyrs suffered. In the old cathedral of St. Paul a remarkable occurrence took * Strype's edition of Stowe's ' Survey of London,' booli .•?, chap. viii. 1754. t Montlily Volume, " Our English Bible," p. 134. THE society's LOCALITY AND DEPOSITORIES. Ill place in 1376, when the Archbishop of Caiiterhmy, aucl the bishop of London, by command of pope Gregory the Eleventh, cited Wickliff, the father of the English reformation, to subscribe to the condemnation of some of his own tenets, which had been proniTilgated in the eight articles termed the Lollards' Creed. The pope ordered the above prelates to apprehend and examine Wickliff j but they thought it most expedient to summon him to St. Paul's, as he was openly protected by the famous John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. "Wickliff appeared, attended by that nobleman, and the Lord Percy, Marshal of England. The proceedings were interrupted by a dispute as to whether Wickliff should sit or stand during his exammation ; and before that point could be decided, the assembly broke up. At the west-end of old St. Paul's Church was the Lollards' Tower, where William Living and his wife were confined. It was used as the Bishop's prison for heretics. Here William Hume was slain, after being condemned as a heretic for having had a Wickliff's Bible in his house. On the north-side of the cathedral, and near the present Depository of the Religious Tract Society, stood the celebrated Paul's Cross. " Here Wolsey began, in 1521, with fidminating, by command of the pope, against one master Eleutherius". (Luther). The denouncement was made by Fisher; but Wolsey sat by, in his usual state, censed and canopied, with the pope's ambassador on the one side of him, and the emperor's on the other. During the sermon, a collection of Luther's books was burnt in the churchyard; which ended, my lord cardinal went home to dinner with all the other prelates.* Here also Tyndale's testaments were burnt. Not far from this famous spot, and only a few feet from pai-t of the Society's Depository, stands the Chapter -house, " where Cranmer, in the winter of 1534, standing up before the assembled clergy, recommended that His Majesty would vouchsafe to decree that the Scriptures should be translated into the vulgar tongue by some honest and learned men, to be nominated by the king, and to be delivered unto the king, according to their learning." The archbishop's effort failed; but the Enghsh refugee. Cover- dale, on the continent, who had for years been " set to the most sweet smell of holy letters," proceeded to avail himself of 112 THE society's LOCALITY AND DEPOSITORIES. the favourable crisis to hasten through the press a complete translation of the Bible in English. Next to the Chapter-house, and in the site so long occupied by Messrs. Bowles and Carver, the celebrated print-sellers, but now by Messrs. Hall and Allen, stood the Shunammite's house, where the preachers who officiated at Paul's Cross were lodged. In the reign of James the First, the lord mayor and aldermen ordered that every one who should preach there, " considering the journeys some of them might take from the universities, or elsewhere, should, at his pleasure, be freely entertained for five days' space with sweet and convenient lodging, fire, candle, and all other necessaries." * In St. Paul's Churchyard there once existed the most cele- brated mart in London for books. The booksellers had shops at all the entrances to the old cathedral. Even the church itself contained not only the shops of booksellers, but of other trades. A scarce tract, on the burning of St. Paul's steeple in 1561, was " imprynted at London, at the west ende of Panic's Church, at the sygne of the Hedghogge, by AYilliam Seres." A description has been given of the Society's locality as it was, but how marvellously has it been changed in the course of years. Now the writings of WicklifF, Luther, and Tyndale are sent forth from the same spot on which they were formerly consumed; and within five minutes' walk from the place where the Lollards' Tower stood, and the Scriptures were destroyed, is the Depository of the British and Foreign Bible Society ! Had William Hume seen that bright star in the long distance, " he would have rejoiced with exceeding great joy." Surely these things " are the Lord's doing ; they are marvellous in our eyes." The business transactions of the Society have always been carried on in this interesting district ; although the Committee for many years met elsewhere. Their first and second meetings were held in Haberdashers' Hall. On the third meeting, "it was agreed, at the kind request of Mr. Reyner, to hold the next meeting at his house in Duck's-foot Lane." In a short time afterwards the Committee removed to the counting-house of Joseph Hardcastle, Esq., at Old Swan-stairs in Upper Thames- street, who was then the Treasm'er of the London Missionary Society. In reference to these offices, the Rev. John Townsend ' ' Maitland's History of London,' vol. ii. ]). !)49. THE SOCIETY S LOCALITY AND DEPOSITORIES. 113 wrote : " I scarcely ever pass over London-bridge without glancing my eye towards those highly-favoured i-ooms^ appertaining to our departed friend's counting-house at Old Swan-stairs, and feeling a glow of pleasure at the recollection, that there the London Missionary Society, the Religious Tract Society, and the Hibernian Society, formed their plans of Christian benevolence, on which Divine Providence has so signally smiled. This plea- sure is greatly heightened, when I also recollect that in those favoui'ed rooms was brought forth that gigantic agent of moral and spiritual good, the British and Foreign Bible Society. These rooms, in my judgment, are second to none but those in which the disciples met after their Mastei-^s ascension, and from whence they went forth to enlighten and to bless a dark and guilty world.'' The first Depositary was Mr. Thomas Williams, No. 10, Sta- tioner's-court. His duties were of a somewhat mixed character, and the man of business and the literary assistant were united in the same person. " He was to undertake the care of receiving coiTCspondence, correcting the press, arranging and delivering the tracts, exhibiting the accounts, and attending the Committee when desired.'' And for these duties he received, partly by com- mission and partly by salary, the sum of 60/. a year. In 1806, Mr. J. Burdett was appointed Depositary; it then became necessary to remove the Society's business to No. 60, Paternoster-row. The Committee could only afford at that time to rent one side of a shop, the other being appropriated to the sale of china and earthenware. In the cellar of the house the stock was kept. During fom'teen years the Society continued in this lowly station. On the retirement of Mr. Burdett as Depositary in 1811, Mr. Francis Collins, who had been two years a member of the Committee, succeeded him. During eleven years he advanced the interests of the Society, and by his piety and zeal secured it many friends. Soon after Mr. Collins's appointment, an oppor- tunity offered for the extension of the business operations, which is thus noticed in the report for 1812: "An offer having been made by Mr. Nisbet, of No. 15, Castle-street, Oxford-street, to sell the publications of the Society on the same terms as the Depositary, without any compensation upon those sold to sub- scribers, but that of having his name inserted in the tracts, the Committee thought it right to accept it, as likely to afford a 114 THE society's LOCALITY AND DEPOSITORIES. considerable accommodation to the inhabitants of the western parts of the metropoKs." From Mr. Nisbet's depository, for the long period of thirty-seven years, the Society's works have been largely purchased, particularly by the higher classes, and much good, doubtless, has been the result. In 1820, the Committee removed to No. 14, Newgate-street, a place which appeared to afford many facilities for carrying on the enlarging business of the Society. In this, however, they were disappointed, and were induced to engage No. 56, in Paternoster-row. There the Society advanced, under the Divine blessing. In rapid succession, the houses Nos. 57, 58 and 59 were taken, then No. 65, St. Paul's Churchyard, and finally four small houses in Chapter-house-court, occupied in ancient times by the monks of St. Paul's. In 1822, it was necessary to make extensive changes in the management. Mr. Collins became agent for hawkers' distribu- tion, and afterwards collector of the subscriptions. He died on the 28th of June, 1824, after a lengthened illness, and departed in the peace of the gospel he had long loved. In 1819, Mr. John Davis became connected with the Society. The services he rendered were most important. He thoroughly arranged all the accounts and business departments, and con- solidated them on a sound basis. His own strict and punctual habits tended greatly to the good of the Society, and exerted a decidedly beneficial influence on those over whom he was placed. In September, 1842, Mr. Davis retired from the Society, in consequence of long and continued indisposition, when the Com- mittee ''expressed their high sense of the faithful and conscientious manner in which he had discharged his responsible duties for the long period of twenty-four years, and their deep regret at the cause which had prevented the continuance of his services.'^ He had not long withdrawn from the anxious cares of daily business, when he was called, on the 27th of May, 1843, to his eternal rest. On the retirement of Mr. Davis, the charge of the cash and counting-house department was committed to Mr. William Tarn, under the title of Assistant-Secretary and Cashier. The dilapidated state of the Society's premises, notwithstand- ing large sums had been expended upon them, led the Com- THE SOCIETY S LOCALITY AND DEPOSITORIES. 115 mittee, undei* the advice of competent sui-veyors, to rebuild them. The first stone was laid by Samuel Hoare, Esq., the Treasm-er, on the 11th of July, 1843, and they were opened on the 10th of September, 1844. The expenses incurred by these new buildings, including the purchase of four small houses in Chapter-house-court, amounted to 15,400/., in aid of which 1,732/. were received from the sale of old materials and the generous contributions of numerous friends. In meeting the hea\'y charges connected with these buildings, the Committee did not appropriate to their erection any part whatever of the free subscriptions, donations, an'd contributions given to the Society for its gratuitous objects. The new buildings have been most advantageous to the busi- ness transactions of the Institution. In reference to them, and the Society^s general operations, this chapter may appropriately close with the sentiment of the address delivered at the opening semce, "Let us unite our joy and thankfulness for its past success, wdtli entire dependance on the Divine blessing in all its futm'e operations. The words of the Psalmist should be united together in one song, ' The Lord hath done great things for us : whereof we are glad.^ And, ' Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchmen waketh but in vain.' " CHAPTER XII. THE SOCIETY S PUBLICATIONS. Value of tracts as a medium for the circulation of truth— The rate of tract issues during the first seven years — The free discussions on tracts in the Committee— Number and character of the First Series Tracts— Narrative Series— Second Series, or Hawkers' Tracts— The style of writing most suitable for tracts— Books for the young— Broad sheets— 18mo books— Hand- bills—Sermons — Bound publications — Justification of the Society in the issue of books — Periodicals: 'Child's Companion,' 'Tract Magazine,' 'The Visitor,' and 'The Christian Spectator'— Commentaries on the Scriptures — Pocket Paragraph Bible — Publications on Popery, Infidelity, and Licentiousness — 'Monthly Messenger'— ' British Reformers' — 'Old Divinity' — General literature; 'The Monthly Volume;' Books for Schools and Families; Lectures to Young Men ; and Prize Essays on the Sabbath. The founders of the Society were deeply impressed with the great value of small condensed treatises^ for the conveyance of truth to all classes of society. Their feelings may be embodied in the powerful and felicitous language of a modern poet : — " In nothing is the power and indestructibility of words more signally exemplified than in small compositions^ such as stories, essays, parables, songs, proverbs, and all the minor and more exquisite forms of composition. It is a fact, not obvious per- haps, but capable of perfect proof, that knowledge in all eras which have been distinguished as enlightened, has been propa- gated more by tracts than by volumes." * Immediately after the public meeting in May, 1799, the attention of the Committee was directed to the preparation of suitable tracts, and on the 4th of June, the following resolu- tion was passed : — " That Messrs. Piatt, Waugh, Collinson, Hughes, and Greatheed, be a committee for selecting a tract or tracts for publication." These friends met, when Mr. Bogue was requested to print his tract relative to the circulation of religious pieces. This request was complied with, and the tract * ' Montgomery's Lectures on Poetry,' p. 2G8. THE SOCIETY S PUBLICATIONS, 117 has always stood No. 1 on the catalogue. The Sub-committee also recommeuded the General Committee to print^ " as com- mencing tracts/^ ' Vivian^s Dialogues/ and Dr. Watts on ' The End of Time.^ At subsequent meetings, suggestions were given for tracts on particidar subjects which the Committee thought might be useful. In the com'se of the first year, thirty-four tracts were printed, twenty-seven were issued in the second year, and then the worthy founders appear to have exhausted their strength by the efforts they had made. A season of repose was necessaiy : hence, during the third year, only one new tract appeared; in the fourth, eight tracts ; but in the fifth year not a single new publication was issued. These slow and cautious proceedings were prudent at the commencement of an untried scheme. In the seventh report, the publication of forty-six new tracts is mentioned vnth. the remark, " that it had been a season of very considerable exertion;^' and so it was, compared with some previous years. In these early days, nearly the whole labour of the Institution devolved on the disinterested Committee who undertook its management. A careful examination of the proceedings of the Committee shows the exercise of great watchfulness over the works which were issued. Each tract was carefully examined by the officers and members of the Committee at their meetings, before the decision upon it was ascertained. At such meetings, freedom, united with kindness, marked the discussions : each member gave his deliberate opinion, whether he thought it desirable or not to adopt the tract. Care was taken not to allow the name of the wi-iter to transpire, if the tract were declined; but if adopted, then no objection existed to its being known. It sometimes happened that the writer of a tract was on the Committee while the fact of his authorship was unknown to his worthy coadjutors. It required great humility to listen to the strictures of even brethren on a favouiite production. On one occasion, a member of the Com- mittee sent to the Secretary a small work he was anxious to place on the catalogue. The time of trial came. There was a free and impartial utterance of sentiments. All, save the writer, thought the tract should not be adopted. There was one minister then on the Committee whose heart was all tender- ness, but sometimes he used " gi'cat plainness of speech." In 118 THE society's PUBLICATIONS, ignorance that the wi-iter was present, he somewhat humourously uttered, " This tract, Mr. Chairman, is a veiy poor thing/' " Poor thing ! " exclaimed the unknown writer, " why do you call it a poor thing?" The secret was out — the father of the rejected child had unintentionally made himself known; but the faithful minister did not withdi-aw his remark. He saw the painful vanity of the writer, and inquired, " Are you, my dear sir, the writer of the tract ? " "I am," was the reply. " Then I can only say, it is a very poor thing indeed." The act of faithfulness was necessaiy at that time, but there was not sufficient humility to bear it, and the friend retired. Let a supporter of the Society be present at these discussions, and though he will find the Committee jealous for the truth, yet he will discover that one rule is not forgotten, " Speaking the truth in love.^' From year to year valuable tracts have been added to the Society's catalogue. There are now six hundred and forty-one on the list of the First Series Tracts. Several of the old ones have been discontinued, being superseded by others of later publication. In this series will be found many tracts written expressly against Popish, Infidel, and Socinian errors, while others explain and enforce the fundamental truths of the Christian faith. Some are calculated to interest minds inclined to deep research, while others are written in the plainest language, and most simple forms of expression. Others are admonitory against particular sins and evil practices ; among these may especially be men- tioned, ' The Swearer's Prayer,' which, under the Divine blessing, has been the means of awakening hundi-eds of careless sinners. Some are adapted for peculiar states of mind, such as, ' To the Afflicted,' ' On the Causes and Cure of Spiritual Darkness,' ' Consolation under Convictions,' ' Satan's Snares,' etc. Several are for seamen and soldiers ; others for persons in particular situations, as prisoners, attendants on pleasure fairs and races, patients in hospitals, the sick, etc. Some improve various rural and other occupations, and many have especial reference to subjects connected with the Holy Scnptures. Thirty-two tracts most suitable for the aged are in large type. The Narrative Series tracts are similar to many of the tracts in the First Series, but they are put under a separate THE society's PUBLICATIONS. 119 head, especially with a \ie\v to the loan system. The Committee have reason to believe that all in this series are well-authenti- cated statements of facts. The Unnumbered Series are, after a time, transferred to the First Series, or discontinued. All the tracts are printed in a cheap form. The increase and diiFusion of tracts have always been a primary object with the Committee, and this brief notice of them cannot be better con- cluded than in the language of the Twelfth Report : — " To the eye the tract consists but of a few printed pages, without any pretensions to typographical beauty. To the understanding it is something infinitely more important than the most splendid of merely human compositions. It contains ' the words of eternal life •/ it is the gospel in miniatm-e ; it concentrates the very essence of revelation, and presents in a form the most simple, precise, and striliing, the radical truths and precepts of Chris- tianity. It is an admonition of human depravity, a proclamation of Divine mercy, a summons to faith, repentance, and prayer; a remonstrance against sin, an exhortation to duty. Such is the nature of the publications which the Committee would wish to disseminate over the earth; in the morning sowing the seed, and in the evening withholding not their hand, as they ' know not which shall prosper, either this or that, or whether both shall be alike good.^ Such are the arrows which are shot indeed ' at a venture,' but which they would scatter through the air in such thick and universal profusion, that they should not fail to fix them ' in the hearts of all the King's enemies.' " SECOND SERIES TRACTS. These tracts are better known as ' Hawkers' Tracts ;' the name being derived from the venders. Soon after the forma- tion of the Society, the attention of the Committee was called to the small publications usually sold by itinerant retailers. They were found, for the most part, immoral and disgusting in their contents; the best among them were absurd and puerile. They were the feculent dregs of the " popular literature " of former days, in the worst form, but kept without improvement by a few printers, who considered that any departure from what they viewed as the favourites of the public would diminish their gains. Rather than endanger their profit, profane and vicious publications were kept in a standing form in several parts of the kingdom; editions were thrown oif from time to 120 THE society's PUBLICATIONS. time, and the hawkers were thus regularly supplied, and the minds of each succeeding generation of the lower class regularly imbued with the same pernicious reading. The Committee were obliged, in the first instance, to prepare tracts with striking titles, and in some degree inferior in their contents, to prevent too great a discrepancy from those they were designed to supplant. The titles of some of them fully evince this: — 'The Fortune -Teller's Conjuring Cap,' 'The Won- derful Cure of General Naaman,' ' The Stingy Farmer's Dream,' 'Tom Toper's Tale over his Jug of Ale,' 'Rhyming Dick and the Strolling Player,' all indicate that it was necessaiy to catch at very uninformed minds; there were, however, many of a better description. About the year 1830, the Committee deter- mined carefully to revise and improve this series of the Society's works. This was done, — several of the old tracts were discon- tinued, many others were introduced, much superior in doctrinal statements and general value, and the whole were printed on better paper and with improved engravings. The object intended to be attained by 'The Hawkers' Series' having been explained, it will be seen that these tracts must not be subjected exactly to the same test as those of the First Series. They are intended for a different object, and though they cannot wholly exclude the trash of what is called ' the Ballad Press,^ yet they supply a department of circulation which, if they were withdrawn, would again be filled by much that is profane and licentious. In addition to the direct advantages resulting from this series, those indirectly gained are perhaps not less important. There are still many vile publications sold, and this will be the case while the human heart continues depraved; but any person who recollects what were the only publications of an inferior descrip- tion met with fifty years ago, will observe with pleasure the great improvement which, on the whole, is to be found among the general venders at the present time. Still the subject is important, and it is very desirable that eveiy friend of the Society who can influence any of the depositories from whence the itinerant venders are supplied, should use efforts to stock them with such of the publications of the Tract Society as may be found locally suitable. The most important result of the Second Series yet remains to be mentioned. The tracts thus vended, instead of profane and licentious trash, have, in many instances, proved the means THE society's PUBLICATIONS. 121 of conversion. Several cases of this description have been fully authenticated, and are to be found in the letters appended to the Annual Reports of the Society.* In more than one instance, the tracts below the average standard as to their contents have been blessed by the ]\Iost High to effect mighty things. Even among those whose titles have been enumerated as now laid aside, there were not wanting proofs that they had been instrumental in awakening careless sinners. How striking a comment is this upon the words, " Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts V To facilitate the selection of the tracts, ' An Alphabetical Index' of their titles has been published, also 'A brief Descrip- tion of the Tracts,' and ' An Arrangement of them under various Subjects,' as a guide to distributors. These publications may be obtained, gratis, at the Society's Depository. Having given a detail of the tract publications of the Society, it appears desirable to notice a subject frequently pressed on its attention, namely, the great importance of plain, simple diction, in the various works which are prepared for the readers among the labouring classes. Few have any idea of the difficulties with which the Society has to contend in this matter. No written work can be produced suitable for publication unless the writer is a person of some literai'y ability, though perhaps not of literary pretensions. But the general tendency of all educa- tion and instruction for the last century has been to teach a style of writing, and a mode of expression, far removed from the Saxon-English, in which the ideas of our untaught popula- tion are formed and revolved. Thus, in communicating what is thought by an instructed mind, words and style are for the most part used which the common people cannot easily follow. It is not possible to go fully into details, but the Committee never have neglected or lost sight of this matter. They have constantly endeavoured to enforce upon all who offer to write for them, that plainness of speech is indispensable; and when passing the manuscripts through the press, wherever it is prac- ticable, what are called "hard words" are changed for "easy" ones. This was particularly attended to in the revision of the Eirst and Second Series Tracts, during the years 1818-1820. In the Second Series Tracts alone many thousand words were * See Chapter on Hawkers. 122 THE society's publications. then changed, and increased attention has been given to the subject since that time. Eveiy effort has been used to obtain suitable tracts from those gifted with plainness of speech, and the Committee can refer to their publications as containing a large collection of such writings. A list of the tracts particu- larly deserving of this character is given in the *^ Arrangement of Tracts.' Some persons have gone too far on this subject; they find it impossible to interest the minds of the ignorant and profane on religious points, and are often met by answers which imply that such persons are unable to understand the tracts. This may occasionally be the case, although frequently it is only an excuse for neglecting them. Such persons repulse in the same manner the Saxon-English of the Bible, or make absurd mistakes in many passages. To these characters no book or tract can be made interesting or intelligible, and it is useless to expect them to read any religious book with attention. WYmi good is to be done to them will rather be by conversation; and then, if their attention can be roused, the Bible, the 'Cottage Sermons,' and a few plain tracts, may be useful, and have their notice — but not otherwise. If the present supply of publications of this description were increased tenfold, the result would be what it now is with the mass of the ignorant multitude. But when the mind is awakened to a sense of divine tmth, it soon receives the language of Scripture ; and the great mass of the publications of the Tract Society will be found acceptable and useful, quite as much so, or indeed more so, than if every line had been written in words of one syllable. A full and unprejudiced examination will show that there is a large provi- sion for such persons, enough for their use, and it is continually increased. Other books, more advanced in language and in ideas, are wanted for the numerous masses who will not rest satisfied without more reading — who have a thirst for instruc- tion, and who are often greedy for printed books; such persons will only turn with disgust from puerile expressions, and state- ments devoid of ideas, or only conveying such as are already famihar to the toi-pid mind. It is for this great mass of actual readers that the bulk of the publications of the Tract Society is needed, and among them " their written or printed words" are most useful. Had the Committee thrown aside the greater part of the valuable books and tracts on their list, because the THE society's PUBLICATIONS. 123 writers had not descended to the lowest depths of ignorance, they would justly have deserved blame, as deserting the millions who are eager and ready for instruction. It is not intended by these remarks to make light of the value of pure Saxon-English and simple phraseology. It is to be regretted that most of our writers are unable, or untrained, to express themselves with sufficient " plainness of diction." Who has wi-itten on religious subjects in the easy style, or with the simple diction of Cobbett ? and how valuable would a writer possessing such gifts prove to the church of Christ ? It will be well if these remarks induce authors to seek to attain this advantage; but the unwearied experience of fifty years has shown how difficult it is to obtain such help even to a limited extent. BOOKS FOR THE YOUNG. The important duty of providing suitable books for the juvenile population of our country early impressed the minds of the Committee, and they particularly referred to the sub- ject in an address issued in 1803. At that time there were few books suited for the reading of children, likely to convey religious truths to their minds in an intelligible and interesting manner. Some readers may recollect the very scanty supply within their reach when young, and how, on each retui-ning Lord's-day, they had only the same store to look to. No childi'cn's magazines or new reward books met their view; such works were not even inquired for. The result was, that where the mind was not thoroughly imbued with real love for the study of the truth, sufficient to carry it through difficulties and discouragements, and making it willing to read the books pre- pared for older persons, there was a decided turning away from reading; nothing existed to lead on the youthful mind, or to exhibit religious truth in a form likely to attract and occupy those who were careless or indifferent, causing them to be in- terested in statements calculated to benefit their souls. This state of things was not to last. Under all the imper- fections of the early Sunday-schools, they tended to awaken the mind to desire something beyond trash ; and though the soul of man is defiled and ruined since the fall, yet it cannot be satisfied with anything that does not promote its eternal welfare. The most eager and insatiate reader of novels is not satisfied; there is that in the soul of man which cannot but desire more 124 THE society's publications. than mere worldly amusement; it will be exhausted by weari- ness, and the most fascinating volume at length ceases to please. As Quarles expresses it : " Yet having all that he can fancj', still There vvanteth more to fill His empty appetite. His mind is vext, And he is inwardly perplext. He knows not why: whereas, the truth is this, He would find something there where nothing is." The earliest mention of any direct effort for children recorded in the proceedings of the Religious Tract Society, bears date October 31st, 1809, when specimens of children's books, in stiff covers, with cuts, were laid before the Committee by a printer; but these only contained reprints of some of the Hawkers' Series, in crown 18mo, in a smaller form. The idea probably had arisen from the following notice, which appeared, for the first time, in the catalogue appended to the report of that year, prefixed to a list of some of the Hawkers' Tracts : — " The following are adapted for reward books to the children of Sunday-schools, and may be had in quires or half-quires, suitably assorted for the purpose." Of this list, beginning with ^Poor Joseph,' and '^An Account of a Woman saved from Self-murder/ and ending with ' The Wandering Jew,' we will only say, that it contains the best list then presented to the public for the purpose, yet very few that would now be deemed suitable. In the report for 1810, the Committee stated, with reference to the Hawkers' Tracts : — " Booksellers, wholly unconnected with this Society, have adopted the expedient of making up the tracts of the new series into little books, with neat covers and colom-ed prints, for the use of children." This fact is important, as it bears testimony to the observation already made, that the immortal mind cannot rest satisfied with mere worldly trash. The Committee add, they " have printed a selection of these tracts on superior paper, with neat cuts, as reward books for children at Sunday-schools." In this list is to be found the well-known and useful narrative, 'William Kelly,' then just published. However unpromising these past efforts were, a considerable step in advance was made on June 12th, 1809. The minutes of the Committee record, that a letter was read from ]\Ir. Benjamin Neale, dated the 5th of June, recommending the publication of THE SOCIETY^S PUBLICATIONS. 125 small books for chikb-en ; and on tbe 26tli of Junc^ ' Jobn Wise, pai'ticularly designed for Young Cliildren/ was adopted, but printed in tbe common tract form, tliougb witb tbe tben un- common addition of "tbree cuts." Rigbt and adequate views of tbe claims of youtbful readers were not yet duly entertained, and tbe wbolesome principle of reproduction bad not been adopted. In February, 1811, *Jobn Wise' was proposed alone, "as tbe commencement of a series of cbildi-en's books, till tbe state of the Society funds will better admit of an enlargement of its concerns." This view was adhered to with unfortunate perseverance, and even 'John Wise' still remained in the tract form for some years longer. Although one small book, 'The Happy Death of James Steven,' was published in stiff blue covers, price threepence, as early as 1810, it was not till 1814 that an announcement was sent forth, stating, " Tbe following ai-e the commencement of a series of Children's Books ;" thus distinguishing the important object by large capitals, and a specific designation. This list included only three ! ' James Steven,' by the Rev. John Campbell ; ' Bowyer Smith,' by the Rev. Basil Woodd ; and ' Early Piety,' by tbe Rev. George Burder. A resolution, however, was passed in Februaiy, 1815, that a greater variety of childi-en's books was required. In the interim there had been repeated efforts to induce tbe Committee to advance more rapidly in providing for the wants of children. In Januaiy, 1812, a communication from one who was tbe fellow-labourer witb Benjamin Neale already mentioned, Mr. W. F. Lloyd, urged tbe use of superior paper and cuts for tbe Hawkers' Tracts; they were then disgraceful to the Society, being produced by tbe printers of those works witb all the characteristic accompaniments of brown paper, caricatui-e cuts, and most miserable typography ! Tbe contents, as already stated, were far from suitable ; but as nothing better could be bad, improvement, at least to tbe eye, was veiy properly urged. Tbe report for 1815 contains no addition to tbe three child- ren's books above mentioned. In 1816, seven others were added : ' Watts's Divine Songs ;' ' Doddridge's Principles of tbe Christian Religion ;' ' Lady Courteen ;' ' A Present to tbe Child- ren of Sunday or other Schools;' 'Address to a Child;' 'John of tbe Score ;' ' Poor Joseph.' In 1817, the name of one already alluded to, who has taken 126 THE society's publications. the most active part in the children's book operations, was added to the Committee;* and it was resolved, in November of that year, that it was desirable to augment the Children's Book Series. During the next twelvemonth, ' The Dairyman's Daughter,' ' Negro Servant,' ' Poacher's Daughter,' ' Elizabeth Loveless,' and two or three others were added. In 1818, the name of another individual, who has also taken an active part in these operations for the young, was placed on the Committee,f and the list of children's books increased to thirty in the report for 1819, though some previously in that class were omitted. In 1821, the list had only thirty-six; and they were still very inferior in paper and printing, and general appearance, to the children's books of the present day, though they were superior to those at that tiiBe issued from other sources. On July 3rd, it was resolved, that the childi-en's books be increased : the demand from the public was become too urgent to be neglected, and there were then members on the Committee who specially felt the importance of the subject, and were able and willing to devote their best energies to carry it forward. In May, 1823, the report mentioned the addition of twenty- two new children's books to that series ; these were suitable for the objects in view, and nearly all of them still remain on the list. The report announced an increased sale, commensurate with the impi*ovements adopted. In 1824, eleven new children's books were added to the Child's Book Series ; and a still more important addition was made by the monthly publication of the ' Child's Companion,' a magazine for children. In the year 1824, the Committee had the pleasure of receiving a strong testimony in favour of their new books, in a request from ]\Irs. Hannah More for a grant for her schools. The importance of thus providing for youthful minds being duly appreciated, the work continued to go forward. The report for 1825 stated that fifteen new children's books and eight short stories had been issued; and in 1826, eleven children's books and four short stories. In the latter report was first mentioned the 18mo series with covers, containing sixteen publications, mostly suited for the young, though rather more advanced than the smaller children's books. * Mr. W. F. Lloyd. \ Mr. Stokes. THE society's PUBLICATIONS, 127 In May, 1831, the catalogue offered 292 publications, espe- cially printed for the young. This result of ten years' labour gave to those who had been principally charged with this branch of operation much cause for thankfulness ; and the more so, as many communications to the Committee gave full proof that these little works had been blessed to "the lambs of Christ's flock." Such has been the extraordinary success of the efforts which have been recorded, that in 1849 the Society circulated upwards of four millions of children's books, which has been the average number for several years. The Society's juvenile works are no longer confined to small paper-covered books in 32mo, but have extended to larger publications. Its catalogue contains nearly three hundi-ed scriptural and entertaining books, which are adapted to convey important truth to youthful minds, and to lead them, thi-ough Divine grace, to walk in the lovely paths of pleasantness and peace. BROADSHEETS. The broadsheet tracts are printed only on one side of a sheet of paper, ornamented with pictures. They are intended to be affixed to the walls of cottages, factories, shops, and any other buildings. " Broadsides," as they were called, long ago formed a considerable article of popular literature. Their contents have been very various — many curious specimens are preserved in the British Museum and other public libraries ; but about foi'ty years ago the venders of this article had followed the popular taste, instead of attempting to lead it, till the whole of this class of publications exhibited an assortment exceedingly vile in their matter, and paltiy in their execution. The atten- tion of the Tract Society was called to these works a few years after its formation. Some carols were prepared to supply the place of the trash then, and still too frequently, vended under that title. But in January, 1814, the Committee resolved to prepare a more extended assortment of ])ublications, in the form of broadsheets. In the catalogue ajjpended to the report for 1814, we find a list of seventeen " broadsheets printed upon good paper, with cuts, for the pui-pose of affixing to the walls of cottages, etc. :" these were principally selected from the Hawkers' Tracts ; and in the report for the following year we read : " The Committee have also enlarged their selection of 128 THE society's publications. tracts upon broadsheets, for the purpose of their being affixed on the walls of cottages, manufactories, and places of public resort." For many years the broadsheets had an extensive circula- tion; but latterly the demand for them has much decreased, arising partly from the large issue of hand-bills. Although much trash and many objectionable pieces are still in circulation, many of the worst articles have disappeared; and among the modern broadsides printed by private individuals will be found some that are instructive and serious in their contents. 18mo books, stiff covers. This series was commenced in 1825, and oi'iginated in a desire to provide reading for young persons beyond the age of childhood, who might not be pleased, or satisfied, with having a small 32mo book put into their hands. It was also thought desirable that the contents of such works should be suited for more advanced ages ; while the larger size rendered them more acceptable to youths or grown persons, and would distinctly mark the difference from the books for younger chikben. This series being placed between the two larger masses of publications, the tracts and children's books, has not engaged so much attention as the publications included in it really deserve. The ' Memoir of S. W. Kilpin,' ' Little Jane,' ' Rolls Plumbe,' ' Goodrich's Child's Book of the Creation,' ' Hints on Dress,' and ' Mary Anne,' are eminently suitable for the young ; and ' Corbyn's Call,' ' Bishop Hall's Breathings of a Devout Soul,' ' Alleine's Voice of God,' ' Cecil's Friendly Visit to the House of Mourning,' ' Dwight on the Sabbath,' ' Sir Matthew Hale on Christ Crucified,' ' Sander's Watchword of the Re- formers,' ' Hervey's Time of Danger,' ' Sibbs' Christian Portion,' and ' Stubbes on Conscience,' for those more advanced in life. It is unnecessary to add, that this series contains many publications of importance, which it is desirable should be more fully appreciated, and more widely circulated than yet has been done. hand-bills. The hand-bills are small papers, considerably less in size than broadsheets, consequently more convenient for extensive distri- bution. Like the broadsheets, they are suitable for affixing to walls, but are more especially designed for circulation among THE society's PUllLICATIONS, 129 crowds, such as resort to races, wakes, and fairs, or arc con- gregated by any other cause of attraction. They are mostly short and forcible addi-esses or admonitions, or a few words of persuasive or dissuasive counsel. This series was suggested in 1810 by the late Robert Spear, Esq., of Manchester; but at that time it was not thought desirable to issue such small papers. In 1823, however, the series was commenced; the Committee were induced to adopt this form of publication, from finding that there were several well-authenticated instances of conversion from the perusal of a leaf of a tract, or of a Bible; and also that brief admonitions, printed on cards, had been often made useful. The cu-culation of hand-bills is very considerable; they are well suited for general use in a variety of ways, and have been employed with advantage by the vendors of small wares to wi-ap up articles when sold. Persons have placed bundles of them outside their houses, with the inscription " Take one," and have found that passengers availed themselves of the oppor- tunity. In the appendices to the reports, several well-attested instances of conversion from these little publications are recorded. We know, indeed, from Scripture history, that a pebble from the hand of a lad may be directed so as to bring a giant to . the earth. The price of these hand-bills puts them within the reach of the humblest Christian who wishes to join in the work of tract distribution. Many who are poor as to this world, but rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom, avail themselves of this series, affixing them on walls, or distributing them in their walks. SERMONS. In the year 1824, the Committee were induced, among other efforts, to try the experiment of publishing monthly a sermon selected from the stores of old and approved divinity, which were not easily accessible to readers in general. The first se- lected with this view was Maclaurin's, the powerful, heart- searching, and eloquent discourse on ' Glorying in the Cross of Christ.' It was followed by many others ; and this series extends to forty-eight numbers, including between sixty and seventy of the best discourses extant in the English language. The whole are collected ' in four volumes, under the title of Select Sermons. 130 THE society's publicatioxs. In the following year, 1825, the Committee found it desirable to supply another series of sermons, short, very plain, and simple, suited for the most ignorant, and yet valuable for general instruction, and which could be issued at a price so low as to secure a very wide circulation. At that time there was a living author, who, by general admission, was pecuharly qualified to supply such a series of publications, namely, the Rev. George Burder, author of the ' Village Sermons.' He entered fully into the -^dews of the Committee, and during two successive years, beginning January", 1826, supplied a monthly sermon of this description, which being issued as a series of Cottage Sermons, have obtained a very wide circulation. At the commencement of the last century, a number of the most distinguished divines allowed some of their best discourses to be printed for general circulation. They were known by the designation of penny sermons ; but it may safely be said that, for the objects in new these farthing sennons, under the Di\-ine blessing, are much better calculated for usefulness. The same venerable minister of Christ subsequently supplied twelve Sea Sermoxs, admirably adapted for seamen; and twelve Sermoxs to the Aged. He ^Tote the latter in the closing years of a long and useful hfe, when bowed down to the borders of the grave by a painful and long-continued affliction. They have spoken words in season to many aged persons, words of comfort to aged pilgrims, and words of warning appropriate to aged neglecters of the truth. These plain sermons were found valuable for loan tracts ; and additional ones being desired, the sennons of the late Rev. Joseph Milner, of Hull, were considered best to answer the description, and twelve were selected from his volume of ser- mons, by permission of the bookseller, who had the control of the work. These form Cottage Sermons, Nos. 25 to 36. Sub- sequently twelve of Cexxick's Sermoxs have been printed, and thirty-six pastoral addresses by the Rev. J: A. James. Since the death of the Rev. George Burder, the whole eight volumes of his Village Sermons have been added to the Society's publications, and the series was kindly re^dsed by his sons. These 101 sermons are now to be had separately, as so many distinct publications, or complete in eight volumes. The sermons which have been noticed take a great range of gospel truth ; and it may truly be said that they include many THE SOCIETY S PUBLICATIONS. 131 discourses in the English language most valuable for plainness and simplicity, and for eloquent and powerful doctrinal state- ments. BOUND PUBLICATIONS. It sometimes happens, in these searching times, that societies are considered Hable to censure, because they have not fulfilled all the professions connected with their original formation. This charge, happily, has never been urged against the con- ductors of the Religious Tract Society. On the other hand, however, it has been stated that it has gone beyond the primary- object of the founders. Perhaps the best course will be to plead guilty to this charge. It has gone beyond ; for the rule passed by the founders states, " That the subscription solicited be employed as a means of enabhng the Society to distribute and sell the tracts at a cheap rate.^' For many years the tracts have been greatly lowered in price, and yet the subscriptions, donations, and auxiliary contributions of evert/ kind, are now wholly devoted to its gratuitous objects, without any charge whatever for agency. The Society has gone beyond its original design; for the founders do not appear to have contemplated the pub- lication of their works for circulation in foreign lands, and yet , they have been issued in one hundi'ed and ten languages and dialects of the world. If it has been considered right to admit the charge which has been noticed, it is equally right that the Society should be heard in justification of the course pursued by its difi^rent committees. They have felt it their duty to advance with the times : the works that were useful in 1799 wdl not suit the working and other classes of the present day. In the lapse of years education has produced so great a change in our popula- tion, that many of the same individuals who were once content with tracts, are no longer satisfied with them, but are seeking for large volumes. Not to have advanced with the times would have impeded the Society, and would have been a breach of the confidence placed in the Committee by the Christian public. In justifying the course the Society has pursued in the pub- lication of books, it is not necessary to rest it upon any other ground than the demand created by the spread of knowledge ; othenA-ise an argument might be raised on the correct defini- tion of the term by which its publications were at first exclu- 133 THE society's publications. sively known. Many of our old writers were accustomed to call their treatises " Tracts," without much distinction as to size. Fohos may occasionally be seen, the authors of which speak with complacency of " thys my litel tract." An amusing instance may be mentioned. To the ' Catechisme,' written by Becon, chaplain to Cranmer, are prefixed the following lines: " Though I be smal in quantitie, Yet despise me not, good reader, For perchance thou shalt fynde in me, That wantetli in many greater." This catechism of the reformer, so " smal in cpiantitie," con- tains 542 pages of small folio ! The importance of publishing books as well as tracts was frequently urged on the Society, and received its anxious con- sideration. From time to time the object was advanced, par- ticularly by the liberal donation of the stereotype plates of valuable works. ' Brooks's Precious Remedies,' ' Bunyan's Holy War,' and ' Adams's Private Thoughts,' were presented to the Society, in 1825, by Mr. George Stokes ; followed soon after- wards by ' The History of the Church of Christ.' ' Dod- dridge's Rise and Progress/ and 'Bogatzky's Golden Treasviry,' by another friend. Lord Bexley paid the needful sum for stereotyping Keith's ' Evidence of Prophecy ' in several lan- guages. The Rev. F. Bevan, rector of Carlton-rode, in Norfolk, stereotyped the matchless Commentary of Archbishop Leighton, on the ' First Epistle of St. Peter/ by which its circulation has been greatly increased ; and the Rev. J. H. Gurney, m.a., formerly of Lutterworth, but now of London, edited and paid for the plates of 'Baxter's Family Book.' In 1828, 'The Select Writings of the British Reformers ' were issued at the expense of J. B. Wilson, Esq. From this time the Society's catalogue exhibited many bound publications, by a great variety of authors, for which there was soon a large demand. Communications were received from many friends, pressing an extension of the object, urging, as a special ground for it, that the prices generally charged for religious books were often higher than those at which many trivial and even injurious publications were sold. So deeply sensible were the active members of the Committee of the great value of what is now called " the volume enter- prize," that in one of the Society's periodicals they remarked, THE society's PUBLICATIONS. 133 " that if the first book issued by the Society could be restored to its library, it would be preserved with feelings somewhat analogous to those which dictated the careful preservation of ' The Little Grandsire ' of the Russian navy, the boat built by the hands of Peter the Great. That was important as the memorial of one of the most successful efforts of a great mind to civilize a vast and barbarous nation ; but surely greater respect is due to the first public exhibition of an effort which God has so signally blessed, for spreading the gospel throughout the earth, and for the salvation of numbers that cannot be ascertained till the great day of account." The book publications, though issued at a low rate, have been self-supporting, and, therefore, have never called for the appro- priation of any portion of the voluntaiy contributions to meet the expenses of their publication. Indeed, so successful has this branch of its operations been, that it has entirely met the expenses of the agency necessarily employed by the Society, and the Committee, so assisted, have been able to apply the whole of their benevolent funds to the gratuitous diffusion of religious publications. Neither has the book department interfered with the primary object of the Institution, but has greatly promoted the issuing of tracts. This will be seen by a few statements. In 1827, soon after the Society commenced the issue of its larger works, the publications sent from the depository amounted to 8,272,408, and the total gratuitous issues were 2223/. In 1849, the total issues were 18,223,955, of which 9,710,666 were tracts and 4,040,793 children's books, making together 13,751,459. This number does not include juvenile works, of one shilling and upwards. Its gratuitous issues amounted to 7630Z. — being 2690/. beyond the whole of the benevolent receipts during the year. Tlie reports of the Society have frequently noticed the moral and religious results of the books it has liccn permitted to send forth. On this subject it is stated, in the thirty-tifth Ileport, " that the benefits of these efforts are not confined to the times in which we live. Books are not absolutely dead things, but do contain a progeny of life in them, to be as active as that soul was whose progeny they are. A good book is the precious life- blood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up on pui-pose to a life beyond life." A book is " an immortality rather than 134 THE society's publications. a life." * How cheering then is the thought that the Society has been preparing works for the nse of future generations ; that it is restoring to the church and the world the holiest and best productions of men who, though they have finished their earthly course, still live in the works which survive them ! PERIODICALS. child's companion and TRACT MAGAZINE. When it is stated that these works have had an aggregate annual circulation of nearly 700,000 copies, and that they have maintained their position for a quarter of a century, although exposed to severe and constant competition, the friends of the Society will be interested by some particulars connected with their origin and progress. As early as September, 1799, a suggestion was made to the Society to send forth part of its works periodically. At that time, however, it was found most advisable to avoid any course which would require a regular and precise method of publication. The circumstance first enforcing attention to the issuing of pub- lications periodically, was the necessity for circulating intelli- gence of the Society's proceedings, with extracts from the correspondence, among its auxiliaries and friends. In the year 1820, the Committee commenced the ' Quarterly Extracts.' These were found very acceptable and useful, though, as the cir- culation was wholly gratuitous, the expense was considerable. In 1823, the subject of periodical literature was again brought under consideration, when the Committee resolved to commence on the 1st of January, 1824, the publication of two periodicals — the 'Tract Magazine' and the 'Child's Companion.' These periodicals continue to have an extensive circulation. At the close of twenty-three years, when a new series of the ' Tract Magazine ' was commenced, Mr. Stokes, on retiring, through indisposition, from his lengthened and anxious duties, " thankfully acknowledged the good providence of God which had enabled the editors to carry on these periodicals without any interruption from their commencement," He added : " About six millions of the separate numbers [of the ' Tract Magazine'] have been issued, and evidence has not been wanting that these pages have been made useful, in various instances, to the souls of the readers." His own views are thus modestly expressed : " Even THE society's PUBLICATIONS. 135 these feeble exertions may be useful; and if but one soul is turned from darkness unto light by the instrumentality of these little works, surely they will not have been published in vain." The ' Child's Companion ' has been invaluable as a reward book for schools, and also very acceptable in private families. Some, who are now grown to mature age, can recollect the eagerness with which the monthly number was looked for, that would convey further information about ' Joseph or Betsey Green,' and the ' Journeys of the Children of Israel,' and how much they admired the neat exterior and beautiful engravings of these little works, which they then thought would never be surpassed. Similar feelings appear to influence the present youthful population of our country, if they can be ascertained by the wide circulation of this useful periodical. THE VISITOR. The ' Visitor ' has been published in more than one form. It first appeared, in 1828, as the ' Domestic Visitor ; ' its leading object was then explained to be, " the promotion of the spiritual instruction of families, particularly domestic servants ; but the contents are also adapted to general readers, and not unsuitable for any rank in life." In this form it was issued only quarterly. The ' Domestic Visitor ' obtained a respectable but limited circulation, and its specific object prevented the introduction of that variety which alone could efficiently attract a domestic circle. In 1833, the Committee determined " to publish a magazine which should fully exhibit in its pages the great doctrines of the Bible, and yet contain matter instructive to the general reader." This new work was issued in weekly nvmibers, at a halfpenny each. It was embellished with well-executed engravings, and contained much information of a highly instructive and even scientific character, combined with matter of general interest. This publication was called the 'Weekly Visitor.' The next annual report states, that " the works of God and the word of God are explained and illustrated in each number;" and that the information it contained rendered it well suited for a libraiy book. In 1836, the weekly issue of this periodical was discontinued, and from that time it has appeared with the other periodicals, as the ' Visitor ; or, Monthly Instructor.' By this change the 136 THE society's publications. longer pieces are generally given in a less broken form^ and the workj as a whole, is rendered more complete. The ' Visitor ' is not sufficiently known as a periodical especially suited for families of the upper and middle classes. It has been supported by a number of talented contributors. The volumes are well worthy of being added to every family and circulating library, as containing a mass of permanently useful reading, in a popular form, combined with that degree of religious instruction which, under the Divine blessing, may make the reader wise unto salvation. THE CHRISTIAN SPECTATOR. The ' Christian Spectator' was commenced in December, 1838, in consequence of the facility for circulating periodicals by post, afforded by the reduction of the newspaper stamp to a penny. The ' Tract IMagazine' formerly contained extracts fi-om the correspondence of the Society ; but on account of the increasing magnitude of the operations of the Institution, fuller details were necessary; and it was requisite that they should be given in a form which would convey them direct to the tables of the most active and influential of its supporters. It was, therefore, resolved to commence a periodical sheet, and to send it free to those friends of the Society who were known to take a warm interest in its proceedings. This was done, and its results have proved very beneficial. The value of the ' Christian Spectator' is fully stated in the follomng extract from one of the reports : — " It has conveyed to the fi-iends full information of the Society's proceedings, and has frequently enabled the Committee to correct inaccurate statements respecting some branches of their opera- tions. It also furnishes particulars of all the new works which fi'om time to time are published. This periodical has been found an acceptable medium for conveying to the public clear views of the great truths of the Reformation, and of exhiljiting the errors of those who oppose the sentiments of the Brad- fords, the Latimers, and the Tindals of former days." Through these useful works, the Society has " yielded its fruit eveiy month," for the instruction and refreshment of many minds. commentaries on the holy scriptures. Dm-ing several years the desirableness of publishing a Com- THE society's publications. 137 mentary on the Holy Scriptures was pressed on the attention of the Committee by several esteemed friends, but more i)ar- ticularly by the bite Mr. Stokes. At first there appeared to be insurmountable difficulties in the way of such a work, but after calm consideration they were satisfactorily removed. The Com- mittee made known their intentions to send forth a commentary in their report for 1828: " In the enumeration of the various works which have occupied attention, the Committee think it right to mention, that in consequence of the strong recommendation received on the suhject from sevei-al esteemed friends, they have had repeatedly under consideration the publication of a short and inexpensive Commentary on tlie Holy Scriptures. They have been further encouraged to contemplate such a work by the kind offer of a friend to defray the expense of the stereotype plates. It is obvious that the preparation of such a work, in accordance with the principles of the Institution, will require much care ; and, if carried into effect, every effort will be made to secure its being a publication which, under the Divine blessing, may be acceptable and useful to every class. The Com- mentary will be compiled from the invaluable writings of Henry and Scott, whose works are so generally acceptable to the church of Christ, with additions from other writers when they appear desirable. The work will also contain notes to assist the reader in meeting the common but often exploded assertions of infidelity ; without, however, unnecessarily raising objections in the reader's mind." During the progress of the Commentary, the Society supplied the editor with many of the biblical works he needed, and the productions of modern travellers and authors. All these were in addition to his own well-stored libraiy. This fact is men- tioned to show the extent of his researches. On the completion of this important work, the editor^s feelings were thus stated by himself: — " The following extract from Scott exhibits the principles upon which the compiler has endeavoured to proceed during more than five years, which have been almost wholly devoted to the preparation of this work. lie says : ' Expositors in general have abundant cause to be cautious and humble; there is reason for them to tremble at the awful responsibility they incur. But the merciful Saviour will no more condemn unintentional mistakes in the hon(;st writer, who desires to help men to understand his word, and proceeds in simple, humble dependence upon his teaching, than he will the honest preacher; and I trust this effort to explain the Holy Scriptures, though feeble and defective, has been conducted from proper motives, and in dep(;ndence upon the Lord. 1 can aj)peal to 138 THE society's publications. my heart-searching Judge, that I have, as far as I know, written what I suppose he would have me write; without adding to, altering, or keeping back the sense of any passage to serve any personal end or party interest, from fear of incurring reproach or opposition, or desire of conciliating the favour of any man or set of men whatever.' " The work must not be sent forth without expressing thank- fulness to Almighty God, under whose providential guidance it was undertaken, carried on, and brought to a conclusion. To him alone be the glory ; and may his Spirit bless it to the souls of men. The preparation of the work has afforded comfort and occupation ; and with a deep sense of the advantages derived from the employment, the reader is earnestly and affectionately urged to study the word of God. ' Search the scriptures' was the counsel of the only Saviour of men." About half of the Society's Commentary is from Henry, the remainder from Scott and the numerous authors referred to in the work. The paragraphs from Heniy and Scott are frequently blended together; those from the former being condensed, and those from the latter often re-written, to render the phraseology less elaborate aud more clear. The notes in small type, more than 3000 in number, refer to passages where additional observations appeared requisite. They are, for the most part, explanatoiy or doctrinal. A few are critical, when verbal inter- pretation appeared useful for the application of the subject. The ' Short Comments ' on the Scriptures followed the issue of the Commentary on the Holy Bible. The contents, though chiefly taken from the larger Commentaiy, were nearly re-written, so as to render the language as plain as possible. The Comments are explanatory, devotional, and practical, and intended for persons who wish to add a few observations on the portion of Scripture which they read in family worship, and who have no opportunity of making selections from larger Commentaries. This work was commenced in 1838, and finished in 1839. On its completion, ' The Miniature Commentary,' in three volumes, royal 32mo, was issued. This is a reprint of the ' Short Comments ' in a small pocket form, and is intended for the young, the traveller, the Sunday-school teacher, and all persons who are called to explain to the ignorant the way of salvation. At the time the ^ Short Comments' were preparing, another THE society's PUBLICATIONS. 139 object engaged the attention of the Committee, namely, the publication of a ' Paragraph Bible ; ' availing themselves, in part, of the work of the Rev. Dr. Coit. The text of this useful edition of the English Bible is a correct reprint of the authorised version in general use. It is divided into paragraphs according to the changes and divisions in the subject treated of, and the pauses in the narrative ; but the numbers of the chapters and verses are retained in the margin for the sake of easy reference. The metrical parts, such as the Psalms and parts of the prophetical books, are printed in parallelisms, according to the natural order of the original. These parallel- isms give the reader a more accurate impression of the spirit and beauty of the inspired writings, and often assist materially in the correct understanding of the meaning. THE POCKET PARAGRAPH BIBLE. This work, like the one previously noticed, long engaged the anxious attention of the Committee, and they expressed their hope that it would be found a valuable addition to the biblical literature of the country. This work is a correct reprint of the authorized version of the scriptm'es. It contains a new selection of references to parallel and illustrative passages, which . have been expressly compiled for this work with great labour and care. Short notes are interspersed, with the view, so far as the space will allow, of giving improved rendei'ings, of eluci- dating difficult texts, and in other ways of affording explana- tions. The prefaces to the respective books embrace a short analysis, showing the design of their writers, the nature of their contents, and whatever is previously necessaiy to their due understanding. It is further enriched with valuable tables and maps. The advantages it possesses over the common editions of the Bible, its neat typography, and its unprecedented cheap- ness, unite to commend this work to the attention of all students of the word of God. THE NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARY. The cheap issue of the Holy Scriptures, which has greatly increased their circulation, suggested to the Committee the desirableness of a small and inexpensive exposition of the sacred text. They were anxious that subscribers should be able to purchase a Commentary in three volumes, at a charge of only 140 Tin: society's ri iu.kations. Olio sliilliiiii- each. Tho Now Tostamont ])ortion of the work lias a])poaioil. ^^'llilo tho oditor has avaiknl himself of tho larirer exposition published by the Society, this cheap publication must not be roii-arded as a meiv abstract of that justly -esteemed work, but independiMit of it, and one on which much time and labour have been oxpouded. The special advantages of the work are, that it furnishes to the teachers of the yonng, to pious parents, and to all persons onii-ai;-ed in impartina: reliii-ious knowledii-e, a laruv amount of valuable matter of an explanatory and expository kind at a very cheap rate. It is also adai)totl for devotional ivadiui;- at family worship, for the closet, for the servant's bookshelf, and for tho travolliiii;- trunk.* riUl.U ATIONS ox SPECIAL SUBJECTS. VOl'EUV. The Uoh-i-itnis Tract Society beinp; based upon tho principles of tho Iveformation, it necessarily came at once into opposition with the ehurch of lunno on tho all-important doctrine of jus- titication, and on others for which our fathers made a i^ood profession, and to maintain which they counted not their lives dear to them. In one of its earliest years, a tract duvctly exposiui^: tho errors of pi)]iery was sent forth by the Society, but boiui;- written in laniruiiiio ]iainfully stroiii^-, and oven un- ii'uarded, it was not continued. In 1807, however, some tracts ospeoially intended " for distribution among Roman Catholics," ap[)eared on the list ; and tho report of the same year contained an account of tho conversion of an Irish Roman Catholic by the instrumentality o( a trai't. When gratuitous distribution became a roet>gnised part of the proceedings of tho Soeioty, attention to this class t>f our follow subjects, who, even in this land of liberty, submit to be deprived of the scriptm-os by the mandates of their priests, was soon given ; and among the grants in 1811 are some "for the Roman Catholics in different parts of England and Ireland." In 1800, a more decided effort was made by publishing that well-known and able exposure of popish error, ' The History of Andrew Dunn,^ which embodied, and brought into one view, the doctrines and practices of a large portion of the population of our sister island. The report of 1810 speaks of it as a tract peculiarly adapted for distribution * The ' Vocket Commentary on the Old Testament,' in two volumes, is now in the press. . Price to subscribers Is. each volume. Till", sorii'.rv's riMU.icAi'ioNS. 141 anionu; llonian Catholics ; addhiji;, that the rapid sale of the first edition had lully jiistiiied the expectations of the Coniuiittee respectiiii;' it. Niiiiici'ous iiistaiices of its nsefidiiess luive l)eeii noticed in subsecpient reports, and it has presented a powerl'ul weapon against the errors of popery. Other publications of a similar character were added to the list, and the Conunittee, in thi' year 181 1, referred prominently to this subject, recording their deliberate judgment that it was the plan and ])racticc of the Society to follow the leading reformers, Fjuglish and foreign, eniunerating them by nanus, both in doctrines and exertions. In 1825, it was found desirable to state this by a resolution at (he public nu'etiiig, when \\\c following was adopted, on tlu' motion of the Ivev. I'ldward Bickersteth, the present rector of W'atton, seconded by tlu' Ivev. Dr. Urwiek, then of Sligo, but now of Dublin : " 'I'hat at tlu" prosont period, this nioolin<,^ coiisicU'i-s it most iiii])ortaiit fully to recognise the principles upon which tliis Society lias iiillicrto proceeded; namely, 'the evangelical principles of the Reformation in which Luthei-, Calvin, and Cranmer were agreed,' and trust, that without reference to points of a secular or merely controversial nature, the Com- mittee will ever consider ' the Luthers, tlie Melanctlions, the 'I'indals, the Cranmers, the liatimers, and the Hradt'oi-ds of former days, as their patterns in sound doctrine and active exertion.' " As if to give decided proiniiu-nce to this avowal, two llomanists, who had conu; ])rep;u'ed to distin-b the meeting, stood forward; and when the ordinary busiiu>ss liiul been transacted, they were requested to state what they had to say. One of the civic magistrates took the cluvir, a fidl and fair hearing was given ; after which the inasterly, through unpremeditated, replies of the llev. Richard Pope and Dr. Urwiek entirely refuted the miscraljlc soj)histries of the advocates of error, and a large asscnil)ly departed, conlirmed in their regard for the scriptural doctriiu's of the Eefonnation, ami tliankfnl that sncli iin efficient instrunuMit for meeting error as the Ueligious Tract Society had b(!en raised up. The Conunittee did not hesitate to resjxmd to the voice of the mend)ers, and from that time went forward in direct opi)osition to popery with additional vigour and effect. INl'inELITY. For more than half a century previous to the formation of the Tract Society, a body of men, self-called ])hilosophers, had Ixcn actively engaged in spreading inlldcl piincijiies and 142 THE society's publications. doctrines^ especially by the instrumentality of the press. They had realized the emphatic description of holy writ : " They have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind." Scattering abroad the words of vanity and lies, with an activity and a systematic operation before unprecedented in the histoiy of the world, their breath raised a dark and noisome cloud, which for a moment seemed to obscure the glorious rays of the Sun of righteousness ; and a storm had followed, which affected every part of the globe, and threatened to devastate the fairest regions of the earth. The giant Infidelity seemed to rise in more than natm-al strength, the horrors of war deso- lated the world, and all the bonds of social life were loosened; the foundations of society were upheaved, and the whole struc- ture seemed to totter to its base. Dr. Bogue, in his sermon on " The Diffusion of Divine Truth,^' preached at the first anniversary of the Religious Tract Society, in May, 1800, did not fail to notice that marked feature of the age — the prevalence of infidelity, and the manner in which it might, under the Divine blessing, be successfully opposed by the efforts of the then infant Institution, whose cause he pleaded. The preacher fully showed the remedy, as well as the evil; he spoke of the necessity for the diffusion of divine truth, and the impoi'tant instrumentality of the print- ing PRESS for this work ; and that as divine truth had triumphed over pagan idols and the superstition of Rome, so there was no cause to fear that it would not ultimately triumph over other opponents. The Committee, among their first yearns publications, gave a practical instance of the disease and the remedy, in ' The Repentance and Happy Death of the Earl of Rochester,' — a tract which has been blessed of God to the conversion of many souls. ' The Life of Colonel Gardiner ' presented another and similar instance of the triumph of divine grace, while ' Dod- dridge's Principles of Christianity^ embodied the leading divine truths, in a form most likely to benefit the rising generation, and ' The Bible of Divine Authority ' powerfully met the cavils of the infidel. These labours of the first year, at such a period, were appropriately concluded by the tract ' The Instruction of the Rising Generation in the Principles of the Christian Reli- gion recommended.^ Thus the Committee endeavoured, by their attempts in the cause of truth, to show that the weight of the THE society's PUBLICATIONS. 143 curse for neglected opportunities of doing good laid not upon them, and earnestly did they seek to labour in the work of God, to send out his light and his truth. In the subsequent proceedings of the Society, tracts and books were added to the catalogue in support of scriptural truth, particularly during the seasons which have frequently occurred, when infidelity has made its special and persevering attempts to spread its poisonous and sovil- destructive principles. The works of Bogue, Alexander, Gregory, Gurney, Paley, Vinet, and the tracts of Stowell, Tayler, and others, have been powerful means of vindicatmg the truth, and leading the deluded from the strongholds of scepticism. These special efforts are briefly noticed in the chapter on the Society's Home Gratuitous operations. W^ORKS ON LICENTIOUSNESS. These works were specially prepared on the recommendation of several friends, and under a deep conviction of the deplorable evils connected with the prevailing licentiousness of our times, affecting the most valuable interests of individuals and the community, both for time and eternity. Several of the tracts in this series are from the pens of Hannah More, Charlotte Elizabeth, and other approved writers. They are written with' great care and delicacy, and are addressed to the seducer, to females who have fallen, and to the thoughtless and inexperienced youth of both sexes who are exposed to temptation. Several are narratives adapted to encourage penitents to forsake their evil ways. The Committee are anxious to secure for this new series an extensive though prudent circulation. Hitherto their expecta- tions have not been realized. Christian ministers, the proprie- tors of factories, the officers and agents of asylums for fallen females, and other benevolent friends, may do much good by promoting the distribution of this new series. It is hoped that their judicious issue will show the seducer the nature and heinousness of his crime, prevent the thoughtless and inexpe- rienced youth from falling into the snare of "the strange woman," and lead many of the fallen to return to a merciful and almighty Iledeemer. THE MONTHLY MESSENGER. This new scries of tracts was commenced in 1811-, and is intended to be given away to a class of our population that are 144 THE society's publications. indisposed either to receive or to return loan tracts periodically. In preparing tlicm^ the Committee have kept in mind the intelligent among the working-classes who require tracts of a superior order. In Scotland a plan has been successfully carried on for many years of giving a tract monthly : the same plan has been fre- quently recommended for England, particularly in districts where a sufficient agency cannot be obtained to keep up a regular circulation on the loan system. These tracts are well written and illustrated, and have been acceptable to the educated classes. So great has been the demand for them that during the year, ending in March, 1849, upwards of one million six hundred and fifty-nine thousand were issued from the depository. BRITISH REFORMERS. The importance of publishing a selection from the writings of the British reformers long engaged the attention of several Christian friends connected with the Society, on account of their clear and evangelical statements of Protestant truth. One of them, in addressing the Committee with a plan for their publication, remarked : — " You have published much of the divinity of the seventeenth centuiy : you ought also to give pub- licity to a selection from the most valuable w^ritings of the six- teenth. It has been well observed, ' The one wrote in their closets, and their writings are full of thought, accurate, disqui- sitive, and scholastic; the others wrote with the stake before their eyes, and their writings are full of holy feelings — popular, experimental, and spiritual.^ " After frequent conferences on the subject, the Committee felt it their duty to sanction this new effort. In 1828 the republi- cation commenced under careful editorial revision. They now form twelve volumes of most important matter, and comprise the writings of Bradford, Latimer, Philpot, Bidley, Knox, Hamilton, Cranmer, Wickliff, Tindal, Frith, Barnes, Fox, Hooper, Queen Catharine Parr, Lady Jane Grey, Becon, Cover- dale, Jewell, and others, including some tracts translated from the continental reformers, and actively circu.lated in this country during the sixteenth century. The value of these selections will be understood when it is stated that tracts which were originally sold for a few pence, are now eagerly bought at the price of many shillings, or even TIIK SOCIKTY S PUBLICATIONS. 145 pounds. They were thus wholly cxckided from all whose means were Ihnited. The labours and research of the editor were exceedingly great. They were completed in 1833, by a volume entitled, " The Lives of the British Reformers, from WicklifF to Fox,^^ a work calculated to animate the Christian to follow those " who through faith and patience arc now inheriting the promises." One interesting fact the editor was accustomed to mention in connexion with tliose editoi-ial labours : he was exceedingly anxious to compare WicklifF's ' Lantern of Light,' written about 1400, with an early copy of the book, from a conviction that various errors had crept into the later editions. He inquii'ed in every direction for the work, searched many libraries and catalogues, but all in vain. He had occasion to visit the British Museum for some literary purpose, and had the proof sheets of WicklifF's work in his pocket. On retiring from the Museum, he passed down a court leading into Lincoln's-inn Fields, and observed in an old tea-chest a number of books all marked sixpence each. He was led by curiosity to examine the lot, and there, to his joyful surprise, he found the old black- letter book he had long been seeking for in vain. This book he valued at several pounds. On examining it, he discovered that his sus])icions were well-founded as to the inaccuracies of the more recent editions. These Selections from the Reformers have had a considerable circulation, though not to the extent they merit, when the following just description of them is considered : — " These are a selection from the writings of our foreftithers who witnessed to ' the truth as it is in Jesus,' to which the weary soul may resort for refreshment, and the wounded heart for consolation : to which the believer may have recourse to dissolve his doubts, to dissipate his fears, to assuage his sorrows, to excite his graces, to confirm his faith, and to elevate his ho])e." DOCTRINAL PURITANS AND DIVINES Ol' TIIK SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. During the last twenty-six years the Committee have sent forth many of the valuable writings of those de\otcd servants of Christ, who lived and \\rotc in the seventeenth century, and of others of a later date, who, being like-minded, have borne a similar testimony to the truth. These are the Doctrinal 146 THE society's publications. ' Puritans of our land. The name of Pvritam at first was bestowed in contempt, but it happily expresses peculiar claim to regard, namely, that the authors set forth religious tnith in its purity; and the term Doctrinal may be used to dis- tinguish those wi'itings which have reference only to doctrines, not to points of discipline on which good men have always differed, and still continue to hold varied sentiments, while they agree on all subjects necessary to salvation. In this sense Preston and Owen, Bunyan and Bishop Hall, Rutherford and Hervey, Alleine and Adam, Howe and Bishop Reynolds and Bishop Hopkins, may be enumerated together. Few persons are aware of the extent to which these publica- tions have been prepared by the Society, and that for a few shillings many of the most valuable writings of those divines who succeeded the reformers may be obtained. Amidst the con- tinued efforts now made to engage public attention to the pro- ductions of the press, the Society finds it an imperative duty prominently to state what has been done, and to show that readers of every station may at once avail themselves of the fruit of these exertions, to a greater or less extent, as they please. The benefits which, under God's blessing, resulted from the circulation of these works in past tmies, call for active efforts to send them forth at the present day. And it may be hoped that in thus bringing home sound religious instruction to readers of every class, much may be done to counteract modern exertions to revive antiquated puerilities, and recent attempts to insinuate false doctrines under specious disguises. These books will be found faithful republications; many of them, as Leighton, Bunyan, and Chillingworth, are now given in a more correct form than in the numerous reprints of late years; others are abridged or condensed, so as to render them much more valuable for circulation, and desirable for perusal ; such books being distinguished accordingly, while as a whole they will be found edited with much care and fidelity. GENERAL LITERATURE. Under this head may be classed the Society's ' Monthly Volumes,' the ' Lectures to Young Men,' the ' Educational Series,' and other works which unite general and scientific instruction with scriptural knowledge. These works differ from the Society's early productions, because, though on subjects of great interest THE society's PUBLICATIONS. 147 and iin])oi-tancc, they ave not exclusively religious. They have been called for by the increase of knowledge and the extraor- dinary activity of the press. In these times the Society and its proceedings cannot be confined to one undeviating course. " Change/^ as Co^^Der quaintly remarks^ " is the diet on which all subsist ; " and it is the course of sound wisdom to supply a wholesome aliment to the minds that are always looking for " some new thing." THE ' MONTHLY VOLUME.' The spirited efforts of the press in sending out weekly and monthly volumes called the attention of the Society to the importance of a new series at a cheap rate, combining general information with religious sentiments, and adapted to the new development and growing intelligence of the times. This new effort was commenced in 1845 ; and up to March, 1849, forty- three volumes had been issued. These volumes are from the pens of authors of ability in their respective departments of literatm'e and science, and fully merit the statements contained in the report of an affiliated society : — " These works are on secular subjects, treated in an evangelical manner. If such writers as Hume and Gibbon have made history the medium of insidiously communicating the poison of infidelity, it is weW that the children of light should leam to be wise in their generation, and render not history only, but all the sciences, both of mind and matter, the handmaids of true religion. This series is for the most part original in its matter, scriptural in its principles, popular in its style, while it is economical in its price. This must be a som'ce of pleasm'e to eveiy Christian. Men will read on secular subjects; while up to the present time, w'hat Miiller said of a work by the celebrated Herder, may be applied to almost all the works in literature and the secular sciences : ' I find everything there but Christ ; and what is the histoiy of the world without Christ ? ' " The ' Monthly Volume' is worthy of being introduced into the educated families of our land. It will also be found a valuable acquisition to day and Sunday-schools, and to the libraries of mechanics and others, and will also supply interesting and valuable reading to a large number of the people, who can only spare time enough for the perusal of a small volume, and whose means will not allow a more costly pujL'chase. 148 THE society's publications. The circulation of some of the vohunes has ah'cady exceeded twenty-five thousand copies. The encouragement given to this endeavour to diffuse literature and science in connexion with scripture principles, fully justifies the Society in the course it has pursued, and shows that the religious public are prepared to appreciate it. BOOKS roil SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES. The importance of improving the books used in the schools of our country was frequently considered by the Committee. In many of the existing works the intellect is often cultivated while the heart is neglected; and the truths that shoidd be most promptly and effectually urged on the mind are frequently the last to be stated, or are presented in a manner that is unattractive, if not repugnant to the juvenile reader. If a profound deference to the authority of inspired truth, and a judicious introduction of it into works for the young be considered of great importance, it will be discovered, on a careful examination, that such works arc but rarely imbued with these elements : and yet what is there to enlighten the vmder- standing, to ])urify the heart, and to guide the feet in the way of peace, but that " word " which God hath " magnified above all his name ? " In carrying out this important object, the preparation of the books has been entrusted to approved authors. Several volumes of the series have already appeared. ' The History of Greece,' besides describing the scenery, the persons, and the transactions of Grecian history, embodies much information scattered through works which are not strictly historical. With a view to this, the labours of German as well as English writers have been diligently examined. ' The History of Rome' is arranged in consecutive order, and presents the facts in a clear and striking manner. It is a condensed summary of the learned researches of the most eminent writers in this department of historical knowledge. The style is attractive, and well suited to interest the reader. ' Paley's Evidences of Christianity ' was specially designed to meet the attacks of the infidel, fifty years ago; since the author's death, the enemies of revealed religion have shifted their ground, and varied their assaults : hence originated the necessity of adapting this work to the . exigencies of the pre- sent times. This labour was entrusted to the Rev. T. R. Birks, m.a.. THE SOCIKTV's PUBLICATIONS. 149 late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, who has supplied an introduction, treating ably on the connexion between natural and revealed religion, and on the various branches of Christian evidence. Ninncrous appropriate notes are also given on those passages in the original text which required correction or further explanation ; and ten supplements are added on those points of proof which Dr. Paley had either touched on very briefly or altogether omitted. These volumes give evidence of much care, judgment, and investigation ; and it is hoped that they will be found favourable specimens of the whole series. The real excellence of these works, and the lowness of their price, should secure for them a large circulation in the schools and families of our country. The ' English History ' and other valuable works are in course of preparation. LECTURES TO YOUXG MEN. It has for some time been considered desirable to issue a series of publications, particularly designed to meet the intellec- tual and moral wants of young men — a large class, whose sentiments and conduct exert, and are likely to exert, a decided influence on the church and the world. A course of lectures being announced to be delivered to the Young Men's Christian Association of London, (the doctrinal views of whose members, and the catholicity of whose principles, harmonising with those of the Religious Tract Society,) it was thought by the respective committees that the lectures should be issued at a small cost, and so secure an extensive circulation. The eminent standing of their respective authors, and the important object contem- plated by the course, also pointed out the desirableness of their adoption. The subjects treated arc of great importance, and well suited to interest, instruct, and impress the minds of young men. This publication has been well received by the pubhc ; and it is hoped that it will long continue to be the favourite com- panion of those who will hereafter exercise an important influence upon the future movements and destinies of our country. PRIZE ESSAYS ON THE SABBATH. In 1847, John Henderson, Esq., of Glasgow, off"ered prizes for the three best essays, written by working men, on the 150 THE society's PUBLICATIONS. Temporal Advantages of the Sabbath. The proposal excited considerable interest. The Committee of this Society, anxious to co-operate in the excellent object, resolved to give five addi- tional prizes, of five pounds each, which were awarded respec- tively to a porter, a journeyman shoemaker, a compositor, a framework-knitter, and a tailor. The Rev. E. Bickersteth pre- faced these essays with an introductory notice, in which he well observes : " These delightful and unexpected manifestations of knowledge, talent, and piety, and of deep attachment to the Christian sabbath, founded on solid and conclusive argument, are equally surprising, gratifying, and encom'aging. There is now, it is clear, in the hearts of the working-classes a just sense of its inestimable advantages, and a holy determination to main- tain inviolate that sacred right and privilege which God has given to every man from the beginning." • The principles which have been enforced in this chapter, showing the importance of uniting scriptural truth with general literature, apply to many other works on the Society's list, par- ticularly to those on general history, and the works on Quadru- peds, Birds, Reptiles, and other similar subjects. Long as the details connected with the Society's publications have been, many works have necessarily been unnoticed. These include the valuable series of ' Christian Biography,' and ' The Anecdotes,^ on a variety of important subjects. The text-books, particularly ' The Daily Food for Christians,' have had an extensive and beneficial circulation. The same remark applies to the ' Christian Almanack,' in its various forms, laden, as it always has been, with " the words whereby men may be saved." The ' Cottage Hymn-book,' and other selections, have aided the devotions of many both in private and public ; the ' Cards ' have conveyed hints on the most important topics to persons who would decline the common tract ; and even the blind have been led " to feel after Him, and find Him," who is " the Way, the Truth, and the Life." It would be a pleasant and grateful duty to enumerate the names of those who have compiled the four thousand three hundred and sixty-three books and tracts which are now on the Society's catalogue; but that is impracticable. They are found among all orders of the faithful members of the universal church. THE SOCIETY^S PUBLICATIONS. 151 Archbishops^ bishops, and other ministers of the Episcopal Church ; Lutheran, IMoravian, Presbyterian, Congregational, and Wesleyan pastors; laymen, including the unassuming Friend; and females, " the helpers of the chmxhes," are among its wi-iters. In these varied productions will be found instruction for persons occupying every station in society. They contain all the essential saving truths of revealed religion, in connexion with an almost endless variety of subjects, religious, historical, and scientific. The writers differ on minor points; but they form in Christ " one alliance, one army, one nation ;" and they proclaim, as mth one voice, to the unbelievers of all nations and people, " It is a faithful saying, and worthy of all accep- tation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.'^ Although the works of the Society contain " the way of salvation" clearly stated, yet its friends admit that they are the productions of fallible men, and therefore cannot be altogether free from error. At the same time, may not the Committee inquii-e with a departed prelate, " Could any one section of the church produce 4363 works, all written by its own members, that would be so free from objections as the works of the Society ?" If this be a fair inquiiy, the Committee trust that forbearance will be exercised in the examination of their pub- lications ; and if they are compared with the Scriptures, as the divine standard of truth, and not with the peculiar standards of any party, they doubt not the Society will secm-e the continued and generous co-operation of the whole household of faith in the gi-eat Avork in which it is engaged. CHAPTER XIII. THE FUNDS OF THE SOCIETY. Providential supplies — Loans — Annual subscriptions — Collections — Auxiliary societies— Life subscriptions — Donations for stereotype plates — Collecting cards — Interesting Facts con- nected with the Funds of the Society. The providential supplies which have been received by the Society from time to time, should not be overlooked in a histoiy of its proceedings. Like most voluntary associations, it com- menced its labours without capital, and therefore its early friends were much tried to meet the needfid outgoings. It was occa- sionally necessary to obtain loans from members of the Com- mittee, which being generally advanced without interest, were the means of keeping the Institution from sinking, until the liberal contributions and efforts of its generous supporters placed it on a firm commercial basis. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS. These were the first source of income to the Society. Imme- diately it was formed, and its clearly-defined principles made known, the confidence of many friends in all sections of the church was secured. Among the first subscribers were the venerable John Newton, the Rev. Josiah Pratt, the Rev. John Eyre, and the Rev. William Wiukworth, connected with the Estabhshment ; and its highly-esteemed and philanthropic lay- members. Vice-admiral Gambier, Sir Richard Hill, William Wilberforce, and Zachary Macauley, Esqs. The Rev. Charles Simeon, of Cambridge, soon followed their example. The Scottish National Church appeared as the supporter of the Society, through the Rev. Dr. Hunter; and the secession churches, in the Rev. Alexander Waugh. The Independents sanctioned the THE ILXDS OF THE SOCIETY. 153 new design by the Rev. John Townsend, W. B. Collyer, and others in London ; and also by the highly-esteemed Rev. William E-oby of Manchester, Edward Parsons of Leeds, David Bogue of Gosport, and Joseph Slatterie of Chatham. In addition to the Society's Secretary, several devoted and talented members from the Baptist churches enrolled their names as friends ; among these were the Revs. Andrew Fuller, Robert Hall, James Hinton, William Newman, and John Ryland. The Rev. Dr. Haweis connected the churches of the amiable Countess of Huntingdon with the Listitution; and the excellent Rowland Hill represented an influential body, who were sometimes called " intermediates between Churchmen and Dissenters." All these became the supporters of the Society during its first year. Shortly afterwards, Joseph Buttei-worth, Esq., by joining the Society, showed the friendly disposition of the Wesleyan brethren to its objects ; the Rev. Thomas Charles of Bala brought in the Calvinistic Methodists of the principality ; Dr. Stcinkopff, the Lutheran Church; and then, in 1807, Robert Howard and William Allen linked the Listitution with the Society of Friends. Could there be a more beautiful representation of " the household of faith ? " Here was a true, practical " evangelical alliance." Its great catholic principles were embodied in the Christian men of all Protestant denominations, who enrolled themselves among its first supporters. Such an auspicious commencement augured well for the new cause; and its subsequent history has shown that all true Christians may thus work together for the advancement of " the faith once delivered to the saints." The annual subscriptions only realised a small sum at the commencement of the Society. In 1800, they amounted to 167/. 13.5. lid.; and though they gradually increased, it was not until its twenty-fifth year that they reached the sum of 1000/. In that year they were 1105/. 9^. The largest annual receipts were in the jubilee year, when they were 2600/. The total receipts for 'subscriptions from the commencement of the Society have been 60,736/. 195. 9d. The subscriptions are comj)aratively small, coming as they do from all sections of the Protestant Church, and when the advantages gained by subscribers arc considered. The tracts and magazines which are furnished to them quarterly, amount to nearly one huiulrcd and fifty thousand in the year; the exj)ense of whicl) is about seven ])er cent, on the total of the 154 THE FUNDS OF THE SOCIETY. subscriptions, without reckoniug the annual report. Subscribers have also the privilege of purchasing the Society's publications at reduced prices, for their own use or for gratuitous distribu- tion. The subscriptions, notwithstanding these personal privileges to the contributors, are wholly devoted to the free circulation of religious information at home and in distant lands. Grateful for the sums already received, yet looking at the opening prospects throughout the world, the Committee, in their fiftieth report, appealed to their friends " to make a new and enlarged standard of contributions, to commence from the jubilee year; to let the subscriptions, particularly those of 10s. Qd., be doubled in all practicable cases, that the funds might be more in keeping with the demands of our country, its colonies, and the world.'' COLLECTIONS. Next to the subscriptions, the Society in its early history was aided by congregational collections. The first was obtained at Dr. Hunter's chapel, in London "Wall, by the Rev. Dr. Bogue ; others followed ; and among them was 109/. from Surrey chapel, after a sermon by the Rev. William Jay of Bath. These addi- tions to the funds were frequently received in the time of need, and were truly helpful to the Institution. The earliest assistance from the country was in 1810, when the Rev. Joseph Hughes preached at three chapels in Portsea, and obtained 40/. for the Society's objects. In the following year, the Rev. Rowland Hill preached in Woburn church, when the collection amounted to 25/. The total sum obtained by collections, including those re- ceived at the annual meetings, has been small, not exceeding 4639/. 13s. \d. ; but latterly this source of income has been almost exhausted. The friends at Leeds, and a few small towns in Norfolk, continue their annual offerings through the pulpit ; and if their example could be occasionally imitated, the Society would be greatly benefited, and information might be imparted on the Sabbath day to thousands who seldom enjoy the pri- vilege of a week-day service. AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. Under the head of " Auxiliary Societies," * full information will be found relative to these important associations. Their * See Chapter XV. THE FUNDS OF THE SOCIETY. 155 first contributions were trifling ; they have always been limited ; but they have gradually increased, until the aggregate sum of 48,023/. 55. 3^. has been realised, which has greatly aided in the advancement of the Society^s objects. For the contributions received from the auxiliaries the Insti- tution has been placed under great obligations to many devoted friends, who for a long series of years have borne the burden connected with the steady maintenance of these valuable adjuncts to the Institution. There was an important mistake in the instructions which were first sent out' by the Committee, recommending the forma- tion of auxiliary institutions : the rate of subscription was fixed too low. It was suggested that one penny a week should con- stitute a member. Had this been considered only the minimum no harm would have been done, but in some places it was taken for the maximum, and the result was that even from the largest constituencies the contributions were exceedingly small. In ^one town the auxiliary understood that the Parent Society only wished the small sum stated, and therefore the humble mechanic, and the man of title, appeared in the subscription list, devoting the same sum to the object. It was many years before the rate of contribution could be raised. In one im- portant and affluent city, the annual donation from its auxiliary seldom exceeded five pounds. About twenty years since, the society was re-organized : the old rules were prepared, but just before the chair was taken, a friend remarked, " Your sub- scription is too limited — leave the amount open." His advice was taken; and the result has been that the donations have frequently exceeded the annual sum of 100/. In all auxiliary regulations, care should be taken not to exclude the widow's acceptable mite, or to limit the flow of a liberal spirit from those to whom much has been given. DONATIONS AND LIFE SUBSCRIPTIONS. The life subscriptions and donations have been another useful source of supply to the Society. The amount, however, was small, and no separate account was kept of them until the year 1812, when 405/. lis. was received. In the year 1828, this fund was strengthened by a novel effort, which was first adopted in America. Some of the females connected with the American churches raised a sufficient sum to constitute their 156 THE FUNDS OF THE SOCIETY. ministers life members of the American Tract Society; by this plan many devoted pastors, whose limited means prevented their personal contribution, had the privilege of being enrolled as supporters of the leading Institution of their country. At a meeting of the Bristol auxiliary in 1828, a zealous friend men- tioned this practice, and urged the ladies connected with the Rev. John Leifchild's congregation to make their respected minister a life member of the Society. The recommendation was attended to, and the sum of ten guineas remitted to its treasurer. This example was followed by other congregations, and the subject is recorded in these memorials with the hope that the esteem manifested by such donations will induce the friends of many ministers to make them life members of- the Society. Among the early donations to the Society was the sum of 50/., in 1811, from the committee for conducting ' The Youth's Magazine ;' nine subsequent donations have been received, making altogether the liberal sum of 370A Nor was this the entire contribution from that useful and instructive work. A large supply of wood and steel-engravings were voted to the Society, to illustrate its juvenile works. LEGACIES, The legacies bequeathed to the Institution have been a great source of its prosperity. It was in 1809 that the first testa- mentary contributions were received. In that year 50/. was reported from the executors of Samuel Goadby, Esq., and the like sum from the estate of C. Wren, Esq. In subsequent years this branch of income considerably increased; and the total receipts amount to 21,615/. 55. M. One remark on this subject, from the thirtieth report, may be here inserted : — " It is usual, in making wills, to remember those persons and objects which hold the nearest place in our affections. W\\y theil should Christians so often forget the ' Friend they have above ? ' Why should they not admit Him to share, with their earthly friends, that inheritance which they received wholly from his hands ? For although He has all power, and dominion, and honour^ and glory, and riches, and wisdom, He has seen fit to use His creatures as instruments in the accomplishment of His pur- poses, and to express himself as well-pleased with their sacrifices for His sake ; ' and who would not desire to please Him ? " THE FUNDS Ol' TIIK SOCIETV. 157 llOXATIONS FOR STEREOTYPE-PLATES. The t'luuls of tlic Institution have Ijeen niatcvially benefited by the s))ecia] donations received for stereotyping approved works. The.se contributions commenced in 18.26, and were continued for several years. The cha])ter on " The Society's Pubhcations " * contains a full account of the works which were issued through these donations. The total receipts under this head have been 275 1/. ISs. 9d. During the last thirteen years only one contribution for stereotyping has been received, and that was from Joseph Gurney, Esq., in 1818, for the ' Harmony of the Gospels.' It is ho])ed that this admirable mode of benefiting the Institution will n BOHEMIA. There have been few openhigs into this country for the diffusion of rehgious truth. In 1829 the Committee received an application from Bishop Fabricius, of Hernhut^ stating that great good woukl follow the circulation of Gossner's ' Primitive Christianity.' A competent minister had offered to translate it ; but the people, though anxious to obtain the work, were unable to meet the expenses of publication. The Committee placed at the bishop's disposal 20/. to pay the necessary charges. Ten years after this little work appeared, the Rev. Professor Tholuck, of Halle, urged the publication of a new Bohemian hymn-book, prepared by some friends in Berlin. He stated that there were a few Protestant congregations scattered in Bohemia, who were mostly under the influence of the ra- tionalist school. Some of them, however, enjoyed the ministry of pious clergymen and teachers, and were in a prosperous religious condition. " In this country," he remarked, " the enemies of evangelical truth have succeeded in poisoning the stream of sacred poetry. The period of false enlightening, as it was termed, has introduced among them hymn-books of a deplorable character, containing pieces of quite a Socinian character." The Society granted 50/. to meet the Professor's wishes. On the receipt of this sum, Mr. Eisner, of Berlin, wrote : " I intend to print ten thousand copies of the book. I heartily rejoice to be made the distinguished instrument in supplying this long-neglected, though in time past highly- flourishing, part of the Bohemian church with this inva- luable book, which will be equally acceptable to many in Hungary." Although the direct grants to Bohemia have not been niimerous, yet through the supplies sent to Hungary, ten thousand ' Bible Stories,' by Dr. Barth, and ten thousand copies of his ' Church History,' have been published for the benefit of the Bohemian people ; and very recently the Lower Saxony Society has been authorised to pi'int tracts for general circula- tion among them. HUNGARY. This interesting country has been an object of much soli- HUNGARY. 337 citudc on the part of the Religious Tract Society, although no direct efforts could be made for its benefit until the year 1836. " It would be difficult/' remarks a correspondent, " to find any countiy since the times of Mohammed, where Pro- testantism has suffered such severe shocks. The extension of the pernicious principles of rationalism has been much more rapid and destructive in this country than in many others. The gospel has disappeared from nearly all the pulpits, and has become almost unknown, both among the higher and lower classes." The political circumstances of the people placed many difficulties in the way of Christian effort. It, however, pleased God to raise up one or two devoted friends in this long- neglected land, who were anxious to make known the w^ay of salvation to a perishing people. In the year 1836, Mr. Wimmer, a pious Protestant minister at Oberschutzen pleaded earnestly and successfully for his country. A grant of 25/. was sent to him, with which he purchased five hundred copies of Dr. Earth's * Bible Stories,' five hundred copies of the ' History of the Church of Christ,' and a good supply of the ' Pilgrim's Progress.' Ministers were permitted to introduce these and similar books into the Hungarian schools, " provided the parishioners were not called upon to pay money for them." The friend to whom this grant was made reported the circu- lation of the works. He wrote as follows : " With the help of the Lord, I have spread, in the course of the last year, more than eight thousand copies of Christian books. The Lord has evidently blessed my efforts ; many good seed-corns have been spread. Will the Lord let this seed be without fruit ? By no means ! My breaking eye will, I trust, see many a germ, and before the throne of the Lord many a ripe ear, as a fruit of this seed. Blessed be the Lord for his gracious as- sistance ! " The first grant to Hungary was succeeded by a supjily of six hundred of the ' Bible Stories ' in German, and three thousand copies of twelve new tracts suitable for the people. The circulation of these publications appears to have been truly Ijcneficial, particularly the ' Bible Stories ' and the ' Church Histoiy.' The former found its way into Roman Catholic schools, and in several of them became a regular school-book, and was so highly acceptable that the official authorities 338 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. allowed it to be used in the schools throughout the Austrian dominions. The Society, encouraged by the fruits which followed its grants, authorised its friends to publish the ' Eible Stories/ NefF^s ' Conversation on Sin and Salvation/ in the Hungarian and Bohemian tongues, and Baxter's ' Saint's Rest/ in Bo- hemian. In 1842, nearly forty thousand copies of these and similar books were distributed. Many families were impressed, awakened, and resumed the holy duty of prayer. These and similar results led the Society's correspondent to write : " Where the darkness of the country is so intense, every beam of a future morning must be saluted with joyful hails." The exertions of ]\Ir. Wimmer, which have been detailed, were so unabated, that Dr. Barth, of Calw, after a visit to Hungary, reported that up to 1843 more than 67,200 volumes which the Society had aided in printing had been circulated in Hungaiy and Bohemia. Although 100/. had been voted for these objects in 1843, a further grant of 150/. was made in the following year for new editions of works in the German, Bohemian, and Hungarian languages. After the payment of these grants, the circulation of the * Bible Stories,' ' Church Histories,' and othei books, advanced so rapidly that Mr. Wimmer stated, on the 19th of August, 1843, that 117,000 had been printed, and above 100,000 distributed. He added : " The youth of the whole monarchy are instructed from these books. The blessing of God rests visibly on this business. Nearly all through Austria, Hungary, and Transylvania, are these works spread; in the Protestant schools, in dungeons, in prisons, in hospitals, in families, they are read ; many thousands are in the hands of the Roman Catholics, and the blessings which have attended them, and will do so, are not to be estimated." Thus far we have seen much success connected with the self- denying and disinterested labours of a single minister in Hun- gaiy; but here, as in other parts of the continent, the sad fact was to be learned, that the season of prosperity often precedes the time of danger. The bright shining of the sun is no security against the appearance of the darkest clouds. In 1844, the circulation of ^ The Church History ' was interdicted by the government. At Regensburg it was publicly burned by the Roman Catholic priests. In Hungary, the work appeared in HUNGARY. 339 the ' Index Libvoruni Prohibitorum/ These acts of 0])position, however, led to a more dihgent perusal of the books. A cor- respondent wrote: "Although 'The Church History' has been repeatedly forbidden by the censors of the press, and even ordered to be confiscated, the desire for religious works becomes, on all sides, lively; and so far from the want being supplied by what has hitherto been done, it has only been stirred up, and fanned into a flame, over a space of twelve thou- sand German square miles, among four millions and a half of Protestants, interspei'sed with twenty-seven millions of Catholics. It is wonderful what one little book, with the blessing of Cod, is sometimes in a position to effect.'' That this feeling among the people might be preserved, a grant of 100/. was voted to send out fresh supplies of the prohibited publica- tions. Immediately after these opposing efforts wei'e witnessed, the providence of God raised up men of God at Pesth, to co- operate in the Society's great work. They appealed for help in the publication of books for the higher classes, and the Society, assisted by a generous donation of 100/. from a mem- ber of the Committee, granted 300/. for the publication of Dr. Bogue's 'Essay on the New Testament,' 'The Pilgrim's Progress,' ' The Call to the Unconverted,' ' The Life of Cap- padose,' ' The History of Redemption,' by President Edwards, ' The Anxious Inquirer,' and some important tracts. Several of these works have appeared; but others have been delayed by the political events which have distracted the country. The labours of Mr. Wimmer continued without abatement up to the close of 1848. In his last report he stated the num- ber of different publications distributed since 1810, to be above half a million, of which 150,000 were the ' Bible Stories' and ' Church Histoiy,' of Dr. Barth. He added : " A new morn- ing is dawning on the evangelical church in Hungary; the Lord is looking down graciously upon us. Tlie l)iblc, j)iHyer, and Christian education are the three rocks against which the powers of Satan shall be dashed to pieces. The fruits of our labours ripen slowly. One great good done for the people })y our efforts has been, that many of the rationalist books are, by degrees, pushed out, and good ones placed in their stead." The Committee had several interviews with Mr. Wimmer during the year 1818. At their request, he formed a corre- z 2 340 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. sponding; committee at Obcrscliutzen, to superintend the pub- lication of works sanctioned by the Society, in Hungaiy, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola, the Tyrol, Istria, Croatia, Sclavonia, Tran- sylvania, Bohemia, and Moravia. In most of these countries, the liberty of the press was then enjoyed. Mr. Wimmer sug- gested several works which he thought would do much good in the proposed sphere of his labours ; and for these objects a grant of 100/. was placed at his disposal. The civil war in Hungary suspended all efforts to spread the knowledge of the gospel. The Jewish missionaries left Pesth, and Mr. Wimmer became an outcast from his fatherland. He wrote : " I have been torn away from the scene of my labours, my plans, and my family. The property of the Tract Society is fully secured. Wliat the futui-e will bring — what the Lord will do with Hungary's evangelical church, with our work, with me — I cannot, of course, yet imagine. I know not : the Lord will order it." The early communications from this country were of a pecu- liarly interesting character, and led to the hope that no cir- cumstances would cause the gold to become dim. The letters received from Dr. Steinkopff during his tours in 1813 and fol- lowing years, presented Bavaria as the scene of considerable activity. " From Nurenberg," he wrote, " as from a centre, thousands and hundreds of thousands of religious books and tracts have been dispersed in every direction." In 1816, he informed the Society, " Tliat pious Catholic priests were most actively engaged in the distribution of tracts of pure scriptural truth and practical piety," In Bavaria, as in other countries, the Lord raised up a special agent for his work. He finished his labours, and the work lan- guished and died. A fact like this shows how much good rests on human efforts, and yet how dependent they are on the sovereign blessing of God. Dr. Steinkopff furnished the follow- ing description of the holy man whose labours will be noticed : " Mr. Keishng is a merchant, but having himself found the pearl of great price, he values it above all earthly riches ; and knows no greater happiness than to lead others to seek it also. His mercantile business was the occasion of his visiting for fifty-two successive years, twice every year, different fairs in BAVARIA. 341 the Austrian dominions. Yet he had higher objects in view than merely earthly gain. He became the friend, advocate, and benefactor of almost all the Protestant congregations in Austria, Hungary, and Transylvania, Long since he had dis- tributed personally 100,000 tracts and books. Many, both Protestants and Catholics, will bless him at the last day for having been the instrument of their spiritual illumination, con- version, and edification. He is now upwards of seventy, and although he has lost almost the whole of his pi-operty, owing to the calamitous effects of the war, his mind is full of cheer- fulness, his spirit full of activity." A few grants were made to Bavaria before the death of ]\Ir. Keisling.* He was removed, and soon afterwards the once active cause of Nuremberg decayed, and it was not till the year 1828 that any communication was received from its friends. In that year the Rev. R. W. Sibthorp visited Nurenberg, and left a donation from the Society in aid of the local funds. Early in 1832, a Roman Catholic priest and six hundred of his congregation left the Romish communion and joined the Protestant church. In consequence of this secession, the popish clergy wei-e more zealous in their endeavours to prevent the people from reading the scriptures. A friend in Bavaria, under these circumstances, requested the Religious Tract Society to print 10,000 copies of a tract containing ^Extracts from the Writings of the Christian Fathers on the Duty of Reading the Scriptures,^ which the Committee consented to do; persuaded that such a publication would not only strengthen the faith of those who had left the Romish church, but also lead others to feel the duty of searching the holy scriptures for themselves. AVith the same view, the Committee devoted 30/. for the pub- lication of ' Andrew Dunn.' The secession of the Roman Catholics, and the active circu- lation of tracts, led, as usual, to much opposition. The subject was thus noticed by a pious, though greatly persecuted, Pro- testant clergyman : " The Catholics are in a state of the utmost excitement. Within four days I have distributed more than 3000 tracts among none but Catholics. The grant of 10,000 tracts I received only a fortnight since; I have again distributed them so freely, that I have only about .'JOO copies left. These * The Society has published a brief but liighly inttrestiuf; life of Mr. Keisling. 342 FOREIGN OPEllATIONS. house preachers have gone forth through a circuit of thirty miles. In my own congregation the tracts are operating with a great blessing. More than 3000 are reading them every Sunday, both here and in the adjoining places. I find the tracts of the greatest assistance in my ministerial work." At the time of this excitement, the Society presented the series of its biographical works to Professor Schubert, of Munich. He was engaged in the pubUcation of similar works in German, which were much read by the students. The Professor was one of the tutors to the young Princess of Bavaria, and most de- voted to the cause of God. In ]\Iunich, many of the tracts ' On Reading the Scripture ' were distributed. Twelve years passed before the Society was again permitted to scatter the good seed of the kingdQm in Bavaria, and then they granted 10/. for printing 5000 copies of a German work, entitled, ' Counsels to the Scattered Protestants in Bavaria,' which appeared to be a seasonable publication. There are now negotiations going forward with several of the pious ministers in Bavaria, which, it is sincerely hoped, will lead to the firm establishment of an efficient society for the wide circulation of suitable books and tracts. WUllTEMBURG. The state of this country was fully brought before the Society by Dr. SteinkopfF, its Foi'cign Secretary, in 1813. He found at Stuttgard, Christian ministers who had printed and distributed many tracts, and he encouraged them with a grant of 20/., vvdiich was followed by renewed support in succeeding years. The tracts issued by the friends at Stuttgard were of a de- cidedly evangelical character, and were much valued by the people. The Report for 1816 stated, " that soon after the garrison chaplain, M. Moscr, had given tracts to a few persons, his house was filled with soldiers, and the number of applicants increasing, he could no longer give them away in his own house, but was obliged for two whole days to make use of a shoj) next door to him for that purpose." Not only was there a desire to procure these publications, but in some cases there was clear evidence that they were beneficial to the readers. In two years, 74,000 tracts were issued. The Stuttgard society endeavoured to promote the benefit of WUKTEMUURG. 343 the rising generation. In tlie capital of the kingdom, and in country parishes, pleasing instances occurred of young people who not only delighted in reading the publications themselves, but also cheerfully contributed their mites to the dissemination of them ; and by adorning the doctrine of God their Saviour in all things, became the joy of their parents and a blessing to their youthful companions. These and subsequent movements for the young were evidently suggested and pressed forward by a truly devoted man, Avho will be presently seen acting alone in the great cause of juvenile literature. The Stuttgard Society continued a quiet course, adding oc- casionally to its publications ; and in 1826 reported that with few exceptions it had gratuitously distributed 287,150 tracts. After this time it languished, so that when Mr. Sibthorp visited Stuttgard, m 1830, he found that its friends were few, its funds limited, and that there was much opposition to its proceedings. It had become altogether inefficient. Under these circumstances, it was considered that in this portion of Germany, much good might be effected through individual agency, which could not be realized by confederated friends. The failure of the Society brought out the energies - of one whose works are now extensively known in many parts of the world : this friend was the Rev. Dr. Earth, a pious and active minister at IMottlingen, near Calw. His income little exceeded 60/. a year, out of which he maintained a family of six persons. He had the care of nine hundred souls in two parishes, and yet feeling for the state of his country, he occupied himself in printing children's books ; sometimes sending out ten thousand copies of a new book every six weeks or two months. His own statement will best de- scribe his character, and the extent of his operations : — " When I was a boy of ten years old, I had the idea of writing a little tract which contained ' Bible Stories,' having some drawings of my own ])cn ; you may imagine how they were executed As I had no oppor- tunity of having them printed, I was obliged to copy by myself the little tracts with the drawings, and after having finished twenty copies, I dis- tributed them among my schoolfellows. Little thought I, at that time, that I should be able twenty years afterwards to publisli a collection of ' Bible Stories ' with many engravings for schools and families, of which moi-e than 150,000 copies have been printed, not reckoning the trans- lations into six did'ertnt languages. I piil)!ished two little tracts for 344 FOREIGN OPERATIONS, children at my own expense; several others followed; and in 1829 a tract association was instituted for publishing German tracts with en- gravings for children. The first sum of money for this undertaking was granted by the Religious Tract Society, so that our little association may justly be called a daughter of your venerable Institution, More than t300,000 of these little tracts have since been sold. It was but three years afterwards that we considered the necessity of introducing into the schools of Germany a very deluge of Christian school-books, and so to wash away the great quantity of books written by unbelieving authors, in order to raise up a better generation of faithful Christians, This was only to be done by selling our books at the lowest possible price, besides their having superior embellishments in every respect. By the merciful grace of our Lord, and by the generous assistance of the Religious Tract Society, and of Christian friends in England and Germany, we have been able to make a commencement in this undertaking. Nearly 300,000 volumes of Christian school-books have been put into circulation ; and besides that, some of our publicaticms have been translated into the English, French, Bohemian, Hungarian, Servian, Arabic, Turkish, Canarese, Tamil, and Bengalee languages. Many of them have been spread among Roman Catholics in Hungary and other countries. We should never have gone so far, if not aided by the noble and indefatigable assistance of your Society and other Christian friends in the country. Our expenses since 1822 amount in the whole to about 5000/. sterling, and the contributions to about 800/." These statements were given at the Society's meeting in 1841. Di'. Barth was permitted to appear again at the anni- versary in 1845, when he greatly cheered the meeting with his enlightened communications and simple expressions of con- fidence in the sure promises of God, He remarked : — " I had the honour, four years ago, to give some report of our perform- ings. We have been enabled, by the gracious help of Divine Providence, to print and circulate 230,000 volumes of Christian school-books ; so that, in the Avhole, 550,000 volumes have been spread : and, besides, 120,000 volumes of missionary papers, 109,000 volumes of religious books for the young, and nearly 1,000,000 of little children's tracts, including the translations of several of jour books, in fifteen different languages. All this has been executed by means of contributions, to the amount of about lOOOZ. sterling, the rest having come in by sale. If you inquire after the fruits of our labours, of the numerous seed-corns which have been dis- seminated far and wide, 1 can only reply, that I do not inquire after them, being firmly convinced that the good seed must absolutely pro- duce a good harvest ; and that what has been sown in the hearts of youth, usually will not germinate in the next season, but a little afterwards. The sower cannot be the reaper at the same time : perhaps he will come after. I have no time to look after each seed-corn which has been spread ; but I am like a man who should cast seed into the ground, and should sleep and rise night and day; and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. And though I have a good number of letters from many parts, testifying to the usefulness of our books, still I never thought of collecting such testimonies of our having not laboured in vain ; for that I knew beforehand. I am aware that our books have done much good in palaces as well as in cottages. King Otho, of Greece, perused them when young; and I have been informed, that the hereditary princes of three different kingdoms find much pleasure in reading them. But much more than this. Another circumstance leads me to think that they are adapted to do much good. I mean the hatred with which they are persecuted by the Roman Catholic party, on account of their strongly maintaining the principles of the Reformation. Our * History of the Church of Christ,' after having spread in Hungary to the extent of 25,000 copies, has been prohibited, and the confiscation of the extant copies has been ordered, though there was not a single copy to be found. There are not a few persons who cannot see the necessity of spreading so many religious books and tracts and papers in Christian countries, being, at the same time, aware of the necessity of doing so in pagan lands. If there were no heathenism among the Christians, is it not probable there would be no paganism whatever on the whole earth ? If all were such Christians as we ought to be, we really could not suffer any single heathen to go about in the darkness. So your Society is a missionary society too, and while yon endeavour to convert to Christianity the Christians merely in name, you are helping indirectly in bringing near the time when all nations shall flow unto the mountain of the Lord's house. Besides, you are sending the musket-balls, while the Bible Society sends the cannon-balls,- and the Missionary Society sends the artillery-men, to break down the bulwarks and strongholds of heathenism. Well, then, let us go on in this holy war, which will put an end to all other wars; and let us not forget the word of a famous commander, ' England expects every man to do his duty ! ' Yes, the church of Christ also expects every man to do his duty." The grants to Dr. Barth and his friends have been small indeed^ compared with the mighty work which they have accomplished ; but the Religious Tract Society rejoices in having been permitted to give even " a cup of cold water" to these disciples,, and it has not lost its reward. SAXONY. In this country little was done to promote the circulation of religious tracts until several visits from Dr. Pinkerton had been made to Leipsic. He strongly recommended the object to local and influential hands, and m 1821 he had the gratification to see his wishes fully realized. A society was established on the 31st of October, being the anniversary of the Reformation. 346 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. A grant of 20/. was voted to the new society, which enabled its friends to commence their operations. The circulation of tracts produced considerable good, but the cause was not carried on with persevei-ing zeal. A revival of the Society was secm-ed in 1827, after a visit from Mr. Sibthorp, when Dr. Volkman, Professors Hahn and Lindner, and other respectable divines and laymen, united in its objects. This new organiza- tion was encouraged by a grant of 20/., to be expended in printing translations of works that should be approved by the Committee in London. A depository for the sale and circulation of tracts was opened in Leipsic, and several thousands of the publications of the Lower Saxony Society were distributed in the neighbourhood. Larger books being needful, ' Erskine on Faith,' ' Scott's Force of Truth,' and the ' History of the Church of Christ,' were adopted by the local committee. Dr. Volkman remarked : — " The principles of rationalism have acquired such a deep root iu the minds both of the higher and lower orders of the people, being taught by so many university professors, that we feel a powerful induce- ment, and are exceedingly anxious, to oppose their influence by dissemi- nating evangelical doctrines. The enemy of the gospel forces his way through every unguarded door, and Germany is now enduring a severe conilict with the haughty spirit of rationalism." The friends at Leipsic have published only a few tracts for several years, but have been the means of distributing nuuiy works issued by kindred societies. LOWER SAXONY. The Lower Saxony Society at Hamburg was formed on the 15th of August, 1820, and its friends have prayerfully and actively promoted its objects for nearly thirty years. Among its earliest tracts are found, ' Common Errors,' ' The End of Time,' ' The Dairyman's Daughter,' ' The Young Cottager,' aud others, from the catalogue of the parent Society. In 1825, the Society had so considerably increased its opera- tions, that a new tract was published every month. The ' Bible Catechism,' by Mr. Lloyd, was also issued for the benefit of the young, and the London Committee voted the sum required to print five thousand copies of the work. The early success of this Society produced much joy in the minds of its friends ; but sorrow was soon mingled with it by LOWEll SAXONY. 347 the spirit of persecution which prevailed. This opposition, how- ever, only increased the Society's funds, and greatly promoted the circulation of its tracts. In 1829, about 503,753 publica- tions left the depository, and were distributed in Saxony and other countries. The local committee pressed forward, and though their funds were low, they cried aloud : " Shall a door thus widely opened, in every part presenting an ever-increasing field of useful operations, be opened in vain ? Christian brethren, ye answer No ! Think w^hat one tract may do ; and that, for five pounds, five thousand copies of ' Search the Scriptures,' or a similar tract, are printed ; and for five shillings you may show the way of salvation to two hundred and fifty immortal souls." Such was the blessing granted to the Lower Saxony Society, that a general awakening and revival took place in a village about six miles from Celle, from the circulation of tracts. Nor was this a solitary fact ; for " its publications did much good in the districts where the principles of Scmler and Hume had done incalculable mischief, and where the holy sabbath was a day of worldly employment, amusement, and idleness." Through the special assistance of friends in England, par- ticularly Lord Bexlcy, the Religious Tract Society pi-intcd Keith's ' Evidence of Prophecy ' in German, and placed five hun(bed copies at the disposal of the Lower Saxony Society. This valuable work was followed by the ' Pilgrim's Progress,' through the liberal assistance of George Hmit, Esq., of Bath. The tracts long continued to be the means of much useful- ness. An encouraging fact was mentioned in 1832, to show the importance of a liberal circulation of tracts by Christian travellers in foreign lands. A minister who had been under the power of sceptical principles, thus wrote to the Hamburg Committee : — " In tlie spring of 1827, I heard that a tract distributor had arrived lure. I lost not a moment in hastening to him to enforce the iniblic order, then so welcome to me, prohibiting their circulation. The traveller was an English clergyman ; his name I have forgotten, although he received me kindly. I rejircsented to him, with some severity-, that I could not, and would not, suH'er such an inroad on my flock : he must, therefore, give up all further distribution, or be contented to have his whole stock confiscated, which I would order to be done. This might be painful to him ; but he endeavoured to convince me that his tracts contained iiolhinL' but trutli. It was labour in vain ; the Lord had not 3J^8 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. yet humbled me. The Englishman gave me Nos. 16 and 17 of your ti'acts for examination, and continued his journey to Retzebuttel. Deeming it a useless labour to read them, I laid them aside. Some time afterwards, when I had entirely forgotten this transaction, I began to waver; and members of my own congregation were the unconscious instruments of God. After some months, my present colleague. Pastor M tiller, came here ; and although I received him with mistrust, he was destined to complete tlie work of grace. I read the Bible again, in which, for the six years I had been in office, I had only read the parts appointed for my texts, and found it quite a different book from what I had formerly done. I read your tracts, which brother Miiller had given me, and the spirit of truth pervaded them. The Lord had conquered me in secret, but I could not acknowledge him, either before the world or to myself. This con- fession remained difficult, till meeting again with my old friends, without intending or being aware of it, I opposed their unbelief in the Saviour God had revealed to us. Their astonishment was great at my foolish change of sentiment, yet it certainly was not so great as my own at this public confession ; but the joy in my breast surpassed both, and from this moment I was decided. I had no desire to turn back, for I had felt too powerfully the workings of the Lord in my breast ; and from this time I have preached to my congregation and to myself, the most needy of all, only Christ, and him crucified. Why do I relate all this? Merely that you may learn how useful the tracts have been to your opponent, and what vast thanks I owe them for the many souls Jesus in liis mercy has led captive by them, and made accessible to his grace." The labours of the Lower Saxony Society were greatly im- peded by the awful fire with which the city of Hamburg was visited in 1842; every tract was consumed, but, happily for the Institution, the loss was nearly covered by the insurance which had been prudently effected. Immediately the London Committee heard of this painful calamity, they sent tracts to the value of 20/. to be distributed among the sufferers, with the hope that they might be led through them to improve the day of their visitation. The Committee of the Lower Saxony Society soon resumed their zealous labours, and with much success. In addition to many tracts, ' The Anxious Inquirer ' was added to its publica- tions. Among the larger works which had been issued, ' The Evidence of Prophecy ' had been found frequently useful, par- ticularly in leading to a thoughtful examination of the scriptures. One fact has been given, showing that two of the children of Abraham after the flesh had joyfully received the Saviour through its means. A Jewish missionary wrote : " The Committee have kindly granted me, upon my request, as many of Dr. Keith's 'Evidences,' for my Jewish mission, as I shall have need LOWER SAXONY. 349 of, though I am not able to pay for them myself. This excellent book I like to cii-culate as widely as I can among the Jews, as I have seen many blessings from its perusal. When I travelled, in 1835, from Hamburg, through Denmark, I came to the town Slagelse-upon-Zealand, where I visited a Jewish printer, who was quite an iniidel, and would not enter into any kind of religious conversation with me, nor would he accept any of my tracts; but when I showed him Dr. Keith's book, printed in Hamburg, by Messrs. Nestler and Melle, in whose office he had worked for some years as a compositor, he was so pleased to see a book with their names upon it, that he accepted it. When, in May, this summer, I came through the town again, I found that both the sons of tliis Jewish printer had, by the reading of this work, been led to seek their Saviour, and had been baptized ; and though the father has not followed their example, still he is not so full of enmity as formerly. I could freely speak to him of the great salvation that is in Christ Jesus; and I trust he will also seek to have part in that salvation." A very feeble view has been given of the extensive labours of the Lower Saxony Society. Its twenty-eighth annual report states that although the Committee had passed through a year of great political excitement and commercial dejiression^ yet its issues had been 320,403 publications ; making the total issues to be upwards of six millions and a half. Two colporteurs were em- ployed, one in Hanover and East Friesland and the other in Rhenish Prussia. The Committee of the Tract Society have voted liberal sums for many years to their valued friends. The grants for 1849 amounted to 210/. Looking at what the Society has been permitted to accomplish, the i-emark of its Committee has great force — " "N-VTio could have anticipated such results, when it is remembered that the Society once seemed to rest on the exertions of two individuals ! The Lord hath done great things for the Institution, and it is marvellous in our eyes.^' The circulation of tracts from Hamburg has not been con- fined to the Lower Saxony Society. The Rev. J. G. Oncken formed another institution, called " The Hamburg Tract So- ciety, ^' to which the London Committee has made frequent grants. In 1840, ]\Ir. Oncken stated that since the establish- ment, in 1836, of the Society with which he was connected, upwards of 500,000 tracts had been issued. Mr. Oncken has, by incessant labours, greatly promoted the usefulness of the society ; sometimes sending forth 200,000 tracts within six months. In reference to the spiritual fruits of these exertions, he has given many striking facts. He wrote : — 350 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. " As the tracts arc frequently read by many individuals, sometimes by whole villages, we may estimate, on a moderate calculation, that upwards of two millions of our fellow men have the gospel presented to their minds annually through our society. Nor are we without many interesting proofs that our tracts have the blessing of God accompanying them. I could multiply instances of conversion ; but suffice it to say, that one-third of the seven hundred converts in this city, the fruit of our labours, were converted to Christ through the circulation of tracts. The last of these, a woman, called on me and stated that the tracts brought to her by our brethren had led her to see and feel her wretched con- dition as a sinner; and, having obtained peace in the blood of Christ, she felt herself bound to join his people, and render a cheerful obedience to all his commands. " Several of the prisoners in one of our gaols have been so powerfully wrought upon by reading the tracts, that on the day of their liberation they have wept bitterly, and would fain have remained a week or two longer, to profit by the gaoler's instructions, to whom they were in- debted for our publications. It is also a happy fact, and which demands our gratitude to Him who can turn the hearts of men, or restrain their wrath, that we are not now molested, or in anywise interfered with, by the police in our tract distributions ; what was formerly done by stealth can now be done openly. Oin* labours in the city and suburbs have been thus encouraged, and about thirty brethren are regularly en- gaged, on every alternate sabbath, going from house to house, sending forth our little messengers of peace." There is now an annual issue of 500,000 tracts by the Hamburg Society, which have a very general circulation in Hungary, Germany, Austria, (particularly in Vienna,) and in other countries. The parent Society's grants have been made to the full extent that its funds would justify. During 1848, 250/. was placed at the disposal of Mr. Oncken and his friends. The supplies have been small compared with the benefits which have been imparted to many immortal souls by their zealous and untirins: labours. HANOVER. The authorities in this country have been less favourable to the publication of religious works than those in some other parts of Germany. In 1814, an institution was organized under the sanction of the Government, and the followmg novel announcement of its objects was made : " With the permission of his Majesty's Cabinet Council, a society has been formed at Hanover similar to that of the Religious Tract Society in London, whose object is to pi-omote the beneficial reading of the holy scriptures bv distributing small printed tracts, either for money or HANOVER. 351 gratuitoiisly. In this manner they hope so to operate upon the hearts and minds of their countrymen, that the high import of the essentials of the Christian i-eligion — faith, love, and hope — may be properly understood ; their great value, far surpassing anything that is visible and perishable, made more perceptible and clear, and the reverence shown for them in this life become more extensive and universal." A grant of 20/. was made to this new society, which enabled the local committee to send forth a few scriptural tracts. Its laboui's continued for a few years only, and were then inter- rupted by the power that originally sanctioned them. In December, 1829, a decree was issued by order of Baron von der Decken, the provincial counsellor of the king of Great Britain and Hanover. The following is a copy of this singular document, issued in the name of the most tolerant monarch in the world : " It has come to our knowledge, that for some time past, there have appeared in our jurisdiction foreign missionaries, who not only form con- venticles, but have also distributed little ti'acts, which are partly filled with quibbles upon the articles of Christianity, or are at least of such a nature that they cannot be understood by the common peoj^le or young persons. " Further, the uncommon ways and means made use of by the said missionaries for the circulation of their publications easily lead to abuses ; and to prevent such, the following decree has been issued by the Privy Council of Luneburg : — " 1st. The distribution of tracts by foreign missionaries is in future entirely prohibited, and can only take place by the dignitaries, superin- tendents, and ministers of religion ; and all other persons found trans- gressing the above decree, by distributing tracts, will be punished as the law directs. " 2nd. It is strictly forbidden to vend little publications of religious contents at fairs, or upon any other public occasion, without special per- mission : each transgressor will be fined and impiisoned according to circumstances, besides the confiscation of all such tracts. " All magistrates and police-officers in this our territory, are required to possess the above decree for their direction, and strictly to fulfil the same." The foreign missionaries noticed in this official document were devoted men from the neighbouring countries, whose only object, in the distribution of the condemned tracts, was to point out to the people the true way of salvation. This decree prevented all organized operations, and the only tracts that have recently entered Hanover have been from the societies at Bremen and Hambiirg, in which work they were aided by the grants from London. 352 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. *t PRUSSIA. In this kingdom, the diffusion of Christian truth has long- been promoted by devoted men, under the highest sanction. Among the individuals thus actively engaged, the late Baron Von Schernding held a distinguished place. He is said to have printed, at his own expense, several hundred thousand tracts, and employed people to promote their gi'atuitous dis- tribution. A large stock remained on hand when this excel- lent man died, which his widow, animated by the generous spirit of her husband, transmitted as a present to the friends of the good cause at Berlin. These individual labours prepared the way for more sys- tematic operations, and hence, in 1815, the Prussian Tract Society was formed, through the influence of Dr. Pinkerton, under the sanction of his majesty the king, who graciously granted to it the freedom of the post, to send all its parcels and letters to every quarter of the Prussian dominions. The high patronage under which the committee of this new society acted, enabled them to form branch societies in six important towns, and to secure corresponding members in vari- ous parts of the kingdom. Many tracts were issued, including small works, in Polish and Wendish. To assist in these labours was a high gratification to the parent Committee. In September, 1818, Dr. Pinkerton reported the progress of the tract cause. He stated, that during the preceding two years, the local society had circulated upwards of 158,000 copies of thirteen excellent tracts. The whole number printed, which were nearly all distributed, since the formation of the society in 1814, was 308,802. The Doctor added: "This precious seed of evangelical principle and Christian example has been widely sown in every part of the Prussian dominions; and the great demand for these publications, which is con- tinually increasing, proves how welcome they are among the peasantry of this nation." The parent Committee, feeling a lively interest in the con- tinued prosperity of this national society, requested their secre- tary, Mr. Sibthorp, during a tour in Prussia, in 1828, to seek a conference with its conductors. He attended a meeting, when one of the principal pastors of Berlin presided, and about twelve other members were present; among them, Lutheran PRUSSIA. 353 and Moravian pastors, and one Roman Catholic. He found that the society had printed one million and eighty-five thousand tracts, the greater part of which had been circulated. The friends had met with many difficulties, but they had per- severed. They felt the growing importance of their work, there being an awful mass of infidelity in the land, under the names of rationalism, neology, and philosophy, which called for the most strenuous exertions of real Christians, or threatened other- wise the most tremendous consequences. The result of these conferences was the printing and stereo- typing of several tracts, including the ' Sixteen Short Sermons,' and ' The Negro Servant ; ' and also the formation of several associations for lending tracts to the poor. The proceedings of the Berlin society have been far from efficient for several years, arising from the opposition existing to the circulation of all evangelical works. The London Committee, in answer to Dr. Paterson's urgent appeals, in 1836, voted 50/. for the circulation of tracts in Hungary, Poland, and Bohemia; a further sum of 50/. for the publi- cation of tracts which were out of print for want of funds ; and 30/. for editions of two tracts in Wendish. Immediately on the receipt of these grants, the Berlin com- mittee printed fifty thousand copies of ten tracts, which were cai-efully revised by Dr. Paterson. A large distribution took place in the countries for which the special grants were made. There was also a considerable revival of religious effort in the capital, in reference to which Professor Tholuck remarked : — " Berlin, for a long time, was the stronghold of infidelity, under the sceptre of a king who made Voltaire his gospel, and Rousseau his cate- chism ; that very city is, at the present moment, prospering as a vine- yard of the Lord, under the sceptre of a king who openly confesses that he was educated to Christianity in the school of tribulation ; who openly confesses that the ice-fields of Moscow kindled a Christian fire in his heart. It is under the protection of this king that every good cause continues to flourish. No society is formed there, but it enjoys his royal patronage ; nay, no letter is sent throughout any part of the kingdom on missionary affairs, without enjoying the privilege of going postage free." For several years, the parent Society has been without any intelligence from Berlin. The once flourishing cause has de- cliiied, through the painful political agitations which have existed, and the too successful exertions of many who are opposed to the holy and humbling truths of the gospel. 354 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. FRANKFORT. After the establishment of the Christian association in North- ern Germany, a branch society was formed in Frankfort, which was active both in procui-iiig subscribers and in circulating the works published. The parent Society granted help to the infant cause. Among other objects which engaged the atten- tion of the newly-formed institution, was the circulation of tracts among the journeymen who travelled through the country for work. In reference to this opening, a Jewish missionary wrote from Frankfort : — " About five hundred journeymen received tracts at my house. Now, none of these men remained in Frankfort, but continued their journey- ing from place to place, and from country to country ; therefore, it is difficult for me to speak of the fruits the tracts may have produced. It may be with these men and tracts, as with the birds, who often carry with them the fruit or seed of herbs, flowers, and trees, to other parts, and so are the means of transplanting them from one country to another. To whatever part on the continent these journeymen may go and find work, I am sure they will produce their tracts, and speak about their contents to their fellow-journeymen and masters. Most of these jour- neymen were Roman Catholics, and we do not know how great a bless- ing the tracts, by the grace of God, may produce. That this, my sug- gestion, is true, is to be seen from the immediate consequences that have followed ; for more than one hundred and fifty Jewish journeymen were stirred up thereby to come to me for Jewish tracts, new testaments, and bibles, which gave me an opportunity to preach Christ crucified to them. Often I have had a Jewish, a Roman Catholic, and Protestant journey- man, at one and the same time with me ; and whilst I was directing the Jew to the Lamb of God, the Catholics began to pray, and the Pro- testants to weep, shaking my hands, saying, theij had never heard the way of life slated in this manner. The great day of Christ will reveal it, if fruit to eternal life has been produced thereby." In 1831, the Rev. Dr. Pmkerton, whose services on behalf of the Society have been already noticed, settled at Frankfort as the agent of the Bible Society. He assured the Committee of his willingness to do all in his power to forward their im- portant objects. They assisted him in the publication of the ' Christian House Friend,^ a magazine, which has had an ex- tensive and beneficial circulation, and to promote its usefulness in destitute districts, they voted the sum of 20/. Among the works of a profitable character. Dr. Pinkerton has published 10,000 copies of a German translation of ' The WESTPHALIA. 355 Sinner's Friend.' '' I have put this tract," wrote Dr. Pinker- ton, " into the hands of princes and nobles, learned and un- learned, praying- that a blessing may rest \ipon its perusal. I humbly hope that what we have been enabled to do through this little acceptable gospel tract, will not be in vain in the Lord." WESTPHALIA. In July, 1814, the Rev. Dr. Pinkerton reported the for- mation of a new society at Elberfeld, called ' The Wupper Valley Religious Tract Society,' under the direction of a pious and respectable committee. In making this communication, he remarked : " Elberfeld is a place famous for its variety of religious sects ; so the worthy president, m order to prevent disunion, proposed that all the tracts which they should publish in the first instance should be translations from those of your Society. Accordingly they will begin with the ' Dairyman's Daughter.' " A grant of 20/. was voted to this society. The merchants and maiuifacturei-s in the Wupper Valley being connected with every part of Germany, few places in the north-west were more promisingly situated for tract operations. The Religious Tract Society had the privilege of rendering occasional help to the Wupper Valley Society. After labouring for ten years 376,600 publications had been circulated, and the sum of 2000/. expended. In 1830, the Rev. R. W. Sib- thorp visited Elberfeld, and conferred with Pastor Graber, the president of the society. The proposals of help he made led the esteemed president to write : " They were submitted to a considerable number of friends of the Wupperthal Tract Society, and occasioned in the minds of all present, feelings of joy and gratitude to the Lord. We perceived a fresh proof that the Lord Jesus will extend the borders of his glorious kingdom by the union and exertion of Chi'istian so- cieties ; and we notice with thankfulness the ready and willing mind of our brethren in England to further the good work and aid their brethren in Germany, that the body, which is the church, may increase and continue in love." The assistance of the parent Society was not confined to or- ganized institutions, but was frequently extended to individuals. Among thc^e was the Rev. J. H. Bernheim, of Iserlohn. He 356 FOREIGN OPERxiTIONS. was an active minister, and in one year he received through the Hamburg and Barmen societies twenty thousand tracts, which he prudently distributed. Having detailed the proceedings of the Society in various parts of Germany, it only remains to make a few remarks on the plans recently adopted for the benefit of the people. The wide circulation of works in Germany promoting neolo- gical and other views, in decided opposition to the evangelical truths of scripture, led many thoughtful Christians to look Avith anxiety to the results which would follow. They knew that whatsoever men sowed, that would they also reap. The fruits gradually appeared. They were seen in the wide-spread opposition to pure truth. Most of the German tract associa- tions felt the withering influence of the principles industriously propagated both fi'om the pulpit and the press. The minds of men became unsettled upon many important points, and the apostles of infidelity succeeded too extensively in producing a general contempt of religion, and a consequent disregard of all the injunctions of Divine revelation. The religious excitement that prevailed in 1845 made the Committee anxiovis to obtain accurate information as to the real state of the different parties whidi were attracting the public attention. With this view, they opened an extensive correspond- ence with judicious friends, and soon obtained valuable com- munications for their future guidance. The Committee found that a large number of the seceders from the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches held erroneous views of divine truth. Hence, the venerable IMr. Gossner, of Berlin, wrote : " The majority of the persons engaged in the movement, deny the Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ as much as they deny the pope. It is modern philosophy, but not divine light, that has opened their eyes to see the errors of the Romish church ; and the building, therefore, which such persons wish to erect, does not stand on the right foundation." There were a few, however, who, whilst uniting with unbelievers in a great effort against popery, fully concurred in the remark of one of their leaders : " The world itself could not proffer a price for which I would barter my belief in Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God ; and we have only joined together that, in the exercise of GERMANY GENERALLY. 357 mutual love and forbearance, we might fight v^ith united forces against the encroachments of Rome." So far as this movement was connected with those who were the true lovers of the scriptures, a variety of means led to their determination to leave a corrupt church. The publications of "V^'"essenberg, Sailer, Hug, Van Ess, Gossner, and many- others, were instrumental in doing much good, in connexion with a wide circulation of the holy scriptures. In reference to Gossner^s ' Primitive Christianity,^ a correspondent wrote : " I know that through this useful book, one of the most influ- ential persons in the present movement had his eyes opened to the evils of popery. The tract ' Andrew Dunn' has not been without a blessing : this will be seen from a letter I have just received from a converted Roman Catholic priest, in one of the darkest parts of Germany. ' I became a Protestant,' he writes, ' in 1836, and I now preach the doctrine of the cross in three churches, in a manner that does not please the wise after the flesh. It has pleased God to bring souls to the knowledge of the truth by my instrumentality, and to separate them from the world. I had some experience respecting tracts, when a Roman Catholic priest, and found the history of 'Andrew Dunn' much blessed.' " The minds of many of the people having been prepared for casting off the iron yoke of popery, all they wanted was a fitting opportunity of publicly confessing their altered senti- ments. The set time appears to have arrived when the Arch- bishop of Treves exhibited, in the cathedral of that city, the pretended robe of our holy Redeemer as an object of divine worship. Then the rapture took place, which led many of the priests, and a multitude of the people, to forsake the Romish Chui-ch; so that, in 1816, there were 265 places of worship connected with the Christian Catholic Church of Germany. In making needful arrangements for the publication of tracts suitable for the times, the Committee were zealously assisted by the committees of the tract societies at Hamburg, the Rev. John Gossner of Berlin, Dr. Marriott of Basle, the Rev. J. G. Oncken, and other friends. Mr. Gossner, in reply to the communication from the Committee, seeking his literary aid, wrote : " I was bom a Roman Catholic, and I have the experience of a long life, being seventy-two, and am better acquainted than any Protestant can be with the prejudices, 358 FOREIGN OPKRATIONS. errors, and way of thinking among the Roman Catholics. I know, therefore, better how to meet them, and bring about con- viction, when their eyes begin to be opened." Another friend, who renounced popery about ten years since, also wrote : " The most suitable instruments for producing an impression upon the minds of the Roman Catholics, must be found among those who were formerly their co-religionists, and who still associate with them in ordinary life." Immediately the Committee were prepared to adopt active measures for the diffusion of scriptural truth^ they were anxious that all their efforts should be carried on in connexion with pious and devoted ministers. They requested Dr. Marriott, of Basle, to undertake an extensive tour, for the purpose of pro- moting these objects ; and he secured the cheerful co-operation of many pious pastors in different parts of Germany. About 450,000 copies of the following works were printed by the Lower Saxony society. Dr. Barth, and other friends : ' Gossner's Primitive Christianity,^ ' St. Peter's Plea for Reading the Holy Scriptures,' 'The True CathoHc,' 'The Mass,' 'The Testimony of History against the Church of Rome/ 'The Priest and the Bible/ ' Andrew Dunn/ ' Extracts from the Fathers on Read- ing the Scriptures,' ' Extracts from the Lives of L'Hole and Stillman, formerly Roman Catholic Priests,' ' Remarkable Awakenings under Martin Boos/ ' Christ for us and in us/ and many tracts containing powerful evangelical appeals. These timely publications were conveyed throughout Germany, and mduced many to examine the holy scriptures for themselves. " We have received," wrote the Lower Saxony Committee, " the most gratifying intelligence of the good accomplished by the tracts designed for Roman Catholics and others in their present excited state, and printed at the expense of your Society." Another correspondent wrote : " It will be very satisfactory to your Committee to be informed that all the apostolical flocks, save one, are rapidly increasing. Dr. Jettmar, in Berlin, is receiving constant accessions from the ranks both of the Ro- manists and German Catholics. We have reason to believe the work to be of the Lord, and feel, therefore, the cheering assur- ance that his blessing will continue to rest upon it." The great movement which has been thus noticed, however painful in many of its results, led to much discussion of the truth, and was the means of bringing many individuals to GERMANY GENERALLY. 359 inquire after the way of salvation. The Lord's peojjle were led to greater decision of character. Like a fan, it produced a clear distinction between the chaff and the wheat. In the special efforts which have been detailed, the Society's grants amounted to nearly 600/., a large portion of which was met by the generous donations of friends, amounting to 490/. The auxiliaries at Leeds, Bristol, and Bath, took the lead in this timely aid ; the donation from Leeds alone being 141/. The grants of the Society to Germany have been unusually large, but the Committee believe they have been wisely expended in the diffusion of the truths of God. There have been great trials of faith on the part of the local friends of the Society, and soinetimes the noisy triumphs of infidelity have alarmed them ; but nevertheless, the truth of the Lord has pursued its silent, holy, efficacious course ; " the still, small voice " has been heard amidst the tumultuous tempests which have been raised " against the Lord and against his anointed." The Saviour's cause has advanced ; hence the Bev. Dr. Pinkerton, whose name is identified with the Society's operations in Germany, writes after a long tour : " Not only is the number of tract societies and tract distributors increased, but in many of our principal towns we have depots for the exclusive sale of religious tracts and books. Twenty years ago, not one of these depositories of pious books was in existence. The same may be stated respecting our religious periodicals. We have from thirty-five to forty of these decidedly Christian journals, that are now published in different parts of Germany and Switzerland, of which twenty years ago there was not one in existence. These facts prove that there is a growing desire for religious edification, and, taken in connexion with the constantly-increasing demand for the holy scriptures, and full attendance in the churches where the gospel is preached in its purity and power, tend to confirm the truth of what I have formerly stated, that the cause of evangelical religion is gaining ground in Germany, against all the various systems of infidelity and error with which the coinitry has been so long overrun." POLAND. The Society, in 1815, placed the sum of 150/. at the disjjosal of the llev. Messrs. Baterson and Binkerton, to promote an 360 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. extensive distribution of tracts in Poland and other northern countries; and subsequently added 80/. to the grant. These friends informed the Committee that infidelity and it insepa- rable companions, licentiousness and vice, extensively prevailed in the midst of twelve millions of the Polish people, who were comparatively destitute of opportunities of instruction in those truths which alone can make wise unto salvation. Considering how peculiarly tracts were adapted for usefulness in a country where a great part of the population is thinly scattered over extensive districts, the Committee made the liberal grants which have been noticed. The tracts which were published were useful to the Polish people, and also to the German colonists. On these points the following letter will be read with interest : " The success attending these silent preachers of salvation soon became apparent, and we had applications from various German colonists in Poland, requesting us to send to them some of those 'precious little things.' We supplied them as far as our means would permit us, hut the demand was so great, that in a few months we had not a tract left; and since that time we have had repeated applications for more. One proof of success from the distribution of your tracts is, that the colonists have, of their own accord, made small subscriptions for the purpose of having others purchased for them ; they have also been instrumental in stirring up many to a sense of true religion ; and deputations have been sent to us, inviting us to go and preach the gospel of Christ, where the tracts have been given. Among the Germans residing at Warsaw, many have likewise been distributed ; and I trust, in due time, we shall see fruit springing up to the glory of God, from the ^eed thus sown. " One gentleman, who holds a high situation at court, is so much pleased with the tract called ' The Brave Soldier,' that he has promised to get permission, from his Imperial Highness the Grand Duke Con- stantine, to have it printed in Polish, for distribution to the army. If this permission is granted, may we look to your Society for pecuniary assistance to enable us to undertake this important work?" The missionaries in Poland were famished with subsequent grants, which, added to the local aid they received, enabled them to circulate, in little more than twelve months, about 18,600 tracts. In subsequent years the numbers distributed consider- ably increased, and interesting facts were received of their use- fulness. The grants for Polish tracts were not always available, by reason of the interference of the local authorities. One of the professors in the University at Warsaw obtained transla- tions of six valuable tracts, including ' The Dairyman's POLAND. 361 Daughter.' There were, however, so many passages struck out by the censor, that it was not considered right to print the mutilated work. The truth was expunged, and the tract was therefore useless. The Committee, notwithstanding the difficulties which existed to all Christian efforts, succeeded in distributing a few works. They sent seven thousand copies of two tracts, ' No Man without Sin,' and ' The Swearer's Prayer,' to different friends, and granted to the Jewish missionaries at Warsaw 20/. towards the publication of ' The Dairyman's Daughter.' In reference to this tract they wrote : " That little book will find many readers among the higher as well as the lower classes of readers." A variety of difficulties prevented the appearance of this work ; but in 1836 it passed the censor's office without mutilation, and a large edition was printed. An interesting application was received in 183 i. The mission- aries at Posen had determined to publish, in Polish, ' Arndt's True Christianity, ' together with his ' Book of Prayers.' The sum of 20/. was voted in aid of the object. Before this valuable work was issued, one of the Society's correspondents wrote : " If one of your Committee could have been with me on my last tour to Cracow and through Upper Silesia, and had heard the requests of poor pious people," begging most earnestly for their Amdt, the book which has for so many years been the food which nourished the souls of their ancestors during popish tyranny, or that you could read their heart-rending letters, which they write now and then, asking if the printing had not yet begun, surely you could not withhold your help from such peti- tions. They do not desire to have the work gratis, but will pay what is in their power." After the Society's grant was announced, the Rev. George Wermelskirk wrote : " I rejoice that the precious ' IJook of Prayers ' which forms part of ' Arndt's True Christianity ' is ready, and about to be put into circulation, and that the rest of the four books arc in the press. The poor Protestant Poles wait with the greatest anxiety for the books, and will read them, I hope, not merely with much avidity, but also with extensive profit to themselves and the rising generation." The continued difficulties which the friends in Poland met with frequently retarded their work for many months together. A little tract occasionally appeared. In 1842, a friend, long 382 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. resident in Warsaw, requested the Committee to assist him in the preparation of a volume of ' Christian Hymns and Prayers for the People.' He thonght it would be desirable to have one edition in Roman type for Poland, and another in German type for the Protestant Christians in Prussia, Lithuania, and the neighbouring Russian provinces. The great dearth of devotional writings in Poland made the publication of this collection a matter of considerable interest ; and the Committee granted GO/., to assist in printing 10,000 copies of the work in the two forms proposed. The Society's corre- spondent wrote, soon after the hymns were printed : " Above one half of the editions have been sent off already. The whole undertaking has cheered my heart, particularly when I remember that these works are circulated in countries which have long been deprived of the Divine word." The Committee trust that m future years increased efforts will be made for a people who are anxious to obtain religious information. A Jewish missionary in Poland has remarked : " Such is the desire of the Poles for books or tracts upon religious subjects, that if they were to be distributed gratui- tously, there would be no time left for the primary object of my tours. On my last journey I sold, at four small towns, upwards of four hundred copies of some of our little tracts at a penny and two-pence each." The Society will always feel it a privilege to help a people who are willing to help themselves. The Society's grants for Central Europe have amounted to 6819/. 195., a large portion having been devoted to the various populous countries included in Germany. CHAPTER XXVI. SOUTHERN EUROPE, AND COUNTRIES BORDERING ON THE MEDITERRANEAN. SWITZERLAND, ITALY, MALTA, GREECE, EGYPT, TURKEY, WALACHIA, NICOMEDIA, BAGDAD, SYRIA, JERUSALEM, SMYRNA. Switzerland — Societies at Berne and Basle — M. Lavater and M. Gesner — Monthly Con- ference— Dr. Steinkopff's visit — Subsequent inactivity — Grants — Expulsion of ministers — Opposition — Translations— Colporteur agency — Revival of effort— Services of Dr. Marriott. — Italy — Anxiety of the founders for the Country — Tract efforts — Paleario's work — ' D'Aubigne's History of the Reformation' — Grants — Activity during the revolution. — Malta — Its importance as an outpost and spiritual storehouse for other countries — Dr. Pinkerton's tour through the east — Publications — Rev. W. Jowett — Activity of the foreign presses — Usefulness and number of the works issued in various languages — Donations and grants.— Greece— Its claims as a field of labour— Efforts of the Rev. S. S. Wilson and Rev. Isaac Lowndes — Translations — Prevalence of infidelity — Extensive circulation of works — Beneficial results. — Egypt — Hopeful movements of the Pacha- Arabic translations under the sanction of his highness. — Turkey— Impediments — Grants — Opposition from the Government —Constantinople — Condemnation of works by the Catholics — Interest among the Armenians — Zeal of the American missionaries — Wala chia — Nicomedia — Eminent success of the 'Dairyman's Daughter' — Bagdad — Western Armenia— Syria — Efforts of the American missionaries — Jerusalem — Damascus— Smyrna — Desire for religious books — The dying translator — Decline of Mohammedanism — Total grants. SWITZERLAND. In the year 1802, the Society was favoured with the corre- spondence of the Rev. John Rudolf Huber, of Basle. He re- ported the formation of a tract society at Berne, to which the Society presented copies of its publications, and thus com- menced a fraternal intercourse with the pastors and Christian friends of Switzerland. A similar institution was afterwards formed at Basle. Tlic.ic societies laboured for several years, sustained by local support. In 1810, an application was received from the Basle Committee, requesting pecuniary assistance in publishing 2000 tracts for the Protestants in Tyangucdoc, and in aid of its general o})era- 364 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. tionsj when 25/. was voted, which appears to have been the first effort for the benefit of the Cantons. During the hfe of the excellent M. Lavater, he formed a select circle of Christian friends, who met once a month for conversation, at the close of which each deposited a small sum of money for the printing and circulation of religious tracts. After his death the association was continued by his son-in-law, M. Gesner, when the venerable Antistes Hess honoured it with his presence, advice, and assistance. By this simple method many a tract was dispersed, and the attention of Christians kept up to the importance of distributing such unpretending but useful publications. These unostentatious proceedings were so far productive of good, that when Dr. Steinkopff visited Switzerland in 1815, he reported the existence of societies at Lausanne, Lucerne, and other places, and gave an interesting account of the private efforts of Mr. Steinman, of St. Gall, an aged gentleman, who for more than thirty years had been a constant distributor of religious tracts. The Doctor remarked : " Catholics and Protestants are in the constant habit of applying to him, and some will bless him in a better world for the books he has been the favoured instrument of putting into their hands. From 1815, nearly twelve years elapsed, during which period the societies in the beautiful valleys of Switzerland were in an inactive state, only one communication having been received from them. In 1827, the Eev. L. Bluinhardt, of Basle, applied for copies of all the children's books published by the Society, which were sent to him. " These tracts," remarked Mr. B., " may be transplanted upon German ground, whei'e there exists an overflowing quantity of children's books which contain only novels; or, when they instruct in religion and morality, they do it in such a way, that little can be the good, whilst great may be the harm they do.'^ The Lausanne Society was re-established in 1828, and received a grant from the Religious Tract Society, which stimulated its friends to active efforts. In the following year, the Committee reported that eleven new tracts had been printed, eighteen depots opened for the sale of the Society's works, and 58,000 publica- tions printed. In 1831, the Committee voted to the society at Basle the stereotype plates of six tracts, and undertook to pay for the SWITZERLAND. 365 printing of 10,000 copies of each. In this year new societies were formed at Neufchatel and Geneva, to which assistance was given. The communications received from these districts clearly showed that the good seed which had been scattered had not been in vain. Some part of it had fallen into good ground, and produced fruit to the glory of God. The following extract will interest the reader : " We have been much encouraged to continue this work by the ex- perience of a special blessing the Lord has been pleased to vouchsafe upon the reading of some of the tracts above mentioned. The tract, ' A Dialogue on Regeneration,' has been the means of bringing a young schoolmaster, in a village in the Grand Dukedom of Baden, to a know- ledge of his lost state ; and this young man is now teaching his numerous scholars the road to Christ, the fountain of life, for which he joyfully endures the persecution of his infidel pastor, and is becoming more and more, by the grace of God, a shining light in a very dark part of the church. ' WiUiam Kelly' is read eagerly by many, and has been a means of awakening a desire in the hearts of different persons after the happiness which this good man found upon earth. 'Newton's Three Letters ' have, through grace, shown many awakened Christians hereabouts the necessity of a closer walk with God, and I have, since their publication, found much opportunity to converse move freely with individuals on this important subject. Yesterday a Catholic man from Mount Gainsel, one of the snowy tops of the Alps, came to thank me in behalf of the children of his neighbourhood, who had eagerly received fi-om his hands some tracts I sent them a year ago, and he joyfully carried another parcel along with him, which, in the hand of our God, may be the means of melting or cultivating many a cold heart in those icy regions, where the vivifying truths of our blessed religion are so little known, and still longed for." The value of tracts in Switzerland was increasingly felt in 1834, in consequence of the expulsion of more than twenty evangelical ministers from their pulpits. Their circulation, how- ever, met with much opposition in some places, particularly in St. Gall. One devoted minister was visited in confinement by two Koman Catholic priests, who took with them specimens of the tracts which had been circulated. The pious prisoner con- fessed himself to have been the distributor. An interesting conversation took place on the doctrines they contained : the priests departed, and soon obtained a decree to destroy the scriptures and tracts ; which was accordingly done. Notwith- standing these proceedings, it is said that " the devoted mis- sionary, on his liberation, continued the distribution of tracts up to the very door of the stage-coach in which he took his departure from the town.'' The opposition to the diffusion of scriptural truth led to 366 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. increased grants to several of the societies^ particularly to new ones which had been formed at St. Gall, Zurich, and Chur. In the year 1835, the grants to Basle, Berne, and St. Gall, amounted to 60/. The Rev. M. de Rodt, of Berne, prepared translations of ' The Rites and Worship of the Jews, ' and ^ Scripture Illustra- tions ; ' and Professor Schirck s, of Chur, ' The Dairyman's Daughter, ' ' Moses, the Pious Negro, ' and ' Arndt's Prayers, ' in the Engaden and Oberland Romaic dialects, and in Italian. Dr. Malan, of Geneva, also published 'My Grandfather Gregory,' and ' My Grandmamma Gilbert.' It gave the Tract Society great pleasure to assist in the issue of these works. It was in 1836, that the operations of the friends at Geneva were brought fully before the Society. Its great work was re- ported to be the distribution of the truth through the medium of colporteurs and the establishment of religious circulating libraries. To attain these objects, many towns and villages were visited by its devoted agents. In reference to them the com- mittee of the Evangelical Society reported : " Their zeal is in- defatigable ; they brave the most dangerous ways, and contend with weather almost always unfavourable, the winter being their season of labour." In aid of the extensive operations of the Geneva society in the issue of anti-popish tracts, the Committee made repeated grants, sometimes amounting to 100/. in the year. The year 1837 witnessed a great revival of effort among the societies in Switzerland, and cheering communications were received from Basle, Lausanne, Berne, Zurich, St. Gall, Chur, Vevey, and Geneva, all testifying to the great importance of the Society's labours. In addition to grants to the societies, aid was rendered to several friends in the publication of trans- lations of ' The Manners and Customs of the Jews,' ' Rites and Worship of the Jews,' ' Scripture Illustrations,' ' Com- panion to the Bible,' and other works. In reference to the feelings existing in the cantons on the Society's objects. Dr. Malan wrote : — " A tract-revival has taken place in these countries. A new desire after those ' sayings of old,' which bring glad and living tidings, breaks off from a night of slumbering, and to supply the souls with true light is our laborious duty. Societies are formed ; a re-union at Nyon, on the shore of our beautiful lake, is there placed as a centre to a numerous circle of villages, both in the plain and the adjacent mountains. From the canton of Berne a ' noise of bones shaking,' and even of many SWITZERLAND. 367 praises to the Lord, is lieavd ; and tliey cry to us, ' Give, and keep not back, lunidnds and thousands of tracts, lor the valle3S and tiie hills on the boundaries of France. Help, and come I ' So the lamp is to be lighted and furnished anew, and indeed, copiously. So do we desire to do. But oil (I speak of the material one) oil is wanting ; and a tract revival without tract-money is a deep well without a bucket. Therefore I say and cry, Come over and help us ! Send the bucket, even the buckets, and supply from your maternal stock to your infant's poverty. I know, from many proofs, that your maternity is gracious ; let her be touched by our wants, and answer as a mother." These appeals were liberally inet^ and greatly encouraged the Society's zealous and devoted correspondent. In 1844, the Connuittee availed themselves of the services of Dr. Marriott, who had been connected with the INlissionary Seminary in Basle. His visits to many towns secured the co- operation of ministers and other friends in the objects of the institution. He also issued many new and seasonable publi- cations through the grants which were placed at his disposal. In 1846, he sent from his depot 109,000 copies of different tracts. In subsequent years these numbers greatly increased, and latterly reached nearly 180,000 tracts in the year. Their circulation Avas greatly promoted by his extensive tours, during which he stirred up the minds of many Christian people to the duty of widely disseminating divine truth. A new feature in the Society's operations is seen in con- nection with the zealous efforts of Dr. Marriott for the benefit of the Italian Protestants in the Grisons. The Doctor, when referring to this subject, wrote : " I visited a village six thousand feet above the level of the sea. Although the place is completely surrounded by Roman Catholics, yet not one Protestant had denied his faith and embraced Popery. The aged and devoted minister, who had laboured twenty-six years among the people, has a stipend of 19/. per annum, with a family of seven children to maintain, who are all at home with him. He was anxious to sec ' Andrew Dunn,' in Italian, of which he once possessed two copies ; and to receive a supply of ' The Evidence of Prophecy,' by Dr. Keith." Such was the paucity of books among the Italian Protestants, that Dr. Marriott observed : " One minister told me that the hymn- book he had was a borrowed one; and that hjs predecessor also had one lent to him, as copies of it were not to be obtained for money, and were exceedingly rare." 368 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. Upwards of eight thousand tracts and books in Italian, including a supply of ' Andrew Dunn/ and ' The Evidence of Prophecy/ were sent to the destitute Italians. Subsequently, Dr. Marriott visited the Italian Protestants in Poschiavo, on the southern side of the Alps, who have greatly suffered from the persecutions of popery. He gave copies of ' The History of the Reformation ' to all the ministers in the Italian Protestant communes, and left a supply for the school- masters. He also circulated a considerable number of Italian tracts, as well as ' The Church Histoi-y,' by Dr. Barth, ' The Evidence of Prophecy,^ ' The Life of John Newton,^ ' Leslie on Deism,' and other works. In the Valley of Engadin, Dr. Marriott gave ' The History of the Reformation ' to all the evangelical ministers who were acquainted with the Italian language. Similar efforts were made among the six Italian Protestant communes in the valleys of Bregalia and Misocco. In addition to the supplies made to local institutions, the Committee presented to each of the hundred and fifty mi- nisters who left their churches in the Canton de Vaud for conscience' sake, the first volume of the ' Commentary on the New Testament,' by Messrs. Baup and Bonnet. The esteemed commentators, in acknowledging the grant, thanked the Com- mittee for facilitating the circulation of their work, " thereby testifying their sympathy and fraternal affection towards the pastors and ministers of the gospel who are suffering for the name of Christ." One of the ministers also wrote : " Your publications reach us at a time when they are particularly pre- cious to us. The numerous difficulties which we experience in meeting for w^orship, and in spreading the gospel by preaching, oblige us to have recourse more than at any other time to religious publications, in order to instruct and edify ourselves. We are endeavouring to estabhsh libraries in those churches which can contribute for them. We are circulating through the counti-y cases of books for the use of the smaller churches, and the scattered groups of believers, whom it is sometimes difficult, dangerous, or even impossible to visit. We wish to form depots of tracts, which are to be sold or given according to circumstances. Such is the work which you are come to facilitate and encom-age by your help. You have stretched out the hand of Christian love to veiy poor and weak brethren. You have by this rejoiced their ITALY. 3G9 hearts and strengtliened their hands. ]\Iay the Lord reward you for it ! and blessed be his name for this proof of his love." The brief details which have been given of the Society^s labours in Switzerland necessarily present but a limited view of their extent and value. They have called for the appro- priation of 2244/. 2s. ; and the records of the Society show that they have not been distributed in vain. The peculiar interest felt in the temporal possessions of the Pope and the gross darkness of the people under his care, has produced an anxious desire among all true Protestants to spread the words of eternal life throughout the Italian States. The founders of the Society participated in this feeling, and in 1806 they printed ' The Scripture Extracts ' in Italian. This valuable compilation was sent to Malta and other places in the Mediterranean, and from thence was introduced into Italy. Further to promote the diffusion of truth, a depositoiy was opened at Gibraltar, in 1808, for Spanish and Italian tracts, many persons speaking these languages being occasionally there. After a lapse of some years, a safe and promising channel of usefulness appeared to open. A few tracts were translated and printed in Italy, and a grant of 50/. was made to encourage their circulation. Many difficulties were soon experienced by the friends who undertook the w^ork. The local authorities, by their constant vigilance, prevented any enlarged effort being made. From the year 1817 until 1836, a lapse of nearly twenty years, only occasional opportunities presented themselves for con- veying religious works into Italy, and then principally through Christian travellers. In the latter year, a correspondent residing in one of the States received 5300 Italian tracts for circulation in his neighbourhood. He informed the Committee that there were but few places in which spiritual efforts could be made, and remarked : " Nevertheless, the utility of tracts is evident. These are the torches which shine in the midst of the darkness of Catholicism, and shed here and there gleams of hope and faith. The pastors should be assisted in the propagation of pure Christianity, either by the diffusion of works written for that 370 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. purpose^ or by tlie translation into Italian of books of a moral and religious character." After this intimation, the Committee pro- mised the needful funds for the pubhcation of ' Scott's Essays, ' but its printing was prevented by the censor. ' The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul ' and ' The Evidence of Pro- phecy ' were, however, issued. In 1843, a few friends associated together in Italy to promote the publication of works suitable for the people. With these the Society co-operated, and placed about 16,000 tracts at their disposal. On this occasion, one of the friends wrote : — " I have made an excursion as fai* as Leghorn, and have seen many Christian friends in Tuscany. Alas ! even in Tuscany, the most enlightened country in the Peninsula, a very small proportion of the inhabitants can read ; and for a people wholly ignorant of the word of God, tracts are needed of a simple character. The work of Keith will easily find a circulation, and will reach the better educated classes. I have recommended that as many as possible of this interesting book be sold, and the proceeds placed to the credit of the Society. But, as I have already told you, it seems to me absolutely necessary, after consultations with Christians on the spot, to seek the destruction of Popery and the influence of the priests, by means of controversial works. With the assistance of some friends, we have begun to translate such works as Vinet's ' Sermons on Matt. xvi. 18;' the controversy of DreUncourt, which is, in fact, a collection of Scripture statements, bearing upon Romish errors ; and other works of a similar character. We soon expect to have ready 'The Psalms of David,' which we have reason to hope will be used as an elementary book in schools." These views of the active labourers in Italy led the Committee to unite with their friends at Geneva in securing approved transla- tions of ' Lucilla, ' ' The Account of the Inquisition, by Ciocci,' and the first, second, and third volumes of Dr. Merle d'Aubigne's ' History of the Reformation.-' In reference to the last work the excellent author remarked : " We have the means of pro- curing an excellent Italian translation, and the Pope himself IS helping us. In his last encyclical letter against the bible, he had the kindness to insert a paragraph against my ' History of the Reformation, ' a work not then translated into Italian. The effect of this prohibition was, that some friends immediately obtained a translation of the work into that language. It is now very nearly finished, and measures have been taken for its publication.'' The Committee voted 50/. to meet part of the expenses of publishing Dr. D'Aubigne^s valuable work, and 30Z. for an edition of Dr. Earth's ' Church History.' ITALY. 371 In addition to these works, Sermons from Vinet, Chalmers, Malan, and Monod appeared; also the ' Scripture Texts Arranged/ of the Irish Tract and Book Society. In aid of these works the Committee granted 30/., and expressed their readiness to further the issue of any others which were in accordance with the scriptural principles of the Institution. The unexpected openings in Italy, which occurred by the revolution in 1848, clearly pointed out the great importance of prompt measures being adopted, to secure the issue of an increased number of suitable publications. After assisting some friends at Leghorn to issue a few scriptural tracts, the Committee printed the epistle to the Romans, with a brief cx]ilanatory preface. They authorized their Italian friends to circidate 10,000 copies of that inspired tract. They also published a valuable work, entitled, ' The Benefit of Christ's Death; or, the Glorious Riches of God's Free Grace, which every True Believer receives by Jesus Christ and him crucified. By Paleario, a Secular Monk of the Church of Rome,' first published at Rome, in 1543. Paleario sufiiered martyrdom for the truths contained in this book, including the great standard doctrine of justification by faith only. After two hundred and seventy years had passed away, an English translation of the work was found. It has been carefully translated back again into Italian^ and five thousand copies have been printed at the Society's expense. The blessed martyr, though dead, again speaks to Italy; and, though he has rested from his labours, his work now follows him. The grants to Italy have been 305/. 4^. 5uniui]i, 466 FOREIGN OPERATION'S. and put a stop to all tract distribution in that country. The tide will, however, we hope, through the counteracting influence of Divine providence, soon reflow; and we ought to be pre- pared to take advantage of this favourable turn as soon as it shall occur." In a subsequent letter of the 13th of May, 1838, he wrote: "Affairs remain the same in Burmah Proper. The door is closed against all our religious publica- tions; but we are living in daily hope that the providence of God will open it more widely and effectually than ever." The poor Karens, who have already been noticed, received with much gratitude the works printed in their own language; but the spirit of persecution that led to the suspension of all operations in Burmah Proper, extended to them also. One of the officers of the government, on finding tracts on a Karen, confined him ; and, on a chief applying for his liberation, he also was committed to prison. In reference to this chief, the missionaries wrote : " He has been recently converted, and has devoted his time to reading our books, that he may be ena- bled to teach his countrymen the Christian religion. For some days before his imprisonment, his house was thronged with listening crowds ; and he kept some one reading aloud the books all the time, not interrupting them even at meal times. He travelled to obtain more books, and returned sad to think he had failed in his object, after having suffered more than a fortnight's imprisonment." It appears, from the Society^s reports, that the missionaries were led to make their greatest efforts just previous to the door of usefulness being closed; — withm two years, about 670,500 tracts and books had issued from the press, including 60,000 copies of two large works, ' The History of Christ,^ and ' The Digest of Scripture,^ each containing about two hundred pages. These publications were distributed in faith, and much spiritual good followed, particularly among the Karens. The king was displeased at the number who believed in ' the white book,' that is, the holy scriptures, and many were imprisoned; but when it was ascertained that there were several thousands of this class, a stop was put to all further persecution. The American missionaries being compelled to leave Burmah Proper, removed to the districts which were ceded to the British government at the close of the war. The press, now at Maulmein, has continued its opei'ations, though on a limited SI AM. 467 scale. In 1843, about one thousand copies of ' The Pilgrim's Progress' in Burmese were printed. This work was gladly- received by many, as peculiarly suitable to their state of trial. New tracts were issued, and, in 1847, ' A Harmony of the Gospels,' in the Karen language. The missionaries are waiting in the patience of hope for better times in Burmah Proper, comforted by the thought that while it was day they scattered among a benighted people a large portion of scrip- tural knowledge. SI AM. The preparation of tracts for the Siamese has been wholly under the care of the American missionaries, who have been generously sustained by funds received from their own land. Many useful works, particularly in the Chinese language, have been sent to them from the stations in the Chinese Archi- pelago, supplied by the Religious Tract Society. Messrs. Gutzlaff and Tomlin visited Siam in 1830. The former friend prepared two or three tracts in Siamese. One was printed at Singapore, entitled, ' A Plain Statement of the Christian Religion/ drawn up at the special request of a native prince of Siam, who had manifested more than an ordinary degree of interest in the labours of the missionaries. This tract was circulated among the priests and the higher classes of society. The Prince Chaon Pha received one with thanks, and promised to read it. A copy was sent to Prince Chroma Rak, a person near in rank to the king. jNIost of the people thanked the missionaries kindly for the tracts ; and some put them on their heads, by which they express their reverence for sacred books. The distribution of tracts having produced a considerable im- pression among the common people, the priests became alarmed. They had the ear of the king. He saw fit to issue a royal edict against tract circulation, saying, " If the object of the missionaries was to change the religion of the people, they were welcome to attempt it in other countries, but not in his." Notwithstanding this edict, the Chinese junks, trading to Siam, received a considerable number of Christian books, the king's officers being of opinion that such circulation did not come within the royal nterdict. The result, however, of the royal in- terference was, to a gi'eat degree, a suspension of tract operations 2 u 2 468 rOKEIGN OPERATIONS. for several years. The American missionaries continued a pru- dent but limited issue of them. In 1840, the llev. Samuel Dyer returned to England from Malacca, and brought with him the blocks of a tract, entitled ' A Summary of the Gospel/ to ascertain if tracts, stereotyped from Chinese blocks, would be acceptable. The experiment was successfully tried, and duplicates of the plates were sent to tlie American missionaries in Siam. The Society afterwards voted to them plates of ' The Three Character Classic ', or, the Chinese Christian Primer,^ and Dr. Milne's ' Village Sermons.-' During the last few years, the people have been increasingly anxious to obtain religious publications. In 1844, the Rev. Mr. Jones, of Bankote, wrote : " The fears of the people in regard to receiving tracts seem wholly to have subsided. A few days ago I was visited by a man of very respectable appearance, from Champon, about two hundred miles from us, who has been travelling extensively in the country. He says that our books are in almost every family, both north and south, and are carefully preserved and extensively read. Scarcely a day passes without application for particular tracts. INIany, among whom are priests and noblemen, apply for complete sets, that they may keep them for reference. Sometimes, after having received a number of different kinds in succession, they bring tliem all back, bearing marks of usage, but not of abuse, and request us to bind them for their better preservation." These happy circumstances were soon followed by much cold- ness and indifference on the part of the respectable classes, but the common people continued gladly to accept the publications. The latter have been accustomed, from time immemorial, to receive all their religious instruction principally through the medium of manuscript books. In this way their superstitions have been inculcated, and their faith and practice established. If written books, produced witli great labour and expense, bave exercised a mighty influence on the people, what happy results may we not expect when the slow process of the pen shall be superseded, and the power of the Christian press be brought fully to bear on their moral and religious interests. ASSAM. A branch of the Anicrican mission was established in 1836, ASSAAl. 16[) at Sucliyali; on the north-east of Assauij by means of Avhich another approach was made towards the Chinese empire. Two hundred reams of ])aper, sent to Burmah, were transferred to this new mission^ and six tracts were immediately issued in the Assamese and Shyan languages. These tracts were followed by ' The History of the Creation, ' ' History of the Deluge, ^ and ' A Catechism on Christian Truth.' These latter works were also printed in Naja. They were distributed with some evi- dence of spiritual good. A youth named Nidhi was led, by reading a short prayer in one of the publications, to feel that he was a lost sinner. His Christian course being consistent, he was received into the church by baptism. The tracts were widely circulated, and many of the ])eople who had received them had on that account been subject to much persecution. The missionai-ies wrote with cheerful confidence : " The seed we have been sowing amid tears, pra^Trs, and discouragements, seems to be springing up. We are just able to work efiiciently. We understand the language, and begin to discern some of the weak places of the enemy's camp. We have two presses in constant opei-a- tion, scattering light and truth throughout the ]u-ovince.'^ The grants to the Indo-Chinese countries referred to in this cha])ter have amounted to 1 175/. 6s. In the Society's report for 1837, the Connnittee infoi-med its friends that the llev. Charles GutzlalF, of Canton, had prepared the fit'sf. Christian book in the Japanese language. It was entitled ' The Revelation of God,' and contained a clear statement of all the essential doctrines of the gospel. Mr. Gutzlaff sent the manuscript of this tract to the Connnittee, which they forwarded to Batavia, and directed t\\o tliousand copies of it to be printed. In reference to their cireulatio)), ]Mr. Gutzlaff wrote : " I shall endeavour, if it be the will of the Most High, to spread divine truth in regions where a missionai-y's foot never trod." Tliis benevolent enterprise was undertaken by ]Mr. G., but was imsuccessful : the party on reaching the country was fired upon from two harbours, and 470 FOREIGN OPEKATIONS. all intercourse with the natives refused. On the return of Mr. Gutzlaff and his friends to Macao^ a supply of Chinese tracts, and fifteen hundred Japanese tracts, were sent to the country, which it was hoped might enter places not yet acces- sible to the living preacher. This first effort for the benefit of Japan appears to have been a failure; but ere long it is hoped a way will be opened into this dark region of the earth. Japan is within the promises and predictions of God. It is the most easterly country in the world. Its literal meaning is " rising sun," and the Divine assiirance to the church is, " From the 7^isin(/ of the sun, even unto the going down thereof, my name shall be great among the Gentiles." LOO CHOO ISLANDS. In 1846, the Rev. Dr. Bettelheim, a missionary to these islands, received a supply of Chinese and English tracts. He was encouraged to prepare a few tracts in Loo Chooan, and assured of the Society's willingness to help in their publication. CHAPTER XXXIII. Drs. Morrison and Milne— Facilities in China for the spread of truth by letters— Early know- ledge of printing — Description of the process — Identity and universality of the written language — Budhism diffused by the agency of books — Dr. Milne's appeal to the Society — Successful appeal to the Christian public — Large grants to China — Continuous issue of tracts— Letter from Dr. Milne— Circulation of tracts in the Malay Archipelago- Rev. AV. H. Medhurst — Death of Dr. Milne— Dr. Morrison's visit to England — Distribution of broad sheets — Grant — Impatience for good results deprecated —Leang-afa, the native Christian — Tracts prepared and distributed by him — Extracts from his letters — Rev. S. Dyer — Translations — Voyage for tract circulation by Mr. Medhurst and Mr. Tomlin — Labours of the Society at Singapore among foreigners — Tour of Mr. Tomlin and Dr. Gutzlaff in the heart of the empire — Accessibility of China to tracts— Instances of use- fulness—Naturalization and third tour of Dr. Gutzlaff- Death of Dr. Morrison— Followed by growing activity and increased grants — Hostility of Government excited, and tracts prohibited — Rev. W. H. Medhurst and Chou Tih Long at the Society's anniversary — Political conflict — Unabated zeal of the missionaries— The treaty between Great Britain and China — Special appeal — Concession of religious freedom in China — Corresponding Committees — Information from Malacca, Hong-Kong, Shanghae, and Ningpo— Introduction of tracts among the hospital patients — Native colporteurs — Total grants. The religious condition of the Chinese visiting our shores was not overlooked by the Society before any direct effort could be made for China itself. Tracts were obtained from Serampore for distribution among the Chinese sailors, who occasionally arrived in England. The providence of God, however, opened a way for more enlarged operations through the Rev. Dr. Morrison and others, who had proceeded to the country as Christian missionaries. In the year 1813^ a letter was received from Dr. Morrison, dated Canton, December 18, 1812, enclosing the first tract he had printed in the Chinese language. His letter was charac- teristic of the devoted writer. " Last season I sent home a tract which I had written and printed in tlic Chinese, entitled ' A Summary of the Divine Doctrine respecting the Re- demption and Salvation of the World.' I have been informed that a pci'son 472 lOUEIGX OrEUATlOXS. in the city of C;intou, to which I h;ive not access, was lefonned in his conduct by means of the perusal of this tract. He v/as a Chinese Roman Catholic, of a vicious life." The fact so modestly noticed by Dr. IMorrison was afterwards referred to by Dr. Milne, liis beloved coadjutor, who stated, '' that it had encom-aged the writer to hope that his labours, though carried on imder very unpromising circumstances, would not be in vain in the Lord.^^ ^^ Many thousand copies of the small publication referred to have been widely circulated anionj Before detailing the Society's labours for the benefit of the Chinese, it is desirable to point out the facilities which their country affords for conveying to them Christian information through the medium of letters. The first great point in connexion with this subject is the early knowledge of printing which the Chinese possessed. '^ Some say," remarks J\Ir. Medhurst,-^ "■ it was invented a.d. 937. About one himdred and fifty years after Christ, paper was made. The mode of printing adopted by the Chinese is of the simplest character. Stereotype or block-printing seems to have taken the precedence of moveable types in all countries, and in China they have scarcely got beyond the original method. The first part of the process is to get the page written out in the square or printed form of the character. This having been examined and corrected, is transferred to the wood in the fol- lowing manner : — The block, after having been smoothly planed, is spread over with a glutinous paste; Avhen the written paper is applied and frequently rubbed till it becomes dry. The paper is then removed, and the writing is found adhering to the block in an inverted form. The whole is now covered with oil, to make the letters appear more A'ivid and striking ; and the engraver proceeds to his business. The first operation is to cut down straight by the sides of the letters, from top to bottom, removing the vacant spaces between the lines, with the exception of the stops. The workman then engraves all the strokes which run horizontally ; then the oblique and afterwards the perpendicular ones, throughout the whole line, which saves the trouble of turning the block round for every letter. Having cut round the letters, he proceeds to the central parts ; and • Cliina: its Statt- and rrospccts,' p. lo;!. CHINA. 473 after invhilc tlic page is completed. A v.orkman generally gets through one hundred characters a day, for which he will get sixpence. AMien the engraver has completed his work^ it is passed into the hands of the printer, who places it in the middle of a table ; on one side is a pot of liquid ink, with a brush, and on the other a pile of paper; while in front there is a piece of wood, bound round with the hbrous parts of a species of palm, which is to serve for a rubber. The workman then inks his block with the brush, and taking a sheet of dry paper, with his left hand he places it neatly on the block, and seizing the rubber with his right hand he passes it once or twice quickly over the back of the paper, when the impression is produced. He will manage to throw off three thousand im- pressions in a day. "The whole apparatus of a printer consists of his gravers, blocks, and brushes. These he may shoulder and travel with from place to place, purchasing paper and lamp-black as he needs them ; and borrowing a table anywhere, he may throw off his editions by the hundred or the score, as he is able to dis- pose of them. " The block pnnting has some disadvantages compared with , moveable type, and various efforts have been made by the Rev. Samuel Dyer and others to cast metal types. Should metal moveable types eventually supersede the wood blocks, the facilities of the press will be greatly increased in China." Another circumstance that tends to the spread of know- ledge ill China is the extensive knowledge the people have of their written language. " Its written language," remarked Dr. Milne, *' is read by a much larger proportion of man- kind than that of any other people. Its oral dialects arc very numerous, but the written language possesses a uniform identity unknown to some others. Throughout the whole of the empire, as well as in most of its tributary and several of its neighbouring countries, the written character and idiom are, with few trifling exceptions, the same. The minister of Jesus Christ is not permitted to walk through the breadth and length of the land, preaching the gospel by the living voice, but books are universally understood; they travel everywhere; with proper agents ami due caution, they may be poured into China itself." A friend, writing on tin; sanu; subject, remarked : " A 474 rOllEIGN OPERATIONS. book is equally intelligible in all parts of China, while its author, in speaking, may be confined by a single dialect. The words of the book convey essentially the same meaning to all minds throughout the empire, and, indeed, far beyond it also ; while they vary in sound according to the dialect of the par- ticular district where spoken. Now there is scarcely a house so poor that some well-worn book will not be found occupying a shelf. Chinese gentlemen take a pride in collecting libraries of voluminous and valuable works. This trait of natural cha- racter will help to secure a willing reception and perusal of Christian books when distributed." Another important fact was pressed on the attention of the Committee, namely, that in the early history of China, the Bur- mese, by small books, diffused the principles of Budhism with- out the aid of living teachers, and engrafted it on the system of Confucius, and in no small degree changed the religion of an empire. " Cannot Christianity," it was urged, '' be introduced into China through the same medium, and with greater success, when the truths circulated are scriptural, and accompanied by the power of the Spirit of God V Encouraged by these special facilities, the Committee were prepared to receive the appeal that reached them from Dr. Milne. In his letter from Canton, dated February 7, 1814, occur the following stirring passages : — " From the land of China, I beg leave for a moment to address you. The benevolence of your truly valuable Institution has flowed far and wide, but has not yet reached this ' vast world of souls.' Allow me, in the name of three hundred millions of pagans, a considerable por- tion of whom can read, and all of whom understand the same language, to entreat that your Christian benevolence may be extended to them. Such is the political state of this country at present, that we are not permitted to enter it, and publish, by the living voice, the glad tidings of salvation. Tracts may, however, penetrate silently even to the chamber of the emperor. They easily put on a Chinese coat, and may walk without fear through the length and breadth of the land. This we cannot do. The Chinese people read much, and tracts, inculcating the worship of their dumb idols and the reciting of the sacred classics, have been in use for ages among them. They are sent to the temples by individuals who conceive that they have obtained favours from their gods, and are distributed gratis to CHINA. 475 all who will receive them. The circulation of tracts is no new thing in China, though, alas ! the matter of them has been of little moment — no doubt, of dangerous consequence.^^ The resources of the Committee were not adequate to meet the demands for this vast opening sphere. A special appeal was made to the Christian public, when the Society, in its addi-ess, inquired, " Shall not British Christians, the object of whose worship is infinitely glorious, and whose obligations to love and serve God are infinitely great, rise superior to Chinese idolaters, in purity of motive, in fervency of gratitude, and in ardency of zeal ? Let us, then, with compassionate feelings and cheerful liberality, assist in printing and circulating such tracts as shall convince these poor pagans, that Hhey worship they know not what,^ and shall also affectionately teach them to know ' Jehovah, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent.' " This appeal was successful. S])ecial donations were received from individuals and auxiliaries, and collections were made at St. Swithin's Church, London, and other places. These contri- butions amounted to 414/. The Committee immediately urged Messrs. Morrison and Milne to prosecute \'igorously the print- ing and circulation of tracts, and authorized them to draw u])on the Society's Treasurer for 400/. This was the first grant made by the Society for the benefit of the Chinese. The missionaries were much encouraged by this seasonable aid, and printed several new tracts, including ' An Outline of the Old Testament History, ' ' A Christian Hynm-book, ' ' A Treatise on the Life of our blessed Loi-d Jesus,' and a small monthly ' Chinese Magazine.' The information from China in 1817 led to another grant of 500/. In a letter from Mr. IMilne, he informed the Com- mittee that he had clearly ascertained that the wiitten language of Cochin-China, Tung-king, and Hainan, was the same in form and idiom, in all respects, as that of China. " This," he re- marked, '' will open a wide door for tlie word of God ; may it have free course and be glorified ! " The grants thus made created feelings of the liveliest grati- tude in many minds. Among these may be mentioned the Rev. J. C. Supper, of Batavia, who, shortly after the date of his last letter to the Society, was called from this lower world to the mansions of bliss. In that letter he stated that, through the 476 rOllEIGX Ol'EKATIUNS. providence of God, he had been enabled to establish a vcaduig society among- the Chinese, consisting of sixty persons, who were supplied monthly with sixty religious tracts for perusal, which, when read, were circulated among their respective friends. '' I am ready,^^ he adds, " to devote myself to the Religious Tract Society, as I have done to the jNIissionary and Bible Societies ; a share in your noble exertions I consider to be of more value than all the gold of Opliir, or the riches of India/' Referring to the grants of the Society, he concluded his communication with the following w^ords : " You indeed did well in making them, and I hope that eternity will repeat that you have done very well. If the Religious Tract Society should be forgotten in the annals of this world, I am con- lident it will shine with great lustre in the everlasting annals of heaven." The Committee received from the missionaries interesting statements of the manner in which the tracts were valued by the Chinese. They were, however, cautious in not raising the hopes of Christians to an undue elevation. Mr. IMilne, there- fore, in a letter dated January 31, 1818, remarked : " We shall very probably have to transmit to you, for a long time, only dry statements of what has actually been translated, Avritten, printed, circulated, and taught. Our thought.s, time, and strength are employed about furnishing the means of Christian knowledge to as large a proportion of the heathen as possible. We long to see success, but are not greatly cast down if we do not see it immediately. I hope the patience of the churches will be strengthened. To plough and sow are the labours of this age ; to reap abundantly, that of future times. We labour in hope ; the word of the Eternal cannot fail ; in due time the nations shall be glorified in Christ." New tracts were frequently issued from Canton, which had an extensive circulation. The translators w^re anxious that the works they sent forth should not give an uncertain sound, but clearly state the plain and essential truths of the gospel. Hence, Mr. Milne wrote : '' It is an invariable rule with me, in whatever I write in Chinese in the form of a tract, to intro- duce the great doctrines of sin, salvation, and eternal retribu- tion; these being the life and soul of everything; a portion of them is indispensable." In 1830, the Rev. W. H. Medhurst, then of :Malacca, but CHINA. 477 afterwards of Java, reported to the Society that the mission- aries connected with the Ultra Ganges Mission had formed a Christian union, to increase the spread of rehgious pubUcations. In this communication he furnished the lirst information con- nected with the circulation of Malay tracts. The Rev. C. H. Thomson had printed eight tracts in the language, which had been usefid to some of the readers. " These J\lalay tracts,^' remarked ]Mr. Thomson, " have been sent in prows to most of the ^lalay countries in this archipelago. These messengers of mercy tind access where missionaries, in the character of mis- sionaries, cannot go. I have heard that the king of Acheen has been visited by them, and that they have ventured into the presence of the king of Siak. A man was found the other day reading a tract on human depravity in a mosque. The Malays have more knowledge of letters than has been sup- posed, and are fond of reading; but they are extremely sus- picious. Some will rather deny that they can read than accept of a book at the hand of a Christian missionary. Some of them expressed a fear that the reading of their books would turn their hearts. ]May the Spirit of all grace not only turn, but change their hearts, and save their souls from the second death." On the 21st of November, 1821, Dr. Milne, in a letter to tlie Connnittee, thanked them for the encouragement given to the ^Malay branch of their labours, and added : " The money committed to Dr. INIorrison and myself by your Society, for the printing and circulation of Chinese religious tracts, is nearly exhausted; aiul I shall soon be obliged to draw upon you for a further sum, which you have authorized us to do." The Society had not the satisfaction of renewing its inter- course with this devoted correspondent. On the 29th of Oc- tober, 1822, Dr. Morrison made the following affecting com- munication : " I have now the melancholy task of announcing to you officially the death of your former correspondent on the subject of Chinese tracts, my lamented friend and col- league. Dr. Milne. He died of pulmonary consumption, at Malacca, on the 2nd of June, 1822, in, I believe, the thirty- seventh year of his age. A more zealous evangelist never existed. Few men excelled him in ])icty and devotedness. By the grace of God he was what he was. Tiie Lord has removed him from his labours, and has, we trust, admitted him to his 478 roREioy operations. eternal joy. Blessed be the name of the Lord, Milne still lives in the numerous tracts which, by your Society's aid, he was enabled to print and distribute. Providence has often seemed to watch over our bibles and good books, so as eventu- ally to render them useful to the souls of men. All the grain cast into the ground does not take root; shall man, therefore, cease to sow ? Milne's ' Village Sermons,' and other Chinese tracts, will be useful to missionaries and Christians in China for centuries to come. May the Lord's blessing rest on the seed of divine truth.'^ In the same letter. Dr. Morrison adds : " Having a desire to rouse the attention of our seamen at Canton to what concerns ' as well the body as the soul,' I wrote a tract for them, and have had one thousand copies printed; a considerable num- ber is already distributed. It is the first religious tract, in the English language, that has been printed in China." The missionaries endeavoured, as far as possible, to supply the loss of Dr. Milne by increased efforts in the publication of tracts. The total circulation in three years, at the expense of the Society, to May, 1823, was 102,105 tracts in the Chinese language, and 3500 in the Malay. At Malacca, those in Malay were often to be seen affixed to the walls of the native habitations, and in vessels which traded to various ports of China ; those in the Chinese language were introduced into places inaccessible to Europeans. Dr. Morrison mentioned to the Committee, tliat he had known instances of Chinese tracts being carefully stored among the valuables of a family; so that, if neglected by the present possessors, they might speak to their children, and generations yet unborn. In 1825, Dr. Morrison, who had returned to this countrj^, attended the anniversary of the Society. He strongly urged upon the meeting the fact, that the inhabitants of China could be reached through the medium of the press, and that their habits and customs rendered them peculiarly accessible to the Society's publications. " The command of the Saviour," said the Doctor, " is, ' Go ye into all the world, and preach the. gospel to every creature ; ' that is, proclaim the gospel to every creature; and where you cannot do this by the lining voice, then do it by means of the printing-press." The Rev. David Collie, of Malacca, one of the friends con- nected with the Chinese Union, conveyed to the Society the CHINA. 479 pleasinp: intelligence that broadsheet tracts had been printed and extensively distributed. The Rev. Jacob Tomlin, on visiting many of the people, was delighted to see in several of the houses that the sheet tracts had been carefully preserved and pasted on the walls, so that many houses were as richly adorned in this respect as any pious cottager's room in England. These eflforts engaged much of the attention of the mission- aries ; Dr. jNIorrison also was increasingly anxious to send forth the words of eternal truth. He wrote to the Committee in the following animating terms : — " It vill gladden your heart to hear that many, both of the Chinese and the Malays, have lately called and begged for the word of life. We sent lately to Cochin-China, by Government vessels, belonging to that country, nearly three thousand volumes of Chinese books. They were eagerly read by the Cochin-Chinese, and many of their great men came to the College, with a body of servants, and requested books. As a proof that the books sent to that country have been read, and understood by them, they had copied the names of many of tliem, and brought them to u«, in order that they might be supplied with books of the same kind. Oil that the Lord may speedily bless his own word ! Many hundred publications have lately gone, and there appears an increasing desire, among all classes, to obtain our books. Our weekly tract is continued, and is much sought after by the Chinese." A further grant of 300/. was voted in 18.25, which enabled the missionaries to continue their operations in the tract de- partment of their labours ; this they did, and gave a full report of the new works sent forth. They assured the Committee " that more tracts were applied for then, in one week, than were asked for in the course of twelve months four years ago." Dr. Morrison also wrote, kindly checking the over-anxiety fre- quently manifested to sec the results of past labours. "Some of our sanguine and intemperate friends have discouraged us much, by impatience to see the fruits of our labours here. We are not entirely without fruit, but we cannot rejoice in an abundant harvest. Despise not, my brethren, the day of small things. We, the sei-vants of the churches, have gone forth from you to these lands with tears, bearing precious seed. We may not live to do it, but future labourers shall return, bringing their sheaves with them." The Society's Report for 1828, introduces a new and interesting agent in the great field of China, the native Chris- tian, Leang-afa. Led to the Redeemer through tiie riches of 180 I'OIIEIGX Ol'EHATlONS. his grace, he became a preacher of righteousness and a writer of rehgious tracts. The first application ever made by a native of China for help in his work was from this devoted man. In his appeal he wrote : — "The manner of proclaiming the truths of the gospel in the eastern land, China, is different from that of the nations in the west. In the lands of the western nations they have public buildings and public assemblies where the people meet. They have the weekly sabbath, and settled modes of instruction. Hence, to those who know the language, the gospel may be communicated orally to those who will listen. In this way instruction is communicated ea^iiiy; but in China, there are no public buildings in which to collect assemblies of the people ; there is no weekly sabbath, nor regular customs for the instruction of the people. Therefore I, a simple person, (with Dr. Morrison,) have thought of taking tlie most important parts of holy scripture, and explaining the principles therein contained in familiar language, and n)aking small books. Being presented to Dr. Morrison for his revision and correction, if they could be printed and given to people in various places, they could continually look them over, and more easily would the truth enter men's hearts, than when spoken by the mouth to the ear ; and perhaps conversion would be facilitated. " But, although this is a good design, my strength only goes to the extent of explaining the sacred book; not to printing tracts to present to people. Now, observing that your honourable natioa has a society to assist in printing religious tracts, I respectfully send this letter to the venerable gentlemen who manage its affairs, that they may deliberate on the purport of it. If it should be the honourable Avish of the venerable Committee to grant a little pecuniary assistance to print tracts, I would, hereafter, print the tracts explanatory of the principles of holy scripture, which I have already composed, and present them to the peojjle to read, which will be the same as proclaiming the gospel, and will diffuse it to remote places in these eastern regions. Perhaps the hearts of men will be converted, and the gospel honoured. If this can really be done, then will each perform a duty, and avoid the crime of turning the back on the great grace of the Most High Lord, who sent the Saviour to redeem \is from our sins. And we, persevering in love to the Saviour, after having passed through this world, relying on the Saviour's merits, shall look up and obtain the everlasting bliss of our souls, through never- ending ages. Amen." Nine tracts were prepared by Leang-afa, explaining the Christian system and exposing the vain siiperstitions which delude the minds of the inhabitants of China. " The latter ])art of the design," wrote Dr. Morrison, " is executed in a manner that no European now living, with whom I am ac- quainted, could equal." The Committee authorized their Chinese brother to print CHINA. 481 eighteen thousand copies of these tracts. When Dr. IMorrison inlbraied him of the grant, he was greatly encouraged, gave thanks to God, and resolved, by the Lord's help, to be still more assiduous in the fullilmeut of that portion of the Saviour's work which devolved on him." Leang-afa sent to the Committee the tracts which he had printed at their expense. His journey into China for their circulation was satisfactory to his friends. He went about two hundred and fifty miles, accompanied by his friend Agony. They threw themselves into the train of one of the examiners of the public schools. In this Avay they passed on from one district to another, and had free access to the young literati, among whom they distributed their Christian books. In a letter reporting his journey, Leang-afa wished the In- stitution a " golden tranquillity," and furnished a full re])ort of his labours. He wrote : — " This year, about the close of the eighth moon, tlie literary examin- ations of all the districts of Kwang-chovv-foo commenced, among the graduates called Sew-tsae. At such times the followers of Confucius give away the sacred books to the students, to exhort them to goodness of heart. I and another believer, availed ourselves of this opportunity to distribute among them Christian tracts ; and, in a few day?, we distri- buted upwards of four hundred sets of the nine tracts called Good Words. It was to be regretted that we had not several thousand sets. If we had possessed that number, it would have been easy to have distributed them among the lilerati on this occasion. "The students all received them with joy, und gave thanks for them. There were also a great many trading people, who asked for the tracts, and I gave to all. After they had received them, and looked them over, I walked the streets to listen to what tlie people said about them. Some said they were extraordinary books, and others said there was a great deal that was very good in them. Thus the seed of the word has entered the hearts of a great many persons; we can only persevere in prayer to our Father in heaven, that he would look down in compassion, and confer the Holy Spirit to convert their hearts, causing the word to bring forth fruits to their happiness. "Having distributed nine thousand tracts — I especially write tiiis letter to inform you, Mr. Jones, and request you to communicate the fact to the believers of the Tract Society. If they will again exercise an ardent love to the Saviour, that his gospel may run in a frea course, beg them to grant with delight further assistance to print tracts, that I may distribute them. Let us all exert ourselves to tlie utmost in gratitude to the supreme Lord, who, in mercy and love, of his great grace, saves our souls. "There are now upwards of ten disciples belonging to the clmrch in 2 I 482 fOllEIGX OPEUATIOMS. my house, who obey and believe the Saviour's gospel, and delight to adhere to his precepts. There are two of fervent hearts who love the Saviour — Achang and Asin, who always assist me in going everywhere to distribute tracts. All of us at present are thankful to our Heavenly Father for looking down, and preserving us in peace and tranquillity of mind. I hope this is the time in which our Heavenly Father will grant the gospel to be spread for the salvation of the world ; but I am not certain. I only desire that the Chinese may now receive the Holy Spirit's influences to convert them, and induce them to cast away their idols and obey the gospel, adoring and serving the supreme Lord alone. And this also is the desire of all the believers in your honoured land, who love the Saviour and their neighbours as themselves. "All the friends in the church in my house salute you, and wish you prosperity and peace. I also salute all the believers belonging to the Tract Society, and wish them prosperity and peace. For this special purpose this letter is presented on the right hand of the honoured chair of Mr. Jones." Agony, the companion and fellow-traveller of Leang-afa, was not only a distributor, but also a writer of tracts. In the summer of 1831, he printed a considerable number of single tract-sheets with pictures on the reverse side, which were called picture tracts. He circulated them among his pagan kindred and acquaintance, explaining their contents from day to day ; and though meeting with some opposition and contempt, he rejoiced in being able, wdth his own hands and mouth, to aid the Saviour^s cause. The missionaries, in the midst of many difficulties, continued their zealous and successful efforts through the press, and occasionally new and pleasing incidents occiu-red to change a little their monotonous course. The Rev. Samuel Dyer, of Penang, reported the establishment of schools for Chinese chil- dren, who read only Christian books, hoping that the parents might sometimes be reached by the works entrusted to the pupils. The new publications were frequently translated from Eng- lish works of great value. Hence, a tract on the Fall was taken from Boston's 'Fourfold State,' being interspersed with illustrations and arguments suited to the state and circimistances of the heathen. The interesting tracts, 'Poor Joseph,' 'Death of Altamont,' ' Andi-ew Dunn,' ' The Watchmaker and his Family,' were also published. Sheet and other tracts were issued, containing suitable portions of scripture on the Divine attributes, redemption by our Lord Jesus Christ, and other CHINA. 483 important subjects. These works had an extensive circulation at Canton and in the ishmds of the Arcliipclago. Tlirough the Chinese junks they entered the empire itself, and the people were led by them to think abput the way of salvation. The publications were sometimes called by them " books to reform the world." The name of Jesus was familiar to many tongues, though his character was but imperfectly understood. In reference to the extended circulation of books, a corre- spondent wrote : " I know that you will not suppose, because we see not the visible fruits of our labours, therefore they produce no fruit at all. The view which I have always taken is this, that while God encourages the hearts of his servants to labour, the church should not be negligent to provide the means ; for my o^^^l part, I verily believe, we are not labouring in vain ; that the God of providence, w^ho has evidently taken us by the hand and led us to these far distant regions, has, doubtless, work for us to accomplish, and, as far as I can see, religious tracts must be an important auxiliary." During 18.28, and subsequent years, several thousand copies of books and tracts were printed at Malacca, for the use of Mr. Medhurst and Mr. Tomlin. They took a long voyage up- the eastern coast of the Malayan peninsula, and circulated extensively both Chinese and Malay publications. They visited the gold mines of Mandoor, and distributed books among two or three thousand people who reside in that district. They had constant evidence of the importance of the press in attack- ing the idolatrous systems of the world; and they were satis- fied, that although the pride of reason and the love of long- established custonis might, for a season, resist the gospel, it would finally prc\'ail over every false system. In addition to a large circulation of works among the Chinese and Malays, the missionaries at Singapore gave tracts to Jews from Persia and Turkey, and other foreigners visiting the station. They had intercourse with persons speaking in thirty different languages, who resided in various parts of the Eastern Archipelago ; and through them some portion of holy truth was conveyed to regions of great spiritual darkness. In more than one instance they had observed that the com- manders of Chinese junks, who had previously visited the sta- tion, selected different tracts, from an evident knowledge of 484 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. their contents, alleging:, as a reason for this, that they had left those they had received before, of the same kind, with their friends and relatives at home. Thus, in various ways, the tracts silently made their way, notwithstanding the opposition they sometimes met with. The tour of Mr. Medhurst was soon followed by another, which was undertaken by Mr. Tonilin, accompanied by Dr. GutzlafF. Mr. Tomlin described this journey as "his darling enterprise of proclaiming the glad tidings of the gospel in the heart of the Chinese empire." These friends succeeded in their attempt, and distributed many small publications among the people. Dr. GutzlafF lirst travelled in the character of a missionary physician ; and, secondly, as a navigator. He found, at the different ports where he touched on the coast of China, as high up as the eastern end of the great wall, that the people were acquainted with the Christian tracts and books which had been issued from Malacca. " llemember," said Dr. Gutzlaff, " that a great many tracts have already found their way all along the coast of China; they have reached Formosa and the Piscadores; they have gone to IManchow Tartary and Corea ; and have been distributed at the great Loo Choo. His imperial Chinese majesty has even taken the trouble of examining them ; but he expressed neither his pleasure nor dis- pleasure at their contents. The ' Scripture Lessons ' and tracts were sent to the Emperor by Wei, the deputy-governor of Fo- chan and Che Keang, with an earnest recommendation to have the doctrines examined." This latter fact will recall the state- ment of Dr. ]\iilnc, in 1814 : " Tracts can easily put on a Chinese coat, and may walk without fear through the length and breadth of the land; they may penetrate silently even into the chamber of the Emperor." The opinion of Dr. Gutzlaff, as to the facilities of spreading Christian knowledge in China, will be read with interest. After having noticed his journeys in China Proper, he proceeds : " I find that the bugbear of impossibilities of doing anything for these millions does not exist; though I admit that there are very great difficulties. I can nowhere find in the scriptures that we ought to desist from speaking the divine word because there are difficulties in the way; and therefore I am joyful in the Lord my Saviour, who has all power in heaven and earth, CHINA. 485 and I iutciul to make a third trial, if it please His wisdom. I hope and believe that even impossibilities, if they do exist, will be changed into possibilities.^' In these labours, the Society co-operated, by furnishing large grants of tracts. The Conmiittcc rejoiced in these pro- ceedings with trembling, lest the zeal of their friends should excite the opposition of the government. They did not, how- ever, permit " the bugbear of impossibilities " to lead them to withhold their supplies. In the Chinese Archipelago, the Society's usefulness was not contined to the issue of native tracts. In some places, par- ticularly at Penang and Singapore, there was a considerable demand for English publications, which Avere sent forth in great numbers, partly on sale, but principally for gratuitous circulation. At those stations, it was found that the gospel, which had been proudly rejected at home, was there received Avith much meekness. One or two statements will show the correctness of these remarks. " I was enabled," remarked Mr. Dyer, of Penang, " by these English books, to supply many individuals with profitable reading. Lieut. was very wild when he came to Penang. He was seized with severe indis- ])osition, and afterwards went into the convalescent bungalow. There he found the tracts I sent up when my son was ill. He is now decidedly on the Lord's side. He read the tracts. The Lord opened his eyes." The Rev. Evan Davies, of the same station, furnished the " I expressed some time ago my oijiiiion in full to your Society respecting the value of your publication?, as the means of spreading a saving know- ledge of a crucified Redeemer in these distant settlements. In confir- mation of tliis opinion, and for tlie encouragement of the Society^ I will mention one instance that lately occurred in this island. A young man, an officer of tlie Native Infantry of the Madras army, came to this island a man of the world. Having some property, his whole attention was bestowed, not so much on things that are deemed immoral, in the connnon accep- tation of the word, as upon his horses, carriages, plate ; in a word, his establishment. On the future he thought l)ut little, and none at all to any good purpose. It pleased God to afilict him, and he was ordered to Europe. During his affliction he resided on tlie Hill — the ' Great Hill,' as we call it here, a spot which has been honoured by God in being the spiritual birth- place of several; and having accidental!}', or rather providentially, had some acquaintance with him, I took courage (for I feared greatly that what I did would have been regarded in the light of an offence) to send him the -186 rOilElGN OPEllATIONS. ' Present for the Afflicted,' with a letter suitable to his case. Without going into further detail, he returned to Europe, leaving the impression on the mind of every Christian that became acquainted with him that he was a renewed man ; and on the voyage home he laboured, to the best of his knowledge and ability, among the crew of the vessel, by reading the prayers of the episcopal church and sermons, and by conversation on the tilings of the future state, hoping thereby that they might become the subjects of ' like precious faith.' In this his friends here rejoiced, regarding it as a fur- ther evidence that he was born of God. To see a man who once thought the augmentation of his income, and the display of self and his possessions, as the chief objects of life, humbled on account of sin before God, and seek- ing salvation through the blood of a crucified Redeemer, was indeed a most delightful and gratifying change. We said, 'It is the finger of God;' and the instrumentality was one of your publications, the little book I mentioned before. We sincerely trust, that in the midst of the influence of a worldly family, he has been enabled to maintain what he appeared here to hold — communion with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ." Passing from these dcliglitful facts^ iu reference to our own countrymen, it is clieering to furnisli similar tidings from a poor Chinese, and the receipt of the first donation from a native of the celestial empire to the Religious Tract Society. Dr. Gutzlaff sent to the Committee a letter from Koet Bun Tae, who was preaching the gospel in Cochin China. " The writer," remarked Dr. Gutzlaff, " has sent me ten tixals (about seven dollars). He obtained his knowledge of the three societies, to which he refers, from Dr. Milne's tract, called ' The Three Pearls,' which contains a description of the Mis- sionary, the Bible, and the Religious Tract Societies." The following is the letter from this convert : " Koijt Bun Tae respectfully and sincerely makes his obeisance. He sends to the teachers of the congregation ; * to the society of little books,! which exhort the world; to the British and Foreign holy book society,! — three pearls of benevolent associations; to all the venerable teachers, all tlie reverend old great men, revered pastors, before whom he manifests his thoughts. " The stupid, born in the middle kingdom, of poor and cold family. Unhappily parents early died, and he an orphan, miserable and helpless; therefore was vagrant, and wandering to the land of Siam, where he met with distress and sickness. More than ten years he was thousand- fold wretched, miserable. Suffering in body, and therefore poor and in- digent, unable to heal the disease. Unexpectedly he met with a pastoral * The Missionary Society, t The Religious Tract Society, t The Bible Society. CHINA. 487 teacher, Koet Sit Lajj,* a doctor coming to Siam's kingdom, distribut- ing medicines and healing sick people, presenting books to look at. He had not feared great trouble ; he had not spared expenses of gold to en- courage benevolence and promote virtue, by presenting to all people ■Heaven's God, Supreme Emperor and Redeemer, the Lord Jesus; New and Old Testament books ; making them understand and perceive Heaven's way and true principle, to put away misery and receive happiness." "Tlierefore the stupid looked and read, and was three years examining, to understand a little the meaning in the midst of the books ; whereby he has become deeply conscious of his own sins ; desiring to throw away wickedness and return to rectitude; looking and hoping for the merits of the substituting redemption of the Saviour, the Lord Jesus; on accovmt of which he dares to supplicate God for forgiveness, and remission, and the bestowment of grace. Therefore he frequently, with sincere inten- tion towards teacher Koet Sit Lap, respectfully wished and asked the ordinance of baptism; which receiving, he is grateful; thanking the teacher, who was indulgent to his request. Now he dares to hope and request to enter the congregation's door ; to follow the good path, the true doctrine ; being one of Jesus's disciples, with sincere heart and true thought. This is his wish. "The stupid being a poor man^ without riches hoarded up, therefore with diligent labour earns his livelihood, and has spared a little money, which constitutes his subsistence funds, and takes out four sheens, one tixal, intending it for benevolent purposes. "Myriads of welfcire to the three pearls, benevolent societies; all per-- sons of venerable teachers, reverend great old men, revered pastors. " The Tio Chew poor man, Koi^t Bun Tac, knocks his head, and repeatedly pays his obeisance." The Society's report for 1831 states, that Dr. Morrison and his friends were actively engaged in printing large editions of tracts in the prospect of Dr. Gutzlaff's third journey into the interior of China. Before he entered the empire, he be- came a naturalized subject, by adoption into the clan or family of Kwo. He took also the name of Shih-lec, wore occasionally the Chinese dress, and was recognised by those among whom he lived as a member of the great nation. During this tour, Dr. Gutzlaff found the people anxious to receive the publications he took with him ; some, perhaps, from motives of mere curiosity, but others from a desire to obtain true knowledge. A few extracts will be given from his journal ; " The inhabitants of Nanaon, in Fuhkccn, who had never seen a ship, came off in boats ; but, being rather distrustful, they kept aloof. When I hailed them, they approached nearer and nearer ; but by the time they 488 FOREIGN OPEllATIONS. came alongside, we had already got under weigh. Tendering a houk to an intelligent-looking man, he was at first surprised at the strange gift ; but then, turning to his countrymen, he read it aloud. Their attention was instantly drawn towards him ; other requests were made, and, within a few minutes, the ship was surrounded by clamorous applicants. The captain was beckoning them away, but they clung to our tackle, and declared, ' We must have these good books, and will not move without them.' Such determination had the desired effect; I gave them freely what they so earnestly craved, and they went away exulting." On another occasion, Dr. GntzlafF remarks : — " In one of our excursions in Ilangchow, I took a box of books with me. When I took the books out, and handed a copy to a man of respect- able appearance, he read aloud the title, and, all at once, the crowd rushed upon me, hundreds stretching out their hands to receive the same gift. Within a few minutes the store was exhausted ; but the news spread with great rapidity. We saw the people sitting for six hours together on the brow of a hill, opposite to which our vessel was lying at anchor. As soon as they saw us approaching near to the shore, they ran down tlie hill with great velocity, grasped the books from my hands, and fled towards their friends in the surrounding villages. If ever our Christian books were read with attention, it was here at this time. We took a wide range in the adjacent country, and were really astonished at the general knowledge which these silent preachers had spread. Let us not boast of such an extraordinary instance of the diffusion of knowledge, nor deny to curiosity her full share in this stir ; yet, after all this, the gospel must be said to have flown here on eagle's wings. We leave the result to God, and wish to re- visit these places, not to exult seltishly in the great changes which may have taken place, but to praise our Redeemer that he has given to these millions the means of knowing the way of eternal life." This incessant demand for rehgious publications was not confined to the common people. The priests were for a long- time desirous to obtain a few Christian books, and when they were imable to procure them, "they almost wept for disap- pointment." Dr. GntzlafF remarks : — " I addressed the priests, who fallowed us in crowds. It was satisfactory to me that the major and intelligent part of them were so eagerly reading our books, that they could not find a few moments, even to look at us. The high priest requested an interview. He was an old deaf man, who seemed to have very little authority, and his remarks were common-place enough. At this time I was almost overwhelmed by the number of priests who ran down upon us, earnestly begging, at least, a short tract, of which I had taken great quantities with me. I was very soon stripped of all, and had to refuse numerous applications. The greatest favour we could bestow upon the natives, was to give them a book, which, as a precious CHINA. 489 relic, was treasured up, and kept lur tlie periib;al of all tlieir accpiairit- ances and friends." The following interesting scene must have revived the heart of the missionary traveller : " I brought my stores on shore, but finding that the great crowds bore me down, and robbed me of every leaf, I entered into a boat and sat down, while multitudes of boisterous applicants were on shore. They now waded, and even swam, in order to get near me, and carried off in triumph the precious gift. On landing, the press was great. At this time, I had taken the precaution of guarding my back by the wall, that I might not be thrown down by the crowd. Within a few minutes the priests thronged aroiurd me. Though they were urgent, they behaved politely, and begged, almost with tears, that I would give them a few tracts. How joyfully did they retire with the books under their arms!" The joy that was excited by the intelligence from China, in reference to the successful tours of missionary friends, was only of short duration; and, like many of the sunny scenes of this world, Avas followed by great darkness. On the 1st of August, 1831, the Rev. Dr. Morrison was removed from his important labours. He was the first Protestant missionary to China, and the earliest correspondent of the Society. lie died at the age- of fifty-three, after devoting nearly twenty-seven years of his life to the Chinese. The last letter received from him was dated on the 2 1th of April preceding his death. After acknow- ledging a grant from the Society, he remarked : " Commerce has entered upon a new system, denominated free ; and, it is not unlikely, may lead to a bolder religious effort on behalf of China." He requested copies of all the Tract Society's publications, which were innncdiately granted to him. " They may be addressed to me, or, in the event of my denth or departure, to my son." This closing direction was prophetic. He finished his earthly course about three months after the date of his letter. " He peacefully fell asleep in Jesus' ever- lasting arms." The death of Dr. iNIorrison was a solenni lesson to the sur- viving missionaries, which was not disregarded, and urged the Society to work while it was day. The grants that speedily followed the painful event amounted to nearly 1000/. These liberal supplies enabled th(; missionaries to ])our forth a flood of tracts, many of them being new ones. These, however, were soon exhausted, and the language of the missionaries was, 490 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. " It is almost heart-breaking to see the Chinamen coming in crowdsj inqniring for tracts, who cannot be supplied." The growing activity of the press, and the beneficial results that followed the issue of religious publications, called forth the opposition of " the powers that be." In a proclamation issued by the Chinese authorities at Canton, the tracts of Leang-afa, and his associates, were described as " depraved and obscene books of the outside barbarians, falsely assuming the pretence of admonishing to virtue ;" and an intimation was given that, "if any persons rashly presumed to print and distribute such books, they would assuredly be seized and punished with the rigour of the law." Soon after the appearance of this proclamation, the Rev. W. H. Medhurst, of Batavia, returned to Canton. He found many difficulties in the way of local efforts, and therefore he determined, accompanied by Mr. Stevens, an American mis- sionary, to spend a short time among the people on the coast. He distributed among them nearly twenty thousand publications in two months, which were received with great readiness, though the authorities, in some places, endeavoured to impede the good work. It was at the time when the operations of the press at Canton were suspeiided, that the Rev. W. H. IMedhurst visited his native land, accompanied by Chou Tih Long, a native of China. They attended the Society's anniversary in 1838. Mr. Med- hurst, by his statements, produced a powerful impression in favour of augmenting the funds to be placed with the mission- aries in China, for tract purposes. The address of Chou Tih Long was simple, and truly characteristic of his country. He remarked : — " I find Englishmen love foreigners as well as themselves. Yoii are this evening of one mind to give evidence of what is in your hearts. I have great pleasure in being here to witness your desire to send books which will tell men how to obtain the pardon of sin, the favour of God, and everlasting happiness. Such books are the best in the world. These tractS; I believe, have been very useful, and have done much good. They have often led the way for the scriptures. But the doctrines of scripture are very deep ; these tracts are plain, and not difficult for simple people to vmderstand. But new converts are weak ; as their strength increases they can bear more. These books, dear people, make men happy, and you all have a desire after happiness. It is your duty to direct them into the narrow way and the strait gate that leadeth unto everlasting life. I have read some interesting accounts, which have ciiixA, 491 pleased me exceedinglj'. I wish, wlien I go out, to take some tracts with me in my own language, which will instruct my people in the knowledge of the true God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. These, I do think, would do good in China. They seem to he written in the spirit of Paul, when he said, 'I have fed you with milk, and not with strong meat.' I be- lieve there are .360,000,000 of my own countrymen who sit in darkness, who have never seen the great light. Pray that they may be led, by the great power of God, to seek the Saviour, that there may be one Shepherd and one fold. You remember the epistle to Timothy, where Paul says, ' Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.' The hearts of all men are proud. I am sure the Chinese are very proud. If some means are not taken to soften them, they will remain hard and proud. So we must do little by little, and they will believe. If you wish to be happy, go and enlist in this work, and you bring happiness to yourselves. Now, I am afraid you are tired of my simple speech ; but I hope you will j)ardon all my mistakes, when I tell you I did not know one word of English when I came to this country, and now it is only one year and a half since, therefore I find it very difficult to give you my ideas in English." The Committee presented to Cliou Tih Long, on his bap- tism, a bound copy of the Society's ' Commentary.' In acknow- ledging the grant, he remarked : " I hope this ' Commentary ' will be very useful to me on my voyage, and when I get to my native land. May I beg your prayers for the blessing of God to attend the reading of his holy word, that I may con- tinue faithful to the end of my days." An important crisis in the great concerns of China was now at hand, arising from the political conflicts with Great Britain. During the war, the missionaries did not allow the press to remain inactive. The friends at Canton, jMacao, Malacca, Penang, and Singapore, distributed suitable tracts, and, with unabated zeal, proclaimed among the people the ])eaceful tidings of the gospel. At Penang, ]Mr. Beighton iniblished Bunyan's ' Pilgrim,' to point the people who understood jNIalay to the celestial city. Among the tracts, ' Poor Joseph,' ' Moses, the Pious Negro,' ' Little Ilcniy and his Bearer,' and other valuable publications, appeared in a Chinese costume. When peace was restored, and the terms of treaty agreed upon, Hong-Kong was ceded to the English Government, and the leading ports of Canton, Amoy, Ningpo, Shanghac, and Foo-choo-foo, were opened to the traveller, the merchant, and 492 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. the evangelist. " In bring-ing about these things/^ wrote a missionary^ " the prowess of the warrior has done something, but the hand of God has been at work, and I need not remind you how emphatically he tells us, by recent events, that it is our privilege to improve our greatness by dealing out the truth. The news has quickened us all into new life. The treaty is something like an emancipation act. I thought myself happy to li^■e in the day when the chains of the negro were broken, but thrice happy to live in the day when five ports, on the very coast itself, are open to the efforts of the Church of Christ. We did not expect such intelligence so soon, "but when God interposes, his course is marked by suddenness of execution, and we are constrained to say, ' This is the finger of God.^ " The Committee availed themselves of the favourable impres- sions produced on the public mind by the successful termination of the Chinese war, and made a special appeal for help to enable the Institution to extend its operations when the fitting time should arrive. This appeal was generously responded to, and the sum of 2570/. 16s. was received. Among the donations was 52/. 10s. from William Peek, Esq., for printing, in Chinese, a plain condensed statement of the principles of the Christian religion and the Avay of salvation by Jesus Christ, adapted to common Chinese readers ; and 10/. 10s. from the author of the tract ' Peace in Death,^ in aid of its publication in Chinese. The providential openings which have been recorded were soon followed by another encouraging event. By an enlightened act of his imperial majesty, the profession of Christianity, by its myriads, was no longer proscribed. It was not possible that an event could have occurred more calculated to animate the heart of Christian love, and to impel it to the highest exer- cises of zeal and generosity. The changes produced by the circumstances which have been noticed, led to so many facilities for the diffusion of reli- gious knowledge, that the Committee immediately addressed the missionaries in China, suggesting the establishment of corresponding committees for the preparation of tracts, believ- ing that through their combined agency, there would be a more efficient examination of the works issued than had been hitherto practicable. These negotiations have led to the forma- tion of committees on the catholic and scriptural principles of the parent Society, at Canton, Hong-Kong, Shanghae, and CHixA. 493 Ningpo; and the Committee hope that ere hmg similar asso- ciations will be formed at Amoy and Foo-choo-foo. From several of the stations there is now a constant issue of religious works^ which, like the river of the water of life, is flowing through many portions of the empire. The grants which have been made to diiferent stations have produced much good. From JNIalacca information w^as received from the llev. Dr. Leggc. He stated that " several small works had been prepared by learned and Christian natives, in a style and with an adaptation very superior to anything which had yet been produced in the Chinese mission." On the importance of cultivating nati\e agency in the prei)aration of futiu-e works, the Rev. Sanniel Dyer, of Singapore, observed, that the missionaries at his station had availed themselves of the talents of a native Christian, who had completed a ' Life of Christ ' from a ' Harmony of the Gospels.^ On this work, Mr. Dyer remarked : " He has dealt with the phraseology and style as suited his taste. We have narrowly watched the sen- timent, and have suggested alterations, but have left the authorship to him ; the consequence is that lie has produced one of the most interesting, intelligible, and ])leasing tracts that exists in the Chinese language." It is also a cheering fact that a Chinese in Malacca, a man of literary habits, and known as a poet, has given decisive evidence that he has received the gospel of Christ, and is now assisting the mis- sionaries in preparing Chinese hynms, that they may be able to celebrate the praises of God in that most intricate language. The Rev. T. Beighton furnished the following information in reference to the translation of the ^Pilgrim's Progress': — " I sent a copy to all the respectable Mohaiiimedans ; several have sent me their best thanks, requesting more copies for their friends, as some of them are anxious for knowledge. One native has sent me a very pleasing letter, thanking me with all his heart. He says he read ' The Pilgrim ' for three nights successively, without stopping; that he never saw such a beautiful work in Malay before, and he prays that the Holy Spirit may enlighten the hearts of the Malays to understand it fully. He speaks in very kind terms of the work ; so that I feel encouraged to hope that it will not be found in vain in the Lord. It is, he says, the true religion, and the most glorious; but the Malays for the most pait are in a lost, dark state: they imagine light to be darkness, through their great ignorance and stu- ))idity, and are groping in the dark through strong delusions. He adds : ' Oil that they may listen to the warnings and exhortations given, and reflect on their deluded state ; and I am sure if they will follow the 49^ FOREIGN OPERATIOXS. instructions and doctrines contained in ' The Pilgrim,' they may learn the true way, and my heart will rejoice.' The writer then mentions having sent some of my tracts to the king of Purlis, and that my name is known in all the Malay countries round about. The letter is pleasing and encou- raging, and I hope there is something good in the heart of the writer. I certainly never expected such a letter from that quarter, though I have long had some acquaintance with him : when I first published the tract, ' Christ and Mohammed Compared,' he acknowledged to me that the whole was true. I have given him various tracts since. I have sent copies of ' The Pilgrim ' to Singapore, Malacca, Batavia, and other places, but am obliged to be careful in distribution, or all would soon be gone. I trust that the next edition, if I am spared to print one, will be improved by the plates which the Committee kindly voted. A Malay tract, or any work that did not contain the pure truth of Christianity and the wtiy of salvation through Jesus Christ, would be merely a body without a soul. My first object, as I tell the Mahommedans, has been always to direct them to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation." In one of the recent communications from Hong-Kong:, Dr. Leg'ge writes : " The seeds of divine knowledge are being widely scattered, nor do they fall unheeded. The two following- cases will perhaps interest you : "There has been resident in Hong-Kong, a Sew-tsae, or Bachelor of Arts, who says he came here from Canton that he might obtain more information about Christianity. His attention was excited in reference to it by meeting with two of your tracts, ' Milne's Dialogues between Two Friends,' and ' Discussions principally on the Worship of Parents and Ancestors, between Ho and Woo.' He is an intelligent man, well versed in all the learning and wisdom of his country. His understanding is enlightened by the perusal of the scriptures, and of many tracts. More I will not venture, as yet, to say of him. " In the early part of this month, I paid a visit, with some friends, to Tae- Pang, a walled town upon the coast, about thirty miles to the north from Hong-Kong. Walking through one of the streets, I met an old man, between seventy and eighty, with whom I entered into conversation, present- ing him with a copy of the 'Ten Commandments,' in the form of a sheet tract. 'These,' said he, 'I know: they are the commandments of Jesus. Two years ago, I met with a book about the doctrines of Jesus, and now I worship him.' You will conceive how my heart was lifted up on finding that your silent messengers had thus prepared the way of the missionary. ' Who was Jesus?' and 'Why do you worship him?' were questions put to the old man. 'Jesus,' he replied, 'was the Son of God, and he came into the world to be the Saviour. His work was to save men from their sins ; and I know that I am a great sinner. In the night-time, at the first and third watch, I get up and pray to Jesus to have mercy upon me.' I en- deavoured to improve my brief interview with him to the best advantage, and when I am able to revisit the town, will seek the old man out. His appointed time upon earth must be drawing near its close, but may we not CHIN'A. 495 hope that he will have cause to be thankful for the existence of the Tract Society throughout eternity?" At Hong-Kong, 'The Village Sermons/ by Dr. Milne^ ' Peace in Death/ ' Poor Joseph/ ' Altamont/ and ' A Sum- mary of the Gospel/ have been acceptable to the people. The corresponding committee have undertaken to publish 25,000 copies of ' The Sinner's Friend/ in Chinese, the esteemed author having raised a special subscription of 25/. for the object. In reference to the works just noticed, the Rev. Alex- ander Stronach, of Singapore, vi^rote : — " Here, as at Penang, tracts are always accepted, and I know that they have aided in enlightening the minds, and in some measure affecting the hearts, of very many interesting Chinese ; but not until the great day of revelation shall be known the full amount of good effected through the instrumentality of these expounders of truth in the homes of the heathen.'' The Committee have been favoured with various reports from Shanghae. In acknowledging the receipt of a grant. Dr. Med- hurst stated, that 90,000 copies of eighty-five different tracts and reprints, sixty-two sermons or treatises on the great truths of scripture, and various other works, had been issued. The sermons were first preached, and then delivered to the hearers as they left the place of worship. By this plan much interest was excited, and the people look forward with anxiety to the appearance of a new discourse. In reference to one of the tracts, entitled, 'A Condensed Statement of Christianity,' Dr. Medhurst remarked: ''One peculiar feature of the tract is, that it was written in the heart of China when I was on my journey to the interior, last year, at a place about three hundred miles to the westward of Shanghae, for the purpose of being presented to an inquiring and interesting individual, who was anxiously seeking the truth, and who had much influence with his countrymen. May we not hope that the tract will do much good among the natives, and that Mr. Peek's donation of fifty guineas for its publica- tion will produce interest upon interest to the souls of men?"* The Shanghae committee having discovered ballads and tales printed in the colloquial dialect of the people, felt it desirable to send out a religious work in the same dialect. Tliey refer to this new effort in the following; terms : — 496 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. " The discovery of these popular tales has proved that every-day speech may be expressed by means of the Chinese symbols so plainly that persons but sliglitly acquainted with letters may read, and so exactly that un- taught women and children, who listen to the reading of such ti-acts, may readily comprehend. This is accomplished by using the Chinese cha- racters for the purpose of expressing the sound of the spoken dialect, without much regard to the sense of the symbols themselves. The cha- racters thus employed being comparatively few, are easily acquired by partial scholars; and thus women and poor people learn to read these pamphlets when they would not be able to comprehend more elaborate treatises and correct forms of expression. They have, therefore, turned some of the tracts formerly written into this sairre pafoi.i, and finding them readily understood and eagerly sought aftei', have tried the plan with the Gospel of St. John, which is being printed by chapters, in the shape of little tracts, for the benefit of the lower classes of people, which form the majority in this, as well as in every other country. These little chapter- tracts have been employed by the missionaries with considerable success in their public assemblies on the Sabbath days, when they think it advisable to read the scriptures to the people. May we not hope that this endeavour to provide pure truth, in a plain form for the million, will prove successful, and pave the way for the introduction of the gospel among a class hitherto beyond our reach?" From Niiigpo the Committee received statements from the Rev. T. H. Hudson, of the General Baptist Missionary Society. He found great facilities for diffusing the gospel by means of tracts. " The people know," he wrote, " that we teach the religion of Jesus, and declare the true God to be the Creator and Governor of all things ; yet their unceasing cry is, ' Give me a book — a book.^ The motive may be curiosity, or a national fondness for literature; yet the circumstance is reviving, inasnmch as many of them can read, and will doubtless read what is thus bestowed to do them good. The seed sown and watered from on high, may be productive of lasting good." With the grants received from the parent Society, Mr. Hudson, in 1847, issued eighty-four thousand copies of tracts, which found their way among the families of the district. During the last few years, a new and important mode has been adopted by the medical missionaries, for the efficient bestowment of tracts among the patients who come to them for assistance. At Canton, Amoy, Ningpo, Shanghae, and Hong-Kong, hospitals have been established. The number of patients registered in 1845 as having received medical attention from three of the hospitals only, amounted to between thirty and CHINA. 497 foi-ty thousand. Tracts are g-iven to all ^^llo can read. Even the very cards of their admission to the hospitals contain a portion of scripture ; such as, " God so loved the world/' &c. The patients are requested to commit the passages to memory. The tracts lie openly upon the tables of the hospitals, and are read by the inmates, and constantly seen by the visitors. 'Wlien the patients are discharged, they are supplied with books, in duplicate and triplicate copies, with the request that they may be read, and the extra copies circulated among their friends. In this way, they are widely circulated under the most favourable circumstances. The lame, and the halt, and the blind, come for bodily relief, when they are pointed to the great Physician, who alone can heal the maladies of the soul. The kindness of the medical men, and the disinterestedness of their labours, are likely to open the hearts of many to attend to the instructions contained in the tracts. In 1S47, an attempt was made to increase the efficacy of tract circulation by the employment of pious native colporteurs ; an agency which has been eminently useful in many countries. In China, this system is absolutely necessary, if the truth is to . be extended into the interior. The missionaries cannot person- ally engage in the work of eolportage ; and even if they could, the political arrangements with the Chinese prevent them from going beyond a day's journey from the port at which they reside. The native colporteur, on the contrary, can go eveiywhere, and scatter precious seed. The Rev. Dr. Legge strongly urged the Society to employ this agency. The Com- mittee consented to try the experiment for a limited time, and to pay the expenses of six devoted men, competent to undertake the work. The salary and travelling expenses amount to about 15/. in the year for each agent. The corresponding committee at Hong Kong have appointed Asam A-Lok and Asvin for that district; at Canton, Lo-Ting-Shen is the tract coU porteur, and Tan Li Ch'un at Amoy. The Shanghae committee have sent out Wang-show-yiih, a member of the church under the pastoral oversight of the London Society's missionai'ies. These agents have engaged in their work in the spirit of the ^Master whom they serve. At first, they were fearful ; but they have been enabled to persevere, and now they go about, and faithfully make known their Master. The following particulars 2 K 498 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. have been received from the missionaries who superintend them : — " Wang-show-yiih has been to Hong-chow on the south, and Nan-king on the north, while he is now absent, distributing tracts at Hoo-chow on the west. On these journeys, he enters into temples, and monasteries, tea- gardens, and other places of public resort, where he finds abundant opportunities for distributing tracts; though he is very cautious not to give them away indiscriminately, but only to those persons who are likely to make a good use of them. He accompanies the gift with a word of exhortation, and occasionally enters into discussions on the subjects at issue between Chinese idolaters and ourselves, " He has hitherto conducted himself to our entire satisfaction, and we hope that he may continue indefatigable in the great work of spreading divine knowledge among his countrymen." In another communication the local committee wrote : — " The colporteur, Wang-show-yiih, has persevered in his journeys, having been twice to Chin-keang-foo, and once to Tsung-ming, as well as in other directions, distributing religious tracts and conversing with the people. His labours in this department are likely to be productive of much good, particularly as he is desirous of avoiding cause for disturbance, while he feels anxious to benefit his fellow-countrymen in every possible way. At first, he thought it prudent to go quietly along the canals, and only occa- sionally enter the tea-shops and places of public resort ; but now he does not scruple to enter the offices of the magistrates, and while he delivers our books, to tell them plainly from whom he has obtained them, and the object for which they are distributed. May we not hope, that as he grows in boldness, he will increase in usefulness, and thus become tlie means of great good in places where missionaries cannot conveniently go? " On one occasion, he brought with him from Chin-Keang-foo a literary graduate, who came with the view of receiving further instruction. After staying with us a couple of weeks, and attending all our services, as well as holding frequent priv'ate conferences with us, he returned, promising to come again. During the journey of Wang to Nan-king, he was ena- bled to carry the silent messengers of mercy to places and persons that we were excluded from visiting; and he now stands ready to go to Hong- chow, the great silk district, with another box of tracts and books. We have hitherto found him judicious and faithful, and we hope that he will continue so to the end." The Hong Kong corresponding committee thus refer to the colporteur they have appointed : — " When A-Lok was distributing his tracts in Canton, the people fell upon him, beat him, and attacked him with stones ; and when Asam was speaking, the people kept muttering and reviling, and threatened to pull down his house. In Hong Kong, too, Asun, while engaged in his work CHINA. 499 as a colporteur, has often been abused by many. They say, ' Tlie English come here to distribute these books, which teach men to do good. How is it that they come likewise seeking to fight with us, and usurp our land ? There is no good doctrine in that.' 'You may see,' Asun observes, 'that the present time is unfavourable to the preaching of the truth.' " One of our recent candidates for baptism was found by Asun, when visiting from house to house to distribute tracts, engaged in reading some fragments of Christian books, which he had picked up. When asked by Asun if he believed in the Christian doctrines, he said, 'Yes,' and that he was a worshipper of Jesus. On being asked how long it was since he began to reverence Jesus, he said, ' For two years he had constantly worshipped him.' How did he worship Jesus? was Asiin's next inquiry; and the reply was, ' By offering incense and candles,' which the Chinese burn in the presence of their own gods. He said he knew no other way in which to reverence Jesus. Asun embraced the opportunity of point- ing out to him a more excellent way, informing him that they who worship God, the Saviour, 'must worship him in spirit and in truth.' We have frequently visited him since, and supplied him with books, which he eagerly reads, though his knowledge is still very limited." The Rev. J. F. Cleland, when reporting the results of native lay agency at Hong Kong, wrote : " I do, of a truth, believe that the evangelization of China must be brought about instru- mentally by the natives themselves. God has blessed this, instrumentality, fitted as it is, both by nature and by grace, to begin and carry on the work; — by nature, because the lan- guage and country of China are their own ; — by grace, because the love of Christ has been shed abroad in their hearts.^^ When the Rev. W. Milne referred to the devoted agent at Shanghae, he strikingly confirmed the views of Mr. Cleland, as to the importance of native agency for the benefit of China. He wrote : " There is positively nothing in the way of the unlimited employment of such agency; and we are fully persuaded, that it is by means of it, in a great measure, China is to be evangelized and converted to God. The mere possibility, not to say the actual prospect of that event, might well awaken our strongest desire to be enabled to carry this mode of usefulness to a far greater extent than ever." The Committee have received special donations from the Rev. J. A. James, of Birmingham, Mr. Large, of Gravesend, and other friends, which have been devoted to the colportage agency. Hitherto the experiment has fully answered the expectations of the Committee, and they trust it will continue to be sustained by the generous aid of Christian friends. 500 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. In concluding this statement of the Society's labour for the benefit of China, the Committee consider it a subject for sincere joy, that the sum of 8567/. 6s. has been devoted to the diifu- sion of religious truth among its inhabitants. Although much has been done, considering the limited state of the Society's funds, yet China remains, to a great extent, a barren wilderness. When the Spirit shall be poured out from on high, then the desert will be fruitful as the garden of the Lord. " How con- descending is it," wrote Dr. Henderson, from St. Petersburg, in 18.22, " on the part of God, to furnish us with specific en- couragements with respect to those objects which are almost entirely covered with clouds of difficulty and despair ! I may advert to the case of China. ' And these from the land of Sinim,' literally of the Sinese, or Chinese, an interpretation which is now received by the first oriental scholars. What encouragement to continue perseveringly our labours of love on behalf of that vast empire ! In due time every idol shall be destroyed, every wall of partition shall be levelled with the ground, and the labourers of China and Siberia shall meet with shoutings of ' Grace, grace !' in regions at present almost impenetrable to their effbrts." CHAPTER XXXIV. HITHEll POLYNESIA, JAVA, SUMATRA, BOUNEO, Grants of tracts— Visited by Rev. W. i\Iilne— Kindness of Sir Stamford Raffles— Settlement and exertions of Rev. W. H. Medhurst in Java — Grant for translations in Chinese and Javanese— Earnest desire for books created— Formation of a "Christian Union" for the diffusion of religious knowledge— Labours of Mr. Bruckner for the Dutch population of Java— LTsefulness of tracts among the Malays— Works in Dyak, by Rev. Jlr. Bekker— Suspension of operations in Java in consequence of the removal of Dr. Medhurst to China. —Sumatra— Grant of paper— Publication of works- Removal of missionaries and discon- tinuance of the work.— Borneo— Grant of books and tracts— Paucity of labourers in the Eastern Archipelago. JAVA. The Society, in the year 1812, transmitted to this island its first gi'ant of religions tracts for the benefit of the soldiers in his majesty's 59th regiment. They were gratefully received, and a liberal donation of 11/. 13^. -l^/. remitted from the men. A few years after this, tracts in several languages were voted to the Rev. J. C. Supper, of Batavia. He zealously prosecuted the Society's objects; and, in the midst of great usefulness, he was called to his eternal rest. In 1815, shortly before Mr. Supper's death, the Rev. William Milne, from China, visited the island, with a supply of tracts for the Chinese emigrants and native population. Sir Stamford Raffles, then the lieutenant-governor of Java, furnished him with the means of travelling, at the expense of Government, through the interior and eastern parts of the island. That enlightened statesman viewed every judicious attempt to spread the know- ledge of Christianity as tending to improve the state of civil society and to render governments prosperous and stable.* ■♦ ' Jlilne's Retrospect,' p. 115. 502 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. Mr. Milne visited all the chief towns and villages in the island where the greatest number of the Chinese resided^ and circulated among them New Testaments and tracts. In refer- ence to this effort, he wrote : " It is very possible that some of these publications have been destroyed, some of them neglected, some of them never read, some of them sold for gain, and some parts of them but very imperfectly understood ; '' yet he was not discouraged by any or all of these considerations. He felt that if one-tenth, yea, one-hundredth part, should, in the course of a century to come, answer the great end proposed, the heavy expense the Christian public had been at in preparing, jirinting, and circulating them, would be more than amply repaid. The Society had but few communications with Java until the settlement there of the Rev. W. H. Medhurst. In 1826, the Committee, in their report, referred to his exertions. He adopted the plan of printing tracts having a special reference to the feasts and idolatrous customs of the Chinese, which powerfully excited the minds of the people. He also issued tracts on scripture doctrines, and a Chinese magazine, which were in constant circulation in Batavia and in various parts of the island during missionary tours. The Malays were not over- looked. Mr. Medhurst took several tours to the eastern coast of the Malayan peninsula, and distributed many Chinese, Malay, and Javanese publications, which were well adapted to the people. On this subject a fellow labourer remarked : " I must speak of them in the very highest terms ; there are many of them so beautifully simple." During 1830, Mr. Medhurst printed 2260 copies, in Chinese, of the first part of Doddridge^s ' Rise and Progress,' and a considerable number of tracts. Mrs. Medhurst translated 'The Bible Catechism' into the Malayan language for the population of professing Christians in the Moluccas. This work furnished the people with a system of doctrine and precept, drawn entirely from scripture, which was likely to prove widely and lastingly beneficial. In aid of publishing the last work a grant of 20/. was made. In 1832, the Eev. G. Bruckner printed 17,500 copies of the following new tracts in the Javanese language : ' The Principal Truths of Revealed Religion,' ' On Repentance,' ' How to ob- tain Pardon of Sin,' ' On the Way of Salvation,' ' Dr. Watts's Pirst Catechism,' and ' The Life and Death of our Saviour.' JAVA. 503 Their circulation was attended with many encouraging circum- stances; in reference to which Mr. Medhurst wrote : — " I found the tracts everywhere admired. The people received them greedily. Some came begging and praying for them, and sat up whole nights to read them through and tbrough. The Regent of Bczoekie, a very intelligent man, expressed his decided approbation of them, saying that they were so clear and plain that the poorest Javanese could easily understand them. I have lately sent five hundred of the Javanese tract on 'Revealed Religion,' and five hundred on 'Repentance,' to our old friend the •watchmaker, at Sourabaya, who will distribute them in spite of all opposition. I meet with almost daily opportunities of distributing tracts, even in Batavia, where the Javanese population is so thin ; and people fre- quently come and inquire for them." Such was the influence produced by the Malay and Javanese tracts, that at Singajjore, where the sultan and his emissaries, the hadjees or pilgrims, exercise an almost irresistible sway over the minds of the people, a desire for books sprung up ; so much so, that the missionaries found it necessary, in their walks of usefulness among the Chinese, to take with them a stock of Malay and Javanese tracts, in order to satisfy the earnest looks and longings of the poor Malays. The missionaries wrote : " There is reason to hope that the cfiBcts of these labours may not inaptly be compared to those small portions of light which are diffused over the surface of the earth at the first break of day ; which, though scarcely sufficient to strike the eye, are not the less real, nor the less necessary to the increased body of light that follows them." A large portion of the tracts distributed in Java and the adjacent countries were, up to 1833, furnished from Singapore, to which station the Society's grants were made. In that year the missionaries at Batavia and Samarang formed " a Christian Union'' for the purpose of spreading rehgious knowledge in Chinese, Javanese, and Malay; and on the application of its committee, grants were made to the amount of 120/. The Christian Union published many new works, and cm- ployed special agency in giving them circulation. Speaking of a pious native assistant, Mr. Medhurst wrote : " He is now absent, having been sent to attend a large fair at Bantam with a horse-load of tracts. The eagerness with which the natives seek for them, and the pleasure with which they receive them, are both unprecedented in the histoiy of this mission." The increased operations of the Christian Union led the Society to 504 rOKEtGX OrKKATIONS. augment its grants. In 1837 tlicy amounted to 180/. The circvilation of tracts in tliat year was extended to Borneo, through Lukas Monton, the native agent. He met with much encouragement in his work in this new scene of labour. The following are extracts from his report : — " The distributor went to the Malay campong, where he found the people still more willing to hear, and able to read and understand the books. He was obliged to go from one house to another in boats : the market was held on the water, and the market people were not men, but women. On seeing this, he thought it unnecessary to distribute books there, and was about to move off to the middle of the river, when a man came after him in a small boat, asking for a book. Mr. M. gave him one, and desired him to read it, and as he was reading, a woman came to hear, who also asked for a book, and immediately read it aloud. Upon this, the whole mass of women came in small boats, asking for books, and pressed so close upon the dis- tributor that he was afraid of sinking, while prahu (boat) was pressing over prahu He, therefore, told his boatman to row hard, in order to get away, but the women seized his ])rahu, and would not let him escape until lie had satisfied their demand for books. After this, he pulled alongside a large prahu, and getting on board, he divided the books among the as- sembled crowd till they were all gone." " On the 14th of July, the distributors set off from Banjermasin for the country of the Dyaks, on board a prahu with thirteen men, and the same evening arrived at the village of Mai-abaan. There they distributed a few tracts, and the next day proceeded on their journey. On the morning of the IGth, they entered some of the Dyak huts, and called on the son of the chief, named Raden Tuah, who requested a book, as he wanted to learn to read, in order to understand the religion of Jesus. They went about in their boat from one village to another among the Dyaks, who were very glad to receive them, and to listen to their discourse on divine things, saying, ' This is the true doctrine, and suits us better than the teaching of the Mohammedans, which we do not understand.' Those of the Dyaks who understood the Malay language well, appeared perfectly astonished when they heard the missionaries speak of God and Christ, and heaven and hell, and seemed as men just awaking from sleep. On being asked, ' Will you follow this religion ? ' they replied, with one voice, in the afiir- mative." The Rev. William Arms, missionary at Borneo, wrote as folloAvs, on the eagerness of the people to receive tracts : — " Could you see the eagerness with which they seize Christian books, and the earnest attention with which they read them, you certainly would not grudge the money they cost. I have often entered companies of the people, and as soon as they saw I had books, they would instantly abandon whatever was in hand, and actually snatch them ft-om me, and sometimes almost quarrel with one another because each could not obtain one. Oh, it is enough to awaken the sensibilities of a stone to see their condition. JAVA. 505 Enterprising, active, and often intelligent on other topics, but ignorant, debased, degi-aded pagans. Every house and shop have their pictures, to ■which the sacred lamp and the incense is daily burned, and still they think they are doing honour to God by worshipping his inferiors. All this the world knows, and yet they sleep over the dying groans of thou- sands." The labours of ^Ir. Bruckner, of Samaraug, were not confined to the preparation of Javanese tracts ; feeling a deep interest for the Dutch portion of the population of Java, he translated the ' Stories from Switzerland ' into Dutch — a work he con- sidered well adapted for children, and likely to lead their minds to God. He remitted 10/. towards the expenses of publishing the work in London. About six hundred copies were voted to the esteemed translator, with authority to apply the proceeds of sale to the printing of Javanese tracts. These interesting tales have been found useful, not only in Java, but in other places where the Dutch language is spoken. The press at Batavia continued active in sending out suitable works both in the Malay and Javanese languages; the annual issues amounting to about 35,000. Among these works were * Little Henry and his Bearer,^ ' Little Mary ; or, God in Every- thing,^ ' The Sinner's Friend,^ and ' The Saint^s Everlasting llest.^ Nor were the publications confined to the languages mentioned. At the suggestion of a friend at Sourabaya, a tract in Madurese was published, drawn up by a converted Chinese, by which the g()S])el was presented in another of the languages of the earth, and through the instrumentality of a man who was once a heathen. Among the poor and almost imimpressiblc Malays, some good occasionally appeared. A Buyong youth received the Malay tract, ' Moses, the Pious Negro,' which deeply affected his mind. " I have not been able to sleep much in the night," he remarked to the missionary, " since I heard of this religion. I read the Gospel you gave me till the middle of the night, while lying down on the mat, and fell asleep with it on my breast ; and even in my dreams I think on what I have heard and read of Jesus." He was asked, " How do you feel towards your countrymen around you ? " He replied, " Every night I collect them together, and read to them the tract ' Pious Moses,' and tell them not to steal, or do any harm to others, but to follow that which is right." He translated, of his own accord, the tract that impressed his mind, from the ]\Lalay into the Buyong 506 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. language. May these early blossoms bring forth, hereafter, much fruit to the Saviour^s glory. The tracts and books issued from the press in 1843 amounted to 47,500 copies. In reference to their usefulness Mr. Bruckner furnished the following account : — " I am just returned from a short visit to Sourabaya, a place about two hundred and fifty miles from Samarang. I had heard a report, that in a village not far from Sourabaya a number of natives had been awakened to their spiritual concerns by reading our tracts. After spending some days in the house of a pious friend, I went to the village where those people lived, at a distance of about twelve miles from the town. The village I found to be a large place, containing upwards of a hundred and seventy families, in a fine fertile plain, surrounded by rice-fields and quantities of trees. But the number of people who professed to believe in the Lord Jesus was small, being nearly confined to one family, who had formed themselves into a small congregation, and met together for morning and evening prayer. The number present, old and young, was about twenty. Several others, who had formerly joined them in prayer, had already forsaken thenr. However, the sight of them was very interesting to me, they being the first of the natives who had called on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ ; the leading man among them being an elderly man who had been formerly for twenty-four years priest of the village. About four or five years ago, he came to Sourabaya; at the bazaar he received some Javanese tracts, which he had still preserved, and I found it was one of those which I had printed about twelve years ago in Bengal. He read this tract, and the contents of it left such an impression on his mind that he could not be satisfied with his way of living : he left off to be priest, and forsook many other practices. He at last found out the people at Sourabaya who had given away the tracts, who explained their contents to him, and directed him to the Saviour. They also gave him a New Testament, which he read diligently, and so became a believer in Jesus From this time he was active in his family and among his neighbours, with the hope of leading them to Christ. This caused some stir in the village; some joined him, others were offended; so that he and his adherents were threatened to be expelled from the village, which, however, did not take place. I found, considering their untoward circum- stances, that they had made tolerable -progress in the knowledge of the gospel ; for the only means they had obtained were a few tracts and the New Testament. Several of them had learned Dr. Watts's smaller catechism by heart, which they repeated to me. This little book I had formerly trans- lated and printed in their tongue. The first man described expressed much sorrow about his sins, for which he looked to Christ for pardon. They said they loved the Lord Jesus, and they would rather die than forsake him. They appeared to be very affectionate one towards another ; there were no jangling and quarrelling among them, which is so usual among the natives. They said they loved the Lord Jesus so much, because he had loved them, and had even sacrificed his life for them. When they met together for worship, they first chanted one or two pages out of some tract, after SUMATRA. 507 which prayer was offered by the leading man, wlio then spoke a few words by way of exposition, and closed with a short prayer. I spent about two days with them, during which I had time to explain the way of sal- vation, for which they appeared very thankful. They sat always round me, asking and speaking about the new Avay they had found." lu addition to these cucoiiragiug particulars, Mr. Mcdhurst wrote : — " My correspondents in Sourabaya inform me, that for the last ten months they have been in the habit of selling the tracts to the Javanese, and have found numbers willing to pay for them at the rate of a farthing each. They have also remitted to me the sum of one pound sterling, collected in farthings, for tracts sold to the Mahommedans. This is about the best news I have had for some time. It shows that the natives value the tracts ; and if six millions of people should begin to thirst after the knowledge conveyed in these little messengers of mercy, it will be a harbinger for good to this benighted island." These statements, from a country where the seed scattered has hitherto been productive of little fruit, are cheering to the Society's friends. The missionaries, in 1843, added to their list of publications several books in Dyak. These were in a language never before reduced to writing, used by the natives in the interior of Borneo, and Avere drawn up by the Rev. Mr. Bekker, a German missionary. Tlie removal of Dr. Medhurst to China led to a suspension of the Society's operations in Java, but it is hoped that they will be revived again under some other agency. The grants to Java are included in the supplies made to China. They have led to a large issue of books and tracts among people of different languages, who had no other means of religious information. The openings into this island commenced in 1822, when the Baptist missionaries, at Bencoolen, applied for a grant and received thirty-two reams of paper. They printed, in IMalay, both in the Roman and Arabic character, ' Friendly Conversa- tions,' ' The Life of Bunyan,' ' The History of the Creation and Fall,' a portion of the tract ' Sixteen Short Sermons,' and other works. They bore strong testimony to the eager desire manifested by the natives for tracts and portions of the sacred writings. In 1826, another grant of paper was sent to the 508 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. missionaries^ but their removal from the island prevented a continuance of the Society's operations in the midst of three millions of people, who stood in great need of Christian in- struction. The circulation of tracts in this island has already been noticed in connexion with Java. On the application of the Rev. T. T. IM^Dougall, a missionary proceeding to Sarawak, he received a grant of books and tracts, and was encouraged to prepare works in the native language. The paucity of labourers in the Eastern Archipelago retards the publication and circulation of religious works. Let the church of Christ fervently pray that more labourers may be raised up and sent into this vineyard. One of the devoted missionaries observes : " We want agents of every grade and talent, to go by sea and land and proclaim the glad tidings of salvation to these countries. Your Society will furnish them with tracts, the Bible Society with the scriptures, and the Holy Spirit Avith success, in answer to the prayer of faith.^^ CHAPTER XXXV. FURTHER POLYNESIA. GF.OUniAN AND SOCIETY ISr.ANRS, SAMOAS OR NAVIGATOu's ISLANDS, TONOA ISLANDS, SANDWICH ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND, MADAGASCAI!, MAUIUTIUS. Earliest tracts in tlie Tahitian toiit,'ue— Rev. William Ellis— Grants of works to the infant mission — Facts related by Rev. C. Barlf- Grant for the publication of juvenile works — Donation of books for mission libraries, etc. — Translation of tracts into Tahitian — Death of Rev. J. 'Williams — Aggressions of Roman Catholic missionaries — Printing in the South Seas — Usefulness of 'The Sinner's Friend' — Conference with returned missionaries on future operations. — Navigator's Islands — Application for tracts — Grants of paper and tracts— Activity of the press — Rev. T. Heath and the Committee— Donation from the Samoans. — Tonga Islands— Grant of paper. — Sandwich Islands— Eftbrts impeded by want of paper- Expedient resorted to — Gradual extension of the tract agency by the American missionaries— Expenses covered by the sales— Grants of tracts for sailors.— New Zealand— Supplies of tracts to the church missionaries— Delight of the people on the arrival of the printing-press— Grants of paper— New Tract Society — Demand for books — Formation of the Wellington Tract Society. — Madagascar — Presentation of the Society's v.orks to native youths — First tract written by a native — Progress of the works arrested by an edict of the Queen— Persecution — Gifts to the Christian refugees— Introduc- tion of the 'Pilgrim's Progress' and other works — Power of persecution restrained. — The Mauritius — Society at Port Louis — Establishment of schools — Supply of paper — Claims of Polynesia. It was long after the coniinenccmeiit of missions in the distant regions of the Pacific, that the state of the people was l)rought under the Society's notice. By great perseverance, the mis- sionaries attained a knowledge of the various languages and dialects spoken in the islands, and reduced them to a written standard. Many of the ])eople can now read in their own tonffues "the w'ondcrfnl works of God.'' GEORGIAN AND SOCIETY ISLANDS. In 18:25, the late George Bennet, Esq., one of the deputa- tion from the London Missionary Society to their stations in the Pacific, communicated the pleasing information that at 510 FOREIGN OFEBATIONS. Matavai, a religious tract had been written and printed in Tahitian, entitled^ ' The Warning Voice/ which had been circu- lated among the children and adults in the schools. They soon afterwards issued a tract, in Tahitian, composed of scrip- tural expressions proper to be used in prayer, and a new Tahitian hymn-book. On the return of the Rev. William Ellis, in 1826, the Com- mittee received much information respecting the people. He urged the importance of preparing simple publications for their use. On his recommendation, sixteen thousand English tracts and children's books were voted to different islands in which missionaries resided, and in several of which libraries had been established. In 1838, similar grants were forwarded, and the Committee directed the attention of the missionaries to the importance of printing tracts and small books in the native languages. The Rev. Charles BarfF, of Huahine, when acknowledging the receipt of English tracts, mentioned the following fact : — " From the number of South Sea whalers which call here for refresh- ments, tracts are useful, and can be beneficially distributed : one or two instances of apparent good have occurred. The first was a young man brought up in one of the colleges of America, with a view to the Christian ministry. He told me he had no desire to be so employed. From pur- suing an unsteady and extravagant course, he involved himself in debt, and felt ashamed to return to his parents, and conseqnently shipped himself on board one of the South Sea whalers. "When the ship first touched here, he received some of our tracts ; when she called a second time, he made himself known to me, and said the tracts given to liim liad been, in the hands of God, the means of producing a great change in his mind, and had led him to form the resolution of the younger son in the parable, and return to his parents, and if it should be the will of God, to the work for which he was originally designed by them. I have since heard that he has again resumed ministerial studies. " The second fact I refer to relates to the company of a ship which left here recently. The men came in a body and requested some more of the nice Ultle books wliich I had formerly given them, professing to have received much profit from the former ones. I doubt not but more good is done than we know of. Many vessels call here but once in a season ; we see them no more after having given the tracts." It has frequently happened, in the course of the Society's operations, that tracts have led sinners to Christ in a dis- tant land, who had rejected, at home, all the privileges of the gospel. grants were sent to the islands for the GEORGIAN AND SOCIETY ISLANDS. 511 publication of native works, it was not till 1833 that the mis- siouavies were able zealously to promote that object. The Com- mittee, seriously impressed with the importance of providing scriptural books for the youthful population of the islands, who were advancing in knowledge, selected several works from their juvenile series, and informed the missionaries that they were willing to devote 200/. to the publication of approved trans- lations. This subject was again maturely considered in 1835, on the return of the Rev. John Williams to this country. He presented to the Committee books for the young, in the Tahitian and Harvey Island dialects, entitled, ' Scripture His- toiy,' ' Scripture Alphabet,' ' The History of Joseph,' James's ' Addi'css to Sunday-school Children,' and ' The Journeys of the Children of Israel;' and the following, in the Rarotonga language — ' New Testament Characters,' ' The Rainbow,' ' The Raven and the Dove,' and ' The Clean Heart.' These works were printed in England, and upwards of four- teen thousand copies sent to Huahine, Tahiti, and Rarotonga, with a fervent hope that they might be the means of teaching many of the youthful population to walk in the paths of true wisdom. In the publication of these works, the Committee exhausted the 200/. devoted to the object. The greatest anxiety prevailed among the young people, on the arrival of books, to obtain copies of them. The Rev. J. M. Osmond furnished the following touching and affecting details upon this point. " One of my richest pleasures was derived from the distribution of the new publications, a duty which I enjoined on the native teachers, that I might witness their impartiality and discretion. The scene was truly animating and affecting. As soon as the people knew that I had given the work over to the native teachers, they appealed most earnestly to them, each person shouting, ' For me one ! for me one ! ' Tlie best readers were supplied first. A gray-headed woman sat down, and as her children gathered around her, she said, ' I have a Salmo ; mine is a Salmo ; ' (copy of the Psalms), She read a little, then pressed it to her bosom : she read again, and laughed loudly, wondering, as I supposed, at herself at being able to read a new book as easily as her old one. After reading a few verses, she pressed it to her head, and exultingly said, ' Oh ! these good foreigners who bring us the word of the true God. My desire is fully appeased. Come, let us read,' etc. etc. There were more than a dozen little parties in circles ; one examining the books that had been received, and giving unrestrained expression to the grateful feel- ing which the gifts had excited, in exclamations, such as ' I shall not be able to sleep to-night.' As I gazed from an unobserved ([uarter, I could 512 FOREIGxN OFEHATIONS. not restrain my tears. Satisfaction dwelt on every brow ; gratitude flowed from every heart. The scene reminded me of what I had often witnessed in Tahiti. There and at Raiatea my house was literally unroofed by persons in their eagerness for books." Similar statements were also received from other mission- aries. The Rev. Charles BarfF, of Huahine^ in acknowledging the arrival of the books^ remarked : — " I can assure you that we scarcely ever had anything from England which excited so much general interest, particularly among the rising ge- neration. The little works have been read by them with great attention and avidity. I am happy to say that a spirit of reading is mucli more prevalent among our people than formerly, so that such publications will always be acceptable." The Rev. Charles Pitman, of Rarotonga, v»'rote : — "What shall I say, as it respects the treasure forwarded? — I mean the Gospels in this dialect, tracts, and slates. I cannot express my feel- ings better than by giving you an extract from my journal : — ' My soul was filled with joy in receiving fifteen hundred Gospels printed in England, with five tracts, fifteen Imndred each. How delighted are my poor people ! Oh what would the friends of the Society say, could they behold the grateful pleasure pictured on the countenances of the people on receiving this best of treasures, and the grief manifested by those who could not obtain one ! These precious portions of God's word are more valuable to me than had the boxes in which they came been filled with gold. I trust they will do good to many immortal souls. The Lord be magnified for his continued kindness to this people.' " In all directions I am followed by men, women, and children, calling out, 'Teacher, are all the books gone? Give me one; do not say no.' If I say, 'Can you read?' they rejjly, 'A little; but my children can.' I am urging all of them to more diligence in learning to read, as more books, I tell them, will soon be received." These communications urged forward the Committee in this good work. In 1837, they sent to the islands two thousand copies of ' The Journeys of the Children of Israel/ in Tahitian ; and at Rarotonga promoted the publication of the children's books, called, * Good Boys,' ' Examine Yourselves,' and ' John Knill.' In the follownig year, they placed with Mr. Williams twenty-four thousand copies of works in the Tahitian and Rarotonga dialects, a missionary family library for his station, and 20/., in books, for the library of a missionary college he intended to establish for the education of pious young natives. In these supplies, the sum of 240/. was devoted to the inte- resting people of Polynesia. Several of the Society's tracts were translated into Tahitian, GEORGIAN AND SOCIETY ISLANDS. 513 including, 'The Progress of Sin/ 'On the Sabbath/ 'On Faith/ and ' On Obedience to Parents.' The first of these was the means of spiritual good to many careless sinners, who came forward and offered themsc^lves as candidates for bap- tism. Mr. Buzacott, of Raratonga, printed, in 1840, about fourteen thousand copies of ' Poor Joseph,' ' Noah's Ark,' and ' Watts's First Catechism.' Mr. BarfF, of Huahine, also printed, in the Samoan dialect, forty-eight thousand copies of various useful works. The latter issued, in Tahitian, 'A Protestant's Reasons for Separataig from the Church of Rome.' In connexion with the Society's operations in Polynesia, the Committee furnished to all the stations, libraries for the benefit of missionary families and other persons reading the English language. These collections of sacred literature were found especially acceptable to the children of the devoted labourers. At the time when the Christian press appeared to be most effective among the people, a gloom was cast over the Society's prospects by the affecting removal of the Rev. John Williams. A\Tiile engaged in his holy and self-denying employment, for the benefit of the heathen, he visited Erromanga, one of the islands of the New Hebrides, where he and his fellow-laboui-er, Mr. Harris, were murdered by the ignorant and barbarous natives. Such events are deeply mysterious. The footsteps of Jehovah are often in " the great waters," and cannot be ti-aced; but the spirit of the departed missionary and trans- lator is now uniting in the song : " Just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." He lives in the works which he sent forth, and will long continue, through them, to direct the attention of the young to the things belonging to their peace. Another painful dispensation also visited Tahiti and the neighbouring islands. The bright scenes which long cheered the friends of Protestant })rinciples were darkened by the aggressions of Roman Catholic missionaries. Popery, as in former times, had recoui^se to coercion. Even in these new and trying circumstances, the missionaries rejoiced that, before the Man of Sin appeared, the translation of the scriptures had been completed, and various religious works widely circulated among the people. The Rev. George Pritchard, from Tahiti, in a personal con- ference with the Committee in 1842, gave an interesting 514 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. account of the printing operation in the South seas. In addition to the publications ah-eady noticed, he stated that ' The Anxi- ous Inquirer Directed/ and ' The Pilgrim's Progress/ had been translated into Tahitian. The Committee, at Mr. Pritchard's request, printed 5000 copies of a collection of Tahitian hymns, which he hoped would have a wide circulation by sale among the native Christians. In addition to this work, 10,000 copies of two children's books were committed to his care, and a liberal supply of printing paper for different stations. The ' Hymn-book ' is the favourite companion of all people when they value the worship of the sanctuary. Hence, Mr. Pritchard wi'ote : " The Tahitian hymn-books are greatly prized. Often have I observed the children sitting on the beach, singing, delightfully, Tahitian words and English tunes." The Rev. William Gill, of Raratonga, having determined to print 8000 copies of a hymn-book on the paper furnished by the Society, he mentioned the great desire of the people for such a work. " On a visit, lately," he wrote, " made to all the islands of this group, our convictions have, if possible, been deepened, in reference to the importance and necessity of going forward in our printing department. The people were delighted beyond description with the supply of new testaments just received from the press of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and with part of the old testament scriptures from our native press ; constantly they would exclaim, ' This is truly a complete harvest ; but now we want hymn-books, that we may learn to sing the praises of God.' One said, 'I go to the house of prayer, but my mouth is shut all the time ; I have no hymn- book.' Another would say, 'I belong to a class, and I am come to beg or purchase a hymn-book.' ' I have none,' was the answer he received, ' cither to sell or give away.' ' How is that ?' was the inquiry ; ' are we to leave off singing ? ' Another said, * I am a father of a family, and I wish a hymn-book, that I and my family may sing together the praises of God.' When informed that there were no hymn-books, he was much dis- appointed, and said, he supposed they must continue to do as they had done, sing one hymn and tune to the end of the day. On being told that we hoped, at no distant period, to supply all with hymn-books who desired, but that hitherto we had been in want of paper — ' No paper ! ' the anxious man exclaimed ; ' no paper ! why cannot you make paper at GEORGIAN AND SOCIETY ISLANDS. 515 Raratonga ? Of what is it made V was the inquiry. On being told that old rags and worn-out clothes, by undergoing certain processes, were made into paper, he, with a number of those who stood about him, humorously offered an immediate surrender of every rag they had on them, if they could but obtain hymn- books in exchange." " This is but a specimen of the great desire of the people generally to obtain books. Our schools also, and young people, have peculiar claims on the labours of the press. A thirst for knowledge is excited and increasing, and we hope, by the assist- ance of the present and future grants of paper, we shall be able from time to time to put forth such works as shall, in doc- trine, spirit and design, ' flow from the sacred fountain of the holy scriptures,' and like gentle rills from the parent spring, fertilize the moral desert, and ripen into maturity many a blossom of hope." Among the tracts in Tahitian was ' The Sinner's Friend.' Its esteemed author, grateful for the numerous instances of conver- sion effected through its instrumentality, gave 20,000 copies of the translation for circulation in the islands. About 2000 copies were sent to Raratonga, and were read and well received by the natives. Soon after their arrival, the Rev. A. Buzacott forwarded to its author an autograph letter from Makea David, the king of Raratonga, in answer to one written to IMakea the late king. In this letter he stated that " Makea died with faith in the blood of Jesus the Messiah," and added : '' I understand the little book, ' The Sinner's Friend,' a book very excellent and enlightening to read." The Rev. Thomas Joseph also wrote : " I have given away a great many copies of ' The Sinner's Friend' among the people of my district, and I have reason to think that they have not been read in vain. Several of the natives, candidates for church fellowship, have referred to the tract as the instrument of inducing them to think of good things." The Rev. Charles Pitman, of Raratonga, furnished similar information. " It is my happiness to be the relater of good tidings. A few weeks ago a young man came into my study, and expressed a wish for conversation. I found he was under serious impressions, and on inquiring what first led him to see sin to be exceedingly sinful, and to fly to Christ for mercy, he replied that he was first led to see his danger by reading ' The Sinner's Friend.' I was much pleased with his remarks, and I have reason to 2 L 2 516 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. hope, from his subsequent conduct, and attention to divine things, that the good ■work of grace has commenced in his heart." The arrival of several missionaries from the Society Islands^ in 1848, enabled the Committee to confer with them on the most suitable works for further publication. They were anxious to obtain for the people a few books to build them up in the truth, and strongly urged the publication, in Tahitian, of ' The Pilgrim^s Progress,' ' The Life of Mahine, a Converted Chief,' and ' Anecdotes of the Triumphs of Grace in Polynesia,' which had been prepared by the Rev. Charles BarfF. These works were printed, and 13,000 copies sent to Tahiti and other islands. SAMOAS, OR NAVIGATOR S ISLANDS. Soon after the settlement of the missionaries of the London Society in these islands, they applied for help in the issue of tracts. The Rev. Thomas Heath, in 1837, wrote : " It is quite impossible to convey an adequate idea of the present disposition and state of the Samoans : many thousands are crying out for books and teachers, and our books are all gone. I wish you could see this people : just emerging from the darkness of heathenism, and eager to grasp what the rising light discloses ; they present one of the most interesting spectacles under heaven. Oh ! that John Bunyan and Legh Richmond may soon speak to them in their own tongue." Tlie appeals from Samoa were promptly met. Printing paper and 22,000 tracts, for English and American sailors, were presented to the missionaries to help them in their labours. The statements of the missionax-y were confirmed by the Rev. John Williams. He met with the captain of a vessel who had j Qst returned from the islands, from whom he received an encou- raging account of the moral and religious condition of the people. " It is of no use/' remarked the captain, " to take muskets and powder for that group; nothing is demanded by the people but books, missionaries, pens, ink, slates, and paper ; the work of the Lord is going on with unprecedented success." In the letters received, acknowledging the safe arrival of the Society's grants, the Committee were assured that between thirty and forty thousand Samoans were professors of Christianity. '' We have," wrote Mr. Heath, " thousands of eager readers 517 It is indeed impossible to convey to you an adequate idea of what God has done for the Samoans. It is ah-eady the largest and most interesting of all the Polynesian missions. We do not know how to meet the eager desires and rapid progress of the people." In 1841, the Society^s grants were renewed, the native press being only half employed for want of a sufficient supply of paper. The missionaries printed several scriptural catechisms and spel- ling-books, and 6000 copies of a tract directed against ' Roman Errors.' A native magazine was published, and 6000 copies of a ' Summary of New Testament History.' " We have in hand," wrote Mr. Heath, " ' Short Sermons for our Native Teachers,' and a translation of a catechism on ' Scripture Biography.' I have ti'ied my hand at ' The Pilgrim's Progress.' Perhaps we may see how Bunyan will suit the native taste by inserting a few extracts in our magazine. We have now between 30,000 and 30,000 readei-s, and shall be frequently printing off tracts and elementary books. About 10,000 tracts and books have been put into circulation since the printing-press commenced its operations." While Mr. Heath was making the press available for the benefit of the people at his station, the Rev. William Day, of Upolu, was equally active in the same object. In addition to 26,000 copies of biographical catechisms and elementary books, 8000 copies of a small scriptural periodical, called ' The Sulus, or Samoan Torch,' and 1000 each of two small scriptural ser- mons, had been printed. It was intended also to issue a few religious handbills. The Rev. J. B. Stair, in a letter dated March 25th, 1811, fur- nished the particulars of about thn-ty different works, which had been prepared for the Samoans. He wrote : — " My statement gives a total of 181,000 publications, containing con- siderably more than six millions of pages, which have issued from tlie Samoan press, since its establishment in these far distant isles. It is also a gratifying fact connected with these publications, that nearly the wliole of them have been printed by natives. They learn very quickly, soon become good workmen, but are soon wearied ; a few, however, appear to act from principle, and feel that they are engaged in a great and useful work, whilst assisting to scatter abroad the word of life among their countrymen." When noticing the demand for the publications which have been printed, Mr. Stair remarked : — 518 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. " There is often a great deal of interest shown in endeavouring to possess the books as they are issued. We make a point of charging something for the generality of books, and in many instances it is given with great readi- ness. Some books sell better than others, for fashion and taste have even reached Samoa. In going messages for the office, or bringing food for the workmen, the parties often travel long distances — thirty, forty, and even fifty miles, for which they are delighted to obtain a portion of scripture. Vast numbers, again, are careless, and perishing for lack of knowledge, even while it is found at their very doors." The Rev. Thomas Heath, on his visit to England, in 1843, had several interviews with the Committee. On his return to Polynesia, considerable supplies of paper and publications were voted to him for his own and other stations. A library was placed on board the missionary ship, the ' John Williams,' and tracts for sailors granted to its esteemed captain. On Mr. Heath's arrival at his station, he was increasingly anxious to make known the gospel among the islanders. The " lomitusi,'' or printing-press, which was often called " the spring from which the word of God flows throughout Samoa in its length and breadth,'' continued to be an object of intense interest to numbers who flocked to see it. It was a most amusing scene to witness the native youth " working at press," surrounded by a party of visitors, sometimes speechless, with eyes and mouths distended : they appeared rivetted to the spot, with ad- miration and w^onder, and w^ould sometimes burst forth into exclamations of delight; while some lavished praises on the workmen, who exerted themselves to the utmost to exhibit their skill to their admiring countrymen. The Rev. J. P. Sunderland reported, that in one year, to March, 1847, 12,000 portions of scripture, and 17,000 miscel- laneous publications, were printed at the Samoan press. An edition of 7000 copies of ' The Pilgrim's Progress ' was also issued. Shortly after receiving this information, the Committee availed themselves of the services of two of the returned mis- sionaries from Upolu in printing, in the Samoan language, 3000 copies of ' The Footprmts of Popery,' and 4000 copies of a hymn-book for native worship. These works were for- w^arded by the 'John Williams,' with renewed supplies of paper and religious works. In closing a brief statement of the Society's exertions for the beneflt of Samoa, it is a pleasing duty to record an in- teresting and encouraging fact ; namely, the receipt of a dona- THE TONGA AND SANDAVICH ISLANDS. 519 tiou of 25/., being a portion of the produce of sixty tons of oil, sent from the churches in Samoa for the London Mis- sionaiy, Bible, and Tract Societies. Surely the friends of the Society may say to their Samoan contributors, " Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Samoa, how that the abundance of your joy and your deep poverty have abounded unto the riches of your liberality.^' TONGA ISLANDS. In the islands of Tonga, Haabai, and Varow, there are seve- ral thousand childi-en under Christian instruction in the schools connected with the Wesleyan mission. The printing-press has been in operation, and several small works, including a hymn- book, have been issued. In these islands there appeared to be a great thirst for books; but the people were too poor to pur- chase them. To show the Society's good-will to the islanders, and to their devoted instructors, a grant of paper was sent, with an assurance that the Society felt anxious to co-operate in making known the Saviour's grace through the press. THE SANDWICH ISLANDS. The American missionaries have had the exclusive privilege of morally cultivating these islands. In the year 1825, tracts were forwarded to them for sailors and others speaking the English language. The want of paper impeded their early efforts in sending out native tracts. Here, as in other places, necessity became the mother of invention. The people were required to bring a sheet of paper in exchange for a tract, and chiefs were encouraged to lay out a portion of their property in printing paper. liikc all other primaiy eflforts, they produced considerable excitement. When the third tract was issued, containing about seventy questions and answers on the most important doctrines of the bible, the whole was committed to memoiy by Karaimokcr, the regent of the Sand- wich Islands, by the persons in his family school, and other individuals of influence and rank. The efforts of the American brethren, which began on a small scale, gradually advanced, until in 1830 it was calculated 520 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. that six hundred reams of paper were printed in the year, which would make eight hundred thousand tracts of eight pages each. The missionaries remarked : " Only nine years ago, not a person in these islands knew a single letter of any alphabet. These works we count as gold; not exactly as the miser counts his shining dust, but ' as the apples of gold in pictures of silver,^ provided for the refreshment and life of a perishing nation ; for they consist chiefly of the unadulterated word of God.^^ The results of tract circulation were not only valuable in reference to the moral and spiritual good imparted, but also in the isolated fact, that so early as 1833 the expenses of the press were fully met by the sales effected. The total issues at that time were 566,000 copies of various publications. The expenses amounted to 7141 dollars, and the proceeds to 7527 dollars. In 1845, the issues were one million and a half. These statistics are referred to, in order to bring out the great fact, that even in a heathen country it is practicable to lead the natives, when they feel the value of knowledge, to contribute to the expense of their own instruction. Such a plan should be adopted with prudence ; but still, at the proper sea- son, it should be fairly tried. The works that require a little self-denial to obtain, may be more valued and better pre- served than those which are gratuitously bestowed. The Society, in addition to English tracts, has presented books for the library of one of the schools. NEW ZEALAND. A short time only elapses after the arrival of missionaries in a foreign land, before they feel the importance of Christian books in connexion with their labours. If the natives are not prepared for the reception of the gospel through the medium of letters, there are generally to be found strangers who speak the European languages in which many of the Society^s works are published. The Church missionaries, in 1832, applied for a grant of English tracts, when four thousand two hundi-ed were voted to them. These were followed by frequent supplies, together with a good assortment of casts of wood-cuts, for illustrating the works preparing for the natives. The arrival of the printing-press m the island was hailed by NEAV ZEALAND. 521 tlie ])eople as a memorable event fov their country. " The natives who assisted me in bringing it ashore," remarted Mr. AVade, the missionary printer, " shouted and danced on the sand, when told it was ' ta puka-puka/ — a book-press, or a book-making machine. A¥hen the natives understood that I was a printer, and had come out to print books for them, they were quite elated. No hero of olden time was ever received by his army with greater eclat; they appeared almost as if they would deify me. This was not a mere temporaiy excite- ment ; the demand for books was constant. The chiefs of dis- tant tribes applied for them, and gladly gave their potatoes in exchange for them." The Church and Wesleyan missionaries, in 1838, received a supply of paper from the Society, to assist them in the issue of books. The friends at Hokianga sent forth seven thousand two hundred copies of different works, " believing them to be one of the best means of conveying light into the opening minds of the natives, and of supplying them with knowledge as they were able to receive it." In February, 1839, the Rev. Charles Baker, of the Church Missionary Society, announced the formation of the New Zea- laud Religious Tract Society, in which all Christians united. This was an interesting circumstance in connexion with the ])rogrcss of education among the people. Tlae result of know- ledge had been a large demand for instructive books. One simple fact on this subject was mentioned by Mr. Wade, of the Church Missionary Society : — " I i-etired early to the tent, feeling weary with my journey. I had undressed myself, and was just getting off to sleep, when I was dis- turbed by Nike calling out to me to give him some food. I told him that I was in bed, and could not get up to him ; and, moreover, that I had no food in the tent, except a few potatoes, which he himself had given me. ' What business have you to come here,' he replied, in a sharp angry tone, ' putting up your house among us ? Is this the place in which you were born .' Get up, light your candle, and give me some food.' Expostulation was of no service : he continued teasing and threatening, till I said, ' Well, if you will persist, in this behaviour, I will get up, take down the tent, pack up my things, and be off, although it is night, to some place where we shall be better treated.' This stojjped him ; his angry tones subsided into a murmur; and presently he came to the side of the tent, and, in a softened tone, asked me where I had left my books — whether I had not given them all to Ngatiruru, the Otavvau, and Rarowera tribes ? I told him that it was true that I had given most uf the books to Ngatiruru, but that I had one in reserve for his people. 522 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. This seemed completely to satisfy him ; and he civilly concluded the business by extinguishing the fire which was burning outside, lest it should set fii-e to the tent. In fact, it was a boolc that he wanted, and which he was all the while demanding in so uncouth a manner, under the figure of bread." There was much anxiety among the European residents in New Zealand for English religious books. "We have distributed/' remarked Mr. Baker, " many thousands of your tracts in this country. About a year and a half ago, the first box of books was sent to my charge from Sydney. I have from that time sold more than six hundred, and cannot obtain them from Sydney in so large a quantity as is desired, owing to the great demands our friends have for books in New South Wales." Mr. Colenso reported his efforts for the benefit of seamen who visit New Zealand. On this subject, he wa-ote : — " In visiting the shipping, I have met with French, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Tahitian, Chinese, Irish, and Hindoo sailors; but not being master of all their languages, and not having tracts which they could read, I have been necessarily obliged to pass them by. " My present object in writing you is, to obtain, if possible, a grant of tracts in the above, and in the English languages. We have many foreigners residing in this bay and neighbourhood ; and the number of ships visiting the port is now considerable, and is annually increasing. Not less, perhaps, than from three thousand to four thousand men visit this place from year to year, I hope that your Committee will consider the case of these poor souls, and grant us a supply of useful tracts, etc., for distribution. I know of instances of good having been effected through the instrumentality of your tracts in this place." To meet the wants of the new society, forty-eight reams of paper, twenty-four thousand tracts, and a consignment of books, amounting to 68/., in various languages, were voted to its friends. The Rev. R. Maunsell has written 'A Brief Chronological View of the Old Testament History,' and intends to continue it down to the Reformation, and fi'om thence to the present time. The work Avill be printed in a series of little tracts, all instructive in themselves, and doubly so as being part of a system. In reference to the natives, he wrote : — " With minds so excessively active and inquisitive, it is a real matter of concern that they have so little either to employ or improve them. The work I am now preparing, ' A Brief Chronological View of the lead- ing Events of Old Testament History,' will, I hope, prove very acceptable. NEW ZEALAND. 533 It will fill up a gap in their knowledge, which has not yet been occupied by the publication of the entire Old Testament. The work will also point out the connexion and succession of persons and events of which they have at present but a confused idea, and will explain the meaning of those words in our translation, which the poverty of the language has compelled us either to coin, or to employ in new or more enlarged senses. In fact it will give our people a comprehensive and better esta- blished view of the work of the ' Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.' I hope to carry this little history on to the Reformation. That the Lord Jesus Christ, and his atonement and intercession, should be the Alpha and Omega of the whole, is, I feel, due to him as my Master, and to the people I wish to lead to him. At present, we get on very slowly ; a half-slieet in three months is the speed of Auckland printers. Tliis first tract will come down, most probably, to the building of the temple of Solomon." A grant of paper was made for the publication of six thou- sand copies of this work, and 10/. in aid of the printing- expenses. The Rev. J. Matthews, the Church missionary at Kaiaia, prepared a small tract in the native language, entitled, ' Scrip- ture Ejaculations,^ extracted from the Rev. Edward Bicker- steth's ' Treatise on Prayer.^ The Committee printed twenty thousand copies, and forwarded them to their esteemed cor- respondent. The formation of the Wellington Religious Tract Society was reported in 1848. It was composed of Christians of several denominations, who were anxious to spread religious informa- tion among the people. Books on sale, and tracts for gratu- itous circulation, were sent to this association, which, it was hoped, might be of a more permanent character than others which had preceded it. The Society has felt a deep interest in the efforts which have been made to instruct the opening minds of the New Zealanders, and has endeavoured to meet every application for religious publications and printing paper. Although little actual good can be reported, yet the truths which have been made known must eventually produce spiritual fruits. Look- ing to the future, the friends of the Society should work while it is called day, particularly for the adult population; feeling the force of the touching and beautiful appeal of a venerable New Zealander, who called out to a missionary, who promised to send him the gospel, " Make haste ! my sun is fast going down \" 524 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. MADAGASCAR. About twenty-five years since, when several native youths, who had been under Christian instruction in England, returned to their home, they were presented with two sets of the Society^s volumes, and a supply of juvenile works and tracts, with the hope that their introduction into Madagascar might lead to beneficial results. The Rev. J. J. Freeman and other friends proceeding to the station, were also furnished with paper and publications. The first tract published in Madagascar was com- posed by a native, and was useful in bringing sinners to the knowledge of the Saviour ; whilst the individuals thus benefited were afterwards zealously engaged m communicating to others the information which they had received. In 1835, the intelligence from Madagascar was of an en- couraging nature. Mr. Baker, the missionary printer, circulated, in the native language, ' A Blessing proving a Cm-se, and a Curse a Blessing,' ' The Two Ways,' ' The Bible the Word of God,' ' Conversations on the Ruin and Recovery of Mankind,' ' The Brazen Serpent,' ' Sin, the Cause of Sufiiering and Misery,' ' Poor Joseph,' ' The Dying Thief and the Dying Saviour,' and ' The Doctrine of the Cross stated and ex- plained.' Mr. Baker mentioned several facts of usefulness resulting from the reading of these tracts. The progress of the press was painfully impeded in 1837, by the edict of the Queen, condemning all efi'oi'ts to spread religious knowledge. Diligent search was made for the fol- lowers of the Redeemer, and the publications which had been prepared for their use. A box of books was found near the residence of Rafaravavy, an eminent Christian woman, which led to her apprehension and imprisonment. In consequence of this discovery, her entire property was given up to plunder, and her person secured. She was put to death by spearing on the 14th of August, 1837. She proclaimed Christ as the only Saviour to the ofiicers and crowd that followed her to the place of common execution. Here she continued to pray, and to exhort all around her to believe in Jesus Christ, till the executioner's spear was thrust into her body. Just before the painful intelligence arrived which has been recorded, a letter was received from the Rev. J. J. Freeman, giving a gratifying account of the progress of the cause of MADAGASCAR. 525 Christ in the island, and expressing an earnest wish that ' The Pilgrim^s Progress ' could be printed in Malagasse. The Coininittee immediately issued the work, and sent one thousand copies to the Mauritius. The Society was indebted to Mr. Freeman for the translation, and for his elForts in raising the sum of 40/. in aid of its publication. Several native Christians, in letters to Mr. Baker, stated their great joy in receiving the Gospels and 'Pilgrim^s Progress.' They were wonderfully sustained by the grace of the Saviour, and were able to say, " Sweet are the cords of imprisonment to the prisoners -, they are not ashamed of them any longer.^' " In their confinement," wi-ote the missionaries, " they preach the word, mend their tattered bibles, and look at their tracts. Such has been the influence of their holy and consistent con- duct, that even some of the jailors who watched them have become Christians." The ' Pilgrim's Progress ' has been useful to the suffer- ing brethren, and has taught them to be firm in their Christian course : hence one of them, writing to Mr. Johns, em arks : — "We read in 'The Pilgrim's Progress,' that when Christian saw Apol- lyon coming to meet him, he began to be afraid, and to hesitate whether to return or stand his ground. But when he considered that he had no armour for his back, he thought that to turn his back to his enemy might give him greater advantage to pierce with his darts. Therefore he resolved to stand his ground; for, said he, 'Had I no more in my eye than the saving of my life, it would be the best way to stand.' When Christian also entered the Valley of the Shadow of Death, he said, 'Though it be a gloomy valley, yet it is the way to the celestial city.' These words of Christian express in a few words our own feelings on this head." It has been stated, that after the pious natives had appeared before the authorities, and w'cre waiting the moment of execu- tion, they felt inexpressible peace and joy. They had prayed ; they had confessed Christ ; and now that concealment was at an end, and they could freely open their overburdened hearts, they said one to another, " Now we arc in the situation of Christian and Faithful, when they were led to Vanity Fair ; " and so it proved, when a majority of them underwent the martyr's death, after the example of Faithful. The Christian refugees, who came to England from the scenes of persecution in their native hind, received from the Com- 526 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. mittee copies of the Society's ' Commentaries ' and other suitable works. In acknowledging the grant they wrote : — "We thank you for your kindness to us, and for your labour to spread the knowledge of the word of God in our country; for many are the small tracts you have circulated among us before the persecution, and since then to the present period. Should God, in his mercy, open the door for his word in our country, and we should be spared to return, it is our desire to be able to make translations of some of these books into the Malagasse language, for the good of our countrymen who are dwelling in darkness; and especially the 'Commentary,' for that is suited to assist them greatly in understanding the word of God." In 1849, the Committee printed, in Malagasse, 2000 copies of ' The Pilgrim's Progress,' illustrated with engravings ; 1000 copies of a small work on the Resurrection, 10,000 copies of five important tracts, and 2000 copies of a ' Christian Hymn- book,^ one half of the expense of the latter work having been defrayed by special subscriptions obtained by the Rev. J. J. Freeman. These 16,000 works have gone to the Mauritius, the Society trusting that a way will soon be opened for their cir- culation in Madagascar. The ' Anxious Inquirer after Salvation ' has been translated by Mr. Griffiths, formerly a missionary in Madagascar, partly at the expense of the esteemed author. The work is ready for publication when it can be put into safe circulation. It would have gratified the Committee could they have reported a cessation of persecution in Madagascar. They, how- ever, rejoice that Rakotondradama, the queen's only son and heir apparent to the throne, has embraced the gospel, and through his mild influence, opposition has been restrained, which leads them to augur better times. In reference to the publications which have been circulated in the island, they adopt the language of one of their auxiliaries : " Some may in- deed be burned, but their characters have been transferred to the ' fleshly tables of the heart,' never to be erased by the changes of time, nor even to perish when the heavens shall pass away, and the earth and the waters therein shall be burned up. The native Christians are now living, as Chris- tians, on the scriptures and tracts left among them; and, when 'the living witnesses are slain,' these publications will be found both a necessary and acceptable provision for the evil day." THE MAURITIUS. 527 THE MAURITIUS. In June, 182 !•, a tract society was formed at Port Louis. A remittance of 10/. was received from its committee, in return for which 9000 tracts were sent. There have been occasional grants to the island, amounting in value to 25/., inchuling supplies to the Rev. L. Banks, the Rev. W. Le Brun, and other friends. In 1839, the missionaries from Madagascar opened several schools and printed on the Society's paper a number of small books, to meet the urgent wants of the people. On the establishment of schools in the island by the trustees of the Mico Charity, four libraries for their use were granted. A considerable number of tracts and children's books were also voted for circulation among the people. The friends at Port Louis, in 1844, appealed to the Committee for printing paper to enable them to publish suitable tracts to counteract the ])rogress of popery. A supply was sent for the object. The account of Henhofer excited much inquiry among the people. There has been a wide and, on the whole, an encouraging circulation of religious publications in the wide range of islands comprised in the present chapter. Education has prepared the people to receive the instructions of the press, and many have been effectually changed through its instrumentality. It is now a duty of deep interest to continue to supply the reading population of Further Polynesia with the works they need. There was a time when the people in the islands of the Pacific could only be approached by the living voice ; but now, " if Christians have a word to say to these islanders, who are able to read, they may say it. The tract press, like the power of a whispering-gallery, whose arch spans the earth, can convey the sound to them all. Only breathe the primitive spirit of apostles, and you may ' speak with tongues ' to a large portion of the heathen nations, and they will hear and come to Christ and live." The grants to Further Polynesia have amounted to 158G/. 96'. CHAPTER XXXVT, AUSTRALIAN COLONIES. New South Wales — First grants of tracts — Their usefulness— formation of a tract society — Patronized by successive colonial Governors — Large consignment of books to the friends at Sydney — Rev. W. Cowper, secretary, succeeded by Rev. Dr. Ross— Success of the Sydney Juvenile Tract Association. — Australia Felix— Loan Tract Society— Colonial missionaiy society at Melbourne — Grant of tracts to the first bishop of Melbourne, and others. — South Australia — Supplies for the use of emigrants— Libraries at Adelaide -Grant to the first bishop of Newcastle. — Van Diemen's Land— Grants to convicts and to the Hobart Town Tract Society— Formation of the Van Diemen's Presbyterian Tract Society — Encouragements to its labours — Donations to the parent Institution— Remittances from Rev. F. Miller — Itinerating loan libraries — Colportage— Operations of the Hobart Town Colonial Missionary Society — Grants to the friends at Launceston — Large disposal of tracts by Rev. R. R. Davies— Distressing condition of the convict population — Appeal on their behalf. NEW SOUTH WALES. The Kev. Samuel Marsden, the chaplain to this colony, received, in 1808, the first grant of tracts made by the Society for this distant land ; then followed a supply to a schoolmaster proceed- ing to settle there ; and afterwards, provision was made for our convicts. Little information was received in reference to these grants. A friend wrote, in 1818 : '' There are living wit- nesses of the utility and blessedness of these silent preachers of righteousness.'^ The chaplain of the colony reported to the Committee the conversion of a woman, once a desperate prisoner, through ' The Young Cottager.' He wrote : " This tract im- parted to her clear views of her state and of the way of salva- tion. I could not view this woman under any other character than that of a second ' Cottage Girl.' Dui-ing the last three weeks of her life, there was nothing but heaven in her soul : she was deeply humbled in prayer, modest in her hopes of mercy, and cleaved to Jesus as an undone sinner, in such a way as I never beheld before. I never heard her use a mur- muring word after this change ; but before, she Avas desperate. \EW SOUTH WALES. 529 I might enlarge : slie was indeed ' a brand plucked from the fire/ " The circulation of tracts by private individuals led to the formation of a society, in 1823, for New South Wales and its dependencies. His Excellency, Sir Thomas Brisbane, the go- vernor of the colony, was pleased to countenance the infant cause by presiding on the occasion, and by liberal donations. The sum of 50/. was received from the Society in return for grants made. The tracts were sent to stations far remote from Sydney, and were distributed in the jail, the hospitals, the asylum, the convict barracks, and other places. On the retire- ment of Sir Thomas Brisbane from the colonial government, his successor, General Darling, patronized the institution. In 1828, nearly eighty thousand tracts were distributed. The fifth report of the Sydney Society stated, " That the com- mittee were honoured with a requisition from his Majesty's government to supply the crown prisoners at different settle- ments with five thousand religious tracts, which was cheerfully complied with." In reference to the general operations of the society, the report remarked : " Can one hundred thousand faith- ful and instructive messengers of peace and good-will towards men be sent forth in the name of the Lord of hosts, and under the direction and influence of the Eternal Spirit, and produce nothing ? Many persons, old and young, have been found reading the tracts and books, and sevei'al have declared them- selves to be much instructed by these little works. If only one in a hundred of the publications distributed produce any good effect, then benefits have been conferred on one thousand immortal souls, and some of them, through eternitj^, will bless God for the Tract Society." In 1831, a grant of 3000 tracts were voted to Sir E. W. Parry, bart., for circulation at Port Stephen. In writing to the Sydney Society, Sir Edward remarked : " Here some good im- pressions have been produced by the perusal of tracts." He then mentioned the following facts : — ■ " One man has, we know, been led to a daily perusal of the bible, by finding, to his surprise, that some tracts, with which he had become in- terested, contained only what is taught in that holy book. He 'searched the scriptures to see whether those things were so ; ' and having a candid mind, he now every evening reads, or heai-s the bible, wilh pleasure, and I trust with profit. Another man was a great drunkard, but for more than twelve months he Ims hft off bis inteni))erate habits. He asciibea 2 .M 530 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. this change to a single tract ' On Drunkenness,' which, he remarked, must surely have been written on purpose for him. We constantly keep the prisoners, even at the most distant sheep-stations, supplied with tracts; and it is pleasing to see with what avidity, and, in many instances, with what thankfulness, these 'little light- winged messengers' are received among them. I cannot, indeed, hesitate to repeat my assurance, that I really believe tracts, next to the simple word of God, to be the greatest instru- ments he is now employing throughout the world to bring men to em- brace the truth as it is in Jesus." The letters of the Rev. William Cowper, the secretary of the Sydney Society, contained much encom'aging information. The objects embraced by the auxiliary were both numerous and interesting, including the seamen at New Zealand, the shepherds and labourers employed upon the Australian Agricultural Com- pany's estates, the crown prisoners, poor settlers, labourers, and stockmen, and various other persons living far distant from each other. These were all supplied with wholesome truth from the Society's depository. Such was the growing demand for religious works, that in 1838, 500/. in books on sale were forwarded to Sydney, and upwards of one hundred and sixteen thousand publications granted for different objects. A considerable number of these were placed with Dr. Lang, for the use of twelve ministers and fifteen schoolmasters proceeding to the colony. The agents of the Australian Church Missionary Society and the Colonial Missionary Society were also well supplied. There was not only a demand for religious works, but the Holy Spirit blessed them to some of the readers. The following fact is extracted from the fourteenth report of the Sydney Society. The chap- lain at Port Stephen wrote : — " One instance has come to my knowledge, during the past year, of the good effects resulting from our labours. An individual called upon me, some months ago, and expressed a wish to hold conversation upon the subject of religion. In the course of that conversation, he informed me that he had been a professed atheist until within a few months ; but that the perusal of a tract — 'The Dairyman's Daughter,' I believe — had been instrumental in awakening him from his own vain dreams, and bringing him to a better mind. He wished to partake of the sacrament of the Lord's supper, and afterwards he did so. His appearance was grave and thoughtful ; his manners were those of a person of some reading, and above the common walks of life, and his conversation was truly pious. Is anything too hard for the Lord?" The retirement, in 1841, of the Rev. William Cowper from NEW SOUTH WALES. 531 the secretarysbip of the society, ou account of illness, was u great loss to the institution. From its formation, he had been its mainspring; and to such an extent did Mr. Cowper promote its interests, that the purchases sometimes exceeded 520/. in the year. He was succeeded by the Rev. Dr. Ross, who has carefully watched its subsequent movements. In New South Wales, as in other parts of the world, the silent tract has arrested the poor wanderer, who had despised all religious privileges in his own country. A pleasing fact of this kind has been stated. " Some twelve months ago a minister was asked to visit a man who was lying sick to death, and he found him in a most delightful state of mind ; this led him to inquire whence this man had obtained such knowledge of and perfect faith in the saving power of Christ, and he learned that his heart had been turned to God by reading a little tract called ' The Warning Voice.' Having occasion to visit this man at the Benevolent Asylum, where he at length died full of hope and faith, he gave him some tracts, and these were lent to his neighbours in turn. One of them, who slept in the next bed, .was much affected. He was the son of a clergyman of the Episcopalian Church, but who, by a long course of dissipation, had brought misery both upon himself and his friends. His heart, however, was turned to God by these tracts, and on c6ming out of the asylum he procured hira a situation in a neighbouring town, and he had the happiness of knowing that he had become a worthy and respected member of society. These were the wonderful effects of tract distribution. Many more equally af- fecting instances of conversion he had witnessed, and therefore it is not surprising that he felt a warm and lively interest in the advancement of tlie Society." In 1847, fifty-five thousand tracts were forwarded to the Sydney Society. A\lien noticing the distribution of former grants, the local committee remarked : " Many instances of good, resulting from the circulation of your tracts, have occurred within the last year or two. Some are now united with Christian churches, who, but for these silent messengers, might have remained dead in sin. One old woman, between eighty and nmety years of age, discovered by a tract distri- butor, ignorant and indifferent, is now giving evidence of a saving change wrought in her heart by the Spirit of God.*' The proceedings of the Sydney Juvenile Tract Association gave the parent Committee sincere pleasure. It commenced in 1832, among the children attending the Sunday-school at St. Philip's church. In a short time, 44/. 11.9. Qd. were 2 M 2 53.2 FOREIGN OPERATIONS, collected, which sum was expended in the purchase of the So- ciety's publications. Mr. M'Roberts, the treasurer, observed : " I hope the account of what is doing among the little ones, in this land of outcasts, may not prove totally devoid of interest to those whom love to our Redeemer has united together in the godlike undertaking of disseminating light and knowledge to those who must otherwise have remained in ignorance and darkness." He added : " How pleasing it is to reflect, that even in this land of wretchedness and crime, the publications of youi- Society are to be found in the hands of many, who have been themselves, or whose parents were, expatriated from the home of their fathers, and reduced by their crimes to the lowest state of human misery and degradation." Several large supplies of books were purchased by this juve- nile society; in addition to which, grants were placed at the disposal of its members. So great was its success, that in ten years the subscriptions and donations amounted to 363/., while five hundred and twenty-three bibles and testa- ments and twelve thousand books and tracts were distributed. These juvenile proceedings have doubtless been beneficial to many. For several years, various local claims have interfered with the Society's efibrts, which, however, the friends hope will be speedily revived. AUSTRALIA FELIX. The publications that reached this portion of Australia were, for many years, transmitted through the society at Sydney, except in some cases where individuals proceeding to settle received direct grants. One of these friends, the Rev. William Waterfield of Melbourne, Port Philip, assisted by the Rev. James Forbes, the Presbyterian minister, in 1839, esta- blished a small Tract Society for the district. The loan plan was adopted, and when referring to its results, Mr. Waterfield wrote : " Already one of our distributors has been the means of bringing under the sound of the gospel a most confirmed infidel, who confessed to me that he had not been in a place of worship for twenty years. He is now active in striving to bring his former wicked companions to the house of God." Mr. Forbes applied for a supply of books for schools, in addition to many which he purchased. He assured the Com- AUSTRALIA FELIX. 533 raittee that the pastoral population of Port Philip was almost destitute of the means of religious instruction — that the calls for religious aid were m-gent and very numerous, whilst the openings also for doing good greatly cheered the labourers engaged in the work of the Lord. The Committee voted to Mr. Forbes five school libraries, containing one hundred volumes each, on reduced terms; and a library, value 6/., at half-price. They also placed with Mr. Adams a 10/. library at half-price, and nearly 3000 tracts on his proceeding to Melbourne. He had long been a devoted and successful labourer in connexion with the London City Missions. In 1843, a Colonial Missionary Society was formed at Mel- bourne, one object of which was the distribution of religious tracts. The sum of 30/. was received for the purchase of books, which were forwarded with more than 8000 tracts for gratuitous circulation. These supplies were beneficially distri- buted and subsequent grants sent. Nor has the mission been the only channel for conveying the Society's works to the people. Many private individuals have scattered the precious seed, and are waiting for the promised harvest. The Rev. E. Collins, colonial chaplain at Geelong, has had several grants, and a libraiy, value 15/., for the benefit of the labouring classes, on payment of 10/. The Committee granted to the first bishop of Melbourne, on his leaving this counti-y for his distant diocese, upwards of 11,000 tracts for gratuitous distribution, and 20/. in books for the fonnation of circulating libraries among the scattered people committed to his care. They also had a conference with C. J. Latrobe, Esq., the Lieutenant-governor of Port Philip, and placed at his disposal a supply of tracts for the settlers. An encouraging fact, showing that even the dwellers in the bush may be among the first converts to the Saviour, was furnished by the Rev. A. INIorrison : — " A man from the iiiti-rior called upon me, and when he departed, I gave him, according to custom, a bundle of tracts, requesting him to read and circulate them. I have been greatly delighted in lately receiving a letter from him, from which I extract the following : " ' It would be most ungrateful of me were I to close this letter without tendering you my warmest thanks for the tracts you gave me. Through divine instrumentality, I trust they will prove an everlasting benefit to my soul. This is the more singular on account of my former aversion to tracts. As soon as God had shown nic the error of my ways, and inclined my 534 rOREIGN OPERATIONS. heart to sue for pardon through a once crucified but now exalted Redeemer, I immediately offered a brief exhortation to my wife, from Joshua xxiv. 15, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve; " and I trust we are both inquiring the' way to Zion, with our faces thitherwards. I mention this that you may be encouraged thereby, and more especially that you may make mention of us in your prayers.' 1 earnestly solicit correspondence with your church, that I may receive some spiritual food in lieu of the disgustingly brutish and immoral conversation of those around me, which, through the grace of God, I have for ever abandoned, though compelled by necessity to associate with them.' " Like the Society^s correspondent^ the parent Committee feel, when looking to the barren land they have to cultivate, that one such result as this is sufficient to justify the hope that a rich harvest of souls may be gathered from the wilds of Aus- tralia by tract distribution." SOUTH AUSTRALIA. The emigrants who were among the first to seek a settle- ment in this portion of Australia were frequently supplied with tracts for their own use, and for the benefit of others scattered through their adopted land. Applications have also been received from local friends, so that for some years, from twenty to thirty thousand tracts have been sent to difierent stations. The assistance of the Committee has also been fre- quently requested for the formation of libraries, and books to the value of 30/., at half their value, were sent to Adelaide for that object, in addition to large supplies of German and other tracts. Libraries were also granted to the Rev. T. Q. Stowe of Adelaide, the E,ev. Kobert Newland of Encounter Bay, and a Christian friend at Austerlind. In 1839 the Society had the privilege of placing its works with his Excellency Colonel Gawler, the governor of the district, who was much interested in the temporal and spiritual interests of the people committed to his care. The first bishop of Newcastle, on proceeding to his new and extensive diocese, received a grant of nearly ten thousand tracts, and 20/. in books, to assist him in the formation of libraries in those districts in which the people were far removed from the means of religious improveuient. VAN DIEMEN's land. A few small grants were made for the convicts in this VAN diemen's land. 535 settlement soon after the formation of the parent Society, but from 1807 until 1834, little appears to have been directly done for the diffusion of its works. Indirectly many tracts were received from New South Wales. About the year 1823 a society was established at Hobart Town, when a liberal collection of tracts was placed with its committee. This society was only sustained for a short period. In 1837 the local friends made another effort, and formed the Van Diemen's Presbyterian Tract Society. The whole of Hobart Town was visited every sabbath morning, and one or more tracts left at eveiy house, " In this way," wrote the secretary, " not fewer than fifty thousand tracts have been issued during the last two years. They have been sent into the interior of the island, and to the . penal settlements : the jail, the hospital, the barrack, and the ships in the harbour have been visited. They are well received by almost the whole of the inhabitants, and even some Roman Catholics who formerly refused now take them. We have heard of several instances of usefulness of a very gratifying nature from the reading of the tracts." The first grant to this society consisted of 9000 tracts and childi-en's books, part of them being in return for a remittance , received. The local society was not long without encouragement. A correspondent, writing in August, 1828, mentioned the follow- ing fact : — " A poor old man, who was transported here for housebreaking, several years ago, became free by sei-vitude. He was in the habit of bringing wood to our town : he was a very great drunkard, his general conduct exceedingly depraved, and he bore a very dishonest character in the neighbourhood. In July, 1827, he brought me several loads of wood; and when I paid him, I gave him the tract, ' To the Aged.' I made him promise he would read it. The Sunday following, I saw him at our place of worship. He afterwards told me, with great sorrow, that he had not been to the house of God for upwards of eight yeai-s. At the con- clusion of the service, he called on me to lend him some more tracts. I gave him some. During the week, I heard many people express their surprise at his being at the house of God, and that he did not visit the public-house as formerly. In a few days he called on me, to know where he could get a bible. I gave him one. As I put it into his hands, he burst into tears, and said, ' O sir, I am a vile sinner, and I want to see if there is any hope of mercy for me. One of the books you gave me says the bible points out the way of salvation ; I do not know what is in the bible, for I have not read it since a child. I have a wicked heart — God be merciful to me, a gray-headed sinner!' I said but little to him at the time ; but told him to read the bible, and pray to God to 536 FOREIGN OPERATIONS, enable him to understand it. From this time he became an altered cha- racter, and the drunkard forsook his cups. He became indisposed, and died a few weeks since, giving evidence that he was ' a brand plucked from the burning,' in the sixty-eighth year of his age." This society laboured zealously for several years. In 1835, the secretary wrote : " Our tract society continues actively em- ployed, and is, I doubt not, working much soul-good through- out the colony. Many will have to bless God, through eternal ages, for the formation and exertions of your Society. I am persuaded there is no institution in the present day producing a greater quantity of moral and spiritual good. Would that I could serve you more effectually, for your Society has a place in the warmest nook of my heart." The purchases continued to a large extent, and it was one of the few societies in foreign lands tbat sent liberal donations for the general objects of the parent Institution. In this cause, as in many others, local circumstances arose that impeded and finally suspended its operations. It frequently happens, when one agency is withdrawn, that another is raised up. This was the case in Van Diemen's Land. The Rev. Frederick Miller has felt a deep interest in the sale and gratuitous circulation of religious publications, and, since 1836, considerable remittances have been received from him. One pleasing circumstance Mr. Miller mentioned : " Part of the books have been taken by the Government, chiefly with a view to establish small loan libraries for the benefit of the road parties.'' On this subject he further stated : " In each party one man is appointed as readei', whose duty it is to read to the other men, at suitable seasons, portions of scripture and works of a profitable kind." After this statement was made by Mr. Miller, a communica- tion was received from the secretary of Sir John Franklin, the governor of the colony. He mentioned that Sir John was desirous of establishing perambulating loan libraries, for the benefit of the lower classes and convicts, and requested the aid of the Society in attaining the object ; it gave the Committee much pleasure to place books, to the value of 20/., at his Ex- cellency's disposal. The willingness of the authorities to promote the moral and spiritual good of the people, particularly the convicts, is a fact of much interest in connexion with our colonies. They are now VAN diemen's land. 537 convinced that moral means are more likely to restore the transgressor than coercive measures. Let the mind be enlight- ened with scriptural knowledge, and in many cases the results will be encouraging. An application, bearing on these remarks, was received from Mr. Freeman, catechist to the establishment for prisoner boys in Port Ai-thur. In his letter, he remarked : — "This is a very interesting institution, planned entirely by the governor of this colony. We have at present about two hundred and thirty boys down here, instead of being assigned out to private individuals, as the men are. They are taught various useful trades ; besides which, a school is held two hours every day, under my direction, in which they are all taught reading, writing, and the common rules of arithmetic, the over- seers of the various trades, who are all prisoners, assisting in the school. I was surprised and delighted to find among these outcasts a number designated ' The Religious Boys ; ' and several of them, I believe, worthy of the appellation ; as in conversations with them I find them continually asking questions which evince a tenderness of conscience hardly credible to any one not in communication with them. Among these particularly, and indeed among the boys generally, I find a considerable desire for books to read in their leisure time, I have appropriated a portion of the tracts entrusted to me to their use, having five or six of them tacked together in a cover, to lend out among them. " I am very anxious to establish a circulating library for the use of the boys under my charge, of a more extended character than the tracts will furnish, and venture to appeal to you for aid in this object. I am confident that the members of the Society would regard as fit objects for your benevolent consideration, these poor lads, sent away from their native land for crimes committed against the laws, and sent down to this place by the excellent representative of our sovereign, that they may be out of the way of greater contamination from association with those more hardened in crime; who are, moreover, able and anxious to read, but have no means of procuring books for themselves, and who have none, except bibles and prayer-books, provided for them." The Committee immediately sent a library for the use of the prisoner boys, and nearly four thousand tracts. Mr, Miller, anxious by eveiy means to circulate scriptural works, employed a pious person to sell them, " As he travels from one district to another,^' he wrote, " and visits from house to house, many persons have been induced to pur- chase of him who could scarcely have obtained them in any other way. I view the agency which has thus been brought into operation, as most interesting and important, and I trust it may be the means of bringing the truths of religion under the notice of many who have hitherto lived in a state of spiri- tual ignorance and destitution.'^ 538 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. The small libraries fonned for the road parties have been noticed. These were soon found to be valued; the tracts also had spoken effectually to some of the most hardened. The Rev. Alexander IMorrison thus refers to the benefits conferred by these means : — " I received an unsouglit testimony latel)', which at least showed that tracts are not without their use. It was from a prisoner constable, who, while I waited to cross a ferry, entered into conversation with me. He had been present at one of those road parties where I preached. He said that the tracts were read by the men, in numerous instances, with delight ; and even some that appeared hardened in sin, had felt the power of their solemn and affectionate appeals. He had seen thoughtfulness and silence occupy minds and tongues, usually filled with every impurity, and engaged in giving utterance to their vileness. He had known the filthy conver- sation to be foregone, while the men around the log-fire listened to one who read from a tract, ' words whereby they must be saved.' He had known that the reading or the hearing of a tract had been a check to sin amongst this class of men, not only in road parties, but also in different houses of the settlers. Such a testimony is highly encouraging. It glad- dened my heart, and, I trust, will prove acceptable and cheering to you." To give greater efficiency to the Society's objects, the friends in Hobart Town established " The Van Diemen's Land Religious Tract Society/' and immediately sent a remittance for the pur- chase of publications for their depository. In addition to a supply of tracts, 100/. in books on sale were forwarded to their friends. The Hobart Town Colonial Missionary Society was also an im- portant channel for the circulation of the Society's publications. Its purchases were to a liberal extent, and considerable supplies of tracts were voted to its committee for gratuitous issue. Several libraries were also placed with them for destitute districts. The secretaiy stated, " that tract distribvition had been carried on to some extent ; and while only a few instances of its beneficial efiiects had come to their knowledge, yet it could not be doubted that the little messengers of truth aided materially in ameliorat- ing the moral condition of the community." The friends at Launceston followed the example of Hobart Town, and formed a society for the district. The Rev. Charles Price applied for assistance in the work. Nearly six thousand tracts were immediately granted, and books on sale were placed with them. The Rev. Dr. Browne, the colonial chaplain, also received publications to the value of 10/., at half-price, for a parochial library, and upwards of four thousand tracts. A VAN diemen's land. 539 supply of books, to the extent of 30/., was sent on sale. In reference to these, Dr. Browne stated, " that half the books were sold within twenty-four hours after the case was opened." In consequence of this unexpected demand, a further supply, to the amount of 110/., was placed with Dr. Browne. The Rev. R. R. Davies, colonial chaplain at Longford, received several grants of tracts, and a large assortment of books on sale. He informed the Committee, that within one week after the arrival of the first supply, he sold about fifty pounds^ worth ; and there was a continual demand for them, particularly for the establishment of libraries for the convicts, who are formed into probation parties. Mr. Davies wrote : " Your grant of tracts and small books was most accept- able, for circulation both amongst the prisoners and our Sunday-school children." He added : " The office of rural dean compels me to visit the northern portion of the island every three months. During these visits, I meet many poor families in the bush, far away from any place of worship, amongst whom I distribute tracts. I desire also to circulate some of your books for children. You must remember that, generally speaking, these are the children of your own con- victs ; and scattered as they now are over the distant settle- ments, far away from any place of worship, we must afford them, by means of your useful books, the only instruction we are at present competent to impart. During the year 1846, we opened ten schools in this deanery, in addition to those supported by the government, and have employed an itine- rating missionary." In answer to this appeal, the Committee sent to Mr. Davies thirteen thousand four hundred tracts and children's books, trusting they might be the means of doing good to the children of our expatriated countrymen. The free grants to our Australian colonies have amounted to 1602/. 6s. 6d. It is matter of sincere joy that much has been done for the people ; but much more remains to be done, when the condition of the convict population is considered. " It is heart- i-ending," wrote a correspondent, " to see the state in which the inhabitants of the interior of convict settlements are living. They are, however, willing to be instructed, but have none to teach them; and surely, not knowing what we feel for them, they may exclaim, ' No man careth for my soid.' Will Ejiglish 540 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. Christians stand nnconcerned, and see their exiled countrymen perishing in the dense woods and forests of these far-distant lands ? Many of them deeply sigh for their home, their native landj their wives and blooming children, from whom, in the moment of folly, they have banished themselves by their crimes. But now, in the solitude of a forest, they have time to reflect; many of them ' hate the sins which made them mourn ; ' and they would seek their happiness in God, but they have no instructors. Great numbers who are assigned to masters in the interior, have not heard a sermon since they left their native land.'^ A few years since, the Committee felt it their duty to call the special attention of the public to the claims of these colo- nies, and they consider it an imperative duty now to renew the subject. The influence of large numbers of convicts let loose among a free population is, to the last degree, demoraliz- ing. Nearly the whole community is affected by this mass of depravity. In Van Diemen's land, where the free population in 1838 was 28,000, and the convict population 18,000, making a total of 46,000, it was estimated that no less than 16,900 offences were brought before the police in one year. The number of free persons fined for drunkenness was about 2860, or about one-tenth of that population. In New South Wales, the convict population in 1835 was 28,000, and the summary convictions during the year were estimated to be about 22,000. The number of criminals convicted in the same colony in 1836 of various offences, from murder down to larceny, was 1 to 104 of the whole population; while in England, the proportion is only 1 to 850. The convictions for highway robbeiy, includ- ing bush-ranging, in New South Wales, exceeded the total number of convictions for all offences in England. Looking at this description of our penal colonies, it is hoped that while the Society^s friends will rejoice at the great number of useful works which have been distributed, and also at the improved condition of the people during the last few years, they will still enable the Society to devise liberal things in the future efforts lor their benefit. CHAPTER XXXVTI. South Africa— Usefulness of Dutch tracts— Labours of Rev. G. Thorn— Cape Town Auxiliary — Correspondence with Dr. Philip — " The Popular Librarj' " — Distribution of tracts among the soldiers; also among the Boors and the natives — Mission libraries — Grants to Rev. J. Read, of Kat River— Rev. R. Moffat— Wonder of the Bechuanas at the printing press- Anxiety to read— Mr. Moffat's visit to England— Arrival of 10,000 hymn-books — Issues and operations of the Ladies' Tract Society— Instances of success— Monthly tract in the Dutch language — Sir Peregrine Maitland — Grant of tracts to Rev. J. J. Freeman. — Westerk Africa — Visit of Rev. E. Bickersteth to Africa — Mr. Lander — Importunity of the people for books — Grants to the Sierra Leone Tract Society — Tracts in Timmanee — Presentation of libraries to vessels — Baptist missionaries at Fernando Po — Grant of paper to Rev. J. Merrick— Supplies of books to other friends. — Northern Africa — Difficulties- Efforts of Mr. Bird— Opposition of Romish priests— Labours of Rev. C. Kugler and Mr. Gobat in Abyssinia— Discouragement from the death of the former — Distribution of French tracts by Rev. Mr. Nicolayson at Algiers — Grant of tracts to Mr. Ewald, and to Jewish missionaries — Paucity of labourers. — St. Helena. SOUTH APIIICA. This portion of our globe may, indeed, be called one of " the dark places of the earth/' on which the Sun of righteousness is only beginning to shine, after long and anxious toil on the part of many devoted labourers. The early records of the Society show that its publications have been conveyed into places where the people were far removed from all the privi- leges of the gospel. On this subject, the Society's twelfth repoi-t remarks : — " In South Africa, Dutch tracts have been very useful even in that wide and distant region, as an in- troduction to the preaching of Christianity, and one instance is particularly mentioned of a young person to whom they had evidently been rendered, as far as human penetration could decide, 'the power of God unto salvation.' In every district the tracts have been gratefully received and eagerly read." The Rev. George Tliom, of the Cape of Good Hope, received the Society's works, whicli he distributed in liis tours. 542 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. In a letter from hiin^ dated December 28tli, 1815, he wrote : " Frequently have I delivered a tract as an mtroduction, just as a letter of recommendation, and the boor has sat down with his hat nailed to his head, and his pipe riveted, as it were, to his mouth, and read it through and through, while all sat in silence ; and then after it was done he Avould say, ' What have I to pay for it ? ' When I told him nothing at all, but that a society of Britons sent them out gratis, he remarked, ' Yes, that English nation are always doing some good — they send missionaries here — they send bibles, and now they send tracts/ " Mr. Thom also gave the following details : " The last lour was a most useful one ; the ground was nearly all fallow, and God enabled me to break some of it up by means of tracts. In one district I came to a small farm, situated in the midst of a sandy desert, which, at a distance from the mountains, resembles a broken sea under a cloudy sky. An old woman and her three daughters, with three Malay slaves and ten Hottentots, in their wild and filthy dresses, all sat rolling tobacco leaves. Not any of the white people could read (which in this colony I may candidly say is not common) ; when I offered to preach, ' they all began to make excuse.' However I would hear of none : I might never see them again, and I was the first that had ever come on such an errand to their house : preach I must. One said, she was sure I had something to do with the devil; another said, they were willing to live as they had always done, and so forth. However, I told them that I would read to them 'Poor Joseph,' and reading was not preaching; and at last they all consented, after I had first promised to do it without prayer. The effects — if tears, sighs, and wild stares from the Hottentots are effects — there I saw them. The old woman asked me afterwards to forgive her ignorance, and said that one of the Malays could read ; and I gave her, at her request, ' Poor Joseph,' and the slave read it with considerable exactness. May God pity this dark colony, and enlighten both men called Christians and the heathen ! At one farm I read ' Poor Joseph ' after sermon, where some of Mr. Kicherer's Boschemen were living, who were formerly with Mr. K. at Zak River, which greatly pleased them. A good friend of mine read ' The Swearer's Prayer ' throughout a district, almost at every farm : the Dutch oaths are in general dreadful ; and several Boors said to him, ' Well, let us have that tract, for it speaks truth, and we must all mend.' The tract was so much in request, that when I came that way almost every one asked me for it. 'Poor Joseph ' became so scarce, that the last one I kept was copied several times. In fact, this was my text and sermon frequently : for as I touched at every house, if not much out of my track, and alighted and sat a quarter of an hour or so, according to the custom of the country, (for a stranger visit- ing every house, as I have invariably found, ninety instances out of a hundred is made welcome) ; I therefore pulled out this tract and read it, and after I had made them fond of it, then I gave it them. You may SOUTH AFRICA. 543 easily conceive, that riding almost every day in a desert country, under a sun of ninety or a hundred degrees, produces inactivity of thought ; tliere- fore, reading a tract is a good supply for a discourse or conversation." In 1820 an auxiliary society was established at Cape Town, under the auspices of his Excellency, Governor Donkin, and the naval commissioner, Sir Jahleel Brenton, K.C.B., which promised to be productive of many benefits to the colony, but for want of energetic management, its operations were only con- tinued for a short time. Among the individual efforts to distribute the Society^s pub- lications, must be noticed those of Dr. Philip. A remittance of 34/. was received from him, for the purchase of tracts suitable to different classes in that colony. On forwarding these supplies to the Doctor, the Committee suggested to him various plans for the more successful prosecution of their objects, particularly the revival of the society at the Cape, and the formation of corresponding committees at the different missionary stations. Dr. Philip, in reply to these sugges- tions, regretted that he had been prevented from forming a society on a scale in any way commensurate with his own wishes, or the wants of South Africa. Acting, however, on the maxim, " If we cannot do all the good we would, let us do all the good we can," he had opened his own house as a tract depositoiy, to which the most assiduous attention had been paid by Mrs. Philip. The Doctor stated that in the partial success which had attended this effort, and the opportunities it had afforded of becoming acquainted with the persons who visited the depository, and of stimulating them to increased activity in the circulation of books and tracts, he had enjoyed a full reward. Among the early plans for the benefit of the natives at Cape Town was the formation of "The Popular Library," sus- tained by a small subscription for the privilege of reading the books. About two hundred persons, mostly young people, who had been educated in the schools, availed themselves of its advantages. It gave the parent Society much pleasure to send a supply of books to promote this object. Dr. Philip, when referring to this new effort, made the following enlightened observations : — " Formerly every thing was wanted but books, and good books least of all; but jour little works distributed among our '^abbath-scliools, and 544 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. those we are in the habit of lending to the scholars, have carried a taste for reading into many families where books were not before in demand. We do not say, that good must be done by the distribution of your little publications ; but say, much good has been done, and is doing by them. It is quite a feast to me, at the close of our sabbath-school exer- cise, to see the children exchanging the books which they had been occupied in reading during the preceding week, for others, which are to employ them till the next sabbath day. The pleasure with which they look at the book- case, when its folding-doors are thrown open, the patience with which they wait their turns, and the joy and triumph with which the new publications are received and carried oiT, present one of the most gratifying spectacles the Christian or even the philosophic mind can contemplate. We have lately held the first anniversary of our Popular Library, and we had Sir John Herschel in the chair, with our youthful readers in a gallery; and I never saw om* great philosopher more delighted than he was on that occasion. If you had ever seen what I have seen, a people without books and without a taste for reading, you would wish, from the bottom of your heart, to see them reading anything rather than see them in that brutified state ; but it is of the utmost importance, to secure all the advantages possible from the new state of things I have described, that the youth should be furnished with good books." In 1831 the loan system was in active operation in Cape Town, and considerable success followed the labours of the dis- tributors. The sailors and boatmen of Table Bay were furnished with many of the Society's publications. An individual for- merly connected with the sea service, felt deeply interested in the spiritual welfare of this class, and laid himself out for their benefit. For a long time he was much persecuted by the boatmen ; but he overcame their evil with good, when they treated him with civility, and he entertained good hopes respecting some of them. " Every sabbath morning,'' says the distributor, "when the weather will permit, I go round, in a boat, to the ships in the bay, distributing testaments and tracts ; they are well received, both by men and officers, who always express their sympathy at seeing me toiling, and row- ing, and suffering in my canoe, and often ask me to go below and take a glass of grog, or, on this being declined, a cup of coffee to strengthen me. When below, the chests are over- hauled, and books and tracts exchanged for others. Many express themselves to have profited much by the tracts, and two sailors, who had been in the hospital, appeared to be much concerned about their souls." The Rev. Richard Birt circulated many publications among SOUTH AFRICA. 545 the Boors, who, though respectable in circumstances, were en- tirely destitute of books adapted to the young. He wrote : — " Their bible, or at most some old divine adapted to an experienced believer, was the extent of their books ; while the young people, with a thousand drawbacks, had nothing to interest or attract them to cultivate the least relish for a book. I felt deeply their condition, and therefore you can well suppose my gladness on receiving the Dutch edition of ' Stories from Switzerland.' It has gone into many families, where it is appreciated and read by yoimg and old. It is for God to give his blessing; and though it may never be known to us that the little messenger which has been widely spread has been the direct means of the conversion of a soul, yet it may be in many instances a link in the chain of events which has led souls to the Saviour ; and thus, in that day when all things shall be re- vealed, your Committee and myself may have cause to rejoice together." The poor untaught natives have been regarded with tender solicitude by the missionaries. The Rev. Henry Calderwood, of Blinkwater, near Cape Beaufort, thus described their con- dition : — " The human mind is here sunk as low as it can sink. There is mind, vigorous mind, and sovind judgment ; but how depraved and darkened ! The human soul is a precious jewel, but he who would separate it from the impurities of earth in this land, must descend and dig it out of a deep, dark, and filthy mine. Their ideas, too, are all confined to the earth, and that a narrow spot of it. Their minds are familiar with a vei'y few ob- jects; this is a serious difficulty in communicating religious truth. Those who can read, however, are fond of the very little they have to read. If we could constantly keep in their hands a supply of plain and pointed tracts, they would be sure to be often read to others, and thus useful missionaries be multiplied to any extent. It would also be a great stimu- lant to learn to read. Their having as yet no trades among them, it is difficult to keep them from sleeping away much of their time and ener- gies ; even, therefore, in a merely intellectual point of view, besides the salvation of the immortal soul, it would be a great mercy to induce them to spend some of their time in reading tracts. Larger works will follow in the train of these little, but often mighty, messengers of light and mercy." A few tract.s have been published for the people, but a long and destructive war has suspended all benevolent efforts for their moral and s])iritual good. The Society for promoting Female Education applied for libraries for different missionaiy stations in Caffraria. They stated that " there were many young people, children of mis- sionaries and others, who were growing up to an age when they were able and willing to do something for the poor igno- rant people around them, but they suffered great inconvenience 2 N 546 FOKEIGN OPERATIONS. through the lack of instructive books for their om'ii improve- ment as well as for loan circulation." In compliance with this application, ten libraries, value 23/., were placed at different stations connected with the Glasgow Missionary Society, the Glasgow African Mission, and the London Missionaiy Society. The Rev. James Read, of the Kat River settlement, was one of the Society's earliest correspondents, and grants wei-e frequently made to hnn. In 1837, the Committee printed 2000 copies of a Dutch hymn-book, generally used in the churches planted in the country. These were placed with Dr. Philip, Mr. Read, and other friends, for sale at a low price. Mr. Read also received a supply of paper, one thousand ' Cottage Hymns,' and one hundred copies of the sermon ' On Glorying in the Cross of Christ.' The hymn-books and tracts were much valued by the people. During a tour with Dr. Philip, Mr. Read had opportunities of witnessing the progress of religious knowledge, particularly through the schools. In reference to the press, and the necessity of being prepared for the attacks of popery, Mr. Read wrote : — " We have already printed a number of Dutch cards, and elementary books for our schools, which were greatly wanted, not only for this set- tlement, but at most other stations within and beyond the colony. Some applications have been already made by missionaries, and we expect many more ; we have also to translate, simplify, and print some of your best tracts, and perhaps compose others, and then we have in contem- plation the publishing a small periodical in Dutch for our people. They must be prepared for dark days, for their piety and knowledge may soon be put to the test, as the Roman Catholics are approaching. Every means must be used to preserve our people from being led astray ; and the press is certainly a very important instrument to propagate truth and oppose error." The missionaries in far distant Lattakoo were early in the field with the printing-press, and were anxious to prepare suitable tracts for the natives who had acquired a taste for reading. The Society voted to Mr. Moffatt sixteen reams of paper, a large number of small tracts and children's books, and some casts of cuts for illustrating the native works. The printing-press excited the wonder of the poor Bechuanas. Mr. Moffatt wrote :— " Although many of the natives had been informed how books were printed, nothing could exceed their surprise when they saw a white sheet, after disappearing for a moment, emerge spangled with letters. After a few noisy exclamations, one obtained a sheet, with which he boimded into SOUTH AFHICA. 547 the village, showing it to every one he met, and asserting that Mr. Edwards and myself had made it in a moment, with a round black ham- mer (a printer's ball) and a shake of the arm. The description of such a juggling process soon brought a crowd to see the segatisho, (press,) which has since proved au auxiliary of vast importance to our cause." In reference to these new operations, Dr. Philip remarked : " A printing-press at Lattakoo, employed in furnishing books to a reading population, is an object on which the eye of the philo- sopher and Christian may dwell with delight, and on which heaven looks down with pleasure. Africa, which has been so long broken off from God and from the universe of moral and intellectual being, is at last linked to civilized society and to the church of Christ. What heart can be insensible to the grandeur of those effects which are likely to arise from the introduction of a printing-press, schools, the circulation of the scriptures, literature, and science, among the hitherto barbarous tribes of the interior of South Africa ? " The printing-paper voted to Lattakoo arrived in due course, and cheered the minds of the devoted but almost isolated labourers. The following are extracts from a letter received from the Rev. R. Moffat, dated October, 1833 :— " The utility of such publications as have issued from your depository is witnessed by the redeemed in glory, and daily by the saints on earth. Tracts have as yet never greeted the eyes of the Bechuanas, in their own language; a nation now beginning to emerge from the awful ignorance and degradation in which they and their forefathers have lived, and in which, alas ! thousands have died, without one ray of hope of immor- tality beyond the grave. " The day now seems to dawn upon them ; the time to favour them is fast approaching ; and we congratulate you that the period is at no great distance, when the influences of the Tract Society will be felt and blest in the sequestered villages of the interior. Our labours have been, in some measure, blessed ; and the Lord is continuing to crown our hum- ble and imperfect exertions with success. The mission is at present in a pi-osperous state; and we see the most signal testimonies of the Divine favour, in the conversion of sinners, so as to warrant our most sanguine expectations that a harvest of souls will be gathered to the Redeemer from among this people. We have instances here of grace abounding to sinners, which make us ashamed of our own unbelief. Five have lately been received into the church, and at least double that number will very soon be selected from the present candidates to make public confession of their faith in the Lord Jesus. The number of readers is increasing, and the knowledge of a Saviour is gradually advancing. Our printing press is an important acquisition to the Rcchuana mission. We have already been able to supply the school here, and at other stations, with 2 N 2 548 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. spelling-books, lessons, catechisms, and hymns, in the Bechviana language; and we are now printing scripture lessons for schools, according to the British system." A further grant of paper was sent to Mr. Moffat, with the hope that from Lattakoo the gospel would sound out to all the regions round about. Nor was this hope entirely disap- pointed. Many sheet lessons were printed, and a number of Sichuana hymns, for the use of the converts. In a letter from the station, dated June -26th, 1835, Mr. Edwards remarked: '' Last week we printed five hundred copies of ' Poor Joseph,^ translated by Mr. Moffat ; five hundred of ' The Sinner's Help,' by Mr. Lemue; and five hundred of ' Old James,' by Mr. Ed- wards. Larger editions would have been printed had the supply of paper been sufficient. The tracts, ' Do you want a Friend ? ' ' Speak Truth,' ' Lydia Sturtevant,' ' The Good Shepherd,' and * Peace in Death,' were shortly afterwards published. In July, 1841, Mr. Edwards reported the issue of several new tracts, including, ' The Troublesome Garden ; or. Work for All,' '■ Content and Discontent,' and ' False Hope.' When refeiTing to the attachment of the people to their books, he wrote : — " They form a part of their libraiy, and whether at home or on jour- neys, the little bag containing their books is an Important part of their baggage; and bitter are the lamentations, if they are so unfortunate as to lose any of them, which they value as the food of the soul. To us, who are familiar with the mental sloth of the Bechuanas, except in what concerns their temporal welfare, it is the highest gratification to see them forming habits of reading, and finding more pleasure and profit in perusing the few books they possess, than in the idle, and often worse than foolish, conversation of those who cannot, or will not, learn to read. We hope the assistance granted to this mission will be a means of bringing glory to the Redeemer, in promoting a knowledge of his grace and salvation among the Bechuanas." During Mr. Moffat's visit to England, in 1842, the Com- mittee had several opportunities of conversing with him on the moral and religious state of the district he had cultivated with so much care and anxiety for more than twenty years. At his request, ten thousand hymn-books, in the Sichuana lan- guage, were published, and renewed supplies of paper granted. Mr. Moffat expected that the hynm-book would have a con- siderable sale, though not at a remunerating price. In this work the Committee were aided by special donations, amount- ing to 52/., obtained by Mr. Moffat. SOUTH AFRICA. 549 The Rev, William Ross, in a letter, dated January 20, 1842, reported to the Committee, that he had translated into Sichu- ana part of ' The Flower Gathered ; or, the History of Henry Packman Smith,' and read it to the young people at his station. They received it with great interest, as being the first tract particularly directed to the young. Soon after IVIr. Moffat's return to his distant station, he announced the safe arrival of the ten thousand hymn-books. His remarks on the excitement they produced among the people, and his reference to the ' Pilgrim's Progress,' will interest the reader : — " When first taken out of the cases they excited no little admiration, and the eagerness to obtain them was just what was anticipated. How- ever, in a land like this, where commerce is still in its infancy, and where there is little of either silver or gold, and many poor, there was no little difficulty, on the part of some, to procure the means to obtain a copy. Some purchased them with corn, some with goats and sheep, and others with cash. Many, who had some of the old edition in good order, offered them in exchange for the new, which we could hardly with justice refuse. One or two having been given to children who had distinguished themselves by learning to read and by good behaviour, this opened a door to many more juvenile applicants, who now feel something like a title to a hymn-book, on their being able to read it. A few weeks ago, after preaching at a neighbouring village, where there is a schoolmaster, two very little girls came to solicit hymn-books. Their only plea was that they had learned to read. One of them looked so very young that I expressed some doubts as to her proficiency. She smilingly replied, ' Try me.' I handed the book which I had in my hand, and it happening to open at a well-known hymn, she read it clearly. I remarked, 'You know this by rote.' To this she very promptly rejf)ined, ' Then show me one T do not know.' I turned over to one of the new ones— an imitation of Montgomery's beautiful hymn on prayer. This she read with nearly the same ease. She got her book, and scampered off" home with a gladsome heart. On a late itinerating visit to one of our distant out-gtations, after holding a converfational or Bible-class meeting, with some of the believers, I returned to my wagon. Here I found two women, whose appearance indicated poverty. I inquired if they wished to speak to me. ' We are come to beg,' said they. * I hope it is something for your souls.' ' Yes,' was their reply. Seating myself on a stone, I remarked, ' I shall give you what you desire, with all my heart.' At this they brightened up, adding, ' It is hymn-books we are come to beg. We are poor widows, and have not wherewith to buy.' On inquiry, I found they were able to read, and were widows indeed. They were accordingly supplied. After a few words of exhortation, they departed, but not before giving expression to tlie deep gratitude they felt. I thought to myself, how great the 550 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. privilege to be able to afford means to cause the widow's heart to sing. Some adults have purchased liymn-books, who scarcely knew the top from the bottom of the page; but the idea of their sitting with a book in their hands, in public worship, made them feel they were something among their fellow-worshippers; nor has it been lost upon them, for not liking to begin their ascent at the lowest steps (A, B, C), they have taught themselves to read, becoming, in the first instance, by dictation, familiar with the hymns. Yea, more ; I met with two instances of per- sons lately received into our church, whose attention was first directed to divine things by hearing others reading and singing hymns. I men- tion these facts to show that your timely aid is already bringing forth fruit to the glory of God, in the cheering of many a soul where Zion's hymns have usurped the place of heathen songs; and in tuning voices once employed in monotonous rehearsals of the martial, and often the obscene, to accents of peace, purity, and love. A case in point is now transpir- ing at this very moment within sound of my ears. A company passing from one part of the country to another have, as many strangers are wont to do, halted on my premises. They have spent the evening in gipsy style, over a fire, singing hymns. " I am at the present moment dressing Bunyan's Pilgrim in a Sichuana garb, and if he does not travel this land through and through I shall be much mistaken. The tracts which are printed have been extensivelj-^ cir- culated ; but, as rather too many of one kind were turned off, we shall not be able, for a time, to add new ones, from want of paper, as we are reserving the twenty-four reams which your Committee kindly granted on my leaving England, for the Pilgrim. " We need more Sichuana literature to expand and raise their yet infant minds, and this we shall, through Divine help, endeavour to supply as soon as possible ; but the duties devolving on a missionary among a barbarous people are so many and so varied, that it is a rare thing for him to have the command of a single day." The Cape Town and South African Ladies' Tract and Book Society was established m 1832. On this occasion^ the secre- tary remarked : " It is pleasant to see a society like this arise, even in favoured, happy England; but in Cape Town, where thousands in the lower walks are so debased by igno- rance and vice, that the name of God is scarcely known, or known but to be blasphemed, we hail it with peculiar delight. The wise and gracious commendation of our Saviour, ' She hath done what she could,' has, no doubt, produced many an earnest, humble attempt to advance his kingdom, and promote his glory. If this society should have the same commenda- tion, we shall have our reward, though success never smile on our efforts." Nearly thirty ladies, and a number of young men, were SOUTH AFRICA. 551 engaged in the Cape Town Society. The latter distributed tracts among sailors, in prisons and other places. In its first report, it was stated, that its objects and hopes, rather than its achievements, had to be recorded. The loan plan had been continued, and the labom*ers in a rugged and unfriendly soil " were greatly cheered by a Mohammedan and his wife having been induced to relinquish their false hopes, and to sit at the Savioui*^s feet." After many hindrances and persecutions from the supporters of the Moslem faith, they were received into the church by baptism. A few small books, in Dutch, were printed, and ten thousand copies of ten nevv^ ones, from England, were placed with the society. Among the new tracts issued, was ' Amelia Gale,' which was the means of kindling in many minds a holy spirit of activity in the cause of Jesus Christ. The loan plan also had succeeded far beyond the expectations of the friends who promoted it. One cheering fact is recorded in an early report. "One of the visitors gave tlie tract, 'James Covey,' in Dutch, to a poor woman, who returned it the following sabbath, with a note enclosed, thanking the visitors for the loan of it, and saying, that she felt herself to be a very great sinner; but since such a sinner as James Covey bad found mercy, she hoped she, too, might be saved. On two of the ladies calling on an old Dutch woman, she burst into tears, and blessed God sbe had lived to see the day v/hen ladies would interest themselves on behalf of the poor and ignorant. Another pleasing instance has occurred of a poor woman professing the Mohammedan religion, who received and read the tracts with great earnestness, particularly ' Poor Joseph,' and such as pointed out tlie way of salvation in a simple manner. She bad learned to read when a child, and had been in the habit of accom- panying her mistress's children to church, when young. She possessed no books, except the tracts, which sbe read over and over again, and expressed a desire to purchase a testament, which was procured for her. She now reads it, and rests her hope of salvation solely on Jesus Christ." The new society printed ' Maternal Piety ' and ' The Chris- tian Drummer,' the latter by the llev. John Campbell, upon paper furnished by the parent Society. The tracts were grate- fully received, even at the remotest stations, where they were considered a boon of the highest value, and children, even of eight years old, committed them to memory. The books also of the parent Society met with a good sale, and consi- derable consignments, sometimes amounting to nearly 200/., were forwarded. 552 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. The objects of the Cape Town Society were so zealously promoted, that in 1835 about twenty new tracts were sent forth, and one thousand copies of 'The Pilgrim^s Progress/ in Dutch. The issues of the society gradually increased, to the great encouragement of its conductors. In 1837, fifty-five thousand tracts left the depository, which were circulated through a large portion of the colony. In this latter year, the receipts of the society amounted to 252/., and the books sent out on sale were 256/. The operations of the Cape Society and of private friends were frequently accompanied by the clearest evidence that spiri- tual results followed. At Theopolis, a young Hottentot female was called to her rest at the early age of fourteen. " She pos- sessed," wrote Mr. Barker, " a taste for reading, had read all the books in the library two or three times over, with many of the books furnished by the Religious Tract Society. Just before she died, she was reading Mr. Hill's ' Village Dialogues.' Her bible was her constant companion." One of the Wesleyan missionaries at Graham's Town, after stating the publication, in the CafFre language, of a quarterly work, entitled, 'The News Teller,' a religious periodical, remarked : " You will rejoice to hear that this periodical is already a favourite with our Cafi"re readers; and I have now in my possession a curious list of Caifre subscribers for the work. What hath God wrought ! Less than twenty years ago, it would probably have been impossible to have found a single individual among the CafFres living between the Fish River and Delagoa Bay, who could read a sentence; now, there is a considerable number who are regularly reading the four Gospels and other books." The Cape Town Society, to meet the constant demand for new works, added Baxter's ' Call to the Unconverted,' ' The Mother at Home,' and ' The Anxious Inquirer ' to their list of Dutch books : they have continued to labour amidst many difficulties, and have received large annual supplies of tracts from the parent Society for gratuitous circulation. The local friends have likewise printed Sichuana tracts, for the Bossutas, among whom the French missionaries were labouring, for which paper was supplied by the Society. The local Society is now anxious to carry out an important object, namely, the publication and regular circulation through SOUTH AFRICA. 553 the colony of a monthly tract in the Dutch language, similar to the parent Society's ''Monthly Messenger/ In fourteen months thirty thousand copies of suitable tracts weic printed. The local Committee remarked: — "A regular distribution of such publications seems peculiarly adapted to the circumstances of the population of the colony, so many of whom live at a distance of several days' journey from the sanctuary; and it is presumed that, in evciy locality, something might be done to effect such a distribution. A tract given to each family as they leave the sanctuary might accomplish much, if no better plan should suggest itself.'' On the appointment of Sir Peregrine Maitland, as governor of the Cape of Good Hope, the Committee brought the Society's operations before his Excellency, and commended them to his kind patronage and support. They also presented to him specimens of the Society's English works. After his arrival at the seat of government, his chaplain, the Rev. Brownlow iMaitland, acknowledged the arrival of the grants. With a portion of the books a small library had been formed in the School of Industry, situated in the gOAcrnment gardens; with othei's the convict labourers on the roads were supplied, and the tracts were found useful to the friends connected with the Benevolent Society, who lent and exchanged them in their districts. The Committee assured the governor of their willingness, as far as the Society's funds would allow, to attend to any sug- gestions he might make for the benefit of the colony. They voted to him 20/. in books for introduction into the schools, which the local government were endeavouring to form in various parts of the colony, " that by them the extending capa- bility of reading might be turned to account, and made an instrument of diffusing religious knowledge." In drawing to a close the statement of the Society's opera- tions in South Africa, the Committee, whilst they regret that so little has been done, yet consider that no opening for use- fulness has been neglected. In the jubilee year, the Rev. J. J. Freeman, one of the secretaries of the London Missionary Society, conferred with the Committee on various points connected with the Society's operations, previous to his departure for South Africa and tlie African Islands. They placed ^vith him 54)4 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. 14,000 tracts for gratuitous circulation, trusting that his tour woukl greatly extend the Saviour's cause. There is now the appearance of fruit in this distant wilder- ness, and the Society feels, with one of the devoted mission- aries, that " though Africa is a dry and barren land, nature can there produce graceful and lovely flowers ; and shall not the garden of the Lord planted in Africa produce flowers equally graceful and beautiful ? There is an earnest spirit of inquiry and thirst for knowledge amongst many who have embraced the gospel, and I cannot but believe, that if at- tention is paid to the proper cultivation of their minds, the Lord will be glorified." " The work is begun," writes the venerable James Read; " it is only to keep it going." WESTERN AFRICA. The commencement of the Society's operations on the western coast of Africa occurred in 1818, when the Rev. Edward Bickersteth, then a greatly respected member of the Com- mittee, proceeded to Sierra Leone for the Church Missionaiy Society. He received a supply of the Society's publications, " which contributed somewhat even in that place towards rescuing fallen man from the dominion of spiritual darkness." The Society's works having been made known to Christian friends, frequent applications were made for them. Among the applicants were the pious and devoted Mrs. Hannah Kilham, who deeply interested herself for the poor sons of Africa, and Mr. Lander, the enterprising individual who discovered the source of the Niger. The seed scattered by the Society's friends was not altogether in vain. One correspondent wrote : " It was a most delightful sight to witness from time to time a great number of poor black children waiting with anxiety at the mission-house for books. Their importunity I could not resist. The people and children in general have a thirst for know- ledge. It may be truly said, in this part of our Lord's vineyard, that in a short time a people have been raised up who were not a people, and those are beloved who were not beloved." The Rev. J. G. Wilhelm, in 1834, reported an interesting circumstance. He wrote : " A poor native Christian woman, who was engaged in selling religious tracts and school-books at a little stall, has entered into rest. If ever I have seen a single- WESTERN AFRICA. 555 hearted and consistent Christian among the poor Africans, it Avas this woman. In her little trade she was very honest and faithful. Perhaps it will appear at the last day that some of the works issued from this book-stall in "Western Africa, and consecrated by the fervent prayers of this Christian woman, were the means of leading poor wanderers to the Redeemer." In 1834, and subsequent years, the friends connected mth the Church Missionary Society received large supplies of tracts and children's books for the use of their different stations. About 8000 publications were also granted to different friends proceeding as missionaries to this part of Africa. One of them gave an interesting account of the progress of know- ledge among the recaptured negroes, and stated : " Their thirst for information is intense and ardent. There is a holy enthusiasm among them to read the scriptures and religious books. They often apply for them, and on asking them what kind they require, their reply is, " About God, Avho so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son," etc. The Rev. William Morgan, the colonial chaplain, reported to the Committee, in 1837, the formation of the Sierra Leone Religious Tract Society. The subscriptions amounted to 36/. He requested a supply of books, w^hich he boped would be the means of giving a higher tone of moral feeling to the youth of Free Town. The Committee immediately sent the desired supplies. The missionaries soon discovered a strong desire among the ])eople to obtain tracts, partly perhaps from curiosity, but in some cases it was hoped from an earnest desire to know the truth. The following information was received from one of the labourers. — " I saw two persons reading a book under the piazza of my house. I just dropped over the side of it a number of 'The Children's Friend.' This gained the attention of a few women in the market-place, who came running to the spot. The other people in the market soon left their baskets and goods and came running, earnestly begging for books. This created a great noise; and in a few minutes, men, women, and children, were seen running to the spot from every direction. The sight was ex- traordinary. I was moved, to see nearly one hundred of my fellow sinners stretching out their hands, apparently as desirous for these little books and tracts as for their necessary food. I was totally at a loss how to distribute the books; as it was useless to throw them to the people, for in the struggle to obtain them, they both destroyed the books and hurt one another. I begged them to be quiet, and then addressed them 556 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. from the piazza. I went down and took my stand under a plantain-tree, and endeavoured to give the books to those who could read ; but the shouting increased more and more, and the people trod one upon another. I was obliged to put up my books and tracts as well as I could, and endeavoured to still the people. The burden of the people's cry was, ' Master, my pickaninny (child), my pickaninny can read ! God bless Master I thank God for Master ! ' May the precious seed, thus sown, be followed by the Divine blessing to these benighted sons and daughters of Africa ! — A man brought me, as a present, this evening, two roots of cassada and five cocoa-leaves. He said, ' My heart love you too much, Master. Ah ! you no (know) sabby how much me love you.' " Similar information was received from a Wesleyan mis- sionary at Free Town. " I cannot possibly describe to you," remarked Mr. Dove, " the anxiety, as well as the eagerness, which is evinced by adults and children for your publications ; and, perhaps, there never was a more seasonable time than the present for communicating to this highly interesting race that knowledge which is practical, saving, and divine. The Moham- medans are busy in making proselytes ; they are raising their lofty mosques in different parts of this colony; and surely we need all the help we can get, in order that we may, by the Lord^s blessing, counteract the deadly influence of the false prophet, and at the same time spread vital and practical Chris- tianity throughout this highly important missionaiy station ! O help, men of Israel ! help us by your fervent prayers, and by your invaluable publications, that the vile and abominable system of Mohammedanism, which has spread its baneful influ- ence to an alarming extent, throughout almost every part of Western Africa, may soon fall before the light of gospel truth." In Free Town, the missionaries printed a few small tracts in the Timmanee dialect. There was a considerable demand for them. The effect produced by the reading of these publica- tions was thus described by a friend : — " Some of them burst out into expressions of amazement and wondci-, saying, 'These are great things!' As regards the translation of 'Watts's Catechism,' and the prayers and hymns, I can understand the greater part of them, and I believe so would any Timmanee to whom they were plainly read. I can scarcely describe the effect produced on myself by the little hymn, ' Come to Jesus,' the first time I heard it sung in Tim- manee. My heart filled, and my eyes overflowed, as I looked up to God, that the time might soon come when His high praises, through Jesus Christ, would be sung by the Timmanese in their own language." The grants of the Society's publications were not confined to WESTERN AFRICA. 557 Christian missionaries, but were made to many respectable friends. Libraries, to tbe value of 15/., on reduced terms, were granted, on the application of the commanders, for the ' Albert,^ the ' Wilberforce,^ and the ' Soudan,' the vessels that proceeded up the Niger. It was hoped that the expe- dition would secure facilities for the introduction of the gospel among the interior nations of the country. It did not please God, however, to give success to the well-intentioned effort; but it is hoped that the sick and dying men among the crews were benefited by the Society's works, which pointed them to " the better country." The Rev. Mr. Jones, the principal of the Fourah Bay Missionary Institution, received a grant of 15/., in books, for the library of the institution. Although the labours of the Society at Sierra Leone have frequently been interrupted by the prevailing epidemic, yet the desire for religious works has continued. One fact has been mentioned by the Church Missionary Society : " An order was received from the missionaries for three thousand copies of the ' Cottage Hymn-book.' The secretary, to whom it was ad- dressed, surprised at its large amount, feared some mistake had been made in the figures. He, however, dispatched the required number, and, in the course of a few months, he was requested to send an additional supply of three thousand. This intelli- gence is the more gratifying, as the whole of these copies were purchased by the people." Tlie congregation of coloured men in Sierra Leone, in the Countess of Huntingdon's connexion, have received various grants of tracts for gratuitous circulation, and books at a reduced price, for the formation of a library. The death of friends, and the retirement of others from the colony, led to the dissolution of the auxiliary, which was a source of deep regret to the parent Committee. The value of individual agency is often seen by the effects of its with- drawment. In Sien-a Leone the labourers are few, and they are often suddenly summoned to their rest. The cause of truth, however, survives the frail but devoted agent. The auxiliai-y has failed, but the demand for books continues. A friend at Sierra Leone thus wrote : " The thirst for scrip- tural knowledge still remains. During last quarter, I sold no fewer than five dozen of Watts's ' Scripture History,' and three dozen and a half of ' The Catechism of Scripture History,' 558 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. to our scholars. Deriving great advantages themselves from such books, they have recommended them to their friends in town, from whom I have received many applications, not only for the above works, but also for other books, as ' Barnes's Notes,' ' Pilgrim's Progress/ and even for Scott's and Heniy's. New openings for the spread of divine truth were presented to the Society in Western Africa, through the Baptist mis- sionaries at Fernando Po. They received about 9000 tracts for circulation, and a small assortment of books, on sale. A grant of 3000 tracts was made to the Rev. A. W. Hanson, chaplain of the British colony of Cape Coast Castle, a native of Western Africa, for the garrison and school. The perusal of the tracts led to the formation of a library for the benefit of the people committed to his care. The Rev. Joseph Merrick, of Bimbia, transmitted a copy of the Gospel by St. Matthew, which he had printed in Isubu, one of the languages of Western Africa. He stated his anxiety to print tracts in that and other languages spoken in the district. A grant of paper was immediately forwarded to Mr. Merrick, and he was encouraged zealously to prosecute the objects he had mentioned. A fact noticed by the Society's correspondent was refreshing to the Com- mittee. " I would take this opportunity of presenting to your Society my un- feigned thanks, for the good I derived some years ago from the perusal of one of its publications, namely, ' Doddridge's Rise and Progress,' etc. It was while perusing that excellent little book, that I was led to seek for happiness in Christ." On the application of J. J. Roberts, Esq., the president of the republic of Liberia, 2600 children's books were voted for the thirty-six schools within his dominions. In reference to the aborigines, Mr. Roberts wrote : " Many of them have been educated in the schools of Liberia, and manifest a great desire and aptness for acquiring useful knowledge ; and the greatest drawback at present to their progress in civilization and education, is the want of books. Indeed, nearly all the classes in Liberia labour under this disadvantage." NOUTIIERN AFRICA. 559 NORTHERN AFRICA. The difficulties which were felt in securing a circulation of religious publications in Southern Africa were found to be far greater in the north. The Mohammedan power is strongly opposed to all Christian efforts, and equally so are the fol- lowers of the Romish Church. Although these difficulties appeared nearly insurmountable, a few devoted men were found who were anxious to make known the Redeemer. Among these was Mr. Bird, of the American board of missions, Avho resided at Tripoli. He found that though his labours were quiet and unobtrusive, yet they excited the attention of tlie Roman Catholic priests. In reference to this circumstance, he stated that the padre Pefelto made a declamation to the people against " the noisome little books," calling upon all to abstain from receiving any of those mischievous vehicles of heresy; and if they had received any, without fail to bring them all in, denouncing certain perdition upon those who disobeyed. He was not so violent against the scriptures, which he said they could not understand ; but it was " those little books that did the greatest mischief; no one could read them without certain destruction." At Tripoli a pious individual from Gibraltar was also accus- tomed to give away tracts obtained from Malta. His kindly exertions to benefit a dark and ignorant population exposed him to severe papal opposition. He, however, was not discouraged by threats and persecutions, but through good report and through evil report he went meekly forward in his Master's cause. On one occasion a Moslem, the agent of the Bey of Tunis, applied to ]\Ir. Bird for books, which he was anxious to obtain, and received a supply. He circulated Arabic tracts during his tours, though he frequently found that the enmity of the carnal mind was excited thereby. The people had not ftn-- gottcn the exertions of Mr. Greaves, who visited Tunis. One person remarked : " We had a man like you here about four years ago, an English priest, who brought cases of books, and conversed with the people about religion." In Abyssinia the labours of. the Rev. Christian Kugler, and Mr. Gobat, the present bishop of Jerusalem, led to the distri- bution of religious publications. They were so well received 560 FOREIGN OPERATIONS, that Mr. Kugler remarked : " I am exceedingly glad to observe that the people love our books and receive them without the least prejudice." Prior to Mr. Kugler's departure to Abyssinia in 1830j he informed the parent Committee that numerous copies of Arabic tracts, printed by the Society at Malta, might be sold, and in that way the suspicion and danger which some- times attended their gratuitous circulation would be avoided. The hopes raised by the labours of Mr. Kugler were soon disappointed. It pleased God to remove him to a better world, and thus an important opening for usefu^lness was closed against the Institution. The Rev. Mr. Nicolayson, of the Jewish Society, during his residence at Algiers, distributed French tracts, which he received from Malta. He was much discouraged in his labours, the people being awfully indiflFerent to the claims of the gospel. It was, however, afterwards ascertained, that among the residents in the town, a Moor, a Jew, and a Roman Catholic were led to believe in the Saviour, through the small works which Mr. Nicolayson had given them. The information from the Rev. F. C. Ewald was of a more cheering character. Writing from Tunis, he observed : — " A Turk called and told me he had heard that I had religious books, and he came to see them. I showed him the bible, the new testament, the Psalms, and several tracts: we read some Psalms together. A Moor joined us, who had bought a bible, and read it with great attention. He was once present when I was disputing with some Jews respecting several passages in the prophecy of Isaiah, as referring to our Lord Jesus. To-day he told me, ' I have read the prophet Isaiah, and found many passages which refer to Christ.' He has begun to study the Hebrew; and bought to-day a Hebrew bible, requesting me sometimes to read with him, which I promised to do." On referring to a call upon the general of the Mamelukes, he remarks : — " He made me sit down by his side, and we conversed together. He expressed great pleasure at the books which I had sent him ; telling me he was a great friend of books, and asked me what I wished for them, I replied, if he would accept and read them, I should be most happy. He thanked me most cordially." In 1835, a grant of 10,500 tracts, in various languages, was sent to Mr. Ewald. He found, particularly among the young people, an almost entire destitution of books. A circulating library was placed under his care for the use of Europeans NORTHERN AFRICA. 561 at Tunis, and another library was sent to the Church 'mission- aries in Abyssinia. The society at Toulouse also placed three libraries in Algiers; one in the town, another in the military hospital, and a third in the barracks, where the books were read with considerable interest. In the labours which have been noticed, the Christian friends who kindly undertook the circulation of tracts had little to encourage them. In these barren places, however, the Holy Spirit was sometimes pleased to bless the tracts. The follow- ing touching fact was reported to the Society, " A French soldier had deserted from his ranks, and joined the enemy. Being taken soon afterwards in an Arabian camp, and made prisoner, he was recognised, tried, and condemned to death. A Chi-istian friend has- tened to the prison for the purpose of seeing the unhappy man, but was not admitted. All he could obtain permission to do was, to leave a tract, ('Lady Jane Grey,') with the promise that it should be delivered to him. The next day the visit at the prison gate was repeated, and another tract (' Poor Joseph ') introduced for the same pm-pose. Not willing to leave any thing untried, which the Lord might afford him the opportunitj' of attempting for the salvation of this poor sinner's soul, our Christian philanthropist went once more to the prison -door; but it was too late ! The sentence had been, as is customary in such cases, exe- cuted very speedily ; and the deserter's soul was already in eternity. The disappointment of not having seen the poor prisoner who had ex- cited so much Christian sympathy, was most painful to our friend; but what was his gratification on being told by the prison-keeper, that the two tracts had not only been diligently read by the criminal, but that they had been made his companions to the place of execution, and ex- hibited by him to all the spectators ! Does not this fact afford strong grounds for hoping that these little evangelical messengers had been, through Divine grace, made useful to this poor sinner's soul ? Indeed, there are cases which show that a Christian tract may speak, where a Christian tongue cannot. The prison-keeper assured our friend, that tlie two tracts had been read with interest in his family, previously to their being given to the prisoner." These statements nearly complete the brief history of the Society's operations in the northern parts of Africa. During the last ten years little has been done, except to make a few small grants to Jewish missionaries. The last supply was to the Rev. N. Davis, missionary of the Church of Scotland, at Tunis. He received tracts for circulation, and 10/. in books, on reduced terms, for the formation of a mission library. He thought that the Society's books would be productive of much Sfood in that dark and benighted district. 2 (> 563 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. Looktng at the vast extent of Africa, it is a subject of deep regret, that the whole expenditure of the Society, in its grants, has not exceeded 2003/. 16s. Qd. At the same time, the Society is satisfied that it has not been inattentive to any of the appeals it has received. The paucity of labourers, and the want of education on the part of a large portion of the population, have necessarily retarded the operations of the press. During the last few years the people, in a few dis- tricts, have experienced the- benefits of knowledge, and through religious works some poor wanderers have been led to the Redeemer. These facts should be a sufficient encouragement to the future labourers. The devoted Vanderkemp, who long preached the truth in South Africa without any apparent suc- cess, was overwhelmed with joy when told by a Hottentot woman that she incessantly prayed to Jesus to reveal himself to her, and teach her what she ought to know. He exclaimed: " Oh ! how did my soul rejoice that the Lord had given me, in this wilderness, among tigers and wolves, and at such a dis- tance from Christians, a poor heathen woman, with whom I could converse confidently of the mysteries of the hidden communion with Christ. Oh ! that I may not be deceived ! " In this one conversion his faith realized the universal spread of the gospel. He therefore exclaimed : " So my winter is past ; the voice of the turtle is already heard in the land.^^ With similar faith let the Christian church receive the facts of former usefulness as a solemn pledge that the time will come when long-neglected and debased Ethiopia shall stretch out her hands unto God. ST. HELENA. This lonely station in the Atlantic has not been overlooked in the operations of the Society. A few years after its for- mation, tracts were sent for gratuitous circulation; and up to the present time, there is a constant demand for the Society's works. The late Captain O^Connor for many years obtained subscriptions for the Institution, which he regularly trans- mitted. Sometimes they amounted to 12/., and the books on sale exceeded 50/. a year. Since the captain's lamented death, the cause has been kindly sustained by other friends. A library, sent to this island in 1846, appears to have been the means of extensive good. CHAPTER XXXVIIL SPANISH AMERICA, Early circulation of tracts by missionaries and others— The Tract Society a John the Baptist to the Bible Society— Favourable disposition of the authorities— Prevalence of infidelity- Publication of sermons in Spanish — Co-operation of American missionaries — Use of a Pro- testant sermon by a friar — Translations — Extensive sales — Juvenile publications — Violent opposition and destruction of books — Eager desire for the ' History of the Church of Christ,' ' Pilgrim's Progress,' ' Scripture Help,' etc. — Disinterested labours of Captain A. F. Gardiner —Suppression of works by the priests — Tracts in the Karif and Moskito languages — Amount of grants. The Spanish colonies were visited by the messengers of the Institution in 1807; and in the following year the Com- mittee had satisfactory accounts that they had been well received, both by soldiers and sailors, at Rio de la Plata. About nine thousand copies of ' The Scripture Extracts/ purchased and sent out by the London Missionary Society, were distri- buted in Monte Video and the surrounding country, Ijefore the British army left that place. Little was done for Spanish America until 1822, when tracts were sent in considerable numbers, and the grants liberally repeated in the following year. Being acceptable to the people, correspondents urged large additional supplies of these works. One of them remarked : " The Tract Society acts as a John the Baptist to the Bible Society; and in no part of the world is this of more importance than in South America, where the gi'cater number of the inhabitants, including many of the ministers of religion, have literally never seen that precious volume which contains the words of eternal life." The Society was anxious to publish new works for the benefit, of Spanish America, as the civil authorities appeared dispose^i to encourage the dissemination of knowledge fi-om a convictio; that ignorance and superstition were always opposed to th ^ 2 o 2 564 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. prosperity, industry, and well-being of mankind. During the years 1824 and 1825, twenty new Spanish tracts were printed, and 104,000 distributed. The venerable George Burder paid the expenses of translating twelve of the ' Village Sermons ;' and the Committee, feeling the importance of their permanent and extensive circulation, defrayed the charge of stereotype plates. Although in Spanish America the providence of God opened a field for Christian exertion, yet it was soon found that the transition from superstition to infidelity was but too common, and the number of those who, upon rejecting the former, em- braced the chilling doctrines of the latter, were unhappily on the increase. The Society, therefore, translated ' Leslie on Deism' for distribution. This was deemed the more necessary in consequence of the importation of many infidel books. A large number of sermons, in Spanish, were published and sent to diff'erent states. In their circulation the Society was greatly assisted by the Rev. William Ton-ey and the Rev. Theophilus Parvin, the American missionaries. A singular fact was reported by Mr. Torrey. The Sermons having been distributed in the capital of one of the new states, a friend, a short time afterwards, entered one of the churches where a friar, with whom he was acquainted, was preaching. To his surprise, he was exhorting his congregation to keep holy the Sabbath day. On listening more attentively, he found that he was reading one of the Society's works on that sub- ject. He concluded by saying : " My friends, I have preached this sermon three times already; and I mean to do so again next Sunday, as I desire that you may attend to these things." The gentleman, when the service was over, asked the friar if he knew that he had been preaching a Protestant sermon ? The friar answered, " Have I ? Well, never mind ; it is a very good one." A new and important object for the benefit of the youthful population of the states was urged upon the Committee, in 1829, by the Rev. William Torrey. In his letter on this subject he remarked : — " It is interesting to contemplate, and still more interesting to witness, the anxiety of many opening minds for books, which gain the attention and excite the feelings of youthful readers. And it is a fact, which has not perhaps sufficiently attracted the attention of the Christian public. SPANISH AMERICA. 565 that of the books adapted to this purpose, there is not a scarcity, a dearth even, but an absolute destitution. " The only book in general use among the children, especially of the lower classes, is a popish catechism, where they have directly inculcated the seven sacraments, the ten commandments, with the second entirely omitted, the fourth altered, and the tenth made into two to preserve the number ; prayers to the Virgin, invocation of saints, and other unscrip- tural superstitions of popery. "The books of devotion, which come into the hands of the youth, are even more exceptionable. In these purgatory is taught, not only in words, but in pictures. Over its scorching flames the angels are hover- ing, holding up out of its torments the souls of those for whom mass is saying ; while the anguish depicted in the countenances of those for whom nothing has been paid to the priests, and on whom the enraged devils are wreaking a double vengeance, is deep and intense enough to fetch a dollar from the pocket of avarice itself, for the sake of purchasing a tem- porary relief to the departed soul of a relative or friend. " To those accustomed to trace the operations of the youthful mind, and the intimate connexion between early impressions and future character, I need make no remark on the moral and religious tendency of this state of things. The intelligent Christian will see in it consequences which affect deeply the moral character and prospects of the rising generation — con- sequences which reach forward into eternity, and which cannot be con- templated by any friend of the i-eligion of the bible but with deep and painful emotion. But leaving the religious and moral bearing of the sub- ject for a moment out of view, it is obvious to the most superficial observer, that the present state of things cannot long continue. The desire of these hundreds of opening minds for intellectual food must and will be gratified, and that with something more palatable, if not more salutary, than mutilated commandments, ave-marias, invocation of saints, and pic- tures of purgatory." The Committee felt it their duty promptly to attend to this call, and immediately made arrangements for obtaining the needful translations. About twenty-five small books were pre- pared, adapted to the state of the people. They were mostly narratives from the bible; it being important to lead the youth- ful mind to the holy scriptures. Fifty thousand of these works were forwarded to Buenos Ayres, Mexico, and other places, which called for an expenditure of more than 300/. The state of the funds would not have justified so large an appropriation but for the hope that many of the works would be sold, and the produce remitted to this countiy; an expecta- tion which was soon realized. An order was also received for 80,000 children's books. These publications produced considerable excitement among 566 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. the young. Many of them were distributed amidst scenes of civil conflict. Among the testimonials received in reference to the books, the following will be read with interest. Mr. Torrey says : — " The children's books are in every respect such as are most desirable. Your correspondent at Mexico states, ' I gave a set of your little works to a gentleman here, a priest, requesting him to read them, and give me his opinion of them in respect to their suitableness to this country, and to the capacity and taste of children. He read them over in a short time, and was highly pleased with them. The adornment of the covers, the variety of interesting cuts within corresponding to the subjects, and the very attractive and useful matter presented to the young reader, all render them pleasing and valuable to the rising generation.' The Com- mittee in these works have introduced as much scripture as they could, but they have carefully avoided disturbing the waters of controversy ; they have made known the truth as it is in Jesus, and they believe that the Holy Spirit will bless his own word. One of your esteemed correspondents remarks, ' There is a time for every purpose under the heaven. There is a time of war and a time of peace. Let this be a time of peace with the young ; ' — a course which the Committee had cautiously antici- pated." Respecting Buenos Ayres a friend reported : — " I believe there are very few houses in Buenos Ayres in which I have not personally been, with a bag in my hand, selling tracts. The first few months after my arrival I spent in this interesting manner, and lately I have employed an old man, a native of this country, to sell them for me. I sold them much below the cost price, and in some cases I gave them away. The latter were often retained, and those which were sold were never returned. In three months I disposed of about two thou- sand, besides many bibles and new testaments, and the publications of the Spanish Translation Society. I have been able, without difficulty, to introduce the tracts into different families, through the children in my infant school; they have been frequently sought after by their parents." The Society's correspondent in Mexico wrote : — " I requested the priest who read the works to be so kind as to write out for me an advertisement for the newspapers, for the sale of them, and to state therein their goodly looks and qualities. He did so, and I inserted what he wrote in the two principal newspapers of this city. The day after the advertisements appeared, I called at the shop to see how the sale was going on. I found it had begun very favourably, and much more so than the bookseller expected. In consequence of this, I perceived in him a disposition to fall in with the terms I had formerly proposed ; I therefore offered them to him as before, and in a few minutes we con- cluded our bargain. Three or four days after I called again, and found that the little books were going off rapidly. In a week after the sale began, the six thousand \iti\e volumes were all gone. I need not SPANISH AMERICA. 567 add this was to me a very gratifying circumstance, and I am sure the Committee and members of the Tract Society will be equally delighted with it." The popularity of these works was so great that the sales realized the sum of 385/. About 69,000 children's books were sold in the city of Mexico alone. In reference to them a friend remarked : — " It is to the full corn in the ear that we look as tlie ultimate object of our husbandry ; but if you should ask me what quantity of full corn in the ear I have seen, or, in other words, what good I have observed resulting from your books, I can only say that this is not the time of harvest, but the time of sowing. The husbandman hath long patience, and waiteth for the early and latter rain. We must also be patient, and wait in like manner for the natural developments of the seasons. In the meantime, remember that the early and the latter rain, so necessary to bring things to perfection, come from heaven. May earnest prayers ascend to God for an abundant harvest! " The extraordinary circulation and sale of the Spanish books greatly cheered the Society, nearly 250,000 having been dis- posed of. The Committee trusted that " a morning without clouds" was dawning on these long-neglected states. Sud- denly, however, the storm arose, which disappointed the hopes that had been fondly cherished. At Buenos Ayres, violent opposition was manifested against the scriptures and tracts. Orders were privately given, not only to prevent their sale, but to gather up those already sent forth. A decree was issued for burning many publications, which well deserved this fate; but the reason assigned for this act was applicable to all evan- gelical works, and even to the bible itself. These persecuting measures nearly suspended the Society's operations : the Com- mittee, however, rejoiced amidst these gloomy scenes that they had worked ''while it was day." At various periods popular works were circulated in Spanish America, and among them was ' The History of the Church of Christ,' originally printed by the Spanish Translation Society. In reference to this work, a member of the British senate wrote : " Such is the strong desire of the more enlightened Spaniards to possess and circulate it, that the Mexican lega- tion have already given more than 100/. towards the under- taking. They are extremely anxious for information. A respec- table member of the legation said with much warmth, that they had been kept in ignorance upwards of three centuries. 568 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. and now they were determined to know the truth for them- selves." ' The Pilgrim's Progress ' and ' The Evidence of Prophecy/ in Spanish, were also sent to friends in the states for sale at very low prices. The expenses of the latter work were partly met by the esteemed author, Lord Bexley, and other friends. The ' Pilgrim's Progress ' was found to be a popular book, and many persons read it with deep interest, though the higher powers were greatly offended at some of its statements. A correspondent wrote : — " You will not wonder, but smile, to know that poor ' Pilgrim ' has been honoured with the censure of our bishop, who considers and affirms that his holiness, the vicar, has been shamefully abused therein ; and I suppose your share of blame in this will be punished by a bull of excom- munication. But it happened that this very censure excited public curi- osity, and persons came to ask after the book that abused the pope. Thus it is that the bitterest enemies, in the hands of our blessed Lord, become instrumental in circulating his divine trutli ; and thus, I trust, it will prove with his precious word, with which I have been entrusted, and to which your valuable little publications serve as pioneers. They break up and prepare the ground for the good seed that I endeavour to throw in from time to time, praying that his Holy Spirit may ' tiu-n the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just. ' " This condemned book was soon the means of leading a poor blasphemer to repentance. The fact was thus mentioned : — " The case of a sailor, who gives imquestionable evidence of having benefited by the reading of one of the books in the library received from the Society, has excited in my mind a sense of gratitude to God, and admiration of his method of bi'inging sinners to himself. From scenes of debauch, and habits of profanity, he has, for the last two years, been turned to habits of sobriety and industry, accompanied with a persevering use of means for his spiritual improvement. By one who was in the habit of borrowing books, he was furnished with ' The Pilgrim's Progress.' He read it, and before he had finished, his heart began to melt; he laid it down, only to take up the bible ; this and prayer appear to have become the sources of his greatest enjoyment ever since. He is a sailor still ; but seeks to settle himself on the island of Rantan, in the more retired em- ployment of a cultivator." In 1838 one of the Society's friends, who felt much inter- ested in the diffusion of scriptural knowledge, wrote : " I have often wished, whilst circulating the scriptures, that I had a good work to distribute as a useful guide to the study of the bible. I think the ' Scripture Help,' by Mr. Bickersteth, would be just the work we want. Let me beg and supplicate you to SPANISH AMERICA. 569 get it well translated/^ The urgent request of the Society's correspondent was complied with, and five hundi-ed copies were sent on sale. The Committee were encouraged to make this addition to their publications by the reports which reached them from their correspondents, from which the following extracts are made : — " No ordinary sensation has been produced in these quarters by the distribution of your works. My motions were necessarily quick; and before the priests had time to know much about the matter, the books were in some thousands of hands. Notwithstanding consequent pulpit fulmina- tions, many more would have been sold, had not the stock been quite exhausted. I seldom gave away more than a single book to an individual. I trust the Committee will not regret the sacrifice which has been made in these sales. Here are no Protestant teachers. Infidelity, and popery, worse than infidelity, divide the land ; but truth has been, by means of your works, brought before the people. Most of the books were sold to Jews for resale. Thus may these people be the means of making known to the Gentiles the glories of the Messiah." After ' The Scripture Help ' was sent forth, the Society's labours for the benefit of Spanish America were almost closed for several years, and not till 1844 could renewed exertions be made, except by occasional grants of tracts to chaplains and mei-cantile friends. In the latter year the condition of the country was fully brought before the Society by its esteemed and devoted friend, Capt. A- F- Gardiner. He strongly urged the Committee to employ a special agent to travel through the states ; but finding that the Society's funds would not justify such an appointment, he disinterestedly offered his gratuitous seiTJces, and the payment of all travelling expenses, provided the Society would furnish the needful supply of books and tracts. It required but little consideration to meet this liberal offer. The following information on the subject is from the report for 1844 : *' Captain Gardiner visited several principal towns, where he found persons most anxious to purchase Spanish books; and the supplies he had with him were promptly disposed of. During the course of his journey, arrangements were made with several individuals to receive and circulate the Society's publications in their neighbourhoods. On his return to Buenos Ayres, similar arrangements were made for that place, and also for Monte Video. "The willingness of the people to receive religious books and 570 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. tracts, and even to pay a small price for the books, was fre- quently evidenced during this tour. On one occasion Captain Gardiner's room was so completely filled, that he found it quite impossible to do more than set down the actual sum received, without reference to the description of the book sold. The next morning, he rose early, and having gained a little experience by the confusion of the preceding evening, occasioned by so many persons turning over the books, he determined to admit no one until everything was satisfactorily arranged. Frequent were the inquiries from without when the sale would commence, and several persons were watching about the door, in order to be foremost whenever it should be opened. After the door was opened, it was very soon blocked up ; and it was sometimes with difficulty that those who came to buy could work their way through the crowd. So widely had the report of these pi'o- ceedings spread, that in several places through which Captain Gardiner had before passed, with scarcely the notice which a foreigner occasions, inquiries were frequently made for books, the very children coming up to the wagon, as it passed along, and asking for them. "The publications thus brought before the people were on the most important topics. Not only were the small tracts and juvenile publications received with pleasure, but the ' History of the Church of Christ;' 'Cooper's Sermons;' ' Wilberforce's Practical View;' 'Bogue's and Gurney's Essays;' 'The Pilgrim's Progress;' 'Keith's Evidence of Prophecy;' and ' Bickersteth's Scripture Help;' were sold. The Committee hoped that the exertions made by their friend would lay the foundation of future and permanent measures for the spiritual benefit of South America." The Committee were anxious to carry out the plans which Capt. Gardiner submitted to them, and voted publications to the value of 250/., to be placed with friends in different locali- ties. These were promptly forwarded, but intelligence of a discouraging kind was soon received from the Society's cor- respondents. The books and tracts " were considered heretical by the church authorities, who suppressed their circulation." Thus another eff'ort was defeated, and all the Committee have since been able to accomplish has been to send about 15,000 publications to Tobasco and Merida, in Yucatan, on the recom- mendation of the Rev. Dr. Thomson, to whom the Society is SPANISH AMERICA. 571 greatly indebted for his friendly co-operation in their various proceedings. A pious captain, trading to South America, recently took with him Spanish publications to the value of 50/., which he found no difficulty whatever in selling or gratuitously distribut- ing among the common people in one of the principal towns. Even a few of the priests appeared anxious to obtain copies of the works. " It speaks well,'^ wrote a friend, " for the zealous efforts of this unpretending and self-denying Christian man, that as many as two hundred priests assembled from the interior, to do all they could to counteract his single-handed labours." The missionaries in Honduras, in 1845, translated two tracts into the Karif and JMoskito languages, and the Society granted the needful supply of printing paper for their publication. It is much to be regretted that little can be done, at present, for Spanish America. In their humble endeavours to scatter the good seed of the kingdom, the Committee have expended about 1461/. There is now great individual danger in all attempts to disseminate religious works. The government and the priests are united in their opposition to the spread of God's truth. The time, however, will come when all barriers shall be removed, and the word of the Lord have " free course and be glorified," CHAPTER XXXIX. BRITISH COLONIES IN NORTH AMERICA. British North America — ftuebec Auxiliary — Proofs of usefulness— Wide diflfusion of the Society's publications — Operations retarded by a calamitous fire— Montreal Society — Demand for tracts and children's books — Decline of effort — Circumstances that led to the revival of the society — Consignments of books to its committee — Attention to the French popu- lation— Extensive sales of tracts and books— Cases of conversion — Canada Sunday-school Union — Grants of libraries — Remittances from the schools — Society at Kingston — Efforts of Mr. G. Hardy— Grants to friends at Niagara — Bytown Auxiliary — Toronto Religious Tract Society — Its success— Demand for libraries.— Chippeway Indians. — North-west America. — Nova Scotia — Usefulness of 'The Swearer's Prayer' — Society at Halifax — Supplies of books and tracts — Rev. F. Uniacke — Establishment of a depository at Halifax — Grants to the agents of the Colonial Church Society — Usefulness of libraries— Labours of Mr. Dawson. — Prince of Wales' Island — Remittance for books from a military officer — New auxiliary— Spiritual fruits of tract reading — Military tract distributors. — New Brunswick — Auxiliary at St. John's— Adoption of the loan system — Rev. F. W. Miles — Remittances — Libraries— Fire at St. John's — Commercial distress in 1842 — Depression of the work — The Miramichi Tract Society — Urgent claims of our colonists, particularly emi- grants.— Newfoundland— Conversion of a Roman Catholic — Grants— Society at Harbour Grace— Usefulness among fishermen — Communication from the Archdeacon — Grant of libraries — Formation of a depository by Rev. D. D. Evans — Fearful dearth of the means of getting good in the country. — Labrador.— Greenland. The extensive wants of these colonies have made a heavy demand on the Society ^s funds. The greater number of emi- grants quit this country under the pressure of want, and it is often long before they are able to improve their circumstances in the land of their adoption. The colonist of the interior — the fisherman in his lonely cabin by the wild sea-shore — the settler who has raised his rude hovel on the borders of the primeval forest, or in the midst of some vast plain — such per- sons are all poor, and for these the Society desires to care, and they are not a people cold and indifferent to the efforts made for their welfare. Many of them deeply feel the disas- trous consequences of a deprivation of the means of grace, and they welcome not only the living voice from the father- land, but the book and the tract that make known to them, in NORTH AMERICA QUEBEC. 573 the wilderness, the path that leads to the inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and fadeth not away. Many emigrants feel the greatest anxiety to meet the wants of a rapidly-increas- ing population, persuaded that the extent of futui-e success will partly depend on present efforts. Their language is, " These forests will be cleared, these lands cultivated, our children will multiply into nations. We must begin aright, we must lay our foundation well." Truly happy have the friends of the Society been in rendering their aid, however small, in assisting the emigi-ant practically to feel the important truth, that ' whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.' Although the Society's grants for North America commenced in 1806, yet little was accomplished until the year 1815, when the Committee, in their correspondence, urged upon influential friends the importance of forming societies for Upper and Lower Canada, and expressed their willingness to grant 20/. in tracts to each of such societies. The first auxiliary which was regularly organized was at Quebec in 1824 ; a small donation was received from its com- mittee, and a grant of tracts sent in return. No permanent effort was made by this new cause, and it soon ceased to exist. In 1833, another association was formed, which made a considerable remittance for books, on which occasion the treasurer remarked : " Ever since the former Society has ceased its operations, the difficulty of procuring religious tracts and books has been commonly complained of, the baneful influence of noxious publications deplored, and a gradual decline dreaded in the tone and tendency of the public taste with reference to the general publications of the day." A large supply of suit- able publications was immediately sent to the local friends. It was not long after the Society was revived that a devoted clergyman in Quebec was able to furnish evidence that the Divine blessing had i-ested on its publications. " I have met with one instance of, I trust, decided conversion, by means of your ' little messengers of mercy.' This was in the case of the cap- tain of a vessel, who came into port here, and was landed very ill. Being out of my district in the city, he was visited by a brother clergy- man, who found him well versed in the letter of scripture, but ignorant of the nature and necessity of conversion. After some conversation he left him, putting into his hand the tract, ' The Great Change.' On his 574 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. seeing him again, he declared, that although he had for many years pretty regularly read his bible, and was in the main a moral charac- ter, yet until the day he read that tract he never saw that there was a deep meaning in John iii. 3, 5 ; of which, had he died in ignorance, he must have perished eternally. He lay ill for nearly eight weeks, during which time the Lord was pleased to give him increasing light, wisdom, and knowledge. To many who visited him he bore comfortable testimony of the power and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; and to myself lie said, 'The Lord bless you, sir; the Lord bless you in your ministry; never cease telling careless, thoughtless sinners, the precious- ness of the blood of Jesus to a man, like me, on his dying bed. May you, sir, when brought as low as I am, be blessed with the same sup- port and peace I now feel.' I trust this is another soul gone to tell what the Tract Society has done for the good of sinners. May the Lord gladden your hearts with many, many more such facts ! I often think, 'Lord, what is man, that thou art mindful of him?' so mindful, as to make him partaker of angels' joys, for they rejoice over one sinner that repenteth." The Society's works were scattered by the Quebec Society far and wide between the Gaspe and the Ottawa, a distance of from six hundred to seven hundred miles. Its treasurer, in noticing the sales from the depository, remarked : " I may venture to affirm that there are not twenty houses of Protestant families in the place in which your publications are not seen ; in many instances, to the discomfiture of works of a questionable charac- ter, which used to decorate but not adorn the tables. These books have been so owned and blessed by the Spirit of God, as to produce a manifest alteration in the reading taste of many persons." The reports from Quebec for several years were of an inter- esting character. " Many instances might be produced," re- marked the Committee, " of these humble publications becoming, by the blessing of Almighty God, the handmaids to the recep- tion of the truth, and producing conviction in souls hitherto hardened in sin, and deaf to the voice of conscience and the preaching of the gospel. In short, to many in this city, and to hundreds in the country settlements, have your tracts brought comfort, joy, and the peace produced by faith in Jesus Christ." After this statement was received, a variety of painful events, particularly an awfully calamitous fire, retarded the progress of this once active society. The parent Committee, since 1840, have placed upwards of 60,000 tracts and books at its disposal, NORTH AMERICA MONTREAL. o70 hoping- that brighter times were at hand, when revived and ex- tended operations would take place. The Montreal friends were early in the field of Christian eflPort. A society was formed in 1825. Its committee adopted various plans for bringing their objects before the public. Tracts were placed in taverns, and on board many vessels and steam-boats, which were not only read, but were taken to different parts of the country. In 1831, the treasurer, when remitting 100/., requested that tracts and children's books, to the amount of 250/., might be forwarded; there being a great demand for them, through the establishment of seven hun- dred schools in Lower Canada during the preceding eighteen months. He properly remarked : " If the young are not supplied with useful publications, that will, under the Divine blessing, lead to happy effects, infidel works will be distributed among them. Already have we learned that Paine's 'Age of Reason' is in circulation in one extensive settlement." In addition to the large number of works ordered by the local society, the Committee placed at its disposal upwards of forty-two thousand small publications for the benefit of the rising generation and others. The third report stated : " The attractive halfpenny and penny books are fast taking the place of the nonsensical trash hitherto in use. Considerable numbers of children purchase these little messengers; and it is most reasonable to hope, that the seed thus sown in these young and tender minds may prove, in many instances, productive of good.'' The early success of the Montreal society was succeeded by much languor and inactivity. Its reorganization, which took place in 1836, was promoted by the following circumstance. A Roman Catholic priest obtained one of the tracts, took it into the pulpit, cursed it, and warned his people against such pro- ductions. The committee, whose labours had been marked by weakness, observed : " We considered this a token for good : ' More the treacherous calm we dread Than billows bursting o'er our head.' " The history of societies, as well as of individuals, frequently contains incidents that may be admonitory and profitable to others. 576 FOREIGN OPERATION'S. The Montreal society, having been restored to a state of efficiency, considerable consignments of books were made to its committee, and large grants for gratuitous circulation. The Committee instructed their friends to send, on their ac- count, grants amounting to 90/. in value, to correspondents at fifteen stations in Lower Canada, and fifteen in Upper Canada, where their circulation was likely to be acceptable to the people. They also granted for the Canadian population speaking the French language, one thousand copies of the Gospel by St. John, and the same number of the Epistle to the Romans ; the influence of the Roman Catholic priests preventing, to a great extent, the circulation of the entire scriptures. The tracts circulated at Montreal were frequently useful. A young and thoughtless sailor, confined by a fractured leg, ridiculed all Christian instruction ; but, in his affliction, the tract left with him softened his heart, and produced an inquiring spirit. Through ' The Warning Voice,' a poor drunken mother gave up the intoxicating cup, and afterwards walked, with two of her sons, in the ways of the Lord. Some decided facts of conversion were brought about by providential circumstances. A friend in Norfolk, England, when sending to a friend in Canada, thought he would enclose in a parcel a few tracts. They arrived safely. " Did my friend think we had no books in America ?" was the exclamation of the emigrant, as he laid them down, offended with his friend. A pious daughter soothed her father's feelings, and, when he was proceeding to the woods, a few of these tracts were put up for his use. In the loneliness of the forest, the Spirit of the Lord applied the contents of the tract, ' The Backslider,' to his heart. His sins found him out. He was led again to the Redeemer. He rejoined the people of God, and proclaimed among destitute emigrants the grace and love of a forgiving- God. Another incident, showing the merciful overrulings of Divine providence in answering the prayers of parents for their children, was mentioned in the fifth report of the Montreal society. A poor but pious man was employed as a hawker, and distributed many of the Society's works. ""V^liile resting during one of his walks of usefulness, a careless sinner approached him, and inquired if he had a song-book to sell. ' Yes,' replied the BRITISH COLONIES CANADA. 577 pious hawker, ^I have a small one/ presciiong a vork ior the young. On opening it, the stranger read : — ' There is a dreadful hell, And everlasting pains, Where sinners must with devils dwell, In darkness, fire, and chains;. ' These words called before the reader's imagination a devoted parent. ' Oh/ said he, ' my mother taught me that long ago ; ' and he turned round to hide the tears that were falling on the book.^' He had been overtaken by the love of drink. He frequently received tracts from the pious vendor, who was eventually satisfied that a thorough change of heart had taken place. The haAvker remarked : — " This man is the son of a pious mother, whom he left in England to weep and pray for him. Are not her prayers answered ? " Equally cheering is another beautiful illustration of the mighty results connected with feeble means. A pious indivi- dual passing a house, the window of which was open, threw in a single tract, and left it to do the Master's work. The room was occupied by two sisters, who were living without any sense of the importance of religion. They were both deeply impressed by reading this tract, which had wdnged its ^vay into their apartment. They were induced, under anxious feelings for the salvation of their souls, to attend a pious ministry, and eventually joined the Redeemer's church. This fact shows in a striking manner the utility and great importance of tract cir- culation. How unworthy to be accounted of any moment is the time, trouble, or money expended in such a work, when blessings like those just stated follow our labours. Two conver- sions from reading a single tract ! Truly this is God's work, and to him shall be all the glory ! The instances which have been given arc only a few specimens of the spiritual benefits which followed the circulation of tracts. The Society's friends, the Rev. jMark Willoughby and the Rev. New^ton Bosworth, laboured most assiduously in this district; and the letters of the fovnu;r not onlj'^ displayed his constant efforts to promote the diffusion of truth during his short but devoted life, but manifested the riches and freencss of the Saviour's grace in the results which followed the works he distributed. 578 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. The Canada Sunday-school Union has been an important medium for the circulation of the Society's works through the numerous schools connected with it. The Committee have for many years placed a large number of religious circu- lating libraries at the disposal of the Union, as well as many thousand copies of its small publications. There has been a great demand for the libraries. The first grant in 1839 was twenty-five, and in the following year ninety were sent, of the value of 450/., on very reduced terms. A considerable number of these collections were in requisition for schools, from which the whole of the cost price could never have been obtained. The Committee also voted 260 copies of the ' Short Comments on the Bible ' to poor Sunday-school teachers in Canada, on reduced terms, it appearing highly important to convey scrip- tural information to the minds of those who had the care of the youthful population. The reports of the Union furnish much evidence of the use- fulness of the Society's works, and of the willingness of the most destitute to cast their mites into its treasuiy. The parent Committee having appealed to the friends of Sunday and day-schools, requesting that once in every two years, one penny from each Sunday-school teacher, and a halfpenny from every scholar, should be contributed in aid of the Society's gratuitous operations, there was a kind response from some of the schools, and 16/. 7s. was received from them. The Com- mittee felt encouraged by this return for the benefits they had been enabled to confer, and hoped that the example might be imitated in their own country. Notwithstanding the Union had, in 1844, been the means of establishing about 265 Sunday-school libraries, yet out of 150 schools, there were still many of them without books. The Committee in 1845, anxious to meet this state of destitution, voted sixty libraries of 5/. each, value 300/., at half the cost price. A friend who had received one of these collections, wrote : — " The library has had a very beneficial influence. Indeed, so great has this thirst for reading increased since its receipt, that in families from which such books were formerly returned unread, now eveiy member reads them. In this way, where one book weekly was hardly ever read, three or four are now applied for ! " The society at Kingston was the earliest aiLxiliary in con- BRITISH COLONIES CANADA. 579 nexion with the parent Institution. For several years it Mas in active operation, principally through the kind and persevering agency of its depositaiy, INIr. George Hardy. He always kept a collecting-box on the counter in his stores, and for many years transmitted its contents to England. The orders received from Kingston frequently amounted to 150/. The operations of this society were much retarded by the want of steady co-operation on the part of its friends. During fifteen years, no general meeting was held, and only one collection made. The society w^as completely re-organized in 1847, when the disinterested depositaiy released the Institution from the payment of 146/. due to him. It was truly refreshing to the local friends to find a large number of ministers and influential laymen kindly supporting the interests of the Society. An efficient loan district has been formed, and much good has already been the result. In connexion with Kingston, several grants were made to friends at Niagara, from which station satisfactory accounts were received in 1825. The poor Indians were visited, a school established in the midst of them, and even a village library formed. The Indian chiefs took much interest in these efforts. The grants to the district of Niagara sometimes amounted to seventeen thousand tracts annually. Their circulation was bene- ficial to a few. The following instance of usefulness was repoi-ted : " A widow in the neighbourhood of Niagara, who had long been pur- suing a sinful course, was taken ill, and was visited by a pious lady. She left with her the tract addressed ' To an Unfortunate Female,' which appears to have excited much anger in the mind of the afflicted woman. She inquired of her attendant whether the lady meant to insult her, and threw the tract awaj', but was gradually appeased. Her conscience ac- knowledged the justice of the reproof contained in the title of the tract, though her pride was deeply wounded by it. It appears that the tract was subsequently read, and convinced the widow of sin, and led her to ciy, 'What must I do to be saved?' There is reason to hope that before she left this world she obtained pardon, through faith in Jesus Christ the Redeemer, ' whose blood cleanseth from all sin.' " At Bytown an auxiliaiy has been formed, through the exertions of the Rev. J. T. Byrne, and other friends. In a letter from Mr. Byrne, detailing the proceedings of this new cause, he mentions the particulars of his own conversion through one of the small hand-bills which he received in London : 580 FOIIEIGN OPEHATIOXS. " I believe the first religious impression made upon my mind was by means of one of your hand-bills. At the time referred to, I was a care- less and giddy youth ; I knew nothing of the value of religion ; none ever taught me those precious truths I now love and declare to others; I had never heard of the Religious Tract Society, nor of its publications. The first tract I ever saw was the little hand-bill, entitled, ' A Message from God unto Thee.' The day in question was the sabbath. I was walking carelessly along in one of the streets of London, when I observed a man distributing bills at the side of the pavement. As I approached, I held out my hand to receive one, and found, to my astonishment, a number of texts clustered together, under the preceding heading. I shall never forget the impressions they produced. They did not result in an immediate surrender of my heart to God ; but I became thoughtful, and not very long after, through other means, 1 commenced a religious course of life, which I have been enabled to maintain to the present hour." The Toronto Religious Tract Society has been one of the most successful in Upper Canada, Soon after its formation, its annual purchases exceeded 200/. The local committee, when noticing a recent issue of books, remarked : " Two thou- sand five hitndred volumes, addressing themselves in so many varied tones of persuasion, and warning, and example, to the souls of men, caimot all fail of awakening a concern about ' the one thing needful ■/ and if but one soul be saved through the instrumentality of the society, its formation \vi\\ have caused joy in heaven, more than o\'cr ninety and nine just persons that need no repentancc.^^ In the district of Toronto, as well as in other parts which have been noticed, there has been a constant demand for libra- ries, which were furnished in large nimibers by the parent Society on very reduced terms. In 1840, thirty-six were sent, value 210/., and the publications on sale amounted to the large sum of 780/. CHIPPEWAY INDIANS. The Committee, in 1832, had several interviews with the Rev. Peter Jones, formerly Kah-ke-wa-quou-aby, a chief of the Chippeway Indians, and for many years a missionary to the Indian tribes of North America. It appeared from his state- ment, that he had seen the Society's little books in the Avoods of Canada, and had been personally benefited by some which he had received. He remarked : " They have done my heart good when I have looked tijion them; but liow do I rejoice ClIll'PEWAY IXDIAXS. )81 when I see the people who make these good books, and send them to the wilds of America ! " He also stated that — "Before the gospel entered tlic lieavts of some of the people, there was no book in (he Cliippewaj' tongue — there was no written or printed language among us; but since we have found the Great Spirit — the True God — we have tried and succeeded in making books. It makes the heart of the poor Indian rejoice to see his child read in a book ; to see him put the talk upon paper, and to see the talk go to a distance, makes him rejoice. I will give you one instance. At the river Credit we have a station. A. chief had a son who was instructed in our Mission-school ; afterwards, he was emplo3-ed as a teacher in another school, and went away more than a hundred miles from his father. After a time, he wrote a letter to his father in the Indian tongue, which he did not know how to read; the father brought it to me to read it for him ; and while I read, the tears ran down his eyes, and he rejoiced tc hear the talk of his son on the paper, coming from a distance, and he blessed and praised God that his son was instructed in reading and writing." Mr. Jones, after detailing the efforts made by another chief for the spiritual good of his father and his people, stated that many of them soon became anxious for instruction ; when the chief told them he himself knew little more than his ABC. They wished him to teach them the letters; but he had no book. At last he went into the woods, and taking the birch- bark, which is perfectly white, he wrote the letters of the alphabet upon it with a piece of burnt stick, and thus taught the people. ]Mr. Jones also stated the following case : — " In coming to this country, I passed through a white settlement on my way to New York. The people were very bad and wicked : I heard two men swearing ; I went up to one of them, and put ' The Swearer's Prayer' into his hands, and then went away. In a few months after- wards I heard from the clergyman of the place that by this tract these men had been converted." Mr. Jones intended on his return home to devote part of his time to the translation of suitable tracts for children and adults; and the Committee assured him of their willingness to aid in so important a work. They placed three thousand six hun- dred and fifty tracts at his disposal, and authorized him to apply 10/. towards printing juvenile books in the Chippcway language. XORTH-WEST AMERICA. The Rev. John Smithers, of the Indian settlement. Red River, received supplies of the Society's publications, which he found 583 VOREIGX OPEllATIONS. created much interest among the poor people under his pastoral care. He noticed one incident, to show the attachment of the Indian children to books : " I had set one of the elder school-boys to weed in the garden for a day or two at a time, when provisions were scarce, and I knew he had but little at home. When he had finished, I asked him what he wished to have for his work, making myself sure he would wish for provisions to take home. In this, however, I was mistaken ; he said he wanted tracts. I told him, I was very happy to find that he was anxious to obtain spiritual food rather than food for the body ; that our Lord Jesus Christ said, ' Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you,' ' I cannot, however, let you have them in payment for your work.' After a week or two, I. asked him some questions about his tracts, and found that he had read them, and appeared for the most part to understand them. On one occasion, I gave three tracts to an Indian boy — ' The Young Cottager,' ' The Shep- herd of Salisbury Plain,' and ' Honesty the Best Policy.' When I knew that he had them long enough to read them, I said, ' Now tell me which of the three you like the best,' 'The Young Cottager,' was the answer. ' Well, my boy,' I said, * do you give yourself to the Lord Jesus Christ, as little Jane did, and when you die, you, like her, will be taken to dwell with the Saviour for ever.' The Society has much regretted that so little has been done for these interesting people : it has always been prepared to meet the applications of friends who are interested in the spiritual welfare of the Indians. NOVA SCOTIA. The Society for many years has sent its grants to friends in Nova Scotia, who were anxious to diffuse religious knowledge among the people. In 1822, a correspondent communicated to the Committee a somewhat novel instance of the value of ' The Swearer's Prayer,' " I had in my school/^ he wrote, " a boy who habitually made use of profane language, I made many efforts to reclaim him, by inflicting various punishments, but in vain, I directed my pupils not to associate with him on any occasion, lest he should corrupt them. One day I was remon- strating with him, when it occurred to me, that to make him learn ' The Swearer's Prayer ' might have a good effect. I gave it to him on Saturday to commit to memory. On the Monday following he came to school with a dejected countenance, which I was convinced was an outward sign of inward soitow j his tongue faltered while repeating part of his task, and tears of XOVA SCOTIA. " 583 contrition ran down his cheeks. I was much affected at the sudden change in the boy^ and to witness what the Lord could do by the simplest means. I asked his elder brother whether he had recently sworn. He replied,, ' No ; I think ' The Swearer's Prayer' has cured him of swearing, and he has been more obedient to his parents since he got it than he ever w^as before.' I can truly say that I have not a better behaved lad among my forty scholars than he has been during the last year." In December, 1824, a society was formed at Halifax. To encourage the cause, the Committee granted eleven thousand tracts and children's books. This society went on feebly for about eight years, when it was dissolved, and a new one formed. " There is a growdng interest in this country," wa'ote the local committee, " in favour of the societj^, and we soon hope to be a real auxiliary to your Institution." The supplies voted to Nova Scotia were not confined to the Halifax Society, but were sent to clergymen, ministers, and lay friends. In 1839, the Committee were favoured with a personal conference wdth the Rev. Fitzgerald Uniacke, of Halifax, who furnished them wuth a variety of particulars connected with his efforts to spread religious information among the people, particularly in the most destitute districts. The Com- mittee granted him ten libraries of 5/, each, at half their cost price, and 17,500 tracts, sermons, and children's books, for gi'atuitous circulation, and 100/. in books on sale. Through the influence of Mr. Uniacke, and the Rev. William Cogswell, the curate of St. Paul's, Halifax, a religious tract and book depository was formed, which was the channel through which a large number of scriptural works flowed, both by pur- chase and grant. The esteemed secretary, when reporting the different plans adopted to promote the circulation of the tracts, wrote : " I wish you could take a walk on the shores of this province, and call at the fishermen's cottages; there you would see the walls ornamented with papers from the Religious Tract Society ; and there, in many instances, where scarcely any other book was to be found, are tracts pointing to the Lamb of God, who taketh aAvay the sin of the world." The Committee had great satisfaction in placing grants with the agents of the Colonial Church Society. In 1842, they amounted to nearly 14,000 tracts, and books to the value 584 rOKEIGN OPKKATIOXS. of 30/., on reduced terms, for the formation of libraries in destitute districts. j\Ir. Richardson, one of the agents, wrote : '' Religious books are almost the only means of grace the people enjoy, where there is neither minister nor schoolmaster to teach or read to old or young. I could dispose of 10,000 library books in good situations. ' The Cottage Hymn-book ' is continually wanted." The libraries have been well adapted to the state of the people. " Many of the evils existing among them," wrote a friend, " come from the dearth of intellectual pursuits. Their long winter evenings and oft-recurring seasons of leisure are too often applied to purposes of idle conversation, which I think these books Avill be instrumental in discountenancing by directing their attention to higher and better things." In addition to the numerous libraries issued through local socie- ties, the Committee, in 184-7, voted several to ministers, and among them one to the Rev. Mr. Robson, of Halifax, for the use of his congregation, and books to the value of 14/. to the Rev. James "Waddell, of the Ri\er John, for the for- mation of three libraries for the benetit of a people whose fathers emigrated from Switzerland. An esteemed correspondent, Mr. Dawson, of Pictou, brought the state of that locality before the Committee, when for- warding a donation from William Mathison, Esq., a benevolent' gentleman in that vicinity. He assured the Committee of the great want of books among a people anxious to obtain them. This new opening Avas immediately supplied. Twelve libraries, value 48/., on reduced terms, were voted, and a gratuitous supply of tracts, which Mr. Dawson disposed of to many des- titute schools and districts. He purchased considerable supplies of books, which were sold from his stores. He has forwarded several donations from Mr. Mathison — making, with 20/. for the jubilee fund, the sum of 80/. The previous details clearly show that the people of Nova Scotia gratefully receive the pidjlications presented to them, and therefore zealous efforts sliould be continued for their benefit. The libraries have been read with attention and profit by many. " So highly have some of them been valued," wrote Mr. Waddell, " that a memorandum has been made of par- ticular favourites, that, when an opportunity is afforded of pur- chasing, they may be added to the family library; and, in piuNCE OF wales' island. 585 some instances^ co])ies of interesting works have been pur- chased and distributed among distant friends, who had no opportunity of otherwise becoming acquainted with them. Among these favourites, ' The Anxious Inquirer ' holds a conspicuous place. A short time ago, I was applied to by a widow of some fourscore years, in very humble circumstances, to procure for her a number of copies for her grandchildren, to whom she wished to leave them as a testimony of her interest in their spiritual welfare ; and I know several copies that have been worn out by being lent from hand to hand.'^ PRINCE or wales' island. The reports of the Society show that occasional grants were made to friends in this island, but nothing was systematically and perseveringly done until 1841, when a pious military officer remitted 9/. 5^. 6f/. for the purchase of books. These were sent accompanied with a grant of six thousand tracts. This Christian effort prepared the way for a new auxiliary, which was formed in February, 184-2. To encourage its friends, about 13,000 tracts in English, French, and Gaelic, together with four libraries, were sent to them, with 30/. in books on sale. The newly-formed society proceeded to adopt active measures for their circulation, particularly by an efficient loan plan. The distributors soon met with encouragement : a family of bad character gave up their vicious habits, and bid fair to become members of the church of Christ. They attributed their first impressions to a little tract read at a meeting which they attended. '' This is enough,'' remarked the secretary, " to repay us a thousand-fold for all our trouble. The messengers of mercy have found their way into the habi- tation of the poor as well as the mansions of the rich." In the district now under review, the Society's works were sometimes the means of spiritual good in the households of the Lord's people. On this subject the secretary of the society wrote : " The Lord hath taken to himself my eldest daughter, aged eight years. Your children's tracts and hymns were very dear to her ; and the word of the Lord was precious to her ; and she knew the plague of her own heart. AVhen I reflect that whatever of blessed hope I have is so closely connected with the reading of your Society's publications many years ago, I 586 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. cannot refrain from telling yon the comfort we have derived in the midst of our affliction^ and how heartily desirous I am to go on, and work and pray, during my sojourn in this life, and to devote myself to the spread of your wholesome gospel tracts along the shores of this great gulf." Here is another instance to show that some of the most efficient and devoted labourers in the Society's cause have been raised up by the divine blessing on its own publications. The purchases made by the auxiliary have been far beyond the expectations of the Committee. The tracts and children's books have been circulated by pious military men, amidst the weariness and fatigue connected with long travels on pro- fessional duties. They have been cheered by being permitted thus to help on the work of the Lord, and to bring to those who are sitting in darkness, and destitute of the means of grace, some knowledge of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord. Many pleasing instances have shown that their labours were not in vain in the Lord. NEW BRUNSWICK. In this colony religious tracts were circulated for many years before the formation of an auxiliary society, but to a very limited extent. It requires a concentrated effort to secure permanency of action. The work that belongs to every one is too often neglected by all, unless the voice of a society is perseveringly calling attention to the subject. The auxiliary at St. John's was established in February, 1825, when a remittance of 30/. was received. This supply enabled the friends of the new society to circulate twenty thousand publications among a poor and ignorant people; but this having been done, all exertions appear to have been sus- pended for nearly ten years, when a new society was formed. The loan system was adopted, which, it was hoped, would bring the knowledge of the truth before many who were liv- ing in awful alienation from God. These, and other plans, led to the circulation of many publications in various parts of the district. The Rev. T. W. Miles, of St. John's, being in England, applied for assistance. " It is fearful to think," he observed, " of the thousands who have never seen a copy of the bible ; NEW BRUNSWICK. 587 who have never heard from the missionaries of the cross the story of redeeming love/' The Committee, at Mr. Miles's suggestion, sent grants to thirteen friends, in different parts of the colony, amounting altogether to 29,600 tracts and chil- dren's books. A portion of these publications were for the benefit of different lumbering camps. These are situated in the woods, and contam from twenty to fifty persons, most of whom are utterly regardless of religion. The local society frequently remitted sums for publications, and libraries and tracts were placed at its disposal. At the request also of Mr. Miles, eight libraries, value 75/., were placed at St. John's, Fredericton, jNIangerville, Oronocto, Canning, and Sheffield. The labours of the society were impeded by a disastrous fire that happened in St. John's ; but the issue of the society's works was continued, and they were generally well received. It was found "that there was no form, the bible excepted, in which saving truth could be circulated with stronger hopes of success than in the humble garb of a tract. It was speedily read, was pungent in its appeals to the heart, and was not easily shut out from the memory and the conscience." The tracts, 'The Sinner directed to the Saviour,' 'Four Dialogues in Prison,' 'The Sinner's Friend,' and 'Jesus Christ preached in the Old Testament,' were instrumental in leading several persons to feel the value of the truth. The general commercial distress m 1842 again paralyzed all local efforts. The parent Committee, in the midst of these depressing circumstances, continued their grants of libraries and tracts. The Rev. George McDonnell, the Rev. J. Gallo- way, and other friends, also received supplies. The former wrote : " I believe most sincerely that the library books and the tracts which have been circulated and distributed in this neighbourhood, have proved a blessing of the highest value to some of our poor and scattered people, and that many have derived much religious advantage from them." In 1846 the jMiramichi Tract Society was formed, which united together the friends of different denominations. The sum of 50/. was received from the Committee, part of which was a donation. Books of like value were returned, and upwards of 20,000 tracts for gratuitous circulation. The efforts of this new society were principally directed to the benefit of 588 FOREIGN OPEKATIONS. Limiberevs, of whom there are a great number utterly destitute of rehg-ious privileges. In closing these statements, it affords the Society sincere pleasure to acknowledge the efficient services of the agents of the Colonial Church Society and the Colonial Missionary Society. The last tidings received from jMr. Bartholomew, connected with the former institution, announced the con- version of a respectable female who had long trifled with convictions. " I brought before her notice/^ wrote Mr. B., " the invitation of God in Isaiah i. 18, dwelling particularly on the terms ' scarlet ' and ' crimson.^ I then exhibited the declarations of the new testament suited to her case, and gave her ' The Anxious Inquirer for Salvation Directed.^ On following visits, I found the book had been read. This book and previous conversations had been blessed to her soul. She was able to rest on Christ as her only hope, and was per- fectly willing either to die or live; but would rather die, for then she would have no temptation to sin against so loving a Saviour." In looking upon the scenes of labour in British North America, it must be apparent to all that few portions of our foreign possessions call for a more constant supply of scrip- tural works. The emigrant is often many miles from a place of religious worship, and then the local library or the wandering tract may be his only means of grace. The Rev. John Roaf, of Toronto, wrote : " There is every prospect that many children of once happy professors of religion in England will become a species of white Indians from the want of religious advantages. We sometimes meet with young persons who do not know what we mean if we ask them when they heard a sermon. Nothing- else, that I can conceive of, seems half so suitable to the cir- cumstances of our population as the Society's publications; the solitary and quiet condition of most of the settlers predispos- ing them to read. They are too scattered to be reached by oral instruction, but may be partially supplied with divine truth through the medium of your works. Did not our great Lord foresee the instrumentality of the press, and design its being employed to cover the earth with the knowledge of himself? Is it not literally preaching the gospel by addressing the eye instead of the ear ? " XEWrOT-XDLAXD. 589 XEWrOUXDLAXD. Soon after the Society conimeiiced its o])Ci-ati()ns in our colonies, this portion of them was visited by its pubUcations. In 1814j tidings reached the Committee that the seed scattered in this cold region had fallen into good ground. A corre- spondent wrote : " I had from infancy been brought up in the tenets of the Roman Catholic church, which a variety of cir- cumstances induced me to leave, and I abandoned the errors of popery. I was a^are of the necessity of a change of life — of a something hitherto unpractised, almost unfelt, but yet imperiously necessary. In this state of mind I perused 'The Dairyman^s Daughter ' with much })lcasurc, not from any reli- gious motive at that time, but from admiring the language; I looked upon it as I would a beautiful picture : but the Almighty has been pleased, through the means of that small work, to make an impression on my mind, which, I trust, will never be eradicated.'^ Thus cheered in the commencement "of its course, the Society continued its grants whenever application was made for them. In 1825, thirteen thousand tracts and books were voted to different friends. The agents of the Newfoundland School Society became efficient distributors, among the chil- dren under their care. They sometimes received in the year sixteen thousand of the Society's smaller publications. The letters received from the teachers of the schools con- tained many interesting facts, particularly in reference to the poor fishermen, who have few religious advantages. When waiting for the seals, their leisure moments were frequently improved by reading the tracts they had received. On this subject the following statement has been made : — " The master of a sealing schooner, luiving just returned from the iec, called to give back the tracts I had put on board his vessel. He said there was not more than half tlic number I gave him, as his crew had smuggled^ some, and unless he had kept a sharp look-out the whole would have beeii taken, for they were as anxious for the books as for a bowl of hot coffee in stormy weather. His crew had been in the habit of assembling together on the Saturday evening to select a reader for the following day, when they passed a law, that if any man cursed, swore, or made game, he should be clapped into the forecastle the whole night. ' (irrally,' observes our teacher, ' did I wish that some of the gentlemen belonging to the Tract Society had been present during my interview with this man.' " " Instances arc often occurring," wrote a friend, " showing 590 FOREIGN OPERATIONS, the great usefulness of your publications. Among many, I may mention that ^The Pilgrim's Progress' awakened a young man to a sense of his condition as a sinner before God, and, through him, others of his family. Alleine's 'Alarm' has been blessed very recently in the case of a poor man who borrowed the work from one of our teachers. ' The Young Christian ' has been made the means of good, in more than one instance." The Committee were favoured, in 1836, with a communication from the Archdeacon of Newfoundland. In one of his visita- tions upon the southern and western shores of the island, he found among the Protestant settlers a lamentable want of such works as might confirm them in their faith and furnish them with answers to those who were ever anxious to proselyte them to the Romish communion. The Committee placed upwards of seven thousand tracts at the disposal of the archdeacon, and offered to furnish twelve circulating libraries for poor congre- gations under his charge on payment of half their value. At the same time libraries of 4/. each were granted to tAvelve of the agents of the Newfoundland School Society, to enable them to diffuse religious knowledge in districts where the means of instruction were exceedingly limited. The minister of St, John's was furnished with frequent grants of tracts and other publications, for circulation during his pas- toral visits. He found that the libraries had conveyed the truth into many families. He wrote : — " In mentioning cases in which the books have been useful, I may state I know one instance in which that entitled ' Religion and Eternal Life ' prepared the way for an awakening, which has resulted in con- version to God, In another, ' The Anxious Inquirer ' was rendered highly serviceable in bringing peace to a troubled conscience. The subject was a young female, about sixteen. On a Sunday evening, she left home, with an elder sister, to attend public worship ; but on reaching the door of the chapel, they found they were so late as to be ashamed to enter, where they were so well known ; consequently, they agreed to walk about till the service should be ended, and then return home. With this intention they were passing by a church, when one proposed to go in; the late- ness of the hour not deterring them, as they were strangers to that con- gregation. The word was carried home ' in demonstration of the Spirit and power,' Great distress of mind was the consequence of a deep conviction of sin. Whilst she was labouring under this, she sent for me, I left her, on several visits, refusing to be comforted. At length I put ' The Anxious Inquirer ' into her hand ; awd that, with prayer and the bible, was an honoured means in allaying her fears and dis- pelling her doubts. Her health was shaken by the ' fiery trial,' and NEWFOUNDLAND. 591 it was determined to give her a change of air and scene. When she told me of this, she said, with a manner which showed how she prized it, ' O, sir, I do hope you are not in want of the little work, hut that you will allow me to take it with me.' I am acquainted with a third case, in which ' Scott's Force of Truth ' was useful in building up a gentleman, who, simultaneously with his wife, was awakened under the preaching of the word. All the individuals I have alluded to are adorning the doc- trine of God our Saviour ; to whom be all the glory ! " The hopeful results which followed the reacUiig of these works induced the Committee to call the attention of many local friends to the importance of promoting their increased circulation. For this purpose, grants were placed with the Rev. J. Vicars, of Port de Grave, the Rev. T. F. H. Bridge, of St. John's, the Rev. D. AVard, of the same place, and the Rev. J. C. Harvey, of Carbonea. The latter minister wrote : — " During the summer months, most of our men proceed to the coast of Labrador, to the cod fishery; in the spring they are engaged in the seal fishery ; and on their departure on these occasions they are most desirous of being furnished with tracts and small works for reading. Their absence from pastoral ministrations renders it advantageous that they should be supplied with books." In 1845, the Rev. D. D. Evans, of St. John's, formed a depo- sitory for the sale of the Society's books. "In the majority of shops," remarked Mr. Evans, " Roman Catholic books are kept on sale ; but to counteract the mischief, nothing adequate has been attempted. It has appeared to me, as a desirable and effective mode of doing good in this island, to have a large stock of the Religious Tract Society's books on hand." Mr. Evans received liberal supplies of books during his resi- dence at St. John's, for which there was a constant demand. He was obliged, by declining health, to return to England, which has materially affected the prosperity of the newly-formed depository. A review of the Society's labours in Newfoundland cannot be taken without calling forth grateful feelings for the good which has been done in a district by no means favourable to religious exertions. The fishermen, always exposed to great dangers from the water and the ice, have received the gospel through the tract read during the peaceful calm. There the ' still small voice' was heard, and the prodigal's prayer Avas offered up. " The fisherman," writes the Rev. J. Wood, of Bonavista, " wearv in his labour or of his detention by the ice, is fre- 592 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. quently attracted by a picture at the beginning of one of the publications, and reads its contents with interest and benefit. Especially is this the case in the long winter nights. I have visited these peojile, going over the ice to them, and the first question has always been, ' Have you any tracts ? ' The value of them will be apparent when it is remembered that there is a fearful dearth, and sometimes an entire absence, of all other means of doing good. A man was heard to say, ' It is nine- teen years since I heard a sermon.^ ' What is that ? ' replied another ; ^ it is thirty-four years since I heard one ! ' " How great a ])rivilege to send religious tracts to such people, and to assist in the formation of small libraries on board their I LABRADOR. The converts gathered out from the heathen, through the ministry of the United Brethren, having obtained the holy scriptures, afterwards felt the importance of a few religious tracts for their families, the occupiers of tents and snow houses in these dreary regions. In 1836 the Rev. F. Eardmann, of Okak, applied to the Society on the subject; when a grant of 10/. was made for the pidjlication of approved translations of Esquimaux tracts. * Poor Joseph, ' ' The Great Change,^ and 'A Summary of Christian Doctrine,' soon made their appear- ance. In reference to them, one of the Brethren wrote : — "The two Esquimaux tracts, 'Poor Joseph' and 'The Great Change,' which are already in circulation, we have reason to believe have not been read in vain. Some of our people expressed their joy that others had obtained an experience of the grace of Christ similar to their own.. Others appeared to be brought to serious reflection by their perusal, and to be powerfully convinced that they too required a change of heart. Others again were led to sigh for an assurance of peace and comfort, like that which was vouchsafed to ' Poor Joseph.' We are thankful for the kind offer made lis by the Religious Tract Society to print some additional tracts for us, and that one of our brethren is able to send two, which he has already prepared for the purpose. By the return of a sledge company, who pay us an annual visit from the Koksoak, in Nagava Bay, for pur- poses of traflic, we shall have the great pleasure of sending a number of interesting tracts for the use of the settlers in that district." The grateful manner in which the Esquimaux received the first tracts prepared for them, led the missionaries to send forth LAlillADOR. 593 'The Infant Preachers/ 'Conversations between a jMother and her Child/ and others on the ' Sufferings and Death of Christ.' The llev. L. ^Morhardt, on this subject, wrote : — " The circulation of such tracts we have found to be attended with great benefit. Though we cannot tell of any remarkable awakenings that have been produced by them, we have had sufficient proofs that they are made the means of drawing attention to the one thing needful, and im- parting useful instruction both as to doctrine and practice. They not only direct the reader to the word of God, but they also illustrate and apply the blessed truths therein contained. We have often found that the reading of a tract has led to useful and edifying conversation among the members of a family, or the inmates of a house, and induced them to refer to the holy scriptures for the information they needed. Many a tract is the companion of tbe hunter or the seal-catcher in his hazardous expe- ditions, and thus obtains a reading, when a copy of tbe new testament cannot be referred to. For the sake of our young people, to whom i*^ is so important to present divine truth under a variety of aspects, we arc especially anxious to have a supply of suitable tracts. One of these ])oor people was made very uneasy about his spiritual state, by the contents of one of the tracts first sent to us ; for he felt that his profession of faith in Christ was not thoroughly sincere, and that his conduct was not such as became the gospel. Being led to serious self-examination, he learned to know himself as a sinner, and, we trust, also to know Jesus as his Saviour, and to experience that his blood cleanseth from all sin." Encouraged by these statements, the Society voted 10/. for the printing of one thousand copies of each of the tracts men- tioned by Mr. jNIorhardt. Their reception by the youthful Esquimaux at Hopedale is thus described : — " We called a meeting of our scholars, for the special purpose of dis- tributing these gifts, in which, after a short address, they were brielly examined in what they had learned. Then a salutation from their friends beyond the great water was delivered to them ; and they W(>rc informed, that these friends had sent them some presents, wbich would be dis- tributed. What joy was depicted in every face, and what rejoicings were heard, when tliey got the presents into their hands ! When asked, what message we should send in i-eturn to the donors, they replied, ' We send respectful salutations and hearty thanks.' ' But would you not, by your diligence and good behaviour, prove that you love Jesus cordially, which is the most anxious wish of your friends?' 'Ahaila!' (yes) exclaimed they unanimously. We are persuaded, could our worthy and kind bene- factors have witnessed this joyful scene, they would have considered them- selves amply rewarded for their generous bounty. But now we can do nothing more than convey our feeble acknowledgments, in tlic name of our infant flock, together with the fervent prayer, that our Savioiir him- self would repay the benefits wliich they have conferred upon our people, by granting them a rich measure of spiritual gifts and blessings." 2 Q 594 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. GREENLAND, The state of the inhabitants of this region was brought before the Society in 1830, by an earnest appeal from the Rev. P. Kragh, of Jutland. He had prepared translations of twenty- five tracts in the Greenland language, which included 'Jonathan Brown/ ' William Black/ ' James Covey/ ' The Two Old Men/ ' The Lord's Day/ ' The Watchmaker and his Family/ ' Friendly Advice/ ' The Warning Voice/ ' The Two Ways and the Two Ends/ and ' Sixteen Short Sermons/ all from the Society's list. The following extract is from Mr. Kragh's letter. " Ten of the happiest years of my life I have spent as a missionary in Greenland. My work has often been blessed far beyond my expecta- tion. I planted in hope and watered with faith, but God nearly always gave richer growth than I, or any one else, could have expected. All, young and old, came to the evening service, though it stormed, snowed, and was very dark, and they listened with attention, while I spoke to them about God and his only begotten Son. Devotion was apparent in the face of every Grcenlandcr, when I explained the gospel of Ilim who, without sin, suffered on the cross to save sinners. Often did the tears stream down the penitent's cheek. These happy effects were pro- duced by reading and explaining the word of God, and also by religious tracts and other pious books, whicli I had translated. Some of my trans- lations have been copied by the natives, and are circulating in the country. Most of the Greenlanders can write, but they have little time, and very scanty conveniences in their houses and tents for such a diffi- cult task. Often would those who were fond of reading, when I had read a tract to them which had touched them to their very souls, beg me to get it printed in their native tongue. My answer was, that I had not silver and gold to pay the expenses connected with printing books, but what I had I would with pleasure give ; and that I would endea- vour to persuade pious and richer Christians to bear the expense." This simple appeal secured its object, and a grant of 25/. was made. The silent messengers of mercy were immediately sent forth, with the hope that by their perusal the hearts of many of the poor frozen Greenlanders would melt at the exhibition of the Saviour's love. The Moravian missionaries, in 1841, again pleaded the cause of the Greenlanders, and requested aid in the publication of ' Scripture Narratives.' The old testament not being in gene- ral circulation among them, the proposed work was likely to be interesting and instructive. A grant of 20/. was made towards the publication of a large edition of this new work. GREENLAND. 595 When the ' Narratives ' were issued, their novelty and con- tents produced grateful emotions among the people. The Mora- vian minister at Lichtenau thus wrote, in August, 1844: — " I am hapi^y to be able to inform you, that the use of the ' Scripture Narratives,' in Greenlaudish, which we owe to the liberality of our British friends, tended, during the whole of last winter, to produce new life in our schools, and in the families of our Greenlanders. Whoever obtained possession of one of these books considered himself highly favoured. Often, when I have paid an unexpected visit to one of the houses, I have had the pleasure of hearing the inmates reading aloud to each other out of these books, and engaging in conversation on the subjects of which they ti-eat. The same was the case in the schools. In the girls' school, not a few presented themselves, who had already ceased from attendance, earnestly intreating to be received again as pupils, that they might profit by the instruction now, for the first time, afforded." The Rev. C. M. Ihrer also remarked : — " I have been much pleased, on going out in the evening, to find all quiet out of doors, while within the houses I heard the people engaged in singing hymns, sometimes accompanied by the violin, or reading aloud by turns to one another — an employment which is a favourite one with our school-children. We must again beg to return a thousand thanks to the kind Britihh friends and benefactors who have enabled us to supply our people with so rich a store." The grants to our North American colonies and Newfound- land amounted to the lara;e sum of 6891/. CHAPTER XL. AVEST INDIA ISLANDS^ AXD BRITISH GUIANA. Connexion between missionary effort and the Christian press— Efforts at Bermuda— Progress of education among the negroes — Necessity for scriptural -works — Rev. W. Phillippo — Rev. W. Knibb— Usefulness of tracts — Anxiety of the negroes to obtain religious works — Removal of difliculties by the Act of emancipation — Renewed exertions— Importance of spiritual freedom — Increased grants of libraries, tracts, etc. — Broadsheets — Establishment of an auxiliary at Jamaica — Consignment of books — Remittances from Jamaica Society — Efforts of Rev. J. Wooldridge— Exertions of Dr. Thomson— Grants of French and Spanish works to Hayti— Co-operation of Rev. J. Law of Trinidad, and of Archdeacon Holberton of Antigua— Auxiliary in New Providence— Labours of Archdeacon Trew, Rev. W. K. Dun- come, and Rev. H. Capern, in the Bahamas — Instances of jiersonal benefit from tract reading — Co-operation of the Society with the friends of general education — Grants of libraries for schools, etc. — Supply of the Society's Commentaries to the native students for the ministry — Successful efforts among sailors — Rev. J. Ketley— Interest of several friends in the Jubilee proceedings. A FEW jTars after tlic fonnatiou of the Society, its publications were sent to these islands, and were thankfully received by the people. A letter from a missionary at Bermuda, dated in January, 1815, pointed out the connexion between missionary labours and the Christian press, and urged on the Committee their great duty in reference to the colonies. The following extracts are from the letter : — "The success of our mission has been a matter of public notoriety, and I scruple not to affirm that the establishment of that mission was greatly owing to the circulation of religious tracts published by your Society. " When I arrived at Bermuda, the prospect before me was most dark and lowering ; T was pained to observe the union of ignorance and wick- edness presented on every side, and intreated God to take the matter into His own hands. J commenced my mission by preaching the first princi- l)les of the doctrines of tlie gospel, and, as a kind of epilogue to my sermons, I gave tracts to my hearers : these they received with avidity, reaching their hands over each othei-s' heads, that they might obtain them from me. I generally carried a number in my pocket, wheresoevci' I went, and if any inquired of the new doctrine, I gave them a few of these, as my commentators, without telling them that I preached no other religion than that contained in the tracts. Till that time, a wall of WEST INDIA ISLANDS, AND URITISII GUIANA. 597 bigotry existed, wliicli I found it as impossible to surmount as to pene- trate ; for what can a missionary do when people will not come out to hear his message? This was precisely my case: — such was the prejudice of the Bermudians that I could have no ministei-ial access either to the ears or the hearts of numbers. But I sent my spies into their camp. The tracts found a way to their houses, and, blessed be God, to their hearts ; these, under the blessing of God, opened a path ; these brought them out from their hiding-places ; these excited a desire in their breasts to hear a man who, by these little pioneers of Divine truth, had cut a passage to their candour and consciences. Thus, the tracts were a real blessing to Bermuda; many of the blacks and their children learned to read, and delighted in them ; many of the wliitcs dismissed their preju- dices against vital religion by this means. My ministry was made a blessing to hundreds, and a goodly number were, I trust, brought to the knowledge of salvation, I am, from their utility in Bermuda, fully per- suaded, that no missionary should go on a foreign mission without a good number of these little paper preachers to accompany him." Thus cheered in the coinniencemcnt of its course, the Society ■went forward in the work committed to its care; but though a few missionaries and lay friends were supphed with tracts, httle comparatively was done until 1826, when a more decided ad- vance was made in furthering its objects. Erom that time, grants were annually made to most of the islands, both in tracts and larger publications. The progress of education among the negroes led the Society to give increased attention to the diffusion of religious knowledge. On this subject, the Rev. W. Phillippo, of Spanish Town, Jamaica, reminded the Committee, that without a sufficient number of books to put into the hands of those who could already read, education might prove a curse to them rather than a blessing. If good books could not be obtained, it would not be long ere bad ones were im])orted, J\Ir. P. added : " The Bible, the Tract, and every other society, should follow closely in the rear of school societies. When travelling in the iatcrioi- of the country, I have been more than once accosted by a little ragged dirty negro, or a coloured boy, with a smile playing on his cheek, and showing his teeth in all their whiteness, and bowing and scraping his foot all the while, 'How do, Massa Coolmassa?^ accompanied generally with the request, ' Please, massa, give me one book.' In many instances, the children of our schools in town and country are in the habit of reading, to groups of persons assembled for the purpose, the books which have been s:\ven them as rewards." 598 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. The opinion of Mr. Pliillippo was common to all the labourers in the mission field. The Rev. A. Whitehorne^ Wesleyan Mis- sionaiy, at St. Kitts^ Avhen writing on the subject^ judiciously observed : — " Christian benevolence in Britain, joined with the exertions of friends in these islands, and missionaries, has enabled many to acquire the art of reading. In so doin^, it has but prepared the way for another demand — to furnish those poor people with suitable books. This want remaining unsupplied, the art of reading will be of comparatively small value; it may become injurious, for if not furnished with proper works on the all-important business of religion, and on other subjects beneficial to the poor, it is not improbable that they would employ it in reading publications subversive of their present and eternal interests. " The character of West Indians is ardent : as the servants of sin, they are ardent; as the servants of God, when redeemed from sin, they are ardent. Shall their ardour be cooled down ? shall it not be supported and increased by the more extensive circulation of proper books? Keep up the ardour of a West Indian, and give it proper direction, \inder the hand of a patient, wise, and holy missionary, and nothing will be too hard to be effected. And shall not this ardour be supported, and assist- ance be given to the missionary in directing it? So far as tlie Religious Tract Society is concerned, I believe it will. I ask on behalf of these multitudes in confidence ; and surely, to the extent of their ability, the Committee will honour my confidence." The Rev. William Knibb, of Kingston, also pressed the neces- sity of tract circulation in connexion with educational efforts. He wrote, in 1839: "It will rejoice your hearts to learn that seven persons have joined the church, whose minds were first directed to the things of eternity through the instrumentality of these little messengers of mercy. I have sent several sup- plies to a pious soldier, who has encouraged me by the many instances of their beneficial effects which he has witnessed. A tract he gave to a very dissolute young man, proved the instrument of his conversion. He has since been called into another world : on his dying bed he felt the power of that grace which can save to the uttermost. ^^ One encouraging feature of the Society's operations in the West Indies has been the anxiety of the negroes to obtain religiovis works. On this subject the Moravian missionary at Barbadoes wrote : " Every day our room is besieged by boys and girls, as well as by adults, whom we willingly supply with tracts, and ^hen they liave read one tract they come for another." A correspondent in Jamaica stated ; " Your case of WEST INDIA ISLANDS, AND BRITISH GUIANA. 599 books of the value of 50/. I opened at my lodgings, and have sold nearly the whole, although I gave no notice of sales, but left it entirely for one to tell another." The missionaries in Berbice, wlien reporting the manner in which they had distributed the tracts received for gratuitous circulation, also referred to the love of books which prevailed among the negroes. "The friends ot your Society would be gratified to hear the people asking for 'prayer papers;' at first I understood not the reference. ' Prayer papers!' I said; 'what do you mean?' The reply immediately was, ' Massa, paper prayer so long.' I then concluded that it must be a tract; and found the prayer paper, ' A Plain Prayer.' On asking them if they could read it, the reply was, 'Me try, massa — me no able read much; me read dis one till me read him through; me read him again and again, den me know him good, massa.' They would then pro- nounce their negro eulogimii upon it, ' Dat prayer, massa, too good — me like him too much,' that is, very much. 'The Pilgrim's Progress;' 'The Journeyings of the Cliildren of Israel,' in which they perceive some simi- larity between the oppressive yoke of Egypt and the one in which they were once bound; 'The Parables Explained,' 'The Manners and Customs of the Jews;' the 'Companion to the Bible;' and several others, are l)ooks on which they set a high value. It is no uncommon thing for them to bring their book on the sabbath, or on the week day, and to say they want to have ' one leetle story with massa or misse — one word too heavy for them — they no well understand him.' When it is explained by some other tei-ni, they appear highly delighted, and return home with renewed pleasure to peruse their books. Of reading they are very fond, and often, I believe, they sit up, till near the midnight hour, by the cocoa-nut oil lamp, as they say that they may be more wise, and have more knowledge and understanding." These various facts must satisfy every reader that the negro, under the influence of religious instruction, feels, like all other instructed persons, a constant desire for approved works. The Rev. John Wray reported a pleasing fact. Eight men went in a punt to convey goods to a ship in the river, or to receive articles from her; while they were on board, the captain asked them whether they would have a glass of rum each, or a book; they all chose a book, and said they did not drink rum. Tracts were given, which were gratefully received. He also mentioned that the tract, 'The End of Time,' was the means of the conversion of one of the British American cap- tains who visited the colony. " I have heard of the blessed 600 rOREIGX OPKllATIONS. change iiiore than oiicc^ but a few ^Yeeks ago a pious captain informed me that he continues in the ways of hohness and piety^ devoting himself to the Saviour's cause." The decree of the British senate which declared that slavery should no longer exist within the dominions of Britain, removed out of the way many difficulties which had retarded the Society's operations. The Committee, at this crisis, felt the importance of uniting with the friends of missionary institu- tions in endeavouring to give a right direction to the negro mind amidst the excitement which was likely to be experienced on coming into possession of newly-acquired privileges and rights. It was of vital importance to moderate his joyous feel- ings by pointing him to the liberty wherewith Christ makes his people free. A missionary, alluding to this subject, men- tioned that a poor negro, on purchasing one of the Society's books, made some pious and excellent remarks on the cha- racter of Joseph, which he fovmd in the chapter on slaves; and observed " that the people were all looking forward to the possession of freedom ; but what real benefit would that be to them if they continued the slaves of sin ? " In 1834, the grants were greatly augmented, in the pros- pect of the great day of emancipation. Thirty-seven religious circulating libraries were placed at important stations;* tracts amounting to 212,000 were sent to various friends for gra- tuitous circulation ; and consignments of books on sale were made to the amount of 456/. These grants called for the expenditure of 370/. At this time the Committee published twelve broadsheets on coloured paper, the negroes being accustomed to put up on the walls of their houses or huts all kinds of pictures and prints, trusting that these papers would be the means of conveying moral and religious instruction to their hearts. These little works attracted the attention of the negroes. The following communication was received on the subject from the Rev. J. M. Phillippo:— " Knowing the estimation in which the broad coloured sheets were held, I decided on distributing them as far as they would go. They were received with the greatest pleasure and thankfulness. It really did my heart good to see the gesticulations of pleasure manifested by the ' See Chapter XVI, "Libraries for Home and the Colonies," for facts showing the benefits of these and similar grants. ^YEST IXblA ISLANUiS, AND 151UTISII OUIANA. GDI people on my putting them into their hand. Some liehl tliem up and gazed on them as the greatest treasure they coukl possess. Some held them against the walls of their cottages, expressive of their design to fi.K them there ; others took them in silence, and uttered ejacu- lations which, from my engagements at the time, I could but partially understand. I advised them also, instead of pasting or nailing them against the wall, as the best method of preserving them, to put them in a frame. This suggestion was instantly approved, and, accordingly, although but three or four days have elapsed, several cottages are now ornamented with 'The ten commandments,' 'The Swearer's Prayer,' 'Duties in Reference to the Sabbath,' etc., inclosed in neat cedar frames." One of the "Wesleyan Missionaries, tlie Rev. P. Samuel, men- tioned an interesting circumstance connected with the coloured broadsheets. " I requested they might be fixed upon the walls of the houses ot our members, to serve for ornaments and to impart instruction to any visitor who might be able to read. In about a week after distribution, I called at the house of one of our best members, and found his house newly whitewashed outside and in, and the coloured and white bills distributed over the walls of the hall (the place for receiving strangers), in the most imposing manner; upon these his sons, about six in num- ber, bestow great attention, as they are all learning to read. Several families are much disappointed at receiving no share of them." Among the various circumstances connected with the circu- lation of tracts, were some which clearly showed their ten- dency to promote a spirit of subordination and peace among the negroes. The Rev. William Knibb distributed the hand- bill, entitled, 'Our duty to the King, to Masters, and to all that are in Authority.^ Soon afterwards a fact transpired, which was related as follows : — " One of our members suf- fered severely during the times of persecution for the sake of truth. His wife resides on a property adjoining that to which he belongs. Being sent thither one day with a letter to the overseer, the following dialogue took place : — Overseer. ' Well, F., if it had not been for yovir sake, I should have sent your wife to the treadmill, for her insolence and abuse.' F. ' I am sorry to hear that for true ; but, busha, I am constable on our estate, and when the magistrate come up he tell me that if any of we people abuse me, and I l)ring them to him, he will punish them. But him tell me that if 1 abuse them again before I take them up, he will ])unish me as well as them. And if for me wife abuse busha, and busha no abuse again, let she be punished too.' 0. ' Ay, F., you know more about these things 602 FOREICxN OPERATIONS. than I do, but it's a pity you should go to hear the Baptists, who tell you not to work for your masters, nor to cultivate your own grounds/ F, 'Is it so they tell we, busha? Well, I can show you what they teach/ Saying this, he took from his pocket the Religious Tract Society's hand-bill, 'Our duty to THE King, to Masters, and to all that are in Authority,' and requested him to see for himself what instructions were given them. Having read it very attentively, he said, 'Well, F., while you keep to that you will never do wrong ; but why don't you teach your wife this t' F. ' Busha, 'tis not for want of teaching ; but if she will not do what I teach, I can't help it.' " The growing demand for religious publications led several friends in Jamaica, in 1835, to establish an auxiliary Religious Tract Society on catholic principles. This movement was highly important in connexion with the emancipation of the negroes. A grant of 251. in tracts and broadsheets was sent to the new society at the request of its friends, and a consignment of 300/. in books. The Committee the more readily complied with this request, being informed that considerable efforts were making to circulate infidel principles. A correspondent writing from Ja- maica, in reference to a large supply of books he had ordered, remarked : — " Send out this ark-full as soon as you can, and we will all lend our hands to sow its contents in onr towns and over our country. This island, together with the other West India colonies, will soon become, I trust, one of your largest fields of operation. The grand change begun among us will give wings to education ; and you must prepare yourselves to give wings to your publications to meet our wants." Several liberal remittances were received from the Jamaica Tract Society. The Rev. John Wooldridge devoted much atten- tion to its objects, and formed associations in several places, which led to a wide circulation of tracts. The following fact was mentioned. " I know of one instance," remarked Mr. Dexter, "in which conver sion appears to liave been produced by the reading of your tracts. Tlie Society will feel that the salvation of one soul will be more than sufli- cient to repay them for their kindness to om* poor people. In the case alluded to, a free young woman of colour came to reside on the mission premises, at Stewart Town. I was informed that she was naturally of a violent temper, but had for some time been under strong convictions, which were caused by reading some ' lUtfe books,' I thouglit it best, WEST INDIA ISLANDS, AND BRITISH GUIANA. 603 before I said anything to her on the subject, to see if she bi'ought forth ' fruits meet for repentance.' One morning she appeai-ed to be unwell. On my asking if any thing was the matter, slie burst into tears, and could not for some time answer me. At length she informed me that she was in great distress on account of her sins. On inquiring if she thought she was worse than other people, and if so, what it was that made her think so, she replied, 'that she had for nearly two years felt as if no one was so vile as she ; that about that time, while stopping at home one sabbath, she saw some tracts lying on the table, and took them up merely to pass away the time. One on ' The Lord's Day,' and another (I think) on ' The Wonder in Three Worlds,' opened her eyes to her lost and ruined condition, and led her to the feet of the Saviour for mercy. Since that time she had generally been in great distress, though there had been some seasons when Christ had appeared precious to her, and when she was enabled to rejoice in him. She lias now been for eighteen months constantly under my eye ; her con- duct has been such as to satisfy me that she is a ' new creature in Christ Jesus.' " A missionary, at Brown's Town, reported : — " I can bear testimony to the usefulness of tracts for edification. A young man of respectability, who had been for some time attending our chapel, wrote to me, bogging for * some books likely to benefit an immortal soul — to turn a sinner from the error of his way.' I sent ' Baxter's Call ' and 'The Anxious Inquirer Directed,' and have reason to know that they have been the means of deepening his sense of danger, and increasing liis desire for spiritual food. A boy of fourteen or fifteen years of age came to me, expressing his solicitude about his soul : I lent ' Abbott's Young Christian ' to him. The last time I saw him, I was pleased to find that he was reading the book with much attention, and, I hope, profit. In other cases, the lending of the books will, I trust, be like bread cast upon the waters, to be found after many days. The Biographies I have often found profitable to my own soul : looking back too, to my ehildhood, I well remember with what earnestness and pleasure I read your publications ; the effect of some will never be forgotten." The Jamaica Tract Society was much encouraged by the demand for religious works : — " They are coming," wrote the secretary, " into contact with multitudes all over the island, whom we are unlikely to meet in any other way, especially among the white people; many of these have been supplied with ' Short I'rayers,' ' Family Prayers,' ' Cottage Sermons,' ' Burder's and Spencer's Sermons,' which some of them make a point of reading on Sundays. We have sold books this year to persons who had never been purchasers before, among whom we hope they will be useful. We now employ an itinerant 604 rORKIGX OPEU.VTIOXS. vender, who visits all classes at their o-\vn houses both in town and country/' During the residence of Dr. Thomson, the agent of the British and Foreign Bible Society, in the West Indies, he exerted himself to circulate Spanish works in Hayti and other places. Large supplies of books and tracts were placed with him, which he soon disposed of, partly by sale, but mostly by gift. The people appeared to prize them, and to rejoice in the opportunity of obtaining such good and useful works. At Port-au-Prince, the chief purchaser was the secretary of state. " One day,'' wrote Dr. Thomson, " when I was with him, along with several others, he told us that he had rarely read any thing that gave him so much pleasure as the So- ciety's tracts. He added that the day before he had read ' La Femme Volontaire,' and thought it excellent, and that he in- tended to inclose it in a letter to a person who needed reading of the kind. Dr. Thomson added : ' One of the senators resided in the house where I lodged; I made him a pre- sent of a few of the tracts. He attentively read them, and then bought an entire set, which he said he would take home to his children.' " The Committee followed up these providential openings, and in 1834 sent to General Liginac, the chief secretary to the Presi- dent of Hayti, publications to the value of 50/. The general assured the Committee that he would gladly use his endeavours to give them an extensive circulation among the people. They were sold for 350 dollars; the value of which was remitted in coffee, which realized 43/. 15s. A further supply of 50/. in French books w^as forwarded, and grants of five thousand Spanish and French tracts. Many of these works were pur- chased by the priests, particularly the sermons. Several of them also took a deep interest in distril3uting the tracts and forwarding the sales, and from the pulpit recommended the people to buy them. At Trinidad, a Spaniard Avas greatly pleased with Wilberforce's work on ' Practical Christianity,' in Spanish. The two first volumes of IMilner's ' Church History' also attracted his special attention, and he earnestly requested a friend to write to London for the other volumes, if they should be translated. He also read with much attention 'The Book of Martyrs,' which determined him to leave the Romish ■WEST INDIA Islands, and buitish ouiaxa. 605 Church. The man nevi'V thought seriouf>ly on religious subjects until he read these Spanish publications. The following fact, from Trinidad, is also interesting. "A Spaniard, to whom I gave the tract, ' Exposicion de la Doctrina del Crucificado,' was so impressed from the perusal thereof, with the fulness, freeness, and all-sufficiency of the atonement by Jesus Christ, that he entirely repudiates those dogmas of the papal church which rob the Redeemer of his honour, by placing before its members other sa- viours, which are in truth no saviours, and other mediators besides the man Christ Jesus, who is the ' only Mediator.' This person now sees that, in the fabled fire of pin-gatory, there is nothing to be feared, for he has learned that ' the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin,' and, therefore, its imaginary purgatorial flames are not needed. I do believe that the reading of this tract (with that of some others with which I have supplied him) has been the means, in the hand of God, of bring- ing this Spaniard to a knowledge of the 'truth as it is in Jesus-.' The Rev. John Law, of Trinidad, found much good to arise from the circulatif)n of a few tracts, suitable to the hjcality. These excited much attention, particularly those which had reference to the errors of the church of Rome. " Now," remarked j\Ir. Law, " they arc eagerly sought for ; almost all day long people come asking for ' The Tract on the Bible,' ' The IMass,' ' Extreme Unction,' ' The Head of the Church,' ' The Keys,' ' Praying to Saints,' ' ^Vuricular Confession,' etc. It is quite ])leasing to see such a desire for religious informa- tion." Li this interesting work the Society united, by voting to Mr. Law a su])ply of printing pa])er. The venerable Archdeacon llolberton, of Antigua, bore testi- mony to the power of God manifested in the conversion of a poor miserable drunkard, through the tract, ' A Word to a Drunkard.' He furnished the following })articulars : — " A jierson of resprct;ible connexiuns was educated in Enjiland, but afterwards returned to his inheritance in Antigua. All Avas well, until he yielded himself to excess in the use of spirits. 'J'his, as most ])cr- sons know, is the road to ruin, and few have travelled on it faster, or more nearly reached its termination, than himself. In a word, lie was a sottish outcast from his family circle, and the dread of a peace- able neighbourhood, up to tlie time of his having the ' Word to a Drunkard ' put into his hands. He read it, and as he read his stu- pified and sleeping conscience awoke, and charged home upon him his guilt and condemnation. He could get no rest, liis soul's distraction was like a troubled sea. The house of CJod, so often neglected, was now resorted to, and the word of reconciliation gladly received. In 606 FOREIGN OrERATIONS. every respect he brought forth fruits meet for repcnlancc, and a few weeks since came to beg admission to that section of the Christian church to which I am more nearly attached. Such was his emotion on this occasion, that his very legs trembled beneath him, while his lips seemed to refuse distinct articulation. Hitherto he has walked worthily, and I commend him to your prayers." Ill the efforts made for the diffusion of rehgious truth in Antigua and the neighbouring islands, the Society has had the hearty co-operation of the archdeacon. He has superin- tended the issue of the works forwarded to him, and has given them an extensive circulation among the prisoners in the jail, the military in the islands, and the sick in the hospitals. They have frequently been read with earnestness, and, it is hoped, with profit. The sales also of the larger books have been much promoted. On this subject the archdeacon wrote : " I earnestly hope and pray that by means of our depository the circulation of the truth as it is in Jesus, through the various publications issued by the Religious Tract Society, will be greatly extended over our island, and be blessed to the conversion and edifi- cation of many souls." The friends connected with the Bahamas Mere among the early supporters of the Society. An auxiliary was established in New Providence, which for several years was in active opera- tion, and books were sold to a considerable amount. In 1837, the Rev. H. Capern, its respected secretary, stated : " The publications have been useful, through the blessing of God. I know it. Oh ! that they may be attended with the Spirit of God in every place throughout the world. The principal agent in the sale of your volumes at Nassau is a poor woman, named Phoebe. She is a 'servant of the church,' and may be 'a succourer of many' through the works which she is the means of widely distributing." The venerable Archdeacon Trew, during a long period, has been the zealous promoter of the Society's objects, in the West India Islands, but more particularly in the Bahamas, lie has not only been a personal distributor of tracts, but has called the attention of many clergymen and pious lay friends to the duty of tract circulation. After detailing his mode of giving currency to the grants frequently placed at his disposal, he wrote : " If this account of my stewardship prove satisfactory to your Committee, I shall feel real ]ilcasure in continuing in AVEST INDIA ISLANDS, AND BRITISH GUIANA. 607 tlieir service as a tract distributor^ and account it also a high privilege to deal out to the little ones in our schools some of those interesting reward books published by the Society." The Rev. W. K. Duncome, of Harbour Island, has placed the Society under many obligations by his constant endeavours to circulate its publications, particularly through a loan tract society he has established. From several interesting commu- nications received from him, the following extracts only can be given :— " An individual, who altogetlicr neglected public \voi«liip, was so much affected by the tract, 'Persuasives to Public Worship,' that he could neglect it no longer; he went the very next sabbath; under the word he was so much affected that he could not restrain his tears ; (he preacher's description of the prodigal son touched his heart, for he felt he was one ; he however desired to be so no more, but to be a follower of the meek and lowly Jesus. Another distributor says: 'One pleasing circum- stance I would notice, for our encouragement in this good work, is, that a woman, who was very negligent in her attendance on i)ublic worship, has become very regidar, and is likewise apparently inider deep convic- tions of sin. I have had many interesting conversations with her on the subject of the tracts, and it appears that she is now resolved diligently to seek the salvation of her soul, though her trials, as she says, are many, and her hindrances numerous. Upon changing the tract, * A Brand plucked out of the Fire,' for a poor woman, she said, ' That is a very affecting tract; I do not know hov/ I felt upon hearing it read.' On my asking her if she would not wish to be like the subject of that narrative ; she replied, ' O yes, and I do all I can to escape the ever- lasting burning.' " In short, many persons have been brought to God, whose first reli- gious impressions may be traced, it is believed, to the diligent reading of the tracts, or the faithful conversations of the distributors." The same correspondent also furnished the following I'act : — '• A copy of ' Doddridge's Rise and Progress,' which you sent, proved of some benefit to a late official personage of this colony. Being in ill-health, he cam'e to this place from Nassau, for a change of aii-, when I visited him, and lent him that work. Finding, however, no improvement in his health, he returned to Nassau, where he died in a few weeks. Soon after his death I received from his sister a note, re- turning the book, and stating, that it was her brother's particular desire that it might be brought with him, and she sincerely trusted that its contents gave rise to many meditations respecting the future state, and led him to lean for salvation only on the merits of his Saviour." The ])rogress of knowledge being intimately connected 608 roREiGX opj:rations. with the Society^s designs, the Committee embraced every opportunity of co-operating with the friends engaged in the work of education. Among these were the trustees of the Mico charity, who, in 1838, established schools at sixteen sta- tions in Jamaica, and twenty-seven in Trinidad, Barbadoes, Tobago, St. Lucia, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St. Vincent^s, and Demcrara. On the application of the trustees, the Com- mittee granted books to the value of 100/., at half their cost, to form libraries for the teachers and scholars at the different stations ; and nearly thirty-two thousand tracts. These were followed by twenty-five other libraries. One of the agents of the charity remarked : " I have seen a poor black child, when he has been taught to read, and has received a little book, run and read it to a group of negroes, of all ages, who stood listening with deep attention to the lisping child. The tracts are often read with delight by the herdsman and his boys, who sit all the day l^cneath the burning sun to watch their master's cattle." A fact showing the increased intelligence of many among the negroes occurred in ISil. Several applications were made for books on behalf of coloured schoolmasters, and others pre- paring for the work of the ministry. They were granted to them on reduced terms. The Rev. J. Zorn, of Fairfield, Jamaica, when acknowledging their arrival, remarked: ''You will ac- quiesce in the importance of giving the opening intelligence of our black population a religious direction ; and among them the teachers, as the most intelligent, and having most influence on the young. We have here two black young men, training for usefulness. I shall present them each with a copy of the small volumes.^' The llev. J. Tinson, of Calabar, Jamaica, received twenty sets of the 'Commentary^ at half price, for young men under his care preparing for native preachers. He noticed the case of one student, who received a copy of the valuable work. " He was a slave, but ])urchased his freedom, and became a teacher in a country school. He is a carpenter Ijy trade. His wife, a pious, interesting black woman, was also a slave. They ha^e seven children. Such was the man's desire for knowledge and use- fulness, that he applied to be admitted a student, and was received. He now works hard, and is an acceptable preacher. He has Ijut few books, and, in his circumstances, it is not to ^VEST ixni.v islands, and British guiaxa. 009 be supposed that he couhl ihul money to ])uvchasc more. He was thankful for your kind i)resent/' The missionaries in the West Indies liavc not been unmind- ful of the sailors and foreigners who have visited their ports. To these too frequently hardened and thoughtless sinners tracts liavc made known the Saviour's love. Among other friends, the Rev. George Rowse, of Kingston, has personally visited them in their vessels. A ])leasing fact is narrated by the Rev. Samuel Oughton, relative to a sailor. " One sabbath afternoon, I was informed that a person wished to speak to me. I went, and saw a sailor about thirty years of age ; he was in a state of great mental excitement, and said that he was anxious to con- verse with me respecting the concerns of his soul, and eternity. He was the child of pious parents in America, hut had neglected their counsels, and abandoned liimself to evil courses and almost every sin. During Ins last voyage to Jamaica, one of the tracts then left in the vessel by Mr. Rowse was given to him. 'It was,' he said, 'on a Sunday after- noon, and having nothing to do, I began to read it to pass away the time.' The subject of the tract was the judgment-day. 'No sooner,' he continued, ' had I read the tract than my mind was deeply impressed with my awful state before God. I had been blessed with a godly father and mother, who had instructed me and prayed for me, but in spite of all I had turned my back on the Lord, and become one of the vilest wretches alive ; and then I saw myself as having to be tried at this judgment, and had no prospect but to sink into hell. My heart was broken, sir, when I thought of my guilty condition, and I went into the hold of the vessel, and on my knees prayed the Lord to have mercy upon me.' lie begged that I would advise him how to act, and especially tliat I would give him more tracts ; I conversed with him some time, and tlien gave him a number of tracts, for which he expressed his thanks. I was much gratified at this circumstance. A hardened sinner melted and contrite at the feet of Jesus, is a reason for rejoicing; and the circumstance strongly illustrates the value of tract distribution. Your dumb ministers can plead where the living voice of the preacher can never rcacli. In the streets of a crowded city, the wilds of the dcscrl, or on tlie fathomless ocean, their voices are alike licard, and tlie truths of the everlasting gospel made known." The foreigner, also, has received the attention of the English missionary. The Rev. Joseph Kctley, of Demerara, in report- ing the circulation of Portuguese tracts among persons speak- ing that language, noticed the following fact. " Last week, I saw a poor, afflicted, and apparently half-starved Portu- guese sitting under the shadow of the chapel. He was utterly incapable 2 R 610 FOREIGN OPERATIONS. of understanding a word I could say. Returning home, I brouglit him two tracts, upon which, supposing them to be English, he said, ' Me no Englis — me Portugeest.' I gave him to understand the tracts were in Portuguese; when he gave signs of inability to read without spectacles. Again I re- turned to my house, and brought him a pair, which I had purchased a few days previously. They exactly suited his sight. When he found he could use them, and after reading a little way, he lifted up his hands in grati- tude to God, repeating the words he had read again and again. When I gave him to understand that the tracts were his own, and the specta- cles also, with which to read them, his grateful emotions seemed almost unbounded ; while the pleasurable sensations produced in my mind, though I could not understand a word, except as I could read his emotions, were such as I cannot express. I remembered the words of the Lord, how he said, 'It is moi'e blessed to give than to receive;' yet here both were blessed." The same correspondent was not only privileged to minister to the spiritual wants of the foreigner, hut likewise to the local resident, who was living without God in the world. He gave the following cheering details. " I cannot deny myself the pleasure of informing you of an addition made to the church, consequent upon the Divine blessing accompanying the perusal of a tract. The person thus blessed is the brother of a young minister of African descent, who, some years ago, was brought to understand the truth and feel its power under my ministry, and was ordained upwards of two years since. "It appears that several months ago, while living in careless neglect of the gospel, our young friend's attention was arrested by the title of a tract which had been sent him, bvit which he threw aside without perusal. As, however, he thought upon its title, he was, in his leisure moments, in- duced to take it up again and peruse it. Its perusal became the means of awakening liim to a deep concern about his spiritual condition, relative to which he now began to make earnest inquiry. Under this concern, he waited upon me, informed me of his anxieties, and sought to be directed, and in due time he was welcomed to the fellowship of the church, of which we entertain the sanguine hope he will prove a useful member, and be an efficient instrument, by the distribution of religious tracts, in furthering the important objects of your Society." There is one subject which must not be overlooked in this sketch of the Society's labours in the West Indies; namely, the kindly interest felt by some friends in its Jubilee proceed- ings. Mr. James M'jMurray, of Jamaica, wrote : " I have opened a subscription list for your Jubilee fund, and although from our depressed circumstances^ and other causes, I ask no more than five shillings from each, yet I have now in hand for you 5/., which I hope will be increased fourfold. I do feel AVEST IXniA ISLAXDS, AND BRITISH CTIAXA. Gil wc oualit to do something- at this time to show our gratitude to an Institution to which l)oth the missionaries and the young owe so much." The Rev. Joseph Ketley, of Demerara, also re- mitted 10/. He remarked : " This sum, though small in itself, is yet comparatively large, when the very straitened circumstances of my people are considered." The Committee felt much in- debted to their friends for their cheerful co-operation with them in an object so deeply interesting at the present crisis. In furnishing information of the Society's labours in the West India and other islands, it has been impracticable to notice the grants to various important stations, and the kind and disinterested labours of many devoted friends. The leading- subjects reported to the Society only have been given. They, however, show the value and extent of the exertions which have been made. The grants have amounted to 3412/. 19^. CHAPTER XL I. UNITED STATES OF A;\[ERICA. Early intercourse and co-operation with tlie United States— The Massachusetts Society for promoting Christian knowledge — Followed by the formation of several other associations — — New England and Baltimore Tract Societies — Establishment of a national society and depository — Its catholicity— Its prosperity and success— Statistics of its operations- Co- operation and interchange of books with the American Sunday-school Union— Rev. Dr. Tyng— Libraries for emigrants— Financial position of the Sunday-school Union — Reprints of English works — The joint responsibility of England and America in the work of human evangelization. The history of* the Rehgious Tract Society would not be complete without referring to its intercourse with similar institutions in America. "Whether the subject be considered in a religious or commercial point of view, it is most desirable that the fatherland and its American descendants should be " united states " in the great cause of the world^s conversion. The earliest reference to the Society's co-operation with American brethren occurs in the eighth report. In that docu- ment the Committee state, "that the Religious Tract Society had been recognised in North America by a very respectable institution, called ' The Massachusetts Society for promoting Christian Knowledge/ the plan and constitution of which had been received from the Rev. Dr. Morse, its secretary, with a request for copies of the Society's publications. These were granted, with offers of cordial assistance and co-operation, for the furtherance of the great objects which both societies had in view and were endeavouring to accomplish." Soon after the formation of the Massachusetts Society, a female asso- ciation was established in the same state; and also one called, * The Connecticut Tract Society." The thirteenth report of the Society announced a new tract institution in Philadelphia. A letter was received from its secre- tary, ascribing its formation, in a great degree, to the example UXITED STATES OF AMERICA. 613 and success of the Religious Tract Society, and expressing a high esteem for its ])ubHcations, some of which had ah-cady been adopted as its own ; and requesting a complete series, with a view to make further selections from them. With this request the Committee complied. The report remarks : " The establishment of such institutions, if they operate in the usual way to stimulate Christian zeal and diffuse Christian know- ledge, may be regarded as an important event in the religious history of America. Their formation also may be considered as some of the fairest fruits of the Religious Tract Society, and Avhich j)romises to extend the utility of its publications beyond the utmost limits which had hitherto been contemplated." During the prevalenc(! of the unhappy war with the United States, religion appears to have raised the Christian labourers of both countries far above all political considerations and national animosities. The Religious Tract Society continued to cultivate the most friendly intercourse with the American insti- tutions, and to urge them forward in the good cause. In 1816, the report stated, that it had " afforded the Committee the highest satisfaction to hear that another active institution had been formed at Boston, called ' The New England Tract Society ; ' to which its ])ublications were presented, and also to other societies at New York and Hertford." The secretary of the Boston society wrote : '' AVe have printed, within two years since our establishment, between seven and eight hundred thou- sand tracts, of seventy-two different kinds; about two-thirds of which have been distributed in all parts of the United States, and the call for them is every day increasing. Most of our tracts are roprintcd from yours, and others written on your side of the water." Ill 1H17, tlu; lialtimon; society was formed, to which the works of the Religious Tract Society were sent. In the same year, a friendly letter was received from tlit; New York Tract Society, stating that its managers had i)rinted no less than 120,000 tracts, mostly taken from this Society's series; that they stood connected with a number of kindred institu- tions in the United States, and had witnessed many pleasing proofs that their labours had not been in vain in the Lord. The various efforts which have been noticed i)rei)ared the way for a national society. To attain this im])ortant object, a meeting was con^•en(■d at New York, in IMarch, 1825, com- 614 FOREIGN' OPEllATIONS. posed of Chi-istians of various religious den the great facilities afforded iu that city for circulating religious tracts^ and the importance of uniting Christian friends through- out the country in one great institution, were taken into con- sideration, and the American Tract Society was established. This proceeding immediately suggested the necessity of a house, in which the society might enjoy every facility for conducting its operations. The expense of the building was estimated at 20,000 dollars; and immediately after the meeting, 12,500 dol- lars were contributed towards that sum. The needful premises were soon raised, at a cost of 33,000 dollars, about 27,000 of which were contributed by the citizens of New York. This was an instance of liberality clearly pro\dng how deep an interest was taken in the new institution. The principles of union which formed an important feature in the American society were clearly defined. " The bond of our union,^^ observed the committee, " is indeed one which the world knows nothing of. Its strength and its endearment have their foundation in the distinguishing characteristics of vital religion. He who doubts the peculiar claims of that religion, and its efficacy on the heart, may suppose that in the publi- cation of tracts different denominations can never cordially har- monize; but he who knows its power, acknowledges its high claims, and has felt its transforming influence, will not doubt that while jarring and dissension reign so predominant among the children of this world, they whose hearts are imbued with the spirit of Jesus, though called by different names, may, when assembled for such an object, find themselves in a hal- lowed spot, and realize the presence of the Saviour.^'' This noble and scriptural cause has advanced with great success. Its receipts for the first year were 10,000 dollars ; for the last year 258,300. During its first year, the circulation of 185 different tracts amounted to 337,277 : from that time its course has been ever enlarging and deei)ening. Foreign lands have been visited by its tracts, as well as its own extensive states, particularly by the - loan tract distributor and the devoted colporteur, so that in 1849 it circulated 7,203,682 tracts and books. The Society's list now contains 1313 publications, and its total issues have been upwards of one hundred and fom- millions of copies of its works. Great as the exertions must have been to produce such a result, yet the American com- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. G15 mittcc arc still acting in the spirit of the statement they made shortly alter their society's formation : " We dare contemplate no cessation of labour in future years. These streams must continue to How, and the personal efforts now required must be maintained, till the grand enemy of souls is vanquished, and the ' kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ.' There is no rest for a Christian of the nineteenth century, till he i-ests in heaven." The American Sunday-school Union, at Philadelphia, is another great institution \\dth which it has been the privilege of the llcligious Tract Society to be long and happily associated, not only by the interchange of works, but by extensive com- mercial transactions, Avhich have tended to give a greatly in- creased circulation to many important publications. The Union breathes the same spirit as the American Tract Society : " The ties that bind us together,'' remarked its secretary, " are such as bind no other two countries upon the globe ; and we trust they are of a nature too sound and permanent ever to be severed or materially weakened. In the prosecution of our respective plans for the defence and propagation of the I'ro- testant faith, we have a common object of commanding interest." In 1840, F. A. Packard, Esq., one of the secretaries of the Union, was present at the Society's anniversary. He furnished the Committee with much valuable and practical information in reference to its successful labours. In 1842 the Committee had also much pleasm'e in receiving the Rev. Dr. Tyng, as a de})uta- tion from the Union. He fully detailed its proceedings, and strongly m'ged liberal assistance in endeavouring to counteract the efforts of popery, which was rapidly s})reading in the United States, through the emigrants from Great Britain. " Upon our shores," remarked the Doctor, " a conflict is to be waged for Christ ; and 1 affectionately invoke the C()-o])erating interest and jjraycrs of all the people of God, that the ilock of Christ may there be secured and blessed." The Committee, after this appeal, felt it their duty to unite with the friends of the American Sunday-school Union in pio- moting the establishment of libraries for emigrants in newly- settled districts ; and voted 200/. in books for that purpose, on payment of half price. They also presented the Society's f Counnentary ' to Dr. Tyng, as a mark of their esteem. GIG FOREIGN OPERATIONS. The Union is advancing in its prosperous and useful course, and so extensive have its operations become that its receipts for sales in 184;9 were 138,000 dollars, and the donations, in- cluding legacies, about 35,000 — making together a sum equal to 32,600/. sterling. The example of the lleligious Tract Society appears to have given the first impvdse to American Christians in the formation of tract and book societies. Stimulated by the progress of the work in Great Britain, they have with characteristic energy founded kindred institutions throughout the States. The sound theology and practical tendency of the publications of the lleligious Tract Society commended them so strongly to the American Societies, that their first issues were chicfiy reprints from its catalogue, and no^v a large proportion of them are from the same source. From May 1846 to May 1847, the American Sunday-school Union reprinted ninety-eight works, which were originally published by the London Society. There has, however, been a reciprocity of benefits. Hence many of the excellent volumes which have first appeared in America have been adopted by the lleligious Tract Society, and have had an extensive sale. On this subject, Mr. Packard wrote : — " ' The Great Change,^ the ' Anxious Inquirer,' and other works, have been reprinted by our Union. That Dr. Redford and Mr. James should utter the absorbing revelations of the Divine will to a family of rude labourers in our \'\Tstern wilderness, while our Dr. Hodge, by his 'Way of Life,' is illustrating and en- forcing the same Divine truth in the family of a peasant or mechanic in your beautiful island, and that they can do this through the medium of our institutions, cannot but afford us occasion for gratitude to God." It is hoped that the harmony of operations between British and American Christians, which has been briefly noticed, will long continue to produce the happiest results. " To us jointly," remarked a correspondent, "^ appears to be connnitted the dis- tribiition of the ^vord of life to a perishing world. JMay both countries endeavour faithfully to discharge the solcnm trust. There arc millions who have never yet heard of redemjition through Jesus Christ. There are many languages and dia^ lects yet unblessed with a single Christian tract. The Mork to be accomplished calls for the united and untiring zeal of the wliole church of tlic living God." CHAPTER XLIl. SUMMARY 01-' THE SOCIETY S BENEVOLENT RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE. Three important eras in the Society's financial history— First epoch distinguislied by losses upon its tract issues, and its extensive labours in connexion with hawkers — In Second period plans were adopted with a view of making the Society self-sustaining— Third stage of the Society's progress, during which all the subscriptions and donations have been devoted to gratuitous issues, without any deductions whatever— Total receipts— Total grants. A FULL report having been given in cliiijjter xiii. of the extent of the Society's benevolent income and the sources from which it was derived, it is desirable, after having fully dc-" tailed its home and foreign gratuitous operations, to present to its friends a condensed view of the manner in Avhich the funds have been api)ropriatc(I. A careful examination of the reports and other documents connected with the past history of tlie Institution will show that there have been three important eras in its financial history, to each of which attention will now be directed. The first era comprises the period iVom its commencement, in 1799, until the year 1824. During a large portion of this time, there was a considerable loss on its tract issues, particu- larly on their distribution through hawkers. The sales did not meet the Society's expenses, ami the deficiency Was taken out of the subscriptions and donations. In tliis course there was no violation of the original rnlcs, because they stated " that the subscription solicited was to be ciiijjloycd as a means of en- abling the Society to distribute and sell the tracts at a cheap rate." The total benevolent inconu^ to 1821, including legacies, amounted to 32,405/. IG.?. M., and its gratuitous issues to G18 SUMMARY OF THE SOCIETY'S BENEVOLENT 12,247/. 6s. 7d., sliowiug that 20,158/. 9^. 8^. had been ex- pended in the purchase of premises, the needful stock, business expenses, and in making up the losses on sales. The year 1824 commenced the second period of the Society's financial history, when various plans were adopted by the Com- mittee which they hoped would in a few years make the busi- ness portion of the Institution self-supporting, and enable them to devote the whole of the benevolent funds to the circulation of its publications. It would have been both imprudent and impracticable to have sanctioned sudden and doubtful plans. In 1824, the Committee stated in their report, that during the preceding year the whole amount received from subscrip- tions, donations, and contributions, whether from auxiliaries or individuals, had been applied to the foreign grants and gratui- tous issues of tracts at home and abroad, and to the expenses attending that portion of their labours. They recommended this course to be pursued during future years ; every contributor to the funds would then be aware that the whole amount he had given was applied to extending the knowledge of the truth — to operations upon which no difference of opinion could arise among those who desired to make known " the unsearchable riches of Christ." From 1824 to 1834 inclusive, the gratuitous operations of the Society, and the expenses connected with them, absorbed the entire benevolent income, except the legacies ; the receipts being 33,045/. 16^. 6^., and the gratuitous issues 28,286/. 12s. 4 Province of Brittany . . . J Spain /Portugal and Portuguese ) \ Colonies / Jinrtlj^rn iiirnpr. Iceland Sweden Russian and Swedish Lapland Finland Denmark Norway Holland, and Dutch Colonies Belgium /'Protestant Germany: — J German States j Prussia . . . ^_ Austria . . . Province of Lithuania . . Poland, Posen, Silesia, &c. Saxon and Prussian Lusatia Bohemia C Hungary '. and (^Transylvania .... 17,740,197 911,(i03 8,175,121' 30,708,757) 2,000,000 i 14,600,000 3,683,000 2,611,-500 4,064,235 15,002,769 14,154,198 28,846,397 3,388,700 8,138,326 ) 500,000 ' 3,902,875 8,000,000 1,700,000 67,974 0 487 288 1,750 6 0 140 0 0 1,115 2 0 6,819 19 0 Forward £87,857 3 0 AFPEiVDix, NO. 111. — continued. Languages. Where circulated, or for whom designed. Population. French and German Latin Romanese . . . . Enghadin . . . . Italian Maltese . Greek (Modern) Albanian . . Turkish, in Greek cha- racters Turkish, in Armenian characters . . , Turkish . Moldavian and Wal-) achian . . . ./ Bulgarian Syriac R.USS Revel Esthonian Dorpat Esthonian . Lettish, or Livonian Tartar, Turkish . . Buriat, or Eastern) Mongolian . . J Calniuc, or Western) Mongolian . . ./ Forward Inutljrrii ^wn^t. Switzerland For Ecclesiastics . . . . The Grisons of Switzerland On the borders of the Tyrol Italy / For people at Malta, speak- \ \ ing a dialect of Arabic . J ( Greece and the Islands of) < the Archipelago, includ- \ t ing Malta J Province of Albania . . . I For Greek Cliristiansusing) N the Turkish language \ y with Greek characters . | I' For the Armenian Chris - J tians using the Turkish j language with Armenian I, characters Turkey in general, in Europe Ditto ditto, in Asia Moldavia and Walachia . . (Turkish Provinces east) \ and south of Hungary . j Syria IxMsin. Russia generally .... / Northern part of Esthonia \ and Gulf of Finland . Southern part of Esthonia . /Provinces of Livonia and \ Courland Tartarian Astraehan . . . For the Buriats about Lake Baikal, in Siberia, &c. For Calnnics in Russia and Mongolia 2,188,395 73,000 845,000 900,000 9,545,300 10,290,400 1,300,000 3,500,000 61,803,000 400,000 (Families.) 1,204,000 420,000 3,000,000 (i^niirnsiim niiii fmln Cnimlrir.i Georgian Ditto, vulgar, or com- 1 mon characters . ) Armenian, Ancient .) Ditto, Modern. . ./ (Geo \ ca Ditto eorgia south of the Can- casus Armenia Proper, and for Ar menians in Constantinople j Forward . . , , £ s. il. 87,857 3 0 2,244 2 0 2,304 13 0 4,487 0 0 £97,198 APPENDIX, NO. III. — continued. Languages Where circulated, or for whom designed. Population. Forward Hebrew- Arabic Syriae Persic Iraiitir iCauguflgts. For Jews 1 . . . . For Mohammedans generally . . . . . Travancore, in East Indies . . I 200,000 I mm. ll-,000,000 Sanscrit, or Sungskrit Hindustani, or Urdu Ditto, Roman characters I' For the Mohamniedans,^ J Parsees, and Persians of \ \ India, and Persia gene- ( I rally j India 240,000,000' Ceylon 1,000,000 J For Brahmins throughout ) ( India / • • • • For the Mohammedans of India, and others ; (the language in most large towns) SnrtliiJni niiii €n\n[ 3iiMn. Bengali Ditto, Anglo . . . . Oriya Hindui ^ Ditto, in Ilindee or V Nagree characters ) Teloogu, or Telinga . Canarese Tamul, or Tamil , Malayalim . . Tulu . . . , Mahratta Gujuratti Province of Bengal . . . . ' Ditto j Province of Orissa .... For Hindoostan, or the up-^ per provinces of the Bengal y i Presidency J j /Northern Circars, Cudda-"\ pah, Nellore, and greater \ \ part of Hydrabad, or C \ Telinga ) /'Throughout the Mysore, \ J also in the province of \ \ Canara, and as far north [ \ as the Kistna River . .) /The Carnatic, and north) ( part of Ceylon . . ./ Travancore and Malabar . . Mangalore ( The Concan, and through-^ ^ out the Mahratta terri- I I toiy j Sural and province of Gujerat €t\\\m. Cingalese . . , Indo- Portuguese , South part of Ceylon . . . For Portuguese settlers^ and their descendants in \ Ceylon, and various f parts of the Indian seasj £ s. d. 97,108 2 5 Included in India grants. 30,780 1.3 0 Forward £127,981 17 5 APPENDIX, NO, III. — continued. Languages. Where circulated, or for whom designed. Population. Grants. £ s. d. . . 197 084 17 fi SEk-Cjiium Cnuntrirs. Assamese Shyam /Assam, subject to Bengali \ Presidency 1 A district in Assam . . . ( 3,000,000 Nagas Ditto j Burmese Burmese empire and Arracan . 3,500,000 Peg-uan Taleing Pegu .... 1,200,000 /Chiefly for the people of\ \ British Pegu . . . / 1,475 6 0 Karen Pegu 500,000 Siamese Kingdom of Siam .... 2,790,500 Laos Cambodian .... Aiiam, or Cochin Chi- \ nese / Laos Cambodia Cochin China, and Tonquin . 14,000,000 Loo Chooan .... The Islands of Loo Choo . . €\}\WjI ^m^m. ( China Proper, and Chinese^ Chinese J in Indian Archipelago, 1 1 as Singapore, Penang, l I &c j Sn|iiiE, jtr. 362,000,000 Japanese Japan 25,000,000 Corean Corea 2,000,000 Malay, in Roman ) characters . . . | For the Moluccas, and east-■^ tern part of the Archipe- V lago j r Malay Peninsula, seaports^ 8,567 6 0 Malay, u\ Arabic . . < and coasts of Sumatra, > t Java, and other islands.) 30,000,000 Malay, Low .... Batavia and its neighbourhood ( Settlements south and east^ .... Buggis I of Borneo, Celebes, Bali, V I &c j /For natives in the interior)^ \ of Borneo . . . . j .... Dajak Javanese Island of Java 6,000,000 Madurese People of Madura .... J /urtjiir ^c%li|nma. Hawaian Sandwich Islands 150,000^ Tahitian /Georgian and Society Is-) \ lands in the South Seas/ 45,000 Raratonga Hervey Islands 15,000 Tonga Tonga Islands 20,000 1,586 9 0 Samoan New Zealand .... Navigators Islands .... New Zealand 180,000 English The Australian Colonies -^ 1,602 6 6 Forward .... £141,216 4 11 APPENDIX, NO. III. — continued. Languages. Where circulated, or for whom tj , *• /- . desi;,'ned. Population. Grants. £ s. d. Fonvard 141,216 4 11 iifrira. Malagasy . . Sechiiana . . Kaffir . . . Isubu . . . Amharic . . Spanish Hebrew Madagascar Bechuana, east of Namaqua Caffraria Bembia in Western Africa . Abyssinia Northern Africa .... \pm\ %.mnm. „ ^ , CI • 1 I r Spanish America, and thel Portuguese and Spanish \ ' Brazils I Karif. . Mosquito English and French English . . . . Greenlandish . . . Esquimaux . . . Mohawk . . . . Mosquito Shore Mnrtlj Imim, Chippeway, or Ojib-) bewa /I British America .... Newfoundland Greenland Labrador /Indian nations west of thel \ Falls of Niagara. . .j / For the Chippeway or^ 1 Delaware Indians . . j IWA SiiMti 3,000,000 3,500,000 2,000,000 75,000 (i,000 2,000 English, French, and) rpi t i i n I 1 o aic m n " - ,, V I The Islands generally .......> 3,412 19 0 Total 384 1 0 2,003 Ki (j 1,461 1 0 ,894 0 0 £155,372 2 5 APPENDIX, NO- IV. COMMITTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY, FROM 1799 to 1849. Abdy, Rev. W. J., m.a., 1819 Arundel, Rev. John, 1820-4 ; 1842, 3 ; as Secretary of London Missionary Society, 1826-1841 B Ballance, Thos., Jun., 1831-5 ; 1837, 8; 1846 Bardgett, Wm., 1847 Bateman, Henry, 1846-9 Bates, T., 1800 Bates, Rev. G. T., m.a., 1811 Battye, Joshua, 1833 Beeby, W. T., 1835-9 Bennett, Geo., 1835-41 Bicknell, Henry E., 1834-7 ; 1839-43 ; 1845, 6; 1848, 9 Bickersteth, Rev. E., 1816, 17; 1822-25; as Secretary of Church Missionary Society, 1826-30 Black, Rev. W. H., 1820 Blacket, John, 1825-30 Blower, Joseph, 1832-6 ; 1838-42 Bosworth, Newton, 1827 Boys, Rev. Thomas, m.a., 1825, 6 Bridges, John ; Trustee, 1825-49 Brooksbank, Rev. J., 1800-3 Buck, Rev. C, 1804 Bull, Rev. John, b.a., 1818-20 Bull, Dr., 1841-9 Bunnell, J., 1803-5 Bunyon, Robert John, 1832; 1836 ; 1838 Burder, Rev. G., 1803-6 Caldwell, Capt. C, 1848 Campbell, Rev. J., 1804-12; 1814-18; 1821-39 Camps, Joseph, 1843-5 Cecil, Joseph, 1821-5 Charles, Robert, 1831 ; 1834 ; 1840 Charles, Robert, Jun., 1849 Charlesworth, Rev. John, b.d., 1845-8 Christmas, C. G., 1829 Clayton, Rev. John, m.a., 1825-7 ; 1829, 30; 1838-40; 1844,5 Collins, Francis, 1809, 10; Deputy, 1811-21; Collector, 1822-4 Collison, Rev. G., 1799 ; 1836 Conquest, Dr., 1819-24; 1826-28 ; 1830- 4; Trustee, 1835-49 Cook, D., 1807, 8 Coombs, T. M., 1821-33 ; Trustee, 1834- 49 Cowie, Robert, 1799-1804 Davidson, W., 1801-4 Davis, John, Assistant-Secretary, 1820, 21 ; Ditto and Superintendent, 1822-42 Dawson, Roger, Trustee, 1824-35 Dibdin, Rev. R. W., m.a., 1847-9 Dillon, Rev. R. C, 1823 Dobbs, H., 1805-7 Dollman, Rev. Francis, m.a., 1832 DoUman, Francis, 1847-9 Duthoit, J., 1800, 1 Dyer, J., 1804, 5 Dyer, Rev. J., as Secretary of Baptist Missionary Society, 1826-41 E Edwards, Rev. Thomas, as Secretary of Wesleyan Missionary Society, 1831 Eyre, Rev. J., m.a., 1802 Fancourt, Rev. W. L., m.a., 1808 Foster, Rev. H., m.a., 1811 Freshfield, J. W., 1802, 3 Friend, George, 1827-44; Trustee, 1845-9 Futvoye, Edward, 1841 G Goode, Rev. W., m.a., 1810 ; 1814 Gore, Rev. J., 1805, 6 Gouger, George, 1799-1803 Gouldsmith, E., 1800-3 Green, John, 1820-47 ; Trustee, 1848, 9 COMMITTEES AND OFFICERS Greig, Rev. G., 1807 Gurney, Rev. W., m.a., 1809 Gurney, Joseph, 1829-44 ; Trustee, 1815-9 H Handfield, Colonel, 1808 Hankey, W. A.., 1801-8 ; 1811 ; 1813 Hardcastle, J., 1800-15 Hayter, T., 1800 Haslegrave, Rev. Josepli, m.a., 181-3-7 ; 1849 Henderson, Rev. E., d.d.. Honorary Se- cretary, 1834-49 Hensley, Lewis, 1830 Hill, Rev. Rowland, m.a., 1799 ; 1800-4 Hoare, Samuel, Treasurer, 1835-46 Hoare, John Gurney, Treasurer, 1847-9 Hobson, G., 1800 Hodson, T., 1800-4 Hollingsworth, Samuel M., 1805 Honeyman, J., 1809 Hoppus, J., 1800 Howell, Rev. William, 1821 Hughes, Rev. J., Honorary-Secretary, 1799-1833 Hughes, Thomas, 1825 Hughes, Rev. H., 1839-44 Hume, George, 1830, 1 I J Ivimey, Rev. J., 1808,9 James, Rev. Thos., 1818-21 Jameson, W. K., 1843-9 Jones, AV., 1820-24 ; Assistant Secretary, 1825-43; Corresponding Secretary and Superintendent, 1844-9 Jones, S., 1800 Jordan, J., 1800 Jowett, Rev. W., m.a., as Secretary of Church Missionary Society, 1833-40 Knight, Rev. J. A., 1801-3 Ktinig, W.,1809 L Lane, W., 1807. La Trobe, Rev. C. J., as Secretary of Moravian Missionary Society, 1826- 31 Lewis, Rev. T., 1831-3; 18.35 Lloyd, W. F., 1816-25 ; Editor, 182G-46 M Macaulay, Z., 1800, 1; 1815 Mackenzie, J., 1802, 3 Mair, H. C, 1807 Mann, Rev. W., m.a., 1813 Mann, Rev. Isaac, m.a., 1828 Mannering, Rev. Edw., 1846-9 Marshall, Thos., 1824-9 Marshall, Sam., 1844-9 Mason, Rev. J., as Secretary of Wes- leyan Missionary Society, 1826 Meyer, G., 1806 Miller, Rev. Edw., 1826 Mills, Sam., 1799-1806 ; 1809 Monro, Rev. Robt., Honorary Secretary, 1837-49 Morley, Rev. G., as Secretary of Wes- leyan Missionary Society, 1828-30 Morris, Rev. Caleb, 1834 Mortimer, Rev. T., b.a., 1826, 7 N Newman, Rev. Dr., 1799-1810 ; 1812 Newstead, Rev. R., as Secretary of Wes- leyan Missionary Society, 1827 Noel, Hon. and Rev, B. W., 1827-31 O Ousby, Rev. John, 1824 Parkin, D., 1808-12 Parson, Edgcomhe, 1842, 3; 1845-8 Pellatt, Thos., 1801-6; 1808-10; 1812- 24; Trustee, 1825-7 Pellatt, Apsley, 1805-8 Piatt, Rev. W. F., 1799 Pownall, H., 1826 Powell, George, 1839, 40 Preston, T., 1802-26 Pritt, J., 1807-14; 1816-18 Proctor, J., 1801 R Reyner, Joseph, Treasurer, 1790-1826; Trustee, 1827 Richmond, Rev. Legh, Honorary Se- cretary, 1812-26 Robins, Rev. Sanderson, 1833-8 Ruell, Rev. D., 1812-17 Saddington, T., 1800-2 COMMITTEES AND OFFICERS. Sailer, Rev. W. A., 1840, 1 Sandoz, Fredk., 1849 Saunders, Rev. Isaac, M.A., 1818 Scholl, Rev. C, Honorary Foreign Se- cretary, 1825-37 Sherman, Rev. J., 1837 Shrubsole, W., 1800-19 Sibthorp, Rev. R. W., m.a., Hono- rary Secretary, 1827-36 Sloper, N. E., 1837 Smith, Rev. J. Pye, d.d., 1806 Starey, B., 1804-6 ; 1819 Stephens, Rev. W., 1807 Steinkopif, Rev. C. F., d.d.. Honorary Foreign Secretary, 1808-19 Steven, Robert, 1804-9; 1811-18 Stokes, George, 1818.20; Trustee, 1825- 47 Sundius, C, 1801-6 Tarn, J., 1800-20 Tarn, William, 1827, 8; Assistant-Se- cretary, 1829-49 Taylor, C, 1804 Thomas, Rev. John, 1 805, 6 Thompson, Rev. W., m.a., 1828, 9 Thompson, Dr. Theophilus, 1842 Thornton, E. N., 1814-17 Townsend, Rev. J., 1800-11; 1813-17; 1819 Townsend, W., 1800-2 Treschow, Rev. Peter, Honorary Foreign Secretary, 1820-4 V Vance, Rev. W. F., m.a., 1830-42 Vores, Rev. Thomas, m.a., as Secretary of Church Missionary Society, 1841 W Ware, John, 1828, 9 Waters, Rev. T., m.a,, 1813 Watkins, Rev. H. G., m.a., 1814 Waugh, Rev. A., d.d., 1799 Webster, Rev. T., 1808 ; 1821, 2 Whitehorne, James, 1844, 5; Editor, f46-9 Wilcox, Rev. J., M.A., 1809; 1815 Wilkinson, John, 1805 Wilks, Rev. Matthew, 1799-1807 Wilson, Thomas, 1799-1805 Wilson, Joshua, 1820 Wilson, J. Broadley, Trustee, 1824-6 ; Treasurer, 1827-34 Woodrooffe, Rev. Thomas, m.a., as Se- cretary of Church Missionary Society, 1831-2 Young, Rev. John, m.a., 1841-£ CHAIRMEN AT THE SOCIETY'S ANNIVERSARIES, FROM 1799 TO 1849. Thomas Wilson, Esq., on Society's formation, 1799 Joseph Reyner, Esq., 1800-1825 Mr. Alderman Brown, 1826 The Lord Mayor, 1827 Viscount Mandeville, 1828 Marquis Cholmondeley, 1829* Thomas Pellatt, Esq., 1829 Marquis Cholmondeley, 1830* Hon. Thomas Erskine, 1830 Marquis Cholmondeley, 1831* Samuel Hoare, Esq., 1831 Marquis Cholmondeley, 1832* W. B; Gurney, Esq., 1832 Joseph John Gurney, Esq., 1833 * Western Samuel Fletcher, Esq., 1834 J. P. Plumptre, Esq., m.p., 1835 Samuel Hoare, Esq., 1836-1840 John Labouchere, Esq., 1841 Earl of Chichester, 1842 John Laboucliere, Esq., 1843 Samuel Fletcher, Esq., 1844 John G. Hoare, Esq., 1845 Sir Edw. North Buxton, Bart, m.p., 1846 John G. Hoare, Esq., 1847 Thomas Farmer, Esq., 1848 S. M. Peto, Esq., m.p., 1849 John G. Hoare, Esq., 1849; 'Jubilee Meeting.' Meeting. COMMITTEE AND OFFICERS FOR THE JUBILEE YEAR 1840. JOHN GURNEY HOARE, Esq, ^onorarp Scnetarics. Rev. ROBERT MONRO, m.a. Rev. EBENEZER HENDERSON, d.d. ©ommittff. Rev. R. W. DIBDIN, m.a. Rev. JOSEPH HASLEGRAVE, m.a. Rev. EDWARD MANNERING. Rev. JOHN YOUNG, m.a. HENRY BATEMAN, Esq. HENRY E. BICKNELL, Esq. Doctor THOMAS BULL. ROBERT CHARLES, Jun., Esq. FRANCIS DOLLMAN, Esq. W. K. JAMESON, Esq. SAMUEL MARSHALL, Esq. FREDERICK SANDOZ, Esq. JOHN BRIDGES, Esq. J. T. CONQUEST, m.d., f.l.s. THOMAS M. COOMBS, Esq. I GEORGE FRIEND, Esq. JOHN GREEN, Esq. I JOSEPH GURNEY, Esq. Corrp8ponl»(ng Srcrctarp anU SuprrfnttnlJtnt. Mr. WILLIAM JONES. 2l)5Sistant=5ctVftarrt anit Casfjirr. Mr. WILLIAM TARN. APPENDIX, N« V. The following Tables show the circulation of a few of the Books, Children's Publications, and Tracts, on the Society's Catalogue, to 31st March, 1849, and furnish an interesting view of the ex- tensive diffusion of Religious Truth through its agency. BOOKS TOTAL ISSUES FROM THE SOCIETY'S DEPOSITORY OF VARIOUS WORKS WHICH HAVE OBTAINED A iLARGE CIRCULATION. Name of Book. Abbot's Young Christian Advice to a Young Christian . Barnes's Notes on the Gospels Earth's Bible Stories . Bogatzky's Golden Treasury Boston's Crook in the Lot British Reformers, Lives of the Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress Burder's Early Piety Campbell's Travels in South Africa Christian Biography : Life of John Bunyan Life of .John Newton Life of Wesley Life of Whitfield . Companion to the Bible Commentary on the Scriptures Cottage Hymns .... Daily Food ..... Dairyman's Daughter . Doddridge's Rise and Progress Edwards's History of Redemption . Family Book .... Family Prayers .... Female Excellence Gems of Sacred Poetry . Geography of the Bible . Grandfather Gregory Grandmamma Gilbert . Howe's Living Temple . James's Anxious Inquirer James's Young Man from Home . Janeway's Token for Children Jesus Showing Mercy . Journeys of the Children of Israel . Keith's Evidence of Prophecy Krummacher's Elijah the Tishbite Learning to Act .... When Total published. circulation. 1833 80,264 1831 75,273 1834 65,875 1844 20,031 109,161 29,447 1832 12,372 170,203 56,768 1833 19,893 1831 12,160 29,290 1833 11,469 1833 12,150 1831 108,056 45,000 sets 453,330 1829 195,605 172,931 81,609 1831 11,547 1833 36,601 1832 40,938 1839 21,677 1829 87,580 1840 16,983 1829 77,467 1832 66,217 1831 7.440 1835 350,377 1839 52,617 85,846 1828 49,204 1832 62,704 1830 64,458 1836 62,313 1843 16,587 TOTAL ISSrKS OF CHILDKEX's BOOKS, * Name of Book. When puliHslied. Total circulation. Leigh ton on St. Peter, 2 vols 1832 19,092 Manners and Customs of the Jews 1830 111,055 ' Miracles of Christ Illustrated 18M 11,590 Missionary Book for the Younj; 1842 21,327 Missionary Gleanings .... 1843 24,103 Mother at Home ..... 1833 59,351 New Cobwehs for Children 1833 19,635 Negro Servant ..... 182() 77,564 Old Humphrey's Addresses . 1839 26,593 Old Humphrey's Observation.'- 1839 28,782 Parables, Explanation of the 1834 33,107 Pike's Persuasives to Early Piety . 1828 195,965 Pike's Guide for Young Disciples 183J 29,710 Present for the Young .... 35,534 Psalms and Hymns .... 182!) 205,732 Repentance Explained and Enforced 1828 19,199 Richmond's Annals of the Poor 1830 97,970 Scott's Force of Truth .... 28.820 Scripture Illustrations .... 1831 23,742 Small Rain upon the Tender Hcrl) 1831 193,465 Stories from Switzerland 23,352 Thornton's Early Piety .... 1833 21,369 Threefold Cord 1833 68,143 Todd's Lectures to Children . 1834 66,733 Traveller, the 1838 33,468 Walks in London ..... 1834 59,173 Watts's Divine and Moral Songs . 847,071 Wilberforce's Practical View of Christianity 1833 25,045 Y'oung Cottager ..... 179,918 Young Servant, the ... . 183() 39,456 TOTAL ISSUES OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS WHICH HAVE ORTAINED A LARGE CIRCULATION. Name of Book. published, circulation. Bread Cast on the Waters Folly of Finery Honesty the best Policy . Lord's Prayer, on the Old Catherine Prescott . Pink Tippet, the . Pious Mechanic Promise, the . . . . Rainbow, the Rolls Plumbe Scripture History . Susan and the Lamb The Child's Book of Creation Waste Not, Want Not . Well- spent Penny, the . 1832 1832 1830 1833 1833 460 ,170 745 ,215 ,700 508 153 599 775 800 ,994 295 858 ,431 ,872 TRACTS. TOTAL ISSUES OF TRACTS WHICH HAVE OBTAINED A LARGE CIRCULATION. 63 66 72 76 82 8(j 87 88 93 111 116 117 118 119 128 143 148 151 168 172 173 174 177 178 179 181 189 197 199 221 222 223 226 237 243 247 249 Vivian's Three Dialogues . Tlie Way to Heaven On the Lord's Day Dialogue on Regeneration . A Dialogue between a Traveller and Yourself Sixteen Short Sermons Short Prayers for a Week . On Speaking Truth . The W^arning Voice . To a Child .... Five Minutes' Consideration Serious Thoughts on Eternity Sin no Trifle .... Christ the only Refuge The Swearer's Prayer Sin and Danger of neglecting the Sav Luther on Justification Sabbath Occupations Friendly Conversation James Covey .... The Work of the Holy Spirit . To Neglecters of Public Worship To-Day The Dairyman's Daughter The Negro Servant . The Sinner Directed to the Saviour Poor Joseph .... Hopes for Eternity The Young Cottager* The Sabbath-breaker Reclaimed Common Errors Appeal to Christians on Prayer for the Holy Spirit .... The Village in the Mountains Two Ends and Two Ways . The Sinner's Help The Worth of the Soul The Brazen Serpent . The Watchmaker and his Family Consider Your Ways . The Lost Sheep The Traveller's Farewell . The Pastor's Wish . The Loss of the Kent Happiness Realized . On Repentance .... A Serious Expostulation . The Eldest Son .... The Honest Waterman Number of pages. When published, t2 CO o o 0 0 Aldridpe, Rev. A. E., Longnor 0 10 (; Alexander, J. W., Esq., Lower Grosve- nor-street 10 10 0 A Little Girl, Stroud 0 1 0 Allen, R. C, Esq., Hawes 5 0 0 Allen, Miss, ditto, for France 0 10 0 Allen, Miss H., ditto 0 5 0 Alnwick I'n. Presb. Miss. Assoc, per Mr. T.Duncan 2 0 0 An Admirer of the Religious Tract Soc. 10 0 0 Anderdon, Mrs., Henlade House, Taun- ton, bv John Yoiing, Esq 1 0 0 Anderson, Mr. David, Drifheld 20 0 0 Andrews, George, Esq 0 10 (i Angas, Miss, Tavistock 1 1 0 Angior, R. M., Esq., Whitchurch, Salop o 10 (1 Anonymous 0 1 0 Anonymous, Ipswich 0 i;j 4 Anstie, Mr. G., Devizes 0 10 (i An Unworthy One 1 ' 0 A Provincial Secretary ■'' 0 0 Arundale, the Misses, Woodford 1 1 0 ASHDOVRKK — Gamble, Rev. H 0 10 0 Home, Mi.ss 0 10 0 1 0 0 AsiiBURTOx— A Thank Offering from a Friend ■; 0 0 Ashby, Mr. Charles. Staines 1 1 0 Ashton, Rev. R., Putney 1 1 '> A Sincere Friend 10 0 0 A Thank OfTering— n. D 2 2 0 A Thank Offering, Battersiea 1 0 0 A Thank Offering with earnest well wishes 0 "0 'i A Thank Offering for mercies received.. 0 10 0 A Thank Offering ■'> 0 0 A Thank Offering ;t 0 0 A Thank Offering for special mercies ... 10 0 A Tithe of the First Fruits, per /?<- cord 1 0 2 A Tract Distributor 0 1 / Austen, Rev. Dr., Gosport 1 1 0 Buxton, Sir Edward N., Bart., M.P 25 0 0 Badger, Mr. R., Biggleswade 1 1 0 Bagnall, Rev. S., Weston-point, Run- corn 0 10 0 Bahamas— Nassau, per Rev. H.Capern 110 0 Baldork, Miss, Union-row, Mile-end 1 I 0 Baldwin, Rev. John, Dalton 1 1 0 Barclay, Robert, Esq., Lombard-street.. 50 0 0 Barnard, Mr. Charles, Newbury 1 1 0 Barnes, Thomas, E.sq., Famworth 20 0 0 Barnsdale, Miss, Nottingham, by 1 5 0 Barrow, Miss, Portman-square 1 1 0 Bartlett, Rev. John, Marnwood 2 0 0 Bassett, Mr. Thomas, Coventry 1 1 0 Bateman, H., Esq.. Clapton 10 10 0 Bath — Bally, William, Esq 2 0 0 Eraser, Miss E. C 1 1 0 Hopkins, Miss I 1 0 Mar.sh, Rev. W. N. Tilson 2 2 0 Saunders, Miss M. A 0 5 0 Stokes, Thomas, Esq 5 0 0 Townsend, Rev. A 1 0 0 Bathurst.Rev. W. H.,Barwick-in-Elmet 5 0 0 Baynard, Mr. W., Truro 1 1 0 Beaumont, W., Esq., Newcastle-on-Tyne 1 I 0 Beevor, Mr. John, Coniston 0 10 0 Belemore, John, Esq., Willesden 1 1 0 Bell, Miss, Eye 0 10 0 Bell, Rev. Robert, ditto 0 10 0 Bennett, Mr. (J. C, Long Sutton 1 1 0 Bennett, J. B. II., Esq., Tuthury 1 0 0 Bennett, Mr. J. F., Upper Tulse-hill ... 2 2 0 Benson, Rev. C, Brampton I 0 0 Benson, Rev. Dr., Hounslow I 1 0 Berry, D., Esq., Tyndale-place I 1 0 Betts, Mrs.,Tavistopk-square 10 0 0 Bevan, R. C. I... Iv^'l-. Lnnibard-strcet . 100 0 0 Bicker«tetli, I!.'. . Iv. W.iiton .'i 3 0 Bickersteth, Itrv. .I.ilm. Sh.ii.cdte 0 10 (i Bicknell, II. K., i:-<|.. I I., jk-dford-pl.... 5 5 0 Bigsby, Rev. ('., Hicll)nrough Rectory ... 0 10 0 Bingham, Miss M., Coleshill House 1 1 0 Birch, Rev. K., Manchester 1 I 0 Bird, Dr. Golding, Myddelton-square ... 1 0 0 Bird, Rev. Caleb, Margate I 1 0 Birkett, Rev. J., Winsford, for Ireland . 0 10 0 Birks, Rev. T. R., Kelshall 5 0 0 BlRMINfJHAM— Beilby, Thomas, Esq 2 10 n Castle, Mr. Edmund 0 10 0 Edwards, Mr. James 0 10 0 {Jedge, Rev. Sidney, m.a 5 0 0 James, Rev. J. A 5 0 0 Laugebear,R. , Esq., byRev.J. A.James 2 0 0 Lea, Rev. George 1 1 0 662 JUBILEE FUND. £ s. d. BiUMiNGHAM. cniiliiiuecl — Moorsom, Capt., R-A 3 0 0 Moorsom, Mrs 2 0 0 Morgan, Rev. Thomas 1 1 0 Kilancl. Rev. J 20 0 0 Blackdeii. Mrs., MalvL-rii Wells 10 0 0 Blakem \. h; 1!,\. W. Coplev- Coplev, lUv. W : 1 1 0 Malpas, Ah. William 1 1 0 White, Mrs. R. W 1 1 0 Blanchard, John, Esq., Whithy 3 0 0 Blenkinsopp. Rev. R., Shadfurth 1 1 0 Blow, Rev. D., Monmouth ."> 0 0 Boaz, Rev. Dr., Calcutta ;j 0 0 Bockett, John, Esq., Clapham common. 10 0 0 Bodger, Miss, Southill 1 1 0 Bodkin, Miss, Mansfield-street 5 0 0 Bois des Ferrleres, Baron du, by Miss Peterson, Chepstow 1 0 0 Bone, Rev. W., Basingstoke 1 1 0 Bonham, His Excellency S. G., Esq., Governor of Hong-Kong 10 0 0 Boothroyd, Miss, Huddersfield 1 1 0 Bosanquet.S. R., Esq.,Din<,'estnw-comt 1 1 0 Bourne, John, jun., Es(|., Staiiuiinii 4 0 0 Bourne, Mrs., ditto 0 5 0 Bowdler, Mr. C, Gt. Kiiiulitri(!c-r-street 1 1 0 Bowles, Rev. C. B., Woking 1 1 0 Boyles, Mrs., Greenhook 2 0 0 Boyes, Mrs., St. John's-wood 1 1 0 Bradley, Mrs. Eliza, Camberwell 5 0 0 Braintree, Friends at, by Rev. T). Rees 1 .'•) 0 Breay, Mrs., Hemel Hempstead 1 1 0 Brewer, Mr. William, Tiverton 1 1 0 Brewin, Ambrose, Esq., ditto 20 0 0 Bridgwater — Sully, Capt. J 1 1 0 Sully, Capt. T. W 1 1 0 Brien, Mrs., St. Mary's-road, Canonbury. 0 10 0 Brighton— Brewer, Miss 0 2 0 Burrup, Miss 1 0 0 Burrup, Miss M. A 1 0 0 Colley, Miss 0 10 (1 Maitland, Rev. C. 1) 1 1 o Sawyer, Mr. G. I) 0 10 (i Sawyer, Mr. (i. \V 0 lo fi Smith, Isaar, 1■■.^,| ;-, 0 0 White, Miss 1 .5 0 Bristol^ Bradley, Rev. C 0 10 (i Burder, Rev. John 2 2 0 Covell, Mrs 2 0 0 Jose, T. P., Esq 10 10 0 Leonard, Robert, Esq 10 0 0 Woodward, G. R., Esq 1 i o Young, Rev. C. G 1 1 o Broadhurst, Miss, Cla]iha)n, lor Conti- nental Europe 1 1 0 Brockhand, Miss, Crol't Lodge, White- haven 0 10 0 Brock, Rev. Thos., Bishop's Waltham... 0 10 0 Bromley, Rev. T., Wolverhampton 2 0 0 Brooke, W. de Capell, Esq., and the Hon. Mrs. de Capell Brooke, Elms, Market Harborough 10 0 0 Brooks, T. H., Es 0 Ellidge, Rev. George, Durham 1 0 0 Elliott, J., Esq., Budleigh Salterton 50 0 0 Elliott, J. S., Esq., Canterbury-villas, Edgware Road •') f) o Enderby, Miss, Woolwich o 10 o Ensor, Mr. T., Milborne Port 1 0 0 Erskine, Miss C, Bryanstone-square 1 1 0 Estridge, Rev. H. T., Hounslow 0 10 0 "Eta Delta" 0 10 0 Evans, James, Esq., Norwood 2 2 0 Evans, W. Esq., M. p., Derby 10 0 0 Evans, The Misses, Darley House, near Derby 5 0 0 Exeter— Commin, J., Esq 1 0 0 Friends, by J. W. Seymour, Esq., Mount Radford 1 l.'! 0 0 Farley, Mrs. and Miss, Clapham .'i ^! 0 Farmer, T., Esq., Gunnersbury-house... 100 o o Farmer, Mrs., ditto 1 1 0 Farmer, Miss E., ditto 1 1 0 Farmer, Miss Mary B., ditto 1 1 0 Farquhar, Rev. J., Court St. Lawrence.. 1 1 0 Fell, John, Esq., Sparkbridge 2 o 0 Penning, Capt., Welbeck-street 1 1 0 Fenwick, John, Esq., Newcastle-on-Tync T) o 0 Field, H., Esq., Longnor 0 2 (! Fielder, Miss, Cloudesley-terrace I 1 o Finch, J., Esq., Cambridge-terrace, Hyde-park .'5 0 o Finch, Mrs., ditto 1 I o First-fruits of a Legacy 1 1 0 Fisher, Abraham, Esq., Borrowdale 2 0 0 Fisher, Rev. J., Highani-on-the-Hill ... 1 0 o Fletcher, Joseph, Esq., Tottenham 10 10 0 Fletcher, Mr. W., Mundesley, for France and Italy .'> 0 0 Fletcher, Mr. W. H 0 5 0 Fletcher, Rev. J., Dowles 1 1 0 Fontaine, W., Esq., Hoxton !> 0 o Ford, Miss, Bittern 1 0 0 Ford, Mrs., Shirley 2 2 0 Forster, Ralph, Esq., Whitehaven 1 0 0 Fosdyke, Mr., Loose 0 2 (i Foster, B., Esq., Biggleswade ■> 0 0 Foster, Richard, Esq., Cambridge .5 0 0 Fo.\, Miss Emma, Kendalls 1 0 0 Fox, Miss F. J., ditto 1 0 0 Fox, Mr., Plymouth 1 1 0 I'ox, Rev. Henry, Allington I I 0 Frankham, Miss S., Clapliam Rise 1 I o Eraser, Miss 0 10 0 Frean, Mr. G. H., Plymouth I I o Freeman, Rev. J. J., Blomlield-street.... 2 L' o Freshfield, F., Esq., Yarmouth I 1 o Friend, a 10 0 0 Friend, a 0 2 o Friend, a 0 12 0 Friend, a., by Rev. D. Robinson 0 .') 0 Friend, a 1 1 0 Friend, a 0 10 0 Friend, a 1 1 0 664 JUBILEE FUND. Friend, a, at Toole Friend, a. at Thetlbrd Friend, a, at Readin},' Friend, a, by S. R Friend, a, by Mr. .laiueson Friend, a, by Mr. Jones Friend, a, by Mrs. Breay, Hemel Hemp- stead Friend, a, by the Rev. J. Hambleton ... Friend, a, by the Rev. John Varty, Fare- ham Friend, a, for " Paleario," in Italy Friend, a, by W. II. Cozens Hardy, Esq., Letheringsett-hall Friend, Geor:,'c, Esq., Canonbury-park.. Friend, Mrs. Thomas Friend, S Friends, by Mrs. Rurn, Epsom Friends, by Rev. R. Ingham, Louth ... Friends, bv Mr. J. Willoushby Friends at Little Dean's-hill and Little Dean, per Rev. J. Parsons and Rev. B. Jenkyn Friends, by Rev. W. Hedge, New Rom- ney Friends, by the Rev. IC. Bishop, Brink- worth Friends, by Rev. C. Pope, CoUingham .. Friends, 1>\ Mrs. H. Hudson, Wick Friends, a lev., at Houthiiort, 1)V Miss Durden Friends, two Friends, bv Miss Cornw.ill. Avcburv ... Friends, by Rev. A. Simons, Pinckbeck '• From the Purses of two iioloved Ones now in Heaven" " From four children wlio love (iod" ... Froud, Rev. Edward, Uiiper Clatford ... Fry, Miss, Clifton Fry, Miss Lucy, ditto FrV, Mrs., Hacknev Fryer, Col, Rui,'by Frver, Rev. J., Hythe F. W Fyson, Joseph, Esq., Fakenham Grev, Hon. Dowa'j:er I.adv Gariick, .loseph P., Es<|., Leeds (;!isc(ivi'ie, i;ev.'r,.','i\iickleton" ...''.Z''. (iascovne. \V., I's-i., Baiichild Gavillar, .Mr. C, Hackney General I'.aptist Alissionary Society George, ^iv. .John, Derbv G. H. F., \,vr Messrs. Barnett and Co.... Gibbs, Ml. ■j'liomas, Kingsland-crescent (iibbius. Miss V. C (iibson. William, Esq., Ongar (iiles, Edward, Esq., Clapbam Goad, Mr. Robert, Stainton Goddard, Miss D. H., Ncwcastle-on- Tyne Goldsmith, Edmund, Esq., Highbury- terrace Gompertz, Wl-v. S., CbalCord Gorham, ,Mr. AV., Tonbridge Gosse, Henry, Es(|.. Ejisoni Gouldsmith, i\Irs., Kensington Gowland, Mr Graham, T. H., Esq., Edmund Castle, Cumberland Graham, Mrs. ditto Grantham, Rev. Thomas, Braml)er Gravesend — Butcher, Mr Coy, Mr. A Ditchbuvn, Jilr Gould, Mrs " Gratitude for their lieautiful Maga- zines " Gray, Rev. J. H., Hampstead £ s. d. 1 0 0 1 (J 0 0 0 1(1 (1 1 0 0 0 1(1 0 1) R 0 0 10 0 10 20 0 1 1 .") 0 0 ;! 2 0 0 10 1 1 1 1,) 0 2 (i 0 10 0 5 0 0 ] I 0 .) 0 0 1 0 0 0 10 0 1 I 0 0 1 0 0 Green, Edward, Esq., Farnborough a 0 0 Green, John, Es(|., Islington 5 5 0 Green, Philip, Es(|., Brixton 5 5 0 Greene, Rev. William, Uuderclili' 1 1 0 Greenwood, T. (;., Es(i.,Shoreditch 1 1 0 Gresham, Miss H., Bishopsgate-street... 1 0 0 Griffith, Miss, Islington 1 0 0 Griffith, Miss E., ditto 1 0 0 Griffith, Thomas T., Esq., Wrexham ... 20 0 0 Griffith, Miss E., ditto 1 ' 0 Grigson, E. K., E.sq., Watton 1 1 0 Grimshawc, Rev. T. S., Biddenham 2 2 0 Grimstead, Miss, Epsom 1 1 0 Gritten, Miss, Arlesdonnear Whitehaven 0 5 0 Gunn, Rev. H. M., Warminster 1 0 0 Gurney, Joseph, Esq., Abingdon-street. 100 0 0 Gurney, Samuel, Esq., jun., Lombard- street 21 0 0 Gurnev, T., E.sq., Towcester 1 1 0 Gurney, W. B., Esq., Camberwell 25 0 0 Hoare, J. Gurney, Esq 100 0 0 Hadfield, Miss, Manchester 1 1 0 Hague, the Misses, Ripon 1 0 0 Haig, James, Esq., Lvndhurst 1 1 0 Hall, Miss, Walthamstow 2 0 0 Hambleton, Rev. John, Islington 1 1 0 Hamilton, Mr. J., Bolton 1 1 0 Hammond, Mr., Fakenham 0 10 0 Hancocks, W., Esq., Wolverley 5 0 0 Hankev, Stephen A., Esq., Lawrence Pouiitney-hill 10 0 0 Hankey, W. A., Esq., Fenchurch-street 25 0 0 Harbottle, Rev. J., Accrington 0 10 0 Harding, Rev. T., Bexlev, forContinent 0 10 0 Hardv, Mr. George, Kingston, Canada... 1 0 0 Hardy, John, Es(|., Thryburgh-park ... 10 0 0 Hardv, W. H. Cozens, lisq., Lethcring- sett-hall 5 0 0 Harford, Rev. A.. Locking Vicarage ... 10 10 0 HaringtoU; Mrs., drove end-road :i .'5 0 Harper, Mr. H.. 'I'o^cester 1 1 0 Harris, John, Esq., Calne 1 1 0 Harris, l!ev. J. and friends, St. Albans. 115 0 Harriss, Charles, Esq., Upper Stamford- street 1 1 0 Harrison, the Misses, Weston 5 0 0 Hartley. Mrs., bv Mrs. Boss 2 0 0 Hasler, Mrs., Stoke Newington 0 10 0 Harvey. H., Esq., by Rev. J. Young, Is- lington 2 0 0 Harvey, Mr. W. M., St. Paul's Hotel ... 110 Harvev, Mr. Samuel, Manningtrec, for Ireland 1 1 0 Harvev, Rev. G. G., Hailsham ;! 0 0 H.^nwicH, by Rev. R. Bull : — Deane, Mrs 0 2 6 Hammond, Miss 0 2 6 Munson, Mrs 0 2 6 Pattrick, Mrs., Dovercourt 1 1 0 Harwood, Mrs., Ipswich 0 10 0 Hawker, Admiral, Petersfield 2 0 0 Haves, Rev. C, North Stoke 2 2 0 Hayward, Mr. George, Deal 1 1 0 Hayward, Mr. Thomas, ditto 1 1 0 Heathcote, the Misses, Langley 1 1 0 Heathcote, Miss, Kirk Langley 5 0 0 Heathcote, Miss Caroline, ditto 5 0 0 Henderson, Mrs., Devonshire-street 0 5 0 Heptinstall, \V.. l''.s(|., Brixton hill 10 0 0 Heme, F.ln-ni-zer, l',s(|., Skinner-street... 10 10 0 Hewison. iMr., Goswell-road 1 1 0 Hill, C. S., Es(i., Clement'.s-lane 1 1 0 Hill, Rev. A. B., xAIorebath Vicarage, for Italv 0 10 0 Hill, Rev. Isaac, Little Trinity-lane 1 1 0 Hill, Rev. John, StalTord 1 1 0 Hinchcliir, James, Esq., Pentonville ... 5 0 0 Hindle, Rev. J., Higham 1 1 0 Hibbs, Rev. P. R., Lowestoft 1 1 0 Hitchcock, George, Esq., St. Paul's- churchyard 50 0 0 Hoby, Rev. Dr., Great Coram-street ... 2 2 0 Hodg.on, R., Esq., Wakefield 5 0 0 JUBILEE FUND. 665 0 0 0 0 1 0 Hossflesh, My. ('., Clifton Holbertoii, Vpn. Archdeacon Jlolcorahe, Mrs., Valentines, Ilford HoxiToy, hy Rev. W. Wright : — Barrow, Mr. W., Wolverhampton Cartwright, Mrs., ditto Pence collected by Tract Distributors from Readers of Tracts Porter, William, Esq Wright, Rev. AV Wright, Mrs Wright, Miss Wright, Miss A. C Hooper, Charles, Esq., Eastrington House, near Stroud Hooper, Mrs., Amwell Hope, Admiral, by Rev. R. W. Dibdin... Hopkins, Rev. James, Stambourne, for Ireland Hopkins, Rice, Esq., Upper Stamford- street Home, Rev. T. Hartwell Horrocks, George, Esq., Preston Horsfall, Miss, Leamington Horton, Rev. T., Devonport Hoskyn, Mr. R., Penr>'n Hough, Mrs., Brunswick-square Howard, Mr., Hanover-st.,Walworth-rd. Howell, Rev. C. R Howell, Ifr. David, Bridport Howell, Mr. Thomas, Kennington-cross Howell, Rev. C, Collected by H.T Hughan, Mrs., by the Treasurer Hughes, Mrs., Chapel-street Hughes, Mrs., Pimlico Hull: — A Thank-offering from two friends, by Mr. S. AVride Beadle, J., Esq Burton, Mr. T Dobbin, Dr Holmes, Mr. Thomas Humble offering, a Hunncnian, Miss Lucy, Edgware Hunkin, Mr. Thomas, Guernsey Hunter, E. M., Esq., Tonbridge Wells... Hutchins, MissE., HoUoway Hutchinson, H. C, Esq., AVelham Hutton, Mr. T., Ormskirk Hutton, Mr. J.C., Lancaster Hvde, Mrs., Tyndale park Hyslop, Mrs. Col., Notting-hill Iliffe, J., Esq., Bedford-row 0 10 G Ingham, Rev. Mr., Louth 0 10 (i Jackson, Capt., Barnstaple .lacomb, T., Esq., Lansdownc-terrace Ja.maica — Ashley, Rev. W Buchner, Rev. Mr Carter, Richard, Esq Clark, Rev. .John Cl.irk, Rev. T. H Clark, Mrs. T. II Coleman, Rev. .John Douett, Rev. C. J. P Feurig, Rev. Mr I'orlies, Rev. Wni Cibsoii, Rev. John llagi;, Kev. Andrew Ikath, Rev. G Kieldson, Rev. Mr Lind, Mr Main, Rev. Andrew Mav, Rev. John Miflard, Rev. B M'Murray, Mr. ,Ianies I'lesslng, Rev. Mr Reynolds, Thomas, Esq Slatyer, Rev. W Storey, A., Esq Turnbull, Richard, Esq., by £ ,v. ,1. Jamaica, cdtiliiiin-d— Vaz, Rev. John 0 r> 0 W'atson, Rev. James 0 ,5 o Wullschlargel, Rev. H. R 0 ,'> 0 Jameson, W. K., Esq., Fenehurch-strcet .'> .■> 0 Janson, Mrs., Stamford-hill 0 10 0 Jarvis, Miss, Steeple Bumstead .'> 0 0 Jecks, Mr. (J. F., Islington r, 0 0 J. B 0 ,'5 0 Jenkins, F., Esq., Maidstone ;i 0 0 Jerram, Rev. J., Chobham 0 10 (i Jesson, Thos., Esq., Beech-house, near Ringwood f) 0 0 J. G 1 1 0 J. H.,ofW .1 0 0 .T.H.B.,hy Record 0 10 0 Johnson, Mr. G., Bromley-common 1 1 0 Johnson, Mrs., East Woodhay I 1 0 Johnson, Rev. P., Sidestrand 1 0 0 Johnson, Rev. R. H., Lutterworth 2 0 0 Johnston, A., Esq., Halesworth 2 0 0 Johnstone, Rev. J. M., Scoulton Rectory 0 10 0 Jones, Col., Woolwich-common 1 1 0 Kellv, Rev. John, Liverpool 1 1 0 Keni'ble, Edward, Esq., Cambcrwell .'50 0 0 Kemble, Henry, Esq., ditto ."iO 0 0 Kemble, Rev. E., Clapham-road 1 1 0 Kekewich, Rev. C, Lynmouth 1 0 0 Kennawav, Mrs., Charmouth Ti 0 0 King, Miss, Watford 0 10 0 Kingdon, Rev. C. F., Durham 1 I 0 Kitchin, Mr. Joseph, Old Kent-road .... 1 1 0 Knight, Thomas, Esq., New Brompton... 5 ,'> 0 Knowles, Mr. Thomas, Skirbeck 1 1 0 Lacey, Rev. C, Cuttack, Orissa 1 I 0 Lady, a, by the Rev. B. Ward 1 1 o Lambrick, Rev. T., Cholmondeley 1 0 0 Lancaster, Rev. R. T 1 0 0 Lancaster, W. C, Esq., Regent-square... I 1 0 Langston, Rev. S., Southborough .'> 0 0 Lardy, Col., West Clifton-house, Cotham 1 1 0 Lawford,I\Iiss, Blackheath I 2 0 Lawrence, Lieut. -Col., by ifpforrf 2 0 0 Lawson, Rev. J., Seaton Carew 0 10 0 Layard, Rev. C. C, Mayfield 0 10 (i Lea, Mr. John, Ellesmere 1 0 o Lea, Miss, Kidderminster 1 0 o Leach, W., Es(|., India Board of Control 2 0 0 Leamington, by Geo. Rawson, Esq. — Nutter, Mr. James 1 1 o Rawson, George, Esq ,5 0 0 Rawson, Miss 1 1 0 Rawson, Miss H. M I 1 0 Thome, J. H., Esq 0 10 0 Watson, Rev. J., Warwick 0 .') 0 White, Mr 0 10 0 Lady, a ."i o 0 Leather, Edward, Esq., Lowestoft 1 1 0 lieaver, Mrs., Cambridge 0 10 (J Ledgard, R., Esq., Poole I 1 o Lee, John, Esq., Whitchurch a 0 0 Lees, Miss .5 0 0 LEOMiNsTEn— Some Ladies, by Rev. G. H. Kirwood , 2 12 (i Lever, Charles, Esq., King's-road, Bed- ford-row 1 I 0 Lewis, Miss H., Worcester 1 1 0 Lewis, J., Esq., Ewell 2 2 0 Lewis, Rev. T., and friends, Islington .. .5 0 0 Linton, Rev. IL, Diddington 0 10 0 Light, Rev. W. E., Tonbridge Wells 1 0 0 Lightfoot, Mrs., Balhani-hill 1 1 o Little, Major, r.m., Woolwich-common.. 1 1 0 Little, Miss C. R., ditto o ,'5 0 Littler, Rev. R., Camden-town .5 o 0 Liverpool, by Rev. James Lister — Friend, a ] o o Lister, Rev. J (i ]o 0 M. II., Miss 0 10 0 Lloyd, <)., Esq., by Rev. D. Wheeler, Worcester i i o Lloyd, Rev. Samuel, Horsley 5 0 0 666 JUBILEE FUND. Lockton, Rev. Thomas, Brampton 2 0 0 Lockwood, Rev. W., East Bridgeford ... 1 11 G Loft, Miss, Hastings 1 1 0 London, Mr., Hungerford-market .5 5 0 Long, Miss Anne, Dewlish-house, Bland- ford 2 2 0 Loveday, Mrs., Cuckfield 0 10 0 M'Alister, Mrs., Hereford 110 0 M'Allan, William, Esq., Ragland 5 0 0 Macbride, J. D., Esq., d.c.l., Oxford ... 5 0 0 M'Creight, Rev. W. W., Winslow 1 1 0 Macdonnell, Rev. G., Bathurst, New Brunswick 1 0 0 Mackey, Rev. W., Scremerston 0 7 0 Maden, James, Esq., Green's-house, Rochdale 5 0 0 Maden, The Misses, ditto 5 o 0 Maliphant, G., Esq., Caniberwell 3 U 0 Manisty, Rev. J., Shildon 0 5 0 Mann, Rev. T., Trowbridge 1 1 0 Mannering, Rev. E., Kingsland-crescent 1 1 0 Manning, Miss Jane 1 0 0 Marsh, Miss F., Winchester 1 1 0 Marsh, Rev. Dr., Leamington 1 1 0 Marshall, Miss Ellen, Clifton 5 10 0 Marshall, Samuel, Esq., Cheapside 21 0 0 Marshall, Mrs. T. J., Kingsland 1 1 0 Martin, John, Esq., Lincoln's-inn 5 0 0 Martyn, Rev. J. K., Ockbrook 10 0 0 Mathison, William, Esq., Pictou, Nova Scotia 20 0 0 Matthews, Mr. D., Plymouth 1 1 0 Maurice, Rev. Dr., Oxford 1 0 0 May, Rev. R. C, Clevedon, for France . 110 May, Master, Devonport 0 2 0 Mayor, Rev. Joseph, Collingham 1 0 0 Medway, Mrs., Ventnor, L W 3 3 0 Mendham, Rev. Joseph, Sutton Coldfield 10 0 0 Mercer, Mr. Samuel, Maidstone 0 10 6 Metcalfe, C. J., Esq., Roxton House ... 110 Metcalfe, C. J., jun., Esq., Chawson Ho. 1 1 0 M. E 2 2 0 M. F., per Record 1 1 0 Miller, Mr. W. D., Sunderland 1 0 0 Miller, Mr. W., llaig 1 1 o Miller, Rev. E., Chiswick 1 1 0 Mills, C. B., Esq., Stoke 1 1 0 Milhvard, Henry, Esq., Redditch 2 2 0 M. N 1 0 0 Moffat, Miss, AVevmouth, "Sale of Verses" 0 18 fi Monro, Rev. R 5 5 0 Montagu, Major Willoughby 1 1 0 Monteith, Rev. J., Bridport 0 i) 8 Moore, Rev. G., Lewes 5 0 0 Moore, John, Esq., St. Leonard's 10 0 0 Moore, Rev. J. H. C, Clifton-upon- Dunsmore 50 0 o Morgan, R^v. D., Ham Rectory 1 1 o Morrall, Rev. J., Whitchurch, Salop ... 1 0 o Morrall, Mrs., ditto 1 o o Morris, Mr. W., Peasemarsh 1 1 o Morris, W. B., Esq., North Luffenham. 5 0 o Morton, Mr. William J. T., King' s-road 1 0 o M. R., St. Neot's 1 0 o Mudge, Rev. W., Pertenhall 0 14 lo MuUings, R., Esq., Stratton 2 0 o Nagpore, East Indies — Hislop, Rev. T 1 0 0 Hunter, Rev. R 1 o 0 Naish, Mrs., Stoke Newington 2 2 0 Nanson, William, Esq., Hastings I I 0 Nash, J. R., Esq., Lambeth 5 0 0 Naylor, Mrs., Scarborough 1 1 0 Newark — Falkner, Mr 1 1 o Friend, a 0 10 0 Newman, Mr., Cockspur-street 0 10 0 Newsome, W., Esq., Letherhead 2 0 0 Nicholle, J. M., Esq., Jersey 0 10 0 Nicholls, Mrs., Southborough 0 10 6 Nix, Mr. James, Henrietta-street 1 1 0 £ *■. ,1. Noel, Hon. and Rev. Leland, Exton ... 10 0 0 Norman, H., Esq., byMissCarill,Worsley 1 1 0 North, Graham, and Co., Messrs., New Bridge-street 3 3 0 Nutter, James, Esq., Cambridge 1 1 0 Norwich — Bignold, Thomas, Esq 2 2 (l Butcher, Mr 5 0 0 Jarrold, Mr. John 5 0 0 Venning, John, Esq 5 0 0 Offlev, Mrs., Tonhridge Wells 3 0 0 Oldridge, Mr. Thomas, Keightley 0 10 0 Olive, Rev. John, Ayott St. Lawrence... 2 10 o (). M. 0 2 0 (t O. 0 5 0 0 Ormrod, Mr. T. T., Brighousc 1 1 o Orton, J. S., Esq., St. John's wood 5 0 0 Osborn, Rev. G., Manchester 1 I o Ostler, J. Lely, Esq., Grantliani 2 0 0 Oswestry— Bassett, Mr 1 1 o Friend, a 50 0 o Minshal, T., Esq 1 1 0 Over, Rev. Edward, Islington 1 I o Owen, W. D., Esq., Highgate 1 0 o Padwick, Rev. N., Milnthorp 1 1 0 Page, Mrs., Trowbridge 5 0 0 Palmer, Mrs. A., Cheam 1 0 0 Pardee, T 0 2 0 Parker, T. G., Es(i., Uppingham 5 0 0 Parkinson, Rev. A. D., Harrington 0 5 0 Parry, Rev. F., Liverpool 1 1 0 Parson, Miss, Weverham 1 1 0 Parson, Edgecombe, Esq., Lincoln's-inn- lields 5 0 0 Parson, the late Miss Sarah, of Tavis- tock, at the disposal of the Rev. W. Rooker 21 0 0 Partridge, Jos., Esq., Stroud 0 10 0 Patterson, Mr., Tamworth 0 10 0 Paul, J. D., Esq., Temple-bar 5 5 0 Payne, W., Esq., Horsleydown 5 0 0 Payne, Mr. W., jun., ditto 0 10 0 Payne, W., Esq., Bath-street 1 1 0 Payne, Mrs., Walworth 5 0 0 Paynter, Mrs., Denmark-hill 2 0 0 v. C. L., ver liirord 0 10 (i Peek, R., Esq., Kingsbridge 1 1 0 Peek, William, Esq., Clapham-common 10 10 0 Peevor, Capt 0 10 6 Pemberton, Rev. J., Clare 1 1 0 Pemberton, Rev. E.,Belchamp St. Paul's 2 2 0 Penny Subscription from Readers of Tracts, by Rev. C. Howell, Sidbury ... 0 18 0 Percival, Jlr. Samuel, Northampton 1 1 0 Percy, Rev. J. W., Warwick 1 4 0 Peterson, Miss, Chepstow 1 1 0 Phillips, Rev. Dr., Henwick 1 1 0 Phillips, Rev. E., East Tytherly 0 10 0 Pierpoint, Rev. R. W., Eastbourne 1 1 0 Pinnell, Mr. Andrew, Basingstoke 1 0 0 Piper, Thomas, Esq., Denmark-hill 10 10 o Piper, Thomas, jun., Esq., Bishops- gate-street 10 10 0 Place, Mr. Richard, Gresham-street 3 0 0 Plenderleath, Col., Clifton 2 2 0 Plumptre, J. P., Esq., M.p 5 0 0 Plumptre, Rev. C. T., Wickham 3 0 0 Plumptre, Miss A., Fredville 2 0 0 Plumptre, Miss E., ditto 2 0 0 Plumptre, Miss O., ditto 2 0 0 Poor Curate, a 0 10 0 Pope, G., Esq., Gray's-iniv-square 1 0 0 Post, Jacob, Esq., Islington 2 0 0 Post, Mrs. E., ditto 1 1 0 Prance, Miles H., Esq., Gray's-inn sq. 5 5 0 Pratt, Rev. Joseph, Paston Rectory 2 2 0 Preston, Mrs 2 10 (i Preston, Rev. A. M., Cheshunt 1 J 0 Preston, Rev. M. M., ditto 2 2 0 Prince, Mr., Kirkham 0 10 o "Promise" 1 0 0 JUBILEE rUNl). 667 I'rov. iii.l) 5 0 I'ruddali, Mr., Hexliaiii 1 1 Piu-kle, Thomas, Esq., Clapham, for Continental Europe •'! 0 Pucklf. Miss, Caniberwell 1 1 Purves, Mrs., Sunbury 10 0 Purves, Miss, ditto 13 0 Purves, Miss E., ditto ."i 0 Pym, Mrs., Wandsworth 0 10 Quick, Rev. Henry, Taunton 1 1 Kahan, Rev. J., Bacton, by 1 1 Raine, Rev. P., jun.. Little Hutton 2 0 Ranisden, Rev. C. H., Shirland 1 1 Rawlinson, Mr. W., Taunton 1 0 R. C, Caniberwell 0 10 Read, Miss, Wcniiouth, by 0 K! Read, Miss, Ranisbury 5 .'5 Redman, Mr. T. H., Melkshani 1 1 Reed, Mr. W., Stokesley 1 1 Reid, Mr. J., HoUoway 1 1 Religious Tract Society — Cross, Mr. J. H 1 0 Dix, Mr. Thomas 2 2 Jones, Mr. W .'i 5 Lloyd, W. F., Esq 21 0 Tarn. Mr. W 1 1 ■VVhitehorne, Mr. J 5 ,i Youngman, Mr. Joseph 2 2 Renaud, Rev. G., Totteridge 1 1 Richard, Mrs., Maida-hill 1 1 Richards, Rev. John, Stourbridjje 1 10 Richardson, Rev. T. P., (ireat Itarf'ord... 1 1 Richmond, Surrey, friends at .') 0 Ridler, v., Esq., High Holborn 1 0 Ridley, the Misses, Hampstead 1 0 Roberts, H., Esq., Connaught-square ... 2 2 Roberts, Rev. R., Stewkley Vicarage... I 0 Robertson, Miss, Douglas, Isle of Man... 1 1 Robertson, Mr. J., Bethnal-green 1 1 Robinson, Rev. W. W., Chelsea 1 1 Robinson, Rev. G., Bisley 1 0 Robinson, Mrs., ditto ..." 1 0 Roe, Mr. W. H., jun., Southampton I 10 Rogers, Rev. H., Camborne I 0 Routh, Rev. J. O., Hooe 1 10 Rowton, Rev. N., Coventry 1 1 Russell, Rev. J., Blackheath 2 2 Ryland, Miss, Biggleswade 1 1 Rymington, G., Esq., Penrith 0 ,'5 Sparrow, Ladv Olivia B., Brampton-pk. .')0 0 S : 20 0 Sadler, Miss, Ranisgate 0 H Salt, Rev. W,, Hinckley 0 10 Sanders, Mr., Caledonian-road 1 0 Sanders, Rev. J., Riponden I 1 Sandoz, Frederick. Esq., Islington 10 10 Sard, Mr. John, Westmoreland-place ... I I Saunders, Rev. J. T. C, Far-forest 0 10 Savory, Mr. J., Burnham-market 1 0 Sawbridge, Mrs., Olanteigh 1 I Sawbridge, Miss, ditto 0 10 Sawyer, Rev. W. G., Melton Mowbray H 0 Sayer, C, Esq 2 2 Sayer, Miss 1 0 Sayer, Miss S 1 1 Saxton, Miss, Matlock 1 I Scholefield, Rev. Professor, Cambridge.. 1 1 Scott, Mrs.. Edmonton 0 10 Scott, T., Esq., Penrith 2 0 Scott. Miss, ditto 2 0 Scott, Miss A., ditto 2 (i S. I) 1 1 Seaber, Mr. James, Islehani ! I Sewell, Miss, Walcot 0 .t Shann, Rev. Thomas, Hampsthwaite ... 1 0 Share, Mr. T. S., Lynn 0 10 Shaw, Benjamin, Esq., Cambridge-sq.... n 0 Shaw, Mrs., Clapham 0 10 Sberringhani, Mr. Holt 0 10 Slierson, J. H., Esq., Lancaster 1 1 Shippen, P. S., Esq., Tottenham 1 1 Sliippcn, Mrs., Tottenham I Shippery, William, Esq., Worthing .') Shipton', Miss C, Leamington 1 Shore, Rev. James, Totnes 0 Shrapnell, Miss, Bylleet 1 Silverwood, Mr. John, Barnsley 2 2 0 Silvester, John, Esq., Atherton 5 0 0 Sim, Rev. Henry, Wingham 1 1 0 Skilton, Rev. W., Quinton 0 10 o Skinner, Rev. W. J., Whitfield 1 1 0 S. M 0 10 0 Smalley, E., Esq., Clifton 1 1 0 Smalley, Miss, Bayswater 1 1 0 Smith, Mr. James, Bicester 0 .5 o Smith, Mrs., Finsbury-circus 1 I 0 Smith, Rev. John, Camberwell .'t 0 0 Smith, Mr. Robert, Com.-rd. East 0 10 o Smith, Mrs. R., Stoke 1 1 (I Smith, R., Es(i., South Sea House 1 1 0 Smith, Rev. T., North Cave 0 10 Smither, S. J., Esq , Odiham 1 I 0 Southgate, Mr. John, jun., Watling-st... 2 2 0 Snee, F., Esq., Islington 1 1 o Sowter, Mr. T., Castle Donington 0 10 (i S. P. N 0 10 0 Spicer, Messrs. Brothers, New Bridge-st. 2.3 0 0 I Spurgeon, Rev. W., Neatishead 0 15 (i I Squire, Mr. W., Great Berkhampstead... 1 I 0 Squire, J. H., Esq., Amwell 1 1 0 Stapleton, J. G., Esq., Clapham .•) 3 0 Statham, Mrs., Crawford 0 10 G Steel, Charles, Esq., Sleaford 1 1 0 I Steinkopff, Rev. Dr., Savoy, by — A few Geniian friends 2 0 0 Basle, Rev. A. Ostertag, and friends . 2 0 0 Boerman, Mr 0 10 0 Brandt, H. E., Esq 1 1 0 Bimsen, His Excellency ChevalierVon 2 0 0 Edlmann, J., Esq., for Carinthia 10 0 0 English Servant Maid 0 2 (i Farwick, Mr. Frederick 0 10 0 Farwick, Mr. Augustus Farwig, Mrs Frion, Mr German Servant Maid Howard, Mrs. Luke Hiick, J., Esq Huth, Frederick, Esq Kbhler, J. D., Esq 2 0 0 Maughan, Mrs 1 o o Meinertzhagen, J., Esq 2 2 0 Nitcli, Mr I 1 0 Schneider, Mr 0 10 o Scholl, Rev. Mr 0 10 0 .Sieveking, T. H., Esq 1 0 0 Steinkopir, Rev. Dr 3 0 0 Swiss Gids working in a Manufactory, brought by their Governess 0 10 0 Stevens, Mrs., Pembroke-square 5 0 0 I Steward, Rev. G. W., Caistor 1 1 0 I Stott, Mr. A., Oldham 0 5 0 1 Stott, Mrs. A., ditto 0 5 0 j Stoyte, Col 3 0 0 1 Strachan, J. M., Esq , Teddington-grove 5 0 0 Strange, Mr. J., Pimlico 1 1 o Stransom, Mr. John, Uxbridge 1 0 0 I Stratford, by Jabez Legg, Esq. — Clements, J. K., Esq., Leytonstone ... 5 0 0 I Friend, a 5 0 o Legg, Jabez, Esq. 5 0 () I Pedley, Samuel, Esq 1 o 0 I Strong, Miss 1 I 0 Strong, Rev. Robert, Brampton Abbot.s I 1 0 I Stroud, H. F., Esq., Tonbridge Wells ... 1 0 o j Stubbins, Rev. J., Berhampore, Orissa.. 1 I 0 Surrey Chapel, Blackfriars-road— Flanders, William, Esq 10 10 o Freeman, W., Esq 5 5 0 Friend, a, by Rev. J. Sherman 5 5 0 Hart, G. B., Esq 100 0 0 Ruck, C, Esq 2 2 0 Sherman, Rev. James 3 3 0 Sutherland, Miss, Albany-street 2 2 0 j Swain, Major, Albert-ter., Hampstead-rd. 0 10 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 (1 n 0 (I 0 0 668 JUBILEE FUND. £ s. d. Symes, Mr. and Miss, Montague-square 5 5 0 T 1 0 0 Tabor, Rev. R. S., Trent Vicarage 1 1 0 Tayler, Rev. C. B., Otley 5 0 0 Tayler, R. G., Esq 0 5 0 Taylor, J., Esq., Stoke Ne\vini,'ton 10 0 0 Taylor, Mrs. J., ditto 10 0 0 T. C 2 0 0 Tetley, Dr., Torquay 1 1 0 Thomas, Brandford, Esq., Clifton 1 0 0 Thomas, The Misses, ditto I 10 0 Thompson, the Hon. Mrs., Poundisf'ord- park 5 5 0 Thompson,Henry, Esq., St. John's-vood 5 5 0 Thornton, Mrs. C. G., Marden-hill 1 0 0 Thurgood, R. D., Esq., Saffron Walden 2 2 0 Tireman, Capt., r.a., Douglas, I. M. ... 5 0 0 Tithe, a 0 10 0 Tomkins, Miss, Broughton 1 1 0 Tomkins, Mr., Camberwell 1 1 0 Tomlinson, Mr. H. J., Barton 0 5 0 Tong,Mrs.Chas.,Branston,nearLincoln 0 10 0 Towndrow, Mr., Malvern Link 0 10 0 Townley, Rev. H., Highbury-place 2 0 0 Trapp, F., Esq., Bedford 1 1 0 Treacher, H., Esq., Tonbridge Wells ... 2 2 0 Treen, Mr. E., and Family, Rugby 0 5 0 Tritton, Joseph, Esq., Lombard-street... 10 10 0 Truman, Hanburv, and Co., Messrs 25 0 0 Tucker, Mrs. Jervis, Saltash 0 10 0 Tudor, H., Esq., Conduit-street 5 5 0 Tugwell, L., Esq., St. Edmund-hall, Oxford 1 1 0 Turner, Capt. H. A., H.A 0 5 0 Turner, Miss, Oakham 1 1 0 Turner, Mrs., Walthamstow 1 1 0 Tuxford, W. T., Esq., Melton Mowbray 1 1 0 Tyler, Rev. Peter, Haddenham 1 1 0 Tyler, Rev. W., Spitalfields 1 1 0 Tyndale, Rev. X., Holton 2 0 0 Upton, Rev. J. S., "VVentworth 1 0 0 Uwins, Mrs., Pentonville 5 0 0 Valiant, Lady, Notting-hill I 1 0 Vallack, Rev. Mr., St. Budeaux 0 5 0 Vaizey, Mrs., Denmark-hill 1 1 0 Vincent, Rev. W., Steventon 0 10 0 \V., the Misses, by Dr. Conquest 10 0 0 Waddingham, Mr. T., Barton 1 1 0 Waddington, Capt 1 1 0 Waghorn, Miss, Strood 0 5 0 \Vain^vright, W., Esq., Clapham com. ... 10 10 0 Waite, Mr. R., Louth 0 2 0 Walker, Mr. John, Manchester 1 1 0 Walker, Mrs 1 0 o Walker, Mrs. C, Lewishani-hill 1 1 0 Walker, Rev. Joseph, Hexham 1 1 0 Walkinahaw, I., Esq., Sunderland 1 1 0 Wallace, Rev. T., Bridport 0 10 0 Walters, Robert, Esq., Newcastle-on- Tyne 5 0 0 Walters, Miss Emma, ditto 1 0 0 AVard, Mr., Store-street 1 0 0 Ward, Mrs., Ashley 1 1 0 Ware, Rev. JamesJ Wyverstone 10 0 0 AValley, Mr. George, Manchester 1 1 0 Wallis, J., Esq., Canonburs-park Villas.. 1 0 0 Wallis, Mrs '. 0 5 0 Wallis, J. H., Esq., Cursitor-street 1 0 0 Walter, Rev. Henry, Hasilbury Bryan... 5 0 0 Warren, Mrs. George, Liphook 0 5 0 Wastell, Rev. J. D., Risby 5 0 0 Watkins, Rev. H. G., Tumwheel-lane... 10 10 0 Watkins, Rev. H.G.,jun., Potter's Bar. 3 3 0 Watkinson, Rev. S., Monkwearmouth... 1 10 0 W. B 50 0 0 W. B 1 1 0 W.B., Ipswich 1 0 0 Weaver, Rev. R., Mansfield 0 10 0 Weeks, Rev. J.W., West-squ.ire 0 10 0 Well-wisher, a 0 10 0 AVitherby, Francis, Esq., Highbur>'-ter.. 3 3 0 West, John, Esq., Wendlebury, by— A Thank-offering on reading the lines, " The Jubilee Tree," in the Tract Magazine 5 0 0 Children, The, of John West, Esq 0 10 0 Friends 4 10 0 King, Mr. T. B 1 1 0 Village Children 0 1 1 Westmoreland, Miss, Camberwell 0 10 0 AVheeler, Mr. D. D 0 5 0 Wheeler, Rev. D., Worcester 1 1 0 Whitby, Mrs. W., Manningtree 0 1 0 Whitby, Mr. J., Bridgwater 1 1 0 White, Mrs. James, Plymouth 1 1 0 Whitehouse, J., Esq., Dudley 2 10 0 Whitley, Rev. E., Stafford 2 0 0 Whittingham, Mrs., Islington 1 1 0 AVIG.4N, by Rev. W. Marshall- Marshall, Rev. W 1 0 0 Woods, Miss 10 0 0 Woods, Miss Helen 10 0 0 Wightman, Miss, Hackney 3 ,"> 0 Wightman, Rev. Dr., Clare 10 0 0 Wilcox, Miss M. A., Coleshill 1 1 0 AVildbore, Rev. T., Falmouth 1 1 0 Wilkinson, Mrs., High Wycombe 2 0 0 Wilkinson, Rev. A., Teddington 1 1 0 Wilkinson, R., Esq., Regent's-park 5 0 0 Williams. Mrs. W., Dorchester 1 0 0 Williams, Mrs. Martha, Mansfield 1 1 0 Wilson, Joseph, Esq., Highbury 21 0 0 Wilson, Mrs., Kendal 1 o 0 Wilson, Rev. J. A., Stanley 1 I 0 Wilson, Joshua, Esq., Highbury 5 0 0 Wilson, Mr. AV., Whitehaven 0 10 G AA'ilson, Thomas, Esq., AVorkington 20 0 0 AA'indeatt, Thomas, Esq., Tavistock 5 0 0 AA'indeatt, John, Esq., Totnes 1 H 0 AVinfield, Miss S. K., Birmingham 0 10 6 AVinsor, F. A., Esq., Lincoln's-inn 5 0 0 AViTCH.\MPT0N, by Rev. Carr J. Glyn — Best, Mrs 1 0 0 Friend, a 0 10 0 Glyn, Rev. Carr J 3 0 0 AV. L. P.,Houghton-le-Spring 1 5 0 AVood, Mrs., Liphook 0 5 0 Wood, Mr. J., Bury 0 10 0 AVoodall, Mr. J., Orchard-street 1 1 0 AVoodcock, Ed., Esq., Springfield, AVigan 1 0 0 AVoods, Mrs. M., Lewes 2 0 0 AVoolley, Rev. AV., Pangbourne 1 1 0 AVoRCESTER, by Mr. G. Joseland, jun.. A AVidow's Mite 0 5 0 Joseland, Mrs., and Family 1 17 0 Joseland, Mr. G., jun 0 2 (1 AVvatt, Mr. P.,Barnsburi--villas 1 1 0 AA'orslev, Miss F. C, Sherborne 1 1 ii AVorthington, Mr., Lowestoft 0 10 0 AVorthington, J. D., Esq., Oldham 1 0 0 AVright, W., Esq., Stanton, St. Ives 5 0 0 AVright, Mr. and Mrs., Cnmpton-terrace 3 3 0 X. p ;: 0 0 Yarborough, Miss, Leamington 1 1 0 Yeatman, Miss, and friends, Dorchester 1 11 e York Church of England Sunday-School Committee 5 0 0 Young, Capt. H.. Bedford 5 0 0 Young, Miss, Newport. I. AV I 0 0 Young, Mrs., North Shields 5 0 0 Young, Mrs. Admiral 1 0 0 Young, Rev. John, Islington 2 2 0 A'oimg, Mr. Charles, Islington 1 1 0 Young Lady, a, by Rev. J. Bounsall, Ottery 0 10 0 Y. T 5 0 0 Zillwood, Kev. John, AVinchester 1 1 0 JUBILEE FUND. 669 COLLECTING BOOKS. £ s. (/. " A Little Frieiui—C. E. K " 0 12 (i Aris, Master Thomas, Croydon 1 1 0 Ashbourne — Dawson, Mr. John 1 '6 (! Goddard, Miss M. F 1 I 0 ^rountford, Miss Maria 1 2 (i Peach, Mrs. James 0 10 0 Ayn, Miss Ann, Sellside, Kendal 1 7 C Barlins, Mrs. Buckinptham 1 1 G Baldock Auxiliary— Parr, Mr. S 0 G 2 Simms, Mrs 0 G G Bath Auxiliary — Cheele, Mr., per I 1 0 Clement, Mi.ss F 1 3 0 Clement, Miss H 1 9 10 Daniel, Mrs 1 17 0 Daniel, Miss 1 1 0 Emerson, Miss 3 3 0 Franklvn. Miss 1 14 0 Frost, Mrs 0 5 0 Goodridge, Mrs 3 1 0 (iriftith, Mrs. H 1 10 0 Hancock, Miss 1 1 0 Hooper, Miss 1 4 G Howell. Miss 1 0 G Hunter, Mi-- 2 0 0 Hurlev, Mi^^ 0 8 G J.anfear, MU, M. J 1 2 1 Marriott, Mr., 1 3 0 Morris, Mr. J. \V IIG 0 Osbom, Mrs 1 0 0 Ottley, Miss 1 1 0 Porteous, Mr. J. M 1 1 0 Porter, Miss 0 9 G Richards, Miss 1 2 6 Smith, Mrs 117 0 Smith, Miss Fanny Maria 8 0 0 Taylor, Miss 2 1 10 Titley, Miss 1 1 0 Ward, Miss 1 7 G Williams, Mrs 2 0 6 Wood, Mrs 1 3 0 Battersea — Allom, Miss 0 .-i 2 Carter, Mr Oil 0 Daniel, Mrs 0 8 0 Davis, Miss 1 1 4 Falke, Miss I 3 G Gay, Mr. John 14 4 Gurney, Miss, Lavender-hill 3 7 0 Moore, Mr., in the villages near Dor- kini? 0 9 G Passniore, Miss 1 5 3 Baylifte, Master E., Chippenham 2 0 G Beard, Mr. R., King William-street 2 .0 G Beccles Auxiliary — Delf, Miss 0 8 0 Flower, Master 1 1 0 Gibson, Miss 1 1 0 Hickman, Mrs 1 1 0 Jennvn.Mrs 3 0 0 Kesteven, Miss E 1 1 0 Lincoln, Mr 2 2 0 Mayhew, Miss 0 4 0 Rix, Master 0 '> o Sloper, Miss 1 1 0 Bedford Auxiliary— Attack, Mr. Thomas 0 10 3 Ball, Miss Eliz i 1 0 Bachlor, Mr. W 1 2 0 Kilpin, Mr 1 1 0 Lamb, Miss 1 1 0 Macle Roberts, Miss 1 :> . Ward, Miss 1 1 Chesterfield Auxiliary— Clareton, William, Esq 1 1 Earley, Mr. A .' I 1 Irving, Mr. Thomas 1 1 Saver, Miss 1 1 Shaw, airs 1 1 Tucker, Miss C 1 '.) Tucker, Miss S 1 (I Turnley, Mr. F 1 1 Christchurch Auxiliary— Aldridge, Miss 1 1 Cornish, E 1 1 Jin, Miss 0 2 King, Miss 0 13 Lane, Mrs. E 1 1 Miller, Miss 0 S Steel, Mrs 0 7 White, Miss 0 T Churcher, Mr. J. M., Bishops Walthaiii 1 7 Cleather, Miss, Swanbourne 1 1 Colchester Au.xiliary — Barr, Miss 1 3 Carr, Miss P 1 H Iladdon, Mr. Langham 2 1 Lewis, Mrs 1 (i Mason, Miss, Boxted-mill 1 3 Mason, Mrs. P., Dedham-niill 1 G Mason, Miss, Sudbury mill 1 K Rudkin, Miss Fanny 1 1 Rudkin, Miss Jennet Oil Rudkin, Miss Susannah 1 I Scott, Mrs. Thomas 1 0 Stuck, Miss 1 11 Unwin, Mr. S. P.... 1 1 Wallis, Miss 1 10 Coles, Miss, Cole's-teriace 1 2 Collier, Miss Elizabeth, ^^ itne) i 10 CoUinson, Miss, Gainsborough 0 2 Connor, Rev. S., Leominsttr 3 1 Coudley, Mrs., Lombard strttt 1 1 CowES Auxiliary— Feaver, Miss 1 I Fulcher, Mr. J 1 1 White, Mr. John.... 0 7 White, Miss E. B. . 1 0 Cornwall, Robert, Watton 0 3 Cragg, Rev. James, Great Ellingham I 3 Croft, Miss, Shoreditch I 0 Cuff, Miss S., Wellington 0 r> Curme, Miss E. A., Sandford 1 1 Curme, Miss M. ditto 1 1 Dale, Miss, Balby .... 0 11 Davev, Mr. G., South Otkendtn 0 (i Day, Miss C, Baldock 1 2 Deal, Mrs., Swanage. 1 1 Dent, Miss, Marr .... 1 7 Dickenson, Miss M. A ,Woherhani])t()u 1 1 Dimsdale, Mrs., Hadley, near Barnet... 1 1 Diss Auxiliary — Xunn, Mrs 3 14 Dorchester Auxiliary— Atkinson, Miss 0 13 Campbell, Miss 0 7 Curme, Miss 1 10 Curme, Miss E 2 13 (iaitskill. Miss 1 i:, Leakey, Rev. J. A 1 1 Lock, Miss 0 K Mills, .Miss 0 13 Mondey, Miss 1 1 Northover, Mrs 1 1 Peach, Miss I i Robinson, Miss 1 2 Treves, Mrs 0 12 Dover Auxiliary — Baker, Miss 0 13 Bentley, Miss 1 1 Dover Auxiliary, cdiiliinicd — Knocker, Jliss Emily 1 7 fi Sells, Miss 1 1 0 Drover, Mrs. Eliz., Wincanton 1 3 ;) Duncan, Mr. T., Alnwick 1 II 0 ICarushawe, Miss 11., Altrinchan I 4 0 Edwards, Mrs., King-street, Clerkenwell 0 10 0 Edwards, Miss H., Newnham Vicarage. 1 1 4 Eisdell, Miss, LjTnington 1 0 0 Elliott, Miss, Devizes S 0 0 Evans, Miss, Southampton 0 l.'i 0 Exeter Auxiliary — Bartholomew, Mrs 0 r> 0 Blair, Miss E 1 1 0 Bristow, Miss 2 12 0 Frizell, Miss E. A 1 1 0 Lunsden, Miss 0 7 0 Mackenzie, Miss 1 1 0 Parker, MissC 2 3 0 Pearse, Mrs. W 1 4 (i Puddicombe, Miss 0 0 0 Rawlings, Miss 1 1 0 Williams, Miss E. M 0 IS 0 Wippell, Mr. Joseph, jun 2 2 0 Eythorne — Copley, Mrs 1 1 0 Harnett, Master F 0 'J 2 Fakenham Auxiliary — Cooper, Miss 1 1 0 Goggs, Mr. N 1 1 0 Legge, Mrs 0 13 o Leverage, Miss 0 14 0 Lynn, Miss 1.1 0 Smith, Miss 0 9 0 Wiett, Fanny 1 1 0 Fareham Auxiliary — Bradley, Miss, Wickham 3 G (5 Pullen, Miss 2 1 0 Simmonds, Miss 1 ,5 0 Wooldridge, Miss, Wickham 1 0 0 Farnham — Simmonds, Miss 1 1 o Varndell, Miss 1 1 o Farr, Miss E., Iver 1 I o Faulkner, Miss, St. Martin's-le-Grand... 1 1 0 Ferguson, Miss, Carlisle 2 2 0 Fleetwood Auxiliary — EUetson, Mr. D I 1 0 Elletson, Miss 1 i o Elletson, Master H 1 1 o Ramsay, Dr I 1 0 Fletcher, Miss Jane, Belper 1 7 (i P'ord, Rev. AV., Lane End 1 (i o Fuller, Miss, Brownlow-street 0 4 0 Folkestone Auxiliary — Bradley, the Misses o 10 0 Brickman, Mrs 0 14 10 Clark, Mrs. and Miss 2 r> o Gardner, Mrs o 10 0 Gambling, Miss Emma, Buxton 2 11 (i Gay, Miss E., Denmark-hill 1 r> o CJiblett, Mr. Samuel, Meare I 12 (i Gibson, Mr. T. C, Whalton 1 10 o Glenny, Mr. E., Barking 3 .3 (i (Jloucester Auxiliary — Beach, Miss i i o Husband, Mrs o i; (; Jones, Mrs i | ij ^'arsh, Miss i j o Turley, Miss o 3 (i White, Mrs l lij o Grafton, Miss, Bowden 1 1 o Graham, Mrs., Gosport l 1| o (Jrant, Miss 2 .'■, 7 Gravesend Auxiliary — Brown, Miss Ann 1 2 2 Butcher, Miss Elizabeth I i o Cartwright, Miss o 10 0 Chapman, Miss o M t; Cooper, Miss Jane 1 2 S 673 JUBILEE EUND. jC .v. (/. Gravesend AuxiLiAiiy, coiifiiuied— Drayson, Miss 1 l fl Fellgate, Miss M. A 0 (i f) Gould, Mr. J., jun 0 10 0 Hatton, Miss F 1 1 0 Liest, Miss Martin, Master John Martin, Miss C 1 (i (i Nelson, Mrs 1 I G Ridge, Mrs 1 1 0 Ridge, Miss Selmes, Mr Spain, Mr 1 '! 0 Tippetts, Miss Ellen 1 1 0 West, Miss C Goodwin, Miss, Rowsley 1 7 0 Gould, Mr. G., River 9 ]1 0 Green, Miss, Preston, near Lavenham .. 2 0 0 Green, Miss A. M., Nunnington 0 .') 0 Greey, Mr ditto ] 9 (J Guernsey Auxiliary— Baynes, Capt. G. M C 0 0 Dobree, George, Esq 2 7 G Eddis, Mrs. . . .. 2 7 4 , Hine. Rev. T.T Maingay, Bonamy, Esq 10 10 0 Pldcock, Mr. George 1 r, 0 Wild, Rev. W 7 3 11 Hadland, Mi" Heie" riap>.a>n 2 0 0 Hadleigh Au\ilhh\ — A Young Friend 0 10 G Church, Miss H 0 , 0 Fisk, Miss b 0 i G Grinsey, Miss L 0 0 a Gurdon, Miss 1 2 0 Kersey, Miss 1 7 0 Kersey, Miss L 1 ) 0 Partridge Miss 0 11 0 Pidduck, Miss 0 i 8 Pidduck, .Miss 1 0 1 0 Sheldrake, Miss 1 4 G Vinie, Miss 1 1 S Warren, Miss 0 i 4 Halifax Almli vr\— Bracken, Miss 1 . 0 Bradley, Miss 2 0 0 Corke, Mis 1 2 0 Crosslej, Mrs Joseph 1 11 G Crossley, Mrs John 1 12 G Dickinson, Miss 1 7 G Ellis, Miss Grace 1 S 0 Haigh, Mis T 1 1 0 Hoatson, Miss 2 2 6 Miller, Miss... i 0 0 Naylor, Miss 1 1 0 No. 20GI 1 1 G Panson, Miss I 1 0 Porter, Miss 1 10 0 Pridie, Miss Turner, Miss 0 10 G AValker, Mrs Joliii Watkinson, Mis 1 10 0 Whitley, AIiss 1 (i 0 Youd, Miss 2 1 0 By Mrs J trossle\, S G Stammers Mrs Woman, John . 1 1 0 Harris, Robert C, Marazion Harvey, Miss, by Rev. Carr J. Glyn, Witchampton Hedgman, Miss, Gerard-street Hemel Hempstead Auxiliary — Eales, Miss M Eggbeer, Miss (niest, Mrs Hopkins, Miss Hopley, Mrs Howard, Miss King, Miss Lane, Miss Ward, Mrs. F Henley Auxiliary — Batley, Mrs Byles, Miss W Fletcher, Mrs. Joseph Hyatt, Miss E Jay, Miss Maynard, Miss Niblett, Miss Prowse, Miss M Rowland, Miss Theobald, Miss Lucy Hewlett, Miss C, Clapham Heygate, Master C, Market Bosworth.. Hine, Miss, Upwey High Wycombe Auxiliary- — Butler, Mrs Carter, Miss, for Ireland Edmonds, Miss Farbridge, Mark Fry, Miss E Lucas, Miss Emily Maycock, Emma' Payne, Mrs Parker, Mrs Hitciiin Auxiliary — Abbott, Master, Hitchin Dodwell, Mrs., SliiUington Foster, Master M. H., Wymondley ... Foster, Miss E., ditto Priest, Mrs., Ickleford Roberts, Miss, Kingswood Roberts, Mr. E., jun., ditto Sloper, Mrs., Hitchin Thrussell, Miss, Picton Wright, Miss M. A., Wymondley Wright, Miss E., ditto Holden, Miss E., Whitstable Homan, Mr., Hartland-road Holt Auxiliary — Bristow, Mr. R. B Chestney, Sarah Cooke, Mrs Craske, Mrs., Stody Craske, Mrs Drozier, Miss Betsy Ellis, Miss Girling, Miss Hammond, Ann Hardy, Master Herbert Heywood, Mr. Horace Muskett, Mrs Nicholls, Susan Pulleyne, Rev. B HoNiTON, by Rev. W. Wright— Aberdein, Miss Alexander, Miss Anthony, Miss Devenish, Mrs Farquharson, Mrs Fisher, Mjss Groube, Miss M'Kno, Miss M M'Cormick, Miss Pine, Elizabeth Pine, Sarah Ann Smith, Miss Viney, Rosina Horncastle Auxiliary — Balle, Mrs JUBILEE FUND. (573 HoRNCASTLE AuxiLlARV, Continued — farter, Mrs 1 i ' Longstaff, Mrs I -i Additional 0 12 HUDDERSFIELD AUXILIARY — Atkinson, Miss E 1 1 Batley, the Misses 1 ■* Buckley, Rev. C. J., Penistone 1 4 Denham, Mr. Thomas 1 1 Eaglet on, Miss J 1 1 Eastwood, Miss C 1 1 Greenwood, Miss M. J 1 1 Jones, Miss E. W 2 2 Schotield, Miss C 1 1 Thompson, Miss J 1 1 Watkinson, Miss A 1 3 Willans, Miss M 1 1 Wilson, Master C. H 0 10 Wrigley, Miss S. A 1 2 Hughes, Mrs 0 13 Hull Auxiliary — Burton, Miss 1 ^ Cramp, Mrs 1 1 Cross, R. B., Esq 2 2 Dutchman, Mrs 1 *> Eden, Mr. Jabez 2 2 Haldin, Mrs 1 I.'' M'Lean, Mr 1 1 No. 1245 1 1 No. 2195 0 5 Radford, Mr. T. E 1 2 KajTier, Mr. J • 1« Scott, Miss 10 0 Scott, Miss E 5 8 Tapp, B. A., Esq « 2 Tapp, Miss • 7 Towers, Miss 2 0 Viccars, Mrs 1 3 Westerbv, Miss 1 H Wimble,' Miss R 2 3 Hunt, Miss, North Croydon 1 0 Huxley, Miss, Bromsgrovc 1 1 Ipswich Auxiliary — Buck, Miss 1 1 0 Burton, Miss M 1 2 C Cameron, Mr 1 1 0 Dothic, Miss E. S 0 8 0 Gill, Miss 1 2 C Goss, Master Arthur 1 3 0 Grimwade, Miss 2 5 0 May, Miss S 0 7 6 Ray, Miss Helen 1 9 0 Rudkin, Miss 2 7 G By Mr. H. H. Gill- Gill, Mrs. H 1 ■> Loudon, Miss •' 'p Vernon, Ma.ster ' 2 Wardley, Mrs 1 ' Lymington Auxiliary — Drawbridge, Mr ' ' Elgar, Mr • ' Millidge, Mr I 1 Macclesfieed Auxiliary — Corbishley, Master C. H 1 ' Oldham, Miss R 2 10 Whtelton, Miss S <> M'Clurc, Master J., Stockport 1 1 Mackinlay, D., Esq., North Shields I 10 Maggs, Mr. Joseph, Melksham 1 I Male, Miss, Walbrook 2 ."^i Malton Auxiliary— Bell, Miss K. H ' ' Bell, Miss M • • Dunlop, Miss ' '2 2 X 674 JUBILEE FUNU. Manchester Young Men's Christian Association — Gent, Mr I 1 0 Jamieson, Mr 0 8 0 Owen, Mrs 2 4 0 RafFerty, Mr 1 1 0 Trembath, Miss 2 2 0 AVall, Mr 1 1 0 Margate Auxiliary — Collings, Mrs 0 12 0 Hart, Miss 1 1 0 Heaton, Miss A. K 1 5 6 Hensley, Miss 1 5 0 Hughes, Miss 1 1 0 Hughes, Miss A 1 1 0 Lewis, Mr. C.S 1 1 0 Pound, Mr. T 1 2 6 Wilson, Miss 0 5 G Market Harborouch Auxiliary — Andrews, Miss Ellen 1 1 6 Buswell, Mr. W 1 1 0 Clark, Sarah 1 1 6 Clark, Mr. Isaac 1 1 0 Goward, Mr 1 1 0 Gurden, Miss 112 8 Ranald, Mrs 0 5 0 Hevgate, Miss L 1 7 0 Higgs, Mr 1 1 0 Marshall, Mrs 1 1 0 Marvell, Benjaniiu 1 1 9 Sharpe, Sarah 0 7 C Sulley, Mr. J 1 1 0 Toller, MissE I 2 4 Marks, Mr., Minster, Sheppey 0 3 0 Marshall, Mrs. S., Islington, by— Bowerbank, Miss, Kingsland 0 5 0 Browne, Miss, Kingsland-green 1 3 0 Browning, Miss E., Newington-green. 1 10 0 Cole, Miss, Dalston 0 6 0 Dobbs, Mrs.,Shacklewell 0 5 2 Evans, Mr. Evan, Sebbon's-buildings. 0 5 2 Field, Miss E., Ball's-pond 0 7 6 Fletcher, Mrs., Maida-vale 0 11 6 Frodsham, Miss, Newington-green ... 0 10 0 Gadsden, Miss, Albion-road 0 7 6 Garratt, Miss, Northampton-park 0 10 0 Johnson, Miss, Stoke Newington 2 0 0 Jones, Miss, Dalston 0 6 0 Kibbell, Miss, Mayfield-place 0 7 7 Lancaster, Miss, Dalston 116 Marshall, Mrs. S., St. Pnul's-place ... 1 13 7 Pigott, Miss, Bamett-grove 0 6 2 Quincey, Miss 2 10 0 Somersall, Miss, St. Paul's-place 0 4 4 Walker, Miss, ditto 0 7 0 Williams, Miss, Kingsland-crescent... 0 15 6 Martin, Master H., Otley 1 1 0 Masborough — Brown, Miss E 1 1 0 Gillott, Miss 0 7 6 Mayhew, Rev. J. W. Walpole 1 7 0 Medcalf, Miss, Ware 1 7 0 Medland, Mr. G. F., Exeter 2 5 6 Melton Mowbray Auxiliary 1 0 0 Middlewich — Bostock, Master G. J 0 5 0 Dulton, Master Richard 0 11 0 Hitchin, Miss M. A 0 6 0 Hitchin, Miss M 1 1 0 Hitchin, Miss J., and Miss E. Smith... 0 7 4 MiLDENHALL AUXILIARY — Goodrich, Mr. R 5 8 6 Newark Auxiliary— Adams, Miss 1 I 0 Bilson, Miss 1 2 6 Deeping, Miss 1 7 0 Hindley, Mr 0 6 6 Loversidge, Miss E 1 1 0 Readhouse, Miss 1 12 6 Wood, Miss 1 1 0 Newbury Auxiliary— Adnams, Mrs 0 7 0 Bew, Mr 2 15 0 Newbury Auxiliary, cont'niucd — Coxeter, Mr 0 \\ U Davies, Miss 5 0 0 Newcastle-on-Tyne Avxu.imiy — Brown, Miss S 1 1 0 Browning, Master J. B 1 1 0 Elliott, Miss 1 14 0 Foster, Miss 1 1 0 Grey, Mrs 1 7 0 Haggei, Miss 112 0 Laidlaw, Miss Jane 15 6 Lang, Mr. W 4 15 8 Lax, Miss 1 1 0 Middlemish, Miss 1 5 0 Pringle, Mr. W. S 1 13 0 Ridley, Miss 1 1 0 Robertson, Miss Ann 1 5 0 Simpson, Mr. W. G 0 8 6 Whinfield, Mr. W. A 1 1 0 Newport Pagnell— Ayers, Miss Oil 6 Bull, Master Henry William 0 10 0 Coales, Miss 0 9 0 Grace, Mrs., Linford 0 1 10 Harrold, Miss Phillips 15 6 Hives, Miss 0 4 0 Hawlev, Sarah Ann, Linford 0 6 0 Jeftersbn, Miss 0 4 0 Osborn, George, Esq., bv 12 6 Price, Miss '. 0 7 9 Rivet, Catherine, Linford 0 10 6 Taylor, Master and Miss 0 1 6 Northampton Auxiliary — Hensman, Miss Jenkins, Miss Latchmore, Mr. J Latchmore, Miss Macpherson, Miss Phipps, Miss Prust, Miss Ridge, Miss Walker, Miss Norwich Auxiliary — Alexander, Miss Arnup, Miss Banks, William Blakely, Miss 0 Boardman, Master Frederick Blind, Mary Clementson, Miss Downes, Miss English, Miss Foyson, Miss Fuller, Master G Gaze, Mis Gill, Miss Goring, Miss Grinter, Miss rmma Hall, Mastei Htni> Herring, Maiia Hickman, Miss Hill, Mrs Howell, Master lamis Howes Miss Lincoln, Miss M H M'Gregoi,Mrs Martin, Miss Maiv Middleton, Mis Janu^ '^c n Middleton, Mr Tame^ Uin Paul, Miss 1 3 Powell Ml R 1 12 Rainblid Miss 1 2 Silcock, Ml 1 10 Smith Miss 0 4 Spelman Miss 1 1 Tayloi, Mrs Caroline 1 2 Tolson, Miss 1 1 Turnei, Master 0 14 Wilson, Miss 1 8 Wilson, William B < i 1 1 ii/ i (. 2 10 NoTTIN(,H \.M AUXILI\R\ — Barrett, Miss Llizabclh 1 2 Cole, Miss 3 17 Goddard, Mrs 1 15 675 f «. ti. Nottingham Auxiliary, roniinved — Hill, Miss 1 3 0 Morley, Miss 1 1 0 Orange, Mr. J 1 5 7 Pink, Mrs 1 5 f. Reader. Miss Elizabeth 0 9 0 O'Donaghue, Master G. H., Ross 1 1 0 Orange-street and West London Auxiliary — Astill, Mr 0 10 0 Fowler, Mrs 1 2 (i Griffiths, Miss 0 a 0 Hansler, Mr 1 2 fi Palmer, Mrs 1 3 8 Philip, Miss E 1 4 0 Rice, Mr 0 8 B Tritton. Miss 0 3 0 Turner, Mr. G 1 1 0 Watts, Miss 0 3 0 Wright, Miss 0 6 2 By Mr. Arnum, Belgrave-house, Pimlico. Arber, Master 14 0 Baynes, Master 0 10 6 Clifford, Master W 0 6 4 Dando, Master 0 8 6 Dunlop, Master 0 2 0 Evershed, Master 0 2 6 Eraser, Master W 0 1 0 Ha>Ties, Master A 0 3 0 Pattison, Master 0 1 6 Sprenger, Master 0 1!) Starkey, Master 1 1 0 Williams, Master 0 2 6 Oswestry Auxiliary — Davies, MissE 1 1 0 Gregorj', Miss 1 4 8 Lacon, Miss E. A 1 6 0 Minshull, Miss M Oil 2 Thomas, Mrs. E. W 119 6 Thomas, Miss 0 17 0 Owens, Mr. T. G., Crawford-street 1 1 0 Packman, Master W. K., Sittinghourne 1 4 10 raekwood, Miss, Sutton Colelield 0 1.5 2 Parker, Ellen, Farnworth 1 5 6 Parson, Miss, Weverham 1 0 0 Pashley, Mrs 0 9 0 Paul. Mrs., Kingsland I 1 0 Penzance, by Captain P. Jackson — .lackson, Mrs. P 2 4 6 Leigh, Miss 2 0 0 Millett, Miss A. M 1 1 0 Moore, Rev. C, A. M I 10 0 Pepler, Miss, Charhin, near Calne 1 18 6 Philps, Mrs., Burwell 2 0 0 Piggott, Rev. S., Redcar 0 5 0 Pitman, Miss K., Hackney 1 4 0 Playll, Mr., Bishopsgate-without 1 2 6 Poole Auxiliary — AUlridge, Miss 1 1 0 Blunt, Miss 0 10 6 Busson, Miss 0 3 0 Coward, Miss 1 2 1 Denny, Miss 0 10 0 Goss, Miss Harriett 0 2 10 Lance, Miss 0 11 0 Lance, MissA 0 8 0 Morris, Harriet 1 1 4 Netting, Miss 1 1 0 Pearce, Miss 1 1 0 Sandy, Miss 1 1 3 Street, Miss 0 13 9 Tuck, Miss 1 1 9 Welch. Miss 0 3 0 Portsmouth Auxiliary H 11 0 Preston Auxiliary — Atkinson, Miss Eliz 1 1 0 Aughton, Miss H 1 1 0 Bamber, Septimus 0 3 8 Bancks, Miss 1 2 10 Becket, Mrs 0 3 0 Brown, Miss Eliz 1 1 0 Fell. Master J. F I 1 0 Fisher, Miss 1 0 6 Preston Au.xiliary, continned- Holdsworth, Mi.ss E Jenkins, Rev. T Johnson, Miss Jones, Mrs Livesey, Master H Noble, Miss E., Kendal Rose, Miss R Staveley, Mrs Tyson, Miss A Wallis, Miss J Watkins, Miss Redruth Auxiliary — Angove, Mr. J Religious Tract Society — Bailey, Mr. J Baker, Mr. J Beresford, Mr. T Birkley, Mr. W Burt, Mr. T Cross, Mr. J. H Dolling, Charles Hall, Mr. H H. C Jarvis, Mr. R. E Reynolds, Mr Sabine, Mr. G Wheeler, Mr. M Woodher, C Youngman, Mr. M Rendham — No. 761 No. 2180 Reyner, Miss A., Bowden Reynolds, Miss, St. Paul's-road, Camden Town Rhodes, Mr. William, Barnes Richardson, Miss, North Croydon Richmond, (Surrey) — Beaumont, Miss Cox, Miss Giles, Mr Holloway, Mr. W Seaton, Miss Rider, Mr. E., Sandgate Riley, Mr. Benjamin, Wood-street RiPON Auxiliary — Croft, Master Earle, Mrs. D Mawson, Miss Wilson, Miss Robert-street Auxiliary — Cook, Miss Decks, Mrs Donaldson, Mrs Dunning, Miss Ford, Mrs Gannell, Mrs , Harding and Stockley, Messrs Horsford, Mr Page, Mrs Ross, Mr Ross, Mrs. and Miss Sewell, Mrs Rochdale Auxiliary — Ashworth, Mrs Burchell, Rev. W. T Chesson, Rev. J Hill, Mr. W Petrio, Mrs. John Petrie, Miss Margaret Staley, H., Esq Rose, Rev. W., Alford ROTHERHAM AUXILIARY — Beatson, Miss, and a Friend Brown, Miss M Crooks, Miss Habershon, Mrs. E Robinson, Miss Scott, Mrs., Wath Rutland and Stamford Auxiliary— Baines, Master F., Uppingham Foster, Miss M. A., Oakham 2x2 1 1 0 0 10 6 0 6 (i 1 I 0 1 IS () 0 16 0 0 11 6 3 19 0 1 I (i 0 10 6 2 2 1 8 1 1 676 JUBILEE FUND. Rutland, etc., continued— Green, Miss, Uppingham 1 1 0 Hammond, Mr. James 14 6 Moxon, Rev. T I 1 0 Wellington, Miss S., Oakham 1 2 4 Ryde Auxiliary — Conder, Mrs 1 0 0 Masters, Miss G 0 8 0 Wheeler, Mr 0 2 6 Saunders, Miss A., Dinton 1 2 Scarborough Auxiliary — Bailey, Mr. S 1 1 Clemeston, Mr. W. H 1 1 Donner, Miss 1 10 Evans, Master , Evans, Miss 1 2 Hardy, Mr. Josiah P 1 1 Hiclc, Mr. T., jun 1 4 Hicks, Miss Oddie, Miss E Smith, Mrs Thompson, Edmund, Esq Wood, Mr. W Scarlett, Mr., King William-street Scott, Mr. James, Pimlico , Saarle, Mrs., Haggerstone Sheerness Auxiliary— Gorham, Mr. John 3 19 0 Shoobert, Mrs., Liverpool-buildings 18 9 Sheffield Union Auxiliary— Bartrum, Miss 3 12 0 Brown, Mrs. W., and Mrs. Hawksley 2 12 6 Dickinson, Mrs., and Mrs. Landells... 8 7 2 Harmer, Miss M. A., and Mrs. Taylor 3 6 6 Horsfield, Mrs., and Mrs. Ingham 13 6 Liddell, Mrs 1 1 0 Liddell, Miss 1 1 0 Shearman, Mrs., and Miss Lucy Smith 8 2 6 Smith, Miss Pye, ShefHeld 1 1 0 Smith, Master E. B. Pve, ditto 1 1 0 Spencer, Rev. J. L 1 5 6 Tucker, Master G. E 1 2 0 Shrewsbury Auxiliary — Cook, Miss 4 5 6 Edwards, Miss Sarah 1 2 10 Elsmere, Mr. Edward 1 5 0 Hicks, Miss 1 1 0 Lewin, Mr 8 2 10 Poole, Mr. T.F 0 3 0 Reynolds, Miss 1 1 0 Scammell, Miss 0 4 6 Tibnam, Mr 7 7 6 Trouncer, Miss, Victoria 17 6 Weaver, Miss 5 2 6 Wightman, Mrs 113 6 Simpson, Mrs,, Twickenham 1 3 6 Sleapord Auxiliary — England, Mrs 1 1 0 Gladstone, Mrs 1 10 0 Grey, Miss 1 1 0 Muston, Miss 110 Slough Auxiliary — Cheal, Miss 1 17 0 Lock, Mr. J 2 15 6 Tilley, MissE 1 1 0 Smale, Miss, Launceston 1 6 0 Smith, Miss, Dursley 1 1 0 Smith, Rev. G. L., Halesworth 2 14 6 Smoothey, Miss H., Linton 0 7 0 Snowden, Mrs., Marr 1 1 0 South Shields— Hutchinson, Mr. M 1 1 0 Martin, Mr. J 1 1 0 Moir, Rev. D 1 1 0 Spalding, by Mr. W. Hobson — Bell, Miss 1 1 0 Hobson, Master A 1 3 0 Perry, James 1 1 0 Summers, Miss 0 2 0 Thorns, Thomas 1 2 6 Strange, Miss C, Walworth 0 5 0 Stevenson, Miss M., Derby I 1 0 £ s. d. Spilsby Auxiliary— Bourne, Miss J 113 0 Searby, MissM 1 9 0 Square, Miss, Plymouth 0 9 0 Staines Auxiliary — Dexter, Miss 1 4 0 Fletcher, Mrs 0 13 1 Simmonds, Dr 1 1 0 Stand Auxiliary — Bleakeley, Mr. John Oil 6 Brierly, Mr. John 1 5 0 Deakin, Mr. Edward 0 6 0 Grellier, Miss 0 3 0 Hallowes, Miss 1 1 0 Skinner, Mr. George 6 18 0 Stevenson, Mrs. P., Rainton 1 1 0 Stillwell, Miss P., Norton Folgate Oil 0 Storey, Mrs 0 14 10 Stringer, Mrs 0 2 0 Stowmarket Auxiliary — Cornell, Miss 1 2 0 Keen, Mr. Ed 1 1 0 Prentice, Miss 1 1 0 Prentice, Miss D 1 5 (> Stevens, Miss 1 1 0 Ladies /I ssociation — Aldridge, Miss 0 15 U Cole, Miss H 0 15 1 Draper, Miss E 1 1 0 Felgater, Miss Jane 0 6 6 Felgater, John 0 5 0 M'Lachland, Master Angus 0 5 0 Ralph, Miss 0 5 6 Woolby, Miss 1 3 0 Stroud Auxiliary — Colborne, Miss 1 8 0 Coveney, Mrs 1 1 0 Farr, J 1 1 0 Ferabee, Miss 1 4 6 Price, W 1 1 0 Ross, Miss H 1 0 0 Webb, W 1 1 0 Webb, H., from Ebley Sunday School 1 1 0 Sudbury Auxiliary — Adams, Mrs. Cole 110 3 Butler, Mrs 1 9 8 Edmunds, Miss 1 8 9 Elliston, Miss 2 0 0 Foster, Miss 3 12 6 Goldsmith, Mr. John 0 5 0 Hanidge, Miss 13 9 Hayward, Mr. P 1 3 7 Joscelyne, Miss E 1 7 0 Roberts, Mrs., Holbrook Hall 1 0 0 Robitt, Miss 0 7 0 Scott, Mr. James 2 1 3 Wallis, Miss 119 0 Sunderland Auxiliary — Bowey, Miss M. A 1 1 0 Dunn, Agnes 1 7 0 Gledhill, Mrs., Bishopwearmouth 1 7 0 Halcro, Mr. J 2 13 0 Hodgson, Miss M. J 116 6 Morris, Master J. G 1 1 0 Ross, Mr. A. H 0 10 0 Saunders, Miss 1 6 6 Thompson, Miss J 117 0 Wakingshaw, Miss S 1 3 6 Watkins, Rev. S., Monkwearmouth... 1 10 0 Surrey Chapel — Ash, Miss 1 1 0 Brown, Miss 1 11 0 Burtwell, Mrs 1 10 0 Carpenter, Miss 0 12 6 Edmonds, Mr., Poplar I 1 6 Field, Miss 1 6 0 Garford, Mr. W. S 7 2 0 Hawley, Miss 1 2 0 Harding, Mrs 1 5 0 Jones, Miss, Religious Tract Society... 7 3 0 Kirchner, Mrs. J 12 12 0 Kirclmer, Miss 1 3 0 Lilly, Mrs 0 3 0 Moser, Mr. R., jun 4 18 0 JUBILEE FUND, 677 £ S. (I. Surrey Ch vpel, rnjiliiiiial— Newell, Mibb A 0 3 0 Putley, Misb 2 7 (J Rider, Miss 1 1 4 Sanders, Mr 110 Sanders, Miss A 110 Souper, Mrs 1110 Walkden, Miss 2 12 0 Williams, Mrs 12 (i Swan, Mrs. Mar>. Castk Hcdingham 5 1 0 Taylor, Mr. M., Wishech 1 3 3 Thetford Auxiliary — Brown, Miss 0 12 9 Clark, Miss E 0 12 G Fison, MissE 1 1 1 Laidler, Miss 0 6 0 Procter, Miss 0 2 G Pugh, Miss 0 13 2 Thirsk Auxiliary — Baker, Miss Hannah Ill 0 Baker, Miss Harriet 1 7 0 Baker, Miss Sarah E 1 4 0 Bransby, Mr. W 1 5 0 Dresser, Miss 1 6 0 Foggett, Miss 1 8 0 Gateley, Miss 1 1 0 Gill, Miss Mary 1 4 0 Lowe, Miss 1 G G Powell, Mr. C. E 1 1 0 Wright, Miss 1 12 0 Thomas, Miss, Paul-street 0 3 6 Thomas, Miss, Winslow 2 6 0 Thompson, Mrs., Fordingbridge 10 0 Thomson, Rev. R., Ilfracombe 1 13 2 ToRaUAY — Atkinson, George, Esq 3 II 6 Pitcairn, Rev. D 2 0 0 TOTNES — Jones, Miss 1 1 0 Stabb, Mr 0 4 0 Trotter, Miss A., Lidney 0 11 G Trowbridge Auxiliary— Boucher, Mr 0 5 0 Chapman, Mr. J 1 2 G Chapman, Mr. John 1 I 0 Chapman, Miss M 1 1 0 Jeffries, Miss H Oil G Tucker, Miss, Sun-street 1 2 6 Tunier, Miss, Stoke Newington 1 1 0 Tyler, Miss, Islington 0 8 0 Upcher, Hon Mrs., Sherringham-hall... 3 3 0 Upton, Miss Emma, St. Albans 1 4 0 Viaer, Miss, North Brixton 1 7 6 Wareham Auxiliary— Atkins, Miss 1 1 0 Hanwell, Miss J 1 3 0 Riddle, Mr 1 1 2 Warburton, Mr. J., Berwick 1 1 0 Warner, Miss F., Leicester 0 5 0 Waterhouse, Miss E., Ardwick 1 1 0 Watton Auxiliary — Alexander, Mr. C. W 0 13 0 Short, Mr. W 1 I 0 AVayne, Miss, Cratfield 1 1 0 Wells, Miss, Old-street-road 0 fi 0 Wells (Norfolk) Auxiliary— Fryer, Miss 1 1 0 Leslie, Miss R 1 '■> 0 Loynes, Miss 1 I 0 Lubback, Miss I 2 G Mickleburgh, Miss 0 10 6 Newson, Mr. Thomas 1 1 0 Tinker, Miss 1 3 0 Wem Au.xiliary — Duckers, Miss 1 1 0 Jones, Mrs. Clive I I 0 Meredith, Miss 110 0 Parsonage, Miss 2 IG 0 Patterson, Miss Mary 3 13 0 Taylor, Miss 1 ^ <> £ s. d. Weymouth Auxiliary — Andrews, Miss 1 1 0 Curme, Mrs., Radipole 0 5 6 Gibson, Miss 1 1 0 Howard, Mrs 1 I 0 Moffatt, Miss 115 G Nichols Miss Frances 1 1 0 Roberts, Miss 0 5 0 Robins, Mrs 0 10 6 Stephens, Miss 0 13 0 Wallis, Miss, Radipole 0 10 6 Wellsford, Miss 1 1 0 Woodriffe, Miss 0 5 6 Westbrook, Mr. H. H., Droxford 1 1 8 Wheldon, Miss, Northallerton 0 9 0 Wheelhouse, Mr. W., Boston 1 1 6 Whitby Auxiliary — Allison, Mrs 1 4 6 Charter, Miss 1 1 0 Handyside, Mr. W 1 1 0 Ripley, Mr. J 1 1 I White, Miss, Yeovil 117 0 Williams, Mrs., Noel-street 1 5 0 WiMBOURNE Auxiliary — Ellis, Mrs. E 1 8 0 Hawke, Mrs 1 1 0 Lever, Miss 0 4 0 Reekes, Miss 0 5 4 Serjeant, Miss 1 1 6 Windsor Auxiliary, by Mr. Wool- dridge — Burge, Miss 0 13 0 Chisholm, Miss 1 8 0 Devereux, Mr 1 1 0 Elliott, Miss 0 5 6 Neighbour, Master Oil 0 Reynolds, Miss 15 8 Windmill, Miss, Brixton 117 7 WiNGRAVE, by Rev. T. Aston — Elliott, Miss M 1 1 0 Ililey, MissJ 1 10 10 Parrott, Miss 1 2 8 Wood, Mr. William, Bowden 1 1 0 WOODBRIDGE AUXILIARY — Hughes, Rev. T. W 4 5 0 Ross, Rev. J 110 0 Wake, Mrs 2 0 0 Woodcock, Mrs., Kennington-cross 1 3 0 Worcester Auxiliary — Allies, MissE 1 1 0 Burden, Miss 0 11 6 Ilcwlings, Master T. H 1 I 0 Martin, Mr. H 1 3 0 NLwman, Miss 1 2 0 Osborn, Mrs 2 13 0 Redford, Miss 1 3 0 Taynton, Miss 0 7 8 Turberville, Mrs 1 4 9 Waters, Miss 2 4 0 Williams, Miss 1 1 0 Williams, Master F. E 116 0 Wild, Miss 0 12 0 Worksop Auxiliary— Bury, the Misses F. and J 1 1 0 Coatson, Miss, Carlton 1 6 0 Eddison, Miss Ann, Gateford 1 1 3 llenning,Mrs 0 12 6 llodgkinson, Miss, Gateford 1 1 0 Hutton, Miss G. M 1 3 0 Miller, Miss 1 1 0 No. IDUl I 4 6 P.arson, Mr. T. G 1 I 0 Hamsden, Miss E., Carilon 1 I 4 Spurr, Mr. James, ditto 1 1 0 Stacey, Miss M 1 1 0 Wilson, Miss M 1 2 0 Wright, Master H., Osmaston 2 10 9 Wright, Master Vere, Shelton, Newark 1 10 0 Yarmouth Auxiliary — Barnes, Mr. R 0 12 1 Bee, Miss 0 1 2 Blake, Master Lovewell I 6 6 Boardman, Miss 110 0 678 JUBILEE FUND. Yarmouth Auxiliary, continued— Brown, Miss 1 Brown, Mr. W. P., jun 1 Bullock, Mr. C 1 Clarke, Miss 0 Cox, Rliss A 1 Davies, Miss 0 Dimock, Mrs. J 1 Fisher, Mr. W. T 0 Grocer, Mr 0 Holley, Miss 0 Humphries, Mr. John 1 Kirdaman, Miss 0 Lake, Miss 0 Yarmouth Auxiliary, coiitiiiiicd — Lartham, Miss 1 6 li Orfeur, Miss 1 1 (i Palmer, Mr. G. D., per Miss Lartham 1 1 d Scales, Miss 0 10 0 Shelly, Master J 1 4 6 Thomas, Miss 1 2 0 White, Miss 1 1 0 York Auxiliary — Mennell, Mr. William 1 3 3 Pearson, Mr. W 0 10 0 Theobald, Mr. Joseph 2 8 0 Young Ladies of Miss Paul's Establish- ment, Cheshunt 2 10 0 CONTKIBUTIONS FEOM AUXILIAEIES. £ .V. d. Atherstone 4 0 0 Bath— Daniel, Mr 0 0 Deare, JaniLS, h (i 1 0 Godwin, H fsq 1 0 Hunt, W., Esq 1 0 Longmire, Rev 1 M 1 0 Meares, P. G Lsci 5 0 Owen, Rev T 1 0 Pears, Rev T 1 0 Roworth, JIrs 1 0 Stokes, T., Esq 0 0 Sutcliffe, W , Esq 2 0 Valpy, Rev G 10 0 Webb, Mr. James 1 0 Whitchurch Mr C 1 0 Battersea and Clapham Ladies 7 0 Beccles— Crisp, John, Esq 1 0 Montagu, E V Esq 1 0 Owen, Rev T)r 1 0 Birmingham C\rrslvm 10 0 0 Boston— Knowles, Mr J M 1 0 Ogle, Rev. J P 1 0 Simpson, Miss 7 0 Stennitt, Mr , Kiiton 0 0 Bradford (\oikshiic} — Aked, T., Esq 2 0 Brown, H., Esq 1 0 Cheesborou^'h Vt , 1 sq 1 0 Cheesborough, Mr John 10 0 Dewhurst, Mr Willi mi 10 c Ellis, Jams s. Esq 1 0 Forbes, Henry, Esq 10 0 0 Forster, W E , Esq 1 0 Garnett, Mr limes 10 0 Hall, Rev. E M LUc 0 0 Hardy, Chailts, Esq 0 0 Laycock, S , Esq 1 0 Milligan, R , Esq 0 0 Milligan, H , Esq 1 0 Morgan, Rev W 1 0 Murgatroyd, William, Fsq 0 0 Patterson, R , Esq 1 0 Peel, Williim, Esq 1 0 Rathmell, Miss 1 0 Ripley, E., Esq 1 0 Rogers, G., 1 sq 0 0 Rudd, R., Esq 1 0 Ruitman, John Esq 1 0 Russell, J., Esq 1 0 Salt, Titus Lsq r>o 0 0 Smith, D.H Fsq 1 0 Tettley, G. G Esq 1 0 £ s. (/. Brentwood 1 0 0 Bristol — Bath, Miss 0 5 0 Bennett, Mr 1 1 (J Leonard, Miss C 1 15 0 Powell, Mrs 0 5 0 Burton-on-Trent — Bass, Mrs. Roger OHO Clark, Mr. H 1 1 0 Clay, Rev. J 0 10 0 French, Rev. P 1 0 0 French, Miss and Master, collected by 12 0 Hawkins, Mr 0 10 0 Pratt, Miss 0 10 0 Sums under 10s 2 5 0 Wildman, Miss 0 10 0 Carlisle 5 0 0 Chelmsford — Fenton, Mr. J 2 2 0 Johns, Mr. W 2 2 0 Cheltenham — Clarke, Mrs. E 1 0 0 Fisk, Rev. J 1 1 0 Walker, Thomas, Esq 5 0 0 Ward, Benjamin, Esq 4 0 0 Chester — Brown, Mr. George 1 1 0 Davies, Dr 1 1 0 Price, Mrs 0 10 0 Raikes, Rev. Chancellor 5 0 0 Robert, W., Esq 5 0 0 Roberts, S. J., Esq 1 1 0 Thomas, Rev. R 1 1 0 Warden, W., Esq 1 1 0 Warden, Miss 1 1 0 Williams, Miss 1 1 0 Williamson, Mrs 1 1 0 Colchester — Anderson, Rev. A 1 10 0 Blyth, Isaac, Esq 2 0 0 Blyth, Mrs 2 0 0 Croughton, Miss 110 Green, R. S., Esq 1 1 0 Harvey, Mr. M 1 0 0 Kemp, Mrs 1 0 0 Lewis, Mrs 1 1 0 Miller, Miss 1 1 0 Stannard, Mr. R 1 1 0 Stannard, Mr. J 110 0 Stannard, Mr. W 1 0 0 Stannard, Mr. W., Wiston 1 1 0 Wicks, Mr. J 1 1 0 Darlington 4 0 0 Dartmouth 3 18 0 JUHILEE I'UND. 679 Devosport — Kinsman, Miss May, Master, coUttteJ l)> MiUs, E. B t sq Rowe, Mr., KingsUnd DONCASTER — Baxter, Robert L^q Baxter, Mi^s Luc\, 1)> Bingley, Mr Callender, Miss Green, Re\ M Dorchester — Cumie, George, Lsq Williams, Mrs Small sums Dudley Independent Ely Exeter— A Lover ol 1 nets Roberts, Miss Fareham ... tiuernsey, bj Kcv T lakes H.VCKNEV AND ClIPION — Atkins, Mr R Ballance, :Mr J Ballance, Mr J Ballance, Mr 11 Berger, Mi J Bowes, Ml O Boyd, Mr. J Boyd, Mr. C Bumsted, \Ir Burder, Ke\ H F , d u Capper, Mr \V Collected 1)} Ladies Association Miss Jolinston MissC A BillmtL Collection It Re\ Di Buidti s C Rev A U tils s ditto Ebbs, Mr. S Elliott, Mr Felton, Mr Gale, Mrs, Hartridge, Mr Heath, Mrs Hopkins, Mr J Lewis, Mr R Mullens, Mr Morlev, Mr J Olding, Mrs Oshly, Ml and Miss Parker, Mr Parker, Mr I Pattrick, Mr \V Pattrick, Mr Joseph Pattrick, Mrs Ramsden, Mrs Satow, Mr lia\ id Saunders, Mr M Savory, Mr A Scott, Mr, B Scrutton, Mr A Sex, Mr. E Sharp, Ml Small Sums Smart, Mr J . Smith, Mr Luscbius Smith, R( V J P , d d Spitta, Rev F J Tanner, Mr J J Watson, Mr Wright, Mr W C 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 10 0 n 4 1 1 10 1 1) 10 11 y 3 y 3 0 4 0 5 4 1 I 0 5 5 0 5 5 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 5 5 0 1 1 0 0 10 r. 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 I 0 0 200 0 0 Halifax— Browne, G. B., Esq 5 0 0 Crossley, Messrs 15 0 0 Uemel Hempstead ^ IS 7 Hesley on-Thames — Barker, T. R., Esq .T 3 o £ Hen lev-on-Th AMES, co/iliiiiad— Maitland, Mrs. Fuller 5 Maitland, Miss Fuller 2 Packham, Mr 1 Saunders, Robert, Esq 1 Scott, Mr 0 HUDDERSFIELD — Shaw, Bentlaw, Esq 1 Taylor, Dr 1 Williams, AV., Esq 10 Wrigley, W.. Esq 2 Hull 10 HUNGERFORD — Browne, Martha 1 Lanfear, A., Esq 1 Collected by ditto 1 Huntingdon 10 Kendal — Anonymous 0 Archer, Mr. J 0 Benson, Robert, Esq I Braithwaite, Robert, Esq 1 Crewdson, Edward, Esq 1 Crewdson, G. B., Esq 2 Crewdson, W. D., Esq 5 Crewdson, W. D., Jun., Esq 2 Cropper, James, Esq 2 E. W 5 Gawish, Mr. S 0 Greenhow, Miss 0 Simpson, Mr. Thomas 0 Somervill, Mr. John 0 Mozer, Mr. Robert 0 Wakelield, E. W., Esq lo Wakefield, Mrs. M I Wilson, Mr. W 0 Wilson, Mrs. Elizabeth o Wilson, Miss Anne 0 Kimbolton 1 Lancaster — Paget, Miss E I Lichlield 2 Lincoln — Baptist School Society 1 Barlings, Mrs. Oates 0 llarri'tt. Rev. Robert 0 lilcnkham. Rev. R 0 Bradford, Rev. John 0 Capp, Mrs 0 Clark, Kov. Henry 0 Cookson, Miss 0 Cropper, Mrs I Farr, Francis, Esq 1 Green, Rev. Joseph 0 Longstaif, Mr. F 2 Moore, Mrs. George 0 Nicholson, Miss 0 Peto, Mrs 0 Pickslav, Mrs 0 Scott, Rev. J. A 0 Sibthorp, Rev. R. Waldo 0 Stephenson, Mr. J 0 Swan, Mrs. Robert 0 Ward, 11. W., Esq 0 Yeadon, Mrs 0 Additional I Liverpool — Blackaller, Mr. J. B 0 Crosslield, Mr. W 7 Ingham, Rev. T.B., Kainliill 1 King, Mr. A 5 Rose, Mr. J. R 1 Stephens, Mr. J. A 1 Lynn ' Maidenhead 20 M ALTON — Dunlop, James, Esq I Smith, James, Esq I Manchester and Salfoud — Alexander, Mr. James 1 Carlton, James, Esq 10 Compton, John, Esq 10 680 JUBILEE FUND, Manchester and Salford, conl'mucd— Compton, Miss E 1 5 0 Currie, Rev. J 1 0 0 Fletcher, Samuel, Esq 50 0 0 Fletcher, Margaret and Mary, Col- lected by 1 5 6 Forth, Miss 1 1 0 Fox, Rev. Joseph 5 0 0 Friend, a 1 1 0 Friend, a 0 5 0 Frost, Rev. R 1 1 0 Lady, a per "Nemo" 1 1 0 Lupton, Mr. Benjamin Oil 0 "Nemo" 1 1 0 Nuttall, Mr 0 10 0 Ransome, Miss 0 9 0 Ransome, Miss Susan 110 Reyner, Miss 1 1 0 Robinson, Mr. John 0 10 6 Rymer, Mr. Thomas 10 0 Rymer, Mrs 1 0 0 Spencer, Miss 0 12 3 Thompson, Messrs. J. and Son 10 0 0 Mklksham — Smith, Mr. R 1 1 0 Collected by a female 0 ? 6 Mildenhall 5 0 0 Montreal — Freeland, Mr. H., Brockwill 1 1 0 Milne, Mr. James 110 Pyper, Mr. G. A 1 1 0 Newcastle-on-Tyne 4 0 0 Newport, I. W. — Packer, Mrs. J 0 10 0 Young, Miss, by 0 10 0 Norwich — Aggs, Miss 110 Birbeck, H., Esq 5 0 0 Bull, Miss 0 10 0 Butcher, Mr. R 0 5 0 Foster, S., Esq 1 0 0 Friend, a 0 5 0 Goodwin, Rev. W 1 0 0 Gurney, J. H., Esq 10 0 0 Hine, Mr 1 0 0 Powell, Mr. R 0 5 0 Rand, W. F., Esq 0 10 0 Townley, Mr 0 5 0 Wright, J., jun., Esq 1 0 0 Nottingham 12 4 4 Okehampton 3 0 0 Orange-street and West London — Waugh, Mr. E. A 1 1 0 Otley 5 0 0 Preston— Smith, Rev. H 0 10 0 REAnI^G— AtXnis Mrs 1 1 0 Wilson, Miss ] 1 0 Sni ill Sums 8 8 0 RVDE 10 0 0 Friend i 5 0 0 Hewitt, Rl\ A 5 0 0 Salisliury 7 10 6 Shei rness — Goihmi Mr John 1 1 0 WlutLht-id Mis 0 2 G Shei i ii ld Umon — Oatis Uiomis ] sq 2 2 0 Paiki.r Ml ^\lllllln i i n Prottcdsoi Social " Sums Wilson John 1 si] Skiplon Spal,lin„ Stiatloid, lij J ibL/ Lc Stroud Uwins, Rev O md bill ill Lsq £ s. d. Sunderland — Hodgson, G., Esq 1 1 0 Teignmouth 2 2 0 Thirsk — Jowett, Rev. E., Carlton Miniot 1 1 0 Waites, J., Esq 1 1 0 Tiverton 3 3 0 Toronto— Upper Canada— Collection at Annual Meeting 2 16 3 Markham Sunday School 0 G 0 Trowbridge — Brown, Mr. J 1 1 0 Drewe, James 0 5 6 Haden, Mr 1 1 0 Newth, Mr 1 1 0 Salter, Samuel, Esq 5 0 0 Stancomb, John, Esq 5 0 0 Stancomb, Mr. J. P.,jun 1 1 0 Wilcox, Miss 1 1 0 Uxbridge 3 10 0 Wadebridge 0 10 6 Wareham 0 14 6 Wellingborough - Broughton, Rev. H. V 0 10 0 Burnham, George, Esq 0 10 0 Clark, Thomas, Esq 0 7 6 Corrie, Mrs 1 1 0 Corrie, Mrs. A 0 10 0 Corrie, Miss 0 10 0 Curtis, Mr. C 1 1 0 Curtis, Mrs. C 0 10 0 Keep, Joseph, Esq 0 10 0 Keep, Mrs 0 10 0 Murphy, William, Esq 0 10 0 Sharman, Mark, Esq 0 10 0 Sanderson, Rev. Thomas 0 7 6 Whitworth, Mr. Robert 1 1 0 Woolston, John, Esq 0 10 0 Small sums 1 12 0 Wellington (Somerset) 5 0 0 Weymouth — Bernard, Rev. J. E 1 1 0 Bradshaw, Thomas, Esq 1 1 0 Curme, J., Esq 1 1 0 Curme, Rev. T 0 10 0 Graham, Thomas, Esq , Temple 5 5 0 Lady, a 0 10 0 Moran, Rev. W 0 5 0 Whitby — Andrews, Miss Isabella 1 1 4 Blunt, Miss 0 13 0 Chapman, John, Esq 1 0 0 Clark, Mr. M 1 1 0 Clarkson, Miss 1 1 0 Hasland, Miss 1 1 0 Hill, Miss 0 13 G Lady, a 1 1 0 Laws, Miss Ellen 1 1 0 Sleightholme, Miss 1 1 0 Taylor, Miss 1 1 0 Wilson, John, Esq 1 1 0 WlQAN 1 1 0 Windsor, by Mr. Wooldridge — Gerding, Mrs., for Ireland 1 0 0 Pitcher, Charles, Esq 1 0 0 Ray, John, Esq '. 2 0 0 Wooldrid'ge, Mr. T 1 0 0 Wootton Bassett 0 10 0 York — Backhouse, Mr. James 1 1 0 Champney, Mr 0 10 0 Furness, Mr 1 2 G Littledale, Mr 2 0 0 Maddock, Kev. B 1 1 0 Mouncey, Mrs 1 1 o Ouseburii and Green Ihnniueiton Branches 2 6 0 Pritchett, Mr. James 5 5 0 Pritchett, Miss 1 1 0 Rawclitle, Miss 1 I C Ramsden, Mrs 0 10 0 JUIJILEE FUND. 681 VoRK, cotiliiiued — Ricliardson, Rev. Thomas 1 Richardson, Miss 0 liisby, Mr 1 Russell, Mr 1 Sawyers, Mrs 1 Sergeant, Mrs 5 Simpson, Dr 2 Snow, Mr. James 1 Tate, Mr 0 £ York, conlinued — Tate, Miss 1 Taylor, Mr. J. F 1 Taylor, Mrs 5 Terry, Rev. Mr 0 Wade, Mr 1 Wliytehead, Mr I Wilkinson, Mr 0 Yeoman, Mrs 1 2 6 I 0 1 0 10 0 1 0 COLLECTIONS. £ s. d. At the Jubilee Breakfast, London Ta- vern, 9th May 21 1 y Helper, by Rev. J. Wolstenholme 2 14 0 lieverley, at Rev. W. Young's 4 14 0 Houghton, Chester, at Oliver Chapel, after sermon by Rev. N. K. Pugsley ..500 Cambridge, St. Andrew's Chapel, after sermon by Rev. R Rolf 20 10 0 Cartmel, a Thank-otfering from the Pa- rishioners of, by Kev. T. Remington... 5 0 0 Chepstow, at Baptist Chapel, by Rev. T. Jones 1 4 0 Colchester, at Rev. J. Herrick's G 12 y Demerara, Providence Chapel, by Rev. Joseph Ketley 10 0 0 Diss, at Rev. J. P. Lewis's 3 1 0 Evnesbury, Independent, by Rev. Mr. Lewis 5 0 0 Handsworth. Union Chapel 1 1 0 llorselydown, at Rev. John Adey's GOO Lincoln, at Zion Chapel, Rev. Mr. Glad- stone's 1 7 0 London — Albion Chapel, after sermon by Rev. John Young 20 0 0 Battersea Chapel, after sermon by Rev. J.Sherman COO Clapton, at Rev. A. Well's, after ser- mon by Kev. J.Sherman, £44. 2s. 2d. (Si-ii Cuntribuiions frovi Auxiliaries. — Hackney and Clapton.) Hackney, at Rev. Dr. Burder's, St. Thomas's - square, after sermon by Rev. Dr. Boaz, £l;J. 6«. 6rf. (See Cuntribuiions from Auxiliaries — Hackney and Clapton.) Holywell Mount Chapel, after sermon by Rev. J. Sherman 10 0 0 Kingsland Chapel, after sermon by Rev. T. W. Aveling 12 10 0 London, continued — .£ .«. d. Spa Fields Chapel, after sermon by Rev. James Sherman 5 17 4 Surrey Chapel, after sermons by Rev. J. Sherman and Rev. J. Hill 56 17 (i Trinity Chapel, Poplar, after sermon by Rev. J. Shennan (i 8 7 Weigh-House Chapel, after sermon by Rev. Dr. Boaz 18 6 11 Lytchett Minster, near Poole, at Inde- pendent Chapel, by Mr. George Swaffield 1 6 0 Malton Auxiliary— At Ebenezer Chapel, by Rev. J. Schofield 1 4 4 At Public Meeting 112 6 At Malton Church, Rev. W. Carter ... 3 3 0 March, Baptist Chapel, by Rev. John Jones 2 3 6 Newcastle-on-Tyne — Great Market Chapel, Rev. Mr. Millar 3 0 0 New-court Baptist Chapel 1 10 6 Salem Chapel, New Connexion Me- thodist 0 9 2 Northallerton, Independent Church (Rev. S. Jackson's), by Rev. J. C. Brown 1 1 0 North Shields, United Presbyterian Congregation, by David Mackinlay, F,sq 1 1 0 Nottingham — At Friar-lane Chapel 5 0 0 Additional from T. Herbert, Esq 5 0 0 10 0 0 At Park-Street Chapel 1 8 7 Parkhead, near Penrith, by Rev. J. Redmayne 0 12 0 Penkrap, near Trowbridge, at Rev. Shem Evans's, by Rev. J. P. Hewlett 1 1 6 Queensferry, at the Sailor's Home, by (•apt. Cole, Hawarden 2 2 0 Kipon, at Rev. Mr. Croft's 1 15 7 682 JUBILEE FUND. COLLECTIONS FROM SCHOOLS. £ s. d. Airedale— Mr. A. Dick, Bradl'oRl 1 1 0 Alnwick — Independent, Rev. G. Rich- ards 2 U 0 United Presbyterian, by Mr. T. Duncan 0 10 0 Bath Auxiliary — Countess of Hun- tingdon's Chapel Sunday-scliools, by Rev. John Owen, namely — Bathford-school 0 10 0 Claremont-school I 10 0 Rush-hill-school Oil 0 School Fund 2 0 0 Vineyard-school 2 110 Bedford, United Brethren 1 5 0 Cambridge— St. Andrew's 1 7 C Cannock, near Walsall, by Mr. Thomas Crockett— Cheslyn Hav Sabbath School 0 10 0 Wed^'c's Mills, ditto 1 0 0 Castle Iledingham— By Rev. S. Steer... 3 1 6 Chester Auxiliary — Welsh Calvinistic Methodist I 10 7 Cowes — Union-road 0 8 4 Exmouth—Glenorchy Chapel 0 10 0 Frome— Baptist, Rev. D. Trotman 1 1 0 Grinsted Green— Union — By Mr. W. Bendall, Halstead 1 7 0 Guernsey Auxiliary — Eldad School 0 10 7 Haddenham — Baptist 1 1 0 Hawes — Independent 0 1 i) Hull — A few Sunday School Teachers, byMr. S. Wride 1 0 5 Kelsall 1 0 0 Liverpool— Myrtle-street, Baptist 1 2 0 London — Blandford-street— Baptist. Mr. Frond 0 ,'5 0 Charles-street, Paddinglon 0 i (! Hornton-street, Kensington. Sinulav and Infant '. '.. 0 5 1 Hoxton Academy Chapel, b\ Mr. .1. II. Cross ." :, 0 0 Islington Chapel of Kahc, diiis', by Rev. J. Hambleton 1 ] 2 Mark-street, Finsbury 0 ^ 0 New Pye-street, Westminster 0 !) 0 £ s. d. London, continued — Old Pye-street, Westminster 0 10 0 Sion Chapel, Whitechapel, Teachers and Children 7 (i I Wood-street, Spitalfields 0 5 0 Manchester — Grosvenor-street 2 0 1 Lloyd-street 1 2 7 Newbury— Baptist 0 2 8 Independent 0 7 6 Wesleyan 0 .3 6 Newport Pagnel 0 S 8 Northfleet (near Gravesend) 0 8 4 Oxford— Baptist, by Miss Hinton 1 1 0 Penrith— Church 0 5 \ Pickering — Independent, by Rev. G. Croft 2 14 4 Ranskill — Independent 1 1 0 Rochester — From the Teachers of St. Nicholas Sunday-school 1 5 0 Scremerston— Church 0 15 « Shrewsbury Auxiliary — A few Teachers in St. Alkmond's Sun- day-school,by Rev.C.E.L.Wightman 0 8 8 A few Girls in Swan-hill Sunday- school, by Miss Weaver 0 3 4 Southampton — East-street 0 5 0 Portland Chapel 0 3 4 Spalding General Baptist 1 1 0 Staindrop — by Rev. J. Ward 2 7 0 Tavistock — Independent 0 14 2 Teddington— Church, by Rev. A. Wil- kinson 0 11 10 Uttoxeter— Independent, Rev. J. Cooke 1 0 0 Wendover— Church, by Rev. S. Thorn- ton 1 1 0 Winslow — Independent, by Mr. Y. Mor- gan 1 0 0 Woodford— by Mr. Dixon 0 16 0 Yarmouth ] 15 3 York Auxiliary — Bilton-street Boys' Day-school 0 7 6 Popgate and Bishopsgate Sunday- school 2 4 IJ Lendal ditto 2 14 i". Salem ditto 2 3 ii SCOTLAND. DONATIONS, Aberdeen — FreeChurch Missionary Box, Woodside 1 Free Church Juvenile Missionary As- sociation, Woodside, by Rev. R. Forbes 1 Simpson, Mrs 1 South Parish, by Rev. T. Dewar 3 Aberdein, J., Esq., MontrosL- 1 "A Friend in Scotland " 0 Allan, Miss C. S., Kincardine 2 ,9. d. 0 0 Anderston, by Mr. Joseph Jamieson- Cuthbertson, John, Esq Eadie, Rev. John, ll.d Gillmore and Roberts, Messrs Jamieson, Mr. Joseph Arbroath, by Rev. A. Sorlcy— Sorlev, Mrs Watt; Miss Friend, a JUBILEE FUND. 683 .t s. ,1. Ayr— '■ A Friend to the Caiise," a gold ring. United Presbyterian Society for Reli- gious Purposes, by Rev. R. Ren- wick 2 10 0 Keith, United Presbyterian Society for Missionary and Religious purposes, by Rev. James Martin 3 (i 0 Bonar, Mr. H., Irvine 0 li 10 Broomfield, Rev. R. O., Sprouston 1 1 0 Brown, W., Esq., Lanark 1 1 0 Buchan, George, Esq., Kello, by Dunse. 5 0 0 Ditto, per Rev. J. C. Brown 2 0 0 Cairns, Rev. P., Stewarton 2 2 0 Campbeltown, United Presbyterian Church, by Rev, J. Boyd 1 IS t Cranston, Mr T., Kenleith Mill, Currie, by Edinburgh i 1 0 Cumnock, United Presbyterian Female Missionary Society, by Rev. M. Dickie 2 0 o Dalzell, Major, Cairnie Hovise, Fifeshire 5 0 0 Dennyloanhcad, United Presbyterian Female Missionary Association 3 o 0 Edinburgh — Cullen, Miss 1 I 0 Drvden, John, Esq 1 I 0 Kiild, Mr. Thomas 1 I 0 Paterson, Rev. Dr 5 0 0 Swan, Rev. W 2 10 0 Edinburgh Auxiliary 20 9 0 Ewing, Miss J., Greenock 0 4 0 Fraser, Mr. W., Roseisle, Elgin 1 1 0 Gavin, Rev. A., New Deer, by Aber- deen 1 1 0 Glasgow — By Robert Kettle, Esq.— Anderson, David, Esq 2 0 0 Anderson, James, Esq 2 0 0 Bryce, J. D., Esq 2 0 0 Buchanan, James, Esq 2 0 0 Fleming, Robert, Esq 2 0 0 Kettle, Robert, Esq 2 0 0 Mitchell, James, Esq 2 0 0 Mitchell, W. G., Esq 2 0 0 Playfair, James, Esq 2 0 0 Wright, J., Jun., Esq 2 0 0 Cambridge-street Secession Church, by T. Crawford, Esq 2 0 0 Ferguson, Mr. J 2 0 0 Henderson, John, Esq 100 0 0 Ditto, for co//Kir/f«r» in Ireland 100 0 0 Tlutchison. Thomas, Esq 1 I 0 Patterson, Miss 1 1 0 Smith and Sons, Messrs 2 0 0 Gowan, Rev. A. T., Dalkeith, by 1 1 0 £ 6-. d. Haddington— Brown, Mrs. S 1 1 0 Howden, J., Esq 1 1 0 Juvenile Missionary Society 1 0 0 Small Sums 1 M 0 Heugh, Mrs. Dr., Glasgow 0 10 0 Inglis, Rev. W., Banff 0 10 r. Innes, Rev. George, Deckford, by Cullen 1 0 (i Keith, Rev. Dr .'') o 0 Keith, Rev. John, Keith Hall 1 1 0 Keith, Free Church Congregation, by Rev. A. M'Gilvray 1 5 0 Kennedy, Rev. James, Inverness 0 10 0 Kilmarnock — Jamieson, Rev. D. T 1 1 0 Tait, Mrs. A. D 10 0 0 Thomson, Mr. J., as a Thank Offering for temporal prosperity, attributable to reading, when young, the Tract entitled, " Honesty the best Policy" 1 1 0 Leith Auxiliary 10 o 0 Lind, Rev. Adam, Whitehill, New Deer 1 1 0 " Little, a Friend," Campbeltown 1 1 0 Marshall, Mr. J., Leith, by Mr. W. Wal- lace 1 •' C Fraserburgh — In Congregational Ch., by Rev. A. G. Forbes 3 13 0 Gilford— In Parish School-room, Mr. Mackay 0 13 0 Girvan — In Reformed Presby. Church, Rev. M. G. Easton 0 8 4 Glasgow— In United Presb. Church, St. John-street, Rev. W. Andeson 0 4 0 In Fifth Congregational Church, Rev. Mr. Smith 0 10 0 In Established Church, Brownficld, Rev. J. Meiklem 0 7 2 In Free Church, Hutchinsontown, Rev. A. S. Patterson 1 9 0 Greenlaw — In Free Church, Rev. J. Fairbairn 1 5 0 Greenock— In George-square Un. Presb. Church, Rev. S. Sinclair 1 10 8 Haddington— In East United Presbyte- rian Church 3 9 1 Hawick— In Allars United Presbyterian Church, Rev. Mr. Gunyan 1 19 o East Bank Church, Rev. A. Thomson 2 10 (i Helensburgh— In Congregational Ch., Rev. John Arthur 1 0 •"> Houston— In Free Ch., Rev. A. Findlay 10 0 Huntley— In Infant School Room 1 2 0 In verlethen— Free Church, by Rev. J. C. Brown 1 0 4 Irvine— In East United Presb. Church, by Rev. W. Robertson 3 0 0 Keith — United Presbyterian Church, Rev. A. Millar 1 1 0 Presbyterian Sabbath School 1 10 0 Sabbath School, by Mr. T. Grant 0 3 0 Kelso — First United Presb. Church, Rev. H. Renton 0 13 0 Kilmarnock — King-street Un. Presb. Church, Rev. J. Symington 0 10 (I Low Church Parish, Rev. Dr. Thomp- son 1 1 0 Lanark— In United Presb. Church, Rev. G.Johnstone 2 5 0 Lauder— In United Presb. Church, Rev. G. Robson 1 4 7 Leith— In Bennington Distr. Sabbath- school 0 1 0 In St. Andrew's-place Un. Presb. Church, Rev. J. Smart 0 8 7 Longniddry — In School-room 0 12 7 Longridge— In Un. Presb. Ch. rch. Rev. W. Millar 3 0 0 Linlithgow— In Un. Presb. Church, Rev. W. Smart 0 12. o Leven— In United Presb.Sabbath-school 1 I o Maybole— In Free Church, Rev. S. O. Dodds 2 5 4 In United Presb. Church, Rev. J. M. Thomson 0 18 li 688 JUBILEE FUND. C v. ,/. Moffatt -In United Presb. Church, Rev. Mr. Rlddell 3 0 7 Montrose -In Guildhall 3 2 5 Nancy— In Free Church, Rev. G. Arch- bill 1 3 8 North Berwick — In United Presb. Church, Rev. Mr. Dyer 1 1 0 Orkneys — South Ronaldshay United Presb. Congregation 1 1 0 Paisley— In United Presb. Church, Oak- shaw-street. Rev. W. France n 12 10 In St. George's Free Church, Rev. J.Thompson 0 12 0 At Sabbath-school in Un. Presb. Church, Bank-street, Rev. J. Banks 1 4 11 Panbride— Sunday-school, Mr. W. Sher- riff 0 C S Peebles— In United Presb. Church, Rev. J. Semple 0 18 8 Second Collection ditto 0 1.5 0 Perth— In North United Presb. Church, Rev. Dr. Young 112 0 Port Glasgow — In Free Church, Rev. James Manson 3 10 0 Saltcoats— In Middle United Presb. Church, Rev. James Elles 0 10 0 Salton— In Free Church, Rev. P. Fair- bairn 0 19 0 Shott's Ironworks — In School-room 0 13 8 St. Andrews— In Free Church, Rev. J. Ainslie 0 IS C Stenton— In Parish School-room 0 13 3 Stuartfield — In Un. Presb. Church, Rev. D. Allison 0 Ifi 1 Stirling— North Free Church, Rev. A. Beith 0 0 7 Stockbridge — In United Presb. Church, Rev. D. Inglis 3 8 7 Stonehaven — In Free Church, Rev. Mr. Phillips 1 1 3 Stonehouse — In United Presb. Church, Rev. H. A. Patterson 0 12 G Stow— In United Presb. Church, Rev. A. Robertson 3 0 0 Wifk — Congregational Church, Rev. James Lowe 3 0 0 WALES Contributions received by Rev. John Hughes, Liverpool, Welsh Agent. DONATIONS. £ s. d. Anonymous — One that received spiritual benefit by reading a tract (at Carnar- von) 0 10 0 Davies, D. Esq., Mount-gardens, Liver- pool 1 1 9 Davies, Mr. G., Bridgend, Glamorgan- shire 1 1 0 Lewis, Mr. Edward, Gt. George-street, Liverpool 1 Partrick, Mr. John, Leeds, per Mr. D. Jones, Liverpool 1 Pierce, Mrs., Canning-street 0 Pugh, Mr. Eleazer, Hope-place 1 Roberts, Mr. R. , Old-hall 1 COLLECTING BOOKS. Davies, Miss M. A., Mount- gardens, Liverpool 1 10 0 Davies, Master D. Lloyd, ditto ditto 3 10 8 Davies, Master Ebenezer, ditto ditto 0 5 0 Davies, Mr. Ellis, ditto ditto 0 5 0 Davies, Mr. Thos., Church-alley ditto 0 7 0 Davies, Mr. J. Punipsaint, Carmarthen- shire 1 10 6 Edwards, Mr. R., 10, Edward-street, Everton, Liverpool 1 1 0 Edwards, Master E., Matthew-st., ditto 0 5 0 Evans, Miss M., Springfield-st., ditto 0 3 4 Evans, Miss Mar,, 6, Corf s-bldgs, ditto 1 10 6 Foulkes, Master John, Everton, ditto 1 4 0 Holland, Mr. E., 3, Salisbury-st., ditto 0 5 0 Hughes, Master Lewis, Everton, ditto 2 11 0 Hughes, Master G.,Sth.Hunter-st., ditto 1 4 0 Hughes, Master Thomas, ditto 0 8 0 Hughes, Miss M. J., S. Hunter-st., ditto 1 5 G Hughes, Miss M. Jones, Mount-st., ditto 111 G Hughes, Miss Catherine, ditto ditto 2 0 0 Jones, Mr. D., Catherine-street,Liverpool 1 1 Jones, Mr. R., 59, Richmond-row, ditto 1 5 Jones, Mr. David, Paradise-street, ditto 1 2 Jones, Mr. David, Seacombe^treet, ditto 1 7 Jones, Mr. Eleazer, 25, Union-st., ditto 1 3 Jones, Mr. John, Shrewsbury 1 1 Jones, Mr. John J., Machynlleth 2 2 Jones, Master Hugh, Liverpool 0 3 Jones, Master P., 3, Hampton-ter., ditto 0 15 Jones, Master John, Berry-street, ditto 1 1 Levi, Mr. T., YstradgjTilas, Glamorgan- shire 1 1 Lloyd, Mr. T., Marybone, Liverpool 1 5 Morgan, Master J., Burlington-st., ditto 1 1 Morris, Master E., Gt. Homer-st., ditto 1 3 Powell, Rev. William, Pembroke 1 1 Price, Rev. Edward, Birmingham 1 18 Price, Mr. E., 39, Hanover-st., Liverpool 1 1 Price, Master W., Seacombe-street, ditto 0 4 Pritchard, Mrs. Thos., Plumbe-st., ditto 1 1 Pugh, Miss, Dickenson-Btreet, ditto 0 9 JUBILEE FUND. 689 Pulford, Mr. Abm., Leeds-st., Liverpool Roberts, Mr. Eleazar, ditto Roberts, Mr. Samuel, ditto Roberts, Mr. Lew-is, 8, Fleet-sq., ditto Roberts, Mr. John, 39, Warwiek-st., ditto Roberts, Mr. O., Gr. Crosshall-st., ditto Roberts, Master Richard, Ilope-st., ditto Roberts, Mr. John, Park-street, ditto Roberts, Miss JL A., Commutation- row ditto Roberts, Mr. R., Alfred-street 1 s. d. 0 0 0 2 r, 0 Roberts, Miss E., Low-hill Rogers, Miss Susannah, Birkenhead ... Thomas, Mr. Richard, !), Parr-street, Liverpool Williams, Miss Mar., Everton, ditto Williams, Master Lewis, Everton, ditto Williams, Miss C, Prince Edwin-terrace, Liverpool Williams, Master D. P., Queen Anne- street, Liverpool 0 10 18 11 COLLECTIONS, ETC. Anglesea, per John AVilliams, Esq., Vrongoch— Abertfraw 0 7 3 Amlwch 0 15 0 Baracaia 0 12 0 Bethania 0 5 0 Bethel 0 14 1^ Bethesda 0 13 0^ Bethlehem 0 8 6 Beaumaris 0 10 0 Bodedern 1 4 1 Borth (Menai Bridge) — Mr. Richd. Davis 1 1 0 Mr. Roger Evans 1 1 0 Collection 1 13 Si ' 3 15 8i Brj-ndu 0 10 0 BrynsiencjTi 0 9 9^ Caergybi (Holyhead) 2 13 3^ Caergeiliog 0 3 0 Carmel 0 5 2 DwjTan 0 10 9 Elim 0 5 Oi Gad 0 3 0 Gaerwen 0 10 0 Gilead 0 10 0 Glasinfryn 0 1 8 Gorslwyd 0 8 0 Gosen _ 0 5 0 Gwalchmai 0 6 0 Hebron 0 10 0 Llanallgo 0 5 0 Llanerchymedd 0 16 11 Llanfair 0 10 5 Llanfaethlu 0 9 6i Llanfwrog 0 10 0 Llangefni 0 14 0 Llangoed 0 6 li Llangristiolus 0 8 7 Llanrhyddlad 0 6 7 Nazareth — John Williams, Esq 0 10 0 • Collection 0 8 0 0 18 0 Nebo 0 6 11 Newboro' 0 6 4 Peniel 0 3 8 Pen-y-Garnedd 0 4 0 Penucheldre 0 5 8J Rhoscolyn 0 7 5 Siloh 0 6 0 Sion 0 8 0 Tabernacle 0 7 1 Talwrn 0 5 0 Tymawr 0 6 8 Ty'n-y-maen 0 10 li Mr. O. Hughes, Beaumaris 1 1 0 CARNARVoKsniRE, per John Jones, Esq., Ynysgain, for Lleyn ac Eifi- onydd — Bethgelert 0 16 0 Bethania 0 7 0 Carried forward 1 3 0 Carnarvonshire, continued— Brought Forward 1 3 Peniel 0 5 Horeb 0 3 Portmadoc 1 2 Tremadoc 0 11 Brynmelyn 0 0 Criccieth 0 10 Pennant 0 6 Gam 0 7 Bnynengan 0 6 Cwmcoryn 0 3 Ysgoldy 0 5 Fforddcrosses 0 6 Abereirch 0 4 Pwllheli 1 12 Pentreucha 0 11 Rhyd-y-clafrdy 0 10 Llanengan 0 9 Cilarn 0 1 Nant 0 11 Rhydbach 0 Tymawr 0 Uwch-mynydd 0 Rhydlios 0 PenyGraig 0 Garnfadryn 0 Edeyrn 0 Nevin 1 Bodeuan 0 Tydweiiiog 0 ■i H Less expenses Received, per Daniel Roberts, Esq., Bryn Adda, for Arvon District Thomas, Mr. D. H Williams, Mrs.R.D., Collected by, (Collecting Book) 1 1" 10 Williams, Mr. D., per, Dinor- wic, Collecting Book 1 7 0 Bangor Collection 3 7 4 Denbighshike, per Mr. John Roberts, Hen Han — Denbigh I 18 9 Bettws 0 7 0 Cefumeiriadoc 0 8 3 Rhiw 0 6 2i Gwytherin 0 5 0 Nantglyn 0 5 0^ Bontuchel 0 6 4 Llanfair 0 2 6 Llansantffraid 0 7 6 Prion 0 5 10 Brynpydew 0 6 6i Roewen 0 7 0 Pentre, Llanrhaiadr 0 10 IJ Conway 0 15 o Clawddnewydd 0 7 0 Pentrecelyn 0 r, 2J Henllan 0 16 7 Ruthin 1 1 0 Mr.WiUiamLloyd Collecting-book) 1 14 6 2 15 6 2 Y 690 JUBILEE FUND. Denbighshire, continued — Llanefydd 0 8 Abergele 0 1 Llanrwst — Mr. R.T.Rogers, Trefriw 1 1 0 Collection 1 15 4 2 16 Flintshire, and part of Denbigh- shire, per Rev. T. Francis — Bagillt 0 11 6 Mold 0 17 8^ Rhosesmore 0 14 1 Wrexham 0 IG 4 Mostyn 0 6 6 Garregboeth 0 4 7^ Helygen 0 5 0 Buckley 0 3 0 Carmel 0 5 0 Saron 0 10 0 Trelogan 0 6 2 Gellifor 0 8 OJ Coedllai 0 10 4 Mynyddisaf 0 2 SJ Babell 0 7 9^ Holywell 1 0 10 Llangollen 1 15 10 Tai'nNant 0 3 0 Bryneglwys 0 9 6 Nerquis 0 4 6 Caerwys, Collec- tion 0 10 0 Mr. Thos. Evans.. 1 1 0 . 1 11 0 Berthen, Mr. D. Davies (Collecting-book) 1 1 0 Mr. John Davies, Rhiwbebyll Merionethshire, East District, per Mr. Griffith Jones, Bala- Bala Collection ... 2 3 4 Miss Jones, Glant- ryweryn 1 1 0 Mrs. Turnbull ... 1 J 0 4 5 4 Cefnbrith 0 5 0 TalyBont 0 4 6 Llidiardau 0 5 0 Llanuwchllyn 0 7 3J Lwlyneinion 0 7 1 Pare 0 6 6 Llandrillo 0 9 9 Yspytty 0 fi 7i Capel Garmon 0 4 5 Bettws 0 4 6^ Llanarmon 0 15 0 Corvren 0 14 7 Mr. Evan Evans (CoUectingBook) 0 10 0 1 4 7 Dimel 0 5 0 Tymawr , 0 6 0^ Llansantffraid 0 5 2 Glyn 0 3 0^ Cwmtirmynach 0 4 8 Celyn 0 3 3J Brynmoel 0 3 8 Llanfihangel 0 5 0 Dolyddelen 0 6 6 Llandderfel 0 9 0 Merionethshire, Western District, per W. Williams, Esq., Dolgelly— W.Williams, Esq... 1 1 0 Dolgelly 1 7 7 12 14 0^ 1 1 0 Carried forward 2 8 7 Merionethshire, continued— Brought Forward 2 8 7 Dryffyn 1 0 0 Coris Collection ... 12 6^ Mr. H. Davis 0 10 6 1 13 Oi Towyn 0 10 6 Trawsfynydd 0 10 lOJ Talsarnau 0 7 5^ Bryncrng 0 7 3 Penrhyn 0 7 0 Cwmprysor 0 5 9 Gwynfryn 0 6 6 Maentwrog 0 4 6 Llanegrin 0 7 2 Cwrt 0 2 0 Rhiwspardin 0 1 10 Maethlon 0 2 0 Llanfachreth 0 3 9 Aberdovey 0 5 0 Tan-y-Grisiau 0 5 0 Montgomeryshire, per Rev. Robt. Evans, Llanidloes (Collecting Book)— Llandinam 0 5 0 Pennant 0 6 0 Neuadd 0 5 0 Llangurig 0 5 0 Ditto, Upper Chapel 0 4 7i Carno 0 13 3| Rhydowen 0 4 0 Park 0 2 6 LlawryGlyn 0 6 6 Gleiniant 0 12 1 Saron 0 8 0 Caersws 0 2 6 Per Hugh Jones, Esq., Llanidloes, (Collecting Book)— Mr. Jones 0 10 0 Mrs. Jones 0 5 0 Mr.T.F.Roberts 0 5 0 1 1 0 Collection 1 13 6 Newtown, per Rev. O. Thomas — Collection at WelshChapel. 1 1 3 Do.atEng.Chpl. 1 0 3 2 1 6 Per Rev. Evan Lloyd- Collecting Book 1 4 Ditto 3 0 Collection at Os- westry 0 14 Carneddau 0 5 Llansilin 0 5 5 8 0 Per John Jones, Esq.— Machynlleth ... 1 0 5 Miss Jones 0 14 0 Mr. Jones 110 2 15 5 Llanbrynmair 0 13 0 Rhydfelin 0 5 0 Pantperthog 0 5 11 Sion 0 5 5 Aberangell 0 5 2i Cemmaes 0 5 0 Llanwyddyn 0 10 8J Llanwyddelan 0 15 0 Carmel 0 5 0 Anonymous 0 3 1^ 20 7 9J Less expenses 0 2 7| JUBILEE FUND. 691 OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS FROM WALES. DONATIONS. Byers, Rev. J. B., Lamphey Caerleon, by Mrs. Jenkins — Collected by— Beaven, Miss Mary Clark, Clara Jane Clark, Miss Lucretia Jenkins Davis, Miss Sarah, Pontheer Edwards, Mr. Abraham Francis, Miss E., Pontheer Francis, Mr. John, ditto Francis, Mr. George, ditto Harris, Mrs., ditto Harris, Mr. Benjamin, ditto Jenkins, Mrs., Caerleon Jenkins, Mr. W. D Jenkins, Clara E Jenkins, Mr. John Jenkins, Master William H Jenkins, Miss Julia P Jones, Mrs., Newport Jones, Mrs Jones, Mrs., Pontheer Jones, Miss Maria Jones, Miss Anne, Pontheer Jones, Miss Anne T Kyte, Mrs Lewelyn, Miss Amelia Lewis, Miss Anne, Pontheer Mathews, Miss C Moon, Miss Elizabeth Morgan, Miss Anna Maria Morgan, Mrs. Essex Penrose, Mr. Leonard Powell, Miss Price, Miss E Pugh, Miss Anne Sabbath-school at Sion Chapel, Pon- theer Thomas, Mr. Edwin Thomas, Mr. Thomas Watkins, Miss Hannah Watkins, Miss Sarah Carmarthen, by Mr. G. Harris, jun. — Davies, Mrs. G Harris, Mr. G Morgan, Rev. W. (collected by) Mortimer, Mr. D. L Charles, Rev. David, Trevecca College... Cooch, Miss C, Tenby, by Capt. Jackson Davies, J., Esq., Pumpsaint, Llandovery Davies, Mr. Joseph, Aberystwith Elias, Mrs., Beaumaris Hughes, Mr. R., Wrexham James, Thomas, Esq., Wrexham Jenkins, Mrs., Caerleon Jones, Mr. B., Llanelly Jones, Rev. C, Dolgelly Jones, Rev. William, Romney, near Car- diff 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 10 6 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Lloyd, Rev. Jonah, Rhyl . Luke, Rev. J., Good^vich. Miller, Mr. A., Cardiff .... Miller, Mrs., ditto Moore, Mrs., ditto 0 10 0 0 10 0 0 10 0 Oakley, Mrs., Tan-y-Bwlch Phillips, Miss, by Rev. J. B. Byers, Lam- phey Richards, Mr. Owen, Bala Rogers, Mr., Trefm Squire, Rev. E. B., Swansea .. Swansea and Gower Auxiliary Watkins, Mr. John, Cardiff COLLECTING BOOKS. Davies, Master E. H., Pontypool Francis, Mr. Thomas, Wrexham I 1 1 10 Jones, Mrs. Alice, Cwmwyd Jones, Miss, Wrexham Pearce, Mrs., Wrexham COLLECTION. Llansaintffraid — Salem Chapel Welshpool— Welsh Calvinistie Methodist IRELAND. P.anks, Captain, r.n., Dublin Binney, Rev. R., Newbliss Cameron, Mr., Zion Chapel, Dublin Friends, by Rev. T. M'Fann, Cork Kane, Rev. F., Street Londonderry— Independent Church and Congregation, by Rev. J. Jennings ... Maillard, Miss, Moneymore COLLECTING BOOKS. Boag, Mr. R., Belfast Jennings, Rev. J., Londonderry DONATIONS. £ s. d. , £ s. ,1. I 1 0 0 10 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 Murray, Mrs., Deanery, Ardagh, by Owen, Lieut.-Col., Woodlands, Gorey ... Stroyan, Rev. J., Dublin Thompson, Mr. W. N., Newry Vcsey, Rev. W., Portrush, by — A Small Fanner, a portion of the pro- duce of a hive of honey 0 .') Vcsey, Rev. W 0 10 Wilshere, Rev. T., Athlone 0 10 Mayne, Mr. A., Belfast 5 COLLECTION. Moneymore Infant School 0 2 Y 2 INDEX. Abo Tract Society, 318 Abridgments, Rev. Dr. Ryland's opinion on, 25 Abyssinia, Labours in, 559 Addresses of the Committee, 1 7-22 Adger, Rev. J. B., 390 Africa, South, 541-54 Africa, Western, 554-8 Africa, Northern, 559-62 Aged Couple and the Hawker's Tracts, 227 Agony, a tract distributor of China, 481-2 Albanians, Efforts on behalf of, 373 Alexander, Emperor; Mr. Richmond's Inter- view and Correspondence with, 77-9 ; 396 Allen, Rev. Mr., of Exeter, 15 America, Spanish, 563 America, North-west, 581-2 American Colportage, 232-4 American Missionaries, zeal of, 373-4, 383, 386- 7, 388-91, 460, 564 American Tract Society, 614-5 American Sunday-school Union, 615-6 Anniversaries of the Society, 69 Anxious Inquirer, Usefulness of the, 210-3 Armenia, 406 ; Western, 387 Arms, Rev. W., of Borneo, 504 Arndt's True Christianity, 361 Assam, 469 Audebez, Rev. M., 296 Australia Felix, 532-4 Authors of tlie Society's Works, Diversity of, 150-1 Auxiliaries, Contributions from, 155; origin of, 179; formation of numerous, 181; first Indian, 416 Aveling, Rev. T., 9, 210 Backslider Restored, The, 266 Bagdad, 386 Bahamas, 006-7 Baker, Rev. C, of New Zealand, 521-2 Baker, Mr., the Madagascar Printer, 524-5 Baltimore Tract Society, 613 Barff, Rev. C, of Huahine, 510, 512-3 Barth, Dr., 335, 338, 343-5, 358 Basle Tract Society, 363 Bavaria, 340-2 Baxter, Richard, by what means converted, 10 Beighton, Rev. T., of China, 491, 493 Belgium, 90, 331-3; Tract Society, 331 Bell, Dr., introduces the Madras system of education, 11 Bellary Auxiliary, India, 416, 428 Benares, 421 Benefits of Books, 199-214 Benefits, Social and Moral, of tract distribution, 6,H Bennet, G., Esq., deputation of London Mis- sionary Society, 425, 509 Bennett, Rev. Dr, 15 Bereaved Widow, The, 263 Berhampore, 429 Berlin, 88, 89 ; Berlin Society, 353 Bermuda, 596-7 Berne Tract Society, 363 Bemheim, Rev. J. H., of Iserlohn, 355 Bexley, Lord, Donation of Stereotype Plates, 132; Donation, 347, 375, .568 Bevan, Rev. F., of Carlton-rode, 132 Bible Society ; circumstances which led to its formation, 46 ; Rev. T. Charles and the chihl, 46 ; his visit to London, and conferences with the Committee of the Tract Society, 47- 50 ; formation of the Society, 51 ; member.'; of the Tract Society on its first committee, 52 ; its depositor)', 112 Biblical Works, by Mr. Stokes, 09 Bible Stories, by Dr. Barth, origin of, 343 Bickersteth, Rev. E., 141, 150, 554 Biography, Christian, 97 Bigotry, Epitaph on, by Rowland Hill, 28 Bird, Mr., of Tripoli, 559 Birt, Rev. R., of Africa, 544 Blumhardt, Rev. T., of Basle, 364, 406, 413 Bogue, Dr., preached the first seniion for the- Society, 1, 41; 15; wrote the first tract, IS ; enforced the principle of catholicity, 21 ; al- lusion to the funeral of Bigotry, 28, 40; his birth and education, 39 ; engagements as tutor, settles at Gosport, publishes his ad- dress on Missions, 40; Essay on Inspiration, 40; his last service and decease, 41 ; 50, 57, 116, 142, 154, 216 Bohemia, 88, 330 ; Bohemian Hymn-book, 336 Boleyn, Ann, 4 BoUand, Rev. W., and his efforts as a tract circulator, 177 Bombay Society, 428, 430 Bonnard, Rev. M., 296 Bonner's, Bishop, coal-hole, 110 Borneo, 508 Bound Publications, 131-4 Bowles, Capt., 188 Bowley, Rev. Mr., of Chunar, 443 Brahmin, Converted, 446 Brisbane, Sir Thomas, Governor of New Sontti Wales, 529 British Colonies in North America, 572-92 Brittany, Efforts in, 300-1 British Guiana, and West Indies, 596-611 Broadsheets, 127 Brown, Mr. S., 186 Brown, Dr., 186 Brown, Rev. J. C, Russia, 400, 402, 405 Brown, Rev. Dr., Van Dieman's Land, 538-9 Bruckner, Rev. G., of Samarang, 502, 505-6 Buenos Ayres, 566-7 Bulow, M. Von, 322-3 Burder, Rev. G., birth, parentage, and conver- sion of, 24 ; the originator of the Tract So- ciety, 12; his early efforts at Lancaster, 12, 24; co-operation of Rev. S. Greatheed, 13; failure of his publisher, and resolution to promote the formation of a great society, 13; conferences with ministers at the Missionary anniversary, 14; on committee, 15; his abridgments, 25 ; his activity in the pro- motion of missions, 25 ; his Village, Sea, and Cottage Sermons, 25; Sermons for the Aged, 26 ; his death, 26 ; his plan for the for- mation of auxiliaries, 180, 564 Burdett, Mr. J., 113 Burmah, Operations in, 460-7 Buzacott, Rev. A., 515 Byrne, Rev. J. T., of Canada, 579 693 Calcutta Tract and Book Society, 420, ■I2(!, 431-6 Calderwood, Rev. H., of Blinkwater, .')45 Campbell, Rev. J., a publisherof tracts, 8 ; his early life, 61 ; studies for and enters the ministry. 61 ; literary contributions, 62 ; ettbrts for the young, 62; punctuality, 63 ; journey to Africa, 63 ; death bed, 63 ; 311 Canada, Upper and Lower, 573-80 Canada Sunday-school Union, 578 Canal Man, The, 256 Cape Town Tract Society, 543 Capern, Rev. H., 606 Carinthia, 335 Catholic Principle of the Society, Value of the, 71,75, 637 Censorship, Russian, 400 Ceylon, Operations in, 452-9 Chalmers, Dr., on the Power of Kindness, 218 Chaplin, Rev. W., 159 Chapter-house, St. Paul's, 1 1 1 Charles, Rev. T., of Bala; his efforts towards the establishment of the Bible Society, 46-52 Child's Companion, 93, 96, 126, 134 Children's Books, 93, 96 China, Operations in, 471 Chinese War, 491-2 Chippeway Indians, 580-1 Cholera, Issue of Tracts on, 244 Chou Till Long's Visit to England, 490 Christian Association in Northern Germany, 334 Christian Instruction Society, 241 Christian Knowledge Society, practice of, in reference to alterations, &c., 624 Christian Spectator, 136 Christian Catholic Church of Germany, Origin of, 357 Chunar, 428 ; Tract Society at, 442 'Church History' prohibited in Hungary, 338-9 Circulation, Immense, of some of the Society's works— Appendix, No. v. Circulating Library Sub-committee, 187 Clarkson, Rev. Mr., India, 446 Clavell, Captain, 190 Cleland, Rev. J. F., 499 Clergyman's Brother, The, 253 Clough, Rev. B., of Ceylon, 453 Colenso, Rev. Mr., of New Zealand, 522 Collecting Cards, 157 Collections, 154 Collie, Rev. D., of Malacca, 478 Collins, Mr. F., 113 Collins, Rev. E., chaplain at Geelong, 533 CoUison, Bev. G., 45, 116 Colombo Society, Ceylon, 453, 458 Colporteurs, 220 ; American, 232-4 ; in France, 288,305; Dutch, 329; in Saxony, 349; in China, 497-9 Commentaries on the Scriptures, 93, 98, 99, 136-40 Committee; its first members, 15; its catholic constitution, 71, 75; its early addresses, 17- 22; its unity. 66; puncttial attendance and devotedncss, 67 ; valuable assistance rendered by some of its present members, 67-8 ; har- mony of operations, 70 ; presentation of sets of the Society's works to the Duke and Duchess of Kent, 76 ; early places of meet- ing, 112; examination of manuscripts, 117 Committees and Officers during the fifty years, — Appendix, No. iv. Comparative aggregate value of a single copy of the Society's works and of those pub- lished by the London trade during one year, 631 Contributions from Auxiliaries, 155 Copenhagen Tract Society, 322 Corner, Capt., 163 Corrie, Archdeacon, of Madras, 442 Cotter Auxiliary, Ceylon, 454-6 Cowie. Mr., 45 Cowper, Rev. W., of Sydney, 530-1 Dakin, Thos., a Chelsea pensioner, 164-8, 211, 245 Damascus, 390 Daniel, Rev. Mr., of Colombo, 454-5 Darlington Auxiliary, 179 Darling, General, governor of New South Wales, 529 Davies, Rev. R. R., col. chap, at Longford, 539 Davies, Rev. Evan, of Penang, 485 Davis, Mr. John. 104, 114 Demerara, 609, 611 Denmark, 87, 88, 320-3 ; Interest manifested by the King of, 322 Depositaries, 113-5 Depository, Historical Associations connected with, 109; the site of the old buildings, 110- 2; 113-5 Depositories, Provincial, 184 Distributors, Active, 164-78; 454 Divine truth God's great instrument in salva- tion, 18 Doctrines contained in the Society's works, 19 Doddridge, 10 Donations, 155-6 Dove, Rev. Mr., 556 Down well, Mr., the liberal donor, 158 Drunkard Saved, The, 261 Duti; Dr., of India, 434 Duncome, Rev. W. K., of Harbour Island, 607 Dutch Clergyman, The, 212 Dutch publications for Africa, 551-2 Dwight, Rev. Mr., 383, 3S5 Dyer, Rev. S., 468, 473, 482, 493 Dying Youths, The, 264 Dying Cottager, The, 268 East India Company, Opposition of the, 310, 415 Edinburgh Tract Society, 240 Education, Secular, Effects of in Europe, 634 Edwards, Mr., of South Africa, 548 Egypt, Efforts for, 379-82 Eigliteen-mo Books, stiff covers, 128 Elizabeth, Charlotte, 143 Ellis, Rev. W., 510 English History, Works on, 100 Eras, Three, in the Society's history, 617-22 Ess, Rev. Leander Van, 334 Europe, Southern, Grants to, 392 Evangelical Alliance, An, realized by the Tract Society, 153 Evangelical Society of France, 288-92 Evans, Rev. D. D., of St. John's, 591 Ewald, Rev. F. C, of Tunis, 560 Ewing, Rev. Greville, 61 Expenditure, Total, of the Society during fifty years, 617-22 Families, Books for, 148 Financial History of the Society, 617-22 Finland, 88; 317-20 Fire at Hamburg, 348 Fletcher, Dr. J., 237 Floating Tract, The, 258 Flying Newsman, 205 Forbes, Rev. J., of Port Philip, 532-3 Foreigners, Efforts on behalf of, 242 Foreign Operations, Commencement of, 282 Foreign Literature, Iniluencc of theSociety's works on, 636 Foster, Rev. John, 39 Founders of the Society, Sketches of, 23-44 ; one only survives, 23 ; their hopes exceeded by the Society's success, 633 Fox, John, the martyrologist, on the power of the Press, 3 France, Operations in, 283-300 Frankfort Society, 354 Freeman, Rev. J. J., 524-6, 553 Friend, Rev. Charles, of Chunar, 443 Fry, Mrs., 188-90,209,218 Fuhnen Religious Tract Society, 309 Fuller, Rev. A., 30 Funds of the Society, Interesting Facts con- nected with, 158-63; Appendix, No. l. Galusha, Rev. Elon, of Burmah, 461 694. Gardiner, Captain, 569-70 Genevan Tract Society, 365-6 George iii., 49 Georgian Islands, 509-16 German Catholic Church, 357 Gennany, Operations in, 86, 88, 333-5, 356-9 Gesner, M., 364 Gibraltar, Depository at, 369 Gill, Rev. W., of Raratonga, 514 Glen, Dr., Translations by, 412-14 Goadby, S., Esq., 156 Gobat, Rev. S., bishop of Jerusalem, 388-9, 559 Gogerly, Rev. G., of Calcutta, 434 Golden Rule of the Society, 21 Gordon, Rev. J., of Vizagapatam, 416 Gospel Lever, Usefulness of the, 206 Gossner, Rev. J., 86, 356-7 Gouger, Mr., 45 Graber, Pastor, of Elberfeld, 355 Grant, Rev. W., of Madras, 449 Grants, 86, 87, 90; of libraries, 188-198; to Scotland, 240 ; to Ireland, 238 ; to France, 284, 289, 292, 295, 297-301 ; to Spain, 306 ; to Portugal, 308 ; to Iceland, 312 ; to Sweden, 313; to Lapland, 315-16; to Finland, 320; to Denmark, 322-3; to Norway, 324-6; to Holland, 327-29; to Belgium, 331-3 ; to Ger- many, 334-359 ; to Carinthia, 335 ; to Bohe- mia, 336 ; to Hungary, 337-40 ; to Bavaria, 341-2; to Wurtemberg, 342-3; to Saxony, 346-50; to Hanover, 351; to Prussia, 353; to Frankfort, 354 ; to Westphalia, 355 ; to Poland, 259-62; to Switzerland, 363-9; to Italy, 369-71; to Malta, 372-6; to Greece, 877; toTurkey, 382-S2; to Walachia, 384; to Armenia, 387, 407 ; to Syria, 388; to Russia, 393-405; to Persia, 410, 41 3 ; to India, 416-50; to Ceylon, 452-59 ; to the Indo-Chinese, 469 ; to China, 475-50; to Java, 502-7 ; to Sumatra, 507-8 ; to Borneo, 508 ; to Georgian and Society Islands, 510-16 ; to Navigators, 516- 19; to Sandwich Islands and New Zealand, 519-23 ; to Madagascar, 524-6 ; to the Mauri- tius, 527; to New South Wales, 528-32; to Australia, 532-4 ; to Van Dieman's Land, 534-40 ; to Africa, 540-62 ; to Spanish Ame- rica, 564-71 ; to Canada, 573-9 ; to Chippeway Indians, 581 ; to Nova Scotia, 583-4 ; to Prince of Wales' Island, 586 ; to New Brunswick, 586-7; to Newfoundland, 589-92; to Labrador, 592-3 ; to Greenland, 594-5 ; to West Indies, 600-11 ; total, see Appendix, No. in. Gratuitous Circulation of Tracts and Magazines to Subscribers, 153 Gratuitous Operations of the Society, 235-47 Greatheed, Rev. S., 13, 116 Greece, Efforts for, 376-9 Green, John, Esq., 305 Greenland, 594-5 Grey, Lady Dowager, 40 Griffin, Rev. J., 216 Gumey, Rev. J. H., 132 Gurney, Joseph, Esq.. 157 Gutzlaif, Rev. Dr., 467, 469-70, 484-91 Hahn, Professor, 346 Halliday, Miss, of Cairo, 380 Halifax Society, Nova Scotia, 583 Hamilton, Rev. G., 237 Hamburg Tract Society, 346, 349 Hand-bills, 128 Hands, Rev. J., of Bellary, 416 Hankey, W. Alers, Esq., 47 ; his services to the Society, 60 Hanover, 89, 350-1 Hardcastle, J., Esq., 31 ; birth, conversion, and character of, 56 ; his hospitality, 57 ; ac- commodation of the Committee, 57 ; his affliction and death, 58 ; 65, 112 Hardy, Rev. R. S., Ceylon, 459 Harris, Rev. Mr., of Polynesia, 513 Hartley, Rev. J., 374, 382 Hawker blessed in his labours, 229 Hawker's Surprise, The, 230 Hawkers, 220 ; instances of the usefulness of their labours, 222-34 Hawker's Tracts, 119, 124, 221 Hawkers' Tract Distribution Society, 221 Heath, Rev. T., of Samoas, 516-8 Hebich, Rev. S., of Bellary, 428 Helena, St., 562 Henderson, Rev. Dr., 61, 88-9, 310, 315-23, 500 Henry viii., 5 Henry, Matthew, Anecdote of, 23 Hess, Antistes, 364 Hill, Rev.Rowland,oneof the founders, 14.27; birth, parentage, religious impressions, edu- cation, enters the ministry, 27; 'Village Dialogues ' and other works, 27 ; his catho- licity, 28; his benefactions and death, 29; 154 Hill, Rev. M., of India, 423 Hill, Mrs., of Berhampore, 429 Hoare, Samuel, Esq., 65, 114 Hoare, J. G., Esq., 65 Hobart Town Tract Society, 535 Holland, operations in, 327-33 Holberton, Archdeacon, of Antigua, 605 Hospital Patient, The, 271 Howard, R., Esq., 51 Huber, Rev. F. S., Russia, 393 Huber, Rev. J. H., of Basle, 363 Hudson, Rev. T. H., 496 Hughes, Rev. J., 15; the first secretary, 35 his birth, parentage, early attachment to the Bible, and education, 35 ; enters the mini stry, 35 ; his literary services to the Society 36 ; subsequently devoted to the Bible So ciety, 36 ; his wit and facetiousness, 37 ; cri tical acumen, 37 ; vindications of the So ciety, 38; adaptation for his work, 38; hi; sickness and death, 39; 49, 51-2, 57, 74, 106, 116, 154, 181,240 Hume, William, 111 Hungary, 88 ; 336-40 Hunt, G., Esq., of Bath, 347 Huss, John; convinced by WicklifTs tracts, 3 Hymn-book for Germany, 335 Iceland, 87, 88, 311-12 Index Expurgatorius, Works placed in the, 295, 382 Index Librorum Prohibitorum, 339 India, 415-51 Infidelity, prevalence of, 1 1 Infidelity, Works on, 141-3; Exertions to counteract, 244, 292 Ireland, Gratuitous Operations in, 236-39 Irish Farmer, The, 210 Issues from the Depositoi7, 133, 246, 634; An- nual during the fifty years — Appendix, No. II. Italian Protestants, Labours among the, 367-8 Italy, Operations in, 369-71 Itinerating Libraries, 186-7 Jaffna Tract Society, 452-9 James, Rev. J. A., 130, 210-14 Japan, Operations in, 469-70 Java, Efforts for, 501-7 Jay, Rev. W., 154 Jenkins, Rev. Joseph, 300 Jerusalem, 388-90 Jesus showing Mercy, 203 Jetter, Rev. J. A., 390 Jettmar, Dr., of Berlin, 358 John of Gaunt, 1 1 1 Johnson, Rev. J., of Modrufell, 311 Jones, Mr. W. ; early engagements, 104; ac- companies a deputation to Scotland, 104 ; elected on the Committee, 104; appointed travelling agent, 105; effects of his efforts on the prosperity of the Society and its aux- iliaries, 106-8; successor to Mr. Davis, 108; works written by him, 108 Jones, Rev. Mr., of Bankote, 468 Jones, Rev. Peter, 580-1 Joseph, Rev. T., of Polynesia, 515 G95 Jowett, Rev. W., 372-3, 379 Jubilee Year, Special proceedings of, 639 Judson, Dr., 460-5 Juggernaut, 421 Kalley, Dr., 308 Karens, EfTorts among the, 461-7 Keith, Rev. Dr., 375, 384, 390, 413 Kent, Duke of, 76 ; Duchess of, 76 Ketley, Rev. Joseph, of Demerara, 609, 611 Kiesling, Mr., 49, 340 Kilpin, Rev. S. ; his efforts as a tract circu- lator, 173-8 Kincaid, Rev. E., of India, 464 Kingston Tract Society, Canada, 579 Knibb, Rev. W., of Kingston, 598, 601 Knight, Rev. Mr., 50 Knight, Rev. J., of Ceylon, 452 Knill, Rev. Richard, 398 Koet Bun Tae. 486 Kork, Dr., of SjTia, 377 Kragh, Rev. P., of Jutland, 594 Knisfe, Rev. W., 381 Kugler, Rev. C, of Africa, 559-60 Labrador, 592-3 Lacroix, Rev. Mr., of Calcutta, 444, 448 Lambert, Rev. Mr., 15 Lander, Mr., 554 Lancaster, Mr., II Lang, Dr., of Australia, 530 Languages in which the Society's works have appeared, 438-40 ; Appendix, No. iii. Lapland, 315-16 Last Dying Speeches, 244 Latrobe, J., Esq., Lieutenant-governor of Port Philip, 533 Launceston Tract Society, 538 Law, Rev. T., of Trinidad, 605 Lawyer's Family, The, 248-51 Lavater M., 364 Lausanne, Society, 364 Leadbetter, John, the Pardoned Convict, 168- 73 Leang-afa, 479-82 Lectures to Young Men, 149 Legacies, 156 Legge, Rev. Dr., 493-4, 497 Leifchild, Rev. J., 1.56 Leipsic Depository, 346 Letters, Spread of the truth by, from early times, I Leven, Countess of, her interest in tract distri- bution, 8 Liberia, Republic of, 558 Libraries, Itinerating, 186-7; for workhouses, convicts, emigrants, etc., 188; for coast- guard stations, 188-90; for destitute dis- tricts, 190; for union poor-houses, 190; for Sunday and day-schools, 191 ; for missionary families, 192 ; for Moravian settlements, 193; for ministers and missionaries, 194; for schoolmasters, city missions, etc., 194 ; total grants, 194; instances of usefulness, 195-8; for France, 293; for India, 434-5, for the Mauritius, 527 ; for Australia, 534, for Caf- fraria, 545; for Niger expedition vessels, 557, for Canada, 578, 580; for Nova Scotia, 584; New Brunswick, 587; West Indies, 608 Licentiousness, Works on, 143 Life Subscriptions, 1 55-6 Lindner, Professor, 346 Literature, General, 146; Christian, for British India, 437, 441 Living, William. 110 Lloyd, Mr. J., 162 Lloyd, Mr. W. F., 92; his introduction to the Society, 92; productions, 93; editorial la- bours, 93, 98; his retirement, 94; 104,125 Loan System, 215-19 Lollard's Tower, 110, 111 London, Gratuitous Operations in, 241 Loo-Choo Islands, 470 Lovelass, Rev. W. C, of Madras, 416-17 Lowndes, Rev. J., 372, 377; Inspector of schools, 378 Luther, 3; 111 Lyngby Tract Society, Denmark, 322 Macauley, Zachary, 283 Madagascar, 524-26 Madras Society, 420, 431 M' Gavin, W., Esq., 237 Mahomed Rahem, 410-12 Mohammed AH, of Egypt, Efforts of, 379 Maitland, Sir Peregrine, 553 Malan, Dr., 366 Malta, Operations in, 372-6 Manuscripts, examination of, 117 Marriott, Dr., of Basle, 357-8, 367-8 Marsden, Rev. S., New South Wales, 528 Marshall, General, 389 Marshman, Rev. Dr., 424, 443 Martin, Rev. F., 296 Martyn, Rev. Henry, Fruit of his labours, 410-12 Massachusetts Society, 612 Mathison, W., Esq., 584 Mather, Dr. Cotton, on the duty of tract dis- tribution, 10 Mather, Rev. Jos., 104 Matthews, Rev. J., of Kaiaia, 523 Maunsell, Rev. R., of Polynesia, 522 Medhurst, Rev. Dr., 472, 476, 483-4; his visit to England, 490; 502-3,507 Merrick, Rev. Mr., 413 Mesrop David, Deacon, 412 Metstchersky, Princess Sophia, 79, 89, 394, 397-8 Mexico, 566 Miles, Rev. T. W., of St. John's, N. B., 586-7 Military Officer's Conversion, 274 Miller, Rev. F., Van Dieman's Land, 536-7 Mills, Mr., 45, 49 Miramichi Tract Society, 587 Mirzapore Tract Society, 433 Milne, Dr., 472-99, 501 Milton on Books, 133 Missionary Labourers in the Society's foreign objects, 635 Mitchell, Rev. Mr., Astrachan, 410, 447 Moffat, Rev. R., of Africa, 540-9 Monod, Rev. Frederick, 290 Monro, Rev. R., 84 Monthly Messenger, 143-4 Monthly Volume, 147 Monton, Lucas, native agent at Borneo, 504 Montreal Society, 575-7 More, Mrs. H., a writer of popular tracts, 7 ; her strictures on some of the Society's works, 37,38; 126, 143 Moravian Brethren, 311 Morgan, Rev. W., of Africa, 555 Morhardt, Rev. L., Labrador, 593 Morrison, Rev. Dr., of Canton, 471, 475, 477- 89 Morrison, Rev. A., 533, 538 Morse, Rev. Dr., 012 M'Murray, Mr. J., of Jamaica, 610 Nagercoil Native Tract Society, 419,424, 444 Nangle, Rev. E., 237 Napoleon Bonaparte, 40 Navigators Island, 516-19 Neale, Mr. Benjamin, 92, 104, 124 Negro Hawker, 231 Neological Publications in Germany, 356 Netherlands Tract Society. .328 Neufchatel Tract Society, 365 Newfoundland, 589-92 Newman, Rev. Dr.; the incident that led to his first impressions, 42 ; deep studiousness, and entrance on the Christian ministry, 42; his labours on the Committee, 42; tracts written by him, 43 ; interesting facts, 43 ; be- buests and death, 44 New Brunswick, 586-8 New England Tract Society, 613 696 New Soutli Wales, 528-32 Newstead, Rev. R., of Ceylon, 453 Newton, Rev. J., 61, 205 New Zealand, 520-3 Nicolayson, Rev. Mr., of Algiers, 560 Nicomedia, 385-6 Nistet, Mr., 113 Nordin, Dr., Bishop of Hernosand, Lapland, 315 North America and British Colonies, 572-92 Norway, 87, 90, 323-26 Nova Scotia, 582-5 Objections to the Society answered, 623-32 Old Soldier, The, 275 Old Villager, The, 251 Oncken, Rev. J. G., 349-50, 357 Opposing Minister, The, Convinced, 226 Opposition and Persecution. 306, 313, 316, 338, 343. 347, 351, 374, 382, 408, 415, 435, 490, 524, 559 Oughton, Rev. S., of West Indies, fii)9 Packard, F. A., Esq., 615-16 Paleario, 371 Paragraph Bible, The Pocket, 139 Paref, Rev. A. F., of Sarepta, 396 Paris Religious Tract Society, 284 Parry, Capt. Sir E., 188, 529 Parvin, Rev. T., 564 Paterson, Rev. Dr., 61; 87-8; 239, 310, 311, 313, 315-24, 353, 359, 410 Paternoster Row, origin of name, 110 Paul's, St., Coffee House, 14, 15, 50 Paul's, St., Cathedral, 110, 111 Paul's, St., Cross, 111 Paul's, St., Churchyard, 112, 114 Pearce, Rev. W. H., of Calcutta, 434, 436 Peek, W., Esq., Donation for China, 492 Peel, Sir R., 1S8 Pellatt, Mr. T., his connexion with the So- ciety, 55-6 Percv, Lord, 1 1 1 Persia, 410-14 Persuasives to Early Piety, 202 Philanthropic Society, Press of the, employed by Mrs. More, 8 Philip, Dr., of Africa, 543, 547 Phillippo, Rev. W., of Jamaica, 597-8, 600 Picture, The, Useful, 277, 279 Pinkerton, Rev. Dr., 79-80, 89-90, 323, 327, 331, 345, 352, 354-5, 359, 372-3, 394, 399 Pitman, Rev. C, of Raratonga, 512, 515 Piatt, Rev. W. F., 45, 116 Poland. 88, 359-62 ; anxiety of the people for religious works, 361-2 Polynesia, Hither, 501-8 Polynesia, Further, 509-27 Pope, The, beaten by the Press, 4 Pope, Rev. R,., 141,237 Portugal, Operations in, 306-8 ' Practical View of Christianity,' Usefulness of, 201 Pressense, M. de, 300 Prisoners of War, French, 282 Prisoner Boys at Port Arthur, 537 Prize Essays on the Sabbath, 149 Printing, Chinese mode of, 472 Prince of Wales' Island, 585-6 Proby, Rev. J. C, of Meerut, 427 Printing, Influence of its discovery in accele- rating the Reformation, 3; testimony of John Fox to its'potency, 3; 142 ; Surprise of the Polynesians on beholding it, 518, 521 ; ditto Africans, 547 Pritchard, Rev. G., of Tahiti, 513-14 Prize Essays, French, 299 Private Soldiers, The, 276 Profane Waterman. The, 260 Providential Supplies, 152 Prussia, Operations in, 352-3 Publican and his Wife, 255 Quarles, Extract from, 124 Quarterly Extracts, 134 Quebec Society, 573-4 Rafaravavy, the martyr, 524 Raffles, Sir Stamford, 501 Raikes, Robert, 1 1 Raratonga, 511-5 Raumer, Professor Von, 335 Receipts, Total, of the Society during fifty years, 617-22 ; Appendix, No. i. Redford's Pastor's Sketch-book, 248 Reeke, Count Von der, 334 Reformers, Lives and Works of. 98, 144-6 Religious 'Tract Society ; formed at a critical period, 11; its originator, 12 ; preliminary steps, 14 ; its first rules, committee, and officers, 15 ; coalition with a kindred institu- tion, 16 ; its catholicity, 21 ; its cordial con- cord with other societies, 22 ; its basis tested by fifty years' experience. 22 ; its agency in the fonnation of the Bible Society, 47-52 ; its alleged departure from its original object, 131 ; adopts the loan system, 216 Restored Sailor, The, 274 Reyner, J., Esq., 15; first treasurer of the Society, 31 ; account of by Rev. J. Campbell, 31 ; his strict integrity, 31 ; testimony of Rev. D. Simpson, 32 ; his generosity, 32 ; tract distribution on Tower Hill, 32 ; retire- ment from office, and death, 33 ; 49. 65, 112 Richmond, Rev. Legh, 69 ; detail of his early life and conversion, 10, 72; appointed secre- tary, 72, 74 ; the eminent services he ren- dered, 74-6 ; appointed chaplain to the Duke of Kent, 76 ; presents to him a set of the Society's works, 76 ; interview with the Em- peror Alexander, 77 ; correspondence with him and Princess Metstchersky, 77-80; his addresses at the anniversaries, 80-82; his sickness and death, 83 ; 201, 226 Rise and Progress of Religion, usefulness of, 208 Rhenius, Rev. C, of Madras, 417 Roaf, Rev. J., of Toronto, 588 Road Labourer, The, 262 Roberts, Rev. Mr., 433 Robertson, Rev. J., of Chunar, 428 Rodt, Rev. M. de, of Berne, 366 Romanism, Works opposed to, 97, 140, 236-7 ; Prizes offered for tracts, 238 Rosenblad, Count, of Sweden, 314 Ross, Rev. W., of Africa, 549 Rotterdam Society, 329 Rowse, Rev. G., of Kingston, 609 Roussel, Rev. N., 297, 300 Russia, 89, 393-405 Ryland, Rev. J., 42 Sabbath, Prize Essays on the, 149 Sally, the female vendor of books, 224 Samuel, Rev. P., 601 Samoas, or Navigators Islands, 516-19 Sandwich Islands, 519-20 Sarkis, the translator, 391 Saxony, 345-6 ; Lower, 346-50, 358 Schernding, Baron Von, 352 Schmidt, Rev. Mr., St. Petersburg, 396 Scholl, Rev. C, 90 Schools, Books for, 148; in India, 434 Schubert, Professor, of Munich, 342 Scott, Rev. T.,61 Scott, Rev. G., 315 Scotland, Gratuitous operations in, 239-40 Secretaries, 15, 72, 74, 84, 86, 89, 90 Self-Righteous Convinced, The, 267 Sermons by Rev. G. Burder, 25, 129 ; by Cen- nick, 130 ; by Rev. J. A. James, 130 Sewell, Mr., 15 Showman, The, 272 Shropshire Hawker, 222 Shrubsole, Mr. W., Sketch of, 55, 283 Shunammite's House, 112 Siam, Operations in, 467 Sibthor'p, Rev. R. W., 84, 323, 334, 343, 346, 352, 355 Sierra Leone Tract Society, .ii.'i Simeon, Rev. C, a circulator of tracts, S 697 'Sinner's Friend,' Usefulness of the, 253, 274, 355; in Greek, 376, 515 Slatterie, Rev. Mr., 15 Sloper, Rev. Mr., 15 Smithers, Rev. J., of Red River settlement, 581 Smyrna, 390-1 Societies— for the diffusion of religious works, in the seventeenth centiir>', 5 ; the first so- ciety on catholic principles, 6 ; societies at Edinburgh and Glasgow, 7; formed to pro- mote the circulation of Mrs. More's tracts, 8 ; the first religious tract society, 9 Society Islands, 509-lG South Australia, 534 Spanish America, 563 Spain, Operations in, 302-6 Stair, Rev. J. B., of Polynesia, 517 Stallybrass. Rev. E., 401 Steinkopff, Rev. Dr., 50, 74, 76, 85-7, 321, 327, 334, 340 342, 364 Steinman, Mr., of St. Gall, 364 Stereotype Plates, 97, 132, 157 Steven, R., Esq., 60 Stockholm Evangelical Society, 313, 315 Stokes, G., Esq., 93; joins the Society, 94; works edited, compiled, or written by him, 95-100 ; his business habits, 95 ; large expec- tations of success, 95 ; donation of stereo- type plates, 97; works on the Romish contro- versy, 97; British Reformers, 98; Visitor, 98; commentaries, 98-9; Biblical works, 99; English History, 100; correspondence, 100; sickness and death, 101-2; circulation of his works, 103 Stronach, Rev. A., of Singapore, 495 Strype, anecdote recorded by, 4 Stuttgard Society, 342-3 Style suitable for tracts, 121 Subscribers, the Original, 152-3 Subscriptions, Annual, 152-4 Sumatra, 507-8 Summary of the Society's Receipts and Ex- penditure, 617-22 Sunderland, Rev. J. P., of Polynesia, 518 Supper, Rev. J. C, of Batavia. 475, 501 Sutton, Rev. Amos, of Orissa, 421, 441, 4H, 416-7 Swan, Rev. W., 401-2 Sweden, 87, 88, 312-15 Switzerland, Operations in, 363-9 Sydney Tract Society, 529-31 Syria, 387-8 Tahiti. Disasters at, 513 Tarn, Mr. Joseph, 47, 48, 52 ; sketch of his his- tory, 53-5 Tarn, Mr. William, 54, 114 Text-books, usefulness of the, 209 Thelwall, Rev. A. S., 328 Tholuck, Rev. Professor, 336, 353 Thorn, Rev. G., of Cape of Good Hope, 541 Thomason, Kev. T., of Calcutta, 416 Thompson, Thomas, Esq., 331 Thomson, Rev. C. 11., China, 477 Thomson, Dr., West Indies, 604 Tindal, usefulness of one of his tracts in the royal household, 4 Tinson, Rev. J., of Calabar, 608 Tomlin. Rev. J., 467, 479, 483 Tonga Islands, 519 Toronto Tract Society, 580 Torrey, Rev. W., 564-6 Toulouse Society, 293-5 Town, Rev. Mr., 15 Townsend, Rev. J., so, 57; sketch of, 58-60; beautiful incident, 59 ; 60 Tracey, Rev. Mr., 50 Tracts, the oldest extant. 1 ; issued by the early Refonners, 2; their influence on the Reformation, 2 ; usefulness of one by Thidal in the royal household, 4 ; ' The Cheap Re- pository Tracts,' by Mrs H. More, 7 ; by Mrs. Wilkinson, S; by Rev. J. Campbell, 8; defects of Jlrs. More's tracts, 12; tracts by Rev. G. Burder, 13; qualities desiderated in good ones, 18; doctrines embodied, 20; tracts written by Rev. J. Hughes, 36 ; by Rev. Dr. Newman, 42; by Mr. Shrubsole, 55; by Rev. J. Townsend, 69 ; by R. Steven, Esq., 60 ; by Rev. J. Camphcll, 62 ; by Rev. Legh Richmond, 72; by Mr. Lloyd, 93; by G. Stokes, Esq., 9>, 96; by Mr. Jones, 108; value of as a medium of truth, 116 ; the rate of tract issues during the first seven years, 117; first series tracts, 118; narrative series, 118; Hawkers,' or second series, 119, 124; alphabetical index of, 121 ; proper style for tracts, 121; definition of a tract by Becon, 132; mode and time of distribution, 215; circulation by hawkers, 221 ; in the Gaelic language, 239 ; gratuitous distribution of, 236-47; for France, 284-300; for Spain, 302- 6; for Portugal, 306-8; for Iceland, 311-2; for Sweden, 313-5; for Lapland, 313-6; for Finland, 317-20; for Denmark, 322-3; for Norway, 324-C ; for Holland and Belgium, 327-3.i; for Germany, 334, 357-8; for Bohe- mia, 3;i(i; for Hungary, 337-40 ; for Bavaria, 341-2; for Wurtenilierg, 342-5; for Saxony, 346-50 ; for Prussia. 352-3 ; for Poland, 360-2 ; for Switzerland, 363-9 ; for Malta, 372-6 ; for Greece, 377-9 ; for Egypt, 380-1 ; for Wala- chia, 384; for Russia, 394-405 ; for Armenia, 408-9 ; for India, 417-50; for Ceylon, 452-9; for China, 475-500; by Leang-afa, 480; for Java, 502-6 ; for Sumatra, 507-8 ; for Georgian and Society Islands, 510-16; for Navigators, 516-9; for Sandwich Islands and New Zea- land, 520-3; for Madagascar, 524-6; for New South Wales, 531-2; for Africa, 548-60; for Canada, 573-80 ; for Greenland, 594 Tract Magazine, 96, 134 Treasurers of the Society, 15, 31, 63, 65 Treschow, Rev. P., 90 Tronchin, Colonel, 298 Trustees of the Society, Appendix, No. iv. Turkish Empire, Operations in the, 382-92 Tyerman, Rev. D., deputation to India, 425 Tyng, Rev. Dr., a deputation from the Ame- rican Sunday-School Union, 615 Unfriendly feelings towards the Society, de- cline of, 631 Uniacke, Rev. F., of Halifax, 583 Unify, Christian, on the Connnittee, 66-71 United States of America, 612-16 Urwick, Rev. Dr., 141, 237 Usefulness of libraries, 195-8 Usefulness of Home Operations, Illustrations of. 248-81 Usko, Rev. F. F., translation by, 377 V.-ui Irrl . V;in I'll 1,.. Trv. Dr. 562 1-10 Vil'. . 1. ■ ' 1 ■ .,27 VillM-i- Sermons, 207 Village Schoolmistress, 254 Visitor, The, 98, 135 Volkman, Dr., 346 Wade, Rev. Mr., of New Zealand, 521 Walachia, 384 Wales, Grat\iitous Operations of, 240 Ward, Rev. W., of Serami)ore, 418 Waterfield, Rev. W., of Melbourne, 532 Waugh, Rev. Dr., 45 116 Wellington Society, New Zealand, 523 Weslphalia. 355 Whitehorne, Rev. A., St. Kitts, 598 Whiting, Rev. G. B., 388 Whiting, Rev. J., ofCawnpore, 427 Wickliff; usefulness of his tracts, 2, 109, III Wilberforce, W., Esq , 10, 50, 68, 72; ' Prac- tical View of Christianity,' 201 Wilhelm, Rev. J. 0., .554 WUkinson, Mrs., writes tracts and re-publishes popular divinity, 8 698 Wilks, Rev. Matthew, 15; birth, parentage, and conversion, 44 ; scene of his labours, 45 Wilks, Rev. Mark, 284, 286 Williams, Mr. T., 113 Williams, Rev. Mr., of Birmingham, 181 Williams, Rev. John, of Polynesia, 511-13, 516 Wilson, T., Esq., 14, 15, 2;t ; an example to young tradesmen, 29 ; profited by a sermon by Andrew Fuller, 30 ; his withdrawal from the Committee, 30 ; his death, 31 Wilson, J. B., Esq., appointed treasurer, 63; his liberality, G4, 132 Wilson, Rev. Dr., 305, 447-8 Wilson, Rev. S. S., 374-5 ; translations by, 377-8 Wimmer, Rev. Mr., of Oberschutzen, 337-40 Wolsey, Cardinal, his dread of the circulation of the Reformers' tracts, 5, 111 Wooldridge, Rev. J., 602 Wupper Valley Tract Society, at Elberfeld, 355 Wurtemberg, 342-5 Yates, Rev. W., of India, 433 Ysa Petros, Translations by, 373 Young, Mr. Henry, alias Henrich Stilling, 333 Young, Books for the, 123-7 Young Man from Home, by Rev. J. A. James, 214 Zorn, Rev. J., of Jamaica, i NOTE. Page 362.— The grants for Central Europe, stated as 6819/. 19i., do not include those to Holland and Belgium; together they make 8,075/. \s. Page 392.— The grants for Southern Europe, stated as 2304/. 13s., are exclusive of those to Switzerland and Italy, which make a total of 4853/. 19s. 5d. The Religious Tract Society. PUBLICATIONS OF THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY TRACTS ASSORTED IN PACKETS. EACH PACKET CONTAINING ABOUT THREE HUNDRED PAGES, PRICE Is. ON THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS: Ajed, for the. Anecdotes and Biography, to 7. Authentic Narratives, A. to E. Country Scenes and Employments. Delay, Death, Judgment, and Eternity. Evidences of Christianity. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 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