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:  LIBRARY 
 
 PBjycETOK,  X.  J. 
 
 BV  2370  .B8  09  1816  v.l 
 Owen,  John,  1766-1822. 
 The  history  of  the  origin 
 and  first  ten  years  of  the 
 
v^ 
 
HISTORY 
 
 OF  THE 
 
 ORIGIN 
 
 AND 
 
 FIRST   TEN  YEARS 
 
 OF  THE 
 
 Utiti^fi  anis  jfoveien 
 BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 BY  THE 
 
 Rev.  JOHN  OWEN,  A.M. 
 
 L.4TE    FELLOW   OF  CORPUS    CHRISTI    COLLEGE,  CAMBRIDGE, 
 
 RECTOR  OF    PAGLESHAM,   ESSEX, 
 
 AND 
 
 ONE   OF  THE   SECRETARIES  TO  THE   BRITISH   AND   FOREIGN   BIBLE   SOCIffTT. 
 
 VOL.   I. 
 
 "  And  1  »aw  another  Angel  fly  in  the  midst  of  Heaven,  having  the  everlastinf 
 flospel  to  preach  unto  them  that  dwell  on  the  earth,  and  to  EVERY  NATION, 
 AND  KINDRED,  AND  TONqUE,  AND  PEOPLE."  Rev.  xiv.  6. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 Printed  by  Tilling  and  Huglies,  Grosvenor-^-ow,  Chelsea  ; 
 
 AND   SOLD    BY 
 
 HATCH ARD,   PICCADILLY;   SEELEY,   FLEET-STREET;   AND   ARCH,  CORNHILl: 
 
 AND   BY   ALL  OTHER   BOOKSELLERS. 
 
 1816. 
 
TO 
 
 JOHN, 
 
 LORID  TEIGJVMOUTM, 
 PRESIDENT 
 
 OF  THE 
 
 BRITISH  AND  FOREIGN  BIBLE  SOCIETY, 
 
 MY  LORD, 
 
 IN  dedicating  to  your  Lordship 
 the  following  ivorkj  I  have  no  ambition,  either 
 to  bespeak  patronage,  or  to  offer  praise.  3Iy 
 object  is,  simply  to  testify  the  sense  I  entertain 
 of  your    Lordships    invaluable   services    to   the 
 
iv  DEDICATION. 
 
 Institution  of  which  it  treats,  and  to  express, 
 at  the  same  time,  the  high  degree  of  respect 
 and  attachment  ivith  which 
 
 f  have  the  honor  to  be, 
 My  Lord, 
 
 Your  Lordship's 
 Faithful  Servant, 
 
 JOHN  OWEN. 
 
''v'«^?^vv^*vi?ir«'^ 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 Nearly  two  years  have  elapsed  since  the 
 author,  influenced  by  the  earnest  and  re-iterated 
 soHcitations  of  many  respectable  individuals, 
 engaged  to  prepare  a  "  History  of  the  origin, 
 progress,  and  actual  state  of  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society."  It  having  been  recom- 
 mended that  the  work  should  be  printed  by 
 subscription,  proposals  to  that  effect  were 
 drawn  up  and  issued  accordingly. 
 
 The  plan  was  no  sooner  made  known,   than 
 VOL.  I.  b 
 
Tl  PREFACE. 
 
 it  met  with  the  warmest  encouragement.  The 
 Chancellor  of  the  Exchequer,  and  the  Bishop 
 of  Durham,  honored  it  with  their  prompt  and 
 munificent  patronage,  and  the  example  which 
 they  set  was  very  generously  and  extensively 
 followed. 
 
 Of  the  illustrious  individuals  whose  names 
 have  been  mentioned,  as  well  as  of  the  sub- 
 scribers at  large,  the  author  has  to  request, 
 that  they  will  accept  this  public  expression  of 
 his  gratitude.  To  Sir  Digby  Mackworth,  and 
 Mr.  Phillips  *  (and  more  especially  to  the  latter) 
 
 *  In  referring  to  Mr.  Phillips,  a  member  of  the  "  Society 
 of  Friends,"  the  author  has  a  pleasure  in  acknowledging 
 the  great  kindness  which  he  has  experienced  from  numerous 
 individuals  connected  with  that  body  of  Christians.  To  one 
 above  the  rest — by  whose  sudden  and  lamented  removal  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  was  deprived  of  "  one 
 of  its  earliest  members,  its  brightest  ornaments,  and  its  most 
 useful  conductors,"  * — he  is  indebted  for  testimonies  of  friend- 
 ship, which  make  the  name  of  Wilson  Birkbeck  a  subjett 
 of  his  most  grateful  and  affectionate  rememJjrance. 
 
 *  Author's  speech  at  the  formation  of  the  Southwark  Auxiliary  Bible 
 Society. 
 
PREFACE.  Vll 
 
 the  author  feels  an  obliijation  for  their  liberal 
 and  persevering  co-operation,  which  he  is 
 as  little  able  to  describe  as  to  repay.  To 
 these  acknowledgments  (which  might  easily 
 be  multiplied)  the  author  desires  to  add  his 
 thanks  to  Messrs.  Hatchard,  Seeley,  and  Arch, 
 for  their  disinterested  services  in  promoting 
 subscriptions ;  and  to  his  colleague  and  friend 
 Mr.  Hughes,  for  his  obliging  assistance  in  the 
 correction  of  the  press. 
 
 Having  disposed  of  what  seemed  first  to  re- 
 quire his  attention,  the  author  will  now  pro- 
 ceed to  such  observations  as  relate  more 
 immediately   to    the   performance   of  his  task. 
 
 The  design  which  he  proposed  to  himself,  in 
 writing  the  History  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  having  been,  to  exhibit  a  faithful 
 and  perspicuous  account  of  its  origin,  and  its 
 principal  transactions,  the  author  considered  it 
 his  duty  to  adopt  such  a  method,  as,  whatever 
 recommendations  it  might  otherwise  want,  should 
 appear  best  adapted  to  the  accomplishment  of 
 b2 
 
till  PREFACE. 
 
 that  end.  The  simplicity  of  the  Society's  object, 
 iiiul  the  uniCorniity  of  its  operations,  discouraged 
 every  att<inpt  at  ingenious  and  artificial  distri- 
 hution.  To  i\o  justice  to  the  subject,  it  seemed 
 necessary  that  tin;  facts  should  be  stated,  as 
 nearly,  as  possible,  in  the  order  in  which  they 
 occurred ;  ami  that  such  connection  should 
 be  prescMved  among  them,  as  might  show  their 
 mnhiiil  nlalion  to  each  other,  and  their  deri- 
 vation from  \\\v  same  common  original.  For 
 this  purpose,  the  course  suggested  by  the  So- 
 ciety's Annual  lieports,  apjieared  that  which, 
 on  the  whole,  it  would  be  expedient  to  prefer; 
 inasmuch  as,  while  it  conducts  the  reader 
 through  the  several  transactions  both  domestic 
 and  foreign,  it  reminds  him  periodically  of  the 
 degree  in  which  they  combine  to  manifest  the 
 groNvlh,  and  to  extend  the  usefulness,  of  the 
 Parent  Institution. 
 
 Adopting,  therefore,  tliis  principle  as  the  basis 
 of  his  plan,  the  author  selected  from  the  So- 
 ciety's printed  Keports,  and  unpublished  records ; 
 from  the  ililUivnt  publications  of  Auxihary  So- 
 
PREFACE.  IX 
 
 cieties  and  individuals ;  *  and  from  such  papers, 
 whether  private  or  official,  as  were  in  his  pos- 
 session, or  came  within  his  reach,  whatever  could 
 throw  light  upon  the  facts  which  it  would  be 
 his  business  to  record.  At  the  same  time,  with 
 a  view  to  relieve,  in  some  measure,  the  mono- 
 tony of  amiual   detail,   he   cast   the  decad  into 
 
 *  Among  the  publications  conveying  useful  information  rela- 
 tive to  the  Society  may  be  specified. 
 
 Reports  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society. 
 
 Summary. 
 
 Brief  View. 
 
 Compendium. 
 
 Reports  of  Auxiliary  Bible  Societies;  particularly  of  those 
 established  in  Scotland. 
 
 To  which  may  be  added,  of  a  more  general  nature — 
 
 Scott's  Sermon  on  the  Bible  Society,  (first  printed  in  1011.) 
 
 Short  History  of  the  Bible  Society. 
 
 A  Narrative  of  the  principal  Proceedings  of  the  British  and. 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,   by  the  Rev.  W.  Napper,  (of  New  Ross.) 
 
 Address,  explanatory  of  the  Principles,  Views,  and  Exer- 
 tions of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  by  the  Stir- 
 lingshire Auxiliary  Bible  Society. 
 
 The  Formation,  Progress,  and  Efi'ects,  of  Bible  Associations, 
 as  detailed  by  the  Committee  of  the  Southwark  Auxiliary  Bible 
 Society,  in  their  Second  Report  and  Appendix. 
 
 Historical  Sketch  of  the  Translation  and  Circulation  of  the 
 Scriptures,  from  the  earliest  Period  to  the  present  Time,  by 
 the  Rev.  Messrs.  Thomson  and  Orme. 
 
 Chalmers  on  the  Influence  of  Bible  Societies. 
 
 The  Religious  Periodical  Publications  generally  ;  but  more 
 particularly  the  Christian  Observer. 
 
 bS 
 
X  PREFACE. 
 
 three  general  parts,  agreeably  to  certain  epochs, 
 very  distinctly  observable  in  this  portion  of  the 
 Society's  History ;  and  gave  to  the  years  which 
 fell  within  them  respectively,  the  form  and 
 denomination  of  chapters. 
 
 Of  the  manner  in  which  the  plan  has  been 
 executed,  the  author  may  be  permitted,  in 
 general,  to  say,  that  he  has  done  the  best 
 which  his  peculiar  circumstances  would  allow. 
 The  variety  and  urgency  of  his  official  duties 
 in  the  Society,  added  to  the  concerns  of  a 
 numerous  family,  and  the  interruptions  of  fre- 
 quent indisposition,  rendered  his  task  not  a 
 little  onerous,  and  will,  he  trusts,  be  accepted 
 as  some  apology  for  the  delay  and  the  imper- 
 fection with  which  it  has  been  performed. 
 
 On  one  or  two  points  the  author  thinks  it 
 expedient  to  offer  a  more  particular  explana- 
 tion. 
 
 He  is  aware  that  an  objection  may  be 
 brought  against  certain  parts  of  his  narrative, 
 as  scrupulously,  and  even  unnecessarily  mi- 
 nute.    Against  the  force  of  this   objection,    he 
 
PREFACE.  XI 
 
 has  to  plead,  that,  from  the  knowledge  Avhich 
 he  possessed  of  the  disposition  of  many  of  the 
 Society's  friends,  and  the  conduct  of  most  of 
 its  enemies,  he  considered  such  minuteness  in- 
 dispensable to  the  satisfaction  of  the  one,  and 
 the  confutation  of  the  other.  By  the  for- 
 mer, indeed,  he  expects  to  be  oftener  charged 
 with  omissions  than  redundancies ;  and,  with 
 regard  to  the  latter,  he  is  persuaded,  that 
 their  misrepresentations  could  not  in  any  other 
 way  have  been  so  completely  and  effectually 
 exposed.  "  Those  who  have  been  members  of 
 the  Society  from  the  time  of  its  original  insti- 
 tution, will,  doubtless,  recollect,  with  how  much 
 jealousy  our  proceedings  were  observed ;  how 
 severely  every  warm  expression,  and  every 
 vigorous  measure,  was  criticised,  by  that  little 
 party,  which  has,  from  the  beginning,  railed 
 at  the  progress  which  it  could  not  impede."* 
 To  those  who  enter  into  the  spirit  of  this 
 remark,  an  attention  to  minuteness  will  not 
 appear  to  require  any  further  justification. 
 
 *  Speech  of  the  Rev.  Reginald  Heber,  at  the  Anniversary  of 
 the  Shropshire  Auxiliary  Bible  Society,  (July  8^4Hi-'>.) 
 
Xll  PREFACE. 
 
 The  author  thinks  it  not  impossible,  that 
 some  of  his  readers  may  be  of  opinion,  that 
 he  would  have  done  better  to  have  said  less 
 on  the  subject  of  the  controversy,  if  not  to 
 have  omitted  it  altogether.  Concurring  most 
 heartily  in  the  sentiments  so  admirably  ex- 
 pressed by  the  "  British  Critic,"  in  the  following 
 passage,  he  had  sincerely  to  regret,  that  he 
 was  not  at  liberty  to  follow  that  writer's  ex- 
 ample : 
 
 '*  If  authority  could  decide  a  question,  per- 
 fectly cognizable  by  common  sense,  we  should 
 be  inchned  to  bow  to  the  authority  which 
 (very  unhappily,  we  think)  opposes  itself  to  the 
 Bible  Society.  Or,  if  acute  and  subtle  argu- 
 ment could  possibly  make  us  believe  white  to 
 be  black,  we  should  doubtless  be  staggered 
 by  the  logic  which  has  (with  equal  unhappi- 
 ness)  been  wasted  on  this  subject.  But,  as  it 
 is,  we  can  only  lament,  and  deeply  lament, 
 that  invincible  propensity  to  take  different  sides 
 on  every  question,  which  breaks  out  even  in 
 the  clearest  and  plainest  concerns  of  human 
 lite. 
 
PREFACE.  -  Xm 
 
 "  If  it  be  a  clear  point,  that  Bibles  and 
 Testaments,  un-sophisticated  and  un-commented, 
 cannot  possibly  do  harm — 
 
 "  If  it  be  clear  that  such  a  gift  cannot  be 
 vitiated  by  the  giver — 
 
 "  If  it  be  certain,  that  a  Society  selling 
 cheap  Bibles  and  Testaments,  and  also  other 
 excellent  works  on  theology,  cannot  possibly 
 be  hurt  by  having  a  great  part  of  its  expense 
 voluntarily  borne  by  another  Society, — it  is, 
 and  must  be,   clear  to  us, 
 
 *'  1.  That  the  Bible  Society  is  a  good 
 thing. 
 
 "  2.  That  it  tends  to  assist,  rather  than  to 
 injure,  the  excellent  Society  for  Promoting 
 Christian  Knowledge. 
 
 "  Ten  thousand  volumes  of  controversy  can- 
 not, in  our  opinion,  invalidate  these  plain  truths, 
 and  therefore  of  such  volumes  we  take  no  no- 
 
XIV  PREFACE. 
 
 tice,  that  we  may  not  perplex  our  readers  and 
 ourselves  in  vain."* 
 
 The  historian  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bi- 
 ble Society  is  placed  in  very  different  circum- 
 stances, and  it  becomes  his  duty  to  act  ac- 
 cordingly. He  finds  the  controversy  almost 
 co-eval  with  the  Institution  itself;  and  can 
 scarcely  advance  through  a  single  stage  of  its 
 history,  without  discovering  the  opponent,  under 
 one  form  or  other,  watching  its  steps,  and  plot- 
 ting its  destruction.  The  means  he  perceives, 
 indeed,  to  have  been  varied,  but  the  end  uni- 
 formly the  same.  "  Delenda  est''  has  been  in- 
 scribed on  the  banners  of  every  assailant  who 
 has  taken  the  field  against  the  Society;  and 
 the  object  of  each,  and  of  all,  has  been,  not 
 merely  to  contract  the  dimensions  of  the  edi- 
 fice, but  to  "  cause  the  work  to  cease."  In  a 
 case,  therefore,  of  this  description,  wherein  he 
 who  "  wrought  in  the  work  with  one  of  his 
 hands,"  has  been  compelled  "  with  the  other  to 
 
 *  British  Critic,  March,  1813,  pp.  309,  310.     See  Note  on 
 p.  308  of  this  Volume. 
 
PREFACE.  XV 
 
 hold  a  weapon,"*  the  operations  of  labor  and 
 of  conflict,  of  building  and  defending,  have  be- 
 come so  closely  associated,  that  they  cannot 
 be  consistently  separated  the  one  from  the 
 other. 
 
 But  while  the  author  contends  for  the  propriety 
 of  noticing  the  controversy  as  matter  of  historical 
 record,  he  deprecates  most  seriously  (except  on 
 very  rare  and  extraordinary  occasions)  the  choice 
 of  it  as  a  theme  for  commemorative  and  po- 
 pular addresses.  Occasions,  he  admits,  will 
 arise,  in  which,  for  the  vindication  of  character, 
 or  the  just  defence  of  the  cause,  it  may  be 
 necessary  to  discuss  such  objections,  as,  either 
 by  their  own  subtilty,  or  by  the  authority  of  the 
 objectors,  have  acquired  a  serious  consideration. 
 This,  however,  should  be  done,  when  it  is  done 
 at  all,  in  an  argumentative  and  dispassionate 
 manner :  without  any  of  those  stimulating  appeals 
 to   the   angry   feelings,   which  minister  to   strife 
 
 *  Nehemiah,  iv.  17,  18. 
 
XVI  PREEACE. 
 
 and  vain  glory,   and   prove  injurious  to  the  in- 
 terests of  charity  and  peace.* 
 
 It  were  much  to  be  desired,  that  in  Anni- 
 versary Meetings,  in  general,  controversial  topics 
 should  be  wholly  avoided,  as  alien  from  the  na- 
 ture of  such  commemorations,  and  adverse  to 
 the  purposes  for  which  they  are  held. 
 
 The  observations  of  the  Oxford  Committee, 
 at  the  first  Anniversary  of  that  Institution,  place 
 this  subject  in  so  judicious  a  light,  that  they 
 deserve  the  serious  consideration  of  Auxiliary 
 Societies    in   every   part    of  the  empire. 
 
 "  At  a  period  when  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society  has  not  merely  survived  the  perils 
 which  threatened  its  infant  growth,  but  has  struck 
 
 *  For  an  admirable  specimen  of  an  Address,  wherein 
 objections  from  a  high  ecclesiastical  quarter  were  refuted  with 
 firmness,  perspicuity,  and  moderation,  see  the  speech  of 
 Archdeacon  Corbett,  President  of  the  Shropshire  Auxiliary 
 Bible  Society,  at  the  Anniversary  before  referred  to-. 
 
PREFACE.  XVll 
 
 root  SO  deep,  and  thrown  out  such  vigorous 
 shoots,  that  it  might  defy  the  tempest,  from 
 whatever  quarter  it  should  blow,  it  is  hoped  that 
 no  discordant  voice  may  here  be  heard,  that  no 
 feeling  may  ever  be  suffered  to  intrude  into  such 
 an  assembly  as  the  present,  which  will  not  com- 
 pletely harmonize  with  its  present  object, — the 
 diffusion  of  that  heavenly  wisdom,  pure  and 
 peaceable,  which  brings  into  subjection  every 
 proud  and  uncharitable  thought.  They  think  it 
 more  becoming,  as  unquestionably  it  is  far  more 
 agreeable,  where  we  behold  none  but  friends  and 
 supporters,  to  expatiate  on  the  rapid  and  tri- 
 umphant progress  of  our  cause,  and  record  the 
 yearly  accession  of  towns  and  counties,  yea  even 
 of  independent  kingdoms,  to  this  pious  and  be- 
 nevolent confederacy  of  nations,  for  promoting 
 the  instruction  and  happiness  of  all  mankind."* 
 
 So  far  is  the  author  from  designing,  by  any 
 thing  contained  in  the  ensuing  narrative,  to 
 widen  the   breach   so   unhappily  made  between 
 
 First  Report  of  the  Oxford  Auxiliary  Bible  Society. 
 
XVlll  PREFACE. 
 
 parties  who  ought  never  to  have  been  put  asun- 
 der, that  he  would  gladly  make  any  sacrifice, 
 consistent  with  duty  and  conscience,  by  which 
 he  might  hope  to  prove  instrumental  in  healing 
 it.  With  Archdeacon  Daubeny,  (with  whom 
 he  is  gliad  to  find  an  opportunity  of  agreeing,)  he 
 would  say : 
 
 "  The  advocates  for  the  new  Bible  Society, 
 and  the  members  of  the  Society  for  Promoting 
 Christian  Knowledge,  have  both  professedly  the 
 same  object  in  view ;  namely,  the  dissemination 
 of  the  Gospel.  The  only  difference  between 
 them,  appears  to  be  a  difference  of  opinion  with 
 respect  to  the  mode  by  which  this  desirable 
 object  may  be  most  effectually  accomplished. 
 What  cause  then,  among  Christians,  for  uncha- 
 ritable judgmcfit  on  either  side'' * 
 
 In  fact,  the  history  of  every  controversy  is  but 
 a  development  of  human  infirmity ;  and  in  few 
 controversies  has  this  infirmity  been  more  un- 
 happily  manifested,    than   in   that   of  which   so 
 
 *  Charge  for  1812. 
 
PREFACE.  XIX 
 
 much  will  unavoidably  appear  in  the  pages  of 
 this  work.  The  first  wish  of  the  author  is,  that 
 it  were  possible,  to  consign  the  controversy  to 
 oblivion  ;  but  as  that  cannot  be,  his  next  wish  is, 
 that  from  the  memorial  which  must  be  preserved 
 of  it,  both  himself  and  others  may  learn  a  useful 
 lesson  of  forbearance,  moderation,  and  peace. 
 
 "  Happy  will  it  be"  (to  use  the  words  of  the 
 venerable  Dean  of  Carlisle)  "  for  the  honor  of 
 the  cause  of  God,  happy  for  the  credit  of  the 
 rehgion  of  His  Son,  if  both  parties  should  learn 
 to  improve  in  Christian  charity  and  moderation : 
 if,  on  the  one  hand,  the  advocates  of  the  Bible 
 Society  should  learn  to  bear  their  successes 
 with  a  grateful  tranquilHty  and  decorum;  and, 
 on  the  other,  their  adversaries  should  set  an 
 impressive  example  of  a  pacific  disposition,  and 
 of  Christian  good- will ! "  * 
 
 In  taking  leave  of  the  reader,  the  author  has 
 only  to  observe,  that,  though  he  felt  reluctant 
 to  break  off  his  narrative  at  the  close  of  the  tenth 
 
 *  Strictures  ou  Dr.  Marsh,  &c.  p.  398. 
 
XX  PREFACE. 
 
 year,  he  has,  in  completing'  the  first  decad,  done 
 every  thing  which  he  had  promised,  and  as  much 
 as  he  could  perform.  Whether  he  may  be  in- 
 duced to  advance  any  further,  will  depend  upon 
 the  reception  given  to  these  volumes,  and  his 
 future  health  and  avocations.  In  the  mean  time, 
 he  commends  what  he  has  written  to  the  candor 
 of  the  public,  and  to  the  countenance  of  Him, 
 without  whose  blessing  the  "  best  intentions 
 and  most  persevering  exertions  to  promote  even 
 his  glory,  would  be  of  no  avail."  * 
 
 *  Seventh  Report  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society. 
 Fehmry  16,  1816. 
 
THE 
 
 HISTORY 
 
 OF   THE 
 
 BRITISH  AND  FOREIGN 
 
 BIBLE     SOCIETY 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAPTER    I. 
 
 Nothing  is  more  natural  than  a  desire  to  in-  parti. 
 vestigate  the  rise,  and  ascertain  the  progress,  of  ^^^^' 
 whatever  has  acquired  sufficient  importance  to 
 excite  our  astonishment,  or  command  our  admi- 
 ration. We  feel  a  sort  of  instinctive  curiosity  to 
 know  the  source  from  which  the  instrument  of 
 our  gratification  has  been  derived  ;  and  expect  to 
 find  our  pleasure  increase,  in  proportion  as  we 
 discover,  by  what  means  it  has  been  brought 
 from    its    simplest    elements    and    its    smallest 
 
 VOL.    I.  B 
 
2  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.     dimensions,  to  its  actual  state  of  symmetry  and 
 
 If  it  might  have  been  presumed  that  one  object 
 should  have  awakened  a  curiosity  of  this  descrip- 
 tion, rather  than  another,  that  object  would  have 
 been  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  Such 
 in  fact  has  been  the  case:  and  so  numerous  and 
 importunate  have  been  the  inquiries  into  the 
 manner  of  its  production,  both  abroad  and  at 
 home,  that  it  seems  expedient  no  longer  either 
 to  refuse,  or  delay  the  desired  satisfaction. 
 
 Under  this  impression,  the  author  proposes 
 to  introduce  his  History  of  the  Transactions  of 
 the  Institution,  by  drawing  aside  the  veil  which 
 has  hitherto  concealed  the  circumstances  of 
 its  origin;  and  tracing,  as  distinctly  as  he  may 
 be  able,  the  gradation  of  causes,  by  which  it 
 attained  that  maturity,  which  qualified  it  for 
 extensive  and  efficient  application.  In  per- 
 forming this  task,  he  will  cherish  a  hope,  that 
 he  may  be  doing  something  towards  illustrating 
 the  ways  of  Him,  "  whose  never-failing  Pro- 
 vidence ordereth  all  things  both  in  heaven  and 
 in  earth,"  and  who  alone  is  "  wonderful  in 
 counsel  and  excellent  in  working." 
 
 The  primary  occasion  of  all  those  measures, 
 out  of  which  grew  the  institution  of  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  was  the  scarcity 
 OF  Welsh  Bibles  in  the  Principality,  and  the 
 impracticability   of  obtaining   adequate    supplies 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  5 
 
 from   the   only  source   existing-   at    that    period,     part 
 whence  copies   of  the    authorized   version   were    ^"^p- 
 to   be   derived — the    Society^    for   promoting 
 Christian  Knowledge. 
 
 So  early  as  the  year  1787,  this  scarcity  had 
 been  discovered  in  some  districts  of  the  Frinci- 
 pahty;  and  induced  appHcations  for  rehef,  on 
 the  part  of  those  under  whose  observation  it  had 
 more  particularly  fallen,  and  whose  compassion 
 it  had  very  naturally  excited.  To  what  diffi- 
 culties and  discouragements  these  applications 
 W€re  subjected,  may  be  readily  inferred  from  the 
 manner  in  which  the  subject  is  treated  by  a 
 Clergyman  in  London;  who,  on  the  15th  of  May 
 1787,  thus  addresses  a  Brother  Clergyman  hi 
 Wales. 
 
 "  In  consequence  of  what  you  wrote  concerning 
 the  scarcity  of  Bibles,  I  have  received  twenty-five 
 from  the  Society  for  distributing  Bibles  among 
 the  soldiers  and  sailors,*  &c.  Besides  this,  I  am 
 collecting  money  to  send  you  some  more,  which 
 J  buy  of  the  Society  for  Promoting  Christian 
 Knowledge ;  7vho  alone  in  London  have  got  any 
 Welsh  Bibles :  the  other  Society  having  had  theirs 
 from  them.'' 
 
 Nearly  a  year  had  expired,  before  the  writer 
 of  this  letter  was  able  to  announce  to  his  im- 
 patient correspondent  the  success  of  his  project; 
 
 *  Now  denominated  "  The  Naval  and  Military  Bible  Society." 
 li   2 
 
4  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  and  then  he  was  compelled  to  do  so  m  terms 
 ^\^^^'  which  greatly  diminished  the  value  of  the  in- 
 telligence. 
 
 "  I  have  delayed"  (says  this  London  Clergy- 
 man) "  so  long  to  write,  in  hopes  of  sending  you 
 some  good  tidings  about  the  Welsh  Bibles;  but 
 alas !  I  have  only  icailed  for  a  disappointment. 
 There  was  a  prospect  of  obtaining,  through  the 
 assistance  of  another  Society,  and  with  the  help 
 of  Mr.  T.'s  purse,  no  less  a  number  than  1000; 
 but  the  Society  (viz.  the  Society  for  Promoting 
 Christian  Knowledge)  refuses  to  part  with  more 
 than  500,  and  those  at  a  price  which  altogether 
 makes  5*.  6d.  each.  This  1ms  entirely  defeated 
 the  desisrn,  as  far  as  I  am  concerned  in  it." 
 
 In  the  course  of  the  next  two  or  three  years, 
 this  scarcity,  which,  from  the  scantiness  of  sup- 
 plies either  directly  or  circuitously  transmitted, 
 Avould  naturally  have  increased,  began  to  mani- 
 fest itself  by  stronger  symptoms  and  louder  com- 
 plaints. Among  others,  a  Clergyman,  on  his 
 return  from  visiting  the  Principahty,  of  which  he 
 was  a  native,  in  the  month  of  November  1791, 
 thus  piously  and  energetically  expresses  his  senti- 
 ments, in  reference  to  this  subject. 
 
 "  Being  fully  convinced,  that  every  Christian 
 ought  to  be  diligent,  and  do  all  he  can,  to  serve 
 his  God  and  his  generation,  before  he  falls  asleep, 
 I  have  been  lately  planning  and  laying  a  founda- 
 tion for  a  ffreat  work.     When  I  was  in  Wales 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY 
 
 CHAP.    r. 
 
 last,  I  lieard  great  complaining  amongst  the  poor,  part  i. 
 for  want  of  Bibles;  and  that  there  were  none  to  he 
 had  for  money.  I  have  thouglit  much  of  the 
 matter  of  late,  and  it  has  impressed  me  imich: 
 for,  is  there  poverty  hke  mito  their  poverty,  who 
 have  not  the  Bible  of  God?  I  have  taken  some 
 steps  towards  procuring  a  cheap  edition  of  Welsh 
 Bibles,  to  be  sold  at  a  reduced  price.  But  my 
 plan  thus  far  is  rather  immature,  and  in  no  great 
 degree  of  forwardness.  But,  with  God's  help, 
 which  I  earnestly  intreat,  I  resolve  to  go  on.  1 
 wish  to  hear  from  you,  what  size  Bible  would  the 
 generality  of  the  people  wish  to  purchase,  and 
 what  number  will  be  wanted;  and  every  other 
 information  which  you  can  furnish  me  with,  ^vill 
 be  thankfully  received." 
 
 In  consequence  of  the  resolution  taken  by  this 
 benevolent  and  patriotic  Clergyman,  a  series  of 
 efforts,  both  insulated  and  combined,  took  place, 
 in  order  to  induce  the  Society  for  Promoting 
 Christian  Knowledge,  (the  only  public  body  com- 
 petent to  such  a  work,)  to  undertake  a  new 
 impression  of  Welsh  Bibles. 
 
 The  nature  of  these  efforts,  the  earnestness  with 
 which  they  were  pursued,  and  the  disappointment 
 in  which  they  expired,  may  be  distinctly  collected 
 from  the  Extracts  of  Correspondenc(j  on  the 
 subject,  which  appear  in  the  Appendix*  to  the 
 Rev.  Mr.  Dealtry's  Vindication  of  the  British  and 
 *  P.  GlJ.  Second  Edition. 
 B    .3 
 
6  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  Foreign  Bible  Society.  Having  carefully  examined 
 CHAP.  I.  ^Yie  originals  from  which  those  Extracts  were 
 made,  the  author  can  with  conscientious  satis- 
 faction refer  to  them,  as  containing  a  faithful 
 representation  of  the  vicissitudes  which  attended 
 this  strenuous,  but  abortive  attempt,  to  obtain 
 means  of  supplying  the  poor  of  the  Principality 
 with  the  word  of  God  in  their  own  language. 
 As  it  would  be  charging  these  pages  unneces- 
 sarily, to  transcribe  what  is  already  in  the  hands 
 of  the  public,  the  author  will  satisfy  himself, 
 after  this  general  reference  to  Mr.  Dealtry's  Ap- 
 pendix, with  exhibiting  only  such  passages  from 
 the  Letters  which  it  contains,  and  from  others 
 now  before  him,  as  may  appear  necessary  to 
 establish  his  general  assertion,  respecting  the 
 scarcity  of  Welsh  Bibles,  and  the  difficulty  of 
 procuring  a  supply. 
 
 Adverting  to  his  plan  for  a  new  *'  edition  of 
 the  Welsh  Bible,"  the  Clergyman  before  quoted 
 proposes  to  his  correspondent,  (in  a  letter  of 
 December  27,  1791,)  that  the  Society  for  Pro- 
 moting Christian  Knowledge  should  be  solicited 
 to  publish  10,000  Bibles;  with  an  engagement  on 
 the  part  of  the  applicants,  "  to  take  and  pay  for 
 5000,  as  soon  as  they  were  printed."  "  Would 
 not  this"  (says  the  writer)  "  be  a  step  that  would 
 weigh  with  them,  and  an  inducement  to  undertake 
 the  work?  I  would  undertake  to  procure  one 
 half  of  the  money  necessary  for  that  purpose,  till 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 the  Bibles  were  sold :  and  that  number  tvould  soon 
 go  off.  And  slionld  the  Society  refuse  to  assist, 
 (which  I  hardly  think  they  will,)  I  think  it  is  clearly 
 our  duty  to  proceed,  and  trust  kind  Providence, 
 and  not  consult  flesh  and  blood,  &c.  Furnish  me 
 with  every  particular  direction  you  can  think  of: 
 then  1  shall  make  a  trial  of  the  Society." 
 
 Previously  to  the  proposed  trial  being  made, 
 the  individual  through  whom  the  application  to 
 the  Society  was  to  be  presented,  thought  it 
 expedient  to  require  "  a  long  list  of  names,  as 
 a  satisfactory  proof,  that  Welsh  Bibles  were  much 
 wanted;  which  the  Society  seemed  to  doubts 
 Advice  was  therefore  given  by  the  principal  agent 
 in  this  business  to  his  correspondent  in  Wales, 
 "  to  lose  no  time  in  procuring  as  long  a  list  of 
 names  as  he  could;"  with  the  addition  at  the 
 same  time  of  this  observation : — "  yet  even  now, 
 I  expect  we  must  stand  to  our  former  engagement; 
 that  is  to  say,  to  pay  down  for  Jour  thousand" 
 
 Very  shortly  after,  (viz.  on  the  10th  of  May 
 1792,)  this  writer  informs  his  correspondent,  that 
 he  had  done  what  the  Society  requested  him,  viz. 
 given  them  security  for  4000  copies  as  soon  as 
 published;  and  on  the  17th  of  July,  that  "  the 
 Society  had  accepted  of  his  proposal  respecting  a 
 new  edition  of  the  Welsh  Bible,  and  would 
 undertake  the  work.  But  he  accompanies  this 
 latter  statement  with  an  intimation,  that  the 
 movements  of  the  Society  were  painfully  slow, 
 B  4 
 
8  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  and  not  to  be  accelerated.  This  complaint  is 
 CHAP,  I.  repeated  in  still  stronger  terms,  and  with  much 
 evident  dejection,  by  another  con-espondent ;  who, 
 in  a  letter  from  London,  dated  October  29,  179*2, 
 thus  expresses  his  feehngs:  "  I  am  sorry  the 
 Society  is  so  dilatory,  indecisive,  and  reluctant ; 
 but  trust,  that  the  Lord,  who  hath  put  it  into  the 
 hearts  of  so  many  in  Wales  to  love  His  holy  word, 
 will  also, put  it  into  the  hearts  of  some  of  their 
 more  wealthy  brethren  in  England  to  use  effective 
 methods  of  supplying  them  with  Bibles." 
 
 At  length,  in  the  month  of  April  1793,  the 
 individual  through  whom  the  negociation  with 
 the  Society  was  conducted,  gave  such  a  repre- 
 sentation of  the  existing  difficulties,  arising  from 
 the  disbelief  of  the  Society,  that  "  a  large  number 
 of  Bibles  could  be  got  off;"  its  disinclination  to 
 incur  the  great  expense  which  an  edition  of  the 
 Welsh  Bible  would  cost;*  and  the  imprac- 
 ticability, from  "  the  badness  of  the  times, 
 of  undertaking  the  work  by  private  subscrip- 
 tion;"— that  the  original  projector  of  the  edi- 
 tion was  compelled  to  inform  his  correspondent, 
 that,  "  if  a  considerable  number  of  subscribers 
 cannot  be  obtained,  the  business  must  he  given 
 up.'"  The  idea  of  procunng  such  a  number  of 
 subscribers  was,  it  must  be  supposed,  considered 
 
 *  "  Being,  as  they  reasoned,  from  1,500/.  to  2,000/.  without 
 reimbursement,  that  is,  the  defect  between  the  prime  cost,  and 
 the  sale,  including  the  binding." 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 impracticable :  for  the  same  writer,  after  a  lapse 
 of  a  \  ear,  thus  addresses  his  correspondent : 
 "  Have  you  altogether  dropped  your  former 
 intention  of  having  anew  edition  of  Welsh  Bibles? 
 It  is  clear  that  the  times  are  rather  unfavorable 
 for  any  undertaking,  where  great  sums  of  money 
 will  be  required.  I  can  only  say,  that  1  am  ready 
 to  assist,  as  far  as  I  can,  if  any  attempt  is  made 
 in  this  business."' 
 
 From  the  tenor  of  this  passage,  and  the  termi- 
 nation of  the  correspondence,  there  is  reason  to 
 conclude,  that  the  obstacles  to  "  a  new  edition 
 of  Welsh  Bibles"  were  deemed  insurmountable ; 
 and  that  "  the  intention  of  having"  such  an  edition 
 was  consequently  "  dropped,"  and  "  the  business 
 given  up." 
 
 Such  was  the  unhappy  issue  of  the  first  attempt 
 to  obtain  a  supply  of  Welsh  Bibles  for  the  poor 
 of  the  Principality.  Every  step  appears  to  have 
 been  taken  by  those  who  interested  themselves 
 in  the  business,  to  bring  it  to  a  successful 
 conclusion:  but  without  effect.  They  had  not 
 theinselves  the  means  of  providing  a  remedy  for 
 the  evil  of  which  they  complained;  and  they 
 could  not  offer  a  sufficient  inducement  to  those 
 who  alone  w  ere  competent  to  provide  it. 
 
 A  considerable  interval  was  suffered  to  take 
 place,  during  which,  as  far  as  appears,  no  measures 
 were  adopted  to  satisfy  those  wants,  which  were 
 only  not  urged,  because  they  had  already  been 
 so  repeatedly  urged  in  vain*. 
 
10  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 Impressed,  however,  as  it  is  presumed,  by  re- 
 curring- applications,  with  a  sense  of  the  necessity 
 for  some  further  exertions,  the  Society  for  Pro- 
 moting Christian  Knowledge  determined,  at 
 length,  to  obey  those  calls  for  which,  either 
 fi'om  a  disbelief  of  their  reasonableness,  or  a  doubt 
 of  its  own  abihty  to  answer  them,  it  had  hitherto 
 dechned  to  make  any  provision.  An  order  was 
 accordingly  passed  at  its  Board,  in  1796,  for  a 
 new  edition  of  the  Welsh  Bible,  Common  Prayer, 
 and  singing  Psalms,  to  the  amount  of  10,000 
 copies,  with  2000  extra  Testaments;  and  in  1799, 
 this  order  was  executed. 
 
 With  a  liberality  which  deserves  the  warmest 
 commendation,  this  venerable  Society,  when  the 
 impression  was  ready  for  delivery,  gave  notice, 
 through  a  printed  circular,  that  copies  might 
 be  had  "  neatly  bomid  in  calf,  by  any  of  the 
 inhabitants  of  the  Principality^  through  the 
 medium,  and  upon  the  application  of  any  Mem- 
 ber of  the  Society,  at  one  half  of  the  prime  cost 
 in  sheets^ 
 
 Thirty  years  had  now  elapsed  since  the  last 
 edition  of  the  Welsh  Bible  was  printed ;  and  so 
 greatly  had  the  demands  for  the  Holy  Scrip- 
 tures accumulated,  during  this  lons^  season  of 
 drought,  that  this  impression,  large  as  it  was, 
 and  liberal  as  it  might  appear  to  the  Society 
 which  had  so  generously  provided  it,  was  almost 
 immediately  absorbed;  and  considerable  districts, 
 in  different  parts  of  the  Principality,  particularly 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  .11 
 
 ill  the  counties  of  Montgomery,  Cardigan,  and 
 Carmarthen,  had  to  lament,  that  they  could 
 obtain  no  refreshment  whatever  from  this  most 
 seasonable  but  partial  irrigation.  If,  as  has  been 
 credibly  reported,  the  joy  of  those  who  received 
 the  Bibles  amounted  to  exultation,  the  grief  of 
 those  (and  they  were  many)  who  could  not  obtain 
 a  copy,  fell  little  short  of  anguish.  Their  "  ex- 
 pressions of  regret,"  says  a  beneficed  Clergyman 
 in  Montgomeryshire,  who  had  witnessed  their 
 disappointment,  "  were  truly  affecting." 
 
 But  as  this  is  an  assertion  which  may  seem  to 
 require  proof,  it  will  be  proper  to  adduce  a  few 
 authorities  in  support  of  it. 
 
 "  The  Welsh  Bibles"  (says  one  Clergyman)  "  are 
 all  sold,  every  copy.  I  applied,  through  the  in- 
 terest of  a  friend  in  London,  for  300;  but  too  late: 
 the  Bishop  of  St.  Asaph  applied  the  same  day; 
 but  in  vain.'' 
 
 "  The  demand"  (says  a  Clergyman  in  London) 
 
 *'  has  already  so  far  exceeded  the  impression  of 
 
 10,000  copies,  that  each  person  is  put  off  with 
 
 fewer  than  he   applied  for,    and  thought  he  had 
 
 secured." 
 
 "  Pray  how  are  you  off  in  North  Wales"  (wiites 
 a  Clergyman  in  South  Wales)  "  with  respect  to 
 the  last  edition  of  the  Welsh  Bible?  Out  of 
 250  copies  promised  me,  I  received  but  150; 
 and  ought  to  be  exceedingly  thankful  even  for 
 that  number:  for  I  have   been   more   successful 
 
12  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 in  my  application  than  any  of  my  neighbours 
 hitherto.  Not  a  single  copy  reached  these  parts, 
 except  fifty  copies,  (which)  the  Rev.  Mr.  W. 
 received.  I  was  under  the  necessity  of  laying- 
 aside  the  List  of  Subscribers,  being  more  than 
 300  names,  &c." 
 
 "  The  last  Oxford  edition '  (writes  a  Clergyman 
 in  Cardiganshire)  "  was  disposed  of  before  1  was 
 informed  of  it.  1  applied  to  Dr.  Gaskin  for  some 
 quantity  of  Welsh  Bibles :  his  answer  was,  that 
 they  were  all  gone ;  that  there  were  only  10,000 
 printed,  and  that  twenty  thousand  ivould  not  answer 
 half  the  demand.'' 
 
 And  finally,  a  beneficed  Clergyman  hi  Mont- 
 gomeryshire, makes  the  following  statement;  which 
 has  in  part  been  quoted  before. 
 
 "  A  large  district  in  this  neighbourhood  coidd 
 not  obtaiti  one  of  the  late  Oxford  edition;  and 
 the  expressions  of  regret  amo7ig  the  people  on  that 
 account,  were  truly  affecting'' 
 
 From  these  testimonies,  a  judgment  may  be 
 formed  of  the  insufficiency  of  the  edition  of  1799, 
 and  of  the  defective  manner  in  which  it  operated 
 as  a  remedy  for  that  scarcity  which  during  ten 
 years  had  been  the  subject  of  painful  solicitude 
 and  ineffectual  complaint. 
 
 Such  being  the  state  of  things  in  the  Principality 
 in  the  year  1800,  applications  were  now  made 
 from  various  quarters  to  the  venerable  Society 
 before-mentioned,  in  order  to   ascertain  whether 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  13 
 
 any  further  supplies  might  be  expected.  Some 
 of  these  were  addressed  through  channels  of  the 
 first  respectability,  both  Lay  and  Ecclesiastical  ;* 
 and  an  expectation  was  entertained,  that  their 
 influence  would  not  be  exerted  in  vain.  But  the 
 result  was  the  same  in  all  cases.  The  Society 
 liad  either  done  its  utmost,  or  erroneously  con- 
 ceived, that  it  had  done  sufficient;  and  no 
 encouragement  was  given  to  hope,  that  any  thing 
 more  would  be  attem])ted. 
 
 For  more  than  two  years  the  .  disappointed 
 candidates  for  Welsh  Bibles,  among  whom  were 
 many  diligent  and  laborious  Parish  Ministers, 
 persevered  in  the  mortifying  business  of  im- 
 portunate, but  unavailing  application.  In  the 
 course  of  this  time,  that  want  which  was  at  first 
 considerable,  had  greatly  increased ;  t  and  the 
 progress   which    education   was   making,    chiefly 
 
 *  "  I  have  done  all  I  could"  (writes  the  late  Bishoj)  of 
 Peterborough,)  "  respecting  the  Welsh  Bibles,  and  shall  always 
 be  glad  to  forward  what  you  wish.  1  wrote  to  Dr.  Gaskin 
 lately  upon  the  subject;  but  whether  I  can  be  of  any  further 
 service,  I  know  not." 
 
 Referring  to  these  words,  the  Clergyman  to  whom  they 
 were  addressed  observes  :  "  I  have  written  to  my  Bishop,  and 
 he  to  the  Society ;  since  then,  I  got  a  friend  to  call  on  Dr. 
 Gaskin,  to  ask  if  they  had  any  intention  of  publishing  another 
 edition  :"  the  answer  was  :  "  No,  we  have  not."  This  corres- 
 pondence took  place  in  June,  1800. 
 
 t  The  want  in  1800,  may  be  in  some  measure  conceived,  by 
 an  estimate  made  of  the  number,  not  which  could  be  gratui- 
 tounly   disposed    of,   but   actualli/  sold.     "  In   case,"   fsays   a 
 
14  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.     through  the  medium  of  Sunday  Schools,  tended 
 ^w^^     at  once  to  augment  the  demand  for  Bibles,  and 
 to  render  the  diflSculty  of  procuring  them  a  subject 
 of  deeper  and  more  general  regret. 
 
 At  length,  in  the  summer  of  1802,  all  prospect 
 of  relief  from  the  source  so  often  referred  to, 
 being  finally  closed,*  a  project  was  conceived  for 
 accompHshing  an  object  which  seemed  scarcely 
 to  admit  of  any  further  delay,  by  contracting  with 
 a  well-qualified  Printer  for  a  competent  impres- 
 sion of  Welsh  Bibles,  and  defraying  the  expense 
 of  a  reduction  of  price,  or,  where  necessary,  a 
 gratuitous  distribution  to  the  poor,  by  means  of 
 a  private  subscription.!     Matters  had  arrived  at 
 
 Clergyman,  writing  in  July,  1800,)  "the  Society  can  be  prevailed 
 upon  to  undertake  an  edition  some  time  hereafter ;  yet,  so  far 
 as  I  can  be  able  at  this  distance  to  judge,  an  edition  of  three 
 or  four  thousand  might  be  sold  before  the  Society's  comes  out." 
 
 *  "  We  have  long  talked"  (writes  one  of  the  Clergymen 
 interested  in  this  business)  "  about  another  edition  of  Welsh 
 Bibles,  which,  I  doubt  not,  is  greatly  wanted,  in  South  Wales 
 in  particular.  I  have  repeatedly  tried  the  Society  for  Promoting 
 Christian  Knowledge,  through  the  medium  of  my  friends,  men 
 of  influence  ;  and  found,  that  no  further  help  is  to  be  expected 
 from  them  now :  they  gave  a  decided  answer^  more  than  twice 
 over." 
 
 t  This  plan  appears  to  have  been  designed  by  its  projectors 
 to  have  had  a  very  liberal  operation.  The  following  sentiments, 
 as  expressive  of  their  views,  are  worthy  of  admiration. 
 
 *'  But  the  grand  difticulty  is  yet  to  come.  Where  can  we 
 find  a  sufficient  number  of  meu  to  distribute  the  Bibles  witli 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  15 
 
 this  point,  and  the  speculation  described  was 
 undergoing  discussion,  when  an  occurrence  took 
 place,  which  changed  the  whole  complexion  of 
 the  business,  and  laid  the  foundation  of  a  perma- 
 nent supply  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  not  only  to 
 the  inhabitants  of  Wales,  but  to  the  whole  human 
 race. 
 
 In  the  month  of  December  1802,  the  Rev. 
 Thomas  Charles,  B.  A.  of  Bala,  an  ordained 
 Minister  of  the  Established  Church,  but  officiating 
 in  connection  with  the  Welsh  Calvinistic  Metho- 
 dists, a  man  of  zealous  piety,  and  indefatigable 
 exertion,  and  by  his  habit  of  itinerating,  and 
 promoting  Sunday  Schools,  rendered  intimately 
 familiar  with  the  wants  of  his  countrymen,  was  in 
 London ;  when  he  proposed  a  contribution,  in  aid 
 of  the  plan  for  printing  and  distributing  the  Scrip- 
 tures among  them.  On  the  7th  of  that  month,  the 
 subject  having  been  introduced  by  Mr.  Joseph 
 Tarn,  the  present  Assistant  Secretary  and  Ac- 
 countant to  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society, 
 in  a  circle  of  friends  who  had  met  to  transact  a 
 
 impartiality,  in  the  fear  of  God?  Every  one  has  his  relative,  his 
 favorite,  his  pious,  kind  nei*i,hbour;  these  must  be  favored  at 
 the  expense  of  justice  and  mercy,  against  conscience  and 
 against  duty.  If  this  business  is  seriously  taken  in  hand,  the 
 plan  must  be  well  matured,  and  faithJuUy  executed ;  and  we 
 must  try,  not  to  accommodate  any  particular  sort,  but  all  mm 
 that  want  Bibles,  and  upon  the  terms  they  can  afford." 
 
16  HISTORY    OP    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  different  business,*  Mr.  Charles  preferred  his  suit 
 CHAP.  I.  ^jj  behalf  of  his  countrymen;  describing  the  want 
 of  Welsh  Bibles,  and  the  failure  of  all  attempts 
 to  obtain  them  in  the  usual  channel,  and  urging 
 with  importunate  earnestness  the  necessity  of 
 resorting  in  this  painful  extremity  to  "  new  and 
 extraordinary  means. ""f 
 
 This  proposition  gave  rise  to  a  conversation 
 of  some  length ;  in  the  course  of  which,  it  was 
 suggested,  that,  as  Wales  was  not  the  only 
 part  of  the  kingdom  in  which  such  a  want  as  had 
 been   described   might   be   supposed   to   prevail, 
 
 *  It  is  due  to  "  The  Religious  Tract  Society''  to  state,  that  the 
 parties  here  alluded  to,  and  to  whom  reference  will  hereafter  be 
 so  frequently  made,  w  ere  the  Committee  of  that  very  active  and 
 useful  Institution. 
 
 t  The  names  of  Ambrose  Martin^  and  Henry  Boase,  Esqrs. 
 ought  not  to  be  suppressed.  These  two  Gentlemen  took  a 
 most  lively  and  liberal  interest  in  the  object  of  Mr.  Charles's 
 application;  and  made  very  generous  exertions  in  favor  of  it, 
 previously  to  the  formation  of  that  Society,  which  rendered  all 
 further  exertions  of  this  description  on  the  part  of  individuals 
 unnecessary.  In  a  letter  of  the  latter  gentleman,  (dated  August 
 12,  1803.)  which  now  lies  before  me,  there  is  so  much  to 
 admire,  that  I  trust  1  shall  obtain  his  excuse  for  extracting 
 a  passage  from  it  for  the  reader's  satisfaction. 
 
 "  From  the  time  you  first  mentioned  the  want  of  a  new 
 edition  of  the  Saaed  Scriptures  in  the  Welsh  language,  my 
 thoughts  have  been  much  occupied  by  that  important  subject. 
 
 I  CANNOT  WITHOUT  PAIN  REFLECT,  THAT  ANY  PERSON 
 IN  THIS  HIGHLY-FAVORED  LAND  SHOULD  BE  ABLE  AND 
 WILLING  TO  READ  THE  BIBLE,  AND  WANT  THE  MEANS 
 OF    SO    DOING." 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  17 
 
 it  would  be  desirable  to  take  such  steps  as  parti. 
 might  be  hkely  to  stir  up  the  pubhc  mind  to  a  ^0^^^' 
 getieral  dispersion  of  the  Scriptures.  To  this 
 suggestion,  which  proceeded  from  the  Rev.  Joseph 
 Hughes,  a  Baptist  Minister,  one  of  the  Society's 
 present  Secretaries,  and  which  was  warmly 
 encouraged  by  the  rest  of  the  company,  we  are 
 to  trace  the  dawn  of  those  measures,  which, 
 expanding  with  time,  and  progressive  discussion, 
 issued  at  length  in  the  proposal  and  estabUshment 
 of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society. 
 
 The  propriety  of  exciting  the  attention  of  the 
 public  to  the  general  dispersion  of  the  Scriptures 
 having  been  thus  casually  suggested,  Mr.  Hughes 
 was  desired  to  prepare,  in  writing,  such  an  Address 
 as  might  contain,  in  a  more  digested  form,  the 
 substance  of  his  unpremeditated  observations ; 
 in  order  that  the  project,  if  it  should,  upon  revision, 
 appear  practicable  and  important,  might  be  re- 
 gularly submitted  to  the  consideration  of  the 
 Pubhc. 
 
 In  the  mean  time,  certain  measures  were  pur- 
 sued, which  tended  materially  to  advance  the 
 progress  of  the  undertaking.  A  communication 
 was  made  of  the  object  contemplated,  to  some 
 persons  of  distinguished  reputation  for  piety  and 
 philanthropy.  Among  these,  was  William  Wilber- 
 force,  Esq.  who,  at  a  private  interview,  conferred 
 with  the  parties  who  had  solicited  his  advice;  and 
 furnished  such  hints  a^  his  enlightened  mind  and 
 
 VOL.   I.  c 
 
18  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.    liberal  heart  would  be  likely  to  suggest,  in  order 
 CHAP.  I.    ^^  improve  their  plan,  and  facilitate  its  introduc- 
 tion to  public  acceptance.     A  similar  communi- 
 cation was   made  to  Charles  Grant,   Esq.    and 
 attended  with  a  similar  result. 
 
 The  Rev.  C.  F.  A.  Steinkopff,  Minister  of  the 
 German  Lutheran  Church  in  the  Savoy,  and  one 
 of  the  Society's  present  Secretaries,  voluntarily 
 tendered  his  services  to  promote  the  design, 
 in  the  course  of  a  journey  which  he  was  about 
 to  make  to  the  Continent  of  Europe.  His  offer 
 was  thankfully  accepted,  and  he  was  accordingly 
 requested  to  inquire  particularly  into  the  want  of 
 the  Scriptures  in  such  places  as  he  should  have 
 occasion  to  visit.  Similar  hiquiries  were  directed 
 to  be  promoted  in  Ireland,  and  in  other  parts 
 of  the  United  Kingdom;  and  the  following  queries 
 relating  to  the  same  object,  were  addressed  to  the 
 country  at  large,  through  the  medium  of  certain 
 Periodical  Publications. 
 
 "  1.  Can  the  poor  in  your  neighbourhood 
 generally  read? 
 
 "  2.  To  what  extent  are  they  furnished  with 
 the  Holy  Scriptures? 
 
 "  3.  Do  they  discover  a  solicitude  to  read 
 them  ? 
 
 "  4.  What  has  been  done  towards  supplying- 
 this  want? 
 
 "  5.  Are  there  persons  in  your  neighbourhood 
 willing  further  to   encourage   the   distribution   of 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  19 
 
 the  Holy  Scriptures  in  our  own  and  in  foreign     parti. 
 lands?*"'  ""i^'* 
 
 These  transactions  took  place  antecedently  to 
 the  close  of  May,  1803;  and  in  the  course  of  that 
 month,  Mr.  Hughes  presented  an  impression  of 
 an  Essay,  prepared  in  compliance  with  the  wishes 
 expressed  at  the  primary  Meeting,  under  the 
 title  of  "  The  Excellence  of  the  Holy  Scriptures 
 an  Argument  for  their  more  General  Dispersion." 
 In  this  Essay,  which  may  be  regarded  as  con- 
 taining the  rudiments  of  the  future  Society,  the 
 author  expatiates  on  the  transcendent  excellence 
 of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  enumerates  the  different 
 Religious  Societies  more  or  less  concerned  in  pro- 
 moting their  circulation,  and  describes  the  limi- 
 tations of  their  respective  constitutions,  and  their 
 consequent  inadequacy  to  the  work  of  a  general 
 distribution.  Mr.  Hughes  then  represents  the 
 importance  of  an  association  of  Christians  at  large, 
 with  a  view  exclusively  to  the  circulation  of  the 
 Holy  Scriptures;  and  points  out  a  variety  of 
 advantages  both  direct  and  collateral,  which  might 
 be  expected  to  result  from  the  operations  of  such 
 an  Institution. 
 
 As  the  enumeration  given  by  Mr.  Hughes  of  the 
 Religious  Societies,  exhibits  a  fair  account  of  all 
 the  charitable  sources  at  that  time  in  existence, 
 from  which  a  distribution  of  the  Scriptures  might 
 
 *  See  Evang.  Mag.  and  Christ.  Obs.  for  June,  1003. 
 C  2 
 
20 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  be  expected,  it  seems,  on  every  ground,  expedient 
 CHAP.  I.    that  the  reader  should  see  it. 
 
 ^*"'^*^  "  The  many  thousands  of  Bibles  already  circu- 
 
 lated by  various  Societies,  do  them  honor,  and 
 claim  our  fervent  wishes  for  their  lasting  pros- 
 perity. Together  with  the  Bible  they  circulate, 
 for  the  most  part,  several  volumes  and  tracts 
 intended  to  familiarize,  vindicate,  and  enforce  the 
 principles  of  the  Bible;  nor  can  it  be  doubted 
 that,  in  this  way,  the  cause  in  which  they  are 
 embarked  has  been  materially  assisted.  The  chief 
 of  the  Societies  are  included  in  the  following  list: 
 the  figures  subjoined  denote  the  year  in  which 
 each  M  as  founded. 
 
 The  Society  for  promoting  Christian  Know- 
 ledge   1698 
 
 The    Society  for   the   Propagation  of  the 
 
 Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts 1701 
 
 The  Society  in  Scotland  for  propagating 
 
 Christian  Knoivledge 1709 
 
 The  Society  for  promoting  Religious  Knoiv- 
 ledge among  the  Poor 1750 
 
 The  Bible  Society    1780 
 
 The  Society  for  the  Support  and  JE?icourage- 
 
 ment  of  Sunday-Schools 1785 
 
 "  The  Society  for  promoting  Christian  Know- 
 ledge is  composed  of  subscribing  and  correspond- 
 ing members.     The  former  hold  regular  meetings, 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  21 
 
 and  transact  the  general  business  of  tlie  Society,  part  i. 
 The  latter  are  such  persons  in  Great  Britain,  chap.  i. 
 Ireland,  and  other  Protestant  countries,  as  are 
 chosen  to  correspond  with  the  Society  on  the  state 
 of  religion  in  their  neighbourhoods,  to  suggest 
 such  methods  of  doing  good  as  occur  to  them,  to 
 distribute  Bibles  and  other  books  recommended 
 by  the  Society,  and  to  remit  occasional  or  stated 
 contributions.  Under  the  patronage  of  this  So- 
 ciety, Charity-Schools  have  been  erected,  Bibles, 
 Prayer-Books,  and  Religious  Tracts  dispersed, 
 and  foreign  Missions,  particularly  in  the  East 
 Indies,  supported.  It  lias  printed  the  New  Tes- 
 tament in  x4rabic,  the  whole  Bible  in  the  language 
 of  the  Isle  of  Man,  and  four  editions  of  it  in  the 
 Welsh  language.  All  members  of  the  Society  are 
 entitled  to  Bibles,  Testaments,  Prayer-Books,  and 
 the  other  publications  of  the  Society,  at  the  re- 
 duced prices  mentioned  in  its  annual  catalogue. 
 
 "  The  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel 
 in  Foreign  Parts  appears  to  have  grown  out  of 
 the  Society  for  promoting  Christian  Knowledge, 
 which  refers  to  it,  v/e  believe,  in  all  its  annual 
 accounts.  The  object  of  this  Society  is  limited  by 
 charter  to  Foreign  Parts,  and  more  especially  to 
 the  Plantations,  Colonies,  and  Factories,  beyond 
 Seas,  belonging  to  the  Kingdom  of  England. 
 Missionaries,  Catechists,  and  Schoolmasters,  are 
 employed  by  this  Society  in  Newfoundland,  Nova 
 Scotia,  New  Brunswick,  Upper  and  Lower 
 c  3 
 
22  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI.  Canada,  Cape  Breton,  the  Bahama  Islands,  the 
 CHAP.  I.  Coast  of  Africa,  New  South  Wales,  and  Norfolk 
 Island.  The  Missionaries  are  supplied  with  books 
 for  a  library,  and  Bibles,  Prayer-Books,  and  small 
 Rehgious  Tracts,  to  distribute  among  their  people 
 as  occasions  may  require.  This  and  the  preceding 
 Society  are  directed  entirely  by  members  of  the 
 Established  Church  of  England. 
 
 "  The  Society  in  Scotland  for  propagating 
 Christian  Knowledge  employs  Schoolmasters, 
 Catechists,  and  Missionaries,  and  distributes  the 
 Holy  Scriptures  and  a  few  other  rehgious  books. 
 The  Scriptures  have  been  translated  at  the  So- 
 ciety's expense  hito  Gaelic.  A  Parent  Board  is 
 established  at  Edinburgh  for  conducting  general 
 business ;  but  a  considerable  accession  of  strength 
 accrues  from  a  Correspondent  Board  established 
 in  London,  before  which  annual  sermons  are 
 preached  by  ministers  of  different  denominations. 
 The  exertions  of  this  Society  extend  over  the 
 Highlands  of  Scotland,  the  contiguous  Islands, 
 and  a  part  of  North  America. 
 
 "  The  Society  for  promoting  Religious  Know- 
 ledge among  the  Poor  distributes  the  Holy  Scrip- 
 tures, and  a  great  variety  of  pieces  on  religious 
 subjects.  Every  subscriber  of  a  guinea  annually 
 is  entitled  once  in  two  years  to  Bibles  or  other 
 books  circulated  by  the  Society,  according  to 
 his  option,  to  the  amount  of  forty  shillings; 
 subscribers  of  more  than   one    guinea  annually 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  23 
 
 are  entitled  to  Bibles  or  other  books  to  a  parti. 
 proportionally  higher  amount.  The  prices  at  ^^^^-  ^• 
 which  the  books  are  estimated,  appear  in  the 
 annual  accounts,  and  in  a  slip  of  paper  which 
 accompanies  the  parcels  sent  to  subscribers. 
 At  these  prices  the  Public  in  general  may  become 
 purchasers. 
 
 "  The  Bible  Society*  was  instituted  for  the  sole 
 use  of  the  army  and  navy  of  Great  Britain.  It 
 circulates  only  the  Scriptures.  The  Committee 
 state  that  they  have  been  enabled,  by  the  aid  of 
 subscribers,  and  collections  made  at  different 
 places  of  worship,  to  distribute  among  the  regi- 
 ments and  ships  specified  in  their  printed  ac- 
 count, 30,000  Bibles,  and  a  considerable  number 
 of  Testaments.  The  mode  of  application  is  a 
 request  signed  by  an  officer  in  the  army  or  navy, 
 addressed  to  the  Committee,  expressing  the  num- 
 ber under  his  command. 
 
 "  The  Society  for  the  Support  and  Encourage- 
 ment of  Sunday  Schools  provides  Bibles,  Testa- 
 ments, and  Spelling-Books,  and  receives  applica- 
 tions from  any  part  of  England  and  Wales.  The 
 founders    of  Schools    are   expected,    when   they 
 
 *  In  a  note  appended  to  the  second  edition,  "  the  Dublin 
 Association"  is  mentioned  with  the  honor  which  it  deserved, 
 as  having  "  distributed  among  the  poor  in  Ireland,  10,000 
 Bibles,  and  12,000  Testaments,"  and  as  "  advancing  towards 
 its  original  object,  '  that  no  house  or  cabin  in  Ireland,  in  which 
 there  is  a  single  person  who  can  read,  shall  ha  destitute  of  the 
 Holy  Scriptures.'  " 
 
 G   4 
 
24  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  apply  for  aid,  to  inform  the  Secretary,  by  letter, 
 CHAP.  I.  ^£  ^i^g  number  of  the  scholars,  and,  in  the  event 
 of  a  second  or  third  application,  to  state  their 
 progress  and  behaviour.  The  letters  are  pre- 
 sented to  the  Committee,  and  a  gratuitous 
 supply  voted  according  to  the  exigency  of  the 
 case. 
 
 "  In  addition  to  the  above-mentioned  means  of 
 diffusing  scriptural  knowledge,  we  may  notice  the 
 existence  of  private  donations  and  bequests  re- 
 lating to  the  same  object,  the  numerous  charity- 
 schools  maintained  throughout  the  week,  and  the 
 more  recent  Institutions  under  different  forms  for 
 disseminating  inspired  truth  both  m  our  ow  n  and 
 in  foreign  countries." 
 
 To  this  enumeration  of  existing  Societies,  Mr. 
 Hughes  would  doubtless  have  added,  had  he 
 been  acquainted  with  the  fact,  a  reference  to  an 
 Institution  then  recently  dissolved — The  French 
 Bible  Society.  As  this  Society  was  altogether 
 unknown  to  Mr.  Hughes,  and  is  little,  if  at  all, 
 known  to  the  public  in  general,  a  brief  account 
 of  it  in  this  place  will  scarcely  be  deemed  an 
 improper  digression. 
 
 The  French  Bible  Society  was  instituted  in 
 May,  1792,  and  commenced  its  operations  by 
 opening  a  correspondence  with  a  respectable 
 Minister  of  the  Reformed  Church  at  Paris,  and 
 treating  with  a  Printer  of  reputation  in  that 
 capital  for  an  edition   of  the  French   Bible,  of 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  25 
 
 which  the  Protestant  Minister  who  had  reconi-  parti. 
 mended  him  was  to  take  the  superintendence.  ^^^^^-  ^• 
 The  revolutionary  war  having  put  a  period  to  all 
 communication  between  the  two  countries,  The 
 French  Bible  Society  suspended  proceedings, 
 and  invested  the  amount  subscribed,  (with  the 
 exception  of  4,000  livres  advanced  to  the  Printer 
 at  Paris,)  in  the  public  funds.  On  the  re-esta- 
 blishment of  intercourse  between  France  and 
 England  in  the  year  1801,  the  Society  learnt  by 
 a  letter  from  the  Protestant  Minister,  that  the 
 Printer  was  living,  but  that  the  revolution  had 
 totally  ruined  him.  "  That  respectable  father  of  a 
 family"  (says  this  correspondent)  "  has  great  diffi- 
 culty to  extricate  himself  from  his  embarrassments. 
 The  funds  remitted  to  his  hands  from  England, 
 are,  I  imagine,  consumed;  while  the  task  he  had 
 undertaken  has  totally  failed.  We  have  lived" 
 (he  adds)  "  in  times  which  have  destroyed  every 
 thing,  overturned  every  thing:  and  all  must  be 
 begun  afresh. ' 
 
 The  Society,  discouraged  by  these  and  similar 
 difficulties,  and  apprehending  that  their  original 
 design  of  circulating  French  Bibles  among  the 
 Roman  Cathohcs  in  France  was  become  imprac- 
 ticable, resolved  to  apply  the  money  of  which 
 they  had  been  so  long  possessed,  to  the  purchase 
 of  English  Bibles,  for  distribution  among  "  poor 
 Catholics  and  others  in  the  United  Kingdom  of 
 Great  Britain  and  Ireland : '    2,000  copies  were 
 
2(5  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 accordingly  procured;  of  which  1,000  were  en- 
 trusted to  the  care  of  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Coke, 
 a  principal  Minister  in  the  Wesleyan  connection, 
 to  be  dispersed  "  by  the  means  of  their  Mis- 
 sionaries among  the  Catholics  in  Ireland."  A  letter 
 having  been  received  from  William  Hall,  Esq. 
 of  Dublin,  pohiting  out  other  channels  through 
 which  "  10,000  Bibles  might  be  usefully  distri- 
 buted in  Ireland,  and  offering  to  guarantee  their 
 correct  distribution,  the  remaining  1,000  copies 
 were,  in  the  month  of  August,  1803,  placed  at 
 his  disposal :  and  after  this  act,  and  the  neces- 
 sary formalities  of  pecuniary  settlement,  The 
 French  Bible  Society  was  finally  dissolved. 
 
 The  following  Prospectus,*  issued  by  the  above 
 Society,  soon  after  its  formation  in  1792,  contains 
 so  much  of  the  liberal  spirit  and  practical  views 
 which  have  characterized  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  that  the  author  of  this  work  would 
 deem  himself  inexcusal)le  were  he  to  decline 
 giving  it  insertion. 
 
 "  THE  FRENCH  BIBLE  SOCIETY 
 
 is  formed  for  the  purpose  of  disseminating  pure 
 Christian  Knowledge  in  France,  by  obtaining  a 
 
 *  For  this  document,  by  means  of  which  he  first  became  ac- 
 quainted with  the  subject  of  tlie  French  Bible  Society,  the 
 author  is  indebted,  through  his  friend  Mr.  Hughes,  to  a 
 gentleman,  highly  and  deservedly  esteemed  for  his  learning, 
 piety,  and  amiable  spirit — the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  of  Homerton. 
 
AND    FOltEIGN     BIBLE    SOCIETY.  27 
 
 general  distributiou  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  printed    part  i. 
 in  the  French  tonoue,  throuohout  that  nation.  chap.  i. 
 
 '*  To  accomphsh  such  a  design,  would  be  too 
 arduous  and  extensive  an  undertaking  for  any 
 individual,  or  for  a  small  circle.  The  general 
 concurrence  of  all  who  know  the  value  and  feel 
 the  influence  of  the  sacred  writings  is  therefore 
 invited. 
 
 "  It  is  intended,  that  as  far  as  possible,  those 
 persons  in  the  French  nation,  who  are  now  desti- 
 tute of  this  divine  treasure  in  an  intelligible 
 language,  shall  he  furnished  ivith  copies  of  it  in 
 their  mother  tongue.  The  Poor  will  be  supplied 
 (gratis  where  necessary,  or)  at  a  very  low  price ; 
 and  quantities  will  be  lodged  with  ministers  and 
 other  proper  persons  well  known  in  the  different 
 provinces,  that  those  who  wish  it  may  purchase 
 at  usual  rates,  and  the  wealthy  and  benevolent 
 may  be  supplied  at  reduced  prices  with  quantities 
 to  distribute.  For  this  purpose,  large  contracts 
 will  be  entered  into  on  the  most  reasonable  terms 
 that  can  be  obtained.  The  persons  to  whom  the 
 books  may  be  sent  will  be  desired  to  act  as 
 agents  for  the  General  Society,  and  at  convenient 
 intervals  to  transmit  an  account  of  distribution  or 
 sale,  and  of  receipts. 
 
 "  The  Society  now  formed  in  London  under 
 the  above  name,  have  by  their  Committee  begun  a 
 correspondence  with  some  Gentlemen  in  Paris, 
 who  are  friends  to  this  scheme,  and  who  have 
 
28  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  expressed  an  intention  of  forming  a  similar  Society 
 *^v"^^,'*  there;  to  whom,  when  embodied,  will  be  com- 
 mitted the  management  of  the  business  in  that 
 kingdom;  to  superintend  the  press  for  those 
 editions  which  maybe  printed  there;  to  distribute 
 the  books  into,  and  to  establish  and  conduct 
 correspondence  with,  the  different  parts  of  the 
 nation;  to  obtain  the  assistance  and  encourage- 
 ment of  their  countrymen  to  this  undertaking,  and 
 from  time  to  time  to  transmit  to  this  Society  what 
 information  they  may  collect  of  the  progress  and 
 success  thereof. 
 
 "  The  plan  has  also  been  made  known  in  Hol- 
 land, and  considerable  assistance  is  with  good 
 reason  expected  from  thence;  and  it  is  not 
 doubted,  that  smaller  societies  ivill  he  formed  in 
 the  provincial  towns  of  France,  to  assist  the 
 general  plan.  From  this  source,  especially,  may 
 authentic  and  early  communications  be  received 
 by  the  different  bodies  composing  this  Society, 
 respecting  the  success  attending,  and  the  advan- 
 tages aiising  from,  this  Institution. 
 
 "  At  present,  the  business  of  this  Society  is  con- 
 ducted by  a  Committee,  which  is  chosen  at  the 
 General  Meetings  of  the  Subscribers.  The  amount 
 of  the  subscriptions  is  lodged  in  the  hands  of 
 respectable  Banking-houses,  subject  to  the  order 
 of  the  Society. 
 
 "  The  Society  wish  to  engage  the  assistance  of 
 every  friend  to  the  spreading  of  religious  know- 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  29 
 
 ledge,  and  would  beg  leave  to  recommend  the  parti. 
 forming  of  Societies  in  different  parts  of  the  chap.  i. 
 country,  to  assist  them  in  the  attainment  of  their 
 object;  and  if  Clergymen  and  Ministers  of  every 
 denomination,  would  recommend  the  cause  to 
 their  different  congregations,  and,  where  con- 
 venient, would  make  public  collections  for  the 
 support  and  extension  of  it,  it  would  certainly 
 tend  much  to  the  forwarding  of  this  important 
 design." 
 
 But  to  return : 
 
 While  the  whole  of  Mr.  Hughes's  Essay,  from 
 the  good  sense  which  it  contains,  and  the  candor 
 which  it  breathes,  is  worthy  of  perusal,  the  fol- 
 lowing passages,  both,  from  their  intrinsic  excel- 
 lency, and  from  their  accordance  with  subsequent 
 events,  have  a  peculiar  claim  to  attention. 
 
 "  Let  us  then  cast  a  friendly  eye  over  distant 
 countries,  and  be  the  parents  of  the  first  Institu- 
 tion that  ever  emanated  from  one  of  the  nations 
 of  Europe,  for  the  express  purpose  of  doing  good 
 to  all  the  rest." 
 
 "  The  proposed  Society  would  bespeak  much 
 attention  which  was  never  yet  brought  to  bear 
 on  a  subject  so  truly  grand  and  momentous. 
 Religion  would  occupy  a  larger  space  in  the 
 pubhc  mind,  and  the  advocates  of  religion  enjoy 
 a  new  opportunity  of  testifying  the  strength  of 
 their  convictions  and  the  fervor  of  their  zeal.  A 
 new  impulse  would  be  given  to  kindred  Institu- 
 
30  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 tions  ;  and  measures  hitherto  unthought  of  would 
 be  added  to  those  which  have  long  displayed 
 their  beneficial  effects." 
 
 "  We  have  specified  Europe ;  at  the  same 
 time  we  would  allow  ample  scope.  Correspon- 
 dence might  more  or  less  include  every  quarter 
 of  the  globe." 
 
 "  Many  arrangements  must  be  left  to  the 
 determination  of  experience.  Light  will  break 
 in  as  the  friends  of  the  Institution  advance :  they 
 will  act  as  occasions  dictate;  always  having  that 
 to  do,  which  will  either  connect  with  remoter 
 branches  of  their  design,  or  stand  well  insulated 
 and  alone." 
 
 It  is  impossible  to  reflect  on  these  observations, 
 written  nearly  a  year  before  the  Society  was 
 formed,  without  being  forcibly  struck  by  the  re- 
 markable exactness  with  which  they  have  been 
 verified. 
 
 The  conclusion  is  in  a  strain  so  diametrically 
 opposite  to  that  spirit  of  rivalry  in  which  the 
 Society  has  been  said  by  some  of  its  opponents 
 to  have  been  projected,  that  I  cannot  allow  myself 
 to  omit  it. 
 
 "  But  God  puts  honour  upon  mortals  by  em- 
 ploying their  agency  in  the  fulfilment  of  his  pro- 
 mises, and  the  promotion  of  his  glory :  and  if 
 those  of  his  designs  may  be  considered  as  indi- 
 cating an  approach  toward  maturity,  which  most 
 unite  and  engage  his  servants ;  is  it  not  probable 
 
AND    FOREIGN    DIBLE    SOCIETY.  31 
 
 that  knowledge  and  salvation  will  follow  close  in  part  i. 
 the  train  of  those  labonis,  to  wliich,  with  respectful  ^"ap.  t. 
 deference,  we  now  call  the  attention  of  the  chris- 
 tian world?  May  we  not,  therefore,  look  forward 
 to  a  large  meeting-  of  our  fellow-cliristians,  whose 
 unanimous  and  loud  voice  shall  encourage  us  to 
 go  and  do  all  that  is  in  our  hearts  ?  But  should 
 we  in  this  respect  be  disappointed,  our  labour 
 will  not  be  regretted,  if  it  serve  in  a  few  instances 
 to  draw  more  attention  to  the  Bible,  if  it  con- 
 trihiite  to  the  strength  of  Societies  already  esta- 
 blished, and  especially  if  it  promote  the  spirit  of 
 distribution  among  those,  who  having  long  re- 
 garded the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  have  yet  done 
 little  toward  enriching  the  world  with  its  treasures. 
 Conscious,  however,  of  having-  discharged  a  duty, 
 and  encouraged  to  expect  some  favourable  result; 
 we  here  conclude,  leaving  our  exhortations  with 
 the  consciences  of  men,  and  our  prayers  in  the 
 bosom  of  God." 
 
 Copies  of  this  Essay  were  now  put  into  circu- 
 lation through  a  variety  of  channels ;  and  it 
 cannot  be  questioned  that  they  must  have  con- 
 tributed materially  to  prepare  the  way  for  pro- 
 ceedings of  greater  publicity  and  decision. 
 
 It  was  not  till  the  month  of  January  1804,  that 
 the  measures  had  attained  a  sufficient  degree  of 
 ripeness,  in  the  estimation  of  the  Conductors,  to 
 justify  the  consideration  of  steps  for  carrying  them 
 into  actual  execution.     An  outline  of  a  plan  for 
 
32  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 the  projected  Society  had,  early  in  the  preceding 
 year,  been  prepared  by  Samuel  Mills,  Esq.  a 
 gentleman,  who,  to  the  service  he  rendered  in 
 laying  the  foundation  of  the  Society,  has  added 
 that  of  a  judicious  and  useful  co-operation  in  the 
 promotion  of  its  interests,  and  the  management  of 
 its  concerns. 
 
 The  plan  thus  sketched  out  was  now  regularly 
 completed;  and  the  title  was  altered,  at  the 
 suggestion  of  the  same  individual  from  whom 
 the  first  idea  of  the  Institution  proceeded,  from 
 "  A  Society  for  promoting  a  more  extensive 
 circulation  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  both  at  home 
 and  abroad,"  the  form  in  which  it  originally 
 stood ;  to  the  definite  and  comprehensive  desig- 
 nation, of  "  The  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society."* 
 
 Things  being  thus  far  advanced,  it  was  deter- 
 mined to  convene  a  public  meeting:  a  circular 
 address  was  accordingly  drawn  up ;  and  copies 
 of  it  were  forwarded  to  such  individuals  as 
 were  thought  likely  to  favor  the  proposed  un- 
 dertaking, or  at  least  to  give  an  impartial  hear- 
 ing to  what  should  be  urged  in  its  recommen- 
 dation.    The   circular   address,   which  bore   for 
 
 *  These  particulars  are  stated  with  the  more  minuteness, 
 in  order  to  show  how  utterly  unfounded  was  the  insinuation  of 
 one  of  the  Society's  earliest  adversaries,  that  Tracts  formed  a 
 part  of  the  original  plan.  See  Country  Clergyman's  Letter  to 
 Lord  Teignmouth,  p.  36. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  33 
 
 its   title    "    The    Importance    of   a  further   Dis-     parti. 
 triljiitioii   of   Bibles,"    brietly   touched   upon   the    ^^^^^^' 
 principal   topics  which    had   been   discussed    in 
 the  Essay,   and  referred  to  that  publication  for 
 more  complete  and  detailed  information. 
 
 The  following  extract  from  this  address  will 
 be  found  to  deserve  particular  attention,  as  it 
 explains  the  views  of  the  projectors  in  recom- 
 mending the  formation  of  the  proposed  Society; 
 accounts  for  the  delay  by  which  the  measures 
 preparatory  to  its  formation  had  been  retarded  ; 
 and  discovers  the  spirit  of  candor,  conciliation, 
 and  amity,  in  which  it  was  designed  that  its 
 future  operations  should  be  conducted,  both  at 
 home  and   abroad. 
 
 "  Several  Societies  have  been  formed  for  the 
 propagation  of  Scripture-truth,  but  there  is  room 
 for  several  more.  This  assertion  is  affectingly 
 confirmed  by  the  result  of  specific  inquiries  re- 
 cently made  both  in  Britain  and  on  the  Con- 
 tinent. A  few  individuals,  the  promoters  of  these 
 inquiries,  have  had  frequent  discussions  on  the 
 subject,  and  are  at  length  encouraged  to  hope 
 that  they  shall  realize  their  wishes  in  the  for- 
 mation of  a  new  Society. 
 
 "  Their  views  are  considerably  detailed  in  an 
 Essay  printed  at  tlie  commencement  of  last  year. 
 Europe  was  then  in  peace,  and  they  were  flat- 
 tered with  the  prospect  of  extensive  co-operation, 
 at  home   and  abroad.     But  the  flames  cf  war, 
 
 VOL.  I.  D 
 
34  HISTORY   OF   THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  bursting  forth  again  with  augmented  violence, 
 CHAP.  I.  ^jj^  spreading  unusual  alarm  through  the  country, 
 occasioned  a  suspension  of  measures  requisite 
 for  maturing  the  plan.  Now  that  the  public  mind 
 is  partly  recovered  from  its  consternation,  though 
 we  may  not  proceed  with  all  the  advantages 
 attached  to  a  time  of  peace,  we  may  be  laying  a 
 solid  foundation,  and  preparing  suitable  materials 
 against  a  happier  season. 
 
 "  If  the  present  period  is  not  the  most  aus- 
 picious to  such  undertakings,  neither  is  there 
 any  danger  of  its  being  fatal  to  them.  *  The 
 wall  of  Jerusalem,^  it  is  written,  '  shall  be  built 
 in  troublous  times.'  In  fact,  how  many  successful 
 efforts  for  the  promotion  of  human  happiness  have 
 been  made,  amidst  the  clouds  and  tempests  of 
 national  calamity !  It  should  also  be  remembered, 
 that  the  present  is  the  only  period  of  which  we 
 are  sure.  Our  days  of  service  are  both  few  and 
 uncertain;  whatsoever,  therefore,  our  hands  find 
 to  do,  let  us  do  with  our  might. 
 
 "  Under  these  impressions,  it  has  been  pro- 
 posed by  the  individuals  referred  to  above,  to 
 institute  a  Society  entitled 
 
 THE  BRITISH  AND   FOREIGN  BIBLE 
 SOCIETY. 
 
 "  Its  object — to  promote  the  circulation  of  the 
 Scriptures  in  some  of  the  principal  Uving  lan- 
 guages. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  35 
 
 "  The  sphere  of  its  activity — First,  the  United    part  i. 
 Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  and  the    chap.  i. 
 Enropean     Continent :    afterwards,    remoter    re- 
 gions, as  the  state  of  the  finances  may  admit,  and 
 the  urgency  of  particular  cases  may  require. 
 
 *'  The  object  and  the  sphere  of  such  a  Society, 
 considered  in  their  union,  distinguish  it  from  all 
 existing  Societies. 
 
 *'  The  Bible  Society  distributes  the  Scriptures 
 only,  but  confines  its  distributions  to  the  British 
 Army  and  Navy. 
 
 "  The  distribution  of  Bibles  in  other  Societies 
 forms  only  a  part  of  their  plan ;  and,  with  a  very 
 few  exceptions,  the  exertions  of  those  Societies 
 are  limited  to  Britain. 
 
 "  The  projected  Society,  not  refusing  to  co- 
 operate on  the  same  ground,  would  traverse 
 scenes  which  other  Societies  are,  by  their  regu- 
 lations, forbidden  to  occupy ;  and,  presenting 
 nothing  but  the  inspired  volume,  would  be  sure 
 to  circulate  truth,  and  truth  alone ;  hereby  avoid- 
 ing the  occasions  of  controversy,  and  opening  a 
 channel  into  which  Christians  of  every  name 
 might,  without  scruple,  pour  their  charitable 
 contributions. 
 
 "  Several  persons  have  expressed  much  soli- 
 citude on  the  subject,  and,  together  with  those 
 whom  it  has  chiefly  interested,  look  cheerfully 
 forward  to  the  time  when  a  Society,  founded  on 
 so  extensive  and  liberal  a  principle,  shall  be  able 
 D  2 
 
36  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 to  announce,  in  a  very  public  manner,  its  ample 
 patronage,  and  its  beneficent  exertions." 
 
 To  these  observations  the  following  notice,  with 
 the  accompanying  signatures,  was  subjoined: 
 
 "  Sir, 
 "  The  prefixed  Address  is  respectfully  sub- 
 mitted to  your  perusal.  A  Public  Meeting  will 
 be  held  relative  to  the  formation  of  the  proposed 
 Society,  at  the  London  Tavern,  on  Wednesday 
 the  7th  of  March,  when  your  presence,  if  you 
 approve  the  object,  is  requested  by 
 
 Granville  Sharp, 
 William  Alers, 
 Joseph  Benwell, 
 Henry  Boase, 
 Robert  Cowie, 
 Samuel  Foyster, 
 Joseph  Smith  Gosse, 
 
 Richard  Lea, 
 Alexander  Maitland, 
 Samuel  Mills, 
 Joseph  Reyner, 
 Herman  Schroeder, 
 Christopher  Sundius, 
 George  Wolff. 
 
 *'  The  chair  will  be  taken  at  twelve  o'clock 
 precisely." 
 
 It  was  in  this  stage  of  the  business,  and  through 
 the  medium  of  the  circular  above-described,  that 
 the  writer  of  this  History  became  first  acquainted 
 with  the  plan  on  which  so  much  has  been  said, 
 and  in  the  subsequent  execution  of  which  he  was 
 induced  to  take  so  considerable  a  part.     As  his 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  37 
 
 own  conduct  is  so  greatly  mixed  up  with  the 
 transactions  which  it  will  be  his  duty  to  record, 
 he  trusts  he  shall  be  excused  for  adverting,  both 
 in  this  and  in  other  parts  of  his  History,  to  such 
 particulars  of  a  personal  nature,  as  appear  neces- 
 sary to  the  perspicuity  and  connection  of  the 
 work. 
 
 Early  in  the  summer  of  1803,  the  author  re- 
 ceived from  Mr.  Hughes,  with  whom  he  was  but 
 very  slightly  acquainted,  two  copies  of  the  Essay 
 on  "  The  excellence  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  &c." 
 accompanied  with  a  request,  that  he  would  accept 
 one  for  his  own  use,  and  present  the  other  to  the 
 Bishop    of   London,    and   solicit   his    Lordship's 
 patronage  to  such   an  Institution  as  that  Essay 
 was  designed  to  recommend.     The  author  com- 
 plied with  so  much  of  Mr.  Hughes's  request  as 
 respected   the   presentation  of  his  Essay  to  the 
 Bishop;  but  beyond  that,  he  neither  felt  himself 
 authorized  nor  inclined  to  proceed.     The  project 
 for   attempting   the    universal   circulation   of  the 
 Scriptures,  and  for  uniting,  in  pursuit  of  that  end, 
 the  Members,  Pastors,  and  Prelates  of  the  Esta- 
 blished   Church     with    the     different    sects    and 
 denominations    of    Dissenters,   appeared    to    be 
 fraught  with  so  many  and  such  invincible  diffi- 
 culties,  that,  regarding   it  as  utterly  chimerical, 
 he  took   little   pains  either  to  understand  or  to 
 recommend  it.     So  completely   indeed  had   the 
 presumption  of  its  impracticability  taken  possession 
 D  3 
 
^8  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 of  his  mind,  that  he  is  not  aware  of  having  given 
 the  plan  any  further  consideration,  till  the  receipt 
 of  the  circular  revived  the  recollection  of  it ;  and 
 the  name  of  his  intimate  and  valued  friend 
 Granville  Sharp,  at  the  head  of  the  signatures, 
 determined  him  to  attend  the  Meeting,  at  which 
 its  merits  were  to  be  publicly  and  solemnly  dis- 
 cussed. 
 
 On  Wednesday  the  7th  of  March,  1804,  the 
 Meeting,  as  convened  by  the  circular  notice,  took 
 place  at  the  London  Tavern,  Bishopsgate  Streets 
 Having  the  preceding  evening  conferred  with 
 Mr.  Granville  Sharp,  who  appeared  to  have 
 affixed  his  signature,  rather  out  of  respect  to  the 
 object,  than  from  any  particular  knowledge  and 
 approbation  of  the  means,  the  author  accom- 
 panied  him  by  appointment  to  the  scene  in  which 
 the  business  was  to  be  transacted.  On  entering 
 the  Tavern,  they  were  conducted  to  a  room,  in 
 which  were  seated  a  number  of  persons,  dili- 
 gently occupied  in  preparing  the  resolutions  to 
 be  submitted  to  the  general  body.  The  author 
 had  scarcely  taken  the  station  which  the  cour^ 
 tesy  of  this  Provisional  Conmiittee  had  assigned 
 him,  when  he  observed,  among  their  number, 
 three  individuals  of  respectable  appearance,  whom, 
 from  wearing  their  hats  and  from  the  peculiarity 
 of  their  garb,  he  perceived  to  be  Quakers.* 
 
 *  The  author  trusts  he  shall  not  be  thought  to  treat  the 
 "  Society  of  Friends"  with  disrespect,   by  using  that  term. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  39 
 
 It  had  long  been  an  opinion  current  in  the  parti. 
 world,  that  this  class  of  Christians  entertained  ^^^^' 
 only  a  quahfied  respect  for  the  letter  of  Scripture; 
 and  that,  consequently,  the  Bible  was  very  little 
 read  and  recommended  among  them.  Partici- 
 pating in  the  influence  of  this  popular  prejudice, 
 the  author  could  not  contemplate  the  appearance 
 of  Quakers  in  such  a  connection,  without  feeling 
 a  sort  of  astonishment,  of  which  his  subsequent 
 experience  of  their  conduct  in  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society  has  repeatedly  made  him 
 ashamed. 
 
 It  would  not  perhaps  be  difficult  to  account 
 for  the  origin  and  prevalence  of  a  misconception 
 so  injurious  to  the  character  of  the  individuals  to 
 whom  it  applied.  It  was  generally  known  that 
 the  Quakers  were  not  accustomed  to  use  the 
 Scriptures  in  their  assemblies  for  religious  wor- 
 ship. Their  celebrated  apologist,  Barclay,  had 
 spoken  of  the  Scriptures  in  terms  very  different 
 from  those  which  orthodox  Christians  have 
 been  accustomed  to  employ ;  and  many  of  their 
 writers  had  expressed  themselves  on  the  same 
 subject,  after  his  example,  in  very  indistinct  and 
 unsatisfactory  language.  When  to  these  con- 
 siderations is  added  the  almost  utter  ignorance 
 
 when  speaking  of  them,  by  which  they  are  generally  known 
 
 in  the   world,  rather   than   the   ambiguous  (though  certainly 
 
 more  proper  one)  by  which  they  are  known  among  each  other. 
 
 D   4 
 
40  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  which  prevailed  concerning-  the  private  habitgf 
 CHAP.  I.  ^^^^^  domestic  economy  of  this  quiet  and  retiring- 
 people,  it  will  not  be  matter  of  surprise,  that  an 
 opinion  should  have  been  entertained  of  their 
 indifference  to  the  Scriptures,  for  which  there 
 appears  in  reality  to  have  been  so  little  foundation.* 
 In  fact,  the  peculiarities  of  the  Quakers,  both 
 in  sentiment  and  discipline,  were  of  a  nature  to 
 keep  them  more  widely  separated  from  the  mass 
 of  the  community  than  any  other  Society  of 
 Christians ;  and  hence  it  resulted  that  (with  the 
 exception  of  their  exemplary  morality)  their  real 
 character  was  for  a  considerable  period  so  defec- 
 tively known.  The  abolition  of  the  slave-trade  wasi 
 
 *  The  following  extract  iVoni  their  Yearly  Epistle  for  1815, 
 Xvill  be  read  with  unqualified  pleasure. 
 
 "  It  has  afforded  us  much  satisfaction  to  believe,  that  the 
 Christian  practice  of  daily  reading  in  families  a  portion  of 
 Holy  Scripture,  with  a  subsequent  pause  for  retirement  and 
 reflection,  is  increasing  among  us.  We  conceive  that  it  is 
 both  the  duty  and  the  interest  of  those  who  believe  in  the 
 doctrines  of  the  Gospel,  and  who  possess  the  invaluable 
 treasure  of  the  sacred  Records,  frequently  to  recur  to  them 
 for  instruction  and  consolation.  We  are  desirous  that  this 
 wholesome  domestic  regulation  may  be  adopted  every  where. 
 Heads  of  families,  who  have  themselves  experienced  the 
 benefit  of  religious  instruction,  will  do  well  to  consider  whether, 
 in  this  respect,  they  have  not  a  duty  to  discharge  to  their 
 servants  and  others  of  their  household.  Parents,  looking 
 sincerely  for  help  to  Him  of  whom  these  Scriptures  testify, 
 mav  not  unfrequently,  on  such  occasions,  feel  themselves 
 enabled  and  engaged  to  open  to  the  minds  of  their  interesting 
 charge,  the  great  truths  of  Christian  duty  and  Christian 
 redemption." 
 
AND    FOREIGN    RIKLE    SOCIETY.  41 
 
 the  first  public  measure  wliich  brought  tliem  into  part  i. 
 contact  with  the  rest  of  the  community,  and  ^"^p-  ^• 
 engaged  them  in  a  co-partnership  of  practical 
 benevolence  with  the  members  of  other  religious 
 denominations :  but  it  was  reserved  for  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society  to  enlarge  the  boun- 
 daries of  this  philanthropic  intercourse;  and  to 
 incorporate  the  affections  and  exertions  of  this 
 benevolent  people  with  those  of  their  Fellow- 
 Christians  in  e'* ery  part  of  the  world. 
 
 The  reader  will,  it  is  hoped,  excuse  a  digres- 
 sion, which  had  for  its  object  to  place  in  a  just 
 light  the  character  of  a  people  whose  services  in 
 the  British  and  Foreicrn  Bible  Society  have  not 
 been  surpassed  by  those  of  the  warmest  and  most 
 active  of  its  members.  It  will  illustrate,  at  the 
 same  time,  the  tendency  of  this  Catholic  Insti- 
 tution to  correct  the  ei-rors  into  which  Christians 
 of  every  denomination  have  been  betrayed,  in 
 forming  their  judgment  of  each  other;  and  to 
 inculcate  upon  them  all  the  necessary  obligations 
 of  justice,  candor,  and  charity.     But  to  return  : 
 
 Previously  to  the  termination  of  this  prepara- 
 tory meeting,  a  paper  was  put  into  the  author's 
 hands,  containing  a  series  of  Resolutions,  accom- 
 panied with  a  request,  that,  if  he  should  approve 
 them,  he  would  move  their  adoption,  as  the  basis 
 of  the  proposed  Society.  The  arrangements  being 
 completed,  the  parties  were  ushered  into  the 
 great  room,   where  a  respectable  company  was 
 
42  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 assembled,  amouuiiug  to  about  300  persons  of 
 different  religious  denominations.  Mr.  Granville 
 Sharp  was  unanimously  called  to  the  chair,  and 
 so  strongly  was  he  impressed  with  the  import- 
 ance of  the  object,  that,  notwithstanding  his 
 almost  unconquerable  aversion  to  occupy  a  place 
 which  implied  such  distinction,  (an  aversion 
 never  overcome  in  the  Committee  for  the  Abolition 
 of  the  Slave-trade,  of  which  he  was  appointed 
 perpetual  Chairman,*)  he  obeyed  the  unanimous 
 call,  and  presided  accordingly. 
 
 *  The  following  extract  from  Mr.  Clark  son's  History  of 
 the  Abolition  of  the  Slave  Trade,  will  confirm  what  is  stated 
 above. 
 
 "  At  one  of  these  meetings,  (says  Mr.  Clarkson,  speaking  of 
 the  Committee  for  the  Abolition  of  the  Slave  Trade,)  a 
 resolution  was  made,  that  Granville  Sharp,  Esq.  be  appointed 
 chairman.  This  appointment,  though  now  first  formally  made 
 in  the  minute  book,  was  always  understood  to  have  taken 
 place  ;  but  the  modesty  of  Mr.  Sharp  was  such,  that,  though 
 repeatedly  pressed,  he  would  never  consent  to  take  the  chair, 
 and  he  generally  refrained  from  coming  into  the  room  till  after 
 he  knew  it  to  be  taken.  Nor  could  he  be  prevailed  upon, 
 even  after  this  resolution,  to  alter  his  conduct ;  for  though  he 
 continued  to  sign  the  papers  which  were  handed  to  him  by 
 virtue  of  holding  this  office,  lie  never  was  once  seated  as  the 
 chairman  during  the  twenty  years  in  which  he  attended  at 
 these  meetings.  I  thought  it  not  improper  to  mention  this 
 trait  in  his  character.  Conscious  that  he  engaged  in  the  cause 
 of  his  fellow-creatures  solely  upon  the  sense  of  his  duty  as  a 
 Christian,  he  seems  to  have  supposed  either  that  he  had  done 
 nothing  extraordinary  to  merit  such  a  distinction,  or  to  have 
 been  fearful  lest  the  acceptance  of  it  should  bring  a  stain  upon 
 the  motive  on  which  alone  he  undertook  it." — Clarkson's 
 History  of  the  Abolition  of  the  Slave  Trade,  vol,  i.  p.  449. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  43 
 
 The  business  of  the  clay  was  opened  by  Robert 
 Cowie,  Esq.;  WilHam  Alers,  Esq.  followed;  and 
 he  was  succeeded  by  Samuel  Mills,  Esq. 
 and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hughes.  These  gentlemen 
 explained  the  nature  and  design  of  the  pro- 
 jected Society;  demonstrated  its  necessity,  from 
 the  great  want  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  the 
 insufficiency  of  all  the  means  in  existence  to 
 supply  it ;  and  in  a  strain  of  good  sense,  temperate 
 zeal,  and  perspicuous  information,  urged  the  im- 
 portance of  its  innnediate  establishment.  After 
 these  speakers  had  sat  down,  there  arose  another 
 advocate,  in  the  person  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Stein- 
 kopfF,  whose  address  corroborated  what  had  been 
 already  advanced,  and  in  the  happiest  manner 
 completed  the  effect.  The  author  had  yielded, 
 he  will  confess,  a  reluctant  assent  to  the  pleadings 
 of  those  by  whom  Mr.  SteinkopfF  was  pre- 
 ceded: but  the  representation  which  he  gave  of 
 that  scarcity  of  the  Scriptures  which  he  had 
 himself  observed  in  foreign  parts ;  the  unaffected 
 simplicity  with  which  he  described  the  spiritual 
 wants  of  his  German  fellow-countrymen ;  and  the 
 tender  pathos  with  which  he  appealed  on  their 
 behalf  to  the  compassion  and  munificence  of 
 British  Christians,  spoke  so  forcibly  both  to  the 
 mind  and  the  heart,  as  to  subdue  all  the  author's 
 remaining  powers  of  resistance,  and  decide  him 
 in  favor  of  the  Institution. 
 
 After  Mr.  Steinkopfi'  had  resumed  his  seat,  the 
 
44  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  author  rose,  by  an  impulse  which  he  had  neither 
 ^^IlJ'  ^^1^  incHnation  nor  the  power  to  disobey,  in  order 
 to  express  his  conviction,  that  such  an  Institution 
 as  that  which  had  been  recommended,  was  mani- 
 festly needed;  and  that  therefore  the  establish- 
 ment of  it  ought  not  to  be  delayed.  His  emotions, 
 on  rising,  were  such,  as  he  will  not  attempt  to 
 describe.  Surrounded  by  a  multitude  of  Chris- 
 tians, 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; 
 and  reflecting  on  the  object  and  the  end  which 
 had  brought  them  so  harmoniously  together;  he 
 felt  an  impression,  which  the  lapse  of  more  than 
 ten  years  has  scarcely  diminished,  and  which  no 
 length  of  time  will  entirely  remove.  The  scene 
 was  new:  nothing  analogous  to  it  had  perhaps 
 been  exhibited  before  the  public  since  Chris- 
 tians had  begun  to  organize  among  each  other 
 the  strife  of  separation,  and  to  carry  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  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." 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  45 
 
 After  giving-  utterance  to  these  feelings,  in  the     parti. 
 
 best  way   he   could,   the   author  moved,   as  re- 
 quested, the  following  Resolutions. 
 
 1.  A  Society  shall  be  formed,  with  this  designation, 
 
 THE  BRITISH  AND  FOREIGN  BIBLE 
 SOCIETY ; 
 
 of  which  the  sole  object  shall  be  to  en- 
 courage a  wider  dispersion  of  the  Holy 
 Scriptures. 
 
 2.  This  Society  shall  add  its  endeavours  to  those 
 
 employed  by  other  Societies  for  circulating 
 the  Scriptmes  through  the  British  domi- 
 nions, and  shall  also,  according  to  its  ability, 
 extend  its  influence  to  other  countries, 
 whether  Christian,  Mahometan,  or  Pagan. 
 
 3.  Each  Subscriber  of  One  Guinea  amiually  shall 
 
 be  a  Member. 
 
 4.  Each   Subscriber  of  Twenty  Pounds   at   one 
 
 time,  shall  be  a  Member  for  life ;  a  Sub- 
 scriber of  Five  Guineas  per  annum,  shall 
 be  a  Governor;  and  a  Subscriber  of  Fifty 
 Pounds,  or  upwards,  at  one  time,  shall  be 
 a  Governor  for  life.  Governors  shall  be 
 entitled  to  attend  and  vote  at  all  the  Meet- 
 ings of  the  Committee. 
 
 CHAP.    I. 
 
46  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.    5.  An  Executor,  paying  a  Bequest  of  Fifty  Pounds, 
 CHAP.  I.  gi^^u  i^Q  a  Member  for  life ;  or  of  One  Hun- 
 
 dred Pounds,  or  more,  a  Governor  for  life. 
 
 6.  Each  Member  shall  be  entitled,  under  the 
 direction  of  the  Committee,  to  purchase 
 Bibles  and  Testaments,  for  the  purpose  of 
 gratuitous  distribution,  at  the  Society's  prices, 
 which  shall  be  as  low  as  possible ;  but  no 
 English  Bibles  or  Testaments  shall  be  given 
 away  in  Great  Britain  by  the  Society  itself. 
 
 7.  The   Annual   Meeting  of  the  Society  shall  be 
 
 held  in  the  month  of  May,  when  the  Trea- 
 surer and  Committee  shall  be  chosen,  the 
 Accounts  audited,  and  the  Proceedings  of 
 the  foregoing  Year  reported. 
 
 8.  The  Committee  shall  consist  of  Thirty-six  Mem- 
 
 bers, who  sliall  conduct  the  business  of  the 
 Society,  and  have  power  to  call  an  extra- 
 ordinary General  Meeting.  Twenty-four 
 of  the  Committee,  who  shall  have  most 
 frequently  attended,  shall  be  eligible  to  re- 
 election the  ensuing  year. 
 
 9.  The  Committee  shall  recommend,  at  the  General 
 
 Meetings,  such  Noblemen  and  Gentlemen  as 
 shall  have  rendered  important  Services  to  the 
 Society,  to  be  elected  Honorary  Members. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  47 
 
 These  Resolutions,  which  are  inserted  at  length,  part  i. 
 that  the  reader  may  observe  the  gradations  of  <^hap.  i. 
 improvement  in  the  constitution  of  the  Society, 
 were  adopted  with  unanimous  demonstrations  of 
 cordiality  and  joy.  The  Institution  was  consi- 
 dered as  established;  and  more  than  700Z.  were 
 immediately  subscribed. 
 
 Thus  terminated  the  proceedings  of  this  extra- 
 ordinary day,  a  day  memorable  in  the  experience 
 of  all  who  participated  in  the  transactions  by 
 which  it  was  signalized ;  a  day,  to  which  pos- 
 terity will  look  back,  as  giving  to  the  world,  and 
 that  in  times  of  singular  perturbation  and  distress, 
 an  Institution  for  diffusing,  on  the  grandest  scale, 
 the  tidings  of  peace  and  salvation ;  a  day,  which 
 will  be  recorded  as  peculiarly  honorable  to  the 
 chamcter  of  Great  Britain,  and  as  fixing  an  im- 
 portant epoch  in  the  religious  history  of  mankind. 
 
 The  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  having 
 thus  been  established,  the  author  felt  it  import- 
 ant to  make  an  early  communication  of  the  fact 
 to  the  Bishop  of  London.  On  his  return  there- 
 fore to  Fulham,  he  immediately  addressed  a 
 letter  to  the  Bishop,  at  that  time  in  residence  at 
 London-house,  St.  James's  Square ;  and  as  his 
 Lordship  was  pleased  to  honor  the  author  with 
 much  of  his  confidence,  gave  him  a  full  and  cir- 
 cumstantial account  of  the  entire  transaction. 
 
 In  this  communication  the  author  stated  to 
 his   Lordship  what  he  had  witnessed,  and  how 
 
48  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 lie  had  considered  it  his  duty  to  act.  He  men- 
 tioned the  evidence,  which  had  been  produced, 
 of  the  want  of  the  vScriptures,  both  in  Great 
 Britahi  and  in  foreign  parts ;  described  the  com- 
 prehensive principle  on  which  the  Society  was 
 constituted,  and  the  spirit  of  candor  and  hbera- 
 lity  in  which  it  had  been  formed ;  submitted  to 
 his  Lordship,  that  the  challenge  so  liberally  given, 
 on  the  part  of  our  Dissenting  Brethren,  ought, 
 on  our  part,  to  be  as  liberally  accepted;  and 
 expressed  his  conviction,  that  it  was  equally  ex- 
 pedient for  the  honor  of  the  Church,  and  for  the 
 accomplishment  of  the  Society's  object,  that  the 
 Ministers  and  Members  of  our  Ecclesiastical 
 Estabhshment  should  give  it  their  decided  coun- 
 tenance and  support. 
 
 This  representation  was  not  lost  on  the  enlight- 
 ened mind  and  candid  temper  of  Bishop  Porteus. 
 Ever  alive  to  the  concerns  of  religion  and  huma- 
 nity, and  extending  his  views  of  responsibility  and 
 usefulness  beyond  the  limits  of  a  peculiar  juris- 
 diction, this  excellent  Prelate  was  accustomed  to 
 enter  with  zeal  into  plans  of  general  benevolence; 
 and  to  take  a  real  interest  in  whatever  regarded 
 the  dissemination  of  truth,  and  virtue,  and  happi- 
 ness, in  any  part  of  the  world.  A  plan,  therefore, 
 contemplating,  as  its  object,  the  universal  circu- 
 lation of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  could  scarcely 
 fail  to  meet  with  a  favorable  reception  in  such 
 a  quarter.     After  a  reasonable  delay,  the  Bishop 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  49 
 
 replied  to  tliis  communication,  in  very  satisfactory  part  i. 
 and  encouraging  terms.  In  the  course  of  his  ^^^^- ' 
 reply,  his  Lordship  distinctly  stated,  that  "  he 
 very  much  approved  the  design  of  the  Bible 
 Society;"  that  "  he  had  mentioned  it  to  several 
 of  his  friends,  who  also  approved  of  it;"  but 
 that  he  wished,  for  their  satisfaction  and  his 
 own,  to  have  further  information;  and  added, 
 that  if  the  author  transmitted  to  him  the  desired 
 intelligence  respecting  the  actual  Subscribers  and 
 Members  of  the  Institution,  "  it  might  materially 
 promote  the  success  of  the  plan."  * 
 
 *  The  Rev.  Archdeacon  Hodgson  has  expressed  the  views 
 which  the  Bishop  had  in  attaching  himself  to  the  Society,  in 
 terms,  which,  while  they  do  justice  to  the  enlarged  liberality 
 of  his  Lordship's  mind,  reflect  no  small  credit  on  the  discern- 
 ment and  the  candor  of  his  Biographer.  The  following  are 
 the  Archdeacon's  words  : 
 
 "  The  plan  of  this  Society  embraced  a  most  extensive 
 range  of  action :  and  in  order  to  raise  an  adequate  fund,  it 
 was  thought  necessary,  not  to  confine  it  merely  to  Members  of 
 the  Established  Church,  but  to  take  in  without  exception  all 
 denominations  of  Christians,  But  then,  on  the  other  hand,  it 
 was  laid  down  as  a  primary  and  fundamental  rule,  from  which 
 there  was  in  no  instance  to  be  the  slightest  deviation,  that  its 
 isole  and  exclusive  object  should  be  the  circulation  of  ths 
 Scriptures,  and  the  Scripttircs  only,  without  note  or  comment. 
 
 "  A  limitation  thus  absolute  and  unequivocal,  removed  from 
 the  Bishop's  mind  all  doubt  and  hesitation.  He  saw  instantly 
 that  a  design  of  such  magnitude,  which  aimed  at  nothing  less 
 than  the  dispersion  of  the  Bible  over  every  accessible  part  of 
 the  world,  could  be  accomplished  only  by  the  association  of 
 men  of  all  religious  persuasions.  He  looked  forward  to  great 
 results  from  such  a  combination  of  effort.  He  entertained 
 liie  hope,  that  it  might  operate  as  a  bond  of  union  between 
 
 VOL.    I,  E 
 
60  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  While  this  negociation  was  proceeding  >vith  the 
 CHAP,  I.  JBishop  of  London,  very  active  and  unremitted 
 exertions  were  made  to  complete  the  internal 
 organization  of  the  Society,  and  adapt  it  to 
 general  acceptance  and  support.  Nothing  had 
 been  determined  on  the  7th  of  March,  beyond  the 
 simple  act  of  estabhshing  a  Society  under  the 
 designation  of  "  The  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,"  and  the  adoption  of  certain  elementary 
 propositions,  as  the  outline  of  its  future  consti- 
 tution. A  Committee  had  indeed  been  nomi- 
 nated ;  but  the  appointment  of  officers,  the 
 selection  of  patronage,  and  the  adjustment  of  all 
 the  practical  machinery,  were  measures  which 
 remained  to  be  executed;  and  the  execution  of 
 them  was  attended  with  difficulties,  which,  had 
 the  object  of  the  Society  been  less  definite,  and 
 the  attachment  to  it  less  sincere,  would,  in  all 
 human  probability,  have  proved  insuperable. 
 
 contending  parties ;  and  that  by  bringing  them  together  in 
 one  point  of  vast  moment,  about  which  there  could  Irardly  be  a 
 diversity  of  opinion,  it  might  gradually  allay  that  bitterness 
 of  dispute,  and  put  an  end  to  those  unhappy  divisions,  which 
 bad  so  long  tarnished  the  credit  of  the  Christian  world.  Whilst 
 therefore  he  remained  firmly  attached  to  the  original  Society, 
 whose  exertions,  as  far  as  its  limited  sphere  allowed,  no  one 
 ever  held  in  higher  estimation,  he  gave  at  the  same  time 
 the  sanction  of  his  name  without  scruple  to  the  new  one;  and 
 the  more  he  considered  its  object,  and  the  longer  experience 
 he  had  of  the  spirit  and  principles  on  which  it  was  conducted, 
 the  more  deeply  he  was  convinced,  that  it  merited  all  the 
 siipport  which  the  Church  of  England  could  give  it." 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 51 
 
 The  Committee  iiomiuated  at  the  formation  parti. 
 of  the  Society,  and  on  whicli  these  executive  ^^^^^^' 
 measures  had  devolved,  consisted  of  individuals, 
 highly  respectable,  and  conscientiously  devoted 
 to  the  service  of  the  Institution.  But  the  diver- 
 sity of  religious  sentiment,  connection,  and  deno- 
 mination, by  which  they  were  characterized,  may 
 naturally  be  supposed  to  have  thrown  serious 
 obstacles  in  the  way  of  that  mutual  understand^ 
 ing  which  is  the  only  sure  basis  of  a  sincere  and 
 steady  co-operation.  Never,  perhaps,  before  were 
 thirty-six  persons  brought  together  for  the  pro- 
 secution and  attainment  of  a  common  purpose, 
 whose  views,  and  habits,  and  prejudices,  exhibited 
 a  greater  and  more  unpromising  variety.  Strangers 
 in  many  instances  to  each  other's  persons,  and 
 not  a  little  disaffected  to  each  other's  religious 
 systems,  they  had  to  struggle  against  feelings  to 
 which  time  and  mutual  alienation  had  given  in  ^ 
 manner  the  authority  of  principles ;  and  to  balance 
 the  value  of  the  object  itself  against  that  of  the 
 minor  considerations  which  must  be  sacrificed 
 in  order  to  attain  it.  It  is  not  therefore  to  be 
 wondered  at,  that,  in  the  outset  of  their  pro- 
 ceedings, a  Committee  thus  composed  should 
 experience  no  ordinary  embarrassment.  A  sense 
 of  propriety  dictated,  that  parties  so  strangely 
 diversified  should  mutually  advance  towards 
 each  other  with  wariness  and  reserve;  and  it  is 
 natural  to  conclude,  that  in  the  exercise  of  this 
 E  2 
 
P; 
 
 52  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARti.     caution,   they    would   occasionally   betray   those 
 ^^vlt^'    emotions  of  jealousy,  which   served   to   demon- 
 strate,   how   much    they   were   indebted    to   the 
 influence  of  the  Bible  for  effecting;  their  approxi- 
 mation to  a  common  standard. 
 
 These  obsein^ations  must  be  considered  as 
 chiefly  applying  to  the  state  of  the  Committee, 
 antecedently  to  that  improvement  which  it  after- 
 wards received ;  and  they  are  made  in  this  place, 
 in  order  that  the  reader  may  be  the  better  quali- 
 fied to  estimate  the  difficulties  attending  the 
 accomplishment  of  those  measures  which  we 
 are  now  to  relate ;  and  which,  while  they  com- 
 pleted the  draught  of  the  Society's  constitution, 
 laid  the  foundation  of  that  mutual  confidence, 
 cordiality,  and  co-operation,  by  which  its  Com- 
 mittee have  been,  and  continue  to  be,  so  honor- 
 ably distinguished.* 
 
 The  first  of  the  measures  referred  to  was  the 
 
 **  In  proof  of  what  is  stated  above,  may  be  adduced  the 
 following  testimony  delivered  by  the  Right  Hon.  the  Chan- 
 cellor of  the  Exchequer,  at  the  Eighth  Anniversary  of  the 
 Institution. 
 
 ^'  I  have  entered  very  considerably  into  the  details  of  business 
 in  the  Committee;  I  have  attended  many  of  its  meetings; 
 and  I  wish  to  bear  this  public  testimony  to  the  harmony, 
 candor,  and  impartiality,  with  which  the  concerns  of  the 
 Society  are  conducted:  that  from  the  part  taken,  and  the 
 sentiments  uttered,  by  the  persons  who  take  the  lead  in  the 
 conduct  of  the  Society's  affairs,  I  should  not  be  able  to 
 ascertain  who  are  Churchmen  and  w  ho  are  Dissenters." 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  53 
 
 .appointment  of  a  Secretary.  On  the  12th  of  parti. 
 March,  only  five  days  subsequently  to  that  on  ^^^^^' 
 which  the  Society  was  formed,  the  subject  was 
 started  in  a  fnll  meeting  of  the  Committee ;  and  a 
 respectable  member,  after  passing  a  deserved 
 encomium  on  the  talents,  the  character,  and  the 
 services  of  that  individual  to  whom  the  Society 
 was  so  eminently  indebted  for  its  origin  and 
 formation,  concluded  by  moving,  that  the  Rev. 
 Joseph  Hughes  be  appointed  Secretary  to  the 
 Institution.  Under  a  sense  of  duty,  the  author 
 took  upon  himself  the  painful,  and  apparently 
 invidious  task  of  objecting  to  such  an  appoint- 
 ment. Without  questioning  the  purity  of  those 
 motives  by  which  the  proposer  was  actuated,  or 
 the  justice  of  that  commendation  which  he  had 
 bestowed  on  the  individual  proposed,  the  author 
 ventured  to  represent,  in  strong  terms,  both  the 
 impropriety  and  the  impolicy  of  constituting  a 
 Dissenting  Minister,  however  highly  respectable 
 and  meritorious,  the  Secretary  of  an  Institution 
 which  was  designed  to  unite  the  whole  body 
 of  Christians,  and  for  which  its  Directors  had 
 evinced  so  laudable  an  anxiety  to  obtain  the 
 patronage  and  co-operation  of  the  Established 
 Church. 
 
 Into  this  view  of  the  subject,  both  the  mover  of 
 
 the  question,  and  the  Committee  at  large,  most 
 
 readily  entered;  and  it  was  immediately  perceived 
 
 Ihat  the  objection  might  be  removed,  by  asso- 
 
 E  3 
 
54  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,     ciating  in   the   appointment,  with  the  Rev.  Mr. 
 
 ^^!J^^'  Hughes,  a  Clergyman  of  the  Estabhshed  Church. 
 An  amendment  to  this  effect  was  proposed,  and 
 unanimously  adopted ;  and  the  author  was  in- 
 vited to  accept  the  situation.  Highly  as  he 
 estimated  the  honor  which  such  an  invitation  im- 
 plied, he  respectfully,  but  peremptorily,  declined 
 it.  In  so  doing,  he  assigned,  as  the  ground  of 
 his  refusal,  his  domestic,  parochial,  and  other 
 employments;  and  directed  the  attention  of  the 
 Committee  to  the  Rev.  Josiah  Pratt,  B.D.  Secre- 
 tary to  the  Church  Missionary  Society,  at  that 
 time  present,  as  a  person  who  united  the  talents 
 and  experience  which  such  an  office  might  be 
 supposed  to  require.  To  this  recommendation 
 the  Committee  acceded ;  and  the  Rev.  Josiah 
 Pratt  and  the  Rev.  Joseph  Hughes  were  ap- 
 pointed Secretaries  accordingly. 
 
 The  Committee  now  appeared  to  think  that 
 they  had  paid  due  regard  to  every  consideration 
 which  claimed  their  attention,  and  had  rendered 
 their  Secretariat  department  complete;  when 
 an  individual*  arose,  and  observed,  that  the  work 
 was  imperfect,  and  that  a  serious  deficiency  still 
 remained  to  be  supplied.  Provision  had,  he  said, 
 been  made  for  the  Establishment  and  the  Dis- 
 
 *  This  individual  was  William  Alers,  Esq.  a  Gentleman  of 
 known  philanthropy,  and  who  took  a  prominent  and  useful 
 part  ia  the  Meeting  at  which  the  Societ)?  was  formed. 
 See  p.  43. 
 
AND   FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  55 
 
 senters,    but  none    for   the    Foreign  Churches,    part  i. 
 
 He  therefore  recommended,  that   another  office    ^^^^^' 
 
 should  be   created,   that  of  Foreign   Secretary; 
 
 and  that  it  should  be  conferred  on  a  Gentleman, 
 
 who  had  already  manifested  his  disposition  and 
 
 his  ability  to  serve  tlie   Society — the  Rev.   Mr. 
 
 SteinkopfT.     On    the   proposal,    as   it  respected 
 
 both   the   office   and   the   individual,   there   was 
 
 but  one   opinion;   and   the   result  was,  that  the 
 
 Rev.  Mr.  Steinkopff  was  unanimously  added  to 
 
 the  number  of  the  Secretaries. 
 
 Thus  suddenly,  and  as  it  were  by  casualty, 
 was  the  plan  which  regulates  the  Secretaryship 
 of  the  Society  concerted  and  matured.  The 
 progress  of  an  hour  carried  the  Committee  on, 
 from  the  hasty  suggestion  of  a  short-sighted 
 attachment  to  the  wise  determination  of  a  liberal 
 policy ;  and  (he  Meeting,  which  commenced 
 with  a  proposition  calculated  to  gratify  one  sec- 
 tion only  of  the  Clnistian  community,  terminated 
 in  a  conclusion,  which,  from  its  comprehensive 
 provisions,  was  adapted  to  satisfy,  to  conciliate, 
 and  to  unite  all  classes  of  Christians,  both  at 
 home  and  abroad. 
 
 The  principal  offices  in  the  Secretaryship 
 having  been  thus  satisfactorily  filled  up,  the 
 attention  of  the  Committee  was,  at  their  next 
 Meeting,  directed  to  the  appointment  of  an 
 Assistant  Secretary  and  Collector.  It  was  their 
 ntention  to  unite  the  two  occupations  in  one 
 e4 
 
56  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,     and   the    same   officer.      Two   iiidividiials,    Mr. 
 
 CHAP.  I.  joggph  Tarn,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Smith,  were 
 nominated  as  candidates  for  this  office,  with 
 recommendations  so  strong,  so  highly  approved, 
 and  so  equally  balanced,  as  to  make  it  difficult 
 for  the  Committee  to  determine,  which  of  the 
 two  it  would  be  their  duty  to  prefer,  or  how 
 they  could  in  fact  accept  either,  without  the  risk 
 of  wounding  some  feeling,  and  sacrificing  some 
 advantage,  by  rejecting  the  other.  With  that 
 spirit  of  w^isdom  and  accommodation  which  has 
 characterized  their  earliest  and  their  latest 
 proceedings,  they  decided  to  avail  themselves 
 of  the  services  of  both.  The  respective  depart- 
 ments of  these  two  officers  were  assigned  with 
 admirable  precision  by  a  very  intelligent  Sub- 
 Committee  ;  and  both  the  choice  of  the  indi- 
 viduals, and  the  distribution  of  their  employ- 
 ments, were  afterwards  justified  by  an  ample 
 and  beneficial  experience. 
 
 The  next  steps  which  were  taken  respected 
 a  plan  for  new  modelling  the  Committee, — a 
 revision  of  the  Laws, — and  certain  other  steps 
 of  inferior  moment,  which  had  for  their  object 
 to  regulate  the  internal  machinery  of  the  Insti- 
 tution. 
 
 The  first  of  these,  the  plan  for  new  modelling 
 the  Committee,  was  a  measure,  which  for  the 
 felicity  of  thought  with  which  it  was  conceived, 
 the  good  temper  on  all  sides  with  which  it  was 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  57 
 
 executed,  and  the  practical  advantages  >vith  parti. 
 which  it  has  been  followed,  deserves  to  be  par-  ^"ap-  i* 
 ticiilarly  related  and  explained. 
 
 By  the  eighth  resolution,  as  settled  at  tlu^  for- 
 mation of  the  Society  on  the  7th  of  March,  it 
 was  enacted,  that  the  Committee  for  conducting 
 its  business  "  should  consist  of  thirty-six  Mem- 
 bers." Nothing  was,  however,  stated  or  de- 
 fined in  that  resolution,  as  to  the  description 
 which  these  Members  should  answer,  or  the 
 religious  communion  to  which  they  should  re- 
 spectively belong.  They  were  chosen  therefore, 
 indiscriminately,  from  the  Episcopal  Clergy, 
 Dissenting  Ministers,  and  the  Laity  at  large; 
 with  little  reference  to  any  other  qualification, 
 than  that  of  known  or  reputed  attachment  to 
 religion,  and  either  ascertained  or  probable  regard 
 for  the  object  and  success  of  the  Institution. 
 
 It  appeared,  upon  reflection,  that  a  list,  which 
 should  exhibit  such  a  combination  as  would 
 naturally  arise  from  so  desultory  a  choice,  might 
 excite  a  prejudice  against  the  designs  of  the 
 Society,  and  give  it  that  aspect  in  the  eyes 
 of  the  public,  which  would  preclude  it  from 
 general  support.  It  was  further  considered, 
 that  it  would  be  highly  inexpedient  to  let  the 
 composition  of  a  body,  entrusted  with  the 
 direction  of  the  Society's  affairs,  remain  wholly 
 undefined;  and  to  leave  the  annual  election 
 of  its   Members    to   the  uncertain   operation  of 
 
58  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  casual  and  unregulated  feeling.  A  plan  was 
 CHAP.  I.  therefore  concerted  for  modelling  the  Committee 
 on  a  principle  which  should  define  the  respec- 
 tive proportions  of  Churchmen,  Dissenters,  and 
 Foreigners;  and  prescribe  such  otlier  regulations 
 as  might  obviate  prejudice,  prevent  invidious 
 competition,  and  maintain  inviolate  the  exercise 
 of  those  rights  both  of  conscience  and  judg- 
 ment, which  no  constituent  part  of  the  Committee 
 were  either  expected  or  disposed  to  surrender. 
 
 According  to  this  plan,  it  was  determined,  that 
 the  Committee  should  consist  exclusively  of  Lay- 
 men; that  of  the  thirty-six  Members,  to  which 
 number  it  was  limited,  six  should  be  Foreigners, 
 resident  in,  or  near  the  Metropohs;  and  of  the 
 remaining  thirty,  one  half  should  be  Members  of 
 the  Established  Church,  and  the  other  half  Mem- 
 bers of  other  Christian  denominations.  In  order, 
 however,  to  secure  the  services  of  the  Clergy 
 and  of  Ministers  generally,  provision  was  made 
 for  their  admission  to  a  seat  and  a  vote  in  the 
 Committee,  on  the  terms  which  made  them 
 Members  of  the  Society;  a  provision,  which, 
 while  it  concealed  their  names,  recognized  their 
 privileges,  and  retained  their  co-o;.eration.  The 
 merit  of  this  plan  belongs  wholly  to  the  Rev. 
 Josiah  Pratt:  and  when  it  is  considered  with 
 whom  the  Society  originated,  and  under  what 
 sort  of  influence  its  first  Committee  had  been 
 formed,  it  will  appear^  that  it  must  have  required 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  59 
 
 much  energy  on  the  one  part,  and  no  less  mode-  part  i. 
 ration  on  the  other,  to  accomplish  a  measm-e  c"ap^i. 
 which  involved  so  many  and  such  material 
 changes.  The  subject  Avas  indeed  very  freely 
 discussed;  and  objections  were  urged  against 
 parceUing  out  the  Committee  by  lines  of  re- 
 ligious distinction:  but  the  discussion  was  con- 
 ducted throughout  in  a  Christian  spirit;  and 
 ended  in  a  unanimous  determination,  to  adopt 
 the  proposed  improvements  in  all  their  extent. 
 
 So  considerable  an  alteration,  or  rather  enlarge- 
 ment, of  the  law  which  directed  the  appoint- 
 ment of  the  Committee,  demanded,  to  render 
 it  valid  and  give  it  operation,  the  sanction  of  a 
 General  Meeting;  and  it  appearing  desirable 
 to  take  advantage  of  such  an  occasion  to  con- 
 solidate the  establishment  and  extend  the  repu- 
 tation of  the  Society,  a  resolution  was  formed, 
 that  the  whole  of  its  regulations  should  be  care- 
 fully revised,  and  a  finished  drausjht  of  the  con- 
 stitution be  prepared  for  the  approbation  of  the 
 general  body. 
 
 While  the  business  created  by  this  resolution 
 was  proceeding,  a  change  was  projected  and 
 accompHshed  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  for 
 the  Established  Church.  The  proposition  which 
 led  to  it  originated  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Pratt, 
 who  made  such  a  representation  to  the  Com- 
 mittee, as  disposed  them  to  concur  with  him 
 in  believing,  that  it  would  be  for  the  advantage 
 
60  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 of  the  Institution,  if  the  author  could  be  induced 
 to  occupy  the  station  ^vhich  had  been  so  ably 
 and  beneficially  filled  by  himself.  The  grounds 
 Upon  which  the  authors  consent  was  solicited, 
 were  such  as  seemed  scarcely  to  leave  him 
 an  option.  He  therefore  acquiesced  in  the  pro- 
 posed arrangement,  and  the  change  took  place 
 accordingly.  Mr.  Pratt  had  been  appointed 
 Secretary  on  the  12th  of  March;  on  the  23d  of 
 April  his  voluntary  resignation  was  accepted,  and 
 the  author  was  appointed  to  succeed  him.  The 
 conduct  of  Mr.  Pratt  in  this  transaction  was  too 
 creditable  to  the  integrity  of  his  mind,  and  his 
 superiority  to  tlie  desire  of  personal  distinction, 
 not  to  attract  the  notice  and  excite  the  gratitude 
 of  the  Committee.  They  marked  their  sense  of 
 his  generosity  by  a  testimony  of  their  warmest 
 approbation ;  and  voted  him  their  unanimous 
 thanks  "  for  his  very  disinterested  attention  to 
 the  welfare  of  the  Institution." 
 
 In  the  same  interval  too,  within  which  the 
 circumstance  just  mentioned  occurred,  and  while 
 the  business  of  internal  organization  was  in  pro- 
 gress, attention  was  directed  to  such  measures  of 
 external  arrangement  as  might  hereafter  conduce 
 to  the  Society's  domestic  and  foreign  operations. 
 A  train  was  laid  for  ascertaining,  as  widely  as 
 possible,  the  want  of  the  Scriptures;  and  every 
 thing  was  done,  which  zeal  could  prompt,  and  an 
 Institution  but  partially  formed  could  be  expected 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  (SI 
 
 to  achieve,  in  order  to  promote  inquiry,  and  to 
 engage  a  friendly  and  active  co-operation  both  at 
 home  and  abroad. 
 
 Tlie  revised  plan  of  the  Society  being  now  pre- 
 pared, and  having  received  the  approbation  of 
 the  Committee,  a  General  Meeting  of  the  sub- 
 scribers and  friends  of  the  Institution  was  pub- 
 licly advertised  for  Wednesday  the  2d  of  May ; 
 and  the  Right  Hon.  Lord  Teignmouth,  whose 
 name  had  appeared  among  the  earhest  in  tlie  list 
 of  contributors,  was  respectfully  solicited,  through 
 his  personal  friend  Zachary  Macaulay,  Esq.,  an 
 active,  judicious,  and  most  useful  Member  of  the 
 Committee,  to  take  the  chair  on  that  occasion. 
 To  this  application  his  Lordship  very  promptly 
 acceded  :  but  ill-health  compelling  him  to  retract 
 his  engagement,  Granville  Sharp,  Esq.,  the  former 
 chairman,  was  requested  to  repeat  his  services, 
 in  the  same  capacity;  and  with  this  request, 
 however  little  congenial  with  his  personal  feelings, 
 he  kindly  complied. 
 
 On  the  day  appointed,  the  meeting  was  held,  in 
 the  same  room  at  the  London  Tavern  in  which 
 the  Society  had  been  formed.  Granville  Sharp, 
 Esq.  presided,  with  his  characteristic  urbanity 
 and  attention.  A  Report  was  read,  purporting 
 that  the  Committee  had  been  occupied  in  opening 
 communications  with  various  persons  of  influence 
 in  different  parts  of  the  United  Kingdom,  and  of 
 the    Continent,    for    the    purpose    of    obtaining 
 
C2  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  intelligence,  augmenting  the  funds  of  the  Society, 
 CHAP.  I.  ^^^^  otherwise  promoting  its  interests.  The 
 amended  plan  of  the  Society's  regulations  was 
 then  presented,  and  unanimously  approved  and 
 adopted.  The  attendance  and  exertions  of 
 William  Wilberforce,  Esq.  added  much  to  the 
 interest  of  the  day.  He  addressed  the  meeting 
 in  a  speech  of  equal  animation  and  judgment 
 While  he  encouraged  the  Members  of  the  So- 
 ciety to  proceed  in  their  undertaking  with  an 
 ardor  becoming  the  object  and  the  end,  he 
 cautioned  them  against  precipitating  their  mea- 
 sures, and  urged  upon  them  the  extreme  im- 
 portance of  guarding  against  premature  and 
 ostentatious  publicity.  The  observations  of  Mr. 
 Wilberforce  produced,  as  they  are  accustomed 
 to  do,  a  very  sensible  effect;  and  the  meeting 
 separated,  with  an  increased  conviction  of  the 
 excellence  of  their  cause,  and  a  confirmed  reso- 
 lution to  unite  with  their  zeal  in  the  prosecution 
 of  its  interests  that  discretion  which  had  been  so 
 opportunely  and  impressively  recommended. 
 
 The  constitution  of  the  Society,  as  revised  and 
 amended,  having  thus  received  the  sanction  of 
 the  general  body,  preparation  was  now  made  for 
 setting  its  powers  in  motion,  and  directing  the 
 machinery  of  which  it  consisted,  to  the  objects 
 upon  which  it  was  hereafter  to  be  so  actively 
 employed.  With  this  view,  an  early  day  Avas 
 fixed  upon  for  the  first  meeting;  of  the  Lay  Com- 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 (33 
 
 mittee,  in  order  that  it  might  be  ascertained,  with 
 the  least  possible  loss  of  time,  on  whom  the 
 Society  might  depend  for  engaging  to  conduct 
 the  practical  business  of  the  Institution.  The 
 result  of  this  meeting  was  the  definitive  appoint- 
 ment of  that  Committee,  from  the  individuals  who 
 had  signified  their  acceptance  of  the  nomination, 
 and  from  such  others  as  were  proposed  and  ap- 
 proved, in  the  place  of  those  who  had  declined. 
 The  following  list  w  ill  show  who  the  parties  were 
 to  whom  the  honor  belongs  of  having  served  in 
 the  first  Committee  of  the  British  and  Foreisrn 
 Bible  Society,  after  it  had  acquired  a  regular 
 and  permanent  constitution. 
 
 PART  I. 
 CHAP.    I. 
 
 William  Alers,  Esq. 
 T.  Babington,  Esq. 
 Thomas  Bernard,  Esq. 
 Joseph  Benwell,  Esq. 
 Wilson  Birkbeck,  Esq. 
 Henry  Boase,  Esq. 
 Joseph  Bunnell,  Esq. 
 J.  Butterworth,  Esq. 
 Robert  Cowie,  Esq. 
 Charles  Crawford,  Esq. 
 John  Fenn,  Esq. 
 Sebastian  Fridag,   Esq. 
 Charles  Grant,  Esq. 
 Claes  Grill,  Esq. 
 Joseph  HARDCASTLE,Esq. 
 W.  Henry  Hoare,  Esq. 
 Thomas  Hodson,  Esq. 
 John  Daniel  Hose,  Esq. 
 
 Robert  Howard,  Esq. 
 R.  Lea,  Esq.  Alderman. 
 ZacharyMacaulay,  Esq. 
 A.  Maitland,  Esq. 
 Ambrose  Martin,  Esq. 
 Samuel  Mills,  Esq. 
 Joseph  Reyner,  Esq. 
 H.  Schroeder,  Esq. 
 Granville  Sharp,  Esq. 
 R.  Stain  forth,  Esq. 
 Joseph  Smith,  Esq. 
 James  Stephen,  Esq. 
 Robert  Steven,  Esq. 
 C.  Sundius,  Esq. 
 Anthony  Wagner,  Esq. 
 W^.  Wilberforce,  Esq. 
 Joseph  Wilson,  Esq. 
 Georgb  WolfF;  Esq. 
 
164  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 The  practical  machinery  of  the  Society  having 
 been  so  far  adjusted,  its  principles  defined,  its 
 officers  appointed,  and  its  Committee  deter- 
 mined, it  now  became  necessary  to  devise  means 
 for  rendering  the  Institution  properly  known;  and 
 by  a  fair  exposition  of  its  nature,  its  views,  and 
 its  actual  qualifications,  to  make  way  for  its 
 obtaining  respectable  patronage  and  competent 
 support.  With  this  view,  a  Prospectus  was 
 prepared;  and  directions  were  given,  that  it 
 should  be  printed,  and  widely  distributed.  The 
 Prospectus  was  as  follows : 
 
 "    BRITISH   AND   FOREIGN    BIBLE 
 SOCIETY. 
 
 "  A  Society  having  been  formed  with  the  above 
 designation,  it  has  been  judged  expedient  to 
 submit  to  the  public  a  brief  statement  of  the 
 reasons  which  exist  for  such  a  Society,  of  the. 
 specific  object  which  it  embraces,  and  of  the 
 prmciples  by  which  its  operations  will  be  directed. 
 
 *'  The  reasons  which  call  for  such  an  Institu- 
 tion, chiefly  refer  to  the  prevalence  of  ignorance, 
 superstition,  and  idolatry,  over  so  large  a  portion 
 of  the  world ;  the  limited  nature  of  the  respectable 
 Societies  now  in  existence,  and  their  acknow- 
 ledged insufficiency  to  supply  the  demand  for 
 Bibles  in  the  United  Kingdom  and  Foreign  Coun- 
 tries ;  and  the  recent  attempts  which  have  been 
 made  on  the  part  of  infidelity  to   discredit  the 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  65 
 
 evidence,  vilify  the   character,    and   destroy  the     parti. 
 influence  of  Christianity.  ^Zt^' 
 
 "  The  exckisive  object  of  this  Society  is,  to 
 diffuse  the  knowledge  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  by 
 circulating  them  in  the  different  languages  spoken 
 throughout  Great  Britain  and  Ireland  ;  and  also, 
 according  to  the  extent  of  its  funds,  by  promoting 
 the  printing  of  them  in  foreign  languages,  and  the 
 distribution  of  them  in  foreign  countries. 
 
 "  The  principles  upon  which  this  undertaking 
 will  be  conducted,  are  as  comprehensive  as  the 
 nature  of  the  object  suggests  that  they  should  be. 
 In  the  execution  of  the  plan,  it  is  proposed  to 
 embrace  the  common  support  of  Christians  at 
 large;  and  to  invite  the  concurrence  of  persons 
 of  every  description,  who  profess  to  regard  the 
 Scriptures  as  the  proper  Standard  of  Faith. 
 
 "  It  may  be  necessary  to  add,  in  soliciting  the 
 countenance  of  the  pubhc,  that,  in  consequence 
 of  the  enlarged  means  of  instruction  which  the 
 lower  classes  of  this  country  have  enjoyed  of 
 late  years,  a  desire  of  perusing  the  Scriptures 
 has  consideiably  increased  among  them :  and 
 also  that  in  Wales,  Ireland,  Switzerland,  Ger- 
 many, Denmark,  and  other  parts  of  the  world, 
 Bibles  are  greatly  wanted,  and  in  some  are 
 sought  with  an  eagerness,  which,  but  for  au- 
 thentic assurances  to  that  effect,  would  scarcely 
 be  credited." 
 
 Before,    however,  this  Prospectus    had    been 
 
 VOL.  I.  F 
 
66  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 earned  through  the  press,  an  event  occurred,, 
 which,  by  giving  to  the  Society  a  President,  in 
 the  person  of  Lord  Teignmouth,  with  whose 
 name  the  reader  is  already  acquainted,  fitted  it 
 for  appearing  before  the  public  with  more  pro- 
 priety of  character,  and  with  a  surer  prospect  of 
 acceptance  and  effect. 
 
 An  event  of  so  great  importance  to  the  future 
 interests  of  the  Society  requires  to  be  distinctly 
 accounted  for  and  unfolded.  The  train  of  circum- 
 stances shall  therefore  be  described,  which  led  to 
 the  happy  determination,  by  which  the  affairs  of 
 the  Institution  were  placed  under  the  supreme 
 direction  of  a  nobleman  so  peculiarly  qualified 
 in  all  respects  to  preside  in  its  councils,  guide 
 its  operations,  and  promote  its  success. 
 
 From  the  time  when  it  was  resolved  to  model 
 the  Society  on  a  principle  which  might  recom- 
 mend it  to  general  approbation,  it  became  an 
 object  of  serious  attention  with  the  Committee,  to 
 look  out  for  such  patronage  as  might  shield  their 
 undertaking  from  the  charge  of  insignificance,  and 
 stamp  it  with  the  recommendatory  sanction  of 
 some  high  and  honorable  name.  Various  meet- 
 ings were  held  in  reference  to  this  object,  ante- 
 cedently to  the  beginning  of  May;  but  from  the 
 unfinished  state  of  die  Society's  plan,  and  the 
 urgency  of  those  measures  which  related  to  its 
 completion,  nothing  decisive  on  the  subject  of 
 patronage  was,  or  indeed  could  be,  concluded. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  67 
 
 When,  however,  by  the  determination  of  the  2d  of  part  i. 
 May,  those  difficulties  were  removed,  and  the  chap.  r. 
 Institution  was  considered  as  definitively  con- 
 stituted and  accepted,  a  patron  was  felt  to  be 
 the  next  desideratum  in  the  order  of  its  attain- 
 ments; and  that  desideratum  was,  as  we  shall 
 presently  see,  most  seasonably  and  providentially 
 supplied. 
 
 The  Bishop  of  London  having-,  agreeably  to 
 his  custom,  resumed  about  this  time  his  residence 
 at  Fulham,  the  author  had  more  frequent  and 
 easy  opportunities  of  communicating  with  his 
 Lordship  on  the  Society's  affairs,  with  the  pro- 
 gress of  which  he  had  taken  care  to  make  his 
 Lordship  regularly  acquainted,  and  in  which  the 
 Bishop  took  a  lively  and  increasing  interest.  On 
 the  morning  of  May  the  14th,  the  author  had 
 an  interview  with  his  Lordship  at  the  palace, 
 previously  to  setting  out  in  order  to  attend  a 
 meeting  of  the  Committee,  which  had  been  sum- 
 moned for  that  day.  In  the  course  of  a  long 
 conversation  relative  to  the  state  and  the  pros- 
 pects of  the  Society,  the  author  took  occasion  to 
 express  to  his  Lordship  the  anxiety  which  the 
 Committee  now  felt  to  procure  for  the  Institution 
 n  suitable  patron.  "  Lord  Teignmouth"  (said  the 
 Bishop,  with  his  characteristic  quickness  of  man- 
 ner) "  is  one  of  your  Subscribers,  and  he  would 
 make  you  an  excellent  President."  Availing  him- 
 self of  this  happy  suggestion  from  such  a  quarter, 
 F  2 
 
6s 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 CHAP.   I. 
 
 PARTI,  the  author  proceeded  to  the  Committee,  which 
 he  fomid  very  nmnerously  attended;  and  seized 
 the  earhest  opportunity  to  propose,*  that  the  Right 
 Hon.  Lord  Teignmouth  should  be  respectfully 
 solicited  to  become  the  President  of  the  Society. 
 The  individual  on  whom,  by  a  happy  contingency, 
 the  honor  of  making  this  proposition  had  devolved, 
 possessed  no  other  knowledge  of  this  illustrious 
 nobleman,  than  what  he  had  derived  from  his 
 Lordship's  literary  performance,  as  the  Biographer 
 of  Sir  William  Jones,  and  his  reputation  as  the 
 patron  of  religion  and  an  example  of  its  influence 
 while  discharging  the  functions  of  Governor- 
 General  of  Bengal.  To  few  of  the  parties  who 
 composed  that  assembly,  was  his  Lordship's 
 character  altogether  unknown,  and  to  some  it 
 was  known  in  a  degree  which  enabled  them  to 
 bear  testimony  to  its  excellence,  from  intimacy 
 and  personal  observation.  Thus  qualified  in  him- 
 self, and  recommended  by  a  Prelate  whom  good 
 men  of  every  persuasion  agreed  to  love  and 
 revere,  Lord  Teignmouth  was  pronounced,  by  the 
 unanimous  judgment  of  the  fullest  Committee 
 which  had  yet  met  together,  worthy  to  preside 
 
 *  The  proposition  was  seconded  by  the  Rev.  Rowland  Hill, 
 A,  M.  who,  after  observing,  that,  in  his  opinion,  Lord  Teign- 
 mouth was  in  all  respects  a  fit  person  to  become  the  President 
 of  the  Society,  added,  that  as  it  was  understood  that  the 
 appointment  was  recommended  by  their  excellent  Diocesan,  the 
 Committee,  he  was  sure,  would  agree  with  him,  that  it  would 
 be  their  duty  to  comply  with  his  Lordship's  recommendation. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  D^ 
 
 over  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society ;  and  part  i. 
 the  author  was  instructed  officially  to  request,  in  ^^^^' 
 the  name  of  the  Committee,  that  his  Lordship 
 would  be  pleased  to  accept  of  tli^e  station.  With 
 this  request  his  Lordship  signified  his  ready  com- 
 pliance ;  and  as  his  conduct  in  the  Society  has  so 
 fully  redeemed  the  pledge  which  he  gave,  when 
 he  accepted  the  office  assigned  him,  it  may  gratify 
 the  reader  to  see  in  what  terms  that  acceptance 
 was  expressed. 
 
 "  Sir,  Clapham,  May  16,  1804. 
 
 "  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt 
 of  your  letter  of  yesterday,  informing  me  that 
 the  Committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society  had  done  me  the  honor  to  nominate  me 
 the  President  of  their  Society. 
 
 "  Concurring  as  I  do  most  heartily  in  the  views 
 of  the  Society,  I  cannot  hesitate  a  moment  to  ac- 
 cept the  honor  which  the  Committee  have  thouglit 
 u'oper  to  confer  upon  me;  in  the  determination 
 vo  afford  all  the  assistance  in  my  power  in  pro- 
 1  noting  the  important  olyect  of  the  Association. 
 
 "  I  beg  leave  to  add  my  regret  at  being  pre- 
 t  ented  by  ill  health  from  attending  the  meetings 
 if  the  Committee. 
 
 ^'  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir, 
 Your  most  Obedient, 
 4  he  Rev.  J.  Owen,  Humble  Servant, 
 
 Secretary,  Sfc.  TEIGNMOUTH," 
 
 F  3 
 
70  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI.  On  the  11th  of  June,  Lord  Teignmouth  made 
 ^\^^^L^'  ^^^®  appearance  in  the  Committee,  and  took 
 his  place  for  the  first  time  in  that  chair  which 
 he  regularly  afterwards  occupied,  whenever  in- 
 disposition or  other  unavoidable  avocations  did 
 not  prevent  him,  with  equal  advantage  to  the 
 business  of  the  Society,  and  satisfaction  to  all  its 
 conductors. 
 
 The  crisis  at  which  this  appointment  took 
 place,  rendered  it  particularly  favorable  to  the 
 interests  of  the  infant  Institution.  As  the  Pro- 
 spectus had  not  yet  passed  through  the  press, 
 an  opportunity  was  thereby  afforded  of  sending 
 it  forth  into  the  world  under  the  auspices  of 
 a  name  which  could  not  fail  at  once  to  accredit 
 and  to  recommend  it. 
 
 The  organization  of  the  Society  was  now 
 advanced  to  a  state  of  proficiency,  which  placed 
 it  within  one  degree  only  of  systematic  perfection. 
 Nothing  was  wanted  to  meet  the  views  and 
 satisfy  the  wishes  of  its  liberal  conductors,  but 
 a  decided  recognition  of  it  on  the  part  of  the 
 Established  Church,  through  the  patronage  of 
 some  of  its  Prelates.  Nor  was  a  consumma- 
 tion, so  greatly  desired  by  all  parties  in  the  Com- 
 mittee, much  longer  delayed.  On  the  15th  o£ 
 May,  the  day  after  Lord  Teignmouth's  nomi- 
 nation to  the  Presidency,  the  Bishops  of  London 
 and  Durham  sent  in  their  names  as  Subscribers 
 of  five  guineas    annually  to    the    funds  of  the 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  7X 
 
 Society;  and  before  the  close  of  the  ensuing  parti. 
 June,  both  these  Prelates,  together  with  the  ^^^^' 
 Bishops  of  Exeter  (now  Salisbuiy)  and  St. 
 David's,  accepted  respectively  the  office  of 
 Vice-President.  By  the  27th  of  July  this  list 
 was  augmented  with  the  names  of  Sir  William 
 Pepperell,  Bart.,  Vice-Admiral  (now  Lord) 
 Gambler,  Charles  Grant,  Esq.,  and  WiUiain 
 Wilberforce,  Esq.;  and  these,  together  with  the 
 late  Henry  Thornton,  Esq.,  who  had  allowed  his 
 name  to  stand  as  Treasurer  from  the  commence- 
 ment of  the  Society,  filled  up  those  stations, 
 which,  next  to  that  of  the  President,  determined 
 the  character  and  fixed  the  respectability  of  the 
 Institution. 
 
 It  only  remains  to  add  a  brief  statement  of 
 what  was  done,  in  order  to  bring  the  laws  and 
 regulations  to  that  form  which  they  ultimately 
 assumed,  and  in  which  they  may  be  considered 
 as  exhibiting  the  perfection  of  the  system.*  It 
 appears  from  the  Minutes  of  the  Society,  that 
 on  the  11th  of  June  a  letter  was  read  from  the 
 author  of  this  History,  prevented  by  indisposition 
 from  attendance,  recommendmg  a  further  re- 
 vision of  the  laws.  The  matter  being  referred  to 
 a  Sub-Committee,  various   alterations,  retrench- 
 
 *  This  is  to  be  understood  as  applying  to  the  Parent 
 Institution  only,  Auxiliary  Societies,  &c.  not  being  a  part  of 
 the  original  system,  but  having  grown  accidentally  out  of  its 
 operation. 
 
 F    4 
 
72 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  ments,  and  additions,  were  suggested,  which,  after 
 II!^^'*  suitable  discussion  and  amendment,  were  adopted. 
 A  little  before  the  first  Anniversary,  an  addition 
 of  the  following  clause,  viz.  "  The  only  copies  in 
 the  language  of  the  United  Kingdom  to  be  cir- 
 culated by  the  Society  shall  be  the  authorized 
 version,  without  note  or  comment;"  was  made 
 to  the  first  regulation.  This  article,  which  only 
 expressed  what  the  framers  of  the  Society  had 
 always  intended,  was  adopted  on  the  recom- 
 mendation of  the  author,  in  consequence  of  a 
 seasonable  and  judicious  suggestion  from  the 
 Bishop  of  London;*  and  it  was  rendered  still 
 more  perspicuous  and  definite   in  1811  f  by   an 
 
 *  In  the  Minutes  of  a  Meeting  held  by  the  framers  of 
 the  Society  on  the  8th  of  February,  1803,  the  following  memo- 
 randum appears: 
 
 "  That  the  translation  of  the  Scriptures  established  by 
 public  authority  be  the  only  one  in  the  English  language  to  be 
 adopted  by  the  Society." 
 
 The  omission  of  this  article  in  the  draught  of  the  Society's 
 rules  must  have  been  altogether  an  oversight;  and  the  man- 
 ner in  which  it  was  supplied,  shows  the  advantage  of  that 
 superintendence  which  the  rulers  of  the  Established  Church 
 have  it  in  their  power  to  exercise  as  patrons  of  the  Institution. 
 
 t  The  amended  rules  are  thus  introduced  in  the  Reports 
 as  respectively  specified : 
 
 Extract  from  the  First  Report,  (1805.) 
 "  Your  Committee,  before  they  conclude  their  Report, 
 recommend  to  the  Society  the  revision  of  its  regulations; 
 suggesting  some  proposed  additions  and  alterations,  which 
 appeared  to  them  necessary.  These  will  be  duly  noticed, 
 when  the    regulations,  in  the  form  proposed,  are  submitted 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  73 
 
 alteration  in  the  arrangement  of  the  words.  An 
 article  was  added  in  1807,  authorizing  the  Com- 
 mittee to  nominate  such  j^ersons  as  had  rendered 
 essential  services  to  the'  Society  "  Honorary 
 Life  Members;"  and  this  power  was,  in  1808, 
 enlarged  to  the  nomination  of  "  Honorary  Life 
 Governors."     These   changes,    and   the   periods 
 
 to  the  consideration  of  the  Society,  And  your  Committee 
 will  only  now  point  out  an  addition  to  the  first  article,  in 
 perfect  conformity  to  the  principle  of  the  Society,  and  merely 
 explanatory  of  its  object.  With  the  proposed  addition,  and 
 a  slight  verbal  alteration,  the  article  stands  thus  : 
 
 •  The  designation  of  this  Society  shall  be,  "  The  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society ;"  the  sole  object  of  which  shall  be, 
 to  encourage  a  wider  circulation  of  the  Holy  Scriptures : 
 the  only  copies  in  the  languages  of  the  United  Kingdom  to 
 be  circulated  by  the  Society,  shall  be  tlie  authorized  version, 
 without  note  or  comment.'  " 
 
 Extract  from  the  Seventh  Report,  (1811.) 
 "  On  a  general  view  of  the  Society's  transactions  during 
 the  last  year,  your  Committee  are  fully  authorized  to  con- 
 gratulate its  Members  on  the  increase  of  its  influence  and 
 eificiency.  The  prosperity  is,  under  God,  to  be  attributed 
 to  the  simplicity  of  its  object,  and  the  fidelity  with  which  that 
 object  has  been  pursued,  both  at  home  and  abroad.  Anxious 
 to  secure  the  continuance  of  this  conduct  by  every  possible 
 precaution,  your  Committee  suggest  the  expediency  of  altering 
 the  arrangement  of  the  words,  '  without  note  or  comment," 
 in  the  first  article  of  the  constitution,  with  a  view  to  render 
 it  more  perspicuous  and  explicit.  The  rule  will  then  stand 
 as  follows: 
 
 '  The  designation  of  this  Society  to  be  "  The  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,"  of  which  the  sole  object  shall  be, 
 to  encourage  a  wider  circulation  of  the  Holy  Scriptures 
 without  note  or  comment:  the  only  copies  in  the  languages  of 
 the  United  Kingdom  to  be  circulated  by  the  Society,  shall  be 
 the  authorized  version.'" 
 
74  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 at  which  they  were  respectively  made,  are  thus 
 minutely  recorded,  in  order  that  the  reader  may 
 see  the  improvements  progressively  introduced 
 by  experience  and  observation:  and  the  subject 
 shall  be  closed  by  a  view  of  the  laws  and  regu- 
 lations as  finally  determined  in  1811;  that  being 
 the  state  in  which  they  may  be  considered  (in 
 the  language  before  employed)  as  exhibiting  the 
 perfection  of  the  system. 
 
 LAWS  AND  REGULATIONS 
 
 BRITISH  AND  FOREIGN  BIBLE  SOCIETY. 
 
 1.  The   Designation   of  this   Society  shall   be 
 
 The  British  and  Foreign  Bible  So- 
 ciety, of  which  the  sole  object  shall  be, 
 to  encourage  a  wider  circulation  of  the 
 Holy  Scriptures,  without  note  or  comment. 
 The  only  Copies  in  the  Languages  of  the 
 United  Kingdom  to  be  circulated  by  the 
 Society,  shall  be  the  authorized  version. 
 
 2.  This   Society    shall    add   its   endeavours   ta 
 
 those  employed  by  other  Societies,  for  cir- 
 culating the  Scriptures  through  the  British 
 Dominions;  and  shall  also,  according  to 
 its  ability,  extend  its  influence  to  other 
 countries,  whether  Christian,  Mahometan, 
 or  Pagan. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  75 
 
 3.  Each   Subscriber    of  One   Guinea  annually,     parti. 
 
 shall  be  a  Member.  ^i^^' 
 
 4.  Each  Subscriber  of  Ten  Guineas  at  one  time, 
 
 shall  be  a  Member  for  Life. 
 
 5.  Each   Subscriber  of  Five  Guineas  annually, 
 
 shall  be  a  Governor. 
 
 6.  Each    Subscriber  of    Fifty   Pounds    at  one 
 
 time,  or  who  shall,  by  one  additional  pay- 
 ment, increase  his  original  Subscription  to 
 Fifty  Pounds,  shall  be  a  Governor  for  Life. 
 
 7.  Governors  shall  be   entitled    to    attend   and 
 
 vote  at  all  Meetings  of  the  Committee. 
 
 8.  An    Executor,    paying   a    bequest    of  Fifty 
 
 Pounds,  shall  be  a  Member  for  Life ;  or  of 
 One  Hundred  Pounds,  a  Governor  for 
 Life. 
 
 9.  A  Committee  shall  be  appointed  to  conduct 
 
 the  business  of  the  Society,  consisting  of 
 Thirty-six  Laymen,  Six  of  whom  shall  be 
 Foreigners,  resident  in  London  or  its 
 vicinity,  half  the  remainder  shall  be  Mem- 
 bers of  the  Church  of  England,  and  the 
 other  half  Members  of  other  denominations 
 of  Christians.     Twenty-seven  of  the  above 
 
76  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 number,  who  shall  have  most  frequently 
 attended,  shall  be  eligible  for  re-election 
 for  the  ensuing  year. 
 
 The  Committee  shall  appoint  all  Officers, 
 except  the  Treasurer,  and  call  special 
 General  Meetings,  and  shall  be  charged 
 with  procuring  for  the  Society  suitable 
 patronage,  both  British  and  Foreign. 
 
 10.  Each  Member  of  the  Society  shall  be  en- 
 titled, under  the  du-ection  of  the  Com- 
 mittee, to  purchase  Bibles  and  Testaments 
 at  the  Society's  prices,  which  shall  be  as 
 low  as  possible. 
 
 11.  The  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Society  shall  be 
 held  on  the  First  Wednesday  in  May, 
 when  the  Treasurer  and  Committee  shall 
 be  chosen,  the  Accounts  presented,  and 
 the  Proceedings  of  the  foregoing  year 
 reported. 
 
 12.  The  President,  Vice-Presidents,  and  Trea- 
 surer, shall  be  considered,  ex  officio,  Mem- 
 bers of  the  Committee. 
 
 13.  Every  Clergyman  or  Dissenting  Minister 
 who  is  a  Member  of  the  Society,  shall  be 
 entitled  to  attend  and  vote  at  all  Meetings 
 oi  the  Committee. 
 
CHAP. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  77 
 
 14.  The    Secretaries,   for    the  time   being,   shall     parti. 
 
 be  considered  as  Memliers  of  the  Com- 
 mittee ;  but  no  person  deriving  any  emolu- 
 ment from  the  Society  shall  have  that 
 privilege. 
 
 15.  At  the  General  Meetings,   and   Meetings  of 
 
 the  Committee,  the  President,  or  in  his 
 absence  the  Vice-President  first  upon  the 
 list,  then  present;  and  in  the  absence  of 
 all  the  Vice-Presidents,  the  Treasurer,  and 
 in  his  absence,  such  Member  as  shall  be 
 voted  for  that  purpose,  shall  preside  at  the 
 Meeting. 
 
 16.  The    Committee    shall    meet    on    the    First 
 
 Monday  in  every  Month,  or  oftener  if 
 necessary. 
 
 17.  The    Committee    shall    have    the    power   of 
 
 nominating  such  persons  as  have  rendered 
 essential  services  to  this  Institution,  either 
 Members  for  Life,  or  Governors  for  Life. 
 
 18.  The  Committee  shall  also  have  the  power  of 
 
 nominating  Honorary  Members  from  among 
 Foreigners  who  have  promoted  the  objects 
 of  this  Society. 
 
 1 9.  The  whole  of  the  Minutes  of  every  General 
 
 Meeting  shall  be  signed  by  the  Chairman. 
 
78  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  Such  was  the  origin  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 ^w^^  Bible  Society;  and  such  were  the  principal  steps 
 by  which  it  was  trained,  from  its  elementary 
 existence  in  a  crude  suggestion  and  in  unpromis- 
 ing obscurity,  to  the  ripeness  of  its  plan  in  a 
 well-digested  system,  an  organized  establishment, 
 and  a  regular  and  dignified  patronage. 
 
 In  carrying  the  mind  back  through  the  several 
 transactions  and  occurrences  which  have  been 
 described,  and  surveying  them  attentively,  both 
 in  their  details  and  their  combination,  we  cannot 
 overlook  the  extraordinary,  and,  (may  we  not 
 add?)  providential  train  of  circumstances,  which 
 gave  birth  to  the  original  design  of  the  Institu- 
 tion;— nurtured  it  in  secret,  till  it  was  ripe  for 
 publicity  ; — and  finally  brought  together,  by  seem- 
 ing casualty,  and  against  many  improbabihties, 
 those  whose  joint  agency  was  required  to  adjust 
 the  balance  of  its  constitution,  and  to  connect  it 
 with  such  personages  of  distinction,  both  Lay 
 and  Ecclesiastical,  as  were  competent  to  give  it 
 character  and  consequence  in  the  world. 
 
 But  while  we  refer,  as  becomes  us,  the  first 
 tribute  of  our  praise  to  Him,  "  from  whom  all 
 holy  desires,  all  good  counsels,  and  all  just  works 
 do  proceed,"  we  cannot  overlook  what  is  due  to 
 the  excellent  and  truly-disinterested  individuals 
 with  M'hom  the  Society  originated,  and  to  whose 
 fostering  care  and  catholic  spirit  it  owes  so  great 
 obligations. 
 
 It  will  scarcely  have  escaped  the  observation 
 
AND   FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  79 
 
 of  the  reader,  how  studiously  the  modest  author 
 of  the  first  suggestion,  and  those  who  shared 
 with  him  in  preparing  the  original  draught  of  the 
 Institution,  avoided  every  thing  which  could  be 
 construed  into  an  exhibition  of  themselves,  and 
 an  assertion  of  that  influence  to  which  they  might 
 have  advanced  unquestionable  pretensions.  Re- 
 signing the  foreground  of  the  Society  to  those, 
 whom  they  thought  most  likely  to  advance  its 
 general  interests,  they  contentedly  occupied  less 
 conspicuous  stations ;  and  seemed  to  think  them- 
 selves sufficiently  honored  by  the  privilege  of 
 laboring  in  its  service,  and  recompensed  by  the 
 satisfaction  of  witnessing  its  success. 
 
 That  the  conduct  of  those  in  whose  hands 
 the  Society  was  originally  found,  deserved  this 
 commendation,  must  have  appeared  in  a  great 
 measure  from  the  facts  recorded  in  the  preceding 
 naiTative.  To  their  generous  forbearance  and 
 liberal  policy  it  is  to  be  ascribed,  that  the  Insti- 
 tution put  on,  from  its  earliest  appearance  before 
 the  public,  an  aspect  which  favored  the  pre- 
 eminence of  the  Established  Church :  and  they 
 who  think  to  discredit  the  Institution  by  charging 
 it  with  a  Dissenting  origin,  may  be  reminded,  that, 
 whatever  may  have  been  the  case  with  respect 
 to  its  rudiments,  a  Member  of  the  Established 
 Church  presided  at  the  formation  of  the  Society, 
 and  a  Minister  of  that  Church  moved  the  Reso- 
 lutions by  which  it  ivas  formed.     Seven  twelfths 
 
80  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,     of  the  Committee  were   800n   after   assigned  to 
 *^w^'*    the  Church   of  England  and  Foreign  Churches; 
 five  only  being  left  for  the  Members  of  the  Church 
 of  Scotland,  and  the  numerous  classes  of  Dis- 
 senters,  Methodists,   &c.  which  exist  throughout 
 the  United  Kingdom.     When  to  this  is   added 
 the  appointment  of  a  President,  Vice-Presidents, 
 and  Treasurer,  from  the  Established  Church  ex- 
 clusively, it  seems  scarcely  necessary  to  say  any 
 thing  further,  in  order  to  vindicate  the  character 
 of  the  Institution,    or  to   evince  the    candor   of 
 those  from  whom  it  proceeded.     But  as  it  is  the 
 first  duty  of  an  Historian  to  be  just ;  and  as  it  is 
 due  to  the  individuals  to  whom  the   author  has 
 referred  as  the  framers  of  the  Society,  that  nothing 
 should  be  concealed  which  can  place  their  con- 
 duct in  a  proper  light,  a  circumstance  shall  be 
 stated  which  will,  he  thinks,  be  considered  not 
 a  little  to  strengthen  the  foregoing  representation. 
 Shortly  after  the  appointment  of  the  Vice-Pre- 
 sidents on  the  27th  of  July,  it  occurred  to  the 
 liberal  mind  of  Lord  Teignmouth,  that  it  would 
 be  but  equitable,  to  propose  to  those  Members 
 of  the  Committee  who  were  not  of  the  commu- 
 nion of  the  Established  Church,   to   add  to  the 
 list  two  names  from  among  their  own  religious 
 connections.     "  There  is"  (said  his  Lordship,  in 
 his  letter  to  the  author  on  that  occasion)  "  in  my 
 idea  so  much  propriety  in  this,  that  I  recommend 
 it    to    your  consideration."     Entirely  concurring 
 
AND   FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  81 
 
 >vith  the  views  of  the  President,  the  author  parti. 
 carried  his  Lordship's  proposal  to  those  gentle-  ^^ap.  i. 
 men  who  were  supposed  to  possess  the  sentiments  1804-5. 
 of  the  respective  denominations  of  which  that 
 division  of  the  Committee  was  composed;  and 
 they  severally  declined  availing  themselves  of  it. 
 The  Wesleyan  Methodists  assigned  as  their 
 ground  of  refusal,  that  they  considered  them- 
 selves represented  by  the  Bishops ;  the  Quakers 
 pleaded  their  averseness  to  distinction;  and  the 
 other  classes  of  Dissenters  expressed  their  unwill- 
 ingness to  interfere,  in  a  manner  equally  creditable 
 to  their  humility  and  their  candor.  The  deter- 
 mination of  these  last  was  conveyed  through 
 Joseph  Reyner,  Esq. ;  and  there  is,  in  the  con- 
 clusion of  the  letter  which  contained  it,  such  a 
 spirit  of  Christian  simplicity,  as  to  give  it  a  claim 
 to  insertion. 
 
 "  I  therefore  recommend  that  this  choice 
 should  remain  with  whom  it  was  left;  and  shall 
 (as  I  am  sure,  our  other  friends  will)  cheer- 
 fully concur  in  tliis.  If  I  fear  at  all  for  this 
 invaluable  object,  it  is  lest  we  should  be  looking 
 more  to  man  than  to  Him  whose  cause,  whose 
 word  it  is — who  alone  can  open  the  hearts  of 
 men,  to  give  of  that  which  He  has  given  them." 
 
 Having  introduced  the  name  of  Mr.  Reyner, 
 the  author  cannot  dismiss  it  without  expressing, 
 how  greatly  the  formation  of  the  Society  was 
 promoted  by  his  warm  and  generous  encourage- 
 
 VOL.  I.  G 
 
82  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  meiit.  Animated  at  all  times  by  a  zeal  for  religion 
 CHAP.  I.  ^i^ich  elevates  him  above  the  consideration  of 
 ordinary  obstacles,  he  cheered  the  thought  of  a 
 Bible  Society,  from  the  moment  when  it  was  first 
 suggested.  He  exhorted  his  coadjutors  to  ad- 
 vance, when  nothing  but  difficulties  appeared 
 in  the  way ;  and  inspired  into  their  minds, 
 as  often  as  they  seemed  inclined  to  despond  or 
 to  languish,  a  portion  of  that  living  energy  which 
 so  remarkably  characterizes  his  own.  From 
 the  zeal  and  perseverance  of  Mr.  Reyner  the 
 Society  has  derived  much  of  that  vigor  which 
 has  carried  it  forward  in  pursuit  of  its  object; 
 and  enabled  it  to  realize,  in  so  great  a  measure, 
 the  wishes  of  a  heart  which  desires  the  welfare 
 of  all  mankind. 
 
 Among  the  instrumental  causes  by  which  the 
 Institution  was  planned,  and  brought  to  maturity, 
 the  character  of  the  principal  agents  themselves, 
 and  their  different  circumstances  and  connections, 
 are  deserving  of  particular  attention. 
 
 In  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hughes,  the  individual  by 
 whom  the  design  was  suggested,  and  who  may 
 therefore  be  regarded  as  the  primary  agent,  we 
 recognize,  not  a  furious  zealot,  or  an  aspiring 
 sectary;  but  a  man  of  sedate  piety,  and  con- 
 scientious moderation :  w  ith  sufficient  warmth  to 
 pursue  his  object,  and  with  temper  to  qualify 
 the  eagerness  of  pursuit  by  the  necessary  re- 
 straints of  judgment  and  discretion. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY\  83 
 
 In  Granville  Sharp,  Esq.  who  presided  at  the 
 Society's  formation,  the  cause  obtained  a  tempo- 
 rary patron,  in  whom  the  members  of  the  Esta- 
 blishment acknowledged  a  true  churchman,  and 
 real  Christians  of  every  denomination,  a  friend  and 
 a  brother.  Perhaps  it  would  not  have  been  pos- 
 sible to  find  throughout  the  British  dominions  a 
 man  in  whom  the  qualities  requisite  for  the  first 
 Chairman  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society 
 were  so  completely  united  as  tbey  were  in  this 
 venerable  philanthropist.  A  churchman  in  faith, 
 in  charity  a  universalist,  he  stamped  upon  the 
 Institution,  while  it  was  yet  tender,  those  charac- 
 ters which  suited  its  constitution  and  its  end; 
 and  while  he  made  it  respected  by  the  sanction 
 of  his  name,  he  improved  it  by  the  influence  of 
 his  example. 
 
 In  the  Rev.  Mr.  SteinkopfF  the  Institution 
 acquired  a  medium  of  easy,  reputable,  and  effi- 
 cient communication  with  Christians  of  almost 
 every  description  on  the  Continent  of  Europe. 
 Simple,  modest,  and  laborious ;  combining  extra- 
 ordinary judgment  with  the  most  exalted  piety, 
 and  trained  for  service  by  an  experience  of  several 
 years  as  Secretary  to  a  Religious  Society  at  Basle, 
 Mr.  Steinkopff  possessed  those  various  qualifi- 
 cations for  correspondence,  for  translation,  and 
 for  general  duties,  which  rendered  his  appoint- 
 ment to  the  Foreign  Secretaryship,  however  acci- 
 dental and  unpremeditated,  a  measure  of  the 
 Q  2 
 
84  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  soundest  wisdom,  and  of  the  greatest  advantage 
 CHAP.  I.    iq  ^Yie  interests  of  the  Institution. 
 
 In  another  material  agent,  the  Rev.  Josiah 
 Pratt,  may  be  seen  a  continuation  of  what  has 
 been  observed  in  that  superintending  wisdom 
 which  brought  together  those  who  were  quahfied 
 for  the  respective  parts  they  were  severally 
 intended  to  perform.  The  sagacity  of  Mr.  Pratt 
 enabled  him  to  devise,  and  his  perseverance  to 
 execute,  a  measure  which  prepared  the  way  for 
 the  last  agent  in  the  confederation,  the  writer 
 of  this  History,  to  introduce  the  Society  with 
 acceptance  to  Bishop  Porteus,  and  thereby  to 
 accomplish  the  grand  object  of  its  projectors  and 
 managers — its  decided  connection  with  the  Esta- 
 blished Church. 
 
 On  the  whole,  when  we  reflect  upon  the  humble 
 original  from  which  this  vast  fabric  arose ;  when 
 we  advert  to  the  comparative  insignificance  of 
 the  individuals  on  whom  it  devolved  to  lay  its 
 foundation,  and  to  carry  up  its  superstructure, 
 till  it  attained  the  strength,  capaciousness,  and 
 symmetry,  which  adapted  it  to  the  uses  for  which 
 it  was  designed,  we  seem  to  discern  that  visible 
 disproportion  between  the  means  and  the  end, 
 which  characterizes  all  the  great  dispensations  of 
 the  Almighty,  and  discriminates  them  from  the 
 ordinary  operations  of  His  Providence,  and  still 
 more  from  the  achievements  of  human  counsel  and 
 might.     In  this  view  of  the  subject,  the  language 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  85 
 
 of  the  Apostle  on  a  higher,  but  not  dissimilar  parti. 
 occasion,  may  furnish  us  with  a  proper  con-  ^^^^' 
 elusion. 
 
 '*  God  hath  chosen  the  foolish  things  of  the 
 world  to  confound  the  wise ;  and  God  hath 
 chosen  the  weak  things  of  the  world  to  confound 
 the  things  which  are  mighty;  and  base  things 
 of  the  world  and  things  which  are  despised  hath 
 God  chosen,  yea,  and  things  which  are  not,  to 
 ])ring  to  nought  things  that  are ;  that  no  flesh 
 should  glory  in  his  presence  f '  but,  "  that,  accord- 
 ing as  it  is  written,  ho  that  glorieth,  let  him  glory 
 in  the  Lord."* 
 
 ^  1  Cor.  i.  27,  28. 
 
 G  3 
 
m 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 CHAPTER  II. 
 
 1804—5. 
 
 PART  I. 
 CHAP.II. 
 
 1804-6. 
 
 Having  explained  the  origin  of  the  Society^ 
 and  described  the  steps  by  which  it  acquired 
 a  definitive  constitution,  and  a  recognition  of  its 
 merits  from  persons  of  distinction  both  Lay  and 
 Ecclesiastical,  the  author  will  now  enter  upon  the 
 recital  of  those  proceedings,  both  domestic  and 
 foreign,  which  compose  the  proper  materials  of 
 its  history. 
 
 The  Society  having  been  nominally  formed  on 
 the  7th  of  March,  1804,  the  first  Committee,  as 
 miscellaneously  chosen,  assembled  on  the  ensuing 
 12th,  at  the  London  Tavern,  to  the  number  of 
 twenty-four.  With  a  general  resolution  to  hold 
 periodical  meetings,  at  least  on  the  first  Monday 
 in  the  month,  they  determined,  for  the  present, 
 to  repeat  them  weekly ;  a  practice  to  which  they 
 continued  to  adhere  without  variation,  till  the 
 Society  was  completely  organized,  and  its  busi^ 
 ness  brought  into  a  regular  train.  Subsequently 
 however  to  that  period,  and  even  down  to  the 
 present  time,  the  meetings,  under  a  stated 
 appointment  for  the  first  Monday  in  the  month, 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  87 
 
 have  been  multiplied  by  frequent  and  necessary     part  i. 
 adjournments :   and  perhaps  there  never  was  an    ^^^^' 
 Institution  which  has  exacted  from  its  Commit-     1804-5. 
 tees  a  larger  tribute  of  time  and  attention  and 
 personal  labor,  or  in  which  the  exacted  tribute 
 has   been    more   cheeifuUy    and    even    zealously 
 paid. 
 
 The  first  proceeding  resorted  to,  with  a  view 
 to  the  execution  of  the  Society's  design,  was,  the 
 appointment  of  different  Sub-Committees,  for  the 
 several  departments  of  its  practical  business. 
 These  subordinate  Committees  began  their  opera- 
 tions with  great  spirit  in  the  month  of  March; 
 and  although  their  composition  underwent  certain 
 changes,  after  the  new  organization  of  the  General 
 Committee  on  the  2d  of  May,  yet,  as  then*  desig- 
 nation remained  the  same,  it  will  be  expedient 
 to  treat  them  as  identical  throughout,  in  order 
 that  the  course  of  their  measures  may  not  be 
 interrupted  by  the  relation  of  minor  and  unim- 
 portant occurrences. 
 
 Three  considerations  appear,  in  this  early  stage 
 of  their  existence,  to  have  occupied  the  principal 
 solicitude  and  attention  of  the  Committee;  the 
 care  of  the  Society's  funds,  the  improvement  of 
 its  general  interests,  and  the  prosecution  of 
 inquiries  directed  to  the  accomplishment  of  its 
 object — the  circulation  of  the  Scriptures. 
 
 The  first  of  these  duties,  the  care  of  the  funds, 
 was  consigned  to  the  administration  of  Samuel 
 Q  4 
 
88 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I. 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 1804-5. 
 
 Mills,  Robert  Howard,  and  Joseph  Reyner,  Esqrs. 
 in  the  capacity  of  a  Sub-Committee  of  Finance ; 
 and  so  entirely  has  the  confidence  reposed  in 
 these  disinterested  Stewards  been  justified  by 
 the  experience  of  their  prudence  and  fidelity,  that 
 (with  the  exception  of  the  second,  removed  by 
 death  in  1812,  and  succeeded  by  a  son,  the  inheritor 
 of  his  virtues)  they  have  continued  invariably,  by 
 annual  re-election,  to  manage  that  important 
 trust,  to  the  great  security  and  advantage  of  the 
 Institution. 
 
 The  improvement  of  the  Society's  general 
 interests  was  confided  to  a  Sub-Committee,  con- 
 sisting of  individuals,  as  well  Members  of  the 
 Committee  by  privilege  as  by  election,  who,  from 
 their  station,  or  their  connection,  were  best 
 qualified  to  promote  the  extension  of  its  influ- 
 ence, and  the  eventual  increase  of  its  patronage 
 and  support. 
 
 The  prosecution  of  inquiries  with  reference  to 
 the  circulation  of  the  Scriptures,  devolved  upon 
 a  few  ;  and  it  was  in  this  department  chiefly  that 
 the  services  of  the  Secretaries  were  called  into 
 exercise  during  the  earlier  stages  of  their  con- 
 nection with  the  Institution.  The  particular 
 occurrences  within  this  department  will  require 
 to  be  specifically  related. 
 
 The  first  subject  to  which  it  was  judged  proper 
 to  direct  the  inquiries  of  tliis  Sub-Committee,  was, 
 the  most  ready  and  effectual  means  of  obtaining 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  89 
 
 a  regular  and  competent  supply  of  the  Holy  Scrip-  part  r. 
 tures  in  the  English,  Welsh,  and  Irish  languages.  ^^^^' 
 A  resolution  to  this  purport  was  adopted  on  the  1804-5, 
 9th  of  April,  1804 ;  and  it  was  on  the  same  oc- 
 casion determined,  that  a  foreign  correspondence 
 should  be  immediately  commenced,  in  order  to  the 
 promotion  of  the  Society's  object  abroad.  By  virtue 
 of  this  latter  determination,  the  execution  of  which 
 was  committed  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Steinkopff  and 
 the  author,  assisted  by  a  Swedish  merchant  of 
 good  connections  and  warm  attachment  to  the 
 Institution,  Christopher  Sundius,  Esq.,  stejDs  were 
 taken,  without  delay,  for  concerting  a  plan  of 
 amicable  and  effective  communication  with  foreign 
 countries.  While  thus  occupied,  an  incident  oc- 
 curred which  drew  the  attention  of  the  Com- 
 mittee to  the  consideration  of  China ;  and  as  the 
 measures  which  it  suggested,  though  productive 
 of  no  immediate  good  effects,  form  the  earliest 
 link  in  that  chain  of  operations  which  has  since 
 been  extended  tlirough  so  many  regions  of  the 
 East,  a  brief  account  of  the  circumstance  itself, 
 and  of  the  proceedings  adopted  in  consequence 
 of  it,  may  not  be  unacceptable  to  the  reader. 
 
 On  the  5th  of  April,  Dr.  Antonio  Montucci, 
 who,  in  the  Gentleman's  Magazine  for  October 
 and  November  1801,  had  published  an  account 
 of  the  Chinese  manuscript*   of  the  New  Testa- 
 
 *  The  MS.  above  referred  to  is  No.  3,599  of  the  Sloaniaq 
 Collection    iu    the    British    Museum.      The   MS.  contains,  a 
 
90  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  merit  in  the  British  Museum,  addressed  a  letter 
 CHAP.  II.  ^^  ^jjg  HeY.  Mr.  Hughes,  offering  his  service  to 
 1804-5.  the  newly-formed  Society,  as  editor,  should  it 
 be  thought  expedient  to  print  the  MS.;  and 
 earnestly  recommending  the  publication  of  it, 
 "  for  the  benefit  of  300  milhons  of  people." 
 A  short  time  previously,  the  Rev.  W.  Mosely 
 had  circulated  a  Memoir  on  the  state  of  Religion 
 in  China,  and  urged  the  importance  and  practi- 
 cabihty  of  a  serious  attempt  to  propagate  Chris- 
 tianity through  that  vast,  but  neglected  empire. 
 With  this  Memoir  most  of  those  who  constituted 
 the  active  Members  of  the  Committee  were 
 sufficiently  acquainted;  and  their  minds  were 
 therefore  to  a  certain  degree  prepared  for  such 
 
 Harmony  of  the  Four  Gospels,  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles,  and 
 all  St.  Paul's  Epistles,  excepting  that  to  the  Hebrews,  the  first 
 chapter  of  which  only  is  included.  It  is  written  partly  on 
 European,  and  partly  on  Chinese  paper,  and  has  the  defective 
 title  of  "  Evangelia  Quatuor  Sinice,"  the  Four  Gospels  ia 
 Chinese. 
 
 The  Directors  of  the  Missionary  Society,  speaking  of  the 
 Rev.  Mr.  Morrison,  the  Chinese  Translator  at  Canton,  (in  their 
 Report  for  1810,)  give  the  following  testimony  to  the  value  of 
 the  MS.  in  question. 
 
 "  It  has  proved  of  great  advantage  to  him,  that  he  copied 
 and  carried  out  with  him  the  Chinese  translation  of  the  Gospels 
 preserved  in  the  British  Museum,  which  he  now  finds,  from 
 liis  own  increasing  acquaintance  with  the  language,  and-  the 
 opinion  of  the  Chinese  assistants,  to  be  exceedingly  valuable ; 
 and  which  must,  from  the  excellency  of  the  style,  have  been 
 produced  by  Chinese  natives." 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY,  0| 
 
 a  proposition  as  that  which  Dr.  Montucci  had  parti. 
 made.  It  was  also  ascertained,  that  Sir  George  v^,^^^* 
 Staunton,  whose  knowledge  of  the  Chinese  i804-§. 
 language  had  gained  him  so  high  reputation, 
 was  at  that  time  in  London,  and  on  the  point  of 
 embarkation  for  China.  Much,  it  was  thought,, 
 might  be  derived  from  his  present  advice,  and 
 still  more  from  his  future  inquiries,  to  guide 
 the  Committee  through  the  labyrinth  of  a  ques- 
 tion not  less  intricate  than  important.  The  con- 
 currence of  these  and  other  favorable  circum- 
 stances determined  the  Committee  to  open  a 
 correspondence  with  Dr.  Montucci,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
 Mosely,  and  Sir  George  Staunton ;  together  with 
 Dr.  Hagar,  at  that  time  in  Paris,  and  S.  Hollings- 
 worth,  Esq. :  the  former  of  whom  was  well  known 
 to  the  public  in  connection  with  no  light  preten- 
 sions  to  Chinese  Literature;  and  the  latter  to 
 certain  Members  of  the  Committee,  as  a  gentle- 
 man, who,  in  consequence  of  having  visited  China 
 four  several  times,  was  deemed  very  conversant 
 with  the  state  of  that  country. 
 
 Much  information  was  elicited  through  this 
 correspondence,  not  only  on  the  nature  and 
 .qualities  of  the  MS.,  but  also  on  the  religious 
 condition  of  China,  and  the  practicability  of 
 introducing  Christianity  into  it,  by  translating  and 
 printing  the  Scriptures  for  the  use  of  the  natives. 
 
 The  reply  of  Sir  George  Staunton  placed  the 
 subject  under  investigation  in  so  clear  a  light,  and 
 
92  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,     evinced  on  his  part  so  much  industry,  candor, 
 cHAP.ir.    and    readiness    to    promote    the    design   of    the 
 1804-5.     Society,  that  no  apology  will  be  required  for  its 
 insertion. 
 
 From  Sir  George  Thomas  Staunton,  Bart,  to  the 
 Mev.  John  Owen. 
 
 "    Sir,  April  25,  1804. 
 
 "  I  was  favored  with  your  letter  a  few  days 
 ago,  and  although  I  had  formerly  seen  the  manu- 
 script in  question,  I  took  the  first  opportunity 
 of  going  again  to  the  British  Museum,  in  order 
 to  give  the  most  satisfactory  answer  in  my  power 
 to  your  inquiries. 
 
 "  It  appeared  to  me,  as  far  as  I  could  judge 
 without  very  minute  examination,  to  be  a  pure 
 translation,  unmixed  with  extraneous  matter,  of 
 the  chief  part  of  the  New  Testament:  and  I 
 have  no  hesitation  in  saying,  that  I  feel  disposed 
 to  regard  it  as  one  of  the  most  accurate  and 
 elegant  translations  I  ever  met  with  from  any 
 European  language  into  the  Chinese  character; 
 and  being  probably  unique  in  this  country,  its 
 value  is  proportionably  enhanced  by  that  circum- 
 stance. From  the  style  and  wording  of  the 
 manuscript,  I  should  infer  that  it  is  a  translation 
 from  the  Vulgate,  made  under  the  direction  of  the. 
 Jesuits, 
 
AND    FOREIGN    RIBLE    SOCIETY.  93 
 
 "  With    regard    to    the    extent   to  which   Dr.     parti. 
 Montiicci   may  have    made   himself   acquainted    ^^1^^^* 
 with  the    Chinese    language,    I  certainly  cannot     1804-5. 
 pretend  to  decide;  but  I  am  persuaded  that  the 
 general  knowledge  he  possesses  of  the  theory  of 
 the   language,    together   with    the   neatness   and 
 accuracy  with  which  he  is   accustomed  to  exe- 
 cute the  Chinese  charactersj  fully  qualifies  him 
 for   the  task  of  publishing  the  manuscript  in  a 
 very  correct  and  satisfactory  manner. 
 
 "  I  have  thus  unreservedly  communicated  to 
 you  my  opinion  on  this  subject,  according-  to  the 
 best  of  my  judgment,  and  shall  be  very  glad  if  it 
 should  tend  at  all  to  promote  the  laudable  object 
 of  your  researches." 
 
 (Signed)        G.  T.  STAUNTON. 
 
 The  sentiments  expressed  by  Mr.  Hoi  lings  worth 
 t)n  the  expediency  of  the  proposed  attempt,  are 
 also  not  undeservhig  of  notice.  They  appear  in 
 the  following  passages,  with  which  Mr.  Hollings- 
 worth  concluded  a  very  intelligent  and  interesting- 
 communication. 
 
 "  The  introduction  of  the  Sacred  Scriptures, 
 clothed  in  the  language  of  China,  appears  to  be 
 by  far  the  most  rational  plan  that  has  been,  or 
 can  be,  attempted,  to  scatter  the  good  seed, 
 and  prepare  the  inquiring  mind  for  the  reception 
 of  the  blessed  Gospel  throughout  this  great   em- 
 
94 
 
 HISTORY    OF    the;    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAP.II. 
 
 1804-5, 
 
 pire.  One  of  the  favorite  maxims  of  Confucius 
 is,  The  -perfection  of  wisdom  is  to  explore  all 
 things. 
 
 "■  This  maxim  is  opposed  by  the  government 
 in  all  matters,  nearly,  which  foreigners  are  sup- 
 posed capable  or  desirous  of  introducing.  And 
 how  far  its  opposition  might  or  might  not  extend 
 to  the  introduction  of  the  New  Testament,  is  an 
 object  of  serious  consideration.  Perhaps  the 
 Committee  will  see  the  propriety  of  having  some- 
 thing printed  with  the  intended  work,  as  an  expla- 
 natory preface  of  the  doctrines  it  contains,  the 
 morality  it  enjoins,  and  the  peaceable  fruits  of 
 righteousness  it  is  so  well  calculated  to  produce; 
 if  such  an  introduction  can  be  obtained  fi'om 
 persons  in  London  sufficiently  acquainted  with 
 the  Chinese  language.  It  appears  to  me  highly 
 necessary,  under  the  present  proscribed  situation 
 of  the  Christian  name  in  China,  that  something 
 of  this  kind  should,  if  possible,  be  attempted. 
 And  I  think  there  can  be  no  doubt,  that  if  the 
 religion  of  our  blessed  Redeemer,  as  taught  by 
 the  New  Testament,  was  generally  understood 
 in  that  great  empire,  it  would  not  only  produce 
 the  greatest  effects,  but  experience  much  less 
 opposition  than  in  any  other  shape ;  and  particu- 
 larly than  when  coming  in  so  questionable  a  one 
 as  it  has  done  through  the  mouths  of  the  Jesuits. 
 Were  the  Emperor,  his  Ministers,  and  the  other 
 great  Mandarines,  fully  convinced,   that   Chris- 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  ©5 
 
 tianity,    properly   so    called,    has   no   connection     parti. 
 with   pohtics;   that  Christ's   kingdom   is   not   of     .^^^' 
 this  world ;  and  that  the  faith  and  morals  of  the     1804-5. 
 Gospel   make   men  wiser,   liappier,    and   better, 
 than  either  hmnan  laws  or  systems  of  philosophy 
 can  ever  do;  it  can  hardly  be   questioned,   but 
 that  they  would  allow  it  to  spread  uncontrolled, 
 and   take   deep   root  in   the   empire,   instead   of 
 confounding  it  with  Popery,  to  which  they  have 
 conceived  so  excusable  an  aversion." 
 
 The  train  of  inquiry  thus  auspiciously  opened, 
 was  studiously  followed  up  by  the  Committee, 
 under  the  influence  of  that  encouragement  which, 
 though  partial,  was  yet  sufficient  to  keep  expec- 
 tation alive,  and  to  make  it  appear  their  duty 
 to  proceed. 
 
 At  length  the  testimony  of  Mr.  Chaumont,  (an 
 accomphshed  Chinese  scholar,)  to  the  character 
 of  the  manuscript  having  been  collated  with 
 that  of  Sir  George  Staunton,  and  Dr.  Montucci,* 
 and  every  thing  having  been  done  which  pru- 
 dence could  suggest,  and  research  contribute,  to 
 ascertain  its  intrinsical  value;   an   estimate   was 
 
 *  It  is  due  to  the  Rev.  Archdeacon  Nares,  (at  that  time  one 
 of  the  Librarians  of  the  British  Museum,)  to  relate,  that,  upon 
 being  addressed  by  the  author,  at  the  instance  of  the  Com- 
 mittee, he  replied,  with  the  greatest  promptitude  and  kindness, 
 that  "  leave  would  very  readily  be  given  by  the  Trustees  of 
 the  British  Museum  to  take  a  copy  of  the  Chinese  MS.  of 
 the  New  Testament ;  and  that  he  would  be  happy  to  aid  the 
 application." 
 
%6  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 obtained  of  the  probable  expense  of  printing  1000 
 copies:  and  it  was  computed,  that  each  copy 
 1804-5.  bonnd  would  cost  the  Society  about  two  guineas. 
 On  this  calculation  therefore,  united  with  an 
 apprehension  of  the  uncertain  issue  of  the  ex- 
 periment, it  was  deemed  expedient  to  decline, 
 under  present  circumstances,  any  further  prose- 
 cution of  the  matter.  This  final  decision  took 
 place  on  the  23d  of  July,  after  an  investigation 
 conscientiously  and  indefatigably  pursued  for  more 
 than  three  months.  The  wisdom  of  the  decision, 
 which  suspended,  rather  than  dismissed,  the  con- 
 sideration of  the  subject,  will  best  appear  from 
 the  terms  in  which  the  Minute  recording  it  is 
 expressed. 
 
 "  Considering  the  expense  of  the  undertaking, 
 and  the  desirableness  of  obtaining  still  further  evi- 
 dence relative  to  the  contents  of  the  manuscript, 
 and  of  committing  the  circulation  to  the  care  of 
 persons  acquainted  with  the  Chinese  language, 
 and  of  undoubted  religious  character,  the  Com- 
 mittee recommend  that  the  Society  do  not  at 
 present  proceed  to  the  editing  or  the  transcribing 
 of  the  manuscript ;  but  that  they  carefully  pre- 
 serve the  information  already  obtained,  and  en- 
 courage their  friends  to  communicate  from  time 
 to  time  such  particulars  as  may  come  before  them 
 relative  to  the  object." 
 
 Thus   ended   this  attempt   to   provide,  in   the 
 metropohs  of  the  British  dominions,  an  edition 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  97 
 
 of  some  portion  of  tlie  Christian  Scriptures  in  parti. 
 their  vernacular  tongue,  tor  the  hihabitants  of  ^^^' 
 the  populous  and  benighted  empire  of  China.  1804-5. 
 The  parties  with  vvliom  it  originated,  were  not 
 hastily  diverted  from  their  purpose.  When  com- 
 pelled to  renounce  it,  they  did  not  yield  to  the 
 necessity  without  much  reluctance  ;  nor,  as  it  has 
 appeared,  without  a  recorded  determination  to 
 keep  it  in  mind,  under  the  hope  of  being  able, 
 at  some  future  period,  to  resume  it  with  a  better 
 prospect  of  success.  That  period,  in  due  time, 
 arrived;  and  it  seems  to  have  been  wisely  per- 
 mitted, that  the  undertaking  should  fail  in 
 London,  hi  order  that  it  might  be  accomplished, 
 by  aid  derived  from  the  same  source,  in  the 
 more  advantageous  situations  of  Serampore  and 
 Canton. 
 
 When  the  subject  of  the  Chinese  MS.  had 
 begun  to  excite  serious  attention,  it  was  felt  to 
 be  desirable,  that  a  Sub-Committee  should  be 
 expressly  appointed,  to  whom  a  business  of  such 
 magnitude  and  importance  might  be  formally 
 confided.  In  this  determination  originated  that 
 Sub-Committee,  which,  at  first  denominated  the 
 Ckinay  and  afterwards  more  generally  the  Oriental 
 Sub-Committee,  has  continued  ever  since  to  exist, 
 by  annual  re-appointment;  and  has  greatly  con*- 
 tributed  to  the  order  and  efficiency  of  the  Society's 
 labors  in  the  various  ramifications  of  its  Eastero 
 department. 
 
 VOL.  I.  a; 
 
98  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 The  primary,  and,  it  may  be  added,  the  favo- 
 rite object  of  this  Sub-Committee  having,  for 
 1804-5.  the  reasons  assigned,  been  dehberately  aban- 
 doned, the  purposes  of  its  formation  seemed  to 
 its  Members  to  require,  that  their  attention 
 should  be  turned  to  some  other  portion  of  the 
 oriental  field,  more  easily  accessible,  and  afford- 
 ing greater  present  encouragement,  than  that 
 which  they  had  been  induced  to  renounce.  British 
 India  appeared,  on  every  account,  to  be  the  most 
 proper  quarter,  to  which  efforts,  such  as  those 
 which  it  was  the  duty  of  the  Society  to  make, 
 could  be  directed;  and  the  known  disposition 
 of  some  of  the  East  India  Company's  servants 
 at  Calcutta,  and  of  the  Baptist  Missionaries  at 
 Serampore,  afforded,  in  their  estimation,  sufficient 
 encouragement  to  warrant  the  attempt. 
 
 No  sooner  then  had  the  affair  of  the  Chinese 
 manuscript  been  finally  disposed  of,  than  it  was 
 resolved  to  "  open  a  correspondence  with  gentle- 
 men in  India,  informing  them  of  the  establishment 
 of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  and 
 requesting  their  communications  respecting  the 
 best  means  of  promoting  the  objects  of  the  Insti- 
 tution with  regard  to  the  Eastern  languages." 
 In  selecting  the  individuals  who  should  be  in- 
 vited to  become  correspondents,  the  Committee 
 had  respect  to  the  principle  embodied  in  their 
 Society,  that  of  uniting  the  different  denomi- 
 nations of  Christians  in  the  prosecution  of  the 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  i)\J 
 
 same  cominon  design.  The  Baptist  Missionaries*  part  i. 
 at  Serampore  had  made  a  hopeful  beginning  in  ^^^^' 
 the  translation  of  the  Scriptures  into  the  native  1804-5. 
 Iani>ua2:es  of  the  East:  it  was  considered  as 
 likely  to  conduce  both  to  the  progress  and  the 
 improvement  of  the  work  of  translation,  if  the 
 vernacular  knowledge  and  zealous  assiduity  of 
 these  humble,  and  at  that  time,  unaccredited 
 laborers,  could  be  associated  with  the  sound 
 erudition  and  the  personal  influence  of  certain 
 Members  of  the  Established  Church,  on  whose 
 piety  and  zeal  for  the  promotion  of  Chris- 
 tianity dependance  might  confidently  be  placed. 
 With  these  views  it  was  determined,  "  That  the 
 following  gentlemen  be  requested  to  form  them- 
 selves into  a  Committee  of  Correspondence  with 
 this  Society,  viz. :  George  Udney,  Esq.,  Member 
 of  Council ;  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Brown,  Buchanan, 
 Carey,  Ward,  and  Marshman ;  and  that  they  be 
 desired  to  associate  with  themselves  such  other 
 gentlemen  in  any  part  of  India  as  they  may  think 
 proper."  This  resolution  the  author  transmitted 
 officially  to  Calcutta,  by  the  earliest  conveyance. 
 It  was  passed  on  the  23d  of  July,    1804;   and 
 
 *  The  Baptist  Missionaries  entered  India  in  1793  ;  and,  not 
 being  permitted  to  reside  in  the  Company's  territories,  fixed 
 themselves  in  the  Danish  settlement  at  Serampore,  Calcutta. 
 "  To  this  Mission"  (says  Dr.  Buchanan)  "  chiefly  belongs  the 
 honor  of  reviving  the  spirit  for  promoting  Cliristian  Know- 
 ledge by  translations  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,"  See  Buchanan's 
 Researches,  p.  85. 
 
 H    2 
 
loo  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  though  its  operation  in  India  was  slow,  and 
 ^^^^^'  interrupted  by  many  vicissitudes  of  discourage- 
 1804-5.  ment  and  delay,  it  proved  the  germ  of  those 
 Institutions  at  Calcutta,  Bombay,  Colombo,  Bata- 
 via,  &c.  which  are  now  engaged,  with  so  much 
 energy  and  concord,  in  promoting  the  dispersion 
 of  the  Scriptures  in  their  respective  dialects 
 among  both  the  Christian  and  the  Heathen  popu- 
 lation of  the  East. 
 
 With  these  active  researches  into  matters  which 
 related  to  the  languages  and  the  inhabitants  of 
 China  and  of  India,  was  combined  another  class 
 of  similar  exertions,  having  for  its  object  the 
 arrangement  of  a  plan  for  introducing  the  opera- 
 tions of  the  Society  with  regularity  and  effect 
 on  the  continent  of  Europe. 
 
 As  early  as  the  16th  of  April,  a  report  appears 
 upon  the  Society's  records,  to  which  the  name 
 of  the  author  is  subscribed  as  chairman,*  recom- 
 mending "  that  measures  be  immediately  taken 
 for  procuring  more  precise  information,  (than  had 
 yet  been  obtained,)  on  the  extent  to  which  Bibles 
 are  wanted  and  sought  for,  in  Switzerland,  Ger- 
 many, and  Denmark,  as  well  as  in  other  parts  of 
 the  continent."  The  report  goes  on  to  specify 
 certain  persons  of  influence,  to  whom  it  is  consi- 
 dered desirable  that  application  should  be  made, 
 with  a  view  to  obtain   the  desired   intelligence. 
 
 *  The  author  had  not  at  that  time  accepted  the  office  of 
 Secretary. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE   SOCIETY.  101 
 
 The  individuals  enumerated  were,  Mr.  Tobias  parti. 
 Kiesling,  a  merchant  of  kno^vn  piety  and  philan-  ^^I^;^^* 
 thropy  in  Nurenberg ;  the  Rev.  Dr.  Knapp,  1804-6. 
 Director  of  the  Orphan  House  and  Canstein  Bible 
 Institution  at  Halle  in  Saxony ;  Professor  Druck, 
 Librarian  to  the  Elector  (now  King)  of  WUrtem- 
 berg;  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hertzog,  first  Professor  of 
 Divinity  and  Librarian  at  Basle  in  Switzerland; 
 and  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Ball,  at  Copenhagen. 
 To  these  were  added,  in  a  sequel  to  this  report, 
 presented  at  a  subsequent  meethig,  the  following 
 individuals  and  societies,  viz. :  Professor  Yoimg, 
 of  Heidelberg ;  the  Rev.  J.  J.  Hesse,  the  Antistes 
 (or  Superior)  of  the  Zurich  Clergy ;  the  Rev. 
 Messrs.  Wyttenbach,  Falkheisen,  and  Hiiber, 
 Clergymen  of  distinguished  character  in  some  of 
 the  principal  towns  of  Switzerland;  the  Basle 
 Rehgious  Society,  (of  which  Mr.  Steinkopff  had 
 formerly  been  Secretary;)  and  the  Fiihnen  So- 
 ciety, in  Denmark,  having  for  its  professed 
 object  "  to  extend  the  influence  of  pure  and 
 vital  Christianity  by  the  dispersion  of  Religious 
 Tracts  in  Denmark  and  Norway."  Such  were 
 the  parties  selected,  in  the  very  dawn  of  the 
 Institution,  as  channels  of  communication  with 
 the  European  continent ;  and  it  has  been  pre- 
 sumed, that  the  reader  would  be  gratified  by 
 seeing  them  distinctly  enumerated,  as  he  will 
 hereafter  find  them  connected,  in  a  greater  or 
 less  degree,  with  the  most  active  and  successful 
 H  3 
 
102  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.     of  the  Society's   proceedings  in  that  division  of 
 
 ^^^i-    the  world. 
 
 1804-5.  It  was  also  at  this  early  period  (April  16th) 
 that  the  design  was  conceived  of  holding  out 
 encouragement  to  the  formation  of  Bible  Socie- 
 ties, in  preference  to  granting  immediate  relief 
 by  limited  and  merely  temporary  supplies.  This 
 rule  of  procedure,  so  wise  in  its  principle,  and 
 in  practice  at  once  so  successful  and  productive, 
 arose,  as  almost  every  thing  that  is  wise  and 
 efficient  in  the  practical  departments  of  the  In- 
 stitution has  done,  out  of  accidental  and  extem- 
 poraneous discussion.  In  the  report,  of  which 
 an  account  has  already  been  given,  a  recommen- 
 dation was  inserted,  that,  in  consideration  of  the 
 want  of  Bibles,  represented  by  Mr.  Kiesling*,  as 
 existing  in  Austria,  the  sum  of  100/.  should  be 
 transmitted  to  that  correspondent,  as  well  to  fur- 
 nish him  with  the  means  of  relieving  the  present 
 wants  of  the  Austrians,  as  to  give  him  a  pledge 
 of  the  Society's  zeal  and  sincerity  in  the  cause 
 for  which  his  good  offices  were  solicited.  The 
 recommendation  was  discussed  with  the  serious- 
 ness due  to  the  importance  of  a  proposition 
 which  involved  the  first  pecuniary  grant;  and 
 the  result  of  the  discussion  was  an  unanimous 
 determination  to  acquaint  Mr.  Kiesling,  that, 
 should  he  procure  the  formation  of  a  society  in 
 
 *  Mr.  Kiesling  had  addressed  various  letters  previously  to 
 the  date  of  the  report  referred  to. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  103 
 
 Germany  to  promote  a  contiimed  circulation  of    parti. 
 the    Holy  Scriptures,    the   British   and   Foreign    chap.ii. 
 Bible  Society  would   present   the  sum   of  100/.     I804-5. 
 in  aid  of  such  an  Institution.     This  conditional 
 encouragement  was    accordingly  transmitted   to 
 Nurenberg,  and,  as  we  shall  soon  have  occasion 
 to  see,  produced  the  desired  effect. 
 
 Nor  did  these  proceedings,  in  reference  to  the 
 circulation  of  the  Scriptures  in  foreign  parts,  in- 
 terfere with,  or  obstruct,  those  which  had  relation 
 to  the  primary  object  of  the  Institution— the 
 supply  of  our  domestic  population.  The  latter, 
 in  fact,  commenced  at  the  same  period  with  the 
 former  ;  and  both,  as  equally  parts  of  the  general 
 design,  were  simultaneously  prosecuted,  with 
 equal  zeal,  assiduity,  and  perseverance. 
 
 In  coincidence  with  those  inquiries  which  re- 
 garded the  best  means  of  obtaining  a  supply  of 
 the  Scriptures  in  the  English,  Welsh,  and  Irish 
 languages,  a  circumstance  occurred,  which,  both 
 from  its  seasonableness  and  utility,  deserves  to 
 be  distinctly  and  gratefully  commemorated. 
 
 Early  in  this  year,  Mr.  Andrew  Wilson  com- 
 menced a  negociation  vv^ith  the  University  of 
 Cambiidge,  for  the  introduction  of  his  improved 
 mode  of  printing  Bibles  and  Testaments  by  the 
 employment  of  stereotype  plates.  This  art, 
 though  partially  known  many  years  before,  had 
 been  advanced  considerably  towards  perfection 
 by  the  united  ingenuity  and  perseverance  of  Earl 
 H  4 
 
104 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAP, II. 
 
 l»04-5. 
 
 Stanhope  and  Mr.  Wilson ;  and  to  the  latter 
 belongs  the  praise  of  having  brought  it  into 
 general  notice,  and  quaHtied  it  for  being  advan- 
 tageously employed  in  printing  the  Holy  Scrip- 
 tures. Mr.  Wilson's  negociation  with  the  Uni- 
 versity of  Cambridge  was  brought  to  a  favorable 
 issue;  and  the  Syndics  of  the  Press  had  con- 
 cluded to  adopt  his  process  for  printing  Bibles 
 and  Testaments,  at  the  very  period  in  which 
 inquiries  were  making  into  the  best  mode  of 
 obtaining  supplies  of  both  in  the  languages  of 
 the  United  Kingdom.  To  the  Committee  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  the  plan  of 
 printing  the  Scriptures  by  stereotype  appeared  to 
 offer  so  many  and  important  advantages,  by 
 furnishing  the  means  of  a  regular  and  permanent 
 supply  of  copies  ;  by  perpetuating  a  correct  and 
 standard  Text,  and  favoring  its  general  propa- 
 gation through  the  country;  and,  finally,  as 
 the  plates  were  cast  from  new  types,  and  an 
 expectation  was  excited  of  a  material  reduc- 
 tion in  the  price,  it  was  judged  expedient  to 
 give  it  the  decided  countenance  of  the  Institu- 
 tion, and  to  stipulate  for  engagements  to  such 
 an  amount  as  might  encourage  the  prompt  and 
 complete  adoption  of  the  system.  Under  this 
 conviction,  after  the  result  of  very  extended 
 inquiries  had  been  maturely  considered,  a  reso- 
 lution was  passed,  that  a  number  of  Bibles  and 
 Testaments  in  stereotype,  should  be  immediately 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY,  105 
 
 ordered,  and  among-  that  number,  20,000  Welsh  part  i. 
 Bibles  in  12mo.  and  5,000  additional  Testaments  ^^^^• 
 in  a  larj^er  type.  This  measure  was  determhied  1804-5. 
 upon  at  a  meeting-  on  the  3d  of  September,  1804, 
 and  the  determination  was  notified  to  the  Uni- 
 versity of  Cambridge  without  delay.  The  reader 
 will  have  pleasure  in  observing,  with  how  great 
 alacrity,  and  in  how^  early  a  stage  of  its  transactions, 
 the  Society  proceeded  to  the  execution  of  that 
 purpose  in  which  its  establishment  had  originated 
 — the  printing  of  the  Welsh  Scriptures :  nor 
 will  he  observe  with  less  satisfaction  the  advan- 
 tageous manner  in  which  this  object  was  pro- 
 moted, by  the  contemporaneous  introduction  of 
 that  mode  of  printing  which  has  been  found  so 
 powerful  an  auxihary  in  the  accomplishment  of 
 the  Society's  general  designs. 
 
 AVhile  these  inquiries  were  thus  systematically 
 pursuing,  with  a  view  to  the  commencement  of 
 practical  operations  both  at  home  and  abroad, 
 exertions  were  made,  with  no  less  method  and 
 industry,  to  extend  the  foundation  of  the  Insti- 
 tution, and  to  associate  with  it  whatever  could 
 be  likely  to  consoHdate  its  strength,  facilitate  its 
 proceedings,  and  augment  its  respectability  and 
 influence  in  the  world. 
 
 Notice  has  been  taken  of  the  measures  which 
 were  pursued  to  make  known  the  existence  and 
 the  object  of  the  Society,  down  to  that  period, 
 
log  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  when,  by  the  accession  of  the  Prelates  and  dis- 
 CHAP. II.  tin^shed  Commoners  as  Vice-Presidents,  its 
 1804-5.  constitution  was  regarded  as  having  attained  its 
 completion.  To  these  were  now  added  certain 
 measures,  concerted  on  a  higher  scale,  and  com- 
 porting better  with  the  state  of  vigorous  growth, 
 and  increased  consideration,  at  which,  by  this 
 time,  the  Institution  had  arrived. 
 
 The  first  of  these,  was  a  determination,  formed 
 on  the  -ISd  of  July,  when  the  list  of  Vice-Presi- 
 dents already  referred  to  had  been  announced, 
 to  address  the  two  great  Religious  Societies  in 
 London  and  Dublin,  denominated  respectively 
 *•'  the  Society  for  Promoting  Christian  Know- 
 ledge," and  "  the  Association  for  Discounte- 
 nancing Vice,  and  Promoting  the  Knowledge  and 
 Practice  of  the  Christian  Religion."  This  com- 
 mmiication.  which  had  for  its  object  to  acquaint 
 those  respectable  bodies  with  the  establishment 
 and  the  views  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  was  proposed  in  the  spirit  of  that  clause 
 in  the  second  law  of  its  constitution,  which  states, 
 that  *•  the  Society  shall  add  its  endeavours  to 
 those  employed  by  other  Societies,  for  circulating 
 the  Scriptures  through  the  British  dominions;" 
 and  the  terms  in  which  the  communication  was 
 made,  will  show,  that  the  Conductors  of  the  So- 
 ciety acted  strictly  under  the  influence  of  those 
 regulations  by  which  they  professed  to  be  go- 
 verned. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  107 
 
 The  letters,  addressed  and  subscribed  by  the  parti. 
 
 President,  who   filled  the  chair  when  the   reso-  ^J^,^^^^* 
 
 lution  was  passed,  were  severally  as  follows.  1804-5. 
 
 To  the  Rev.  Dr.  Gaskifi,  Secretary  to  "  The  Society 
 for  Promoting  Christian  Knoidcdger 
 
 "   Sir,  Clapham,  August  24,  1804. 
 
 "  By  desire  of  the  Committee  of  '  The  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society,'  I  have  the  honor  to 
 transmit  to  you  a  plan  of  this  Institution,  for  the 
 information  of  the  Society  for  Promoting  Chris- 
 tian Knowledge.  I  have  further  the  pleasure  to 
 add,  that  the  communication  is  dictated  by  that 
 respect  and  esteem  which  the  Committee  cannot 
 but  feel  for  a  Society  which  has  so  long  and 
 successfully  exerted  itself  in  disseminating  the 
 knowledge  of  divine  truth. 
 
 '»" 
 
 I  have  the  honor  to  be.  Sir, 
 Your  most  Obedient, 
 
 Humble  Servant, 
 TEIGNMOUTH, 
 Chairman. 
 
108  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 To  the  Rev.  Dr.  Guinness,  of  Trinity  College, 
 1804-5.  Dublin;   Secretary   to  "  21ie  Association  for 
 
 Discountenancing  Vice,  and  Promotitig  the 
 Knowledge  and  Practice  of  the  Christia7i  Re- 
 ligion.'' 
 
 "   Sir,  London,  August  24,  1804. 
 
 "  By  desire  of  the  Committee  of  '  The  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society,'  I  have  the  honor  to 
 transmit  to  you  a  plan  of  this  Institution,  for  the 
 information  of  the  Association  for  Discounte- 
 nancing Vice,  and  Promoting  the  Knowledge  and 
 Practice  of  the  Christian  Religion.  I  have  further 
 the  pleasure  to  add,  that  this  address  is  dictated 
 by  esteem  for  a  Society  founded  on  the  same 
 principles  with  that  of  which  I  have  the  honor  to 
 be  President,  and  to  express  a  hope  that  it 
 may  eventually  prove  introductory  to  communi- 
 cations by  which  the  mutual  object  of  both 
 Societies  may  be  promoted. 
 
 "  I  have  the  honor  to  be.  Sir, 
 Your  most  obedient  Servant, 
 
 TEIGNMOUTH, 
 
 Chairman." 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 10» 
 
 From  the  Society  for  Promoting  Christian 
 Knowledge,  no  reply  was  received.  From  the 
 DubHn  Association,  a  respectful  and  friendly  ac- 
 knowledgment was  transmitted  in  return,  hy  order 
 of  the  Board.  In  this  letter  of  acknowledgment, 
 the  Board  describes  the  Address  of  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society  to  be  an  "  acceptable 
 communication,"  cheerfully  embraces  the  assist- 
 ance which  it  proffers,  and  expresses  the  demand 
 for  the  Scriptures  among  the  Irish,  as  great,  daily 
 increasing,  and  exceeding  the  means  of  the  Asso- 
 ciation to  supply  it.  The  words  of  the  Board,  in 
 stating  this  fact,  are  strong  and  explicit :  "  The 
 Bibles  are  bought  up  with  great  avidity  in  this 
 country,  at  the  reduced  rate  of  4s.  Qd.,  at  which 
 the  Association  affords  them  to  the  public :  and 
 the  demand  for  them  daily  increases  so  much, 
 that  the  Funds  of  the  Association  are  unable  to 
 supply  it.' 
 
 Another  measure  directed  to  the  enlargement 
 of  the  Society's  connections  and  its  more  com- 
 plete introduction  to  notoriety  and  usefulness, 
 was  that  of  addressing  the  Parochial  Clergy, 
 Dissenting  Ministers,  and  other  respectable  per- 
 sons individually,  as  far  as  might  be  practicable, 
 throughout  the  United  Kingdom.  For  this  pur- 
 pose, a  Circular,  containing  a  plan  of  the  Insti- 
 tution, Extracts  of  Correspondence,  and  a  List  of 
 Subscribers,  was  prepared  ;  and  very  extensively 
 distributed,  free  of  expense  to  the  receiver,  through 
 
 1804-5. 
 
rJlO  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,    the  medium  of  the  post.     An  Address  was  pre- 
 cHAP.ii.    fixed  to  it,  of  which  the  following  is  a  copy. 
 
 1804-5. 
 
 "  The  Society,  which  now  takes  the  liberty  to 
 address  you,  founds  its  claims  to  your  notice, 
 upon  the  nature  of  its  object, — to  promote  the 
 circulation  of  the  Scriptures  at  home  and  abroad ; 
 an  object,  in  which  every  one,  who  professes  the 
 religion  of  Christ,  must  feel  a  deep  interest. 
 
 "  The  liberal  basis  of  its  establishment,  also, 
 which  unites,  to  a  degree  perhaps  hitherto  unex- 
 ampled, the  zeal  and  exertions  of  Christians,  of 
 the  several  denominations,  to  which  the  consti- 
 tution of  this  happy  country  affords  equal  pro- 
 tection, will  doubtless  give  additional  force  to 
 the  claims  arising  from  the  simplicity,  purity,  and 
 importance  of  its  design. 
 
 "  It  cannot  be  doubted,  that  in  every  part  of 
 the  United  Kingdom,  there  are  many  who  are 
 actuated  with  the  true  spirit  of  Christian  bene- 
 volence, and  who  only  want  proper  opportunities 
 of  manifesting  it.  The  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society  now  presents  such  an  oppor- 
 tunity to  them,  and  solicits  your  assistance  in 
 making  it  known,  as  well  as  your  influence  and 
 co-operation  in  promoting  the  object  of  its  asso- 
 ciation. 
 
 "  The  Society  is  fully  sensible  of  the  happy  re- 
 sults to  be  expected  from  the  combined  exertions 
 of  the  Christian  community,  and  is  required  by  a 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  Ill 
 
 sense  of  duty  to  call  them  forth  in  the  advance-  part  i. 
 
 ment  of  a  work  which  it  can  with  confidence  ^^^;^^' 
 
 recommend  to  the  blessing  of  God,  and  the  snp-  I804-5. 
 port  of  every  good  man. 
 
 "  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
 Your  most  obedient,  humble  Servant, 
 
 TEIGNMOUTH, 
 
 President." 
 The  measures,  emanating  from  the  directing 
 body  in  their  collective  capacity,  were  greatly 
 assisted  by  the  zeal  and  activity  of  its  individual 
 Members ;  and  the  united  operation  of  both  con- 
 tributed materially  to  increase  the  funds  of  the 
 Society,  and  to  multiply  the  number  of  those  who 
 took  an  interest  in  its  advancement  and  success. 
 
 In  the  mean  time,  the  correspondence  which 
 had  been  opened  with  different  parts  of  the 
 European  continent  began  to  elicit  information 
 upon  the  subject  to  which  it  was  directed,  and 
 in  some  cases  to  import  the  most  gratifying  assur- 
 ances of  approbation,  and  of  a  cordial  disposition 
 to  co-operate  in  promoting  the  design  of  the 
 Institution  as  it  regarded  foreign  countries. 
 
 The  communication  which  had  taken  place 
 with  certain  individuals  of  piety  and  influence 
 in  the  Imperial  city  of  Nurenberg,  led  (as  has 
 been  stated)  to  the  proposition  of  granting  a 
 donation  of  lOQl.  from  the  British  and  Foreign 
 
112  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  Bible  Society,  in  the  event  of  a  similar  Institution 
 CHAP.  II.  ijgjj^g  founded  in  that  place.  The  result  of  this 
 1804-5,  proposition  was,  the  establishment  of  the  first 
 Foreign  Bible  Society.  The  foundation  of  it  was 
 laid  on  the  10th  of  May,  1804;  and  the  pious 
 simplicity  of  the  correspondent  on  whom  it 
 devolved  to  take  the  lead  in  the  transaction,  gives 
 a  pleasing  interest  to  the  following  statement  of 
 the  manner  in  which  it  was  effected :  "  We 
 cannot  but  return  you  our  most  humble  thanks, 
 for  having  encouraged  us  in  the  most  liberal 
 manner  to  co-operate  with  you  in  this  excellent 
 work  of  love.  While  reading  your  kind  invi- 
 tation and  offer,  I  was  deeply  impressed  with 
 that  Scripture :  *  They  beckoned  to  their  partners 
 which  were  in  the  other  ship,  that  they  should 
 come  and  help  them ;  and  they  came  and  filled 
 both  ships,  so  that  they  began  to  sink.'  Your 
 letter  afforded  me  so  much  joy,  that  I  could 
 not  contain  myself,  but  immediately  went  to  the 
 Rev.  John  Godfried  Schooner,  one  of  the  most 
 respectable  Ministers  of  our  city,  in  order  to 
 communicate  to  him  the  joyful  news  from  a  far 
 country.  He  was  no  less  affected  than  myself; 
 and  we  agreed  to  appoint  a  meeting  of  Christian 
 friends  on  Ascension  Day,  at  which  we  unani- 
 mously resolved  to  unite  for  the  formation  of  a 
 Bible  Society,  and  by  a  printed  letter  to  invite 
 our  Christian  friends  throughout  Germany  and 
 Switzerland,  to  assist  us  in  so  noble  an  under- 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 113 
 
 taking."  This  Address  was  soon  after  issued ; 
 and  while  the  generosity  of  England  was  warmly 
 commended,  and  held  up  as  an  example,  an 
 animated  appeal  was  made  to  the  reverers  of  the 
 Bible,  "  which  yet  remains  the  Bible  of  all  reli- 
 gious parties,"  to  lend  their  aid  in  promoting  its 
 distribution.  "  The  inherent  value  of  the  book, 
 the  religious  wants  of  the  people,  the  critical 
 circumstances  of  the  times,  the  present  tranquillity 
 of  the  states,"  together  wdth  other  cogent  reasons, 
 were  seriously  urged,  as  "  loudly  calling  for  atten- 
 tion to  this  important  undertaking." 
 
 From  Stuttgart,  Professor  Druck,  Librarian  to 
 the  Elector  (now  King)  of  Wiirtemberg,  in  reply 
 to  the  letter  in  which  he  had  been  addressed, 
 transmitted  important  intelligence,  relative  to  the 
 versions  of  the  Scriptures  in  the  Wiirtemberg 
 library,  amounting  in  all  to  "  more  than  4,000 
 different  editions  of  the  whole  Bil>le,  or  of  distinct 
 parts  of  the  same ;"  and  accompanied  his  account 
 with  expressions  of  the  highest  gratification  and 
 surprise  at  the  motive  and  object  of  those  in- 
 quiries to  which  his  answer  was  requested. 
 "  When  I  read  your  letter,"  (says  the  Professor,) 
 *'  I  could  not  help  thinking  the  English  are  the 
 most  distinguished  people  in  the  world.  Had  we 
 possessed  in  Germany  the  utmost  tranquillity  and 
 prospeiity,  yet  such  a  noble  design  of  diffusing 
 the  Bible  would  scarcely  have  entered  our  ujiiids, 
 or,  in  case  it  had,  would  not  have  met  with  such 
 
 VOL.  1.  I 
 
 1804-5, 
 
114  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.    generous  encouragement  and  support.     One  can- 
 enAP.ii.    jjQ^  |[)yt  highly  esteem   such  a  nation,   and  the 
 
 1804-5.  more  so,  on  account  of  its  regard  for  the  best  of 
 books,  which,  though  now  shamefully  neglected, 
 has  ever  proved,  and  will  continue  to  be,  the 
 great  means  of  meliorating  the  condition  of  man- 
 kind." These  sentiments,  now  become  familiar 
 by  the  frequency  with  which  they  have  been 
 reiterated  from  so  many  quarters,  reflect  great 
 honor  on  the  candid  spirit  of  their  author ;  and 
 evince  at  the  same  time  the  seasonableness  and 
 the  beneficial  tendency  of  the  Institution  to  which 
 they  are  applied. 
 
 From  Sweden,  through  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Brunn- 
 mark,  Chaplain  to  the  Swedish  Embassy  in  Lon- 
 don, of  whose  active  and  useful  services  there 
 will  be  occasion  hereafter  to  speak,  information 
 was  received,  which  appeared  to  supersede  the 
 necessity  of  any  exertions  in  that  portion  of  the 
 continent.  The  informants  were,  the  Society 
 **  pro  Fide  et  Christianismo"  at  Stockholm,  and 
 the  purport  of  their  information  was,  "  that,  owing 
 to  the  gracious  and  paternal  care  of  the  government 
 of  their  country,  as  well  as  from  the  gospel-light 
 and  zeal  which  had  generally  spread  among  in- 
 dividuals, no  want  existed  of  that  holy  book 
 which  contains  in  it  the  fountain  of  all  know- 
 ledge, bringing  salvation  and  producing  good-will 
 among  men ;  and  moreover,  that  Bibles  in  the 
 Finland  and  Lapland  languages  were  currently 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 115 
 
 printed  at  Stockholm,  and  distributed  either 
 gratis  or  at  very  reduced  prices,  by  Societies 
 formed  for  that  benevolent  purpose."  How  httle 
 accuracy  there  was  in  this  representation,  which 
 was  beUeved  by  the  reporters  to  be  conscien- 
 tiously exact,  and  which,  out  of  respect  to  the 
 venerable  source  from  which  it  originated,  and 
 the  channel  through  which  it  was  transmitted, 
 had  the  effect  of  staying  for  a  considerable  period 
 the  Society's  operations  in  Sweden,  will  be  seen 
 as  this  History  proceeds.  Suffice  it  for  the  pre- 
 sent to  say,  that  the  account  was  derived  from 
 the  best  means  of  information  which  existed, 
 previously  to  that  developement  of  the  popular 
 wants,  which  the  persevering  inquiries  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  produced ;  and 
 that  from  the  time  when  its  incorrectness  was 
 discovered,  both  Dr.  Brunnmark  and  his  country- 
 men displayed  a  zeal  and  activity,  increasing 
 progressively  from  year  to  year,  in  disseminating 
 through  SAveden  and  Lapland  those  sacred  trea- 
 sures of  which  they  had  been  erroneously  sup- 
 posed to  be  so  completely  possessed. 
 
 This  incident  may  serve  to  account  for  the 
 existence  of  a  similar  persuasion  in  the  minds  of 
 many  respectable  individuals,  with  regard  to  the 
 condition  of  our  own  population  as  to  their  pos^ 
 session  of  the  Scriptures ;  and  to  apologize  for 
 the  zeal  with  which  they  have  impugned  the 
 domestic  exertions  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 I  2 
 
 1804-5. 
 
116  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 I'ARTi.  Bible  Society  as  altogether  uncalled  for  and 
 CHAP. II.  superfluous.  The  course  of  mvestigation  has 
 1804  5.  brought  to  light  a  state  of  scarcity  in  our  own 
 country,  of  which  the  objectors  could  not  have 
 been  aware ;  and  it  is  not  requiring  too  much  to 
 expect  that  their  disposition  to  co-operate  in 
 remedying  the  wants  of  the  country,  novv  that 
 they  are  unequivocally  ascertained,  will  be  in 
 proportion  to  the  confidence  with  which  they 
 disputed  the  existence  of  those  wants,  and  de- 
 cried the  Institution  which  proffered  its  assistance 
 to  supply  them. 
 
 From  Holland,  the  queries  proposed  respecting 
 the  state  of  the  Scriptures,  extracted  a  reply  of 
 a  similar  tendency  to  that  which  had  been  trans- 
 mitted from  Sweden.  The  Dutch,  through  a 
 respectable  minister  at  Rotterdam,  expressed 
 their  joy  at  the  establishment  of  this  laudable 
 Institution  for  rendering  the  word  of  God  acces- 
 sible to  the  indigent,  and  prayed  for  a  blessing 
 on  its  benevolent  endeavours.  "  But"  (adds  this 
 minister)  "  with  us  there  is,  thank  God,  no  scarcity 
 of  Bibles."  On  this  statement  (which,  however, 
 it  is  to  be  observed,  is  but  the  statement  of  an 
 individual)  the  late  formation  of  the  United 
 Netherlands'  Bible  Society,  and  the  discoveries 
 made  in  the  course  of  its  operations,  will  be  found 
 to  supply  a  comment  which  will  lend  confir- 
 mation to  the  remarks  just  made  on  a  similar 
 misapprehension,  so    long  entertained   by  many 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  117 
 
 eiilif^litened  and  benevolent  persons  as  to  the  parti. 
 state  of  the  Scriptures,  both  in  Sweden  and  Great  ^^^^^' 
 Britain.  1804-5. 
 
 While,  however,  this  account  from  Holland 
 discouraged  any  present  exertions  for  the  further- 
 ance of  the  Society's  object  in  that  country,  it 
 contained  seatinients  expressive  of  a  religious 
 sympathy  which,  considering  the  state  of  mutual 
 exasperation  occasioned  by  the  war,  were  deserv- 
 edly regarded  as  very  consolatory  and  important. 
 
 "  You  feelingly  express  your  regret,"  (writes 
 this  pious  and  amiable  correspondent,)  "  that 
 the  union  between  the  two  nations  in  which  we 
 respectively  live,  has  been  unhappily  dissolved 
 by  the  war.  Oh,  my  dear  Sir !  could  you  be 
 among  us,  you  would  soon  be  convinced  that  three 
 fourths  of  our  nation  lament  the  unhappy  quarrel 
 which,  for  some  years  past,  has  divided  two 
 nations,  which  yet  have  one  common  interest  in 
 the  service  of  the  Gospel.  But  we  are  a  defence- 
 less people,  who  daily  pray  to  God  to  have  mercy 
 upon  us  ;  and  so  far  from  being  inimical  to  the 
 English  nation,  we  rather  rejoice  that  not  more 
 than  two  Dutchmen  were  to  be  found,  who  would 
 so  far  degrade  themselves  as  to  advise  a  plan 
 for  the  invasion  of  a  country,  for  the  preservation 
 of  which  we  are  as  anxiously  solicitous  as  for 
 that  of  our  own." 
 
 The  intelligence  derived  from  Berlin  purported, 
 that  the  want  of  the  Scriptures  in  the  Bohemian 
 I  3 
 
lis 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAP.II. 
 
 1804-5. 
 
 language  was  very  great;  and  that  persons  of 
 consideration  had  actually  offered  annual  con- 
 tributions towards  printing  an  edition  of  the 
 Bohemian  Bible  :  but  that  the  means  arising  from 
 them  were  insufficient  for  the  purpose.  Upon 
 this  information,  which  was  furnished  by  the 
 Rev.  Mr.  Jaenicke,  Minister  of  the  Protestant 
 Bohemian  congregation,  a  similar  step  was  taken 
 to  that  which  had  been  adopted  with  so  much 
 success  in  the  case  of  Nurenberg;  and  the  sum 
 of  100/.  was  tendered,  should  a  Bible  Society  be 
 formed  at  Berlin  to  promote  a  continual  circu- 
 lation of  the  Holy  Scriptures. 
 
 But  of  all  the  communications  elicited  by  the 
 inquiries  propagated  through  different  parts  of 
 the  continent  of  Europe,  that  which  excited  the 
 greatest  surprise,  and  administered  the  highest 
 gratification,  was,  an  address  from  a  Roman 
 Catholic  Clergyman  in  Swabia.  This  extraor- 
 dinary address,  dictated  by  spontaneous  feeling, 
 was  written  in  a  tone  of  sentiment  and  affection, 
 so  abhorrent  from  the  spirit  which  had  generally 
 characterized  the  proceedings  of  the  Roman 
 Catholic  Church  towards  Members  of  other  re- 
 ligious communions,  that  it  was  read  with  asto- 
 nishment, and  greeted  as  the  indication  of  an 
 improved  temper  in  the  members  of  that  church, 
 and  the  harbinger  of  a  better  understanding  than 
 had  hitherto  subsisted  between  them  and  their 
 brethren  of  every  other  denomination  throughout 
 Christendom. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  119 
 
 As  this  was  the  first  document  which  evinced,     part  i. 
 on  the  part  of  the  CathoHcs,  a  desire  to  co-operate    ^J^^^' 
 in  the  distribution  of  the   Scriptures,   and  as  it     1804-5. 
 opened    a  way  for    that   connection   with   them 
 which  has  since  been  cultivated  with  so  much 
 harmony  and  effect,  it  will  be  proper  to  extract 
 such  passages  from  the  letter  as  may  do  justice 
 to  the  principles  of  this  enlightened  Priest,  and 
 those  of  his  Brethren  who  participated  with  him 
 in   sentiments    at   once   so  just   and   so   happily 
 expressed. 
 
 "  You  will  not,  I  trust,  be  displeased,  if  an 
 entire  stranger  to  you  presumes  to  address  you 
 in  a  letter.     I  had  the  pleasure  to  learn,  from  a 
 
 copy  of  your  letter,  addressed  to  Mr. ,  of 
 
 Nurenberg,  the  great  number  of  zealous  friends 
 of  the  Bible  in  London,  who  are  filled  with  a 
 noble  desire  to  send  out  the  pure  word  of  God, 
 as  the  best  preacher,  into  the  world.  This  ac- 
 count excited  in  my  breast  the  most  heartfelt  joy 
 and  gratitude  towards  that  God  who  is  the  only 
 Giver  of  '  every  good  and  perfect  gift ;'  but  I  felt 
 also  lively  emotions  of  unfeigned  love  and  affec- 
 tion for  you,  and  for  all  the  Members  of  the 
 venerable  Bible  Society,  for  whom  I  wish  a  thou- 
 sand blessings.  May  the  Lord  Jesus,  through 
 whom  all  blessings  are  communicated  to  us,  be 
 the  beginning  and  end  of  their  praiseworthy  under- 
 taking !  And  may  his  name  be  glorified  for  it  to 
 all  eternity 
 
 I  4 
 
120  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  <'  What  particularly  induced  me  to  write,  was, 
 ^^1^^^*  y^"^'  question,  '  Whether  the  Bible  was  still  pro- 
 1804-5.  hibited  to  the  Catholics  ?'  Beiug  convinced  there- 
 by, that  you  were  mindful  even  of  the  poor 
 Cathohcs,  1  was  particularly  moved  and  edified  : 
 for,  indeed,  nothing  is  more  afiecting  than  that 
 love  which  embraces  all,  without  the  least  dis- 
 tinction ;  '  for  God  is  love ;  and  he  that  dwelleth 
 in  love,  dwelleth  in  God,  and  God  in  him.'  1  felt 
 myself,  therefore,  constrained  to  thank  you,  in  the 
 name  of  all  honest  and  well-disposed  Cathohcs, 
 for  these  your  fraternal  sentiments. 
 
 "  In  answer  to  your  question,  I  observe,  properly 
 speaking',  the  Bible  has  never  been  prohibited  to 
 the  Catholics.*    The  Council  of  Trent  only  states, 
 
 *  The  Roman  Catholic  Archbishop  of  Cranganore  differed 
 from  this  enlightened  Priest  in  his  construction  of  the  Decree 
 of  the  Council  of  Trent ;  as  appears  from  his  reply  to  the 
 Vicar  of  Cranganore,  who  asked  this  his  Spiritual  Superior,  "  if 
 he  could,  in  safe  conscience,  accept  the  offer  of  the  Bible,, 
 printed  in  Malabar,  without  notes,  to  be  circulated  among  the 
 Malabar  Christians." 
 
 "  I  say"  (was  the  language  of  the  Archbishop)  "  that  yon 
 cannot  receive  such  books  as  are  offered  you  ;  as  the  reading 
 of  the  Bible,  without  notes,  approved  by  the  church,  is  ex- 
 pressly prohibited,  even  to  those  who  have  liberty  to  read 
 prohibited  books.  The  declaration  of  the  venerable  German 
 Priest,  who  says  that  there  is  no  prohibition  according  to  the 
 Council  of  Trent,  must  be  understood  in  another  manner."  And 
 in  a  subsequent  letter  on  the  same  business,  to  Lieut.  Col. 
 De  Morgan,  the  Archbishop  expresses  very  decidedly  what  he 
 means  by  that  other  manner. 
 
 "  I  was  astonished"  (writes  the  Archbishop)  "  when  he  (the 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  121 
 
 — Indiscriminata  lectio  Sacrce  Scripturie  inter-  parti. 
 dicta  est.  Well-informed  Catholics  took  this  ^^^^' 
 always  in  that  sense  only — that  not  all  Books  1804-5. 
 of  the  Bible,  promiscuously,  should  be  put  into 
 the  hands  of  the  common  people  ;  referring  chiefly 
 to  some  books  of  the  Old  Testament.  Besides, 
 this  prohibition  of  the  Council  of  Trent  has  never 
 been  admitted  as  binding  by  the  whole  body  of 
 the  Roman  Catholic  clergy  in  Germany :  but  so 
 much  is  true,  that  all  blind  bigots  of  our  chvu'ch 
 have  always  spread  the  opinion,  that  it  was 
 entirely  forbidden  for  all  laymen  to  read  the 
 Bible;  and  this  prejudice  is,  alas!  still  deeply 
 prevalent  among  the  greater  part  of  the  people. 
 There  are,  however,  at  present,  many  of  our 
 clergymen,  both  in  Swabia  and  Bavaria,  who 
 strongly  recommend  the  reading  of  the  Bible, 
 chiefly  of  the  New  Testament,  and  do  every  thing 
 in  their  power  to  promote  it.  I  have,  for  my  own 
 part,  distributed  many  New  Testaments,  and 
 some  Bibles,  among  more  enlightened  Catholics ; 
 and  several  of  my  dear  brethren  in  Christ  do  the 
 same. 
 
 "  Should  an  Institution  be  established  among 
 us,  upon  your  plan,  I  am  sure  we  could  dispose 
 
 Vicar)  said,  that  he  would  take  charge  of  a  thing  that  is  impos- 
 sible for  him  :  becmise  the  Holy  Bible  is  proJiihited  to  be  read  by 
 the  Roman  Catholics,  with  the  exception  of  some  parts,  ivhich 
 arc  called  consilio  evidentiore."— Appendix  to  Fourth  Report 
 of  the  Calcutta  Auxiliary  Bible  Society. 
 
12-2 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I. 
 CHAP. II, 
 
 of  a  good  number  of  Bibles  and  New  Testaments. 
 The  people  seem  to  get  more  and  more  desirous 
 I804r5.  of  the  Bible ;  and  the  number  of  clergymen  is 
 increasing,  who  not  only  would  tolerate,  but 
 commend  the  reading  of  it. 
 
 "  I  feel  a  very  great  desire  to  witness  the 
 formation  of  a  similar  Bible  Society  among  the 
 Roman  CathoHcs :  and,  indeed,  I  will  make  some 
 attempts ;  though  I  foresee  many  difficulties,  and 
 can  hardly  suppose  that  so  many  active  and 
 benevolent  friends  of  the  Bible  are  to  be  found 
 among  the  Roman  Catholics  as  would  be  re- 
 quisite for  such  an  undertaking.  Your  question, 
 however,  respecting  the  Catholics,  inspires  me 
 with  the  hope  that  your  Society  is  desirous  to 
 extend  its  beneficial  influence  Hkewise  to  the 
 Catholics ;  wishing  only  to  know,  whether  a  dis- 
 persion of  Bibles  among  them  would  be  practi- 
 cable ;  and,  indeed,  it  would  not  only  be  practi- 
 cable, but  desirable  in  the  highest  degree. 
 
 "  Now,  I  beg  you,  my  dear  brother  in  Christ, 
 to  receive  these  few  lines  in  love.  I  wrote  this, 
 trusting  it  might  be  acceptable  to  your  venerable 
 Society.  I  cannot  express,  in  terms  sufficiently 
 strong,  the  fervency  of  my  joy,  and  of  my  love 
 towards  all  who,  throughout  England,  heartily 
 believe  in  Jesus  Christ  as  their  only  Saviour,  and 
 zealously  endeavour  to  extend  the  Redeemer's 
 kingdom.  I  embrace  them  all  as  the  beloved 
 and  elect  of  God,   as  iHends  and  brethren  in 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  123 
 
 Christ,  let  them  be  of  wliatever  name,  or  belong 
 to  whatever  church  or  denomination.  The  more 
 distant  the  countries,  and  the  more  diflTerent  the  i804-5. 
 outward  forms  and  establishments  are,  the  more 
 I  rejoice,  if  I  am  privileged  to  hear  that  our 
 ever-faithful  Lord  and  Saviour  is  gathering  from 
 among  them  a  flock  of  believing  people.  Truly, 
 God  has  a  numerous  Army  of  Reserve  in  Eng- 
 land, who  do  not  bow  before  the  Baal  of  the  age, 
 nor  sacrifice  to  the  god  of  the  times.  Let  all 
 who  know  his  name,  glorify  him  for  this  mercy ! 
 May  the  peace  of  God,  and  the  all-sufficient 
 grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  be  with  you  all !" 
 Among  the  many  distinguished  friends  of  the 
 Society  by  whom  this  communication  from  so  un- 
 expected a  quarter  was  received  with  emotions  of 
 real  gratification,  no  one  manifested  those  feelings 
 more  strongly  than  the  venerable  Bishop  Porteus. 
 That  Prelate  may  be  truly  said  to  have  rejoiced 
 in  the  contents  of  this  extraordinary  document 
 "  with  exceeding  great  joy."  By  the  Bishop's  de- 
 sire, the  author  read  it  publicly  at  his  Lordship's 
 table :  the  overflowings  of  his  liberal  heart  were 
 poured  forth  on  the  occasion  in  the  warmest 
 expressions  of  surprise  and  delight.  The  scene 
 was  novel  and  affecting :  the  Catholic  Priest  and 
 the  Protestant  Bishop  appeared  to  recognize  each 
 other  as  members  and  functionaries  of  the  same 
 undivided  church :  while  "  The  Lord  be  with 
 you"  was  uttered  by  the  one,  the  other  seemed 
 
124  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,    to  return  the  corresponding;   salutation — "   And 
 ''^^'*    with  thy  spirit." 
 
 1804-5.  The  production  of  this  letter  excited,  as  may 
 
 be  supposed,  in  the  breasts  of  the  Committee,  a 
 desire  to  improve,  what  to  their  minds  appeared 
 a  most  favorable  occurrence.  Regarding  it  as 
 an  invitation  to  occupy  a  field  from  which  they 
 had  considered  themselves  as  altogether  ex- 
 cluded, they  accepted  the  challenge  with  thank- 
 fulness, and  determined  to  meet  it  with  a  suit- 
 able demonstration  of  cordiality  and  friendship. 
 In  this  sentiment,  they  resolved  to  place  1000 
 copies  of  the  Protestant  New  Testament,  then 
 printing  in  Nurenberg,  at  the  disposal  of  this 
 zealous  correspondent,  for  distribution,  by  sale  or 
 gift,  among  the  Roman  Catholics  in  Swabia  and 
 Bavaria ;  and  directed  him  to  be  assured  of  their 
 sincere  disposition  to  afford  the  members  of  his 
 communion  every  degree  of  aid  consistent  with 
 the  principles  and  means  of  the  Institution. 
 
 These  transactions  comprehend  every  thing 
 which  it  is  material  to  record  in  the  history  of 
 the  Society's  attempt  to  establish  a  system  of 
 foreign  relations,  from  its  commencement  to  the 
 month  of  December  1804.  The  ground  was  by 
 these  means  broken  up,  and,  to  a  certain  degree, 
 brought  into  cultivation.  The  German  Society 
 planted  at  Nurenberg  had  taken  root,  and  was 
 already  beginning  to  shew  signs  of  fruitfulness  by 
 a  determination  to  print  5000  copies  of  a  Pro- 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  125 
 
 testant  New  Testament;  and  a  train  was  laid  for    parti. 
 producing   similar  Establishments  or  exertions  of   chap.ii. 
 a  kindred  description,  in  other  parts  of  the  con-     i804-5. 
 tinent. 
 
 Nor  were  the  efforts  employed  with  a  view  to 
 the  enlargement  of  the  Society's  domestic  con- 
 nections attended  with  less  prosperity.  The 
 Circular  Address,  subscribed  by  the  President, 
 and  dispatched,  under  his  Lordship's  sanction, 
 to  a  considerable  number  of  the  Clergy,  Dissent- 
 ing Ministers,  and  persons  of  influence,  brought 
 back,  in  return,  from  various  parts  of  the  country, 
 warm  congratulations  on  the  establishment  of  the 
 Society,  and  the  most  friendly  assurances  of  a 
 liberal  and  active  co-operation. 
 
 In  the  mean  time,  the  measures  adopted  for 
 supplying  the  inhabitants  of  the  United  Kingdom 
 with  the  Scriptures  in  the  English  and  Welsh 
 languages,  continued  to  be  prosecuted  with  un- 
 abated vigor ;  and  advanced  as  rapidly  as,  from 
 the  more  tardy  process  of  casting  the  stereotype 
 plates,  and  other  impediments  inseparable  from 
 the  execution  of  great  and  important  concerns, 
 could  be  reasonably  expected. 
 
 Things  had  attained  this  state,  when  an  incident 
 occurred,  which  afforded  the  Society  an  oppor- 
 tunity of  making  the  first  application  of  its  funds 
 to  the  printing  of  a  portion  of  the  Scriptures  in  a 
 foreign  language,  under  its  own  immediate  direc- 
 tion. 
 
126  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  Captain  John  Norton,*  a  Chief  of  the  Six-Nation 
 *^Jl^ii^"  Indians  in  Upper  Canada,  having  been  induced 
 1804-5.  to  visit  England,  partly  with  the  design  of  serving 
 in  the  British  army,  but  principally  with  that  of 
 obtaining  a  confirmation  of  the  Grant  under  which 
 his  Indian  brethren  occupied  the  Grand  River 
 settlement,  fell  into  a  connection  which  gave  his 
 mind,  originally  intent  on  the  general  welfare  of 
 his  Tribes,  a  more  decided  direction  towards 
 their  moral  and  religious  improvement.  Under 
 this  impression,  he  was  advised  to  employ  his 
 intervals  of  leisure,  in  translating  the  Gospel  of 
 St.  John  into  the  Mohawk  dialect,  the  current 
 language  of  these  confederated  nations.  The 
 reason  for  making  choice  of  this  Gospel  was,  that 
 the  Mohawks  were  already  in  possession  of  the 
 Liturgy  of  the  Church  of  England,  select  portions 
 of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  and  the  entire 
 Gospel  of  St.Mark,t  translated  by  Captain  Brant: 
 
 *  Captain  Norton  was  adopted  by  the  Confederacy  in 
 17i)l,  and  in  1800,  appointed  a  Chief,  under  the  title  of  Tey- 
 ©ninhokarawcn.  His  father  was  a  Cherokee,  and  served  in  the 
 British  army. 
 
 t  A  translation  was  also  made  of  the  Gospel  of  St.  Mat- 
 thew, together  with  many  chapters  both  of  the  Old  and  New- 
 Testament,  about  the  beginning  of  the  eighteenth  century,  by 
 the  Rev.  Mr.  Freeman.  Some  portions  of  the  latter  were 
 printed  at  New  York  ;  and  reprinted  in  London  with  "  the 
 Book  of  Common  Prayer,  &c."  in  1787,  for  the  use  of  the 
 Mohawks,  at  the  expense  of  Government.  The  Gospel  of 
 St.  Matthew  is  supposed  to  remain  in  MS.     See  "  Humphrey's 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 127 
 
 it  appeared  therefore  desirable  to  furnish  them 
 with  the  means  of  adding  to  their  stock  of  reH- 
 gious  knowledge  an  acquaintance  with  the 
 subHme  doctrine  contained  in  the  Gospel  of  St. 
 John. 
 
 It  may  not  be  amiss  to  say  something  of  the 
 people  for  whose  use  this  translation  was  in- 
 tended. 
 
 The  Mohawks,  and  the  Six  Nations  in  genera^ 
 were  the  old  and  steady  allies  of  Great  Britain. 
 The  incorporated  Society  for  Propagating  the 
 Gospel,  sent  a  mission  among  them  in  1702,  the 
 first  year  after  its  incorporation;  and  had,  by 
 the  blessing  of  God,  the  satisfaction  of  bringing 
 over  many  to  the  faith  and  practice  of  Chris- 
 tianity. 
 
 These  confederated  Indians  entered  into  an 
 alliance  with  the  English,  immediately  after  the 
 latter  became  possessed  of  the  province  of  New 
 York,  in  the  seventeenth  century.  Their  decided 
 adherence  to  the  British  interest  during  the 
 American  war,  made  it  expedient  for  them  to 
 abandon  their  ancient  settlements,  and  remove 
 to  Upper  Canada,  when  the  independence  of  the 
 British  Colonies  was  acknowledged  by  this 
 country.     "  Such  was   their   attachment   to  our 
 
 1804-5. 
 
 Account  of  the  Society  for  Propagatiiio;  the  Gospel  in  Foreigu 
 Parts ;"  also  Preface  to  the  "  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  tScc." 
 as  above-raentioned. 
 
128  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 common  Sovereign,  whom  they  consider  as  their 
 Father,  and  such  their  predilection  in  favor  of 
 1804-5.  our  nation,  that  they  cheerfully  submitted  to 
 this  inconvenience  rather  than  remain  in  their 
 native  country,  when  under  a  foreign  jurisdic- 
 tion."* At  the  time  when  this  translation  of 
 St.  John's  Gospel  was  suggested  for  their  benefit, 
 the  number  settled  on  the  Grand  River,  though 
 much  reduced  by  various  causes,  some  of  which 
 it  was  the  object  of  Captain  Norton's  negociation 
 to  remove,  amounted  to  at  least  2000  souls.  The 
 total  of  the  Confederacy,  (including  the  Caghna- 
 wagues,  Hurons,  or  Wyandots,  who  professed 
 the  Roman  Catholic  religion,)  was  computed  to 
 exceed  8000.|  Add  to  this,  that  the  dialect  of 
 the  Mohawk  was  intelligible  to  certain  other  of 
 the  Aboriginal  Tribes;  and  that  a  very  encou- 
 raging disposition  had  been  shewn  to  receive 
 religious  instruction. 
 
 Captain    Norton    appeared    to    be    in     every 
 
 *  Preface  to  "  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  &c."  before  cited. 
 
 t  The  Six  Nations  are  the  Ondowaghas,  or  Senecas,  the 
 Cayeugas,  the  Onondagas,  the  Oneidas,  the  Mohawks,  and  the 
 Tuscaroras.  To  these,  which  are  Protestants,  and  settled  in 
 Upper  Canada,  may  be  added  the  Caghnawagues,  themselves 
 Mohawks,  who  were  converted  to  the  Roman  Catholic  religion, 
 and  led  to  Lower  Canada,  by  the  French  Missionaries;  and  the 
 Hurons,  or  Wyandots,  a  people  speaking  a  language  nearly 
 similar  to  that  of  the  above-named  Confederates.  These  latter 
 are  also  Roman  Catholics ;  they  inhabit  near  Detroit,  and  have, 
 besides,  one  village  near  Quebec. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  129 
 
 respect,  qualified  to  execute  the  projected  trans- 
 latiou.  He  was  a  man  of  great  natural  acuteness 
 and  much  reflection;  and  united  with  a  strong  1804-5. 
 sense  of  religion  an  ardent  devotion  to  the  in- 
 terest of  his  Tribes.  His  knowledge  of  the  En- 
 glish language,  which  w  as  familiar  to  him  from  his 
 childhood,  had  been  improved  by  two  years  of 
 education  in  Scotland  ;  and  that  of  the  Mohawk, 
 in  which  dialect  he  had  served  as  Interpreter  to 
 the  British  army,  had  been  matured  and  per- 
 fected by  long  residence  in  the  Grand  River 
 settlement.  To  these  general  qualifications  were 
 added  an  extensive  acquaintance  with  the  Holy 
 Scriptures,  and  an  increased  conviction  of  their 
 importance,  derived  in  great  measure  from 
 that  intercourse  which  he  had  been  led  to  culti- 
 vate with  men  of  distinguished  piety  and  of  reli- 
 gious as  well  as  general  information. 
 
 As  it  was  the  desire  of  the  Committee  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  to  ascertain, 
 with  as  much  accuracy  as  possible,  the  correct- 
 ness and  fidehty  of  the  translation,  and  it  was  not 
 probable  that  another  person  could  be  found  in 
 Great  Britain  who  understood  the  language  into 
 which  it  was  made,  recourse  was  had  to  the 
 following  expedient. 
 
 On  an  occasion  which  gave  the  author  an 
 opportunity  of  introducing  the  Translator  to  a 
 respectable  company,  he  took  advantage  of  the 
 presence  of  some  gentlemen,  whose  testimony  he 
 
 VOL.  I.  K 
 
130  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 considered  of  eminent  value,  to  bring  the  subject^ 
 of  the  Mohawk  translation,  then  nearly  com- 
 1804-5.  pleted,  into  discussion.  A  proposal  was  made, 
 and  universally  acceded  to,  that,  as  the  only  test 
 by  which  the  accuracy  of  his  version  could  be 
 tried.  Captain  Norton  should  be  requested  to  re- 
 translate a  portion  of  his  MS.  into  Hteral  English. 
 With  this  request  Captain  Norton  complied,  and 
 immediately  read,  in  the  manner  proposed,  the 
 17th  chapter  of  St.  John.  The  suffrages  of  the 
 company  were  then  collected;  and  they  were 
 found  to  be  unanimous  in  pronouncing,  as  far  as 
 the  evidence  appeared,  that  the  translation  was 
 made  with  equal  fidelity  and  judgment.  Among 
 those  who  sat  in  this  court  of  criticism,  and 
 concurred  most  warmly  in  the  decision  as  re- 
 ported, the  author  trusts  he  shall  be  excused  for 
 mentioning  the  Rev.  Professor  Bridge,  of  the 
 East  India  College ;  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hamilton, 
 Rector  of  St.  Olave's,  Jewry;  and  the  Rev.  R. 
 Ormerod,  A.  M.  Vicar  of  Kensington. 
 
 The  translation  having  been  thus  accredited, 
 the  Committee  felt  no  hesitation  in  adopting  it: 
 an  impression,  consisting  of  2000  copies  in  Mo- 
 hawk and  English,  was  accordingly  printed.  A 
 proportion  of  the  edition  was  consigned  to  the 
 care  of  Captain  Norton ;  and,  under  his  direction, 
 copies  were  furnished  to  different  stations  in 
 Upper  Canada,  and  in  the  Ohio  and  Oneida 
 country.    The  favorable  opinion  entertained  of 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  131 
 
 the  translation  was  shortly  after  confirmed  by  the  part  i. 
 judgment  of  the  Interpreters  in  the  Indian  villages,  ^^,,^ ' 
 who  pronounced  it  to  be  "  very  correct :"  and  1804-5. 
 the  fact  of  its  circulation  has  been  proved  by 
 the  following  statement,  wliich  appeared  in  the 
 Address  of  the  Salem  Bible  Society  at  the 
 close  of  1810.  Speaking  of  the  exertions  made 
 by  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  the 
 Address  thus  proceeds  :  "  They  have  penetrated 
 into  the  wilds  of  the  American  continent,  and 
 published  the  Gospel  in  Indian  and  English ;" 
 and  it  adds,  by  way  of  confirmation,  "  as  au 
 interesting  fact,  that  one  of  the  Oneida  Indians, 
 who  visited  Salem  the  preceding  summer,  carried 
 in  his  bosom  a  copy  of  St.  John's  Gospel  in  the 
 Mohawk  and  English  language." 
 
 A  circumstance  arose  in  the  course  of  this 
 transaction,  which  afforded  the  conductors  of  the 
 Society  an  opportunity  of  bringing  their  principles 
 to  the  trial.  The  Translator,  desirous  to  conci- 
 liate the  attention  of  the  Mohawks,  and  prepare 
 their  minds  for  appreciating  the  treasure  with 
 which  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  had 
 supplied  them,  drew  up  a  short  introductory 
 address  in  Mohawk  and  English,  and,  without 
 consultation,  prefixed  it  to  the  work.  In  this 
 state  six  copies  were  bound,  and  presented  as 
 specimens  of  binding,  to  a  Sub-Committee,  whose 
 office  it  was  to  superintend  this  department  of 
 the  Society's  service.  Immediately  upon  the 
 K  2 
 
132 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.     discovery,  a  resolution  was  passed,  that  the  portion 
 CHAP.  II.    ^hich  contained  the  introductory  address  should 
 
 1804-6.  be  removed  from  the  copies  already  bound ;  and 
 that  it  should  in  no  case  be  united  with  the  text 
 in  such  copies  as  should  hereafter  be  issued 
 under  the  sanction  and  responsibility  of  the  So- 
 ciety. As  the  record  of  this  determination 
 evinced  the  promptitude  and  firmness  with  which 
 the  first  approach  to  deviation  from  the  funda- 
 mental laws  of  the  Society  was  resisted,  it  may 
 be  satisfactory  to  the  reader  to  see  the  terms  in 
 which  it  was  expressed. 
 
 "  An  Address  to  the  Six  Nations  having  been 
 written  by  the  Translator,  and  printed  uniformly 
 with  the  Gospel,  your  Sub-Committee  have 
 ordered  the  same  to  be  wholly  separated  from 
 the  Translation  of  the  Gospel,  and  not  in  any 
 instance  to  be  bound  up  with  it ;  it  being  incom- 
 patible with  a  fundamental  principle  of  this  In- 
 stitution to  attach  to  the  Scriptures  any  additional 
 matter  whatever." 
 
 In  justice  to  the  Translator  it  should  be 
 stated,  that  the  Address  contained  no  other 
 sentiments  than  those  which  every  Christian  might 
 be  expected  to  approve;  and  as  there  was, 
 throughout  it,  an  interesting  simplicity,  charac- 
 teristic of  the  kindest  disposition  and  the  purest 
 principles,  a  brief  extract  from  the  closing  part 
 of  it  may  not  be  unacceptable  to  the  reader. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  133 
 
 *'  As  Jehovali  our  Lord  lovetli  mankind,   and     part  t. 
 is  ever  mercifully  aiding  those  who  stand  in  need,    ^^^^^' 
 so  are  also  his  people,  that  is,  the  truly  pious;     1 804-5. 
 considering-    all    men    as   brethren   in   whatever 
 quarter  may  be   their  place  of  habitation;    and 
 wherever   they   may   see   them   labouring   under 
 difficulties,  they  feel  for  them,  and  hasten  to  their 
 assistance.     Thus   are    the   true   worshippers   of 
 God,  to  the  extent  of  their  ability,  communicating 
 kindness  to  their  brethren. 
 
 "  Much  have  I  seen  of  this  influence  since  I 
 left  you;  for  truly  1  have  been,  as  it  were,  led 
 by  the  hand  to  the  abode  of  those  who  love  and 
 revere  the  system  and  precepts  he  has  ordained 
 for  us,  and  daily  study  by  what  means  they  may 
 fulfil  his  will ;  I  have  been  much  rejoiced  by  the 
 additional  strength  and  aid  I  have  thereby  re- 
 ceived in  religion. 
 
 "  Far  distant  from  them  is  the  situation  of  our 
 brethren  and  mutual  children,  where  our  habi- 
 tations occupy  along  the  banks  of  our  river 
 Oghswego,  or  the  opposite  shores  of  Lake  Erie, 
 where  the  smoke  arises  from  the  fires  of  the 
 Ondowaga,  on  whom  is  hinged  the  door  of  the 
 confederacy :  yet,  notwithstanding,  when  they 
 became  acquainted  with  the  condition  of  our 
 country,  they  considered,  by  what  means  the 
 gospel  of  Jesus  might  more  fidly  be  declared  in 
 those  parts  where  our  brethren  were  scattered; 
 that  they  might  lead  them  into  the  path  which 
 K  3 
 
134  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,     endeth  ia  heaven.     As  soon  therefore  as  I  had 
 
 ^^l^.^^'    translated  this,  they  caused  it  to  be  printed,  to 
 
 1804-5.     tlie   amount    of   2,000   copies,    considering    that 
 
 number  as  fully  adequate,  for  all  those  who  speak 
 
 our  language. 
 
 "  I  have  received  great  pleasure  from  this 
 kind  communication  of  the  Gospel.  I  rejoice, 
 and  salute  in  thankfulness  Him  who  resides  in 
 the  heavens,  for  having  thus  influenced  their 
 minds  to  aid  us.  Exert  yourselves,  friends ;  let  us 
 strictly  adhere  to  what  our  Lord  has  transmitted 
 to  us  in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  that  thereby  the 
 unbelievers,  in  viewing  us,  may  become  ena- 
 moured of  the  Gospel,  and  may  know  that  we  are 
 truly  pious  by  the  love  we  bear  the  command- 
 ments of  God,  and  that  we  have  there  placed  our 
 minds  without  guile ;  and  may  also  see  that  we 
 are  of  the  company  of  Christ,  not  only  in  name 
 and  profession,  as  too  many  are,  but  also  in  our 
 pious  demeanour  and  virtuous  lives.  Let  us  also 
 follow  the  example  of  those  who  have  favored  us 
 with  this  book ;  by  our  spreading  the  holy  religion 
 to  the  utmost  of  our  ability,  that  all  our  brethren, 
 wherever  they  may  dwell,  may  be  made  ac- 
 quainted with  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  may 
 know  the  dispensation  ordahied  for  us  by  God. 
 
 "  Four  of  the  disciples  of  our  blessed  Lord, 
 Matthew,  Mark,  Luke,  and  John,  wrote  the 
 history  of  his  life,  doctrines,  and  miracles:  of 
 these,  the  latter  was  the  peculiarly  beloved,  and 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  135 
 
 is  the  most  circumstantial  in  the  essential  points     part  i. 
 of  doctrine;    and  you   will  see    throughout  how    ^J^^^* 
 strongly  is  inculcated  reverence  to  God,  and  love     1804-5. 
 to  man :  which  let  us  earnestly  pray  God  ever  to 
 preserve   us   in,    by  the   influence    of  His   Holy 
 Spirit,  and  through  the  merits  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 "  (Signed)     TEYONINHOKARAWEN. '^ 
 
 London,  January  23,  1805. 
 
 About  the  period  when  the  business  of  the 
 Mohawk  Gospel  was  entered  upon,  the  founda- 
 tion was  laid  for  that  Biblical  Library  which,  by 
 gradual  accumulation,  is  now  become  so  con- 
 siderable and  important.  It  had  appeared  for 
 some  time  to  many  friends  of  the  Institution  in  a 
 high  degree  desirable  and  expedient,  that  copies 
 should  be  procured  (as  far  as  practicable)  of  all 
 the  existing  versions  of  the  Holy  Scriptures ;  in 
 order  that  the  Society  might  not  be  at  a  loss  for 
 
 *  It  will  afford  pleasure  to  the  reader  to  observe,  by  the 
 Gazettes,  and  other  public  documents,  that  upon  tlie  com- 
 mencement of  hostilities  between  Great  Britain  and  America, 
 this  Chief  approved  his  loyalty  to  his  Great  Father  by  Joining 
 the  British  standard;  and  that  iiis  conduct,  at  the  head  of  his 
 Indian  warriors,  was  signalized  throughout  the  war  by  such  a 
 display  of  courage,  judgment,  and  perseverance,  as  to  gain  him 
 repeatedly  the  thanivs  of  the  military  commanders  in  Canada, 
 and  a  special  maik  of  respect  and  acknowledgment  from  His 
 Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent, 
 K   4 
 
13^  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,     a  standard  edition,  and  the  means  of  collation, 
 ^^^Z^'    whenever  an  occasion  might  arise  for  printing  an 
 1804-5.      impression  on  its   own  account.     The  first  step 
 which  was  taken  in  pursuit  of  this  end  is  to  be 
 traced  in  a  resolution  passed  on  the  3d  of  Decem- 
 ber,  1804,  by  which  it  was  determined,  that  of 
 every  edition  or  translation  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
 tures,   or   of   parts  thereof,    printed    under    the 
 auspices  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society, 
 six  or  more  copies  should  be  transmitted,  to  be 
 lodged  in  its  Depository.     But  as  it  was  foreseen 
 that  the   operation   of    this   measure   would    be 
 unavoidably  slow,   hmited,    and   remote,   it  was 
 further  determined,  on  the  ensuing  17th,  that  an 
 appeal   should   be   made   to   the   community   at 
 large,  through  the  medium  of  certain  daily  news- 
 papers and  periodical  publications  of  character, 
 soliciting   donations     of   Bibles,    Testaments,    or 
 portions    of   the    Scriptures,    in   the   ancient    or 
 modern  languages.     The  first  fruits  of  this  deter- 
 mination were  a  mimificent  present  from  Granville 
 Sharp,   Esq.    of  thirty-nine  copies   of  the   Holy 
 Scriptures,  or  certain  portions  of  them,  in  various 
 languages,   together  with   the   Irish   and   Italian 
 versions  of  the  English  liturgy.     Thus  the  first 
 chairman   of  the  Society  became   also   the   first 
 contributor  to  its  library.  A  benefaction  so  liberal, 
 and  in  every  respect  so  seasonable  and  advanta- 
 geous, demanded  some  special  acknowledgment. 
 The  office  of  conveying  the  Society's  gratitude  was 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  137 
 
 cheerfully  undertaken  by  the  President,  and  the  part  r. 
 
 followms:  letter  will  show  with  what  appropriate  chap.ii. 
 feeling'   his  Lordship    discharged   this    agreeable     I804-5. 
 duty. 
 
 To  Granville  Sharp,  Esq. 
 
 ♦'  Sir, 
 
 "  It  is  with  the  sincerest  satisfaction  that  I 
 execute  the  instructions  of  the  Committee  of  the 
 Bible  Society,  in  returning  their  most  cordial 
 thanks  to  you,  for  the  very  valuable  collection 
 of  Bibles,  Testaments,  and  Psalters,  in  different 
 languages  which  you  have  presented  to  them. 
 
 "  I  cannot  indeed  but  feel  a  peculiar  satis- 
 faction in  the  opportunity  thus  aftbrded  me,  of 
 expressing  the  sense  entertained  by  the  Com- 
 mittee, of  the  great  value  of  the  donation  itself, 
 as  well  as  of  the  high  estimation  in  which  they 
 hold  the  donor. 
 
 "  That  Providence  may  long  continue  to  you, 
 with  every  blessing*,  the  enjoyment  of  a  life  which 
 you  have  adorned  no  less  by  your  talents  than 
 by  your  wishes,  is  the  unanimous  wish  of  all, 
 and  of  none  more  sincerely  than  of  him  who  has 
 the  honor  to  subscribe  himself,  with  the  greatest 
 regard  and  esteem, 
 
 "  Sir, 
 Your  most  obedient  humble  Servant, 
 TEIGNMOUTH, 
 Jan.  7,  1805.  President." 
 
138  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI.  The  commencement  of  the  year  1805  was 
 CHAP. II.  rendered  memorable  m  the  annals  of  the  Society, 
 1804-5.  by  a  serious  and  protracted  discussion  relative  to 
 the  text  at  that  time  preparing  for  the  proposed 
 edition  of  the  Welsh  Bible.  As  this  transaction 
 has  been  frequently  cited  with  a  view  to  disparage 
 the  character  of  the  Institution,  the  author  will 
 lay  before  the  reader  a  brief  recital  of  it,  referring 
 him,  if  desirous  of  more  detailed  information,  to 
 the  Rev.  Mr.  Dealtry's  Vindication  of  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  and  a  letter  from  the 
 Rev.  J.  Roberts  to  that  gentleman,  published  in 
 1811,  under  the  title  of"  Welsh  Bibles." 
 
 It  having  been  resolved,  on  the  3d  of  Septem- 
 ber, 1804,*  that  an  edition  of  Welsh  Bibles  and 
 Testaments  should  be  printed  with  all  convenient 
 dispatch ;  and  the  Rev.  Thomas  Charles  of  Bala, 
 (whose  inquiry  for  copies  of  the  Welsh  Scriptures 
 led  to  the  formation  of  the  Society,)  having  been 
 pointed  out  as  fully  competent,  from  his  know- 
 ledge of  the  language,  to  prepare  a  copy  for  the 
 press,  a  correspondence  took  place  on  the  sub- 
 ject, and  the  result  was  a  determination  to  accept 
 Mr.  Charles's  proffered  services ;  and  an  engage- 
 ment to  that  effect  was  mutually  concluded.  As 
 the  work  was  to  be  executed  at  Cambridge, 
 under  the  immediate  sanction  of  the  Syndics  of 
 the  University  Press,  whose  credit,  no  less  than 
 
 *  See  page  18. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  139 
 
 that  of  the  Society,  was  concerned,  that  it  should 
 be  as  complete  and  unexceptionable  as  possible, 
 application  was  directed  to  be  made  to  that  I804-5. 
 learned  body,  requesting  to  know,  whether  it 
 would  be  agreeable  to  the  University  to  print 
 from  the  Oxford  copy  of  1799,  revised  by  Mr. 
 Charles,  and  to  allow  the  Committee  of  the  So- 
 ciety to  nominate  a  corrector  of  the  press.  The 
 proposition  was  very  readily  assented  to,  and 
 Mr.  Charles  proceeded  accordingly  in  his  task  of 
 preparing  the  Welsh  text  with  all  convenient  ex- 
 pedition. 
 
 In  this  stage  of  the  business,  his  Lordship,  the 
 President,  received  a  comnmnication  from  the 
 Bishop  of  London,  enclosing  a  letter,  addressed 
 to  the  Bishop,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Gaskin,  Secretary 
 to  the  Society  for  Promoting  Christian  Know- 
 ledge, together  with  an  extract  of  a  letter  from 
 the  Rev.  John  Roberts,  complaining  of  the  So- 
 ciety's conduct  in  preparing  the  Welsh  Bible,  a 
 copy  of  which  extract,  as  the  Secretary  stated, 
 was  forwarded  "  by  direction  of  the  Board,"  to 
 all  the  Bishops  whose  names  appeared  as  Vice- 
 Presidents  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  So- 
 ciety. In  the  letter  of  Dr.  Gaskin,  Mr.  Roberts, 
 the  complainant,  was  described  as  "  a  very  re- 
 spectable Clergyman  and  eminent  Welsh  Scholar, 
 who  had  been  employed  by  the  Society  for  Pro- 
 moting Christian  Knowledge  in  correcting  the 
 press   of  the  last  Oxford  edition  of  the  Welsh 
 
t40  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 Bible ;"  and  the  complaint,  as  conveyed  through 
 the  extract  from  Mr.  Roberts's  letter,  was,  that, 
 1804-5.  in  the  edition  preparing-  for  the  press  by  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  improper 
 alterations  had  been  made  in  "  the  present  ortho- 
 graphy of  the  Welsh  version  of  the  Bible  ;"  which 
 *'  has"  (adds  Mr.  Roberts)  "  been  thought  for 
 centuries  not  only  unexceptionable,  but  a  model 
 of  purity  and  correctness,  and  considered  as  the 
 standard  of  criticism  and  pure  language." 
 
 The  Committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society  were  informed  of  these  circum- 
 stances by  a  letter  from  their  President  on  the 
 21st  of  January  1805;  and,  from  deference  to  the 
 opinion  of  Mr.  Roberts,  under  the  sanction  which 
 it  had  received  from  the  Society  for  Promoting 
 Christian  Knowledge ;  from  respect  to  their  Right 
 Rev.  Vice-Presidents;  and  above  all,  from  an 
 anxious  desire  that  their  proposed  edition  of  the 
 Welsh  Bible  should  be  liable  to  no  just  exception, 
 they  immediately  appointed  a  Sub-Committee  to 
 inquire  into  the  grounds  of  Mr.  Roberts's  ob- 
 jection. 
 
 The  Sub-Committee  so  appointed,  at  the  head 
 of  which  was  the  President  himself,  held  re- 
 peated meetings,  and  adopted  the  most  prompt 
 and  judicious  steps  for  ascertaining  the  real  merits 
 of  the  controversy.  They  lost  no  time  in  re- 
 questing of  Mr.  Charles  to  explain  the  nature  and 
 extent  of  the  corrections  which  he  had  made  in 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  141 
 
 the  text  of  1799.  This  explanation  Mr.  Charles  parti. 
 very  readily  furnished,  in  a  kicid  and  satisfactory  ^J^^^^* 
 statement ;  and  the  Sub-Committee,  after  a  patient  1804-5. 
 and  elaborate  investigation,  delivered  in  their 
 definitive  report.  Without  taking  upon  them- 
 selves to  pronounce  any  judgment  on  the  altera- 
 tions in  orthography,  or  on  the  general  corrections, 
 they  vindicated  the  conduct  of  Mr.  Charles  from 
 the  suspicion  of  attempting  or  intending  any 
 change  in  the  translation,  and  expressed  their 
 real  satisfaction  in  having  been  able  to  show  that 
 the  confidence  reposed  in  him  had  been  amply 
 justified.  Copies  of  this  report,  together  with 
 Mr.  Charles's  statement,  were  ordered  to  be  com- 
 municated to  each  of  the  Vice-Presidents,  and  to 
 the  Syndics  of  the  Cambridge  University  Press. 
 On  the  reserved  question  relative  to  the  changes 
 in  orthography,  it  was  considered  expedient  to 
 obtain  the  judgment  of  another  tribunal.  An 
 arbitrator  was  proposed  and  accepted  in  the 
 person  of  the  Rev.  Walter  Davies,  of  Myfod, 
 a  Welsh  scholar  of  acknowledged  reputation ; 
 and  to  his  decision  the  question  was  finally 
 referred. 
 
 Things  had  been  placed  in  this  train,  when 
 intelligence  was  received,  that  the  Society  for 
 Promoting  Christian  Knowledge  had  passed  a 
 Resolution  on  the  12th  of  March,  1805,  to  print 
 20,000  Welsh  Bibles  from  the  edition  of  1746, 
 
142  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,    which  they  subsequently  altered  to  the   edition 
 
 CHAP.  II.    Qf  1752.*     The  Committee  of  the   British   and 
 
 1804-5.     Foreign    Bible    Society,    desirous    of   preserving 
 
 uniformity  in  the  text,  determined  to  adopt  the 
 
 same    standard ;    and    thereby    superseded    the 
 
 necessity  of  further  investigation. 
 
 Having  given  a  simple  and  authentic  narrative 
 of  this  transaction,  which  has  been  so  imper- 
 fectly understood  by  the  friends,  and  so  grossly 
 misrepresented  by  the  enemies  of  the  Institution, 
 the  author  s  only  remaining  anxiety  is,  that  the 
 parties  more  particularly  implicated  in  it  may  be 
 seen  in  their  proper  light. 
 
 Of  the  promptitude,  the  diligence,  and  the 
 impartiality  of  Lord  Teignmouth,  something  has 
 been  already  intimated  ;  and  too  much  cannot  be 
 said.     His  Lordship   seized  the  earliest  opportu- 
 
 *  This  may  be  a  proper  place  for  correcting  the  misre- 
 presentation which  has  been  so  industriously  propagated 
 respecting  the  Welsh  Bible  printed  by  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society.  It  has  been  confidently  stated,  that  it  was 
 printed  from  rivalry  and  opposition  to  the  Society  for  Pro- 
 moting Christian  Knowledge.  "  This"  (says  Lord  Teignmouth 
 with  great  truth,)  "  is  denied.  The  first  order  for  printing  an 
 edition  of  the  Welsh  Scriptures  on  account  of  the  Bible  So- 
 ciety, was  dated  on  the  3d  of  September  1804 ;  the  first  infor- 
 mation which  the  Committee  of  that  Society  received  *  that 
 the  Society  for  Promoting  Christian  Knowledge  had  come  to  a 
 resolution,  at  their  last  meeting,  to  print  an  edition  of  20,000 
 Welsh  Bibles,  &c.,'  was  made  in  the  words  of  the  quotation, 
 by  a  Member  of  both  Societies,  on  the  18th  of  March,  1805. 
 The  spirit  of  rivalry  in  this  case  must  have  been  prophetic," 
 (.Letter  to  Dr.  Wordsworth,  p.  11.) 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  143 
 
 iiity,  after  receiving  the  communication  from  the     part  l 
 Bishop  of  London,  to  promote   inquiry  into  the    ^Jl^^^* 
 matter  of   complaint;    manifested   a   sober   and     1804-5. 
 vmdisturbed    equanimity   throughout   the    whole 
 course  of  the  investigation ;  and  continued,  with 
 unwearied  perseverance,  to  direct  those  councils 
 in  which  it  was  carried  on,  till  he  saw  it  brought   - 
 to  a  complete  and  satisfactory  conclusion.      In 
 confiiination  of  this  account,  an  appeal  may  be 
 made  to  the  Official  Correspondence  as  detailed 
 by  Mr.  Dealtry,  in  the  Appendix  to  his  "  Vin- 
 dication  of  the   British   and  Foreign  Bible  So- 
 ciety."    The  whole  of  that  Correspondence  will 
 be  found  to  reflect  the  greatest  honor  upon  the 
 conduct    of  the    President;    and   the    following- 
 extract  will   enable  the   reader    to    judge   what 
 he  may  expect  fi-om  the  perusal  of  it. 
 
 Extract  from  Lord  TeignmbutUs  Letter  to  the 
 Committee.     January  19,  1805. 
 
 *'  In  the  publication  of  the  Welsh  Bible,  the. 
 Committee  most  properly  considered  it  their  duty 
 to  make  the  new  edition  as  correct  as  possible ; 
 and  confiding  in  the  judgment  and  abilities  of 
 Mr.  Charles,  they  accepted  his  assistance  in 
 preparing  that  edition  for  the  press.  The  zeal 
 and  assiduity  with  which  that  gentleman  has 
 discharged  the  task,  are  entitled  to  the  grateful 
 acknowledgments    of    the    Committee :    but   the 
 
144  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 propriety  of  his  emendations  (as  far  as  ortho- 
 graphy is  concerned)  has  been  questioned  by  a 
 1804^.  gentleman  of  respectability,  who,  I  am  informed, 
 superintended  the  very  edition  which  Mr.  Charles 
 has  corrected;  and  the  Committee  of  a  Society, 
 which  deservedly  holds  a  high  place  in  the  public 
 estimation,  has  given  its  sanction  to  the  objec- 
 tions of  Mr.  Roberts.  Its  opinion  will  naturally 
 have  great  weight,  and  may  have  a  prejudicial 
 influence  on  the  interests  and  success  of  our 
 Society,  if  they  should  persevere  in  printing  the 
 Welsh  Bible,  without  a  full  consideration  of  those 
 objections.  They  would,  indeed,  have  merited 
 the  attention  of  the  Committee,  if  they  had  come 
 before  them  in  any  other  mode ;  and  this  obser- 
 vation naturally  suggests  the  propriety  of  the 
 minutest  investigation  of  the  emendations  pro- 
 posed, and  of  the  objections  started.  It  cannot 
 fail  to  do  credit  to  the  candor  and  impartiality  of 
 the  Committee ;  and  their  final  determination, 
 whatever  it  may  be,  can  then  be  made  with  confi- 
 dence. Admitting  the  judgment  of  the  Committee 
 to  be  fully  satisfied  with  the  alterations  made  by 
 Mr.  Charles,  such  a  conviction  would  not  be 
 sufficient  to  authorize  the  printing  of  the  Welsh 
 Bible  with  those  alterations  at  present.  The 
 effect  of  them,  we  are  told  by  Blr.  Roberts,  is 
 to  make  the  language  a  different  dialect  from 
 that  of  the  Bible  at  present  in  use ;  and  that  any 
 departure  from  the  established  orthography  will 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  14^ 
 
 be  particularly  inconvenient  to  the  public.  Mr. 
 Roberts,  indeed,  appears  to  have  formed  his 
 opinion  on  the  supposed  alterations  without  having  i804-5. 
 seen  them,  and  to  judge  from  other  specimens  of 
 novel  orthography :  but  it  would  be  idle  to  repel 
 his  objections  by  such  a  remark ;  it  is  more 
 becoming,  in  my  opinion,  to  meet  them  fairly, 
 examine  them  coolly  and  impartially,  and  thus 
 ascertain  their  validity  in  a  firm  resolution  to 
 yield  to  them,  if  valid.  Till  this  examination  be 
 made,  we  shall  not  be  properly  qualified  either 
 to  maintain  or  renounce  the  proposed  amend- 
 ments, and  still  less  to  satisfy  the  public  mind, 
 (an  object  of  the  greatest  importance  at  all  times, 
 and  most  peculiarly  so  on  the  present  occasion,) 
 if  ultimately  it  should  be  thought  advisable  to 
 print  the  Bible  in  its  amended  form." 
 
 The  conduct  of  the  Committee  in  accepting 
 the  offer  of  a  corrected  copy  of  the  Welsh  Bible 
 from  an  individual  who,  though  not  a  regular 
 Minister  of  the  Established  Church,  was  known 
 to  be  a  man  of  integrity,  an  excellent  Welsh 
 scholar,  and  critically  acquainted  with  the  sacred 
 text;  and  who  had  also  recommended  himself 
 to  the  esteem  of  the  Society  by  his  exertions  in 
 Wales  to  promote  its  success, — was  certainly  not 
 of  a  nature  to  subject  their  proceedings  to  any 
 just  animadversion.  The  offer  promised,  in  the 
 first  instance,  to  expedite  the  accomplishment  of 
 their    object;    and    they   were    further   induced 
 
 VOL.  I.  L 
 
146  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  to  embrace  it  by  the  hope  of  being  able,  through 
 CHAP.  II.  ^Yie  zeal  and  industry  of  Mr.  Charles,  to  give  to 
 1804-5.  their  edition  a  superior  degree  of  accuracy  and 
 correctness.  As  soon  as  they  were  informed  that 
 the  propriety  of  the  steps  they  were  taking  had 
 been  seriously  controverted,  they  yielded  to  the 
 advice  of  their  noble  President;  embarked,  under 
 his  direction,  in  a  course  of  the  most  strict  and 
 conscientious  inquiry;  and  evinced,  by  their 
 behaviour  throughout,  and  particularly  by  their 
 adoption  of  a  common  text  with  the  Society  for 
 Promoting  Christian  Knowledge,  at  the  close, 
 that  they  had  no  jealousy  to  indulge,  no  vanity 
 to  gratify,  no  peculiar  interest  to  serve;  no  end, 
 in  short,  which  they  were  anxious  to  compass,  but 
 that  of  putting  the  word  of  God  in  a  correct, 
 intelligible,  and  acceptable  form  into  the  hands 
 of  the  people. 
 
 To  Mr.  Charles,  whatever  may  be  thought  of 
 the  system  of  orthography  which  he  was  de- 
 sirous to  adopt,  nothing  can  be  imputed,  which 
 will  derogate  in  tlie  slightest  degree  from  his 
 integrity,  and  his  laudable  zeal  for  the  purity 
 and  correctness  of  the  Welsh  Bible.  With  a 
 frankness  and  alacrity  which  nothing  could 
 have  inspired  but  a  confidence  in  the  sincerity 
 of  his  intentions,  and  (what  to  him  appeared)  the 
 justness  of  his  theory,  he  met  all  the  inquiries 
 promoted  by  that  court  in  which  the  merits  of 
 his   corrections  were  to  be  tried.     Nor  does  it 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 147 
 
 redound  little  to  his  praise,  that  he  manifested  no 
 symptom  whatever  of  chagriii  or  resentment  at 
 the  issue  to  which  the  investigation  was  brought ; 
 but  voluntarily  assisted  in  bringing  foward  that 
 text  by  which  it  was  determined  that  his  own 
 should  be  superseded.* 
 
 For  the  Society  for  Promoting  Christian  Know- 
 ledge, it  must  in  justice  be  said,  that  the  part 
 which  it  acted  was  such  as  became  an  Institu- 
 tion, identified  in  principle  and  design  with  the 
 doctrine  and  the  discipline  of  the  Established 
 Church,  and  bound  by  the  spirit  of  its  consti- 
 tution to  watch  over  the  text  of  Holy  Scripture, 
 and  to  rescue  it  from  the  injurious  effects  of  wilful 
 corruption  or  fancifid  innovation. 
 
 One  party  only  remains  to  be  considered,  and 
 that  is  the  respectable  informant,  with  whom  the 
 whole  business  of  the  investigation  originated. 
 From  the  channel  through  which  the  complaint 
 was  transmitted,  and  the  turn  which  was  given  to 
 it  by  the  enemies  of  the  Society,   as  though  it 
 
 1804-5. 
 
 *  In  what  degree  Mr.  Charles  afterwards  contributed  to 
 improve  the  edition  stereotyped  at  Oxford  iu  1809,  by  the 
 corrections  with  which  he  supplied  the  conductors  of  that 
 work,  the  author  will  not  undertake  to  say :  so  much,  however, 
 he  can  assert,  from  an  inspection  of  correspondence  in  the 
 possession  of  Mr.  Charles's  family,  that  corrections  were 
 repeatedly  transmitted  by  that  excellent  man ;  that  many  of 
 them  were  "  inserted  ;"  and  tlr.it  his  finishing  of  them  was  repre- 
 sented as  conferring  an  obligation  not  only  on  the  conductors 
 of  the  edition,  but  on  "  the  Principality  at  large," 
 L  2 
 
148 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 auiounted  to  a  charge  of  altering-  the  translation^ 
 and  not  the  ortliography,  Mr.  Roberts  certainly 
 1804-5.  fell  for  a  time  under  the  suspicion  of  not  behig 
 influenced  by  the  most  friendly  motives  in  the 
 part  which  he  had  acted.  The  question  at  issue 
 was  also  of  a  description  to  require,  in  order  to 
 determine  on  which  side  the  truth  lay,  a  know- 
 ledge of  the  Welsh  language,  which  those  on 
 whom  the  investigation  of  it  devolved,  in  no 
 degree  possessed.  Add  to  this,  that,  for  the 
 reasons  already  given,  the  arbitration  was  arrested 
 shortly  after  it  had  commenced ;  and  by  its  entire 
 supersession  the  real  subject  of  difTerence  between 
 the  litigant  parties  remained  wholly  undecided. 
 Truth  however  requires  the  acknowledgment, 
 that  Mr.  Roberts  has  brought  forward  such 
 evidence  in  support  of  his  objection  to  the  new 
 orthography,*  as  to  leave  no  room  for  doubting 
 what  would  have  been  the  judgment  of  the  Ar- 
 bitrator on  this  part  of  the  controversy,  had  the 
 question  been   carried  to  a  decision.^     For  the 
 
 *  See  "  Welsh  Bibles." 
 
 t  It  is  due  to  Mr.  Roberts  to  state,  that,  in  a  letter  addressed 
 to  him  by  the  Rev.  Walter  Davies,  in  June,  1805,  the  latter 
 gives  a  decided  opinion  against  the  new  orthography.  "  The 
 Holy  Scriptures,"  (says  Mr.  Davies)  "  as  they  now  stand,  except- 
 ing a  few  typographical  errors,  and  inaccuracies  of  punctuation, 
 are,  according  to  the  best  of  my  judgment,  exactly  as  they 
 ought  to  be.  I  do  not  see,  among  the  numerous  proposed 
 alterations  in  orthography,  a  single  item  of  any  weight.  The 
 gutturals,  asf)irates,  and  plenitude  of  consonants,  though 
 considered  an  eye-sore  in  the  new  theory  of  vision,  are  never- 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  149 
 
 motives  by  which  Mr.  Roberts  was  actuated, 
 there  was  every  thing  in  his  conduct,  subsequently 
 to  the  date  of  his  original  complaint,  to  authorize  1804-5, 
 the  belief,  that  they  were  strictly  honorable  and 
 conscientious ;  and  that  he  intended  nothing  so 
 little,  by  the  course  he  pursued,  as  to  afford  an 
 opportunity  for  the  invidious  use  which  was  in 
 some  instances  made  of  his  communication.  In 
 the  letter  before-cited,  Mr.  Roberts  expresses  his 
 "  feelings  of  extreme  concern  for  the  circum- 
 stances which  introduced  him  to  the  notice  of 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society. '  "  With 
 heart  and  soul"  (he  continues)  "  would  I  labour 
 and  co-operate  with  every  friend  of  the  human 
 race  in  promoting  the  circulation  of  the  Holy 
 Scriptures.  While  I  view  Christendom  burning 
 with  seraphic  zeal  in  carrying  on  this  work  of 
 God-like  benevolence,  I  cannot  but  hope  and 
 pray,  that  some  genuine  particle  of  the  same 
 sacred  zeal  may  ever  animate  my  own  bosom 
 as  a  vital  principle  of  action."  The  close  of  his 
 letter,  while  it  completes  Mr.  Roberts's  vindi- 
 cation of  his  conduct,  may  very  properly  termi- 
 nate this  account  of  the  controversy. 
 
 "  Now,  while  I  repeat  my  coincidence  of 
 opinion  with  our  national  authorities,  I  cannot 
 help   at   the   same  time   expressing  my   deepest 
 
 theless,  and  have  been,  for  a  length  of  time,  the  appropriate 
 and  peculiar  characteristics  of  our  language."  — "  Welsh 
 Bibles,"  p.  22. 
 
150  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 regret,  if  there  has  been  any  thing  reprehensible 
 in  the  language  and  mode  of  my  opposition  to  its* 
 1804-5.  intended  adoption  in  a  Biblical  edition :  or  if  its 
 prevention  could  have  been  effected  in  a  manner 
 more  conciliatory,  and  expressive  of  the  respect 
 due  to  the  character  which  Mr.  Charles  supports 
 as  a  Christian.  Much  indeed  would  I  deprecate 
 the  guilt  of  embarrassing  any  individual  or  So- 
 cieties in  their  honest  endeavours  to  supply 
 immortal  beings  with  the  records  of  divine  re- 
 velation. Living  as  we  do  in  an  important  period 
 of  time,  and  the  voice  of  Jehovah  so  audibly 
 in  his  providence  admonishing  his  servants  to 
 abound  in  fruits  of  righteousness  and  works  of 
 benevolence ;  we  cannot  but  feel  our  obligations 
 to  employ  hand  and  tongue,  and  exert  the  utmost 
 energies  of  head  and  heart,  in  promoting  the 
 prosperity  and  glory  of  Christ's  holy  catholic 
 church,  that  is  at  this  time  looking  forth  as  the 
 morning,  fair  as  the  sun,  and  terrible  as  an  army 
 with  banners." 
 
 By  this  time  intelligence  was  received  from 
 Basle,  in  answer  to  the  communication  addressed 
 to  that  place,  inviting  its  inhabitants  to  co-operate 
 with  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  in  the 
 advancement  of  its  foreign  object.  The  parties 
 who  had  been  addressed,  announced  their  willing- 
 ness to  adopt  the  proposal  of  forming  a  Bible 
 Society  for  their  town  and  vicinity;  but  added, 
 
 *  Viz.  the  new  orthography. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  151 
 
 that,  from  local  difficulties,  they  were  not  yet  in  a 
 condition  to  proceed  to  such   an  establishment; 
 they   had    therefore    determined,   under    present     1804-5. 
 circumstances,  to  unite  their  exertions  with  those 
 of  their  brethren  at  Nurenberg-. 
 
 An  interesting-  letter  was  also  transmitted  from 
 the  Rev.  Mr.  Oberlin,  Minister  of  a  parish  in 
 Alsace,  containing  five  villages,  and  embracing 
 a  mixed  religious  population  of  Roman  Catholics, 
 Lutherans,  Reformed,  and  Baptists.  This  letter 
 reported  the  intended  distribution  of  some  French 
 and  German  Bibles,  purchased  by  funds  with 
 which  Mr.  Oberlin  had  been  supplied  from 
 England ;  and  the  pastoral  simplicity  with  which 
 it  described  the  principal  characters  for  whom  the 
 gift  of  a  Bible  was  designed,  recommended  it 
 warmly  to  the  feelings  of  the  Committee,  and 
 will,  it  is  believed,  sufficiently  apologize  to  the 
 reader  for  its  insertion. 
 
 "  I  have  made  a  list  of  such  persons  as  I 
 consider  most  deserving  of  such  a  present.  Among 
 the  large  number  of  individuals  and  families  to 
 whom  a  Bible  is  a  most  welcome  present,  I  first 
 put  down  such  characters  as  are  most  active  in 
 promoting  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  and  in  doing 
 good  to  the  bodies  and  souls  of  their  fellow-men. 
 
 "   1.  The^y^^  Bible  shall  be  given  as  a  present 
 to  Sophia  Bernard,  who  is  one  of  the  most  ex- 
 cellent women  I  know,  and,  indeed,  an  ornament 
 to  my  parish.     While  unmarried,  she  undertook, 
 h  4 
 
152  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  with  the  consent  of  her  parents,  the  support  and 
 *^i^^^'  education  of  three  helpless  boys,  whom  their 
 1804-5.  wicked  father  had  often  trampled  under  his  feet, 
 and  treated  in  a  manner  too  shocking  to  relate, 
 when,  nearly  starving  with  hunger,  they  dared  to 
 cry  out  for  food.  Soon  afterwards,  she  proved 
 the  happy  means  of  saving  the  lives  of  four  Roman 
 Catholic  children,  who,  without  her  assistance, 
 would  have  fallen  a  prey  to  want  and  famine. 
 Thus  she  had  the  management  of  seven  children, 
 to  whom  several  more  were  added,  belonging  to 
 members  of  three  several  denominations  :  she  now 
 hired  a  house  and  a  servant  girl,  and  supported 
 the  whole  of  the  family  entirely  with  her  own 
 work,  and  the  little  money  she  got  from  the 
 industry  of  the  children,  whom  she  taught  to 
 spin  cotton.  At  the  same  time,  she  proved  the 
 greatest  blessing  to  the  whole  village  where  she 
 lived.  For  it  is  impossible  to  be  more  industrious, 
 frugal,  clean,  cheerful,  edify hig  by  her  whole 
 walk  and  conversation;  more  ready  for  every 
 good  word  and  work ;  more  mild  and  affectionate, 
 more  firm  and  resolute  in  dangers,  than  she  was. 
 Satan  so  enraged  some  of  her  enemies,  that  they 
 threatened  to  destroy  her  old  tottering  cottage ; 
 but  God  was  graciously  pleased  to  preserve  her. 
 A  fine  youth,  of  a  noble  mind,  made  her  an 
 offer  of  his  hand.  She  first  refused,  but  he 
 declared  he  would  wait  for  her  even  ten  years. 
 When  she  replied,  that  she  could  never  consent 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  153 
 
 to  part  from  her  poor  orphans,  he  nobly  answered,     part  i. 
 '  Whoever  takes  the  mother,  takes  the  children    c^hap.ii. 
 too.'     So  he  did — and    all   these   children  were     1804-5. 
 brought   np   by  them   in   the   most   careful   and 
 excellent   manner.     Lately,   they  have   taken   in 
 some  other  orpharis,  whom  they  are  training-  up  in 
 the  fear  and  love  of  God.     Though  these  excel- 
 lent people  pass  rather  for  rich,  yet  their  income 
 is  so  limited,  and  their  benevolence  so  extensive, 
 that  sometimes  they  hardly  know  how  to  furnish 
 a  new  suit  of  necessary  clothes.    To  them  I  intend 
 to   give   a  Bible,    considering  that   their   own    is 
 very  often  lent  out  in  different  Roman  Catholic 
 villages. 
 
 "  2.  A  second  Bible  I  intend  to  give  to  an 
 excellent  woman,  Maria  Schepler,  who  lives  at 
 the  opposite  end  of  my  extensive  parish,  where 
 the  cold  is  more  severe,  and  the  groimd  unfruitful, 
 so  that  nearly  all  the  householders  are  poor 
 people,  who  must  lend  their  clothes  to  each  other 
 when  they  intend  to  go  to  the  Lord's  Supper. 
 This  poor  woman  is  also  a  very  disthiguished 
 character,  in  whose  praise  I  could  say  much,  w^ere 
 I  to  enter  into  particulars.  Though  distressed 
 and  afflicted  in  her  own  person  and  circum- 
 stances, yet  she  is  a  mother,  benefactress,  and 
 teacher  to  the  whole  village  where  she  lives,  and 
 to  some  neighbouring  districts  too.  She  takes 
 the  most  lively  interest  in  all  that  relates  to  the 
 Redeemer's  khigdom  upon  earth,  and  often  groans 
 
164 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAP.  II, 
 
 1804-5. 
 
 under  a  sense  of  all  the  inroads  made  by  the 
 powers  of  darkness.  She  also  has  brought  up 
 several  orphans,  without  receiving  the  smallest 
 rewaid,  keeps  a  free-school  for  females,  and 
 makes  it  a  practice  to  lend  her  Bible  to  such  as 
 are  entirely  deprived  of  it. 
 
 "  A  third  Bible-present  I  intend  to  make  to  an 
 excellent  widow-woman,  Catharine  Scheiddegger, 
 who  is,  like  the  former,  a  mother  to  orphans,  and 
 keeps  a  free-school ;  as  also  does  another  young 
 woman,  who  instructs  little  children  in  a  neigh- 
 bouring village,  in  such  knowledge  as  may  render 
 them  useful  members  of  human  and  Christian 
 society. 
 
 "  I  might  easily  enumerate  many  more  charac- 
 ters of  a  similar  description,  whose  eyes  will 
 overflow  with  grateful  tears,  if  they  are  favoured 
 with  the  present  of  a  Bible." 
 
 Coincident  with  the  receipt  of  these  commu- 
 nications from  Germany,  was  that  of  the  first 
 regular  information  relative  to  the  design  enter- 
 tained by  the  Baptist  Missionaries  at  Serampore, 
 to  engage  in  an  extensive  system  of  oriental  trans- 
 lations. The  statement  was  conveyed  in  an  ex- 
 tract of  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  (now  Dr.) 
 Carey  at  Calcutta,  to  the  Secretary  of  the  mission, 
 the  late  Rev.  Andrew  Fuller ;  and  it  represented 
 the  Missionaries  as  already  employed  on  four 
 languages,  and  as  possessing  considerable  advan- 
 tages, should  they  be  adequately  supported,  for 
 
AND    FOREIGN     BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 155 
 
 translating-  the  Bible  into  all  the  languages  of  the 
 East.  As  the  letter  of  Dr.  Carey  was  dated 
 antecedently  to  the  formation  of  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  and  steps  had  been  taken 
 by  the  latter  to  establish  at  Calcutta  a  Corres- 
 ponding Committee  for  the  accomplishment  of  a 
 similar  design,  in  which  Committee  the  three 
 principal  Baptist  Missionaries  were  expressly  in- 
 cluded; it  did  not  appear  expedient  that  any 
 further  measures  should  at  that  time  be  adopted. 
 Such  was  the  state  to  which  things  had  arrived 
 in  both  the  domestic  and  the  foreign  department, 
 when  a  publication  appeared  which  opened  upon 
 the  Society  the  first  of  those  many  attacks  by 
 which  it  was  destined  to  be  assaulted.  The  title 
 of  this  publication  was  "  An  Address  to  Lord 
 Teignmouth,  President  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  occasioned  by  his  address  to  the 
 Clergy  of  the  Church  of  England ;  by  a  Country 
 Clergyman :"  and  although  the  extravagant  weak- 
 ness and  unmeasured  scurrility  of  this  compo- 
 sition deprived  it  of  all  just  claim  to  considera- 
 tion, yet  the  importance  of  the  question  which 
 it  professed  to  defend,  the  high  tone  of  orthodoxy 
 and  churchmanship  *  which  it  assumed,  and  the 
 extraordinary    industry   with   which   it   was    dis- 
 
 *  The  following  specimens  from  the  Address;  the  first, 
 containing  the  Country  Clergyman's  theory  of  christian  cha- 
 rity ;  the  second,  his  sentiments  on  the  mischief  to  be  appre- 
 hended from  a  liberal  distribution  of  the  Scriptures;  will 
 show  the  reader,  how  little  originality  there  has  been  in  the 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAP. II. 
 
 1804-S. 
 
156  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  persed,  appeared  to  demand  that  it  should  not 
 cH^p.ii.  |jg  permitted  to  circulate,  without  receiving  some 
 1804-5.  degree  of  attention.  Such  at  least  was  the  view 
 taken  of  it  by  the  Bishop  of  London.  Aware  of 
 the  mischievous  influence  which  might  be  pro- 
 duced by  the  propagation  of  those  notes  of  alarm 
 which  were  sounded  in  the  Country  Clergyman's 
 Address ;  and  desirous  to  obtain  for  himself  and  the 
 other  Episcopal  Patrons  of  the  Society,  the  means 
 of  justifying  to  themselves  and,  should  it  be  found 
 necessary,  to  the  world,  the  part  they  had  taken, 
 His  Lordship,  after  some  correspondence  with 
 the  author  on  the  subject,  appointed  a  meeting 
 of  those  Prelates  at  London-House,  on  Saturday 
 the   9th    of    March,    and    requested    that    Lord 
 
 absurdities  advanced  by  the  majority  of  those  who  have 
 succeeded  the  Country  Clergyman  in  this  line  of  controversy. 
 
 "  Christian  charity  no  where  recommends  associations  of 
 discordant  principles,  combinations  of  men  professedly  at 
 variance,  and  in  hostility  with  each  other:  but  Christian 
 charity  enjoins  that  which  renders  all  these  elaborate  Societies 
 useless :  it  teaches  and  obliges  Christians  to  be  like-minded, 
 to  have  one  faith,  one  baptism,  one  speech,  and  one  hope 
 of  their  calling."     Address,  p.  11. 
 
 "  It  is  to  be  expected,  that  each  member  of  your  hetero- 
 geneous Society  will  draw  his  portion  of  books  for  the  pro- 
 motion of  his  particular  opinion  :  for  it  is  easily  seen,  that 
 a  Bible  given  away  by  a  Papist,  will  be  productive  of  Popery. 
 The  Socinian  will  make  his  Bible  speak  and  spread  So- 
 cinianism:  while  the  Calvinist,  the  Baptist,  and  the  Quaker, 
 will  teach  the  opinions  peculiar  to  their  sects.  SuppI//  these 
 men  ivith  Bibles,  ( I  speak  as  to  a  true  Churchman,)  and  you 
 supply  them  with  arms  against  yourself ."    Id.  p.  13, 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE   SOCIETY.  157 
 
 Teignmouth  and  the  author  would  attend  on  that 
 occasion. 
 
 Having  procured  the  Society's  Minute  and  Cor-  1804-5. 
 respondence  Books,  and  made  such  extracts  from 
 both  as  seemed  to  bear  on  the  case,  the  author 
 accompanied  Lord  Teignmouth  to  the  meeting  in 
 which  the  Institution  was  for  the  first  time  to  be 
 put  upon  its  trial.  The  Prelates  assembled  were, 
 the  Bishops  of  London,  Durham,  and  Exeter, 
 (now  Salisbury  :)  the  Bishop  of  St.  David's,  being 
 absent  from  town,  was  prevented  from  giving  his 
 attendance. 
 
 As  the  general  accusation  against  the  Society 
 was,  the  danger  which  it  threatened  to  the  Esta- 
 blished Church,  some  time  was  occupied  in 
 canvassing  the  ground  upon  which  such  a  charge 
 was  pretended  to  be  advanced.  Certain  ques- 
 tions were  then  proposed  on  the  part  of  the 
 Bishops,  respecting  the  conduct  of  the  Committee, 
 and  the  nature  and  tendency  of  their  ordinary 
 proceedings.  To  these  questions  the  author  re- 
 plied in  general,  that  their  Lordships  having 
 signified  their  approbation  of  the  principles  of  the 
 Society,  he  presumed  it  was  not  expected  that 
 he  should  enter  into  a  justification  of  them :  that 
 he  was  prepared  to  show,  by  a  reference  to  the 
 official  records  of  the  Institution,  that  the  Com- 
 mittee had  acted  in  strict  conformity  with  its 
 fundamental  regulations.  The  author  then  ad- 
 duced,  in  proof  of  this   assertion,  and  in  more 
 
158  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  particular  answer  to  the  queries  proposed,  tlie 
 CHAP.  II.  fj^^^g  jjjjfi  circumstances  with  which  he  was  pre- 
 1804-5.  pared  ;  and  concluded,  by  inviting  their  Lordships 
 to  examine  the  books,  and  to  judge  for  them- 
 selves, whether  the  Society  had  not  been  faithful 
 to  its  principles  and  engagements.  The  Bishop 
 of  Durham,  who  had  taken  the  principal  share  in 
 putting  the  interrogatories,  testified  his  cordial 
 acquiescence  in  this  line  of  defence.  "  Show 
 me"  (said  the  Bishop)  "  that  the  Society  has 
 acted  correctly,  and  I  am  satisfied." 
 
 The  documents  having  been  submitted  to  the 
 inspection  of  their  Lordships,  and  the  matters 
 in  the  statement  produced  by  the  author,  parti- 
 cularly discussed,  the  Bishops  expressed  their 
 entire  satisfaction  with  the  conduct  of  the  So- 
 ciety ;  and  unanimously  determined,  that  it  should 
 continue  to  receive  their  patronage  and  support. 
 
 Lord  Teignmouth,  whose  equanimity  on  this,, 
 as  well  as  on  every  other  occasion  of  similar  trial, 
 experienced  no  sort  of  perturbation,  listened  to 
 all  that  was  said  on  either  side,  with  the  most 
 tranquil  and  dignified  composure.  At  length, 
 when  the  Prelates  had  delivered  their  judgment, 
 his  Lordship  addressed  them  in  these  memorable 
 words :  "  Well,  my  Lords,  1  know  not  what  your 
 Lordships  may  think,  but  for  my  own  part  I  can 
 truly  say,  I  had  rather  be  the  object  of  ten  such 
 pamphlets,  than  the  author  of  one  of  its  pages. 
 I  thank  God,  my  last  moments  will  not  be  embit. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  159 
 
 tered  by  the  reflection  of  having  written  such  a 
 pamphlet." 
 
 After  the  meeting  broke  up,  the  author  had  a  1804-5. 
 private  interview  with  the  Bishop  of  London,  by 
 his  Lordship's  request ;  and  received  his  instruc- 
 tions to  complete  the  business  of  the  day  by 
 publicly  replying  to  the  Country  Clergyman's 
 Address.  With  these  instructions  the  author 
 yielded  a  ready  comphance;  and  in  little  more 
 than  three  weeks  (viz.  on  the  6th  of  April)  brought 
 before  the  public  a  pamphlet  entitled  "  A  Letter  to 
 a  Country  Clergyman,  occasioned  by  his  Address 
 to  Lord  Teignmouth,  &c.  by  a  Suburban  Clergy- 
 man." What  the  merits  of  this  answer  were,  in 
 which  invective  was  combated  by  raillery,  and 
 the  weapon  of  ridicule  was  opposed  to  the  panoply 
 of  prejudice,  misrepresentation  and  alarm,  it 
 belongs  to  others  to  determine.  It  is  sufficient 
 for  the  author  to  know  that,  such  as  it  was,  it 
 satisfied  those  whom  it  chiefly  concerned  him  to 
 please ;  and  reconciled  them  more  effectually  to 
 the  determination  they  had  formed  to  maintain 
 their  connection  with  the  Institution. 
 
 While  the  controversy  which  has  been  related, 
 was  exercising  the  friends  of  the  Society  in  the 
 metropolis  and  its  immediate  vicinity,  its  affairs, 
 were  making  no  little  progress  in  different  parts 
 of  the  island.  The  known  determination  of  the 
 Society  to  furnish,  with  all  possible  expedition, 
 ^  supply  of  the  Welsh   Scriptures,   had  raised 
 
160  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  the  desponding  minds  of  that  ardent  people, 
 CHAP. II.  ^j^(j  stimulated  them  to  extraordinary  exertions 
 1804-5.  in  behalf  of  its  funds.  Mr.  Charles  promoted 
 it  with  persevering  activity  among  those  classes 
 to  which  his  itinerant  labors  gained  him 
 access.  The  Bishop  of  Bangor  (Dr.  Warren) 
 gave  it  the  advantage  of  his  recommendation; 
 and  instructed  the  Rural  Deans  throughout  his 
 diocese,  to  distribute  its  plans,  and  to  solicit 
 benefactions  in  its  favor.  By  these  and  similar 
 means  the  Institution  was  advertised  hi  various 
 divisions  of  the  Principality ;  and  the  influence 
 of  this  procedure  was  attested  by  a  mass  of 
 contributions  both  congregational  and  personal, 
 amounting  within  the  year  to  nearly  1,900/.*  This 
 sum  was  the  more  remarkable,  and  certainly 
 not  the  less  valuable,  from  the  consideration  of  its 
 having  been  contributed,  for  the  most  part,  by 
 persons  composing  the  plain  and  inferior  orders 
 of  the  community.  The  words  of  the  Society's 
 correspondent  are  remarkable — 
 
 "  There  are  none  of  our  poor  people  willing  to 
 live  and  die  without  contributing  their  mites  to- 
 wards forwarding  so  glorious  a  design.  Their 
 zeal  and  eagerness  in  the  good  cause,  surpass 
 every  thing  I  have  ever  before  witnessed.  On 
 several  occasions  we  have  been  obliged  to 
 check  their  liberality,  and  take  half  what  they 
 
 *  Vide  List  of  Subscribers  appended  to  the  First  Annual 
 Report,  under  "  Collections." 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  161 
 
 offered,  and  what  we  thought  they  ought  to  give. 
 Great  joy  prevails  universally  at  the  thought  that 
 poor  Heathens  are  likely  soon  to  be  in  possession  i804-i. 
 of  a  Bible;  and  you  will  never  hear  a  prayer  put 
 up,  without  a  petition  for  the  Bible  Society  and 
 Heathen  Nations." 
 
 Scotland  also  began,  about  this  period,  to 
 discover  that  attachment  to  the  Society,  and  that 
 concern  for  its  prosperity,  which,  augmenting  from 
 year  to  year,  have  at  length  incorporated  a  large 
 proportion  of  the  Scottish  population  among  the 
 most  ardent  and  generous  promoters  of  the  In- 
 stitution. The  link  which  connected  the  Society 
 with  that  division  of  the  British  empire,  was  sup- 
 plied by  the  personal  service  of  the  late  pious  and 
 philanthropic  David  Dale,  Esq. :  and  Glasgow, 
 the  place  of  his  residence,  was  that  part  of  Scot- 
 land, in  which  the  Society  was  first  publicly 
 recognized,  and  measures  were  adopted  for  ex- 
 citing a  general  interest  in  its  support.  It  was 
 not  till  November,  1804,  that  the  Committee 
 obtained  an  introduction  to  the  acquaintance  of 
 this  invaluable  agent.  For  this  advantage  they 
 were  indebted  to  one  of  their  number,  Robert 
 Steven,  Esq. ;  a  gentleman,  whose  services  to  the 
 Society,  both  in  its  Scottish  and  its  general  con- 
 nections, entitle  him  to  honorable  and  grateful 
 commemoration.  Through  this  channel  a  com- 
 munication was  opened  with  Mr.  Dale,  and  a 
 supply  of  circular  addresses  transmitted  to  him 
 
 VOL.  I.  M 
 
^1^2  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  for  distribution,  in  such  manner  as  he  might  find 
 CHAP. II.  practicable  and  expedient.  With  a  zeal  coires- 
 1804-5.  pendent  to  the  expectation  which  had  been 
 encouraged,  Mr.  Dale  immediately  espoused  the 
 cause  of  the  Society;  and  he  took  his  measures 
 with  such  promptitude  and  wisdom,  that,  through 
 the  divine  blessing,  he  was  enabled  to  announce, 
 on  the  4th  of  March,  that  the  Presbytery  of 
 Glasgow  had  resolved  on  a  public  collection 
 being  made  at  all  the  churches  within  their 
 bounds ;  and  that  it  was  intended  by  some  active 
 friends  of  the  Institution  among  the  Laity,  to 
 exert  themselves  in  procuring  general  subscrip- 
 tions. 
 
 This  intelligence  was  followed,  in  the  course 
 of  two  months,  by  the  gratifying  information,  that 
 the  Synod  of  Glasgow  and  Ayr  had  imitated 
 the  example  of  the  Presbytery  of  Glasgow,  and 
 determined  upon  promoting  a  collection  in  behalf 
 of  the  Society.  This  determination  took  place 
 on  the  11th  of  April,  1805;  and  the  Synod  ordered 
 the  statement  on  which  their  resolution  had  been 
 grounded,  to  be  printed,  and  sent  to  the  ministers 
 of  the  different  churches  and  chapels  viithin 
 their  bounds,  "  to  be  read  from  the  pulpits,  and 
 the  collection  to  be  recommended  with  suitable 
 exhortations :"  they  further  ordered  certain  copies 
 to  be  transmitted  to  every  minister,  in  order  "  to 
 be  distributed  among  his  people."  To  the  late 
 Rev.  Dr.  Dalrymple,  Minister  of  Ayr,  belongs 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  163 
 
 the  honor  of  having  brought  the  proposition  under  part  i. 
 the  consideration  of  the  Synod.  "  I  give  you  c^ap.ii. 
 joy,"  (writes  this  venerable  man  to  his  friend  Mr.  i804-5. 
 Dale,)  "  and  would  take  some  small  sliare  of  it 
 myself,  that  we  have  lived  to  see  the  day  of  a 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  In  the  82d 
 year  of  my  age,  and  59th  of  my  ministry ;  next 
 to  both  deaf  and  blind,  it  is  little  I  can  do  in  an 
 active  way  to  assist  in  so  glorious  a  design :  but 
 that  little  shall  not  be  wanting.  This  evening  I 
 intend  to  overture  our  Synod,  for  a  collection, 
 after  the  good  example  of  the  Presbytery  of 
 Glasgow;  and  I  hope  to  succeed."  With  what 
 primitive  simphcity  and  apostolical  earnestness 
 such  an  advocate  would  be  likely  to  plead,  may 
 be  easily  supposed :  the  success  of  his  apphcation 
 has  been  seen ;  and  it  unites  w  ith  the  sentiments 
 expressed  in  his  letter,  to  challenge  for  his 
 memory  an  honorable  record,  among  the  earliest 
 and  most  zealous  of  the  Society's  Scottish  bene- 
 factors. 
 
 The  first  anniversary  of  the  Society  was  now 
 approaching ;  and  the  Committee,  anxious  to 
 appear  with  advantage  before  their  constituents 
 and  the  public,  unanimously  requested  their 
 President,  whose  judicious  counsel  had  so  ma- 
 terially aided  them  in  conducting  the  a?iairs  of 
 the  Institution,  to  draw  up  the  first  aaiiual  report. 
 With  this  request  his  Lordship  complied ;  and 
 the  necessary  steps  having  been  taken  to  arrange 
 M   2 
 
1804-5. 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 all  the  preparatory  measures,  the  anniversary  was 
 celebrated,  on  Wednesday  the  1st  of  May,  1805, 
 at  the  New  London  Tavern,  Cheapside;  to  which 
 place  the  meetings  of  the  Committee  had,  in  the 
 month  of  December,  1804,  been  removed,  as  being 
 more  central  and  convenient  than  that  in  which 
 they  had  previously  been  accustomed  to  meet. 
 
 At  twelve  o'clock  the  President  took  the  chair, 
 supported  by  the  Bishop  of  Durham,  W.  Wilber- 
 force,  Esq.,  and  other  distinguished  characters. 
 His  Lordship  read  the  report,  which  he  had 
 prepared  at  the  instance  of  the  Committee,  and 
 which  had  been  previously  submitted  to  their 
 approbation.  The  Bishop  of  Durham  then  rose ; 
 and,  after  a  frank  and  energetic  declaration  of  his 
 sentiments  in  favor  of  the  Society,  and  a  just 
 eulogium  on  the  conduct  of  the  President  in 
 devoting  so  much  time,  labor,  and  anxiety,  to  the 
 direction  of  the  Society's  affairs,  concluded  a 
 speech  in  which  the  characters  of  the  Prelate 
 and  the  Christian  were  equally  sustained,  by 
 moving,  that  the  warmest  thanks  of  the  meeting 
 should  be  presented  to  his  Lordship  for  his 
 faithful,  zealous,  and  persevering  attention  to  the 
 business  of  the  Institution.  The  proposition  was 
 greeted,  as  were  others  of  a  similar  import  in 
 reference  to  the  several  laborers  in  the  various 
 departments  of  the  same  common  work,  with 
 strong  demonstrations  of  approval  and  regard. 
 
 The  scene  presented  on  this  interesting  occa- 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  165 
 
 sion  was  distinguished  by  features  which  gave  it 
 an  iiTesisti}3le  influence  over  the  kindest  and  most 
 elevated  affections  of  the  heart.  Persons  of  vari-  I804-5. 
 ous  communions,  circumstances,  and  stations ;  the 
 Prelate  and  the  Presbyterian,  the  Lutheran  and  the 
 Calvinist,  the  Peer  and  the  Quaker,  here  mingled 
 in  new  and  undissembling  concord ;  and,  "  agree- 
 ing in  the  truth  of  God's  holy  word,"  mutually 
 professed  their  determination  to  '*  live  in  unity 
 and  godly  love."  Pride  and  contention,  pre- 
 judice and  bigotry,  an-ogance  on  the  one  part, 
 and  contumacy  on  the  other,  appeared  to  have 
 fled  before  the  genius  of  the  Bible.  Each  indi- 
 vidual seemed  to  feel  that  the  long  and  disgrace- 
 ful reign  of  misunderstanding  and  hostility  among 
 professing  Christians  was  passed  away ;  and  many 
 a  tear  attested  the  sincerity  of  that  reconcilia- 
 tion which  promised  to  heal  the  breaches  of 
 intestine  division,  and  to  unite  the  heretofore- 
 conflicting  members  of  Christ's  holy  catholic 
 church,  in  an  indissoluble  league  of  peace,  and 
 amity,  and  cordial  co-operation. 
 
 M  3 
 
i^Sii  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  r. 
 
 CHAP. 
 III. 
 
 1805-6.  CHAPTER    III. 
 
 1805--6. 
 
 The  anniversary  meeting,  and  the  distribution  of 
 the  Report,  by  which  it  was  was  succeeded, 
 appear  to  have  consolidated,  in  a  great  degree, 
 the  internal  resources  of  the  Society,  and  in- 
 spired very  animating  hopes  of  its  acquiring  a 
 considerable  ascendant  in  the  public  estimation. 
 
 The  encouragement  which  had  been  given  to 
 the  plan  of  the  Institution,  previously  to  the  ter- 
 mination of  the  first  year  of  its  existence,  very 
 sensibly  augmented,  as  that  plan  was  more  fully 
 developed  in  practice.  Add  to  this,  that  the 
 circulation  of  papers  and  documents,  explanatory 
 of  its  principles  and  its  effects,  caused  its  nature 
 and  tendency  to  be  better  understood.  In  pro- 
 portion as  this  was  the  case,  the  impression  in 
 its  favor  became  more  decisively  manifest;  and 
 testimonies  to  that  purpose  continued  to  accumu- 
 late from  Christians  of  different  denominations,, 
 and  from  various  parts  of  the  United  Kingdom. 
 
 That  flame  which  had  been  early  kindled  in 
 Wales,  continued  to  spread  among  the  inhabi- 
 tants of  the  Principality;   and   the   influence   of 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY, 
 
 167 
 
 the  Society  was  attested  by  the  increasing  libe- 
 rahty  of  their  contributions,  and  their  warm  and 
 growing-  interest  in  its  prosperity. 
 
 From  Ireland,  under  its  existing  circumstances 
 of  comparative  ignorance  and  depression,  httle 
 was  to  be  expected  in  the  way  of  direct  or  pe- 
 cuniary co-operation.  Much,  it  was  thought, 
 would  be  gained  to  the  common  stock  of  general 
 improvement,  if  the  inhabitants  of  tliat  country 
 should  be  roused  to  a  sense  of  their  moral 
 wants,  and  thus  be  stimulated  to  desire  a  par- 
 ticipation of  those  inestimable  benefits  which  the 
 Society  was  intended  to  confer.  By  the  disper- 
 sion of  intelligence,  however  partial  and  limited 
 it  may  have  been,  that  end  was  in  some  measure 
 attained.  Already  the  dawn  appeared  of  that 
 hopeful  solicitude  which  it  was  felt  of  so  much 
 importance  to  excite ;  and  we  shall  soon  have 
 occasion  to  record  the  evidence  of  its  growth, 
 in  effects  of  the  most  promising  description. 
 
 In  North  Britain  the  Society  had  made  a 
 successful  entrance,  within  a  few  months  after  its 
 formation ;  and  both  the  Presbytery  of  Glasgow, 
 and  the  Synod  of  Glasgow  and  Ayr,  had  given, 
 by  their  public  collections  through  their  re- 
 spective bounds,  an  unequivocal  testimony  of 
 their  approbation  and  friendship.  These  aus- 
 picious beginnings  were,  after  a  very  short  in- 
 terval, succeeded  by  measures,  assuming  a  still 
 more  decisive  character,  and  involving  more 
 M  4 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAP. 
 III. 
 
 1805-6. 
 
168  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  completely  the  suffi-ages  of  national  opinion. 
 ^^^^-  Scarcely  had  the  Society  entered  upon  its 
 ^— N^*^  second  year,  when  Scotland  was  seen  pro- 
 1  05-G.  claiming  her  attachment  to  the  principles  of  the 
 Institution,  by  giving  publicity  and  recommen^ 
 dation  to  its  plans  in  her  capital;  and  that 
 through  a  medium,  calculated  above  every  other 
 to  ensure  for  them  extensive  acceptance  and 
 success.  Robert  Scott  MoncriefF,  Esq.  was 
 the  person  to  whom  the  Society  stands  indebted 
 for  having  been  introduced  to  so  honorable 
 and  advantageous  a  connection.  This  respec- 
 table individual,  having  proposed  to  the  direc- 
 tors of  "  the  Society  in  Scotland,  incorporated 
 by  Royal  Charter,  for  Propagating  Christian 
 Knowledge,"  to  patronize  and  co-operate  with 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society ;  they 
 cordially  assented  to  the  proposal,  and  on  the 
 8th  of  May  issued  the  following  notification  in 
 "  the  Edinburgh  Advertiser." 
 
 Copif     of  an    Advertisement    inserted    in    the 
 Edinburgh  Advertiser  for  1805. 
 
 BRITISH    AND    FOREIGN     BIBLE 
 SOCIETY. 
 
 "  A  Society  having  been  lately  formed  in 
 London  with  the  above  designation,  under  the 
 patronage  and  direction  of  some  of  the  highest 
 
AND    FOREIGN    RIBLE    SOCIETY.  169 
 
 dignitaries  of  the   Church   of  England,    and    of    parti. 
 
 HAP 
 ITI. 
 
 many    other   pious   and    respectable   cliaracters,      ^hav. 
 
 both  of  the  Established  Church  and  Dissenters,      ^^-^^^ 
 in  that  country,   the  exclusive   object   of  which  '"  * 
 
 is  to  diffuse  the  knowledge  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
 tures, by  circulating  them  in  the  different  lan- 
 guages spoken  throughout  Great  Britain  and 
 Ireland ;  and  also,  according  to  the  extent  of  its 
 funds,  in  the  languages  of  foreign  countries: 
 "  The  Committee  of  Directors  of  the  Society 
 in  Scotland  for  Propagating  Christian  Know- 
 ledge," highly  approving  of  the  object  of  this 
 admirable  Institution,  ivhich  proposes  one  of 
 the  best  conceivable  7neans  for  the  speedy  and 
 universal  diffusion  of  the  Gospel,  and  perfectly 
 satisfied  with  the  security  which  it  afibrds  for 
 a  wise  and  faithful  application  of  its  funds; 
 have  resolved,  most  cordially  to  unite  their 
 efforts  with  those  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society  in  promoting  so  desirable  an  end ; 
 and  for  this  purpose,  they  have  appointed  the 
 following  Gentlemen  of  their  number;  viz.  the 
 Rev.  Dr.  Hunter,  Mr.  Black,  and  Mr.  Jones, 
 Ministers  of  the  Gospel  at  Edinburgh;  Robert 
 Scott  Moncrieff,  Esq.  of  New-halls,  with  the 
 Secretary  and  Treasurer  of  the  Society ;  a  Sub- 
 Committee,  to  correspond  with  the  Bible  Society 
 in  London,  and  to  adopt  and  pursue  such  mea- 
 sures as  may  be  thought  proper,  in  order  to  obtain 
 
170  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  contributions  and  collections  in  Scotland,  for 
 CHAP,  promoting  the  great  object  of  that  Institution." 
 N,^^  The  effect  of  a  declaration  so  explicit,  from 
 1805-6.  ^  quarter  of  such  high  respectability,  may  be 
 easily  anticipated.  The  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society  became  known  and  respected 
 throughout  Scotland:  a  foundation  was  thereby 
 laid  in  the  capital,  for  a  deep  and  permanent 
 interest  in  its  favor ;  and  a  collection  on  its  be- 
 half, throughout  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery  of 
 Edinburgh,  was  one  of  its  earliest  and  most 
 beneficial  results.  In  "  the  act  and  recom- 
 mendation," by  which  this  collection  was  autho- 
 rized, and  which  was  dated  the  29th  of  January, 
 1806,  the  Presbytery  state,  that,  "  having  con- 
 sidered the  objects  of  the  Society,  under  the 
 name  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society, 
 for  the  purpose  of  circulating  Bibles  at  home 
 and  abroad,"  they  "  give  their  cordial  appro- 
 bation to  this  Institution,  and  appoint  a  col- 
 lection for  this  Society  to  be  made  in  all  the 
 Churches  and  Chapels  within  their  bounds,  on 
 Thursday,  February  27,  being  the  day  appointed 
 by  the  King,  to  be  observed  as  a  national  fast 
 through  Scotland,  on  account  of  the  present  state 
 of  the  Kingdom." 
 
 In  speaking  more  particularly  of  the  Society, 
 the  Presbytery  describe  it  in  the  following 
 terms. 
 
1805-6. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  171 
 
 "  The  Society  for  whose  benefit  this  col-  parti. 
 lection  is  appointed,  was  established  a  few  years 
 ago  in  London ;  and  consists  of  a  large  number 
 of  respectable  men,  belonging  to  the  Church 
 of  England,  and  the  Dissenters,  who  are  warmly 
 attached  to  the  Christian  religion,  and  the  pros- 
 perity of  their  country." 
 
 After  explaining  the  occasion  of  the  Society's 
 formation,  and  the  nature,  extent,  and  benefit 
 of  its  proceedings,  the  Presbytery  thus  conclude 
 their  candid  and  liberal  appeal. 
 
 "  Such  are  the  labours  of  love,  in  which  the 
 Society  is  engaged ;  labours  most  conducive  both 
 to  the  present  and  eternal  interests  of  their  fellows- 
 creatures  ;  and  which  are  admirably  fitted,  by 
 the  blessing  of  God,  for  the  accomplishment  of 
 His  promises,  '  that  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord 
 shall  cover  the  earth,  as  the  waters  do  the  sea  ;* 
 '  that  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  shall  become 
 the  kingdom  of  our  God,  and  of  His  Christ.' 
 
 "  Though  they  have  been  employing  the  fund& 
 under  theii'  management  with  fidelity  and  con- 
 siderable success,  there  is  need  of  much  larger 
 donations  for  carrying  on  the  extensive  and  useful 
 purposes  of  their  Institution. 
 
 "  The  Presbytery  hope,  that  enough  has  been 
 said  to  show  the  vast  importance  of  this  under- 
 taking, and  earnestly  recommend  to  all  under 
 their  charge,  to  contribute,  as  liberally  as  their 
 
172  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.     circumstances  will  admit,  for  increasing  the  funds 
 
 ^^^^'      and  usefulness  of  the  Society." 
 
 v^-vw  This  solemn  recognition  of  a  Society  in  which 
 1805-6.  j5ishops  presided  and  Sects  co-operated,  ema- 
 nating from  bodies  whose  ec(;lesiastical  consti- 
 tution renders  them  almost  equally  opposed  to 
 prelacy  and  to  separation,  evinced  a  spirit  of 
 Christian  generosity  which  cannot  be  too  highly 
 commended;  the  memorial  of  it  will  form  an 
 honorable  record  in  the  religious  history  of  Scot- 
 land. The  conduct  of  the  Presbytery  of  Edin- 
 burgh on  this  occasion,  viewed  in  connection  with 
 that  of  the  Presbytery  of  Glasgow,  and  the  Synod 
 of  Glasgow  and  Ayr,  will  sufficiently  account  for 
 the  deep  root  which  the  Society  will  hereafter  be 
 found  to  have  taken  in  the  northern  part  of  the 
 Island,  and  for  the  luxuriant  growth  which  its 
 interest  has  continued  to  experience  among  all 
 classes  and  denominations  of  Scottish  Christians. 
 In  England,  the  effect  of  those  publications 
 which  advertised  the  existence  of  the  Society, 
 announced  its  proceedings,  and  invited  general 
 co-operation,  was  also  manifested,  though  by 
 slower  degrees,  and,  for  a  time,  with  inferior  de- 
 monstrations of  liberality  and  zeal.  The  seed 
 which  has  since  so  abundantly  sprung  up,  was 
 destined  to  be  for  a  considerable  period  buried 
 under  the  soil ;  and  although  it  is  true  that  the 
 augmentation  of  general  contribution  was  great, 
 
III. 
 1805-6- 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  173 
 
 and  for  the  most  part  annually  progressive,  yet     parti. 
 it  is  as  true,  that  it  required  four  years  to  double      ^"^^• 
 the  amount  of  the  first  year's  annual  subscriptions ; 
 the  return  of  the  first  year  from  this  source  being 
 1,235Z.  35.  that  of  the  fourth,  2,493/.  125.  Gd. 
 
 Having  glanced  at  the  circumstances  which 
 shewed  the  growing  strength  of  the  Institution, 
 and  its  progTess  in  the  acquisition  of  domestic 
 support,  the  author  will  now  resume  the  narrative 
 of  its  public  transactions. 
 
 The  intercourse  maintained  with  the  German 
 Bible  Society  at  Nurenberg,  had  led,  as  will  be 
 recollected,  to  a  correspondence  of  an  interesting 
 nature  with  a  Roman  Catholic  Clergyman  in 
 Swabia ;  and  the  event  of  it  had  been,  the  grant 
 of  1000  copies  of  the  Nurenberg  Protestant  New 
 Testament  to  that  individual,  for  circulation  at 
 his  discretion. 
 
 In  the  mean  time,  the  zeal  of  some  enlightened 
 Roman  CathoHcs  at  Ratisbon,  having  been  excited 
 by  the  proceedings  of  the  Protestants  at  Nuren- 
 berg, the  example  of  the  latter  was  imitated  by 
 the  former ;  and  a  Roman  Catholic  Bible  Society 
 was  established  at  Ratisbon,  under  the  direction 
 of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wittman,  Director  of  the  Eccle- 
 siastical Seminary  in  that  place. 
 
 The  Director's  Address  to  the  Christians  of 
 the  Roman  Catholic  persuasion,  throughout  Ger- 
 jnany,  is  peculiarly  simple,  liberal,  and  devout. 
 
174  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 III. 
 
 1805-6. 
 
 "  TO  THOSE  WHO  VALUE  THE  DOC- 
 TRINE OF  JESUS. 
 
 "  Dear  Brethren  and  Sisters  in  Christ ! 
 "  It  is  desirable  that  the  Holy  Scriptures  of 
 the  New  Testament  might  be  put  into  the  hands 
 of  many  pious  Christians  at  a  low  price.  Thereby 
 they  would  be  comforted  in  their  afflictions, 
 strengthened  in  their  trials,  and  more  preserved 
 from  the  temptations  of  the  world.  Many  excel- 
 lent persons  do  not  find,  in  the  pubhc  religious 
 instruction,  that  for  which  they  hunger;  they  are 
 also  often  in  the  confessional  only  judged  for  their 
 outward  deeds,  without  being  led  to  an  acknow- 
 ledgment of  their  inward  corruption,  and  to  faith 
 in  the  blood  of  Jesus  their  Redeemer :  if  these 
 could  read  the  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  New  Tes- 
 tament in  the  quiet  time  of  holidays,  their  faith 
 in  the  simple  doctrines  from  the  mouth  of  Jesus 
 Christ  would,  by  the  mercy  of  their  Saviour,  be 
 thereby  enlivened;  and  the  Lord's  gifts  in  the 
 Holy  Spirit  be  quickened  in  them.  They  would 
 hear  the  voice  of  the  Father  in  their  inward  part, 
 drawing  them  to  their  Saviour,  of  which  Christ 
 saith  :  '  They  shall  be  all  taught  of  God ;  and 
 "whosoever  hath  learned  of  the  Father,  and  re- 
 ceiveth  it,  cometh  unto  me.'  John  vi.  44.  (Ger- 
 man Translation.) 
 
III. 
 1805-6. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  175 
 
 **  Also  Christian  brethren  and  sisters  could  part  i. 
 meet  together  in  small  parties  of  two  or  three  on  chap. 
 Smiday  and  holiday  afternoons,  and  read  a 
 chapter  in  the  New  Testament,  and  confer  to- 
 gether on  it,  whereby  a  subject  of  short  united 
 prayer  would  impress  itself  on  their  minds,  and 
 what  the  Lord  saith  would  be  fulfilled :  '  If  two 
 of  you  shall  agree  on  earth,  as  touching  any  thing 
 that  they  shall  ask,  it  shall  be  done  for  them 
 of  my  Father  in  heaven."  Matt,  xviii.  19.  Chris- 
 tians !  you  are  so  unlike  the  w  orld,  you  are  re- 
 garded as  nothing  by  it;  it  has  no  satisfaction  in 
 you,  and  you  also  can  gain  none  from  it ;  and  when 
 you  are  for  having  here  and  there  a  little  fellow- 
 ship with  it,  then  it  causes  disquiet  to  your  spirits, 
 and  you  soon  find  yourselves  in  the  like  state 
 with  Peter,  when  he  was  among  the  people  in 
 the  hall.  Be  ye  separated  then,  and  let  it  be 
 as  the  Lord  saith :  '  There  shall  be  five  in  one 
 house  divided,  three  against  two,  and  two  against 
 three.'  Luke  xii.  52.  But  be  ye  so  much  the 
 more  united  together  in  the  Lord,  in  joint  prayer, 
 and  in  comfort  of  the  words  of  Christ. 
 
 "  From  these  considerations  has  arisen,  in  the 
 the  minds  of  some  clergymen,  a  wish  to  set  on 
 foot  a  cheap  German  edition  of  the  New  Testa- 
 tament,  for  the  use  of  many  pious  Christians, 
 the  Repository  thereof  to  be  at  Ratisbon,  in  the 
 Ecclesiastical  Seminary,    as  a  central   place    in 
 
III. 
 1805-6. 
 
 176  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI.     Germany,  and  to  wait  for  what  the   Lord  may 
 CHAP.      1^^  pleased  farther  to  work  therein. 
 
 "  I  hereby  give  this  intelHgence  to  some  known 
 confessors  of  Christ,  with  a  request  that  they 
 will  consider  the  matter  before  the  Lord,  recom- 
 mend it  to  him  in  prayer;  and  if  he  is  pleased 
 to  afford  them  an  opportunity  to  contribute  in 
 any  way  toward  it,  they  will  not  neglect  it. 
 Christian  poverty  and  love  have  accomplished 
 greater  things  in  the  world  than  the  power  and 
 riches  of  the  world  coidd  do. 
 
 "  O  Lord!  Redeemer  of  our  souls!  Shepherd 
 of  the  small  despised  flock !  Do  with  this  work 
 as  may  please  thee.  Thy  kingdom  proceeds  an 
 incessant  pace  in  a  still  small  way;  and  those 
 who  oppose  it  can  do  nothing  against  it,  but 
 become  thy  footstool,  and  contribute  to  the  rest 
 of  thy  feet  in  the  peace  of  thy  people.  If  it 
 please  thee,  let  thy  holy  history,  the  history  of 
 thy  childhood,  of  thy  ministry,  of  thy  suffering, 
 and  of  the  victory  in  the  Holy  Spirit  in  the 
 apostles  and  firstlings  of  the  Christian  church, 
 come  into  the  hands  of  thy  little  ones  for  their 
 comfort  and  confirmation. 
 
 (Signed)         WITTMAIN." 
 
 Scarcely  had  this  Institution  been  formed, 
 when  the  Roman  Catholic  Clergyman  before 
 referred  to  made   application  to  the    Nurenberg 
 
III. 
 1805-a. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  177 
 
 Society,  for  permission  to  commute  the  1000  parti, 
 Protestant  Testaments  which  he  was  to  have  ^""^7* 
 received  from  their  depository,  for  an  equal 
 number  of  Catholic  Testaments  from  the  pro- 
 posed depository  at  Ratisbon.  The  Nurenberg 
 Society,  regarding  the  application  as  perfectly 
 reasonable,  and  not  foreseeing  that  any  objection 
 would  he  against  its  admission,  yielded  a  ready 
 €ompUance  to  the  wishes  of  the  applicant ;  and 
 transferred  the  order  from  their  own  to  the 
 Ratisbon  Society,  without  deeming  it  necessary 
 to  wait  till  the  sense  of  the  parties  from  whom 
 the  grant  had  proceeded  could  be  taken  upon 
 the  subject. 
 
 To  the  Committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society  this  measure  appeared  to  be  one 
 which,  from  its  novelty,  and  the  consequences 
 with  which  it  was  pregnant,  called  for  very  grave 
 and  deliberate  consideration.  Immediately  on 
 the  receipt  of  a  direct  communication  from  the 
 Roman  Catholic  Clergyman,  conveying  the  re- 
 quest which  he  had  made  to  the  Nurenberg 
 Society,  and  stating  the  success  with  which  that 
 request  had  been  attended,  a  resolution  was 
 passed,  declaring,  that  the  proposal  to  exchange 
 the  order  of  1000  Protestant  Testaments  for 
 an  equal  number  of  Catholic  Testaments  could 
 not  be  acceded  to. 
 
 The  effect  of  this  resolution,  the  wisdom  of 
 which,  under  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the 
 
 VOL.  I.  N 
 
178  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PAUTi.  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  could  not 
 CHAP.  ^^  questioned,  was  painfully  felt  and  aftectingly 
 V— ,-w  represented  by  the  Nurenberg  Society,  whose 
 1805-c.  somewhat  precipitate,  though  certainly  well- 
 intended  procedure,  had  placed  both  themselves, 
 and  the  conductors  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  in  a  situation  of  great  embarrass- 
 ment. The  former  pleaded,  in  justification  of 
 the  course  they  had  ventured  to  pursue,  the 
 accommodation  which  it  had  afforded  to  the 
 Catholic  Clergyman,  by  relieving  him  from  the 
 difficulties  which  he  must  have  experienced 
 in  an  attempt  to  distribute,  to  any  extent,  among 
 members  of  his  own  communion,  copies  of  the 
 Protestant  Testament.  They  further  stated, 
 that  the  catholic  edition  to  which  the  order  had 
 been  transferred,  would  be  printed,  not  from  a 
 slavish  translation  of  the  Vulgate,  but  from 
 Mr.  Schwarzels  version  of  the  original  Greek, 
 witliout  note  or  comment,  a  version  which,  while 
 it  satisfied  enlightened  Catholics,  had  been  fa- 
 vorably received  by  Protestants  themselves. 
 
 The  Committee,  while  they  sympathized  with 
 the  feelings  of  their  JNurenberg  friends,  and  saw 
 much  in  their  statement  to  atone  for  the  precipi- 
 tation with  whicli  they  had  acted,  considered 
 it  expedient,  after  a  full  and  dispassionate 
 iiwestigation  of  tlie  subject,  to  confirm  their  first 
 resolution.  Desirous,  however,  of  upholding  the 
 credit  of  the  JNurenberg  Society,  whicli  had  be- 
 
1805-U. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  179 
 
 come  pledged  by  this  transaction,    and  anxious     i*arti. 
 to  prevent  the  charge  of   iUiberality  from  being     ^"i^^* 
 brought  against  the   British   and   Foreign   Bible     '•— v-^' 
 Society   with  any  semblance   of  reason,    se\eral 
 Members  of  the  Com.mittee  united,  in  their  pri- 
 vate capacity,  to  defray  the  charge  of  the   1000 
 Testaments    ordered    at    Ratisbon:     while    the 
 Catholic  Clergyman,  having  accepted,  with  grate- 
 ful acquiescence,  the  fuliilment  of  tlie  Society's 
 original  intention,  continued    to  retain  his  claim 
 for  the  Ratisbon  copies ;    and   thus  became,  in 
 the  event,  doubly  endowed. 
 
 The  author  has  been  studiously  particular  in 
 relating  the  circumstances  of  this  transaction, 
 because  they  serve  to  illustrate  the  cautious 
 prudence,  and  conscientious  exactitude,  with 
 which  the  Committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society  have  been  accustomed  to  act.  It 
 will  appear,  from  what  has  been  stated,  how 
 careful  they  were,  in  this  instance,  (os  they  will 
 be  found  to  have  been  in  every  similar  trial,) 
 to  guard  against  being  carried  away  by  ti>eir 
 best  feelings,  and  by  the  tempting  prospect 
 of  an  immediate  good,  so  as  to  adopt  a  measure 
 which  might,  by  however  forced  a  conshuction, 
 be  interpreted  into  a  violation  of  the  letter  or  the 
 spirit  of  their  regulations.  The  Society  wy„s,  at 
 this  time,  in  its  infancy  :  its  relations  with  the 
 Protestant  churches  of  Christendom  were  but 
 recently  entered  into,  and  partially  formed:  t!ie 
 N  2 
 
III. 
 1805-6. 
 
 180  HISTORY   OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  prejudices  existing  against  Roman  Catholics,  and 
 CHAP,  every  thing  which  pertained  to  them,  were  in 
 their  greatest  strength ;  and  the  version  in  ques- 
 tion, though  respectably  vouched  for,  was  yet 
 very  defectively  known  and  accredited.  These 
 considerations  were  sufficient  to  recommend  and 
 to  justify  extreme  caution  on  the  part  of  the 
 Society,  lest  an  error,  in  so  early  a  stage  of  its 
 proceedings,  might  draw  its  principles  into  sus- 
 picion, and  throw  obstacles  in  the  way  of  its 
 future  movements,  which  no  exertions  of  pru- 
 dence or  energy  would  afterwards  enable  it  com- 
 pletely to  surmount. 
 
 For  the  Roman  Catholic  Clergyman  himself, 
 it  is  due  to  his  character  to  observe,  that  he 
 behaved  throughout  the  business  in  a  manner 
 which  reflected  the  highest  credit  both  upon 
 his  integrity  and  his  candor.  His  letters  breathed 
 the  spirit  of  fervent  piety  and  genuine  Catho- 
 licism; and  with  an  appropriate  and  animated 
 extract  from  one  of  them  the  account  of  this 
 transaction  shall  be  closed. 
 
 "  I  feel  the  highest  regard  for  the  wise  and 
 prudent  zeal  of  the  English  Bible  Committee, 
 because  it  is  my  own  desire  to  see  the  pure  and 
 genuine  Word  of  God  spread,  and  I  am  so  en- 
 tirely against  all  corruption  of  this  invaluable 
 treasure,  that  I  myself  would  prevent  it  by  all 
 means  in  my  power.     As  the  degeneracy  op 
 
 ALL   OUTWARD  CHURCHES   IS  SO  GREAT  AND 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  181 
 
 GENERAL,      AND    THREATENS     TO     BECOME     STILL      PART  L 
 
 GREATER  AND  MORE  GENERAL,  I  COMFORT 
 MYSELF  WITH  THIS,  THAT  THE  LORD  IS  RETIRING 
 INTO  THE  INNER  TEMPLE,  AND  MORE  GLORI- 
 OUSLY BUILDING  UP  THE  INVISILLE  CHURCH. 
 At  LEAST  HE  DOES  NOT  SIT  IDLE  AT  THE  RIGHT 
 HAND  OF  HIS  FaTHER,  NOR  CAN  HE  LOSE  HIS 
 suit;  WHATEVER  MAY  NOW  BE  THE  APPEAR- 
 ANCE, HE  MUST  FINALLY  BE  THE  GAINER.  OuR 
 DUTY  HOWEVER  IS  THIS,  TO  PRAY  MORE  EAR- 
 NESTLY THAN  ever:  '  Let  thy  kingdom 
 come!'  and,  '  Lord,  abide  a^ith  us,  for  it 
 IS  TOWARDS  EVENING.'  Dr.  Sailer  (who  by  his 
 truly  evangelical  instructions  and  writings  has 
 proved  a  great  blessing  to  the  Roman  Catholics 
 in  Germany)  thus  expresses  himself  in  his  last 
 book:  *  Christianity  is  so  firmly  founded  on  its 
 own  basis,  that,  after  it  has  outlived  the  times 
 of  persecution,  after  it  has  remained  unshaken 
 in  the  age  of  superstition,  it  will  also  outlive  this 
 age  of  infidelity  and  contempt.'  Therefore,  we 
 cannot  sufficiently  rejoice  that  we  are  privileged 
 to  serve  such  a  Master,  who  is  infinitely  superior 
 to  all  his  enemies  ;  who  has  the  victory  in  his 
 hands,  ever  since  the  world  has  stood ;  who 
 finally  shall  put  all  enemies  under  his  feet;  at 
 whose  name  every  knee  shall  bow,  and  every 
 tongue  confess  that  Jesus  Christ  is  Lord." 
 
 The  progress  made  by  the  Nurenberg  Society 
 in   maturing    its   plans,    and    recommendiiig  it$ 
 N  3 
 
 CilAP. 
 ill. 
 
182  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,     design   to   the  patronage  of  the  pubhc,   though 
 
 ^"^^*      neither  rapid,  nor  at  any  time  considerable,  ap- 
 
 ^--v-^     pears,   on  the  whole,   to  have  afforded  its  con- 
 
 I8U0-6.      doctors  a  reasonable  degree  of  satisfaction  and 
 
 encouragement.     A  detailed  account  of  the  first 
 
 anniversary   of   the    British    and    Foreign    Bible 
 
 Society,  expressly  translated  and  printed  for  the 
 
 purpose,  was  circulated  with  great  industry,  both 
 
 in  Nurenberg  and  its  vicinity ;   and  produced,  it 
 
 was  thought,  a  very  advantageous  effect. 
 
 Having,  towards  the  close  of  1805,  completed 
 the  first  impression  of  their  Testament  on  standing 
 type?,  the  Nurenberg  Society  announced  its 
 completion,  in  a  printed  Address,  and  solicited 
 assistance  from  their  German  fellow-christians, 
 in  order  to  enable  them  to  print  the  entire  Bible 
 in  a  similar  manner.  In  the  course  of  their 
 Address  they  advert,  with  sentiments  of  respect, 
 to  the  Roman  Catholic  Bible  Institution  at 
 Ratisbon,  and  manifest  a  fraternal  disposition 
 towards  its  Members;  which  evinces  the  con- 
 ciliatory influence  of  a  love  for  the  word  of 
 God,  and  of  a  sincere  desire  to  promote  its 
 general  diffusion. 
 
 "  The  printing  of  this  New  Testament"  (they 
 state)  "  was  delayed  by  several  circumstances, 
 one  of  which  will  afford  pleasure  to  every  friend 
 of  the  Bible.  The  very  same  person,  who  had 
 to  cast  the  tyi)es  for  our  New  Testament,  re- 
 ceived, nearly  at  the  same  time,  an  order  to  cast 
 
r.i  AP. 
 III. 
 
 180y-«. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  183 
 
 the  types  for  another  New  Testament,  which  is     I'Art  i. 
 to  be  printed   for   the    use   of  Konian  CathoHc 
 Christians,    under    the    direction   of  some   very 
 worthy  and  truly  enhghtened  Clergymen  of  that 
 persuasion." 
 
 This  good  understanding  between  Protestants 
 and  Catholics  in  a  cause,  which,  judging  from  past 
 experience,  might  have  been  considered  likely 
 to  generate  very  different  feelings,  was  considered 
 at  the  time  an  auspicious  circumstance :  and  it 
 may  now  be  referred  to,  as  marking  the  dawn 
 of  that  era  in  which  Catholics  and  Protestants 
 have  reciprocated  expressions  of  kindness;  and, 
 either  by  actual  co-operation,  or  by  amicable 
 competition,  have  mutually  conspired  to  promote 
 the  distribution  of  the  Scriptures  among  all 
 orders  and  classes  of  people. 
 
 The  Address,  while  h  did  justice,  as  we  have 
 seen,  to  the  zeal  of  the  Catholics  at  Ratisbon, 
 reported  also,  in  terms  of  due  commendation,  the 
 warm  encouragement  given  to  the  designs  of  the 
 Nurenberg  Society  by  the  Protestants  in  diflerent 
 parts  of  Germany  and  Switzerland.  Instances 
 were  cited  of  individual  liberality,  which  testified 
 how  much  the  hearts  of  the  people  were  ahve  to 
 the  interests  of  vital  religion,  and  how  seasonably 
 the  work  of  diflusing  the  Holy  Scriptures  was 
 introduced  among  them.  A  venerable  old  man, 
 whom  Providence  had  raised  from  sns-.ll  begin- 
 nings to  a  state  of  competency,  is  described  as 
 N  4 
 
184  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 tARTi.     having  presented,  with  tears  of  pious  gratitude, 
 
 CHAP.      ^^Q  sums  of  1,100  florins  each:  one  in  aid  of  the 
 
 III. 
 V— /-i^     missionary  cause,  and  the  other  for  the  purpose 
 
 1805-6.  ^f  circulating  the  word  of  God  among  his  German 
 countrymen.  Another,  who  liad  served  forty 
 years  in  a  very  respectable  family,  and  saved  a 
 considerable  sum  of  money,  which  he  was  accus- 
 tomed to  devote  almost  entirely  to  benevolent 
 purposes,  is  stated  to  have  brought  300  florins, 
 "  as  a  gift  of  love,  to  be  employed  solely  for  the 
 printing  and  distribution  of  Bibles."  To  these 
 interesting  facts— interesting  the  rather,  as  being 
 the  first  fruits  of  those  exertions  which  were 
 afterwards  remunerated  with  so  plentiful  a  harvest 
 — were  added  assurances,  "  that  in  several  parts 
 of  Switzerland,  and  chiefly  in  the  Canton  of  Bern, 
 a  similar  zeal  had  been  manifested  ;  and  that  the 
 inhabitants  both  of  town  and  country,  strove  with 
 each  other  in  offering  their  mites  to  the  Bible 
 Institution." 
 
 Such  demonstrations  of  earnestness  and  in- 
 dustry in  the  conductors  of  the  Nurenberg  Bible 
 Society,  and  of  zeal  and  liberality  in  its  members 
 and  friends,  were  observed  by  the  Committee  of 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  with  great 
 and  mcreasing  satisfaction.  Nurenberg  was  the 
 portion  of  continental  ground  in  which  they  had 
 begun  their  foreign  labors.  To  that  spot,  for 
 a  period,  their  operations  were  confined.  It  was, 
 in  fact  the  cradle  of  their  continental  greatness ; 
 
1805-6. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  185 
 
 and  they  watched  over  it  with  a  fondness  which  parti. 
 disposed  them  to  rejoice  in  every  indication  of  ^"ap. 
 present  advancement,  and  every  presage  of  future 
 success. 
 
 To  the  100/.  originally  contiibuted  at  the  for- 
 mation of  the  Society  in  that  place,  the  Com- 
 mittee of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society 
 had  recently  added  a  second  donation  of  200/. 
 in  aid  of  an  impression  of  the  entire  Bible  on 
 standing  types,  or  stereotype,  as  circumstances 
 might  determine.  The  intelligence  conveyed 
 through  the  address  just  referred  to,  confirmed 
 the  expectation  upon  which  the  second  grant  had 
 been  made ;  the  Committee,  who  had  voted  it, 
 saw  their  judgment  of  the  zeal  and  perseverance 
 of  their  Nurenberg  friends  abundantly  confirmed  ; 
 and  from  what  they  had  witnessed  in  the  trial 
 thus  made,  they  felt  encouraged  to  proceed  to 
 still  further  exertions,  satisfied,  that  if  they  were 
 but  diligent  to  plant  and  to  water,  God  would 
 give  the  desired— the  promised  increase. 
 
 By  this  time,  the  communication  opened  with 
 Halle  in  Saxony  began  to  take  efiect ;  and  by 
 means  of  it,  a  channel  was  obtained  through 
 which  it  was  hoped,  and  as  events  have  since 
 shown,  not  without  reason,  that  the  stream  of 
 divine  truth  might  be  beneficially  directed  to 
 numerous  portions  of  the  continent,  in  which 
 its  refreshing  waters  were  deeply  and  affectingiy 
 needed:   Dr.   Knapp,  Director  of  the  Orphan- 
 
III. 
 1805-6. 
 
 186  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  House  ill  that  city,  gave  a  friendly  reception  t© 
 CHAP.  ^Yie  o\eLtiire  made  by  the  Society  in  the  summer 
 of  1804;  and,  in  return,  invited  their  attention  to 
 the  depository  over  which  he  presided,  and  in 
 which  a  stock  of  Bibles  and  Testaments  existed, 
 ready  for  immediate  distribution. 
 
 The  Caustein  Bible  Institution,  the  depository 
 here  alluded  to,  was  founded  at  Halle,  in  1710, 
 by  Charles  Hildebrand,  Baron  de  Caustein;  at 
 his  decease,  the  care  of  it  devolved  upon  the 
 celebrated  Professor  Franke,  founder  and  direc- 
 tor of  the  Orphan-House  in  that  city ;  and  pass- 
 ing in  succession  to  the  several  directors  of  that 
 charitable  establishment,  it  thus  came  under  the 
 administration  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Knapp.  The 
 Institution  had  now  subsisted  for  a  period  of 
 nearly  ninety-five  years,  during  which  time  above 
 three  million  copies,  either  of  the  whole  Bible  or 
 New  Testament,  had  been  printed  in  different 
 languages,  and  dispersed,  not  only  throughout 
 most  of  the  European  countries,  but  even  through 
 different  parts  of  America  and  the  Russian  colo- 
 nies in  Asia  :  many  thousand  copies  had,  through 
 this  medium  of  dispersion,  been  distributed  gra- 
 tuitously to  the  poor ;  and  there  was  evidence  of 
 the  most  unquestionable  nature,  that  a  signal 
 blessing  had  attended  the  whole  undertaking. 
 
 The  Bibles  and  Testaments  issued  by  this 
 excellent  Institution  were  printed  in  the  city  of 
 Halle  till  the  year  1735,  when  it  obtained  from 
 
II. 
 1800-6. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    KIBLE    SOCIETY.  187 
 
 Frederick  W  illiam  the  privilege  of  being  permitted  part  i. 
 to  establish  a  printing-office  of  its  own.  In  con-  ^"^^^ 
 sequence  of  this  indulgence,  a  very  large  building- 
 was  annexed  to  the  Orphan-House,  in  which 
 Bibles  are  continually  printing  in  such  numbers, 
 that,  to  use  the  language  of  the  Society's  corres- 
 pondent, "  there  is  always  a  large  supply  ready 
 for  sale."  Dr.  Knapp,  from  whose  communica- 
 tions these  particulars  have  been  derived,  accom- 
 panied his  statement  with  an  assurance,  that  "  if 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  should  be 
 disposed  to  make  use  of  the  Bible  Institution,  for 
 the  attainment  of  their  noble  and  benevolent 
 designs,  he  would  feel  exceedingly  happy  to  exe- 
 cute their  orders." 
 
 Advantage  was  immediately  taken  of  this  in- 
 telligence ;  and  as  Dr.  Knapp  appf^ared  to  possess 
 both  the  means  and  the  disposition  to  co-operate 
 effectually  with  the  views  of  the  Society,  he  was 
 requested  to  furnish  distinct  information  on  the 
 following  points :  1st.  In  what  places  the  Scrip- 
 tures were  wanted  in  the  several  languages  in 
 which  the  Canstein  Institution  had  printed  and 
 continued  to  print  tliem ;  2dly.  By  what  mode 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  might  assist 
 in  the  distribution  of  them.  To  these  inquiries, 
 which  had  for  their  principal  object  to  ascertain 
 the  state  of  the  Scriptures,  both  as  to  the  want  of 
 them  and  the  facilities  for  dispersing  them  in 
 Prussia,  Poland,  and   the  Russiaii   empire,  Dr. 
 
1805-6. 
 
 188  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  Knapp  paid  a  kind  and  ready  attention ;  and  the 
 CHAP.  ^j.g-j^  jj^jQ  which  he  put  them,  ehcited,  in  process 
 v-^v^-.-'  of  time,  such  information  as  enabled  the  con- 
 ductors of  the  Society  to  extend  their  connec- 
 tions, and  to  form  new  links  of  communication 
 with  persons  and  places,  to  which,  but  for  this 
 introduction,  they  might  not  have  found  so  easy 
 and  effectual  an  access. 
 
 While  things  were  thus  proceeding  at  Nuren- 
 berg,  and  Halle,  measures  had  been  concerted 
 by  the  Society's  correspondents  at  Berlin,  with 
 the  prosperous  result  of  which  it  will  now  be 
 proper  that  the  reader  should  be  made  ac- 
 quainted. 
 
 The  Rev.  John  Jaenicke,  stimulated  by  the 
 example  of  Nurenberg,  and  encouraged  by  the 
 generous  proposal  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  exerted  himself  with  so  much 
 judgment  and  perseverance,  that  the  foundation 
 of  a  Bible  Society  was  laid  in  Berlin,  in  the  com- 
 mencement of  180G,  under  the  direction  of  some 
 noblemen  and  other  persons  of  great  disthiction 
 and  exemplary  character.  On  the  11th  of 
 February,  the  Institution  received  the  sanction 
 of  His  Prussian  Majesty ;  and  on  the  31st  of 
 March,  the  Committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society  redeemed  their  pledge,  by  voting 
 to  the  newly-formed  Institution  the  promised  sum 
 of  100/.;  adding  a  further  donation  to  an  equal 
 amount,  as  an  inducement  to  the   Berlin  Bible 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 189 
 
 Society  to  extend  their  labors,  at  that  time 
 employed  in  printing  the  Bohemian  Bible,  to  an 
 impression  of  the  Polish  Bible,  the  want  of  which 
 was  understood  to  be  severely  and  extensively 
 felt. 
 
 The  establishment  of  the  Berlin  Bible  Society 
 was,  in  the  infant  circumstances  of  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  regarded  as  an  ac- 
 quisition of  considerable  moment.  The  import- 
 ance of  its  situation,  the  zeal  of  its  directors,  and 
 the  authority  of  the  royal  sanction  under  which  it 
 appeared  before  the  public,  gave  it  altogether  an 
 imposing  aspect ;  and  naturally  induced  very  high 
 expectations  of  its  future  greatness  and  success. 
 
 Of  this  Institution,  which,  though  (as  it  has 
 since  appeared)  scarcely  known  in  the  capital 
 from  which  it  derived  its  designation,  and  very 
 partially  supported  in  other  parts  of  the  kingdom, 
 contrived,  chiefly  through  the  exertions  of  a 
 single  individual,*  to  print  20,000  copies  of  the 
 Bible  and  New  Testament  in  the  Bohemian  and 
 Polish  languages;  to  promote  similar  exertions 
 in  various  other  places ;  and  to  keep  alive  like- 
 wise an  interest  in  favor  of  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
 till  an  Establishment  was  effected  for  extending 
 their  circulation  throughout  the  whole  Prussian 
 dominions.  Of  an  Institution  so  wisely  planned, 
 so   zealously  conducted,   and  so  happily  super- 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAP. 
 III. 
 
 1805-C. 
 
 '  The  Rev.  J.  Jaenickc. 
 
1805-6. 
 
 190  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,     seded,  it  will  be  interesting  to  trace  the  origin, 
 
 CHAP.      ^jj^j  ^^  follow  the  labors  till  they  reached  their 
 III.  ,  -^ 
 
 consummation.     The  latter  of  these  objects  will 
 
 liave  its  place  in  the  details  which  are  hereafter 
 to  be  recorded.  Of  the  former  something  has 
 already  been  said:  what  remains  to  be  told, 
 may  be  very  suitably  extracted  from  the  excel- 
 lent "  Address"  issued  by  the  Berlin  Bible  So- 
 ciety soon  after  it  formation,  and  inscribed: 
 *'  To  the  Christians  of  the  Prussian  States." 
 
 "  In  that  highly-favored  country,  where,  for  a 
 considerable  time  past,  the  spirit  of  active  Chris- 
 tian charity  has  been  awakened,  and  a  fire 
 kindled  by  the  Lord,  which  already  shines  into 
 the  remotest  parts  of  the  earth — in  the  powerful 
 kingdom  of  Great  Britain,  a  Society  has  been 
 formed,  consisting  of  all  ranks  and  religious  deno- 
 minations, for  the  laudable  purpose  of  propagating 
 the  word  of  God  to  the  utmost  of  their  power, 
 by  cheap  distribution  among  the  poor. 
 
 "  No  fire  burns  upon  the  altar  of  the  Lord, 
 without  spreading  its  flames  around.  This  fire 
 has  also  extended  its  flames.  The  zeal  of  Chris- 
 tians in  England  has  also  infused  itself  into  the 
 hearts  of  Christians  in  Germany. 
 
 "  Already  in  the  German  Empire  a  Society 
 has  been  formed,  actuated  by  the  same  spirit,  and 
 for  the  same  purpose,  as  that  in  England.  In  the 
 Prussian  States,  also,  there  is  still  room  for 
 sowing  the  good  seed  of  the  word  of  God.    They 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  191 
 
 still   contain  districts,   where,   in   the   houses   of    parti. 
 many    poor     Protestant    families,    the    precious      chap. 
 Bible  is  sought  in  vain.     A    number  of  sincere     v— v^ 
 friends  of  God  and  of  mankind,   in  and   out  of     l^^^-^- 
 Berlin,  constrained  by  the  love  of  Christ  and  of 
 their  fellow-christians,    have  associated,  after  the 
 example    of  the   above-mentioned    English    and 
 German  Bible   Societies,  to  collect  a   fund    for 
 the  purpose  of  purchasing  Bibles  and  INew  Tes- 
 taments  from    the    Bible    Institution    at    Halle, 
 to  be  gratuitously  distributed,  or  sold  at  a  very 
 low   price,    to    the  really  poor   in   the    Prussian 
 States.     They    also    intend    to    publish    a    new 
 edition   of  the    Bohemian   Bible;  a  donation   of 
 100/.  which  has  been  voted  them  by  the  Bible 
 Society   in   London   for    this   purpose,    laid   the 
 foundation   of  this    fund,  which  has  since  been 
 augmented    by    the   benevolent   contributions  of 
 several  voluntary  subscribers  of  all  ranks." 
 
 Mr.  Jaenickes  letter  to  the   King  of  Prussia, 
 and    his    Mtijesty's     reply,    will    complete    this         ' 
 account. 
 
 TO  THE  KING  OF  PRUSSIA. 
 
 "    Most  mighty  and  most  gracious  Lord 
 
 and  Sovereign, 
 
 "  With   all   due   humihty    1  lay  the  inclosed 
 
 address  at  the  foot  of  your  royal  throne.     Moved 
 
 by  the  present  falling  away  from  our  Lord  Jesu« 
 
fQ2  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI.  Christ,  and  the  mcreasing  contempt  of  the  Holy 
 CHAP.  Scriptures,  several  of  your  Majesty's  faithful 
 v,,^^  suhjects  have  united  together  for  the  purpose 
 1805-6.  q(  putting  the  Holy  Bible  into  the  hands  of 
 the  poor,  particularly  of  the  soldiers'  children. 
 From  my  office  of  distributing  meat  to  the  poor 
 during  the  last  five  years,  I  have  had  a  frequent 
 opportunity  of  observing  the  deplorable  ignorance 
 of  the  poor  in  the  great  truths  of  salvation.  And 
 as  in  the  dominions  of  your  Majesty,  particularly 
 in  Silesia,  there  are  several  Bohemian  Colonies, 
 payt  of  which  stand  in  need  of  the  Bohemian 
 Bible,  which  can  be  procured  neither  from  the 
 Bible  Institution  of  the  Hallish  Orphan-House 
 nor  in  Bohemia  itself;  our  Bible  Society  has 
 determined  not  only  to  purchase  German  Bibles 
 for  distribution  among  the  poor,  but  also  to  print 
 a  new  edition  of  the  Bohemian  Bible  here  in 
 Berlin ;  the  more  so,  as  several  Protestant  cler- 
 gymen in  Bohemia  have  already  subscribed  for 
 1000  copies. 
 
 "  Our  Society  will  also  consult  some  zealous 
 ministers  in  Prussia,  whether  the  Polish  Bible 
 could  not  be  printed  either  in  Konigsberg  or 
 Dantzig,  in  order  to  distribute  it  among  the  Pro- 
 testants of  South  Prussia. 
 
 "  As  your  Majesty  will  perceive  by  this  state- 
 ment, that  our  Bible  Society  has  the  eternal 
 welfare  of  our  fellow-men  for  its  object,  we  feel 
 the  greater  confidence   in   addressing  yoiu-  Ma- 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  195 
 
 CHAP, 
 III. 
 
 1805-G. 
 
 jesty,    hoping   that  it  ^Yi]l  please  your  Majesty    part  i 
 to  take  it  under  your  most  gracious  protection, 
 which  we  most  humbly  solicit. 
 
 "  I  am  your  Majesty's  most  humble  and  most 
 dutiful  servant  and  subject, 
 
 Feb.  7,  1806.  "  JOHN  J^NICKE." 
 
 REPLY  OF  HIS  PRUSSIAN  MAJESTY. 
 
 "  It  is  with  real  satisfaction  that  I  discover, 
 from  your  letter  of  the  7th  of  February  and  the 
 inclosed  Address,  the  laudable  endeavours  of 
 the  Prussian  Bible  Society  for  the  gratuitous 
 and  cheap  distribution  of  the  Bible  to  the  poor 
 of  my  dominions;  and  while  I  render  justice  to 
 your  particular  merit  in  promoting  such  a  useful 
 Institution,  I  transmit  to  you  at  the  same  time  20 
 Frederick  d'ors,  as  an  addition  to  its  funds. 
 "  I  am  your  gracious  King, 
 
 "  FREDERICK  WILLIAM." 
 
 Feb.  11,  1806. 
 
 Such  were  the  fruits  of  the  intercourse  main- 
 tained by  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society 
 with  the  continent  of  Europe,  antecedently  to 
 the  termination  of  its  second  year.  They  con- 
 stitute a  part  of  that  day  of  small  things,  which 
 prudence  forbids  us  to  despise,  and  gratitude 
 to  forget.  Compared  with  the  splendid  occur- 
 rences by  which  they  have  been  succeeded  they 
 sink  into  disesteem,  and  cau  scarcely  be  rescued 
 
 VOL.  J,  o 
 
194  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  from  the  reproach  of  insignificance.  But  the 
 recital  of  them  was  due  to  the  credit  of  those 
 exertions  by  which  they  were  produced,  and  to 
 
 1805-6.  ^jjp  elucidation  of  those  transactions  for  which 
 they  prepared  the  way.  In  themselves,  it  is 
 trusted,  they  are  not  wholly  without  interest; 
 but  they  become  additionally  interesting,  when 
 considered  as  preserving  a  memorial  of  the  first 
 blushes  of  that  rising  light,  which  now  shines 
 with  so  great  effulgence  on  the  principal  nations 
 of  the  European  continent. 
 
 The  progress  which  the  cause  of  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society  had  made  in  the  affairs 
 of  its  foreign  department  was  greeted  by  its  con- 
 ductors, and  by  all' to  whom  the  intelligence  of 
 its  proceedings  was  imparted,  with  expressions  of 
 cordial  delight.  In  the  mean  time,  the  wants  of 
 Great  Britain  were  neither  forgotten,  nor  lightly 
 considered.  Much  exertion  was  made  to  acce- 
 lerate the  production  of  some  fruits  from  the 
 stereotype  press,  in  order  that  the  desirable  busi- 
 ness of  distribution  might  commence  among  the 
 necessitous  part  of  the  British  population.  This 
 object  was  obtained  in  September,  1805,  when  an 
 impression  of  an  octavo  English  Testament  was 
 announced  as  ready  for  dehvery.  As  this  Testa- 
 ment exhibited  the  first  specimen  of  the  appli- 
 cation of  stereotype  to  any  part  of  the  Holy 
 Scriptures,  and  was  beside  the  first  article  pro- 
 vided by  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society 
 
1805-e. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  195 
 
 for  home  circulation,  a  resolution  was  passed,  at  part  r. 
 the  meeting  in  which  its  completion  v.  as  reported,  ^"'^^* 
 that  a  copy  of  it,  accompanied  with  a  circular 
 letter,  should  be  presented  to  the  President,  the 
 Vice-Presidents,  each  Member  of  the  Committee, 
 and  Principal  Officers  of  the  Society.  This 
 measure,  it  was  thought,  while  it  evinced  a  due 
 respect  for  the  parties  to  whom  it  refeired,  would 
 afford,  at  the  same  time,  a  satisfactory  testimony, 
 that  the  copies  issued  in  the  languages  of  the 
 United  Kingdom  would  be — what  the  funda- 
 mental rule  had  stipulated  they  should  be — "  the 
 authorized  version  without  note  or  comment." 
 
 With  a  view  to  identify  tlie  copies  issued  by 
 the  Society,  and  thereby  to  prevent,  as  far  as 
 possible,  any  fraud  upon  its  charity  by  mercenary 
 artifices,  or  any  other  of  the  various  modes  of 
 abuse,  the  Society's  imprint  was  inserted  in  the 
 title  page,  and  its  designation  stamped  upon 
 the  binding.  The  latter  of  these  expedients  has 
 since  been  adopted  by  other  Societies  of  reputa- 
 tion, both  at  home  and  abroad;*  and  both  have 
 been  mentioned  as  evidences  of  that  discreet  mid 
 precautionary  management,  which,  in  the  warmth 
 of  its  zeal  for  diffusing  the  Scriptures,  the  Insti- 
 tution has  not  failed  from  its  very  outset  to  exem- 
 plify and  observe. 
 
 *  Amone  these  may  be  ])arlic(ilaily  mculioneil — at  home,  the 
 Society  for  Promoting  Cliiistiaii  Knowledge ;   aad  abroad,  the 
 Petersburg  (qow  Russian)  Bible  Society. 
 o2 
 
196 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 III. 
 
 1805-6. 
 
 An  impression  of  the  New  Testament  having 
 thus  been  prepared,  the  work  of  distribution 
 commenced  without  delay ;  and  Ireland,  whose 
 wants  were  deemed  the  most  urgent,  and  were 
 also  at  that  time  the  best  ascertained,  was  the 
 first  scene  in  which  it  was  carried  into  effect. 
 Individual  agents,  and  Sunday  schools  were  the 
 medium  through  which  the  copies  transmitted 
 for  this  purpose,  were  put  in  circulation.  The 
 Dublin  Association  was  also  assisted,  as  were 
 subsequently  the  Naval  and  Military  Bible  So- 
 ciety in  London,  and  certain  other  religious  Insti- 
 tutions ;  by  being  permitted  to  share  with  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  in  its  advanta- 
 geous arrangements  with  the  University  of  Cam- 
 bridge: and  every  opportunity  was  eagerly  em- 
 braced of  supplying,  both  directly,  and  indirectly, 
 the  scriptural  wants  of  the  country,  and  of  exciting 
 attention  to  the  importance  of  reading  and  dis- 
 persing the  lively  oracles  of  God. 
 
 One  of  the  earliest,  and  most  beneficial  results 
 from  the  distribution  in  Ireland,  combined  with 
 other  exertions  of  a  similar  description  in  that 
 country,  was  the  establishment  of  a  Bible  Society 
 at  Dublin.  Of  this  Institution, — small  in  its  com- 
 mencement, and  subsisting  for  a  period  with  very 
 limited  countenance  and  equivocal  support ;  but 
 now  possessing  distinguished  patronage,  and 
 operating  with  ample  means,  and  through  a  wide 
 and    still    widening  jurisdiction, — occasion    vriU 
 
1805-6. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  197 
 
 hereafter  be  furnished  for  speaking  at  large.     The    tart  i. 
 
 ^  ®  ^  CHAP. 
 
 author  will  content  himself  at  present  with  ex-        m. 
 plaining'  brietiy  the  circumstances  of  its  origin, 
 and  the  conduct   observed  by   the    British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society  in  accepting  a  connection 
 with  it. 
 
 But  as  the  Dublin  Association,  to  which  refer- 
 ence has  before  been  made,  contributed  mate- 
 rially to  excite  that  spirit  which  caused  the 
 Scriptures  to  be  so  eagerly  inquired  for,  and 
 their  distribution  to  be  so  seriously  considered, 
 it  will  be  proper  to  introduce  the  proposed 
 explanation,  by  laying  before  the  reader  a 
 compendious  account  of  that  Patriotic  Institu- 
 tion, which  was  the  precursor  in  this  field  of 
 usefulness,  and  prepared  the  way,  by  its  lauda- 
 ble exertions,  for  the  establishment  of  that  na- 
 tional Bible  Society,  the  circumstances  of  whose 
 origin  are  hereafter  to  be  related. 
 
 In  the  year  1792,  a  Society  was  formed  in 
 Dublin,  under  the  title  of  *'  The  Association  for 
 Discountenancing  Vice,  and  Promoting  the  Know- 
 ledge and  Practice  of  the  Christian  Religion. "^ 
 Stimulated  by  a  splendid  donation  from  an  un- 
 known benefactor,  for  encouraging  the  distribu- 
 tion of  the  Scriptures,  they  resolved  to  make  that 
 a  principal  object  of  their  attention  ;  and,  in  this 
 determination,  with  a  zeal  which  cannot  be  too 
 highly  commended,  they  expressed  their  hope,  in 
 a  printed  Address,  *'  that  effectual  j^rovismt  would 
 o3 
 
198 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 CHAP. 
 III. 
 
 1805-6. 
 
 PART  I.  he  made,  that  no  house,  no  cabin,  in  the  whole 
 kingdom,  in  uhich  there  ivas  a  single  person  who 
 could  read,  should  he  destitute  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
 tures." The  members  of  this  "  Association, 
 which  at  its  commencement  in  October,  1792, 
 amounted  to  only  tJiree,  had,  in  1794,  increased 
 to  240 ;  and  so  vigorously  had  they  exerted 
 themselves  in  ]3rosecution  of  their  end,  that,  in 
 1795,  we  find  them  addressed  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
 Burrowes,  in  the  following  terms  : 
 
 "  You  have  distributed  quarto*  Bibles  for  the 
 use  of  fiimilies.  You  have  put  it  in  the  power 
 of  fathers  to  instruct  their  children  in  Christian 
 knowledge  from  the  words  of  Christ  himself — to 
 draw  the  stream  of  morals  and  life  from  the 
 fountain-head,  even  the  rock  of  your  salvation : 
 and  you  have  deposited  in  many  houses,  where 
 perhaps  it  is  the  only  book,  the  very  best  book 
 which  can  be  had."  f 
 
 In  1796,  the  Association  report,  through  the 
 Rev.  Dr.  Magee,  that  "  the  dissemination  of  the 
 Holy  Scriptnres  had  gone  on  with  rapidity,  and 
 that  every  Bible  of  4,500  (which  were  all  that 
 could   be   procured   from   Messrs.    Rivington,  in 
 
 *  It  is  due  to  die  Society  for  Promoting  Christian  Know- 
 ledge, to  observe,  that  these  quarto  Bibles,  amounting  to  650, 
 were  obtained  from  their  depository :  and  the  same  Society, 
 greatly  to  their  honor,  presented  the  Association  in  1801,  with 
 1,450  Bibles. 
 
 t  Anniversary  Sermon  before  the  Association. 
 
180-3-e. 
 
 AND   FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  199 
 
 London,  being  their  whole  stock,)  would  have  part  i. 
 been  disposed  of  long  since,  if  the  subscribers  c^»ap. 
 had  not  found  it  prudent  to  abate  in  their  exer- 
 tions." 
 
 So  strongly  did  the  Directors  of  the  Associa- 
 tion feel  themselves  pressed  by  increasing  appli- 
 cations, that,  in  1801,  they  addressed  the  public 
 generally  on  the  subject ;  and  made  a  forcible 
 appeal,  in  a  similar  strain,  to  "  the  Irish  absentees, 
 and  particularly  to  the  proprietors  of  landed 
 estates,  who  answered  to  that  description."  In 
 1802,  they  reported,  that  the  Scriptures  "  were 
 received  with  avidity,  and  sought  after :"  and  we 
 have  had  their  declaration  in  1804,  as  expressed 
 in  the  letter  transmitted  to  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  that  "  the  demand  daily  in- 
 creased ;"  *  accompanied,  at  the  same  time,  with 
 the  important  confession,  "  that  the  funds  of  the 
 Association  were  unable  to  supply  it." 
 
 In  such  a  state  of  mutual  excitement  to- 
 wards the  possession  and  the  distribution  of 
 the  Holy  Scriptures,  an  excitement  which  had 
 spread  from  the  Protestants  to  not  a  few  mem- 
 bers of  the  Roman  Catholic  Church,  the  formation 
 of  the   British    and   Foreign  Bible  Society   was 
 
 *  In  a  letter  addressed  to  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  dated  October  11,  1804,  the  Secretaries,  after  stating 
 the  account  of  books  distributed  by  the  Association  in  the 
 preceding  year,  add,  that  "  the  demand  for  them  is  progres- 
 sively and  rapidly  increasing." 
 
 o4 
 
1805-6. 
 
 too  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  made  known  throughout  Ireland  ;  and  produced 
 CHAP,  -jj  many  parts,  as  was  natural,  a  desire  to  asso- 
 ciate on  a  similar  principle,  and  to  promote  the 
 creation  of  separate  means  for  the  exclusive 
 distribution  of  the  Holy  Scriptures.  "  The  Dublin 
 Association"  had  unquestionably  done  much ; 
 but  had  demonstrated,  by  its  confession,  that  it 
 was  utterly  \mable  to  do  every  thing  which  the 
 wants  of  the  people  (wants  at  that  time  very 
 defectively  known)  imperatively  required.  With  a 
 decided  preference  on  the  part  of  its  managers  to 
 the  distribution  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  as  a  mean 
 of  Christian  instruction,*  the  very  constitution  of 
 
 *  The  following  passages  (tlie  first  of  which  has  in  part  been 
 quoted  before)  show  how  strongly  the  Managers  of  the  Asso- 
 ciation were  attached  to  the  distribution  of  the  Scriptures  ; 
 and  how  differently  they  thought  on  their  inttlligibility  to  the 
 common  people,  from  many  who  have  written  against  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society. 
 
 "  We  acknowledge" (says  the  Address)  "with  satisfaction  and 
 gratitude,  the  valuable  labors  of  those  who  defend  Christianity 
 by  the  weapons  of  argument.  But  we  venture  to  assert,  that 
 the  most  popular,  as  well  as  the  most  effectual  defence  of 
 Christianity,  must  ever  consist  in  the  exhibition  of  its  own 
 native  beauties,  as  seen  in  the  clear  mirror  of  God's  Word. 
 It  is  obvious,  that,  to  the  lower  classes  in  particular,  an 
 elaborate  detail  of  the  various  evidences  of  the  Christian 
 religion  must  in  most  instances  be  uninteresting  and  unsuitable. 
 They  have  neither  the  time,  nor  the  habits  necessary  for 
 receiving  conviction  in  this  way.  But  the  man  of  narrowest 
 capacity,  who  has  only  common  sense  and  common  honesty 
 will  scarcely  fail,  in  perusing  the  Bible  itself,  to  discover  at 
 once  that  the  rules  which  it  lays  down  tend  directly  to  make 
 
AND    FOREIGN  BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 201 
 
 the  Association  suggested,  and  to  a  certain 
 degree  prescribed,  the  apphcation  of  a  proportion 
 of  its  funds,  to  other  means,  as  co-operating  to 
 produce  the  same  general  end.  It  was  therefore 
 considered,  that  such  an  Institution,  however 
 excellent  and  useful,  could  not  be  expected  to 
 concentrate  sufficient  force  upon  this  paramount 
 object,  the  circulation  of  the  Scriptures ;  and 
 the  public  good  appeared  to  demand,  that  its 
 exertions  in  this  department  should  be  assisted 
 by  some  competent  auxiliary,  expressly  directed 
 to  the  accomplishment  of  this  single  and  separate 
 design. 
 
 The  parties  on  whose  minds  this  impression 
 had  been  made,  were  at  first  disposed  to  seek 
 the  attainment  of  their  object,  by  forming  a  per- 
 sonal aUiance  with  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  and  by  exerting  themselves  vigorously 
 to  raise  subscriptions  in  aid  of  its  funds.  But 
 they  had  not  advanced  far  in  the  execution  of 
 their  purpose,  when  it  occurred  to  them,  that  a 
 similar  Institution  established  in  Dublin,  and 
 directed  immediately  to  the  supply  of  their  own 
 population,  would  excite  more  attention,  raise 
 larger  contributions,  and  bring  into  action  a 
 greater  variety  of  useful  instruments  than  could 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CtiAP. 
 Ill, 
 
 1805-C. 
 
 him  good  and  happy: — he  will  recognize  in  it  a  language 
 speaking  immediately  to  the  heart,  and  conveying  an  intrinsic 
 and  almost  irresistible  evidence  of  sincerity  and  truth." 
 
202  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.    be  expected  from   the  exertions  of  individuals^ 
 
 CHAP,      foniiing    merely   a   fractional  part   of  a   Society 
 
 *-^/-^     whose  operations  were  conducted  in  London,  and 
 
 ■'■  ^  ~^'     whose  funds  composed  a  common  stock  for  the 
 
 spiritual   benefit  of  the  whole  human   race.     It 
 
 was  therefore  judged  expedient,  that  a  distinct 
 
 B  ble  Society   should  be  constituted  in  Dublin, 
 
 for  the  service  of  Ireland  ;  and  such  an  Institution 
 
 was  accordingly  established. 
 
 With  these  sentiments  and  views  very  can- 
 didly unfolded  in  a  printed  address,  "  The 
 Dublin  Bible  Society"  announced,  through  an 
 official  communication,  its  actual  establishment; 
 and  respectfully  solicited  the  countenance  and 
 aid  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society. 
 Acting  on  that  system  of  cautious  procedure  by 
 which  their  conduct  has  been  invariably  governed, 
 the  Committee  in  London  abstained  from  pledg- 
 ing themselves  to  any  thing  which  might  be 
 construed  into  a  recognition  of  the  new  Society, 
 till  they  should  have  become  satisfied,  that  it  was 
 definitively  constituted  on  principles  similar  to 
 their  own.  The  point,  on  which  satisfaction  was 
 particularly  rec|uired,  and  which  was  explained 
 in  a  friendly  correspondence,  regarded  the  express 
 restriction  of  the  copies  to  be  circulated  to  those 
 of  the  authorized  versio7i.  A  clause  to  that  effect 
 having  been  proposed  and  adopted  at  a  Special 
 General  Meeting,  "  The  Dubhn  Bible  Society" 
 was   distinctly  recognized  by  the    British    and 
 
AND    FOREIGN    DIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 203 
 
 Foreign  Bible  Society  as  an  allied  Institution  ; 
 and  an  intercourse  immediately  connnenced, 
 which,  through  many  vicissitudes  of  discourage- 
 ment aiid  obstruction,  has  ripened  at  length  into 
 a  well-understood  and  satisfactory  connection. 
 
 To  this  account,  in  which  the  Dublin  Asso- 
 ciation, and  the  Hibernian  Bible  Society  are 
 mutually  implicated,  it  may  be  useful  to  add  the 
 following  expression  of  the  sentiments  of  the 
 former,  on  the  absolute  duty  of  circulating  the 
 Bible ;  inasmuch  as,  while  it  reflects  honor  on  one 
 Institution,  it  serves  as  a  justification  of  the  prac- 
 tice of  holh. 
 
 *'  The  advantage  which  the  Bible  possesses — 
 of  being  the  irrefragable  manifestation  of  God's 
 will  to  his  rational  creatures,  raises  it,  with  respect 
 to  practical  efficacy,  infinitely  above  all  that  ever 
 came  from  the  pen  of  man ;  and  makes  it  a  means 
 of  working  on  the  public  mind,  of  such  invaluable 
 importance,  as  to  render  it  doubtful,  whether  they 
 who  neglect  to  give  it  the  utmost  possible  circu- 
 lation, are  more  impious  or  impolitic — more  in- 
 sensihle  to  their  own  interests,  or  more  migrateful 
 to  their  God.' * 
 
 Tlie  attention  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society  was,  about  this  time,  excited  to  the 
 consideration  of  the  Gaelic  Scriptures.  Repre- 
 sentations were  transmitted  from  persons  of 
 credibihty,  stating,  that,  in  the  Highlands  of 
 *  Address  to  the  Proprietors  of  Irish  Estates,  &c. 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 IIT. 
 
204  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  1.    Scotland,  very  few  persons  were  in  possession  of^ 
 
 CHAP.      ^  complete  Bible ;    that  among  those  who  pos- 
 
 V— ^^.^^     sessed  a  single  volume  of  the  four  in  which  the 
 
 1803-6.    Scriptures   had  been   published,    the  proportion 
 
 did  not  exceed  one  in  forty ;  that  the  price  of  a 
 
 complete  copy  was  beyond  the  ability  of  the  poor 
 
 to   purchase  it;    and   that,    in  fact,   it   was  not 
 
 easily  procurable   at  any  price.     It  was   added, 
 
 that,  in  the  island  of  Sky,  containing  about  15,000 
 
 persons,    scarcely  one   Gaelic   Bible   was   to   be 
 
 found. 
 
 It  further  appeared,  on  the  authenticity  of  an 
 Address,  delivered  in  May,  1803,  by  the  Secre- 
 tary to  the  "  Society  in  Scotland  for  Propagating 
 Christian  Knowledge,"  that,  "  out  of  335,000  per^ 
 sons  in  the  Highlands,  300,000  were  considered 
 not  to  understand  any  other  language  than  the 
 Gaelic,  so  far  at  least  as  to  comprehend  a  book 
 written,  or  a  continued  discourse." 
 
 This  information  was  of  a  nature  to  awaken  the 
 most  lively  concern  in  the  breast  of  the  Committee. 
 It  was  immediately  felt,  that  an  attempt  ought 
 to  be  made  to  answer  the  wants  and  the  desires 
 of  a  people  so  truly  deserving  of  compassion  and 
 relief.  But,  before  any  step  could  be  practically 
 adopted,  it  was  requisite,  that  two  preliminary 
 points  should  be  distinctly  and  satisfactorily  as- 
 certained : 
 
 1.  Whether  the  edition  at  that  time  printing 
 under  the   direction  of  "  the  Society  in  Scot- 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  205 
 
 laud  for  Propagating  Christian  Knowledge"  would    part  l 
 be  deemed  sufficient ;  and,  ^  m^* 
 
 2.   Whether,  in   the  event  of  another  edition     ^-%-^ 
 being  required,    the    British   and    Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  in  the  present  state  of  its  funds  and  its 
 engagements,  were  competent  to  undertake  it. 
 
 A  correspondence  was  therefore  opened  with 
 the  Board  of  the  Society  in  Scotland,  in  order  to 
 obtain  the  necessary  materials  for  the  formation 
 of  a  just  opinion  upon  the  s abject.  The  final 
 result  of  this  correspondence  was  a  deter- 
 mination, on  the  part  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  to  print  a  new  edition  af  the  Gaelic 
 Bible  for  the  use  of  the  Highlanders,  and  to 
 employ,  for  that  purpose,  the  text  accredited  and 
 used  by  the  venerable  Society  to  which  the  re- 
 ference had  been  made. 
 
 The  version,  which  constituted  this  text,  had 
 been  effected  with  singular  care ;  and  was  re- 
 commended by  testimonies  to  its  fidelity  and  accu- 
 racy which  entitled  it  to  the  highest  respect.  That 
 portion  of  it  which  contained  the  New  Testament, 
 was  the  production  of  the  Rev.  James  Stewart, 
 Minister  of  Killin;  and  was  printed  at  the  ex- 
 pense of  the  above  Society,  in  1767;  previously 
 to  which  era,  no  part  of  the  Holy  Scriptures 
 had  appeared  in  a  Gaelic  dress.  In  1802, 
 under  the  auspices,  and  at  the  expense,  of  the 
 same  Society,  the  Old  Testament  was  pub- 
 lished. Three  parts  out  of  four  into  which  this 
 portion   of  the   Bible    had   been   divided,   were 
 
111. 
 
 206  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  rendered  from  the  Hebrew,  with  great  simplicity, 
 ^^^^'  and  with  as  hteral  an  adherence  to  the  original  text 
 as  the  idiom  of  the  respective  lasignages  would 
 admit.  In  the  fourth  part,  executed  by  another 
 hand,  the  style  was  described  as  receding  from 
 this  simplicity ;  and  the  literal  and  plain  inter- 
 pretation was  said  to  have  been  exchanged  for 
 the  free  and  elevated.  This  division,  therefore, 
 of  the  sacred  text,  was  judiciously  placed  under 
 correction  by  the  Scottish  Society ;  and  the  pro- 
 bability was,  from  the  measures  they  adopted, 
 and  the  standard  of  translation  which  they  pro- 
 fessed to  observe,  that  the  version,  when  finally 
 completed,  would  approach  as  nearly  to  perfec- 
 tion, as  human  wisdom  and  perseverance  could 
 advance  it. 
 
 Such  was  the  text,  from  which  the  proposed 
 impression  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society  was  to  be  printed ;  and  it  deserves  to 
 be  recorded  to  the  honor  of  the  Directors  of 
 '^  the  Society  in  Scotland  for  Propagating 
 Christian  Knowledge,"  that,  when  addressed  on 
 the  subject  of  the  Gaelic  Scriptures,  though 
 occupied  themselves  in  preparing  an  edition, 
 they  did  not  l>etray  any  symptoms  of  selfishness 
 or  jealousy,  but  generously  imparted  the  desired 
 information ;  furnished  a  copy  of  the  Old  Testa- 
 ment, as  soon  as  it  left  the  press,  for  the  use 
 of  the  printer  employed  by  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society;  and  expressed  their 
 perfect  readiness  to  redeem  '*  the  pledge  they 
 
III. 
 1805-a. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  207 
 
 liad   given   of  cordial   co-operation,"    and   "   to    part  i. 
 afford  every  facility"  to  the  measures  of  a  Society      ^"^p. 
 in  which  they  professed  to  take  a  lively  interest, 
 and  whose  success  they  wished  to  promote  to  the 
 utmost  of  their  power." 
 
 So  much  may  suffice  to  acquaint  the  reader 
 with  the  origin  and  the  course  of  the  Society's 
 proceedings,  in  reference  to  their  edition  of  the 
 Gaelic  Bible  for  the  use  of  the  Scottish  High- 
 landers ;  and  it  will  appear  in  the  sequel,  that 
 both  the  determination  to  print  an  impression, 
 and  the  choice  of  the  particular  text,  were 
 satisfactorily  and  decisively  confirmed. 
 
 It  may  not  be  amiss,  before  taking  leave  of 
 this  subject,  to  observe,  that  it  was  the  translation 
 of  the  New  Testament  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Stewart, 
 as  above  described,  which,  upon  a  question  being 
 moved  in  the  Assembly  of  the  Church  of  Scot- 
 land about  the  propriety  of  printing  it,  occa- 
 sioned the  celebrated  vindicatory  letter  from  the 
 pen  of  the  late  Dr.  Johnson  ;  and,  as  that  letter, 
 besides  answering  by  anticipation  the  principal 
 objection  against  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  contains  the  wisest  and  most  liberal 
 sentiments,  expressed  in  the  strongest  and  most 
 dignified  language,  no  apology  will  be  necessary 
 for  introducing  an  extract  from  it  in  this  con- 
 nection. 
 
 Augmt  3,  17G6. 
 
 "  I  did  not  expect  to  hear,  that  it  could  be, 
 
 in  an  Assembly  convened  for  the  propagation  of 
 
208 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.    Christian    knowledge,    a   question,   whether  an/ 
 nation,   uninstructed    in  religion,    should  receive 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 III. 
 1805-6. 
 
 instruction ;  or  whether  that  instruction  should 
 be  imparted  to  them  by  a  translation  of  the  holy 
 books  into  their  own  language.  If  obedience 
 to  the  will  of  God  be  necessary  to  happiness, 
 and  knowledge  of  his  will  be  necessary  to 
 obedience,  I  know  not  how  he  that  withholds 
 this  knowledge,  or  denies  it,  can  be  said  to  love 
 his  neighbour  as  himself  He  that  voluntarily 
 continues  ignorant,  is  guilty  of  all  the  crimes 
 which  ignorance  produces  ;  as  to  him  that  should 
 extinguish  the  tapers  of  a  light-house,  might 
 justly  be  imputed  the  calamities  of  shipwreck. 
 Christianity  is  the  highest  perfection  of  humanity; 
 and  as  no  man  is  good  but  as  he  wishes  the  good 
 of  others,  no  man  can  be  good  in  the  highest 
 degree,  who  wishes  not  to  others  the  largest 
 measures  of  the  greatest  good.  To  omit  for  a 
 year,  or  for  a  day,  the  most  efficacious  method  of 
 advancing  Christianity,  in  compliance  with  any 
 purposes  that  terminate  on  this  side  of  the 
 grave,  is  a  crime  of  which  I  hnow  not  that  the 
 world  has  yet  had  an  example,  except  in  the 
 practice  of  the  planters  in  America,  a  race  of 
 mortals,  whom,  I  suppose,  no  other  man  wishes 
 to  resemble."  The  conclusion  is  as  follows : 
 "  Let  it,  however,  be  remembered  that  the  effi- 
 cacy of  ignorance  has  long  been  tried,  and  has 
 not  produced  the   consequence  e:j^pected.     luei 
 
1805-S. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  209 
 
 knowledge,  therefore,  take  its  turn;  and  let  the 
 patrons  of  privation  stand  awhile  aside,  and 
 admit  the  operation  of  positive  principles.  You 
 will  be  pleased,  Sir,  to  assure  the  worthy  man 
 who  is  employed  in  the  new  translation,  that  he 
 has  my  wishes  for  his  success ;  and  if  here,  or 
 at  Oxford,  I  can  be  of  any  use,  that  I  shall  think 
 it  more  than  honor  to  promote  his  undertaking." 
 
 Shortly  after  the  business  of  the  Gaelic  Bible 
 had  been  taken  up,  the  case  of  the  numerous 
 Prisoners  of  War  was  brought  under  the  Society's 
 consideration,  and  excited  a  very  lively  sympathy 
 in  tlieir  favor,  and  a  strong  disposition  to  ad- 
 minister to  their  relief.  Little  concern  had 
 hitherto  been  shown  by  any  religious  Institution 
 for  the  spiritual  accommodation  of  that  unfor- 
 tunate class  of  individuals.  Separated  from  their 
 country  and  their  natural  connections,  and  ar- 
 rested in  their  career  of  professional  duty,  they 
 had  to  suffer  all  the  hardships  of  bondage  and 
 privation  in  an  enemy's  country,  and  that,  in 
 many  cases,  for  a  conduct  which  would  liave 
 entitled  them  to  respect  and  remuneration  in 
 their  own,  Tlie  very  circumstances  which  so 
 honorably  discriminated  them  from  other  subjects 
 of  confinement,  and  rendered  their  case  more 
 deserving  of  compassion,  placed  them  at  the 
 same  time  at  a  still  greater  distance  from  the 
 means  and  the  prospect  of  relief. 
 
 VOL.  I.  p 
 
1805-6. 
 
 210  HISTORY    OF    THE    15RITISH 
 
 PARTI.  At  the  period  when  the  Society  first  turned 
 its  attention  to  this  matter,  the  number  of 
 French,  Spanish,  and  Dutch  prisoners,  was  very 
 considerable ;  scarcely  less  than  30,000.  Their 
 condition  was  no  sooner  laid  open  than  it  was 
 unanimously  determined  to  meet  the  deplorable 
 want  of  the  Scriptures  which  prevailed  among 
 them,  by  a  prompt  and  adequate  remedy.  In 
 the  spirit  of  this  determination,  an  order  was 
 made  on  the  23d  of  December,  1805,  to  print 
 an  impression  both  of  the  Spanish  Testament, 
 and  the  French  Bible;  and,  by  a  subsequent 
 resolution  on  the  2d  of  February,  1806,  it  was 
 directed,  that  the  latter,  for  which  very  large 
 demands  were  hkely  to  arise,  should  be  printed 
 by  the  more  commodious  and  efficient  mode 
 of  stereotype.  Inasmuch,  however,  as  it  did  not 
 consist  with  the  views  or  the  practice  of  the 
 Society,  to  delay  doing  any  thing  till  every  thing 
 could  be  accomplished,  recourse  was  had  to 
 temporary  expedients,  in  the  interval  of  preparing 
 for  a  regular  and  permanent  supply.  Instruc- 
 tions, therefore,  were  issued  for  purchasing  French 
 Testaments  to  the  amount  of  lOOZ. ;  and  as  Spa- 
 nish Testaments  were  not  be  procured  on  any 
 terms,  tlie  difficulty  was  provided  for  by  causing 
 an  extra  number  of  copies  of  the  Gospels  to  be 
 printed,  in  order  that  they  might  be  put  into 
 distribution  singly,  as  they  respectively  issued 
 from  the  press. 
 
1805-0. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  211 
 
 Thus  was  a  begiiiuiug  made  in  that  depart-  parti. 
 jnent  of  beneficence,  which  afterwards  occupied 
 so  greatly  the  labors  of  the  Society,  and  by 
 means  of  which  its  spiritual  bounty  was  con- 
 veyed to  so  many  receptacles  of  ignorance, 
 misery,  and  vice.  In  no  part  of  its  practical 
 system  has  the  Institution  appeared  to  greater 
 advantage  than  in  that  which  respects  its 
 conduct  towards  Prisoners  of  War.  In  this 
 commerce  of  pure  and  gratuitous  benevolence, 
 it  is  to  be  seen,  literally  returning  good  for  evil, 
 blessing  for  cursing,  mercy  for  vengeance ;  and 
 thus  illustrating  and  adorning,  in  an  eminent 
 and  almost  unexampled  degree,  the  precept  and 
 the  spirit  of  the  Gospel.  We  shall  have  occasion, 
 hereafter,  to  see  many  evidences  of  the  pleasing 
 effects  which  resulted  immediately  from  the 
 operation  of  these  measures :  and  we  are  led  to 
 anticipate  consequences  of  still  greater  moment, 
 when  the  objects  of  their  kindness,  now  restored 
 to  their  country,  and  re-united  to  their  connections, 
 shall  have  diffused  that  kiiowledge  of  divine  truth, 
 which  they  acquired  in  the  land  of  their  captivity 
 and  exile. 
 
 Nor  was  the  care  of  the  Society  for  Foreigners 
 restricted  to  those  who  inhabited  their  respective 
 countries,  or  who,  by  the  casualties  of  war,  had 
 been  immured  in  British  prisons.  A  pious  so- 
 licitude was  equally  discovered  for  those,  who, 
 born  in  other  regions,  speaking  other  languagesj 
 p  2 
 
III. 
 1805-6 
 
 ^12  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  and  attached  to  other  modes  of  religious  worship, 
 ^"^^-  had  either  permanently  estabhshed  themselves 
 in  Great  Britain,  or  were  found  occasionally 
 resident  among  us. 
 
 In  the  number  of  these  aliens,  the  Germans 
 were  considered  as  forming  that  class  which 
 more  particularly  needed  the  assistance  of  the 
 Society,  and  by  which  it  would  be  likely  to  be 
 most  thankfully  accepted.  As  soon,  therefore, 
 as  it  was  ascertained,  that  the  Society  at  Nuren- 
 berg  had  completed  their  edition  of  the  Testament, 
 an  inquiry  was  instituted  respecting  the  state 
 of  the  Germans  in  the  British  metropolis,  and 
 other  parts  of  the  empire,  with  respect  to  their 
 want  and  desire  of  the  Scriptures  in  their  ver- 
 nacular tongue:  and  the  information  derived 
 from  this  inquiry,  led  to  an  order  upon  Nuren- 
 berg  for  1000  German  Testaments,  to  be  trans- 
 mitted to  the  London  Depository. 
 
 While  these  operations,  directed  to  the  exe- 
 cution of  the  Society's  object,  were  thus  actively 
 going  forward,  care  was  taken  to  seize  every 
 just  opportunity  of  giving  such  notoriety  to  its 
 existence  and  its  proceedings,  as  might  acquaint 
 the  country  with  its  real  merits,  and  induce  a 
 liberal  co-operation  in  its  favor.  The  publication 
 of  the  First  Report  was,  with  that  view,  made 
 the  subject  of  very  extended  advertisement ;  and 
 many  respectable  channels  of  communication 
 were    employed,    to    bring    it    into    general    cir- 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  213 
 
 culation.     By  an  order  of  the  Committee,  copies     part  i. 
 of  it  were  transmitted   to  public  libraries,   both     ^"f/' 
 in    town    and    country;     and     deposited,    with      ^— .-^ 
 permission,     in    boarding-    houses    and     reading 
 rooms    at    various    watering    places,    and    other 
 stations  of  fashionable  or  miscellaneous  resort. 
 
 The  good  effect  of  these,  and  similar  mea- 
 sures, was  evinced  by  the  growing  attention 
 which  the  Society  excited ;  and  it  may  be  ob- 
 served in  general,  that  the  active  dissemination 
 of  the  Society's  Annual  Reports,  and  of  such 
 other  papers  as  detailed  its  plans  and  proceed- 
 ings, has  been  a  principal  engine  of  propagating 
 its  influence,  and  of  extending  both  its  reputation 
 and  its  success. 
 
 The  author  is  aware,  that  among  the  charges 
 advanced  against  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  its  frequent,  and,  as  they  have 
 been  called,  ostentatious  appeals  to  the  public, 
 have,  by  some  of  its  opponents,  been  made  the 
 subject  of  grave  and  very  serious  animad- 
 version ;  and  its  conduct,  in  this  respect,  has 
 been  contrasted  with  that  of  the  Society  for 
 Promoting  Christian  Knowledge ;  not  a  little, 
 as  it  has  been  concluded,  to  the  advantage  of 
 the  latter. 
 
 One    of  the   Society's  opponents   speaks   with 
 a  rather  invidious   emphasis,   of  the   "  unforced 
 extent  and  dignity"  of  the  Society  for  Promoting 
 p  3 
 
214  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI.  Christian  Knowledge;  and  of  "  the  silent  and 
 CHAP.  iioostentatious  manner  in  which  all  its  proceed- 
 ^— %-^     iiig  are  carried  on."  * 
 
 "^*  Another  opponent,  of  considerable  rank,  pro- 
 fessed himself  disgusted  at  the  "  pomp  and 
 parade  with  which  the  proceedings  and  indeed 
 all  the  meetings  of  this  new  Society  were  set 
 forth  in  the  public  papers ;  and  the  more  so, 
 when  he  compared  it  with  the  simplicity  and 
 modesty  of  the  old  Society."  f 
 
 A  third,  determined  to  improve  upon  this 
 favoiite  idea,  carried  it  to  an  extreme  which 
 stopped  little  short  of  absurdity.  As  there  were 
 those,  who,  at  the  time  the  statement  was  made, 
 gravely  represented  it  as  conclusive  against 
 the  modesty  and  wisdom  of  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  set 
 it  down  in  the  writer's  own  words  : 
 
 "  True  charity  is  never  ostentatious ;  it  vaunteth 
 not  itself,  is  not  puffed  up :  satisfied  with  hum- 
 bly, and  sincerely  endeavouring  to  promote  the 
 glory  of  God,  and  the  welfare  of  mankind,  these 
 two  excellent  Societies  have  kept  on  their  way  in 
 peace ;  and  have  made  no  noisy  appeals  to  the 
 passions  or  the  feelings  of  mankind  in  their 
 own  behalf     They  have  been  thankful  to  Provi- 
 
 *  Dr.  Wordsworth's  Letter  to  Lord  Teignmouth,  p.  35. 
 
 t  The  late   Bishop   Randolph's    Letter  to   the   Colchester 
 Clergy,  as  published  in  the  Antijacobin  Review. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE   SOCIETY.  215 
 
 dence  for   the  benefactors  which,  from  time  to     parti. 
 time,  have  been  raised  up  for  their  support;  but     chap. 
 have    been   more    solicitous    to    discharge   with      ^^^.^ 
 propriety  the  important  duties  they  have  under-     l^'^-^-S* 
 taken,   than  to   conciliate  the  favor  of  those  by 
 whose  liberality    their  funds    might    possibly  he 
 enlarged. 
 
 *'  So  far,''  adds  the  author,  "  has  this  for- 
 bearance been  carried,  that  their  very  existence  is 
 uiiknown  to  ma7iy,  even  among  the  Members  of 
 the  Established  Church.  A^id  it  is  an  indis- 
 putable fact,  that  some  Clergymen  have  heeii  in- 
 duced to  connect  themselves  ivith  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  merely  because  they  believe 
 it  to  be  the  only  Institution  which  could  fur- 
 nish them  with  Bibles  at  a  reduced  price  for 
 distribution  among  the  poor.''  * 
 
 Such  language  might  be  proper  enough,  if 
 it  were  used  as  an  apology  for  the  Societies  to 
 which  it  refers :  but  it  seems  difficult  to  refrain 
 from  smiling  at  the  simplicity  of  a  writer  who 
 could  use  it  with  a  view  to  \\\<d\\ panegyric.  The 
 fact,  however,  is,  that  the  venerable  Society  for 
 Promoting  Christian  Knowledge,  has  exposed 
 the  folly  of  its  injudicious  advocates,  and  jus- 
 tified the  conduct  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  by  adopting,  in  a  great  measure, 
 the    policy    so    successfully    employed    by    the 
 
 *  "  Enquiry   into  the  Claims  of  the  British   and   Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  by  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Spry."  pp.  5,  6. 
 p  4 
 
1805-6. 
 
 216  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  latter;  and  the  increase  of  the  members  and 
 CHAP,  funds  of  that  venerable  Institution,  proclaims 
 v—^rw  the  benefits  M'hich  it  has  reaped  by  this  wise 
 transition  from  secrecy  and  quietude,  to  pub- 
 licity and  exertion.     But  to  return : 
 
 About  the  period  when  the  steps  just  adverted 
 to  were  taken,  a  few  individuals,  of  com- 
 parative obscurity,  and  aspiring  to  no  other  dis- 
 tinction than  that  of  exemplary  zeal  for  the  dif- 
 fusion of  scriptural  truth,  formed  themselves  into 
 a  voluntary  Association  for  aiding  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  by  contributing  to  the 
 increase  of  its  funds. 
 
 The  first  demonstration  in  favor  of  the  Society, 
 upon  a  principle  of  combined  and  aggregate 
 exertion,  had  been  made  at  Glasgow  in  March, 
 1805,  when  the  Presbytery  of  that  city  set  the 
 example,  so  speedily  and  honorably  followed  by 
 the  Synod  of  Glasgow  and  Ayr,  and  afterwards 
 by  different  Presbyteries,  of  a  collection  at  all 
 the  Parish  Churches  and  Chapels  within  its 
 bounds.  The  next  was  that  of  these  individuals 
 in  London,  who  composed  the  Association 
 already  described.  The  third  place  in  the  order 
 of  associated  efforts,  the  order  of  time  at  least,  is 
 claimed  by  the  town  of  Birmingham.  It  must, 
 indeed,  be  conceded  to  Wales,  that  the  Congre- 
 gational Collections  made  in  that  country,  (the 
 first  which  took  place,  on  any  considerable  scale,) 
 partook,    in    some    measure,    of   the    aggregate 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 217 
 
 quality  ascribed  to  the  Associations  in  Glasgow, 
 London,  and  Birmingham ;  there  is,  however, 
 tliis  difterence  in  the  cases,  that  the  collections 
 transmitted  from  Wales  were  only  contingent 
 and  occasional,  while  the  contributions  from 
 the  respective  bodies  in  Glasgow,  London,  and 
 Birmingham,  were  raised  upon  system,  and  ac- 
 companied with  a  pledge  of  continuance  and 
 periodical  renewal. 
 
 As  the  voluntary  Associations  in  the  two  last 
 instances  contained  the  radimental  originals  of 
 Auxiliary  Bible  Societies,  and  were,  in  fact,  the 
 harbingers  of  those  most  useful  and  productive 
 Listitutions,  I  think  it  due  to  their  character  and 
 services  to  explain  more  particularly  their  nature, 
 and  the  means  by  which  they  proposed  to  benefit 
 the  Society,  on  whose  behalf  their  exertions  were 
 made. 
 
 The  Association  in  London  was  formed  in 
 July,  1805,  and  was  designated  "  The  Association 
 for  the  purpose  of  contributing  to  the  fund  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society."  The  laws 
 for  its  government,  with  the  view  of  accommo- 
 dating it  to  persons  of  humble  circumstances, 
 set  the  terms  of  membership  designedly  low. 
 Every  individual,  on  becoming  a  member,  was 
 required  to  pay  a  donation  of  not  more  than 
 seven  shillings,  or  less  than  two;  and  to  con- 
 tribute monthly  not  less  than  sixpence,  or  more 
 than  one  shilling:.    Each  member  was  in  his  turn. 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 1805-6. 
 
218 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 III. 
 1805-6. 
 
 PARTI.  iQ  collect  from  eight  members,  including  himself : 
 *^"^^^*  the  collectors  were  to  be  annually  changed,  in 
 alphabetical  order,  and  those  of  the  preceding 
 year  to  become  the  representatives  of  the  Asso- 
 ciation to  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society 
 for  the  year  ensuing.  To  the  table  of  regulations 
 from  which  these  particulars  have  been  selected, 
 was  prefixed  the  following  address. 
 
 *'  It  is  admitted  by  every  true  member  of  the 
 church  of  Christ,  that  it  is  his  duty  to  do  what 
 lies  in  his  power  to  promote  the  spreading  of  the 
 knowledge  of  the  word  of  God ;  and  in  this  day, 
 when,  on  the  one  hand,  infidelity  and  licentious- 
 ness exhibit  themselves  with  such  unexampled 
 effrontery,  and  on  the  other,  when  so  many  bright 
 examples  are  set,  both  by  individuals  and  so- 
 cieties, of  arduous  exertion  in  the  cause  of  truth 
 and  righteousness,  every  Christian  is  peculiarly 
 called  upon  to  shew  himself  on  the  Lord's  side, 
 and  to  hold  forth  the  word  of  life  to  his  perishing 
 fellow  sinners.  The  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society  appears  to  be  especially  worthy  of  support 
 from  Christians  in  every  class  of  life :  men  as 
 competent  to  the  task  as  perhaps  the  world  can 
 produce,  have  associated  not  only  to  supply  such 
 persons  in  our  own  country  as  are  destitute  of 
 Bibles,  but  to  distribute  them  in  foreign  languages 
 throughout  the  globe,  as  far  as  their  means  shall 
 enable  them.   And  it  appears,  that,  although  their 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 219 
 
 plan  and  intentions  are  of  the  most  enlarged 
 nature,  yet  that  the  state  of  the  world  is  such 
 as  to  call  for  the  concurrent  exertions  of  all 
 descriptions  of  Christians  ;  and  many  places  call 
 indeed  with  an  affecting  voice ;  for  there  are 
 numbers  of  our  fellow  immortals,  in  different  parts 
 even  of  Europe,  who  long  for  Bibles,  who  thirst 
 for  the  water  of  life,  and  find  no  man  to  give 
 them.  Such  being  the  state  of  the  world,  and 
 such  the  object  of  the  Society,  they  gladly  accept 
 of  assistance  from  any  persons  or  societies  who 
 are  desirous  of  contributing  to  the  good  work. 
 And  it  having  been  considered  that  there  are 
 many  persons,  who,  on  account  of  their  subscrip- 
 tions to  other  societies,  or  on  account  of  narrow- 
 ness of  their  incomes,  would  not  be  justified  in 
 becoming  direct  members  of  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  who  would  yet  be  desirous 
 of  contributing  somewhat  proportioned  to  their 
 ability :  it  is  therefore  the  object  of  this  Associa- 
 tion to  embrace  such  persons  according  to  the 
 subsequent  plan." 
 London,  Aus:ust  1,  1805. 
 
 1805-6. 
 
 The  Birmingham  Association  was  formed  in 
 April,  1806,  chiefly  through  the  active  instru- 
 mentality of  the  Rev.  Edward  Burn,  the  diligent 
 and  highly-respected  Minister  of  St.  Mary's  in 
 that  town.  This  gentleman  addressed  a  letter 
 to  the  Committee  on  the  4th  of  October,  1805, 
 
226  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,     requesting    a    supply    of    the    Society's  Annual 
 
 CHAP.      Report:    "  it  beina:  the  wish  of  some  friends  in 
 
 III.  . 
 
 v^--v-»^     Birmingham   to    maJ^e   an   effort   to   promote    a 
 
 1805-6.  subscription  towards  the  Society  among  all  deno- 
 minations." One  hundred  copies  of  the  Report 
 were  accordingly  transmitted  to  Mr.  Burn  for 
 distribution,  at  his  discretion  and  that  of  his 
 friends ;  and  the  consequence  was,  a  movement 
 in  the  different  circles,  which  led  to  the  definitive 
 union  in  April,  1806.  It  deserves  to  be  recorded, 
 that  the  different  Dissenting  Ministers  in  the  town, 
 as  well  as  several  members  of  their  respective 
 congregations,  contributed  their  friendly  assist- 
 ance to  carry  the  proposed  measure  of  a  general 
 Association  into  effect ;  and  the  chair  was  occu- 
 pied, both  at  the  primary  meeting,  and  on  most 
 subsequent  occasions,  by  George  Simcox,  Esq.  a 
 gentleman  of  whose  judgment,  candor,  and  phi- 
 lanthropy, it  would  be  difficult  to  speak  in  terms 
 exceeding  their  desert. 
 
 The  design  of  this  Association  was  stated  in 
 the  printed  advertisement  to  be,  that  a  united 
 effort  should  be  made  by  the  different  denomi- 
 nations of  Christians  in  Birmingham,  in  aid  of 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  In  order 
 to  accomplish  this  design,  it  was  proposed  to 
 divide  the  town  into  twelve  districts,  and  to 
 appoint  certain  gentlemen,  whose  names  were 
 given,  to  take  them  severally  in  charge,  for  the 
 purpose   of  soliciting    subscriptions.     A  recora- 
 
III. 
 1805-6. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  221 
 
 mendation  was  submitted  to  the  ministers  of  the  part  I. 
 different  churches  and  chapels,  to  adopt  such  chap. 
 measures  with  their  respective  congregations,  as 
 might  best  conduce  to  a  general  and  efficient  co- 
 operation. The  gentlemen  present  at  the  original 
 meeting,  together  with  the  clergy  and  acting 
 magistrates  in  the  town,  were  appointed  a  Com- 
 mittee to  receive  the  report,  and  to  transmit  the 
 amount  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society ;  and  it  was  further  directed,  that 
 the  sum  so  transmitted,  should  be  presented  as 
 "  the  united  contribution  of  the  different  denomi- 
 nations of  Chiistians  in  the  town  of  Birmingham." 
 
 While  the  Society  was  thus  variously  occupied, 
 and  receiving  such  testimonies  of  approbation 
 and  countenance,  the  elements  of  hostility  were 
 secretly  at  work,  and  a  storm  was  collecting,  by 
 which  the  agents  who  raised  it  presumptuously 
 hoped  to  involve  the  Institution  in  certain  and 
 irremediable  destruction.  The  mode  of  attack 
 was  similar  to  that  which  had  been  adopted  on 
 the  former  occasion  ;— an  attempt  to  detach  from 
 the  Society  its  episcopal  patrons :  and  it  ended, 
 as  that  had  done,  in  utter  disappointment  and 
 defeat.  As  the  circumstances  of  this  second 
 assault  and  repulse  are  very  little  known,  it  may 
 not  be  displeasing  to  the  reader  to  have  them 
 before  him. 
 
 On  the  21st  of  February,  1806,  the  author 
 received   a  letter  from    the    Bishop  of  London, 
 
1805-C. 
 
 2^  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  then  in  residence  at  St.  James's  Square,  express- 
 CHAP,  -j^^  ^  desire,  on  the  part  of  his  Lordship,  to  see 
 him  "  on  business  of  some  importance."  This 
 letter  was  speedily  followed  by  a  second,  con- 
 taining a  request,  that  the  author  would  bring 
 with  him  "  the  last  list  of  the  Members  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  and  the  last 
 regulations  and  orders  that  were  introduced ;  and 
 also  mark  with  a  cross  those  whom  he  knew, 
 and  believed  to  be  Members  of  the  Church  of 
 England." 
 
 On  Tuesday,  the  25th,  the  day  appointed  for 
 the  interview,  the  author  attended  at  St.  James's 
 Square.  Upon  entering  the  Bishop's  apartment, 
 it  was  immediately  to  be  perceived,  that  some- 
 thing unpleasant  had  happened.  His  Lordship's 
 countenance  was  sad,  and  his  thoughts  mani- 
 festly troubled  him.  The  Bishop  soon  accosted 
 the  author  in  nearly  the  folloM'ing  terms  :  "  Mr. 
 Owen,  I  have  sent  for  you,  to  tell  you,  that  1  have 
 received  a  pamphlet  written  against  the  Bible 
 Society.  It  is  addressed  to  me;  and  charges 
 me  with  misleading  my  episcopal  brethren,  and 
 betraying  the  Established  Church.  It  is  much 
 more  severe  than  the  Country  Clergyman's  Letter 
 to  Lord  Teignmouth,  and  much  better  written." 
 The  author  told  the  Bishop,  that  he  was  prepared 
 to  show,  as  when  cited  on  a  former  occasion,  that 
 the  Society  had  acted  in  strict  conformity  to  its 
 principles;    and    further,    that    he   should   hold 
 
1805-S. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  223 
 
 timself  in  readiness  to  undertake  its  defence,  parti. 
 either  publicly  or  privately,  as  his  Lordship  *^"ap. 
 might  please  to  direct.  ".  I  do  not  know  yet" 
 (said  the  Bishop)  "  what  it  may  be  best  to  do. 
 TVe'^  (meaning-,  as  the  author  understood  his 
 Lordship,  the  Bishops)  "  are  to  have  a  meeting 
 on  Friday ;  and  I  wish  you  in  the  meantime  to 
 draw  up  a  memorial  on  the  subject  of  the  Society, 
 and  to  send  it  me  by  that  day.  I  will  afterwards 
 let  you  know,  what  is  further  to  be  done."  With 
 these  instructions  the  author  promised  to  com- 
 ply; and  as  the  publication  of  the  pamphlet  in 
 question  was  delayed,  till  the  copies  as  presents 
 should  have  been  fully  delivered,  he  prepared  the 
 desired  memorial  with  all  practicable  expedition, 
 and  transmitted  it  with  the  necessary  documents, 
 by  the  day  which  his  Lordship  had  appointed. 
 
 The  memorial  contained  a  select  enumeration 
 of  facts,  adapted  to  explain  the  nature  of  the 
 Society's  general  proceedings,  and  to  evince  the 
 correctness  with  which  it  had  adhered  to  its 
 fundamental  regulations,  in  all  its  transactions 
 both  abroad  and  at  home.  As  the  conclusion  of 
 the  memorial  expressed  the  sentiments  by  which 
 the  conduct  of  the  author  was  governed  in  this 
 moment  of  conflict  and  trial,  he  hopes  to  be 
 excused  for  hiserting  it  in  this  place. 
 
 "  Upon  the  whole,  my  Lord,  I  trust  it  will 
 appear,  not  only  to  your  Lordship,  but  also  to 
 
1805-C. 
 
 224  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  every  reasonable  man,  that  our  case  is  a  good 
 CHAP.  Qj-jg  Pqj,  j^y  Q^jj  part,  I  shall  be  ready  to 
 answer  any  objections  which  may  be  brought 
 against  the  Society  with  decency  and  temper,  in 
 such  manner  as  may  be  prescribed.  To  anony- 
 mous attacks  I  am  afraid  we  must  be  exposed. 
 The  facility  of  wounding  a  generous  mind  by 
 insinuations  too  readily  believed,  is  a  temptation 
 which  those  can  scarcely  resist  who  are  employ- 
 ing all  the  resources  of  an  implacable  spirit  to 
 blow  up  into  a  flame  the  embers  of  dissension. 
 I  joined  the  Bible  Society  with  no  other  view 
 than  that  of  promoting  the  interests  of  the  Church 
 of  England,  and  of  our  common  faith ;  and  believe, 
 in  my  conscience,  after  nearly  two  years  close 
 and  official  experience,  that  the  Society  has  pro- 
 moted, and  is  yet  likely  to  promote,  in  a  sub- 
 stantial manner,  both  those  ends.  This  considera- 
 tion reconciles  me  to  the  sacrifice  of  much  time 
 and  labor  and  anxiety  to  the  duties  of  an  office 
 which  was  forced  upon  me ;  and  which  I  have 
 discharged,  and  while  I  remain  in  it,  will  con- 
 tinue to  discharge  without  fee  or  reward.  I  shall 
 be  Imppy  to  receive  your  Lordship's  commands 
 upon  this  and  any  other  subject ;  as,  next  to  the 
 satisfaction  of  my  own  conscience,  is  the  desu'e  I 
 have  of  approving  myself, 
 
 "  My  Lord, 
 "  Your  verv  faithful  Servant,  &c." 
 
1803-6. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  225 
 
 It  now  only  remains  to  describe  the  event  of  parti. 
 this  private  and  confidential  investigation.  After 
 a  considerable  silence  on  the  part  of  the  Bishop, 
 which  it  did  not  become  the  author  to  interrupt, 
 his  Lordship  at  length  reported,  that  the  writer 
 of  the  pamphlet  had  proved  to  be  the  same 
 individual,  who,  in  the  Spring  of  1805,  had  ap- 
 peared under  the  character  of  the  Country  Clergy- 
 man ;  and  that  he  had  consented  (in  the  language 
 of  the  Bishop)  "  to  make  the  amende  hojiorahle,'^ 
 by  withdrawing  the  whole  impression  of  his 
 pamphlet. 
 
 Thus  quietly  and  efficaciously  was  this  storm 
 dispersed  :  an  angry  controversy  was  thereby  hap- 
 pily prevented ;  and  the  Society,  delivered  once 
 again  from  the  hand  of  its  enemies,  was  suffered 
 to  proceed,  without  further  interruption,  to  the 
 triumphant  celebration  of  its  second  Anniversary. 
 
 On  this  occasion,  as  on  the  preceding,  a  spirit 
 of  Christian  harmony  pervaded  the  numerous 
 assembly,  and  an  interesting  solemnity  charac- 
 terized throughout  the  transactions  of  the  day. 
 
 The  members  of  the  Society,  though  discrimi- 
 nated by  various  modes  of  religious  sentiment 
 and  discipline,  felt,  that,  in  this  cause  at  least,  they 
 were  brethren:  they  listened  to  the  tidings  iu 
 which  they  had  a  common  concern,  with  eager 
 attention;  and  each  appeared  desirous  to  rival 
 the  other  in  testifying  his  joy  at  the  success  of 
 
 YOL.  I.  0 
 
226 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 CHAP. 
 III. 
 
 1805-6. 
 
 PART  I.     that  Institution  which  had  so  auspiciously  united 
 them  all. 
 
 Amidst  the  calamities  of  an  expensive  war, 
 which  necessarily  imposed  extraordinary  burdens, 
 they  saw  their  treasury  replenished  with  liberal 
 offerings ;  and  while  commerce  was  crippled,  and 
 trade  discouraged,  and  little  was  to  be  heard 
 through  the  vehicles  of  secular  intelligence  but 
 rumours  of  successful  ambition,  and  forebodings 
 of  still  more  extended  devastation  and  thraldom, 
 they  were  regaled  with  the  delightful  information 
 of  new  channels  opened  for  communicating  the 
 glad  tidings  of  the  Gospel  of  Peace,  and  of  fresh 
 accessions  of  strength  to  their  confederated 
 exertions  for  promoting  the  instruction  and  the 
 happiness  of  mankind. 
 
 It  would  naturally  occur  to  the  Members  of 
 the  Society,  assembled  under  circumstances  of  so 
 great  political  distress,  to  contrast  the  condition 
 of  foreign  nations  with  that  of  their  own;  and 
 to  derive  from  the  reflection  an  increased  con- 
 viction of  their  obligation  to  improve  those  privi- 
 leges, so  peculiarly,  and  so  wonderfully  main- 
 tained. This  consideration,  among  others  of  a 
 similar  tendency,  was  very  pertinently  adverted 
 to  by  the  President  in  the  close  of  his  Report ; 
 and  the  passage  is  at  once  so  beautiful  and 
 appropriate,  that  it  shall  be  adopted  as  the  con- 
 elusion  of  this  chapter. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  227 
 
 "  But  when  we  reflect  upon  the  alarming  and     part  i 
 
 afflictive  dispensations  of  Providence  which  have      chap. 
 
 .  III. 
 
 visited    foreign    nations,    wliile    we    have    been     ^--.-^ 
 
 blessed  with  an  exemption  from  them,  gratitude 
 to  the  great  Disposer  of  events,  in  every  possible 
 way,  is  more  than  a  common  duty ;  and,  in  endea- 
 vouring to  promote  his  honor  by  the  difl'usion  of 
 the  Holy  Scriptures,  we  discharge  but  a  small 
 part  of  those  solemn  obligations  which  his  singular 
 favor  so  peculiarly  imposes  upon  us.  What 
 effects  may  flow  from  the  most  successful  labors 
 of  the  Society,  is  not  within  the  limits  of  human 
 foresight:  Paul  may  plant,  ApoUos  may  water, 
 but  it  is  God  alone  who  giveth  the  increase.  But 
 we  may  be  allowed  to  entertain  a  reasonable 
 expectation,  that  the  seed  of  the  word  will  not 
 be  sown  in  vain  ;  and  that  among  the  numbers 
 to  whom  it  will  be  conveyed  by  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  many  will  receive  it  with 
 joy,  and  cultivate  it  with  profit;  and  that  the 
 beneficial  effects  of  the  Institution  will  extend  td 
 generations  yet  unborn." 
 
 Q   S 
 
228  HISTORY   OF   THE    BRITISH 
 
 »806-7.  CHAPTER   IV. 
 
 1806—7. 
 
 In  entering  upon  the  duties  of  its  third  year, 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  found 
 itself  possessed  of  respectable  strength ;  and  felt 
 that  it  had  made,  all  circumstances  considered, 
 no  contemptible  progress  in  the  acquisition  of 
 pecuniary  resources  and  public  estimation. 
 
 The  state  of  its  funds  did  not  indeed  report 
 that  striking  augmentation  which  some  of  its 
 sanguine  friends  might  have  been  led  to  expect : 
 but  an  increase  of  nearly  300/.  in  the  annual 
 subscriptions,  and  of  more  than  1,000/.  in  the 
 contributions  from  Wales,  together  with  an 
 entirely  new  article  of  revenue  from  Scotland, 
 amounting  to  nearly  4,0007.  was  an  indication  of 
 improvement,  which  authorized  a  confident  hope, 
 that  the  Society  would,  eventually,  obtain  an 
 income  commensurate  with  its  projected  and 
 probable  expenditure. 
 
 The  testimonies  of  approbation  which  it  had 
 been  accustomed  to  receive,  augmented  in  a 
 higher  proportion;  and  afforded  much  greater 
 and  more  animating  encouragement. 
 
1806-7. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  229 
 
 Wales,  though  unavoidably  disappointed  in  parti. 
 its  expectation  of  receiving  the  promised  Welsh 
 Bibles,  continued  to  cherish,  principally,  as 
 heretofore,  among  the  humbler  classes  of  its 
 population,  a  zealous  regard  for  the  object  of  the 
 Institution,  and  to  manifest  a  persevering  dis- 
 position to  aid  its  resources,  by  efforts  of  ex- 
 traordinary liberality. 
 
 Unequivocal  evidences  were  furnished  in  En- 
 gland of  a  similar  attachment  to  the  cause  of 
 the  Society,  and  of  a  desire  to  co-operate 
 effectually  in  its  support.  A  large  addition 
 of  names  to  the  list  of  ammal  subscribers ;  the 
 zeal  of  the  humble  Association  in  London ;  and 
 particularly  that  of  the  more  powerful  combi- 
 nation in  Birmingham,  gave  indisputable  proofs 
 of  a  strong  sensation  excited  in  favor  of  the 
 Society's  views  among  the  inhabitants  of  South 
 Britain;  and  justified  the  warmest  anticipation 
 of  an  extending  and  permanent  impression. 
 
 The  interest  which  Scotland  evinced  in  the 
 success  of  the  Society's  undertaking,  was  too 
 clearly  developed,  not  to  awaken  the  most  lively 
 emotions  of  satisfaction  and  of  hope,  in  contem- 
 plating the  accession  of  so  zealous  and  powerful 
 an  ally.  Collections  transmitted  from  six  Pres- 
 byteries, announced  a  degree  of  approbation,  on 
 the  part  of  the  Scottish  National  Church,  to  which 
 great  importance  was  deservedly  attached.  The 
 conductors  of  the  Institution  were  encouraged 
 q3 
 
230  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,    by  this,    and    other  circumstances  of  a    similar 
 
 CHAP,      eiescriptioii,  to  hope,  that  the  character  of  their 
 
 V— ^,-^/     S-ociety  would,  iii  due  course  of  time,  be  justly 
 
 1806-7.     appreciated    by    those    ecclesiastical    authorities 
 
 throughout  the    United    Kingdom,    from    whose 
 
 general  and  decided  counter] ance  there  v/as  good 
 
 reason  to  believe,  that  both  the  Church  and  the 
 
 Society  would  derive  an  equal  advantage. 
 
 To  these  syniptoms  of  progress  must  be  added 
 the  event  which  had  recently  taken  place  in 
 Ireland,  in  the  establishment  of  a  kindred  So- 
 ciety at  Dublin,  and  other  general  indications  of 
 a  growing  solicitude  for  aiding  and  encouraging 
 the  Parent  Institution.  Such  were  the  circum- 
 stances under  which  the  operatioijs  of  the  third 
 year  commenced;  and  we  are  now  to  trace  the 
 course  of  them  through  their  several  channels 
 both  foreign  and  domestic. 
 
 The  German  Bible  Society  at  Nurenberg  had, 
 from  nearly  the  earliest  period  of  its  institution, 
 maintained  an  amicable  and  active  communi- 
 cation with  the  numerous  friends  of  religion,  who 
 resided  in  Basle  and  its  vicinity.  The  insuf- 
 ficiency of  the  means  possessed  by  the  latter, 
 to  form  and  sustain  an  independent  establish- 
 ment, reconciled  them  to  the  alternative,  of  con- 
 necting themselves  for  the  present  with  the 
 Society  at  Nurenberg,  and  employing  it  as  a 
 temporary  instrument  for  the  accomplishment 
 of  their  own  designs. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  231 
 
 It  soon,  however,  appeared,  that  a  change  of  part  i. 
 position  from  Nurenberg  to  Basle  would  mate-  ^'j^^' 
 rially  promote  the  interests  and  the  efficiency  ^-— v-w 
 of  the  general  system.  Basle  had  many  local 
 and  circumstantial  advantages,  which  qualified 
 it,  in  an  eminent  degree,  for  becoming  the  seat 
 of  a  Bible  Society.  Forming,  as  it  did,  the  centre 
 of  the  German  "  Religious  Society,"  an  establish- 
 ment of  great  celebrity  and  usefulness,  and  com- 
 manding a  very  extensive  range  of  connections 
 with  persons  of  distinguished  piety  both  in  Swit- 
 zerland and  Germany,  it  possessed  facilities  of 
 communication  and  of  distribution,  which,  in 
 reference  to  a  plan  for  the  general  dispersion  of 
 the  Scriptures,  would,  it  was  perceived,  be 
 found  of  essential  importance.  Add  to  these 
 considerations,  that  its  reputation  for  typography 
 and  paper,  stood  deservedly  high ;  and  that  it 
 enjoyed,  on  that  ground,  peculiar  advantages 
 for  the  execution  of  Biblical  works. 
 
 Impressed  by  a  candid  representation  of  these 
 circumstances,  the  Committee  at  Nurenberg 
 most  readily  acquiesced  in  the  proposition  made 
 to  them,  for  removing  the  German  Bible  Society 
 from  their  own  direction  to  that  of  their  brethren 
 at  Basle.  The  latter,  on  their  part,  announced 
 the  transfer,  as  having  been  made  with  mutual 
 consent ;  and  in  an  earnest  and  animated  appeal 
 to  the  German  public,  solicited  aid  to  e!ial)Ie  them 
 to  bring  to  maturity  the  main  object  of  their 
 Q  4 
 
232  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI.     Institution,    that    of  furnishing,    as    speedily    as 
 CHAP,      possible,  a  cheap  impression  of  the  whole  Bible. 
 ^-^^-^         It  will    throw  some   light    on    the   difficulties 
 180G-7.     ^^.'^j^  which  Bible  Societies   had  to    struggle   in 
 the  early  part  of  their  career,  and  illustrate  at  the 
 same  time  the  pious  zeal  and  determined  energy 
 of  their  advocates  and  promoters,  to  extract  a 
 portion   of    that    address   with    which    the   con- 
 ductors  of  the  Basle    Bible  Society  (the  desig- 
 nation which  the  German  Bible  Society  is  hence- 
 forth to  bear)  entered  upon  the  discharge  of  their 
 public  engagements. 
 
 "  Our  prospects"  (they  say)  "  with  regard  to  the 
 ultimate  success  of  this  Institution,  so  pregnant 
 with  blessmgs,  become  still  more  gloomy  when 
 we  direct  our  sorrowing  view  to  the  almost 
 universal  desolation  produced  by  the  present 
 war,  to  the  almost  total  stagnation  of  commerce 
 and  manufactories,  to  the  daily  increasing  im- 
 poverishment of  many  thousands,  to  the  parsi- 
 mony which  the  more  opulent  are  obliged  to 
 observe  in  their  expenditure,  and  to  the  pro- 
 gressive indigence,  and  consequent  want  of  spirit, 
 among  our  poor  countrymen.  And  yet,  on  the 
 other  hand,  all  these  melancholy  circumstances 
 are  but  the  stronger  appeals  to  our  hearts,  to 
 hasten  to  the  relief  of  our  desponding  countrymen 
 with  the  reviving  consolations  of  God's  word; 
 to  carry  into  the  huts  of  the  indigent  the  glad 
 tidings  of  the  Gospel  of  salvation;  and  with  this 
 
1806-7. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  233 
 
 balm  from  heaven  to  dispel  the  tears  of  sorrow  part  i. 
 from  the  eyes  of  the  afflicted.  What!  shall  ^"j^^* 
 they  whose  earthly  possessions  have  been  swept 
 away  by  the  ravages  of  the  times,  remain  desti- 
 tute also  of  the  heavenly  manna?  Shall  they 
 whose  earthly  joys  are  gone  to  the  grave,  be 
 debarred  the  superior  joys  of  religion,  because 
 they  have  not  money  sufficient  to  purchase  a 
 Bible  for  themselves  and  their  families  ?"  "  Into 
 your  sympathizing  bosoms,  worthy  promoters 
 of  Christianity,  we  pour  the  concerns  of  ours ; 
 and  leave  to  your  Christian  generosity,  to  your 
 active  philanthropy,  the  important  decision  of 
 the  question,  whether  our  Institution  shall  attain 
 its  great  object  or  not."  *'  Highly  commendable 
 is  it  to  lay  the  first  foundations  of  Christian 
 Institutions ;  but  it  is  still  more  commendable 
 and  productive  of  blessing,  to  raise  an  Institution 
 already  established,  to  its  full  scope  of  utility, 
 and  to  give  to  its  fair  energies  an  extensive  sphere 
 of  beneficial  operation." 
 
 Such  were  the  sentiments  and  the  spirit  in 
 which  the  German  Bible  Society  was  ushered 
 into  notice,  upon  its  transplantation  from  Nuren- 
 berg  to  Bdsle.  The  reader  will  anticipate  the 
 best  effects  from  the  influence  of  such  a  com- 
 mencement ;  and  he  may  be  assured,  that  in  that 
 anticipation  he  will  not  be  eventually  disappointed. 
 
 The  Bible  Society  at  Berlin,  placed,  by  the 
 occupation  of  that  capital  on   the   part  of  the 
 
1806-7. 
 
 234  HISTORY    OF    THK    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI.  French,  in  circumstances  of  almost  unparalleled 
 CHAP,  embarrassment,  continued  to  maintain  its  exer- 
 tions, with  unabated  activity,  amidst  those 
 political  disasters  which  overwhelmed  both  the 
 Prince  and  the  People.  The  printing-  of  the 
 Bohemian  Bible,  which  had  commenced  ante- 
 cedently to  the  breaking  out  of  hostilities  between 
 Prussia  and  France,  proceeded,  with  little  inter- 
 ruption, during  the  entire  continuance  of  that 
 awful  visitation  which  might  have  been  expected 
 to  drain  the  resources  of  public  liberality,  and 
 paralyze  every  movement  that  was  directed  to  the 
 welfare  of  mankind.  In  fact,  a  demonstration 
 was  given  by  this  triumph  over  what  might  have 
 appeared  insurmountable  obstacles,  that,  though 
 Kings  may  be  bound  in  chains,  and  Nobles  in 
 fetters  of  iron,  yet  the  word  of  God  cannot  be 
 bound,  or  its  progress  effectually  retarded. 
 
 As  early  as  November,  1805,  the  design  of 
 printing  an  edition  of  the  Bohemian  Bible  was 
 publicly  announced  from  Berlin.  Still  further 
 steps  were  taken  for  giving  it  notoriety,  when,  in 
 February,  1806,  His  Prussian  Majesty  had  ex- 
 tended his  royal  patronage  to  the  Society,  and 
 authorized  the  employment  of  a  higher  tone,  and 
 measures  of  greater  confidence  and  decision. 
 
 These  reiterated  appeals  were  not  without 
 their  effect.  In  the  ensuing  month  of  June,  the 
 number  of  copies  subscribed  for,  amounted  to 
 1,100.     Dantzig  had,   in    the  mean  time,    been 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  235 
 
 induced  to   form  a  connection  with  Berlin,  and     parti. 
 to  make  exertions  for  yielding  a  tribute  to  the      ^"^^* 
 promotion  of  that  work  in  which  the  latter  was     ^— .-^^^ 
 so  honorably  engaged.     This  communication  was 
 chiefly  brought  about  through  the  active  instru- 
 mentality  of   the   Rev.   Mr.  Ewald,    Rector   of 
 the  Holy  Trinity,  in  Dantzig,  who,  in   a  news- 
 paper, in  which  he  had  inserted  the  address  from 
 the   Berlin  Bible  Society  to  the  King  of  Prussia, 
 and   his     Majesty's  reply,     voluntarily   tendered 
 his  services  to  receive  and  transmit  subscriptions 
 in  favor  of  that  Institution. 
 
 Such  was  the  progress  which  this  small,  but 
 diligent  and  simple-minded  body  had  made  in 
 exciting  public  attention,  and  obtaining  subscrip- 
 tions, when,  encouraged  by  a  second  pecuniary 
 grant  from  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society, 
 they  resolved  to  delay  no  longer  the  execution 
 of  their  primary  design,  but  to  put  to  press  imme- 
 diately an  edition  of  the  Bohemian  Bible,  amount- 
 ing to  3,000  copies.  The  resolution  to  that  effect 
 was  dated  the  Tith  of  August;  and,  on  the  16th 
 of  the  ensuing  October,  the  French  army,  under 
 Napoleon  Boneiparte,  got  possession  of  Berlin. 
 
 It  was  matter  of  relief  and  consolation  to  find, 
 that,  as  the  dearth  of  the  Scriptures  was  so  great 
 in  Bohemia,  and  the  accomplisinuent  of  the  in- 
 tended impression  would  be  unavoidably  retarded 
 by  the  circumstances  of  distress  and  exaction  to 
 which  the  Prussian  dominions  were  reduced,   a 
 
236  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,    temporary    supply    of  3,000    New  Testaments, 
 CHAP,     together  with   the   Book   of  Psalms,   had  been 
 v-^v---'     furnished   to   the   Bohemian   congregations  from 
 1806-7.     ^i^g  Bible  Institution  at  Halle.     For  this  season- 
 able   and    munificent    donation,   the   Society   at 
 Berlin,  and  the    Protestants  in   Bohemia,   were 
 indebted    to    the    spontaneous    generosity   of    a 
 Prussian  officer ;  who,  understanding  that  copies 
 were  to  be  procured  from  that  repository,  with  a 
 liberality  most  worthy  of  memorial  and  of  imitation, 
 paid  the  entire  price  of  the  3,000  copies,  amount- 
 ing to  600  rix  dollars,  and  added   100  more  to 
 defray  the  expenses  of  conveyance  to  the  places 
 of  their  destination. 
 
 It  is  a  pleasing  duty  to  record  such  acts  of 
 pious  munificence  in  persons  sustaining  the  pro- 
 fession of  arms.  They  afford  a  convincing  testi- 
 mony, that  the  grace  of  God  is  not  restrained  in 
 its  operations  by  the  narrow  rules  of  human  judg- 
 ment. Assuming  that  they  proceed  from  a  Chris- 
 tian principle,  we  cannot  but  regard  them  as  so 
 many  proofs,  that  the  power  of  religion  may  be 
 felt  and  exemplified  under  every  diversity  of 
 condition  or  employment ;  and  that  circumstances 
 of  peculiar  temptation  may  be  over-ruled  in  such 
 a  manner  by  the  influence  of  divine  grace,  as  to 
 exhibit  the  most  advantageous  displays  of  charity 
 and  virtue. 
 
 The  proceedings  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society  were  also  characterized  by  certain 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 237 
 
 communications  of  an  interesting  nature  from 
 other  parts  of  the  European  continent,  to  which, 
 as  they  fix  the  era  of  its  entrance  on  stations, 
 since  become  conspicuous  for  activity  and  in- 
 fluence, it  will  be  proper  to  pay  some  attention. 
 
 Among-  the  places  of  consideration  to  which, 
 shortly  after  its  establishment,  the  Society  had 
 been  made  known,  through  the  exertions  of  its 
 Foreign  Secretary,  and  certain  zealous  corre- 
 spondents abroad,  was  Konigsberg,  the  capital 
 of  Prussia.  The  impression  made  by  the  intel- 
 ligence of  the  formation  of  the  Society,  and 
 the  inquiries  with  which  that  intelligence  was 
 accompanied,  was  such  as  to  induce  the  Rev. 
 Mr.  Glogau,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wald,  the  latter 
 of  whom  was  a  Counsellor  of  the  Consistory,  to 
 transmit,  through  the  Rev.  Dr.  Knapp,  informa- 
 tion which  determined  the  Society  to  consider 
 that  quarter  as  claiming  its  special  regard. 
 
 The  substance  of  this  information,  together 
 with  some  particulars  afterwards  received, 
 purported,  that  the  province  of  Lithuania  con- 
 tained a  population  exceeding  a  million  of  souls ; 
 the  smaller  proportion  of  which  was  subject  to 
 the  Prussian,  the  larger  to  the  Russian  govern- 
 ment: that  it  possessed  74  churches,  and  400 
 schools :  that  the  people  were  in  general  reli- 
 giously disposed,  but  exceedingly  destitute  of  the 
 Scriptures :  and  that  they  were  prepared  to 
 esteem  a  Bible  gratuitously  bestowed,  as  *'  au 
 
 PART  I. 
 CHAP. 
 
 1806-7. 
 
2538 
 
 HISTORV    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 IV, 
 
 1806-7. 
 
 extremely  valuable  acquisition."  To  this  account 
 of  Lithuania,  Mr.  Glogau  added  the  opinion 
 entertained  by  himself  and  his  friends,  on  the 
 object  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society, 
 and  the  desirableness  of  extending  its  operations 
 to  that  province.  As  the  language  employed 
 by  Mr.  Glogau,  confirms  what  has  been  said  of 
 the  impression  made  on  the  people  of  Konigs- 
 berg,  and  justifies  the  soHcitude  which  was  felt 
 on  their  behalf,  it  may  be  proper  to  extract  it. 
 
 *'  The  plan  of  the  Society  of  Rehgious  Philan- 
 thropists in  London,  to  have  Bibles  printed  in  all 
 the  European  languages,  and  partly  to  distribute 
 them  gratis,  partly  to  have  them  sold  at  very  low 
 prices  to  indigent  Christians  of  all  nations,  which 
 you  have  had  the  goodness  to  communicate  to 
 me,  is  of  so  generous  and  laudable  a  nature,  that 
 they  will  undoubtedly  receive  the  warmest  thanks 
 for  it,  both  from  their  contemporaries  and  from 
 posterity.  This  excellent  Society  would  acquire 
 a  very  peculiar  claim  to  applause,  by  realizing 
 this  benevolent  idea,  with  regard  to  the  province 
 of  Lithuania,  where  it  is  greatly  to  be  apprehended 
 that  the  Bible,  particularly  the  Old  Testament, 
 must,  in  the  course  of  time,  fall  altogether  into 
 oblivion  among  the  still  very  uncultivated  inha- 
 bitants." 
 
 The  war  which  shortly  after  broke  out,  pre- 
 vented, for  a  considerable  time,  the  adoption  of 
 measures  for  relieving  the  spiritual  wants  of  Lithua- 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 239 
 
 CHAP. 
 IV. 
 
 1806-7. 
 
 nia ;  and  by  its  destructive  ravages  in  that  most  part  i 
 afflicted  province,  rendered  its  inhabitants  still 
 less  competent  to  any  effectual  exertions  among 
 themselves.  But  the  object,  thus  brought  into 
 view  by  this  early  communication,  was  kept 
 steadily  in  sight,  both  by  the  people  of  Konigs- 
 berg,  and  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society, 
 through  all  the  vicissitudes  of  temporal  distress, 
 till  that  order  of  things  was  established,  which 
 afforded  encouragement  to  prosecute  it  with  a 
 reasonable  prospect  of  success. 
 
 Another  transaction  arising  out  of  the  foreign 
 communications  of  this  year,  was  that  which 
 introduced  the  operations  of  the  Society  into  the 
 dominions  of  His  Danish  Majesty.  As  this  oc- 
 currence will  be  found,  in  the  event,  to  have 
 opened  a  way  to  that  connection  with  the  North 
 of  Europe,  from  which  consequences  of  so  great 
 importance  have  since  been  derived,  it  will  be 
 proper  to  describe,  with  some  degree  of  expli- 
 citness,  the  peculiar  manner  in  which  it  origi- 
 nated. 
 
 On  the  4th  of  August,  1806,  the  Committee 
 of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  took 
 into  their  consideration  the  case  and  circum- 
 stances of  the  inhabitants  of  Iceland,  and  the 
 propriety  of  furnishing  a  supply  of  the  Holy 
 Scriptures  in  their  native  language,  to  that  inter- 
 esting, and,  as  it  appeared,  necessitous  people. 
 By  what  train  of  circumstances  the  attention  of 
 
240  HISTORY    OP    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,     the  Committee  was  drawn  to   this   subject,   the 
 
 CHAP,     following  statement  will  explain. 
 
 N— v^         In  the  year  1805,  the  Rev.  John  Paterson,  and 
 
 1806-7.  ^i^g  Hev.  Ebenezer  Henderson,  both  natives  of 
 Scotland,  and  animated  vdth  a  zeal  for  the  propa- 
 gation of  the  Gospel,  resigned  their  country,  con- 
 nections, and  worldly  prospects,  in  order  to  serve 
 as  Christian  Missionaries  in  India.  Precluded  by 
 the  regulations  of  the  British  East-India  Company 
 from  occupying  stations  within  their  territorial 
 dominions,  they  repaired  to  Copenhagen,  in  the 
 hope  of  obtaining  a  passage  to  Tranquebar,  and 
 exercising  their  ministry  within  the  settlement 
 attached  to  the  Danish  Crown,  on  the  coast  of 
 Coromandel.  Having  been  disappointed  in  their 
 expectation,  they  felt  themselves  compelled  to 
 abandon  the  design ;  a  design  nearest  their  heart, 
 of  proclaiming  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  to 
 the  heathen:  and  began  to  consider,  in  what 
 manner  they  might  turn  their  missionary  zeal 
 to  profitable  account  in  that  part  of  Christendom, 
 upon  which  the  Providence  of  God  appeared 
 to  have  cast  them. 
 
 Under  this  impression,  they  commenced  a  very 
 diligent  inquiry  into  the  state  of  religion  in  the 
 countries  by  which  they  were  more  immediately 
 surrounded.  Among  the  individuals  of  considera- 
 tion, with  whom  they  had  formed  a  connection 
 during  their  residence  at  Copenhagen,  was,  Jus- 
 ticiary Thorkelin,   Privy-Keeper   of   the    Royal 
 
IV. 
 
 1806-7. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  241 
 
 Archives,  a  person  very  generally  respected,  and  part  i. 
 distinguished  for  his  zealous  attachment  to  the  chap. 
 cause  of  Christianity.  This  gentleman,  being  a 
 native  of  Iceland,  and  feeling,  as  a  Christian 
 patriot,  for  the  spiritual  welfare  of  his  country, 
 laid  open  to  these  disappointed  missionaries  a 
 field  of  immediate  usefulness,  by  directing  their 
 attention  to  the  religious  state  of  the  inhabitants 
 of  that  island,  and  to  the  dearth  of  the  Holy 
 Scriptures,  at  that  time  prevailing  among  them. 
 Mr.  Thorkelin  stated,  that  the  population,  amount- 
 ing to  nearly  50,000,  scarcely  contained  one 
 person  in  a  hundred  above  the  age  of  twelve  or 
 fourteen,  who  could  not  read  ;  that  no  people  in 
 the  world  were  fonder  of  reading ;  and  that  as 
 the  only  press  of  which  they  were  possessed  had 
 not  been  used  for  many  years,  the  inhabitants 
 supplied  the  want  of  printed  books  by  the  labo- 
 rious and  tardy  expedient  of  transcribing  them : 
 that  the  Scriptures  were  no  longer  to  be  obtained 
 for  money ;  and  that  not  above  forty  or  fifty 
 copies  of  the  Bible  were  to  be  found  throughout 
 the  island.  These  affecting  particulars  excited 
 in  the  breasts  of  these  excellent  young  men, 
 the  kindest  emotions.  Touched  with  compassion 
 for  nearly  50,000  of  their  fellow-Christians,  in- 
 habiting a  remote  island,  and  destitute  of  those 
 sacred  oracles  which  they  so  dearly  prized  and 
 revered,  Messrs.  Paterson  and  Henderson  dis- 
 VOL.  I.  R 
 
1806-7. 
 
 242  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  patched  the  information  with  which  themselves 
 CHAP,  jj^^  been  so  deeply  impressed,  to  their  friends 
 in  Scotland;  and  made  an  earnest  appeal  on 
 behalf  of  this  interesting  and  destitute  people. 
 Through  this  circuitous  channel  the  intelligence 
 was  conveyed  by  a  respectable  correspondent  in 
 Edinburgh,  to  the  Committee  of  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  and  thus  the  question  of 
 administering  aid  to  the  necessitous  Icelanders, 
 was  brought  regularly  and  seriously  before 
 them. 
 
 It  was  immediately  determined,  that  the  Pre- 
 sident should  be  requested  to  open  a  communi- 
 cation with  the  Bishop  of  Iceland,  and  offer,  in 
 the  name  of  the  Society,  to  defray  half  the  ex- 
 pense of  an  edition  of  5,000  Icelandic  Testaments. 
 With  this  request  his  Lordship  complied ;  and 
 as  a  letter  on  such  a  subject  from  a  British 
 Nobleman  to  an  Icelandic  Prelate,  may  be  not 
 improperly  esteemed  a  religious  curiosity,  the 
 author  will  gratify  the  reader  by  transcribing  it 
 for  his  satisfaction. 
 
 To  the  Right  Rev.  the  JBishop  of  Iceland. 
 
 "  Right  Rev.  Sir,  London,  Sept.  23,  1806. 
 
 "  I  have  the  honor  to  address  you,  and,  through 
 
 you,  the   Clergy   of  Iceland,    on  the  part   of  a 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  243 
 
 Society  established  in  London,  under  the  deno-  parti. 
 mination  of  '  The  British  and  Foreisrn  Bible  chap. 
 Society ;'  of  which  I  am  the  President.  This  ^-^-^^ 
 Institution  has  been  established  more  than  two  '^^^^-'^^ 
 years ;  it  was  originally  proposed  by  a  few  indi- 
 viduals, (who  take  an  interest  in  the  eternal 
 welfare  of  their  fellow-creatures,)  and  is  now 
 supported  by  numerous  Christians  of  all  classes 
 and  denominations.  The  object  of  it  is  pure  and 
 simple,  being  solely  and  expressly  to  encourage 
 and  promote  a  wider  circulation  of  the  Holy 
 Scriptures ;  and  it  embraces  in  its  operation  not 
 only  the  empire  of  Great  Britain,  but  all  countries 
 and  nations,  whether  Christian,  Pagan,  or  Maho- 
 medan,  as  far  as  the  means  and  opportunities  of 
 the  Society  admit.  The  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society  has  had  the  satisfaction  to  learn, 
 that  the  object  of  its  establishment  has  been  most 
 cordially  approved  in  Germany,  Switzerland,  and 
 other  parts  of  Europe ;  that  its  example  has 
 become  an  object  of  zealous  imitation,  and  that, 
 by  the  blessing  of  God,  it  has  proved,  either 
 directly  or  indirectly,  the  instrument  of  circu- 
 lating the  Holy  Scriptures,  to  a  very  great  extent, 
 upon  the  Continent.  I  am  persuaded.  Right 
 Reverend  Sir,  that  this  information  will  not  be 
 uninteresting  to  you,  and  to  the  Clergy  of  Ice- 
 land. 
 
 "  Our  Society  has  been  informed,  that  copies  of 
 R   2 
 
244  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  the  Holy  Scriptures,  in  the  Icelandic  dialect,  ar(^ 
 CHAP,  very  scarce,  and  difficult  to  be  procured ;  and 
 v^^^  that,  on  this  account,  many  of  our  Christian 
 1806-7.  Brethren,  in  your  country,  are  in  want  of  them. 
 Presuming  this  information  to  be  correct,  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  would  have 
 felt  much  gratification  in  having  had  the  power 
 immediately  to  supply  their  wants  ;  but  Icelandic 
 Bibles  can  be  neither  printed  nor  procured  in 
 England.  The  Society  therefore  adopts  the  only 
 means  it  possesses  of  giving  effect  to  the  object 
 of  its  Institution,  by  an  offer  to  contribute  a 
 moiety  of  the  expense  of  printing  an  octavo 
 edition  of  5,000  copies  of  the  New  Testament, 
 in  the  Icelandic  dialect,  and  authorizes  me  to 
 communicate  this  resolution  to  you,  Right  Reve- 
 rend Sir,  and  the  Clergy  of  Iceland.  The  So- 
 ciety will  have  great  pleasure  in  learning  from 
 you,  that  the  offer  is  accepted ;  and,  upon  re- 
 ceiving information  to  that  effect,  and  of  the 
 amount  required  for  the  purpose  expressed,  will 
 immediately  direct  a  remittance  of  it  to  Copen- 
 hagen. 
 
 "  I  hope  to  be  honored  with  an  answer  to  this 
 letter,  as  soon  as  an  opportunity  offers ;  and  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  as  well  as 
 myself,  will  be  happy  to  receive  from  you  any 
 information  on  subjects  connected  with  the  object 
 of  its   Institution,  which  it  is  equally  their  duty 
 
AND    FOREION    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  245 
 
 and   wish   to    promote   in   the   greatest  possible     parti 
 extent. 
 
 CHAP. 
 IV. 
 
 "  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  l80(i-7. 
 
 **  Right  Reverend  Sir, 
 
 *'  Your  most  obedient,  and 
 "  Most  humble  Servant, 
 
 -  TEIGNMOUTH." 
 
 Shortly  after  the  date  of  their  dispatch  to 
 Scotland,  and  considerably  before  any  accounts 
 could  have  arrived  of  what  was  determined  upon 
 in  London,  Messrs.  Paterson  and  Henderson 
 were  led  to  visit  a  small  religious  Society  in  the 
 island  of  Fiihnen ;  and  in  the  course  of  commu- 
 nication with  the  Directors  of  it,  upon  a  topic 
 of  mutual  interest,  the  advancement  of  the  Re- 
 deemer's Kingdom,  they  learnt,  that  this  Society 
 had  also  turned  its  attention  to  the  state  of 
 religion  in  Iceland,  and  had  elicited,  by  a  cor- 
 respondence with  the  Bishop,  very  important 
 information,  relative  to  the  want  and  desire  of 
 the  Holy  Scriptures,  as  existing  among  the  inha- 
 bitants of  that  island. 
 
 It  appeared  from  the  inteUigence  of  which  this 
 Society  had  thus  become  possessed,  that  the 
 common  people  in  Iceland  were  not  behind  those 
 of  the  same  description  in  Denmark,  in  regard  to 
 religious  information,  owing  chiefly  to  their  great 
 R  3 
 
246  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  desire  for  reading,  and  knowledge  in  general,  and 
 CHAP,  ^jjg  excellent  religious  exercises  held  in  many 
 ^— -v-i^  houses  from  Michaelmas  to  Easter ;  that,  among 
 1806-7.  other  devotional  books,  the  Bible,  and  particu- 
 larly the  New  Testament,  was  customarily  read 
 in  every  family  which  was  able  to  obtain  it ;  and 
 that  a  copy  was  not  then  to  be  had  for  money,  and 
 when  it  happened  that  one  appeared  at  an  auction, 
 it  sold  at  an  enormous  price.  "  Never,"  (writes 
 the  Bishop  of  Iceland  to  the  correspondent  who 
 had  addressed  him,)  "  never  will  Iceland  forget 
 her  dear  Stistrup,  who,  at  his  own  expense, 
 bought  and  sent  to  this  place  a  great  number  of 
 Bibles  and  New  Testaments,  to  be  given  away 
 gratis.  This  has  now  ceased,  however,  for  the 
 space  of  sixty  years  and  upwards,  and  most 
 of  these  Bibles  are  now  worn  out.  I  remember 
 frequently  to  have  heard  the  best  farmers  in  the 
 parish,  warmly  contending  which  of  them  should 
 have  the  loan  of  the  Bible  which  was  sent  to  their 
 parish  for  themselves  and  their  children.  The 
 older  editions  of  the  Scriptures  are  not  to  be  had 
 at  all.  The  printing  press  in  the  island  is  no 
 longer  in  order :  we  therefore  cannot  do  any  thing 
 to  supply  this  want ;  and  the  common  people  in 
 Iceland  will,  withhi  ten  years,  be  entirely  deprived 
 of  this  blessed  book,  which  is  so  dear  and  precious 
 to  them. 
 
 "  You  will  see  from  this,  my  dear  Sir,  how 
 intinitely  obliged  and  thankful  I  and  my  country- 
 
IV. 
 
 1806-7. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  247 
 
 men  shall  be  to  the  dear  brethren  who,  of  their  part  i. 
 benevolence,  offer  to  favor  us  with  the  INew  Tes-  ^"^^• 
 tament  in  the  Icelandic.  The  number  of  copies 
 I  will  not  take  upon  me  to  determine.  Your 
 letter,  however,  gives  me  occasion  to  mention, 
 that  there  are  305  parishes,  and  about  47,000 
 inhabitants." 
 
 In  consequence  of  information  so  calculated  to 
 inspire  both  compassion  and  encouragement,  the 
 Fiihnen  Society  had  determined,  antecedently  to 
 the  interview  with  Messrs.  Paterson  and  Hender- 
 son, to  print  an  edition  of  the  Icelandic  Testa- 
 ment to  the  amount  of  2,000  copies. 
 
 As  the  subject  had  occupied  the  attention  of 
 the  latter  while  residing  at  Copenhagen,  and  the 
 statements  made  by  the  Fiihnen  Society  were 
 corroborated  in  all  material  points  by  the  dif- 
 ferent articles  of  intelligence  which  they  had 
 previously  received,  they  felt  a  strong  disposition 
 to  see  the  proposed  relief  of  these  interesting 
 islanders  placed  upon  a  scale  commensurate  with 
 their  necessities.  With  this  view,  they  turned 
 their  eyes  to  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  So- 
 ciety, (of  which,  at  that  time,  they  knew  little 
 more  than  the  name;)  and,  considering  this  to  be 
 a  case  in  which  its  funds  might  be  very  oppor- 
 tunely and  advantageously  employed,  and  being 
 profoundly  ignorant  of  the  steps  which  it  had 
 already  taken,  they  transmitted,  for  its  information, 
 the  particulars  which  have  just  been  detailed.  The 
 R  4 
 
248  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 Committee  were  prepared  by  what  had  before 
 taken  place,  to  sympathize  with  their  new 
 correspondents,  in  a  desire  to  afford  effectual 
 1806-7.  assistance  to  Iceland.  Struck  with  the  unde- 
 signed coincidence  of  the  determination  on  the 
 part  of  the  FUhnen  Society,  with  their  own  vote 
 by  way  of  inducement,  they  resolved  on  the  6th  of 
 October,  the  day  on  which  the  proposition  from 
 Fiihhen  was  broui^ht  before  them,  to  co-operate 
 with  that  Society  in  this  most  seasonable  measure; 
 and,  by  an  amendment  of  their  former  grant,  to 
 authorize  the  enlargement  of  the  projected  im- 
 pression of  the  Icelandic  Testament,  from  2,000 
 to  5,000  copies. 
 
 Such  were  the  circumstances  to  which  we  are 
 to  ascribe  the  introduction  of  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
 Paterson  and  Henderson  to  the  notice  and  the 
 employment  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society;  and  the  origin  of  those  exertions  which, 
 promoted  by  the  wisdom  and  activity  of  these 
 diligent  laborers,  and  fostered  by  the  paternal 
 care  of  a  benign  and  gracious  Providence,  have 
 terminated  in  measures  so  dignified  and  compre- 
 hensive, on  the  part  of  the  Northern  Powers  of 
 Europe,  for  circulating  the  Holy  Scriptures 
 among  the  inhabitants  of  their  respective  domi- 
 nions. 
 
 Some  advances  were  also  made  this  year  to 
 wards  a  communication  with  Russia;  and  indi- 
 cations  were    given,    which,    though    faint    and 
 
1806-7. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  249 
 
 indistinct,  were  eagerly  cherished,  that  light  was  ^'art  i. 
 beginning  to  dawn  on  the  skirts  of  that  vast  ^"y^* 
 empire.  The  points  to  which  this  statement 
 refers,  were  situated  respectively  in  the  vici- 
 nities of  the  Baltic  and  the  Caspian  seas  ;  and 
 as  it  may  be  satisfactory  to  the  reader  to  know,  the 
 author  will  briefly  relate  what  was  done,  or  rather 
 attempted,  with  a  view  to  improve  these  favorable 
 openings,  and  to  bring  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society  into  contact  with  the  only  acces- 
 sible parts  of  the  Russian  population. 
 
 In  the  month  of  March,  1806,  an  application 
 was  received  from  a  respectable  Superintend  ant 
 of  the  Lutheran  church  in  Esthonia,  on  the  Baltic, 
 in  behalf  of  "  fifty  parishes,  containing  at  least 
 15,000  families."  This  Ecclesiastic  petitioned, 
 with  considerable  earnestness,  that  the  Society 
 would  "  remember  them,  and  assist  them  with  a 
 pecuniary  aid  ;  in  order  that  the  whole  Bible,  or 
 at  least  a  part  of  it,  might  be  gratuitously  or 
 cheaply  distributed  to  the  many  indigent  persons, 
 who"  (he  added)  "  are  at  present  destitute  of 
 this  treasure."  To  this  application  attention  was 
 immediately  paid ;  and  a  grant  to  a  respec- 
 table amount  was  tendered,  on  condition  of  a 
 Bible  Society  being  formed  for  the  province 
 of  Esthonia.  Thus  incidentally  was  an  overture 
 made  for  an  establishment,  which,  though  not 
 effected  till  several  years  afterwards,  may  trace 
 its  commencement  to  the  promptitude  and  kind- 
 
250  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,     ness  with  which  the  Society  acted  on  this  oc- 
 CHAP.      casion.    The   sequel  will   show,   how  much  the 
 
 IV.  . 
 
 v^.,-^  Society  reaped  from  the  favorable  reception  given 
 1806-7.  iQ  ^ijg  prayer  of  this  patriotic  Minister,  that  the 
 Institution  would  "  communicate  blessings  to 
 thousands  of  his  countrymen,  by  affording 
 them  the  means  of  access  to  the  best  of  all 
 knowledge,  and  by  inspiring  their  minds  with 
 the  purest  motives  of  all  genuine  virtue  and  solid 
 consolation." 
 
 A  second  point  within  the  territories  of  Russia, 
 from  which  a  line  of  communication  was  drawn 
 to  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  was 
 Karass,  a  missionary  settlement,  to  the  north  of 
 the  Caspian  sea.*  Here,  under  the  patronage  of 
 the  Edinburgh  Missionary  Society,  the  late  Rev. 
 Henry  Brunton,  and  his  associates,  one  of  whom, 
 the  Rev.  Robert  Pinkerton,  will  hereafter  make 
 so  conspicuous  a  figure  in  the  pages  of  this  His- 
 tory, were  laboring   against  many  impediments, 
 
 *  The  Missionaries  who  first  embarked  in  this  service  were, 
 the  Rev.  Henry  Brunton,  and  Alexander  Paterson.  They  were 
 dispatched  in  April,  1802 ;  and  being  reinforced  in  the  ensuing 
 summer  to  the  number  of  fifteen  persons,  they  formed  the 
 settlement  at  Karass,  a  village  situated  near  the  source  of  the 
 river  Cubane.  After  many  vicissitudes  of  danger  and  suffering, 
 the  settlers  removed  in  1814,  for  safety  and  convenience,  to 
 Georgievesk,  the  capital  of  the  Caucasian  government ;  thirty- 
 two  wersts  eastward  of  their  former  situation,  and  400  north- 
 ward of  Tiflis.  See  an  interesting  account  of  this  mission  in 
 Dr.  Brown's  History  of  the  Propagation  of  Christianity,  vol.  ii. 
 p.  583.    Also  Klaproth's  Travels  into  Caucasus,  &c. 
 
IV. 
 
 1806-7. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  251 
 
 both  from  the  unhealthiness  of  the  climate,  and     parti. 
 the  prejudices  of  the  natives,  to  propagate   the      ^"ap. 
 knowledge  and  influence  of  Christianity  among  a 
 Mahommedan  and  Heathen  population,  extend- 
 ing from  the  banks  of  the  Wolga  to  the  shores  of 
 the  Euxine. 
 
 On  this  mission,  His  Imperial  Majesty,  in- 
 fluenced by  the  favorable  representation  of  the 
 Secretary  of  State,  Count  Novassilsofl*,  was 
 graciously  pleased  to  confer  extraordinary  privi- 
 leges :  many  services  were  also  rendered  to  it  by 
 other  individuals  of  high  rank,  and  exemplary 
 piety,  and  who  possessed  considerable  weight  in 
 the  political  councils  of  St.  Petersburg.* 
 
 In  consequence  of  the  distribution  of  certain 
 religious  tracts  in  the  Tartar  dialect  of  the 
 Turkish  language,  and  the  conversation  and 
 discourses  of  the  missionaries  and  their  converts, 
 many,  not  only  of  the  people,  but  also  of  the 
 Molas  and  Effendis,  expressed  a  desire  to  have 
 the  Bible  in  a  language  which  they  understood. 
 Intelligence  to  this  effect  was  conveyed  to  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  from  Karass, 
 through  the  Secretary  of  the  Edinburgh  Mis- 
 sionary Society ;   and  there  was  added  to  it  the 
 
 *  Among  these  should  be  mentioned  with  particular  com- 
 mendation and  gratitude,  His  Excellency  Count  Kotschoubey, 
 Minister  of  the  Interior,  to  whose  active  and  persevering  atten- 
 tions the  mission  has  throughout  been  under  the  greatest  obli- 
 gations. 
 
252  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 assurance,  that  Mr.  Brunton  had  made  himself 
 master  of  the  Turkish  and  Tartar  dialects ;  that 
 reading  was  much  cultivated  through  the  activity 
 1806-7.  ^f  ^|jg  Mahommedan  Priests;  that  no  version 
 of  the  Old  Testament  had  hitherto  been  printed 
 in  either  of  those  dialects;  and  that  Seaman's 
 version  of  the  New  Testament,  printed  at  Oxford 
 in  1666,  was  little  calculated  for  the  purpose  of 
 general  circulation.  On  this  last  ground,  prin- 
 cipally, Mr.  Brunton  and  his  associates  had  been 
 induced  to  undertake  a  new  version ;  and  the 
 object  of  transmitting  these  details  to  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  was  to  obtain  encou- 
 ragement and  aid  towards  the  performance  of 
 so  desirable  an  undertaking.  This  object  was 
 promptly  and  effectually  obtained :  the  Com- 
 mittee, regarding  the  proposed  work  as  pregnant 
 with  great  and  extensive  advantages,  determined 
 to  supply  the  Translators  with  a  new  fount  of 
 Arabic  types,  and  a  sufficient  quantity  of  paper 
 and  ink  to  enable  them  to  execute  an  impression 
 of  5,000  copies.  The  course  and  completion  of 
 this  work  will  furnish  hereafter  much  interesting- 
 matter  of  narration ;  but  it  is  here  introduced  to 
 the  notice  of  the  reader,  for  the  purpose  of 
 marking  the  era  in  which  a  connection  was 
 formed  between  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society  and  this  Asiatic  Dependency  of  the 
 Russian  Imperial  Crown. 
 
 A  third  step  in  this  progress  towards  a  con- 
 
1806-7. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  253 
 
 iiection  with  tlie  Russian  Empire,  was  of  a  more  part  i. 
 decisive  character.  The  circumstance  which  led  chap. 
 to  it,  arose  out  of  a  correspondence  with  some 
 intelligent  individuals  at  Sarepta,  near  Astrachan. 
 In  the  communications  from  that  quarter,  elicited 
 by  queries  of  a  similar  import  to  those  which  had 
 been  generally  circulated,  it  was  confidently 
 stated,  that  the  Scriptures  were  so  extremely 
 scarce  in  Russia,  that,  to  use  a  strong  expression 
 employed  by  the  writer,  "  it  was  generally  knovni 
 a  hundred  wersts  off,  when  the  treasure  of  a 
 Bible  was  to  be  met  with."  To  this  account  it 
 was  added,  that,  in  the  German  colonies  esta- 
 blished on  the  Wolga  since  1766,  and  which 
 contained  thirteen  Protestant  parishes,  the  cir- 
 cumstances of  the  pastors  were  too  low  to  enable 
 them  to  purchase  a  stock  of  Bibles  for  the  pur- 
 pose of  selling  them  to  the  poor  at  reduced  prices, 
 and  still  less  of  giving  them  away." 
 
 For  the  want  described  in  this  last  statement 
 a  remedy  was  suggested,  of  which  the  Committee 
 of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  were  not 
 backward  to  avail  themselves.  The  Bible  Insti- 
 tution at  Halle  was  provided  with  a  stock,  from 
 which  a  supply  might  immediately  be  derived. 
 An  order  was  therefore  given  upon  that  deposi- 
 tory, for  400  German  Bibles,  and  200  Testaments ; 
 and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Knapp  undertook  to  have 
 them  forwarded  to  the  settlement  with  all  prac- 
 ticable dispatch. 
 
1806-7. 
 
 254  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  It  appeared,  however,  from  the  whole  of  the 
 intelhgence  above  referred  to,  confirmed  as  it 
 was  by  information  from  other  respectable  sources, 
 that  the  population  of  Russia,  both  native  and 
 foreign,  was  in  such  a  condition,  with  respect 
 to  the  want  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  the 
 deficiency  of  practical  resources  for  supplying  it, 
 as  to  render  the  stimulating  exertions  of  the 
 Bible  Society  throughout  that  vast  Empire  pe- 
 culiarly desirable.  The  duty  of  proceeding  in 
 such  a  manner  as  to  evince  a  proper  regard  to 
 the  constituted  authorities  of  the  Empire,  was 
 felt  on  this,  as  on  every  similar  occasion ;  and 
 it  was  therefore  resolved  to  address  the 
 Metropolitan  of  the  Greek  Church,  Archbishop 
 Plato ;  and  to  endeavour  to  interest  that  eminent 
 and  learned  Prelate  in  measures  for  promoting 
 the  circulation  of  the  Scriptures  in  Russia. 
 The  events  which  have  since  occurred  in  the 
 establishment  of  the  Russian  Bible  Society 
 at  St.  Petersburg,  and  of  an  affiliated  Institution 
 in  Moscow,  the  residence  of  the  Metropolitan 
 himself,  give  to  the  President's  letter  a  peculiar 
 interest,  and  will  therefore  suggest  a  sufficient 
 reason  for  its  insertion. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  255 
 
 To  the  Most  Rev.  the  Archbishop  and  Metro- 
 politan Plato,  SfC. 
 
 "  Most  Rev.  Sir, 
 
 *'  The  importance  of  the  subject  of  this  Letter 
 will,  I  trust,  apologize  for  an  address  from  a 
 person  who  has  not  the  honor  to  be  known 
 to  you. 
 
 "  Permit  me,  in  the  first  place,  to  inform  you, 
 Most  Reverend  Sir,  that  I  am  President  of  a 
 Society  which  has  been  established  in  London 
 more  than  two  years,  under  the  denomination 
 of  '  The  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.' 
 This  Institution  (which  was  first  proposed  by 
 a  few  individuals,  who  take  an  interest  in  the 
 eternal  welfare  of  their  fellow-creatures,)  is  now 
 supported  by  numerous  Christians,  of  all  classes 
 and  denominations ;  the  object  of  it  is  pure  and 
 simple,  being  solely  and  expressly  to  encourage 
 and  promote  a  wider  circulation  of  the  Holy 
 Scriptures ;  and  it  embraces  in  its  operation  not 
 only  the  Empire  of  Great  Britain,  but  all  countries 
 and  nations,  whether  Christian,  Pagan,  or  Ma- 
 hommedan,  as  far  as  the  means  and  opportu- 
 nities of  the  Society  admit. 
 
 "  The  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  has 
 had  the  satisfaction  to  find  that  the  object  of  its 
 establishment  has  been  most  cordially  approved 
 in    Germany,    Switzerland,    and    other   parts   of 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 IV. 
 
 1806-7. 
 
1806-7. 
 
 256  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 Europe ;  that  its  example  has  become  an  object 
 of  zealous  imitation;  and  that,  by  the  blessing 
 of  God,  it  has  proved,  either  directly  or  indi- 
 rectly, the  instrument  of  circulating-  the  Holy 
 Scriptures  to  a  very  great  extent  upon  the 
 Continent. 
 
 "  I  am  persuaded.  Most  Reverend  Sir,  that 
 this  information  will  not  be  uninteresting  to  you, 
 who  are  so  well  quahfied  to  feel  the  importance 
 and  appreciate  the  utility  of  the  Institution  which 
 I  have  described. 
 
 "  It  is  equally  the  duty  and  desire  of  the 
 Members  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society 
 to  extend  the  benefits  of  their  Institution  as  far 
 as  possible;  and,  under  the  influence  of  these 
 motives,  they  have  entered  into  correspondence 
 with  religious  and  well-disposed  persons,  in 
 various  parts  of  Europe,  for  the  purpose  of  soli- 
 citing their  assistance  and  influence  in  promoting 
 the  object  of  the  Society,  and  information  as 
 to  the  most  practicable  means  of  doing  it. 
 
 "  In  many  instances,  the  information  obtained 
 by  those  means,  has  led  to  the  most  pleasing 
 consequences  ;  it  has  aftbrded  to  the  Society  the 
 gratification  of  aiding  with  their  funds  (which  are 
 derived  from  voluntary  contributions)  the  printing 
 of  versions  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  in  foreign  lan- 
 guages, and  of  conveying  this  invaluable  treasure 
 to  numbers  who  were  destitute  of  it,  and  wanted 
 the  means  of  obtaining  it. 
 
1806-7. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  '257 
 
 **  The  same  motives  have  induced  me,  Most  part  i. 
 Reverend  Sir,  to  trouble  you  with  this  address, 
 under  an  assurance,  that  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society  will  consider  itself  highly  gratified 
 by  any  notice  which  you  may  think  proper  to 
 take  of  it. 
 
 "  Information  has  been  communicated  to  us, 
 that  copies  of  the  Russian  Bible  are  scarce,  and 
 difficult  to  be  procured ;  and  that  many  of  our 
 Christian  brethren  of  the  Greek  Church,  on  this 
 account,  are  in  want  of  them :  of  the  accuracy 
 of  this  information  you  are  best  qualified  to 
 judge,  as  well  as  whether  the  assistance  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  towards  print- 
 ing a  cheap  edition  of  the  Russian  Bible,  for 
 the  purpose  of  supplying  any  existing  wants, 
 would  be  acceptable.  It  is  on  these  points  that 
 I  venture  to  solicit  your  opinion,  in  the  confidence 
 that  it  will  be  granted;  add  that,  if  the  object 
 of  the  Society  should  meet  your  approbation, 
 your  influence  and  co-operation  in  promoting 
 i>!  disinterested  views,  will  not  be  withheld. 
 
 "  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
 
 "  Most  Reverend  Sir, 
 "  With  great  respect, 
 "  Your  most  Obedient, 
 *'  Humble  Servant, 
 "  TEIGN  MOUTH." 
 vol,.  I.  s 
 
258 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 1806-7. 
 
 What  effect  this  letter  produced  on  the  mind 
 of  Archbishop  Plato  has  not  been  correctly 
 ascertained,  inasmuch  as  no  direct  reply  was 
 received  from  him.  There  is,  however,  reason 
 to  believe,  by  intelligence,  conveyed  through 
 <iircuitous  channels,  that  the  Metropolitan  did 
 not  overlook  an  object,  which,  to  an  enlight- 
 ened* mind  like  his,  could  not  have  been  indif- 
 ferent. Certain  it  is,  that  this  overture  on  the 
 part  of  the  President  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  excited  a  lively  interest  in  its 
 eventual  success  among  the  German  Settlers  at 
 Sarepta,  whose  sentiments  may  be  considered 
 as  expressed  by  Mr.  Hiemer,  one  of  their  Minis- 
 ters, when  thus  feelingly  expressing  his  own : 
 
 "  May  the  Lord  give  his  blessing  to  the  design 
 
 *  With  what  justice  this  epithet  is  applied  to  the  late  Arch- 
 bishop Plato,  may  be  learned  from  a  perusal  of  that  Prelate's 
 *'  Summary  of  Christian  Doctrine,''  as  it  appears  in  the  Rev. 
 Mr.  Pinkerton's  very  seasonable  and  intelligent  work,  entitled, 
 "  The  Present  State  of  the  Greek  Church."  The  writer  of 
 these  pages  cannot  refer  to  that  publication  without  concur- 
 ring with  its  excellent  author,  in  expressing  a  hope,  that,  "  by 
 affording  a  more  accurate  idea  of  the  doctrines  and  present 
 state  of  the  Russian  church  than  has  hitherto  been  given,  it 
 will  have  the  effect  of  exciting  in  the  British  nation  a  lively 
 feeling  of  Christian  regard  for  the  inhabitants  of  that  extensive 
 empire,  and  will  suggest  additional  motives  to  unwearied 
 exertion,  and  ftrvent  prayer,  in  behalf  of  its  numerous  tribes, 
 that  the  fundamental  object  of  the  St.  Petersburg  Bible 
 Society  may  soon  be  obtained,  and  '  each  tribe  put  in  posses- 
 won  of  the  word  «f  God,  in  its  own  language.'" 
 
1800'-7. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  259 
 
 of  the  honored  Society,  by  the  extended  dif-  parti. 
 fusion  of  the  Scriptures  given  by  inspiration  of 
 God,  to  oppose  a  barrier  to  the  overwhehning 
 ton-ent  of  infidelity,  and  to  procure  for  poor  be- 
 nighted souls  access  to  the  life-giving  knowledge 
 of  Jesus  Christ !  This  is  the  sincere  wish  of 
 my  heart,  and  I  therefore  take  also  the  warmest 
 interest  in  the  negociation  which  the  Noble 
 President  of  the  Society  has  opened  with  the 
 Archbishop  Plato." 
 
 While  the  Society,  intent  upon  extending  and 
 perpetuating  the  means  of  dispersing  the  Holy 
 Scriptures,  was  thus  preparing  the  ground  on 
 which  the  foundations  were  in  due  time  to  be 
 laid  of  establishments,  similar  to  its  own,  for 
 the  northern  sovereignties  of  Europe,  it  was  not 
 less  actively  employed  in  disseminating  copies 
 for  temporary  and  immediate  uses  in  other  parts 
 of  the  world,  where  circumstances  forbad,  for 
 the  present  at  least,  the  expectation  of  more 
 general  and  permanent  operations.  Among  the 
 number  of  those  who  participated  in  the  benefit 
 of  these  exertions,  were,  the  French  at  St.  Do- 
 mingo, the  Spaniards  at  Buenos  Ayres,  and  the 
 British  Settlers,  Soldiers,  and  Colonists,  in  North 
 America,  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  New  South 
 Wales,  and  Van  Diemen's  Land.  It  may  eluci- 
 date what  has  been  generally  said  of  the  activity 
 ;ind  vigilance  of  the  Committee,  to  observe,  that 
 s  2 
 
IV. 
 
 1806-7. 
 
 260  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  their  attention  to  the  Spaniards  of  Buenos  Ayres, 
 CHAP,  ^^g  excited  by  the  intelUgence  of  that  place 
 having  come  into  the  possession  of  the  British 
 arms ;  and  that  the  investment  of  Spanish  Testa- 
 ments for  the  benefit  of  its  inhabitants,  was  sent 
 xDut  with  the  earhest  cargoes  which  were  shipped 
 in  the  Port  of  London  upon  commercial  specu- 
 lation. With  what  effect  this  act  of  British 
 philanthropy  was  attended,  will  be  hereafter 
 seen. 
 
 The  impression  made  by  the  donation  of  Bibles 
 and  Testaments  on  the  Governor  of  Van  Diemen's 
 Land,  was  honorably  testified  by  an  acknowledg- 
 ment on  his  part,  which  did  not  reach  England 
 till  after  the  writer's  decease.  In  this  letter, 
 which  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  anticipate,  the 
 reader  will  find  a  pleasing  testimony,  both  of 
 the  solicitude  of  Governor  Colhns  for  the  rehgious 
 improvement  of  the  Colony,  and  of  the  tendency 
 which  the  Society's  communication  had  to  en- 
 courage that  feeling,  and  to  afford  it  an  oppor- 
 tunity of  immediate  and  useful  employment. 
 
 Government  House,  Hohart  Town, 
 "   Sir,  Sept.  10,  1809. 
 
 "  I  take  the  earliest  opportunity  in  my  power, 
 to  acknowledge  the  receipt,  on  the  28th  ult.  of 
 your  letter  of  the  4th  of  June,  1807,  communi- 
 cating to  me  the  benevolent  design  of  the  British 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  261 
 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society  in  favor  of  the  Settle-     part 
 ment  under  my  command,  by  furnishing  it  with 
 the  means  of  obtaininc:  a  knowledire  of  the  sacred 
 
 writings. 
 
 "  Although  we  were  not  destitute  of  those  means, 
 having  a  regular  clerical  establishment  in  the 
 place,  yet  it  gave  me  sincere  pleasure  to  find  we 
 were  noticed  by  your  Society ;  and  I  lost  no  time 
 in  placing  the  distribution  of  the  Bibles  and 
 Testaments  in  the  hands  of  our  clergymen. 
 
 "  Our  Settlement  is  rather  large  and  increasing, 
 being  composed  of  upwards  of  1,000  souls,  many 
 of  whom  are  extremely  young,  and  upon  whose 
 minds,  you,  Sir,  know,  impressions  are,  perhaps, 
 more  easily  made  of  wrong  than  of  right.  It  is, 
 liowever,  my  duty  to  endeavor  to  give  them  a 
 right  bias ;  and  in  that  view,  and  encouraged  by 
 your  request,  to  be  informed  in  which  way  the 
 intention  of  the  Society  might  be  further  promoted 
 in  this  Settlement,  I  beg  leave  to  suggest  the 
 benefit  that  may  result  from  the  distribution  of 
 small  religious  tracts,  and  a  church  catechism, 
 which  I  have  lately  seen,  and  which  is  highly 
 spoken  of,  I  know  not  whether  a  donation  of 
 this  nature  may  come  within  the  design  of  your 
 Society,  and  therefore  only  hint  this  in  the 
 event  of  its  extending  so  far.* 
 
 *  The  Committee  were  precluded,  of  course,  from  attending 
 to  that  part  of  the  Governor's  letter  which  adverts  to  Tracts 
 and  Catechisms. 
 
 i  3 
 
 CHAP. 
 IV. 
 
 1806-7. 
 
262  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.        "  Allow  me,  Sir,  to   offer  you  my  respectful 
 CHAP,     thanks,  and  sincere  wishes  that  the  labors  of  the 
 
 IV. 
 
 v--v^     British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  may  be  crowned 
 ■^^06-7.     ^j^j^  ^i^^l-  success  and  honor  to  which  it  is  so 
 eminently  entitled  in  this  world. 
 
 "  I  remain,  with  much  respect,  &c. 
 
 "  DAVID  COLLINS." 
 
 Rev.  J.  Owen. 
 
 But  it  is  time  to  return  to  the  domestic  scene  of 
 operations ;  and  to  describe  the  state  of  progress^ 
 in  the  metropolis  of  Great  Britain,  and  in  those 
 parts  of  the  United  Kingdom  with  which  the 
 Society  stood  more  immediately  connected.  In 
 doing  this,  occasion  will  be  taken  to  specify  the 
 different  objects  which  now  engaged  the  actual 
 attention  of  the  Committee,  and  constituted  the 
 matter  of  their  own  particular  employment. 
 
 A  primary  object  of  this  description,  and  one 
 to  the  accomplishment  of  which  much  care  and 
 perseverance  had  been  directed,  was,  as  is  well 
 known,  the  production  of  a  correct  and  copious 
 impression  of  the  Welsh  Scriptures  for  the  ac- 
 commodation of  the  Principality.  This  object, 
 after  having  been  retarded  by  various  causes  of 
 interruption,  some  of  which  have  been  pretty  fully 
 laid  open,  was  at  length,  to  a  certain  degree, 
 attained.  In  the  month  of  July,  1806,  the  New 
 Testament  having  been  completed,  copies  of  it 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 263 
 
 were  issued  from  the  stereotype  press,  and  put 
 into  distribution.  It  was  a  gratifying  circum- 
 stance to  find,  that  this  Testament  obtained  a 
 rapid  sale ;  *  and  this  gratification  was  heightened 
 by  the  assurance  given,  on  what  was  considered  to 
 be  good  authority,  that  "  it  surpassed  in  correct- 
 ness any  other  which  had  yet  been  printed  in  the 
 Welsh  language." 
 
 Similar  exertions  to  produce  a  supply  of  English 
 Scriptures  fi-om  the  stereotype  press,  were  attended 
 with  correspondent  success.  To  the  two  editions 
 of  the  Testament,  which  had  been  announced  as 
 completed  at  the  second  Anniversary,  was  added, 
 in  the  course  of  this  year,  a  Testament  in  a  large 
 type,  and  of  great  beauty,  together  with  two 
 editions  of  the  entire  Bible.  These  circumstances, 
 which  it  might  otherwise  appear  unimportant  to 
 specify,  are  thus  particularly  stated,  in  order  to 
 show  the  fidelity  of  the  Society  to  the  domestic 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 1806-7. 
 
 *  The  following  account  of  the  manner  iu  which  these 
 Testaments  were  received,  is  given  on  the  authority  of  "  au 
 eye-witness." 
 
 "  When  the  arrival  of  the  cart  was  announced,  which  carried 
 the  first  sacred  load,  the  Welsh  peasants  went  out  in  crowd* 
 to  meet  it ;  welcomed  it  as  the  Israelites  did  the  ark  of  old  ; 
 drew  it  into  the  town ;  and  eagerly  bore  off  every  copy,  as 
 rapidly  as  they  could  be  dispersed.  The  young  people  were 
 to  be  seen  consuming  the  whole  night  in  reading  it.  Laborers 
 carried  it  with  them  to  the  field,  that  they  might  enjoy  it 
 during  the  intervals  of  their  labor,  and  lose  no  opportunity  of 
 becoming  acquainted  with  its  sacred  truths." 
 
 Christian  Observer  for  JtUi/,  1810; 
 s  4 
 
264  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.    object  of  its  appointment.     It  will  thus  be  seen, 
 CHAP,      ^^^i  j^g    conductors   were    not   so    attentive    to 
 
 IV. 
 
 ^--v-^     strangers  as  to  forget  those  of  their  own  house- 
 1806-7.     j^^i  J .  j^j^^  ^i^^^  ti^gy  jji^j  j^Qt  lose  gigiit  of  a  due 
 
 provision  for  their  own  country,  amidst  their  various 
 and  captivating  engagements  with  foreign  parts. 
 
 There  is  also  an  additional  reason  for  this 
 specification;  inasmuch  as  it  evinces  the  good 
 effect  of  the  encouragement  given  by  the  Society 
 to  that  useful  and  ingenious  art  of  stereotype, 
 which  has  proved  so  serviceable  an  instalment 
 in  the  propagation  of  the  Scriptures,  and  in 
 the  maintenance  of  their  purity  and  correctness. 
 The  editions  w^hich  have  been  mentioned,  were 
 severally  the  first  fruits  of  those  stereotype  plates, 
 which  had  been  cast  at  the  instance,  and  under 
 the  special  encouragement,  of  the  Society;  and 
 the  appearance  of  each  specimen  was  an  evi- 
 dence, that  plates  had  been  prepared,  from 
 which  editions  to  the  amount  of  more  than 
 200,000  copies  might  be  taken  off  with 
 economy  and  dispatch,  as  the  exigencies  of  the 
 country  might  require.  In  all  these  cases,  it 
 should  be  observed,  the  authorized  text,  with- 
 out note  or  comment,  was  exclusively  adopted. 
 When  this  circumstance  is  duly  considered,  it 
 will  appear,  that  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society  has  promoted,  in  an  eminent  degree,  the 
 cause  of  orthodox  Christianity,  by  pre-occupying 
 that  ground  with  the  standard  translation  of  the 
 
1806-7. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE   SOCIETY.  265 
 
 Holy  Scriptures,  which  might  otherwise  have  been    part  i. 
 seized  by  the   industrious   propagators   of  novel 
 and  deteriorated  versions. 
 
 This  last  observation  will  be  strengthened  by 
 remarking,  that  the  care  of  the  Committee  to 
 produce  these  impressions  of  the  Scriptures,  was 
 not  greater  than  their  activity  in  promoting  the 
 circulation  of  them  when  produced.  With  a  view 
 to  facilitate  the  attainment  of  this  end,  the  prices 
 to  subscribers  were  reduced,  in  the  case  of  the 
 English  copies,  twenty  per  cent,  from  the  original 
 cost;  with  the  privilege  of  purchasing  to  the 
 amount  of  five  guineas  for  every  guinea  annually 
 subscribed :  life  members  being  considered  on 
 the  footing  of  annual  members,  and  life  governors, 
 of  annual  governors.  And  in  the  case  of  the 
 Welsh,  the  reduction  was  undefined  and  discre- 
 tionary, affording,  for  the  most  part,  a  still  greater 
 accommodation  to  the  circumstances  of  the  sub- 
 scribers. There  was  added,  besides,  in  the  regu- 
 lations for  the  disposal  of  the  Welsh  Scriptures, 
 this  special  indulgence,  that  Welsh  Ministers  in 
 general  might  be  supplied  with  copies  at  the 
 regulated  prices,  whether  suhscrihers  or  not,  for 
 the  use  of  their  respective  congregations.  This 
 gratuitous  extension  of  privilege  to  ministers  of 
 every  religious  denomination  in  Wales,  was  founded 
 on  a  conviction,  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  Prin- 
 cipality stood  peculiarly  in  need  of  such  accom- 
 modation ;  and  the  universality  with  which  it  was 
 
266  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  granted  to  Ministers  of  the  Establishment,*  and 
 CHAP.  ^^  those  of  every  other  persuasion,  comported 
 ^^v— '  with  the  catholic  principle  of  the  Institution,  and 
 1806-7.  evinced  the  disinterested  wish  of  its  conductors 
 to  effect  the  distribution  of  the  sacred  word 
 through  every  accessible  channel. 
 
 In  the  mean  time,  the  doors  were  liberally 
 thrown  open  for  the  admission  of  applications 
 from  societies  and  benevolent  individuals,  whose 
 object  was  in  any  measure  identified  with  that 
 of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  and 
 whose  exertions  were  directed  to  the  dissemina- 
 tion of  the  Holy  Scriptures  in  any  part  of  the 
 British  empire.  On  this  principle,  copies  were 
 furnished  at  cost  prices  to  the  Dublin  "  Asso- 
 ciation," and  the  Dubhn  *'  Bible  Society,"  in 
 order  to  assist  their  means  of  doing  good  in  their 
 Several  departments  ;  while  to  individuals  in  that 
 kingdom,  who  had  been  accredited  as  zealously 
 and  disinterestedly  employed  in  promoting  the 
 education  of  children,  and  the  moral  improvement 
 of  the  poor,  accommodation  was  afforded,  accord- 
 ing to  the  circumstances  of  the  applicants,  and 
 the  nature  and  extent  of  the  services  in  which 
 they  were  respectively  engaged. 
 
 It  ought  also  to  be  added,  that  no  ordinary 
 pains  were  bestowed  upon  the  examination  of  the 
 
 *  The  reader  will  see  how  completely  this  refutes  the 
 tinsinuation,  that  the  Society  shewed  particular  favor  to  the 
 Dissenters  in  the  distribution  of  the  Welsh  Scriptures, 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  267 
 
 copies;  with  a  view  to  determine  the  degree  of  parti. 
 correctness  with  which  they  were  printed,  and 
 particularly  to  ascertain  their  exact  conformity  to 
 the  authoritative  standard.  In  this  work  of 
 laborious  and  minute  investigation,  several  mem- 
 bers of  the  Committee  voluntarily  participated; 
 and  no  one  embarked  in  it  with  more  prompti- 
 tude, or  executed  his  engagement  with  more 
 acuteness  and  perseverance,  than  a  member  of 
 the  Society  of  Friends,  the  late  Wilson  Birkbeck, 
 Esq.  This  able  and  truly  excellent  individual 
 read  the  first  stereotyped  Testament  careftiUy 
 through,  collated  it  with  an  edition  of  established 
 reputation,  and  presented,  as  the  result  of  his 
 researches,  a  string  of  passages,  (amounting  to 
 thirty-six,)  in  which  he  had  found  the  stereotyped 
 edition  to  differ  from  those  in  ordinary  use.  On 
 the  subject  of  this  report,  and  the  measures 
 taken  in  consequence  of  it,  the  following  Minute 
 appears  upon  the  Society's  Records,  under  date> 
 February  3,  1806. 
 
 "  Mr.  Owen  stated,  that  having  received  from 
 Mr.  Birkbeck  a  list  of  various  readings  in  the 
 New  Testament,  he  had  drawn  out  into  separate 
 columns  such  variations  as  occurred  in  the  stereo- 
 type, an  Oxford  octavo,  a  copy  of  Blaney's 
 edition,  and  King  James's  Black-Letter  Bible; 
 which  sheet  he  had  laid  before  the  Syndics,  who 
 will  exercise  their  judgment  upon  it.  Mr.  Owen 
 had,  however,  found,  that  the  stereotype  reading 
 
^68 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 1806-7. 
 
 PARTI,  ^as  supported  by  that  of  King  James's  Bible, 
 *^"^^'  wliich  Mr.  Watts  had  been  instructed  to  make 
 his  ultimate  standard,  with  the  exception  of  three 
 or  four  instances,  and  these  he  apprehends  will 
 be  corrected." 
 
 To  those  who  know  in  what  a  variety  of  ways 
 the  Society  has  been  attacked,  and  that,  among 
 them,  one  was  the  imputation  of  a  design,  and 
 even  more  than  a  design,  to  pervert  the  text  of 
 Scripture,  the  mention  of  this  circumstance,  so 
 demonstrative  of  an  opposite  conduct,  will  not 
 appear  indifferent.  The  fact  which  it  contains 
 was  of  material  service  to  the  author,  in  defending 
 the  Institution  against  the  second  attempt  which 
 was  made  to  ruin  it  in  the  Spring  of  1806;  and 
 in  the  Memorial*  presented  to  the  Bishop  of 
 London  on  that  occasion,  was  inserted  an  obser- 
 vation in  reference  to  this  topic,  which,  as  it  has 
 lost  no  part  of  its  truth  or  its  application  by  the 
 lapse  of  more  than  nine  years,  it  may  not  be 
 amiss  to  extract. 
 
 "  It  should  be  observed"  (referring  to  the 
 Minute  before-cited,)  "  that  these  variations  were 
 extremely  minute :  and  this  shows  at  once  the 
 correctness  of  the  Cambridge  Press,  and  the 
 jealousy  of  a  Dissenting  Member  of  the  Bible 
 Society.  Indeed,  I  am  more  than  ever  convinced, 
 by  the  experience  I  have  had  in  the  Society's 
 proceedings,  that  if  it  had  been  wished  to  pro- 
 •  Chap.  iii.  p.  223. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  269 
 
 vide  an  expedient  for  securing  the  integrity  and 
 correctness  of  the  authorized  version,  such  a  wish 
 could  not  have  been  better  accompUshed  than 
 by  a  Committee  constituted  as  that  is  v^^hich 
 sits  at  the  New  London  Tavern." 
 
 With  the  measures  which  have  been  described 
 for  effecting  the  general  distribution  of  the  copies 
 thus  prepared,  was  combined  a  diHgent  attention 
 to  the  supply  of  those  wants  which  existed,  in 
 prisons  and  other  places,  removed  from  ordinary 
 observation  and  concern. 
 
 Through  the  compassionate  exertions  of  Thomas 
 Furley  Foster,  Esq.  who,  as  well  as  the  other 
 members  of  his  family,  is  seen  among  the  foremost 
 in  every  public  enterprise  of  humanity  and  mercy, 
 the  good  offices  of  the  Society  were  first  solicited 
 on  behalf  of  the  felons  and  other  prisoners  in 
 Newgate ;  and  200  Testaments  were  placed 
 under  his  care,  to  be  distributed  at  his  discretion. 
 
 The  case  of  criminals,  thus  incidently  brought 
 forward,  opened  to  the  view  of  the  Committee 
 new  scenes  of  spiritual  wretchedness,  and  sug- 
 gested to  their  minds  a  new  and  important  de- 
 partment of  benevolent  labor.  It  was  charac- 
 teristic of  the  whole  tenor  of  their  proceedings,  to 
 avail  themselves  of  every  opening  which  might  lead 
 to  the  production  of  good ;  to  resolve  each  case 
 that  came  before  them  into  the  class  to  which 
 it  might  be  considered  to  belong ;  and  to  make; 
 the  supply  of  a  particular  want  tlie  grouud-work 
 
270  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,     of  some    plan   of   comprehensive    and    general 
 
 CHAP,      relief.     Such  was    the   course    pursued  in  the 
 
 ws/*^     business  now  under  consideration. 
 
 X806-7.  rpjjg  flj.g^  resolution  on  behalf  of  the  felons 
 and  other  prisoners,  took  place  on  the  4th  of 
 August,  1806.  This  resolution  was,  on  a  renewed 
 application,  four  months  after,  extended  to  all 
 the  prisons  in  the  metropolis;  and  the  views 
 of  the  Committee  enlarging  with  the  progress  of 
 the  information,  they  resolved  to  give  wider 
 scope  to  the  exercise  of  their  sympathy.  For 
 this  end,  they  associated  with  the  subjects  of 
 guilt  the  scarcely  less  pitiable  victims  of  poverty 
 and  sickness;  and  appointed  a  Sub-Committee, 
 whose  office  it  should  be  to  ascertain  and  supply 
 the  wants  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  in  the  several 
 Workhouses,  Hospitals,  and  Goals,  throughout 
 the  kingdom.  That  Sub-Committee  entered  into 
 an  active  correspondence  with  the  high  sheriffs, 
 chaplains,  goalers,  and  superintend  ants  of  the 
 sick  and  the  poor ;  and  the  judgment  and  per- 
 severance with  which  they  discharged  the  duties 
 of  their  appointment,  were  attended  with  the  best 
 effects.* 
 
 *  It  is  pleasing  to  observe,  that  among  the  evidences  of 
 augmented  exertion  in  the  venerable  Society  for  Promoting 
 Christian  Knowledge,  chiefly  through  the  influence  of  its 
 newly-formed  Auxiliary  Societies,  is  specified  "  a  more  wakeful 
 attention  to  the  spiritual  necessities  of  the  indigent  and 
 ufflicted ;  to  Schools  and  Hospitals,  and  other  public  charitable 
 lastitutions."    Annual  Report  for  1814. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  271 
 
 In  this  department  of  service,  and  particularly  part  i. 
 in  that  division  of  it  vt^hich  afforded  the  least  ^"^^" 
 promise  of  advantage,  the  supply  of  felons,  the  ^--^^ 
 Committee  experienced,  in  the  very  outset,  a 
 degree  of  encouragement,  v^^hich  stimulated  them 
 to  proceed  with  increased  liberality  and  exertion. 
 It  appeared  that  the  first  donation  of  Testaments 
 to  the  convicts  at  Woolwich-Reach,  amounting 
 at  that  time  to  800,  fomid  a  very  cordial  re- 
 ception among  them.  The  officers  on  board  the 
 several  ships  judiciously  allotted  a  Testament 
 to  each  mess,  accompanied  with  an  order,  that 
 it  should  be  forth-coming  in  good  condition, 
 whenever  it  might  be  called  for ;  and  Lieutenant 
 Coxe,  Commander  of  His  Majesty's  Brig,  Wool- 
 wich, on  whose  application  the  Testaments  had 
 been  furnished,  declared,  ''  that  he  never  wais 
 witness  to  books  given  or  received  with  more 
 apparent  satisfaction."  This  testimony,  so  grate- 
 ful to  the  feelings  of  the  conductors  of  the  Society, 
 and  affording  such  evidence  of  the  utility  of  their 
 proceedings,  was  afterwards  confirmed  by  the 
 statement  of  an  officer  aboard  the  largest  of  the 
 ships ;  who  asserted,  that  having  frequent  occa- 
 sion to  go  below  deck,  he  seldom  Avent  down 
 at  the  time  when  the  convicts  were  at  leisure, 
 but  he  found  some  of  them  reading  hi  the  Testa- 
 ments with  which  they  had  been  supplied. 
 
 It  will  doubtless  have  occurred  to  the  reader 
 to    remark,    while    perusing   this,  account,   how 
 
1806-7. 
 
 272  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 materially  the  designs  of  the  Society  were  for- 
 warded by  the  ready  and  discreet  co-operation 
 of  the  officers  commanding  these  convict-ships. 
 It  is  scarcely  possible  to  say  too  much  in  com- 
 mendation of  their  conduct.  They  assured 
 Lieutenant  Coxe,  on  his  first  visit,  "  that  they 
 were  much  obliged  to  any  individual,  or  any 
 body  of  men,  that  felt  themselves  interested  on 
 behalf  of  those  wretched  men;  and  they  would 
 employ  their  influence  to  enforce  a  proper  atten- 
 tion to  any  books  which  might  be  sent  for  the 
 use  of  the  convicts."  The  prudent  regulations 
 for  distributing  the  books,  and  the  satisfactory 
 reports  of  their  reception  and  use,  sufficiently 
 demonstrate,  that  this  assurance  was  not  given 
 without  a  sincere  intention  to  carry  it  into  the 
 completest  effect. 
 
 The  fact  now  stated  affords  occasion  for  re- 
 peatmg  an  observation  which  has  already  been 
 made,  in  reference  to  the  triumph  of  genuine 
 principle  over  the  difficulties  attending  situations 
 of  particular  trial.  It  is,  indeed,  a  delightful 
 task  to  notice  the  bright  traits  of  religion  and 
 humanity  in  the  conduct  of  those  who  have  been 
 enabled  to  rise  above  the  temptations  connected 
 with  the  duties  of  their  professional  employment. 
 The  peculiar  service  in  which  the  several 
 commanders  of  the  convict-ships  were  engaged, 
 had  not  so  familiarized  them  to  the  con- 
 templation   of    depravity    and    suflfering,  as    to 
 
1806-7. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  273 
 
 contemplation  of  depravity  and  suftering,  as  to 
 make  them  indifferent  to  the  cure  of  the  one, 
 and  the  alleviation  of  the  other.  On  the  con- 
 trary, they  showed  themselves  alive  to  the  calls 
 of  the  truest  compassion;  and  evinced,  by  the 
 encouragement  they  gave  to  the  introduction  of 
 the  Scriptures  among  the  unhappy  subjects  of 
 their  authority,  how  justly  they  appreciated  the 
 influence  of  rehgion,  as  a  source  of  genuine  com- 
 fort, and  a  mean  of  radical  and  effectual  refor- 
 mation. 
 
 Nor  were  the  exertions,  of  which  the  com- 
 mencement has  been  recorded,  for  supplying 
 the  scriptural  wants  of  the  Prisoners  of  War, 
 pursued  with  less  vigour,  or  attended  with  in- 
 ferior success.  Copies  of  the  Spanish  Testament 
 having  been  largely  distributed  among  the  pri- 
 soners of  that  nation,  steps  were  taken  without 
 delay  for  preparing  a  second  and  more  numerous 
 impression.  Inquiries  had  also  been  promoted 
 into  the  state  of  the  Prisoners  of  War  generally; 
 and  the  reader  will  see,  with  what  discrimination 
 and  effect  these  inquiries  were  prosecuted,  from 
 the  following  account  which  they  elicited,  of 
 the  state  of  the  prison-ships,  and  Mill-Prison  at 
 Plymouth. 
 
 "  Of  5178  French  Prisoners"  (says  the  reporter, 
 the  late  Captain  Wynter,  of  Stonehouse,)  "  about 
 2820  can  read,  of  wlioni  about  2410  are  desirous 
 of  having  Testaments:"  and  "  of  1700  Spanish 
 
 VOL.   I.  T 
 
1806-7. 
 
 274  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.     prisoners,  about  1200  can  read,  and  800  of  them 
 
 CHAP,      ^j.^  desirous  of  bavins'  Testaments." 
 
 IV.  ... 
 
 V— v^^         Tbis  statistical  account  was  obtained  in  August, 
 
 1806  ;  and,  in  tbe  montb  of  November  following, 
 tbe  correspondent  who  furnished  it,  having  been 
 put  in  possession  of  the  means  of  supplying  those 
 wants  which  he  had  so  judiciously  contrived  to 
 ascertain,  transmitted  the  following  animated  and 
 affecting  description  of  the  manner  in  which  his 
 first  distribution  had  been  made,  and  the  im- 
 pression with  which  it  was  attended. 
 
 "  It  is  impossible  to  give  you  an  adequate 
 description  of  the  anxiety  that  was  manifested 
 by  the  poor  Spaniards  to  get  possession  of  a 
 Testament ;  many  sought  them  with  tears  and 
 earnest  entreaties ;  and,  although  I  had  nearly 
 enough  for  them  all,  yet  it  was  with  difficulty 
 that  they  were  pacified,  until  they  received  from 
 my  hand  the  word  of  eternal  life.  Since  which  I 
 have  witnessed  tlie  most  pleasing  sight  that 
 ever  my  eyes  beheld — nearly  a  thousand  poor 
 Spanish  prisoners,  sitting  round  the  prison  walls, 
 reading  the  word  of  God  with  an  apparent  eager- 
 ness that  would  have  put  many  professing  Chris- 
 tians to  the  blush !" 
 
 In  consequence  of  this  representation,  con- 
 firmed by  others  of  a  similar  tendency,  it  was 
 determined  to  multiply  copies  both  of  the  French 
 and  Spanish  Scriptures,  so  as  to  have  an  ade- 
 quate number  ready  for  any  emergency.     A  lar§^e 
 
1806-7. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  275 
 
 edition  of  the  Testament  in  the  latter  of  these  parti. 
 languages  was,  as  has  been  already  mentioned, 
 immediately  put  to  press ;  and  as  those  in  the 
 former  were  likely,  from  many  causes,  to  be  still 
 more  in  request,  proceedings  were  adopted,  in 
 the  month  of  November,  1806,  for  printing  them 
 by  stereotype. 
 
 While  these  measures  were  going  forward,  in 
 reference  to  the  continent  of  Europe,  and  to  the 
 residents  in  the  United  Kingdom,  both  natives 
 and  strangers,  the  attention  of  the  Society  was 
 forcibly  solicited  to  the  case  of  Mahomedans 
 and  Heathens,  whose  spiritual  instruction,  too 
 long  overlooked  by  the  bulk  of  European  Chris- 
 tians, had  begun  to  awaken,  in  the  breasts  of  a 
 few,  the  emotions  of  sympathy  and  anxious  con- 
 sideration. 
 
 This  feeling  naturally  turned,  in  the  first  in- 
 stance, towards  the  numerous  inhabitants  of  India 
 and  the  East,  who  answered  to  that  description  ; 
 and  it  will  be  proper  to  see  what  was  done,  or 
 meditated,  in  reference  to  their  spiritual  welfare. 
 Dr.  Carey  had  introduced  to  the  Society  the 
 scheme  of  Oriental  Translations,  so  nobly  pro- 
 jected by  the  Baptist  Missionaries  at  Serampore. 
 Dr.  Buchanan's  Memoir  on  "  the  Expediency  of 
 an  Ecclesiastical  Establishment  for  British  India," 
 had  furnished  the  additional,  and  very  important 
 information,  that,  "  under  the  auspices  of  the 
 College  of  Fort  William,  the  Scriptures  were  in 
 T  % 
 
276 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 1806-7. 
 
 PART  I.  a  course  of  translation  into  almost  all  the  lan- 
 guages of  Oriental  India."  And  both  authorities 
 agreed  in  stating,  that  assistance  from  Europe 
 was  indispensably  necessary,  in  order  to  the 
 accomplishment  of  these  plans. 
 
 On  these  general  grounds,  it  Avas  determined 
 to  appropriate  1,000Z.  to  an  object,  in  all  respects 
 so  deserving  of  encouragement  and  aid;  and  a 
 grant  to  that  amount  was  accordingly  made,  to 
 be  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Corresponding 
 Committee  at  Calcutta.  It  is  true,  that  Com- 
 mittee, though  formally  proposed,*  had  not  actually 
 been  organized,  at  the  time  when  the  donation  was 
 voted.  From  many  obstacles,  some  of  which 
 will  be  hereafter  explained,  the  parties  who  were 
 to  constitute  it,  did  not,  and  could  not,  come 
 together  for  a  considerable  period  after  the  pro- 
 position for  associating  them  had  been  made. 
 The  presumption,  however,  of  its  existence  had 
 its  use.  It  formed  and  preserved  a  rallying  point 
 for  the  zeal  which  was  directed  to  the  circulation 
 of  the  Scriptures  in  India ;  gave  an  air  of  unity 
 and  order  to  the  designs  of  the  Society  in  that 
 quarter;  and  kept  alive  the  sentiment  of  con- 
 cord among  different  Christians  in  this  work 
 of  common  interest,  till  circumstances  afforded 
 a  favorable  opportunity  for  bringing  the  parties 
 into    actual    communication,    and    incorporating 
 
 Chap.  ii.  p.  09. 
 
IV. 
 
 1806-7. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETV.  277 
 
 them  at  length  in  a  system  of  harmonious,  com-    part  i. 
 pact,  and  efficient  co-operation.  chap. 
 
 The  feehng  thus  kindled  on  behalf  of  the 
 natives  of  India,  was  not  a  little  cherished  by  a 
 communication  received  from  Dr.  Buchanan  in 
 August,  1806.  This  consisted  of  *'  Proposals 
 for  translating  the  Scriptures  into  the  Oriental 
 languages"  from  the  Missionaries  at  Serampore; 
 and  a  letter  from  himself,  recommending,  that 
 a  sermon  should  be  preached  before  the  Society 
 "  on  the  subject  of  Oriental  Translations :"  and  re- 
 questing, "  that  the  Reverend  Preacher  would  do 
 him  the  honor  to  accept  the  sum  of  50/.  on  de- 
 livery of  a  printed  copy  of  the  sermon  to  his 
 agents  in  London,  for  the  College  of  Fort  Wil- 
 liam in  Bengal." 
 
 In  the  proposals  for  translations,  the  Serampore 
 Missionaries  thus  express  themselves : 
 
 "  The  design  of  translating  the  Scriptures  into 
 the  Oriental  languages,  has  received  from  home  the 
 highest  sanction.  A  resolution  to  that  effect 
 has  been  transmitted  to  us  by  the  Secretary  of 
 a  Society  lately  instituted,  entitled  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society." 
 
 Then  follows  an  account  of  the  Society,  and 
 a  copy  of  the  resolution,  proposing  the  formation 
 of  a  Corresponding  Committee  in  Bengal :  after 
 which  the  advertisers  thus  proceed : 
 
 "  Our  hope  of  success  in  this  great  undertaking 
 depends  chiefly  on  the  patronage  of  the  College 
 T  3 
 
278 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 CHAP. 
 IV. 
 
 1806-7. 
 
 PARTI,  of  Fort  William.  To  that  Institution  we  are 
 much  indebted  for  the  progress  we  have  already 
 made.  Oriental  translation  has  become  com- 
 paratively easy,  in  consequence  of  our  having 
 the  aid  of  those  learned  men  from  distant  pro- 
 vinces of  Asia,  who  have  assembled,  during  the 
 period  of  the  last  six  years,  at  that  great  em- 
 porium of  Eastern  Letters.  These  intelligent 
 strangers  voluntarily  engage  with  us  in  translating 
 the  Scriptures  into  their  respective  languages; 
 and  they  do  not  conceal  their  admiration  of  the 
 sublime  doctrine,  pure  precept,  and  divine  elo- 
 quence, of  the  word  of  God.  The  plan  of  these 
 translations  was  sanctioned,  at  an  early  period, 
 by  the  Most  Noble  the  Marquis  Wellesley, 
 that  great  Patron  of  useful  learning.  To  give 
 the  Christian  Scriptures  to  the  inhabitants  of 
 Asia,  is  indeed  a  work  which  every  man  who 
 believes  these  Scriptures  to  be  from  God,  will 
 approve.  In  Hindoostan  alone,  there  is  a  great 
 variety  of  religions ;  and  there  are  some  tribes 
 which  have  no  certain  cast  or  religion  at  all. 
 To  render  the  revealed  religion  accessible  to  men 
 w  ho  desire  it ;  to  open  its  eternal  sanctions  and 
 display  its  pure  morals  to  those  who  seek  a 
 religion,  is  to  fulfil  the  sacred  duty  of  a  Chris- 
 tian people ;  and  accords  well  with  the  humane 
 and  generous  spirit  of  the  English  nation." 
 
 The  statements  contained  in  this  printed  docu- 
 ment were  considered  of  importance,   not  only 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE.   SOCIETY.  279 
 
 as   they  publicly  developed  a  plan  for  Oriental    parti. 
 translations ;    but   also   because  they  recognized      ^"^^' 
 the  fact  of  deriving-  aid  and  patronage  from  the      v-^,^^ 
 College    of  Fort   William,    and    announced    the 
 formation  and  the  friendship  of  the  British  and 
 Foreign    Bible    Society,    as    furnishing   material 
 encouragement  to  the  proposed  undertaking. 
 
 It  may  not  be  out  of  place  to  observe,  that  the 
 printed  document  thus  transmitted  by  Dr.  Bu- 
 chanan, "  was  composed  by  himself,  partly 
 from  materials  furnished  by  the  Missionanes."* 
 Copies  w^ere  dispatched  to  almost  the  whole  of 
 the  principal  civil  officers,  and  to  many  of  the 
 military  officers  in  the  Honorable  Company's 
 Service,  throughout  Hindoostan,  from  Delhi  to 
 Travancore :  and  Dr.  Buchanan  obtained  per- 
 mission, at  the  same  time,  to  send  the  "  Pro- 
 posals" in  his  official  character,  as  the  Vice- 
 Provost  of  the  College,  free  of  expense ;  which 
 he  did,  accompanying  them  in  most  instances 
 with  a  letter.  The  design  received  encourage- 
 ment from  every  quarter :  a  sum  of  1600/.  was 
 soon  raised  for  translations,  to  which  the  late 
 Rev.  David  Brown  contributed  250/.  t  These  cir- 
 cumstances, so  honorable  to  Dr.  Buchanan,  were 
 not  made  publicly  known  till  the  year  1813  ;  and 
 they  are  mentioned  in  connection  with  his  com- 
 munication  of   1800,   to  show,   that    neither    ou 
 
 *  See  Apology  for  Christianity  in  India,  p.  67. 
 t  Id.  p.  08. 
 
 T   4 
 
280 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 1806-7. 
 
 the  part  of  Dr.  Buchanan,  nor  of  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  did  there  exist  any 
 disposition  to  supersede  the  Serampore  Mis- 
 sionaries ;  and  to  confirm  what  has  appeared 
 from  the  admission  of  the  latter,  that  the  Mis- 
 sionaries were  indebted  for  not  a  little  of  their 
 success  to  the  countenance  and  good  offices 
 of  both. 
 
 The  proposition  for  a  sermon,  which  formed 
 the  other  part  of  Dr.  Buchanan's  communi- 
 cation, was  at  first  acceded  to ;  and  the  author 
 of  this  History  was  requested  to  become  the 
 preacher.  It  was,  however,  upon  re-considera- 
 tion, unanimously  agreed,  that,  as  the  mea- 
 sure did  not  fall  strictly  within  the  professed 
 object  of  the  Society,  and  might  open  a  door 
 to  practical  irregularities,  it  would  not  be  ex- 
 pedient to  sanction  its  adoption.  The  generous 
 offer  of  Dr.  Buchanan  was,  in  consequence  of 
 this  decision,  respectfully  declined. 
 
 To  Avhat  has  been  advanced  on  the  subject 
 of  India,  it  may  be  added,  that  shortly  before 
 the  close  of  the  third  year,  a  still  more  express 
 and  encouraging  communication  was  received 
 from  Calcutta.  The  particulars  conveyed  through 
 it  will  be  hereafter  considered.  It  may  be  suf- 
 ficient, therefore,  for  the  present,  to  say,  that  the 
 tenor  of  it  was  deemed  so  satisfactory  as  to 
 justify  the  contribution  of  still  further  assistance ; 
 and  a  second  grant  of  1,000Z.  was  accordingly 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  281 
 
 voted,  on  the  terms  and  for  the  purposes  speci-     part  i. 
 iied  m  the  record  of  the  tirst.  chap. 
 
 IV. 
 
 With  this  sohcitude  for  the  encouragement  ^— ^—i-^ 
 of  Oriental  translations  abroad,  was  connected  a  ^^^®"''^' 
 not  less  anxious  concern  for  attempting  something 
 of  a  similar  description,  through  the  means  which 
 offered  themselves  at  home.  The  Arabic  pre- 
 sented a  medium  through  which  the  light  of 
 divine  revelation  might  be  widely  diffused  among 
 the  inhabitants  of  Africa  and  the  East;  and  a 
 resolution  was  formed  to  take  the  propriety  and 
 practicability  of  printing  some  portion  at  least  of 
 the  Scriptures  in  that  language,  into  immediate 
 and  serious  consideration. 
 
 It  is  due  to  the  memory  of  Bishop  Porteus  to 
 observe,  that  the  design  originated  in  a  proposition, 
 made  by  the  author  at  the  Bishop's  express 
 recommendation.  The  proceedings  adopted  in 
 pursuit  of  the  object  were  stimulated  by  his 
 Lordship's  earnest  appeals,  in  his  own  name,  and 
 that  of  his  friend,  the  Bishop  of  Durham,  on 
 behalf  of  "  Heathen  and  Mahomedan  nations." 
 "  It  is  a  measure"  (says  the  Bishop*)  "  which 
 both  myself  and  the  Bishop  of  Durham  (with 
 whom  I  have  lately  corresponded  on  the  subject) 
 have  exceedingly  at  heart,  and  we  are  anxious 
 that  it  should  be  entered  upon  without  delay. 
 It  would,  I  am  confident,  do  great  credit  to  the 
 
 *  In  a  private  letter  from  Sund ridge,  dated  September  20, 
 1806. 
 
282  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.     Society,  and  might  be  of  infinite  service  in  sotvin^ 
 
 CHAP.      ^}jg  seeds  of  Christianity  over  the  whole  continent 
 
 v-»v-— '     of  Africa. 
 
 1006-7.  'pjjg  cordiality  with  which  his  Lordship's  re- 
 commendation was  received,  and  the  alacrity 
 manifested  in  the  arrangements  for  ascertaining 
 the  best  mode  of  giving  it  effect,  appear  (from  a 
 subsequent  letter,)*  to  have  afforded  the  Bishop 
 very  high  satisfaction,  and  to  have  warmed  his 
 bosom  with  a  prospect  which  the  course  of 
 events  encourages  us  to  hope,  will,  in  due  time, 
 be  literally  reaHzed.  "  Heathen  and  Mahomedan 
 nations"  (exclaims  the  Bishop,  striking  again  his 
 favorite  chord)  "  ought  certainly  to  be  our  first 
 and  principal  object ;  and  I  cannot  help  flattering 
 myself  with  the  hope,  that,  by  the  exertions  of 
 the  Bengal  Society  in  the  East,"  (meaning  the 
 Corresponding  Committee,)  "  and  those  of  the 
 Bible  Society  in  the  West,  the  seeds  of  the  Chris- 
 tian religion  will,  in  less  than  half  a  century,  be 
 sown  in  every  uneidightened  country  throughout 
 the  world — a  consummation  most  devoutly  to  be 
 wished." 
 
 So  multifarious  and  important  were  the  occu- 
 pations and  engagements  of  the  Society,  when 
 the  approach  of  the  third  Anniversary  admonished 
 the  Committee  to  prepare  for  another  appearance 
 before  their  constituents,  and,  through  them,  before 
 
 *  Oct.  11,  180G. 
 
IV. 
 
 1806-7. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  283 
 
 the  whole  Christian  community.  The  extension  part  i. 
 of  the  Society's  connections  on  the  continent  of  ^"^^• 
 Europe ;  the  actual  attainment  of  some  important 
 objects,  and  the  reasonable  anticipation  of  others ; 
 the  steady  support  of  its  annual,  and  the  .en- 
 couraging liberality  of  its  occasional*  contri- 
 butors ;  and  above  all,  the  approved  excellence 
 of  the  cause  itself,  the  evidence  of  the  good  which 
 it  had  done,  and  the  prospect  of  that  which,  in 
 its  advancement  to  maturity,  it  might  justl}^  be 
 expected  to  accomplish : — these,  and  kindred 
 topics,  furnished  materials  for  another  luminous 
 report,  to  that  distingiiished  individual,  who, 
 though  debilitated  by  sickness,  and  more  than 
 usually  occupied  at  this  crisis  by  domestic  avo- 
 cations, would  not  refuse  to  employ  his  pen  again 
 in  the  service  of  a  Society  which  his  Lordship 
 declared  he  "  conscientiously  believed  to  be  no 
 less  useful  than  zealous  and  active." 
 
 The  Anniversary  day  at  length  arrived :  the 
 chamber  was  crouded  with  guests,  and  the  festival 
 was  celebrated  in  a  manner  becoming  the  sacred 
 and  benevolent  object  to  which  it  was  dedicated. 
 The  Noble  President  recounted,  from  the  chair, 
 
 *  The  late  Countess  of  Bath  had  presented  the  Institution 
 with  a  donation  of  1,000/.  For  this  munificent  addition  to  its 
 funds,  the  Society  was  particularly  indebted  to  the  zealous 
 intervention  of  Christopher  Sundius,  Esq. ;  and  the  Committee 
 testified  their  sense  of  that  gentleman's  services  on  this,  and 
 on  other  occasions,  by  appointing  him  an  honorary  life  gover- 
 nor of  the  Institution. 
 
284  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 the  great  things  which  God  had  wrought  through 
 the  ministry  of  the  Society ;  and  encouraged  the 
 members,  while  rejoicing  in  these,  to  attempt  and 
 180C-7.     anticipate  the  achievement  of  still  greater. 
 
 A  severe  indisposition  prevented  the  Rev.  Mr. 
 Steinkopff  from  taking  a  share  in  the  proceedings 
 of  the  day.  A  letter  dispatched  from  his  sick- 
 chamber,  compensated,  in  some  measure,  for  the 
 loss  of  those  accents,  which,  as  the  organ  of 
 foreign  gratitude,  were  always  listened  to  with 
 affectionate  admiration.  After  expressing  his 
 acknowledgments,  in  the  name  of  his  country- 
 men, for  what  had  been  done  for  the  Bible  So- 
 cieties in  Germany,  and  enumerating  certain  facts 
 illustrative  of  the  progress  of  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  Mr.  Steinkopff  thus  pro- 
 ceeds : 
 
 "  Are  not  these  important  foreign  operations  ? 
 Is  there  not  abundant  cause  to  congratulate  the 
 Society  on  the  success  already  obtained?  And 
 may  we  not  reasonably  anticipate  a  still  more 
 glorious  and  triumphant  progress  of  the  word  of 
 God  in  all  directions  ?  Permit  me  to  add,  that  I 
 feel  myself  so  great  a  debtor  to  the  Society,  and 
 to  the  British  public  at  large,  for  their  handing- 
 out  so  richly,  not  only  the  bread  that  perisheth 
 for  the  relief  of  my  distressed  German  country- 
 men, but  likewise  the  heavenly  manna,  that  I 
 feel  myself  called  upon,  in  the  most  forcible 
 manner,   not  only  to   wish   them  in   return  the 
 
IV. 
 
 1806-7. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  285 
 
 richest  blessings  of  heaven,  but  also  to  exert  the  part  i. 
 small  share  of  talent  that  God  has  given  me,  for  ^".^^ 
 the  promotion  of  the  noble  pmpose  of  the  So- 
 ciety; and  esteem  it  my  glory  and  happiness  to 
 render  it  every  service  in  my  power.  Finally; 
 may  that  God  imder  whose  supreme  direction, 
 I  trust,  this  Society  has  been  established,  and  its 
 labors  evidently  owned  and  blessed,  crown  all  its 
 fiirther  operations  with  a  rich  measure  of  His 
 divine  wisdom,  energy,  and  success :  so  that  His 
 word  may  run  and  be  glorified,  to  the  praise  of 
 His  excellent  name,  and  the  salvation  of  many 
 immortal  souls." 
 
 A  temporary  gloom,  thrown  over  the  assembly 
 by  the  absence  of  the  Bishop  of  Durham,  was 
 happily  removed  by  the  unexpected  appearance 
 of  another  Episcopal  Patron,  the  Bishop  of 
 Exeter,  (now  Salisbury,)  whose  countenance,  at 
 that  time  new  to  the  members  of  the  Society, 
 has  since  been  rendered  familiar,  by  the  re- 
 gularity of  his  Lordship's  attendance  at  the 
 Anniversary  Meetings, 
 
 Thus  consentaneously  did  the  Members  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  rally,  for  the 
 third  time,  round  the  standard  of  the  Institution. 
 Renewing  their  pledges  of  nuitnal  co-operation, 
 and  gathering  encouragement  for  the  future  from 
 a  reflection  upon  the  past,  they  seemed  to  breathe 
 one  common  resolution ;  of  which  the  following 
 
286  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 language  might  perhaps  have  served  as  no  unfit 
 interpretation. 
 
 "  If  it  has  pleased  Divine  Providence,  that 
 1806-7.  Great  Britain  should  be  the  almoner  of  His  bounty 
 to  a  needy  world ;  if  it  is  His  will  that  she  should 
 hold  up  the  torch  of  revelation  to  the  bewildered 
 nations,  and  guide  their  feet  to  truth  and  happi- 
 ness ;  it  must  be  ours  to  obey  this  high  dispen- 
 sation, to  rise  with  the  rising  exigences  of  our 
 condition,  and  to  proportion  our  zeal  and  our 
 exertions  to  the  vast  sphere  of  duty  in  which  it  is 
 our  privilege  to  be  employed.  Let  us  then  pro- 
 secute those  measures  on  which  we  have  entered, 
 with  increasing  alacrity  and  steadfastness :  let  us 
 co-operate  with  each  other  in  upholding  that 
 Institution  which  projects  the  universal  melio- 
 ration of  the  world :  nor  let  us  ever  desist  from 
 our  labor,  or  relax  in  our  diligence,  till,  through 
 its  instrumentality,  the  Bible  shall  have  accom- 
 plished its  office,  and  sealed  its  triumph,  in  the 
 union  of  Christians,  and  the  happiness  of  man- 
 kind."* 
 
 *  Speech   of  the   author  at  the  formatioH  of  the  Kentish 
 Auxiliar;^  Bible  Society. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  287 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAPTER  V 
 
 1807-8. 
 
 The  facts  and  observations  contained  in  the 
 Third  Report,  as  recited  by  the  President  at  the 
 Anniversary  Meeting,  appeared  to  the  Bishop 
 of  Exeter  to  carry  so  much  conviction  in  favor 
 of  the  Society,  that,  with  a  laudable  anxiety  to 
 communicate  to  others  an  impression  similar  to 
 that  which  he  had  himself  received,  his  Lordship, 
 upon  retiring  from  the  assembly,  requested  to  be 
 furnished  with  a  number  of  copies,  as  soon  as 
 they  should  be  ready  for  delivery  from  the  press. 
 This  request  was  complied  with ;  and  the  Bishop 
 availed  himself  of  the  opportunity  afforded  by  a 
 Visitation  which  he  performed,  as  the  represen- 
 tative of  the  Bishop  of  London,  at  that  time 
 indisposed,  to  circulate  the  Report,  through  the 
 hands  of  the  Officiating  Chaplain,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
 Potchett,*  among  the  clergy  who  attended  on  that 
 public  occasion.  With  what  effect  this  distribu- 
 tion was  followed,  it  would  not  be  easy  to  deter- 
 
 *  Now  Rector  of  Fairstead,  Essex  ;  at  tkat  time  Douiesti*: 
 Chaplain  to  Bishop  Portews. 
 
 1807-8. 
 
1807-8. 
 
 288  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  mine.  The  probability  is,  that  it  contributed 
 CHAP,  materially  to  promote  the  Society's  interests.  Had 
 it  failed  in  producing-  any  other  benefit,  it  would 
 have  been  highly  advantageous,  as  evincing  the 
 sincerity  of  the  Bishop's  attachment  to  the  Insti- 
 tution, and  giving  a  solemn  contradiction  to  the 
 charge  of  its  incompatibility  with  a  strict  regard 
 to  the  interest  and  the  honor  of  the  Established 
 Church. 
 
 The  termination  of  the  Society's  third  year  had 
 been  enlivened  by  a  communication  from  Cal- 
 cutta* expressly  directed  to  the  object  for  which 
 a  Corresponding  Committee  had  been  proposed 
 in  that  place.  The  writer  was  the  Rev.  D. 
 Brown,  Senior  Chaplain  at  Fort  William,  to  whom 
 the  proposition  for  a  Coi'responding  Committee 
 had  been  originally  directed,  and  in  whom  the 
 reader  may  recognize  the  future  Secretary,  both 
 of  that  Committee,  and  of  the  Calcutta  Auxiliary 
 Bible  Society. 
 
 The  communication  from  this  zealous  agent 
 was  dated  September  13,  1806,  and  it  was  valu- 
 able not  more  on  account  of  its  favorable  repre- 
 sentation of  the  state  of  Oriental  translations,  than 
 of  its  concurrence  with  the  letter  of  Dr.  Buchanan, 
 and  the  printed  proposals  from  Serampore,  in 
 evincing  the  impression  made  at  Calcutta,  by  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  and  the  good 
 
 «  Chap.  ii.  p.  280. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  289 
 
 effect  of  the  encouragement  which  it  held  out,  on  part 
 the  spirits  and  the  labors  of  the  translators.  "  I 
 believe"  (says  Mr.  Brown)  "  no  plan  for  the 
 diffusion  of  true  reli2:ion  was  ever  formed,  from 
 the  beginning-  of  the  world,  that  embraced  so  wide 
 a  scope,  or  met  with  such  general  approbation.'* 
 
 A  regular  intercourse  now  commenced  between 
 the  conductors  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  and  the  leading  friends  of  Christianity  in 
 the  heart  of  British  India;  and  it  appeared  to 
 the  former  in  a  liigh  degree  desirable  to  take  all 
 practicable  steps  in  order  to  cherish  and  improve 
 the  connection.  With  this  view,  the  second  grant 
 of  1,000/.  was  made  on  the  4th  of  May,  1807,  as 
 has  been  before  observed ;  and  on  the  15th  of 
 June,  it  was  further  determined  to  send  500 
 English  Bibles  and  1,000  Testaments,  from  the 
 London  Depository,  and  250  German  Bibles,  and 
 500  Testaments,  from  the  Institution  at  Halle, 
 for  the  u«e  of  the  army  and  navy,  and  other  poor 
 Europeans  in  India.  The  former  were  dispatched 
 to  the  Rev.  D.  Brown,  as  the  organ  of  the  pre- 
 sumed Corresponding  Committee;  the  latter  to 
 the  German  Missionaries,  wherever  tliey  might  be 
 stationed  :  and  the  copies  were  directed  to  be 
 •disposed  of,  either  by  sale  or  gratuitous  distribu- 
 tion, at  the  discretion  of  the  parties  to  whom  they 
 were  respectively  consigned. 
 
 This  measure,  which  originated  in  the  spon- 
 taneous attention  of  the   Society   to   the    spiri- 
 
 VOL.  I.  u 
 
290  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 CHAP. 
 V. 
 
 1807-8. 
 
 PARTI,  tual  improvement  of  India,  was  afterwards 
 proved  to  have  been  peculiarly  seasonable,  and 
 to  have  furnished  in  some  instances  the  means 
 of  supplying'  those  wants,  which,  but  for  such 
 assistance,  must  have  remained  altogether  with- 
 out remedy  or  relief.  This  was  particularly  the 
 case  in  respect  to  the  English  Scriptures  trans- 
 mitted to  Calcutta.  They  were  described,  in 
 a  letter  from  Mr.  Brown,  dated  April  28,  1808, 
 (which  it  may  not  be  improper  here  to  antici- 
 pate,) as  constituting  "  a  most  needful  supply." 
 Several  Chaplains  had  expended  large  sums 
 from  their  private  incomes  to  meet  the  exigences 
 of  the  people  under  their  care.  "  The  Bibles 
 and  Testaments"  (continues  this  correspondent) 
 "  will  be  distributed  among  them;  and  as  the 
 people  are  willing  to  pay  a  moderate  price,  the 
 sums  received  shall  be  accounted  for  to  the 
 Society."  To  this  statement,  Mr.  Brown,  in  the 
 fulness  of  his  heart,  annexes  the  following  ani- 
 mated prayer  for  the  success  of  the  Institution. 
 "  May  that  God  whose  word  you  honor,  and 
 who  has  put  it  into  your  hearts  to  send  it  forth 
 into  all  lands,  bless  and  prosper  your  Society, 
 and  make  it  the  joy  of  the  whole  earth  !* 
 
 It  must  not,  however,  be  dissembled,  that,  with 
 the  pleasing  and  auspicious  intelligence  respecting 
 the  progress  of  the  Society's  cause  in  India,  was 
 mingled   information  of  a  very  painful  and   dis 
 couraging  nature.     As   the   communication   was 
 
iao7-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  291 
 
 altogether  confidential,  and  the  particulars  were  part  i 
 of  a  description  to  involve  the  character  of  the 
 British  Government  in  Bengal,  their  publication 
 was  suppressed.  The  improvement  which  has  taken 
 place  in  the  system  of  Oriental  Administration, 
 renders  such  reserve  no  longer  necessary ;  and 
 as  the  Reporter  is  placed  beyond  the  reach  of 
 injury,  or  of  censure,  the  author  will  extract  so 
 much  from  his  communication  as  may  be  suf- 
 ficient to  acquaint  the  reader  with  this  critical 
 portion  of  the  Society's  History. 
 
 In  the  letter  of  the  Rev.  D.  Brown,  dated 
 September  13,  1806,  a  part  of  which,  as  furnish- 
 ing very  satisfactory  intelligence,  was  laid  before 
 the  public,  an  explicit  account  was  given  of  the 
 causes  of  that  delay  which  had  prevented  the 
 formation  of  the  Corresponding  Committee,  and 
 the  adoption  of  a  systematical  plan  for  translating 
 and  printing  the  Sacred  Scriptures.  The  sub- 
 stance of  this  account  will  be  found  in  the  follow- 
 ing extract : 
 
 "  You  will  justly  wonder  why  we  have  been  so 
 slow  in  replying  to  your  letter,  inviting  us  to  co- 
 operate with  you.  I  answer  in  one  word.  We 
 have  lost  Lord  Wellesley,  the  friend  of  religion, 
 and  the  patron  of  learning;  and  succeeding 
 governors  have  opposed  all  attempts  to  evangelize 
 the  Hindoos ;  have  opposed  the  translation  of  the 
 Holy  Scriptures ;  have  opposed  the  formation  of 
 a  Society  for  carrying  into  effect,  here,  the  objects 
 u  2 
 
292  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,    of  your  invaluable  Institution.     Persons  holding 
 
 CHAP,      official  situations  were  requested  not  to  act,  ex- 
 
 v—s-^     cept  in  their  private  capacity.   We  have,  therefore, 
 
 1606-7.     i^ggj^  obliged  to  commit  the  work,  for  the  present, 
 
 to  the  Society  of  Missionaries  at  Serampore,  and 
 
 afford  them  such  aid  and  protection  as  we  can 
 
 give  without  offending  Government." 
 
 The  tidings  contained  in  this  statement,  the 
 fidelity  of  which  has  since  been  established  by 
 the  late  Dr.  Buchanan,  in  his  Apology  for  Chris- 
 tianity in  India,  filled  the  hearts  of  those  to  whom 
 they  were,  in  confidence,  communicated,  with  un- 
 feigned sorrow  and  dejection.  They  could  not 
 look  upon  this  dark  cloud  which  intercepted  their 
 prospects  of  usefulness  in  the  East,  without  dis- 
 may ;  and,  though  determined  to  persevere,  they 
 were  almost  tempted  to  despair  of  seeing  the 
 cause  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society 
 espoused  by  the  public  Authorities  in  India. 
 Nothing  remained  to  support  their  resolution 
 mider  this  depressing  intelligence,  but  the  testi- 
 mony of  that  approbation  with  which  the  plan  of 
 the  Society  had  been  generally  received,  and  the 
 exercise  of  that  faith  in  the  promised  universality 
 of  Christian  truth,  which  to  every  believing  mind 
 gives  the  substance  of  things  hoped  for,  and 
 the  evidence  of  things  not  seen. 
 
 The  lively  interest  which  Bishop  Porteus  took 
 in  all  the  vicissitudes  of  the  Institution,  appeared 
 to  require  that  he  should  not  remain  uninformed 
 
V. 
 
 180G-7. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  293 
 
 of  the  opposition  which  was  made  to  its  progress  part  i. 
 in  that  qnarter  from  wliich  he  had  been  led  to  chap. 
 entertain  such  sanguine  expectations.  In  this 
 opinion  Mr.  Brown,  to  wliom  his  Lordship's 
 character,  and  particularly  his  solicitude  for  the 
 propagation  of  Christianity  in  the  East,  were 
 thoroughly  known,  perfectly  coincided.  Under 
 these  circumstances,  the  author  considered  it  his 
 duty  to  lay  the  whole  correspondence  before  the 
 Bishop ;  and  the  following  communication  from 
 his  Lordship  will  show  what  were  his  sentiments 
 and  feelings  on  this  trying  occasion. 
 
 "  I  am  extremely  concerned  to  see  the  hostihty 
 of  the  Bengal  Government,  both  to  the  trans- 
 lation and  dispersion  of  the  Sacred  Scriptures  in 
 the  Oriental  languages,  and  to  the  exertions  of  the 
 Bible  Society  in  foreign  countries.  From  what 
 cause  does  this  sudden  change  arise?  Whatever 
 be  the  cause,  I  hope  Lord  Teignmouth  and  Mr. 
 Grant,  who  are  now  both  in  office  in  the  Indian 
 Department,  and  have  considerable  influence  with 
 the  India  Directors,  the  Board  of  Controul,  and 
 the  Bengal  Government,  will  exert  themselves 
 speedily  and  vigorously  to  remove  that  cause, 
 and  the  gross  misrepresentations  which  must  have 
 operated  on  the  minds  of  the  governing  powers 
 in  Bengal;  and  endeavour  to  render  them,  as 
 soon  as  possible,  friendly  and  favorable  to  the 
 Oriental  and  the  Britisli  Bible  Societies:  as  I 
 think  the  future  conversion  and  salvation  of  the 
 u  3 
 
294'  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.    natives  of  that  vast  continent  do  in  a  great  degree 
 
 CHAP,      depend   on  the  successfid  progress  of  those  two 
 
 wv^     Societies." 
 
 1807-8.  rj'j^g  author  has  thus  exhibited  a  compen- 
 dious statement  of  the  real  causes  which  de- 
 feated, for  a  season,  the  accomphshment  of  the 
 Society's  favorite  design  in  British  India— the 
 incorporation  of  Christians  throughout  the  Penin- 
 sula in  one  common  scheme  for  diffusing  the 
 light  of  Holy  Scripture  among  the  inhabitants  of 
 the  East.  This  explanation  was  due  to  the 
 character  of  the  Society.  It  will  account  to  the 
 reader  for  the  limited  and  dubious  nature  of  its 
 operations  in  that  quarter  during  the  early  years 
 of  its  existence ;  prepare  him  for  better  under- 
 standing the  true  ground  of  that  conflict  in  which 
 he  is  ere  long  to  find  it  involved ;  and  enable  him 
 to  discern  with  more  exactness  the  track  by 
 which  it  was  conducted,  through  discouragement 
 and  opposition,  to  triumph  and  success. 
 
 Among  the  plans  connected  with  foreign  parts, 
 which  were  resumed  by  the  Committee,  upon  the 
 renovation  of  their  functions,  after  the  third  anni- 
 versary, may  be  enumerated,  as  deserving  parti- 
 cular attention,  those  which  regarded  the  printing 
 of  the  Scriptures  in  the  Calmuc,  the  Tartar,  the 
 Arabic,  and  the  Icelandic  languages. 
 
 Certain  queries  addressed  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
 Steinkopff  to  the  Head  of  the  Moravian  Mission 
 at  Sarepta,  together  with  a  letter  from  the  author 
 
1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  295 
 
 to  the  Head  of  the  Scotch  Mission  at  Karass,  parti. 
 succeeded  in  eHciting  information  upon  the  num-  chap. 
 ber,  language,  and  general  habits  of  the  Cahuucs, 
 which  threw  considerable  light  on  the  first  of 
 those  objects,  and  assisted  materially  the  con- 
 ductors of  the  Society  in  forming  their  judgment 
 upon  the  importance  and  the  practicability  of  its 
 attainment. 
 
 From  the  intelligence  thus  supplied,  it  appeared 
 that  the  number  of  Calmucs  in  the  Steppe,  viz. 
 from  Sarepta  to  the  Caucasus,  amounted  to 
 nearly  20,000  souls.  These  were  Pagans :  beside 
 which,  in  a  separate  district  upon  the  banks  of 
 the  Wolga,  were,  baptized  Calmucs,  who,  for 
 more  than  100  years,  in  consequence  of  the  labors 
 of  the  Russian  Clergy,  had  professed  Christianity, 
 and  had  regular  church-service  according  to  the 
 rites  of  the  National  Church.  The  mode  of  life 
 adopted  by  the  Calmucs,  was  represented  to  be 
 vagrant  and  nomadic ;  and  their  customs  and 
 manners,  both  in  temporal  and  spiritual  affairs, 
 with  scarcely  any  alteration,  such  as  they  had 
 been  1000  years  ago.  All  their  clergy,  and  the 
 higher  orders  of  the  community,  were  able  to  read 
 and  write ;  but  no  great  encouragement  could  be 
 offered  to  hope  that  they  would  read  the  Bible. 
 Little  effect  had  yet  been  produced  by  the 
 missionary  labors  of  the  Moravian  Brethren  among 
 the  Calmucs.  A  few  had  given  a  cold  assent 
 to  the  doctrine  of  the  Gospel ;  but  most  of  them, 
 u  4 
 
296  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  especially  their  clergy,  who  form  a  particular 
 CHAP,  body,  were  found  to  reject,  or  even  deride,  this 
 v-^^  doctrine,  as  an  innovation  prejudicial  to  their 
 1807-8.  system.  Some  detached  portions  both  of  the  Old 
 and  the  New  Testament  had  been  translated  by 
 persons,  who,  without  possessing-  the  advantages 
 "  of  a  literary  education,  had  a  good  understand- 
 ing of  the  sense  of  the  Scriptures,  felt  an  impulse 
 of  the  heart  to  the  task,  and  had  already  ac- 
 quired a  pretty  complete  know  ledge  of  the  Calmuc 
 language."  No  part,  however,  of  the  translations 
 hitherto  made,  had  been  printed,  as  there  was 
 no  printing  press  at  Sarepta,  or  indeed  in  tlie 
 whole  country :  but  if  types  were  furnished  from 
 England,  or  from  St.  Petersburg,  the  work 
 might  be  executed  correctly  at  the  latter  place. 
 To  these  particulars  it  should  be  added,  that 
 the  number  of  Calmuc  characters,  written  speci- 
 mens of  which  were  transmitted,  amounted  to 
 one  hundred  and  fifty-two. 
 
 Such  was  the  substance  of  the  information 
 derived  from  these  respectable  sources;  and 
 although  the  general  effect  of  it  was  calculated 
 rather  to  discourage,  than  to  invite,  exertion,  yet  the 
 object  was  considered  of  too  great  moment  to  be 
 hastily  relinquished  :  it  w  as  therefore  determined 
 to  pursue  it.  A  sum  of  money  was  accordingly 
 granted  for  the  purchase  of  a  set  of  types  at 
 St.  Petersburg;  (it  being  understood  that  they 
 could  be  procured  in  that  capital,  at  a  moderate 
 
V. 
 
 1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  297 
 
 price;)  and  this  grant  Avas  accompanied  witli  a     parti. 
 strong    recommendation    to    the    translators,    to      chap. 
 proceed  in  their  labors,  and  to  expect,   as  they 
 advanced,    a    proportionate   degree    of    aid    and 
 encouragement. 
 
 What  has  here  been  stated,  describes  the  hum- 
 ble commencement  of  a  work  which  has  since 
 acquired  a  very  interesting  character,  and  pro- 
 mises eventually  to  rank  with  the  most  creditable 
 and  important  of  the  Society's  productions. 
 Subsequent  information  evinced,  that  the  sphere 
 to  which  this  object  related,  is  of  sui-p rising 
 extent ;  and  numerous  particulars  of  a  very  inter- 
 esting nature  have  been  added  to  those  which 
 first  determined  the  conductors  of  the  Society 
 to  the  adoption  of  the  measure.  Among  other 
 things,  it  has  been  ascertained,  that  the  Calmucs 
 in  the  Steppe,  instead  of  being,  as  before  com- 
 puted, 20,000  souls,  consist  of  at  least  20,000 
 tents,  and  of  a  population  exceeding  60,000  souls. 
 Beside  these,  it  is  estimated  that  there  are  10,000 
 without  these  limits,  who  have  embraced  Chris- 
 tianity. The  Calmucs  are  represented  as  con- 
 stituting only  one  di\ision  of  the  Mongols ;  who 
 are  distributed  into  the  Mongols  propet\  the 
 Burgats,  and  the  Calmucs.  The  language  of 
 the  last  is  a  dialect  of  the  Mongolian:  but  the 
 written  language  is  nearly  the  same  in  all.  Add 
 to  which,  that  65,000  families,  speaking  the 
 Calmuc  language,  migrated  from  Russia  hi  1771, 
 and    now   live   under  the  protection  of  China. 
 
V. 
 
 1807-8. 
 
 298  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI.  In  this  view  of  the  subject,  a  translation  of  the 
 CHAP.  Scriptures  into  the  Cahnuc  dialect,  though  at- 
 tended with  many  obstacles,  both  as  to  its  accom- 
 plishment, and  its  distribution,  was  justly  regarded 
 as  an  object  of  great  importance* 
 
 On  the  version  encouraged  by  the  Society 
 there  will  be  occasion  to  speak  more  particularly 
 hereafter.  It  may  be  proper,  however,  to  add 
 to  what  has  been  stated,  that  the  obstacles  re- 
 ferred to  were  progressively  removed  :  and  that 
 there  appeared  at  length  a  strong  probability,  that 
 the  translation  would  be  faithfully  executed ;  and, 
 when  completed,  would  circulate  among  a  popu- 
 lation, extending  from  the  banks  of  the  Wolga 
 to  the  regions  of  Thibet  and  China. 
 
 The  preparation  of  types  for  the  Tartar  New 
 Testament  was  diligently  followed  up  by  the 
 Rev.  Dr.  Adam  Clarke,  to  whose  learned  and 
 judicious  superintendance  this  concern  had  been 
 imphcitly  confided.     A  scale  of  types  constructed 
 
 *  The  language  in  which  Mr,  Hiemer  expresses  himself, 
 upon  hearing  (which  he  did  "  with  much  interest")  of  the 
 resolution  in  regard  to  the  Cahnuc  translation,  may  be  con- 
 sidered as  describing  pretty  accurately  the  views  of  the 
 London  Committee  in  reference  to  this  undertaking. 
 
 "  Great  as  the  obstacles  are  to  the  propagation  of  the 
 Gospel  among  this  heathenish  tribe,  yet  I  think  attempts  made 
 in  reliance  en  the  command  and  promise  of  the  Lord,  for  the 
 extension  of  His  kingdom,  will  never  remain  quite  without  a 
 blessing  ;  and,  even  should  they  not  succeeed,  a  double  blessing 
 will  ieiun  on  these  wlio  make  the  attempt  from  love  to  their 
 Divine  Master." 
 
1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  299 
 
 by  himself,  and  executed  Avith  singular  beauty,  parti. 
 was  submitted  to  the  consideration  of  the  Com- 
 mittee; and  a  fount  was  cast  agreeably  to  the 
 model  recommended  by  Dr.  Clarke,  and  sanc- 
 tioned by  the  approbation  of  the  President  and 
 other  competent  judges  of  Oriental  literature. 
 The  types,  thus  produced,  together  with  paper 
 and  ink  for  5,000  copies,  were  dispatched  early 
 in  this  year;  and  though  conveyed  through  the 
 seat  of  war,  arrived,  without  experiencing  either 
 injury  or  delay,  at  the  place  of  their  destination. 
 
 A  third  object  of  attention  was  the  con- 
 sideration of  printing  and  publishing  the  Scrip- 
 tures in  the  Arabic  language.  This  business, 
 which  had  been  commenced  in  the  preceding 
 year,  was,  in  this,  resumed  and  prosecuted,  with 
 a  degree  of  earnest  and  careful  investigation, 
 becoming  the  importance  of  the  undertaking,  and 
 the  many  difficulties  of  a  literary  nature  in  which 
 the  execution  of  it  was  involved.  In  order  to 
 explain  the  course  which  was  pursued,  and  the 
 measures  in  which  it  terminated,  it  will  be  neces- 
 sary to  advert  to  the  steps  taken  by  the  late 
 Professor  Carlyle,  with  a  view  to  the  attainment 
 of  a  similar  object. 
 
 In  the  year  1803,  the  Rev.  J.  D.  Carlyle,  B.  D. 
 Chancellor  of  the  Diocese  of  Carlisle,  and  Pro- 
 fessor of  Arabic  in  the  University  of  Cambridge, 
 desirous  of  exciting  the  public  attention  to  the 
 
300  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.     dispersion  of  the   Scriptures  in  the  Arabic   iaii- 
 
 CHAP.      guage,  issued  a  prospectus  of  a  plan  for  printing 
 
 V— -s-^      by  subscription   an  edition  of  the  Arabic  Bible, 
 
 1807-8.     iioder    the    patronage    of   the   Lord    Bishop   of 
 
 Durliani ;  urging,  in  its  recommendation,  a  variety 
 
 of  encouraging   circumstances,    and   particularly 
 
 the  prevalence  of  the  Arabic  language  in  Africa ; 
 
 and  both  the  qualification  and  the  fondness  of  the 
 
 Africans   for  reading  Arabic  books,  as   attested 
 
 by  the   Sierra   Leone  Company,    the  celebrated 
 
 Mungo   Park,   Browne,    and    other    respectable 
 
 authorities. 
 
 The  following  extracts  from  the  Professor's 
 Prospectus,  will  show  the  general  grounds  on 
 which  he  recommended  the  undertaking,  and  the 
 zeal  and  disinterestedness  with  which  he  engaged 
 to  superintend  its  execution. 
 
 *'  Mr.  Park  thinks  that,  in  the  western  part 
 of  the  Continent,  the  knowledge  of  Arabic 
 reaches  to  the  11th  or  even  lOtli  degree  of  North 
 latitude.  He  agrees  with  several  of  the  travel- 
 lers from  Sierra  Leone,  in  representing  the  negro^ 
 inhabitants  as  having  arrived  at  a  very  consider- 
 able degree  of  civilization.  They  can  almost  all 
 read  and  write  the  Arabic  language,  in  v^^hich 
 they  are  regularly  instructed  ;  the  poorer  sort,  by 
 public  masters  at  village  schools,  the  richer, -by 
 private  tutors  at  their  parents'  houses.  The 
 native  under   whose   hospitable  roof  he   resided 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  301 
 
 for  several  months,  maintained  a  master  to  teach  part  i. 
 Arabic  to  his  own  children,  and  permitted  sixteen  chap. 
 others,  the  children  of  his  poorer  neighbours,  ^— ^-^ 
 to  learn  at  the  same  time.  ^^^'"  * 
 
 "  According  to  Mr.  Park,  the  negroes  are 
 proud  of  their  literature,  and  seldom  travel 
 without  a  book  slung  by  their  side.  Amongst 
 their  books  he  has  perceived  the  Pentateuch, 
 the  Book  of  Psalms,  and  the  Prophet  Isaiah. 
 AH  of  these  they  prize  very  highly ;  and  such  is 
 the  general  eagerness  to  obtain  them,  that  he 
 believes  no  articles  would  be  more  saleable  in 
 Africa  than  copies  of  the  Scriptures  in  Arabic. 
 He  has  seen  a  copy  of  the  Pentateuch  alone, 
 sold  at  the  price  of  one  prime  slave,  i.e.  about 
 20  guineas.* 
 
 *  The  following  is  one  among  the  passages  to  which  the 
 Professor  alludes.  — "  On  interrogating  the  schoolmaster  at 
 Kamalia,  I  discovered  that  the  Negroes  are  in  possession 
 (among  other  MSS.)  of  an  Arabic  version  of  the  Pentateuch  of 
 Moses,  which  they  call  Taureta  la  Moosa.  This  is  so  highly 
 esteemed,  that  it  is  often  sold  for  the  value  of  one  prime  slave. 
 They  have  likewise  a  version  of  the  Psalms  of  David ;  {Zabora 
 Davidi ;)  and  lastly,  the  book  of  Isaiah,  which  they  call 
 Lingeeli  la  Isa,  and  it  is  in  very  high  esteem. 
 
 "  By  these  means  many  of  the  Negroes  that  are  converted 
 from  being  Kafirs  (Pagans)  to  the  religion  of  Mahomed,  have 
 acquired  an  acquaintance  with  some  of  the  remarkable  events 
 recorded  in  the  Old  Testament — the  account  of  our  First 
 Parents  ;  the  Death  of  Abel  ;  the  Deluge  ;  the  Lives  of  Abra- 
 ham, Isaac,  and  Jacob;  the  Story  of  Joseph  and  his  Brethren; 
 the  History  of  Moses,  David,  Solomon,  ike.  All  these  have 
 been  related  to  me,  in  the  Mandingo  language,  witli  tolerable 
 exactness  by  diflferent  people  :  and  my  surprise  was  not  greater. 
 
302  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI.         "   Their   MSS.   however,   were  not   elegantly 
 
 CHAP,      written;  and  they  greatly  preferred   the  printed 
 
 v*,^^     characters  which  he  shewed  them  in  Richardson's 
 
 1807-8.     Grammar,   to   any   writing   of  their   own.     This 
 
 grammar  many  of  them  were  extremely  solicitous 
 
 to   purchase,   and   he   was   offered  for  it  above 
 
 three  pounds   sterling:   he  was   at   last   obliged 
 
 to  leave  the  book  behind  him,  as  too  valuable 
 
 a  treasure  to  be  taken  out  of  the  country. 
 
 "  Such  is  the  present  situation  of  the  most 
 populous  part  of  Africa.  The  inhabitants  have 
 acquired  some  knowledge  of  Scripture — they 
 seem  desirous  of  acquiring  more ;  and  surely 
 it  is  a  consideration  well  worthy  attention,  that 
 the  religious  knowledge  already  imparted  has 
 been  owing,  not  to  Christian,  but  to  Mahomedan 
 exertions.     The  light,  however,  which  they  have 
 
 on  hearing  these  accounts  from  the  lips  of  the  Negroes,  than 
 theirs  was  on  finding  that  I  was  already  acquainted  with  them. 
 For,  although  the  Negroes  in  general  have  a  very  great  idea  of 
 the  wealth  and  power  of  the  Europeans,  I  am  afraid  that  the 
 Mahomedan  converts  among  them,  think  but  very  lightly  of  our 
 religious  knowledge.  The  white  traders,  in  the  maritime  dis- 
 tricts, take  no  pains  to  counteract  this  unhappy  prejudice.  To 
 me,  therefore,  it  was  not  so  much  the  subject  of  wonder  as  of 
 regret,  to  observe,  that,  while  the  superstition  of  Mahomed  has 
 in  this  manner  scattered  a  few  beams  of  learning  among  these 
 poor  people,  the  precious  light  of  Christianity  is  altogether 
 withheld.  I  could  not  but  lament,  that,  although  the  coast  of 
 Africa  has  now  been  known  and  frequented  by  the  Europeans 
 for  more  than  200  years,  yet  the  Negroes  still  remain  entire 
 strangers  to  the  doctrines  of  our  holy  religion." 
 
 TraveU  in  1799. 
 
1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  303 
 
 kindled,  we  may  cherish  and  mcrease:  the  parti, 
 Koran,  we  see,  has  led  on  to  the  reception  of  c»ap. 
 the  historical  parts  of  Scripture,  with  which, 
 indeed,  it  is  in  various  places  intimately  con- 
 nected. The  historical  books  have  introduced 
 some  of  the  most  essential  of  the  prophetic— Why 
 then  should  we  despair,  that  these,  when  united 
 in  the  same  volume  with  the  Gospel,  referring 
 to  the  same  objects  as  it  does,  interwoven  with 
 every  part  of  its  texture,  may  not  be  a  means 
 of  inducing'  the  Africans  to  consider  the  founda^ 
 tion  of  Christianity,  and  to  embrace  its  doc- 
 trines ?" 
 
 "  The  work,"  (adds  the  Professor,)  "  it  is  con- 
 ceived, can  scarcely  be  completed  in  less  than 
 a  year  and  a  half,  or  two  years ;  but  such  is  the 
 high  sense  the  writer  entertains  of  the  benefits 
 likely  to  result  from  it,  that  he  will  gladly  allot 
 to  it  whatever  time  and  labor  it  may  require. 
 At  the  same  time,  he  wishes  it  to  be  explicitly 
 understood,  that  he  has  no  view  whatever  to 
 personal  emolument;  and  he  suggests  it  as  the 
 most  satisfactory  mode  of  conducting  the  busi- 
 ness, that  a  Committee  be  appointed,  to  which 
 he  should  be  at  liberty  to  state  the  accounts,  and 
 which  should  finally  settle  the  price  necessary 
 to  be  put  upon  the  work,  in  order  to  reimburse 
 the  actual  expenditure." 
 
 The  unexpected  death   of  Pr(»fessor   Carlyle, 
 
304  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  while  engaged  in  preparing  the  copy  for  the. 
 CHAP,  press,  and  some  difficulties  arising  out  of  the 
 >— jw  contract  for  the  types,  occasioned  a  considerable 
 1807-8.  embarrassment,  and  put  a  stop,  for  a  period,  to 
 the  projected  undertaking. 
 
 It  was  during  this  interval  that  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society  conceived  the  design,* 
 of  promoting  a  correct  and  acceptable  impression 
 of  the  Arabic  Scriptures.  The  subject  under- 
 went very  serious  and  repeated  examination; 
 and  an  extended  correspondence  was  carried  on 
 with  the  Bishops  of  London  and  Durham,  the 
 Professors  of  Arabic  in  both  our  Universities, 
 and  other  persons  of  competent  information, 
 with  a  view^  to  the  ascertainment  of  a  standard 
 text,  and  such  other  points  as  required  to  be 
 accurately  known  previously  to  a  formal  and 
 conclusive  determination. 
 
 In  the  course  of  this  inquiry,  the  Committee 
 derived  very  material  assistance  both  from  the 
 Rev.  Mr.  Usko,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Adam  Clarke.f 
 These  Gentlemen  severally  delivered  their  re- 
 spective opinions  on  the  quality  of  the  existing 
 
 *  Chap.  iii.  p.  281. 
 
 t  Among  those  who  offered  to  co-operate  in  producing  a 
 new  edition  of  the  Arabic  Bible,  was  the  Rev.  George  Renouard, 
 Fellow  of  Sidney  College,  Cambridge,  successively  Chaplain 
 at  Constantinople,  and  at  Smyrna.  This  Gentleman  very 
 kindly  tendered  his  services  to  correct  the  press,  if  it  were 
 determined  that  the  edition  should  be  printed  at  Cambridge. 
 
1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  305 
 
 yersioiis,  the  peculiarities  of  Oriental  typography,  part  i. 
 and  other  matters  of  learned  detail.  Each  re-  ^"^^• 
 garded  the  text  of  the  Polyglott  as  requiring 
 correction:  and  both  agreed  in  the  absolute  ex- 
 pediency of  printing  the  Scriptures  in  the  Arabic 
 language ;  as  "  the  very  great  importance  of  an 
 Arabic  Bible"  (said  Mr.  Usko)  "  must  strike 
 every  unprejudiced  mind;  considering  that  the 
 Arabic  language  is  one  of  the  most  extensive 
 that  exists  perhaps  on  the  surface  of  our  globe." 
 Dr.  Clarke  expressed  himself  to  the  same  effect, 
 with  great  earnestness  and  decision,  at  the  close 
 of  one  of  his  communications  to  the  President 
 of  the  Society. 
 
 *'  A  pure  edition  of  the  Arabic  Scriptures  is  still 
 a  desideratum  in  Biblical  literature.  The  time, 
 I  hope,  is  at  hand,  in  which  it  shall  cease  to  be 
 so.  Under  the  auspices  and  direction  of  your 
 Lordship,  and  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  I  am  led  confidently  to  expect  an 
 edition  of  the  Arabic  Bible,  which  shall  be 
 worthy  of  the  subject,  a  credit  to  your  Lordship 
 and  the  Society,  and  an  honor  to  the  British 
 Nation." 
 
 The  caution  with  which  the  conductors  of 
 the  Society  felt  it  their  duty  to  proceed,  in  a 
 case  wherein  so  little  appeared  to  have  been 
 correctly  done,  and  such  a  diversity  of  opinions 
 continued  to  prevail  on  the  best  mode  of  doing 
 
 VOL.  I.  X 
 
306  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,    any  thing,   protracted    the  investigation  till  th<? 
 ^^^^'      obstacles    which    impeded    the    late    Professor 
 w^      Carlyle's  undertaking   had   been   completely  re- 
 1807-8.     j^^Qygjj^   and    that    work    was   announced    as  in 
 train  for  immediate  execution.     The  Committee 
 of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  finding 
 their   own  plans   altogether  immature,    and   un- 
 willing to  sacrifice  any   further  to  delay,  deter- 
 mined to  subscribe  for  300  copies,  as  a  tempo- 
 rary   expedient,    and    accompanied    that  deter- 
 mination   with    an    express    resolution    to    defer 
 printing   an    edition   on   their   own   account,  till 
 by  an    extension  of  their   inquiries   they  should 
 have  obtained  more  exact  and  satisfactory  infor- 
 mation. 
 
 It  has  since  appeared,  that  the  hesitation  of  the 
 Committee  to  embark  in  an  impression,  with 
 the  limited  and  insufficient  materials  which  they 
 at  that  time  possessed,  was  not  greater  than  the 
 occasion  demanded.  The  text  of  the  Polyglott, 
 adopted  in  Professor  Carlyle's  edition,  which 
 (as  it  has  appeared)  both  Mr.  Usko  and  Dr.  A. 
 Clarke  had  pronounced  to  be  incorrect,  has 
 been  declared  by  the  late  learned,  pious,  and 
 enterprizing  Martyn,  to  be  defective  in  printing 
 and  elegance :  and  the  new  Arabic  version  of 
 Sabat,  by  which  it  is  to  be  superseded  in  India, 
 promises,  upon  the  same  high  authority,  corro- 
 borated by  many  other  testimonies,  to  supply. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  307 
 
 most  effectually,  this  great  desideratum  in  Bibli-    part  i. 
 cal  literature  *  chap. 
 
 V. 
 
 While,  however,  so  much  is  said  in  depre-  ^^^^^^ 
 ciation  of  the  current  text,  it  ought,  in  justice,  l^^'^-^- 
 to  be  observed,  that  the  strictures  are  founded 
 chiefly  upon  a  critical  reference  to  the  language 
 as  vernacular  in  Arabia ;  and  do  not  invalidate 
 the  claims  of  that  text  to  respect,  as,  upon  the 
 whole,  a  faithful  vehicle  of  the  divine  word,  and 
 
 *  In  a  leUer  of  the  Rev.  H.  Martyn's,  from  Shiraz,  dated 
 June  4,  1811,  there  is  the  following  passage  : 
 
 "  Of  the  Arabic  version  of  the  Polyglott,  the  late  Professor 
 Carlyle,  in  his  copy  of  proposals  for  printing  a  new  edition 
 of  it,  speaks  in  the  highest  terras,  and  observes,  that  it  was 
 used  both  by  Jews  and  Christians  as  a  faithful  and  elegant 
 representation  of  their  respective  books  of  faith.  But  even 
 supposing  that  both  Jews  and  Christians  are  satisfied  with  the 
 translation,  no  one  who  has  had  an  opportunity  of  observing 
 the  degraded  state  of  these  people  in  the  East,  would  admit 
 them  as  competent  judges  of  the  Arabic.  The  Professor 
 has  adduced,  in  favor  of  the  version  in  question,  the  opinions 
 of  Erpeaius,  Gabriel  Sionita,  and  Pocock,  names  of  high 
 consideration  in  Arabic  learning,  particularly  the  last,  who, 
 from  his  long  residence  at  Aleppo  and  Constantinople,  had 
 great  opportunities  of  judging.  It  is  certain,  however,  that 
 such  of  the  Mahoniedans  as  have  seen  this  version,  think  verj 
 differently  of  it." 
 
 Mr.  Martyn  further  states,  that  he  had  shown  to  a  learned 
 Arab  at  Bushirc,  Erpenius's  Arabic  Testament,  the  Bartlett's 
 Buildings'  edition,  Sabat's,  and  the  Polyglott.  "  After  reject- 
 ing all  but  Sabat's,"  (observes  Mr.  Martyn,)  "  he  said  :  '  This 
 is  good,  very  good  :'  and  then  read  off  the  5th  chapter  of 
 St.  Matthew  in  a  fine  style,  giving  it  unqualified  commendation 
 as  he  went  along." 
 
 X  2 
 
308 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 CHAP. 
 V. 
 
 1807-8. 
 
 PARTI,  an  instrument  of  approved  usefulness  in  the 
 propagation  of  Christianity  among  Heathen  na- 
 tions. 
 
 Before  dismissing  this  topic  altogether,  it 
 may  not  be  amiss  to  relate  a  circumstance, 
 which,  though  considerably  posterior  in  date, 
 will  be  found  to  connect  very  properly  with  the 
 decision  of  the  Committee,  as  already  recorded. 
 
 Of  the  300  copies  of  the  Arabic  Bible,  ob- 
 tained through  the  medium  of  the  above-men- 
 tioned subscription,  twelve  were  put  into  circu- 
 lation by  an  occurrence  which  deserves  to  be 
 particularly  noticed.  A  missionary,  in  the  ser- 
 vice of  the  Church  Missionary  Society,  to  whose 
 care  these  copies  had  been  assigned,  was  un- 
 fortunately wrecked  on  the  coast  of  Africa.  A 
 portion  of  the  cargo  redeemed  from  the  waves, 
 was  sold  to  the  natives,  and  of  it  these  Arabic 
 Bibles  formed  a  part.  The  missionary  made 
 every  effort  in  his  power  to  re-purchase  them : 
 but  without  success.  As  much  as  8/.  was  offered 
 for  a  copy,  but  refused  :  the  Mahomedan  natives 
 persisting  in  their  resolution  not  to  part  with 
 them  on  any  terms. 
 
 This  event,  which  took  place  in  the  Spring 
 of  1813,  is  introduced  in  this  place  as  affording 
 a  confirmation  of  the  intelligence  upon  which 
 the  proceedings  of  the  Committee  in  this  instance 
 were  founded — that  Arabic  Bibles  would  obtain 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 309 
 
 a    ready    circulation     among    the    Maliomedan 
 natives  of  Africa. 
 
 As  the  assistance  of  Dr.  Adam  Clarke,  in  the 
 Arabic  business,  has  been  referred  to,  it  appears 
 proper  to  state,  that,  with  the  expression  of  their 
 thanks  for  this  and  other  eminent  services,  which 
 had  cost  him  no  ordinary  sacrifice  both  of  time 
 and  of  labor,  the  Committee  requested  per- 
 mission to  present  the  Doctor  with  50/. :  an 
 offering  which  that  learned  and  public-spirited 
 individual  respectfolly  but  peremptorily  declined 
 to  accept.  Gratuitous  exertions  in  the  cause  of 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  and  re- 
 fusals to  accept  pecuniary  returns  have  abounded 
 so  greatly  in  eveiy  period  of  its  history,  that  it 
 is  not  intended,  nor  would  it  indeed  be  practi- 
 cable, to  specify  the  occasions  on  which  they 
 have  been  made.  Dr.  Clarke  is,  however,  not 
 to  be  classed  with  ordinary  benefactors;  and 
 the  circumstance  has  been  mentioned  principally 
 with  a  view  of  introducing  his  reply  to  the 
 Committee's  address — a  document,  which  the 
 author  of  this  History  considers  as  too  important 
 to  be  sacrificed  to  the  modesty  of  living  merit. 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAP. 
 V. 
 
 1807-8. 
 
 To  Messrs.  Reyner  and  Mills. 
 
 **  Gentlemen, 
 •*  With  great  respect  and  gratitude   I   return 
 the  Fifty  Pounds  which  have  been  kindly  sent 
 x3 
 
310  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.     me  by  the  Committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 CHAP.      Bible  Society.     To  no  principle  whence  my  ser- 
 N— v^/     vices  proceeded,  and  to  no  feeling  of  my  heart, 
 1807-8.     ^^j^jj  J  reconcile  the  acceptance  of  the  Society's 
 bomity.     What  I  have  done,  was  for  the  sake  of 
 God   and  his  truth ;    and  I   feel  myself  greatly 
 honored  in  having  a  part  in  this  blessed  work, 
 and   only  regret,   that   I   have,   probably,  but  a 
 short  time  to  devote  to  so  useful  an  employment. 
 To  have,  in  any  measure,  deserved  the  respectful 
 attention  with  which  my  feeble  services  have  been 
 honored  by  the  Committee,  is  a  subject  of  suf- 
 ficient gratification  to  my  mind,  and  brings  with 
 it  the  amplest  remuneration. 
 
 "  God  forbid  that  I  should  receive  any  part 
 of  the  Society's  funds :  —let  this  money  therefore 
 return  to  its  source ;  and  if  it  be  the  instrument 
 of  carrying  but  one  additional  Bible  to  any 
 place  or  family,  previously  destitute  of  the  words 
 of  eternal  Hfe,  how  much  reason  shall  I  have 
 to  thank  God  that  it  never  became  part  of  m^ 
 property ! 
 
 "  Have  the  goodness  to  assure  the  Committee 
 of  my  perfect  readiness,  whether  present  or 
 absent,  to  promote,  as  far  as  my  time  and  abili- 
 ties may  permit,  the  great  objects  of  this  most 
 benevolent  Association;  which,  like  the  Apoca- 
 lyptic angel,  is  flying  through  the  midst  of  hea- 
 ven, having  the  everlasting  Gospel  to  preach  to 
 
1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  511 
 
 every   nation,    and   kindred,    and    tongue,    and    parti. 
 people.  CHAP. 
 
 "  I  am.  Gentlemen, 
 *'  With  best  respects  to  the  Committee, 
 
 "  Your  very  affectionate  fellow-laborer, 
 *'  In  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society, 
 "  A.  CLARKE." 
 
 City  Road,  June  20,  1807. 
 
 It  remains  now  to  state  what  was  done  in 
 furtherance  of  the  last  foreign  object  mentioned 
 in  the  general  enumeration— the  printing  of  the 
 Icelandic  Scriptures. 
 
 The   reader'  has  been   informed,    that  it    was 
 determined,  on  the  6th  of  October,  1806,  to  co- 
 operate with  the  Danish  Society  in  Fiihnen,  by 
 bearing  the  expense  of  3,000  copies  of  the  Ice- 
 landic  Testament,    in  addition   to    2,000    which 
 that  Society  had  engaged  to  print  at  Copenhagen, 
 on  its  own  account.     Of  this  resolution  a  com- 
 munication  was    speedily    made,    both    to    the 
 Fiihnen    Society,    and    to   Mr.   Faterson,    who, 
 by   desire    of   that    Society,    had    consented    to 
 charge  himself  with  the  executive  conduct  of  the 
 business.     The  work  having  been  finished,   and 
 the    copies    bound,    1,500   were    dispatched    to 
 different   parts   of  Iceland   by   the   ships    which 
 sailed   for   that    island    in   the    Spring   of  1807. 
 The  war  between  England   and  Denmark  pre- 
 vented the  transmission  of  the  remaining  copies ; 
 X  4 
 
312  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,    and   the    bombardment   of   Copenhagen,   which 
 CHAP,      followed    shortly    after,    threatened    them   with 
 ^— v^     seemingly  inevitable  destruction.     That  destruc- 
 1807-8.    ^j^jj  ^^^g^  however,  averted ;   and  this  inflammable 
 treasure  preserved  in  the  midst  of  a  conflagra- 
 tion  which   laid  almost   every    thing   around   it 
 in  ashes.     Two  bombs  are  stated  to  have  entered 
 the  house  where  the  unbound  copies  were  lying : 
 and    the    warehouse   which    contained   the    500 
 bound    copies,    designed    as    a    present  to   the 
 Bishop    of  Iceland,    was   nearly    burnt    to    the 
 ground,  that  part  only  having  escaped  the  flames 
 in  which  these  copies  were  deposited. 
 
 In  the  mean  time,  the  copies  dispatched  to  Ice- 
 land reached  in  safety  the  places  to  which  they 
 had  been  consigned.  The  Fiihnen  Society,  which 
 had  undertaken  to  transmit  them,  used  the  pre- 
 caution to  have  them  so  judiciously  distributed, 
 that  the  benefit  imparted  through  them  might  be 
 extended  to  various  parts  of  the  island.  From 
 the  disposition  of  the  people,  and  the  want  to 
 which  they  were  reduced,  it  could  not  but  be 
 regretted,  that  a  larger  number  had  not  been 
 dispatched  before  the  commencement  of  hosti- 
 lities; yet  it  was  matter  of  consolation  to  be 
 assured,  on  the  authority  before  quoted,  that 
 from  the  prudent  disposition  of  the  supply  already 
 furnished,  every  poor  family,  attached  to  the  divine 
 word,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  places  where  the 
 distribution   was    made,  would   be   able  to    get 
 
1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  313 
 
 possession  of  a  copy.  What  feeling  mind,  when 
 reflecting  on  this  most  seasonable  provision  for  a 
 pious,  but  indigent,  and  almost  forgotten  portion 
 of  the  Christian  community,  will  not  sympathize 
 with  the  Fiihnen  Society  in  the  following  devout 
 and  benevolent  prayer?  "  May  our  blessed  Lord 
 grant  that  this  distribution  of  the  divine  word 
 may  be  salutary  to  many,  and  that  multitudes 
 may  be  guided  by  this  divine  light,  to  life  eternal !" 
 The  acceptance  with  which  the  Testament  was 
 greeted  by  the  inhabitants  of  Iceland,  suggested 
 the  importance  of  taking  a  further  step  on  behalf 
 of  these  interesting  people,  and  gratifying  their 
 eager  desire  for  the  word  of  God,  by  giving  them 
 the  whole  Bible.  With  this  view,  the  sum  of  3001. 
 was  appropriated  to  the  purpose  of  printing  the 
 Old  Testament,  and  steps  were  taking  to  prepare 
 the  requisite  materials,  when  it  became  necessary 
 for  Mr.  Paterson,  on  whom  the  superintendance 
 of  the  work  devolved,  to  quit  his  post  of  labor  in 
 the  Danish  capital,  and  seek  a  temporary  asylum 
 in  some  friendly  or  neutral  territory.  The  re- 
 moval, however,  of  Mr.  Paterson  did  not  take 
 place,  till  he  had  put  matters  into  as  good  a  train 
 at  Copenhagen,  as  circumstances  would  allow ; 
 and  it  will  hereafter  appear,  that  to  this  change 
 of  place,  dictated  by  a  seemingly  harsh  necessity, 
 may  be  traced  the  origin  of  those  measures, 
 which,  cherished  by  the  respective  countries  in 
 which  they  were  proposed,  have  terminated   in 
 
314  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,     the  establishment  of  active,  useful,  and  flourishing^ 
 
 CHAP.      Bible   Societies  in   the  north,  and   north-eastern 
 
 V— v-^     sovereignties  of  Europe. 
 
 1807-8.  While  these  proceedings  were  going  on,  and 
 the  wants  of  foreign  nations  were  receiving  their 
 due  measure  of  attention,  no  less  diligence  was 
 employed  in  diffusing,  or  in  preparing  to  diffuse, 
 the  benefits  of  the  Institution  among  the  inhabi- 
 tants of  the  British  dominions.  Already  the 
 mountains  of  Wales  had  been  partially  illumined 
 with  the  heavenly  light ;  and  the  time  was  drawing 
 near  when  the  rocks  of  Scotland  should  be  visited 
 with  the  benefit  of  a  similar  illumination. 
 
 The  course  pursued  in  providing  an  impression 
 of  the  Gaelic  Bible,  for  the  Scotch  Highlanders, 
 has  been  particularly  described.  The  work  was 
 now  considerably  advanced,  and  in  the  prospect 
 of  its  approaching  completion,  a  printed  circular, 
 signed  by  the  President,  was^  in  the  Summer  of 
 1807,  dispatched  to  the  parochial  ministers  gene- 
 rally, throughout  the  Highlands,  announcing  the 
 edition  as  expected  to  be  ready  for  delivery  by 
 the  end  of  the  ensuing  October,  and  offering  it 
 for  sale  to  subscribers,  at  3*.  3d.  for  the  Bible, 
 and  lOd.  for  the  Testament;  and  on  the  same 
 advantageous  terms  to  ministers,  whether  they 
 were  subscribers  or  not. 
 
 The  information  of  a  Bible  printed  in  their 
 vernacular  dialect,  from  a  copy  accredited  by  the 
 first  authorities  in  their  church,  and  tendered  to 
 
1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  315 
 
 them  at  a  price  considerably  below  the  standard  part  i. 
 at  which  they  had  been  accustomed  to  procure  it, 
 whenever  they  were  able  to  procure  it  at  all, 
 was  an  article  of  very  acceptable  intelligence  to 
 the  inhabitants  of  the  Highlands,  and  excited 
 the  liveliest  emotions  of  joy  and  gratitude,  both 
 in  ministers  and  people.  The  former  proclaimed 
 from  their  pulpits  the  agreeable  tidings,  and  the 
 latter  emulated  the  zeal  of  their  pastors,  by 
 eagerly  subscribing  for  copies,  accordhig  to  their 
 respective  wants  and  means  of  pecuniary  con- 
 tribution. 
 
 Numerous  letters  were  received,  in  consequence 
 of  the  circular  notice,  and  the  measures  adopted 
 to  give  it  publicity,  all  which  corroborated  what 
 had  been  reported  and  believed,  with  regard  to 
 the  scarcity  of  Gaelic  Bibles,  and  the  great 
 anxiety  of  the  Highlanders  to  possess  them. 
 
 "  I  gladly  embraced"  (says  one  correspondent*) 
 "  the  earliest  opportunity  of  acquainting  my  people 
 with  the  important  contents ;  and  they  have,  with 
 heartfelt  gratitude  to  the  worthy  Society,  and  I 
 trust  with  unfeigned  thanks  to  the  God  of  all 
 grace,  subscribed,  &c."  "  I  do  not  suppose"  (adds 
 this  correspondent)  "  that,  among  4,000  souls 
 under  my  pastoral  care,  there  were  a  dozen  Gaelic 
 Bibles."  "  I  request,"  (says  another  correspon- 
 dent f)    "  if  possible,  that  the  honorable  Society 
 
 *  Rev.  James  Macintosh,  Mansefield,  Isle  of  Islay. 
 t  Rev.   John    Mac    Keith,    Southend    in     Campbeltown, 
 Argyleshire. 
 
816  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.    will  not  disappoint  us  of  any  of  the  number  sub- 
 
 CHAP.      scribed  for:  as  all  the  people  are  most  anxious 
 
 \— v-^     to  get  the  books;   and  exceedingly  grateful  for 
 
 1807-8.     ^i^g   yjj^j   dispensation    of    Providence   towards 
 
 them,  in  affording  them,  at  last,  an  opportunity 
 
 of  providing  themselves  with  the  Holy  Scriptures 
 
 in    their    native   mother-language— a    thing  long 
 
 wished  for  over  all  the  Highlands  of  Scotland." 
 
 "  Many  of  the  poor  Highlanders  of  Glasgow," 
 (writes  a  third*)  "  upon  hearing  of  the  cheapnesis 
 of  the  Scriptures  in  our  native  language,  ex- 
 pressed their  heartfelt  gratitude  with  tears  of  joy 
 in  their  eyes,  considering,  that  hitherto  they 
 could  not  be  purchased  under  255.  sterling  at 
 least." 
 
 The  consequence  of  a  feeling  at  once  so  warm 
 and  so  generally  diffused,  was,  a  speedy  appli- 
 cation for  nearly  half  the  entire  impression ;  and 
 both  the  Bibles  and  Testaments,  when  delivered 
 from  the  press,  obtained  a  rapid  and  extensive 
 circulation. 
 
 Such  was  the  event  of  this  effort  to  furnish  a 
 cheap  and  abundant  supply  of  the  Gaelic  Scrip- 
 tures. Few  undertakings  in  which  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society  have  embarked  with  a 
 view  to  benefit  their  British  fellow-subjects,  have 
 been  attended  throughout,  and  recompensed  at 
 last,  with  more  pure  and  unclouded  satisfaction. 
 The  interesting  nature  of  the  service,  the  liberal 
 
 *  Rev.  John  Maclaurin,  Gaelic  Chapel,  Glasgow. 
 
1807-8, 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  817 
 
 co-operation  of  the  Society  in  Scotland  for  Pro-  part  i. 
 pagating  Christian  Knowledge,  and  the  warm  chap. 
 and  overflowing  gratitude  of  the  ingenuous  re-  ^— v-*^ 
 ceivers  themselves,  made  the  task  of  the  Society 
 a  source  of  unqualified  pleasure,  and  ultimately 
 ensured  to  their  labors  and  their  cares  a  full  and 
 an  honorable  reward.  Though  much  has  already 
 been  cited  from  the  documents  transmitted  by 
 the  Highland  ministers,  the  author  cannot  forbear 
 adding  another  extract  to  the  number ;  and  with 
 that  will  conclude  his  account  of  the  subject. 
 
 "  The  Bible  Society's  letter,  offering  a  supply 
 of  GaeHc  copies  of  the  Sacred  Scriptures,  I  have 
 had  the  great  satisfaction  of  receiving.  I  have 
 endeavored  to  impress  the  minds  of  my  people 
 with  a  just  sense  of  the  benevolence  of  the  So- 
 ciety, and  of  the  inestimable  benefit  of  having 
 the  Scriptures,  it  may  be  said,  without  money 
 and  without  price,  in  their  native  tongue ;  and  I 
 have  the  pleasure  to  offer  the  Society  their  warm- 
 est thanks  for  the  truly  Christian  donation  in- 
 tended for  them.  While  war  is  spreading  deso- 
 lation and  misery  over  the  face  of  the  earth,  and 
 unrelenting  ambition  wades  through  blood  and 
 carnage  to  attain  its  object;  let  charity,  which 
 rejoiceth  not  in  iniquity,  but  rejoiceth  in  the  truth, 
 apply  the  balm  of  consolation,  hold  up  to  human 
 folly  and  wickedness  the  mirror  of  truth,  and, 
 through  the  medium  of  the  Scriptures,  convince 
 the  world  that  godHness  has  the  promise  of  this 
 
318  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  life,  and  of  that  which  is  to  come.  Does  history 
 stain  her  page  with  the  sanguinary  achievements 
 of  the  enemies  of  mankind,  and  will  she  forget 
 
 1807-8.  ^Q  record  the  name  of  that  wise  and  benevolent 
 Christian,  who  projected  the  plan  of  the  Bible 
 Society,  and  contributed  his  labor  of  love  towards 
 promoting  its  excellent  design?  While  the  voice 
 of  prophecy  is  silent,  and  the  power  of  miracles 
 has  ceased  among  men,  let  the  amiable  exertions 
 of  charity  attract  the  attention,  and  excite  the 
 admiration  of  the  world.  And  let  this  prove  an 
 aera  in  which  truth  shall  prevail  over  error,  and 
 in  which  the  Holy  Oracles  of  God  shall  carry 
 light  and  saving  health  into  these  remote  and 
 far  extended  regions  which  have  been  long  under 
 the  power  of  darkness  and  the  delusion  of  error.'* 
 Amidst  these  operations,  in  which,  regardless 
 of  every  thing  but  the  simple  prosecution  of  its 
 object,  the  Society  continued  to  evince  extraor- 
 dinary diligence  and  growing  activity,  exertions 
 were  not  wanting  on  the  part  of  its  friends  to 
 obtain  for  it  an  increase  of  that  patronage  which 
 might  augment  its  influence,  and  thereby  enlarge 
 its  means  of  doing  good.  Foremost  in  the  rank 
 of  these  zealous  benefactors,  was  the  venerable 
 Bishop  Porteus.  By  his  Lordship's  desire,  the 
 author  drew  up  an  Abstract  of  the  Society's 
 Constitution  and  Proceedings;  printed  copies  of 
 which  the  Bishop  distributed  through  many  re- 
 i^pectable  channels. 
 
1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  319 
 
 But  the  reader  will  form  a  still  better  idea  of    parti. 
 the  Bishop's  vigilance,  and  anxiety  to  acquire  for 
 the  Institution  the  esteem  it  deserved,  from  his 
 Lordship's  conduct  on  a  great  public  occasion. 
 
 On  the  anniversary  of  the  King's  birth-day,  it 
 is  customary  for  the  Archbishops  and  Bishops, 
 or  of  so  many  of  them  as  may  happen  to  be  in 
 the  metropolis  and  its  vicinity,  to  be  entertained 
 at  the  palace  of  the  Bishop  of  London.  In  the 
 contemplation  of  this  festival,  (which  was  to  take 
 place  on  the  4th  of  June,  1806,)  the  Bishop  desired 
 to  be  furnished  with  copies  of  the  Third  Report, 
 that  he  might  have  an  opportunity  of  recommend- 
 ing the  Society  to  his  Episcopal  Brethren,  particu- 
 larly to  those  who  were  on  the  Irish  Bench.  His 
 Lordship's  request  was  duly  complied  with;  and  to 
 copies  of  the  Report  were  added  some  specimens 
 of  Oriental  Translations,  and  Abstracts  of  the 
 Society's  Proceedings.  The  following  extract 
 from  a  note  written  the  day  after  the  meeting  of 
 the  Prelates,  will  show  how  attentively  the  Bishop 
 had  studied  to  improve  this  opportunity  to  the 
 Society's  advantage. 
 
 "  I  return  your  specimens  with  many  thanks, 
 and  am  obliged  to  you  for  the  other  pamphlets ; 
 which  I  shall  endeavour  to  dispose  of  properly. 
 I  gave  copies  of  the  complete  Reports  to  the  four 
 Irish  Bishops,  and  recommended  them  strongly 
 to  their  notice.  Your  short  statement  of  facts 
 will  be  very  useful." 
 
520  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI.         Shortly  after  this  period,  the  declining  health 
 
 CRAP,      ^f  ^Yie  Bishop    having  induced  the   Faculty  to 
 
 wv^     prescribe  a    removal  to   Clifton,    his    Lordship, 
 
 "  '     vv^hile  residing  there  as   a  valetudinarian,  found 
 
 an  agreeable  employment  for  the  energies  of  his 
 
 active  and  benevolent  mind,  in  distributing  papers 
 
 recommendatory  of  the  Society,  and  in    doing 
 
 his  utmost  to  introduce  it  to  the  favor  and  the 
 
 patronage  of  his  friends  of  every  condition. 
 
 Among  the  communications  transmitted  by  the 
 Bishop  while  sequestered  at  Chfton,  was  a  printed 
 paper,  entitled,  "  Literary  Intelligence  from  India." 
 This  inteUigence  respected  the  journey  of  the 
 late  Rev.  Dr.  Buchanan  from  Calcutta  to  Travan- 
 core,  and  those  interesting  discoveries  respecting 
 the  Syrian  Christians  which  were  afterwards  in- 
 corporated by  the  Doctor  himself  with  other 
 accounts,  and  pubhshed  under  the  general  title, 
 of  "  Christian  Researches  in  India." 
 
 To  the  information  contained  in  this  printed 
 paper  the  Bishop  attached  considerable  import- 
 ance ;  and  the  reader  who  reflects  upon  the 
 Bishop's  anxiety  to  have  the  Scriptures  translated 
 and  circulated  in  India,  will  not  be  surprised  at 
 his  Lordship's  zealous  distribution  of  a  sheet, 
 in  which,  among  other  interesting  articles,  the 
 following  information  was  contained. 
 
 "  It  ought  to  be  mentioned  to  the  praise  of 
 the  present  Bishop  of  the  Romish  church  on 
 the  coast  of  Malabar,  that  he  has  consented  to 
 
V. 
 
 1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  821 
 
 the  circulation  of  the  Scriptures  throughout  his  part  i. 
 diocese.  The  MalayaHm  Translation  acquires  ^"^'^^• 
 from  this  circumstance  an  increased  importance ; 
 since  there  will  be  now  upwards  of  200,000 
 Christians  in  Malayala,  who  are  ready  to  receive 
 it.  The  translation  of  the  New  Testament  (which 
 it  is  proposed  to  print  first)  has  already  com- 
 menced, under  the  superintendance  of  the  Syrian 
 Bishop.  The  true  cause  of  the  low  state  of 
 religion  among  the  Romish  churches  on  the 
 sea  coast,  and  in  Ceylon,  is,  their  want  of  the 
 Bible.  It  is  doubtful  whether  some  of  the  priests 
 know  that  such  a  book  exists.  It  is  injurious  to 
 Christianity  in  India,  to  call  men  Christians,  who 
 know  not  the  Scriptures  of  their  religion;  they 
 might  as  well  be  called  by  any  other  name. 
 Oral  instruction  they  have  none,  even  from  their 
 European  priests.  The  best  effects  may,  there- 
 fore, be  expected  from  the  simple  means  of 
 putting  the  Bible  into  their  hands.  All  who  are 
 well  acquainted  with  the  natives  know,  that 
 instruction  by  hooks  is  best  suited  to  them.  They 
 are  in  general  a  contemplative  people,  and  patient 
 in  their  inquiries ;  anxious  also  to  know  what  it 
 can  be,  that  is  of  importance  enough  to  be  ivritten  ; 
 at  the  same  time  that  they  regard  written  precepts 
 with  respect.  If  they  possess  a  book  in  a  lan- 
 guage which  they  understand,  it  will  not  be  left 
 long  unread.  In  Tanjore,  and  other  places  where 
 the  Bible  is  freely  given,  the  Protestant  religion 
 flourishes ;  and  produces  the  happiest  effects  ou 
 
 VOL.  I.  Y 
 
.^22  HISTORY    OF   THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  the  character  of  the  people.  In  Tanjore,  the 
 CHAP.  Christian  virtues  will  be  found  in  exercise  by  the 
 ^— v^^  feeble-minded  Hindoo,  in  a  vigor  and  purity 
 '  *  which  will  surprise  those  who  have  never  known 
 the  native  character,  but  under  the  greatest  dis- 
 advantages. On  the  Sunday,  the  people,  habited 
 in  their  best  apparel,  repair  to  the  parish  church, 
 when  the  solemnity  of  their  devotion  in  accom- 
 panying the  public  prayers,  is  truly  impressive. 
 They  sing  the  old  psalm  tunes  well;  and  the 
 voice  of  the  full  congregation  may  be  heard  at  a 
 distance.  Prayers  being  ended,  they  listen  to  the 
 sermon,  evidently,  with  deep  attention  ;  nor  have 
 they  any  difficulty  in  understanding  it,  for  they 
 almost  all,  both  men  and  women,  can  read  their 
 Bible.  Many  of  them  take  down  the  discourse 
 on  ollns,  that  they  may  read  it  afterwards  to  their 
 families  at  home*.  As  soon  as  the  minister  has 
 pronounced  his  text,  the  sound  of  the  iron  style 
 on  the  palm-leaf,  is  heard  throughout  the  con- 
 gregation. Even  the  boys  of  the  schools  have 
 their  ollas  in  their  hands,  and  may  be  seen,  after 
 divine  service,  reading  them  to  their  mothers,  as 
 they  pass  over  their  fields  homewards.  This 
 aptitude  of  the  people  to  receive  and  record  the 
 words  of  the  preacher,  renders  it  pecuharly 
 uecessary  that   *   the  priests'  lips   should  keep 
 
 *  It  is  well  known  that  natives  of  Tanjore,  and  Travau- 
 core,  can  write  down  what  is  spoken  deliberately,  without 
 losing  one  word.  They  seldom  look  at  their  o//«s  while  writing; 
 and  can  write  in  the  dark  with  fluency. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  323 
 
 tnowledge.'     Upon  the  whole,  the  moral  conduct,     part  l 
 upright  dealing,  decorous   manners,  and  decent 
 dress,    of   the    native    Protestants    of   Tanjore, 
 demonstrate  the  powerful  influence  and  peculiar  " ' 
 
 excellence  of  the  Christian  religion.  It  ought, 
 however,  to  be  observed,  that  the  Bible,  when 
 the  reading  of  it  becomes  general,  has  nearly  the 
 same  effect  on  the  poor  of  every  place." 
 
 To  these  particulars  it  may  be  sufficient  to 
 add,  that,  during  a  period  of  several  months,  the 
 Bishop's  letters  from  Clifton,  which  were  both 
 frequent  and  animated,  turned  for  the  most  part 
 on  his  favorite  topic,  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society;  and  either  recounted  the  efforts 
 he  had  made  to  promote  its  interests,  by  con- 
 versation, or  recommendatory  pubhcations;  or 
 suggested  useful  huits  for  the  direction  of  its 
 affairs,  the  extension  of  its  operations,  or  the 
 advancement  of  its  success. 
 
 The  author  has  dwelt  longer  on  the  personal 
 exertions  of  Bishop  Porteus  in  favor  of  the  So- 
 ciety, than  to  some  readers  may  perhaps  appear 
 expedient:  but  when  it  is  considered,  against  how 
 many  difficulties  the  Society  had  to  struggle 
 during  the  few  first  years  of  its  establishment, 
 it  seems  but  just  to  make  known,  how  much  it 
 was  indebted,  under  God,  for  its  progress,  to  the 
 fostering  care,  and  persevering  friendship,  of  a 
 Prelate,  whose  other  honors  will  sijffer  no  dis- 
 Y  2 
 
XQOl-8, 
 
 324  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  paragement  by  an  association  with  those  which 
 he  has  derived  from  the  patronage  of  an  Insti- 
 tution for  disseminating  the  Christian  Sciiptures 
 through  every  part  of  the  world. 
 
 Things  were  proceeding  in  this  prosperous 
 manner,  when  on  a  sudden  the  horizon  of  the 
 Society  was  darkened,  and  a  storm  arose,  which 
 frowned  defiance  upon  its  Eastern  labors,  and 
 seemed  to  portend  the  annihilation  of  its  plans 
 for  disseminating  the  invaluable  blessings  of 
 divine  revelation  through  the  regions  of  Hindoo- 
 stan.  Of  this  formidable  trial,  and  the  issue  to 
 which  it  was  brought,  the  author  will  lay  before 
 the  reader  an  authentic  and  circumstantial  nar- 
 ration. 
 
 In  the  month  of  October,  1807,  a  pamphlet 
 appeared,  under  the  title  of  "  A  Letter  to  the 
 Chairman  of  the  East  India  Company,  on  the 
 danger  of  interfering  in  the  Religious  Opinions  of 
 the  Natives  of  India,  and  on  the  Views  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  as  directed  to 
 India."  The  letter  was  signed,  "  A  Proprietor;'* 
 and  was  generally  ascribed  to  Thomas  Twining, 
 Esq.  a  gentleman  of  great  respectability,  who 
 had  recently  returned  from  Bengal.  To  a  second 
 edition  of  the  letter,  Mr.  Twining  affixed  his  name, 
 with  the  designation  of  "  Late  Senior  Merchant 
 on  the  Bengal  Estabhshment ;"  and  added  an 
 advertisement,  purporting,  that,  having  been  en- 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 325 
 
 CHAP. 
 V. 
 
 1807-8. 
 
 couraged  by  many  of  his  friends  to  proceed,  he     parti. 
 should  bring  the  subject  of  his  letter  before  the 
 Court    of   Proprietors    at    their    next    quarterly 
 meeting. 
 
 In  order  to  put  the  reader  in  possession  of  the 
 ground  upon  which  the  Society  was  attacked, 
 and  the  extent  of  the  danger  with  which  it  was 
 threatened,  it  will  be  proper  to  extract  a  few 
 passages  from  that  portion  of  the  letter  which 
 referred  expressly  to  the  views  and  conduct  of 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  as  directed 
 to  India. 
 
 "  With  infinite  concern  and  alarm"  (says  Mr. 
 Twining)  "  I  have  lately  heard  of  proceedings 
 which  convey  to  my  humble  apprehension  evi- 
 dence of  a  strong  disposition,  in  a  quarter  too, 
 where,  above  all  others,  its  existence  is  most  to 
 be  dreaded,  to  interfere  in  the  religious  opinions 
 of  the  native  inhabitants  of  India'' 
 
 "  I  must  then,  Sir,  observe,  that  my  fears  of 
 attempts  to  disturb  the  religious  systems  of  India^ 
 have  been  especially  excited  by  my  hearing  that 
 a  Society  exists  in  this  country,  the  chief  object 
 of  which  is  the  universal  dissemination  of  the 
 Christian  faith  ;  particularly  among  those  nations 
 of  the  East  to  whom  we  possess  a  safe  facility 
 of  access,  and  whose  minds  and  doctrines  are 
 known  to  be  most  obscured  by  the  darkness 
 of  infidelity.  Upon  this  topic,  so  delicate  and 
 solemn,  I  shall,  for  the  present,  make  but  one 
 Y  3 
 
^^  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,    observation.     I    shall    only   observe,    that  if    a 
 
 CHAP.      Society,  having  such  objects  in  viev*^,  does  exist; 
 
 w--'     and  if  the  leading  Members  of  that  Society  are 
 
 1807-8.     ^jg^  leading  Members  of  the  East  India  Company  ; 
 
 and  not  only  of  the  East  India  Company,  but  of 
 
 the  Court  of  Directors ;  nay,.  Sir,  not   only   of 
 
 the    Court  of  Directors,  but  of  the   Board    of 
 
 Controul ;  if,  I  say,  these  alarming  hypotheses  are 
 
 true ;  then,   Sir,  «re  our  possessions  in  the   East 
 
 already  in  a  situation  of  most  imminent  and  un- 
 
 pi'ecedented   peril;    and  no  less  a  dnnger    than 
 
 the    threatened    extermination     of  our    Eastern 
 
 Sovereignty,  commands  us  to  step  forth,  and  arrest 
 
 the    progress   of   such  rash   and    unwarrantable 
 
 proceedijigsr 
 
 The  writer  then  states  "  the  principal  grounds 
 of  his  suspicion  and  anxiety,"  by  exhibiting  a 
 series  of  "  Extracts  from  the  Reports,  and  from 
 letters  therein  contained  of  the  Committee  of 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,"  and  also 
 from  "  Dr.  Buchanan's  Memoir,"  referred  to  in 
 the  Society's  Report.  It  is  proper  to  observe, 
 that  these  Extracts  are  exhibited  in  a  detached 
 and  insulated  form:  and  they  conclude  with 
 the  following  passage  from  Dr.  Buchanan's 
 Memoir. 
 
 "  No  Christian  nation  ever  possessed  such 
 an  extensive  field  for  the  propagation  of  the 
 Christian  faith,  as  that  afforded  to  us  by  our 
 influence    over    the    hundred  million  natives  of 
 
1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  327 
 
 Hiiidoostatt.  No  other  nation  ever  possessed  part  i. 
 such  facihties  for  the  extension  of  its  faith,  as  chap. 
 we  now  have  in  the  goverinnent  of  a  passive 
 people,  who  yield  submissively  to  our  mild  sway, 
 reverence  our  principles,  and  acknowledge  our 
 dominion  to  be  a  blessing.  Why  should  it  be 
 thought  incredible  that  Providence  hath  been 
 pleased,  in  a  course  of  years,  to  subjugate  this 
 Eastern  empire  to  the  most  civilized  nation  in 
 the  world,  for  this  very  purpose  ? 
 
 •  "  The  progressive  civilization  of  the  Hindoos 
 will  never  injure  the  interests  of  the  East  India 
 Company.  But  shall  a  Christian  people,  acknow- 
 ledging a  Providence  in  the  rise  and  fall  of 
 empires,  regulate  the  feeling  of  future  times, 
 and  neglect  a  present  duty;  a  solemn  and  im- 
 perious duty ;  exacted  by  their  religion,  by  their 
 public  principles,  and  by  the  opinions  of  the 
 Christian  nations  around  them !  Or  can  it  be 
 gratifying  to  the  English  nation  to  reflect,  that 
 they  receive  the  riches  of  the  East  on  tlie  terms 
 of  chartering  immoral  superstition ! 
 
 "  No  truth  has  been  more  clearly  demon- 
 strated than  this,  that  the  communication  of 
 Christian  instruction  to  the  natives  of  India,  is 
 easy;  and  that  the  benefits  of  that  instruction, 
 civil  as  well  as  moral,  will  be  inestimable.  Whether 
 we  consider  the  happiness  diflfused  among  so 
 many  millions,  or  their  consequent  attachment  to 
 Y  4 
 
328  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.     our  government,  or  the  advantages  resulting  from 
 
 ^^^^'      the  introduction   of   the    civiHzed    arts.     Every 
 
 ^— ^.-^     thing  that  can  brighten  the  hope,  or  animate  the 
 
 '^'     feehng   of  a  virtuous   people,  organizing  a  new 
 
 empire,   and   seeking  the   most  rational   means, 
 
 under  the  favor  of  heaven,  to  insure  its  perpetuity ; 
 
 every  consideration  we  aver,  would  persuade  us 
 
 TO  DIFFUSE  THE  BLESSINGS  OF  CHRISTIAN  KNOW- 
 LEDGE AMONG  OUR  Indian  subjects." 
 
 "  Having  placed"  (says  Mr.  Twining)  "  the 
 foregoing  circumstances— the  grounds,  as  they 
 appear  to  me,  of  seasonable  suspicion,  and  just 
 alarm— before  you,  Sir,  the  Chairman  of  the 
 East  India  Company,  I  have,  I  beheve,  done  all 
 that  a  mere  proprietor  of  stock  has  it  in  his 
 power  to  do.  With  you.  Sir,  and  the  Gentlemen 
 who  are  appointed,  with  you,  to  watch  over 
 and  direct  the  affairs  of  the  Company,  rests  the 
 power  of  further  inquiry  into  these  serious  mat- 
 ters, and  the  application  of  such  measures  as  the 
 issue  of  further  inquiry  may  appear  to  demand. 
 
 "  From  a  very  early  period  of  my  life,  my 
 time  has  been  spent  among  the  natives  of  India ; 
 and  I  believe,  I  may  say,  it  has  in  some  de- 
 gree been  spent  in  promoting  their  happiness. 
 I  have  been  in  various  situations  with  them,  and 
 over  them,  from  the  Presidency  of  Fort  Wilham 
 to  the  most  distant  parts  of  Hindoostan :  and 
 this  intercourse  has  led  to  an  attachment,  ivhich 
 
1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  329 
 
 will  not  permit  me  to  remain  a  silent  spectator  parti. 
 of  attempts  to  disturb  their  dearest  rights  and  chap. 
 wound  their  tenderest  feelings.  I  should,  indeed, 
 feel  myself  entitled  to  the  reproach  of  numerous 
 and  most  respectable  inhabitants  of  India,  my 
 personal  acquaintances  and  friends,  if  I  could 
 forget  or  forsake  them  on  such  an  occasion." 
 
 Mr.  Twining's  conclusion  is  in  the  following 
 words : 
 
 "  As  long  as  we  continue  to  govern  India 
 in  the  mild  and  tolerant  spirit  of  Christianity, 
 we  may  govern  it  with  ease  :  but  if  ever  the  fatal 
 day  shall  arrive,  when  religious  innovation  shall 
 set  her  foot  in  that  country,  indignation  ivill 
 spread  from  one  end  of  Hindoostan  to  the  other; 
 and  the  arms  of  fifty  millions  of  peoptle  will  drive 
 us  from  that  portion  of  the  globe,  ivith  as  much 
 ease  as  the  sand  of  the  desert  is  scattered  by  the 
 ivind.  But  I  still  hope.  Sir,  that  a  perseverance 
 in  the  indiscreet  measures  I  have  described,  will 
 not  be  allowed  to  expose  our  countrymen  in 
 India  to  the  horrors  of  that  dreadful  day :  but 
 that  our  native  subjects  in  every  part  of  the  East, 
 ivill  be  permitted  to  folloiv  their  oivn  religious 
 opinions,  their  own  religious  prejudices  and  ab- 
 surdities, until  it  shall  please  the  Omnipotent 
 power  of  Heaven  to  lead  them  into  the  paths 
 q/' Light  and  Truth." 
 
 The  changes  which  have  taken  place  since 
 the  date  of  this  publication,  both  in  the  religious 
 
330  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.    state  of  India,  and  in  the  opinion  entertained  about 
 CHAP,      i^ijg  propagation  of  Christianity  in  the  East,  give 
 
 1807-8. 
 
 to  much  of  what  has  been  cited  from  Mr.  Twi- 
 ning's  pages  the  air  of  irony  and  satire,  rather 
 than  of  grave  complaint  and  serious  expostu- 
 lation. The  reader  may,  however,  be  assured, 
 that  the  writer  was  sincere  in  the  expression  of 
 his  alarm,  and  of  his  determination  to  use  his 
 utmost  efforts  to  arrest  the  progress  of  that  Insti- 
 tution by  which  it  had  been  occasioned. 
 
 Scarcely  had  this  pamphlet  met  the  public 
 ^ye,  when  a  sensation  was  excited  by  its  perusal, 
 which  promised  to  assist  the  designs  of  its  author ; 
 and  to  strengthen  that  party  on  which  he  relied 
 for  bringing  about  a  peremptory  interdiction  of 
 the  Society's  operations  within  the  limits  of  British 
 India.  Many  causes  contributed  to  the  production 
 of  this  impression,  in  favor  of  Mr.  Twining's  appeal. 
 Among  them  may  be  enumerated,  the  topics  of 
 9,larm,  so  gravely  and  plausibly  exhibited;  the 
 character  of  the  author,  his  long  residence  in 
 India,  and  recent  return  from  that  country ;  and 
 above  all,  an  extreme  ignorance  and  miscon- 
 ception of  the  subject,  united  wdth  a  slavish  at- 
 tachment to  worldly  policy,  and  a  morbid  appre- 
 hension of  every  thing  which  was  represented  as 
 likely  to  disturb  the  security  of  our  Asiatic  pos- 
 sessions. 
 
 It  will  naturally  be  concluded,  that  so  serious 
 an    attack,    conducted    by    a    leader    of   such 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  331 
 
 authority  and  influence,  and  supported  by  allies    part  i. 
 who  seemed  to  consider  their  interest,  their  honor,     chap. 
 
 V. 
 
 and  almost  their  very  existence,  to  depend  upon     ^— ^*^ 
 its  success,  would  neither  escape  the  observation  ' 
 
 of  the  Officers  of  the  Society,  nor  be  regarded 
 by  them  with  inactivity  or  unconcern.  The  Noble 
 President,  ever  watchful  to  discern  the  approach 
 of  danger,  and  prompt  to  devise  the  means  of 
 repelling  it,  among  other  steps  which  he  judged 
 it  expedient  to  take,  suggested  to  the  author 
 the  propriety  of  giving  the  hostile  letter  a  serious 
 examination.  In  consequence  of  this  suggestion, 
 strengthened  by  the  observation  of  the  unfavorable 
 effect  produced  by  Mr.  Twining's  letter  on  the 
 public  mind,  the  author,  though  not  a  little 
 embarrassed  by  his  numerous  avocations,  both 
 domestic  and  parochial,  determined  to  prepare 
 a  reply. 
 
 This  reply,  which  was  pubhshed  early  in 
 December,  under  the  title  of  "  An  Address  to 
 the  Chairman  of  the  East  India  Company,  occa- 
 sioned by  Mr.  Twming  s  Letter  to  that  Gentle- 
 man, &c."  confined  itself  strictly  to  the  defence 
 of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  and 
 chose  the  narrowest  ground  on  which  it  appeared 
 to  admit  of  being  defended.  The  "  Address" 
 undertook  to  prove,  that,  neither  in  the  object, 
 the  patronage,  nor  the  proceedings  of  the  Society, 
 was  there  any  thing  to  justify  the  charge  of  cul- 
 pable interference  with  the  religious  systems  of 
 
332  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  India,  or  to  authorize  the  apprehension  of  those 
 CHAP,  alarming  consequences  to  our  sovereignty  in  the 
 ^--v^^     East,  which  had  been  so  confidently  predicted." 
 
 It  is  denied  in  "  the  Address,"  that  the  object 
 of  the  Society  is  correctly  defined,  when  that 
 object  is  stated  to  be  "  the  dissemination  of  the 
 Christian  faith."  On  this  part  of  the  defence,  the 
 following  remarks,  as  showing  the  distinct  and 
 insulated  character  of  the  Institution,  may  be 
 not  wholly  unworthy  of  the  reader's  attention. 
 
 "  Whatever  may  be  the  end  which  the  Society 
 contemplates,  that  only  can  be  considered  as  its 
 object,  towards  which  its  means  are  directed,  and 
 in  which  they  all  converge  and  terminate.  That 
 central,  that  ultimate  point,  in  the  case  of  the 
 Society  under  consideration,  is,  as  we  have  seen, 
 Sir,— not  '  the  Dissemination  of  the  Christian 
 Faith,'— but  the  Circulation  of  the  Scrip- 
 tures.' In  this  respect,  the  Society  possesses 
 a  characteristic  feature,  which  discriminates  it 
 from  every  voluntary  association  on  an  exten- 
 sive scale  for  religious  purposes  now  in  existence, 
 and  brings  the  question  of  its  merits  or  demerits 
 within  very  narrow  and  convenient  bounds. 
 
 "  There  exists,  Sir,  in  this  country,  as  you  very 
 well  know,  a  most  venerable  and  useful  Institu- 
 tion, '  The  Society  for  Promoting  Christian 
 Knowledge.'  This  Society  may  be  accurately 
 enough  represented  within  the  limits  prescribed 
 by  its  charter,  (and  happy  should  I  be  to  see 
 
V. 
 
 1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  333 
 
 British  India  within  those  Hmits,*)  as  having  parti. 
 for  its  object^  the  Dissemination  of  the  Chistian  *^"^^* 
 Faith.  The  latitude  of  its  designation,  and  the 
 generahty  with  wliich  its  object  is  expressed, 
 allow  to  this  Society  an  unlimited  choice  of 
 means.  It  may  define,  and  systematize,  and  classify, 
 the  several  points  of  Christian  Theology :  it  may 
 issue  Tracts  on  all  and  any  matters  of  doctrine 
 and  discipline,  at  its  discretion :  it  may  employ 
 Missionaries  and  Catechists,  erect  Churches  and 
 Schools,  and  proceed  ad  libitum,  for  the  accom- 
 plishment of  its  purposes.  And  why?— For  the 
 reason  above  given :  because  its  designation  is 
 general  and  its  object  undefined.  Not  so  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  It  can  do 
 but  one  act  for  the  propagation  of  Christianity ; 
 it  can  distribute  but  one  Book ;  and  that  Book — 
 the  Bible.  It  can  support  no  Missionaries,  erect 
 no  Churches,  endow  no  Schools,  disseminate  no 
 Tracts;  it  cannot  issue  even  a  Dissertation  to 
 recommend  the  Bible,  nor  annex  a  single  Note  to 
 
 *  This  wish  is  now  likely  to  be  accomplished.  The  great 
 object  so  early,  zealously,  and  perseveringly  recommended 
 by  the  late  Dr.  Buchanan,  that  of  establishing  Episco- 
 pacy in  India,  having  been  attained,  the  venerable  Society 
 for  Promoting  Christian  Knowledge  granted  to  the  Bishop  of 
 Calcutta,  when  proceeding  to  his  station,  "  a  vote  of  credit, 
 to  the  extent  of  lOOOZ.  to  enable  his  Lordship  to  promote 
 tlie  objects  of  the  Society  in  India,  in  such  a  way  as  he  should 
 deem  most  consonant  to  the  Society's  designs." 
 
 Report  of  Society  for  Promoting  Christian 
 Knowledge,  for  1814. 
 
381  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  r.  explain  it.  Its  designation  and  its  object  confine- 
 CHAP.  jj.  ^Q  tjjg  circulation  of  the  Scriptures :  it  can  do 
 »5iv^  nothing  out  of  these  limits;  it  can  do  nothing 
 1807-8.     beyond  them. 
 
 *'  Such  being  the  case,  I  am  really  at  a  loss  to 
 imagine,  on  what  grounds  of  even  remote  plausi- 
 bility, any  man  can  have  reasoned  himself  into  a 
 belief,  that  a  Society,  whose  line  of  operation  is  s6 
 precisely  defined,  whose  measures  of  proceeding 
 are  drawn  from  vague  and  indefinite  generalities 
 to  one  sole,  exclusive,  and  cognizable  object, 
 can  be  chargeable  with  the  design  of  culpable 
 interference  in  the  religious  opinions  of  those,  to 
 whose  voluntary  improvement  its  services  are 
 devoted. 
 
 "  Does  the  translation  of  the  Scriptures  into  the 
 native  languages  of  India  imply  such  culpable 
 interference  ?  Putting  out  of  the  question  in  what 
 degree  literature,  and  arts,  and  polity,  are  con- 
 cerned to  cultivate  those  ancient  and  venerable 
 languages  ;  it  cannot,  I  think,  admit  of  a  question, 
 that  we  are  bound,  both  in  justice  and  gratitude, 
 to  impart  to  those  nations  over  which  Providence 
 has  given  us  a  beneficial  dominion,  some  portion 
 at  least  of  the  light  we  enjoy,  through  the  only 
 channels  by  which  they  can  receive  it.  Besides, 
 if  we  derive  into  our  own  language  the  spurious 
 morality  of  India,*  it  is  but  just  that  we  should 
 
 *  See  the  Code  of  Geutoo  Laws,  translated  into  English  by 
 Mr.  Halhed. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE   SOCIETY.  335 
 
 pour  back  into  theirs  the  genuine  moraUty  of  parti. 
 Christendom.  If  we  acquaint  ourselves,  through 
 the  medium  of  translation,  with  their  mytho- 
 logical absurdities  and  amatory  trifles,  it  is  but  1807-8. 
 fair  that  we  should  afford  them  an  opportunity  of 
 becoming  acquainted,  through  the  same  innocent 
 medium,  with  the  august  mysteries  of  human 
 redemption,  and  the  solid  realities  of  the  Gospel. 
 There  is,  at  all  events,  nothing  rude,  or  offensive, 
 or  unjust,  in  such  a  commerce.  It  is,  to  say 
 the  least,  giving  gold  for  brass.  Heathens 
 have,  certainly,  no  reason  to  complain  of  the 
 exchange. 
 
 "  But  if  the  translation  of  the  Scriptures  be 
 innocent,  the  circulation  of  them  may  possibly  be 
 construed  into  an  act  of  aggression  upon  the 
 systems  of  India.  I  cannot  pretend  to  say  what 
 answer  a  Brahmin  might  give,  if  consulted,  whether 
 the  Sooder  might  receive  a  copy  of  that  Shaster 
 in  which  God  is  represented  to  be  no  respecter 
 of  persons.  But,  whatever  way  his  answer  might 
 incline,  it  would,  in  my  judgment,  determine 
 nothing.  The  Scriptures,  as  a  revelation  from 
 heaven,  have  at  least  as  good  a  claim  to  a  free 
 circulation,  in  whatever  language  they  may  happen 
 to  appear,  as  any  treatises  upon  law,  or  morals, 
 or  polite  literature.  For  the  mode  of  distribution 
 the  Society  makes  no  specific  provision.  That 
 must  depend  upon  local  wants  and  facilities ;  and 
 will  be  naturally  regulated,  and  restrained,  so 
 far  as  restraint  may  be   necessary,  by  the  laws 
 
336  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  1.  and  usages  of  the  several  countries  in  which  dis- 
 tribution is  made.  Persons  in  a  situation  to  know 
 the  necessities  and  disposition  of  the  people,  will, 
 
 1807-8.  j^  jg  presumed,  either  sell  them  as  an  article  of 
 commerce  to  purchasers,  or  gratuitously  bestow 
 them  as  a  dole  of  charity  upon  petitioners.  There 
 is  no  room  for  apprehending  that  they  will  be 
 forced  upon  any.  They  are  messengers  that  speak 
 not  to  the  ear,  but  to  the  eye :  they  are  oracles 
 that  remain  silent,  till  they  are  consulted.  In 
 short,  as  they  can  do  no  one  good  who  is  not 
 wiUing  to  search  them,  it  is  utterly  impossible 
 that  they  should  be  forced  upon  any  one  who  is 
 unwilling  to  receive  them. 
 
 "  Since  therefore  the  object  of  the  Society  is  not, 
 as  has  been  stated,  "  The  dissemination  of  the 
 Christian  Faith,"  but  the  circulation  of  the  Holy 
 Scriptures;  an  object,  simple  and  determinate; 
 and,  at  the  same  time,  beneficial  and  inoffensive ; 
 — it  follows,  that  the  views  of  the  Society,  so  far 
 as  their  object  is  concerned,  are  not  of  a  descrip- 
 tion to  justify  the  charge  of  interference;  nor, 
 consequently,  to  occasion  in  the  Governors  of 
 India,  either  at  home  or  abroad,  any  reasonable 
 ground  of  alarm." 
 
 The  Patronage— against  which  so  much  is  in- 
 sinuated, as  containing  the  names  of  "  Mr. 
 Thornton,  the  Director;  Mr.  Grant,  the  Deputy 
 Chairman ;  and  Lord  Teignmouth,  (late  Governor 
 General  of  India,  and  now  a  Member  of  the 
 Board  of  Controul,)"— is  shewn  to  be  in  no  peculiar 
 
1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  337 
 
 sense  East  Indian;  and  to  contain  within  it,  so 
 fer  as  it  is  such,  nothing  that  could  authorize 
 the  remotest  suspicion  of  a  design  "  to  disturb" 
 (by  violent  interference)  *'  the  rehgious  systems  of 
 India." 
 
 The  Proceedings  of  the  Society  were  contended 
 to  have  displayed,  by  the  adversary's  own  showing, 
 an  undeflecting  adherence  to  the  fundamental 
 principle  of  its  constitution,  and  the  professed 
 object  of  all  its  operations— the  circulation  of  the 
 Holy  Scriptures. 
 
 On  these  general  grounds  of  defence,  the  Chair- 
 man is  appealed  to  in  the  following  terms  : 
 
 "  Let  me  now,  Sir,  be  allowed  to  make  my 
 appeal  to  you,  whether  there .  be  any  thing  in  the 
 Object,  the  Patronage,  or  the  Proceedings,  of  the 
 Society  against  which  judgment  is  demanded, 
 that  can  be  construed  into  matter  of  offence  to 
 the  native  inhabitants  of  India.  Could  any  object 
 have  been  selected  with  more  judgment?  Any 
 Patronage  have  been  employed  with  more  mild- 
 ness? Any  Proceedings  have  been  conducted 
 with  more  correctness  ?  Has  Mr.  Twining  showed, 
 is  he  prepared  to  show,  that  the  Society  has 
 aimed  at  any  object  but  that  which  it  professes ; 
 that  the  Patronage  which  it  enjoys  has  been  used 
 for  any  purposes  of  intimidation  or  officious  in- 
 terference ;  that,  in  any  one  instance,  it  has  been 
 guilty  of  even  an  accidental  aberration  from  the 
 
 VOL.  I.  z 
 
V. 
 
 1807-8. 
 
 338  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 t»ART  I.  line  of  its  profession  ?  What  then  has  Mr.  Twining 
 CHAP,  proved  ?  I  repeat,  Sir,  with  confidence,  what 
 I  have  before  declared,  —  He  has  proved  No- 
 thing." 
 
 As  the  conclusion  glances  at  topics,  which, 
 though  they  did  not  come  necessarily  within  the 
 line  of  defence,  were  too  important  to  be  wholly 
 overlooked,  the  author  trusts  he  shall  be  excused 
 for  giving  it  insertion. 
 
 "  And  now,  Sir,  having  done  what  I  conceived 
 to  be  my  duty,  I  have  only  to  apologize  to  you 
 for  the  length  of  this  address.  I  might  have 
 saved  much  both  of  your  time  and  my  own,  if  I 
 could  have  prevailed  upon  myself  to  throw  the 
 burden  of  proof,  where  in  truth  it  ought  to  rest,  on 
 the  shoulders  of  the  accuser.  I  might  have 
 reasonably  demurred  to  his  gratuitous  charges, 
 and  claimed  an  acquittal  for  the  Society,  from  the 
 defect  of  evidence  to  convict  it;  but  I  wished 
 to  see  it  put  fairly  upon  its  trial :  convinced  that 
 it  would  appear,  upon  a  strict  investigation,  not 
 merely  innocent,  but  laudable;  not  only  unde- 
 serving of  blame,  but  entitled  to  commendation 
 and  support. 
 
 "  But  while  I  have  entered  into  detail  where 
 detail  appeared  necessary,  I  have  scrupulously 
 avoided  it  wherever  it  could  be  spared.  With 
 this  view.  Sir,  I  have  not  justified  the  Society 
 for  adopting  it  as  their  opinion,  that  Christ  will 
 
1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  339 
 
 '*  bring-  from  all  nations  and  religions,  languages  part  i. 
 and  kingdoms  *  of  this  world,  some,  as  trophies 
 of  his  triumph  on  the  cross :"  because  I  supposed, 
 that  they  who  know  the  Scriptures,  never  doubted 
 this  position ;  and  they  who  do  not,  would  never 
 be  persuaded  to  believe  it.  In  like  manner,  I 
 have  not  apologized  for  the  Society's  calling 
 Mahomedanism  "  a  bloody  and  degrading  super- 
 stition," because  I  did  not  conceive  it  deserved 
 a  better  character ;  nor  for  its  anticipating  "  the 
 downfall"  of  that  system  of  imposture,  because 
 I  considered  such  an  event  to  be  a  consumma- 
 tion which  Christians  of  every  description  both 
 expected  and  desired.  For  similar  reasons, 
 Sir,  I  have  declined  affirmatively  proving,  what- 
 ever did  not  seem  absolutely  to  require  it.  I 
 have  not  proved  that  it  is  the  duty  of  the  British 
 Government,  and  therefore  of  the  East  India 
 Company,  to  encourage  Christianity  among  their 
 Eastern  subjects ;  because  I  thought  a  community 
 of  religion  (so  far  as  it  could  be  effected)  between 
 the  governors  and  governed,  was  recognized  as  a 
 principle  both  of  justice  and  of  policy  by  all  the 
 states  of  Christendom:  and  because  I  found  in 
 Mr.  Twining's    letter   nothing   which   tended   to 
 
 *  This   passage  (extracted  from  the    Letter   of  a   Romaa 
 Catholic  Priest  in  Swahia,  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Society)  is 
 italicised  by  Mr.  Twining,  which  is  his  typograpiiical  way  of 
 displaying  the  grounds  of  his  "  suspicion  aud  anxiety." 
 z  2 
 
340  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 prove  the  contrary.*  I  have  not  shovrn  that  the 
 diffusion  of  Christianity  among  our  Eastern  fellow- 
 subjects  is  desirable,  because  I  thought  such  a 
 position  was  distinctly  comprehended  in  Mr.  Twi- 
 ning's  own  admission  f;  nor  have  I  argued  that 
 it  is  practicable,  because,  if  tlie  opposite  opinions 
 of  Dr.  Buchanan  and  Mr.  Twining  be  considered 
 Hs  destroying  one  another,  there  still  remains  the 
 recent,  decided,  and  official  testimony  of  Dr. 
 Ker  J   in  favor  of  such   a  conclusion. 
 
 "  I  have  not  pointed  out  the  comparative  in- 
 difference, upon  Mr.  Twining's  principles,  between 
 one  religion  and  another,  to  the  welfare  of  a  people ; 
 nor  the  impossibility,  on  those  principles,  of  India 
 being  christianized  by  any  human  means,  so  long 
 
 *  The  Portuguese,  the  Spaniards,  and  the  French,  have 
 propagated  the  Romish  faith  in  all  their  foreign  settlements  ; 
 ■and  the  Danes  have  not  been  indifferent  to  the  promotion  of 
 the  Protestant  faith  in  theirs.  How  have  the  English  acted  in 
 this  respect.? 
 
 t  "  Whose  niinds  and  doctrines  are  known  to  be  obscured 
 by  the  darkness  of  infidelity."     Letter,  p.  4. 
 
 X  Dr.  Ker,  one  of  the  Company's  Chaplains  at  Madras,  in 
 a  Report  made  to  the  Governor  and  Council,  by  their  Order, 
 speaks  to  this  point  as  follows : 
 
 "  Pure  Christianity  is  far  from  being  a  religion  for  which 
 the  highest  cast  of  Hindoos  have  any  disrespect,"  and  again, 
 '•  I  do  not  mention  this  as  an  experiment,  the  result  of  which 
 might  be  considered  as  problematical ;  the  experiment  has  been 
 already  made,  and  the  consequences  have  proved  commensu- 
 rate with  the  highest  expectation  which  reasonable  men  could 
 entertain." 
 
1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  341 
 
 as  it  shall  remain  under  the  dominion  of  the  parti. 
 Company;  nor  the  alternative  to  which  Provi-  chap. 
 dence  is  by  consequence  reduced,  of  either  giving 
 up  that  country  to  everlasting  superstition,  or  of 
 working  some  miracle*  in  order  to  accomplish 
 its  conversion ;— because  I  considered  such  in- 
 ferences as  too  obvious  to  be  overlooked,  and 
 too  shocking  to  be  endured.  Finally,  Sir,  I  have 
 ventured  to  take  for  granted,  considering  who 
 would  be  my  judges,  and  in  what  an  awful  crisis 
 I  write,  that  the  Bible  is  the  only  book  which 
 contains  the  revealed  will  of  God ;  that  the  sooner 
 it  supersedes  the  Shaster  and  the  Koran,  the 
 sooner  will  the  happiness  of  India  be  consum- 
 mated ;  and  that  the  more  we  contribute,  as  a 
 nation  and  as  individuals,  to  promote  this  end 
 by  lawful  means, — the  greater  blessings  we  shall 
 draw  down  upon  our  commerce  and  our  arms, 
 upon  ourselves  and  our  posterity." 
 
 To  this  defence  were  appended  the  following 
 letters,  addressed  by  His  Majesty,  George  the 
 First,  to  the  Danish  Missionaries  at  Tranquebar : 
 documents  which  reflect  the  greatest  honor  on 
 the  character  of  their  royal  author,  and  must 
 endear  his  memory  to  every  friend  to  the  pro- 
 pagation of  Christianity  in  the  East. 
 
 *  "  I  shall  liope,  Sir,  that  our  native  subjects  in  every  part 
 of  the  East  will  be  permitted  (juietly  to  follow  their  own  reli- 
 gious prejudices  and  absurdities,  until  it  shall  please  the  Om- 
 nipotent Power  of  Heaven  to  lead  them  into  the  paths  of 
 Light  and  Truth."  Letter,  p.  31. 
 z   3 
 
342  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAP.  LETTER  I.     Dated  1717. 
 
 V, 
 
 1807-8.  u  GEORGE,  by  the  Grace  of  God,  King,  &e. 
 
 "  Reverend  and  Beloved, 
 
 "  Your  letters,  dated  the  20th  of  January  of  the 
 present  year,  were  most  welcome  to  us ;  not  only 
 because  the  work  undertaken  by  you,  of  con- 
 verting the  heathen  to  the  Christian  faith,  doth, 
 by  the  grace  of  God,  prosper,  but  also  because 
 that  in  this,  our  kingdom,  such  a  laudable  zeal  for 
 the  promotion  of  the  Gospel  prevails. 
 
 "  We  pray  you  may  be  endued  with  health 
 and  strength  of  body,  that  you  may  long  continue 
 to  fulfil  your  ministry  with  good  success ;  of 
 which,  as  we  shall  be  rejoiced  to  hear,  so  you 
 will  always  find  us  ready  to  succour  you,  in  what- 
 ever may  tend  to  promote  your  work,  and  to 
 excite  your  zeal.  We  assure  you  of  the  con- 
 tinuance of  our  royal  favour. 
 
 -  GEORGE,   R. 
 
 "  Hattorf." 
 
 LETTER  IL     Dated  1727. 
 
 "  Reverend  and  Beloved, 
 "  From   your  letters,   dated  Tranquebar,   the 
 12th  of  September,  1725,  which  some  time  since 
 
1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  343 
 
 came  to  hand,  we  received  much  pleasm'e ;  since 
 by  them  we  are  informed,  not  only  of  your  zealous 
 exertions  in  the  prosecution  of  the  work  com- 
 mitted to  you,  but  also  of  the  happy  success 
 which  hath  hitherto  attended  it,  and  which  hath 
 been  graciously  given  of  God. 
 
 *'  We  return  you  thanks  for  these  accounts, 
 and  it  will  be  acceptable  to  us,  if  you  continue 
 to  communicate  whatever  shall  occur  in  the  pro- 
 gress of  your  mission. 
 
 "  In  the  mean  time,  we  pray  you  may  enjoy 
 strength  of  body  and  mind  for  the  long  continu- 
 ance of  your  labours  in  this  good  work,  to  the 
 glory  of  God,  and  the  promotion  of  Christianity 
 among  the  heathen,  that  its  perpetuity  may  7iot 
 fail  ill  generations  to  come. 
 
 -  GEORGE,  R." 
 
 Among  the  writers  who  appeared  on  the  side 
 of  Mr.  Twining,  the  most  distinguished  for  zeal, 
 activity,  and  influence,  was  Major  Scott  Waring, 
 Of  this  Gentleman,  whose  friendship  the  author 
 has  experienced,  subsequently  to  the  controversy 
 in  which  they  were  mutually  engaged,  he  desires 
 to  speak  with  becoming  respect.  The  cause  of 
 truth  requires  some  sacrifice  of  personal  feeling : 
 but  the  author  hopes,  in  this,  and  every  similar 
 case,  to  do  justice  to  the  claims  of  the  one, 
 without  forgetting  what  is  due  to  those  of  the 
 other. 
 
 z  4 
 
1807-8. 
 
 344  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI.  The  publication  in  which  Major  Scott  Waring: 
 CHAP.  (][e]ivered  his  sentiments,  was  a  pamphlet  of  con- 
 siderable bulk,  entitled,  "  Observations  on  the 
 Present  State  of  the  East  India  Company,  &c. ;"' 
 and  the  remarks  directed  against  the  Biitish  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  and  the  propagation  of 
 Christianity  in  India,  were  contained  in  a  preface  of 
 nearly  seventy  pages.  The  pamphlet  w  as  anony- 
 mous ;  but  Major  Scott  Waring  having  in  the 
 course  of  the  controversy  acknowledged  himself 
 to  be  the  author  of  it,  there  can  be  neither  error 
 nor  impropriety  in  speaking  of  it  as  his  pro- 
 duction. 
 
 It  would  be  trifling  with  the  reader  to  lay 
 before  him  the  charges  and  forebodings  accu- 
 mulated in  this  publication  :  they  were  of  the 
 same  family  with  those  which  have  been  already 
 referred  to  in  considering  the  letter  of  Mr.  Tu- 
 ning. With  him,  this  writer,  viewing  the  British 
 and  Foreisn  Bible  Society  through  the  medium 
 of  confused  information  and  political  alarm,  saw 
 in  its  tendency  nothing  but  danger  to  the  British 
 empire  in  India;  and  prognosticated,  as  the  direct 
 and  inevitable  result  of  its  operations  in  that 
 quarter,  the  almost  immediate  and  utter  downfall 
 of  our  sovereignty  in  the  East. 
 
 Thus  far  the  two  writers  were  agi-eed  :  but 
 while  the  former  contented  himself  ^vith  recom- 
 mending an  authoritative  interference  in  general 
 terms,  the  latter  went  considerably  farther,  and 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  345 
 
 prescribed  both  the  m ay  and  the  extent  in  which     part  i. 
 that    interference     shouhl    be     exercised.     The      chap. 
 
 V. 
 
 author  of  the  "  Observations"  "  humbly  submitted  ^—.^i^ 
 a  plan"  for  arresting  the  evil,  "  to  the  considera- 
 lion  of  His  Majesty's  Ministers,  the  East  India 
 Company,  and  the  Legislature  :"  and  the  sub- 
 stance of  that  plan  was  contained  in  the  following 
 explicit  and  sweeping  proposition. 
 
 •'  The  most,  and  indeed  the  only  efficacious 
 measures,  are  the  immediate  recal  of  every 
 English  Missionary,  and  a  prohibition  to  all  per- 
 sons dependent  on  the  Company,  from  giving 
 assistance  to  the  translation  or  circulation  of 
 our  Holy  Scriptures." 
 
 The  crisis  in  which  this  publication  made  its 
 appearance,  and  the  countenance  which  it  gave 
 to  the  letter  of  Mr.  Twining,*  added  not  a 
 little  to  the  apprehensions  entertained  by  the 
 friends  to  Christianity  and  to  the  circulation  of 
 the  Scriptures  in  the  East ;  and  stimulated  them 
 to  provide  more  vigorous  and  effective  measures 
 of  counteraction  and  defence. 
 
 The  subject  of  Missions  was  ably  taken  up 
 by  the  late  Rev.  Andrew  Fuller,  who  canvassed 
 particularly  the  charges  brought  by  Major  Scott 
 Waring  against  the  Baptist  Missionaries  in  India ; 
 and  justified  both  the  principle  of  Missions,  and 
 
 *  I  have  just  read  the  second  edition  of  Mr.  Twining's 
 most  excellent  Letter." 
 
 P.  S.  to  Preface  to  Observations,  Sfc. 
 
346  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  the  conduct  of  the  parties  impugned,  in  a  very 
 CHAP,  complete  and  satisfactory  vindication.  To  so  much 
 v,»v^  of  Major  Scott  Waring  s  Observations  as  appUed 
 1807-8.  ^fy  ^]^g  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  a  brief 
 reply  was  furnished  in  a  postscript  to  the  third 
 edition  of  "  The  Address  to  the  Chairman,"  and 
 issued  in  sufficient  time  to  get  into  circulation 
 before  the  day  appointed  by  Mr.  Twining  for 
 bringing  his  motion  under  the  consideration  of 
 the  Court.  The  postscript  (which  from  the  pres- 
 sure of  the  occasion  was  written  and  printed 
 within  a  few  hours)  animadverted  cursorily  on 
 the  groundless  charges  with  which  the  Society 
 had  been  assailed ;  pointed  out  the  injustice, 
 severity,  and  impoUcy  of  the  proposed  inter- 
 diction of  it ;  and  concluded  with  the  following 
 appeal : 
 
 "  Will  there  then,  Sir,  be  found  a  man  bold 
 enough  to  propose  to  your  assembly  a  measure 
 so  repugnant  to  justice  and  to  policy  ;  a  measure 
 exemplifying  with  such  fatal  severity  that  co- 
 ercion against  which  the  parties  who  recommend 
 it,  so  loudly  and  insidiously  exclaim  ;  a  measure 
 which  may  brand  our  Government  with  impiety, 
 and  seal  up  our  Indian  subjects  under  everlasting 
 superstition  and  imposture  : — if  there  should, 
 will  there  be  found  a  majority  in  your  assembly 
 to  sanction  such  a  measure?  I  trust  there  will 
 be  found  neither  the  one  nor  the  other.  The 
 eyes   of  Christians  will  be  fixed  upon  your  en^ 
 
1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  347 
 
 suing  deliberations,  and  much  will  be  inferred  to 
 our  prejudice  or  advantage  in  this  eventful  crisis, 
 from  the  conclusions  at  which  you  arrive.  We 
 are  engaged  in  a  doubtful  conflict,  and  our  human 
 resources  are  few  and  low.  I  hope  we  shall  not 
 make  our  little  less,  by  disunion  in  matters  of 
 eternal  moment;  nor  aggravate  the  dangers  of 
 our  warfare,  by  making  God  our  enemy." 
 
 On  the  23d  of  December,  the  Court  of  Pro- 
 prietors met  at  the  India  House ;  but  the  subject 
 having  excited  extraordinary  attention  among  re- 
 ligious persons  of  different  persuasions,  Mr.  Twi- 
 ning found  so  little  encouragement  to  expect  a 
 favorable  issue  to  his  motion,  that  he  declined 
 proposing  it;  and  the  Court  accordingly  ad- 
 journed.* 
 
 *  The  following  is  the  account  given  of  the  Meeting,  and 
 its  event,  as  it  appeared  in  the  Christian  Observer  for  Decem- 
 ber, 1807. 
 
 *•  At  the  Court  of  Proprietors  of  the  East  India  Company, 
 held  on  the  23d  instant,  Mr.  Thomas  Twining,  the  author 
 of  a  pamphlet  reviewed  in  our  present  number,  rose  to  say, 
 that,  being  aware  of  the  disadvantages  which  would  attend 
 the  public  agitation  of  the  question  discussed  in  that  pamphlet, 
 relative  to  the  attempts  now  making  to  propagate  Christianity 
 in  Hindoostan,  he  should  be  willing  to  withdraw  the  notice 
 he  had  "iven  of  a  motion  upon  it,  provided  he  received  satis- 
 factory assurances  from  the  Chairman,  that  the  attention  of 
 the  Directors  had  been  turned  to  the  subject,  and  that  it 
 was  their  purpose  to  prevent  the  evils  which  woukl  neces- 
 sarily be  produced  by  an  interference  with  the  religious  preju- 
 dices of  the  natives.  The  Chairman  stated,  that  the  subject 
 had  certainly  occupied  the  attention  of  the  Board  of  Directors. 
 
1807-8. 
 
 348  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 Thus  terminated  this  formidable  attempt  to 
 exclude  the  Society  from  the  whole  of  British 
 India,  and  to  extinguish,  in  its  very  dawn,  that 
 light  which  has  since  diffused  its  rays  over  so 
 large  a  portion  of  the  East ;  and  which  appears 
 designed  by  its  Heavenly  Author  to  shine  more 
 and  more  unto  the  perfect  day. 
 
 It  is  due  to  Major  Scott  Waring  to  say,  that, 
 upon  becoming  better  acquainted  with  the  plan 
 and  proceedings  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  his  sentiments  respecting  its  operations 
 in  India  experienced  a  considerable  change ; 
 and  there  is  reason  for  presuming,  that  a  similar 
 effect  from  the  same  cause  may  have  been  pro- 
 duced in  the  minds  of  other  gentlemen  who  had 
 been  led,  by  a  misapprehension  of  its  nature  and 
 its  tendency,  to  give  it  their  determined  oppo- 
 sition. In  fact,  the  obligation  to  propagate  Chris- 
 tianity is  so  palpable,  and  the  circulation  of  the 
 Scriptures  is  so  obviously  adapted  to  accomplish 
 
 They  were  anxious  to  discharge  their  duty  in  this  and  every 
 other  respect,  and  the  worthy  member  had  no  right  to  assume 
 that  they  had  neglected  it  in  this  particular  instance.  He 
 trusted  the  Court  would  not  withhold  from  the  Directors 
 on  this  occasion  the  confidence  which  they  had  been  accus- 
 tomed to  repose  in  them.  Mr,  Prinsep  was  proceeding  to 
 express  his  dissatisfaction  with  this  reply,  when  the  Chairman 
 stopped  him,  by  observing,  that  there  was  no  question  before 
 the  Court:  the  question  of  adjournment  was  then  put  and 
 carried." 
 
1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  349 
 
 that  end,  that  nothing  more  seems  required  than 
 time  and  reflection  to  render  such  a  conviction 
 universal. 
 
 Even  those  to  Avhom  other  modes  of  propa- 
 gating Christianity  among  the  natives  of  India 
 appear  Hable  to  objection,  liave,  in  many  in- 
 stances, expressed  their  concurrence  in  the  dis- 
 semination of  the  Holy  Scriptures  to  the  widest 
 extent.  An  example  has  just  been  produced  in 
 the  case  of  Major  Scott  Waring.  To  this  may  be 
 added  another,  in  that  of  Warren  Hastings,  Esq. 
 formerly  Governor-General  of  Bengal;  who,  though 
 differing  from  many  whom  he  respects,  and  by 
 whom  he  is  equally  respected,  on  the  general 
 question  of  Missions,  is  a  pecuniary  contributor, 
 and  a  warm  friend,  to  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society.  With  respect  to  the  fitness  and 
 efficiency  of  the  Scriptures  as  an  instrument  for 
 enlightening  India  and  the  East,  there  seems  room 
 but  for  one  opinion.  "  If"  (to  use  the  language 
 of  the  late  Rev.  D.  Brown)  "  you  would  give 
 the  Gentiles  light,  give  them  the  word  of  God 
 in  their  own  language.  When  the  word  is  once 
 given,  great  Avill  be  the  multitude  of  the  preachers. 
 Let  them  read,  and  they  will  begin  to  preach." 
 
 But  it  will  now  be  proper  to  introduce  two 
 personages,  who,  at  different  stages  of  this  con- 
 troversy, took  a  decided  part  in  repelling  the 
 attack  both  upon  the  circulation  of  the  Scriptures, 
 and   the  general  propagation  of  Christianity,   in 
 
350  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI.     India.     These  were  the  Bishop  of  London  and 
 CHAP.      Lord  Teignmouth.    Their  pamphlets  were  anony- 
 
 y 
 
 v^..^     mous;    but    worthy,   in    every    respect,    of    the 
 1807-8.     talents  which  produced  them,  and  of  the  cause 
 in  support  of  which  they  were  written. 
 
 Bishop  Porteus's  production,  with  the  pub- 
 lication of  which  the  author  of  this  History  was 
 confidentially  entrusted,  appeared  under  the  title 
 of  *'  A  few  Cursory  Remarks  on  Mr.  Twining's 
 Letter  to  the  Chairman  of  the  East  India  Com- 
 pany, by  a  Member  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society;"  and  exhibited  a  happy  specimen 
 of  lively,  pertinent,  and  well-applied  irony.  The 
 following  passages  will  enable  the  reader  to 
 form  some  judgment  of  this  spirited  performance  ; 
 the  writer  of  which,  it  should  be  remembered, 
 was  at  that  time  in  his  seventy-seventh  year. 
 
 "  Mr.  Twining  has  struck  out  a  very  ingenious 
 way  of  becoming  an  author.  It  is  by  trans- 
 cribing from  the  publication  of  those  whom  he 
 attacks,  one  half  of  what  they  have  written,  and 
 tacking  to  it  two  or  three  pages  of  his  own  truly 
 original  remarks.  This,  it  must  be  owned,  is 
 a  very  easy  and  compendious  method  of  making 
 a  book.  I  congratulate  him  on  the  discovery, 
 and  for  one  rejoice  that  he  has  adopted  it.  The 
 large  and  copious  extracts  he  has  made  from 
 the  Reports  of  the  Committee  of  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  and  Dr.  Buchanan's  in- 
 valuable Memoir  on  an  Ecclesiastical  Establish- 
 
1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY,  351 
 
 inent  in  India,  are  highly  gratifying  to  me.  As 
 a  Member  of  that  most  respectable  and  truly 
 Christian  Society,  I  return  Mr.  Twining  my  most 
 cordial  thanks,  for  thus  producing  the  records 
 of  their  proceedings  to  the  world.  His  intention, 
 evidently,  was  to  excite  the  indignation  of  the 
 public  against  that  Society,  for  daring  to  commit 
 the  unpardonable  crime  (for  that  is  their  sole 
 offence)  of  sending  2000/.  to  India,  to  assist  the 
 great  work  going  on  there,  of  translating  the 
 Scriptures  into  the  various  languages  of  that 
 vast  country.  But  I  am  inclined  to  think  that 
 he  will  be  disappointed  in  his  aim,  and  that  the 
 indignation  he  meant  to  excite,  will  recoil  upon 
 himself.  The  truth  is,  that  the  extracts  he  has 
 made  from  the  Society's  Reports,  do  them  infinite 
 honor.  They  show  that  they  have  but  one  great 
 object  in  view,  the  circulation  of  the  Scriptures 
 in  foreign  languages  and  foreign  countries;  that 
 they  have  adhered  invariably  to  this  main  pur- 
 pose of  their  Institution  ;  and  that  they  have  pur- 
 sued it  with  a  degree  of  activity,  vigour,  inde- 
 fatigable perseverance,  and  proportionable  suc- 
 cess, of  which  there  are  few,  if  any  instances 
 to  be  found. 
 
 "  Mr.  Twining  speaks  with  so  much  feeling 
 and  so  much  tenderness  of  the  dearest  rights  and 
 privileges  of  the  Hindoos,  and  is  so  extremely 
 anxious  that  they  should  not  be  disturbed  in  the 
 enjoyment    of   them,    but    should    be   permitted 
 
352 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAP. 
 V. 
 
 1807-8. 
 
 quietly  to  follow  their  oivu  religious  prejudices^ 
 that  the  reader  may  possibly  be  a  little  curious 
 to  know,  what  these  said  rights  and  privileges, 
 and  religious  opinions  and  prejudices,  are,  for 
 which  Mr.  Twining  entertains  so  strong  a  predi- 
 lection, and  so  earnest  a  desire  to  preserve  them 
 inviolate,  for  the  comfort  and  happiness  of  the 
 poor  natives  of  India. 
 
 "  I  will  therefore  recite  a  few  of  them  as 
 stated  in  Dr.  Buchanan's  Memoir;  but  my 
 nerves  will  not  suffer  me  to  cut  open  the  leaves^ 
 to  transcribe  the  whole. 
 
 "  It  is  then,  (as  Dr.  Buchanan,  who  has  re- 
 sided many  years  at  Calcutta,  and  travelled  over 
 a  large  part  of  India,  informs  us,)  07ie  of  the 
 religious  opinions  and  religious  prejudices  of  the 
 Hindoos,  that  it  is  their  duty  to  shew  their  reve- 
 rence for  their  gods  by  immolating  human  vic- 
 tims on  the  banks  of  the  Ganges;  by  drowning 
 them  in  that  river,  or  exposing  them  to  be  de- 
 voured by  sharks ;  by  hanging  up  female  hifants 
 in  baskets  in  the  open  air,  and  leaving  them  to 
 starve  ;  by  devoting  themselves  to  death,  by  falling 
 designedly  under  the  wheels  of  the  machines 
 which  carry  their  gods ;  and  by  encouraging 
 widows  to  burn  themselves  on  the  funeral  pile 
 
 *  Mr.  Twining,  speaking  of  Dr.  Buchanan's  Memoir,  says : 
 "  Here,  Sir,  ray  extracts  from  his  work  must  terminate, 
 for  I  really  cannot  cut  open  the  leaves  which  contain  the 
 sequel  of  such  sanguinary  doctrine." 
 
V, 
 
 1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  353 
 
 of  their  deceased  husbands.  This  last  most  part  l 
 horrible  custom  is  still  so  prevalent  even  in  the  chap. 
 most  populous  and  civiHzed  part  of  India,  that, 
 in  the  year  1803,  the  number  of  women  thus 
 sacrificed,  tvithin  30  miles  round  Calcutta, 
 amounted  to  275.  The  average  number  is  about 
 20  per  month  ;  and  the  late  learned  Mr.  William 
 Chambers  calculated,  that  the  number  of  women 
 who  perish  by  a  self-devotement  in  the  northern 
 provinces  of  Hindoostan,  is  not  less  than  10,000 
 unnuallif. 
 
 "  These  are  a  few  of  the  religious  opinions ^ 
 prejudices,  and  absurdities,  (as  Mr.  Twining 
 calls  them,)  which  he  cherishes  with  so  much 
 tenderness,  and  for  the  sake  of  which  he  wishes 
 to  interdict  the  introduction  of  Christianity  or 
 the  Scriptures  into  India.  He  knows  that  such 
 introduction  would  be  a  death-blow  to  these 
 rights  and  privileges  of  the  Hindoos,  and  there- 
 fore is  exerting  all  his  power  to  avert  the  horrors 
 of  that  dreadful  day  when  any  such  attempt 
 shall  be  made. 
 
 *'  Mr.  Twining  seems  to  be  possessed  of  a 
 very  amiable  disposition,  great  sensibility  of 
 mind,  and  great  tenderness  of  nerves  ;  but  these 
 excellent  qualities  of  his  display  themselves 
 rather  in  a  peculiar  way.  Of  the  chances  of 
 war,  of  any  partial  disaffection  to  our  Government 
 of  a  civil  or  political  nature,  he  says  he  has  no 
 
 VOL.  I.  2  A 
 
V 
 
 1807-8 
 
 554  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 T>ART  I.  very  serious  dread.  The  usual  objects  of  alarm 
 CHAP,  -j^  these  tremendous  times,  the  overwhelming 
 power  of  France,  the  probable  loss  of  our  com- 
 merce, our  total  separation  from  the  Continent, 
 and  the  menaces  of  invasion ;— all  these  seem  to 
 inspire  him  with  no  terror  or  apprehension.  But 
 when  any  mention  is  made  of  that  shocking  and 
 unpardonable  crime  of  introducing  Christianity^ 
 or  even  circulating  the  Scriptures,  over  India,  all 
 his  feelings  are  up  in  arms  against  so  wicked 
 a  measure ;  his  mind,  he  tells  us,  is  oppressed 
 with  dread  and  astonishme?it ;  and  he  deprecates, 
 in  tlie  most  moving  terms,  the  horrors  of  that 
 dreadful  day.  Dreadful,  however,  as  that  day 
 appears  to  Mr.  Twining,  it  will,  I  trust,  be 
 viewed  by  a  very  large  majority  of  India  Pro- 
 prietors in  a  very  different  light ;  as  a  day  of 
 joy  and  gladness  and  exultation ;  a  day  that 
 will  confer  on  the  natives  of  India  the  greatest 
 blessing  that  Heaven  in  its  bounty  ever  conferred 
 upon  mankind. 
 
 "  In  a  word,  the  question  now  to  be  dis- 
 cussed at  the  India  House  is  one  of  the  most 
 important  that  ever  came  under  consideration, 
 either  there,  or  even  in  the  Legislature  of  this 
 kingdom.  It  is  nothing  less  than  this ;  Whether 
 fifty  millions  of  people  shall  have  the  words  of 
 Eternal  Life  laid  open  to  them,  all  the  blessings 
 and    all     the    virtues    of    Christianity    diffused 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  355 
 
 among  them,  and  all  the  glories  of  Heaven 
 brought  within  their  reach, —  or  whether  they 
 shall  be  for  ever  doomed  to  drown  themselves 
 in  the  Gano>  s,  to  throw  themselves  to  the  sharks,  i^^'^"^* 
 or  under  the  carriages  of  their  gods,  to  hang 
 their  children  up  in  baskets  to  be  starved,  and 
 suffer  10,000  widows  to  be  burnt  to  death  every 
 year.  Whoever  votes  for  Mr.  Twining  s  question, 
 votes  for  the  continuance  of  those  diabolical 
 practices  to  the  end  of  time,  by  interdicting 
 the  only  possible  remedy  there  is  for  them;  and 
 after  giving  such  a  vote,  let  him  lay  his  head 
 quietly  down  on  his  pillow  at  night  if  he  can." 
 
 The  publication  of  Lord  Teignmouth,  was  en- 
 titled, "  Considerations  on  the  Practicability, 
 Policy,  and  Obligation  of  communicating  to  the 
 Natives  of  India  the  Knowledge  of  Christianity : 
 with  Observations  on  the  Prefatory  Remarks  to  a 
 Pamphlet  published  by  Major  Scott  Waring. 
 By  a  late  Resident  in  Bengal."  Of  this  production 
 it  would  be  difficult  to  speak  in  terms  propor- 
 tioned to  its  merits,  without  incurring  the  sus- 
 picion of  a  design  to  write  its  panegyric.  The 
 unanswerable  manner  in  which,  both  from  argu- 
 ment and  fact,  it  refuted  the  objections  by  which 
 the  measures  of  the  Bible  Society  and  the  pro- 
 pagation of  Christianity  in  India  had  been 
 assailed,  constituted  its  lowest  praise.  It  was, 
 in  fact,  a  temperate  and  enlightened  apology  for 
 
 2  A  2 
 
35(j  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 Christian  principles,  as  affording  the  only  se- 
 curity for  sound  legislation  and  permanent 
 obedience ;  and  it  united  most  happily  the 
 1807-8*  ^visdom  of  the  Statesman  with  the  piety  of  the 
 Christian.  Had  this  pamphlet  appeared  in  an 
 earlier  stage  of  the  controversy,  it  would  un- 
 doubtedly have  superseded  every  other.  But 
 it  did  not  come  before  the  public,  till  the  question 
 had  been  agitated  almost  to  satiety,  and  the 
 professed  objects  of  the  opponents  had  been 
 avowedly  renounced. 
 
 The  subject,  however,  as  taken  up  by  Lord 
 Teignmouth,  was  more  than  temporary  ;  and  the 
 "  Considerations,"  suggested  by  his  Lordship,  were 
 adapted  to  throw  light  upon  the  question,  when- 
 ever it  should  again  be  brought  into  discussion. 
 The  recent  agitation  of  it,  both  in  the  Parliament 
 and  the  country,  redeemed  this  pamphlet  from  the 
 comparative  oblivion  into  which  it  had  fallen ;  and 
 it  seems  impossible  that  it  should  ever  be  read  in 
 a  spirit  of  candor,  without  imparting  fresh  con- 
 viction upon  a  subject  of  the  deepest  interest 
 to  the  civil  and  religious  welfare  of  mankind. 
 
 The  following  extract,  which  forms  the  con- 
 clusion of  the  pamphlet,  will  amply  justify  what 
 has  been  said  in  its  commendation. 
 
 "  Happily,  however,  these  are  truths  not  to  be 
 \      found  only  in  the  writings  of  Prelates,  or  in  the 
 
1B07-U. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  357 
 
 speculations  of  the  closet :  we  may  appeal  to  part  i. 
 the  records  of  Parliament  for  the  sense  of  one  chap. 
 branch  of  the  Legislatm*e  on  this  head.  For  ^-^^»^ 
 when  the  East  India  Company's  charter  was 
 last  renewed,  it  was  formally  resolved,  in  a  Com- 
 mittee of  the  whole  honse,  "  That  it  is  the  pe- 
 culiar and  bounden  duty  of  the  Legislature  to 
 promote,  by  all  just  and  prudent  means,  the  in- 
 terests and  happiness  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
 British  dominions  in  India ;  and  that  for  these 
 ends,  such  measures  ought  to  be  adopted  as  may 
 gradually  tend  to  their  advancement  in  useM 
 knowledge,  and  to  their  religious  and  moral  im- 
 provement. 
 
 *'  The  above  resolution  plainly  declares,  that 
 it  is  our  duty  to  endeavour  to  promote  the  hap- 
 piness of  our  Eastern  fellow-subjects ;  while  it 
 clearly  implies,  that,  in  acquitting  ourselves  of 
 this  obligation,  it  ought  to  be  one  of  tlie  primary 
 objects  of  our  care,  to  impart  to  them  the  bless- 
 ings of  our  superior  attaiimients  in  religion  and 
 morality.  It  would  be  strange  indeed,  if  so 
 enlightened  an  assembly  as  the  House  of  Com- 
 mons, could  have  entertained  a  difterent  opinion. 
 In  what  new  school  of  morals  are  we  to  be 
 taught,  that  the  ordinary  principles  which  en- 
 force on  us  the  duty  of  lessening  to  the  utmost 
 of  our  power  the  misery,  and  of  promoting  the 
 happiness,  of  om-  fellow-creatures,  do  not  com- 
 2  A  3 
 
1807-8. 
 
 358  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  preheiid  that  branch  of  services  which  must  be 
 ^"^^*  acknowledged  by  every  considerate  mind  to  be 
 beyond  all  others  effectual  for  remedying  the 
 one  and  increasing  the  other?  Such  an  ex- 
 ception, if  it  exist  at  all,  ought  at  least  to  be 
 established  by  an  undisputed  authority.  But 
 we  are  not  called  upon  at  present  to  ai'gue  this 
 question. 
 
 *'  In  opposition  to  this  resolution  of  the  House 
 of  Commons,  a  most  extraordinary  proposition 
 has  been  advanced,  not  only  denying  that  it  is 
 the  duty  of  the  Government  of  the  parent  state 
 to  endeavour,  by  safe  and  prudent  and  gradual 
 means,  such  as  sound  discretion  would  suggest, 
 and  experience  warrant,  to  communicate  to  our 
 East  Indian  Empire  the  blessings  of  our  superior 
 light  and  knowledge  ;  but  even  maintaining  that 
 Government  ought  to  interpose  its  authority, 
 professedly  and  expressly  for  the  purpose  of 
 obstructing  and  putting  a  stop  to  all  such  at- 
 tempts, whether  made  by  the  missions  of  our 
 venerable  chartered  Societies  for  the  promotion 
 of  Christian  knowledge,  or  by  any  others :  and 
 more  particularly  for  preventing  the  circulation, 
 or  even  translation,  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  into 
 the  Oriental  languages. 
 
 "  Thus,  while  every  other  religion  in  India 
 is  left  undisturbed ;  while  the  doctrines  of  the 
 Koran  are   freely  circulated,    and   those   of  the 
 
1807-«. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  35& 
 
 Vedas  and  Shasters,  left  unmolested ;  the  Govern-  pars  l 
 ment  of  a  country,  professing-  the  Christian  re-  ct^^p. . 
 ligion,  is  called  upon  to  exert  its  power  for 
 barring  out  every  scattered  ray  of  that  re- 
 ligious and  moral  light,  which,  through  the  en- 
 deavours of  any  charitable  individuals  among 
 us,  might  otherwise  shine  upon  the  inhabitants 
 of  that  benighted  land.  It  goes,  in  effect,  to 
 annihilate  all  that  has  been  done  for  more  than 
 a  hundred  years,  by  the  exertions  of  Missionaries, 
 and  the  circulation  of  the  Scriptures;  and  to 
 cast  back  into  the  darkness  of  paganism  those 
 who  had  emerged  from  it:  for  such  must  una- 
 voidably be  the  consequences  of  banishing  Mis- 
 sionaries from  India,  and  prohibithig  tlie  cir- 
 culation of  the  Scriptures  among  the  natives. 
 
 "  Professing,  with  my  countrymen  in  general, 
 my  belief  in  the  divine  authority  of  the  Scrip- 
 tures, and  in  the  doctrine  of  a  superintending 
 Providence,  so  explicitly  inculcated,  and  so 
 fully  illustrated  by  innumerable  examples  in 
 the  word  of  God;  and  still  more  that  the  de- 
 cline and  fall  of  states  are  the  judicial  inflic- 
 tions of  a  divine  hand,  the  punishments  of 
 guilty  nations ;  I  see,  with  the  deepest  concern, 
 recommended,  for  the  first  time,  the  adoption 
 of  a  system  of  conduct,  by  which  we  should 
 take  idolatry,  with  all  its  guilt,  under  our  special 
 patronage,  and  endeavour  to  shut  out  all  know- 
 2  A  4 
 
360  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,     ledge  of,   I  had  almost  said,  all  access  to,  the 
 ^"/^-     Almighty. 
 
 ^— V*-'  "  I  am  far  from  meaning  to  impute  to  those 
 ^^'■^'  who  have  recommended  such  measures,  any 
 views  or  motives  which  they  do  not  profess,  or 
 which  they  have  disavowed ;  but  the  recom- 
 mendation itself  is  fairly  chargeable  with  all 
 the  consequences  which  I  have  assigned  to  it, 
 although  they  may  not  have  been  considered 
 by  the  authors  or  supporters  of  it. 
 
 *'  But  I  think  it  my  duty  to  make  a  solemn 
 appeal  to  all  who  still  retain  the  fear  of  God, 
 and  who  admit  that  religion,  and  the  course  of 
 conduct  which  it  prescribes,  are  not  to  be 
 banished  from  the  affairs  of  nations,  now  when 
 the  political  sky,  so  long  overcast,  has  become 
 more  lowering  and  black  than  ever ; — whether 
 this  is  a  period  for  augmenting  the  weight  of 
 our  national  sins  and  provocations,  by  an  exclu- 
 sive toleration  of  idolatry :  a  crime  which, 
 unless  the  Bible  be  a  forgery,  has  actually  drawn 
 forth  the  heaviest  denunciations  of  vengeance,  and 
 the  most  fearful  inflictions  of  the  divine  dis- 
 pleasure. 
 
 "  Anxious  as  I  am  that  the  natives  of  India 
 should  become  Christians,  from  a  regard  for 
 their  temporal  happiness,  and  eternal  welfare,  I 
 know  that  this  is  not  to  be  effected  by  violence, 
 nor  by  undue  influence :   and    although   I   con- 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  361 
 
 sider  this  coimtry  bound  by  the  strongest  obli-  parti. 
 gations  of  duty  and  interest,  (which  will  ever  be 
 found  inseparable,)  to  afford  them  the  means 
 of  moral  and  religious  instruction,  I  have  no 
 wish  to  limit  that  toleration  which  has  been 
 hitherto  observed  with  respect  to  their  religion, 
 laws,  and  customs.  On  the  contrary,  I  hold  a 
 perseverance  in  the  system  of  toleration,  not 
 only  as  just  in  itself,  but  as  essentially  necessary 
 to  facilitate  the  means  used  for  their  conversion ; 
 and  those  means  should  be  conciliatory,  under 
 the  guidance  of  prudence  and  discretion.  But 
 I  should  consider  a  prohibition  of  the  translation 
 and  circulation  of  our  Holy  Scriptures,  and  the 
 recal  of  the  Missionaries,  most  fatal  prognostics 
 with  respect  to  the  permanency  of  the  British 
 dominion  in  India." 
 
 It  deserves  attention,  that  while  the  friends 
 of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  in 
 England,  were  thus  exerting  themselves  to  protect 
 it  against  an  edict  of  expulsion  from  British 
 India,  its  friends  in  that  country,  hairassed 
 by  an  equally  vexatious  opposition,  were  recur- 
 ring to  similar  measures  of  remonstrance  and 
 defence.  The  discouragement  and  restraint  to 
 which  the  translation  and  distiibution  of  the 
 Scriptures  had  been  subjected,  after  the  re- 
 moval of  Marquis  Wellesley  from  the   Govern- 
 
3@2  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  ment  of  Bengal,  were  deservedly  condemned 
 CHAP.  i^Q^]^  by  jYii-  Brown  and  Dr.  Buchanan  ;  and, 
 w-v-^  upon  Lord  Minto's  arrival,  and  assumption  of 
 1807-8.  i^jjg  supreme  authority,  Dr.  Buchanan  addressed 
 a  memorial  to  his  Lordship,  founded  on  certain 
 public  acts  of  the  Bengal  Government,  antece- 
 dent to  the  period  of  his  Lordship's  administra- 
 tion, which  Dr.  Buchanan  "  considered  to  be 
 dishonorable  and  injurious  to  Christianity." 
 Among  these  acts  were  distinctly  specified. 
 
 First,  "  The  withdrawing  of  the  patronage  of 
 Government  from  the  translation  of  the  Holy 
 Scriptures  into  the  Oriental  tongues  :"  second, 
 "  attempting  to  suppress  the  translation  of  the 
 Scriptures  entirely." 
 
 This  Memorial  is  dated  at  Calcutta,  Novem- 
 ber 7,  1807  ;  and  it  evinces  the  temperate  firmness 
 of  a  man,  who,  knowing  that  the  Gospel  is  the 
 power  of  God  unto  salvation,  is  neither  ashamed 
 to  profess,  nor  afraid  to  defend  it. 
 
 Thus  does  it  appear,  that  in  Calcutta,  and  in 
 London,  were  attempts  simultaneously  made  to 
 arrest  the  stream  of  divine  truth,  just  as  it  was 
 issuing  from  its  hallowed  source  to  fertilize  the 
 moral  deserts  of  Hindoostan.  But  He  who  gave 
 the  spring,  had  graciously  decreed  that  the 
 channels  should  not  be  obstructed.  Li  pity  to 
 millions  in  existence,  and  to  generations  yet 
 unborn,  He  raised  up  advocates  in  either  hemis- 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  363 
 
 phere  to  bear  their  testimony  against  this  anti-     parti. 
 christian  policy,  and  to  prepare  tlie  way  for  those      c;hap. 
 triumphs  which  the  Bible  was  destined  to  obtain,      ^-^*-' 
 ill  the  fulness  of  time,  among  the  nations  of  the 
 East. 
 
 But  it  will  now  be  proper  to  resume  our  nar- 
 rative of  the  practical  business  of  the  Institution. 
 The  Society  itself,  in  its  collective  capacity,  took 
 no  share  whatever  in  the  controversy  which  en- 
 gaged so  much  of  the  public  attention.  In  that 
 spirit  of  dignified  moderation  which  has  ever 
 marked  its  character,  it  pursued  its  course  with 
 unruffled  calmness  through  all  the  vicissitudes  of 
 this  painful  trial ;  manifesting  neither  disquie- 
 tude during  the  conflict,  nor  exultation  in  the 
 event. 
 
 Among  the  objects  of  a  miscellaneous  nature 
 which  occupied  the  Committee  towards  the  close 
 of  the  fourth  year,  were,  grants  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
 tures in  different  languages,  to  a  variety  of  stations, 
 both  foreign  and  domestic.  In  this  manner, 
 Goree,  Sierra  Leone,  New  South  Wales,  Gibraltar, 
 Nova  Scotia,  New  Brunswick,  and  Canada,  were 
 supplied  with  copies  in  English,  Spanish,  and 
 Gaelic,  according  to  their  respective  necessities, 
 and  their  presumed  disposition  to  profit  by  the 
 bounty  of  the  Institution.  In  some  of  the  cases 
 here  specified,  the  gift  was  improved  in  a  manner 
 greatly  surpassing  the  warmest  expectation,  and 
 
364  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.     the  kindness  which  conferred  it,  has  since  been 
 CHAP,      repaid  by  liberal  and  successive  contributions. 
 N^oJ.^         Similar   grants  were  also  made  to  schools  of 
 1807-8.     gratuitous   education,   to   charitable  Institutions, 
 and   to   such    other   petitioners   as   could   prefer 
 reasonable   claims    to    consideration   and   relief. 
 These   issues    drew  largely   upon   the    Society's 
 resources :    the   supply   of  the   French  prisoners 
 alone,  absorbed  7,000  copies  of  the  Testament  in 
 that   language;    and  not  a   little  was   expended 
 in  accommodating  the  schools  in  Ireland,  as  well 
 Roman  Catholic,  as  Protestant,  with  the  privilege 
 of  purchasing  the  English  Scriptures  at  very  re- 
 duced prices. 
 
 The  last  was  a  case  in  which  the  feelings  of 
 the  Committee  very  warmly  accompanied  every 
 grant  which  emanated  from  their  Board.  Ireland 
 was  at  all  times  a  subject  of  aft'ectionate  solici- 
 tude; and  every  opportunity  was  eagerly  seized 
 to  draw  forth  the  native  energies  of  its  inhabi- 
 tants, and  assist  them  in  their  progress  towards 
 the  acquisition  of  Scriptural  knowledge.  In  the 
 autumn  of  1807,  a  Bible  Committee  was  instituted 
 by  the  Synod  of  Ulster;  and,  in  the  ensuing 
 December,  a  Bible  Society  was  established  for 
 the  city  and  county  of  Cork,  imder  the  patronage 
 of  the  Bishop  of  the  diocese.  Connecting  these 
 events  with  the  recent  accession  of  the  highly 
 respectable  Archbishop  of  Cashel  to  the  number 
 
V. 
 
 1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  305 
 
 of  their  Vice-Presidents,  the  conductors  of  the  parti. 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  felt  encouraged  ^hap. 
 to  hope  that  the  period  was  not  distant,  when 
 Ireland  would  be  seen  arrayed  in  all  her  national 
 strength,  under  the  banners  of  the  Bible,  and 
 taking  her  full  share  in  the  great  work  of  pro- 
 moting the  dissemination  of  its  sacred  contents  io 
 every  portion  of  the  world. 
 
 The  cares  and  fatigues  incidental  to  the  busi- 
 ness of  the  Society,  were  much  less  relieved  this 
 year  than  they  had  been  in  the  preceding  stages, 
 of  its  history,  by  interesting  accounts  from  foreign 
 parts.  The  war  which  raged  through  so  large  a 
 portion  of  Europe  had  sealed  up  most  of  the 
 channels  through  which  such  accounts  must  re- 
 gularly pass ;  and  the  edict  which  forbad  the 
 countries  in  alliance  with  France  (and  which,  by 
 the  success  of  its  arms  or  its  intrigues,  con- 
 stituted the  principal  nations  on  the  Continent) 
 to  maintain  a  correspondence  with  England,  not 
 only  restrained  the  friends  of  the  Society  from  all 
 direct  intercourse  with  its  conductors  in  London, 
 but  discouraged  them  from  transmitting  intelli- 
 gence, with  any  degree  of  frequency,  through 
 channels  of  circuitous  and  indirect  communi- 
 cation. 
 
 Scanty,  however,  as  was  the  stock  of  infor- 
 mation thus  obtained,  it  was  still  sufficient  to 
 counteract  the  depressing  influence  of  present 
 interruption;   and  to   afford  a  satisfactory  assu- 
 
V. 
 
 1807-8 
 
 366  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  rauce,  that,  amidst  all  the  difficulties  with  which 
 CHAP.  -^  ^^g  beset,  on  every  hand,  the  cause  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  was  neither 
 retrograde  nor  stationary.  Its  conductors  re- 
 flected, that  they  were  engaged  in  promoting  the 
 distribution  of  a  book  which  "  has  God  for  its 
 author,  salvation  for  its  end,  and  truth  without 
 any  mixture  of  error  for  its  matter."  *  In  such 
 an  undertaking,  they  felt  emboldened  to  expect  a 
 prosperous  issue ;  and  when  they  saw  how  steadily 
 it  advanced  against  a  current  of  almost  unex- 
 ampled discouragement,  their  faith  in  the  event 
 w^as  greatly  strengthened,  and  they  seemed  already 
 to  experience  the  fulfilment  of  the  divine  declara- 
 tion :    I  WILL  WORK,  AND  WHO    SHALL  LET  IT.  f 
 
 The  German  Society  at  Basle  contrived  to 
 transmit  a  compendious  report,  from  which  it 
 appeared,  that  they  continued  to  labor  with  un- 
 diminished assiduity;  the  printing  of  the  New 
 Testament  had  actually  commenced,  and  the 
 Old  Testament  was  on  the  point  of  being  com- 
 mitted to  the  press. 
 
 Even  the  Berlin  Bible  Society  were  enabled, 
 by  some  unsuspected  medium  of  correspondence, 
 to  give  expression  to  their  feelings,  both  of  grati- 
 tude and  of  sorrow.  Embarrassed,  but  not  dis- 
 couraged, by  the  circumstances  of  their  condition, 
 they   present     "   the    fifty- sixth    sheet    of    their 
 
 *  Locke.  t  Is.  xliii.  12. 
 
1807-8. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  367 
 
 Bohemian  Bible,"  mth  an  affecting  mixture  of 
 anguish  and  exultation.  While  they  acknowledge 
 that  their  "  distress  is  very  great,"  and  that 
 *'  thousands  groan  under  the  pressure  of  extreme 
 poverty;"  and  "  recommend  themselves  to  the 
 continued  sympathy  and  intercession"  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  they  glorify 
 the  Lord  in  the  fires,  and  exclaim,  through  their 
 Secretary:  "  Hallelujah!  Blessed  be  the  name 
 of  the  Lord !  In  the  midst  of  the  convulsions  of 
 worldly  kingdoms.  His  kingdom  will  increasingly 
 prosper." 
 
 Such  a  strain  as  this,  uttered  amidst  the  lamen- 
 tations of  a  despoiled  and  a  subjugated  people, 
 illustrates  the  power  of  real  religion,  and  evinces 
 how  little  "  the  man  of  the  earth"  can  effect  in 
 disquieting  the  subjects,  or  impeding  the  opera- 
 tions, of  that  kingdom  which  is  not  of  this 
 world. 
 
 The  intelligence  received  from  other  parts  of 
 the  world,  though,  like  that  from  Europe,  con- 
 taining but  little  matter,  was  yet  by  no  means 
 destitute  of  interest  and  encouragement.  Of  thii 
 the  reader  may  judge  by  the  two  following  articles 
 from  two  opposite  points  of  the  American  con- 
 tinent, with  which  the  facts  of  this  year  shall  be 
 concluded. 
 
 The  Spanish  Testaments  which  had  been  dis- 
 patched to  Monte  Video,  in  the  preceding  year, 
 were  stated  to   have   proved   highly  acceptable, 
 
308  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.     and  even  to  have  obtained  a  rapid  and  extensive 
 
 CHAP,      circulation.     It  was  asserted  by  the  correspon- 
 
 >-»vw     dent  to  whom  they  had  been  consigned,  that  this 
 
 1807-8.     ^^g  ^|jg  i^j.gj.  ii^stance  in  which  Testaments  in  the 
 
 Spanish  language  had  found  their  vv^ay  to  South 
 
 America.     AppMcations  for  purchasing  them  were 
 
 numerous ;  and  among  those  who  apphed,  were 
 
 Roman  Cathohc  priests,  who  not  only  received 
 
 them  themselves,  but  also  "  recommended  them 
 
 to  others,  as  good  and  fair  copies." 
 
 It  is  not,  however,  to  be  dissembled,  that,  upon 
 the  expulsion  of  the  British  from  that  posession ;  an 
 event  which  speedily  followed,  this  act  of  kindness 
 was  superseded  by  measures  of  a  very  different 
 description.  Scarcely  had  the  Spanish  colours 
 waved  over  this  recovered  settlement,  when  the 
 Roman  Catholic  Bishop  of  Buenos  Ayres,  called 
 in,  under  the  severest  ecclesiastical  penalties,  all 
 copies  of  the  New  Testament,  as  well  as  of  other 
 religious  publications  distributed  by  the  British 
 during  the  period  it  remained  in  their  occupation. 
 Had  this  Prelate  replaced  the  Testaments  which 
 he  suppressed,  by  others  more  congenial  with 
 the  version  accredited  by  his  church,  there  could 
 have  been  no  just  ground  for  complaining  of  his 
 conduct.  As  it  was,  the  people  were  forcibly 
 deprived  of  the  light  which  had  been  furnished 
 them  by  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society ; 
 and  nothing  was  given  them  as  a  substitute  for  its 
 S^uidance,  or  an  atonement  for  its  loss.    Howevei:, 
 
18U8-a. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  309 
 
 the  act  of  the  Society  was  good  ;  and  many  of  its 
 effects  were  doubtless  beyond  the  reach  of  in- 
 qnisitorial  exaction.  To  have  propagated,  under 
 whatever  disadvantages,  the  woi-d  of  God,  is 
 always  to  have  done  something.  That  word,  at 
 one  period  or  other,  will  have  its  operation.  It 
 shall  7iot  (says  its  Author)  return  unto  me  void; 
 but  it  shall  accomplish  that  ivhich  I  please,  and  it 
 shall  prosper  in  the  thing  whereto  I  sent  it. 
 
 With  the  hiielligence  just  referred  to  from 
 the  South,  was  connected  some  pleasing  infor- 
 mation from  the  North ;  jjarticularly  from  the 
 Indian  settlements  on  the  lakes  of  Upper  Canada. 
 Here  it  was  ascertained,  that  the  Mohawk  Gos- 
 pel of  St.  John,  printed  by  the  Society,  was 
 considered  an  acceptable  treasure.  What  added 
 to  the  satisfaction  imparted  by  this  intelligence, 
 was,  that,  to  the  thanks  of  the  Indians  who 
 had  received  it,  as  transmitted  by  their  Chief, 
 Captahj  Norton,  the  translator,  was  annexed  a 
 petition  for  a  farther  supply  of  copies,  "  for  the 
 use  of  the  Roman  Catholic  and  other  Indians 
 inhabiting  lower  down  the  St.  Lawrence." 
 
 The  fourth  Anniversary  now  brought  the  pro- 
 ceedings of  the  Society  during  another  year, 
 under  the  re\iew  of  its  assembled  subscribers  and 
 friends.  The  meeting  was  held  at  the  same  time 
 and  place  as  the  preceding  amuA  ersary  had  been ; 
 and,  while  the  President  reported,  as  usual,  the 
 transactions  of  the  year,  the  Archbishop  of  Cashel, 
 
 V4)L.  I.  2  B 
 
S70  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 (who  had  recently  accepted  the  office  of  Vice- 
 President,)  and  the  Bishop  of  Durham,  united, 
 with  many  other  distinguished  personages,  in  sup- 
 1807-8.  porting  his  Lordship,  and  countenancing  the 
 proceedings  of  the  Institution,  by  their  presence 
 and  their  approbation.  The  business  of  the  day 
 renewed  those  emotions  of  concord  and  transport 
 which  have  been  described  as  characteristic  of 
 the  former  anniversaries.  The  scene  was  full  of 
 animation  and  interest.  The  conflicts  and  trials 
 through  which  the  Institution  had  passed,  were 
 all  forgotten  in  the  celebration  of  its  successes; 
 or  only  remembered,  to  swell  the  predominant 
 feelings  of  wonder,  and  gratitude,  and  joy. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  371 
 
 PART 
 
 CHAPTER  VI. 
 
 1808-9. 
 
 The  year  upon  which  we  are  now  to  enter, 
 presented,  at  its  opening,  a  gloomy  and  repulsive 
 aspect.  Clouds  of  unusual  darkness  overspread 
 the  political  horizon.  The  distress  and  perplexity 
 of  the  European  nations  were  extreme :  the  powers 
 of  heaven  appeared  literally  to  be  shaken;  and 
 "  the  hearts  of  men"  were  every  where  "  failing 
 them  for  fear,  and  for  looking  after  those  things 
 which  seemed  to  be  coming  upon  the  earth." 
 
 A  state  of  affairs  so  apparently  impropitious, 
 might  have  been  expected  to  check  the  ardor, 
 and  discourage  the  exertions,  of  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society.  But  its  conductors  felt 
 that  they  had  a  duty  to  discharge,  which  allowed 
 no  place  for  despondency  or  dejection.  Animated, 
 therefore,  by  the  spirit  of  their  cause,  they  re- 
 sumed with  alacrity  their  intermitted  services ; 
 and  "  went  forth  to  their  work  and  to  their 
 labor"  in  the  assured  persuasion,  that  in  due 
 time  they  should  reap,  if  they  fainted  not. 
 
 At  home,  it  is  true,  partly,  froni  the  defeat  of 
 its    East  Indian  opponents,  and  partly  from  its 
 
 2B2 
 
 1808-9. 
 
VI, 
 
 1808-9. 
 
 S72  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  own  increasing  reputation,  the  Institution  was  en- 
 CHAP,  couraged  to  bear  up  against  the  counteraction  of 
 the  times,  by  the  prospect  of  an  effectual,  though 
 perhaps,  a  silent  and  gradual  extension.  But 
 abroad,  particularly  on  the  continent  of  Europe, 
 (by  much  the  largest  section  of  its  field  of  opera- 
 tions,) the  scene  exhibited,  was  such  as  to  inspire 
 very  faint  hopes  of  the  Society's  progress  in  any 
 direction,  and  to  threaten  it,  in  some,  with  serious 
 embarrassment,  if  not  with  absolute  and  remedi- 
 less exclusion. 
 
 It  must,  indeed,  be  admitted,  that  neither  the 
 proceedings  of  the  Britisli  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  nor  of  its  allied  associations,  had,  in  any 
 case,  been  subjected  to  direct  and  specific  prohi- 
 bition. But  the  systematic  rigor  with  which 
 English  influence  was  opposed  by  the  wide- 
 spreading  domination  of  France,  rendered  it  in- 
 creasingly difficult  and  dangerous  for  the  inhabi- 
 tants of  the  continent,  those  of  Sweden  alone 
 excepted,  to  maintain  any  sort  of  intercourse, 
 however  innocent  or  honorable,  with  Great  Britain, 
 or  any  of  its  dependencies.  In  those  countries, 
 therefore,  in  which  the  councils  or  the  arms  of 
 the  common  enemy  prevailed,  the  utmost  to  which 
 the  Society,  under  present  circumstances,  could 
 look,  was,  a  silent  and  cautious  advancement  on 
 the  part  of  their  continental  correspondents ;  and 
 a  prosecution  of  the  works  already  commenced, 
 by  that  aid  which  might  be  occasionally  admi- 
 
that  language  in  Bohemia  and 
 Silesia,  as  to  occasion  regret  that  the  impression 
 had  not  been  much  more  considerable.  The 
 success  with  which  this  work  had  been  attended, 
 and  the  information  acquired  by  the  corres- 
 pondence to  which  it  led,  suggested  to  the  con- 
 ductors of  the  Society  at  Berlin,  another  and 
 scarcely  less  important  undertaking,  an  impres- 
 sion of  the  Polish  Bible.  Undismayed  by  the 
 difficulties  with  which  they  were  surrounded,  and 
 relying,  under  God,  on  the  expected  su])port  of 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  they  re- 
 solved to  make  the  arduous  attempt.  Their 
 expectation  from  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society  was  not  disappointed.  Upon  the  tirst 
 2B  3 
 
 1808-». 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  373 
 
 liistered  to  them,  through  chamiels  of  accidental     part  t. 
 and  unobserved  communication.  chap. 
 
 VI. 
 
 Such  was  the  fact  with  respect  to  the  Societies 
 at  Berlin,  and  at  Basle :  accompanied,  however, 
 in  each  case,  with  indications  of  confidence,  and 
 efforts  towards  progress,  which  reflected  the 
 highest  credit  upon  their  zeal  and  perseverance. 
 The  truth  of  this  statement  will  more  particularly 
 appear  from  what  is  now  to  be  briefly  narrated, 
 as  carrying  on  the  history  of  both  these  Insti- 
 tutions. 
 
 At  Berlin,  the  printing  of  the  Bohemian  Bible, 
 which  had  been  completed  in  September,  1807, 
 was  followed  by  so  rapid  a  distribution  of  the 
 copies,    chiefly    among    the     Protestant    congre- 
 
874  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,    intelligence   of  their   design,   the   Committee  in 
 CHAP.      London  greeted   it  with  cheerina;  assurances  of 
 ^— ^^•-^     aid ;  and,  by  successive  grants,  amounting  in  the 
 '     whole  to  800/.,  induced  its  projectors  to  enlarge 
 their  edition  from  5,000  Bibles  (the  number  origi- 
 nally proposed)  to  8,000  Bibles,  and  2,000  addi- 
 tional Testaments. 
 
 The  proceedings  of  the  Society  at  Berlin  have 
 been  uniformly  characterized  by  a  spirit  of  gene- 
 rous enterprize ;  but  their  conduct  in  the  present 
 instance,  viewed  in  connection  with  the  state  of 
 their  city,  and  of  the  circumjacent  country,  ex- 
 hibits a  display  of  Christian  magnanimity,  which 
 deserves  our  highest  admiration.  At  a  time  when 
 they  had  to  lament,  through  the  organ  of  their 
 Secretary,  "  that  the  wounds  of  Prussia  were  still 
 bleeding,"  and  that  "  the  distress  of  multitudes 
 was  increasing,  and  hundreds  of  families  were 
 without  employment,  without  bread," — it  was  in 
 this  awful  crisis  of  depression  and  impoverish- 
 ment, that  the  members  of  the  Berlin  Society, 
 few  in  number,  and  low  in  resources,  conceived 
 the  design  of  printing  5,000  copies  of  the  Bible, 
 for  the  benefit  of  their  Polish  fellow-Christians. 
 They  could  not  indeed  withhold  the  confession, 
 that,  "  owing  to  the  desolating  judgments  which 
 had  lately  befallen  them,  as  a  well-deserved 
 punishment  for  their  awful  departure  from  God 
 and  His  holy  word,  they  had,  in  union  with  their 
 neighbours,  been  reduced  to  such  circumstances, 
 
l»08-». 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  375 
 
 that  they  could  expect  but  very  small  contri-  parti. 
 butions;"  yet,  trusting  with  simplicity  to  the  ^hap. 
 providence  of  God,  and  the  promised  co-opera- 
 tion of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society, 
 they  rose  above  the  influence  of  every  appre- 
 hension, and  fearlessly  embarked  in  their  pro- 
 posed undertaking". 
 
 A  similar  spirit  of  religious  enterprise  and  per- 
 severance  actuated   the   members   of  the   Bible 
 Society  at  Basle,  and  carried  them  successfully 
 through    difficulties    which    would     have    over- 
 whelmed men  of  weaker  faith   in   the  promises 
 of  God,  and  less  ardent  zeal  for  the  propagation 
 of  His  word.     Amidst  all  the   discouragements 
 arising  from  the  severe  visitation  of  poverty  and 
 distress,   and   still  more  from  "  the  melancholy 
 effects  of  a  prevailing  spirit  of  luxury  and  ingra- 
 titude," they  were  enabled  to  issue  their  German 
 Testament  in  the  spring,  and  their  complete  Bible 
 in  the  decline  of  1808.     On  the  performance  of 
 these  works  they  had  bestowed,  as  it  appeared, 
 extraordinary  pains ;    and  they  were   already  re- 
 warded by  the  testimony  of  approval  with  which 
 they  were  received ;  and  by  the  prospect  of  such  a 
 circulation  as  would  be  likely  to  create  a  demand 
 for  repeated  editions. 
 
 To  these  exertions  on  behalf  of  their  German 
 fellow-countrymen,  the  Basle  Society  added  their 
 strenuous  and  useful  efforts  to  supply  their  Pro- 
 testant neighbours  in  the  South  of  France  with 
 2B  4 
 
376 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 VI. 
 
 1808-9. 
 
 a  similar  advantage.  They  had  already  succeeded, 
 greatly  beyond  their  expectation,  in  disposing  of 
 French  Bibles,  at  reduced  prices,  to  some  ex- 
 cellent ministers  of  that  persuasion  in  Languedoc* 
 This  success  had  the  efiect  of  stimulating  the 
 Basle  Society  to  undertake  another  edition  of  the 
 French  Testament ;  and  caused  them  to  express 
 their  regret,  that  their  funds  did  not  authorize 
 them  to  take  a  further  step,  by  printing  an  im- 
 pression of  the  entire  Bible  in  that  language. 
 Such  an  object  had  not  escaped  the  notice  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  as  likely,  at 
 one  period  or  other,  to  come  under  the  consi- 
 deration of  their  correspondents  at  Basle.  Under 
 this  conviction,  they  had,  in  a  contract  for  stereo- 
 type plates  of  the  French  Bible,  designed  for 
 domestic  use,  expressly  stipulated  for  duplicates, 
 in  order  that  they  might  have  it  in  their  power, 
 by  transmitting  a  set  to  that  station,  to  expedite 
 the  accomplishment  of  so  desirable  an  object, 
 whenever  it  should  be  required. 
 
 It  ought  not  to  be  overlooked,  of  how  much 
 importance  the  Bible  Society  at  Basle  had  become, 
 as  a  vehicle  for  conveying  the  Scriptures  in  their 
 own  language  to  the  Protestants  in  the  South  of 
 France.  The  observation  will  confirm  what  has 
 before  been  stated,  of  the  advantages  which  were 
 
 *  One  hundred  pounds  had  been  contributed  by  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society  for  that  purpose. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    IJIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 377 
 
 VI. 
 
 1808-9. 
 
 likely  to  attend  the  transfer  of  the  German  Bible  part  i. 
 Society  from  Niirenberg  to  Basle.  The  advan- 
 tage now  alluded  to,  is  one,  the  value  of  which 
 cannot  be  too  highly  appreciated :  inasmuch  as 
 the  Society  at  Basle  afforded  the  conductors  of 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  a  neutral 
 and  unsuspected  medium  of  intercourse  with 
 France,  during  the  long  continuance  of  those 
 political  circumstances  which  precluded  them 
 from  all  access  to  the  inhabitants  of  that  country, 
 in  every  other  direction. 
 
 In  the  facts  above  recorded,  the  admiration 
 of  the  reader  has  been  directed  towards  the  local 
 Societies  at  Berlin,  and  at  Basle.  It  will  not 
 detract  from  the  praise  which  has  been  deservedly 
 bestowed  on  these  excellent  Estabhshments,  to 
 remark,  that  the  Committee  of  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society  were  not  deficient  in  afford- 
 ing them  the  means  of  struggling,  with  success, 
 against  the  current  of  adversity.  The  interpo- 
 sition, by  turns,  of  sympathizing  counsel,  and 
 seasonable  liberality,  tended  materially  to  cherish 
 their  hopes,  strengthen  their  resources,  and  en- 
 courage them,  through  all  the  vicissitudes  of 
 impoverishment  and  vexation,  not  only  to  con- 
 tinue, but  to  augment,  their  operations. 
 
 An  account  has  already  been  given  of  the 
 favorable  condition  in  which  Sweden  was  sup- 
 posed to  be  with  respect  to  the  possession  of  the 
 Scriptures.     In  consequence  of  that  representa- 
 
378  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.    tion,  some  years  were  suffered  to  elapse,  without 
 CHAP,      jjjiy    attempt    being    made    to   promote,  in  that 
 v,-vw     country,  the  work  which,   in  a  greater  or  less 
 1808-9.     degree,  was  proceeding  with  effect  in  so  many 
 others.     But  the  time  was  come,  when  Swedish 
 inaction  was  to  give  place  to  an  ardent  zeal  for 
 disseminating  the   Holy  Scriptures,    and  Stock- 
 holm was  to  add  another  Society  to  those  already 
 established  for  that  purpose  on  the  continent  of 
 Europe. 
 
 The  history  of  the  Institution  erected  at  Stock- 
 holm will  be  found  to  connect  with  the  event 
 of  Mr.  Paterson's  retirement  from  Copenhagen 
 on  account  of  the  war,  and  the  investigation 
 which,  during  the  suspension  of  his  labors  in 
 Denmark,  he  was  led  to  prosecute  in  Sweden. 
 The  result  of  this  investigation  which  had  been 
 made  with  diligence,  and  under  circumstances 
 favorable  for  ascertaining  the  truth,  agreed 
 with  the  report  which  had  been  previously  re- 
 ceived, in  some  particulars,  but  differed  from  it 
 in  others,  and  those  too  of  considerable  impor- 
 tance. With  that  report  it  strictly  concurred, 
 so  far  as  regarded  the  state  of  respectable  fami- 
 lies, and  the  houses  of  farmers  and  inn-keepers ; 
 in  all  which  a  Bible  was  regularly  found:  but 
 here  the  agreement  ended.  The  account  trans- 
 mitted by  Mr.  Paterson  described  the  families 
 of  inferior  consideration,  the  inhabitants  of  cot- 
 tages and  cabins,  as  almost  totally  destitute  of 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  379 
 
 the  word  of  God  ;  and  represented  the  possession    part  i. 
 of  a  Bible,  as  an  article  of  property,  in  the  case     c»ap. 
 of  a  servant  or  a  laborer,  to  be  a  thing  unknown,      ^-—/-^ 
 and,   from  the  high  price  which  it  bore,  almost     ^^^^"^• 
 impossible. 
 
 The  discrepancy  between  the  two  statements 
 induced  the  Committee  of  the  British  and  Fo- 
 reign Bible  Society  to  pause,  before  they  should 
 presume  to  determine  what  measures  it  might 
 become  them  to  take.  Antecedently,  therefore, 
 to  any  decision  upon  the  subject,  they  followed 
 the  line  both  of  decorum  and  expediency,  by 
 referring  the  information  of  Mr.  Paterson  to  the 
 respectable  Swedish  authorities  from  which  the 
 more  favorable  intelhgence  had  been  derived. 
 The  event  of  tnis  reference  was  an  unequivocal 
 confirmation  of  Mr.  Paterson's  statement,  with 
 respect  to  the  wants  of  the  lower  classes  in 
 Sweden ;  and  a  consequent  resolution  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  to  encourage 
 the  formation  of  an  Establishment  at  Stockholm, 
 for  administering  to  their  effectual  and  perma- 
 nent relief. 
 
 Animated  by  the  assurance  of  liberal  co-ope- 
 ration from  London,  and  by  promises  of  support 
 from  persons  of  great  respectability  in  Stockholm, 
 Mr.  Paterson  drew  up  a  memorial  on  the  want 
 of  the  Scriptures  among  the  lower  classes  in 
 Sweden,  the  duty  of  relieving  it,  and  the  means 
 
380  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,     by  which    that    end    might    be   attained.     The 
 CHAP.      effect   of  this    memorial,    combined   with  other 
 
 VI.  .  . 
 
 ^,— v-^  exertions  directed  to  the  same  object,  was  the 
 1808-}).  estabUshment  of  an  Institution  at  Stockhohn, 
 under  the  designation  of  "  the  EvangeUcal  So- 
 ciety," and  Avith  the  high  sanction  of  the  King 
 and  Privy  Council.  The  desire  of  effecting  cer- 
 tain other  religious  purposes,  and  the  impracti- 
 cability, at  that  period,  of  forming  separate  Insti- 
 tutions for  each,  rendered  it  expedient  to  incor- 
 porate the  distribution  of  the  Scriptures,  and 
 of  Religious  Tracts,  &c.  in  one  common  esta- 
 blishment. With  a  view,  however,  to  secure 
 a  strict  conformity  to  the  fundamental  rule  of 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  that  of 
 circulating  the  Scriptures  alone,  provision  was 
 made  in  the  constitution  of  "  the  Evangelical 
 Society,"  that  each  of  these  objects  should  form 
 the  business  of  a  separate  department ;  and  both 
 the  income  and  expenditure  attaching  to  each, 
 be  kept  regularly  and  religiously  distinct. 
 
 The  Stockholm  Evangelical  Society,  having 
 thus  completed  the  organization  which  was  ne- 
 cessary to  qualify  it  for  a  connection  with  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  announced 
 its  establishment,  in  a  primary  Address,  dated 
 the  20th  of  February,  1809.  This  Address 
 breathes  such  a  spirit  of  warm  and  generous 
 piety,   and   describes,   with   so   much  clearness, 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  381 
 
 the  origin,  design,  and  circimistaiices,  of  the  new  parti. 
 
 Institution,  that  our  narrative  will  be  both  illus-  ^^jt^' 
 trated  and  enlivened  by  its  insertion. 
 
 "  The  Evangelical  Society  in  Stockholm 
 wishes  to  the  Committee  of  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society  grace  and  peace  from 
 Jesus  Christ,  who  is  the  faithful  witness,  and 
 the  Prince  of  the  kings  of  the  earth,  that  loved 
 us,  and  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his  own 
 blood. 
 
 *'  Honored  and  beloved  Brethren, 
 *'  It  is  for  the  first  time  that  we  seek  access  to 
 your  venerable  Society.  May  it  be  granted  to 
 us,  and  accompanied  with  the  witness  of  the 
 Spirit,  that  we  are  your  fellow-partakers  of  the 
 inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light.  Thus  we  salute 
 each  other  with  an  holy  salutation. 
 
 "  We  regard  you  with  reverence.  You  have 
 undertaken  a  great  work ;  and  your  exertions 
 and  sacrifices  are  worthy  of  the  grand  aim  which 
 you  have  in  view. 
 
 "  You  extend  your  operations  over  the  re- 
 motest parts  of  the  globe,  and  the  islands  of  the 
 sea.  All  that  remains  of  the  daughter  of  Zion 
 in  Chnstendom  rejoices  in  your  light.  Dis- 
 persed, like  solitary  cottages  in  a  vineyard ; 
 concealed,  as  lonely  lodges  in  a  garden  of 
 cucumbers ;  they  feel  their  weary  eyelids  pressed 
 
 VI. 
 
 1808-9. 
 
VI. 
 
 1808-9. 
 
 382  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  down  by  dark,  sultry,  and  tempestuous  clouds  : 
 CHAP.  yg|.  ^  glimpse  of  cheering  light  penetrates  their 
 huts :  they  perceive,  in  the  firmament  of  the 
 Church,  some  morning  stars  ;  and  among  these 
 your  Society  shines  most  conspicuous.  This 
 sight  gladdens  their  hearts,  and  they  wait  with 
 patient  expectation  for  the  approaching  rise  of 
 the  Sun  of  Righteousness.  But  even  on  the 
 most  distant  nations,  Mahomedan,  as  well  as 
 Heathen,  who  are  sitting  in  darkness  and  in 
 the  shadow  of  death,  this  light  now  begins  to 
 dawn.  With  unexampled  exertion— to  each  in 
 his  own  language— you  send  the  word  of  life. 
 Oh,  thou,  our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed 
 be  thy  name,  thy  kingdom  come;  for  thine  is 
 the  kingdom  and  the  power  and  the  glory  for 
 ever  and  ever.     Amen. 
 
 *'  It  is  impossible  for  us  to  describe  the  feel- 
 ings of  admiration,  which  filled  our  minds,  when 
 we  attentively  perused  the  last  Report  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  These  Re- 
 ports cannot  but  excite  esteem  for  all  those  men 
 who  labor  in  this  cause,  with  such  unwearied 
 diligence,  and  consecrate  all  the  powers  of  art 
 and  science  to  the  service  of  God— and  for  a 
 public  which  so  generously  aids  these  endeavours. 
 Mr.  Paterson,  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  the 
 communication  of  the  above  Reports,  has  drawn 
 our  attention  more  than  ever  to  the  great  want 
 of  Bibles  which  exists  in  various  parts  of  our 
 
VI. 
 
 1808-9. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETV.  388 
 
 country,  chiefly  among  the  lower  classes  of  parti. 
 people ;  at  the  same  time,  reminding  us  of  our  chap. 
 duty  to  relieve  this  want,  and  recommending 
 means  for  the  attainment  of  this  desirable  object. 
 This  he  did  by  an  Address  circulated  in  manu- 
 script among  the  friends  of  religion  in  this  me- 
 tropolis ;  which  gave  rise  to  the  establishment  of 
 a  Society,  denominated  '  the  Evangehcal  So- 
 ciety,' which  we  are  happy  to  state  has  received 
 the  full  approbation  and  sanction  of  our  most 
 gracious  King. 
 
 *'  After  a  mature  deliberation,  and  having  pre- 
 viously consulted  several  exalted  Patrons,  we 
 found  it  most  advisable  not  to  form  ourselves 
 into  a  separate  Bible  Society,  but  to  include 
 in  one  Society  the  two-fold  object,  the  circulation 
 of  the  Sacred  Scriptures,  and  the  distribution  of 
 Religious  Tracts.  We  therefore  determined  to 
 entrust  the  execution  of  this  design  to  one  and 
 the  same  Committee ;  yet  a  fundamental  rule 
 was  added,  that  each  of  the  two  branches  should 
 have  its  separate  funds,  and  a  distinct  account 
 of  the  income  and  expenditure  of  each  should 
 be  kept,  and  annually  laid  before  the  public. 
 We  hope  this  arrangement  will  meet  with  your 
 approbation. 
 
 "  Our  plan  is  to  print  (if  possible)  the  Sacred 
 Scriptures  in  the  Swedish  language  on  standing 
 types,  and  to  begin  this  work  with  the  New 
 Testament.     We    have    already  received    some 
 
384"  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.     donations  for  this  purpose ;  and  we  trust  to  meet 
 CHAP,      y^iili   as  much   support  as  the  present  pressure 
 N— %-^     of  the    times,    and   the   distressed    state    of  our 
 1808-9.     country,  will  admit.     But  should  we  be  left  to  our 
 own  resources  alone,  we  fear  it  will  take  a  long 
 time,  before   we  shall   be    able   to    procure   the 
 needful  fund  of  types  for  the  printing  of  the  New 
 Testament.     To  say  the  truth,   this  will  be  im- 
 possible, in  our  circumstances,  for  a  number  of 
 years. 
 
 "  But  the  generous  assistance  you  have  given 
 to  other  countries,  encourages  us  to  direct  our 
 eyes  to  you.  Kindly  remember  the  poor  of  our 
 land  ;  for  surely  there  are  numbers  among  us, 
 who  are  poor  in  outward  circumstances,  but  far 
 more  poor  still  in  the  saving  knowledge  of  Jesus 
 Christ.  Lend  them  your  helping  hand ;  and  let 
 '^  your   noble   humanity  induce  you    to    favor  our 
 
 new-born  Society  with  your  support  in  its  infancy, 
 that  it  may  grow  up  to  a  man  in  Christ.  We 
 shall  consider  ourselves  responsible  to  God  and 
 to  you  for  the  application  of  those  means  which 
 you  may  think  proper  to  entrust  to  our  care. 
 Our  ardent  wish  is  to  enter  upon  the  execution 
 of  our  plan  without  delay,  and  to  be  helped  by 
 your  experience,  advice,  and  support.  Every 
 communication  from  you  will  be  highly  ac- 
 ceptable to  us.  Some  of  us  understand  so  much 
 of  the  English  language,  that  they  can  convey 
 the  sense  of  a  letter  to  the  rest.     But  none  can 
 
1808-9. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  385 
 
 write  it ;  you  will  therefore  permit  us  to  address  I'art  i. 
 you  in  German.  Now,  honored  brethren,  we  ^y^^* 
 commend  ourselves  to  your  benevolence,  friend- 
 ship, and  intercession.  Farewell,  and  be  happy 
 in  looking  up  to  Jesus,  the  great  Author  and 
 Finisher  of  our  faith.  May  his  divine  blessing 
 accompany  all  your  efforts  for  the  propagation 
 of  that  mystery  of  godliness  which  the  Father 
 and  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth  has  concealed 
 from  the  wise  and  prudent  of  this  world,  and 
 revealed  unto  babes.  May  all  lands  enjoy  the 
 blessings  of  the  Gospel,  and  may  the  whole  earth 
 be  filled  with  the  knowledge  and  glory  of 
 God!" 
 
 The  receipt  of  this  communication  was  cor- 
 dially welcomed  by  the  conductors  of  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  Projecting  the  spiri- 
 tual instruction  of  the  whole  human  race,  they 
 could  not  but  view,  with  pleasure  and  thank- 
 fulness, successive  Institutions,  of  a  kindred  na- 
 ture to  their  own,  rising  into  existence  by  their 
 example,  and  challenging  their  friendship,  coun- 
 tenance, and  co-operation.  The  present  also 
 was  a  case  in  which  a  peculiar  interest  was 
 added  to  the  event,  by  the  antecedent  improba- 
 bility of  its  occurrence  in  the  capital  of  a  country, 
 whose  population  was  represented  as  having 
 **  no  want  of  Bibles."     The  result  was,  on  the 
 
 VOL.  I.  2  C 
 
386  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,    part   of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society, 
 CHAP,      j^j^   immediate  errant  of    300/.,  together  with   a 
 
 VI.  ^  ^  . 
 
 ^--.^--^     congratulatory  address   on   the   accomplishment 
 
 1808-9.     ^£  ^^^  object  calculated   immediately  to   benefit 
 
 the   Swedish   population,    and    ultimately,    as   it 
 
 was  hoped,  to    assist   in   promoting  the  welfare 
 
 of  mankind. 
 
 Thus  was  a  foundation  laid  in  the  capital  of 
 Sweden,  upon  which  a  National  Bible  Society 
 was  hereafter  to  be  erected.  The  good  produced 
 in  the  meantime  by  this  limited  and  temporary 
 Establishment,  exceeded  any  calculation  which 
 could  have  been  made  upon  its  probable  means 
 and  exertions.  Such  was  its  activity,  that  it 
 dispersed  the  sacred  treasures  of  divine  truth 
 through  an  extensive  range  of  country;  and 
 many  parts  of  the  kingdom  participated  in  its 
 attention,  which  might  have  appeared  to  be 
 removed  beyond  the  reach  of  its  operations,  and 
 almost  of  its  concern.  The  Stockholm  Evan- 
 gelical Society  was,  in  fact,  the  first  depot  in 
 which  the  Scriptures  were  printed  and  accumu- 
 lated for  distribution  in  the  North  of  Europe. 
 It  was  in  the  bosom  of  this  Society  that  the 
 zeal  for  circulating  the  word  of  God,  first  kindled 
 by  the  movements  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  continued  to  burn,  till  it  had 
 warmed  into  life  the  Swedish  Provinces,  and 
 propagated  through  them  a  kindred  flame  which 
 
1808-y. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  387 
 
 reached  at  length  the  very  heart  of  the  Russian     part  i. 
 Empire. 
 
 Before  taking-  our  leave  of  the  European  con- 
 tinent, it  will  not  be  uninteresting  to  follow  the 
 400  German  Bibles,  and  200  Testaments,  de- 
 signed for  the  German  colonies  on  the  banks  of 
 the  Wolga,*  to  their  destination;  and  to  observe 
 the  transport  of  joy  and  gratitude  with  which  they 
 were  received  by  the  poor,  but  pious,  inhabitants 
 of  that  distant  settlement.  The  scene  is  described 
 by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Huber  of  Catharinenstadt,  who 
 assisted  to  distribute  the  books,  as  exceedingly 
 impressive  ;  and  it  will  appear  from  the  following 
 statement,  given  by  himself,  that  his  own  exertions 
 contributed  not  a  little  to  heighten  the  effect. 
 
 "  The  Bibles  and  Testaments  which  were 
 sent  by  the  Enghsh  Bible  Society,  as  a  present  to 
 the  German  colonies  near  the  Wolga,  are  safely 
 arrived,  and  have  been  distributed  among  a 
 number  of  poor  people,  by  whom  they  were  re- 
 ceived with  great  joy  and  gratitude.  To  the 
 distribution  of  them  in  four  parishes  I  can  speak 
 myself,  having  been  employed  as  the  honored  in- 
 strument of  giving  away  144  copies.  These  four 
 Protestant  parishes  embrace  no  less  than  thirty- 
 two  villages,  which  are  greatly  dispersed,  and 
 at  a  very  considerable  distance  from  each  other. 
 But  I  made  it  a  point  to  go  to  them  all.  Imme- 
 mediately   after  my   arrival  at  a  village,    I   as- 
 
 *  See  p.  253. 
 2  C  2 
 
S88  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  sembled  the  elders,  and  the  schoolmaster  of  the 
 congregation ;  reqnested  them  to  select  the 
 poorest  young  people  who  could  read,  and  yet 
 
 1808-9.  ^pj,g  entirely  destitute  of  a  Bible,  and  the  means 
 of  procuring  one ;  and  gave  them  a  short  address, 
 in  which  I  endeavoured  to  impress  their  minds 
 with  the  inestimable  value  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
 tures :  if  it  happened  to  be  a  Sunday,  I  preached 
 in  their  church.  I  then  told  them  of  the  gene- 
 rous gift  of  the  English  Bible  Society  ;  and  called 
 upon  the  rich  to  assist  me  by  their  contributions, 
 that  these  Bibles  might  be  given  to  the  young 
 people,  free  from  any  expense  of  conveyance: 
 or,  if  I  could  not  succeed  in  this  way,  I  went 
 round  in  the  village  from  house  to  house,  begging 
 as  much  as  I  wanted.  The  many  thousand 
 (English)  miles  which  the  Bibles  and  Testaments 
 had  to  travel,  before  they  could  reach  us,  made 
 them  come  to  about  20  copecks  a  Testament, 
 and  a  rouble  a  Bible ;  and  exactly  thus  much  I 
 collected  among  the  congregations  themselves, 
 that  the  Scriptures  might  be  gratuitously  dis- 
 tributed among  their  most  necessitous  members. 
 My  journey  was  attended  with  trouble  and  ex- 
 pense; but  I  felt  myself  amply  repaid  by  the 
 joyful  sight  I  witnessed,  and  by  the  many  tears 
 of  gratitude  which  I  saw  flow.  Indeed,  when  1 
 heard  many  an  honest,  godly  man  pronounce 
 his  blessing  upon  the  remote  benefactors,  I  felt 
 so  delighted,  that  I  could  have  gladly  made  again 
 
1808-9. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  389 
 
 this  troublesome  tour.  Some  very  worthy  people  part  i. 
 came  on  purpose  to  express  to  me  their  feelings 
 on  the  occasion:  '  Pray'  (said  they)  '  do  not 
 forget  to  return  our  most  respectful  thanks  to  this 
 excellent  Society ;  and  tell  them,  that  we  feel 
 quite  constrained  to  implore  a  particular  blessing 
 on  such  acti\  e  friends  of  Christ.'  " 
 
 A  similar  account  was  afterwards  transmitted 
 from  Lesnoi  Karamisch,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hiemer, 
 who  confirmed  the  description  given  by  his  col- 
 league of  Catharinenstadt ;  and  united  with  him 
 in  offering*  the  thanks  of  the  colonists,  and  more 
 especially  the  poor,  who  had  been  presented  with 
 Bibles  or  Testaments,  for  a  donation  so  greatly 
 esteemed. 
 
 There  is  something  peculiarly  gratifying  to  a 
 benevolent  mind,  in  the  contemplation  of  kindness, 
 like  that  which  has  just  been  described,  travel- 
 ling to  the  relief  of  objects,  at  once  so  obscure 
 and  so  remote  as  to  have  precluded  the  hope, 
 and  it  should  have  seemed,  almost  the  possibility, 
 of  their  receiving  it  from  the  quarter  from  which 
 it  actually  proceeded.  Situated,  as  the  Society 
 was,  in  the  metropolis  of  Great  Britain,  and  em- 
 
 *  The  following  is  given  by  Mr.  Huber  as  the  inscription 
 which  he  placed  on  the  title-page  of  each  Bible:  "  Tiiis  Bible 
 is  the  precious  gift  of  the  English  Bible  Society  ;  never  to 
 be  sold,  but  to  be  made  a  good  use  of: — The  Clergyman  will- 
 not  fail  to  make  his  inquiries  hereafter." 
 2C3 
 
390 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I. 
 CHAP. 
 
 1803-9. 
 
 barrassed  in  its  movements  by  a  multitude  of 
 intervening  obstacles,  it  forms  a  pleasing  spec- 
 tacle to  behold  it  thus  fetching  up  the  vv^aters 
 of  life  from  a  town  in  Saxony,  and  dispersing 
 them  with  such  invigorating  efficacy  among  the 
 thirsty  inhabitants  of  a  secluded  district  on  the 
 borders  of  Tartary. 
 
 This  consideration  appears  to  have  impressed 
 very  forcibly  the  mind  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hiemer; 
 and  his  reflection  upon  a  review  of  the  trans- 
 action, shall  terminate  this  account. 
 
 "  I  am  indeed  struck  with  admiration  at  the 
 great  work  which  God  is  carrying  on  in  England, 
 and  at  the  zeal  which  the  numerous  Societies  in 
 that  country,  all  animated  by  one  spirit,  display 
 for  the  propagation  of  the  Gospel  throughout  all 
 parts  of  the  globe.  It  appears  to  me,  as  if  our 
 blessed  Saviour,  in  these  days  of  general  falling 
 off  and  tribulation  upon  earth,  were  hastening 
 to  manifest  himself  to  his  people  in  his  re-appear- 
 ing; and  that,  as  his  Gospel  must  first  be 
 preached  throughout  the  whole  world,  he  has 
 produced  these  extraordinary  efforts,  through  the 
 influence  of  his  Spirit,  for  the  express  purpose 
 that  he  may  himself  the  sooner  appear." 
 
 While  the  cause  of  the  Society  was  thus  ad- 
 vancing, though  by  slow  degrees,  in  countries 
 subject  to  the  dominion,  or  intimidated  by  the 
 policy  of  our  inveterate  enemy,  and  establishing 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  391 
 
 itself  with  great  promise  of  success  in  the  only  part 
 kingdom  in  Europe  which  aflbrded  an  open  field 
 for  its  free  and  un dissembled  operations,  its  exer- 
 tions at  home  were  continued  with  miabating 
 alacrity,  and  unwearied  perseverance.  Large 
 editions  of  the  English  and  Welsh  Scriptures 
 were  put  to  press  ;  and  to  the  impressions  already 
 executed  in  the  foreign  languages  were  added, 
 in  the  course  of  this  year,  editions  in  the  Portu- 
 guese, the  Italian,  the  Ancient  and  Modern  Greek, 
 the  Dutch,  and  the  Danish. 
 
 In  printing  the  Portuguese  Testament,  the 
 Society  had  respect  to  the  numerous  individuals 
 of  that  nation,  serving  aboard  British  vessels; 
 to  the  Portuguese  islands  and  colonies,  by  the 
 events  of  the  war  subjected  to  the  British  crown ; 
 and  to  the  facilities  presented,  by  a  recent  change 
 of  political  circumstances,  for  distributing  the 
 Scriptures  in  Portugal. 
 
 The  subject  of  the  Italian  and  the  Modern 
 Greek  Scriptures  was  taken  up,  under  a  per- 
 suasion, to  which  considerable  encouragement 
 had  been  given,  that  copies  of  them  would  be 
 found  very  acceptable  in  different  parts  of  the 
 Mediterranean,  and  in  the  Levant.  The  atten- 
 tion of  tlie  Society  had  indeed  been  incidentally 
 called*  to  the  expediency  of  printing  the  Scrip- 
 tures in   Modern  Greek  at  a  very  early  period 
 
 *  By  the  Rev.  D.  Bogue,  of  Gospoit. 
 2  C  4 
 
392  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  after  its  establishment.  A  record  was  made  of 
 CHAP,  ^jjg  suggestion  ;  (for  such  was  the  form  in  which 
 '^-%— /  it  purported  to  be  given  and  received  ;)  but  it 
 1808-9.  ^j^g  j^^^  ^lu  ^Yie  commencement  of  1808,  that 
 any  serious  consideration  was  bestowed  upon  it. 
 
 Shortly  previous  to  that  time,  the  arrival  of 
 the  Rev.  J.  F.  Usko  in  this  country  from  the 
 Levant,  a  circumstance  occasioned  by  the  rupture 
 between  Great  Britain  and  the  Porte,  had, 
 through  the  intervention  of  Bishop  Porteus, 
 brought  into  communication  with  the  conductors 
 of  the  Society  a  man,  who,  in  addition  to  the 
 knowledge  he  was  reputed  to  possess  of  the 
 European  and  Oriental  languages  in  general,  had 
 acquired,  by  a  long  residence  at  Smyrna,  an 
 intimate  acquaintance  with  the  dialect,  the 
 opinions,  and  the  habits  of  the  Modern  Greeks. 
 
 To  Mr.  Usko  were  submitted  the  several  par- 
 ticulars on  which  the  question  of  printing  a  por- 
 tion of  the  Scriptures  in  their  own  dialect,  for 
 the  use  of  this  people,  principally  turned;  and 
 the  opinions  he  gave  on  them  severally,  led  to 
 an  unanimous  decision  in  favor  of  the  experiment. 
 The  only  point  on  which  any  serious  doubt  had 
 been  entertained,  was,  whether  the  projected 
 edition  would  be  generally,  or  at  all,  received  by 
 the  Modern  Greeks.  To  the  query  suggested 
 by  this  doubt,  Mr.  Usko  replied,  that  the  Modern 
 Greeks,  havmg  changed  the  ancient  language  of 
 
VI. 
 
 1008-9. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  393 
 
 their  ancestors  into  a  new  one,  as  the  Italians  had  part  i. 
 done  the  Latin,  made  use  of  the  modern  or  new*  ^^[f"/ 
 language  in  all  transactions  of  business,  in  con- 
 versation, and  in  correspondence ;  and  that 
 although  they  employed  the  ancient  in  their 
 churches  for  divine  service,  yet  they  preached 
 in  the  vulgar  tongue:  that  their  Patriarch  and 
 themselves,  when  they  addressed  the  people  in 
 the  Church,  did  it  always  in  the  modern  lan- 
 guage, as  he  had  himself  had  many  oppor- 
 tunities of  observing ;  and,  finally,  that  translations 
 of  European  books,  and  original  compositions, 
 both  in  prose  and  verse,  were  very  current  in 
 this  language,  and  read  by  the  people  (as  being 
 much  more  intelligible  to  them  than  the  ancient 
 Greek  authors)  with  great  readiness  and  delight. 
 Mr.  Usko's  conclusion  therefore  was,  that  an 
 edition  of  the  New  Testament  in  their  own  lan- 
 guage w^ould  be  very  agreeable  to  the  Modern 
 Greeks ;  and  this  conclusion,  as  will  hereafter 
 appear,  has  been,  and  continues  to  be,  increas- 
 ingly confirmed.! 
 
 To  the  benefit  derived  on  this  occasion  from 
 
 *  For  an  excellent  account  of  this  new  language,  called  the 
 Neo-Greek,  or  Romeika,  see  Mr.  Butler's  Hora  Biblicce,  p.  155. 
 
 t  The  reception  given  to  the  first  translation  in  1G38,  wa^ 
 not  very  encouraging.  "  Si  quadras  (says  Largius  in  his  Dis- 
 sertation on  this  edition)  in  quo  pretio  hiec  versio  sit  Graicis 
 habita,  omnino  respondendum  fuerit,  pretium  vix  ade6  mag- 
 jiuoi  illam  fuisse  consecutam  in  Graecia."    The  edition  in  1703, 
 
VI. 
 
 1808-9, 
 
 394  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI.  Mr.  Usko's  knowledge  and  judgment,  was  added 
 CHAP.  ^1^^^  q£  j^jg  personal  services,  voluntarily  ten- 
 dered, and  thankfully  accepted,  in  correcting  the 
 press.  The  w^ork  was  printed  from  the  edition 
 at  Halle,  in  1710;  but  (as  was  the  case  in  the 
 iirst  translation  printed  at  Geneva  in  1638)  with 
 the  Ancient  and  Modern  Greek  in  parallel  co- 
 lums.  This  plan  was  recommended  by  Dr. 
 Adam  Clarke,  and  approved  by  Mr.  Usko :  to 
 the  latter  were  awarded,  in  return  lor  his  valuable 
 labors,  the  thanks  of  the  Committee ;  the  only 
 remuneration  he  would  consent  to  receive  for 
 assistance  which  he  was  not  more  able  than 
 willing  to  impart. 
 
 To  the  printing  of  the  Scriptures  in  the  two  last 
 of  the  before-named  languages,  the  Dutch  and  the 
 Danish,  the  Society  was  first  stimulated  by 
 affecting  representations  of  the  great  want  of 
 Bibles  and  Testaments  among  the  prisoners  of 
 war  belonging  to  those  nations,  but  particularly 
 to  the  latter.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Werninck,  Minister 
 of  the  Dutch,  and  the  Rev.  U.  F.  Rosing,  Mi- 
 nister of  the  Danish  Churches  in  London,  were 
 the  individuals,  who,  with  a  zeal  and  sympathy 
 
 containing  a  preface  offensive  to  the  Greek  Bishops,  was  burnt, 
 by  order  of  the  Patriarch  of  Constantinople.  (See  HortB 
 Bihlicee,  p.  160.)  To  these  facts,  the  acceptance  with  which 
 the  Society's  edition  (without  preface  or  notes)  has  been 
 favored,  and  the  sanction  which  it  has  obtained  from  the 
 Patriarch,  form  a  very  grateful  and  interesting  contrast. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  395 
 
 which  reflected  great  honor  on  their  pastoral  parti. 
 ftinctions,  made  known  to  the  Society  the  spiritual  chap. 
 wants  of  their  captive  countrymen,  and  earnestly  v-^v*^ 
 pleaded  for  their  relief.  "  If"'  (said  Mr.  Rosing)  ^^^^-^* 
 "  the  gift  of  the  Bible  be  a  valuable  thing  to 
 every  person,  it  must  be  peculiarly  so  to  the  man 
 who  is  confined  within  the  narrow  walls  of  a 
 prison.  Without  employment,  with  his  time 
 hanging  heavy,  and  misery  pressing  hard  upon 
 him,  he  will  be  naturally  excited  to  receive  the 
 instruction,  to  seek  the  comfort,  and  to  follow 
 the  advice  of  religion ;  in  proportion  as  he 
 feels  himself  in  want  of  her  aid,  and  discovers 
 in  her  his  only  resource  and  refuge."  Mr.  Rosing 
 then  goes  on  to  state,  that  the  number  of  Danish 
 prisoners  of  war  at  the  several  depots,  amounted 
 to  2,782;  that  among  more  than  1,300  whom  he 
 had  visited  at  Chatham,  he  had  found  but  two 
 Bibles;  and  that  he  had  reason  to  believe,  that 
 the  rest  were  not  in  a  less  destitute  situation. 
 "  If,  therefore,"  (adds  Mr.  Rosing)  "  through  the 
 generous  efforts  of  your  Society,  Bibles  could  be 
 procured  for  them,  an  actual  want  will  unques- 
 tionably be  supplied  ;  and  they  will  have  to  thank 
 the  Society  for  blessings  which  coul^  not  have  been 
 derived  from  any  other  source.''''*     The  result  of 
 
 *  When  the  depot  at  Greenlaw  was  visited  by  a  deputation 
 from  the  Edinburgh  Bible  Society,  in  1809,  between  five  and 
 six  hundred  Danish  prisoners  were  found,  and  only  one  Danish 
 Bible  among  them,  which  the  owner  said  he  had  saved  out  of 
 many  things  which  he  had  lost. 
 
396  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 these  pleadings,  on  the  part  of  Dr.  Werninck, 
 and  Mr.  Rosing,  was  a  determination  to  print 
 both  a  Dutch  and  a  Danish  New  Testament ;  and 
 1808-9.  i^ijg  extent  of  the  editions  in  each  case  was  cal- 
 culated by  a  reference  to  the  prospect  of  their 
 being  circulated  with  acceptance  in  the  Dutch 
 and  Danish  colonies,  both  in  the  East  and  West 
 Indies,  which  in  the  course  of  the  war  had  uni- 
 versally fallen  under  the  dominion  of  Great 
 Britain. 
 
 In  the  mean  time,  those  measures  which  had 
 been  adopted  for  supplying  the  hospitals,  goals, 
 and  workhouses,  throughout  the  kingdom,  were 
 carried  on  with  vigor  and  regularity ;  and  every 
 opportunity  was  embraced  to  distribute  copies  of 
 the  Scriptures,  in  those  languages  in  which  the 
 Society  possessed  them,  wherever  a  probability 
 existed  of  their  being  thankfully  received,  and 
 attentively  perused.  Whether  the  applications 
 proceeded  from  those  who  were  nigh,  or  from 
 those  who  were  afar  oft';  whether  they  respected 
 kindred  or  aliens,  the  destitute  of  our  own,  or  of 
 foreign  countries ;  they  found  a  Board  always 
 prepared  to  give  them  a  kind  reception,  and  to 
 administer,  to  the  full  extent  of  its  means,  a  prompt 
 and  effectual  supply. 
 
 It  is  scarcely  possible  to  estimate  the  good 
 which  may  have  been  effected  through  the  in- 
 strumentality of  an  Institution  at  once  so  vigilant 
 and  so  active.     Unfettered  by  ceremonious  for- 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  397 
 
 niality,  exclusive  attachment,  or  minute  calcu-  parti. 
 lation,  it  felt  simply  and  capaciously  for  the  *^"^^' 
 spiritual  wants  of  mankind ;  and,  in  the  coutem-  ^-— ^^ 
 plation  of  their  relief,  made  no  distinction  of 
 nation  or  communion  ;  and  declined  no  sacrifice, 
 either  of  exertion  or  expenditure.  Aware  that, 
 on  a  sudden,  demands  might  be  made,  and 
 opportunities  of  distribution  might  offer,  and 
 unwilling  that  any  should  be  suffered  to  pass 
 away  without  a  suitable  degree  of  attention  and 
 improvement,  the  Society  was  careful  to  provide 
 against  surprise,  by  keeping  in  hand  a  competent 
 stock  of  the  Scriptures,  in  the  languages  to  which 
 such  exigences  were  thought  most  likely  to 
 apply.  It  resulted  from  this  policy,  that  when 
 the  British  Government  allowed  the  Spanish 
 prisoners  of  war  to  join  the  patriotic  standard 
 which  their  countrymen  had  unexpectedly  erected 
 against  the  invader  and  enslaver  of  their  nation, 
 the  agents  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  So- 
 ciety were  prepared  to  acccmipany  this  generous 
 act  of  release,  with  the  gift  of  a  Spanish  New 
 Testament.  Seven  hundred  and  seventy-five  of 
 these  captives  received,  each  a  copy,  as  they 
 embarked  for  the  land  of  their  nativity;  and, 
 with  tears  of  joy  and  thankfulness,  they  carried 
 off  the  precious  seed,  to  spread  it  over  a  soil 
 in  which,  perhaps,  it  has  been  less  sparingly 
 sown  than  in  almost  any  other  portion  of  Chris- 
 tendom. 
 
 In  like  manner,  when,  in  the  month  of  January, 
 
VI. 
 
 1808-9. 
 
 398  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI.  1809,  part  of  Junot's  army  were  driven  into 
 CHAP.  Penzance  by  foul  weather,  the  Society,  informed 
 of  this  occurrence,  dispatched,  without  delay,  a 
 supply  of  French  Testaments,  which  were  im- 
 mediately distributed  among  this  band  of  enemies ; 
 and  the  person  who  applied  for,  and  distributed 
 them,  W.  H.  Hoare,  Esq.  an  active  and  bene- 
 volent member  of  the  Committee,  reported,  that 
 they  were  received  with  gratitude,  and  that  on 
 the  following  morning  he  found  two  French 
 officers  reading  them  with  attention.  In  this, 
 and  in  all  similar  cases,  the  Society  appeared, 
 it  should  be  observed,  on  ground  which  no  In- 
 stitution before  had  undertaken  to  occupy ;  and 
 the  receiver  of  its  gifts  had  (in  the  just  language 
 of  Mr.  Rosing)  "  to  thank  it  for  blessings  which 
 they  could  not  have  derived  from  any  other 
 source." 
 
 It  was  while  thus  employed  in  prosecuting  the 
 general  concerns  of  the  Society,  dispensing  copies 
 of  the  Scriptures  to  some,  preparing  them  for 
 others,  and  projecting  their  dispersion  among  all, 
 that  the  Committee  received  the  important  intel- 
 ligence of  the  establishment  of  a  Bible  Society 
 in  the  city  of  Philadelphia.*  This  event,  which 
 
 *  The  following  tribute  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  a 
 leading  promoter  of  this  Society,  will  be  read  with  sympathy 
 by  every  friend  to  the  general  cause. 
 
 "  While  the  managers  of  this  Society  offer  their  gratitude  to 
 Almighty  God,  for  preserving  their  body,  during  past  years, 
 from  vacancies  produced  by  death,  they  are,  ou  this  occasion. 
 
1808-9. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY,  59S^ 
 
 took  place  on  the  12th  of  December,  1808,  gave  parti. 
 to  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  an  auspi- 
 cious entrance  on  the  western  continent  ;  and 
 opened  to  its  conductors  prospects  of  useful- 
 ness in  the  new  world,  little  inferior  to  those 
 which  it  had  hitherto  enjoyed  in  the  old.  The 
 intelligence  was  officially  announced  in  terms 
 which  ascribed  the  formation  of  the  Philadelphia 
 Bible  Society  to  the  example  and  influence  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  and  respect- 
 fully and  affectionately  defened  to  it  as  to  a  pa- 
 troness and  a  parent.  In  an  admirable  address, 
 the  managers  of  this  first  American  Society  un- 
 folded their  views  \^ith  regard  to  the  origin  and 
 design  of  their  Institution.  Its  origin  (as  has  al- 
 ready been  mentioned)  they  attribute  "  to  the  ex- 
 ample offered,  and  the  efforts  made,  by  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society."  "  From  the  time" 
 (they  say)  "  that  it  was  known  in  this  city,  it  at- 
 
 callecl  to  the  mournful  duty  of  paying  a  tribute  of  respect  due 
 to  their  late  venerable  associate.  Dr.  Benjamin  Rush,  of  this  city. 
 It  was  with  deep  regret  that  they  heard  of  his  decease.  He 
 was  not  merely  an  honor  to  his  profession  and  to  his  country, 
 as  a  physician,  but  an  ornament  to  religion,  as  a  zealous  friend 
 of  the  Bible,  Among  the  first  to  give  existence  and  energy  to 
 this  Society,  he  drafted  its  constitution ;  and  ever  since  its 
 establishment  he  was  one  of  its  Vice-Presidents,  A  good  Pro- 
 vidence, it  is  hoi)ed,  will  fill  up  those  vacancies  among  the 
 supporters  of  Bible  Institutions  which  death,  time  after  time, 
 may  produce." — Fifth  Report  oj  the  Philadelphia  Bible  So- 
 cietjf. 
 
400  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.     tracted  the  marked  attention  of  several  persons 
 CHAP,      accustomed  to  take  an  interest  in  whatever  is  cal- 
 
 VI. 
 
 ^— v-^  ciliated  to  extend  the  influence  of  revealed  truth. 
 1808-9.  j^  ^y^g  immediately  seen,  that  the  necessity  for 
 such  an  Institution  w^as  the  same  here  as  in 
 Europe;  and  that  there  w^as  every  reason  to 
 believe,  that,  if  suitable  exertions  were  made,  it 
 could  not  fail  of  encouragement."  After  assigning 
 their  reasons  for  choosing  their  limited  designa- 
 tion, they  express  a  hope,  "  that  the  time  is  not 
 distant  when  they  shall  see  Institutions  similar  to 
 their  own,  in  the  town  of  Boston,  and  in  the 
 cities  of  New  Haven,  New  York,  Baltimore, 
 Richmond,  and  Savannah,  and  in  the  town  of 
 Lexington,  and  the  state  of  Kentucky."  And 
 they  assert,  that  they  "  will  at  all  times  be  ready 
 cordially  to  greet,  as  a  sister-Institution,  every 
 Bible  Society,  in  whatever  place  or  part  of  their 
 country  it  shall  appear." 
 
 In  explaining  their  design,  they  state  that  "  it 
 is  to  the  poor,  chiefly,  they  have  it  in  expectation 
 to  send  the  inspired  and  authentic  records  of  the 
 gospel :"  "  to  enable  them  to  see  for  themselves 
 the  provision  made  by  the  Father  of  mercies,  to 
 sustain  them  under  the  privations  and  suflerings 
 of  time,  by  the  hope  of  happiness  in  eternity." 
 
 But  "  while  the  poor,  generally,  will  thus  claim 
 the  peculiar  notice  of  the  Society,  a  still  more 
 especial  regard"  (they  observe)  "  may  be  shown 
 to  those  who  suffer  from  confinement,  or  from 
 
1808-t). 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  401 
 
 crime,  as  well  as  from  poverty.  We  cannot  parti. 
 express  it"  (they  add)  "  without  emotion,  that  we 
 hope  the  time  is  at  hand,  when  the  beams  of  the 
 Sun  of  Righteousness,  reflected  from  the  Holy 
 Scripture,  will  penetrate  and  cheer  the  gloom  of 
 every  prison  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania." 
 
 From  the  poor,  and  the  prisoner,  they  pass 
 to  families  in  confined  circumstances ;  to  sol- 
 diers and  sailors,  who  "  would,  they  are  per- 
 suaded, often  prize  the  gift  of  a  Bible,  and 
 find  in  it  the  best  support  and  solace  of  their 
 hazardous  and  laborious  occupations ;"  and  to 
 "  the  Indians  on  the  frontiers,  and  the  poor 
 Africans,  scattered  through  the  States :"  and, 
 finally,  they  sum  up  the  particulars  of  their  design 
 in  this  compendious  declaration,  "  It  is,  hideed, 
 not  easy  to  foresee  all  the  cases  which  may 
 occur,  to  demand  the  attention  of  the  Society. 
 As  they  arise,  they  will  be  distinctly  considered, 
 and   the  general   rule    of   proceeding   will    be— 
 
 WHEREVER  THE  BiBLE  OUGHT  TO  BE  POSSESSED, 
 AND  CANNOT,  OR  AVILL  NOT,  OTHERWISE  BE  OB- 
 TAINED, THERE  TO  BESTOW   IT  FREELY." 
 
 In  this  address  (the  whole  of  which  is  well 
 worthy  of  perusal)  may  be  seen  the  prototype  of 
 the  numerous  addresses,  recommendatory  of 
 Bible  Societies,  which  have  since  done  so  much 
 honor  to  the  religious  character  of  the  Americans ; 
 and  contributed  so  greatly  to  enlarge  the  stock, 
 
 VOL.  I.  2D 
 
402  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.    both  of  argument  and  exhortation,  m  favor  of  the 
 CHAP,     distribution  of  the  Scriptures.     If  to  Great  Britain 
 
 VI.  ... 
 
 w-v^^     belongs  the  honor  of  producing  the  Philadelphia 
 
 1808-9.  Bible  Society,  Philadelphia  may,  on  her  part, 
 claim  equally  the  honor  of  having  set  the  first 
 example  of  a  Bible  Society  in  the  United  States 
 of  America;  and  of  having,  by  her  zeal,  liberality, 
 ^nd  discriminative  wisdom,  induced  so  extensive 
 an  imitation  of  her  conduct,  as  not  to  leave  a 
 single  State  throughout  the  Union,  unprovided 
 with  one  or  more  of  these  excellent  and  most 
 useful  Establishments. 
 
 The  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  lost  no 
 time  in  expressing,  according  to  its  usual  manner, 
 its  joy  on  receiving  the  interesting  communication 
 which  has  just  been  transcribed,  and  its  desire 
 to  improve  the  ev^nt  to  which  it  referred,  for 
 the  advantage  of  the  general  cause.  The  sum 
 of  200Z.  was  immediately  voted  to  this  Trans-At- 
 lantic auxiliary ;  and  in  the  letter  which  con- 
 veyed intelligence  of  the  grant,  the  conductors 
 of  the  Philadelphia  Society  were  admonished 
 to  "  proceed  in  giving  to  their  infant  Institution 
 every  possible  degree  of  latitude  and  eflBcacy:" 
 **  to  hold  out  the  Sacred  Scriptures  in  their 
 naked  simplicity,  as  a  rallying  point  to  the 
 several  denominations  of  Christians  in  the  Ame- 
 rican Union;  and  to  reckon,  in  the  prosecution 
 of  this  glorious  work,  upon  the  blessing  of  God, 
 
1808-9. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  403 
 
 the   prayers   of  all  good  men,   and   the   cordial    parti. 
 co-operation   of  the    British   and   Foreign   Bible 
 Society." 
 
 The  formation  of  the  first  Bible  Society  in 
 the  United  States  of  America  was  soon  after 
 followed  by  another  event,  not  less  memorable 
 in  the  History  of  the  Institution,  the  establish- 
 ment of  the  first  Auxiliary  Bible  Society  in  Great 
 Britain.  Glasgow,  London,  and  Birmingham, 
 have  been  severally  particularized,  as  giving 
 existence,  in  the  order  now  described,  though 
 on  different  scales  of  magnitude,  to  *'  Associa- 
 tions," contributing  in  a  collective  form  to  the 
 funds  of  the  Institution :  but  it  was  reserved  for 
 the  town  of  Reading  to  give  to  the  country, 
 and  to  the  world,  the  first  example  of  a  regular 
 "  Auxiliary  Bible  Society." 
 
 It  had,  for  some  time  past,  been  an  object 
 with  the  Committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  to  promote  the  establishment  of 
 local  Associations.  With  this  view,  they  inserted 
 in  their  Fourth  Report  the  following  passage, 
 recommendatory  of  such  establishments. 
 
 *'  The  Association  established  in  London  for 
 contributing  to  its  funds  have  continued  their 
 active  exertions  with  increased  effect.  And  the 
 funds  of  the  Society  have  received  an  augmen- 
 tation from  Congregational  Collections  in  England, 
 as  well  as  from  the  liberality  of  individuals.  In 
 their  Appendix  to  their  Second  Report^  your 
 2  D  2 
 
V 
 
 1808-9. 
 
 404  HISTORY    OP    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI.  Committee  published  an  extract  from  the  reso- 
 CHAP.  lotion  of  the  Birmingham  Association,  as  afford- 
 ing an  example  of  a  plan  of  proceeding  pecn- 
 liarly  adapted  to  aid  the  object  of  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society;  and  the  benefit 
 which  has  been  derived  from  it,  as  v/ell  as  from 
 the  Association  in  London,  and  a  similar  one 
 ill  Glasgow,  makes  them  anxious  to  point  out 
 these  Associations  which  have  been  established 
 for  the  special  purpose  of  aiding  the  funds  of 
 this  Society,  in  the  hopes  that  they  will  become 
 objects  of  imitation,  wherever  such  a  measure 
 is  practicable,  throughout  the  island.'' 
 
 In  what  degree  these  hints  contributed  to  the 
 movement  which  took  place  at  Reading,  it  is 
 neither  easy  to  ascertain,  nor  material  to  inquire. 
 Our  pui*pose  will  be  sufficiently  answered,  by 
 describing  briefly  the  manner  in  which  the  for- 
 mation of  this  Auxiliary  Society  was  brought 
 about,  and  specifying  the  agents  who  princi- 
 pally contributed  to  its  establishment. 
 
 Previously,  however,  to  entering  into  this  de- 
 tail, it  will  be  proper  to  observe,  that,  in  the  year 
 1807,  a  Society  had  been  formed  at  Greenock 
 in  Scotland,  under  the  designation  of  "  The 
 Greenock  and  Port  Glasgow  Society,"  for  the  pro- 
 fessed object  "  of  circulating  the  Holy  Scriptures 
 in  places  where  they  are  most  wanted,  and  of 
 assisting  other  Societies  which  have  the  same 
 views."    This  Society,  though  not  tributary  to  the 
 
VI, 
 
 1808-9. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  405 
 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  exclusively,  and,  part  I; 
 therefore,  not  claiming  to  be  regarded  as  one  of  its  ^^[^^' 
 professed  Auxiliary  Societies,  contributed  very  li- 
 berally to  its  resources ;  and,  upon  merging  into 
 the  "  Greenock  and  Port  Glasgow  West  Ren- 
 frewshire Bible  Society,"  in  181.3,  transmitted,  as 
 a  final  contribution,  the  remainder  of  its  funds, 
 with  a  valedictory  letter,  in  which  the  Secretary 
 thus  expresses  the  sentiments  of  the  body. 
 
 "  The  dissolution  of  a  Society  which,  during 
 six  years,  has  afforded  to  its  Members  so  many 
 delightful  opportunities  of  cultivating  the  prin- 
 ciples of  mutual  charity,  as  well  as  of  contributing 
 to  improve  the  spiritual  condition  of  many  of 
 their  fellow-creatures,  could  not  be  contemplated 
 without  feelings  of  deep  regret,  which  nothing 
 could  have  countervailed  but  the  confident  expec- 
 tation, that,  by  the  change,  the  same  object  will 
 be  carried  forward  on  a  scale  greatly  enlarged, 
 ajdd  with  a  vigor  and  success  proportioned  to 
 the  number  and  influence  of  the  persons  engaged. 
 
 "  Permit  me  only,  farther,  in  the  name  of  the 
 late  Greenock  and  Port  Glasgow  Bible  Society, 
 to  return  to  the  Parent  Society,  through  y6u» 
 their  grateful  thanks  for  the  attention  with  which 
 they  have  all  along  been  honored,  and  to  express 
 their  fervent  wishes,  that  the  great  and  benevolent 
 plans  which  they  have  been  led  to  form,  may  be 
 crowned  with  success,  and  be  the  means  of 
 accelerating  that  happy  period,  when  all  nations 
 
 2  D  3 
 
1808-9. 
 
 405  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.    shall  read  and  hear  in  their  own  tongue  the  won- 
 CHAP.      ^gj,f^i  ^orks  of  God." 
 
 VI.  _ 
 
 Having  endeavored  to  do  some  justice  to  an 
 unassuming  but  meritorious  Institution,  the  author 
 will  now  return  to  the  subject  of  the  Reading 
 Auxiliary  Bible  Society. 
 
 The  Rev.  Dr.  Valpy,  of  Reading,  whose  eru- 
 dition and  philanthropy  have  conferred  no  ordi- 
 nary reputation  on  that  town  which  has  for  so 
 many  years  been  the  seat  of  his  scholastic  labors, 
 had  distinguished  his  attachment  to  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  by  preaching  on  its 
 behalf,  both  at  WaUingford  and  at  Wrington, 
 and  by  other  unequivocal  testimonies  of  a  concern 
 for  its  welfare.  Through  the  persevering  exertions 
 of  this  gentleman  and  others  who  participated  in 
 his  sentiments  and  feelings,  a  Public  Meeting 
 was  convened  in  the  Town  Hall  at  Reading', 
 under  the  sanction  of  the  Mayor,  on  the  28th 
 of  March,  1809 ;  when  an  "  Auxiliary  Bible  So- 
 ciety" was  established  for  the  town  and  vicinity 
 of  Reading,  on  the  principles  and  "  regulations 
 of  the  Parent  Society,"  and  with  the  professed 
 design  of  "  contributing  to  its  laudable  under- 
 taking." The  business  of  the  day  was  rendered 
 particularly  interesting  by  the  presence  of  the 
 venerable    William    Sharp,*   Esq.,   at   that   time 
 
 *  May  the  author  be  permitted,  wlien  mentioning  a  name, 
 so  dear  to  himself,  and  so  deserving  of  affectionate  commemo- 
 
1808-9. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  407 
 
 verging  on  his  eighty-first  year;  and  its  object  parti. 
 was  materially  promoted  by  the  countenance  chap. 
 given  to  it  on  the  part  of  the  Rev.  Robert  Nares, 
 Archdeacon  of  Stafford,  and  Vicar  of  St.  Mary's, 
 Reading. 
 
 To  Archdeacon  Nares  the  author  has  per- 
 sonal obligations,  which  he  is  happy  to  find  any 
 opportunity  of  acknowledging :  but  he  is  only  dis- 
 
 ratiou  by  every  friend  of  religion  and  humanity,  to  trespass, 
 by  a  brief  extract  from  a  Discourse  delivered  by  him  on  occa- 
 sion of  the  death  of  that  excellent  man,  and  referring  expressly 
 to  his  regard  for  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  1 
 
 "  He  loved  atTectionately  all  good  men.  The  strictness 
 of  his  Creed — for  in  this  he  never  relaxed — in  no  degree 
 interfered  with  the  expansion  of  his  heart.  He  honored  the 
 image  of  God,  wherever  he  seemed  to  discover  it ;  and  re- 
 joiced in  every  measure  which  tended  to  bring  within  the 
 bonds  of  brotherly  love,  the  disunited  members  of  the  ChurcJi 
 of  Christ.  By  this  impulse  of  Christian  charity  he  was  led 
 to  hail  the  establishment  of  that  Society  which  promised  to 
 facilitate,  in  a  degree  beyond  all  former  precedent,  the  accom- 
 plishment of  so  desirable  an  end.  He  watched  the  progress 
 of  this  Institution,  while  its  line  was  going  out  through  all 
 the  earth,  and  its  words  to  the  end  of  the  world ;  promoted 
 its  interests  by  all  the  powers  which  remained  to  him,  botii 
 of  body  and  mind ;  and  honored  its  anniversaries  by  the 
 countenance  of  his  venerable  presence,  and  by  the  applauding 
 testimony  of  his  tears.  Five  of  these  festivals  he  had  witnessed  ; 
 and  it  was  the  desire  of  his  heart — were  it  consistent  with 
 that  will  to  which  he  was  always  resigned — to  witness  a  sixth. 
 But  he  had  another,  and  a  better  destination  :  for  ere  that 
 era  should  arrive,  he  was  to  take  his  place  in  a  higher  region ; 
 and  to  celebrate  the  triumphs  of  Christian  faith  and  love 
 in  a  larger  and  more  august  assembly." 
 
 a  D  4 
 
408 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 1808-9. 
 
 charging  a  public  duty,  when  he  bears  testimony 
 to  the  decided  attachment  which  the  Archdeacon 
 has  manifested  to  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  and  to  the  constancy  with  which,  through 
 all  the  vicissitudes  of  public  opinion,  he  has 
 persevered  to  support  and  defend  it.* 
 
 The  Reading  Auxiliary  Bible  Society  very 
 soon  obtained  the  patronage  of  the  Bishop  of 
 Salisbury,  who  cheerfully  became  its  President : 
 and  of  so  great  importance  did  this  Institution 
 appear  to  Bishop  Porteus,  that  his  Lordship  re- 
 printed, on  a  separate  sheet,  the  report  of  the  pro- 
 ceedings at  its  formation,  as  it  appeared  in  the 
 county  papers ;  and  distributed  copies,  with  great 
 zeal  and  earnestness,  among  several  of  his  clergy, 
 as  well  as  more  particular  friends. 
 
 This  event,  together  with  the  formation  of  "  the 
 
 *  It  redounds  to  the  credit  of  the  Archdeacon,  that  "  The 
 British  Critic,"  during  the  period  that  it  continued  under  his 
 management,  was  the  faithful  ally  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society ;  and,  with  the  exception  of  one  article,  ob- 
 truded upon  the  editor  from  an  opponent  of  high  rank,  now 
 no  more,  it  uniformly  defended  the  Institution  against  the 
 insinuations  and  the  calumnies  with  which  it  was  so  perse- 
 i-eringly  assailed.  Perhaps,  if  it  were  publicly  known  into 
 whose  hands  the  property  has  passed  since  the  Archdeacon 
 resigned  it,  some  account  might  be  given  of  the  cause  which 
 has  led  to  the  strange,  and  almost  unexampled  inconsistency, 
 of  making  a  publication  of  respectable  name  the  instrument 
 of  stultifying  itself,  and  of  giving  the  lie  to  almost  every 
 thing  it  has  advanced  for  a  number  of  years  in  behalf  of  a 
 great  National  Institutioa. 
 
VI. 
 
 1808-9. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  409 
 
 Bible  Society  of  Nottingham  and  its  Vicinity,"  parti. 
 which  took  place  on  the  30th  of  the  same  month,  chap. 
 was  regarded  by  the  Connnittee  of  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  with  a  similar  feeling  to 
 that  which  it  had  excited  in  the  breast  of  the 
 good  Bishop  of  London.  The  sense  they  enter- 
 tained of  the  valne  of  these  Institutions,  and  their 
 desire  of  exciting  through  them  a  spirit  of  emu- 
 lation, were  thus  expressed  in  the  Annual  Re- 
 port which  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  anticipate. 
 
 "  It  is  with  sentiments  of  the  sincerest  satis- 
 faction that  your  Committee  advert  to  an  event,  of 
 which,  from  the  notoriety  given  to  it  through  the 
 public  papers,  the  Members  of  the  Society  can 
 scarcely  be  ignorant:  your  Committee  allude  to 
 the  formation  of  an  Auxiliary  Bible  Society  at 
 Reading,  in  aid  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society.  The  zealous  and  effectual  manner  in 
 which  the  Reading  Bible  Society  has  been  con- 
 stituted, the  distinguished  patronage  which  it 
 has  obtained,  (the  Right  Rev.  the  Lord  Bishop 
 of  Salisbury,  one  of  your  Vice-Presidents,  having 
 accepted  the  Presidency  of  it,)  and  finally,  the 
 liberality  and  union  so  unanimously  manifested 
 in  its  support,  entitle  its  promoters  and  con- 
 tributors to  the  respect  and  gratitude  of  the 
 Parent  Institution. 
 
 *'  Intelligence  has  also  been  very  recently  re- 
 ceived of  another  Auxiliary  Institution  having 
 been   formed    at  Nottingham,   under  the   desig- 
 
410  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.     nation  of  '  The  Bible  Society  of  Nottingham  and 
 
 CHAP,      j^^  Vicinity.' 
 
 wv-^  "  Your  Committee  are  so  deeply  impressed 
 with  the  advantage  which  must  result  to  the 
 interests  and  usefulness  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society  from  such  Establishments  in  aid  of 
 their  funds,  that  they  earnestly  recommend  the 
 precedents  furnished  by  '  the  Birmingham  Asso- 
 ciation,' '  the  Reading  Auxiliary  Society,'  and 
 *  the  Bible  Society  of  Nottingham  and  its  Vicinity,' 
 (the  several  regulations  of  which  will  be  found 
 in  the  Appendix  to  this  Report,)  to  the  con- 
 sideration of  such  towns  throughout  the  king- 
 dom as  may  be  disposed  to  promote  the  object 
 of  their  Institution." 
 
 The  indications  which  the  establishment  of 
 these  Auxiliary  Societies*  was  considered  to 
 give   of  the   advancement   of  the    Parent    Insti- 
 
 *  The  author  might  perhaps  have  been  excused,  had  he 
 treated  the  origin  of  Auxiliary  Societies — an  instrument  of  so 
 great  efficacy — as  adding  another  to  the  many  instances 
 in  which  Providence  appears  to  have  favored  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society.  Dr.  Wordsworth  professes  to  regard 
 the  adoption  of  a  similar  expedient  in  the  year  1810  by  the 
 Society  for  Promoting  Christian  Knowledge,  "  as  a  merciful 
 example  of  tlie  fulfilment  of  his  word,  who  has  promised  to 
 be  with  his  church  unto  the  end  of  the  world." 
 
 Letter  to  Lord  Teignmouth,  p.  157. 
 
 The  devout  reader,  who,  with  the  author,  is  a  sincere  well- 
 wisher  to  both  Institutions,  will  probably  be  of  opinion, 
 ifchat  neither  observation  is  altogether  destitute  of  truth. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  411 
 
 tution  in   the  public  esteem,  were  strengthened    part  i. 
 by  the  unequivocal  evidence  of  a  grov^'ing  dis-     ^"^^* 
 position    throujifhout    the    Empire   to   encoiurage      v.— ^^ 
 
 r  ..  ,   .  .,  1808-». 
 
 its  exertions,  and  miprove  its  resources. 
 
 Ireland  had  indeed  too  many  demands  from 
 her  own  population  upon  the  slender  funds  of 
 her  two  Bible  Societies,  at  Dublin,  and  at  Cork,  to 
 have  any  thing  to  spare  for  the  promotion  of  the 
 general  cause.  It  was  obvious  that  the  connec- 
 tion of  these  bodies  with  the  Parent  Society  in 
 London,  must,  from  the  circumstances  of  their 
 situation,  be,  for  a  period  at  least,  a  connection 
 of  dependence,  or  of  mutual  good-will.  The  only 
 way  in  which  they  could  be  expected  to  con- 
 tribute to  its  interest,  would  be  by  occupying^ 
 with  its  aid,  in  a  field — and  that  a  most  important 
 one  too — from  which  its  labors  must  otherwise 
 be  excluded;  and  by  returning  the  pecuniary 
 supplies  which  they  occasionally  received  from 
 its  liberality,  in  the  fruits  of  a  vigorous  and  suc- 
 cessful co-operation. 
 
 The  following  extracts  from  their  respective 
 Reports,  while  they  communicate  general  infor- 
 mation on  the  state  of  Ireland  as  to  the  Holy 
 Scriptures,  will  show,  that  the  hope  of  vigorous 
 co-operation  in  that  quarter  with  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society  was  not  without  rea- 
 sonable foundation. 
 
 "  During  the  time  your  Committee  have  been 
 in  office,"  (say  the  Committee  of  the  Hibernian 
 
412 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 1808-9. 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    RHITI'^M 
 
 Bible  Society*,)  "  they  have  had  repeated  proof^ 
 of  the  necessity  and  usefuhiess  of  the  Society. 
 A  very  general  desire  to  purchase  and  read  the 
 Bible  prevails  in  Ireland ;  and  yet  in  several 
 parts  of  the  country,  the  Bible  cannot  be  obtained, 
 at  least,  by  the  lower  classes.  A  letter  from  a 
 clergyman,   in  a   very   populous   district    of  the 
 
 *  The  Report  of  the  Hibernian  Bible  Society  was  read  to 
 the  General  Meeting  at  Dublin,  November  14,  1808,  in  the 
 presence  of  the  Archbishop  of  Dublin,  (the  Earl  of  Normanton,) 
 President  of  the  Institution.  The  author  had  an  opportunity, 
 which  he  did  not  neglect,  of  introducing  the  subject  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  to  the  knowledge  of  the 
 Archbishop,  during  his  temporary  residence  at  Fulham,  in  the 
 Spring  of  1807  ;  and  afterwards  heard,  with  no  little  satisfaction, 
 that  his  Grace  had,  in  the  December  of  that  year,  become  the 
 President  of  the  Hibernian  Bible  Society ;  presided  at  its 
 anniversary,  as  related,  in  November,  1808,  and,  on  the  termi- 
 nation of  the  meeting,  presented  it  with  a  donation  of  100/. 
 In  this  manner  the  Archbishop  redeemed  the  pledge  which  he 
 was  pleased  to  give  the  author  in  a  letter,  which,  as  it  contains 
 a  record  of  His  Grace's  sentiments  on  the  merits  of  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  insert. 
 
 Arundel  House,  Fulham, 
 May  27,  1807. 
 "  Rev.  Sir, 
 
 "  I  have  received  and  read,  with  great  satisfaction,  youi 
 account  of  the  Bible  Society  here.  And  as  soon  as  I  return 
 to  Ireland,  I  will  make  myself  acquainted  with  the  state  and 
 circumstances  of  our  Society  there ;  in  order  to  ascertain,  what, 
 upon  the  whole,  had  best  be  done,  to  promote  the  objects  of 
 these  useful  Institutions. 
 
 "  I  am.  Reverend  Sir, 
 
 "  Your  faithful  humble  servant. 
 The  Rev.  John  Owen.  •'  CHARLES  DUBLIN." 
 
Total     4,898 
 
 They  conclude  their  Report  "  by  urgmg  on 
 each  Member  of  the  Society  the  necessity  of 
 increased  exertion  in  the  best  of  all  causes,  the 
 improvement  of  their  country  in  civilization,  mo- 
 rality, and  religion."  "  Of  all  nations  of  the 
 earth,  we  are"  (they  add)  "  the  most  favored 
 by  Providence.  While  other  lands  are  wasted 
 by  famine,  or  desolated  by  war,  we  are  in  the 
 enjoyment  of  prosperity  and  domestic  peace ; 
 and  surely  the  least  return  we  can  make  to  the 
 bountiful  Author  of  these  blessings,  is,  to  diffuse 
 among  our  countrymen  the  knowledge  of  his 
 Gospel." 
 
 CHAP. 
 VI. 
 
 1808-1). 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  413 
 
 North  of  Ireland,  stated  to  your  Committee,  that     parti. 
 
 ill   his   neighbourhood    the    Bible   could   not   be 
 
 procuved  for  any  money.     From  this  circumstance 
 
 the  Society  may  judge    what  must  be  the  case 
 
 in  those  parts  of  the  land  where  the  people  are 
 
 less  instructed,  and  where,   of  course,   it  might 
 
 be  expected  that  books  would  be  very  scarce." 
 
 "  Of  the  usefulness  of  the  Society,"  (they 
 justly  observe,)  "  the  best  proof  is  the  following- 
 statement  of  the  books  circulated  during  the  last 
 year ;   viz. 
 
 Bibles 2,446 
 
 Testaments  ....  2,452 
 
414  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.        The  extract  from  the  Cork  Report,  to  which 
 CHAP,      tjje  reader's  attention  is  requested,  is  as  follows  : 
 v.*.^         "   It  was  with  astonishment  and   regret  that 
 1808-9.    your  Committee  noticed  the  marked  opposition 
 with  which  the  Society  was  threatened  at  its  for- 
 mation ;   an  opposition  the  more  surprising,  when 
 the  professed   object  of  the  Association  is  con- 
 sidered— that   of  the   more  general   diffusion   of 
 Divhie  Truth,  by  the  medium  of  God's  sacred 
 word  among  all  classes  of  professing  Christians— 
 and  that  without  any  further  design  or  prospect 
 of  proselytism,  than  as  the  sacred  volume  itself 
 is  calculated  to  produce  such  an  effect. 
 
 "  But  as  your  Committee  expected,  so  they 
 had  the  happiness  to  find,  that  the  gloom  which 
 overspread  the  dawn  of  the  Institution  was  not  of 
 long  continuance-  The  progress  of  Truth,  though 
 often  slow,  is  uniform  and  steady.  The  outcry 
 raised  against  the  Bible  Society,  as  subservient 
 to  the  interests  of  a  party,  and  not  to  the  general 
 cause  of  religiovis  knowledge,  was  seen  to  have 
 originated  in  prejudice  and  misconception,  those 
 deadly  foes  to  the  emancipation  of  the  human 
 mind,  which  too  often  drown  all  candid  inquiry 
 in  clamour,  and  cause  the  truth  itself  to  be  viewed 
 through  a  distorted  medium. 
 
 "  A  happy  revolution  of  the  public  sentiments 
 in  its  favor  has  been  abundantly  marked  by  tho 
 liberal  and  enlightened  patronage  it  has  received, 
 and  the  highly  respectable  auspices  under  which 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  410 
 
 CHAP. 
 VI. 
 
 180»-9. 
 
 it  was  formed  :  its  supporters  have  evinced  their     part  i. 
 zeal  for  the  best  interests  of  their  fellow-creatures  ; 
 —we  are  happy  to  observe,  that  their  benevolent 
 designs    have   been   crowned    with    unlooked-for 
 success. 
 
 "  The  amount  of  subscriptions  and  donations 
 has  been  very  considerable ;  among  which  is 
 most  thankfully  acknowledged,  the  liberal  grant 
 of  100/.  voted  in  aid  of  our  funds  by  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society. 
 
 "  Since  the  beginning  of  July  last,  your  Com- 
 mittee have  procured  from  the  Repository  in 
 London,  618  Bibles,  and  1,108  New  Testaments — 
 the  whole  of  which,  with  the  exception  of  about 
 twenty  Bibles  and  a  small  portion  of  Testaments, 
 have  been  disseminated — these  few  continue  un- 
 disposed of,  and  an  ample  supply  of  large  Bibles 
 and  Testaments,  for  which  there  seems  to  be  a 
 great  demand,  has  been  ordered  from  London 
 and  Edinburgh.  A  number  of  Bibles  and  Tes- 
 taments have  been  given,  by  a  vote  of  the  Com- 
 mittee, to  the  unhappy  convicts  who  sailed  in  the 
 last  fleet  for  Botany  Bay. 
 
 "  Your  Committee  cannot  conclude  their 
 Report,  without  congratulating  the  Subscribers  on 
 the  increased  spirit  of  inquiry  and  thirst  for  reli- 
 ligious  knowledge,  which  the  most  accurate 
 observers  notice  among  the  lower  orders.  Educa- 
 tion is  becoming  more  general — the  means  of  ac- 
 quiring information  are  more  happily  diffused.  We 
 
416  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.  hail  these  encouraging  appearances,  as  indicating 
 CHAP,  ^j^e  dawn  of  civilization — as  the  bright  harbinger 
 V— v^  of  happier  times  than  we  have  yet  witnessed — as 
 1808-9.  giving  the  early  promise  of  a  rich  harvest  of 
 Glory  to  God  in  the  highest;  on  earth,  Peace^ 
 Good-ivill  toivards  me^i^ 
 
 Scotland  added  considerably  this  year  to  the 
 number  and  copiousness  of  her  tributary  streams. 
 The  zeal  of  the  Kirk  was  honorably  distinguished 
 in  this  strife  of  Christian  love ;  and  the  Presby- 
 teries of  Lanark,  Paisley,  and  Ayr,  followed  the 
 example  of  those  which  had  before  shewn  their 
 zeal  for  the  Society,  by  general  and  productive 
 contributions.  The  liberality  displayed  by  the 
 Presbytery  of  Glasgow  in  1806,  when  a  sum, 
 amounting  to  8887.  Is.  6d.  was  poured  into  the 
 treasury  of  the  Institution,  was  again  roused 
 into  action  ;  and  the  effect  of  the  excitement  was 
 equally  creditable  to  the  donors,  and  beneficial 
 to  the  object  towards  which  their  bounty  was 
 directed.  After  a  solemn  deliberation  on  the 
 facts  relative  to  the  proceedings  and  operations 
 of  the  Society,  the  Presbytery  unanimously  ap- 
 pointed an  ANNUAL  collection  to  be  made  in  its 
 behalf,  at  all  the  churches  and  chapels  within  its 
 bounds,  on  or  before  the  last  Sabbath  of  July 
 each  year,  till  otherwise  altered — a  measure  for 
 which,  it  is  said,  there  was  no  precedent. 
 
 Contributions  in  England,  also,  both  congre- 
 gational and  individual,  were  manifestly  on  the 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  417 
 
 increase.  A  splendid  part  of  their  augmentation  part  i. 
 this  year  was  formed  by  the  aggregate  of  col-  chap. 
 lections  made  througli  the  several  congregations  ^— n-L/ 
 in  the  connection  of  the  late  Rev.  John  Wesley,  i^^^-^- 
 amounting  to  1300/.  Of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Adam 
 Clarke,  through  whom  this  munificent  donation 
 was  transmitted,  something  has  already  been  said 
 in  another  place;  but  the  introduction  of  a  subject 
 in  which  the  liberality  of  that  body  of  Christians 
 with  which  he  stands  particularly  connected,  is 
 mentioned,  affords  a  convenient  opportunity  of 
 bearing  testimony  to  their  friendly  regard  for  the 
 prosperity  of  the  Institution.  This  disposition 
 was  particularly  manifested  in  the  year  1807, 
 when,  on  an  application  from  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  their  Conference  permitted 
 Dr.  Clarke  to  remain  in  the  Metropolis,  from 
 which,  by  their  regulations,  he  must  otherwise 
 have  been  removed ;  and  thereby  continued  to 
 the  Society  those  literary  services,  the  loss  of 
 which  would  have  been  most  severely  and  in- 
 juriously felt. 
 
 For  the  acquisition  of  these,  and  many  similar 
 advantages,  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society 
 is  indebted  to  that  constitution  of  its  Committee, 
 which,  by  the  diversity  of  its  component  parts, 
 furnishes  links  of  connection  with  almost  every 
 body  of  Christians  throughout  the  Empire.  In 
 Joseph  Butterworth,  Esq.*  the  Society  possessed, 
 *  The  present  Member  of  Parliament  for  Coventry. 
 
 VOL.  I.  2  E 
 
418 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 VI. 
 
 ^-^^^ 
 1808-9. 
 
 from  the  period  of  its  formation,  a  medium  of 
 acceptable  and  advantageous  communication  with 
 the  congregations  ah-eady  referred  to ;  and  the 
 mention  of  his  name,  together  with  that  of 
 Thomas  Allan,  Esq.  who  entered  more  recently 
 into  the  service  of  the  Institution,  will  remind 
 those  who  are  acquainted  with  its  practical 
 business,  of  the  candor,  good  sense,  and  integrity, 
 evinced  by  those  gentlemen,  in  the  part  they  have 
 severally  taken  in  the  administration  of  its  con- 
 cerns. 
 
 Along  this  tide  of  unexpected  prosperity,  the 
 Society  was  carried  to  the  celebration  of  its  Fifth 
 Anniversary.  The  Noble  President,  though  la- 
 boring under  the  effects  of  a  severe  and  protracted 
 indisposition,  appeared  at  his  station  in  the  Chair. 
 With  his  usual  felicity  of  selection  and  com- 
 bination, his  Lordship  recited,  in  a  well-digested 
 Report,  the  principal  transactions  which  had  taken 
 place,  and  which  described  the  success  that  had 
 attended  the  Institution  in  the  course  of  the  year. 
 At  the  close  of  this  recital,  his  Lordship  exhorted 
 the  Members  of  the  Society,  in  the  words  of  the 
 Report,  not  to  consider  their  "  field  for  exertion 
 exhausted,  while  the  inhabitants  of  any  part  of 
 the  globe,  who  are  able  to  read  the  things  belong- 
 ing to  their  peace,  were  in  want  of  its  assistance." 
 The  sequel  of  the  Report,  as  read  by  the  Noble 
 President,  was  particularly  impressive. 
 
 "  The  Gospel  of  Salvation  was  a  free,  unmerited 
 
VI. 
 
 1808-9. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  419 
 
 boon  to  mankind ;  let  us  therefore  rejoice,  that,     part  i. 
 under  Providence,  we  are  become  the  honored      *^"^^* 
 instruments  of  its  dispersion.     It  must   be  most 
 gratifying   to    the    Members   of  the   Society,   to 
 receive  appHcations  for  its  aid  and  support,  dic- 
 tated   by   a   spirit   of  Christian   confidence   and 
 unity,    from    their   fellow-laborers   in   the    same 
 cause,    dispersed   through    various   parts   of  the 
 world :  but  it  is  still  more  gratifying  to  possess 
 the  disposition  to   comply   with   them,    and  the 
 means  of  indulging  that  disposition  to  the  most 
 liberal  extent.     Let  us  therefore  hope  that  neither 
 will    ever    be   wanting.     Five   years    only   have 
 elapsed  since  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  So- 
 ciety was  estabhshed;  and,   during  that  period, 
 the   calamities   of  war,   from  which   Providence 
 has  mercifully  protected  our  country,  have  been 
 more  or  less  felt  in  every  kingdom  of  the  Con- 
 tinent.    But   these   calamities,    even   when   they 
 have  operated  with    the  greatest  pressure,  have 
 not  been  able  to  extinguish  that  zeal  which  your 
 vSociety    had    either    kindled,    or  promoted,   for 
 the    circulation   of   the    Holy   Scriptures:    inso- 
 much   that    the    institution  of  the   British    and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society  has  become  a  central  point 
 of  union  for   individuals  and  societies  animated 
 with  the  same  spirit,  however  variously  circum- 
 stanced, or  widely   dispersed.     Like  a  city   set 
 on  a  hill,  it  has  become  conspicuous ;   and  the 
 rays   of  light  which   have  flowed  from  it,  have 
 2  £  3 
 
420  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PARTI,  been  reflected  with  undiminished  lustre.  What 
 ^^^^'  success  may  attend  the  operations  of  the  British 
 ^— s-^  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  for  improving  the 
 '^'  religious  and  moral  state  of  mankind,  cannot 
 be  ascertained.  But  surely  it  may  be  permitted 
 to  hope,  that  the  blessing  of  God  will  not  be 
 wanting  to  an  Institution  which  has  for  its  single 
 object,  to  promote  His  glory  by  the  circulation 
 of  the  Holy  Scriptures;  nor  its  endeavours  in 
 this  line  of  duty  be  unattended  with  correspon- 
 dent success.  At  present,  the  Members  of  the 
 Society  may  be  allowed  to  enjoy  the  gratification 
 of  knowing,  that  it  has  been  the  instrument  of 
 communicating  the  words  of  eternal  life  to 
 cottages  and  prisons,  to  kindred  and  aliens,  to 
 the  poor  and  the  afflicted,  in  our  own  and  foreign 
 conntries ;  and  that,  through  its  means,  the 
 people  which  sat  in  darkness  have  seen  a  great 
 light,  and  to  them  which  sat  in  the  shadow  of 
 death,  light  is  sprung  up. 
 
 "  Many  tracts  are  yet  unexplored  ;  and  it 
 may  be  necessary  to  retrace  some  which  have 
 been  already  pursued :  but,  whatever  the  variety 
 or  extent  of  them  may  be,  your  Committee  have 
 the  fullest  reliance,  that  the  zeal  of  the  friends 
 of  religion  will  supply  means  adequate  to  in- 
 creasing exigences.  Nor  can  any  inducement 
 be  wanting  to  those  who  remember  the  words 
 of  the  prophet,  peculiarly  styled  evangelical; — 
 *   How  beautiful    upon    the  mountains  are  the 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  42l 
 
 feet  of  him  tliat  briiigeth  good  tidings,  that  pub-  part  i. 
 lisheth  peace,  that  bringeth  good  tidings  of  good,  f^"  ap. 
 that  piibhsheth  salvation,  that  saith  unto  Zion, —  ^— v-^-^ 
 Thy  God  reigneth  'Z'— Isaiali  hii.  7.  ^^^^-^• 
 
 The  Bishop  of  Durham,  in  moving  thanks  to 
 the  President,  added  a  brief,  but  highly  energetic 
 address,  concluding  it  with  a  prayer  for  the  in- 
 creased prosperity  of  the  Institution.  The  liberal 
 terms  in  whicli  this  prayer  was  expressed,  and 
 the  feeling  manner  in  which  it  was  delivered,  had 
 the  singular  effect  of  drawing  from  the  great  body 
 of  the  Members,  as  if  actuated  by  one  common 
 impulse,  an  audible  and  emphatical,  Amen. 
 
 Thus  terminated  the  first  lustrum  of  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  Advanchig  from 
 small  and  scarcely  perceptible  beginnings,  it  had 
 now  attained  an  extent,  and  reached  an  eminence, 
 which  could  not  fail  to  give  it  consideration  in 
 the  eyes  of  mankind.  The  different  portions  of 
 the  United  Kingdom  had  recognized  it  with  ap- 
 probation, and  supported  it  with  liberality.  Esta- 
 blishments had  arisen  for  the  promotion  of  its 
 object  in  three  important  stations  on  the  Euro- 
 pean continent.  Its  excellence  and  utility  had 
 been  proclaimed  in  India,  and  plans  were  forming 
 there  for  bringing  its  oi)erations  to  bear  on  the 
 ignorance,  superstition,  and  idolatry  of  the  East. 
 A  footing  had  been  obtained  for  it  on  the  terri- 
 tories of  the  American  States ;  and  its  entrance 
 on  the  western  hemisphere  had  been  marked  by 
 2  E  3 
 
422  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  I.     all  the   signs    and   presages    of    prosperity   and 
 
 CHAP.      triumph.     Its  resources  were  considerable,  as  its 
 
 ^--v-i^      works  had  been  numerous :  and  there  was  every 
 
 1808-9.     ti^ii^g  in  itg  condition,  both   as  it  respected   its 
 
 domestic    and    its    foreign    connections,  at    the 
 
 termination  of  its  fifth  year,  to  justify  the  assertion 
 
 of  the  venerable   Bishop  Porteus,  that  "  it  was 
 
 rising  uniformly  in  reputation  and  credit ;  gaining 
 
 new  accessions    of    strength    and   revenue,    and 
 
 attaching  to  itself  more  and  more  the  approbation 
 
 and  support  of  every  real  friend  to  the  churchy 
 
 and  to  religion." 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  423 
 
 CHAP. 
 I. 
 
 PART  U. 
 
 CHAPTER   I. 
 
 J  809— 10. 
 
 The  period  at  which  we  are  now  arrived,  may    part  ii, 
 be  regarded  as  fixing  a  new  era  in  the  History  of 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society. 
 
 Hitherto  we  have  seen  the  Institution  relying,  l^^^l^* 
 principally,  for  its  encouragement  and  its  re- 
 sources, upon  the  countenance  and  support  of 
 individuals.  In  certain  parts  of  the  British  empire, 
 Associations  were  indeed  formed ;  and  to  the  funds 
 derived  from  solitary  contributions  were  added 
 the  more  ample  supplies  of  congregational  and 
 collective  liberality.  These  Associations  were, 
 however,  but  few,  and  the  aids  they  furnished 
 were  limited  and  precarious :  the  merits  of  the 
 Society  were,  on  the  whole,  but  partially  acknow- 
 ledged ;  and  its  means,  though  considerable,  were 
 as  yet  inadequate  and  unsettled. 
 
 But  the  time  was  now  come,  wlien  this  state 
 2  E  4 
 
424  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.  of  doubtful  recognition  and  precarious  subsist- 
 ence was  to  expire.  The  Society  had  passed 
 through   five   years   of  exercise    and    probation ; 
 
 1809-10.  ^^^  ^i^g  claims  which  it  had  estabhshed  to  re- 
 spect and  attachment,  began  now  to  be  strongly 
 and  extensively  felt.  We  are  henceforth  to  see 
 that  feeling  display  itself  in  the  progressive  forma- 
 tion of  auxiliary  Establishments ;  and  to  witness 
 the  rise  and  the  growth  of  a  system  of  measures, 
 which  has  given  to  the  Society  a  decided  cha- 
 racter, and  laid  a  solid  foundation  for  its  effectual 
 and  permanent  support. 
 
 The  dawn  of  that  year  whose  transactions  we 
 are  now  to  describe,  was  clouded  by  an  event, 
 in  which  the  Society  had  to  regret  the  loss  of  a 
 zealous  Patron ;  the  Church  of  England,  an 
 exemplary  Prelate ;  and,  the  cause  of  Chris- 
 tianity, a  most  active,  vigilant,  and  liberal  bene- 
 factor. The  venerable  Bishop  Porteus,  in  whom 
 these  characters  met,  had,  for  some  time  past, 
 given  painful  indications  of  a  rapid  tendency 
 towards  dissolution  ;  and  such  was  the  debility 
 to  which  his  frame  was  reduced,  that  those  who 
 loved  him  most,  and  had  the  deepest  interest  in 
 his  detention  upon  eartli,  could  scarcely  refrain 
 from  breathing  a  prayer  that  his  release  might 
 not  be  long  delayed.  Under  all  the  infirmities  of 
 an  exhausted  constitution,  his  mind  was  suffi- 
 ciently vigorous  to  occupy  itself  in  contemplating 
 ^vith    delight    the    progress   of   the    British    and 
 
1809-10. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  425 
 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,*  and  in  projecting  schemes    part  ii. 
 for  its  further  advancement.     So  strongly  was  the      ^"^p- 
 Bishop   impressed    by  this    latter   consideration, 
 that,  within  three  weeks  of  his  decease,  he  put 
 himself  to  the  exertion — and  it  was  to  him  no 
 
 *  The  following  extract  from  a  Pamphlet,  published  by 
 the  Bishop  a  short  time  previously  to  his  decease,  will  contirra 
 what  is  said  of  the  vigor  of  his  Lordship's  mind,  and  also 
 of  his  persevering  attachment  to  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society. 
 
 Urging  upon  the  governors  and  proprietors  of  plantations 
 in  the  British  West  India  Islands,  the  adoption  of  his  plan 
 for  educating  their  Negroes,  the  Bishop  thus  feelingly  and 
 eloquently  addresses  them. 
 
 "  You  will  have  the  immortal  honor  of  founding  a  new 
 school  for  piety  and  virtue  in  the  bosom  of  the  Atlantic  Ocean, 
 of  erecting  a  noble  structure  of  religion  and  morality  in 
 the  Western  world,  of  exhibiting  to  mankind  the  interesting 
 spectacle  of  a  very  large  community  of  truly  Christian  Negroes, 
 and  of  leading  the  way  to  the  salvation  of  more  than  500,000 
 human  beings,  immersed  before  in  the  grossest  ignorance, 
 superstition,  wickedness,  and  idolatry,  with  all  their  countless 
 descendants,  to  the  end  of  time. 
 
 "  Looking  forward  then,  as  I  do,  with  some  confidence  to 
 the  accomplishment  of  this  great  event,  it  does,  I  confess, 
 in  some  degree  console  and  sustain  my  mind,  amidst  those 
 frightful  scenes  that  are  now  passing  on  every  side  of  us, 
 and  those  tremendous  commotions  which  are  convulsing  to 
 its  centre  almost  the  whole  habitable  globe.  It  will  be  one 
 proof  more,  added  to  many  others,  of  the  high  and  exalted 
 character  of  the  British  nation,  and  of  the  extent  and  grandeur 
 of  its  views,  beyond  those  of  any  other  nation  on  the  earth. 
 While  an  immense  gigantic  power  is  spreading  ruin,  devas- 
 tation, and  the  most  complicated  misery,  over  the  world,  sub- 
 verting kingdoms,  empires,  and  long-established  govern- 
 ments,  and    bursting   asunder    all   the   most    sacred    bonds  of 
 
1809-10. 
 
 426  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.  ordinary  exertion — of  proceeding  from  London- 
 House  to  Fulham,  in  order  to  suggest  to  the 
 author  the  expediency  of  drawing  up  a  summary 
 of  facts,  with  a  view  to  make  the  nature  and 
 usefulness  of  the  Society  more  extensively  known. 
 On  Saturday,  the  6th  of  May,  the  author 
 breakfasted  with  the  Bishop,  and  had  the  mourn- 
 ful satisfaction  of  conversing  with  his  Lordship 
 for  the  last  time.  In  this  final  interview,  the 
 author  added  to  the  account  which  he  had 
 transmitted  to  the  Bishop,  relative  to  the  pro- 
 ceedings of  the  Fifth  Anniversary,  such  further 
 particulars  as  were  calculated  to  interest  and 
 delight  him.^  The  Bishop  Hstened  to  t4^  recital 
 in  an  attitude  of  fixed  attention;  and  then,  with 
 
 civil  and  political  Society ;  we  see  this  small  island,  not  only 
 exerting  itself  with  vigor  in  its  own  defence,  and  standing 
 up  single  against  the  torrent  that  is  overwhelming  the  whole 
 continent  of  Europe,  but  at  the  same  time  silently  and  quietly 
 providing  for  the  future  happiness  of  the  human  race,  by 
 diffusing  every  where  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  thereby  sowing 
 the  seeds  of  Christianity  over  every  quarter  of  the  globe." 
 
 Letter  to  the  Governors,  Legislatures, 
 and  Proprietors  of  Plantations 
 in  the  British  West  Indian 
 Islands,  p.  28. 
 
 *  It  was  at  this  interview  that  the  Bishop  expressed  to  the 
 author  his  intention  of  presenting  the  Society  with  a  donation 
 of  50/.  The  death  of  the  Bishop  taking  place  speedily  after, 
 the  author  communicated  the  circumstance  to  his  Lordship's 
 executors,  who,  very  honorably,  gave  effect  to  the  Bishop's 
 dying  intention  by  a  donation  to  that  amount. 
 
I. 
 1809-10. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  427 
 
 much  earnestness,  exclaimed  :  "  Get  the  smnmary    part  ii. 
 of  facts  completed  as  speedily  as  possible;  and,'      chap. 
 (raising  his  voice,)  "  circulate  it  widely." 
 
 The  Bishop  afterwards  adverted  to  the  im- 
 proved state  of  religion  in  our  own  country  more 
 particularly,  and  generally  throughout  the  world ; 
 and  dwelt  much  on  the  good  eft'ects  produced 
 by  Dr.  Buchanan's  "  Star  in  the  East  f  adding, 
 with  great  emphasis,  "  The  Star  in  the  East 
 has  done  wonders !"  The  author  reminded  his 
 Lordship  that  the  Bible  Society,  and  the  trans- 
 lations in  India,  had  made  considerable  pro- 
 gTess ;  "  Oh,  yes,"  (exclaimed  the  Bishop,  lifting 
 up  his  emaciated  hands,)  "  the  Bible  Society, 
 and  the  translations  in  the  East,  will  bring 
 about  glorious  days!"  While  he  uttered  these 
 words,  or  words  to  this  effect,  his  morbid  frame 
 seemed  to  undergo  a  sudden  re-animation :  the 
 small  remains  of  blood  in  his  system  appeared 
 to  have  collected  in  that  countenance  always 
 the  seat  of  benignity,  and  now  rendered  more 
 benign  than  ever.  The  glow,  the  smile,  the 
 visible  ecstasy,  -which  accompanied  the  delivery 
 of  this  oracular  s(?fitiment,  (for  such  it  has  proved 
 to  have  been,)  were  all  characteristic  of  the 
 dying  saint;  and  portended  the  near  approach 
 of  that  event  which  on  the  ensuing  Saturday 
 terminated  his  conflict  with  mortality,  and  re- 
 moved his  spirit  to  that  region  where  "  the  souls 
 
1809-10. 
 
 428  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 of  tlie  faithful,  when  deUvered  from  the  biirdea 
 of  the  flesh,  are  in  joy  and  fehcity."  * 
 
 The  decease  of  an  individual  who  united,  in 
 so  eminent  a  degree,  some  of  the  l>est  qualities 
 of  the  Prelate,  the  Philanthropist,  and  the  Chris- 
 tian, was  deservedly  regarded  as  a  general  ca- 
 lamity.    In  that  calamity,  no  part  of  the  Chris- 
 
 *  The  author  trusts,  he  shall  be  excused  for  extracting  a 
 passage  from  his  Speech  at  the  first  Anniversary  of  the  Hackney 
 Society  ;  (Dec.  13,  1813,)  as  the  above  account  will  show  the 
 ground  he  had  for  the  earnestness  and  decision  with  which  he 
 expressed  liimself  on  that  occasion. 
 
 "  I  confess,  for  my  own  part,  I  feel  a  growing  attachment  to 
 the  cause,  under  all  the  circumstances  of  fatigue,  perplexity, 
 and  sacrifice,  to  which  it  exposes  me;  and  I  am  desirous  to 
 promote  its  interest,  both  locally  and  generally,  by  all  the 
 exertions  which  it  is  in  my  power  to  command.  I  owe  this 
 zeal  and  constancy,  not  more  to  the  intrinsical  excellence  of 
 the  Institution  itself,  than  to  the  solemn  injunctions  of  that 
 amiable  Prelate,  now  counted  with  the  spirits  of  just  men 
 made  perfect ;  under  whose  auspices  I  entered,  and  for  more 
 than  five  years  continued  in  its  service.  I  will  not  presume  to 
 say,  what  would  be  the  sentiments  of  the  enlightened  Prelate, 
 were  he  now  upon  earth;  but  I  very  well  know  what  'his 
 sentiments  were  while  upon  earth,  and  in  the  moments  which 
 nearly  preceded  his  removal  to  heaven.  With  his  dying  ac- 
 cents, and,  with  a  glow  on  his  counteniuica  which  I  shall  never 
 forget,  he  admonished  me  to  give  to  tht?  plans  of  the  Society 
 the  widest  possible  circulation;  and  I  should  be  unworthy  of 
 the  confidence  with  which  he  honored  me  while  living,  and  of 
 the  satisfaction  with  which  I  cherish  his  image  now  that  he  is 
 no  more,  if  I  did  not  derive  from  such  a  memorial,  an  ad- 
 ditional motive  for  adherence  to  a  cause  in  which  I  have  had 
 the  honor  to  labor  for  nearly  ten  years,  and  in  the  service  of 
 which,  I  hope,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  to  be  fonnd  faithful  unt© 
 death." 
 
1809-10, 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  4'2M 
 
 tian  public  bore  a  larger  share  than  the  coiiduc-  part  ii. 
 tors  and  the  members  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society.  The  sense  of  their  loss  was  very 
 suitably  expressed  in  the  Report  which  detailed 
 the  transactions  of  the  year ;  and  with  that  official 
 tribute  the  author  will  take  his  leave  of  this 
 affecting  subject. 
 
 *'  On  this  occasion  it  is  impossible  to  pass 
 unnoticed  an  event  which  has  filled  your  Com- 
 mittee with  the  deepest  regret,  the  death  of  one 
 of  the  Vice-Presidents  of  the  Society,  the  la- 
 mented and  most  respected  late  Bishop  of 
 London.  They  are  persuaded  that  every  Mem- 
 ber of  the  Institution  will  cordially  sympathize 
 with  them  on  this  expression  of  their  feelings, 
 as  a  tribute  no  less  due  to  the  public  and  private 
 virtues  of  that  venerable  Prelate,  than  to  the 
 station  which  he  held  in  this  Society.''* 
 
 The  close  of  the  last  year  had  been  distin- 
 guished, as  the  reader  will  recollect,  by  the  for- 
 mation at  Reading  of  the  first  Auxiliary  Bible 
 Society,  under  the  patronage  of  the  Bishop  ol 
 Salisbury,  a  Vice-President  of  the  Parent  Insti- 
 tution, and  Bishop  of  the  diocese  within  which 
 the  new  Establishment  was  situated.  Two  day« 
 subsequent  to  this  event,  (viz.  on  the  30th  of 
 March,)  a  similar  Institution  was  established  at 
 Nottingham,  under  the  designation  of  "  The 
 Bible  Society  of  Nottingham  and  its  Vicinity." 
 
 *  Sixth  Report. 
 
430  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.  The  impulse  was  now  given ;  and  exertions  were 
 CHAP,  iiiade  by  the  friends  of  the  Society  in  different 
 v—v^     parts   of  the  country,   to    excite  the  towns  and 
 
 •1809-10.  YJciiiities  with  which  they  were  severally  con- 
 nected to  an  imitation  of  the  examples  which 
 Reading  and  Nottingham  had  so  laudably  set. 
 The  effect  of  this  impulse,  and  of  the  active 
 measures  to  which  it  led,  very  satisfactorily  ap- 
 peared in  the  addition  of  eleven  Auxiliary  So- 
 cieties to  the  two  which  had  been  formed  before 
 the  expiration  of  the  preceding  year.  The  order 
 of  their  formation  was  as  follows : 
 
 '*  The  Edinburgh  Bible  Society"  was  insti- 
 tuted on  the  31st  of  July,  1809;  that  of  "  New- 
 castle-upon-Tyne"* on  the  30th  of  March: 
 that  of  "  East  Lothian"  followed  on  the  4th, 
 and  of  "  Leeds"  on  the  25th  of  October;  the 
 latter  commemorating,  by  the  day  of  its  for- 
 mation, the  Jubilee  of  our  amiable  but  afflicted 
 Monarch.  "  Exeter"  stood  forth  on  the  8th  of 
 December,  and  closed  the  list  of  Auxiharies 
 for  the  year  1809.  "  Manchester"  took  the 
 lead  in  1810;  the  Society  for  that  town  and 
 its  associate  "  Salford,"  having  been  formed 
 on  the  4th  of  January.  "  Kendal"  followed  on 
 the  5th  of  the  same  month.  The  1st  of  February 
 was  signalized  by  the  institution  of  the  "  Bristol" 
 
 *  This  was   formed    under    the    imuiediate    patronage    of 
 the  Bishop  of  Durham. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  431 
 
 Society,  the  5th  by  that  of  the  "  Sheffield,"  and    part  ii. 
 the   19th  of  the    "  Leicester."     "  Hull,"  on  the      ^"^^p- 
 4th  of  April,  added  the  eleventli  Auxiliary  So-      ^— ,^-^ 
 ciety,  the  last  which  was  formed  previously  to 
 the  Sixth  Anniversary  of  the  Parent  Institution, 
 
 From  this  numerical  statement  it  will  appear, 
 that  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  at- 
 tained considerable  growth  in  the  course  of  that 
 year  which  we  are  now  recording,  and  that  much 
 must  by  consequence  have  been  added  to  its 
 general  reputation,  and  to  its  active  and  financial 
 resources.  But  in  order  to  form  a  just  estimate 
 of  the  influence,  the  property,  and  the  active 
 co-operation,  which  accrued  to  the  Society  from 
 the  Auxiliaries  which  have  now  been  enumerated, 
 it  would  be  necessary  to  unfold  the  process  by 
 which  they  were  severally  formed ;  and  to  analyse 
 their  composition  with  a  degree  of  exactness, 
 which  obscurity  in  some  cases,  and  delicacy  hi 
 others,  would  render  it  equally  difficult  and  im- 
 prudent to  attempt.  It  may  not,  however,  be 
 amiss  to  mention  a  few  particulars,  in  reference 
 to  some  of  these  Establishments  ;  from  which 
 the  reader  may  obtain  a  clearer  apprehension 
 of  the  manner  in  which  they  were  brought  about 
 and  of  the  support  which  they  lent,  by  the  very 
 circumstance  of  their  formation,  to  the  character 
 and  the  interest  of  tlie  Parent  Institution. 
 
 The  first  five  of  the  Auxiliary  Societies  which 
 have  been   described,    appear   to  have  risen   al-- 
 
432  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART II.  together  from  local  and  insulated  exertion:  they 
 CHAP,  were  not,  at  least,  indebted  for  their  production, 
 v,^..^  so  far  as  the  author  knows,  or  has  been  able  to 
 .1809-10.  learn,  to  any  efforts  or  communications  issuing 
 from  the  conductors  of  the  Parent  Society.  Of 
 the  others,  the  Societies  at  Kendal,  Leicester, 
 and  Hull,  were,  with  some  qualification,  par- 
 ticularly as  it  respects  the  last,  substantially  of 
 the  same  description.  But  in  the  formation  of 
 those  at  Manchester,  Bristol,  and  Sheffield,*  there 
 were  circumstances  which,  through  all  their  stages, 
 from  their  origin  to  their  completion,  connected 
 them  with  the  Officers  of  the  Parent  Society,  and 
 especially  with  him  on  whom,  both  from  pro- 
 fessional and  official  obligations,  it  devolved  more 
 particularly  to  attend  to  the  interest  and  the  in- 
 fluence of  the  National  Church.  In  the  mea- 
 sures which  conduced  to  the  establishment  of 
 the  Societies  under  consideration,  that  Officer 
 was  called  to  take  a  part  which  involved  no 
 little  anxiety,  labor,  and  responsibility.  The 
 assistance  of  his  colleagues  was  principally  ren- 
 dered at  the  meetings  convened  for  the  forma- 
 tion of  each:  and  the  services  of  all  were  uni- 
 formly attested  by  a  public  and  recorded  ac- 
 knowledgment. 
 
 It  has  been  observed  in  general,  that  the  lead- 
 ing advantages  derived  to  the  British  and  Fo- 
 reign Bible  Society,  from  the  accession  of  these 
 
 *  Vide  Proceedings  at  Manchester,  Bristol,  and  Sheffield, 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  433 
 
 Auxiliary  Establishments,  were  public  recognition    part  ii. 
 and  permanent  support.  The  former  was  an  ad  van-     chap. 
 iage  of  the  greatest  importance,  as  it  rescued  the      ^— v-«i-' 
 character   of  the   Society    from   suspicion,    and  "    * 
 
 placed  its  claims,  so  far  as  the  influence  of  that 
 recognition  extended,  beyond  the  reach  of  im- 
 peachment or  contradiction.  The  publicity  of 
 the  meetings  in  which  the  Auxiliary  Societies 
 were  formed,  the  consideration  of  the  persons 
 under  whose  direction  or  patronage  those  meet- 
 ings were  held,  the  recorded  approval  of  the 
 object,  constitution,  and  proceedings  of  the  Parent 
 Society,*  and  the  notification  of  the  entire  trans- 
 action, through  channels  of  general  communi- 
 cation, placed  the  Institution,  in  whose  favor  all 
 these  steps  were  taken,  upon  the  highest  ground  ; 
 and  gave  to  its  merits  the  benefit  of  a  most  de- 
 liberate and  unequivocal  attestation. 
 
 The  value  of  this  recognition  was  also,  in  some 
 of  the  instances  already  specified,  considerably 
 increased  by  the   formal   manner   in   which   the 
 
 *  The  following  Rules,  extracted  from  the  Bristol  Resolu- 
 tions, were  generally,  either  literally  or  substantially,  adopted 
 at  the  formation  of  every  Auxiliary  Bible  Society  : 
 
 "  I.  That  the  object,  the  constitution,  and  the  proceedings 
 of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  have  the  cordial  ap- 
 probation of  this  Meeting. 
 
 "  II.  That  a  Society  be  formed  in  this  city  for  the  purpose 
 of  aiding  and  co-operating  with  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  in  the  dissemination  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  both  at 
 home  and  abroad." 
 
 VOL.  I.  2  F 
 
434  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.    Society  was  recommended  to  local  support,  and 
 CHAP.      |jy  ^i^g  authority  of  the  parties  from  whom  the 
 v---^^     recommendation  proceeded.     Such  was  the  case 
 1809-10.    jj^  ^i^g  proceedings  adopted  at  Manchester,  for  the 
 establishment  of  an  Auxiliary  in  that  place.     A 
 week  preceding  the  day  of  meeting,  (viz.  Dec.  28, 
 1809,)  an  advertisement,  declaratory  of  the  sen- 
 timents and  intentions  of  those  who  subscribed  ity 
 was  officially  inserted  in  the  Manchester  Papers, 
 and  circulated  besides  in  such   other  ways   as 
 might  ensure  it  the  greatest  publicity. 
 
 This  advertisement  opened  with  the  address 
 from  the  Committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  to  which  was  annexed  the  following 
 notice : 
 
 "  Whereas  applications  have  come,  addressed 
 to  several  respectable  Inhabitants  of  this  Town 
 and  Neighbourhood,  from  the  above  Society,  the 
 design  of  which  applications  is  to  promote  the 
 extension  of  its  noble  and  truly  benevolent  objects, 
 by  the  formation  of  an  Auxiliary  Society  in  the 
 Town  of  Manchester,  after  the  example  of  Dub- 
 lin, Edinburgh,  Newcastle-on-Tyne,  Birmingham, 
 Leeds,  and  other  principal  towns  in  the  United 
 Kingdom. 
 
 *'  We,  the  undersigned,  being  well  persuaded 
 that  the  designs  of  the  above  Society  are  emi- 
 nently pure  and  universal,  independent  of  all 
 considerations  of  sect  or  party,  and  calculated  to 
 advance  the  true  interest  and  etei'nal  happiness 
 
1809-10. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  435 
 
 of  mankind — Do  hereby  request  the  notice  of  the  part  ii. 
 PuhHc  to  a  proposal,  promising  to  extend  so  great 
 advantages  and  blessings  to  the  people  of  this 
 country,  and  to  foreign  lands ;  and  beg  leave 
 earnestly  to  invite  all  those  who  may  be  friendly 
 to  the  cause,  to  meet  at  the  Police-Office,  on 
 Thursday  next,  the  4th  day  of  January,  1810, 
 at  eleven  o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  for  the  purpose 
 of  taking  the  application  from  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society  into  consideration,  and 
 adopting  such  measures  as  shall  appear  most 
 advisable  in  the  judgment  of  the  Meeting." 
 
 Among  the  signatures  to  this  instrument,  which 
 composed  a  numerous  list  of  Clergy,  Dissenting 
 Ministers,  &c.  were  the  following: 
 
 Rev.  Dr.  Blackburn,  Warden  of  Manchester. 
 
 Rev.  John  Gatliffe,  1 
 
 Rev.  Charles  Ethelston,        }    Fellows  of  the 
 
 Rev.  Croxton  Johnston,        f  Collegiate  Church. 
 
 Rev.  John  Clowes,  J 
 
 Rev.  H.  V.  Bayley,  Sub-Dean  of  Lincoln. 
 
 Rev.  E.  Booth,  Minister  of  St.  Stephen's. 
 
 Rev.  John  Clowes,  Minister  of  St.  John's. 
 
 Rev.  S.  Hall,  Minister  of  St.  Peter's. 
 
 Rev.  Jeremiah  Smith,  Head  Master  of  the  Free 
 
 Grammar  School. 
 Rev.  Robert  Tweddell,  Minister  of  Ardwick. 
 Boroughreeve  and  Constables  of  Manchester. 
 Borouglireeve  and  Constables  of  Salford,  &c.  &c, 
 2F2 
 
1809-10. 
 
 43(5  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.  Similar  formalities  were  observed  in  the  pre- 
 CHAP.  paratory  measures  adopted  for  the  establishment 
 of  the  Bristol  Society,  but  on  a  scale  which  ren- 
 dered the  influence  of  their  testimony  to  the  merits 
 of  the  Parent  Institution  still  more  effectual  and 
 complete.  The  Bishop  of  the  diocese  appeared 
 on  this  occasion,  as  the  original  mover  and  the 
 leader  of  the  business,  by  issuing,  in  his  pastoral 
 capacity,  a  circular  letter  to  the  Clergy,  of  which 
 the  following  is  a  copy  : 
 
 **  Reverend  Sir, 
 *'  Having  been  requested  by  the  Committee  of 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  to  recom- 
 mend the  formation  of  an  Auxiliary  Society  in  the 
 City  of  Bristol,  similar  to  those  which  have  been 
 established  in  several  great  towns  throughout  the 
 kingdom ;  I  beg  leave  to  state,  that  such  a  mea- 
 sure has  my  hearty  approbation,  and  that  it  will 
 afford  me  the  greatest  pleasure  to  see  it  carried 
 into  execution. 
 
 I  am, 
 
 Reverend  Sir, 
 Yours  faithfully, 
 
 W.  Bristol." 
 
 Trinity  College,  Cambridge^ 
 Jan.  9,  1810. 
 
 The  receipt  of  this  circular  was  followed,  as 
 its  immediate  effect,    by    a    requisition  to    the 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  437 
 
 Mayor  to  convene  a  Public  Meeting,  signed  by    part  ii. 
 twenty-seven   Clergymen,  the  greater  number  of     chap. 
 whom  were  beneficed,  and  by  the  most  respec-     ^-^.-^ 
 table  Dissenting  Ministers  and  Laity  of  Bristol,     i^^^'^-i^- 
 These    documents,    together   with    the   Mayor's 
 acquiescence  and  appointment  of  a  Meeting  at 
 the  Guildhall,   *'  for  the  purpose  of  considering 
 the  best  mode  of  promoting  the  great  objects  of 
 the  British    and    Foreign  Bible    Society,"   were 
 publicly  advertised ;   and   formed  the   authority 
 under    which   was    constituted    "    The    Bristol 
 Auxiliary  Bible    Society."      In    the    present  m- 
 stance,  therefore,  the   highest   ecclesiastical  and 
 civil  functionaries  were  seen,  for  the  first  time, 
 to  concur,  in  accrediting    the    character   of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  and  in  affix- 
 ing  mutually   their   seal    to   its    excellence    and 
 utility,  by  measures  of  the  greatest  deliberation, 
 solemnity,  and  decision. 
 
 It  is  further  to  be  observed,  that,  in  the  forma- 
 tion of  these,  and  of  other  Auxihary  Societies, 
 the  progress  from  the  commencement  to  the 
 consummation  frequently  exhibited  a  transition 
 from  improbability  and  embarrassment  to  cer- 
 tainty and  triumph.  In  not  a  few  instances 
 which  might  be  cited,  the  solitary  individual,  or 
 the  associated  few,  who  had  conceived  the  de- 
 sign of  forming  an  Auxiliary  Society,  embarked 
 in  the  enterprise,  with  little  more  to  encourage 
 them  than  the  consciousness  of  the  rectitude  of 
 3F    3 
 
1809-10. 
 
 438  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.  their  intentions,  and  the  utility  of  their  object. 
 CHAP.  Though  environed  with  difficulties^  and  coun- 
 teracted by  opposition,  they  maintained  their 
 course  without  yielding  to  despair,  till,  by  a 
 concurrence  of  circumstances,  often  as  unex- 
 pected as  it  was  advantageous,  they  were  per- 
 mitted to  witness  the  fulfilment  of  their  wishes 
 and  the  answer  to  their  prayers,  in  the  complete 
 success  of  their  humble  but  persevering  exer- 
 tions.* 
 
 Nor  is  it  immaterial  to  observe,  that  the  honor 
 of  producing  these  Auxiliary  Societies  neither 
 has  been,  nor,  from  a  variety  of  circumstances, 
 can  be,  distinctly  awarded.  In  some  cases,  the 
 original  authors  of  the  elementary  movements 
 were  of  a  condition  in  life,  in  others,  of  a  deno- 
 mination in  religion,  which,  had  the  parties 
 appeared  with  any  os^tensible  prominence,  might 
 have  excited  a  prejudice,  unreasonable  indeed, 
 but  not  the  less  injurious  to  the  undertaking,  and 
 have  thrown  serious  impediments  in  the  way  of  its 
 success.  With  a  degree  of  forbearance,  therefore, 
 ■which  cannot  be  too  highly  commended,  they 
 chose  a  station  of  unobserved,  but  effectual  co- 
 
 *  In  the  number  of  those  to  whom  these  observations  apply, 
 the  author  cannot  forbear  particularizing  the  Rev.  R.  Tweddell, 
 of  Manchester,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Richardson,  of  Bristol.  From 
 a  very  early  and  frequent  correspondence  with  these  gentlemen, 
 the  author  had  opportunities,  peculiar  to  himself,  of  knowing 
 how  much  the  formation  of  the  Manchester  and  Bristol  Societies 
 was  indebted  to  their  judicious  and  patient  exertions. 
 
I. 
 iaou-10. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  439 
 
 operation :  and   provided  they  miglit  but  touch    part  ii. 
 in  conceahiient  the  springs  of  action,  and  promote     chap 
 exertions  in  others,  they  resigned  contentedly  the 
 honors  of  pubhc  distinction,  to  those  wlio  could 
 wear  them  without  prejudice,  or,  as  it  happened  in 
 most  cases,  with  advantage,  to  the  common  cause. 
 
 Such  a  conduct,  it  is  obvious,  must  have  in- 
 Tolved  considerable  sacrifices  of  personal  feeling. 
 It  argued  the  preponderance  of  a  generous  con- 
 cern for  the  welfare  of  the  Institution  over  every 
 consideration  of  selfishness  or  vanity;  and  evhiced, 
 how  deeply  an  attachment  to  its  interests  was  ra- 
 dicated in  the  sentiments  and  the  affections  of  itai 
 promoters. 
 
 But  it  is  time  to  return  to  the  narrative. 
 
 While  the  Institution  was  thus  advancing  by 
 the  formation  of  Auxiliary  Societies  at  home, 
 its  progress  was  marked  by  a  very  gratifying 
 extension  of  its  labors  and  its  connections  abroad. 
 
 Commencing  with  Basle,  we  find  the  Bible 
 Society  established  at  that  place,  in  full  activity, 
 and  engaging  successively  in  new  and  more 
 extensive  operations.  By  the  aid  whicli  its  con- 
 ductors derived  from  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  they  proceeded  to  print  a  second, 
 and  a  third,  edition  of  the  German  Bible,  and 
 to  stock  their  depository,  by  purchase,  witii  large 
 supplies  of  French  Bibles  and  Testaments.  Both 
 the  German  and  the  French  Scriptures  were 
 rapidly  disposed  of;  and  the  latter  obtained  so 
 
 2F4 
 
1809-10. 
 
 440  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.  ready  an  acceptance  in  the  southern  and  south- 
 CHAP.  g^gt  provinces  of  France,  that  while  the  Protes- 
 tants, as  was  natural,  received  them  with  joy, 
 many  Roman  Catholics  voluntarily  applied  for 
 copies,  and  were  afterwards  found  to  have  pe- 
 rused them  with  eagerness  and  gratitude. 
 
 Under  the  auspices  of  this  Society,  and  with 
 proportional  assistance  from  the  Parent  Insti- 
 tution in  London,  a  company  of  active  Christians 
 at  Basle  had  projected,  in  1808,  an  edition  of 
 the  Nevv^  Testament  in  the  Romanese  language^ 
 for  the  benefit  of  the  Mountaineers  inhabiting 
 the  Grisons,  among  whom  the  Sacred  Scriptures, 
 (to  which  this  people  were  religiously  attached,) 
 had  become  extremely  scarce,  and  in  some  cases 
 almost  unattainable.  Of  the  Romanese  language, 
 it  appeared,  there  were  two  distinct  dialects, 
 denominated  severally  the  Churwelsche  and  the 
 Ladiniche.  It  was  in  the  first  of  these  dialects 
 that  the  edition  alluded  to,  was  designed  to 
 be  printed ;  and  upon  its  completion,  early  in 
 1810,  the  poor  Mountaineers,  for  whose  use 
 it  was  intended,  expressed  their  satisfaction 
 by  strong  demonstrations  of  gratitude  and  joy. 
 The  effect  of  this  intelligence  upon  the  other 
 division  of  this  interesting  people  was  such, 
 as  to  create  further  employment  for  the  benevo- 
 lent feelings  in  which  this  work  of  kindness  had 
 originated.  For  ''  when  the  poor  Ladins,  who 
 border  upon  Italy,   heard  what  a  treasure  their 
 
1809-10. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  441 
 
 neighbours  on  the  Tyrolese  frontiers  liad  got,  part  ii. 
 they  expressed  a  very  strong  desire  to  be  favored 
 with  a  similar  boon ;  and  the  result  was  a  deter- 
 mination, both  in  Basle  and  in  London,  to  gTatify 
 this  desire,  and  to  give  to  the  whole  Romanese 
 nation  the  means  of  reading,  in  their  own  tongues, 
 the  wonderful  works  of  God. 
 
 In  connection  with  the  proceedings  of  the 
 Basle  Society,  it  may  not  be  improper  to  advert 
 to  the  progress  of  an  Institution,  excited  by  its 
 example,  previously  to  its  transfer  from  Nurenberg 
 to  Basle — the  Catholic  Bible  Society  at  Ratisbon. 
 The  spirit  in  which  this  Institution  was  founded, 
 and  the  pious  zeal  with  which  it  was  promoted, 
 gave  early  promise  of  those  fruits  which  it  has 
 since  so  abundantly  produced.  Though  projected 
 only  in  July,  1808,  so  rapidly  did  its  labors 
 advance,  that,  by  the  month  of  October,  1809, 
 notAvithstanding  the  great  difficulty  to  which 
 such  an  undertaking  on  the  part  of  members 
 of  the  Roman  Catholic  persuasion  would  be  ex- 
 posed, two  large  editions  of  the  Bible  (a  Bible 
 approved  by  Protestants  themselves)  had  been 
 disposed  of,  and  a  third  was  nearly  completed. 
 These  copies  had  been  largely  and  most  ac- 
 ceptably distributed  in  Austria,  Bavaria,  and 
 Switzerland;  many  Catholic  Clergymen  pub- 
 licly recommended  the  perusal  of  them  from  their 
 pulpits  ;  and  Professor  Sailer,  an  eminent  scholar 
 and  divine,  after  pronouncing  in  a  sermon  de- 
 
442  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.  livered  at  Landshut,  in  Bavaria,  a  warm  eulogiiira 
 on  this  best  of  all  books,  added:  "  The  Bible  is 
 now  read  by  students,  by  the  people,  and  even  by 
 
 1809-10.    children." 
 
 The  Society  at  Berlin,  under  all  the  difficulties 
 with  which  it  had  to  struggle,  continued  to 
 maintain  its  laudable  exertions  in  preparing  the 
 large  edition  of  the  Scriptures,  upon  which  it 
 had  entered  in  the  preceding  year,  for  the  service 
 of  the  Polish  Christians.  The  British  and  Fo- 
 reign Bible  Society,  with  a  parental  solicitude, 
 watched  over  the  movements  of  this  meritorious 
 Society,  while  persevenng  in  its  works  of  benevo- 
 lence under  circumstances  of  almost  unexampled 
 embarrassment;  and  enabled  it  by  a  loan,  most 
 seasonably  granted,  to  resume  its  suspended 
 exertions,  and  to  prosecute  its  arduous  under- 
 taking with  renewed  alacrity,  and  eventual  suc- 
 cess. 
 
 But  it  is  to  Sweden  that  we  are  to  look  for 
 the  brightest  display  of  vigor  and  zeal  during 
 this  and  the  succeeding  year.  Encouraged  by 
 the  cheering  address  and  pecuniary  grants  of 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  the  Stock- 
 holm Evangelical  Society  embarked  in  its  under- 
 taking for  printing  the  Swedish  Scriptures  on 
 standing  types,  with  a  degree  of  spirit  and  of 
 perseverance,  which  enabled  it  to  issue,  in  little 
 more  than  eighteen  months  from  the  commence- 
 ment  of  its  labors,  a  most  interesting  and  satis- 
 
I. 
 1809-10 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  443 
 
 factory  Report.  The  train  of  facts  which  sue-  i* art  ii. 
 ceeded  each  other,  from  tlie  dawn  of  this  Society's  ^"^p- 
 operations  in  the  Summer  of  180f),  to  the  matu- 
 rity whicli  they  liad  acquired  at  the  close  of 
 1810,  will  justify  the  author  in  anticipating-  in 
 this  place  the  substance  of  that  valuable  Report. 
 Prompted  by  a  desire  to  supply  the  lower  orders 
 in  Sweden  with  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  ani- 
 mated in  their  work  by  the  spontaneous  and 
 liberal  co-operation  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  the  Evangelical  Society  speedily 
 produced  their  first  edition  of  the  Swedish  New 
 Testament.  This  was  followed  by  two  more 
 editions  in  the  course  of  the  same  year;  inso- 
 much, that  by  the  close  of  1810,  more  than 
 11,000  copies  of  the  New  Testament  had  been 
 issued,  and  a  resolution  formed  to  print  the  Old 
 Testament :  and  all  this,  it  is  to  be  observed, 
 was  done  in  a  country,  and  for  the  benefit  of 
 a  people,  whicli  had  been  considered  to  be  so 
 generally  furnished  with  the  Bible,  that  "  no 
 want"  was  believed  to  exist  among  them  "  of 
 that  holy  book."  * 
 
 Another  object  which  occupied  the  concern  of 
 the  Stockholm  Society,  was  the  superinten dance 
 of  an  edition  of  the  New  Testament  in  the  dialect 
 of  Lapland.  To  this  interesting  consideration  the 
 attention  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society 
 
 *  Page  114. 
 
444  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.    had  been   directed,   by  their   indefatigable   cor- 
 CHAP.      respondents,    Messrs.  Paterson   and  Henderson, 
 v--.^^     in  the  Autumn  of  1808;  and  the  Society  had  been 
 1809-1  .    hiduced,  on  their  representation,  to  appropriate 
 the  sum  of  501.  to  an  edition  of  5000  copies,  for 
 distribution  in  Norwegian,  Russian,  and  Swedish 
 Lapland.     On   the  formation  of  the  Evangelical 
 Society  at  Stockholm,  the  execution  of  this  work 
 was  consigned  to  their  care :  and  the  following- 
 extract   from  their  Report,   as  above-described, 
 will   show,    how   cheerfully    they   accepted    the 
 charge,   and  with  what  a  lively  interest  they  at- 
 tended to  its  performance. 
 
 "  Within  the  boundaries  of  Sweden,  but  far 
 in  the  north,  dwell  a  people  called  Laplanders; 
 their  language  is  totally  distinct,  and  their  mode 
 of  living,  and  advance  in  cultivation,  very  far 
 behind  that  of  the  inhabitants  of  Sweden;  nor  did 
 the  light  of  the  Gospel  approach  their  frozen 
 regions,  for  ages  after  it  had  illuminated  our  nation. 
 Within  the  two  last  centuries,  the  Kings  of  Swe- 
 den have  turned  their  thoughts  for  good  towards 
 that  nation.  Yet  there  is  still  a  great  want  of 
 Bibles,  Common  Prayer  Books,  Catechisms,  and 
 Religious  Tracts,  among  them.  A  venerable 
 man.  Dr.  Nordin,  Bishop  of  Hernosand,  to  whose 
 diocese  Lapland  belongs,  purposely  set  up  a 
 printing  press  at  ernosand,  to  remedy,  as  well 
 as  he  could,  this  deficiency :  but  it  must  be 
 noticed,  to  the  honor  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  445 
 
 Bible  Society  in  London,  that  here  again  did  their  P/Vrt  ii. 
 unbounded  Christian  love  step  in,  to  send  forth, 
 upon  easy  terms,  light  and  knowledge  to  those 
 who  sit  in  darkness.  They  have  undertaken  to  l«"^-l<>- 
 bear  the  cost  of  an  edition  of  5000  New  Tes- 
 taments, of  which  25  sheets  are  already  come 
 from  the  press.  Their  directors  prescribe,  that 
 these  5000  copies  should  be  distributed  under  the 
 superintendance  of  our  Committee,  and  among 
 the  three  nations  of  Laplanders  subject  to  Sweden, 
 Russia,  and  Norway:  which  delightful  task  the 
 Committee  have  undertaken  w  ith  much  pleasure." 
 As  the  proceedings  of  the  Stockholm  Society, 
 down  to  the  close  of  1810,  have  been  generally 
 stated,  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  advert  more  par- 
 ticularly to  the  tenor  of  that  Report,  already  in 
 part  anticipated,  in  which  those  proceedings  are 
 more  particularly  detailed.  It  is  not  compatible 
 with  the  limits  of  this  History,  to  cite  largely  from 
 the  numerous  documents  which  enrich,  as  well 
 as  authenticate,  the  Annual  Reports  of  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  In  general,  it  must 
 suffice  to  glance  at  them  cursorily,  and  refer  the 
 reader  for  more  full  information  to  the  records  in 
 which  they  are  contained.  There  is,  however,  in 
 the  First  Report  of  the  Stockholm  Evangelical 
 Society,  so  much  simplicity,  good  sense,  and 
 genuine  piety,  as  to  give  it  a  claim  to  special 
 attention.  The  Report  opens  with  happy  abrupt- 
 ness, in  these  words  of  inspiration  : 
 
1809-10. 
 
 446  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART II.  "  O  God,  send  out  thy  light  and  thy  truth!'* 
 CHAP,  j^  ^i^gjj  proceeds  as  follows; — "  To  make  known 
 V— ^-^  more  and  more  the  truth  here  referred  to,  is,  and 
 shall  continue  to  be,  the  grand  aim  of  this  Society. 
 We  do  not  wish  to  strip  the  arts  and  sciences,  or 
 the  knowledge  and  wisdom  of  man,  of  their  im- 
 portant value :  no,  we  thank  God  for  their  use- 
 fulness, and  we  hail  with  delight  every  discovery 
 that  removes  or  softens  in  any  degree  the  sorrows 
 and  sufferings  of  mortality;  or  which,  in  social  life, 
 comforts  man,  or  endears  him  more  and  more  to 
 man  as  his  brother.  But  we  dare  not  forget,  that 
 all  these  advantages  have  the  narrow  circle  of  time 
 drawn  round  them  :  they  end  with  our  lives. 
 
 "  But  the  truth  which  comes  from  above,  em- 
 braces eternity.  It  looks  to  Jehovah  as  its  ori- 
 gin, and  raises  man  from  earth  to  heaven.  This 
 truth  is  revealed  and  explained  in  the  Bible. 
 
 "  An  ardent  desire  to  render  Bibles  plentiful, 
 and  easy  to  be  obtained,  in  the  dear  land  of  our 
 nativity,  was  coeval  with  the  first  idea  of  this 
 Institution;  and  it  is  still  our  grand  aim:  but  the 
 difficulties  of  our  commencement,  and  the  want  of 
 means  for  an  undertaking  so  expensive,  left  this 
 patriotic  desire  as  it  were  dormant,  till  the  good- 
 ness of  God,  in  his  own  time,  opened  a  way  for 
 its  gratification." 
 
 "  I  will  take  upon  myself  to  say,  that  the  Com- 
 mittee could  not  have  ventured  upon  this  ex- 
 pensive undertakings,  for  some  time  at  least,  had 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  44^ 
 
 it  not  been  for  the  noble  benevolence  of  a  foreign    part  ii. 
 
 nation.  chap. 
 
 I. 
 "  England  exhibits  to  the  world  a  delightful     *«-s^*^ 
 
 assembly  of  sincere   and  zealous  friends  to  the  '    * 
 
 Gospel  of  Christ,  who,  notwithstanding  their  di- 
 versity of  views  upon  the  minor  objects  of  religion, 
 have  found  in  the  Bible  a  sure  and  harmonious 
 centre,  whence  they  are  agreed  conjointly  to  la- 
 bor, in  spreading  far  and  near  that  light  which 
 shines  more  and  more  unto  the  perfect  day.  It 
 is  from  principles  like  these,  and  from  a  love  to  the 
 doctrine  of  Jesus,  that  a  liberality  arose,  which, 
 unsohcited,  stretched  forth  a  helping  hand.  A 
 Society  in  London,  called  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  made  us  a  present  of  300/.  sterling, 
 that  our  poor  might  know  more  of  the  doctrine 
 of  Christ:  and,  finding  that  this  went  but  a  small 
 way  in  a  great  work,  trebled  it ;  yes,  trebled  it, 
 to  their  everlasting  praise  and  honor. 
 
 "  This  gave  life  to  our  hopes  of  obtaining,  what 
 we  so  much  required — cheap  editions  of  the  Word 
 of  God  in  Swedish.  We  could  now,  by  adver- 
 tisements, call  on  every  lover  of  God  in  Sweden 
 to  come  and  do  likewise.  The  call  has  been  an- 
 swered; and,  as  far  as^could  be  expected  in  these 
 times  of  tribulation,  tiie  Swedish  public  have  mani- 
 fested an  ardent  desire  to  throw  their  mite  into 
 this  heavenly  treasury. 
 
 "  The  list  of  Swedish  subscribers  to  this  glo- 
 rious book  contains  persons  of  all  ranks,  from  the 
 
1809-10. 
 
 448  HISTORY    OF    THE    URITISH 
 
 first  noblemen  and  dignitaries  in  the  land  down 
 to  the  poorest  servants — persons  who  agree  with 
 us  in  thinking,  that  the  highest  act  of  benevolence 
 which  man  can  show  to  his  fellow,  is,  to  open  to 
 him  an  opportunity  of  reading  the  Bible ;  a  book, 
 which  is  a  sure  guide  to  endless  happiness,  an 
 inexhaustible  fountain  of  divine  wisdom,  an  un- 
 erring touchstone  whereby  to  determine — What  i« 
 truth." 
 
 After  stating  the  manner,  in  which  the  funds  have 
 been  expended,  the  number  of  copies  of  the  Scrip- 
 tures which  have  been  printed  in  the  Swedish  lan- 
 guage, and  the  distribution  made,  both  of  them 
 and  of  certain  Finnish  Testaments  purchased  with 
 part  of  their  funds,  the  Report  proceeds  to  detail 
 what  had  been  done  by  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society  for  the  Laplanders,  (as  quoted 
 above,)  and  then  concludes  in  the  following  very 
 pious  and  impresive  manner : 
 
 "  Finally,  we  bow  our  knees,  under  the  deepest 
 sense  of  gratitude  to  the  Father  of  mercies,  for  his 
 unspeakable  goodness  in  bestowing  upon  our  So- 
 ciety so  many  signal  instances  of  favor,  blessing, 
 and  success.  We  feel  deeply  humbled  when  we 
 consider  the  demerit  of  the  instruments  made  use 
 of  by  his  grace,  and  the  splendor  of  the  work  com- 
 mitted to  them — to  spread  abroad  his  light  and  his 
 truth.  But  the  cause  is  God's ;  Jesus  is  our  Mas- 
 ter ;  who  has  said :  '  Behold,  1  am  with  you 
 alway,  even  to  the  end  of  the  world." 
 
iijoy-io. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  449 
 
 Among-  tilt}  advantages  of  anticipating  a  Report 
 ^hich  properly  belongs  to  the  ensuing  year,  not 
 the  least  is  that  which  we  derive  from  being  thus 
 made  acquainted  with  the  real  character  of  the 
 Stockholm  Evangelical  Society.  It  is  scarcely 
 possible  to  inspect  this  Report,  without  receiving 
 a  very  favorable  impression  of  the  individuals  from 
 whom  it  proceeded,  and  regarding  their  Asso- 
 ciation as  eminently  calculated  to  advance  the 
 object  for  which  it  was  formed.  We  see  in  its 
 members  a  body  of  men,  not  exhibiting  a  show  of 
 exertion,  or  indolently  reposing  on  the  gratuitous 
 aid  of  a  foreign  nation,  but  fully  alive  to  the  calls 
 of  duty,  and  sincerely  intent  upon  employing  the 
 liberality  of  others  as  a  stimulus  to  awaken  their 
 own  energies,  and  to  promote  among  their  coun- 
 trymen a  similar  spirit  of  activity  and  zeal. 
 
 It  were  unjust  to  overlook  what  is  due  to  Messrs. 
 Paterson  and  Henderson,  for  their  discreet  and 
 persevering  exertions  in  aid  of  the  Stockholm  So- 
 ciety, during  this  first  and  most  trying  period  of 
 its  labors.  The  spirit  of  these  active  and  devoted 
 correspondents  may  be  learnt  from  their  letter  of 
 acknowledgment  in  reply  to  a  Resolution  of 
 Thanks  transmitted  to  them  in  the  summer  of 
 1809.  Their  conduct  and  success  since  the  date 
 of  that  letter  will  give  a  particular  interest  to 
 the  following  extract : 
 
 "  It  is  peculiarly  valuable  to  us,  as»  we  consider 
 VOL.  I.  '^  ^ 
 
1809-10. 
 
 450  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 it  as  a  pledge,  that  you  will  in  future  make  use  of 
 our  services  in  promoting  your  glorious  design, 
 wherever  God  may  be  pleased  to  cast  our  lot. 
 We  want  words  to  express  our  gratitude ;  but  we 
 hope  you  will  give  us  new  opportunities  to  testify  it 
 by  our  actions.  Be  assured,  that  nothing  will  be  es- 
 teemed a  greater  favor  by  us,  than  that  you  would 
 have  the  goodness  to  command  our  services. 
 These  you  may  consider  as  at  your  disposal ;  and 
 we  beg  of  you  freely  to  tell  us,  in  what  manner  we 
 €an  most  effectually  promote  the  views  of  the 
 Society.  In  promoting  your  views,  we  consider 
 ourselves  as  promoting  the  cause  of  God  and  of 
 Christ,  to  whose  service  we  have  entirely  dedi- 
 -cated  ourselves.  It  now  appears  to  us  to  be  our 
 Saviour's  will,  that  we  should  serve  him  on  the 
 continent  of  Europe;  and  as  soon  as  we  have 
 completed  what  we  have  begun  in  the  North,  we 
 hope  you  will  inform  us  where  you  think  we 
 €ould  be  of  most  use  to  the  Society." 
 
 The  Roman  Catholic  Bible  Society  at  Ratisbon 
 appears  also  by  this  time  to  have  attained  consi- 
 derable strength  and  celebrity.  It  will  be  recol- 
 lected that  the  foundation  of  this  Society  was  laid 
 by  Regens  Wittman,  in  1806.  Through  many  dif- 
 ficulties the  plan  of  printing  by  standing  types  wa§ 
 carried  into  execution;  and  in  1808  appeared  the 
 first  edition  of  the  New  Testament.  The  version 
 adopted,  though  generally  conformed  to  the  Vul- 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  451 
 
 g-ate,  was  said  to  be  on  the  wliole  a  faithful  trans-   part  ii. 
 
 lation  from  the  oriorinal  Greek,  and  in  all  essential      ^""ap. 
 
 ^  '  I. 
 
 and  fundamental  points  strictly  correct.  ^^^^^ 
 
 Such  was  the  progress  made  by  the  cause  of  the  ^^^^~  • 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  on  the  conti- 
 nent of  Europe,  down  to  the  period  which  termi- 
 nated the  sixth  year  of  its  establishment.  The 
 quantity  of  effect  from  the  three  Societies  at  Basle, 
 Berlin,  and  Stockhohu,  (not  to  mention  the  ex- 
 ertions in  inferior  stations,)  must  on  the  whole 
 have  been  great;  and  a  large  proportion  of  it 
 was  produced  (it  should  be  observed)  under  all 
 the  difficulties  and  discouragements  of  an  exten- 
 sive and  devastating  war.  This  consideration, 
 while  it  greatly  enhances  the  ^  alue  of  what  was 
 accomplished,  leaves  the  mind  in  doubt,  whether 
 more  to  regret  the  existence  of  tlie  obstacles,  or 
 to  admire  the  energy  by  which  they  were  sur- 
 mounted. 
 
 But  it  is  time  that  we  direct  our  attention  to  that 
 field  of  usefulness  which  had  been  opened  to  the 
 fSociety,  in  the  preceding  year,  beyond  the  At- 
 lantic, and  which  already  exhibited  such  satis- 
 factory evidences  of  an  improved  and  still  im- 
 proving cultivation. 
 
 The  Philadelphia  Bible  Society  abundantly  jus- 
 tified, by  its  zeal  and  success,  the  high  expecta- 
 tions which  its  commencement  had  excited.  In 
 their  First  Report,  (which  was  dated  May  1, 
 1809,)  the  Managers  state,  that  "  the  ixecessity  for 
 
 2  G  2 
 
452  HISTORY    OF    THE    fiRITIStt 
 
 PART  II.  ^nch  ail  Institution  had  appeared  much  more  evi- 
 dent to  them  since,  in  the  course  of  their  duty, 
 they  had  been  led  to  make  particular  inquiries 
 
 1809-10.  jjj^Q  ^jjg  poorer  class  of  people  in  Philadelphia, 
 than  it  ever  did  before."  "  The  deficiency  of 
 Bibles"  (they  say)  "  has  been  found  to  be  much 
 greater  than  was  expected  ;  and  it  is  believed  to 
 be  as  great  in  many  other  places.  The  number 
 of  families  and  individuals  who  are  destitute  of  a 
 copy  of  the  Scriptures,  is  so  considerable,  that  the 
 whole  of  the  funds  in  the  possession  of  the  Society 
 could  be  profitably  expended  in  supplying  the 
 want-s  of  this  city  alone ;  and  the  opportunities  of 
 distributing  them  in  other  places  are  so  numerous, 
 that,  if  these  funds  were  tenfold  as  great  as  they 
 are,  they  would  be  still  inadequate  to  supply  the 
 demand." 
 
 The  dii^ect  good  produced  by  the  Institution  is 
 asserted  in  confident  terms.  "  Some  hundreds  of 
 famiHes"(say  the  Managers)  "  are  now  in  possession 
 of  a  Bible,  by  means  of  the  Society,  which  never  had 
 one  before :  and  it  deserves  to  be  mentioned,  that 
 the  books  have  commonly  been  received  with 
 emotion,  and  strong  indications  of  gratitude ;  and 
 that  the  application  for  them  is  often  earnest  and 
 pressing." 
 
 "  But,  beside  the  good  resulting  from  the  pro- 
 motion of  the  chief  and  direct  object  of  the  So- 
 ciety," the  Managers  express  it  as  their  opinion, 
 that  "  very  important  and  desirable  effects  would 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  4-53 
 
 be    inclirectlif    promoted    by   their   Association."    i^art  ii. 
 "  The  cordiahty  and  harmony  with  which  Chris-      ^^^  * 
 tians   of  so  many  denominations  have   united  in      ^— ^^^ 
 prosecuting   this   important   object,   cannot   fail" 
 (they  observe)    "  of  being  attended    with  some 
 good  effect  on  all  concerned.     It  is  an  ai)pro\i- 
 mation  to  that  unity  and  brotherly  love  among 
 Christians,  which  all  good  men  so  ardently  desire. 
 At  least,  it  will  have  a  tendency  to  remove  pre- 
 judices,  by  promoting  mutual   acquaintance  be- 
 tween  the  members   of  different  religious    com- 
 munities." 
 
 "  The  Managers"  (they  add)  "  do  moreover 
 beheve,  that  the  zeal  discovered,  and  efforts  made, 
 by  so  many  persons  in  this  city,  of  different  con- 
 ditions and  professions,  to  famish  the  poor  with 
 Bibles  gratuitously,  will  have  a  happy  tendency 
 to  induce  many  to  appreciate  the  Sacred  Scrip- 
 tures more  highly  than  they  have  been  wont  to 
 do ;  and  may  dispose  those  who  possess  Bibles, 
 but  have  suffered  them  to  lie  neglected  in  their 
 houses,  to  peruse  them  with  serious  atten- 
 tion." 
 
 Such  an  example  as  that  of  the  Philadelphia 
 Bible  Society  could  not  fail  to  i)roduce  a  salutary 
 influence  on  the  inhabitants  of  the  surrounding 
 States.  The  effect  of  that  influence  was  speedily 
 manifested  in  the  appearance  of  kindred  establish- 
 ments :  six  were  formed  in  the  course  of  the  pre- 
 sent year,  viz.  the  Connecticut  Bible  Society  at 
 2  G3 
 
454  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.  Harford,  the  Massachusetts  at  Boston,  the  New 
 Jersey  at  Princeton;  and  three  at  New  York, 
 under  the  respective  designations  of,  *'  The  New 
 
 1809~jo.  York  Bible  Society,"  "  The  Young  Men's  Bible 
 Society,"  and  "  The  New  York  Bible  and  Com- 
 mon Prayer  Book  Society." 
 
 The  last  of  these,  uistituted  under  the  auspi- 
 ces of  the  late  Bishop  Moore,  and  the  Pro- 
 testant Episcopal  Clergy  of  New  York,  was  in- 
 troduced to  the  notice  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society  by  a  respectful  letter  from  its  Right 
 Reverend  President,  accompanied  with  a  request 
 of  such  aid  as  the  Society  might  see  expedient  to 
 grant.  The  case  was  not  without  a  precedent: 
 the  Stockholm  Evangelical  Society  had  another 
 object,  beside  the  circulation  of  the  Scriptures; 
 and  the  separation  of  the  former  from  the  latter, 
 which  characterized  the  Society  at  Stockholm,, 
 was  found,  on  examination,  to  have  been  provided 
 for  in  the  constitution  of  the  Bible  and  Common 
 Prayer  Book  Society  at  New  York.  A  grant 
 was  therefore  made  to  its  funds  upon  the  scale 
 which  had  regulated  the  grants  made  to  the 
 other  Trans-Atlantic  Societies.  In  the  present 
 instance,  however,  the  pecuniary  donation  was 
 commuted  for  Bibles  and  Testaments  to  the  sti- 
 pulated amount ;  a  distinction  by  which  the  con- 
 ductors of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society 
 considered  themselves  as  unequivocally  evincing 
 a  disposition  to  co-operate,  as  far  as  might  be  con- 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  455 
 
 aistent,  with  religious  Institutions  of  every  kind,    part  ii. 
 without  dissembling  their  preference  of  Societies     chap. 
 constituted  on  principles  in  all  respects  analogous     v-^j^*-^ 
 to  their  own.  l^^^"^^' 
 
 It  may  be  satisfactory  to  add,  that  the  Bibles 
 and  Testaments  to  which  reference  has  been 
 made,  and  which  amounted  in  value  to  lOOZ.  were 
 regularly  transmitted ;  and,  though,  from  the  in- 
 disposition and  subsequent  death  of  Bishop  Moore, 
 their  acknowledgment  was  delayed,  it  was  made, 
 in  the  year  1814,  by  the  Bishop's  successor  in  the 
 Presidency,  the  Right  Reverend  Dr.  Hobart,  with 
 warm  expressions  of  gratitude  and  respect. 
 
 The  rapid  increase  of  Bible  Societies  in  the 
 United  States  of  America,  their  public  recog- 
 nition of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society, 
 as  their  prototype  and  common  parent,  together 
 with  their  grateful  acceptance  of  its  pecuniary  aid, 
 as  well  as  of  its  friendship  and  general  co-opera- 
 tion, proclaim,  in  the  strongest  manner,  the  growth 
 of  that  interest  in  favor  of  the  common  object, 
 which  had  been  so  happily  excited  in  the  regions 
 beyond  the  Atlantic.  Such  distinguished  success 
 in  a  quarter  with  which  a  connection  had  been  so  • 
 recently  formed,  was  regarded  by  the  conductors 
 of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  as  an 
 event  of  no  ordinary  importance ;  and  they  re- 
 ceived, from  time  to  time,  the  intelligence  of  its 
 progress,  with  emotions  which  indicated  their  joy 
 2  O  4 
 
1809-10. 
 
 456  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 in  the  present  effects,  and  their  anticipation  of 
 still  greater  and  more  satisfactory  results. 
 
 In  these  feeHngs  the  Philadelphia  Bible  So- 
 ciety, to  whose  steady  example  and  stimulating 
 appeals  so  much  of  this  success  i&  to  be  ascribed, 
 aj^peared  most  warmly  to  participate;  and  the 
 sentiments  expressed  by  its  Managers,  at  the  close 
 of  the  Report  before  cited,  coincide  so  perfectly 
 with  the  view  which  has  been  taken  of  the  Trans- 
 Atlantic  operations,  and  have  been  so  completely 
 justified  by  subsequent  experience,  that  they  de~ 
 serve  to  be  placed  upon  record. 
 
 *'  The  institution  of  a  Bible  Society  in  this  place^ 
 must  be  considered  an  auspicious  event ;  and  the 
 Managers  do  not  think  that  their  hopes  are  too 
 sanguine,  when  they  persuade  themselves,  that, 
 at  no  very  distant  period,  this  Society  will  be 
 found  in  the  foremost  rank  among  those  Institu- 
 tions which  piety  or  humanity  has  erected  for 
 the  rehef  of  the  indigent,  on  this  continent.  And 
 they  conclude  this  Report,  by  declaring  it  to  be 
 the  object,  not  only  of  their  prayers,  but  of  their 
 hopes,  that  before  the  present  generation  shall 
 have  passed  away,  the  Holy  Scriptures  will  be 
 read  by  all  the  principal  nations  under  heaven, 
 and  thus  the  way  be  opened  for  the  fulfilment  of 
 the  prediction  of  the  prophet,  '  The  earth  shall  be 
 full  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  as  the  waters 
 cover  the  seas.'  " 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  457 
 
 So  much  may  suffice  to  represent  the  coiulitiou    part  it. 
 of  the  Society's  affairs  on  the  continents  of  Europe      chap. 
 and  America.    Its  proceedings  in  India  may  be  ad-     ^--^.^«^ 
 vantageously  reserved  for  the  next  chapter,  when  ~    * 
 
 an  opportunity  will  be  aflbrded  of  exhibiting  them 
 in  a  more  connected  form,  and  in  a  state  more 
 nearly  approaching  to  maturity  and  completion. 
 
 It  will  now  be  proper  to  return  to  the  Domestic 
 department,  on  which  something  has  already  been 
 said ;  and  to  review  more  particularly  the  trans- 
 actions at  home,  during  a  year  so  prolific  in  ex- 
 ertions among  confederated  Christians  abroad. 
 
 It  will  naturally  be  supposed,  that  the  Com- 
 mittee of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society, 
 while  extending  the  most  encouraging  assurances 
 of  sympathy  and  aid  to  the  inliabitants  of  other 
 countries,  w^ould  not  remain  indifferent  to  the 
 wants  and  the  petitions  of  their  own.  Impressed 
 with  a  desire  of  gratifying  the  wish  to  possess  the 
 Scriptures,  which  appeared  to  be  manifestly  on 
 the  increase  throughout  the  country,  the  Com- 
 mittee gave  a  cordial  reception  to  e^  ery  applica- 
 tion which  came  within  the  provisions  of  their 
 constitution,  and  the  rules  of  their  practice;  and 
 afforded,  as  the  circumstances  of  the  case  re- 
 quired, a  proportional  degree  of  acconmiodation 
 and  relief. 
 
 Among  the  various  Avays  through  which  the 
 distribution  of  the  Scriptures  for  the  native  popu- 
 lation  of  Great  Britain   was  promoted,   that   of 
 
458  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 charitable  Institutions,  whether  constituted  for 
 religious  or  temporal  objects,  formed  a  principal 
 medium,  at  the  period  now  under  consideratiouc 
 1809-10.  jj-^  some  instances,  the  conductors  of  these  Institu- 
 tions were  solicited  to  perform  this  service,  but  in 
 the  greater  number  they  were  themselves  the 
 suitors.  However  that  may  be,  it  is  certain  that^ 
 through  these  channels,  a  considerable  stock  of 
 English  and  Welsh  Bibles  and  Testaments  were 
 put  into  immediate,  and,  it  is  believed,  judicious 
 circulation. 
 
 It  was  also  in  the  course  of  this  year  that  a 
 resolution  was  adopted  to  print  a  portion  of  the 
 Scriptures  in  the  native  Irish  language.  On  the 
 expediency  of  this  measure,  which  occupied  the 
 attention  of  the  Society  at  an  early  stage  of  its 
 establishment,  great  diversity  of  opinion  was 
 found  to  prevail  on  each  side  of  the  Channel; 
 and  to  this  conflict  of  sentiment,  and  contrariety 
 of  information,  it  must  be  ascribed,  that  the  lan- 
 guage of  the  Society,  in  its  Annual  Reports,  was 
 at  different  periods  so  various,  and,  in  some 
 cases,  even  contradictory.  Not  to  detain  the 
 reader  on  a  subject  to  which  there  may  be  occa- 
 sion again  to  advert,  it  will  be  sufficient  to  ob- 
 serve, that,  after  a  discussion,  alternately  sus- 
 pended and  renewed  during  a  period  of  nearly 
 five  years,  and  a  correspondence  of  considerable 
 extent,  with  prelates,  scholars,  and  public  bo- 
 dies, in  Ireland,  it  was  finally  determined  that 
 
1809-10. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  459 
 
 the  experiment  should  be  tried;  and  an  order  was 
 accordingly  given,  that  an  edition  of  the  New 
 Testament,  amomiting  to  2000  copies,  conformably 
 to  the  accredited  version  of  Bishop  Bedell,*  should 
 immediately  be  put  to  press.  It  may  not  be  amiss 
 to  add,  in  general  terms,  that  the  experiment  was 
 found  to  answ  er,  greatly  beyond  the  hopes  which 
 had  been  formed  of  its  success,  and  that  the  re- 
 sult of  it  encouraged  the  Society  to  repeat  the 
 trial  on  a  much  larger  scale,  and  with  more  am- 
 ple means  of  ascertaining  its  real  effect. 
 
 While  the  Committee  were  prosecuting  these 
 labors,  with  particular  reference  to  the  native  po- 
 pulation of  the  United  Kingdom,  they  were  not 
 less  occupied  in  planning,  and  laboring  for,  the 
 spiritual  benefit  of  foreigners,  either  resident 
 among  them,  or  inhabiting  countries,  near  or  re- 
 mote, with  whose  wants  they  had  been  made  in- 
 cidentally acquainted. 
 
 *  The  New  Testament  Avas  first  translated  into  the  native 
 Irish  in  1602,  by  Dr.  Daniel,  afterwards  Archbishop  of  Tuani. 
 It  was  printed  in  4to  in  the  Irish  character.  The  Old  Testa- 
 ment was  translated  by  Dr.  Bedell,  Bishop  of  Kilmore,  and  Pro- 
 vost of  Trinity  College,  Dublin,  as  early  as  1640;  but  from  want 
 of  means  to  print  it,  or  some  other  cause,  it  remained  in  MS. 
 above  forty  years.  The  Hon.  Robert  Boyle,  who  had  reprinted 
 the  Testament  of  Dr.  Daniel,  brought  forward  also  tliis  MS. 
 translation  of  the  Old  by  Bishop  Bedell.  Through  his  exertions 
 an  edition  of  it  was  printed,  and  500  copies  were  distributed 
 gratis.  It  ought  to  be  added,  that  Mr.  Boyle  contributed  to 
 both  these  undertakings  the  sum  of  700^ 
 
1809-10. 
 
 460  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.  All  inspection  of  the  Annual  Reports  will  show 
 CHAP.  ^yjj^j^  what  promptitude  and  munificence  the  So- 
 ciety stretched  out  its  hands  to  the  east,  and  the 
 west;  to  the  north,  and  the  south;  and  dispensed 
 the  sacred  treasures  which  it  had  accumulated  by 
 indefatigable  exertions,  to  the  spiritually  indigent 
 in  every  part  of  the  world. 
 
 Among  the  persons  of  this  description  to  whom 
 the  Society  obtained  an  introduction  in  the  course 
 of  this  year,  were,  the  several  congregations  formed 
 by  the  Moravian  Brethren,  (men  of  primitive  sim- 
 plicity, devotion,  and  perseverance,)  in  South 
 Africa,  the  West  Indies,  and  North  America. 
 For  this  introduction  the  Society  was  indebted  to 
 the  Rev.  C.  J.  Latrobe,  Secretary  to  the  Brethren's 
 Missions;  whose  interesting  appeals  on  behalf  of 
 his  charge,  as  published  in  the  Appendix  to  the 
 Society's  Reports,  supersede  the  necessity  of  any 
 eulogium  on  his  talents,  his  zeal,  and  his  piety. 
 
 Among  the  first  fruits  of  this  connection,  was  an 
 edition  of  the  Gospel  of  St.  John  in  the  Esquimaux 
 language,  at  the  Society's  expense;  and  an  en- 
 gagement to  print  that  of  St.  Luke,  when  the 
 translation  should  be  completed,  for  the  use  of  the 
 converted  Esquimaux  on  the  coast  of  Labrador. 
 
 A  difficulty  occurred  in  the  course  of  this  un- 
 dertaking, which  gave  the  Committee  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  another  oppor- 
 tunity of  testifying  their  vigilant  and  zealous  re- 
 gard for  the   simple  object  of  their   Institution. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  461 
 
 By  a  practice,  in  general  use  among  the  Bre-  partii. 
 thren's  congregations,  a  translation  liad  been  made  c" ^p 
 of  a  Harmony  of  tlie  Scriptures,  into  the  language  v— J-i^ 
 of  the  Esquimaux;  and  the  petition  of  their  Secre-  i^o*'^-l<^» 
 tary  was,  that  this  Harmony  might  be  printed, 
 for  their  beneht,  at  the  Society's  expense.  To  this 
 proposition  the  Committee  objected  ;  considering 
 any  mode  of  printing  the  Scriptures,  but  that 
 which  exhibited  them  as  they  stood  in  the  Canon, 
 to  be  a  deviation  from  the  letter  and  the  spirit 
 of  their  Institution.  In  this  view  of  the  subject 
 the  Brethren  accpiiesced;  and  accordingly  en- 
 gaged to  conform  their  translation  to  the  standard 
 as  generally  received.  A  similar  exception  had 
 been  previously  taken  against  the  form  of  a  Har- 
 mony, in  the  Calmuc  version,  when  proposed  by 
 the  Missionaries  at  Sarepta ;  and  it  was  attended 
 with  a  similar  result.  These  farts  are  mentioned, 
 in  order  to  show,  with  what  scrupulous  exactness 
 the  conductors  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society  maintained  the  observance  of  their  funda- 
 mental regulations ;  and  how  carefully  they  ab- 
 stained from  any  measures,  however  speciously 
 recommended,  which  might  be  likely  to  betray 
 them  into  deflection  and  error. 
 
 Another  medium  of  distribution,  which  ap- 
 pears for  the  tirst  time  in  tlie  proceedings  of  this 
 year,  was  that  of  a  female  correspondent,  occu- 
 l)viiig  a  station  of  considerable  rank  and  inflnerjce 
 
1809-10. 
 
 46$  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 in  a  sea-port,  and  distinguished  for  her  piety  and 
 iier  zeal  in  promoting  the  best  interests  of  man- 
 kind. Through  this  important  channel  Bibles 
 and  Testaments  in  various  languages  were  dis- 
 persed, as  advantageous  opportunities  occuiTed, 
 in  a  manner  which  reflected  great  credit  on  the 
 judgment  of  the  distributress,  and  afforded  high 
 satisfaction  to  those  in  whose  name  and  behalf 
 the  distribution  was  made. 
 
 What  has  been  stated  with  respect  to  the  esta- 
 bUshment  and  operations  of  Foreign  Societies, 
 will  have  prepared  the  reader  for  learning,  that 
 the  pecuniary  grants  for  their  encouragement  and 
 aid,  amounted,  in  the  course  of  this  year,  to  a 
 very  considerable  sum.  Nor  was  an  inferior  de- 
 gree of  generosity  shown,  in  cases  where  the 
 exercise  of  it  appeared  to  be  called  for,  toward 
 Societies  and  charitable  Associations  within  the 
 boundaries  of  the  United  Kingdom.  Five  hun- 
 dred pounds  were  presented  to  the  Hiberniaa 
 Bible  Society,  whose  exertions,  under  the. 
 auspices  of  His  Grace  the  Lord  Primate,*  and 
 
 *  In  the  course  of  the  years  1809  and  1810,  the  Hiberniaa 
 Bible  Society  very  greatly  increased  its  patronage.  In  the. 
 Report  for  the  latter  year.  His  Grace  the  Lord  Primate  ap- 
 pears as  Patron,  the  Archbishop  of  Dublin,  President ;  and, 
 among  the  Vice-Presidents,  are  the  following  Prelates  and 
 Dignitaries ;  viz.  His  Grace  the  Lord  Archbishop  of  Tuani, 
 the  Bishops  of  Kildare,  Derry,  Limerick,  Cork,  Down, 
 Killalla  ;   and  the  Provost  of  Trinity  College,  &c. 
 
 T«  the  600Z.  contributed  by  the  British  and  Foxeigu.  Bible 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 
 
 463 
 
 1809-10, 
 
 other  Prelates  and  personages  of  distinction,  partil 
 seemed  to  promise  very  beneficial  consequences.* 
 Two  lumdred  pounds  were,  for  the  second  time, 
 presented  to  the  Cork  Bible  Society;  and  a 
 similar  donation  was  made  to  the  Synod  of 
 Ulster,  w  hose  efforts  in  raising  contri!)utions  for 
 the  purpose  of  distributing  the  Scriptures  among 
 the  poor  of  their  congregations  had  been  laudably 
 conspicuous,  f 
 
 Society  were  added  50/.  from  the  East  Lothian,  and  300/. 
 from  the  Edinburgh  Bible  Society, 
 
 How  strongly  the  Hibernian  Bible  Society  felt  its  obligations 
 to  the  continued  friendship  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  may  be  inferred  from  the  following  declaration  in 
 its  "  Address  to  the  People  of  Ireland"  in  1810. 
 
 "  The  demands  on  the  Committee  for  Bibles  and  Testaments 
 during  the  last  year  were  so  great,  that  had  it  not  been  for 
 the  liberality  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  they 
 would  have  been  compelled  to  put  a  stop  to  their  operations." 
 
 *  The  Belfast  Branch,  in  its  Report,  observes:  "  It  is  a 
 grateful  prospect,  that  the  avidity  of  the  people  seems  to  keep 
 pace  with  the  means  of  gratifying  it;  and  that  the  demand 
 \ipon  your  Committee  for  the  Scriptures,  not  only  continues, 
 but  increases." 
 
 And  the  Hibernian  Bible  Society  state,  that  they  arc  not 
 without  positive  information,  that  good  has  been  done :  and, 
 by  way  of  confirming  this  statement,  they  cite  the  following 
 communication  from  one  of  their  Branches. 
 
 *'  The  Members  are  convinced,  that  the  beuelits  by  the 
 circulation  of  the  Scriptures  in  their  vicinity  have  been  con- 
 siderable, and  they  ardently  hope  for  an  increased  extension." 
 
 t  The  Synod,  in  returning  their  thanks  to  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  So«ietj    for  the  donation,    »tated,    that    "  the 
 
i809-10. 
 
 464  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.  To  this  exercise  of  liberality,  both  at  home 
 CHAP,  ^j^fi  abroad,  the  Society  was  in  a  manner  im- 
 pelled, by  the  ardor  with  which  its  cause  was 
 espoused,  and  the  generosity  with  which  its 
 treasury  was  replenished  by  individuals,  congre- 
 gations, and  Associations  of  various  descriptions; 
 but  particularly  by  Auxiliary  Societies. 
 
 Though  recently  formed,  and  very  imperfectly 
 organized,  these  valuable  Associations  discovered 
 extraordhiary  vigor;  and  emulated  each  other, 
 in  fulfilling  the  engagement  implied  by  their  de- 
 signation, as  Auxiliary  to  the  Parent  Institution. 
 A  reference  to  the  Annual  Reports  will  show, 
 that  nearly  6,000^.  were  added  to  its  funds  by 
 the  Contributions  derived  from  those  Auxiliary 
 Societies  which  had  been  formed  within  the 
 year ;  while  the  degree  of  influence  created  in 
 its  favor,  by  their  exertions  and  their  printed 
 addresses,  baffles  every  attempt  at  computa- 
 tion or  conjecture. 
 
 It  would  gratify  the  feehngs  of  the  author, 
 to  particularize  those  circumstances  of  zeal  and 
 energy  which  he  had  personal  opportunities  of 
 observing  in  the  early  proceedings  of  the  Bristol 
 Society.     To    those    who     are   acquainted    with 
 
 demand  for  the  Scriptures"  in  their  part  of  the  kingdom  was 
 "  increasing ;"  that  they  had  received  from  different  Con- 
 gregations the  sura  of  1102/.  8s.  .3<Z. ;  and  "  had  distributed 
 000  4to.  Bibles,  130  8vo.  1222  in  12mo.  1423  in  24mo.  and 
 2674  Testaments." 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  4G5 
 
 the  character  of  that  city,  it  Avill  not  be  matter    part  ii^ 
 of  surprise   to    learn,   that   the    Society   formed     c"^^^- 
 within    its    precincts,    speedily   took    that   rank,      ^— .--^ 
 which,  from  its  wealth,  its  population,  and,  above 
 all,   from   its  spirit  of  religious    and   benevolent 
 enterprise,  it  might  have  been  expected  to  claim 
 in  Establishments  of  so  liberal,  pious,  and  benevo- 
 lent a  description.* 
 
 Nor  would  the  office  be  less  gratifying,  to 
 bring  under  the  notice  of  the  reader  the  conduct 
 of  such  other  AuxiUary  Societies,  as,  though  cir- 
 cumscribed by  narrower  limits,  or  comprehend- 
 ing a  smaller,  and  less  wealthy  population,  ex- 
 hibited, by  the  promptitude  and  greatness  of 
 their  returns,  very  honorable  proofs  of  liberality 
 and  zeal.  To  this  praise  the  Kendal  Society  is 
 peculiarly  entitled ;  which,  without  the  recom- 
 mendation of  exalted  patronage,  or  the  aid  of 
 other  subsidiary  advantages,  effected  its  establish- 
 ment with  so  great  rapidity  and  success,  as  to 
 be  able  to  present,  within  three  months  from  the 
 date  of  its  formation,  a  tribute  of  more  than 
 330/.  to  the  treasury  of  the  Parent  Institution. 
 
 It  has  been  intimated,  and  may  now  be  more 
 
 *  The  author  has  no  apprehension  of  offending  those  whom 
 he  is  reluctlantly  compelled  to  pass  over  in  silence,  by  men- 
 tioning the  venerable  Richard  Reynolds,  Esq.  as  one  of  those 
 individuals  to  whose  liberal,  active,  and  persevering  philan- 
 thropy, the  Auxiliary  Bible  Society,  in  that  city  of  which 
 he  is  so  great  an  ornament  and  a  benefactor,  owes  its  earliest 
 and  its  latest  obligations. 
 
 VOL.  I.  3  H 
 
465  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  11.  particularly  stated,  that  not  only  the  exertions 
 CHAP,  ^f  Aiixihary  Societies,  but  also  the  printed  ad- 
 ^— ^.1^     dresses  issued  and   circulated  by  them  in  their 
 
 1809-10.  ggveral  districts,  contributed  materially  to  pro- 
 mote the  interest  and  extension  of  the  general 
 cause.  Many  of  these  addresses  would  be  found, 
 upon  examination,  to  deserve  an  attentive  pe- 
 rusal; as  evincing  the  prevalence  of  Christian 
 sentiment  and  Catholic  feeling  in  the  vicinities 
 with  which  they  were  connected. 
 
 Without  being  suspected  of  undervaluing  the 
 fest,  the  author  trusts  he  may  be  permitted  to 
 select,  as  entitled  to  more  than  ordinary  conside- 
 ration, the  luminous  and  dignified  address  of 
 the  Leicester  Auxiliary  Bible  Society.  The  fol- 
 lowing extracts  from  that  masterly  composition, 
 which  bears  throughout  the  stamp  of  the  great 
 and  liberal  mind  from  which  it  proceeded,*  will 
 be  read  with  pleasure ;  not  only  from  its  intrin- 
 feical  excellence,  but  also  from  the  confirmation 
 which  it  adds  to  the  account  already  given  of 
 the  general  prosperity  of  the  Parent  Institution. 
 
 **  Notwithstanding  the  diversity  of  sentiment 
 which  unhappily  prevails  among  Christians,  we 
 may  fairly  presume  on  the  concurrence  of  aU 
 parties  and  denominations  in  promoting  a  design 
 so  disinterested  as  that  of  diffusing  the  light  of 
 revelation.  In  the  prosecution  of  this  design, 
 our  party  is  the  world ;  the  only  distinction  we 
 
 *  That  of  the  Rev.  Robert  Hall,  M.  A. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  467 
 
 contemplate,  is  between  the  disciples  of  revela-  part  ii. 
 lation  and  the  unhappy  victims  of  superstition  chap. 
 and  idolatry ;  and  as  we  propose  to  circulate  ^— ^.^-^ 
 the  Bible  alone,  without  notes  or  comments,  ^'  ^'' 
 truth  only  can  be  a  gainer  by  the  measure.  To 
 those  who  confine  tlieir  views  to  this  country, 
 the  want  of  Bibles  may  not  appear  very  urgent ; 
 but  without  insisting  on  the  many  thousands, 
 even  hei^e,  who  are  destitute  of  them,  it  is  cer- 
 tain that  in  Pagan,  Mahomedan,  and  Popish 
 countries,  tliey  are  extremely  rare,  and  their 
 number  totally  inadequate  to  supply,  not  merely 
 the  immense  population  in  those  parts,  but  even 
 the  increasing  demand  which  a  variety  of  cir- 
 cumstances have  combined  to  produce.  To 
 supply  this  demand,  to  whatever  extent  it  may 
 be  carried,  is  the  aim  of  the  Society  in  London, 
 with  which  this  is  designed  to  co-operate.  TJieir 
 ambition,  as  far  as  it  may  please  God  in  his 
 providence  to  smile  upon  their  efforts,  is,  by  im- 
 paiting  the  Holy  Scriptures,  to  open  the  fountain 
 pf  revelation  to  all  nations.  It  was  natural  and 
 necessary  for  the  first  movement  in  so  great  an 
 enteriirize,  to  commence  at  the  heart  of  the 
 empire ;  nor  is  it  less  so,  that,  having  com- 
 menced there,  it  should  propagate  itself  through 
 the  larger  vessels  and  arteries  to  the  remotest 
 extremities  of  the  body.  We  have  the  pleasure 
 of  perceiving  that  the  example  of  the  meti'opolis 
 has  already  been  followed  in  several  of  our  prin- 
 
 2  II  2 
 
4G8  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  ir.  cipal  towns  and  cities ;  and  there  is  room  to 
 CHAP.  hope,  that  similar  institutions  will,  ere  long,  be 
 ^-^^■s-'  formed  in  every  part  of  the  kingdom." 
 09-10.  ,;  j^  whatever  light  we  consider  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  it  appears  to  us  re- 
 plete with  utility.  Its  formation  will,  we  trust, 
 constitute  a  new  sera  in  the  history  of  religion, 
 which  may  be  styled  the  sera  of  unanimity.  It 
 affords  a  rallying  point  for  the  piety  of  the  age, 
 an  unsuspicious  medium  of  communication  be- 
 tween the  good  of  all  parties  and  nations,  a 
 centre  of  union  and  co-operation  in  the  advance- 
 ment of  a  common  cause,  which  cannot  fail  to 
 allay  the  heats  and  smooth  the  asperities  of  dis- 
 cordant sentiment.  By  giving  the  most  effectual 
 aid  to  means  already  set  on  foot  for  the  conver- 
 sion of  Pagan  nations,  it  also  promises  to  ac- 
 celerate the  period  when  truth  shall  become 
 victorious  in  the  earth." 
 
 *'  It  is  to  be  lamented,  that  Protestant  nations 
 have  been  too  long  inattentive  to  this  object: 
 we  rejoice  to  find  that  they  are  now  convinced 
 of  their  error;  and  that,  touched  with  com- 
 miseration for  the  unhappy  condition  of  man- 
 kind, they  are  anxious  to  impart  those  riches 
 which  may  be  shared  without  being  diminished, 
 and  communicated  without  being  lost  to  the 
 possessor.  Such  is  the  felicity  of  religion; 
 such  the  unbounded  liberality  of  its  principles. 
 Though  we  should  be  sorry  to  administer  fuel 
 
I. 
 1800-10. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  4G9 
 
 to  national  vanity,  we  cannot  conceal  the  satis-  part  ii. 
 faction  it  gives  ws  to  reflect,  that  while  the  fairest  ^",'^^- 
 portion  of  the  globe  has  fallen  a  prey  to  that 
 gnilty  and  restless  ambition,  which,  by  the  in- 
 scrutable wisdom  of  Providence,  is  permitted  for 
 a  time  to  '  take  peace  from  the  earth  ;'  this  fjivored 
 country  is  employed  in  spreading  the  triumphs 
 of  truth,  multiplying  the  means  of  instruction, 
 and  opening  sources  of  consolation  to  an  afflicted 
 world." 
 
 The  encouragement  given  to  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society  by  such  eflbrts  in  its  sup- 
 port, and  such  testimonies  to  its  utility,  could  not 
 fail  to  produce  a  considerable  effect  on  the  views 
 and  the  proceedings  of  those  who  were  appointed 
 to  administer  its  concerns.  Regarding  the  pro- 
 gression of  its  influence,  and  the  increase  of  its 
 resources,  as  a  call  and  a  stimulus  to  more  diffu- 
 sive exertion,  they  looked  around  for  new  scenes 
 in  which  to  display  the  benevolence  of  the  Insti- 
 tution ;  and  seemed  impatient  of  the  restraints 
 which  prevented  it  from  being  felt  and  enjoyed  by 
 those  who  inhabited  the  very  extremities  of  the 
 earth. 
 
 It  was  in  this  high  state  of  exertion  and  of  hope, 
 and  with  prospects  brightening  in  so  many  di- 
 rections, that  the  friends  of  tlie  Society  were  sur- 
 prised by  the  appearance  of  an  opponent  to  their 
 cause,  in  the  person  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wordsworth, 
 Dean  of  Bocking,  and  Domestic  Chaplain  to  his 
 
 2  H  3 
 
3URT  II. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 I. 
 
 1809-10. 
 
 470  historV  of  the  British 
 
 Grace  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury.  As  the 
 piibhcatioii  in  which  Dr.  Wordsworth  arraigned 
 the  Society,  gave  occasion  to  a  vexatious  and 
 protracted  controversy,  it  will  be  proper  to  explain 
 the  circumstances  in  which  it  originated,,  and  to 
 state  such  facts  respecting  it  as  fall  within  the 
 period  which  it  is  the  business  of  this  chapter  to 
 record. 
 
 In  the  autumn  of  1809,  the  author,  having  been 
 induced  to  enter  into  a  conespondence  with 
 some  respectable  clergymen  of  Colchester  and 
 its  vicinity,  on  the  subject  of  establishing  an 
 Auxiliary  Bible  Society  for  the  county  of  Essex^ 
 found  his  proposition  for  such  aa  establishment, 
 after  a  course  of  mutual  explanation,  very  warmly 
 and  decisively  encouraged.  The  initiatory  mea- 
 sures had  so  far  advanced  by  the  month  of  Ja- 
 nuary, 1810,  that  a  Provisional  Committee  was 
 regularly  formed,  consisting  wholly  of  Ministers 
 of  the  Established  Church;  the  Dissenters  having 
 voluntarily  left  the  management  of  the  business  in 
 the  hands  of  those  by  whom  they  thought  the 
 future  vSociety  would  be  introduced  with  the 
 greatest  propriety  and  the  best  effect.  The  Pro- 
 visional Committee,  thus  constituted,  proceeded 
 to  address  their  clerical  brethren,  inviting  them 
 to  attend  a  preparatory  meeting  at  Colchester  on 
 the  19th  of  the  current  month,  "  for  the  purpose 
 of  considering  a  plan  for  establishing  a  Society  iu 
 aid  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society." 
 
lUOO-lO. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  471 
 
 At  the  appointed  time  the  meeting  took  place: 
 between  twenty  and  thirty  clergymen  attended  ; 
 and  the  result  m  as,  a  unanimous  determination  to 
 form  an  Auxiliary  Bible  Society,  and  to  present 
 an  address  to  the  Bishop  of  London,  requesting 
 his  Lordship,  as  Bisliop  of  the  Diocese,  to  become 
 the  Patron  of  the  intended  Society.  An  address 
 was  accordingly  transmitted  by  the  chairman,  the 
 Rev.  Philip  Yorke,  Rector  of  Great  Horkesley. 
 To  this  application  the  Bishop  replied,  in  terms, 
 respectful  indeed,  but  so  decidedly  hostile  to 
 the  principle  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  and  all  its  operations,  that  it  was  deemed 
 by  the  applicants  imprudent,  not  to  say  inde- 
 corous, to  prosecute  any  further,  for  the  present, 
 those  measures  which  had  so  nearly  attained  the 
 desired  maturity.  The  Bishop's  reply  was  dated 
 January  28,  1810;  and  early  in  the  month  of 
 February  the  Provisional  Committee  was  for- 
 mally dissolved. 
 
 Shortly  subsequent  to  the  event  of  its  disso- 
 lution, a  letter  was  received  from  the  Rev.  Dr. 
 Wordsworth,  one  of  the  parties  addressed,  agree- 
 ably to  the  Resolution  of  the  l(jth  of  January, 
 containing  his  refusal  to  co-operate  in  the  i)ro- 
 jected  Society,  and  assigning  the  grounds  upon 
 which  that  refusal  was  foimded.  Dr.  Words- 
 worth's Letter  was  dated,  "  Lambeth  Palace,  Jan. 
 12 :  "  on  the  1st  of  March  (as  we  are  told  by  him- 
 self") it "  was  submitted  to  the  press,  in  compliance 
 
 2H4 
 
472  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.  with  the  request  of  a  much  respected  friend  ;** 
 CHAP,  and  shortly  after,  appeared  before  the  public, 
 ^^^.^     under  the  title   of  "  Reasons   for   dechning  to 
 
 1809-10.  become  a  Subscriber  to  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  stated  in  a  Letter  to  a  Clergyman 
 of  the  Diocese  of  London,  by  Christopher  Words- 
 worth, D.  D.  Dean  and  Rector  of  Booking,  and 
 Domestic  Chaplain  to  his  Grace  the  Archbishop 
 of  Canterbury." 
 
 The  avowed  hostihty  of  the  Bishop  of  London, 
 and  the  significant  superscription  of  "  Lambeth 
 Palace,"  gave  to  this  Letter  of  Dr.  Wordsworth 
 a  sort  of  adventitious  importance,  and  rendered 
 it  an  object  of  some  consideration.  It  was  on 
 the  ground  of  the  demi-official  character  which 
 it  assumed  in  the  eyes  of  the  world,  that,  upon 
 receiving  a  copy  of  "  The  Reasons"  from  the 
 author,  the  Noble  President,  forgetting  every  thing 
 but  what  he  owed  to  the  honor  and  interest 
 of  the  Institution,  so  unjustly,  and,  as  to  him 
 and  others  it  appeared,  so  authoritatively  as- 
 sailed, undertook  its  defence ;  and  in  the  month 
 of  April  produced  a  reply,  under  the  designa* 
 tion  of  "  A  Letter  to  the  Reverend  Christopher 
 Wordsworth,     D.  D.  *    in    reply    to    his    Stric- 
 
 *  Dr.  Wordsworth,  in  replying  to  this  Letter  of  Lord  Teign- 
 luouth,  uses  the  following  somewhat  vaunting  expressions  : 
 
 "  When  your  Lordship  is  seen  to  have  buckled  on  youf 
 armour,  to  have  left  your  throne  of  state,  and  to  have  come 
 
1809-10. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  473 
 
 tures  on  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,    part  ii, 
 by  Lord  Teignniouth,  President  of  the  British  and     chap. 
 Foreign  Bible  Society." 
 
 The  substance  of  Dr.  Wordsworth's  objections 
 to  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  is  thus 
 compendiously  expressed  by  himself: 
 
 "  While  the  Bible  Society  continues  such  as  it 
 now  is,  embracing  for  its  object  the  dissemination 
 of  the  Scriptures,  not  only  abroad,  but  also  at 
 home,  I  am  compelled,  at  the  very  least,  to  keep 
 aloof  from  it.  In  reply  to  the  solicitations  of  its 
 friends,  my  answer  must  be,  'I  am  already  a 
 Member  of  the  Society  for  Promoting  Christian 
 Knowledge,  and  wish  all  others  to  be  so  hkewise; 
 and,  therefore,  the  direct  and  baneful  operation 
 which  the   Bible   Society  has    to   interfere   with. 
 
 down  into  the  plain,  it  will  be  thought  that  this  circumstance 
 denotes  something  of  a  more  than  ordinary  alarm  in  the  cita- 
 del," <fcc.  Letter  to  Lord  Teignmout/i,  p.  5. 
 
 On  this  piece  of  misplaced  exultation,  Mr.  Dealtry  thus  per- 
 tinently remarks : 
 
 "  Do  not  imagine  that  his  Lordship  '  buckled  on  his  armour,' 
 and  left  his  *  throne  of  state,'  because  of  the  arguments  with 
 which  the  Society  was  assailed.  No  :  it  was  '  Lambeth  Palace' 
 which  called  him  to  the  tield.     He  knew  that  this  iiint  would  be 
 
 *  tolerably  understood '  by  many  '  a  country  clergyman/  who  is 
 far  beyond  the  reach  of  argument ;  and,  like  a  wise  man,  he 
 opposed   name  to  name,   and   authority   to    authority.     Your 
 
 •  Reasons  for  not  subscribing'  might  safely  have  been  left  to  a 
 person  of  my  mediocrity  of  situation  and  talent:  'Lambeth 
 Palace'  demanded  rank  and  dignity. 
 
 Dealtry's  Vindication,  p.  228. 
 
1809-10. 
 
 474  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.    impede,  and   curtail  the  inestimable  interests  of 
 CHAP,      piety,  and  peace,  and  true  religion,  the  presen  a- 
 tion  and  continual  promotion  of  which,  are  the 
 aim  and  object  of  that  most  important  Society, 
 commands  me  to  withhold  my  hand,  that  I  may 
 not  be  accessary,  by  my  example,  to  the  injury  or 
 the  retardation  of  the   still  further   and  further 
 growth  and  propagation  of  one  of  the  greatest  bles- 
 sings which  the  Almighty,  in  his  merciful  provi- 
 dence, has  V  ouchsafed  to  this  church  and  nation.' " 
 On  this  passage.  Lord  Teignmouth,  after  ex- 
 pressing  his   regret   that   such   language   should 
 have  been  used  in  reference  to  a  Society  "  which 
 was   patronized   by   the  late  venerable   and  la- 
 mented Bishop  of  London,  whose  labors,  during 
 a  long  life,  were  devoted  to  the  advancement  of 
 piety  and  religious  truth,  and  which  continued  to 
 be   patronized    by  so   many    dignitaries    of   the 
 church,  and  persons  of  the  first  respectability  ;'* 
 observes :  "  The  real  ground  of  your  objections 
 appears  to  be  nothing  more  than  this ; — that  it 
 withdraws  from  the  Society  for  Promoting  Chris- 
 tian Knowledge  funds  which  would  otherwise  be 
 appropriated   to  its    support."      In  reply  to  the 
 objection,  placed  in  this  form,  his  Lordship  thus 
 feensibly  argues: 
 
 "  Objections  of  a  similar  nature  have  occasion- 
 ally been  applied  to  new  charitable  Institutions; 
 but  I  never  on  this  account  heard  it  asserted,  that 
 the  promoters  and  supporters  of  them  were  liable 
 
180t>-10. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  47r> 
 
 "to  a  charge  of  iiihuuianity,  aiul  want  of  charity .  rAUTii. 
 The  public  were  disposed  to  give  them  credit,  at 
 least,  for  pure  and  benevolent  motives ;  and  the 
 patrons  of  old  charities,  instead  of  reprobating  the 
 friends  of  the  new,  thought  it  a  more  rational  pro- 
 ceeding to  draw  the  public  attention  to  the  old 
 Institutions,  and  to  redouble  their  exertions  in 
 their  favor. 
 
 "  This  conduct  was  laudable ;  and,  if  your  zeal 
 for  the  Society  for  Promoting  Christian  Knowledge 
 had  been  guided  by  the  same  temperate  discri- 
 mination, you  would  not  have  been  troubled  with 
 this  address.  Disclaiming  any  disposition  to 
 impeach  the  justice  of  your  eulogium  on  that 
 venerable  Society  whose  cause  you  so  warmly 
 espouse;  and  professing  for  it  the  most  cordial 
 esteem  and  respect,  I  could  wish  to  applaud  your 
 zeal  for  its  support,  and  I  should  rejoice  to  learn 
 that  any  exertions  had  largely  augmented  its 
 funds. 
 
 *'  But  to  return  to  the  objection,  the  principle 
 of  which  I  shall  briefly  examine. 
 
 "  No  proof  has  been  exhibited,  and  I  will  ven- 
 ture to  say,  none  can  be  produced,  that  the  annual 
 amount  of  donations  and  subscriptions  to  the  So- 
 ciety for  Promoting  Christian  Knowledge,  has  de- 
 creased since  the  establishment  of  the  Bible  Society. 
 If  the  fact  however  could  be  established,  still,  to 
 justify  your  inferences,  it  would  be  further  neces- 
 sary to  show,  that  the  decrease  had  arisen  from 
 
476 
 
 HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.    the  transfer  of  such  subscriptions  to  the  last  raen- 
 CHAP.      tioiied  Institution.     It  is  impossible  to  determine, 
 V— ^^     and  it  would  be  idle  to  discuss,  whether  any,  and 
 1809-10.    ^jjat,  addition  would  have  accrued  to  the  funds 
 of  the  Society  for  Promoting    Christian   Know- 
 ledge, if  the  Bible  Society  had  never  existed. 
 
 *'  Let  us,  however,  for  the  sake  of  argument 
 only,  suppose,  that  some  few  of  the  clergy  and 
 laity  of  the  Church  of  England  (the  Dissenters 
 of  the  country,  and  the  Presbyterians  in  Scotland, 
 being  out  of  the  question)  have  contributed  to 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  who,  if  it 
 had  never  been  established,  would  have  aided 
 the  funds  of  the  Society  for  Promoting  Christian 
 Knowledge. 
 
 "  The  sum  of  their  contributions,  whatever  it 
 may  be,  has  been  expended  in  promoting  the  cir- 
 culation of  the  Holy  Scriptures  ;  and  I  do  not  see 
 how  it  could  have  been  more  beneficially  em- 
 ployed by  the  Society  for  Promoting  Christian 
 Knowledge,  or  liow  the  interests  of '  piety,  peace, 
 and  true  religion,'  have  been  injured  by  the  ap- 
 plication of  it.  The  consciences  of  the  subscribers 
 may  be  fairly  at  rest  on  this  point. 
 •  "  This  I  conceive  to  be  a  full  and  sufficient  an- 
 swer to  the  principle  of  your  objection.  But 
 surely  it  must  be  obvious,  that  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  by  circulating  the  Scrip- 
 tures at  reduced  prices,  at  home,  has  a  tendency 
 to  relieve  the  funds  of  the  Society  for  Promoting 
 
I. 
 1809-10. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  477 
 
 Christian  Knowledge  from  a  loss  on  its  expen-    part  it. 
 ditiire,  in  proportion  to  the  extent  of  such   cir-     chap. 
 culation,  and  thus  a  larger  portion  of  its   funds 
 becomes   appHcable   to    the    extension   of  those 
 other  operations  which   you   describe,    and    de- 
 nominate, '  interests  of  incalculable  importance.' 
 
 "  Nor  is  it  going  too  far,  to  say,  that  the  insti- 
 tution of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society 
 has  also  an  indirect  tendency  to  increase  the 
 funds  of  the  Society  for  Promoting  Christian 
 Knowledge,  in  another  way,  viz.  by  exciting  the 
 attention  of  the  friends  of  religion,  in  all  parts  of 
 the  kingdom,  to  the  infinite  importance  of  the 
 Holy  Scriptures,  and  by  stimulating  their  zeal  for 
 the  propagation  of  scriptural  truth.  The  feeling 
 thus  excited,  would  naturally  take  a  various  di- 
 rection, and,  although  the  greater  portion  of  its 
 effects  might  be  directed  towards  tlie  Society 
 whose  exertions  had  given  rise  to  it,  some  parts 
 would  undoubtedly  accrue  to  the  Society  for 
 Promoting  Christian  Knowledge. 
 
 "  Now,  I  am  informed,  and  I  believe  most 
 correctly,  that,  in  point  of  fact,  tiie  annual 
 amount  of  subscriptions  to  the  Society  for  Pro- 
 moting Christian  Knowledge,  has  considerably 
 increased  since  the  estabhshment  of  the  Bible  So- 
 ciety :  if  this  be  the  fact,*  it  affords  a  strong  pre- 
 
 *  Mr.  Deviltry,  by  a  comparison  of  the  average  receipts  oftlj< 
 Society  for  Promoting  Clnibtiaii  Knowledge  foi  four  years  pre- 
 ceding, with  those  of  the  five  years  immediately  succeeding,  the 
 
47a 
 
 HISTORY    OF   THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 I. 
 
 1809-10. 
 
 smuption  in  favour  of  my  argument,  and  is  pretty 
 
 conclusive  against  your's. 
 
 "  Whatever  may  be  thought  of  this  reasoning*, 
 
 I  am  by  no  means  disposed  to  concede  to  you, 
 that  the  benefit  which  has  resulted  to  the  com- 
 munity from  the  institution  of  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  would  have  been  equally 
 attained,  if  every  Member  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
 land who  now  subscribes  to  it,  had  appropriated 
 his  contribution  to  the  Society  for  Promoting 
 Christian  Knowledge.  The  limitations  under 
 which  that  venerable  and  respectable  Society 
 acts,  must  necessarily  have  prevented  it  in  nu- 
 merous instances.  Many  societies,  as  well  as 
 individuals,  who  have  been  supplied  with  the 
 Scriptures  by  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  So- 
 ciety, could  not  have  received  them  from  the 
 Society  for  Promoting  Christian  Knowledge,  con- 
 sistently with  its  rules  and  regulations. 
 
 "  This  is  a  very  important  consideration,  and, 
 of  itself  a  most  decisive  proof  of  the  utility  of  that 
 
 establishment  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  draws 
 this  general  conclusion. 
 
 "  Not  only  have  the  receipts  and  subscriptions  increased,  buS 
 the  rate  of  increase  has  been  greatly  accelerated  since  the  esta- 
 blishment of  the  Bible  Society;  and  it  should  be  particularly 
 observed,  that  the  funds  and  subscriptions  of  both  Societies  xe- 
 ceived  their  greatest  augmentation  in  the  sanieyeai*;  viz.  in  the, 
 year  ending  in  March,  180J)t" 
 
 Lette7'  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wordswcath. 
 
180i>-10. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  47^ 
 
 Institution  whose  operations  you  arraign.  In  fur-  part  ii. 
 ther  elucidation  of  this  argument,  I  shall  take 
 the  liberty  of  adding,  for  your  information,  that 
 the  original  idea  of  a  Bible  Society  was  suggested 
 by  the  extreme  want  of  Welsh  Bibles  in  North 
 Wales,  and  the  despair  of  obtaining  them,  with- 
 out resorting  to  new  and  extraordinary  means  for 
 that  purpose." 
 
 The  sobriety,  good  sense,  and  practical  truth, 
 which  characterize  these  remarks,  are  very  striking, 
 and  prepare  the  reader  for  accompanying  the  Noble 
 President  in  drawing  the  following  very  just  and 
 liberal  conclusion : 
 
 "  With  what  wisdom  or  consistency  the  Bible 
 Society  has  been  produced  in  hostile  opposition 
 to  the  Society  for  Promoting  Christian  Know- 
 ledge,* is,  to  me,  really  inconceivable.     The  two 
 
 *  The  reader  will  not  fail  to  observe,  that  the  opposition  be- 
 tween the  two  Societies  (which  his  Lonlship  so  justly  regrets, 
 and  which  every  candid  member  of  both  Societies  must  ec^ually 
 regret)  is  wholly  to  be  attributed  to  the  mischievous  and  per- 
 severing hostility  of  a  party  in  the  administration  of  the  So- 
 ciety for  Promoting  Christian  Knowledge.  In  confirmation  of 
 this  statement  may  be  produced  the  declaration  of  one  of  the 
 brightest  ornaments  and  steadiest  friends  of  that  Society,  the 
 late  learned  and  venerable  Ur.  Vincent,  Dean  of  Westmin- 
 >ter,  who,  in  the  letter  which  accompanied  his  contribution  to 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  in  December,  lUll,  thu» 
 expresses  himself: — "  From  the  time  that  an  attempt  was  made 
 to  make  a  breach  between  our  Society  at  Barth  (t's  Buildingi 
 and  the  Bible  Society,  1  determined  to  subscribe  to  the  latter, 
 to  shew  that  /  did  not  hilons;  to  that  partij."  Surely  Iiad  the 
 learned  Bishop  of  Chester  been  aware,  from  whwt  quarter  spruuj 
 
1809-10. 
 
 4B0  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 Societies  have  one  object,  in  common — the  diffu- 
 sion of  the  Holy  Scriptures ;  and  all  the  opera- 
 tions of  the  Bible  Society  are  confined  to  the 
 sole  act  of  distributing  the  Bible,  to  the  utmost 
 extent  that  its  means  will  allow.  Its  proceed- 
 ings trench  on  no  duty  of  the  Christian  ministry ; 
 it  does  not  presume  to  interfere  with  the  disci- 
 pline of  the  church,  or  to  recommend  any  act 
 of  preaching,  expounding,  or  prayer ;  why  then, 
 in  their  march  towards  their  common  object, 
 must  the  two  Societies  be  forced  into  collision  ? 
 In  the  constitution  of  the  Bible  Society  there  is 
 neither  rivalry  nor  competition ;  but,  if  there  were, 
 the  example  of  St.  Paul  may  relieve  any  one  from 
 the  apprehension  of  impending  evils,  or  baneful 
 consequences,  from  any  competition  in  the  dis- 
 tribution of  the  Bible.  '  Some,  indeed,'  says 
 the  Apostle,  '  preach  Christ  even  of  envy  and 
 strife,  and  some  of  good-will.  What  then  ?  Not- 
 withstanding every  way,  whether  in  pretence,  or 
 in  truth,  Christ  is  preached,  and  I  therein  do 
 rejoice,  yea,   and  will  rejoice.' " 
 
 Shortly   after  the  ]3ublication  of  Lord  Teign- 
 
 those  **  comparisons,"  and  that  "  opposition,"  between  the  two 
 Institutions,  the  existence  of  which  he  says  is  "  much  to  be 
 regretted,"  his  Lordship  would  surely  have  abstained  from  those 
 animadversions,  in  his  Charge  to  his  Clergy,  in  1810,  which 
 have  contributed  so  greatly  to  encourage  those  "  comparisons," 
 and  to  stimulate  that  '*  opposition." 
 
iuo9-ia. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  481 
 
 mouth's  Reply,  a  spirited  and  ingenious  "  Letter, 
 addressed  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wordsworth,  by  William 
 Dealtry,  M.  A.,  Fellow  of  Trinity  Collejie,  and 
 Examining  Chaplain  to  the  Lord  Bisho])  of  Bris- 
 tol,' introduced  to  the  public  a  writer,  to  whose 
 promptitude,  acuteness,  and  constancy,  in  de- 
 fending and  vindicating  the  cause  of  the  Institu- 
 tion, the  friends  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bil>le 
 Society  are  under  the  greatest  obligations.  Mr. 
 Dealtry  had  been  a  college-associate,  and  was 
 still  the  personal  friend,  of  Dr.  Wordsworth.  He 
 had  therefore  to  balance  between  private  feeling 
 and  a  sense  of  public  duty.  It  is  not  saying  too 
 much  of  Mr.  Dealtry,  (and  more  could  not  be 
 said  of  any  man,)  that  he  sacrificed  neither  to  the 
 other,  but  so  fulfilled  the  obligations  of  friend- 
 ship, as  at  the  same  time  to  satisfy  those  of  af- 
 fection. "  I  write  not,"  says  Mr.  Dealtry,  "  in 
 the  spirit  of  hostility,  and  I  trust  that  I  shall 
 say  nothing  which  can  inflict  the  slightest  paiu 
 upon  your  liberal  and  manly  mind.  If  I  over- 
 step, in  a  single  instance,  that  precise  limit  which 
 the  most  cordial  respect  and  esteem  would  na- 
 turally mark  out,  I  will  most  readily  acknow- 
 ledge my  error,  and  solicit  your  forgiveness." 
 This  tenderness,  so  characteristic  of  a  great  mind, 
 did  not  however  restrain  the  writer  from  exa- 
 mining the  objections  which  it  was  his  business 
 to  refute,  with  just  and  imi)artial  severity.  Few 
 controversial  writers  have  brought  to  the  drudgery 
 VOL.  I.  ^  J 
 
482  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  ir.  and  trial  of  replication  and  rejoinder,  more  good 
 CHAP,  humour  and  vivacity  than  Mr.  Dealtry  contrives 
 \^^^  (in  despite  of  an  apparent  harshness  of  tone)  al- 
 09-10.  jj^Qgi^  invariably  to  maintain.  After  a  somewhat 
 elaborate  investigation  of  the  question  between  the 
 Society  for  Promoting  Christian  Knowledge  and 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  in  which 
 it  is  shewn,  from  the  improved  funds  and  exer- 
 tions of  the  former,  how  little  ground  it  has  of 
 complaint  against  the  latter,  Mr.  Dealtry  enlivens 
 the  discussion  by  an  effort  of  pleasantry,  which, 
 as  it  exhibits  a  specimen  of  his  manner,  and 
 tends,  as  every  thing  which  he  has  written  does, 
 to  recommend  a  good  understanding  between  the 
 two  Societies,  the  author  makes  no  apology  for  lay- 
 ing before  the  reader. 
 
 "  Once  upon  a  time,  in  the  midst  of  a  parched 
 and  dreary  land,  there  gushed  from  the  top  of  a 
 mountain  a  fine  spring  of  water,  which  carried 
 gladness  and  fertility  wherever  it  flowed :  the 
 wilderness  was  converted  into  a  garden  near  its 
 banks,  and  verdure  and  cultivation  were  the  sure 
 companions  of  its  progress.  After  some  time,  a 
 similar  stream  began  to  flow  from  the  snmmit  of 
 a  neighbouring  hill :  it  became  the  parent  of 
 many  branching  rivulets,  which  cheered  the  face 
 of  nature  on  every  side,  and  carried  happiness 
 and  abundance  into  the  remotest  lands.  The 
 good  old  stream  was  a  little  touched  with  "jea- 
 lousy;" and,  conscious  of  the  inestimable  benefits 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  483 
 
 "which  itself  had  conferred,  expostulated  with  its  part  ii. 
 unaspiring  neighbour  in  the  following  terms: —  chap. 
 '  Do  you  not  know  that  yon  are  intruding  into  a  ^-^^^-^ 
 country  Avhich  I  have  pre-occiipied,  and  that  you  ^^^o-io. 
 and  your  rivulets  have  a  direct  and  baneful  ope- 
 ration to  interfere  with,  impede,  and  curtail,  the 
 inestimable  benefits  of  grass  and  green  iields, 
 which  I  have  so  happily  promoted?' — '  Why, 
 how  can  that  be  ?  Are  not  my  streams  pure  and 
 salubrious  as  your  own;  and  does  not  the  desert 
 smile,  likewise,  wherever  I  go  ?' — '  Your  streams 
 do,  indeed,  profess  to  be  pure,  though  I  have 
 something,  if  I  choose,  to  say  upon  that  point ; — 
 but  I  insist  upon  it  that  I  am  the  good  old  stream, 
 and  that  you  are  an  interloper ;  and  I  shovild  not 
 err  much  if  I  called  you  a  thief.' — '  x\  thief! 
 Did  I  ever  steal  any  tiling  from  you?' — '  Yes, 
 you  have :  it  can  need  no  proof,  that,  if  your 
 mouth  were  closed,  some  of  the  water,  which 
 now  courses  along  your  channels,  would,  by  filtra- 
 tion through  the  mountain,  be  found  in  mine.' — 
 '  It  is  certahily  very  possible,  that  some  fifteen 
 or  twenty  drops  might  have  reached  you  by  this 
 subterraneous  filtration ;  but,  see  what  a  noble 
 body  of  water  I  possess !  And  1  employ  the  whole 
 for  the  benefit  of  these  parched  and  thirsty 
 lands.' — '  What  business,  1  ask  you,  have  you 
 to  flow  at  all?  I  existed  for  ages  before  any 
 one  thought  of  you:  and  I  am  by  no  meansi  con- 
 
 2  I  2 
 
I. 
 1809-10. 
 
 484  HISTORY   OF   THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.  vinced,  notwithstanding  your  imposing  and  de- 
 CHAP.  'Douring  claims^  that  you  confer  any  benefit  what- 
 ever ;  your  very  complexion  is  "  offensive ;"  and  if 
 "  I  should  go  still  deeper,  I  think  it  would  not 
 be  difficult  to  point  out  some  evils  and  important 
 deficiencies,  and  more  possibihties  of  evil,  extant 
 in,  and  resulting  from,  and  probabihties  of  great 
 improvement  lost  and  precluded  by,"  such  a 
 shabby  current  as  you  are.  Yet,  little  as  I  ad- 
 mire you,  I  had  rather  that  you  would  become  a 
 feeder  to  me,  than  move  in  this  unauthorized 
 manner  through  the  world  alone.' — '  My  good 
 friend,  it  is  quite  impossible ;  some  of  my  rivulets 
 might  possibly  be  turned,  so  as  to  fall  into  your 
 channel ;  but  there  are  copious  branches,  which, 
 from  the  nature  of  the  country,  roll  on  in  other 
 directions,  and  cannot  by  any  process  be  made 
 to  combine  with  yours :  neither,  as  I  believe, 
 would  you  be  willing  to  receive  them.  While, 
 therefore,  we  carry  cheerfulness  and  delight  on 
 every  side,  let  us  be  content  to  pursue  our  own 
 channels  in  quietness  and  peace.' 
 
 "  It  would  well  become  us,  my  dear  Words- 
 worth, to  follow  this  good  advice.  Let  the  rivers 
 of  life  flow  without  interruption  through  all  cli- 
 mates, that  every  one  who  thirsteth,  may  come 
 to  the  waters,  and  that  their  benefits  may  be  felt 
 in  every  corner  of  the  globe,  among  all  nations, 
 and  languajjes,  and  people,  and  tongues.     Happy 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  485 
 
 will  be  the  day  which  shall  \vitness  this  extension    part  it. 
 of  blessings,  and  happy  the  instruments  of  such      chap. 
 abundant  good !"  ^— v-^i^ 
 
 The  effect  produced  by  the  answers  of  Lord  ^^^^"^^• 
 Teignmouth  and  Mr.  Dealtry,  was  considerably 
 increased  by  an  eloquent  and  conciliatory  pam- 
 phlet from  the  Rev,  W.  Ward,  Hector  of  Myland, 
 near  Colchester,  and  one  of  the  earliest  and  most 
 strenuous  of  the  Society's  friends  in  that  quarter. 
 Under  the  anonymous  designation  of  "  An  Old 
 Friend  to  the  Society  for  Promoting  Christian 
 Knowledge,"  Mr.  Ward,  in  "  A  Letter  on  the 
 Subject  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society, 
 addressed  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Gaskin,"  unfolds  the 
 principles  upon  which  he,  in  common  with  the 
 Church  Members  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  reconciles  the  warm  support  of  that  In- 
 stitution with  the  sincerest  friendship  and  good 
 will  towards  the  Society  for  Promoting  Christian 
 Knowledge.  As  this  subject  has  been,  and  con- 
 tinues to  be,  greatly  misunderstood,  it  may  not  be 
 amiss  to  show,  by  a  few  extracts  from  Mr.  Ward's 
 Letter,  the  view  which  was  taken  of  it  by  the 
 Church  Members  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  in  1810  ; — a  view  of  the  subject,  it  must 
 be  added,  which  they  entertained  from  the  very 
 commencement  of  the  Institution,  and  which  the 
 experience  of  every  succeeding  year  has  tended 
 more  and  more  to  confirm. 
 
 213 
 
486  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.        The  letter  commences  as  follows : 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 v,*v^  "  Dear  Sir, 
 
 1809-10.  a  You  may  wonder  how  an  old  member  and 
 zealous  supporter  of  the  Society  for  Promoting 
 Christian  Knowledge,  can  also  be  an  active  and 
 zealous  promoter  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society.  I  will  give  you  the  reason  in  few 
 words: — Because  I  consider  them,  not  as  rival 
 or  opposite  Societies,  but  the  very  reverse :  I  con- 
 sider the  new  as  auxiliary  to  the  old,  and  both 
 co-operating  to  promote  a  more  general  diffusion 
 of  Christian  Knowledge." 
 
 After  pronouncing  the  highest  eulogium  on  the 
 old  Society,  Mr.  Ward  thus  resumes: 
 
 "  You  may  ask  me,  perhaps,  *  Why  then  pro- 
 mote a  new  Society  ?  Why  not  be  content  with 
 the  old?'  I  answer,  Because  the  old  is,  from  its 
 constitution,  incapable  of  effecting  all  the  good 
 which  is  desirable.  You  are  not  equal  to  the  work 
 which  is  before  us.  The  harvest  is  great,  my  dear 
 Sir  :  and  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  seems  now  to 
 be  raising  up  a  great  host  of  laborers  to  accom- 
 plish the  grand  design.  The  light  of  the  Gospel, 
 which  at  present  shines  but  on  a  speck,  as  it  were, 
 of  the  globe,  is  to  be  diffused  over  the  face  of  the 
 whole  habitable  earth,  and  among  those  that  live 
 upon  the  wide  seas.  Now  judge,  how  very  inade- 
 quate your  funds  are  to  the  accomplishment  of  this 
 
 i 
 
1809-10. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  487 
 
 great  work,  drawn,  as  they  are,  exclusively,  from  part  ii. 
 Members  of  the  Church  of  England.  But  the  ^'"^**- 
 unlimited  pecuniary  resources  of  the  Bible  So- 
 ciety— that  is  to  say,  the  united  contributions,  the 
 legacies,  and  donations,  of  all  descriptions  of 
 Christians — can  do  wonders;  can  absolutely  sup- 
 ply the  place  of  miracles,  and  the  gift  of  tongues. 
 Not  only  "  the  Parthians,  and  Modes,  and  Elam- 
 ites,  and  the  dwellers  in  Mesopotamia,"  but  all 
 the  dwellers  in  Europe,  Asia,  Africa,  and  Ame- 
 rica, and  in  the  isles  of  the  sea,  may  be  enabled 
 to  read  in  their  '  own  tongue,  wherein  they  were 
 born,  the  wonderful  works  of  God.'  The  object 
 is  so  glorious,  so  grand,  and  so  sublime;  the 
 scheme  is  so  full  of  the  love  of  God,  the  love  of 
 our  country,  and  the  universal  love  of  our  fellow- 
 creatures;  the  idea  is  so  animating,  and  so  con- 
 soling; and,  at  the  same  time,  the  attainment  of 
 the  object  so  probable,  by  the  means  which  God 
 seems  to  have  suggested  to  the  minds  of  men, 
 that,  viewed  in  this  light,  the  work  must  have  the 
 last  prayers  of  every  good  man  when  he  lies 
 down  at  night,  and  his  first  ejaculations  when  he 
 awakes  in  the  morning. 
 
 "  Notwithstanding  the  great  efforts  of  the  So- 
 ciety for  Promoting  Christian  Knowledge,  for 
 upwards  of  a  century,  our  wants  at  home  are  still 
 great.  I  will  venture  to  say,  there  are  few  parishes 
 throughout  England,  in  which  many  Bibles  are 
 
 2  I  4 
 
 I 
 
1809-10. 
 
 488  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.  not  wanted  among  the  poor ;  and  the  wants  are 
 CHAP,  n^uch  greater  in  many  parts  of  Scotland :  but  if 
 you  cross  the  water  to  the  sister  kingdom — where 
 the  minds  of  the  poor  natives,  like  the  soil  of 
 their  land,  will  produce  a  most  exuberant  crop  of 
 any  seed  you  sow,  either  good  or  bad — the  wants 
 are  still  far  more  urgent.  Had  you  visited  Ireland 
 before  the  institution  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  and  the  different  Societies  it  has 
 given  rise  to  in  that  country,  you  might  have 
 travelled  from  Giant's  Causeway  to  Bantry  Bay, 
 from  one  extremity  of  the  kingdom  to  the  other, 
 and  (avoiding  the  chief  towns)  visited  every 
 cabin  in  your  way,  without  finding,  perhaps,  three 
 hundred  perfect  Bibles  among  three  millions  of 
 people.  I  speak  from  personal  knowledge  of  the 
 country. 
 
 *'  Now,  I  only  beg  any  man  to  take  up  the 
 Reports  of  the  Bible  Society,  and  read  what  it 
 has  done  to  supply  the  poor  people  of  that  coun- 
 try with  the  Bible;  let  any  man  see  what  the 
 Auxiliary  Societies  of  Cork,  Dublin,  Limerick, 
 Derry,  Belfast,  and  the  united  efforts  of  the 
 opulent  and  populous  province  of  Ulster,  have 
 done,  and  are  still  doing,  towards  circulating  the 
 Bible  throughout  the  country;  and  if  he  have  a 
 spark  of  the  love  of  God,  or  the  love  of  man,  or 
 the  love  of  his  country,  in  his  heart,  be  must  ap- 
 prove and  rejoice." 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  489 
 
 The  reasoning  employed  in  the  following  ex-    part  ii. 
 tract,  together  with  the  observation  by  which  it  is      chap. 
 introduced,  is  deserving  attention  ;  and  both  will     ^— ^/-^ 
 be  found  to  apply  with  increased  propriety  in  the    ^^^^-i*^* 
 more  advanced  stages  of  the  controversy. 
 
 "  The  great  source  of  all  controversy  and  con- 
 tention among  good  men,  with  regard  to  the  Bible 
 Society,  is  a  want  of  a  clear  knowledge  of  the 
 subject  in  dispute.  Many  oppose  it,  who  have 
 never  examined  one  of  its  Reports,  nor  know  any 
 thing  of  its  constitution.  The  fact  is,  that  men 
 catch  their  prejudices  from  each  other,  without 
 giving  themselves  the  trouble  to  examine  the  truth 
 and  nature  of  the  case.  They  hear  a  few  alarm- 
 ing phrases — such  as  amalgamation,  heterogeneous 
 mixture,  combination  of  parties — and  they  im- 
 mediately infer  ruin  to  the  Church,  or  injury  to 
 the  Society  for  Promoting  Christian  Knowledge. 
 But  they  would  do  well  to  consider,  that  we  are 
 mixed  and  amalgamated  as  subjects,  soldiers, 
 and  sailors,  and  yet,  by  means  of  laws,  and  dis- 
 cipline, and  good  government,  we  are  kept  in 
 tolerable  order,  and  made  to  work  together  for 
 the  general  good.  In  like  manner,  the  first  law 
 of  the  Bible  Society  will  preserve  unanimity,  and 
 make  all  its  members  work  together  for  the  good 
 of  the  human  race. 
 
 "  Do  not  imagine,  my  dear  Sir,  that  in  pleading 
 thus  warmly  for  the  Bible  Society,  I  am  not  also 
 a  zealous  friend  of  the   Society  for   Promoting 
 
490  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.  Christian  Knowledge.  I  would  not  be  under- 
 f^^Av.      g^Qod  as  ativocating"  the  cause  solely  of  a  par- 
 
 ^— ^— '  ticular  body :  I  desire  to  plead  for  the  circulation 
 of  the  Word  of  God.  My  prayer  is,  that  both 
 Societies  may  prosper.  You  cannot  do  the  same 
 good  alone :  but  the  cjuantura  of  good  that  may 
 be  done  by  both  Societies  conjointly,  is  abso- 
 lutely incalculable.  Let  all  contention  drop, 
 then ;  and  only  emulate  each  other  in  doing  good. 
 The  new  Society  has  greatly  contributed  to  the 
 augmentation  of  the  old,  and  is  contributing 
 daily :  wliich  any  one  may  see  by  comparing 
 your  annual  subscriptions  for  the  last  six  years, 
 since  the  commencement  of  the  Bible  Society, 
 with  those  of  the  six  years  immediately  preceding. 
 They  stand  as  follows  : 
 
 "  Subscription  of  1803,  (the  year  before 
 
 the  Bible  Society  commenced,)  .  .  2,1197. 
 "  Ditto  of  1809 3,413/. 
 
 "  Here  is  an  increase  of  1,294/. — above  one-third ; 
 and  I  predict  that  your  next  Report  will  exhibit  a 
 very  considerable  augmentation  to  your  last. 
 
 •'  Now  let  us  see  the  number  of  Bibles,  New 
 Testaments,  and  Psalters,  issued  by  your  Society 
 in  the  same  years,  and  compare  one  year  with  the 
 other,  and  it  will  plainly  appear  that  the  good  you 
 have  done  has  increased  in  the  same  proportion  as 
 your  subscriptions. 
 
1. 
 
 i8oa-io. 
 
 AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  491 
 
 "  Bibles,  New  Testaments,  and  Psal-  part  ii. 
 ters,  issued  by  the  Society  for  Pro-  chap. 
 moting    Christian   Knowledge    in 
 1803,  (the  year  before  the  Institu- 
 tion of  the  Bible  Society,) 17,779 
 
 "  Ditto  in  1809 22,611 
 
 *'  Here  is  an  addition  of  4,332  ;  and  if  we  com 
 pare  the  number  of  your  Bibles,  Testaments,  and 
 Psalters,  issued  in  1800,  with  the  number  issued 
 in  1809,  the  difference  will  be  8,848.   In  that  year 
 you  sent  out  13,763  ;  in  this  year,  22,611. 
 
 "  Now  to  what  can  this  increase  of  numbers, 
 and  this  unprecedented  exertion  be  owing,  under 
 God,  but  to  the  general  interest  excited  in  the 
 public  mind  by  this  new  Society,  and  the  stimulus 
 which  the  one  Society  very  naturally  gives  to  the 
 other  ? 
 
 "  I  feel  the  highest  reverence  for  some  that 
 oppose  the  Bible  Society,  and  confess  my  in- 
 feriority to  them  in  every  respect.  But  surely, 
 my  dear  Sir,  neither  you  nor  they  have  ever 
 made  these  calculations.  Surely  you  would  not 
 wish  to  deprive  the  world  of  nearly  a  hundred 
 thousand  Bibles  and  Testaments  annually,  which 
 may  be  increased  to  a  million,  or  to  any  number 
 commensurate  with  the  funds  of  the  Institution  : 
 surely,  I  say,  had  you  considered  the  subject  in 
 this  point  of  view,  you  would  not,  from  the  dread 
 of  some  partial  evil,  wish  to  deprive  the  world  of 
 
 b 
 
1809-10. 
 
 492  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.  such  an  unspeakable  blessing,  before  you  secured 
 CHAP.  ^}^g  means  to  supply  its  place.  That  the  world 
 would  be  deprived  of  this  blessing,  will  clearly 
 appear,  by  comparing  the  sum  total  of  Bibles  and 
 Testaments  circulated  by  your  Society  when  you 
 stood  alone,  in  1800,  with  the  sum  total  issued 
 by  both  Societies  in  1809. — 
 
 "  Bibles,  Testaments,  and  Psalters, 
 circulated  by  the  old  Society  in 
 1800 13,765 
 
 "  Bibles,  Testaments,  and  Psalters, 
 circulated  by  both  Societies  in 
 1809 99,883!! 
 
 More  Bibles,  Testaments,  and  Psal- 
 ters, issued  in  1809,  than  in  1800,  86,120 ! ! 
 
 "  These  are  what  have  issued  from  the  re- 
 spective repositories  in  St.  Paul's  Church-yard 
 and  Fleet-street  only ;  but  to  these  if  we  could 
 add  the  numbers  that  have  issued  from  all  the 
 other  Societies  to  which  the  Bible  Society  bas 
 given  birth,  in  Ireland,  Scotland,  and  the  conti- 
 nents of  Europe  and  America,  the  sum  total  of 
 additional  good  would  be  immense.  And  then, 
 when  we  consider  that  all  this  extensive  good  is 
 still  rapidly  extending  wider  and  wider,  by  means 
 of  these  two  Societies,  the  mind  is  filled  with 
 
 i 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  493 
 
 gratitude  and  wonder ;  the  heart,  oppressed  with    part  ii. 
 the  distressful  scenes  of  war  and  devastation,  is      c"|^p« 
 reheved  and  comforted.     Surely  it  is  the  God  of     ^— ^-^ 
 mercy  who  is  thus  sending  forth  the  consolations  ~    * 
 
 of  the  Gospel  to  the  afflicted  nations  that  are 
 suffering  at  this  time  under  his  chastening  hand ! 
 Where  is  the  man,  with  a  spark  of  the  love 
 of  God  or  man  in  his  heart,  that  must  not  pray 
 for  the  prosperity  and  welfare  of  these  two 
 Societies  ?" 
 
 The  compatibihty  of  the  two  Societies  each  with 
 the  other  having  been  thus  very  fairly  and  satis- 
 factorily explained,  the  following  suggestion  is 
 offered  to  the  consideration  of  the  Society  for 
 Promoting  Christian  Knowledge ;  the  wisdom  of 
 which  will,  it  may  be  hoped,  recommend  it  even- 
 tually to  general  adoption. 
 
 Let  all  your  members  who  are  also  mem- 
 bers of  the  Bible  Society,  draw  their  Bibles  and 
 Testaments  from  this,  and  only  Tracts  and 
 Prayer  Books  from  yours.  Your  Bibles  and 
 Testaments  being  your  heaviest  articles  of  ex- 
 pense, a  saving  may  hereby  be  made  to  you 
 of  some  thousand  pounds  annually,  and  you 
 will  be  enabled  to  do  much  good  in  other  re- 
 spects :  you  will  be  enabled  to  widen  the  sphere 
 of  your  utility,  both  at  home  and  abroad.  Be 
 assured,  they  will  prove  your  best  and  truest 
 friends  that  will  adopt  this  plan.  I  trust  God 
 will  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  many  good  Christians 
 
1809-10. 
 
 494  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 to  increase  your  means,  by  legacies  and  dona- 
 tions ;  these,  however,  are  contingent ;  but  the 
 remedy  which  I  propose  we  can  immediately 
 command,  and  the  expediency  of  it  is  obvious  and 
 important. 
 
 "  Both  Societies,  thus  proceeding  in  amicable 
 emulation,  might  perform  such  works  of  love, 
 such  wonders  of  evangelical  charity,  as  have  not 
 been  known  since  the  days  of  the  Apostles,  and 
 would  lill  the  world  with  astonishment." 
 
 As  the  strain  of  this  letter,  though  sufficiently 
 liberal,  is  more  particularly  adapted  to  the  sen- 
 timents and  feelings  of  the  Members  of  the  Esta- 
 blished Church,  it  was  with  great  judgment  and 
 tenderness  of  spirit  that  the  writer  avowed  his 
 respect  for  the  members  of  other  Christian  deno- 
 minations, who  are  associated  in  support  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  The  passage 
 which  contains  that  avowal,  exhibits  to  advan- 
 tage the  principles  of  the  writer ;  and  confirms, 
 by  an  additional  and  unsuspected  testimony, 
 what  has  been  said  in  commendation  of  the  Dis- 
 senting Members  of  the  Institution. 
 
 "  I  should  be  very  sorry,"  observes  the  author, 
 "  if  any  thing  in  this  Letter  gave  offence  to  any 
 denomination  of  Christians.  Towards  my  Dis- 
 senting Brethren  I  feel  nothing  but  sentiments  of 
 good- will :  the  dignity  and  moderation  with  which 
 they  have  hitherto  conducted  themselves,  and 
 the  modesty  with  which  they  have  given  the  pre- 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  495 
 
 codence  to  the  Church  in  all  Auxiliary  Societies    part  ii. 
 of  which  I  have  received  any  information,  reflect      chap. 
 the  greatest   honor   upon  the   wliole  l)ody,   and     ^-^-^ 
 prove,   to  my  conviction,  that  the  circulation  of   ^^^  ~^^' 
 the  Bible  is  the  chief  object  they  have  at  heart ; 
 which  they  know  they  can  best  promote  by  giving 
 precedence  to  the  Established  Church." 
 
 The  triumphant  defence  which  the  Society  had 
 obtained  from  the  exertions  of  these  distinguished 
 advocates,  contributed  not  a  little  to  elevate  the 
 spirits  of  those  on  whom  the  toil  and  the  respon- 
 sibility of  conducting  its  affairs  officially  devolved. 
 Animated  by  that  issue  to  which  the  controversy 
 had  been  brought,  they  felt  their  confidence  in 
 the  success  of  their  labors  abundantly  strength- 
 ened, while  they  saw  the  Society  pass,  with  so 
 much  honor,  through  the  ordeal  of  another  con- 
 troversy, to  the  joyful  celebration  of  its  Sixth 
 Anniversary. 
 
 In  the  midst  of  an  assembly,  greatly  exceed- 
 ing, in  number  and  in  rank,  any  attendance  that 
 had  previously  been  witnessed;  and  supported 
 by  prelates,  peers,  and  distinguished  commoners, 
 and  among  them  by  the  Bishops  of  St.  David's 
 and  of  Cloyne,  respectively,  the  first  ^V  elsh  and 
 Irish  Bishops  who  had  countenanced  the  annual 
 meetings  with  their  presence, — appeared  the  Noble 
 President,  and  recounted,  in  the  hearing  of  an 
 animated  multitude,  the  interesting  transactions 
 of  the  past  year.     Every  eye  glistened  with  plea- 
 
496  HISTORY   OP   THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.    sure,   and  every  heart  beat  with  exultation,  while 
 CHAP,     jiis  Lordship  described  the  extensive  and  diversi- 
 \*K,-^/     fied  operations   in  which  the  Society  had  been 
 1809-10.    engaged,  and  pointed  out,  how,   "  like  the  great 
 rivers  of  the  earth,  which  fertilize  regions  far  dis- 
 tant from  the  soil  in  which  they  take  their  rise, 
 it  had  diffused  the  waters  of  life  to  the  remotest 
 realms,   and  had  held  out  an  invitation  to  every 
 accessible  part  of  the    globe — '  Ho,  every  one 
 that  thirsteth,  come  ye  to  the  waters!'" 
 
 The  addresses  delivered  by  the  several  speak- 
 ers, were  in  the  same  tone  of  lofty  and  expanded 
 feeling,  subdued  indeed,  but  not  lowered,  by  the 
 painful  recollection  of  the  loss  which  the  interest 
 of  the  Society  had  sustained  by  the  decease  of 
 Bishop  Porteus.  To  the  general  regret  many  an 
 eye  bore  witness,  as  often  as  the  topic  was  ad- 
 verted to,  and  more  particularly  when  the  Rev. 
 Mr.  Hughes,  with  equal  sensibility  and  candor, 
 apphed  to  the  dispensation  which  had  removed 
 our  Episcopal  Patron,  the  very  apposite  exclama- 
 tion: "  Our  fathers,  where  are  they,  and  the 
 prophets,  do  they  live  for  ever  ?" 
 
 The  disposition  which  prevailed  throughout 
 the  assembly,  corresponded  with  the  wishes  ex- 
 pressed by  the  Stockholm  Society  in  their  letter 
 of  salutation  upon  the  prospect  of  the  approach- 
 ing anniversary. 
 
 "  May  your  annual  meeting,"  say  they,  anti- 
 cipating the  occasion,   "  be  blessed  with  much 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  497 
 
 joyfiil  intelligence  from  every  quarter  of  the  world  ;    par  r  ii. 
 announcing-,  that  your  exertions  do  increasingly      f  "^^p- 
 prosper,  that  the  darkness  is  passing  away,  that     ^-^-^ 
 the  glorious  hght  of  the  Gospel  is  shining  brighter  -i^^^^^- 
 and  brighter,    and  that  to  the  many  thousands 
 who  reside  in  the  cottages  of  poverty,  and  whom 
 God  in  his  inscrutable   wisdom  feeds   with  the 
 bread  of  tears, '  beauty '  is  now  given  for  ashes,  'the 
 oil  of  joy  for  mourning,  and  the  garment  of  praise 
 for  the  spirit  of  heaviness.'     Thus  you  will  have  a 
 foretaste  of  heavenly  joys,  and  we  shall  partici- 
 pate \\ith  you  in  them.     And  when  at  the  consi- 
 deration  of  all  the  mercies  of  God,   which  far 
 surpass  our  imagination,   you  are   excited   to    a 
 holy  astonishment,    and,    lost   in  wonder,    love, 
 and  praise,   shall  draw  nigh  unto  the  throne  of 
 his  glory,  there  to  present,   with  one   heart  and 
 voice,   your  united  thanks  and   adorations, — our 
 Amen  shall  resound,  and  mingle  with  that  of  the 
 whole  creation." 
 
 The  event  of  this  meeting,  was,  the  addition  of 
 two  Irish  Prelates,  the  Bishops  of  Cloyne,  and 
 of  Clogher,  to  the  number  of  the  Vice-Presidents  ; 
 and  a  large  accession,  by  new  subscriptions  and 
 donations,  to  the  general  strength  of  the  Institn- 
 tion. 
 
 Such  was  the  auspicious  termination  of  a  year 
 signally  distinguished  by  the  several  vicissitudes 
 of  conflict  and  prosperity,  of  disappointment  and 
 
 VOL.  I.  2  K 
 
I. 
 1809-10. 
 
 498  HISTORY    OF    THE    BRITISH 
 
 PART  II.  success.  The  spirit  in  which  its  proceedings 
 CHAP,  ^rgj-e  commemorated,  was  congenial  with  the  sa- 
 cred and  peaceful  character  of  the  Institution. 
 No  symptoms  were  manifested  either  of  angry 
 irritation  or  of  indecorous  triumph.  Every  con- 
 sideration in  the  remotest  degree  aUied  to  con- 
 tention and  controversy,  was  kept  out  of  view ; 
 and  nothing  was  advanced,  nothing  was  con- 
 templated, but  the  glorious  design  of  the  Society, 
 and  the  unexceptionable  means  of  effecting  its 
 accomplishment. 
 
 "  We  could  have  wished,"  to  quote  the  lan- 
 guage of  a  respectable  publication,*  "  that  every 
 individual  who  feels  a  doubt  respecting  the  real 
 nature  and  tendency  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  had  been  present  at  the  meeting 
 which  we  have  now  the  happiness  to  record.  He 
 would  have  seen  a  large  assembly,  composed  of 
 Christians  of  almost  every  name,  rejoicing  toge- 
 ther in  the  progressive  advancement  of  the  So- 
 ciety towards  its  grand  object,  the  extension  of 
 the  word  of  life  and  salvation  '  to  all  nations,  and 
 kindreds,  and  people,  and  tongues.'  He  would 
 have  seen  how  the  unity  and  sublimity  of  their 
 common  object  had  put  to  flight  every  discordant 
 feeling,  and  blended  them  into  one  harmonious 
 mass ;   affording  some  idea,   though  a  faint  one, 
 
 *  Christian  Observer  for  May,  1810. 
 
AND    FOREIGN    BIBLE    SOCIETY.  499 
 
 of  the  peace,  and  love,  and  joy,  we  are  taught    part  ii. 
 to  expect  in  that  glorious  period  whicli  animates      chap. 
 the  hopes  of  the  saints,  when  ^-*v^-' 
 
 1809-10. 
 "  One  song  employs  all  nations,  and  all  cry, 
 *  Worthy  the  Lamb,  for  he  was  slain  for  us.' 
 The  dwellers  in  the  vale,  and  in  the  rocks 
 Shout  to  each  other,  and  the  mountain-tops. 
 From  distant  mountains  catch  the  flying  joy : 
 Till  nation  after  nation  taught  the  strain. 
 Earth  rolls  the  rapturous  Hosanna  round ,' 
 
 2K2 
 
INDEX 
 
 VOLUME   I. 
 
 A. 
 
 Address,  by  the  Rev.  J.  Hughes,  intitled,  "  The  Excellency 
 of  the  Holy  Scriptures  an  Argument  for  their  more  general 
 Dispersion,"  19.— Extracts,  29.— Presented  to  the  Bishop 
 of  London,  (Porteus,)  37. 
 
 -— ,  extracts  from  one,  in  which  the  intention  of  form-, 
 
 ing  a  Society  for  the  distribution  of  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
 was  first  announced,  33. 
 
 to  the  parochial  clergy,  dissenting  ministers,  &c. 
 
 in  behalf  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  109. 
 
 of  the  Society  in  Scotland  for  propagating  Christian 
 
 Knowledge,  declaratory  of  its  co-operation  with  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  168. 
 
 ■ ,  see  Prospectus. 
 
 Africa,  some  Arabic  translations  of  the  Scriptures  among  the 
 negroes  of,  highly  prized,  300. 
 
 Ayr,  Presbytery  of,  410;  see  Glasgow. 
 
 Alers,  William,  Esq.  SG,  43,  64,  G3. 
 
 Allan,  Tliomas,    Esq.  418. 
 
 Alsace,  Bibles  distributed  at,  151. 
 
 America,  North,  supplies  of  the  Scriptures  sent  to  the  British 
 settlers,  soldiers,  and  colonists,  there,  259. — A  Bible  So- 
 ciety established  at  Philadelphia,  398;  which  is  followed 
 by  several  others,  4(33. 
 
 2K3 
 
502  INDEX. 
 
 America,  South,  Spanish  Testaments  sent  to  Monte  VideOj 
 367;  which  are  suppressed  by  the  Bishop  of  Buenos  Ayres, 
 368. 
 
 Apology  for  the  opponents  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  115. 
 
 Arabic  version  of  the  Scriptures,  281,  294,  299. 
 
 Association  in  Birmingham,  216,  219,  229,  403. 
 
 in  Dublin  "  for  Discountenancing  Vice,  and  Pro- 
 moting the  Knowledge  and  Practice  of  the  Christian  Reli- 
 gion," 23. — Correspondence  with,  106 — 109. — Its  origin 
 and  progress,  197. — Supplied  with  Bibles  and  Testaments 
 by  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  266. 
 
 in  London,  in  aid  of  the  Funds  of  the  British  and 
 
 Foreign  Bible  Society ;  the  first  of  its  kind  in  South  Britain, 
 216,  229. 
 Astrachan,  see  Sarepta, 
 Austria,  grant  towards  the  formation  of  a  Bible  Society  in, 
 
 102. — See  Nurenberg  and  Basle. 
 Auxiliary  Societies  formed  during  the  first  six  years  of  the  Bri- 
 tish and  Foreign  Bible  Society;  viz, 
 
 Reading,  28th  March,  1809,  403,  406. 
 Nottingham,  30th  March,  1809,  409. 
 Newcastle-upon-Tyne,  30th  March,  1809,  430. 
 Edinburgh,  31st  July,  1809,  ib. 
 East  Lothian,  4th  October,  1809,  ib. 
 Leeds,  25th  October,  1809,  ib. 
 Exeter,  8th  December,  1809,  ib. 
 Manchester  and  Salford,  4th  January,  1810,  ih. 
 Kendal,  5th  January,  1810,  ib. 
 Bristol,  1st  February,  1810,  ib. 
 Sheffield,  5th  February,  1810,  431. 
 Leicester,  19th  February,  1810,  ib. 
 Hull,  4th  April,  1810,  ib. 
 
 ■* ,  their  importance  to  the  Parent  Institutioa, 
 
 431. — General  rules  adopted  by  them,  433. 
 
 Babington,  Thomas,  Esq.  63. 
 Ball,  Right  Rev.  Bishop,  101. 
 
INDEX.  503 
 
 Bangor,  Right  Rev.  Bishop  of,  see  Warren. 
 
 Baptist  Mission  at  Serauipore,  09,  154,  275,  277,  288. 
 
 Basle  Religious  Soiiety,  101. 
 
 ,  the  inhabitants,  unable  to  form  a  Bible  Society  of  their 
 
 own,  join  that  at  Nurenberg,  150. 
 
 ,  the  Nurenberg  Society  removed  to,  231. — Extract  from 
 
 the  Public  Address  on  that  occasion,  232. — Its  progress, 
 366.— Publishes  the  German  Testament  and  Bible,  375. — 
 Its  importance  as  a  medium  through  which  to  circulate  the 
 Scriptures  in  the  South  of  France,  376. — Second  and  third 
 editions  of  the  German  Bible  printed,  and  French  Bibles 
 and  Testaments  distributed  by  it,  439. 
 
 Batavia,  origin  of  the  Bible  Institution  at,  100. 
 
 Bath,  Countess  of,  283. 
 
 Bavaria,  New  Testaments  sent  for  distribution  in,  124. 
 
 Bayley,  Rev.  H.  V.  435.    . 
 
 Beilby  Porteus,  Right  Rev.  Bishop  of  London,  the  Plan  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  submitted  to,  and  cor- 
 dially received  by,  49. — Interests  himself  in  the  welfare  of 
 the  Society,  and  recommends  Lord  Teignmouth  to  be  its 
 President,  67.— Becomes  himself  a  Vice-President,  70. — 
 His  joy  on  hearing  the  letter  of  a  Roman  Catholic  priest  of 
 Swabia,  123. — Attempts  made  to  detach  him  from  the  So- 
 ciety, 150,  221. — Zealous  for  the  Oriental  translations, 
 281. — His  concern  at  the  hostility  of  the  Bengal  Govern- 
 ment, 293. — Exertions  to  procure  patronage  for  tJie  Society, 
 318. — Publishes  a  defence  of  the  Society,  in  reply  to  Mr. 
 Twining's  pamphlet,  350. — His  death,  424. — Extract  from 
 his  letter  to  Governors,  <iv:c.  in  the  British  West-Iudia 
 Islands,  425,  note. — Tribute  to  his  memory,  429. 
 
 Belfast  Branch  Society,  463. 
 
 Benwell,  Joseph,  Esq.  36,  63. 
 
 Berlin,  communication  from,  on  the  scarcity  of  Bohemian  Bi- 
 bles, 117. — Grant  towards  the  establishment  of  a  Bible 
 Society  there,  118.— The  Society  founded,  under  the  sanc- 
 tion of  the  King  of  Prussia,  188. — Extract  from  its  Address, 
 290. — Second  grant  to,  from  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  191.— Undertakes  an  edition  of  the  Bohemian  Bi- 
 ble, and  perseveres  in  its  labours  during  the  occupation  of 
 the  city  by  the  French,  233,  360.— The  Bohemian  Bible 
 2K4 
 
504  INDEX. 
 
 completed,  373. — Undertakes  au  edition  of  the  Polish  Bi- 
 ble, ib.  and  receives  farther  assistance  from  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  374,  442. 
 
 Bernard,  Thomos,  Esq,  (now  Sir  Thomas,  Bart.)  63. 
 
 ,  Sophia,  a  poor  woman  of  Alsace,  her  exemplary  and 
 
 benevolent  conduct,  151. 
 
 Bible  Society,  a,  established  in  1780;  result  of  its  labors  to 
 1803,  23. 
 
 Biblical  Library  begun,   135. 
 
 Birkbeck,  Wilson,  Esq.  G3,  267. 
 
 Birmingham  Association,  216,  219,  229,  403. 
 
 Black,  Rev.  Mr.  169. 
 
 Blackburn,  Rev.  Dr.  435. 
 
 Boase,  Henry,  Esq.  16,  36,  63. 
 
 Bogue,  Rev.  D.  391. 
 
 Bohemia  supplied  with  Testaments,  &c.  from  the  Institution  at 
 Halle,  235, 
 
 Bohemian  Bibles,  see  Berlin. 
 
 Bombay,  origin  of  the  Institution  at,  for  translating  the  Scrip- 
 tures into  the  Oriental  languages,  100. 
 
 Booth,   Rev.  E.  435. 
 
 Boston,  see  Massachusetts. 
 
 Brant,  Captain,  his  translations  of  portions  of  the  Scriptures, 
 and  the  Liturgy  of  the  Church  of  England,  into  the  Mohawk 
 language,  126. 
 
 Bristol  Auxiliary  Bible  Society  formed,  430,  436.— Its  Rules 
 adopted  by  most  other  Auxiliary  Societies,  433. — Its  zeal, 
 464. 
 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  its  origin,  1,  et  seq. — See 
 Society. 
 
 Brown,  ^Rev.  David,  99,  279,  288. 
 
 Brunnmark,  Rev.  Dr.  114. 
 
 Brunton,  Rev.  Henry,   undertakes  a  new  version  of  the  Scrip- 
 tures in  the  Tartar  dialect,  252. 
 Buchanan,  Rev.  Dr.  99,  275,  277,  288.— Presents  his  Memoir 
 
 to  Lord  Minto,  362. 
 Buenos  Ayres,    a  supply  of  the  Scriptures,  in  Spanish,  sent 
 to,  259. 
 
 ,  the  Roman  Catholic  Bishop  of,   suppresses  the 
 
 Spanish  Testaments  sent  to  Monte  Video,  368. 
 
INDEX.  505 
 
 Bunnell,  Joseph,  Esq.  G3. 
 
 Suru,  Rev.  Edward,   projector  of  the  Birniinghani  Associatiou, 
 
 219. 
 Burrowes,  Rev.  Dr.  198. 
 Butterworth,  Joseph,  Esq.  63,  417. 
 
 Calcutta,    origin    of    the  Institution  at,    for    translating   the 
 Scriptures  into  the  Oriental  languages,  100. 
 
 Corresponding  Committee,  27G,  288. 
 
 Auxiliary  Bible  Society,  288. 
 
 Calmuc  translation  of  the  Scriptures,  294. — Grant  for  print- 
 ing, 290. 
 Calmucs,  short  account  of,  295. 
 
 Canada,  supplies  of  the  Scriptures  sent  to,  ii6S.~-Set  Mo- 
 hawk and  Six  Nations. 
 Causiein  Bible  Institution,  at  Halle,  in  Saxony,  short  account 
 of,  180. — Supplies  the  Bohemian  congregations  in  Prussia 
 with  New  Testaments,  &c.  236;  and  the  German  colonists 
 on  the  Wolga  with  Bibles  and  Testaments,  '2ii3.— Set  Halle. 
 Cape  of  Good  Hope,  see  Good  Hope. 
 
 Carey,  Rev.  Dr.  99,   154. — First  proposes  the  Oriental  trans- 
 lations to  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  275. 
 Carlyle,  Rev.  J.  D.  his  Prospectus  for  printing  an  Arabic  Bi- 
 ble, 299. 
 Cashel,  Most  Rev.  Archbishop  of,  364. 
 Catholics,  see  Roman  Catholics. 
 
 Ceylon,  degraded  state  of  the  Christian  religion  in,  321. 
 Charitable  institutions  supplied  with  the  Scriptures,  304,  4.58. — 
 
 See  Hospitals,  Workhouses,  dc. 
 Charles,  Rev.  Thomas,  of  Bala,  proposes  a  new  edition  of  the. 
 Welsli  Bible,  by  subscription,  16; — which,  added  to  his 
 inquiries  frT  supp'ies  of  that  book,  lead  to  the  formation 
 of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  138.  —  Engag»d  to 
 revise  the  Oxford  copy,  for  a  nev,  edition,  by  the  Society, 
 139. — Unpleasant  dit.i;ussion  in  consequence,  ib. — Satis- 
 faction of  the  Committee,  141. —  Reference  to  the  Kev.  W. 
 Davies,  ib. — The  investigation  stopped,  142. — Observa- 
 tions, 142 — 150. — Promotes  the  interest  of  the  Society  in 
 the  Principality,  160. 
 
506  INDEX. 
 
 Chaumont,  Mr.  95. 
 
 China,  the  attention  of  the  Society  first  drawn  towards  that 
 country,  89,  —  Correspondence  relative  to  the  MS.  in  the 
 British  Museum,  90.— See  Oriental. 
 
 Circulation  of  the  Scriptures,  appointment  of  a  Sub-Committee 
 for,  88. 
 
 Clarke,  Rev.  Dr.  Adam,  constructs  a  scale  of  types,  for  print- 
 ing the  Scriptures  in  the  Tartar  dialect,  298. — On  the 
 want  of  an  edition  of  the  Scriptures  in  the  Arabic  language, 
 305. — His  recommendation  to  print  the  Greek  Testament 
 in  both  the  ancient  and  modern  dialects,  394. — His  erai- 
 Hent  services  to  the  Society,  and  disinterested  conduct, 
 309,  417. 
 
 Clarkson's  "  History  of  the  Abolition  of  the  Slave-Trade," 
 extract  from,  42,  note. 
 
 Clowes,  Rev.  John,  435. 
 
 Coke,  Rev.  Dr.  26. 
 
 Colchester,  an  attempt  to  form  an  Auxiliary  Society  at,  op- 
 posed by  the  Bishop  of  London,  (Randolph,)  and  produces 
 an  attack  upon  the  Parent  Institution  by  Dr.  Wordsworth, 
 470. 
 
 Collins,  Governor,  his  letter  of  acknowledgment  for  the  sup- 
 ply of  Scriptures  sent  to  Van  Diemen's  Land,  260. 
 
 Colombo,  origin  of  the  Society's  Institution  at,  100. 
 
 Committee  new  modelled,  56. 
 
 Connecticut  Bible  Society  formed,  453. 
 
 Convicts  at  Woolwich,  supplies  of  the  Scriptures  sent  to,  271. 
 
 Copenhagen,  singular  preservation  of  the  Icelandic  Bibles  de- 
 posited there,  during  its  bombardment,  312. 
 
 Cork  Bible  Society  established,  364.— Extract  from  its  Re- 
 port, 414. — Bibles  and  Testaments  distributed  by,  415. 
 
 Grant  to,  463. 
 
 Corresponding  Committee  at  Calcutta,  276,  288. 
 
 Council  of  Trent,  how  far  it  prohibited  the  reading  the  Scrip- 
 tures to  the  laity,  120. 
 
 *'  Country  Clergyman's  Letter  to  LordTeignmouth,"  correction 
 of  an  error  in,  32,  note.— Its  virulence  against  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  155. — Extracts  from,  ib.  note.— 
 Answer  to,  159. — The  writer  makes  a  second  attempt  to 
 detach  the  Bishop  of  London  (Porteus)  from  the  Society, 
 222-225. 
 
INDEX.  507 
 
 Cowic,  Robert,  Esq.  36,  63.— Opens  the  business  at  the  first 
 public  meeting  for  forming  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  43. 
 
 Coxe,  Lieutenant,  271. 
 
 Cranganore,  tlie  Roman  Catholic  Archbishop  of,  prohibits  the 
 circulation  of  the  Scriptures,  120,  note. 
 
 Crawford,  Charles,  Esq.  (now  Lord)  63. 
 
 D. 
 
 Dale,  David,  Esq.    promotes  the  interests  of  the  Society  in 
 
 Scotland,  161. 
 Dalrymple,  Rev.  Dr.  promotes  a  resolution  for  a  collection  in 
 
 the  synod  of  Glasgow  and  Ayr,  on  behalf  of  the  British 
 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  162. 
 Danish  New  Testaments  printed,   for  the  use  of  prisoners  of 
 
 war,  394. 
 Dantzig,  contributions  from,    in  aid  of   the  Berlin  Bible  So- 
 ciety, 235. 
 Davies,  Rev.  W.  on   the  proposed  new  orthography  for  the 
 
 Welsh  Bible,  148,  note. 
 Dealtry,   Rev,   William,   reference  to  his  "  Vindication  of  the 
 
 British  and   Foreign  Bible  Society,    138,    143. — His  reply 
 
 to  Dr.  Wordsworth's  attack  upon  Lord  Teignmoutli,  473, 
 
 477,  481. 
 Denmark,  correspondence  begun  with,  relative  to  the  want  of 
 
 Bibles  there,  100. 
 Druck,  Professor,   101. — His  letter  on  the  establishment  and 
 
 views  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  113. 
 Dublin  Association,  23,  196,  266. — See  Association. 
 ,    a   Bible  Society  established  in,  196. — Furnished  with 
 
 Bibles  and  Testaments  by  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 
 Society,  266. 
 Durham,   Right  Rev.  Bishop  of,  70. — Patronises  the  printing  of 
 
 an  Arabic  Bible,   300. 
 Dutch  New  Testament  printed  for  the  use  of  prisoner*  of  war, 
 394. 
 
 E. 
 
 East  Lothian  Auxiliary  Bible  Society  instituted,  430. 
 
508  INDEX. 
 
 Edinburgh   Presbytery  espouses  the  cause  of  the  British  and 
 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  172. 
 
 Auxiliary  Bible  Society  instituted,  430. 
 
 English  Bibles,  resolution  for  ensuring  a  competent  supply  of, 
 
 89. — Farther  proceedings,   103. 
 Esquimaux  edition  of  St.  John's  Gospel,  460. 
 Esthonia,  application  from  a  Lutheran  church  in,  and  grant 
 
 to,  249. — Its  happy  consequences,  250. 
 Ethelston,  Rev.  Charles,  435. 
 Ewald,  Rev.  Mr.  235. 
 Exeter,  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Fisher,  Bishop  of,  71,  285,  408.— See 
 
 Fisher  and  Salisbury. 
 Bible  Society  instituted,  430. 
 
 Falkheisen,  Rev.  Mr.  101. 
 
 Fenn,  John,  Esq.  63. 
 
 Finance,  Committee  of,  appointed,  88. 
 
 Finnish  Bibles,  state  of,  at  the  period  of  the  British  and  Fo- 
 reign Bible  Society  being  formed,  114. — The  account 
 inaccurate,  115. 
 
 Fisher,  Right  Rev,  Dr.  Bishop  of  Exeter,  (afterwards  of  Salis- 
 bury,) 71,  285,  287. — President  of  the  Reading  Auxiliary 
 Society,  408. 
 
 Foster,  Thomas  Furley,  Esq.  269. 
 
 Foyster,  Samuel,  Esq.  36. 
 
 France,  the  South  of,  supplied  with  Bibles  and  Testaments, 
 through  the  Society  at  B4sle,  375,  440. 
 
 Frederick  William  IV,  King  of  Prussia,  patronises  the  Berlin 
 Bible  Society,  188—193. 
 
 Freeman,  Rev.  Mr.  notice  of  his  translation  of  certain  parts 
 of  the  Scriptures  into  the  Moiiawk  language,  126. 
 
 French  Bible  Society  formed  in  1792,  concise  history  of,  24, 
 et  stq. 
 
 Bibles  printed  for  the  use  of  prisoners  of  war,  210,  398. 
 
 Fridag,  Sebastian,  Esq,  63, 
 
 Fiihnen,  a  Religious  Society  in,  101. — Icelandic  New  Testa- 
 ment sent  from,  to  Iceland,  247,  311. 
 
 Fuller,  Rev.  Andrew,  154. 
 
INDEX.  509 
 
 G. 
 
 Gaelic  version  of  the  Scriptures,  203.— An  edition  resolved  on, 
 206.— Distribution  of,  314,  363. 
 
 Gambier,  Lord,  71. 
 
 Gaols  supplied  with  the  Scriptures,  270,  396. 
 
 Gaskin,  Rev.  Dr.  139. 
 
 GatclifFe,  Rev.  John,  435. 
 
 General  Meetings,  see  Meetings. 
 
 German  colonists  on  the  Wolga,  253. — Supply  of  Bibles  and 
 Testaments  sent  to,  from  the  Institution  at  Halle,  ib.— Joy 
 with  which  they  were  received,  387. 
 
 Bible  Society  instituted  at  Nurenberg,  102,  112. — Re- 
 moved to  Basle,  231.— For  its  proceedings,  see  Nurenberg 
 and  B^sle. 
 
 ' Testaments  distributed  in  Great  Britain,  212. 
 
 Gibraltar,  supply  of  the  Scriptures  sent  to,  363. 
 
 Glasgow,  the  first  city  in  Scotland  that  espoused  the  interests 
 of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  161. — Resolution 
 of  the  Presbytery  to  have  a  public  collection  for  it,  162, 
 216,  403;  which  is  followed  by  the  synod  of  Glasgow  and 
 Ayr,  ib.  167. — The  collection  ordered  to  be  annual,  416. 
 
 , ,  Port,  see  Greenock. 
 
 Glogau,  Rev.  Mr.  237. 
 
 Good  Hope,  Cape  of,  supply  of  the  Scriptures  sent  to  the  Bri- 
 tish settlers,  soldiers,  and  colonists  there,  259. 
 
 Goree,  supply  of  the  Scriptures  sent  to,  363. 
 
 Gosse,  Joseph  Smith,  Esq.  36. 
 
 Grant,  Charles,  Esq.  M.  P.  18,  63,  71. 
 
 Greek  Scriptures,  an  edition  of,  in  the  ancient  and  modern 
 dialects,  by  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  391. 
 
 Greenock  and  Port  Glasgow  Society  for  circulating  the  Holy 
 Scriptures,  formed,  404. — Merges  into  tiie  Greenock  and 
 Port  Glasgow  West  Renfrewshire  Bible  Society,  405. 
 
 Grill,  Claes,  Esq.  63. 
 
 H. 
 
 Hagar,  Dr.  91. 
 
 Hall,  Rev.  Robert,  466. 
 
510  INDEX. 
 
 Hall,  Rev,  S.  4S5. 
 
 ,  William,  Esq.  26. 
 
 Halle,  in  Saxony,  a  communication  with,  opened,  101,  185. — 
 Account  of  the  Canstein  Bible  Institution  at,  186,  230^ 
 253. — See  Canstein. 
 
 Hardcastle,  Joseph,  Esq.  63. 
 
 Hastings,  Warren,  Esq.  349. 
 
 Henderson,  Rev.  Ebenezer,  240,  444,  449. 
 
 Hertzog,  Rev.  Dr.  101. 
 
 Hess,  Rev.  J.  J.  ih. 
 
 Hibernian  Bible  Society,  its  origin,  197. — Extract  from  its  Re- 
 port, 411.— Bibles  and  Testaments  distributed  by,  413.— 
 Its  patronage,  exertions,  and  grant  to,  from  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  462. 
 
 Hiemer,  Mr.  258,  389. 
 
 Highlands  of  Scotland,  state  of  the  Scriptures  in,  prior  to  the 
 year  1805,  203. — See  Gaelic. 
 
 Hill,  Rev.  Rowland,  68. 
 
 Hoare,  W.  H.  Esq.  63,  398. 
 
 Hobart,  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Bishop  of  New  York,  455. 
 
 Hodgson,  Rev.  Archdeacon,  extract  from  his  account  of  the 
 Life  of  Bishop  Porteus,  explanatory  of  the  views  enter- 
 tained by  that  Prelate,  in  attaching  himself  to  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  49,  note. 
 
 Hodson,  Thomas,  Esq.  63. 
 
 Holland,  state  of  the  Scriptures  in,  at  the  period  of  the  forma- 
 tion of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,   116. 
 
 Hollingsworth,  S.  Esq.  on  the  expediency  of  sending  the  Scrip- 
 tures to  China  in  the  language  of  the  natives,  91,  93. 
 
 Hose,  J.  D.  Esq.  63. 
 
 Hospitals  supplied  with  the  Scriptures,  270,  396. 
 
 Howard,  Robert,  Esq.  63,  88. 
 
 Hiiber,  Rev.  Mr.  101,  387. 
 
 Hughes,  Rev.  Joseph,  first  suggests  the  idea  of  promoting  a 
 universal  distribution  of  the  Scriptures,  17,  82. — Requested 
 to  prepare  an  address  to  the  public  on  the  subject,  ih. 
 which  he  produces  in  May,  1803,  19. — Extracts  from  it, 
 29. — Appointed  one  of  the  Secretaries  to  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  53. — The  Society  greatly  indebted 
 to  his  exertions,  82. 
 
INDEX.  511 
 
 Hull  Auxiliary  Bible  Society  formed,  431. 
 
 Humphrey's  "  Account  of  the  Society  for  Propagating  thcGos- 
 
 in  Foreign  Parts,"  extract  from,  12G. 
 Hunter,  Rev.  Dr.  169. 
 
 Iceland,  want  of  Bibles  in,  239.— Letter  from  Lord  Tcigii- 
 mouth  to  the  Bishop  of,  2^12.— Resolution  of  the  Fijiinen 
 Society  to  print  an  Icelandic  Testament,  247.— Co-opera- 
 tion of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  242,  248.— 
 The  edition  completed,  311. — Singular  preservation  of 
 the  copies  at  Copenhagen,  when  that  city  was  bombarded, 
 312. 
 
 India,  a  correspondence  opened  with,  on  the  subject  of  trans- 
 lating the  Scriptures  into  the  Oriental  languages,  98.— 
 Grants  for  that  purpose,  276,  288.— English  and  German 
 Bibles  and  Testaments  sent  to,  for  the  use  of  poor  Euro- 
 peans there,  289.— The  Government  of,  unfavorable  to 
 the  views  of  the  Society,  291,  361. — State  of  Christianity 
 in,  321. 
 
 Ireland,  state  of,  in  reference  to  the  views  of  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  167. — The  Society's  first  impression 
 of  the  New  Testament  distributed  in,  196. — Bible  Societies 
 formed  in,  for  the  synod  of  Ulster,  and  city  and  county 
 of  Cork,  364. — The  schools  in,  supplied  with  the  Scrip- 
 tures, ib. 
 
 Irish  Bibles,  resolution  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  So- 
 ciety for  insuring  a  competent  supply  of,  89,   J  03. 
 
 New  Testaments,   order  for  printing,  from  Bishop  Bedell's 
 
 version,  458. 
 
 Schools  supplied  witli  the  Scriptures,  .364. 
 
 Italian  Scriptures  proposed  to  be  printed  for  the  use  of  the  Le- 
 vant, Ac.  391. 
 
 J. 
 
 Jienicke,  Rev.  J.  on  the  scarcity  of  Bohemian  Bibles,  118. — 
 Establishes  a  Bible  Society  at  Berlin,  under  the  sanction  of 
 
512  INDEX. 
 
 the  King  of  Prussia,  188.— His  Letter  to  the  King,  191 ; 
 
 and  his  Majest)''s  Reply,  193. 
 Johnson,  Dr.  Samuel,  Extract  from  one  of  his  Letters,  on  the 
 
 absolute  necessity  of  circulating  the  Scriptures,  207. 
 Johnston,  Rev.  Croxton,  435. 
 Jones,  Rev.  Mr.  169. 
 
 K. 
 
 Karass,  state  of  the  Christian  Mission  at,  250. — Types,  paper, 
 &c.  sent  to,  for  printing  an  edition  of  the  Scriptures  in  the 
 Tartar  dialect,  252. 
 
 Kendal  Auxiliary  Bible  Society  formed,  430. — Its  zeal,  465. 
 
 Ker,  Dr.  340. 
 
 Kiesling,  Mr.  Tobias,  101. — His  account  of  the  formation  of 
 a  Bible  Society  at  Nurenberg,  112. 
 
 Knapp,  Rev.  Dr.  Director  of  the  Orphan  House  at  Halle,  in 
 Saxony;  his  cordial  co-operation  with  the  Britisli  and  Fo- 
 reign Bible  Society,  101,  186,  237,  253. 
 
 Konigsberg,  communication  from,  on  the  want  of  Bibles  in  Li- 
 thuania, &c.  237. 
 
 Kotschubey,  Count,  251. 
 
 L. 
 
 Labrador,  see  Esquimaux. 
 
 Lanark,  Presbytery  of,  favorable  to  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  416. 
 
 Lapland,  an  erroneous  account  of  the  state  of  the  Scriptures 
 in,  114,  115. — Grant  to  the  Stockholm  Evangelical  Society, 
 towards  an  edition  of  the  New  Testament,  in  the  dialect  of, 
 443. 
 
 Latrobe,  Rev.  C.  J.  460. 
 
 Laws  and  Regulations  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  So- 
 ciety, 74. 
 
 Lea,  Richard,  Esq.  36,  63. 
 
 Leeds  Auxiliary  Bible  Society  formed,  430. 
 
 Leicester  Auxiliary  Bible  Society  formed,  431. — Extracts  from 
 its  address,  466. 
 
INDEX.  513 
 
 Letters  from  King  George  I.  ol' England,  to  the  missiouarios  at 
 
 Tranqiiebar,  342. 
 Library  of  different  versiotis  of  tiic  Holy  Scriptures,  established 
 
 for  the  use  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  135. 
 Lithuania,  want  of  Bibles  in.  237. 
 London  Association,  to  aid  the  funds  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
 
 Bible  Society,   by  collecting  small  sums,  the  first  of  its  kind 
 
 in  South  Britain,  21(j,  229,  403. 
 London,  Lord  Bishop  of,  sec  Beilby  Porteus. 
 
 M. 
 
 Macaulay,  Zachary,  Esq.  Gl,  63. 
 
 Magee,  Rev.  Dr.  198. 
 
 Maitland,  Alexander,  Esq.  36,  63. 
 
 Malabar,  state  of  Christianity  in,  3'20. — The  Roman  Catholic 
 Bishop  of,  consents  to  the  circulation  of  the  Scripture* 
 throughout  his  diocese,  320. 
 
 Malayalim  translation  of  the  Scriptures,  321. 
 
 Manchester  and  Salford  Auxiliary  Bible  Society  formed,  430, 
 434. 
 
 Marshman,  Rev.  Mr.  99. 
 
 Martin,  Ambrose,  Esq.  16,  63. 
 
 Martyn,  Rev.  H.  on  the  various  editions  of  tiie  Arabic  Scrip* 
 tures,  307. 
 
 Massachusetts  Bible  Society  established,  454. 
 
 Meetings,  General,  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society: 
 the  first,  38 ;  the  second,  61 ;  the  third,  or  first  anniver- 
 sary, 164 ;  the  fourth,  or  second  anniversary,  225 ;  the 
 fifth,  or  third  anniversary,  282 ;  the  sixth,  or  fourth  anni- 
 versary, .369;  the  sevenf.h,  or  fifth  anniversary,  418;  the 
 eighth,  or  sixth  annivcrsury,  495. 
 
 Methodists,  Wesieyan,  libera'  contributions  from,  417. 
 
 Mills,  Samuel,  'c.s([.  [)repares  the  outline  of  the  intended  So- 
 ciety for  })romoting  a  nitre  extensive  circulation  of  the 
 Scriptures,  afterward>  denominated  ihe  Briti.'^h  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  32.— Further  exertio'is  in  its  behalf,  36,  43, 
 63,  88. 
 
 Mohawk  translation  of  St.  John's  Ciospel,  by  Captain  Norton, 
 the  Indian  chief,  126.— Printed  by  the  British  and  Foreign 
 VOL.  I.  -  ^ 
 
314  INDEX. 
 
 Bible  Society,  130. — Joyfully  received  by  the  Indians  of 
 Upper  Canada,  369. 
 
 Moncrieff,  Robert  Scott,  Esq.  his  exertions  to  promote  the 
 views  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  in  North  Bri- 
 tain, 168. 
 
 Mongols,  or  Moguls,  a  short  account  of,  297. 
 
 Montevideo,  a  supply  of  Spanish  Testaments  sent  to,  367; 
 which  are  suppressed  by  the  Roman  Catholic  Bishop  of  Bue- 
 nos Ayres,  368. 
 
 Montucci,  Dr.  Antonio,  his  offer  to  superintend  a  proposed 
 impression  from  the  Chinese  MS.  of  the  New  Testament  in 
 the  British  Museum,  89. 
 
 Moore,  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Bishop  of  New  York,  454. 
 
 Moravian  Brethren  in  North  America,  South  Africa,  and  the 
 West  Indies,  their  exertions  to  promote  the  object  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  460. 
 
 Morgan,  Lieutenant  Colonel  De,  120. 
 
 Morrison,  Rev.  Mr.  90. 
 
 Mosely,  Rev.  \V.  on  the  state  of  religion  in  China,  90. 
 
 N. 
 
 Nares,  Rev.  Archdeacon,  95,  407. 
 
 New  Brunswick,  a  supply  of  the  Scriptures  sent  to,  363. 
 
 Newcastle-upon-Tyne  Auxiliary  Bible  Society  instituted,  430. 
 
 Newgate,  prisoners  in,  supplied  with  Bibles  and  Testaments, 
 269. 
 
 New  Jersey  Bible  Society  formed,  454. 
 
 New  South  Wales,  see  Wales. 
 
 New  Testament,  first  stereotype  edition  of,  194. 
 
 New  York,  three  Bible  Societies  formed  in,  454. 
 
 Normanton,  Right  Hon.  Earl  of.  Archbishop  of  Dublin,  412. 
 
 North  America,  see  America. 
 
 Norton,  Captain  John,  a  chief  of  the  Six-Nation  Indians,  in 
 Upper  Canada,  translates  St.  John's  Gospel  into  the  Mo- 
 hawk language,  126. — His  address  to  the  Indians,  132.— 
 His  translation  printed  by  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  and  joyfully  received  by  the  Indians,  130,  369. 
 Nottingham  Auxiliary  Bible  Society  formed,  409,  429. 
 
INDEX.  515 
 
 Nova  Scotia,  a  supply  of  the  Scriptures  sent  to,  3G3. 
 
 NovassilsofF,  Count,  251. 
 
 Nurenberg  Bible  Society  instituted,  under  the  recommendation 
 and  patronage  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society, 
 102,  112. — Joined  by  the  inhabitants  of  Basle,  150,  230. — 
 Votes  and  grants  to,  from  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  So- 
 ciety, 102,  185. — Its  beneiicial  influence,  173,  441. — An 
 error  of,  177.— Prints  an  edition  of  the  German  New  Testa- 
 ment, 124,  182;  and  makes  arrangements  for  a  new  im- 
 pression of  the  whole  Scriptures  in  the  German  language, 
 182.— Remits  a  supply  of  Testaments  to  London,  for  the 
 use  of  Germans  in  Great  Britain,  212.— The  Society  trans- 
 ferred to  B^sle,  231,  377. 
 
 O. 
 
 Oberlin,  Rev.  Mr.  on  the  distribution  of  Bibles  in  Alsace,  151. 
 Oriental  correspondence,  a  sub-committee  appointed  for,  07. 
 
 Opened,  98. 
 translations,  proceedings  relative  to,   275,   288,  291, 
 
 361. 
 Owen,  Rev.  John,  his  first  acquaintance  with  the  plan  of  the 
 British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  36,— Introduced  to  the 
 Provisional  Committee,  38.— Prevailed  upon  to  move  the 
 resolutions  at  the  first  general  meeting,  41,  43.— Appointed 
 Secretary  to  the  Society,  vice  the  Rev.  Josiah  Pratt,  60.— 
 Answers  the  attack  of  a  "  Country  Clergyman,"  159.— De- 
 livers a  memorial  to  the  Bishop  of  London,  in  defence  of 
 the  Society,  223.— Answers  Mr.  Twining's  pamphlet,  331. 
 
 P. 
 
 Paisley,  presbytery  of,  416. 
 
 Park,  Mr.  Mungo,  on  the  attachment  of  the  Africans  to  then- 
 books,  301. 
 Paterson,  Rev.  Alexander,  250. 
 
 ,  Rev.  John,  240,  311,  378,  444,  449. 
 
 Pepperell,  Sir  WiUiam,  Bart.  71. 
 2  L  2 
 
516  INDEX. 
 
 Philadelphia  Bible  Society  formed,  398.— Extracts  from  its 
 public  address,  400.-Grant  to,  402.— Its  zeal  and  success, 
 451. — Its  beneficial  influence,  453. 
 
 Pinkerton,  Rev.  Robert,  250. 
 
 Plato,  Most  Rev.  the  Archbishop,  Metropolitan  of  the  Greek 
 Church  in  Russia,  letter  to,  on  the  distribution  of  the  Scrip- 
 tures, 255. 
 
 Polish  edition  of  the  Bible  undertaken  by  the  Berlin  Society, 
 373.— Grants  of  assistance  to,  from  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  374,  442. 
 
 Porteus,  see  Beilby  Porteus,  Bishop  of  London. 
 
 Port  Glasgow,  see  Greenock. 
 
 Portuguese  Testaments,  391. 
 
 Potchett,  Rev.  Mr.  287. 
 
 Pratt,  Rev.  Josiah,  appointed  one  of  the  Secretaries  to  the  Bri- 
 tish and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  54.— His  plan  of  an  en- 
 larged Committee  adopted,  58.— Retires  from  the  secreta- 
 riat, 59. — Grateful  remembrance  of  his  services,  84. 
 
 Preservation  of  the  Icelandic  copies  of  the  Scriptures,  during 
 the  bombardment  of  Copenhagen,  312. 
 
 Prisoners  of  war,  their  case  first  taken  into  consideration,  209. 
 —Resolution  to  supply  them  with  the  Scriptures,  210. — 
 Supplies  granted,  273,  364,  396. 
 
 Prisoners  in  Newgate,  a  supply  of  the  Scriptures  sent  to,  269. 
 
 Prisons  supplied  with  the  Scriptures,  270. 
 
 Prohibition  of  reading  the  Scriptures  among  the  Roman  Catho- 
 lics, 120. 
 
 Prospectus  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  as  pub- 
 lished by  the  Committee,  64. 
 
 Prussia,  success  of  the  Berlin  Bible  Society,  on  its  first  establish- 
 ment, 188. 
 
 Q. 
 
 Quakers,  a  misconception  relative  to  their  view  of  the  Scrip- 
 tures corrected,  39. — Extract  from  their  annual  epistle,  40, 
 note. 
 
 Queries,  addressed  to  various  parts  of  the  United  Kingdom, 
 and  of  the  Continent,  relative  to  the  state  of  the  Scriptures, 
 18. 
 
NDEX.  517 
 
 R. 
 
 Randolph,  Right  Rev.  Bishop,  extract  from  his  letter  to  the  Col- 
 chester clergy,  214. 
 
 Ratisbon  Roman  Catholic  Bible  Society  founded,  173,  441. — 
 Its  public  address,  174. — Its  progress,  450. 
 
 Reading  sets  the  example  of  an  Auxiliary  Bible  Society,  403. 
 
 Religious  Tract  Society,  see  Society. 
 
 Renfrewshire,  West,  Auxiliary  Bible  Society  instituted,  405. 
 
 Renouard,  Rev.  G.  304. 
 
 Reyner,  Joseph,  Esq,  3G,  63,  81,  83. 
 
 Reynolds,  Richard,  Esq.  465. 
 
 Richardson,  Mr.  Thomas,  438. 
 
 Roberts,  Rev.  John,  complains  of  the  appointment  of  the  Rev. 
 Thomas  Charles  to  revise  the  text  of  the  Welsh  Bible,  139. 
 — Extracts  from  his  pamphlet,  148,  et  seq. 
 
 Roman  Catholic  Bible  Society  at  Ratisbon,  see  Ratisbon. 
 
 Catholics  of  Swabia  desire  to  co-operate  with  the  British 
 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  in  the  distribution  of  the  Scrip- 
 tures, 118,  173,  177. — Extract  of  a  letter  from  one  of  their 
 clergy,  180. 
 
 ,  how  far  the  sacred  books  are  prohibited  to 
 
 the  laity  of  their  church,  120. 
 
 Romanese  New  Testament  printed  for  the  use  of  the  Grisons, 
 440. 
 
 Rosing,  Rev.  Mr.  398. 
 
 Rush,  Dr.  Benjamin,  tribute  of  respect  to  his  memory,  398, 
 note. 
 
 Russia,  attempts  toWards  a  communication  with,  248. — Dis- 
 tressed situation  of  the  inhabitants,  for  want  of  Bibles,  254. 
 — Letter  to  the  Greek  Metropolitan,  from  Lord  Tei'^n- 
 naouth,  254. 
 
 S. 
 
 Sailer,  Professor,  441. — Extract  from  his  last  publication,  18L 
 Saint  Domingo,  a  supply  of  Bibles  sent  to  the  French  in,  259. 
 Salisbury,  Dr.  Fisher,  Lord  Bishop  of,  71,  285,  287,  408. 
 2L3 
 
518  index:. 
 
 Sarepta,  correspondence  with  the  Moravian  mission  at,  253, 
 
 294. 
 Saxony,  success  of  the  cause  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 
 Society  in,  185. 
 ScJieiddegger,  Catharine,  a  woman  of  truly  Christian  benevo- 
 lence, 154. 
 Schepler,  Maria,  her  exemplary  conduct,  153, 
 Schoener,  Rev.  John  Godfried,  112. 
 Schools,  gratuitous,  supplied  with  the  Scriptures,  364. 
 Schrcedcr,  Herman,  Esq.  36,  63. 
 
 Scotland,  gratifying  progress  of  the  views  of  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society  in,  161,  167,  203,  229,  416.— See 
 Gaelic  and  Highlands. 
 Serampore,  the  scheme  of  Oriental  translations,  projected  by 
 the  Baptist  missionaries  at,  introduced  to  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  275. — Grant  of  assistance  towards 
 that  object,  276. — Extract  from  the  proposals  for  transla- 
 tions, 277.— Success,  279,  288. 
 Sharp,  Granville,  Esq.  63.--Presides  at  the  first  and  second 
 public  meetings  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society, 
 42,  61. — Obligations  of  the  Society  for  his  early  patronage, 
 83. — His  munificent  gift  of  versions  of  the  Scriptures  to- 
 wards forming  a  Biblical  library,  136. 
 
 ,  William,  Esq.  grateful  tribute  to  his  memory,  406,  note. 
 
 Sheffield  Auxiliary  Bible  Society  instituted,  431. 
 Sierra-Leone,  a  supply  of  the  Scriptures  sent  to,  363. 
 Six-Nation  Indians  in  Upper  Canada,  127. — See  Mohawk,  and 
 
 Norton. 
 Sky,  Isle  of,  great  scarcity  of  Gaelic  Bibles  in,  203. 
 Smith,  Rev.  Dr.  of  Homerton,  26. 
 
 ,  Rev.  Jeremiah,  435. 
 
 ,  Joseph,  Esq.  63. 
 
 -,  Mr.  Thomas,  appointed  Collector,  &c.  to  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  56. 
 Societies,  religious,  an  enumeration  of  such  as  promoted  the 
 circulation  of  the  Scriptures,  with  the  dates  of  their  re- 
 spective institution,  20. 
 Society,  British  and  Foreign  Bible,  its  origin,  1,  et  seq. — First 
 movement  towards  its  formation,  15. — An  address,  in  fa- 
 vour of  the  circulation  of  the  Scriptures,  resolved  on,  17.— 
 
INDEX.  519 
 
 Produced,  19.— Extracts  from,  29.— Plan  of  the  Society 
 first  submitted  to  the  public,  32. — Extracts  from  its  first 
 public  address,  33.— Public  meeting  for  its  formation,  38. 
 — Resolutions,  43. — Liberal  contributions  from  the  com- 
 pany present,  47. — Proceedings  communicated  to  the  Bishop 
 of  London,  (Porteus,)  47;  who  most  cordially  approves  of 
 the  plan,  49.— Dilficulties  in  the  way  of  its  organisation, 
 60.— Proceedings  in  Committee,  53,  86.— Appointnient  of 
 Secretaries,  53 ;  and  of  an  Assistant  Secretary,  Accompt- 
 ant,  and  Collector,  55.— Committee  new-modelled,  57, 
 87.— A  second  general  meeting,  61;  attended  by  W. 
 Wilberforce,  Esq.  62.— The  revised  constitution  of  the 
 Society  sanctioned,  ib. — New  Committee,  63. — A  new  pro- 
 spectus published,  64. — Lord  Teignmouth  becomes  its  Pre- 
 sident, 66.— Patronised  by  several  Prelates,  70.— Further 
 revision  of  its  laws,  71.— Extracts  from  its  First  and  Se- 
 venth Reports,  relative  to  its  title  and  objects,  72,  73, 
 wo<e.— Appointment  of  Honorary  Life  Members  and  Go- 
 vernors, 73.— Copy  of  its  Laws  and  Regulations,  74.— 
 Reflections  on  its  progress,  78.— Labours  of  its  Committees, 
 86.— Sub-Committees  appointed,  87.  97,  27o.— Correspond- 
 ence relative  to  the  Chinese  MS.  in  the  British  Museum, 
 90. — The  printing  of  a  Chinese  translation  of  the  New  Tes- 
 tament postponed,  96. — The  China  and  Oriental  Sub-Com- 
 mittee appointed,  97. — Correspondence  with  India,  on  the 
 subject  of  translating  the  Scriptures  into  the  Eastern  lan- 
 guages, 98. — Origin  of  the  Society's  institutions  at  Cal- 
 cutta, Bombay,  Colombo,  Batavia,  &c.  100. — Correspond- 
 ence with  Europe,  on  the  extent  to  which  Bibles  are  wanted 
 in  Switzerland,  Germany,  and  Denmark,  100,  102,  112 — 
 124,  173,  185,  188,  230,  237.— Grant  of  assistance  to- 
 wards forming  a  Bible  Society  for  Austria,  102,  111,  185; 
 see  Nurenberg. — Engagement  for  a  number  of  stereotype 
 Bibles  and  Testaments,  for  the  supply  of  England,  Wales, 
 and  Ireland,  104,  194.— An  edition  of  the  Welsij  Bible  re- 
 solved on,  105,  138. — Address  to  the  Society  for  Pro- 
 moting Christian  Knowledge,  in  London,  and  to  the  Dublin 
 Association  for  Discountenancing  Vice,  &c.  to  request  their 
 co-operation,  106 — 108.-  Roauit,  109. — Addresses  to  the 
 Parochial  Clergy,  Dissenting  Ministers,  lVc.  ib. — Result, 
 2L4 
 
620 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 125.— Success  of  the  correspondence  with  Nurenberg,  ll2; 
 Stuttgardt,  113;   Sweden,  114;  Holland,  116;  Berlin,  117, 
 188.— Grant  towards  the  formation  of  a  Bible  Society  at 
 Berlin,   118.— Communication  from  a  Roman  Catholic  cler- 
 gyman in  Swabia,  ?i.— New  Testaments  placed  at  his  dis- 
 posal, for  distribution  in  Swabia  and  Bavaria,  124.— Suc- 
 cess  of  the  Society  at  home,  125,  159,  161,  166,  167,  172, 
 194,  229,  403— 417.— Translation  of  St.  John's  Gospel  into 
 the    Mohawk   language,  printed,  125,  et  seq.—A  Biblical 
 library   set  on  foot,  135. — Discussions  relative  to  the  text 
 to  be  adopted  for  a  new  edition  of  the  Welsh  Bible,  138.— 
 Communications  from  Basle,  150;  from  Alsace,  151;  from 
 India,  154. — First  attacked   in  a  hostile  manner,   by  "  a 
 Country  Clergyman,"  155. — Assembly  of  Prelates  on  the 
 occasion,    157. — The    publication    answered,    159. — Pro- 
 gress of  the  Society   in  Wales,    159,  166,  229,— in  Scot- 
 land,   161,    167,    229,    416.— Third    general   meeting,    or 
 first   anniversary,  164.— State   of  Ireland,  167,  230,  240, 
 364,  411. — Society  in  Scotland  for  Propagating  Christian 
 Knowledge,  168. — Slow  progress  of  the  Society  in  England, 
 during   its   first   four-   years,    172. — Communication    from 
 Halle,   in  Saxony,   185. — Grant  towards  a  new  edition  of 
 the  Bohemian  Bible,  191,  373. — The  first  stereotype  edition 
 of  the  New  Testament  completed,  194 ;  and  circulated  ia 
 Ireland,  196,  242,  248.— Other  Societies  admitted  to  par- 
 ticipate in  the  benefits  of  the  arrangements  with  the  Cam- 
 bridge  University,    196. — State   of  the  Gaelic  Scriptures 
 first   brought   under   the   Society's   notice,    203. — An  im- 
 pression  resolved    on,  207 ;    and    completed,  315. — Reso- 
 lution to  supply  prisoners  of  war  with  the  Scriptures  in 
 their  own  languages,  210,  273,  396. — Spanish  Testaments 
 and    French   Bibles   printed,    ib. — Inquiry    respecting  the 
 Germans  in  London,  212. — The  Society  charged  with  os- 
 tentation, 213. — Its  conduct  justified,  215. — An   associa- 
 tion formed  in  London,  to  assist  its  finances,  216 ;   another 
 at  Birmingham,  219. — Again  attacked,  and  an  endeavour 
 made   to   detach   its  Episcopal  Patrons,    221,   268. — The 
 author  of  the  attack  discovered,   and  his  pamphlet  with- 
 drawn,   225. — Second   anniversary,    ib. — State  of  the  So- 
 ciety's funds  at  the  commencement  of  its  third  year,  228. — 
 
INDEX.  521 
 
 Advances  towards  a  correspondence  with  Russia,  248. — 
 Application  from  Esthonia,  249.— State  of  the  Christian 
 mission  at  Karass,  250. — Arabic  types,  paper,  &c.  sent 
 to  Karass,  for  printing  the  Scriptures  in  the  Tartar  dialect, 
 252,  298. — Correspondence  with  Sarepta,  near  Astrachan, 
 253. — Bibles  sent  to  the  German  colonists  on  the  Wolga, 
 ib.  387. — Letter  to  the  Greek  Metropolitan  in  Russia,  254. 
 Acknowledgment  from  Governor  Collins,  260. — The  Welsh 
 New  Testament  completed,  202. — Activity  of  the  Com- 
 mittee in  procuring  and  circulating  English  editions  of  the 
 Scriptures,  264,— Care  to  preserve  the  integrity  of  the 
 text,  267. — Prisoners  in  Newgate  supplied  with  the  Scrip- 
 tures, 269;  also  workhouses,  hospitals,  and  gaols,  through- 
 out Great  Britain,  270,  396.— Oriental  translations,  275 — 
 289. — Third  anniversary,  282. — English  and  German  Bi- 
 bles sent  to  India,  289. — The  exertions  of  the  Society  in 
 India  unfavorably  looked  upon,  291,  361.— Grant  towards 
 printing  the  Scriptures  in  the  Calmuc  dialect,  296. — Pro- 
 fessor Carlyle's  Arabic  Bible,  306. — New  Testaments  sent 
 to  Iceland,  311. — Pleasing  accounts  from  India,  320. — 
 Mr.  Twining's  pamphlet,  324;  answered,  03i. — The  So- 
 ciety attacked  by  other  writers,  343. — Mr.  Twining  de- 
 clines his  proposed  motion  in  the  court  of  proprietors,  347. 
 — The  Society  defended  by  Bishop  Porteus,  and  Lord 
 Teignmouth,  350,  355. — Grants  of  the  Scriptures  in  dif- 
 ferent languages  to  Goree,  Sierra  Leone,  New  South  Wales, 
 Nova  Scotia,  New  Brunswick,  and  Canada,  363.— Grants 
 to  schools,  &c.  364. — Bible  Societies  in  Ireland,  364, 
 411.— Intelligence  from  America,  367.— The  Spanish  Tes- 
 tament suppressed  by  the  Roman  Catholic  Bishop  of 
 Buenos  Ayres,  368. — Fourth  anniversary,  369.— Rapid  dis- 
 tribution of  the  Bohemian  Bible,  printed  at  Berlin,  373. — 
 Grant  towards  a  new  edition  of  the  Polish  Bible,  374; 
 another  for  supplying  New  Testaments  and  Bibles  to  the 
 Protestants  in  the  South  of  France,  376. — Grants  to  the 
 Evangelical  Society  at  Stockholm,  378,  386. — New  editions 
 of   the    Scriptures,    in    the   English,    Welsh,    Portuguese, 
 
 Italian,  Greek,  Dutch,  and  Danish  languages,  391 — 396. 
 
 Grants  to  the  Philadelphia  Bible  Society,  398,  402,  451. 
 
 Reading  Auxihary  Society,  the  first  of  its  kind,  formed,  403. 
 —Other   Auxiliaries,   404,    409,   429,   430. -Fifth  anni- 
 
522  INDEX. 
 
 versary,  418.— Death  of  Bishop  Porteus,  428.— Importance 
 of  the  Auxiliaries  to  the  Parent  Society,  431,  438,  464— Ro- 
 manese  New  Testament,  440.— Prosperity  of  the  Swedish  So- 
 ciety, 442.— Success  of  the  Philadelphia  Society,  451.— Seve- 
 ral new  Societies  established  in  the  American  States,  453— 
 Domestic  transactions,  457. — Wide  extent  of  the  Society's 
 labours,  460. — Assistance  rendered  by  the  Moravian  Bre- 
 thren in  North  America,  the  West  Indies,  and  South  Africa, 
 460. — A  proposal  to  print  a  "  Harmony"  of  the  Scriptures 
 rejected,  461.— Distribution  of  Bibles  and  Testaments  by  a 
 Lady,    at  a  seaport,  461.— Grants  to   the  Hibernian  and 
 Cork  Societies,  and  to  the  Synod  of  Ulster,  462,  463.— 
 Dr.  Wordsworth  attacks  the  Society,  469. — Answered  by 
 Lord  Teignmouth,  474;  and  by  the  Rev.  W.  Dealtry,  481.— 
 Conciliatory  pamphlet  of  the  Rev.  W.  Ward,  485.— Sixth 
 anniversary,  495. 
 Society  for  Promoting  a  more  extensive  Circulation  of  the  Holy 
 Scriptures,  both   at   home  and   abroad,  the   original  title 
 of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  32. 
 ■  for  Promoting  Christian  Knowledge,  incapable  of  sup- 
 plying an  adoquatP  number  of  Welsh  Bibles  for  the  Prin- 
 cipality,   4—8,    13.— Prints   an  edition,    after  a   delay   of 
 seven  years,  10.— Account  of  its  plan,  and   result  of  its 
 labours,  20.— Lord  Teignmouth's  address  to,  as  President  of 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  106.— Returns  no  an- 
 swer, 109.— Complaint  from,  relative  to  the  appointment  of 
 
 the  Rev.  Thomas  Charles,  to  revise  the  Welsh  Bible,  139. 
 
 Another  edition,    of  20,000   copies,  resolved  on,    141. 
 
 Question  of  rivalry  between  it  and  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society  decided,  142,  wofe.-- -Supplies  the  Dublin 
 Association  with  Bibles,  198. — Stimulated  to  augmented  exer- 
 tions by  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  270,  note.— 
 Hostility  of  A  party  in,  towards  that  Society,  479. 
 
 for  Promoting  Religious  ^Knowledge,  its  plan,  22. 
 
 ' for  Propagating  the  Gospel  in  foreign  Parts,  its  plan, 
 
 &c.  21. 
 
 — ,  French  Bible,  concise  account  of  its  establishment  and 
 
 dissolution,  24. 
 
 ■ ,  Missionary,  testimony  of  the  Directors  of,  to  the  value 
 
 of  the  Chinese  MS.  of  ^the  New  Testament  in  the  British 
 Museum,  90,  note. 
 
INDEX.  523 
 
 Society,  Naval  and  Military  Bible,  its  plan,  &c.  23. — Assisted 
 by  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  19G. 
 
 for  the  Support  and  Encouragement  of  Sunday  Schools, 
 
 its  plan,  &c.  23. 
 
 for  Distributing  Religious  Tracts,  Committee  of,  first 
 
 arranges  the  plan,  which  ultimately  issued  in  the  formation 
 of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  16,  note. 
 
 in  Scotland  for  Propagating  Christian  Knowledge,  its 
 
 plan,  &c.  22. — Resolves  on  co-operating  with  the  British 
 and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  168. — Its  public  address  on  the 
 occasion,  ib. — A  sub-committee  of  correspondence  ap- 
 pointed, 169. — Correspondence  relative  to  Gaelic  Bibles, 
 205,  304,  363. 
 
 Religious,   at   B^sle,    101.— ^fe   Basle    and  Nuren- 
 
 ber£ 
 
 • at  Fiihnen,  in  Denmark,  101. — See  Iceland. 
 
 —  pro  Fide  et  Christianismo,  at  Stockholm,  communication 
 from,  on  the  state  of  Bibles  in  Sweden,  114. 
 
 ■ ,  Evangelical,  at   Stockholm,  instituted,  378. — Its  spi- 
 rited exertions,  442. 
 
 South  America,  see  America. 
 
 Spanish  Testamems,  prnited  tor  the  use  of  prisoners  of  war, 
 210. 
 
 copies    of  the    Scriptures    distributed,     363. — New 
 
 Testaments  sent  to  Monte  Video,  367 ;  and  suppressed  by 
 the  Roman  Catholic  Bishop  of  Buenos  Ayres,  368. 
 
 prisoners    of  war   supplied    with   the   Scriptures,    on 
 
 returning  to  their  own  country,  397. 
 Spry,  Rev.  J.  H.  extract  from  his  "  Inquiry  into  the  Claims  of 
 
 the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,"  215. 
 Stainforth,  R.  Esq.  63. 
 
 Stanhope,  Earl,  his  improvement  of  stereotype  printing,  104. 
 Staunton,  Sir  G.  on  the  state  of  religion  in  China,  and   the 
 
 value  of  the  Chinese  MS.  of  the  New  Testament  in  the  British 
 
 Museum,  91. 
 SteinkopfF,  Rev.  C.  F.  A.  tenders  his  services  to  promote  the 
 
 design  of  circulating  the  Scriptures  on  the  Continent,  18. 
 
 Impression  made   by  his    speech  at    the  general  meetin<T 
 
 for  the  formation  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  So- 
 
524  INDEX. 
 
 ciety,  43. — Appointed   one  of  its    Secretaries,    55.— Oblf* 
 gatioHS  of  the  Society  to  his  exertions  in  procuring  foreign 
 cojiimunications,  83,  89. 
 Stephen,  James,  Esq.  63. 
 
 Stereotype  printing  improved  and  brought  to  perfection  by 
 Earl  Stanhope,  and  Mr.  A.  Wilson,  103. — Proves  of  great 
 advantage  to  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  in  pro- 
 moting its  views,  104,  105.— First  applied  to  the  Holy 
 Scriptures  by  the  Society,  194. 
 
 Steven,  Robert,  Esq.  63,  161. 
 
 Stewart,  Rev.  James,  translates  part  of  the  New  Testament  into 
 Gaelic,  205. 
 
 Stockholm  Evangelical  Society  established,  378. — Its  spirited 
 exertions,  442. — See  Society  pro  Fide,  &c. 
 
 Stuttgardt,  letter  from,  expressive  of  the  joy  with  which  the 
 news  of  the  establishment  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society  was  received  in  Germany,  113. 
 
 Sub-Committees  for  various  purposes,  appointed,  88,  89. — One 
 for  Oriental  translations  of  the  Scriptures,  97. 
 
 Sundius,  Christopher,  Esq.  30,  63,  89,  283. 
 
 Swabia,  coui.nuuication  from  a  Roman  Catholic  clergyman 
 in,  118.— One  thousand  iNew  resiitmcius  ordered  for  his 
 distribution,  124,  173. 
 
 Sweden,  inquiry  into  the  state  of  the  Scriptures  in,  114. — 
 Success  of  the  views  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  So- 
 ciety in,  377,  4:4:1.— See  Stockholm. 
 
 Switzerland,  a  correspondence  begun  with,  100. — Early  success 
 of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  in,  112. 
 
 T. 
 
 Tanjore,  state  of  religion  in,  321. 
 
 Tarn,  Mr.  Joseph,  concerned  in  the  measures  preparatory  to 
 the  formation  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society, 
 15. — Appointed  Assistant  Secretary,    56. 
 
 Tartar  translation  of  the  Scriptures,  294,  298. 
 
 Teignmouth,  Right  Hon.  Lord,  an  early  promoter  of  the  Bri- 
 tish and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  61. — Becomes  its  Presi- 
 dent, 66.— His  letter  on  the  proposed  edition  of  the 
 Welsh  Bible,  and  the  pretensions  of  the  Society  for  Pro- 
 
INDEX.  525 
 
 rooting  Christian  Knowledge,  143.— Defends  the  Society 
 against  Mr.  Twining's  attack,  355.— Replies  to  Dr.  Words- 
 worth's attack,  474. 
 
 Thorkelin,  Mr.  Justiciary,  240. 
 
 Thornton,  H.  Esq.  first  Treasurer  to  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  71. 
 
 Tranquebar,  letters  to  the  missionaries  at,  from  his  late  Ma- 
 jesty, King  George  I.  342. 
 
 Translations  of  various  portions  of  the  Scriptures  into  the  Mo- 
 hawk language,  12G. 
 
 of  the  Scriptures  into  Welsh,  138 — 150  ;  Gaelic, 
 
 203,  206,  314,  3G3 ;  Tartar  dialect,  252. 
 
 Oriental,  275,  288. 
 
 Malayalim,  321. 
 
 Trent,  council  of,  see  Council. 
 
 Twining,  Thomas,  Esq.  his  pamphlet  against  the  exertions 
 of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  in  India,  324. — 
 Declines  his  promised  motion  in  the  Court  of  East-India 
 Proprietors,  347. — Answered  by  Lord  Teignmouth,  355. 
 
 Tweddell,  Rev.  Robert,  435,  438. 
 
 Tyroleee,  the,  supplied  with  the  New  Testament  in  their  own 
 dialect,  440. 
 
 V. 
 
 Valpy,  Rev.  Dr.  40G. 
 
 Van  Diemen's  Land,  the  British  settlers,  <&c.  there,  supplied 
 with  the  Scriptures,  259. — Acknowledgment  from  Gover- 
 nor Collins,  260. 
 
 Versions  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  a  library  of,  instituted  for 
 the  use  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  135. 
 
 Vincent,  Rev.  Dr.  479. 
 
 U. 
 
 Udney,  G.  Esq.  99. 
 
 Ulster,  a  Bible  Committee   instituted  by  the   Synod  of,  364. 
 
 —Grant  to,  463. 
 Usko,  Rev.  J.  F.  304,  303. 
 
526  INDEX. 
 
 w. 
 
 Wagner,  Anthony,  Esq.  63. 
 
 Wald,  Rev.  Dr.  237. 
 
 Wales,  scarcity  of  Bibles  in,  first  occasion  of  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  2. — Various  extracts  from  let- 
 ters, &c.  relative  to,  3—8,  11.— Extraordinary  exertions 
 of  the  inhabitants  of,  in  favour  of  the  Society,  159. — See 
 Welsh  Bibles. 
 
 Wales,  New  South,  supplies  of  the  Scriptures  sent  to,  259, 
 363. 
 
 Ward,  Rev.  W.  99. — His  conciliatory  pamphlet,  on  occasion  of 
 Dr.  Wordsworth's  attack  upon  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  485. 
 
 Waring,  Major  Scott,  endeavours  to  procure  the  expulsion 
 of  the  Society's  agents  from  India,  344. — Better  informed  of 
 tlie  object  of  the  Society,  he  becomes  friendly  to  it,  348. 
 
 Warren,  Right  n^v.  r>r  Rishop  of  Bangor,  promotes  the 
 object  and  interest  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society 
 in  Wales,  160. 
 
 Welsh  Bibles,  scarcity  of,  occasions  the  rise  of  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  2. — A  new  edition  printed  by  the 
 Society  for  Promoting  Christian  Knowledge,  10;  but  in- 
 sufficient to  answer  the  demand  for  them,  12. — Proposal 
 for  another  edition,  by  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
 Society,  14,  89,  103,  105. — Unpleasant  discussion  relative 
 to  the  choice  of  the  text,  138 — 150. — The  New  Testament 
 completed,  262;  and  received  with  great  demonstrations 
 of  joy  by  the  peasantry,  263. — Another  impression,  391. — 
 Distribution  of,  458. 
 
 Wesleyan  Methodists,  liberal  contributions  from,  417. 
 
 West  Renfrewshire,  see  Greenock. 
 
 Wilberforce,  W.  Esq.  promotes  the  formation  of  a  Society 
 for  distributing  the  Scriptures,  17. — Influence  of  his 
 speech  at  the  second  general  meeting  of  the  British  and 
 Foreign  Bible  Society,  62. — Appointed  on  the  Committee, 
 63. — Becomes  a  Vice-President,  71. 
 
INDEX.  527 
 
 Wilson,  Mr.  Andrew,  his  improvement  of  stereotype  printing, 
 103. 
 
 Wilson,  Joseph,  Esq.  63. 
 
 Wittman,  Rev.  Mr.  Director  of  the  Ecclesiastical  Seminary  at 
 Ratisbon,  publishes  an  address  to  Christians  of  the  Roman 
 Catholic  persuasion,  in  favour  of  Bible  Institutions,  174. 
 
 Wolff,  George,  Esq.  36,  63. 
 
 Wolga,  German  colonists  on  the,  supplied   with  Bibles,    253, 
 387. 
 
 Woolwich,  supplies  of  the  Scriptures  sent  to  the  convicts 
 at,  271. 
 
 Wordsworth,  Rev.  Dr.  his  attack  upon  the  British  and  Foreign 
 Bible  Society,  214,  410,  469.— Extract  from  his  «  Rea- 
 sons," &c.  473.— Reply  to  Lord  Teignmouth,  474. 
 
 Workhouses  supplied  with  the  Scriptures,  270,  396. 
 
 Wiirtemberg,  see  Stuttgardt. 
 
 Wyttenbach,  Rev.  Mr.  101. 
 
 Y. 
 
 Yorke,  Rev.  Philip,  471. 
 
 Young,  Professor,  of  Heidelberg,  101. 
 
 END   OF    VOL.    I. 
 
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