Address, explanatory of the principles, views, & exertions of the British and Foreign Bible Society, extracted from the first report of the Auxiliary Bible Society for Stirlingshire and its vicinity

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ADDRESS,

EXPLANATORY OF THE

Principles, Views, fy Exertions,

British and Foreign Bible Society,

EXTRACTED FROM

THE FIRST REPORT

AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY

S TIMLIMGSMIME

VICINITY.

LONDON :

Printed by J. Tilling, Grdsvenor-nw, Chelsea;

SOLD BY L. B. SEELEY, 169, FLEET-STREET;

J. HATCHARD, 190, PICCADILLY;

OLIPHANT, WAUGH, AND INNES, HUNTER'S SQUARE, EDINBURGH;

AND BY ALL OTHER BOOKSELLERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.

1814.

ADDRESS.

Xhe British and Foreign Bible Society was established
at London in the year 1804, by a number of enlightened
and pious individuals, desirous of promoting the best in-
terests of their fellow-creatures. The object of this Insti-
tution is to extend the circulation of the Holy Scriptures
throughout the British Empire, and amongst foreign
nations, unaccompanied with any human interpretation.
This simple object, from which the Society cannot depart
by the fundamental principle of its association, is thus
expressed in the first regulation : — " The designation of
this Society shall 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
authorised version."

It is difficult to conceive of a Society existing, with an
object more pure and laudable, more happily exempted
from any reasonable objection, or better calculated for
combining, with conscientious consistency, the exertions
of Christians of every name. For if the Scriptures be
^pknowledged to have proceeded from the Almighty, an<l

a 2

to contain the only authentic record of his will with
respect to the salvation and the duty of man, it must,
doubtless, be of primary importance, that the world
universally should possess these Scriptures; nor can it be
believed, that any man is acting amiss, but, on the con-
trary, is discharging a service in itself acceptable to God,
and most beneficial for mankind, who exerts himself,
according to his opportunities, for the accomplishment
of an end so greatly desirable.

The chief objections to the principle itself of the Bible
Society, which have yet been heard, with the exception of
those which infidelity might be expected to suggest, are
the two following: — " In circulating the Scriptures
" without note or comment," it has been seriously urged,
Christians of different denominations expose to hazard
the peculiarities of the particular profession of each ; and
that in order to protect themselves against this hazard,
the articles of their belief should accompany the Scrip-
tures ; — as if it really were hazardous to allow the Word
of God to shine with unassisted light, as if the universal
knowledge of its contents could endanger any thing in
religion which it is desirable to retain. Bible Societies,
it has likewise been objected, unite Christians of different
denominations, whom policy should keep separate. But
it constitutes, undoubtedly, no small recommendation of
these societies, that without inducing Christians to com-
promise or abandon whatever they believe the Scriptures
contain, they affectionately unite them for their universal
dissemination ; nor can there be any enlightened, bene-
volent, or Christian policy, in resisting their union for
the execution of such a design.

But it is not from any systematical opposition to the
principle itself, that the Bible Society has to apprehend
either neglect or hostility, so much as from inattention to

the necessity of its exertions, or misconceptions of the
nature of its proceedings. No where, accordingly,
throughout the Christian world, has it failed of awaken-
ing interest, and securing support, where these have been
generally known. Under this impression, the Auxiliary
Bible Society for the county of Stirling and its vicinity,
request the attention of the public — to the necessity
existing for the exertions of the Society, and the wide
fields opened and opening for its labours ; — to the princi-
ples upon which the Society has acted in disseminating
the Scriptures ; — to the spirit with which its distributions
have already been received ; — and to the successful exer-
tions it has already made.

From surveys which have been actually taken, it
appears, that the deficiency of Bibles, in by far the larger
proportion of the British empire itself, is greater than an.
inhabitant of Scotland, where happily, in the low country
at least, such a deficiency is comparatively unknown, could,
possibly have imagiaed. In many parts of England, in
Wales, but especially in Ireland, the active zeal of the
British and Foreign Bible Society has disclosed necessities
truly afflicting. Would it have been believed, that in the
diocese of Durham, in which there is no reason to think
the scarcity of the Scriptures is greater than in other parts
of England, where an enquiry was lately instituted by
order of the Bishop, for the express purpose of ascertain-
ing the number of persons destitute of the Word of God ;
a no less than 5,800 families have been found who are
destitute of the Scriptures ;" and it is added, that, " tf
this be considered as a fair ground of computation for all
the other dioceses, then the number of families in England
and Wales in want of Bibles will be more than 350,000,
or nearly two mil/ions of individuals. Enquiries have

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also been made recently, as far as relates to the ships and
regiments on home service, in which, outof 31,340 sailors
and soldiers who can read, only 5,465 have either Bible
or Testament ; and the Naval and Military Bible Society
has been unable to give one Bible to every tenth person
who has applied."

Great as this deficiency is, it is little to what exists in
Ireland.

By the intelligence received from Ireland, it appears, that there is no
part of the United Kingdom where this want is more felt than in the
southern provinces of that island ; that not above a third part of the Pro-
testant families there possess Bibles ; and that amongst the Papists, who-
are far more numerous, a Bible is probably not to be found, in more than
one, out of 500 families. — First Repcrt, p. 15.*

Although the demand for Bibles in Ireland has been
great, and the supply considerable, since this lamentable
fact was announced to the public (1805) ; yet from the
extent of the deficiency, it cannot, as yet, have been sup-
plied to any very great comparative amount.

In noticing the necessities of our own country, a very
interesting class of objects who have enjoyed the bounty
of the Society must not be overlooked — the foreign pri-
soners of war. Of these unfortunate persons, not fewer
than from fifty to eighty thousand are to be found in the
prisons of this country ; and almost all, as they arrive, are
destitute of the Scriptures. When their desolate situation,
their abundant leisure, the impressions likely to be pro-
duced by such a present from the hand of a stranger in a
hostile country, with the influence they may individually
produce by means of the Bible on their return to their

- ~ ^ > — — ■

* The references in this Address are to the Reports of the British and
Foreign Bible Society, or to the Appendixes to those Reports.

homes, are considered ; the supplying of these persons
-with the Word of God, must surely appear a very fit object
of Christian benevolence.

The British and Foreign Bible Society, it may also be
noticed, in the true spirit of Christian charity, have been
solicitous to furnish with a supply of Bibles, prisons, hos-
pitals, and alms-houses ; that there, amidst their solitude
and their misery, the Word of God may meet the eye of
the poor, the diseased, and the profligate.

But the chief proportion of the exertions of the Society
is demanded for the supply of foreign nations; and if such
are the necessities of Britain, it will readily be believed
that theirs are greater still. These necessities the Society
have brought to light by a series of researches, which
remarkably shew how ingenious and indefatigable true
benevolence can be ; and for which, they are entitled to
the thanks and the admiration of the Christian world.
Among the nations of Europe, with the exception of
Holland, the Scriptures, as appears from their enquiries,
are very partially enjoyed, owing to the following causes :
— the extreme poverty of many of the inhabitants, — the
absolute deficiency in the supply of copies of the Bible,
— in some places, to the exorbitant price of a Bible, when
it is to be found, — and to habits, consequently ceasing,
such as exist with us, of each family making a point of
possessing a copy of the Word of God. The following
authentic facts, among a multitude to the same purpose,
to be found in the printed records of the Society, confirm
and illustrate these assertions.

A Correspondent in Nuremberg thus writes:

When I happened to take my usual tour through Austria and Stiria, at
Easter last, I had so many urgent calls for Bibles and New Testaments,
ihat I really felt distrest, not knowing what to Ho, or how to supply the"?*
urgent demand*. — Tint Report, App. No. III.

A 4

Another Correspondent at Nuremberg writes :

Alas, how much are Bibles still wanting every where ! Even when a
supply ha6 been made here and there, a new deficiency soon arises again.
In a neighbouring village, there are many children who manifest a strong
attachment to the Word of God; but the parents are too poor to purchase
any Bibles, and the pious clergyman is at a loss how to provide for them.
I could write whole pages, were I to mention every particular concerning
the deplorable want of Bibles. — First Report, App. No. VII.

We have the following account of the necessities of the
Grisons, a people inhabiting a mountainous district of
Germany :

A company of active Christians in Basle have determined to print an
edition of the New Testament for the benefit of the Grison mountaineers,
who have a peculiar dialect, with the intention that it should be gratui-
tously distributed, or sold at a very cheap rate. This work will be pecu-
liarly acceptable to the Grisons ; as the former editions of the New Tes-
tament have become so scarce among them, that a copy of it is rarely to
be procured, and- only at an exorbitant price. — Fifth Report, p. 2.

The following extracts refer to populous provinces in
the north of Europe :

In reply to your questions respecting the Lithuanian Bible, I beg leave
to inform you, that, according to statements received from various quar-
ters, the Lithuanian nation contains upwards of a million of people, the
bmaller part of whom are under the Prussian, and the larger under the
Russian government. Having already mentioned to you the scarcity of
the Lithuanian Bible, and the exorbitant sum it costs, (in another pas-
sage it is stated to be a sum equal to one pound sterling,) I now add, that
there are several worthy men who are greatly desirous to see a new
edition printed. There are many pious, but poor people in Lithuania,
who would exceedingly rejoice over the gift of a Bible; and others who
are, as yet, in a state of ignorance and sin, might be induced to read it,
and under the gracious influence of the Holy Spirit, be brought to a saving
knowledge of God and of his Son Jesus Christ. — Seventh Report, App.
No.L

The poverty of the lower classes in Esthonia and Livonia is extreme y
many of the peasants are ignorant even of the existence of the Bible ; at all

events, from its price and scarcity, it is unattainable by tJiem ; not one
family in a hundred possesses a copy, and there are four hundred thousand
families in Esthonia and Livonia absolutely without a Bible. It appears
also, that, for the last forty years, almost every individual in Esthonia
and Livonia has been taught to read ; and that there are many respecta-
ble and benevolent persons, both among the clergy and laity, who are
anxious for the religious improvement of their countrymen, and from
whom an active co-operation may be expected. —Seventh Report, o. 4.

From the representations of the Hungarian Professors, there are
upwards of a million of Protestants in Hungary, and but a small pro-
portion of Bibles among those who speak the Sclavonian and Hungarian
dialects ; many of whom are so oppressed by poverty, that they find it
necessary to appeal k> the benevolence of the British and Foreign Bible
Society. — Eighth Report, p, 7.

Extracts might be multiplied from almost any Report,
shewing the equally destitute situation of the other na-
tions of Europe, with the exception formerly mentioned.
The selection, however, shall be closed with the affecting
account presented of Iceland.

A gentleman well known in England and Scotland, a native of Ice-
land, lias spent a great part of his time in his native country ; and as
from his learning, and the station he holds under the crown, he has had
an opportunity of making himself perfectly acquainted with the state of
the country in every respect, his information may be depended on. The
mumber of inhabitants is about 50,000. Although they have no public
schoolmaster, there is not one among a hundred above twelve or fourteen
years of age who cannot read with ease ; and few who cannot write.
But although they enjoy these advantages, they are almost entirely without
books. As no people in the world are fonder of reading, they endeavour
to supply the want of books by the laborious substitute of transcribing
them. Bibles and Testaments are no longer to be had for any money ; and
it is a lamentable fact, that there are not above 40 or 50 entire copies of
the Bible in the whole Island. (In another letter from the same person) :
Thecommon people in Iceland are not behind those of the same description
in Denmark, in regard to religious information. This is owing, in the
first place, to their great desire for reading, and knowledge in general ;
secondly, to their excellent religious exercises, which are held in every
house from Michaelmas to Easter. Among other devotional books, the

10

Bible, and particularly the New Testament, is read before the family in
every place where this precious book can be had. It is very lamentable,
however, that this is not now to be obtained, even for money. When it
happens to appear at an auction, it sells at an enormous price. Never
will Iceland forget her dear Stistrup, who, at his own expense, bought and
sent to this place a great many Bibles and New Testaments to be given
away gratis. 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 the parish, for themselves and their children. —
—Third Report, App. No. VII.

In America, as well as in England, deficiencies have
been found to exist, which would never have been be-
lieved or imagined, had they not been ascertained ; and as-
certained by enquiries produced by the example, or more
direct influence of the British and Foreign Bible Society.
The following are only specimens of what the records of
the Society present in illustration of this.

The necessity for such an institution (in Philadelphia) has appeared
much more evidently to the managers, since, in the course of their duty,
they have been led to make particular enquiries into the condition of the
poorer class of people in this city, than it ever did before. The deficiency
of Bibles has been found to be much greater than was expected ; and it
is believed to be as great in many other places. The number of families
and individuals who are destitute of the Scriptures is so great, that the
whole of the funds in the possession of the Society, could be profitably
expended in supplying the wants of this city alone, and the opportunities
of distributing them in other places are so numerous, that if their funds
were tenfold as great as they are, they would still be inadequate to satisly
the demand.— Sixth Report, App. No. VIII.

We repeat a communication already often made, and which there is
too much reason to fear has not been sufficiently noticed, that although
there is not perhaps a spot on earth of equal population with this state,
(Connecticut,) better supplied with the Holy Scriptures, yet many are
destitute of this blessed volume : probably more are without the Scriptures-
through poverty, than could at present be conveniently supplied with our
funds. To those who have not actually investigated this subject, this
may look like a conjecture, and may seem very improbable. — Ninth Report,
App. No. XXVI.

11

Documents might be multiplied, illustrating the vast
field for the operations of the Society which our Eastern
empire providentially presents, comprehending a popula-
tion of Sixty Millions; in which, according to the first
Report of the Calcutta Auxiliary Bihle Society, which has
recently reached this country, nearly a million of Chris-
tians are to be found, who would gladly receive the word
of life, but are almost entirely destitute of it.

In this short survey, we omit entirely, with the excep-
tion of India, Mahommedan and Pagan nations — all in
darkness — which, alas ! have hitherto formed by far the
larger proportion of the world. Is it possible for the
Christian to contemplate this necessitous condition of his
fellow-creatures, without instantly feeling the duty and
importance of hastening to relieve it, and sanctioning, with
his whole heart, any reasonable plan for accomplishing this
relief?

Let us, then, advert to the means which, with this
view, the British and Foreign Bible Society has adopted ;
and, appealing to the same documents, we shall find that
they are precisely such as the nature of the case, well un-
derstood, would suggest and prescribe.

An idea has some how gone abroad, that those in Chris-
tian countries, who are in want of the Scriptures, are such
as ate unable to read; and that, consequently, the distri-
butions of the Society, however well intended, must, in a
great degree, be lavished in vain. In vain, undoubtedly.,
they would in this case be. But if any can imagine that
the British and Foreign Bible Society could be guilty of
such folly, as to squander its funds in presenting Bibles to
those who are unable to peruse them, they may be unde-
ceived by the following facts, in addition to what is
involved in some of the preceding extracts.

Among a series of enquiries proposed to an intelligent

12

correspondent, in the contemplation of furnishing the tribe
of the Calmucks with the Scriptures, this was the sixth,
" Can the Calmucks read ; and is there any ground to ex-
pect, that they could and would make a good use of the
Bible ?'' Fourth Report, App. p. 32.

In a very early stage of their labours, the Society in-
tended to publish an edition of the Scriptures in the na-
tive Irish, but they previously inquired to what extent
such a version would be useful, from the capacities of read-
ing among those who speak this language; and from the
uncertainty in which they were left, notwithstanding all
the information they collected, they delayed this version
for years ; nor did they proceed to publish it, until they
received the most satisfactory assurances that it would be
used. Were it necessary to say any thing farther for re-
moving a misconception so very absurd, illustrations of
the same caution on the part of the Society might be
selected from almost any Report.

The principles upon which the Society has acted, are
equally simple and reasonable. The great object evidently
is, to provide every where a supply of Bibles, corre-
sponding as far as possible with the local necessities. By
sacrificing profits on their sales, and adopting the most
economical method of printing, they endeavour to furnish
the Scriptures at the cheapest possible rate. For encou-
raging subscriptions, and enlarging the opportunities for
the charity of individuals, they allow each subscriber to
purchase, in a certain proportion to his subscription, at a
considerable reduction of price. By confidential agents
in various parts of the British empire, and of the world,
they encourage the purchase of the Scriptures at the Socie-
ty's prices — they furnish them at a reduced price to such
as cannot afford the whole — and they give them gratui-
tously to the poor. In the two last cases, it will be found

13

that the Society is particularly cautious ; that, from the
necessity of economy, as well as other obvious considera-
tions, they never, but in very urgent cases, or from other
circumstances very peculiar, distribute gratuitously ; and
they instruct their agents, as well as Auxiliary Societies,
to accept of any sum, rather than, when any thing can be
afforded, give a Bible for nothing. They have likewise
invariably exerted themselves to institute societies in va-
rious parts of the world, and especially in the most neces-
sitous quarters; encouraging their formation, and aiding
their exertions, by donations of the Scriptures, or by
pecuniary supplies.

The Regulations of the Society, to be found in the Ap-
pendix, sufficiently explain their encouragements to sub-
scribers, and the prices at which they afford the Scrip-
tures. The following are illustrations of the other prin-
ciples of distribution referred to.

Your Committee avail themselves of the present opportunity to state
their opinion, that the plan of selling the Scriptures to the poor, where
practicable, has been found to possess several important advantages over
gratuitous distribution. They have, accordingly, suggested it in a resolu-
tion, which they have adopted, viz. " That the several Auxiliary Bible
Societies be requested to promote the sale of Bibles andTestaments among
the army and navy, and also to supply prisoners of war, jails, hospitals,
alms-houses, &c. at their discretion, respect being had in all cases to the
preference given by the Parent Society to sale, at however low a price, over
gratuitous distribution."

A respectable correspondent thus addresses the Society,
who, upon their usual principles, complied with his re-
quest, voting 200/. for the purposes which he mentions.

Permit me to come forward again with a petition in behalf of our good
friends the Swedes. In Finland, are many thousand Swedes without the
Bible. The Society in Abo need to employ all their funds for the Finnish
Bible, of which I hope soon to send you a specimen. The consequence is,
that, at least for many years, nothing can be done for the Swedes in Fin-
land from this quarter. Now I would propose, that your Committeeshould

14

appropriate a sum of money, for the purpose of procuring a stock of Bibles
for their use. I should propose that you give the society in Abo ICO/, on
condition that they employed it in purchasing Bibles and Testaments from
the Society in Stockholm, selling them out again at prime cost, so that tha
whole of the sum be returned again into the funds of the Society, to procure
a fresh supply with, till every one who was willing and able to pay for a
Bible had obtained one. A second sum ought to be appropriated, for pro-
curing a supply of Bibles and Testaments to be given gratis, or at reduced
prices, to the poor, and this sum could be renewed from time to time, till all
were furnished with the Scriptures.— Ninth Report, App. No. XXXIII.

As an example of the influence of the Society in forming
Bible Societies in other parts of the world, the Hungarian
Institution ma}' be selected. In the Eighth Report, we are
told " they promised a donation of 500/. to aid the print-
ing and continued circulation of the Hungarian and Scla-
vonian Scriptures, if a Society shall be established in Hun-
gary for that purpose." By the Ninth Report, we have the
following interesting account of the result of this offer, in
connection with the previous enquiries and suggestions of
the Society. "The promise of 500/. in the event of the
formation of a Bible Society in Hungary, to aid the print-
ing and continued circulation of the Hungarian Scriptures,
enabled the friends of the undertaking in that country to
forward it, with an activity which has been crowned with
success. The Hungarian Bible Institution has been form-
ed at Presburg, under the patronage of the Baroness de
Lay, a Protestant lady of high distinction and character.
Great exertions have been made to give it publicity, and
to procure subscriptions: it is expected that it will obtain
the support both of Catholics and Protestants. The Hun-
garian Bible Institution commenced its operations, by pur-
chasing Sclavonic Bibles for sale to the poor, at a very
cheap rate."

When we coolly consider these methods, which the Bri-
tish and Foreign Bible Society has adopted for the disse-
mination of the Scriptures, we may surely ask if mankind

15

are to be supplied with the word of God, what other
means more simple, efficient, and unobjectionable, are to
be employed for this purpose?

That the bounty of the Society may have been abused,
notwithstanding all this caution, is no do ;bt possible ; al-
though it deserves to be remarked, that such cases, to any
extent worthy of notice, are yet to be made out, and that
certain assertions of the existence of these cases, very
loudly and industriously propagated, have proved, upon
enquiry, to be altogether frivolous. But what species of
charity has not been abused by the unworthy? To oppose
the British and Foreign Bible Society, on the ground of the
misconductof individuals supplied by its beneficence, would
not be more rational, than, on account of the profligacy of
some who may have received our private alms, to resolve to
give alms no more, or to deny generally the propriety of
alms-giving; — it would not be more rational, than to op-
pose charitable institutions, framed by benevolence and wis-
dom, because some have been sufficiently unprincipled to
turn their bounty into licentiousness. Those, undoubtedly,
involve themselves in no small degree of criminality, who,
instead of patiently investigating the published records of
the Institution, listen to rumours, which they cannot au-
thenticate ; and, on the ground of these rumours, not only
keep aloof from the Society themselves, but discourage
those who would otherwise lend it their assistance.

But let us now examine how far from fact there is rea-
son to believe, that the efforts of the Society have not been
in vain; let us examine whether the multitudes, for whose
welfare it labours, are alive to their own necessities, and
disposed to improve its beneficence. It is here especially,
that the friends of the Institution are furnished with the
most delightful encouragements to persevering exertion.

16

and with cause of gratitude to that Being, in whose hands
are the hearts of all men, and who is able to dispose them
as he pleases. By the gracious favour of his Providence,
a desire for the Scriptures has exceeded all the means of
gratifying it. Wherever the existence of the Society has
been known, and its exertions employed, multitudes have
embraced its bounty with the most affecting eagerness.
Large editions have been purchased, almost as soon as
they were announced ; the gratuitous distributions have
heea received with the most moving expressions of grati-
tude ; and extensive as are the means of the Society, they
have hitherto been unable any where to answer the de-
mand. But especially, there is the most abundant evi-
dence, from the records of the Society, that, in as far as
opportunities of observation havs been furnished, the
Scriptures have not been neglected by those who have re-
ceived them, — they have been read with care, and, it is to
be hoped, with profit, not only in cases where, from the
previous character of those who have received them, this
might have been anticipated, but in cases where this result
must have been less confidently looked for. Yes, the boun-
ty of the Society has been received with the best emotions.
While thousands in this empire have gladly accepted, and
are now improving it, the poor in distant countries, re-
joicing in the gift, have wondered at that benevolence which
induced British Christians to think of them ; and prison-
ers taken in war, sharing its beneficence, have blessed the
hour which made them captives to Britain, and have lost
their enmity to the land of their captivity.

Illustrations of these facts might be collected in abun-
dance from the Appendix of any Report, — from none more
copiously than the last. The following are among the
shortest, though by no means the most affecting specimens.
The first is an extract of a letter from a privy councillor.

17

in Iceland, expressing the feelings of the inhabitants of
that island, on occasion of their receiving the much
needed supply of the Scriptures from the British and
Foreign Bible Society.

According to our last interview, I take the liberty of sending you inclosed,
extracts from letters written to roe by friends in Iceland, relating to the
want of the New Testament in that country, and the gratitude of my coun-
trymen towards those who supplied them with the book which they adore.
As to the certificates referred to by Mr. Thorlacius, they prove all and
every one, that there has been in Iceland for some years past the most
deplorable want of books, useful to convey spiritual knowledge among
the people. The rectors, therefore, testify the warmest gratitude to their
genenerous benefactors. They pray, " that the Almighty God, who is all
charity, may reward those great promoters of piety and virtue, with his
choicest blessings, temporal and eternal." And so, my dear Sir, I beg you
will bear from my countrymen and myself, a testimony which may con-
vince the illustrious Society (of which you are a worthy member,) of our
unfeigned gratitude, and our zeal in promoting your pious designs. (En-
closures follow.)— Ninth Report, App. No. XXIII. 9.

The Finnish Bible Society thus express themselves, in
an address to the British and Foreign.

For this so great, so pious a service done to Christianity, and particu-
larly to Finland, accept our bounden and heartfelt thanks, and be assured,
that the memory of it will remain with us for ever. — Ninth Report, App.
No. XXX.

The next extracts relate to prisoners of war.

It is impossible to give an adequate description of the anxiety that was
manifested by the poor Spaniards to get possession of a New Testament;
many sought them with tears and earnest entreaties ; and although I had
nearly enough for them all, yet it was with difficulty they were pacified, un-
til they received from my hand the word of eternal life. Since which, I
have witnessed the most pleasing sight that ever my eyes beheld- nearly a
thousand poor Spanish prisoners sitting uround the prison walls— doing
what? reading the word of God with an apparent eagerness, that would
have put many professing Christians to the blush.— Third Report, App,
No. X.

18

For many months last past, numbers of the prisoners have manifested a
great desire to read the Scriptures. As soon as I found this to be the case,
in order to supply them as far as possible, and at the same time to prevent
the books being too cheap, I procured one or two respectable officers on
board of each ship, who love the Bible, and committed to their care a few
Bibles and Testaments, to lend out every day in the manner of circulating
libraries. This plan has hitherto answered well ; for we often see small
parties collected together in different parts of the ship, and one engaged
in reading to the rest. But in proportion as the Bible is known, the desire
to read it becomes more general; hence, in addition to the circulating
libraries, when I find a person who has a strong desire to possess a Bible or
Testament of his own, to take home with him to his native country, I give
him one. A few days ago, I visited the general hospital-ship, and was
much pleased to see some of the poor dying captives reading the Bible as
they lay in their beds. I have letters in my possession, both in French
and German, expressive of the high sense of gratitude which many of
those feel, to whom the bounty of the Society has extended. — Eighth Report,
App. No. LXXI.

It will be remembered, that, in some of my former letters, I mentioned
that circulating libraries had been established for the benefit of those who
were desirous of reading the word. Those libraries were attended with
considerable advantage, as they gave an opportunity to a great number of
persons to read the same book. In the course of the last six months, we
have been enabled to improve upon the plan of libraries by the institution
of schools, for the purpose of teaching the ignorant to read the sacred Scrip-
tures. The schools are ten in number, containing thirty scholars each. To
each school we allow fifteen Testaments, that is, one between every two scho-
lars, and one Bible for the use of the master. By this means, the preserva-
tion of the books is secured, and they are read by 300 scholars several hours
every day. It is pleasing to see many (even old men with spectacles) who,
six months ago, could not read at all, now able to read the Word of God
with a good degree of ease.— Ninth Report, App. No. XXXVI.

The following, from the negroes in the West Tndia
islands, are very interesting:

(From Antigua.) We have the pleasure to receive a large quantity of
Bibles and Testaments, for distribution among those negroes who can read.
We cordially thank the venerable Society for this proof of their love to the
negroes. They spend, even now, many an hour in the night, to exercise
themselves in reading the most blessed of all books.

(From St. Kitt's.) With great joy we received, among the stores sent us.

19

a chest containing Bibles and Testaments. We beg to render to the gene-
rous donors our best thanks. We distributed them liberally among all those
of our negro converts who can use them; and were desired by them all to
send their thanks, in the best manner, to the worthy British and Foreign
Bible Society. They added, that they did not in the least deserve such hu-
mane attention from such good men in England, living at so great a dis-
tance from them; but that they would not cease to pray the Lord to bless
them, and be their eternal reward. — Seventh Report, App. No. XLI.

There are other expressions of the same sentiments,

from various parts of the West Indies. It is impossible to

describe the joy produced among converts from heathen

nations by the gift of the Scriptures, and the diligence

with which they peruse them.

The British and Foreign Bible Society has already had the gratification of
presenting to the Esquimaux, on the coast of Labrador, the gospel of St.
John, in their native language; and your Committee have since received a
translation of the three remaining gospels, which they have directed to be
printed. The value set upon the present already made, may be estimated
by the following passage in a letter from Labrador : " The Christian Es-
quimaux in all the three settlements, know no greater pleasure than to as-
semble in the evening , when they return from sea, or their hunting grounds,
in some hut or house, to hear the word of God read by one of the party,
adult, or child, who has been instructed in the schools established in each
place. — Ninth Report, p. 36.

- In another passage, these people thus warmly express
themselves :

Jesus is worthy of thanks, and our friends are worthy of thanks, who love
us so much though they have never seen us, and have printed for us the
comfortable words of God, that we might read them in our own language to
our joy and edification.— Seventh Report, App. No. XXVIII. Many affect-
ing scenes took place, when the gospel of St. John was distributed among
our Esquimaux, and their English benefactors were mentioned to them.
Tears of gratitude ran down many a cheek; and they expressed their won-
der and astonishment that there were friends in England, who, thougli en-
tirely unknown to them, yet wished to promote their eternal peace and
happiness, by sending them the precious gift of the Word of God. Some
pressed the little book to their bosom, and seemed as happy as if they en-
joyed a foretaste of heaven.— Eighth Report, App. No. XXXI.

B2

20

These, it may once more be remarked, are but inconsi-
derable examples of what the Reports of the Society exhi-
bit, and which justify, on the part of the Society, such
general language as this; " Its benevolence has been ac-
cepted with the same cordiality with which it has been
granted." And what heart, influenced by religion, will not
feel, that even these are more than a reward for all the
labours of the Society, and furnish the most satisfactory
encouragements to persevering exertion ?

It now remains to notice the extent of the influence and
exertions of the Society. These have already reached a
magnitude, which, whilst it astonishes, must proportion-
ally gratify its friends. It may truly be said, that never
did any association accomplish so much in so short a space.
There is not a civilised country on earth, which the bene-
volence of the Society has not already visited. They are
investigating the necessities, and hastening to supply the
wants, of the world. From Labrador to New South
Wales, from the eastern Archipelago to the western extre-
mities of America, they are diffusing the light of life. The
following list of their distributions within the united king-
dom, for the last year only, extracted from the last Report,
will exemplify the extent and variety of their exertions in
this single department.

To French, American, and other prisoners of war in Great Britain, and
returning in cartels.

To foreign troops at various stations.

To the poor of several parishes in the Presbytery of Glasgow, in consi-
deration of the collections mad* for the Society.

To the poor in Ireland, to be sold at very reduced prices, 550 Bibles, 40CO
Testaments.

To the poor Roman Catholics in Cumberland.

To the Hibernian Society, 250 Bibles, 1000 Testaments.
"■ To the Society in Edinburgh, for promoting Gaelic Schools in the High-
lands, 500 Gaelic Bibles, 500 Testaments.

21

To Derry Bible Society, 500 Bibles, 2500 Testaments.
To New Ross Bible Society, 250 Bibles, 1000 Testaments.
To individuals in Ireland.
To poor Danes.

To several regiments of Irish Militia.

To various individuals for charitable Institutions, and for Prisons, Hospi-
tals, Work-houses, and Guard-houses.

Their activity abroad has been proportional; and they
inform us, that " the number of Bibles and Testaments
issued by the Society, from the 21st of February to the
31st of December 1812 inclusive, is as follows: Bibles
81,319, Testaments 121,261, making the total quantity,
from the commencement of the Institution to that period,
221,734 Bibles, 412,785 Testaments."

They also announce the following very pleasant fact,
that " the Roman Catholic Bible Society at Ratisbon,
formed in 1806, has distributed 27,000 copies of the New
Testament in German, and continues its useful labours,
unaided by the British and Foreign Bible Society. It ap-
pears that, from the Ratisbon Society and other sources,
not fewer than 60,000 copies of the Holy Scriptures have
been circulated among the Roman Catholics in Germany
in the course of a few years."

The influence of the Society may likewise be estimated
from the number of Auxiliary Societies, by which, in the
British empire, it is now supported. Their number amounts
to nearly tzvo hundred, exclusive of the Branch Societies
connected with many of them ; and, as appears from their
published documents, they seem universally animated with
the spirit of the Parent Institution, in their activity, bene-
volence, and zeal.

The Hibernian Bible Society, aware of the importance
of its station, seems eminently distinguished by its ardour
in the common cause. In the course of the last year, 'f it
has augmented," as we are informed by tire last Report of

b3

22

the British and Foreign Bible Society, "the Branch Socie-
ties in connection with it from eight to thirty-five, all of
them extensive and vigorous, and animated with the most
lively zeal in the great cause for which they are associated.
The increased liberality of the Subscribers to this Insti-
tution, and the spirit of its new associates, have extended
the ^circulation of the Holy Scriptures in a proportionate
degree. Since its last Anniversary, the number of Bibles
and Testaments, distributed by the Hibernian Society
and its Branches, amounts nearly to 40,000, exceeding by
28,000 the distribution of any preceding year."

On the continent of Europe, the German, Berlin, and
Stockholm Societies, nourished by the Institution in Lon-
don, have long been acting with extensive effect; and the
Esthonian, Abo, Hungarian, and Petersburg Institutions,
are now added to their number. In the East, the Calcutta
Bible Society is extending its distributions, and diffu-
sing its spirit throughout the millions of India; and has
recently acquired two interesting associates in the Ceylon
Bible Society, of which the Governor is President, all the
Members of his Majesty's Council in the island Vice-Pre-
sidents, and most of the principal servants of the Crown
subscribers to its funds ; and the Bible Society for the
islands of Mauritius, Bourbon, and dependencies, whose
formation is just announced in a Postscript to the last Re-
port. In the American States, it must be added, Societies,
having the same object and the same spirit, are every
where formed, or forming. It is impossible for a Briton
to contemplate the relation of the London Institution to
these Societies in all quarters of the world, without the
liveliest interest: it is the trunk on which all these luxu-
riant branches grow; it is the soul which gives life and
action to all the members of this vast body.

Of the Societies referred to on the continent of Europe,

23

the one last mentioned is worthy of particular attention,
from its situation and probable influence. It seems to be
" the day spring from on high," visiting at length a popu-
lous region long in great darkness. The British and Fo-
reign Bible Society had long turned their attention and
their hopes towards Russia, a country where so much is
necessary, and so little done. They had been making in-
quiries, and endeavouring to excite interest, among per-
sons of influence as early as 1804. But it was not till the
commencement of this year, that, by the diligence and
perseverance of their agent at Petersburg, their benevo-
lent wishes were crowned with suceess, in circumstances
peculiarly auspicious. The following is extracted from
the last Report:

Your Committee will conclude their Report of the transactions of the
North of Europe, with the interesting information of the establishment
of a Bible Society at St. Petersburg, not only with the sanction, but with
the formal authority of his Majesty the Emperor of Russia. It deserves
to be recorded, that the Plan and Memorial for a Bible Society, obtained
the deliberate consideration, at the close of last year, of his Imperial
Majesty and his Ministers, at a time when their attention was necessa-
rily and closely occupied with military and political arrangements of the
greatest importance to the interests of the empire.

The Plan was honoured by his Majesty's signature; and on the 14th
of January, the imperial ukase, for the establishment of a Bible Society,
was published. It immediately excited the attention of all ranks and
classes of people. On the 23d of January, the establishment of the So-
ciety, on the plan and principle of the British and Foreign Bible Society,
took place in the house of Prince Galitzin, Minister of Religion for the
Empire: the Meeting convened for this purpose was composed of per-
sons of the highest rank, and of all descriptions of Christians, when
Prince Galitzin was elected President, and the Vice-Presidents and other
officers were nominated.

It was truly delightful to see the unanimity which actuated this As-
lembly, composed of Christians of the Russian Greek Church, Arme-
nians, Catholics, Lutherans, and Calvinists : and all met for the express
purpose of making the Gospel of the grace of God sound out from the
shores of the Baltic to the Eastern Ocean, and from the Frozen Ocean

to the Black Sea and the confines of China, by putting into the hands oi'
Christians and Mahommedans, ofLamites and the votaries of Shaman,
with many of the heathen tribes, the Oracles of the living God. Here
we had another proof of what the Bible can do, and of the veneration
which all Christians have for this blessed book. We see that it is still
capable of uniting Christians in the bond of peace.

It will add to the interest excited by this communication, to report,
that the Committee of the Petersburg Society have commenced their
operations with great spirit and harmony; that they are diligently em-
ployed in concerting measures for the formation of Branch Societies m
the chief cities of the empire ; and that their attention has been drawn by
your Committee to the prisoners of war, and also to the poor British sub-
jects in Russia, for whose use a considerable supply of Bibles and Testa-
ments in various languagc-i has been forwarded from the London Depo •
sitary.— Ninth Report, p. 27, 28, 29.

In contemplating this high degree of influence and ac-
tive operation, which the British and Foreign Bible So-
ciety has now attained, it is pleasing to remark the regu-
larity of its progress. Whether we take the contributions
— the Auxiliary Societies— or the numbers and conse-
quence of its avowed supporters, as the standard, this cha-
racter of its rise equally strikes us. The following is a list
of its net receipts each year since its institution :

£. s. d.

1805 5,502 10 5

1806 8,934 18 2|

1807 7,977 1 11$

1808 12,999 8 9|

1809 --16,483 1 4}

1810 27,114 9 1$

1811 24,683 5 7

1812 i • 43,532 12 5f

1813 76,455 1 0

The progress of the Auxiliary Societies in the British
empire, and of Bible Institutions in foreign nations, is
equally remarkable. As an interesting example, it may
be noticed, that no fewer than seventy-fnc of the former

25

have been established during the last year. The nurnbet
and importance of the latter, during the same period, is
also unprecedentedly great.

The progress of the Society in obtaining patronage is
equally remarkable. As soon as the knowledge of its ex-
istence spread among the friends of piety in the united
kingdom, their influence, as might have been expected,
whatever station in society they occupied, was, to no small
extent, cordially secured. And now we perceive the most
conspicuous ecclesiastical dignitaries in the English esta-
blishment— the first of the landed interest throughout the
empire — eminent senators — the most illustrious of the
peerage — the highest naval and military characters — and
several princes of the blood a"oyal, openly enrolling them-
selves among its friends. The language of the Duke of
Sussex at the last anniversary of the London Society is
worthy of being generally known, as it shews, that the
attachment of his Royal Highness to the Society is the
result of a mature examination of its merits, in which, it
is to be hoped his Royal Highness is expressing sentiments
common to him with many other illustrious patrons of the
Institution. " He had not embarked in this cause," he
said, " without the most serious reflection ; and they
might now consider his attendance as a brotherly act, and
the result of pure and sober reflection."

Such is the height to which this Institution has already
grown ; and it is pleasing to add, that nothing appears in
its character or circumstances, to justify apprehensions of
its decay. On the other hand, the nature of its object,
pure and benevolent, excluding almost the possibility of
division among its friends — the spiritual necessities of the
world, which, perhaps, for ages to come, will demand its
undiminished aid — the root which it has already struck in
the hearts of. the great and the good— the exertions which

26

these, enlightened by the benevolence of the Society, may
naturally be expected to make for their brethren any
where in darkness — and the sacred obligations under which
it now feels itself to fulfil the expectations which it has ex-
cited from the world — these, under the favour of Provi-
dence, are the guarantees of its prosperity and increase.

The preceding is a very imperfect sketch of this singu-
lar Institution. It is the character of every scheme of be-
nevolence, that, beside securing its direct design, many
secondary advantages, not perhaps contemplated by its ori-
ginal projectors, never cease to result from it. True bene-
volence in the heart is a sacred ilame; and although, by
some impulse, its greatest strength may be thrown towards
one object, it still tends to diffuse itself in all directions.
These secondary advantages which the British and Fo-
reign Bible Society has produced already, or will, in all
probability, eventually produce, are so obvious, that they
have been often enumerated. Its most obvious effect will
be, as it has been, to open a channel of affectionate inter-
course, to establsh a bond of fraternal union, among Chris-
tians of every denomination, and in all quarters of the
world. By the disclosures of the moral condition of man-
kind, which it will present to every Christian, it will fur-
nish him with information which will improve his heart,
and stimulate him to compassion, beneficence, and prayer.
By the importance which it represents the Christian world
as every where attaching to the Scriptures — by the grati-
tude with which mankind are every where observed to re-
ceive this present — by the effects which the diffusion of
the Scriptures will be seen to produce, it will raise still
higher our estimation of the word of God, and may sti-
mulate many to ponder with care, who have hitherto pos-
sessed, without duly appreciating, this best gift of God
to man. Assuredly it will give origin", or impart fresh

27

spirit, as it lias already done, to plans for the promotion
of general education. And it cannot fail to extend amongst
foreign nations, through the whole mass of their popula-
tion, the knowledge of the British name, and to exalt and
endear the British character.

It is almost superfluous to remark, that both the direct
object of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and these
secondary ones which have been now referred to, must, in
all probability, be more effectually secured, by the forma-
tion of an Auxiliary Association in a particular district,
than were the friends of the Society in that district to li-
mit their exertions to separate or congregational contribu-
tions. While such associations do nothing to diminish the
direct influence of the Parent Society, but allow it to be
felt in all its strength, they must necessarily augment it.
By identifying themselves with the Parent Society, they
transfer its influence to the spot where they exist; while
they increase the public interest, and enlarge the contribu-
tions, by the industrious circulation of intelligence, by
frequent meetings, as well as by direct personal applica-
tions. And without such associations, it is quite obvious,
that these secondary advantages, which should be esti-
mated so highly, would, in a very small degree, be gained,
would be diminished nearly in proportion to the distance
of any particular district from the centre of influence, the
seat of the Society.

In contemplating the nature, the exertions, and the pros-
pects of the British and Foreign Bible Society, it is dif-
ficult to exceed in our commendations of it. If there is a
tendency to attach undue importance to events occurring
in our own times, while interest is warm, and ere their
consequences have been developed by time ; from causes
equally powerful, there is also a tendency to err on the
other side. The political events of the last twenty years,

which have done more lo transform the face of the world
than the transactions of centuries before, have not appear-
ed, except to a reflecting few, in that magnitude, in which
they will be contemplated by a future age, when the his-
torian shall have presented them as a whole, exhibiting, at
one view, their nature, their causes, and their results.

This remark is unquestionably applicable to the opera-
tions of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and to the
estimate which the present age is apt to form of their im-
portance. Simple as this Institution is in its principles,
unimposing in its proceedings, necessarily presenting its
successes in separate details, and cautiously abstaining
from any confident anticipation of results, which, although
justified by the most reasonable probabilities, have not yet
occured; the present age will probably leave to succeed-
ing generations, that full interest, that warm admiration,
which will be produced by the contemplation of this sa-
cred union in the Christian world, rapidly attracting the
good in every land, for the prosecution of a scheme
equally simple, novel, and, as it should seem, practicable,
for removing darkness from the earth.

Among the many interesting circumstances connected
with this Institution, there are few more striking, or more
auspicious, than the singular era at which it has appeared.
At a time when, by the outward aspect of events, as well
as by the most sober explication of prophetic dates, the
reign of Antichrist is approaching its close, — when the
kingdom of the false prophet can scarcely sustain itself,
and seems only to await some inconsiderable shock to com-
plete its final overthrow, — when Jewish prejudices are be-
ginning to subside, and the first fruits of rejected Israel
have already been collected to God, — when almost every
kingdom of the earth has been shaken to its foundation,
and the last mighty overturnings are apparently begun, —

2$

at such a juncture, and amidst such events, it is that Bri-
tish Christians have arisen, surrounded with auxiliaries in
so many foreign lands, and have solemnly pledged them-
selves to God and one another, never to lay aside their
united efforts, until, by the favour of Heaven, they shall
have transmitted the bread and the water of life, to every
famishing family of the earth.

Ought not every Christian to be ambitious to unite him-
self with such a Society, and to aid it with his contribu-
tions, with his prayers, with his whole influence? To
supply the temporal necessities of his fellow-creatures is a
duty which the Christian will ever be forward to fulfil ;
but he will be ashamed of that worldly compassion, which
limits its sympathy and its bounty, to the body and to
time, — which has no tears to shed, no prayers to offer, for
the darkness, degradation, and wretchedness of the im-
mortal spirit, and makes no exertions to bestow whatever
will purify and exalt it on earth, and prepare it for felicity
hereafter.

Christians! in your own estimation, will not the world
be rich, when in every human abode, there will be a Bible?
Hasten, then, to enrich the world. Think, that although
in your dwellings, and in your favoured land, the light of
life shines without obscurity, there are millions of human
habitations which that light does not illumine, there are
whole regions of the earth in " darkness which may be
felt."

From the large contributions which the Society has al-
ready received, and the great exertions it has already made,
let none imagine that the work is done. The Society is
only in the outset of its career; its labours are but begun.
This appears from the nature of the object which the So-
ciety has proposed to itself, and it is impressively stated in
the following words of the last Report : — " But ample as