Communications relative to the progress of Bible societies in the United States

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COMMUNICATIONS

RELATIVE

TO THE PROGRESS

OF

BIBLE SOCIETIES

IN THE

UNITED STATES.

With other articles of information, exhibiting the progress of
similar institutions.

PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE PHILADELPHIA
BIBLE SOCIETY.

1813.

July 19, 1813.
Copy of a Resolution passed by the Board of Managers of the
Philadelphia Bible Society.

''Resolved, That the communication of Messrs. Schermerhorn
and Mills, laid before the managers at their last meeting, be
printed, together with a brief summary of the intelligence con-
tained in the treasurer's report of this day, relative to the insti-
tution of a Bible Society in Russia."

The Rev. Dr. Staughton and B. B. Hopkins were appointed
a committee to carry this Resolution into effect, and were em-
powered to append to the above communication such other mat-
ter as they may deem pertinent. Five hundred copies were
ordered to be printed.

Copy of a Resolution passed at a Meeting of the Board, Sep-
tember 20th9 1813.

" Resolved, That a compliment of a Bible in extra binding, be
made to Mr. Schermerhorn, and another to Mr. Mills, as a tes-
timony of the high sense entertained by this Board, of the exer-
tions of these gentlemen in promoting the establishment of Bible
Societies in their missionary tour.,,

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COMMUNICATIONS

RELATIVE TO THE PROGRESS

OF

Bible Societies in the United States.

Philadelphia, June 29th, 1813.
Robert Ralston, Esq.

Dear Sir,

IN October last, we communicated to you the forma-
tion of the Ohio Bible Society, and that in order to
accomplish it, we engaged that the Bible Societies of
Philadelphia, New York and Connecticut, would each
present them with one hundred bibles. From yours
of November, 1812, we were happy to learn that " the
managers of the Philadelphia Bible Society had agreed
to furnish the Ohio Bible Society with one hundred
English, and six French bibles,' y and that you had no
doubt, there would be a disposition in the Society to
aid " every new society, as far as it was in their power."
This information, together with a letter from the Rev.
Dr. John B. Romeyn, which stated that the New York
Bible Society had placed at our disposal five hundred
bibles, was a very great encouragement to us to at-
tempt the formation of Bible Societies, in the states

and territories we should visit in the missionary tour
assigned us. And it affords us great pleasure, that we
are able at this time to communicate, through you,
to the Philadelphia Bible Society, the success that has
attended our exertions.

In travelling through Ohio, shortly after the forma-
tion of the Bible Society at Marietta, we found this
event was hailed with joy by christians of every deno-
mination, and would receive their generous support.
Near one hundred and fifty dollars were subscribed
by a few individuals, at the first formation of the So-
ciety, and upwards of one hundred more at two places
where the subject was introduced after preaching. We
are persuaded, from the well known character of the
president and other officers of the Society, that through
the beneficence of the Societies already mentioned, and
the liberal subscription they obtained, they have al-
ready disseminated the word of life among many in
Virginia, Ohio and Indiana Territory.

In Kentucky we found the Lexington Bible Society
already in operation; but not in a very prosperous state.
It was too limited in its operations, and only partially
known, being confined to Lexington and its vicinity,
and considered as a Presbyterian establishment by
many christians of other denominations, and some-
thing in which they could not unite. It is peculiarly
injurious to the cause of religion, that party spirit or
sectarian zeal should ever keep good men from uniting
heart and hand, in a cause of the purest benevolence—
the distribution of the scriptures without note or com-
ment,— and from which all profess to derive those sen*

timents and practices which keeps them at variance,
and affect to consider as the only foundation of their
hopes of happiness in the world to come. In order to
promote the prosperity of this Society, and the cause
of religion generally, it was necessary that this opinion,
hpwever erroneous, should be removed. To this end
some amendments were proposed to their constitution,
the object of which was to show more explicitly the
design of the Society — to embrace, if possible, the co-
operation of all denominations of christians, and to
make it a general one for the whole state. Several of the
officers of the Society informed us, they had no doubt,
but that the proposed amendments would be adopted
by the Society, and on condition that this would be
done, we presented them with an order for one hun-
dred bibles.

In West Tennessee is probably organized ere this,
the Nashville Bible Society, We had not the pleasure
of seeing this Society formed, before it was expedient
for us to leave the place for Nachez. We had, how-
ever, the satisfaction of finding, that many with whom
we had an opportunity of conversing, approved of the
object, and promised their aid in the formation and
support of the Society. When we left Nashville, the
Rev. Gideon Blackburn assured us he would use
every means in his power to have the Society speedily
organized. With the hope and prospect that this
would soon take place, we ordered fifty bibles for this
Society, to the care of Mr. Blackburn, and gave as-
surances of future assistance, on representation of
their circumstances to the Societies who had already

exercised such a generous liberality towards the
Ohio Bible Society. While descending the Mississippi
with major general Andrew Jackson, and the volun-
teers under his command, we had frequent conversa-
tions with the staff and field officers, on the prospect
of the formation of the Nashville Bible Society, who
testified their approbation of the design, by subscrib-
ing upwards of one hundred dollars, to be paid when
the Society should be organized. To see such a res-
pect for the word of God, such regard for the good
of society, and such liberality manifested by the prin-
cipal officers in the corps of Tennessee volunteers,
made our hearts to leap for joy.

The Mississippi Bible Society was formed on the 27th
of March, 1813, at Nachez. The prospect here at the
first meeting, was truly discouraging, for not more
than five persons attended, though notice had been
given of the time, place and object of the meeting, in
the newspapers, for near two weeks previous to it.
But lest the enemy should rejoice at the ineffectual
attempt to disseminate light and truth among them,
the few that did attend were persuaded that it was
necessary that something ought to be done before they
separated. A committee, therefore, was chosen to
draft a constitution, and a day appointed for its adop-
tion. When the day arrived, there was a very respect-
able meeting of the citizens, among whom we were
happy to learn, were a number of the officers of the
general government for the territory; and that his ex-
cellency governor Holmes was placed at the head of
the institution. From this, as well as many other in-

stances which we could relate, we are satisfied that
nothing but perseverance and energy are necessary for
securing success to a cause, which has for its object
the prosperity of Zion, or the happiness of the human
family.

The Louisiana Bible Society was formed at New
Orleans on the 29th of March, 1813. The spirit which
was manifested at the formation of this Society, far,
very far, exceeded our most sanguine expectations.
From the character we had received of the place, we
were induced to think, if three or four individuals
could be found who would distribute such bibles as
might be committed to their disposal, by the Bible
Societies in the eastern or middle states, that a great
and very important point would be gained. This opi-
nion was much strengthened from being informed on
our arrival at New-Orleans, by Mr. Reis, a baptist
missionary, that after being there near two months, he
was unable to give away more than three or four
French bibles, out of two dozen that had been com-
mitted to him for distribution. However great the
discouragement, and small the prospect of success, —
and these were truly so, when we reflect that there
was no protestant minister settled here, and perhaps
never, before last winter, been visited by protestant
missionaries — the greater was the necessity, and the
stronger the motives to attempt the diffusion of divine
light and truth among the people.

The first step that we took was to call on the prin-
cipal clergy of the Roman Catholic church, to ascer-
tain whether they were opposed to the circulation of

a

the Sacred Scriptures among their people. To our
great joy, and their great praise, they assured us they
had not the least objection to it, and expressed them-
selves surprised that we could entertain such a sus-
picion. The bishop, however, observed, that he could
not recommend to his people, any other than the ver-
sions authorised by the mother church. To this we re-
plied, that the versions to be circulated in the English,
French, and Spanish languages, were the same as those
distributed by the British and Foreign Bible Society.
Should these versions, however, prove not to be the
same as those authorised by their church, he told us,
that even then he would not secretly or openly oppose
the distribution of them; though he would be in duty
bound to say, if asked, they were not the authorised
versions. The bishop informed us, after having ex-
amined the French New Testament, that it met his
approbation, and that a number of copies, if we had
them, might be immediately distributed in the convent
of Ursuline Nuns. At this nunnery have been, and
are still educated the daughters of the principal ca-
tholic families in Louisiana.

A subscription paper was now circulated, to ascer-
tain how many persons would favour the establish-
ment of a Bible Society. In a short time near fifty
names were procured, among which were the gover-
nor's, and many of the members of the legislature,
which was then in session. On the day appointed to
organize the Society, there was a general attendance
of the original subscribers, and the constitution, which
you have already received, was adopted. As soon as

-

it was known through the city that a Society had been
formed, and a few French bibles were on hand, the
catholics called for them, and in a very short time the
two dozen of Bibles committed to the care of Mr.
Reis, were distributed, and frequent calls every day
for more. It is not improbable, that in less than two
weeks two hundred bibles might have been distribut-
ed; and that among those who perhaps never had seen
a bible in a language they did understand.

The general principle we had always in view, in
the formation of those Societies, was to combine the
united support and energies of all denominations of
christians, by whatever name they were known. To
this end the constitutions of the several Societies allow
of a great number of managers, at the same time con-
stituting a limited number, which may easily be con-
vened, competent to transact the ordinary business of
the Society. By this means the board of managers
can always be composed of men of different denomi-
nations; and if chosen from different parts of the state
in which the Society is formed, the places most in
want of the scriptures may be easily discovered, the
the charity of the Society most properly bestowed,
and we would hope also, aid to it more generally con-
tributed. It is but just to observe, that whatever suc-
cess has attended our exertions in the formation of
Bible Societies, in a great measure must be attributed
to the generous donations of the Philadelphia, Con-
necticut and New York Bible Societies, and to the
promises of similar aid from them in future, on proper
representations being made to them. For the first ob-

B

10

jcction we generally found was the want of support
to such an institution; all were agreed as to the utility
and importance of the thing itself. This objection was
removed by being able to present them with a number
of bibles immediately, and to hold out the prospect
of future assistance. And this aid we felt in some
measure authorised to promise, from the cheerfulness
with which our engagements to the Ohio Bible Society
had been fulfilled, and from a firm persuasion that it
can be the only object of Bible Societies to circulate
the scripture, and that too where they are most wanted.
Dear Sir, these Societies are tender plants, and re-
quire much care and attention. Some are planted in
the barren heath, where little or no water is; still they
must be watered — frequently and generously watered
— before many can enjoy their refreshing shade, or
partake of their blessed fruits. Aware, however, that
the above Societies had already made very generous
donations — that calls for their charity were great at
home, and that particularly the funds of the Philadel-
phia Bible Society were nearly exhausted, by the pur-
chase of their stereotype press; we made no promises
to the Bible Societies in the west of any immediate or
particular assistance. Neither was it necessary; for in
addition to the number of bibles already mentioned as
distributed among these Societies, we have ordered
one hundred to the Mississippi Bible Society, and one
hundred and fifty to Louisiana. We trust, however,
that as the calls for your assistance multiply, your
means of communicating will increase; and that in

11

very deed you may experience the blessing of the pro-
mise, " he that water eth, shall be watered also himself."
We have as yet said nothing as it respects the great
want of the scriptures in the Western country; neither
can this be fully known, until after the Societies lately
formed have gone into operation, and made diligent
search as to these things. It may be observed in gene-
ral, that there are but few bibles there, except those
taken out by families religiously educated, who have
emigrated to that country; and it will be granted that
such familes bear no great proportion to the whole
number of inhabitants. There has been no edition of
the bible printed west of the mountains, and the in-
ducement to merchants to take out many, very small,
as will appear from the following anecdote. A mer-
chant in Tennessee observed during the earthquakes
in 1811 and 1812, that before these took place, he
used to sell ten packs of cards where he sold one bible,
now he sold ten bibles where he sold one pack of cards.
We have, however, some data from whence we may
form a general estimate of the great want of the scrip-
tures in this part of our country. If we are correctly
informed, the Bible Society of Connecticut has distri-
buted in New Connecticut, Ohio, five hundred bi-
bles, and that two or three hundred more would be
necessary to supply the destitute in this district. The
population at the time these bibles were distributed,
was about 16,000 inhabitants. Suppose then, that
eight hundred bibles were necessary to supply the
destitute among this number of inhabitants, and then
it will be found one bible was wanted among every

12

twenty souls. This district cannot be supposed, when
we reflect from whence the settlers chiefly went, to be
more destitute than any other part of the western
country; so that we may safely estimate that want of
the bible in this part of our country, to be as great in
proportion to the population, as was found to exist in
New Connecticut. The states of Kentucky, Tennessee,
Ohio and the Territories of Indiana, Illinois and Mis-
sissippi, have a free population of upwards of 1,000,000,
and of slaves about 1 50,000. Now if we suppose those
destitute of the scriptures in these states and territo-
ries, to bear the same ratio to the whole number of
inhabitants that existed in New Connecticut, at least
50,000 bibles are necessary to supply their immediate
wants; and we should not be surprised if, on enquiry,
it was found, that double this number was wanted.
For it is supposed, and that by those who have taken
pains to ascertain, that in the state of Connecticut,
which has a population not exceeding 270,000 souls,
about 20,000 bibles were wanted to supply the desti-
tute among them. If the want of bibles is so great in
a state that has churches and schools, with able teach-
ers, established in every town, is it reasonable to sup-
pose, that in those states and territories, where in
most places they have only occasional preaching, few
schools, and these poorly supplied with instructors,
and in many places neither churches nor schools, that
the want of the scriptures can be less?

The inhabitants of Louisiana and the territory of
Missouri, before the United States took possession of
the country, were entirely Roman Catholics, and we

13

know that formerly it never constituted a part of their
policy to tolerate protestant preachers, or allow the cir-
culation of the scriptures among the people, and must
be considered, therefore, as entirely destitute, except
the few that have been sent there since the cession of
the country. The bishop at Orleans spoke his mind
most freely on this subject, and observed that he did
not believe there were ten bibles among all the catho-
lics in New Orleans. This is probably correct, for we
were informed that when the Americans took posses-
sion of the country, it was not until after long search
that a bible could be found to administer the oath of
office; and the one at last procured was a Latin vul-
gate from one of the priests. This country at present
contains a free population of 100,000 souls, of which
about 70,000 are catholics, and slaves about 40,000.
Many of the protestants, it is to be lamented, are as re-
gardless of the scriptures as if they had no souls, and
there was no hereafter; but many also, as appears from
a letter from S. Hamstead, St. Louis, have not means
to procure them, and wish that some bibles might
be sent there. Here also are 70,000 of our adopted
brethren without a bible— the obstacles which for-
merly existed to the circulation of bibles among them
removed, and they eager to receive them. And can
christians, who have bibles enough, and to spare,
withhold from them and our other destitute brethren
in the west, the bread of life? Does charity begin at
home? Here then is an ample field for the exercise of
it. Thousands! tens of thousands, sit without a bible

14

in a land of Gospel light and liberty. " Tell it not in
Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon."

We would suggest to you, whether it would not
be greatly for the interest of Religion, should the
Bible Society of Philadelphia, the parent institution
in America, commence a correspondence with the
Bible Societies in the Atlantic States, on the subject
of printing, in union with the Louisiana Bible Society,
an edition of the French New Testament for distribution
in Louisiana and Missousi. The French inhabitants
are upwards of 50,000. It is a fact, however, that not
more than one out of ten can read; an edition of 5,000
copies, therefore, would probably meet the present
necessities of the country. Could not some general
bond of union be formed among some of the Bible
Societies for similar purposes, hereafter, for the as-
sistance and encouragement of new bible societies in
the country — and particularly for the supply of our
brethren in the west?

The Spanish inhabitants are not numerous. Five
hundred bibles is supposed will be sufficient to supply
all the Spaniards that can read in Louisiana, and these
may be obtained from the British and Foreign Bible
Society. Would it be improper, in some of your com-
munications to this Society, to suggest, that if they
design to make any donation to the Louisiana Bible
Society, it would be most to the interest of the So-
ciety to receive the amount in Spanish bibles or tes-
taments? Should the revolutions which are now taking
place in New Spain and South America, finally ter-
minate in the establishment of independent govern-

15

ments, an event which we look upon as certain, and
not far distant, the printing of the Spanish bible for
distribution in those countries, would be a very im-
portant consideration for the Bible Societies in Ame-
rica, and its accomplishment form a new and most
interesting era in their history.

With our best wishes for the prosperity and welfare
of the Philadelphia Bible Society,
We are,
with esteem and affection,

your obedient friends and servants,
SAMUEL J. MILLS,
JOHN L. SCHERMERHORN.

ADDRESS.

The Managers of the Philadelphia Bible Society cherish, with-
confidence, the persuasion, that their sister societies throughout
the Union will perceive the importance of the measure recom-
mended by the Rev. Mr. Schermerhorn and the Rev. Mr. Mills,
in the twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth pages of the preceding
communication. The circulation of the New Testament through
a section of country where literally exists u a famine of the word"
is in a high degree desirable. It will not merely increase a love
for reading and attempts ro succeed in it, in a country where not
more than " one out often can read," and in so doing subserve
the interests of civilization and literature, but may conduce emi-
nently to the banishing of moral ignorance, error and prejudice,
and to the diffusion of that light which is the life of the world.

An edition of five thousand French Testaments would be a
task, which no individual society, in conjunction with its other
duties, might be able to complete: but the joint efforts of such
societies as can spare funds for the purpose, would render the
measure easy, prompt, and effectual. It would, moreover, present
a most interesting proof of the unity of the common design, and
of a disposition to harmonize in every attempt that can embrace
the honour of the Son of God and the salvation of the souls of
men.

An edition of the French New Testament has already been
printed at Boston There, or in some other of our cities, another
edition equally fair and accurate can without doubt be produced.
All that is wanting is funds, nor can it be believed that these will
long be defective. Mr. Ralston, the treasurer of the Philadelphia
Society, will with pleasure receive any communications on the
subject of the desired edition, from Bible Societies in the United
States, and any. individual contributions which the pious and
generous heart may be disposed to offer. A wide field for the la-
bour of christian love, most certainly is thrown open. The cir-
cumstance will be most happy should an immediate concurrence
of resources render it practicable to complete the work during
the ensuing winter.

G

APPENDIX.

Extract of a Letter from Josiah Roberts, Esq., London, to Robert

Ralston, Esq.

London, April 19, 1813.

" Whilst the judgments of the Most High are pouring out
on different parts of the earth, the sad consequence of man's
apostacy and rebellion, it is cheering to observe, that mercy in
its most attractive form is still dispensed.

In Russia (how marvellous are the dispensations of the All-
wise God!) a wide and effectual door is opening for the spread
of the blessed gospel, in its unadulterated state, by the establish-
ment of Bible Societies on an extensive scale, and under the
highest patronage — the Emperor himself having undertaken the
office of patron; and such was the interest excited in his mind,
that he deferred, for a time, his journey to the head-quarters of
the army at Wilna, to sign the constitution of the society, adopted
by the first public meeting held at St. Petersburg. The finger of
an over-ruling Providence, has been remarkable in every stage
of the business. Under the sanction of a princess of the empire,
residing at Moscow (whose heart the Lord had opened through
the instrumentality of a missionary, since engaged as a teacher
in her family) the first meeting was to have been held there,
two days only, before the French entered that devoted city.
Their approach put a stop to the measures, which would have
been abandoned for a time, but that the principal agent, on his
return to St. Petersburg to embark for Sweden, was there de-
tained by the indisposition of his wife (most reluctantly) for a
considerable season, and circumstances were so over-ruled, as to
open a way for carrying the design into execution in that city,
and under such favourable aspices. Here again we may exclaim,
this is the Lord's doings and it is marvellous in our eyes!"

From a Report of the Committee of the British and
Foreign Bible Society, relative to the progress of the
Society *s operations abroad. \

Translation of a Letter from the Rev. Leander Van Ess, formerly
Parish Minister of Grevenburg, in the kingdom of Westfihalia,
and. now Catholic Professor of Divinity at the University of
Marbourg.
I have just received from my friend Professor Klaiber, in

Stutgard, the pleasing news of your arrival in that city, and your

19

willingness to purchase 3,000 copies of our New Testament, for
distribution amongst our poor. I have long had a great de sire to
apply to you by letter, but your great distance, and the uncer-
tainty of correspondence, prevented me. The greater was my
joy, when informed of your being in your native country, and of
your desire to spread the saving word of the Lord amongst the
needy of our people.

I commenced the translation and printing of my New Testament
in humble reliance on the assistance of God, and with the sincere
wish to benefit his people It had been nearly frustrated more
than once, through the opposition raised against it by deluded
bigots: but, He that gave me the will assisted me in accomplish-
ing the work; strengthened me his feeble servant, with power
for the conflict; and enabled me to persevere to the end. The
first edition of 1 1,000 copies was disposed of in a few months: it
was published at our own expense; and being desirous to pro-
mote its circulation by rendering it as cheap as possible, so far
from gaining by it, we lost, owing to the dishonest dealings of
some of the booksellers, 300 R. Ds. (about 60/.) Of the second
edition of our New Testament with standing types, about 7000,
and of the third edition, with larger types, about 1500 copies are
disposed of. Almost every one of our free copies has been gra-
tuitously distributed: we have had many pleasing proofs that
their reading has been attended with a real blessing: godliness,
contentment, and consolation, were the visible fruits of it. In
many a family, in which the reading of the New Testament be-
came a sacred custom, especially on Sundays and holidays, I saw
the good seed springing up and ripening for eternity. Now this
book of books is numbered among the jewels and sacred relics of
the family. The people become more familiar with its contents;
and draw from this source instruction and warning, encourage-
ment and comfort. We beheld the beneficial effects of its intro-
duction in many schools, conferring blessings on the parents by
the instrumentality of the children; in some it was distributed as
a reward for diligence. But in those places, where the attention
of the people to the New Testament was recommended by the
Catholic clergyman himself, their eagerness and joy in reading
it was still greater. I have heard many interesting narratives
from my fellow clergymen concerning the good effects of scrip-
ture reading, by which many souls have been turned from vice
to virtue; from the service of sin to a lively and active faith in
Christ. Many desponding, harassed by fears and struggling with
doubts, were cheered, encouraged, and confirmed, seeking peace
with God and rest of conscience through Christ, or esteeming
themselves happy in having found Christ in the Bible as their
salvation and life eternal In other places, where the minister paid
but little attention to the word of God, I heard people frequently
saying, " the pure word of God, I read in my New Testament,
edifies me more than the vain words from the pulpit; might our
minister but read unto us a portion of the New Testament in-

2©

stead of them.5* I had lately a conversation with a modern philo-
sopher, who reduced the doctrine of Christ to a mere system of
morality, considering his reason far superior to its authority, and
who exalted virtue at the expense of faith. I handed him my New
Testament, referring him to the history of Cornelius; who, not-
withstanding the virtuous life he had led as a heathen, was ear-
nestly pressea by Peter to believe in Christ and his doctrine He
went away, read, and returned a convert, with fervent gratitude
to God and a strong faith in Christ, who had become his all in
all. With him I praised the Lord for his grace and mercy. Ah!
and how many do I hear in these heavy times of oppression and
distress, declaring the happiness they enjoy in the knowledge of
their Bible, in the midst of all their troubles. If every thing (say
they) should be taken from us, should we be even forced to part
with our property and with our children; one comfort remains*
of which none can rob us, that from the Bibie.

At the recommendation of some of our clergy, parents present
their children with a New Testament on their first receiving the
Holy Sacrament; and it is now a customary present from the
bridegroom to his bride.

How often did my heart bleed to behold many coming to me
from other parishes soliciting the gift of a New Testament, re-
presenting with tears, their poverty to be so great, that they were
unubie to spare even the smallest sum for it; and ye' it was not in
my power to dispense the bread of life to these hungry souls.
For, in consequence of my gratuitous distribution of almost every
one of my free copies, too many people applied for me to satisfy
the demands of all; being obliged to pay for every copy about
8d.t besides the carriage and binding. My annual income of 230
rix dollars, (46/.) now hardly sufficing for my own wants; I felt
deeply grieved, and in the moment of compassion, fancying myself
richer than I was, often gave more than I could afford The same
is the case with many of my fellow clergymen, who frequently
with joy perceive in their flock a thirst after the word of God;
but owing to their own poverty, and that of their people, are un-
able to satisfy it.

The hunger after God's word, and the eagerness to read it,
keep pace with the increasing distress; but it grieves us that we
are unable, in the wilderness of the firesent life, to administer to
them the heavenly manna, to lead the fainting to the source of
divine comfort.

It is true, that the New Testament is pretty well distributed
in our circle; but what are a few copies among so many? they are
like the five loaves amongst those four thousand that lay at the
feet of the Lord; they are but drops insufficient to quench the
general thirst. Here, indeed, is occasion for help; and may the
great Head of the church multiply this heavenly bread, as he once
did the earthly, to the satisfying of all.

The fields are more and more ripening for the harvest, by the
encreasing oppression of the times. All earthly comforts are

21

vanishing from the children of men; ill-treated, robbed, and
heavy-laden as they are, their eyes full of tears look towards the
realms above for refreshment and comfort, where alone it is to
be found. 1 his is the time to work; their hearts humbled and
softened, are more accessible to diving light and truth; they are
opening like the dry ground, that languishes for the fertilizing
shower; their eyes desire to see the salvation offered to them in
the word of God.

As to the other parts of the country in which I reside, it is
really in a deplorable state. In the province of Paderbonn, Tor in-
stance, hardly the sixth part of the schoolmasters are in posses-
sion of a Bible or New Testament, much less are they to be
found in the schools; in Munster and Hiidesheim it is the same.

Indeed, I have learnt by experience, that the Catholic people
are more ready to read the Bible, than the elder Ministers are to
permit or recommend it. For there still continues among our
clergy, in many places, the pernicious prejudice, that our church
prohibits to laymen the reading of the Bible; and another as ge-
neral as the former, that scripture reading produces more harm
than good among the people. This induced me a few years ago,
to publish, u Extracts from the Holy Fathers ami other Divines
of the Catholic Church, concerning the necessity and usefulness of
reading the Scri/itures, by L. Van Ess;" fourteen sheets, price
Is., which contain such a mass of evidence in favour of the prac-
tice out of all centuries, and such a cloud of witnesses, as might
silence the prejudices abovementioned. In order to make it as
cheap as possible, that it may be more generally read, and to
avoid having to do with the booksellers, I undertook the printing
of it at my own expense, at 8d., to my no small disadvantage.

Although I had many proofs of its usefulness, yet the enemies
of truth and of the reading ol the Scriptures, conspired to pre-
vent it obtaining publicity, because they would not have the bar
removed, that to many of the Catholics still keeps the Bible
closed. Thus, it is but little known, and from an edition of 1000
copies, hardly half of the number is disposed of. In Osnabruck,
my New Testament is extensively circulating, and has been in-
troduced into many schools. But that country now being a French
province, the introduction of the scriptures in any language but
the French, meets with great difficulties; and it cost us much
trouble to procure permission from Paris for the importation of
400 copies.

My cousin Charles Van Ess in Huysburg, near Halberstadt,
who is episcopal Commissary in Magdeburg and Halberstadt,
endeavours to disseminate our New Testament amongst the
Catholics and schools of that country; and his exertions are evi-
dently accompanied with the blessing of God.

May your arrival in Germany be blessed! may it be productive
of much fruit for the everlasting welfare of multitudes, and con-
tribute to the advancement of the kingdom of God on earth!

For Christ's sake, I entreat you to let me have a number of

22

our New Testaments for distribution. My sphere of usefulness
is extending more and more: many worthy clergymen of our
church join themselves to me; who, with the most lively zeal
for the cause of the Lord, assist me in my endeavours to do
good. My request is for. the highest and best gift, even for the
scriptures of truth, which are able to make men wise unto sal-
vation.

I myself am still too poor to do much: the sacrifices I have
made are really almost too much for me; and I shall be obliged
to employ the surplus of the income from my future more lucra-
tive situation at Marburg, for paying off the debts incurred by
the first edition of our New Testament, and by the purchase of
many Oriental books, without which I could not undertake the
difficult task of translating the Old Testament. You see, Rev.
Sir, I speak to you as to a brother; support me, if you are able,
in my useful undertaking. I will prove a faithful steward

I wish soon to be favoured with a letter from you; 1 could wish
to see you face to fc.ee! Once I trust we shall meet, if not here
below, yet above, before the throne of the Lamb of God, our
common Lord and Saviour!

Your's faithfully and affectionately,

LEANDER VAN ESS.
September, 1812.

From the same. Grevenburg, October 6, 1812, addressed to a
Friend at Altona.

Having represented to Mr. Steinkopff the great want of the
Scriptures among many of my countrymen, and their encreasing
desire to read them he commissioned me in a letter (dated Stut-
gard, September 14,) to get an impression of 3,000 copies of my
New Testament printed without note or comment, for gratuitous
distribution or cheap sale among poor Catholics, and to employ
the profits arising from the sale for the purchase and disposal of
an additional number of copies. f

Gratitude to God and sacred joy fill my inmost soul at this
seasonable help. Many were my difficulties and trials, but the
Lord evidently supports and comforts me by his providence and
grace. The benevolent aid of the Society is indeed a great encou-
ragement to me. Blessed be the name of the Lord, and adored
be his goodness and mercy.

I need not repeat with what blessing it has pleased God to ac-
company the reading of my New Testament; I will only add,
that in the place of my residence, and all the country round, a
lively desire to read the Word of God is increasing among the
Catholic people, the blessing of which becomes daily more evi-
dent. The prejudices of our Clergy against Laymen's reading

\ The Translation of Mr. Van Ess is made from the original, and ap-
proved und recommended by leading Ministers in the Lutheran and Re-
formed Churches.

23

the Bible are gradually disappearing; many begin even to pro-
mote its dissemination. If the Lord grants me life, health, and
the light of his Holy Spirit, I shall publish a work under this
title. " Are Catholics confined to the Vulgate? — A critical his-
tory of the Vulgate." The design of this publication is still fur-
ther to counteract existing prejudices, and to recommend faithful
translations from the original.

Assisted by some friends to the cause of our divine Lord and
Saviour, I have used my best endeavours to spread the New
Testment in my native town, and the neighbouring provinces;
and I thank God, that some who formerly were among its most
violent opposers, have now become its most zealous promoters.
Poverty and distress increase among us: many are drawn
thereby to seek something better; but being scarcely able to pro-
vide the necessaries of life, and to pay their taxes, they cannot
spare even a small sum of money for the purchase of a Testa-
ment. As for me and my friends, our hands are tied, and our
purses too narrow to satisfy all the claims of the poor, who really
seem panting for the bread of life. Even the present of 3,000
Testaments, large as it may be considered, is small when com-
pared with the multitudes who apply.

Yet, blessed be God for this most welcome gift, which will
afford instruction and comfort to thousands. May the Lord, who
is rich over all, compassionately regard the remaining wants,
and afford further supplies to the needy and destitute.

Stimulated by the assistance of your Bible Committee, I feel
emboldened to attempt, what I long since wished, the formation
of another Catholic Bible Society; the design of which will be,
by collecting voluntary contributions, to promote the cheap sale
and gratuitous distribution of the Holy Scriptures. As soon as I
shall have entered upon my new office, as Catholic Professor,
and Pastor of Marburg, and obtained a little leisure time, I shall
print a plan, begin the correspondence, and unite with active
friends of Christianity for this beneficial purpose.

You know that I have been engaged these several years past
in the translation of the Old Testament, and without consulting
my private emolument, agreed with the printer to print it at
fourteen pence a copy. He is desirous to execute the work on
standing types, (if he meets with the needful support,) which
would be the more desirable, as this will be the first cheap edition
of the German Old Testament in our church. I hope to complete
the translation next year."

Extract from a translation of a Letter from the Rev. Mr. • ,

Munich^ jiug. 26, 1812; addressed to the Secretary of the Bible

Society at Bdlse.

A new impression of our Testament is now printing. If, in

addition to this, I contemplate the zealous endeavours of Lean-

24

der Van Ess, two impressions of whose Testament I have seen,
and the many other editions, both of the New Testament and the
whole Bible, which have lately been circulated among Catholics,
the amount of them all constitutes a large number.

Yet there remain thousands and tens of thousands, both in
towns and in the country, who are entire strangers to this Holy
Book; thousands and tens of thousands, who, having become
sensible of its value, wish to possess it. Surely here is ample
scope for benevolence, for Christian zeal. Every possible exer-
tion ought to be used, that the Word of the Lord may run and
be glorified; that it may fill all countries, all towns, all villages,
all houses, all hands; and, what is still more — all hearts: that it
may penetrate them, prove like a two-edged sword, piercing,
even to the dividing asunder soul and spirit, and of the joints and
marrow; that, by its illuminating and enlivening powers, it may
create a new world, or renew the face of the old corrupt one.
Whosoever has any thing to give away, whosoever has a full
purse, let him freely and bountifully distribute, without making
too anxious calculations. He is using the Lord's money. Recol-
lect for whom you spend your substance; even for him, who says:
" Put it to my account, I will repay. You shall receive an hun-
dred-fold in this world, and, in the world to come, life ever-
lasting."

O, thou Word of the Lord, thou blessed Bible, lay hold of the
"hearts of the rich, who stiil read and regard thee; and incline
them to employ their wrealth for multiplying thee without num-
ber, and dispersing thee through all lands. I should like to ad-
dress the rich in the words of our blessed Lord: " Make to
yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness, that when
ye fail they may receive you into everlasting habitations/'