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A N
K S S A Y
Towards Promoting all
Necessary and Useful Knowledge^
B O T II
MMm antJ Human.
V"!^o"T a V
WITH ALL GOOD WISHES
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danKnowledge,orH'^
gationoftheGospcl-'^-f^-"' hehadbeendioaiby-HcantJt-
mentoftheChurdirfE^I"'^ onewaytoencoanpcbj* wouldbetoproAtoiiaif^*
He first set forth ha pl««ft^
include parochial libnncs ii 4^1 i^ ■
ica,"aswellas"Lcn(Sifliprc Towns in England." That fm^ * i# Jomrk ?frjmttni A Hubt London, 169', here itpradnl
It is probably not xattli(iB^t-tt« that there is a direa idtia^laiB |^ libraries and the moden pik hm m Nevertheless, the Bif
opinents,and,inthee^hM tant cultural inJuenaktk Alt-
iNTKonncTORV note
•s
TTIF Revercful Tliomas Bray, D,D. (1656-1730), is well known :is iUc iowwAcv of the Society for Promoting Chris- tian Knowledge, organized in i6c)C), and the Society ior the Propa- gation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, chartered in 1 70 1 . In i (n)^ he had been chosei\ by Henry Compton, Bishop of London, as his Ecclesiastical Commissary for Maryland, to aid in the establish- ment oi the Church of England in that colony. Dr. Bray felt that one \\:\\ to encourage derg) n\en to settle in the remote parishes would be to j>rovide libraries for their use.
He Hrst set forth his plans in December 1695, ^'^ Proposals for th^ Ineonrag^n^tU and Promoting of Rdiglon and Learning in the Foreign Plantations, Soon afterwards he expanded this idea to include parochial libraries in "all the English colonies in Amer- ica," as well as "Lending-Libraries to be lix'd in all the Market- Towns in iMigland." Tfiese proposals he published in An Essay Towards Promoting all Necessary and Useful Knowledge . . . , London, 1697, here reproduced.
It is probably not accurate to claim, as has sometimes been done, that there is a direct relationship between Thomas Bray's parochial libraries aiiil the mi>dern public library system in this country. Nevertheless, the Bray libraries did foreshadow these later devel- opments, and, m the eighteenth century, were definitely an impor- tant cultural Inlluence in the American colonies.
LEWIS M. SI ARK
Chiefs Rare Book Division The New York Public Library
'.:^'«^i
CRA/?^
1 6 1968
^IIY
Of TO?S
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
THE Reverend Thomas Bray, D.D. (1656-1730), is well known as the founder of the Society for Promoting Chris- tian Knowledge, organized in 1699, and the Society for the Propa- gation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, chartered in 1701. In 1695 he had been chosen by Henry Compton, Bishop of London, as his Ecclesiastical Commissary for Maryland, to aid in the establish- ment of the Church of England in that colony. Dr. Bray felt that one way to encourage clergymen to settle in the remote parishes would be to provide libraries for their use.
He first set forth his plans in December 1695, in Profosals for the Incouragement and Promoting of Religion and Learning in the Foreign Plantations. Soon afterwards he expanded this idea to include parochial libraries in "all the English colonies in Amer- ica," as well as "Lending-Libraries to be fix'd in all the Market- Towns in England." These proposals he published m An Essay Towards Promoting all Necessary and Useful Knowledge . . . , London, 1697, here reproduced.
It is probably not accurate to claim, as has sometimes been done, that there is a direct relationship between Thomas Bray's parochial libraries and the modern public library system in this country. Nevertheless, the Bray libraries did foreshadow these later devel- opments, and, in the eighteenth century, were definitely an impor- tant cultural influence in the American colonies.
LEWIS M. STARK
Chief y Rare Book Division The New York Public Library
E S
A N
s
Y
Towards Prcmotiiig £.!i
NeccHkry and Ufcful Knowledge
B o
tl
In all the P a ;i t s of His M A J E S T Y'x Dommmsy
Both at Home and Abroad.
»
% THOMAS BRAY, D.U.
'
'y\j'3j5:f7r@l ajfo;9c'/?i.<?^a^icraii'©^. Clemens Alex.Ad-
mo.(lr^aa vi' -v. t5.
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I c'^rinted bv ^. Holt ior iiolert Ciuvel, ar tl^>e Peacock I inS^ /'.r^/'s Cnurci>Ya.d, ^i DC XG Vll.
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T O T H E
KNorpledge is the fairejl Ornament of the Soul of Man ; aHtl yphofo^ , ever is Endov^d therevpithjet it he of any k^nd^ which is not mifchievous^ fails not of Efleem amongft all forts ofTerfons. ^his is certain^thatKjiovpledge does moredi^ jlinguifh the Voffeffors of it ^ than Titles^ Kiches^or great Tlaces\Fortho hhefe ISden may x:ommand the Cap and the Knee^ and extort fome outward l^nd of R everence from Inferiors 'y jet the Man of%)nder-- Jlanding is he^ who is inwardly and truly refpeUed^ whilfl the Gaudy^ but Empty "Beauyis no other than tjhe Scorn and Deri- jion of all who Converfe with him. ^ut
^^ A z efpC'
The Preface.
efpecklly a Man is then Ejleemed for his Kno)i- ledge, if his Vnderjhanding is Emi- nent in things laudable, and of great (Veight and Moment, for whatever is greatly useful is highly valuable.
And fuch is the Knowledge, Ti>hich lam endeavouring to provide for^ by the follow- ing Trof>o/als.
For why ? as to the Theological part ; In the firjl place, this is a Knowledge Converfant about the great efi ObjeBs , God, and our felves-. Secondly, and that a- bout the GrandeU and mo si Concerning Truths relating to thoje ObjeBs. Thirdly, It is a Knowledge to which the mo(t con- fidcrable of other Sciences are fome way or other appendant and Jubfervient. Fourths ly, his a Knowledge founded upon more certain Principles than all other Sciences whatfocver (jcarce the Afathematic/{s ex- cepted) All which fpcak^ the Noble Na- ture
The Preface.
ture of divine Einovpledge. And Laflly^ It is the only Knowledge which can con- duU usfafe through the Afa^es and Laby- rinths of this 11/ortd^ to our H efl and Hap- pncjs in the other ; which does eminently jloew the 'VJefulnefs of it.
Nor will the other parts of Knowledge I propoje to promote by the follomng k^nd of Libraries^ be %)nufefuL From Hiftory we can tal^ a noble view of all ^Xdank^nd ; and by our Objervations from thence of the different Fates of Aden^ and their Caufes^ we may form to our f elves moH excellent Rules for the Condu^ of Humane Life. Travels dif cover the Commodities of Foreign Countries ^to the great Enriching of our own-^ and not only Merchant f^but allotherT^erfons befidesjby reading the Accounts of fo many Nations of Alen in the IVorld^ funl^ djwn to the lownefs of brutes for want of Know^ ledge ^ may fee Infinite li eafon to blefs that
6od^
The Prefaca
GodyVpho by an admirable Religion enlight^ ning our Minds ^has rais'd us above the Ani^ mal "Life ; and Jo vaflly dtjlinguijhes us from the barbarous part of Mankind. IVhat J1)all I fay ? "By Knowledge in Hu- manity or Morality , men become^as it vpere^ n^y/jutvoi \\% §6)Hva/d)Viov, dijpofed for the Recep- tion of that Faith 'which will fave 'em^and thofe divine Graces^ which will render 'em capable of Eternal Life. S> an Inltght into i^ature^ Gardenings Jgriculture^ &c. All fortsof Per fons will learn how tq meliorate their Condition and manner of Living whilft here on Earth. And if there may be added hereafter to our l^ibraries^the Be/l Authors in Mathcmaticks, Phyfick and Law^ there will be no means wantin^r even in the
o
mofl Vncultivated parts of this Kingdom^ to render the T^hinking^ Readings andthe beflpart ofthelnhahitants thereof bothlnteL leUually^ Morally and Civilly ^as well as T>i^
vine*
The Preface.
vinely Happ : For n^hich Reafons I hope ^ though this Dejtgn feems more immedtatelji dire&ed to the Service of the Clergy^ jet Gentlemen^ Thyficians and Lawyers will perceive they are not negleUed tn it^ and mil fee themselves concerned to promote it. And indeed thofe Terfons oj Quality ^ whoje Eldejl Sons being commonly brought up to no Employment , , h^ve a great deal of Time lying upon their Hands ^ feem to me to be as nearly concern das any^to favour it. for many of thefe young Gentle^ Men^ when removed from the Vniverjtties^ thofe Fountains of ufeful and fubjlantial Knowledge^and rejiding all their Life4ime in Countries^ where they can meet with no ^ool^s to employ t he mf elves in readings and whereby they may be. able to improve the 7"^- lent they have there gained:, they do there- upon too commonly become not fo confpicuous for their Excellent Knowledge y and Mo-
ralsy
The Preface.
rals^ as mil he ever expe&ed from Men of Ran^ and Station in their Country. And iXfhenthey happen into one another's Company^ for vpant of GoodSenfe^ are forc'd too often to fill up their ,T>iJcourfe^ and maintain a Converfation^ in the T^orterly Language of Sivearingy and Obfcenity.
In fhort^ I think, allTerfons of a libe- ral and ingenuous Education^ are fo much concern d in a Defgn of this Nature^ that I cannot but flatter my f elf 'with the Ex- peitations of fome fort of Succefs in the %)ndertaking. \But hoiipevcr I hope I have offer d at nothing yphich all candid T^crfons mil not own to be honeftly defignd^ and vphich Scholars of all Frofejfions mil not ^at leaH)vife mflo^vcll to^ though for n-ant of men of a publicly and active Spirit to ma^ na^c it in their refpcclive Tomis or T>ean- nricsjittle or nothing fhould be accompliflo'd in it.
PRO-
( ■ )
PROPOSALS
TO THE
Gentry and Clergy of this Kingdom^
For Purcliafing Lending Libraries in all the Deanaries of England , and Parochial Libra** ries for Maryland^ V'tr<(mia^ and other of the Foreign Plantations, purfuant to what is fpoke of Both, in the Prefatory Epiftlc to the iBMo^ theca Tarochialis.
Honoured S IR S^
AMongft the many Laudable Contrivances for pro- moting Religion and Learning in the World, in which feveral Perfons of a Publick Spirit have labour^ more or lefs in all Ages, there feem none to me vi^ould be of greater Advantages to either, Would tend more to' cultivate the Minds of our young Gentry,' and can be more adapted to the prefent Circum- ilances. of our Parochial Clergy (one third of whom I -am afraid are not enabled by their Preferments to pur-
A chafe
(»)
chafe a fourth part of thofe Books, which it is abfolutely fieceflary every Paftor fhould perufe ; and yet from whom great meafures of Knowledge are expe(5bcd in this inqui- fitive Age) than if we could have Lending Lihrar'tes difpos'd , one in every Deanary throughout the King- dom, for the Service of thofe who have occafion to borrow. I Ihall not here repeat what I have already fpoken of the Benefit thereof, both to Clergy and Laity, in the Prefatory EpiflJe to my aStbltOtljeca^atOCWaiig.- But having,
f irft, Computed the Charge of each Liir^ry ;
Secondly, / will fhew hy what means they may he pur* chas\J i
Thirdly, Bvvo they may hepreferv^J : And,
Firft, As to the Charge^ I prefume, if the Foundation of a Library were onde laid in each Deanary, the Stock by one means or other would foon encY^afe to a compleat Sett of all neceflary Books : And that well-chofen Books to the value of 30 /. would lay a good Foundation.
Secoyidly^ 1 am ntxt 'to fhew by what Methods they may be j!)ti'rc'has*d ; and the mod eafie and likely tvie. thod I cift propofe, will be by Subfcriptions rais'd amongft both Clerfty and Gtntry ; each Clergy-man fubfcribing ^t the Vintatioti fome fmall matter proportionable to the Value of his Living, or Circumftanccs in the World ; the Gentry, what in their Generofity they Ihall think fit. And the Subfcriptions of both to be taken, and returned td Loyidm\ and the Libraries tranfmitted into the Coun- try in the Method following.
I. That
(i)
1. That one Third of the Subfcription-]Mony,Tyi2. lol. be fubfcriby , and paid at the next Eafler^iCimlon, to the Rural Dean, or whom the Clergy of the Deanary fliall agree upon, and returned up to the Treafurers ot the Subfcriptions, Mr. Francis Evans, Secretary to the Lord Biftiop of Coventr;^ ^k\A Litchfield^ or Mr. ThoMas Taylor at the Lord Almoner's Lodgings in White- Hall.
2. That within a Month after, the following Books to the value of Thirty Pound, be fent down into the fubfcribing Deanaries to fuch Places as from the Vi- fitation fliall be direfted. And that they be made up in fuch Boxes, or Book-PrefTes, with Shelves in them, and Locks and Doors to 'em, as will ferve both to preferve 'em in the Carriage down, and in the Place where they fliall be depofited for the Publick Benefit. And being kept in fuch moveable Repofitories, they can at any time be removM to any other part of the Deanary, as by the Vote of the Clergy at a Vifitation fliall be judged moft convenient to have 'em lodg'd in ; and that without the Charge of building any Room wherein to lay 'em up.
3. That to make up the remaining two Thirds for the Purchafe of the Books, each of the Clergy do in their refpeitive Pariflies, and amongft the Gentry of their Ac- quaintance, folHcit fome frnall Subfcription towards this Publick Defign, by which fuch SubfcriberSj whether Gentlemen, or Ladies, will be entitled to the Priviledge of borrowing at any time a Book for their own Reading; and that there may be proper and acceptable Books for them, there are fome of the moft valuable pieces of Hi-
A X ftory.
(4)
flory, Geography, and Travels, provided in the foHbw- ing Sett.
4. That what is Subfcrlbed by the Gentry,be brought in to the next Michaelmas Vifitation , and entered Jown in a Book, together with the Subfcriptions of the Clergy, to be kept in every Library : And if there bb fomething wanting to make up the remaining Twenty .Pounds, it be made up by the Clergy,, if there be any over, itbeapply'd towards paying for the Book-Prefles and Carriage down,, and the Surplufage be hid up in Bank againft next Eofier Vifitation after thif, towards purchafing another like quantity of Books, in order tb compleat a ufefui and fufficicnt Library in the refpeflivc . Deanary.
. 5. That the Books fliallbe afforded to the Subfcribers, . fomething below the Prices at which the Clergy, or
Gentry ufually buy em by Retail in the Bookfcllers
6hops.
6. Thar what Grans-V^ooks will be obtaln'd of. the Bookfeller, in confideration of fo many bought of 'em Towards thefe Lending Libraries \ that thefe be fct apart towards making up Parochial Libraries for the Fo- reign Plantations. And it is found, that one LiLrary in ten at leaft, will be obtained by this* means toward'the Publick Dcfign ; to which all Chriftian5,mcthinks, fhould readily contribute; fuch as ar6 moll able, by 'immedi- ate BenefaQions ; and every ore that is not unahle in fuch a way as this^ in which they have a valuable confide'fl- lion to themfelves for what thty do towards carrying oi> that nece[fary Work ; for fo I ihall be bold to cafl nrj if- it
were
( 5 )
were but to ward off the Reproach under which wejuft- ly lye, even to this day ; that whilft our Adverfaries the Papifts^ are at vaft Charges every Year, in promoting their falfe Superftition in the remoteft parts of the World, there are but too few amongfl: us, pudet hcec OpprolrU dic'ty ^ did potuiffcy who have yet fhevv'd that Value for their Rehgion, and the Honour of God, as to con- tribute in any confiderable way to advance the Glory of their Saviour, by propagating the bed Rehgion in the whole World, eithei: here at home, or amongft their Country-men abroad.
There is but one Objedlon I can forefee againft thi^ Method of procuringthefe Lending LilrarieSy and that is the exceffive fcarcity of Money, efpecially amongft the Clergy at this time, when they are exhaufled more than others by Publick Payments.
But indeed, the very Objedion it felf feems to me to be the moft forcible Reafon for putting a Defign of this Nature on foot, and that efpecially at this time. For is it fo, that one third of the Englifli Clerg}', are not now in a Condition to buy a fufBcient quantity of Books ? Well, but on the other fide, I hope it will be granted, that Books muft be had, or elfe Religion muft e'en fall to the ground. And if fo, putting both together, I think it will follow, that fince very few arc capable to furhifli their Studies at their own proper Coft, it is therefore nc- ceflary that all iliould join their Forces; and what is im- poffible for 'era fingly, would be eafie for em jointly ; for Multorum manibus granrje Levatur Onus ; fo thit in- deed this is really the raofi proper Seafon to fct fuch a. Deficn on foot. .
But
(6)
But then if we confider to what a high Perfection, moft, if not al! parrs of ufefui Learning have advanc'd in this lad Age, fo that we may rather fe^ra dcclcnfion thereof (as isufual with every thing when it comes to its full growth) than hope for much farther Improve.- mcnts therein : But above all, if we confider the impi- ous Principles which have begun to advance againft u$, and have gain'd fo much gr(5und upon us by the Indu- flry of fome, who at great Charge and Expcnce, do la- bour to poifon both Town and Country with their Athe- iQical and Soclnian Notions ; Thefc things, I fay, if duly confider'd, will convince us, that this fcems to be the very time pointed out by the Divine Providence for us to provide ourfelves of Magazines^ out of which we may be fufficiently furni(h*d with that Panoply of neccflary Learning and Knowledge, whereby we ihall feoire our fclvcs and others, aga'tnft the fiery Darts of the Devil; and may be enabled at leaftwife to (land our ground, whilft Atheifts, Deifts and Socinians, do fo eamejlly contevJ agidinA the Faith. So much, upon many great Accounts, it feems to me to be a aioft proper Seafon now to begin the Foundation of Le^tJing Lilrdries throughout the Kingdom.
And whereas many of our Reverend Clergy have No- ble Libraries of their own, fo as not to need thcmfelves a Supply of this Nature, I am not to doubt their Sub- fcribing notwithdanding, fmce the Defignof thefe Libra- ries is not to fcrve a Man's private, but the publick Inter- eft of Religion and Learning ; which fuch Reverend and Learned Pcrfons do well know (none better) that every f)nei5 bound to provide for, more than his own, cfpcci- aHy ^lofe whofe Condition and Grcomftan^es in the World ihall bcft enable 'em for ftood Works.
I
( 7 )
I am not indeed (o fanguine as to hope or eypeQ, that notwithftanding the Charge in the foregoing Method is made foeafie, that a Clergy-man of Two hundred Pounds pet Annum^ need not fubfcribe at a Vifitation above Ten or Fifteen ShilUngs, of One hundred Pound above Five- or Ten Shillings, and of Fifty Pounds above half a Crown or Five Shillings ; notw^ithftandingthis, I am not, I fay, fo unacquainted with the Temper of the World, as to exped: thatan Affair of this Nature fliould not meet with Exceptions from fome. And I alio know the Prhce of Darknefs (^the ftrength of whcfe Kingdom does lye in the Ignorance of Mankind) has too much Intereil at ftake, to let a Dcfign, which does fo diredlly tend to the Rmne of his Dominion «over the Souls of Men, go on without Obltruilion. But however the Manage- ment of this Affair falling into the hands of fuch as do fo well underftand the Ufeand Benefit of Books, and who are withal fo fenfible of the peculiar need of *em at this time, I hope there will be a fufficient number found in moft Deanaries of well-difpofcd and publick-fpirited Per- fons, both amongft the Clergy and Gentry, who will carry it on in their refpeftive Diftrids : And even thofe, who may be backward at firft, may come in afterwards, when they ftiall better confider theTendency which thefe Libraries will have to the Glory of God, and to in- creafethe Ufeftilnefs and Efteem of the Clergy : So that the' -fome fhould happen at firft to refufe fubfcribing, it Will not I hope difcourage others from promoting the Defign, fo far as to make up at next Vifitation the firft Ten Pounds amongft themfelves towards laying the foundation.
Thirdly^
(8)
• Jhirdly\ And now I amto [bew how the Lending Libra* ries particularly^ may be prefer vd.
How the Parochial may be fecur'd from Lofs or Imbezelrffent, is, I hope fatisfaftorily (hewed in the Prefatory Epiftle to xht Bibliotheca Parochialis : But^ it- being defign'd that thefe Lending Libraries fliould. travel abroad^ it may feem that the Boc^s will be ifi danger tobefoon loft by parting through fo many hands: However, in order to their being fully fecur'd, it may be, provided by thefe following Methods ; i. That they be marked uporf the Covers to what Deanary they belong. X. That they be lock'd up in Book-Prefles made on pur- pofe to keep them in. 3. That they be depofited with the Rural D^an, or with the^Mihifter or School-Mafter mJome Market-Town, if hear the Cefitre of the Dean- ary, that fo they may with very little trouble be fent for any Market-day,, and as eafily returned within a li- mited time: And it may be preCum'd, that any Minifter or Schbol-Maftd', for die ufe of fueh a Library un- der his Key,' will be wilGng to undertake the trouble to lend out the 'Books, and receive thqm in uppn occafion. 4. "that the Limitation of Time for keeping a borrowed Book be determined by the Reverend Sub- fcribers at the Vifitation, as a. Month for a Folio, a Fort- night for a 4^?. arid^aWcelc for an 8(7. which will have this good Effeftj tliata Book will be read over with fpeed and care; which' if one's own, might lye in a Study wittiout being quickly or very carefully perufed, upon prefumprionthatbeing'one'sown itmay at any time be read^ and^ther§forethisby tlie:way may be coniTderd as one Advantage of Lending Libraries. 5*. That .thp Borrower having font a Note defiring any Book, his
Note
( 9 >
^3ote be filed up, and his Name enter'd in a Book kept in the Library for that pur pofe, whot Ye^r, Month and Day he borrowed fuch a Book ; and upon the Return of the Book, the Note be alfo returned, and the Name of the Borrower crofs'd out. 6. That a Regifter of the Books belonging to every Dcanary, be given to the re- fpe^ive Bifhops, and Arch- Deacons, 7. That each Library may be vifited once a Year by the Arch-Deacon inPerfon, or by three of his Clergy deputed by him to fee that the Books be not imbezeted or loft. And by thefe means I believe they will be very well preferv'd j for why? Their being Cetter'd to what Deanary they belong, will prevent their being transferred into any Man*s private keeping ; or if they arc, they'll be as rea- dily difcover'd and own'd, as any living Creature by its Ear-Mark ; -and the Arch- Deacon's Vifitation will call 'em ajl in once a-year: And i^ndeed fo far am I from fear- ing ih^tthqfe Librmes will fuffer anj^ Diminution "by loft of Books, that I believe they will daily enci'eafe ; for the thing being once put on foot, the Clergy at eve- ry Vifitation will be apt to continue fome fmall Sub- fcriptiofls to buy in the new pieces as they (hall come
forth s .^(p^c^'jy f^^^ ,^^ ^^^^ *'^nd confi^rably to the improv^eilt of any pirt of Chf iftkn Know^ledge.- Aftd moreover, the Foundation being tmce laid, many Learned Perfpns amongft the Clergy,and others who have a Zeal ^r i:he Cliufdiqs Good;, vviJl be likely to leave atrheir i>0hi their pWn^ibrarifcs^,' as additions to thefe Lcitd^ Ing :lLlhi^ai^ies^^.^^ ; aSd perhaps- Legatics to buy
Boo^s : "tibt to fay that? 'the -rtiing beings bnde -be- gun ^ I could afily propofe, how the Whole Gourfeof JJiflc^y, and ;Ftuma^it^^ added; and that far-
5tbpr;flie«tffs^3^ay te^ in tinie, te provide Wl
"•''^^ ' C the
( lO )
the Smaller Livings throughout the Kingdom, with fuch Lefer Parochial Libraries 2iS are ckfignM for the Plan-
tations.
But to proceed, if now and then a Book (hould be loll, this ought no nnore to difcourage our Defrgn, than it (hould have hindered our Fore-Fathers from building of Parfonage-Houfes for us, becaufe fometimes they fall to decay ; or from giving Tythes and Glebe for the Main- tenance of the Clergy, becaufe thefe do fuffer daily di- minutions by Modus's growing upon us through the importunity of fome, and the more Violent Sacrilegious Invafions of the Churches Rights by others. Not to fay, That there may be Provifion made by Law to fecure thefe Libraries, and to repair their Lofs, as well as tlie other Dilapidations of the Church.
And indeed, if it could be brought about by any means, that we mfght have 400 Leading Libraries fixt throuh^ out tlie Kingdom, and the Clergy, by a fmall Subfcrip- tioa in every Deanary, (hould continue to add the valu- able new Books that (liall come out hereafter ; Here would be afufBcient Incouragement provided for the Learned Men of our Univerfities, to undertake the givmg us fome more fuch Editions of the Fathers,and other Anci- ent Writers,as that of St. Cyprian, ThucydiJes^ &c, A cer- tain Sale of 400 Books, being enough to difcharge an Im- preflion ; which one thing, as it.has in this Age fo much contributed to the Learning anc^ Honour of a Neigh- bouring Nation, where, upon the Encouragement ot the Monafteries taking off each of 'cm, one of every New Edi- tition of a Father, or other Book of Value, the Learned of that Kingdom .have bc^n .thereby; encouraged, and
crtabled
enabled to give the World fucli Editions as they may jufty glory in; fo it would make exceedingly for the Honour of ourVniverfities^^ni not a little ht t\iQ hfreji of our Nati- on: For as to the former, it would raife a Noble Spirit of Emulation in thofe Learned Societies, and would excite more of the Members thercot^to Exert themfelves in being ferviceable to the World in this kind;who now for want of Encoiiagemcnt, cannot fpend their time fo much to their own, and the Publick Good in this way, as other- wife they might. And as to the latter, whereas fome Thoufand Pounds worth of Valuable Books, Printed in Foreign parts, liave been Imported Yearly, we by reafon of the better Editions of the Ancient Writers, which our more Learned Men are able to give the World, might be able to employ our own Paper-Makers, Stationers, Printers, Book-Binders, Book-Sellers here at home, to the maintaining many Thoufand Perfons amongft us, and might export fo much of our own, and Foreign Paper Manufadured by our felves, as would turn the Balance of that part of Trade confiderably on our own fide.
And now 1 am to entreat the Candour of my Reverend Brethren, that, however I may be miftaken in the Pra- diicablenefs of this Defign, they would believe I fincerc- ly intend the Good of Souls, and the Honour of my Function, and of my Nation too, in all that is here pro- pos'd. That I am fo preffing for both Parochial Lihra- ries in the Plantations, and Lending Libraries in Eng- lanJj is, becaufe in the former, I know no good a Cler- gy, who are not able to furnilh themfelves with Books in going over, can do in a Country where none arc
C X to
( ti )
to be bought when they are there, nor to be had from the Merchants, but at exceOive Rates. And in the lat- ter, I am certain that Good cannot be done, which is expedcd from every Minifter here in E)f%land, when the Third Part of our Parochial Clergy are not enabled by their Preferments, to buy the fourth part of thole Books, which are neceflary to enable *em fully to inftrudt the People in the meer Neceflaries to Salvation. ' And as ior our younger Gentry, I cannot think but it would tend extreamly to furnilh their Minds alfo with that ufcfal Knowledge in Hiftory, Travels, Humanity, Agriculture, and all fuch Noble Arts and Sciences, as wili render 'em ferviceable to their Families and Countries, and will make *em confiderable both at home and abroad : And that it will very much keep 'em from idle Converlation, and the Debaucheries attending it, eo have choice Collections of fuch Books difpers'd through all the King- dom, and waiting upon 'em in their own Parlors, as will ennoble their Minds with Principles of Vertue and trae Honour, and will file orf that Roughnefs, Ferity and Barbarity, which are the never failing Fruits of Ignoraflce- and llliterature. Standing Ldraries will fignifie little in the Country, where Pcrfons muft ride feme miles to look into a Book ; fuch Journeys being too expenfive of Time and Money : But Lending Libraries, which come Ijoitk; to 'cm without Charge, may tolerably well fupply the Vacancies in their own vStudies, till ffich time as thefc Lending may be improved into Parochial Libraries.
And whereas it may beobje^ed, that the Books will be fo often Borrow'd, .that it will be Iwrd for any one to have the Book he u'ants. I am fo lar kom beir^ much roncern'd to anfwer it, that I heartily wilh the great
Ufc
Ufe and frequent Borrowing of Books' out of thefe Li-^ braries, nnay make it a real Obje£HoD. But to reply as far as neceflary ; the Limitations mention^ above, will fetch home any Book aPerfon iiall want, within a Month at fartheft ; and indeed there being fcveral Authors fpe- cify'd in fuch a Library, as I defigti, upon moft of the Subjeds, if one be not to be had, Satisfaction mav be fought in the mean time from another. And^ in the whole., I am the more forward to hope for great Advan- tages from ihtfQ LeMd/»g Libraries Gfpechlly , having had fome Experience of the Benefit thereof in a Country, where one fuch Library left by a Pious and Learned Di- vine at his Death, has done much to improve many of the Parochial Clergy within fome Miles, (who conilantly borrow out of it,) to that degree, as to make 'em as ufe- fulMenin their Station, as any I have had the Happi- nefs to be acquainted with. '
In fliort, as meer Zeal for Publick Service hath excited me to leave no Stone unturn'd, to procure Parochial Li- Iraries for the Plantations, in which I thank God I have had hitherto no mean Succefs; fo if with the fame Labour I can be ferviceable in the like Defign to my deareft Mo- ther the Church,and my Reverend Brethren at home,I fhall think my felf fufBciently happy in fuch an Employment : And indeed,as I know not that thing in the WorId,where- in I could take that SatisfadioPjas in this piece of Service to our Church at home ; fo provided this Dd\^x\ of Lending Lilraries in England ihould univerfally take whereby, without any Man's Charge, properly fpeak- ingi Jo great an Advance wijl be made towards Faiocbial Lwfaries in the Plantations : Initead of Libraries for Maryland^ the bounds of my firfl Defign, I /hall not on- ly
r '4 )
ly extend my Endeavours for the Supply of all the Ehg- lijh Colonies in America therewith ; but can moft wil- ling be a Miflionary into every one of thofe Provinces, to fix and fettle them therein when they are obtained, being, fo fully pcrfwaded of the great Benefit of thefe kind of Lilrar'tes^ that I Ihould not think em too dear a Pur- . chafe, even at the hazard of my Life, being to both Church and Clergy
A most Devottd^ and
Humhle Servant^
T H o. Bray,
Note
Note, r. In thofe Large and Populous Cities^ where there will be Subfcr.ibers enough to raife a Library^ there the Library may be appropriated folely to the Vfe of the Clergy and Gentry of that Place ^ only it may be expeBed from the Clergy efpecially^ that their Quota of Subfcriptions be made alfo towards the Deanary- Libraries for the Vfe of the Rural Clergy^ it being the Firfl and Principal Deftgn to fupply them^ efpecially thofe in fmalkr Vi^ car ages and Curacies,,
2. Jfin the fame Deanary there are fever al Market -Towns ^ it would be happy if the Foundation of a Library could be laid in each of Vw, Libraries being more peculiarly ufeful in Market-Towns^ where ^though it be requijite the Abilities of the Clergy fhouldhe the greateft^ yet the Provijion and Maintenance for that Purpofe is commonly the leajl,
3. If the Foundation of a Library can be laid in every 'Market- Tdwn^ then the adjacent Clergy and Gentry may entitle them- felver by their Subfcriptions ^ to the Library of fuch Neighbour^ ing Towns ^ from whence they /hall be able with mofi cafe and conveniency to fend for a Book at any time,,
4. // thefe Deanary 'Subfcribtions fhall fo multiply^ that any one of the Books propofed in the following Sett fhall become fo fear ce^ as not to be had at all^ or at an unreafonable rate^ then another Book equivalent in its intrinfick Worth and Price fhaU befent in itsjlead.
(17)
■III if
•■••■MBMmaak
T H E
CATALOGUE of BOOKS
. Defign'd to lay the Foundation of
EenDmg Eil)?aw$
Tobefix'd in all the Market-Towiisin &ig^W,
FOR
The Vfe of the Clergy , School-
Mafters, and Gentlemen of fuch
ToTi'm, andTari/hes adjoining^ as /hall
fubfcribe towards the Tur chafe of the
/aid ^oof{s.
Biftory,
Eccelefiafticai, General.
D
Zfp/ns Ecclefiaftical Hiftory, 5 rj, FoL
Platinas Lives of the Pope's ; conciau'd by Sir Paul Rkaut. Fol.
D Parti- •
(t8)
Particular,
Sleidans Hiftory of the Reformation of the Church, from the Errors and Corruptions of the Church of Rome^ FoL
Biihop Burnetts Hiftory of the Reformation of the Church of Engl an d^ z f^ol. FoL
Civil, General, \
Vferii Annales V. & N. Teftamenti, FoL Particular,
?uffendorf\ IntroduQion to the Hiftory of Ew
rope, 8^ Mazarays Hiftory of France, FoL Sir R. Baker's Chronicle of the Kings of England,
continu'd to the latter End of King Charles the
Second, FoL
Geography and Tra\elsy
General,
f^4rf«/iAf's Geography, with ^S'jw/^^'s Maps, and
the County-Maps of England, FoL Thefaurus GeografhiciUy FoL
Particular,
Camden s Britannia, FoL Dr. Browns Travels through the greateft part of Europe, FoL -^(/-
{ Vp )
MifoHsTwrds to Jtafy, %f^cLZ%.
Sir George iVheelers Travels into Greece^ FoL
Sir John CharJins Travels through the Black
Sea^ and the Ciountry oF Colchii into Ferjiay and
the EaJl'InJies. Knox sHi^oty of thelflandof Ceylony FoL Gage's Dcfcription of the WeH- Indies^ 8?. Dampie/s Voyage round the World, 83.
Theology I. Apologetical,
Grotius de Veritate Chrifliana ReligioHts^i?,.
Parkers Demonftration of the Law of Nature, and of the Divine Authority of the Chriftian Reli- gion, 4®,.
Biihop l^/i?/Ws Sermons at Mr. J??y/^'s Lc^ durcs, 4^.
Bilhop JVUkins Natural Religion, 8^.
II. General Bodies of Divinity,
Ell'ts 39 Articuli, xx"^.
Dr. Scots Works, 4 Vol 8^.
Fhillifp a L'tmhorcb Theologia Chrlfliana^ FoL
Turret hi Compendium^ 4^.
III. Particular upon fome of the more impor- tant Subjc(5ts.
Firft^ Ufonihe Whole ^ody of Chriftian Faiths or on fdme of its Great Articles.
Biftiop Pearfon on the Creed, FoL
D % Dr.
( xo )
Dr. Fellings DLviae Exi(\ence, 8?.
Bilhop StilltMfJIe^t's Vindication of the Holy
Trinity, 8^. -—Upon the Satisfadion of Chrift, 8^. Dr. h'oJy upon the Refurreftion, 8^. Dr. Sherlock on Death, 8S. •—On Judgment, 8^.
Secondly, Upon iphat relates to the Duties of Chrifiianity^ and upon the Duties themfehes.
Suarezcle Legihiu^ FoL
Uifhop Taylors Duiior Dubitantium^ FoL
Sander jon de Qlligatione Confcientia^ 8^,
— -9 Cafus^ 8^,
Whole Duty of Man's Works.
A'<f///tfu;^i's Meafur^s of .Chriftiart Obedience, 8^.
Goodmans Penitent pardon'd, 8^.
Biiliop Patrick on Repentance, and the Lent-Faft.
Dr. Hooper on the Lent Faft, 8®.
Kettlewel on the Sacrament, 8®,
Dr. Lucm of Happinefs, 3 Parts^ 8^.
IV. Sermons.
» Tilloijons Sermons, FoL
Sir Matth, //^/^j's Contemplations, Moral andDi- Yioe|^3 Parts^ 8^.
V. Controvcrfie.
Dr. C^w^^r's /?^wtf« Forgeries, with the Church-
Hiftory, 4 Parts, 4^. Mr. ^//^//'s Works, 4 Parts, 82.
Falk"
( 11 )
Falkners Lilertas Ecclejiaftica^ 8®.
Biihop Kings Inventiort s of Men in the Worftiip
of God, with the Defences, 8^. Snake in the Grafe, 8?.
VL Humanity,
HoYac^y > In Z/fitm Delfhini.
Juvenal^ and Perfius^ ^
Vl[L Towards the promoting ojf Natural Knowledge.
Dr. Gilfonh Anatomy, 8^.
Compleat Gardener, by HovSwuQMintinU^ FoL
AN
( « )
•AN
ADDITION of BOOKS
To the Value of Ten Pounds, to be fenc into fuch Veanariesy where the Clergy arc in a Con- dition, and the Centry are forward to lay a larger Foundation for thcfe L tnding^Uhrmes ; the Money to be returned, one half at prc- fent; the other at the next Jfic/?^g/m4j-Vifita- tion.
DR. Howell's Univerfal HiOory, 3 Vol. Fol. Hiftory of the Council of Trent ^ Fol, Archbiftiop Laud's Life, Publifli^d by Mr. Wharton, Fol. Thevenot'sTr2Lvds into P e rjia znd tlic Eajl- Indus, Fol, Dt. Barrows Sermon's, j yol. Fol. not now to be had, but will be reprinted if this Defign takes, as will many other valuable Books noVv out of Print, particularly the next, viz. The London Divines Cafes againft the Diflentcrs, Fol.
• N. Commentators tifon
the Scriptures^ fuch as Dr. HammondV Jmotations, andBtJhjf Pa- tricks Paraphrafes^ are not inferted in this Catalogue, becaufe fuch ought to he always at hand to be confulted upon occafion ^ whereas the Books falling under this Defign are to be read through^ and then fpeedtly returned,
^•^' ^' FINIS.
advertisement;
Bl^LIOTBBQA PA^OCBIALIS: Or, A Scheme of (uch Theological Heads, both General and Particular, as are more pecu* liarly Requiiice to be well Studied by every Paftor of a Parifli : Together with a Qataldjgue of ^ooks which may be Read upon each of thofe Joints- !B)f THO M A S B R A Y, D.V.
Ijondon^ Printed by JE. ff for Rohert Clavel^ at the. Peacock in St. Pauh Church- Yard, x ^97. ,
An Essay Towards Promoting All Necessary and Useful Knozvledge, Both Divine and Human^ In All Parts of His Majesty^s Dominiofis^ Both at Home and Abroad was suggested by Mr. Lewis Stark, Chief, Rare Book Division, The New York Public Library, for our Christmas Greeting. Wc arc grateful to Mr. Thomas R. Adams, Librarian, John Carter Brown Library, Brown University, for lend- ing their copy for reproduction.
G. K. HALL S CO.
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