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to inquire, by means of sub-committees associated with any active subscribers, what families or individuals residing within their several districts are in want of Bibles or Testaments, and unable to procure them; and that it shall be the duty of the Committee to furnish them therewith at reduced prices, or gratis, according to their circumstances."

The most effectual method of promoting branch societies is stated to be, to delegate a few of the committee of the auxiliary society to visit and excite the inhabitants of the neighbouring towns or districts. A similar plan may be adopted in the case of Bible associations*.

These various regulations are accompanied by an address to the following effect.

The foregoing hints are submitted to all zealous friends of the British and Foreign Bible Society throughout the empire. By the adoption of such plans as are therein sketched, three very important objects may be attained, which it is earnestly recommended to the friends of the institution over to keep in view.

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1. The increase of the society's funds. By far the most efficacious method of accomplishing this object, as has been repeatedly found by experience, is the personal application recommended in the preceding plans to the inhabitants of the place and neigh bourhood where the society may be formed.

2. An accurate knowledge of the state of the poorer classes, with regard to their possession or want of the Scriptures.--The subcommittees, formed for the purpose of making these inquiries, by entering the habitations of the poor on this benevolent errand, will have abundant opportunities, both of communicating and receiving benefit. These inquiries should be directed to ascertainfirst, whether they possess copies of the Scriptures, and in what condition; secondly, if not, and yet desirous of possessing them, whether they have the means, in whole or in part, at once or by degrees, of purchasing copies; thirdly, if any, and how many, of the family can read. Without inquiries of this nature, the deficiency of the Scriptures, as has been proved, will be but little known, and consequently but scantily supplied; and one of the principal objects of the various societies in a considerable degree frustrated.

3. The most prudent and efficient manner of supplying the want of Bibles, among the poorer classes, will be suggested. The plan

The Edinburgh Bible Society acknowledges the receipt of more than sixty pounds sterling from various associations, in which the contribution is one penny a week.

CHRIST. OBSERY. APP.

of selling the Scriptures to the poor has
been tried; and has been found to possess
several important advantages (where practi-
When
cable) over gratuitous distribution.
purchased even at a low rate, they are gene-
rally held in higher estimation, and more
carefully preserved, than when given. The
expediency of extending this mode of sup.
ply as widely as possible, is forcibly urged
by the consideration, that, if sold at an
average but of one half of the cost price, and
the money so received invested in the pur-
chase of more books, and this repeated till
the whole fund and stock be exhausted, the
number of copies thus circulated will be
nearly double that which could have been
gratuitously circulated by the expenditure of
the original sum. This average of one half
may be obtained by carrying the price, ac-
cording to the circumstances of the parties,
from one fourth to three fourths of the cost
price, or even from one eighth to seven
eighths. If the parties cannot pay immedi
ately, they may be allowed to discharge the
small debt by weekly instalments; which will
enable a very large proportion of the poor to
purchase the Scriptures, and render it unne-
cessary to give them, excepting to a very few.

The effect which the adoption of this system will have in accelerating the supply at home, and in enabling the society to enlarge its exertions abroad, must be obvious to every considerate person.

SUFFOLK AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY.

At a numerous and respectable meeting of gentry, clergy, and inhabitants of the county of Suffolk, convened under the patronage of the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Norwich, and beld December 10th, 1811, at the Shire Hall, in Ipswich, for the purpose of considering the best mode of forming a Bible Society, in this county, auxiliary to the British and Foreign Bible Society, the Rev. Thomas Cobbold, A. M. in the Chair, as representative of the Lord Bishop of Norwich, it was unanimously resolved to forta a society to be called" the Suffolk Auxiliary Bible Society," for the purpose of disseminating the Holy Scriptures within the county, and of co-operating with the British and Foreign Bible Society iu promoting their distribution

abroad.

The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Norwich was chosen president ;-and the Duke of Grafton, lord lieutenant of the county; the Marquis Cornwallis; the Earl of Dysart; the Earl of Bristol; the Earl of Yarmouth; Lord Charles Fitzroy; Rev. Lord Henry Fitzroy; Lord Calthorpe, Lord Henniker; the Hon. J. Vanneck; Sir T. C

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is strictly to adhere to the plan of the author. Like him, the editor will not so much inquire whether the subjects of his biographical sketch were Calvinists or Arminians, churchmen or dissenters; but whether they have "preached Christ crucified," as the only Redeemer for fallen man. This being ascertained, the shades of difference in other respects will not be regarded.

The present inquiry relates principally to biographical materials from Great Britain. At such a distance, these are always with difficulty obtained. Such as have distinguish ed themselves by their writings, and whose lives have been prefixed to their works, we can easily procure. Yet it is probable, that even of these much more remains to be said, which, if called for, would no doubt be forthcoming. There are many, however, of whom the printed materials, so far as they have reached this country, are very scanty; and many others, of whom we have seen simply the records of their deaths, but whose public labours will be had in everlasting remembrance.

Will any of your correspondents be pleased to point out the sources whence materials may be obtained? And if they would furnish any new lives on the plan proposed, the editor and the public would be lastingly obliged.

Such gentlemen as feel a wish to promote the objects above noticed, will be pleased to leave any materials with the Rev. Adam Clarke, LL. D., at the Surrey Institution; with Apsley Pellatt, Esq. St. Paul's Churchyard; or Joseph Butterworth, Esq. Fleet Street, London; either of whom will duly forward them. Reference to materials, you will oblige the Editor of the Biographica Evangelica, by permitting to appear in the Christian Observer. This work having been republished here, and its circulation through the United States being very extensive, makes it the best vehicle for such communications.

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To the Editor of the Christian Observer, WHEN a publication so respectable as the Christian Observer, holds out an insinuation against the fairness or honesty of a religious society, on account of any of its peculiar principles, it will not, I presume, be thought an improper degree of anx iety for the character of that society, if any of its members should feel disposed to explain their conduct, with a view to remove that impres sion which such an insinuation is calculated to produce on the public mind. These observations will be readily supposed to allude to the remarks of the Editor of the Christian Observer (No. for Sept. p. 600), on that part of the Yearly Epistle of the Quakers which contains an ac count of their sufferings, as they think they justly call them, for the non-payment of ecclesiastical de mands. It is not, however, my de sign to enter at large into this sub, ject; but to confine myself princi pally to the arguments on which the charge of unfairness is founded; and in doing this I shall principally make use of former writers on the subject..

The argument drawn from the supposed contract betwixt the seller and purchaser of land, has been often advanced, and often answered. So long ago as the year 1654, was pub. lished a pamphlet, entitled "The great Case of Tithes truly stated," &c., by Anthony Pearson, who had been a justice of peace in Westmorland; in which he replies to this objection in the following manner.

"I have already proved that all land is tithe-free, and the charge of

The religious public will no doubt tithe is upon the stock and personal

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estates, and not upon the land. And the strength of this objection lies in comparing those that pay tithes with those that are free. They that buy lands tithe-free are eased of this oppression, and are in no hazard; and though all others ought to be so, yet being a question whether they can ease themselves of the burthen, they buy under a hazard, and as subject to such a charge; but if they can cast off the yoke, they get what is but their own; and seeing we have denied the Pope's authority and supremacy, we may, so soon as we can,, wholly cast off the burthens which he laid on us. Thus, he that buys lands in years of trouble and heavy taxes, may perhaps buy much cheaper than when none or little is paid: shall he be always required to pay taxes, when others are discharged? Or shall he that bought cheap bargains on the borders betwixt England and Scotland, when those parts were infested with mosstroopers, always maintain, or pay tribute to, thieves and robbers. We bought land when the Pope's yoke was upon our necks; and if we cast it from us, we inay by as good reason be eased of our tithes as they of their taxes. But if I bought cheaper, what is that to the state, or to a priest? If by equity I be bound to pay any more, it is most just that he have it, of whom I bought my land, and not another."

Another writer on the subject of tithes, Joseph Phipps of Norwich, states our arguments in the follow ing words.

"Tithes are not imposed in the manner of a civil tax. They are founded on religious considerations. The intent of imposing them is to support religious ministers in the pursuit of religious duties. Being not required for a civil but a religious purpose, the payment of them is to be treated as a matter of a religious

concern.

"As the foundation upon which tithes are exacted is not of a civil nature, neither can they be a just

debt upon those who are of a distinct society, in point of religion, from that of the demanders. The Quakers, in particular, have no con、 nection with the legally established clergy but in a natural or a civil relation. They are not of the same religious society with them; therefore these are no ministers to them, and by consequence can have no equitable demand upon them as such.

"To those who plead the gift of tithes from former possessors of land, or that allege the length of time the successive claimants have been in possession of these impositions, I answer, 1st. No ancestor of mine had a right to give away from me the fruits of my labour and expense, which never could be his, for purposes I cannot in conscience comply with. My misled predecessor never could be entitled to dispose of my conscience or property for me, before I existed, in support of the prevailing errors of his age. 2dly. No length of time or term of possession, can abolish the eternal law of equity, nor render that right which stands on a wrong foundation. Right and wrong are not convertible terms; nor is it in the power of time to reverse or reconcile their contrary natures, which must always necessarily remain in their true distinctions.”

From the foregoing quotations it will be seen that we are so far from considering the charge of unfairness, or want of honesty, applicable to us, that we should be at a loss, "if we did not know the power of prejudice," to reconcile the conduct of the clergy with those rules of conduct which regulate our relations with each other: but here we are willing to let charity step in, and to believe that an error in judgment, and not a want of principle, is the cause of that conduct which appears to us so utterly inconsistent with the character of a Gospel minister. The unfortunate allusion to the baker and butcher (unfortunate to the cause for which it is pursued) will,

old man from Covivilly of ninety-seven for raising Christian churches among the years of age, whom he called the Patriarch native Cingalese. Jacob, who, leaning on two of his sons, shed tears of joy for their conversion as well as his own, as they were baptized at the same time with himself. But a more interesting figure, if possible, in this groupe, was a schoolmaster crippled in both legs by a fall from a tree, who had been brought ten miles upon men's shoulders to hear the word. Since,' said he, I lost the use of my legs, I have nothing but heaven in view.' After preaching on the latter part of the second chapter of the first Epistle of Peter, adds our brother, "I took occasion to exhort the people to be obedient to their masters, and particularly to the magistrates, and to wave all views of temporal advantage by professing Christianity, and not to imagine they would be exempt from the cross, or discharged from the obligation of their relative duties."

6. In the last annual Report, the Directors noticed the lively interest which the deplorable condition of the native Cingalese had excited in the breasts of some benevolent persons filling situations of great respectabi. lity in the island. By the arrival in this country of the Hon. Sir Alexander Johnston, chief justice of Ceylon, they have been fa voured with an opportunity of conferring with him on this important subject. Impressed with a generous concern for the amelioration of the condition of the natives, Sir Alexander Johnston was earnestly desirous of obtaining Christian teachers to superintend the schools which had formerly been established, and was of opinion that if our missionaries were directed to leave the coast towns, which are inhabited chiefly by Europeans, and to reside more in the interior among the natives, the fostering hand of government would not be withheld, but would, in all probability, co-operate in forwarding the benevolent views of the society for the instruction of those whom Providence has placed under As this gentleman was on the eve of returning to Ceylon, the Directors have written to their three missionaries, Messrs. Palm, Erhardt, and Read to this effect, and that they should embrace the opportunity which now offers of prosecut

their care.

ing the work of their mission, by going to

7. By the journal of Mr. Morrison, the missionary to China, it appears that he con tinues to apply himself with assiduity and success at Canton, and occasionally at Macao, to the study of the language of China. From the grammar and dictionary which he bas with immense labour composed, the most valuable assistance will be derived by any missionaries who may hereafter be sent to that empire, as well as by others of our coun trymen, who may be induced to study the language. By Mr. Morrison's superior faci lity in writing the character, and conversing with the natives, he has already been ena bled to render important services to the public, of which a suitable sense appears to be entertained, and which are likely to be advantageous towards the support of this expensive mission.

West Indies, &c.

Evangelized as a portion of America is, multitudes of its inhabitants remain in the grossest darkness. Endeavours to enlighten the Indians in North America, appear to be the appropriate province of our Anglo-Ame rican brethren, who, in the United States, have associated themselves in missionary societies for that purpose. It is to the poor Africans in a state of slavery, that this society has for several years past directed their principal attention, and, blessed be God, not without success.

1. Since the death of Mr. Post, who had been the honoured instrument of introducing the Gospel into Demarara, several other ve luable friends have been raised up to pro mote the same good work. It appears that the white inhabitants are, in general, favourable to the object of the mission, especially those residing on the eastern coast, who are the best acquainted with it, having had an opportunity of hearing for themselves, and whose negroes have also attended. Some of these are proprietors, and others respectable managers. One gentleman, of considerable influence, and of very respectable characters who has several estates under his care, very friendly. There are others, who at hist opposed the mission, but, on seeing the good effects produced by the Gospel in the come

duct of their own slaves, or on those of the

such parts of the interior as the Governor in neighbouring estates, have applied to Mr. Council may be pleased to appoint; so that Wray, desiring him to instruct their negroes, by a residence among the people, they may saying, that his ministry had proved a great be able more speedily to acquire the language, blessing to the people, and to all concerned; that by the instruction, particularly of the and that they would soon have no need of children, in the pure principles of the doc- drivers, for the slaves would be obedient with

trine of Christ, a foundation might be laid

out them.

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Mr. Wray continues his labours" in season and out of season," even beyond his strength, The intervals of three public services on the Lord's-day, have often been filled up with the necessary and laborious work of cate chizing, and evenings of other days are employed in similar services. On this subject he says, "I feel at present very weak and unwell; catechizing the negroes who cannot read is very laborious; it requires patience, strength, and a great deal of time to teach five or six hundred persons: but I hope God will strengthen me to persevere in the work." And he mentions it as his decided opinion, that catechizing is the principal method that is likely to be useful to them without which, they cannot understand what is de livered in a sermon,

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Through the medium of a friend at Stabrook, who promises to be a great blessing to the missionary cause at Demarara, he had been introduced to Mahaica, a village on the coast, twenty-five miles from town, in the vicinity of several estates, from which great numbers of people appear willing to attend the preaching. The gentlemen residing here, expressed a great desire to have a missionary to instruct them; are very anxious to build a place of worship, and have already subscribed 1000l, towards it.

In one of his communications he remarks "Several of the negroes have learned to read, and from reading, as well as from memory, some of them are become good catechists, and begin to assist me. One of them told me, that 113 had come to him to be instructed; and I am sometimes astonished to find how correctly they learn the catechism from one another. About 200 at

tend public worship regularly, several of whom, having learned the tunes, can conduct the singing without the assistance of white people; and many begin to pray with great fluency, and it is remarkable, that they pray much in Scripture language."

2. Mr. Adam still continues his missionary labours at Trinidad, with increasing prospects of usefulness among the slaves. Some delay has taken place in the erection of the chapel at Port of Spain mentioned in the last Report: the subscriptions however have increased to 750l. exclusive of 100%. voted by the Directors; and a committee of gentleman has been ap. pointed to carry the design into effect. In the mean time, divine worship is regularly carried on in a room hired for the purpose, where from 150 to 200 persons attend, some of whom are slaves. In the course of the year he has repeatedly visited several estates on the coast. A gentleman of son

siderable influence appears particularly fa vourable to the design of the mission; he has invited him to his own estate to preach to his slaves, and appears to be anxious that they as well as others should enjoy the means of salvation: he has also obtained permission from the governor for Mr. Adam to act as he might think best for spreading the Gospel in the remoter parts of the island, Several of the proprietors having expressed a wish to have their people instructed, he has access to eight estates, containing about two thousand five hundred negroes. This encouraging prospect has induced him to request that another missionary may be sent to his assistance. As many of the slaves, it appears, understand only French or Spanish, he has begun to apply himself to attain these languages. He has commenced a lecture once a fortnight to children, which promises considerable usefulness, as seventy or eighty of them constantly attend. He has likewise begun the instruction of the negroes, for which purpose they meet twice a week*.

3. Mr. Elliot still continues to labour in Tobago, not only at Scarborough, the principal town, but in various parts of the island, among both the whites and the negroes. In a letter lately received, he states, that appearances of success are more favourable than they were some time since.

North America.

Mr. Pidgeon spent the greatest part of the last at Prince Edward Island, where, it year appears, his labours have been acceptable. He speaks of this situation as being well calculated for missionary exertions. The peo ple are numerous, and glad to hear.

An application has been made to the Directors by a number of persons, chiefly British, who settled about the year 1784, in the district of Johnstown, in Upper Canada, near Lake Ontario, and whose principal residence bears the name of Elizabeth Town; they have been enabled to surmount the difficul ties which settlers in a wilderness generally encounter, but continue destitute of any stated religious ordinances. They have made an application for assistance to this society,

Since the above Report was made, the missions both in Demarara and Trinidad have been suspended by the persecuting edicts of the governors of these places. The Government at home, however, have, much to their credit, interfered, and the missionaries are once more at liberty to proceed with their valuable labours.

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