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voted by the Bartlett's Buildings' Society, in March 1805, was sufficient for the occasion; and I observe it is stated by some of your friends, that this supply was as great as could be wanted. This is another mistake. The whole edition voted by the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge amounted only to 20,000 copies. Upwards of 40,000 copies have already been disposed of by the Bible Society, and yet there is room.

A letter, which I have recently received from North Wales, dated August 28, 1810, speaks decisively upon this point:-"The Bible Society may console themselves with the real truth of doing incalculable good in our poor country, by the abun-, dant supply of Bibles with which they have most generously furnished us. Thousands and tens of thousands have benefited by them, and very many eternally. Indeed, without their supply, we must have been, ere now, in a most deplorable situation; for not one of the Oxford Bibles has as yet reached us; and when they arrive, we are ready for them, and the whole impression will be soon swallowed up, if permitted to circulate freely and unrestrained. They are wanted and called for, as more convenient for the use of families."

9. You assert, p. 50," that the old Society had before supplied the wants of the principality; and was ready to do so again, as soon as the necessity was made known to them." To this statement I am very sorry that I cannot accede; we are at issue Dr. Gaskin himself admitted, to a upon a fact. clergyman who did apply, "that there were only 10,000 printed, and that 20,000 would not supply

half the demand" (see p. 6.); and I shall prove to you soon, partly in the text and partly by Appendix F*, that applications were repeatedly made, even till men were weary of applying, and yet nothing was done.

This point is, I hope, settled between us; I now therefore, come to the more immediate consideration of your letter.

I have taken more than ordinary pains to ascertain both the general division of your reply, and its minuter subdivisions; but I cannot boast that I have been very successful. I am scarcely able at this moment, to state entirely to my satisfaction the plan which you have pursued. I love to have the several heads of an argument clearly before me; and I will therefore mention in each case, what I profess to prove. Instead of following you page by page, and entangling myself in all the mazes of error (as I venture to think at least), which are to be found in your letter, or to which your principles lead, I will endeavour to urge the general argument, and leave minor considerations to take care of themselves. I shall not think it necessary in all instances to quote your words, but shall often be contented with giving the idea which they convey. It is very possible to quote words with accuracy, which, when separated from their context, shall give a meaning very different from the true.

There are six topics on which I propose to offer observations.

*See also p. 7, and Appendix A.

D

The first relates to the absolute and paramount importance of circulating the Scriptures.

The second, to the actual want of Bibles in dif-ferent parts of the world.

The third, to the most effectual means of dispersing them.

The fourth, to the advantages of the Bible Society.

The fifth, to the objections which yourself and others have brought forward against it.

I shall then consider, sixthly, the remedies which you propose.

And conclude with some miscellaneous observa tions on your pamphlet.

SECTION I.

I. The first topic relates to the absolute and paramount importance of circulating the Scriptures.

I have already stated, in my former letter, that no question could arise between you and me about the importance of disseminating the Scriptures to the greatest practicable extent. Indeed, with respect to their general utility, it is difficult to conceive how a difference of opinion cau exist among those who profess to take the Bible as the rule of faith and the guide of conduct. No advancement in civilization can render it superfluous; no degradation of intellect is beneath its influence. On the absolute importance, therefore, of dispersing the Scriptures, all reasonable men are agreed; yet

there seems to be a question, whether the distribution of other works be not of almost equal value. It is insinuated by some, that, though the Bible furnishes many good rules, and is the text-book of Christians throughout the world, it has a strange and perverse habit of misrepresenting sound doctrine, and is not fit to be trusted alone. By these persons, therefore, it is kept in a great measure out of sight;

And, like an infant, troublesome awake,

CowPER.

Is left to sleep, for peace and quiet sake. "A Bible given away by a Papist, will be productive of Popery; the Socinian will make his Bible speak and spread Socinianism; while the Calvinist, the Baptist, and the Quaker, will teach the opinions peculiar to their sects. Supply these men with Bibles (I speak as a true Churchman), and you will supply them with arms against yourself *."

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Thus is the great standard of our faith and prac tice represented as the most variable and accommodating standard in the world!

I believe, on the contrary, that the Holy Scriptures are able to make men wise unto salvation; and that "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correc

* Country Clergyman's Address to Lord Teignmouth.-I scarcely know what stress to lay upon any observations which are made by this uneasy gentleman. I should have thought he would have been cured of appearing before the public, by the lesson which he received from the Suburban Clergyman. But you have Galvanised him into a sort of muscular motion. He has ventured forth with a second Letter to Lord Teignmouth, of which the spirit and the reasonings will reflect no shame upon his former production. I shall hereafter make a few further remarks upon him.

tion, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." I therefore cannot consistently believe, that, thus inspired, they will speak with equal readiness any language which is attempted to be drawn from them. I cannot believe that it depends altogether on the hand by which they are circulated, whether they shall prove profitable or pernicious; whether (I speak it with reverence) they shall make men wise unto salvation, or mislead them to their destruction. I know, indeed, that the plainest truths may be perverted, and that a commentary may be employed to darken or distort instead of explaining a text, but I am sure that the Bible is never more safe from perversion, than when it is made fully and generally accessible; and that an erroneous commentary must be far less mischievous, when it is circulated in company with the text, than when it is circulated alone.

On the other hand, I know of no commentary on the Scriptures, or on any other book, of which it can be said, that it is given by inspiration of God;" or of which, however wise, pious, and edifying it may be, I should dare to affirm that it is profitable to make the man of God perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Away, then, with those profane and vain babblings, which would elevate the traditions and comments of men to the rank of Heaven's blessed and lively oracles! Other writings are valuable, but these are above all value : others may be wise, but these flow directly from the Fountain of wisdom: others may be useful, but these are given for the conversion of the world. It

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