268 POSTSCRIPT. October 20. INTELLIGENCE of a very gratifying nature, respecting the impulse produced by the Bible Society, is almost daily arriving from different quarters. When the next Report of the Society appears, it will be found that the representation already made of the effects which have resulted from this institution fall short of the reality. It will appear that the number of auxiliary societies in America has already increased from five to ten; that this admirable system is also extending itself in this country; and that in India a spirit has been called into action, which has no parallel in the history of the world. For the sake of conciseness, I shall content myself with giving a letter from Mr. Owen, in reference to India, which reached me a few days ago. My dear Friend, "Fulham, Oct. 12, 1810. "As you wish to be furnished with the latest intelligence from India, relative to the operations of the British and Foreign Bible Society in that portion of the world, I have the pleasure of transmitting to you the following particulars. 66 By letters dated Fort William, Calcutta, March 1st and 15th, it appears that the subscription opened at Calcutta on the 1st of January, and closed on the 31st, for supplying the Christians at Tanjore with Tamul Bibles and Testaments, amounted to 9000 rupees, contributed by thirty-five persons, a list of whom is annexed. "At the Meeting of the Corresponding Committee in Calcutta, on February 15, a Minute was read on the subject of establishing at Calcutta a BIBLIOTHECA BIBLICA, or BIBLE REPOSITORY, with a library for the use of translators, under the auspices of the British and Foreign Bible Society, to be superintended by the Corresponding Committee.. "The Minute proposes, that the Bible Reposi- . tory should be situated in the most central part of the town, and that it should contain Bibles for sale at moderate prices, in all languages, both European and Asiatic, together with copies of the Scriptures in the original and learned languages; and that the library to be formed for the use of the translators, consist of the original Scriptures, versions in all languages, Lexicons and Grammars of every description, and works on biblical literature and criticism. "The plan thus proposed was adopted by the unanimous resolution of the Corresponding Committee, and, by their recommendation, it has received the sanction of the British and Foreign Bible Society, through their Committee in London. "With what success this noble measure is likely to be attended, may in some degree be anticipated by the favourable manner in which its notification appears to have been received. "The establishment of the Bibliotheca Biblica, for facilitating the diffusion of the Holy Scriptures (says my Correspondent, under date March 1), has met with general approbation, and is now in readiness to be carried into effect. Four thousand volumes are collected in ten languages, to be placed in the Repository for sale; and lists will be circulated at every station, both in these provinces, and on the Coast, for orders. "With earnest hope the Committee look forward to the arrival of the supplies recommended to be sent out from the Society, as it is probable in the course of the present year orders will be received, from the most distant stations, for Bibles both in the original and European languages.' "I will only add one further extract, from the Regulations laid down by the Corresponding Committee with regard to this magnificent establishment. "The Committee will not admit into the BIBLIOTHECA BIBLICA, for sale, Bibles with comments, nor will they allow religious books, or tracts of any kind, to be exposed for sale, except the Reports of the British and Foreign Bible Society.' "This regulation will, I trust, be considered, by all under whose eye it may come, as an additional evidence of the inviolability attached to the fundamental rule of the Society on the part of its agents and supporters in every portion of the world. "I am, My dear friend, "Yours very faithfully, " JOHN OWEN." The Rev. W. Dealtry. |
