Page images
PDF
EPUB

Specimen of the Annual Report.

culties suggested themselves, arising out of the state of the labouring classes, and their presumed misapprehension of our motives and intentions. These fears and difficulties we have indeed found to be imaginary: we have been uniformly treated, not only with respect, but with the greatest kindness and affection. The weekly visits by the Collectors are anticipated with evident and cordial satisfaction; and are rendered increasingly gratifying, by the improved habits of cleanliness, order, and decorum, that are gradually extending among the subscribers. In reference to this subject, and as an illustration of these remarks, the following fact, reported by the Collectors of one of our districts, is presented.

(1.) "Shortly after the establishment of the Association, we called on a poor woman in our district; and, in answer to our inquiry, were informed that she had neither Bible nor Testament. Her manner, and general appearance, gave us reason to fear that she attached no importance to the inquiry, nor any value to the Sacred Volume. She and her children were ragged; her apartments extremely dirty; and every object around denoted idleness and waste. After some conversation, she agreed to become a subscriber. In the course of a short time, the sum was completed, and she received her Bible. Not many weeks had elapsed, when she sent a message, requesting us to call upon her again, as she was particularly desirous of seeing us. We complied with her wishes, and were highly gratified by our visit. The poor woman burst into tears as soon as she saw us; and, in the most affecting and grateful language, expressed her feelings. Never,' said she (taking down the Bible from the clean shelf on which it was placed), never can I pay sufficiently for this Book it has proved a blessing to me, and my dear husband.' Upon further conversation, we discovered that, indeed, a great alteration had taken place in her habits and conduct; and that both spiritual and temporal benefit appeared to have resulted to her family and herself from the perusal of the Scriptures. From never having been in the habit of going to a place of worship, we now learnt that she was constant in her attendance: her children seemed no longer neglected; her room was in perfect order; and every thing wore the air of neatness and comfort."

[ocr errors]

Your Committee beg leave to add the testimony derived from their limited experience, to those of other and older Associations, in favour of the plan adopted for supplying the poor with the holy scriptures, through their own instrumentality. It has been abundantly proved, that the value of the Bible is considerably enhanced by its being obtained through some sacrifice on the part of the receiver; and few indeed are the instances, in this happy land, wherein some portion of the cost price cannot be contributed. One of these instances, however, has fallen under our observation, in a manner so peculiarly calculated to excite attention, that we cannot refrain from placing it on more permanent record.

66

(2.) Shortly after the establishment of this Association, one of the Secretaries called at the house of a poor widow, who was a free contributor of a penny a-week. On asking who lived at the adjoining cottage, the woman replied, that it was a poor, aged, bedridden cripple. "But, Madam," added she, it is of no use for you to call on her, as she is too poor to subscribe any thing for a Bible." On hearing the name of the poor sufferer, the Lady immediately recollected that she was entered as a subscriber of ourpence a-week, for a Small-pica Bible: and on mentioning this, with some expression of surprise, to the widow, the latter appeared confused; and at length confessed, that her two little daughters had privately agreed to subscribe twopence a-week each, out of their earnings at a manufactory, in order to provide this poor destitute cripple with a Bible; and the money was paid in her name, that their benevolent secret might not transpire.

K K

Specimen of the Annual Report.

We feel convinced, that the establishment of the LOAN FUND has been productive of much benefit, both to this Society and the poor. The delight with which the Testaments have been always received, and the eagerness which many have manifested to obtain similar ones, which they might call their own, are gratifying proofs of the truth of this observation.

(3.) We have been delighted in perceiving the deep and increasing interest which the poor manifest in the Foreign object of the Bible Society; a feeling that has been considerably strengthened and extended by the circulation of the Monthly Extracts of Correspondence. The following fact is a gratifying evidence of this prevalent sentiment :

A woman, whose husband possesses a few acres of land, and with whom, when visiting the district, we had left some papers, explanatory of the nature of the Association, called at our house one day, and presented three shillings, which she said was to go towards the purchase of a large Bible for herself, as the one she possessed was of so small a print she could scarcely read it. At the same time she expressed her desire to become a free contributor, and laid down threepence for the three weeks which had elapsed since we called on her. Although gratified by her cheerful willingness to subscribe, we were inclined to think she did not understand what was meant by a free contributor; and therefore asked, whether it was her intention to subscribe freely while she was also paying for her own Bible? "Yes," she replied; "I see, by the papers you gave me, how necessary it is to give money to get Bibles for the poor creatures in foreign countries:" and bursting into tears, she added, "Oh! how much better are they when they get Bibles; and how much more they profit by them than we do, who know what we ought to do!"

It has been frequently remarked, that the proceedings of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and of its numerous Auxiliaries and Associations, have produced a two-fold effect-that of exciting a desire to possess and read the Sacred Volume, as well as supplying the wants of the poor. Of this we

have had many proofs; among which the following are not the least gratifying:

(4.) A little girl, having heard the Collectors, as they called at a neighbour's house, immediately offered her subscription of twopence a-week for a Bible. On being asked how she could afford it, she said, she gathered a pennyworth of bones every week; and she would try to gather more, so as to add another penny to it. She has since paid threepence a-week.

(5.) A German coal-carrier, who had received a Bible from the Hull Bible Society, was asked by one of our Collectors, whether he could afford to be

come a free contributor. "Oh, yes," he replied; "for I do not only possess an English Bible, but a German one, which I loved in my own country; and I do so wish every body to have one, that I will subscribe to send the Bible back to my own country."

[ocr errors]

(6.) A woman, being asked to become a free contributor, replied, that she would give a penny as long as she had two in the world. And a neighbour, asking her what the Ladies were about; she answered, Collecting for the Bible Society: and when the circulation of the Bible is the question, the cause must be good."

(7.) A poor man, who had saved some money, in order to spend it at the fair, on hearing of the Bible Associations, thought he might devote it to a better purpose, and requested he might have a Testament of the largest type, as he had a mother residing in Lincolnshire, whose sight was bad from age. He said, he knew she would be delighted with one of the Society's Testaments, and shed many a tear over it, as she had offered up many a prayer for the Bible Society. He then added, "As soon as I can afford it, I mean

Specimen of the Annual Report.

[ocr errors]

to subscribe for a Bible for myself; as I know a man who had one from your Association, and before he got it he was all for reform: but now,' says he, Thomas, I have read the Bible, and I hope it has been blessed to me, as I find reform must begin in my own heart.”

(8.) A boy, about ten years of age, frequently asked the Collector, with great anxiety, how much he had to pay towards his Bible? The last time she called upon him he repeated the inquiry. The money owing was Is. 8d. He gave her threepence. In the evening he called on her, to ask if she would allow him to have his Bible? The Collector supposed he had received a present; as he had before brought her 1s. 10d. which was given him as a Christmas gift. But he informed her, that, in the course of the day, a lady called at his father's house, who had taken a great fancy to a little dog of his, and offered to give him a shilling for it. He whispered to his brother, " It will not pay for my Bible." His brother told the lady what he had said; and insinuated, that, if she pleased to give him fivepence more, he thought he might be persuaded to part with his little favourite. "I will freely give him the other pence, replied the lady, in so good a cause." By this means the little fellow was enabled to have his long-wished-for Bible sooner than he expected. (9.) On calling upon a boy for his subscription, he came delighted from his work with a Bible under his arm, that he had received as a present. His contribution previously was only a penny; now, he said, he would advance it to threepence weekly, to procure a Bible for his father.

(10.) A little girl earnestly requested, and obtained permission from her mother, to subscribe the sum of sixpence per week, arising from the sale of flowers out of their garden, which had been allowed her for the purchase of a new bonnet; which she said she would much rather spend for a large Bible, as she could then lend it to her mother, who had only a small one. After paying the full price, and receiving it at the last distribution, she brought to the Collector her new-year's gift of sixpence, as a free donation.

There is something in the very name and character of the BIBLE, that excites respect and attention even from unblushing profligacy; and, by a natural transition, some portion of this feeling is transferred towards those who are privileged to co-operate in its universal dissemination. In this point of view, the following extract may not be uninteresting :

(11.) As two of the Collectors were going their usual round, in one of the streets they heard a group of women quarrelling. As they approached near the place from whence the noise proceeded, they were perceived by one of the women, who exclaimed, "Hush! hush! the Bible Ladies are coming." Upon hearing this they immediately separated, and returned quickly to their houses.

66

Although the Christian requires no evidence of the sufficiency of the Scriptures, under the teaching and guidance of the Holy Spirit, to make men wise unto salvation, through faith which is in CHRIST JESUS," yet every renewed confirmation of this sacred truth, as exhibited in a corre sponding change of life, will be welcomed by those, who, in obedience to the Divine injunction, judge of the "Tree" by its "Fruits."

(12.) A Collector lent a Testament to a poor woman who was unable to subscribe for one. About six weeks after, as the Collector was passing by, she called her in, and told her, that the Testament she had lent had been the means of changing her husband's conduct; for he used to be quarrelsome, fond of the alehouse, and never went to any place of worship. Now, he is quiet in his temper, fond of remaining in the house; and every opportunity he has, he reads the Testament to his children, and regularly attends divine service.

Specimen of the Annual Report.

(13.) The Collector in No. 36 District, reports, that she lent one of her subscribers a Testament, with which he and his wife were much pleased; they read it every opportunity. When the Collector first called, the man could not read; but he has since been taught by an old match-man, who lodges with them. The papers explaining the nature of the Institution, that were left when the District was first visited, are treasured up and read every Sunday night. They say, "they are sure that GoD sent the Bible Ladies to their cellar; for they are much happier since they visited them than ever they were before."

After the mention of facts such as these, will it be necessary to inform you, that the strong and prevalent sentiment of the poor towards their Collectors is that of affectionate gratitude?—This feature is so striking, that your Committee, in speaking of it, feel that they are in no danger of exaggeration. In a variety of ways, and by a thousand little actions, it is so feelingly and unequivocally expressed, that the heart must be cold which could be insen-" sible to it. One poor woman, who had received a Bible, hearing that her Collector was ill, called at the house to inquire for her, offering her services "by day or by night," if they could be of any avail. Oftentimes is the little garden stripped of its finest flowers for a nosegay, to welcome the arrival of the Collector. A basket of fresh vegetables, a plant, or some little article of curious manufacture, have been so many proofs that your Collectors are beloved-that the poor are grateful. A poor woman who was subscribing for a Bible, and whose poverty induced the Collectors to recommend her as a claimant on a benevolent society, received them on their next visit with strong emotions of affection and sensibility, earnestly wishing she had any

66

thing, in her poor little way," "worth presenting: and when they assured

her they were amply recompensed by seeing her neat apartment, and being able, through a kindred institution, to procure her any additional comforts, she seemed as if considering how she should evince her feelings; when taking down two ears of Indian corn, she presented one to each Collector, strongly urging their acceptance; and was so pained by their refusal (as though fearing it was not good enough") that they were compelled to accept her grateful tribute.*

66

It is the peculiar, the distinguishing feature of this charity, that its tendency is always in favour of the better feelings of our nature. The key that unlocks the most sullen and selfish heart is kindness: employ but this means, and the benevolent affections spring forth in all their energy, in bosoms where their existence might, previously, have been doubted. Casual, though munificent, bounty, often fails in accomplishing this: but the individual who from week to week, and from month to month, pursues with untiring diligence, and frequently at the expense of personal ease and comfort, a work whose law is kindness-whose object is mercy-whose only reward is found in the increased happiness of mankind-gives such a proof of the purity and disinterestedness of her charity, that, sooner or later, the heart becomes a willing captive to its influence.

In conclusion, the Committee cordially invite the co-operation and support of those benevolent Ladies, who may devote a portion of their time to this important work, without the neglect of any more immediate duty. They beg leave to assure them, that the office of a Collector is formidable in appearance only; and should it even be attended by the sacrifice of a small portion

• Second Annual Report of the Plymouth, &c. Ladies' Bible Society.

Increased Demand for the Scriptures, by means of Ladies' Associations.

of that time, much of which may innocently and laudably be devoted to intellectual pursuits, or the acquisition of elegant accomplishments, your Committee think they will not regret the exchange, when what is now present and future becomes irrevocably past;-when all the glories that now gild the twilight of time, shall fade before the splendour of eternal day ; -when the Son of Man, appearing in the clouds of heaven as the Judge of an assembled universe, shall deign to acknowledge the work of faith and labour of love of the humblest of His followers in those transporting words," INASMUCH as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." :

SECTION VI.

GENERAL REMARKS.

When it is considered, that, on a moderate computation, at least ten thousand Ladies in Great Britain and Ireland are engaged in the practical application of the system detailed in the preceding Sections, and that many of these "honourable women" are distinguished for their elevated rank, their talents, and their virtues; it becomes a matter of profitable inquiry, whether the benefit derived from their generous zeal and disinterested services be commensurate with the time and energy thus benevolently directed. That the results have satisfied themselves, is a truth which their steady perseverance satisfactorily establishes: and the instances of . moral benefit, interspersed throughout this Chapter, will sufficiently account for their unabated ardour in a cause, the happy effects of which they daily behold. But there are many extensive districts of our own country, nominally. included by Auxiliary and Branch Societies, to which this portion of the system may be advantageously applied; and on the Continent of Europe it has been but very partially adopted in a few principal towns. Under a conviction, therefore, that the tendency and effects of those institutions have not yet received a due share of public attention; and satisfied that it is only necessary to investigate their merits, in order to promote their universal extension; the author submits the following illustration of those remarks which have been already offered in Section VII. of Chap. III. and in other divisions of the present work.

1. The effects of Auxiliary Societies, in exciting a desire to possess the holy scriptures, has been already shewn in the Preliminary Observations, Chap. II.; and the following Table will satisfactorily establish the extension of this result, by means of Ladies' Bible Associations.

« PreviousContinue »