"I give tJu/e Books 
 \ for thefoufiding of a College in Ms Colony' 
 
 19 /L
 
 JOHN HENRY HOBART
 
 A 
 Century 
 
 of 
 Achievement 
 
 The History of 
 The New York Bible 
 
 and 
 
 Common Prayer Book 
 Society 
 
 for 
 
 One Hundred Years 
 
 ARTHUR LOWNDES 
 D.D. 
 
 EDWIN S. GORHAM 
 New York
 
 L'MY I-;;: TORNIA 
 
 SAM A 15 Ail 15 All A 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Foundation of Societies in England in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth 
 Centuries Thomas Bray His visit to America Christian Knowledge 
 Society Founded S. P. G. Founded The Moral and Spiritual Condition 
 of the People in England and New York Bradford Prints the First 
 Edition of the Book of Common Prayer Failure of Wesley and Whitefield 
 in Georgia Their Return to England Their Success and the Effects of 
 their Preaching Robert Raikes Society for the Support and Encour- 
 agement of Sunday Schools Founded Religious Tract Society Founded 
 Church Missionary Society Founded Dearth of Bibles in England 
 Religious Revival in Wales S. P. C. K. Prints Bibles and New Testaments 
 in Welsh Stock soon Exhausted Edition of Ten Thousand Printed 
 Even this Number Inadequate A Welsh Girl Walks Twenty- Five Miles 
 to Secure a Copy and Is Disappointed Her Disappointment Induces Rev. 
 Thomas Charles, of Bala, to Petition the S. P. C. K. to Issue Another 
 Large Edition Inability of Society to Do so Leads Mr. Charles and Other 
 Friends of the Movement to Found the British and Foreign Bible Society 
 First Religious Organization in England in which all Protestant Christians 
 Had Been Enrolled Its Immediate Success Branch Societies Organized 
 Its Constitution Opposed by Dr. Marsh and Others Letter from the 
 Bishop of London Criticising the Formation of the British and Foreign Bible 
 Society Reply from Joseph Lancaster Spread of the Controversy 
 Opponents of the British and Foreign Bible Society Plead that Churchmen 
 Should not Join with Non-Conformists in a Religious Society Survey 
 of the Work of the Church in New York at the Opening of the Nineteenth 
 Century Formation of The Bible and Common Prayer Book Society of 
 New York And of the Bible Society in Philadelphia First Meeting of 
 the B. & C. P. B. Society for Organizations Held in 1809 Election of Board 
 of Managers The First Regular Meeting of the Board Held in Trinity 
 Church, April 14, 1809 Minutes of this Meeting The First Address 
 
 iii.
 
 iv. Contents. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 The Intellectual Activity of the Eighteenth Century A Century Re- 
 markable for the Great Foundations it Laid Danger of French and 
 German Rationalism Necessity of Grounding the Children of the Church 
 in Her Distinctive Principles Controversy over the Foundation of the 
 Bible Society Arouses the S. P. G. and S. P. C. K. to more Vigorous 
 Action Foundation of the National Society for Promoting the Education 
 of the Poor in the Principles of the Established Church Throughout England 
 and Wales Effect of English Religious Activity Immediately Felt in 
 America Foundation of the Society for the Promotion of Religion and 
 Learning Liberality of Corporation of Trinity Church The Society 
 Prints Nelson's Fasts and Festivals and D'Aubeny's Guide to the Church 
 Circulates Tracts on the Prayer-Book Foundation in Connecticut of 
 Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge and Learning Organized at 
 New Haven, October, 1808 First Society in America for Free Distribution 
 of the Prayer-Book Letters from John H. Jacocks to Bishop Hobart 
 Constitution and Bye Laws of the Bible Society Established at Philadelphia 
 
 First Board of Managers First Address Its Success Donation to 
 It from the British and Foreign Bible Society Meeting of Board of 
 Managers of the B. & C. P. B. Society in New York, May 31, 1809 Issues 
 
 An Appeal Meeting of February 14. 1810 Sermon by Bishop Moore 25 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Dearth of Small Prayer-Books For Distribution Books of I2mo and 
 24mo Printed in 1810 Letter from Father Nash to Bishop Hobart 
 Annual Meeting of B. and C. P. B. Society in New York, February 28, 1811 
 Report of Board of Managers Rules Regulating Proportion of Bibles and 
 Prayer-Books Passed Meeting of February 25, 1812 Report of Managers 
 
 French Edition of the Bible Recommended Repeal of Bye-Laws 
 Letter from the President of the New Jersey Bible Society Multiplication 
 of Bible Societies in Cities and Villages Letter from Father Nash to 
 Bishop Hobart Pastoral by Bishop Hobart on the Need of Teaching the 
 Distinctive Doctrines of the Church Insists on the Value of Distributing 
 the Prayer-Book with the Bible Pastoral Arouses Criticism in Many 
 Quarters Reply to Pastoral by "A Layman" Another Reply by "An 
 Episcopalian" Letters to Bishop Hobart from Judge Emott and the Rev. 
 John McVickar Organization of the General Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society of Albany and Vicinity Letter from the Rev. T. Clowes 43 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 The Rev. Barzillai Bulkley and the Flushing Bible Society His Letter to 
 Bishop Hobart Effect of the Bishop's Pastoral Formation of the Auxili- 
 ary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society Its Constitution 
 Annual Meeting of the Parent Society, 1816 Election of Officers Meeting 
 of the Auxiliary in Trinity Church Address by Bishop Hobart Purchase 
 of French Bibles Co-operation of the Two New York Prayer Book So-
 
 Contents. v. 
 
 cieties Stereotype Plates for Prayer Book Proposed Their Manufacture 
 
 Discussions as to Advisability of a General Bible Society Memoir on 
 the Subject by William Jay Meeting of Delegates in New York General 
 Bible Society Formed Officers Elected Constitution Adopted Address 
 to the Public Address by Bishop Hobart His Opposition to Church- 
 men Joining the Bible Society William Jay's Reply to the Bishop's Ad- 
 dress His Appeal to Christians on Behalf of the American Bible Society 
 
 Effect on Churchmen of Bishop Hobart's Address Letters from the 
 Rev. Dr. James Abercrombie and "J. B. W." 73 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Address by the Rev. L. Bayard William Jay's "Dialogue between a 
 Clergyman and a Layman" "Some Questions and Answers" Annual 
 Meeting of the New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, 1817 
 Reports from Various Bible and Prayer Book Societies Seventh Annual 
 Report First Report of the Auxiliary Society Anniversary Service of 
 the Auxiliary in St. Paul's Chapel Address by the Rev. Dr. How 
 Sunday Schools in New York and in Trinity Parish Annual Meeting 
 of the N. Y. B. & C. P. B. Society, February, 1817 Alterations in the 
 Constitution Agreement Proposed with the Auxiliary as to Stereotype 
 Plates Letter from the Rev. Stephen Jewett Organization of the Wash- 
 ington and Essex Counties Bible and Prayer Book Society Also the 
 Dutchess County Auxiliary Society Annual Meeting, March, 1818 
 Eighth Annual Report Extra Meeting Called to Fill the Place of the Rev. 
 Dr. How Sermon by Mr. Lyell Intimate Relations of the New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society and the New York Auxiliary 
 Second Annual Report of the Auxiliary Society Second Anniversary 
 Meeting of the Auxiliary, January 26, 1818 Election of Managers and 
 Officers Address by the Rev. John McVickar 103 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Auxiliary Societies Continuing to be Formed Under Bishop Hobarfs 
 Influence Other Diocesan Societies Also Formed First Annual Report 
 of the Common Prayer-Book Society of Pennsylvania Meeting of the 
 N. Y. B. & C. P. B. Society, February 24, 1819 Ninth Annual 
 Report Third Report of the Auxiliary New York Society Appointment 
 of an "Agent" by the N. Y. Society Mr. Henry McFarlan Elected 
 Annual Meeting of the Society in Trinity Church, 24 February, 1820 
 Tenth Annual Report Fourth Report of the Auxiliary Society The Li- 
 berian Colony Letters from the Rev. Samuel Bacon to Bishop Hobart 
 The Bible and Common Prayer Book Society of the Western District 
 Annual Report of the N. Y. Auxiliary for 1821 Meeting of the N. Y. B. 
 & C. P. B. Society, 1821, February 27th Eleventh Annual Report Estab- 
 lishment of the General Theological Seminary in New York and Perfected 
 Organization of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society Sixth 
 Annual Report of the Auxiliary Society Twelfth Annual Report of the 
 N. Y. B. & C. P. B. Society I4 o
 
 vi. Contents. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Progress of the Auxiliary Societies Anniversary of the Society of 
 Auburn, September, 1822 Diocesan Convention Held at Troy, October, 
 1822 Address of Bishop Hobart Incorporating an Address from Bishop 
 White Names of English, Scottish and Irish Bishops Who Favoured or 
 Opposed the British and Foreign Bible Society Criticism of Dr. H. H. 
 Norris by Dr. Milnor Reply by Bishop Hobart Opposition to the Aux- 
 iliary Society Seventh Annual Report of the N. Y. Auxilary Address by 
 the Rev. George Upfold Thirteenth Annual Report of the N. Y. B. & C. P. 
 B. Society *75 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Bishop Hobart's Address to Diocesan Convention of 1822 Criticisms 
 It Attack by William Jay Jay's Interest in Bible Societies His Letter 
 signed "A Churchman of the Diocess of New- York" Extracts from It 
 Bishop Hobart Replies under the Signature, "Corrector" Correspondence 
 Between the New York Auxiliary Society and Dr. Milnor Bishop Hobart 
 Exposes the Fallacies Misrepresentations Rhapsody and Ostentation 
 The Want of Delicacy The Ungentlemanly and Unchristian Language 
 Of Jay's Letter 198 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Second Letter from Judge Jay Illness of Bishop Hobart and His Trip to 
 Canada Reply of "Corrector" Answer from Judge Jay Bishop Ho- 
 bart's Reply in a "Note" 250 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Ill health of Bishop Hobart His Departure for Europe Address from 
 the N. Y. Auxiliary Society on this Occasion Annual Meeting of the Bible 
 and Common Prayer Book Society of the Central Part of the State, Septem- 
 ber 24, 1823 Sermon by the Rev. Lucius Smith Report of the Eighth 
 Annual Meeting of the New York Auxiliary Society, January 26, 1824 
 Prosperity of the Society Address by the Rev. Cornelius R. Duffle 
 Fourteenth Annual Report of the N. Y. B. & C. P. B. Society Report of the 
 September 22, 1824 Letter from the Rev. H. Anthon to Bishop Hobart 
 Address to Episcopalians in the U. S. from the Board of Managers of the 
 N. Y. Auxiliary Society, November, 1824 Ninth Annual Meeting of the 
 N. Y. Auxiliary Society Its Report Fifteenth Annual Report of the 
 N. Y. B. & C. P. B. Society, 1825 Sixteenth Annual Meeting and Report, 
 1826 Eleventh Annual Meeting and Report of the Auxiliary Society, 1826 
 Distribution of the Prayer Book in the Navy First Arrangement for Public 
 Worship on a Man of War Made Services Held on the "Ontario" On 
 the "Cyane" The "Erie" and The "Constitution" Correction of Plates 
 to Bring the Bible and Prayer Book up to the Standard Versions Death 
 of Mr. Gulian Ludlow 287
 
 Contents. vii. 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 Union between the N. Y. B. & C. P. B. Society and the Auxiliary 
 Recommended Seventeenth Annual Report of the N. Y. B. & C. P. B. 
 Society, February, 1827 Twelfth Annual Report of the Auxiliary Society, 
 April 1827 Minute on the Death of Mr. Cornelius R. Duffle Report of 
 Mr. Cave Jones on the Work in the Navy Annual Meeting and Report of 
 the Auxiliary Society, 1828 And of the N. Y. B. & C. P. B. Society 
 Inauguration by Bishop Hobart of the Meeting of all Church Societies on 
 the First Evening of the Diocesan Convention Success of the Plan 
 Joint Meeting, Held October 16, 1828, of the Auxiliary Society, the Missionary 
 Society, the Tract Society Establishment of a New York Protestant 
 Episcopal Press Advocated Its Report .Increasing Prosperity of the 
 Auxiliary Society Its Fourteenth Annual Meeting, October i, 1829 
 Annual Report Distribution of Prayer Books Among the U. S. Navy 
 Donation of Prayer Books to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society 
 Resignation of Mr. Thomas N. Stanford as Agent Success of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Press Its Zealous Management Its First Annual Report 
 Meetings of the N. Y. B. & C. P. B. Society, 1829 and 1830 Measures for 
 Union of the Two Societies under Discussion Letter to the Christian 
 Journal from I. L. E. on the Bible Society Cause Fifteenth Meeting and 
 Report of the Auxiliary Society, October 7, 1830 Arrangements with the 
 Protestant Episcopal Press The Death of Bishop Hobart 328 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Mourning over Bishop Hobart's Death Resolutions by the New York 
 Church Societies Meeting of the N. Y. B. & C. P. B. Society, May n, 1832 
 Committee Appointed to Consider the Advisability of Amalgamating the Society 
 with the Auxiliary Society, The Tract Society, and the Press Extended 
 Growth of the Auxiliary Its Sixteenth Annual Report Its Greater Vigour 
 than the Parent Society Anniversaries of 1832 Report of the Auxiliary 
 New Edition of the Bible Projected Report of Chaplain to Congress on 
 the First American Bible in 1782 Resolution of the U. S. Congress 
 Liberal Response to Appeal for New Edition of the Bible Proof Sheets 
 Read by Mr. Van Ingen and Rev. William R. Whittingham Annual Meet- 
 ing of 1833 Eighteenth Annual Report Appearance of the New Edition 
 of the Bible in 1834 Based on the Folio of 1616 Address by Dr. 
 Schroeder 37.1 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Joint Anniversary Meeting of the Societies at Utica in 1859 Twen- 
 tieth Annual Report of the Auxiliary Society Formation of a Bible 
 and Prayer Book Society at Wilmington, N. C, Donation of Books by 
 the New York Auxiliary to the Wilmington Society Constant Testimony 
 Borne to the Missionary Influence of the Prayer Book Results in Wil-
 
 viii. Contents. 
 
 mington Society Formed at Providence, R. I. The Last Report of the 
 Auxiliary Probably Issued Apathy of Churchmen in General to the Two 
 N. Y. Societies Beginning to be Felt Society Compelled to Refuse a Grant of 
 Books to the Newly Organized Chapel in Paris Propositions from the Tract 
 Society Declined 1 Charter of N. Y. Auxiliary Society Expires March 28. 1837 
 Effects of the Auxiliary Society Transferred to the Parent Society, July 
 I, 1837 Conferences Held on the Matter of the New Society to Supersede 
 the Two Former Ones Constitution of the New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society Adopted, April 19, 1837 Arrangements Made with 
 the Tract Society Committee Appointed on an Edition of the Prayer 
 Book with its Rubrics in Red Form of Service Set Forth by Bishop 
 Onderdonk for the Meetings of the Society First Anniversary of the 
 New Society Held October 5, 1837 Its Report New Edition of 5,000 
 Prayer Books Pamphlet Edition of the Prayer Book in German Issued 409 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Second Annual Report, October, 1838 Grant to the New Diocese of Western 
 New York To the U. S. Frigate "Brandywine" Thirtieth Annual Report, 
 October. 1839 Anniversary Meetings, October 3. 1839 Election of W. 
 H. Bell as Secretary Death of Jacob Schatzel His Legacy to the So- 
 ciety and Action of His Widow Address of Bishop Onderdonk Cessation 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Press Anniversary Meeting, September 30, 
 1840 Act of Incorporation Desired Propriety of Distributing the New 
 Testament Apart from the Old Testament Considered and Referred to a 
 Committee Fourth Annual Report, October, 1840 Manuscript of a Ger- 
 man Version Submitted Act of Incorporation Passed Society Organizes 
 and Passes Bye-Laws Death of Rev. Lewis P. Bayard 447
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 VOLUME I. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 JOHN HENRY HOBART Frontispiece. 
 
 MATTHEW CLARKSON 5 o 
 
 HENRY HADLEY NORRIS 178 
 
 BENJAMIN I. HAIGHT 388
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 THE History of a Society does not possess the same vivid 
 interest that the record of a human life does, yet there 
 is the element of struggle as much in the one as in the 
 other. No biography is worth the telling, or the reading, unless 
 the record of the life struggle against evil and for higher things 
 is honestly told. In the History of this Society we see running 
 right through the hundred years of its existence the constant 
 struggle to be true to its foundation principles, to be loyal to 
 its inherited trust. Men of varying temperaments and differing 
 ranks of life succeed one another as officers of the Society, they 
 hold different views on minor matters, but down the Hundred 
 Years there is no faltering in the fulfillment of the trust com- 
 mitted to the First Board, that of spreading broadcast through- 
 out the land the Bible and Prayer Book. Time and time again 
 the funds ran so low that year after year closed with a deficit, 
 but by devotion and self-denial on the part of some of its mem- 
 bers the Society was kept alive until finally the faithful laity 
 rallied to its support by donations and bequests, and assured the 
 stability of its work. It encountered bitter and unreasoning 
 opposition in the early days of its existence, but little by little 
 as the work of the Society progressed, this opposition ceased 
 and there is now not to be found a single voice raised in detrac- 
 tion of its objects the dissemination of the Bible and the Prayer 
 Book. 
 
 In dark times and in bright days, in good report and evil re- 
 port, the men in charge of the interests of the Society have one 
 and all been mindful of the trust committed to their hands, and 
 wrought as a unit to increase its operations upon no other than 
 the lines laid down by its founders. 
 
 This it seems to me, to be a great thing to say of any Society, 
 and delving in the records of the past as I have, I can unhesi- 
 tatingly bear witness to its truth. 
 
 Loyalty and self-sacrifice are the rarest of qualities in man or 
 woman, and seldom, I fear, found in societies or corporations, 
 
 xi.
 
 2 Foundation of Societies in England. [1698 
 
 ments in England which led to the foundation there of various 
 Societies which had for their primary objects the religious educa- 
 tion of the people, their moral uplift and the general betterment 
 of their social conditions. 
 
 The close of the eighteenth century, like the close of the seven- 
 teenth, saw an awakening of the conscience of England to duties 
 and responsibilities which had been neglected. 
 
 The work of the great societies founded more than two hun- 
 dred years ago, was primarily for the benefit of the "Plantations, 
 Colonies and Factories beyond the Seas" of Great Britain. The 
 chief object of those formed as the nineteenth century was dawn- 
 ing, was the elevation of the poor and outcast within the realm 
 of England. 
 
 There was, however, no narrowness in them as there had been 
 none in those great missionary agencies which had then for a 
 hundred years been doing effective service in ministering to the 
 spiritual wants of Englishmen beyond the confines of their native 
 land, furnishing Bibles, Prayer Books, Catechisms and books of 
 devotion, as well as engaging with vigour in the conversion of 
 Indians, Negroes, and others who knew not the blessed Gospel of 
 our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
 The formation of these seventeenth century societies can be 
 traced directly to the zeal, energy, and devotion of one man, 
 Thomas Bray, whose soul was stirred to its depths by the irre- 
 ligion and immorality which he witnessed in the greater part of 
 the American Colonies, on his visits there as Commissary of the 
 Bishop of London for Maryland. 
 
 To deepen devotion and to counteract the influence of the 
 scoffing literature of the day, Dr. Bray formed the plan of found- 
 ing parish libraries in the Colonies. For this object, he and 
 others form in 1698 The Christian Knowledge Society. 
 
 After an existence of more than two hundred years of varied 
 usefulness, it is still carrying out its purpose as set forth in its 
 charter. 
 
 If the immigrants to the colonies were to retain their religious 
 and moral principles they must have churches and ministers. 
 
 Those living in colonies where the government was hostile to 
 the Church of England with no provision made for the support of 
 the Established Church would be as sheep without a shepherd
 
 1701] S. P. G. Founded. 3 
 
 unless their scanty means were supplemented by the free-will 
 offerings of their wealthier brethren in the Mother country. 
 
 The conversion of the roaming tribes of Indians, whose ideas 
 of the Deity were vague, to a real knowledge of Almighty God 
 as revealed in Jesus Christ, was also greatly to be desired. 
 
 At the suggestion of Dr. Bray, the Archbishops, Bishops, and 
 other dignitaries in England organized another Society in Eng- 
 land under the name of The Incorporated Society for the Propa- 
 gation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, chartered in 1701. 
 
 It had for its double object the conversion of the Indians and 
 Negro slaves and the care of the English Churchmen in the Colo- 
 nies by providing, as far as its means would allow, clergymen, 
 churches and glebes. 
 
 The well-planned and systematic efforts of this Society for the 
 evangelization of the world is well known to every one of the 
 Anglo-Saxon race. America, India, Africa, Australia, New 
 Zealand, China and the Islands of the Sea, bear witness to its 
 faithfulness to its original purpose. With unabated energy it 
 maintains an increasing band of mission clergy and workers in 
 various parts of the world. 
 
 Dr. Bray's efforts for the good of his fellow men are still bear- 
 ing fruit, and his life of unselfishness deserves to be better known 
 in this generation. 
 
 It is hard for us to realize the conditions in England when 
 George the Second ascended the throne. Drunkenness, gluttony, 
 and licentiousness were so common in every rank of life that they 
 excited no comment. The gaols in England were crowded with 
 men and women, some of whom were imprisoned for no more 
 heinous offence than owing a few shillings. These places were 
 the hotbeds of all kinds of vice and disease. Members of Par- 
 liament, Squires and Merchants all frequented the tavern and 
 rarely left it sober. In their endeavour to check the importation 
 and use of French brandy, the government had removed all taxes 
 on the sale of gin. Immediately over six thousand gin shops were 
 opened in London and Westminster, and gin was hawked about 
 by peddlers from door to door. The streets were lumbered with 
 men and women sleeping off their potations. The. talk and jests, 
 even among the educated people, were ever seasoned with the 
 grossest coarseness. The squibs, the cartoons, and the novels 
 were all alike coarse and licentious. The sports had no charm
 
 4 Religious and Social Conditions. [1706 
 
 unless they were cruel, and the greater the cruelty promised, the 
 greater the crowd. The hangings at Tyburn were the fashionable 
 matinees of the period. Everything that was vile, that was 
 degrading, that was brutal, was so much a matter of course that 
 no one was shocked. The clergy of the Church of England, the 
 Ministers of the Nonconformist bodies were all apparently asleep. 
 It was a day when zeal was a crime; and the best preaching of 
 the day consisted of well written essays against Deism or Ration- 
 alism. In the country, church buildings were neglected and in 
 decay because pluralism was rampant. A well connected clergy- 
 man, or one who had political influence had several livings, visit- 
 ing none of them, but drawing their endowments, and paying a 
 scanty fee to some unfortunate cleric to take his duty for him. 
 The Sacraments were neglected, and all Missionary work was at 
 a complete standstill. In the year 1743 there was an arrear of 
 twelve years' neglect of Confirmations which had to be worked 
 off in Yorkshire alone. 1 
 
 In New York the conditions were not as bad as in London, 
 because New York was then a little provincial town; but they 
 were bad enough, as any one can see who cares to read the ac- 
 count given by the Rev. John Miller of the state of New York 
 in 1695. Zeal was equally at a discount, and apathy brooded 
 over the Church. The community at large had no conscience. 
 It had not yet begun to realize, what we are now dimly perceiv- 
 ing, that the community is a trustee for the welfare of every 
 individual unit in it. Imprisonment for debt was of constant 
 occurrence, and the gaols were but on a smaller scale what these 
 dens were in England. Charity sermons were actually preached 
 in Trinity Church to relieve the great distress of the prisoners. 
 An added complication, unknown in England, was present in 
 New York. Slavery and the Negro. If the Negro was well fed, 
 his master considered he had done his duty. His mental, moral, 
 or spiritual education was never considered. It was not until 
 about 1706, that Mr. Neau, notwithstanding the opposition of 
 the masters, began to instruct the Negroes, and to teach them the 
 rudiments of Religion. The first regular Sunday school for col- 
 oured children- in Trinity Parish was not held till about 1850, 
 when Miss Maria Forbes gathered a number of these children 
 
 I. See Memoirs of a Royal Chaplain. 1729-1763. p. 88.
 
 1739] New York in the Eighteenth Century. 5 
 
 together in the belfry of St. John's Chapel, because there was 
 too much opposition to her having her class in the body of the 
 Church. As for bettering or improving the condition of the 
 Negroes and poor whites, nothing was done, even in a limited 
 way. On the occasion of the Negro riots in 1712, the statement 
 was constantly made by persons of position that Christianity 
 made the Negro worse, and the argument was boldly advocated 
 that the Negro should not be made a Christian. Strange as it 
 may seem to us nowadays the herding and overcrowding had 
 already begun in the little community which then lived between 
 the Battery and the City Hall. 
 
 Between August 23 and November 15, 1731, when Colonel 
 Cosby was Governor of New York, and Mr. Vesey in charge of 
 Trinity Parish, small pox carried off 478 white people. This 
 will indicate the unsanitary and crowded condition of the poor. 
 
 Later on, under Bishops Provoost and Moore, matters were 
 somewhat better, but while Provoost was an excellent adminis- 
 trator, and Moore a gentle kind hearted man of blameless repu- 
 tation, neither of them were men of large visions. Bishop Moore, 
 it is true, recognized that the Church should be extended, but it 
 is to be admitted that whatever missionary enterprise there was 
 under the first two Bishops of New York was of a timid and 
 halting character. A hundred years ago there were resident in 
 the city of New York, besides the two Bishops, Dr. Moore and 
 Dr. Provoost, only ten clergymen, and in the State outside of the 
 city limits about twenty-six in all, most of whom were in the 
 immediate vicinity of the city. 
 
 Curiously enough, it was the failure of John Wesley and 
 Whitefield as Missionaries in Georgia, that led to the awakening 
 of the lower and middle classes in England, and to the conse- 
 quent betterment in America. It was on their return from 
 America that they began their effective open air preaching. In 
 February, 1739, Whitefield preached his first out-of-door sermon 
 to the colliers at Kingswood, and in the following April Wesley 
 preached from a little mound at Bristol. 
 
 Dr. Hobart, the third Bishop of New York, did not take 
 to open-air preaching, but he conducted a campaign on 
 behalf of the Church just as effective, and even more so. 
 He was not only an indefatigable preacher, but he made 
 use of printer's ink. Under various pen names he con-
 
 6 First Edition of the Prayer Book. [1785 
 
 tributed articles to the Press, he wrote tracts and treatises, edited 
 works, in a word, he made such a vigorous use of his pen that he 
 woke up the Laodiceans in the Church, and aroused an enthusi- 
 asm and zeal, the effects of which have not yet passed away. 
 Once his attention was drawn to the literary campaign in Eng- 
 land, he was brought to pursue the same methods over here and 
 threw himself heart and soul in the establishment of societies 
 and agencies that had for their object the diffusion of the Holy 
 Scriptures, the Book of Common Prayer, and all literature that 
 expounded the doctrines of the Church or defended its claims. 
 
 In this connection with printers ink it is well to remember 
 that William Bradford, Vestryman of Trinity Church, has the 
 honour of being the first in America who proposed to print the 
 Holy Bible complete, Apocrypha and all, and "for those who are 
 minded to have the Common Prayer Book shall have the whole 
 bound up for 22 shillings." 
 
 This was in 1688. Prior to 1711, through the assistance of 
 Trinity Church, an edition of the Book of Common Prayer was 
 actually printed. As. Mr. William Wallace says in his address 
 on the Two Hundredth Birthday of William Bradford : "The 
 first edition of the Book of Common Prayer ever actually printed 
 in America was printed under the auspices of Trinity Church, by 
 one of her Vestrymen ; an assistant Minister of the Church, being 
 himself the surety for the fidelity of the Printer's contracts." 1 
 
 The preaching of Wesley, Whitefield and their companions, 
 began to be seen, not only in the greater regard paid to personal 
 religion through the Methodist societies and classes, but in the 
 desire for the welfare of others as shown in the formation of 
 general societies for the common good. 
 
 One of these was to carry out the benevolent plan of Robert 
 Paikes for the secular and religious instruction of the children 
 of the poor in Sunday Schools. It was formed in 1785 as "The 
 Society for the Support and Encouragement of Sunday Schools." 
 
 It enjoyed the support of those high in station in England, 
 and in fifteen years had spent more than fourteen thousand 
 pounds in organizing and supporting Sunday Schools. Five years 
 before, a Bible Society for work among the soldiers and sailors 
 had been organized. It found abundant opportunity for a much 
 
 I. Pages 44, 82.
 
 1791J Dearth of Bibles in England. 7 
 
 needed work. To this was added in 1799 the Religious Tract 
 Society whose publications were of great service to many in the 
 crowded city, for some would read a short tract when they would 
 rot open the Holy Bible. 
 
 As the London Missionary Society was principally designed 
 to provide Missionaries for the Islands of the Southern Pacific; 
 another Society, composed chiefly of members of the rapidly 
 growing Evangelical School in the Church of England, with the 
 special intention of providing for the promising work in India 
 and other parts of Asia was formed in 1799 under the name of 
 the Church Missionary Society. 
 
 One of the special purposes of the Society for promoting 
 Christian Knowledge was to supply the people of Great Britain 
 with copies of the Holy Scriptures. Even that great Society 
 could not print for themselves, but had to buy their supplies from 
 the King's Printers or the Universities, who alone even to this 
 day are authorized to print the Holy Bible in English. 1 
 
 Early in 1791 there commenced in the principality of Wales a 
 religious awakening which affected all classes, but especially 
 those who were entirely ignorant of the English language. As 
 they were aroused from indifference and carelessness they desired 
 to read for themselves the word of God. The faithful men who 
 had instructed them in the principles of the Christian life sought 
 from the Christian Knowledge Society donations of the whole 
 Bible and of the New Testament in Welsh, and as far as their 
 means allowed them purchased hundreds of copies for distribu- 
 tion. So great was the demand that the number left in stock 
 was soon exhausted. Many gladly paid large prices for them. 
 Orders sent by clergymen in Wales could not be rilled and as the 
 revival continued appeals were made to the Society to print an 
 edition of ten thousand. 
 
 I. In England the printing of Bibles (without Commentaries or Anno- 
 tations) is strictly limited to Three Presses : The King's Printers, the Univer- 
 sity of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, and special arrangements 
 
 of a similar nature are made for Scotland and for Ireland If the 
 
 Bible is printed in any language other than English, or if there is a Com- 
 mentary or Notes, or References, then any one may (in Great Britain or 
 Ireland) print a special edition of the Bible. 
 
 The Church Electic, May, 1906, Volume xxviii, No. 2, English Bible Ver- 
 sions, by the Rev. Henry Barker, M.A., p. 123.
 
 8 British and Foreign Bible Society. [1804 
 
 In 1796 the plea was finally heard and three years later an 
 edition of ten thousand Bibles and two thousand New Testaments 
 was printed in Welsh. But even this did not supply one-fourth 
 of the demand. 
 
 The story is told of a young Welsh girl who for years had been 
 saving from her scanty wages the money to purchase a Bible, 
 but who after walking twenty-five miles in wintry weather found 
 to her dismay that they were all sold, not one copy left. Her 
 keen disappointment, and tears of sorrow made such a deep 
 impression upon the Rev. Thomas Charles of Bala, a man who 
 had given himself to the work of evangelisation in Wales, that 
 he again most earnestly besought the Christian Knowledge 
 Society to print a still larger edition. On the announcement of 
 the Society that it could not, in consideration of other claims 
 upon its funds, undertake that task, he consulted with various 
 friends, especially the Rev. Thomas Jones, one of his fellow 
 workers, and the officers of the Religious Tract Society, hoping 
 that from it a new supply of Bibles in Welsh might be obtained. 
 The suggestion of the Rev. Thomas Hughes, of Battersea, a 
 member of the Committee of that Society, "Surely a Society 
 might be formed for the purpose," and the inquiry of Mr. Joseph 
 Hardcastle, President of the London Missionary Society, con- 
 cerning the prospect for evangelistic work in Paris, stirred the 
 consciences of devout men in London and elsewhere. They 
 perceived the urgent need for a more uniform and available 
 supply of copies of the Holy Scripture in various languages. 
 
 Instead, therefore, of a Society to meet the actual demand 
 from Wales, the scope of the proposed society was broadened. 
 The principles upon which it was to be formed were carefully 
 considered. The discussion and determination of the details of 
 an organization broad enough to include both members of the 
 Church of England and non-conformists extended over two years. 
 Finally a representative company of clergymen and laymen met 
 in London and organized on March 7, 1804, The British and 
 Foreign Bible Society. 
 
 On Wednesday, March 7, 1804, there was a public meeting 
 at the London Tavern, No. 123, Bishopgate street. About three 
 hundred persons of various beliefs were present, Mr. Granville 
 Sharpe presided, and after Mr. Robert Cowie, Mr. William 
 Alers, Mr. Samuel Mills, and Mr. Hughes had spoken on the
 
 1804] Meeting at the London Tavern. 9 
 
 need for the Society and the nature and range of the contemplated 
 work, Mr. Steinkopff, pastor of the German Lutheran Church 
 in the Savoy, described the scarcity of the Scriptures in the for- 
 eign parts he had visited, and appealed to the compassion and 
 munificence of British Christians on behalf of the spiritual wants 
 of his fellow German countrymen. 
 
 The Rev. John Owen, Curate and Lecturer of Fulham, and 
 Chaplain to the Bishop of London, who had attended with much 
 hesitation, now arose on the spur of "an impulse," which, as he 
 expressed it, "he had neither the inclination nor the power to 
 disobey." What he felt may be best described in his own words : 
 
 "Surrounded by a multitude of Christians whose doctrinal and 
 ritual differences had for ages kept them asunder and who had 
 been taught to regard each other with a sort of pious estrange- 
 ment, or rather of consecrated hostility; and reflecting on the 
 object and on the end which had brought them so harmoniously 
 together, he felt an impression which no length of time would 
 entirely remove. The scene was new; nothing analagous to it 
 had perhaps been exhibited before in public since Christians had 
 begun to organize against each other the strife of separation, and 
 to carry into their own camp that war which they ought to have 
 waged in concert against the common enemy. To him it 
 appeared to indicate the dawn of a new era in Christendom ; and 
 to portend something like the return of those auspicious days 
 when the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and 
 one soul; and when as a consequence of that union, to a certain 
 degree, at least the Word of God mightily grew and prevailed." 1 
 
 The Right Honourable John, Lord Teignmouth, was elected 
 President, and the Vice Presidents included the Bishops of Lon- 
 don, Dr. Charles Manners Sutton, Exeter, Dr. George Pelham, 
 St. David's, Dr. Thomas Burgess, Sir William Peperell, Vice 
 Admiral Gambier, and Mr. William Wilberforce. In its first 
 announcement it plainly set forth the reasons for its formation, 
 which were chiefly "the prevalence of ignorance, superstition and 
 idolatry, over so large a portion of the world, the limited nature 
 of the respectable societies now in existence, and their acknowl- 
 edged insufficiency to supply the demand for Bibles in the United 
 
 1. History of the British and Foreign Bible Society, by William Canton. 
 Vol. I. pp. ii. ; xii.; 512. Vol. II. pp. xii. ; 496.
 
 10 Grants of Bibles. [1804 
 
 Kingdom and foreign countries, and the recent attempts which 
 have been made on the part of Infidelity to discredit the evidence, 
 vilify the character, and destroy the influence of Christianity." 
 It declared that the exclusive object of the society is, to diffuse the 
 knowledge of the Holy Scriptures by circulating them in the 
 different languages spoken throughout Great Britain and Ireland. 
 And also according to the extent of funds by promoting the 
 printing of them in foreign languages and the distribution of 
 them in foreign countries." 
 
 In conclusion the announcement says : "The principles upon 
 which this undertaking will be conducted, are as comprehensive 
 as the nature of the object suggest that they should be. In the 
 execution of the plan it is proposed to embrace the support of 
 Christians at large; and to invite the concurrence of persons of 
 every description who profess to regard the Scriptures as the 
 proper standard of faith." 1 
 
 The success of the society was immediate. It was the first 
 organization in which all "Protestant" Christians had united. At 
 first some conservative churchmen stood aloof, but without 
 making formal remonstrance. The leaders of the Evangelical 
 school heartily supported it. Every prominent non-conformist 
 became an enthusiastic advocate of its whole design. In its first 
 year it received in subscriptions nearly 700, of which 366, 2s. 
 lod were granted in money and Bibles to supply those who could 
 not pay. In its fifth year the grants of the Society had increased 
 to 9,749, 175. At the end of ten years its total grants had 
 reached the large sum of 79.543, 155. 5d. 
 
 Branch societies were organized in many of the towns and 
 cities of Great Britain and Ireland, and on the continent of 
 Europe. 
 
 The number reported in 1815 in the British dominions was 
 four hundred and six. 
 
 It had issued in Great Britain four hundred and twenty-six 
 thousand two hundred and eighty-six Bibles and six hundred 
 and forty-four thousand one hundred and fifty-five New Testa- 
 ments. The number distributed on the Continent by the agents 
 
 i. These extracts of the "Original Statement", 1805, are taken from an 
 Abridged Statement of the leading Transactions of the British and Foreign 
 Bible Society, in the Pamphleteer (vol. vi., pp. 270, et seq.).
 
 1805] Opposition to the Bible Society. 11 
 
 of the Society and affiliated organizations made the whole num- 
 ber circulated through this Society one million two hundred and 
 eighty-seven thousand five hundred and ninety-six (1,287,596). 
 This beneficent work was not done without controversy and oppo- 
 sition. Many Churchmen looked askance upon an organization 
 in which Churchmen and Nonconformists were united for a com- 
 mon religious purpose. 
 
 When Lord Teignmouth issued his first Presidential address 
 and invitation to all "protestant Christians, especially the clergy," 
 to join in the general circulation of the Holy Scriptures by mem- 
 bership in the Society and contribution to its funds, he was 
 answered in a temperate manner by "A Clergyman." 1 
 
 But the most serious and bitter opposition came at a later 
 period, when Dr. Herbert Marsh, then a scholar of high reputa- 
 tion and Margaret Professor of Divinity at Cambridge, and 
 afterward, successively, Bishop of Llandaff and of Peterborough, 
 contended that any union between the Church of England and 
 non-conformity would tend to obscure its distinctive principles. 
 He thought that the Book of Common Prayer with its large 
 measure of Scripture passages and its treasury of devotion should 
 also be circulated. 
 
 In an essay upon "The Education of the Poor," according to 
 the system of Dr. Joseph Lancaster, a writer in The Edinburgh 
 Review, in commenting upon a sermon by Dr. Marsh upon "The 
 National Religion the Foundation of National Education," on 
 June 15, 1811, before the London Charity School Children and 
 members of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 
 thus satirises the preacher: "The Daubenys, Trimmers, and 
 Sprys, with the strange mystical personage who lectured against 
 education at our Institutions, being now found quite unequal to 
 the office of raising this alarm, recourse has been had to the 
 greater engines of the Church. And first appears Mr. Professor 
 Marsh, a person adorned with various and weighty titles, and 
 occupying the Divinity Chair in one of the Universities cele- 
 brated too, we have no doubt, for his attainments in science, 
 which have placed him in the Royal Society distinguished, it 
 
 I. An Address to Lord Teignmouth, President of the British and Foreign 
 Bible Society, occasioned by his address to the Clergy of the Church of 
 England. By A Clergyman. 1805.
 
 12 Controversies. [1810 
 
 may be presumed, among his reverend brethren, for a peculiar 
 devotion to the duties of the Church whose dangers seem upper- 
 most in his thoughts, but unquestionably a good deal better 
 known to the world as the author of a bulky ministerial pamphlet 
 in defence of the war than in any of his other capacities. This 
 very circumstance, however, of his political services, the noted 
 fact of his being a favoured writer in the interests of the Court, 
 and consequently belonging to the class of safe and flourishing 
 politicians, pointed him out as the proper person to begin this 
 new charge a sort of dignitary of the Church, one designated 
 for its most snug, if not most splendid gifts a Prebendary, if 
 not a Bishop elect, would not only lead the cry with authority but 
 would show the way to others, inducing them to fill up the con- 
 cert, by setting before them the edifying example of a flourishing 
 man devoted to this work. When Mr. Professor Marsh walks in 
 this way it is safe to follow is a thought that has probably 
 passed already in the mind of many a score in our universities 
 and parsonages." 1 
 
 He was supported by writers of varying ability and courtesy 
 and the answers were sometimes pertinent and acute, at others 
 merely arrogant and abusive. One of the stronger defenders of 
 the Church system of "The Bible in the Church" was the Rev. 
 Dr. Christopher Wordsworth, Dean of Bocking, and Domestic 
 Chaplain of the Archbishop of Canterbury, a brother of the poet, 
 the father of two Bishops, and himself a graceful writer. He 
 represented in a day of spiritual declension the survival of the 
 sound theology and reverent devotion of the Caroline divines 
 among the old county families of the remote portions of England. 
 
 The Bishop of London 2 in a letter to the Rev. P. Yorke states 
 the reasons why he could not become a member of the British 
 and Foreign Bible Society. As the best brief presentation of the 
 conscientious scruples of a man of high character, and as voicing 
 
 1. The Edinburgh Review, November, 1811. No. xxxvii. Edinburgh, 
 Printed. New York: Reprinted for Ezra Sergeant. 1812. p. 25. 
 
 2. Dr. John Randolph, Regius Professor of Divinity in the University 
 of Oxford, was consecrated for the See of Oxford on September i, 1799, 
 by Dr. John Moore, Archbishop of Canterbury, assisted by the Bishops of 
 Winchester, Dr. North, and Rochester, Dr. Horsley. He was translated to 
 Bangor, 1807, and to London, 1809. He died July 28, 1813.
 
 1810] Opposition of Bishop of London. 13 
 
 evidently the sentiments of the opponents of the Society, it de- 
 serves consideration as a part of the history of the controversy. 
 
 To the Rev. P. Yorke, to be communicated to the other members 
 of the meeting of the clergy at Colchester. 
 
 Dear Sir : I am very sorry to differ from the respectable body 
 of clergymen who have signed the memorial to me respecting an 
 Auxiliary Bible Society, and especially to differ from them on 
 such a subject. But thinking otherwise, as I do, after mature 
 deliberation upon a subject not new to me, and after consulting 
 with some of my brethren of the same bench, on whose opinion 
 I much rely, I will not hesitate to give my reasons (trusting that 
 I may write with confidence, openly and plainly), as far as the 
 limits of a letter will allow. 
 
 Now, from the first, I have always considered the institution 
 of the British and Foreign Bible Society as unnecessary ; because 
 every good purpose of the same might have been accomplished by 
 an orthodox society of long standing; separate funds (if such 
 were expedient) being formed for any new purposes : for which 
 measure there are several precedents in the proceedings of that 
 Society. I do not approve of multiplying societies for the same 
 purpose. But it was further objectionable, because it was estab- 
 lishing a rival society (whilst there was no complaint of mis- 
 management, as far as I have heard, in the other) with no other 
 difference than the departing from a fundamental rule, and a very 
 judicious one in my opinion, that the members should be of the 
 Church of England. This new Society admits, I believe, dis- 
 senters of any denomination, and thus conveys an implied censure 
 on the aforesaid rule. I think it better to leave the dissenters to 
 themselves. When admitted into religious society with us, they 
 will, and it is natural for them (without any disparagement, be 
 this spoken, either to the whole bodies or individuals among them, 
 many of whom, no doubt, are very respectable), endeavour to 
 gain the ascendancy, and to supplant us, whenever they find an 
 opportunity. 
 
 These were my original objections, and I see not but that they 
 remain yet in full force. It is said they are not substantiated by 
 facts, and that no practical evil has followed. I do not agree in 
 this ; but I must observe, that if the evil be gradually creeping on, 
 it will be palliated from time to time, and not appear to every
 
 14 Opposition of Bishop of London. [1810 
 
 one in its true colours till it be difficult or too late to remedy it. 
 This Society, it is further said, will secede upon any act of mal- 
 administration in the British and Foreign Bible Society. They 
 cannot find a reason for doing so, unless such act be notorious 
 and flagrant (which is not likely to be for some time), and not 
 even then, with any advantage, if the dissenting part among 
 them, or in the other society to which they are an appendage, 
 shall have gained the ascendancy. But, as I said, I do not agree 
 in this. The very first act, or one of the first acts of the British 
 and Foreign Bible Society was to undertake a Welsh Bible, at 
 the time when the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 
 in conjunction with the University of Oxford, was preparing as 
 large an edition as could be wanted, under the patronage of the 
 Welsh Bishops; and to place it in the hands of a most noted 
 leader of the dissenters in that country. And when put to shame 
 on this head, they still persisted in forwarding their edition : an 
 act, as it seems to me, of undue rivalship, by means which the 
 University of Oxford could not take, in order to give an advant- 
 age to the dissenters ; for it is a fact, though it may seem improb- 
 able to you, that the very distribution of the Bible was made an 
 instrument of influence to the sectaries, who in my opinion, have 
 been the cause of more injury to society, and to sound religion, 
 than anything which has happened for centuries before. I say 
 these things from personal experience and knowledge. 
 
 Much practical good, it is also said has been done. I know of 
 none which might not have been done as well through the medium 
 of the other Society; and with respect to the accounts of good 
 done abroad, I own I look on them with much doubt and sus- 
 picion, and not the less, because the proceedings, and, indeed, all 
 the meetings of this new Society, are set forth in the public 
 papers with much pomp and parade ; at which I am the more dis- 
 gusted when I compare it with the simplicity and modes of the 
 old society ; the silent progress of which I am persuaded is more 
 effectual towards the support and propagation of religion, and 
 productive of more substantial good. 
 
 You must allow me also to observe, that the object of the pro- 
 posed auxiliary society is not distinctly stated, nor is it explained 
 what purposes it is to answer, nor under what rules to be con- 
 ducted ; but this is of less importance. Upon the main question 
 I have given my opinion decisively, and I hope clearly, which I
 
 1811] Controversies. 15 
 
 trust therefore will be taken in good part, whatsoever differences 
 of opinion there may be between us. 
 
 I remain, &c., 
 January 28, iSio. 1 J. LONDON. 
 
 In his prefatory note to the Letter, the editor of that strongly 
 conservative and "establishmentarian" periodical, The Anti- 
 Jacobin Review, says : "We feel particular satisfaction in laying 
 the following truly excellent and pastoral letter of our Metropoli- 
 tan Bishop before our readers. The sentiments which it contains 
 are, we are happy to say, perfectly conformable with those opin- 
 ions which at various times and on various occasions we have 
 submitted to the public. Let sectaries do all the good they may 
 feel disposed or able to do, in the circulation of the Scriptures; 
 and let the members of the Church of England do the same ; but 
 no possible good can accrue from the indiscriminate union of the 
 one with the other ; while the evil effects attending such apparent 
 indifference to religious principle is culpable in itself, and mis- 
 chievous in its consequences." 2 
 
 As an indication of the method of answering the writers for the 
 Church in the controversy concerning the Bible Society, this 
 passage from an article in The Edinburgh Review upon "The 
 Education of the Poor'' in accordance with the plea of Mr. Joseph 
 Lancaster, is significant : "When the question is of educating 
 the poor, of erecting schools of erecting schools where all poor 
 children may learn to read and study their Bibles of forming an 
 institution which may spread such seminaries over the Empire, 
 and put down ignorance and vice among those orders, where 
 ignorance, most prevailing has planted the chief nursery of 
 crimes those alarmists step forward and bid us pause. They 
 warn us that we endanger their Church, if we join with the dis- 
 senters in forwarding the best of good works tell us, that 
 Churchmen must only associate with Churchmen in promoting 
 such charities, and that Sectaries must be left to associate to- 
 gether. The work shows the motives that lead to it its manifest 
 effects. All go for nothing if the Sectaries bear a part in such 
 labours of love the stream is polluted and must run to mischief. 
 
 1. Quoted on pp. 353-355, The Churchman's Magazine, September and 
 October, 1810, Vol. vii., No. 5, from The Anti-Jacobin Review. 
 
 Dr. Hobart's Introductory Note will be given in another connection. 
 
 2. The Churchman's Magazine, vii., 5, p. 353.
 
 16 Controversies. [1811 
 
 So when the project is to disseminate the Scriptures among the 
 poor, and among the heathen ; to diffuse the blessings of religion 
 in countries yet sitting in darkness, and over those classes of our 
 country which have not the means of reading the Bible forth 
 come the same alarmists and require that no friend of the Church 
 shall join with Sectaries in such an indiscriminate exercise of 
 charity ; that no man who values the Establishment, shall be acces- 
 sory to distributing Bibles unless with the Scriptures there shall 
 be circulated the Articles, the Catechism, the Liturgy, and all 
 those formulas of the Establishment, which no conscientious dis- 
 senter can have any hand in diffusing. Tests are the delight of 
 these holy bigots ; and no work of charity is pleasing, or even tol- 
 erable, in their eyes, unless it is strictly confined to the members 
 of their own body, by the imposition of terms which, however 
 great his love of charity may be, no Dissenter can possibly com- 
 ply with." 1 
 
 In a note the essayist says : "The analogy here stated between 
 the two questions of Lancaster Schools and the Bible Society is 
 too striking to escape any reader : the same persons have accord- 
 ingly taken part in each discussion, if discussion we can call it, 
 where all the argument lies on one side." 2 
 
 He also commends the "Letter" of the Rev. William Dealtry 
 to the Rev. Dr. Wordsworth, as "one of the ablest and most sat- 
 isfactory pieces that we have ever seen, and only unfortunate in 
 the unequal force with which it has to contend." 3 
 
 The literature of the controversy is large, and many eminent 
 men engaged in it on both sides. Several of the writers viewed 
 the subject from a political rather than a religious point of view. 
 
 The Church of England was the bulwark of the Constitution, 
 and non-conformity was an attacking force to wrest from the 
 Church her pre-eminence and power in the nation. It is to be 
 remembered that the early years of the last century were full of 
 excitement, wars and threatened invasion kept Englishmen in a 
 state of perpetual anxiety, and dread. 
 
 The intrigues of parties and factions made any progress toward 
 better social conditions or the systematic elevation of the peas- 
 
 1. The Edinburgh Review, November, 1811. Volume xix., No. xxxvii., 
 P. 38. 
 
 2. The Edinburgh Review, November 181 1 (American reprint.) Note, p. 39. 
 
 3. Ibid.
 
 1809] Churches in New York. 17 
 
 antry and Commoners by a more general extension of knowledge 
 whether secular or religious, exceedingly difficult. It shows then 
 the triumph of religion over the petty affairs of the period, that 
 the Societies organized at that time did not languish but advanced 
 with steady tread until opposition was overcome, and their suc- 
 cess became a part of the glory of England. 
 
 After this brief survey of religious thought in England let us 
 see what the religious outlook was in New York at the com- 
 mencement of the nineteenth century. 
 
 The mother parish of Trinity having already its two chapels of 
 St. Paul's and St. George's, had found it necessary to build 
 another chapel in the upper part of the city, St. John's Chapel, 
 the foundation of which was laid in 1803. Christ Church, the 
 first independent parish, was extending its usefulness under a 
 new Rector, the Rev. Thomas Lyell. The ancient site of Gov- 
 ernor Stuyvesant's Chapel in his "Bouwerie" was now occupied 
 by St. Mark's Church with Dr. Harris as Rector. The venerable 
 Church of the Huguenot refugees, "L' Eglise du Saint Esprit," 
 with its minister, the Rev. Pierre Antoine Albert, and its congre- 
 gation conformed in 1804 to the doctrine, discipline, and worship 
 of "the Protestant Episcopal . Church in the United States of 
 America." St. Stephen's Church was built, in 1805, in Chrystie 
 street, for the accommodation of the rapidly growing population 
 of the east side. At Bloomingdale, then adorned with the country 
 seats of many gentlemen of the city, St. Michael's Church was 
 built in 1806, to whom the Rev. John V. Bartow ministered. In 
 1806 Grace Church was erected, where once had stood the Luth- 
 eran Church, on the corner of Broadway and Rector street, imme- 
 diately south of Trinity Church, and Dr. Nathaniel Bowen be- 
 came its rector in 1809. 
 
 To the parochial clergy must be added the genial and polished 
 Dr. Bowden, who had refused the Episcopate of Connecticut, 
 and was professor of Moral Philosophy in Columbia College ; and 
 the versatile Dr. Edmund Barry, a teacher of unusual success 
 and force of character. 
 
 The assistants to the Bishop in administration of Trinity 
 Church, Dr. John Henry Hobart, the Rev. Cave Jones, and the 
 Rev. Thomas Y. How, were all strong men ; but it soon became 
 evident that the ardent enthusiasm of Dr. Hobart, with his facil- 
 ity for making and keeping friends, was rapidly gaining for him 
 (2)
 
 18 Bible and Common Prayer-Book Society. [1809 
 
 the leadership in the city among both clergy and laity. His cor- 
 respondence even in the earlier years of his residence was widely 
 extended, and he was consulted by many clergy and laymen upon 
 ecclesiastical, religious and moral topics. While others were 
 thinking of plans for the benefit of the Church, he was putting 
 them into effect. 
 
 It is then no reflection upon the other clergy of the city to give 
 to the young priest of thirty-four the honour of suggesting the 
 first general society for the distribution of the Bible with the 
 Book of Common Prayer. 
 
 His pupil and friend, the Rev. John McVickar, says : 
 
 "In 1809 was established the Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Society of New York, the earliest association it is believed with 
 the exception of the Bible Society of Philadelphia for the distri- 
 bution of the Scriptures in our country. Of it Bishop Moore was 
 ex-officio President, and all the clergy managers ; but it is doing 
 injustice to none to say that Mr. Hobart was the originator and 
 soul of the association." 1 
 
 Every step was carefully taken, the principles of the Church 
 were to be upheld not only by the voice of her authorized minis- 
 try, but by her chosen Book of Common Prayer. 
 
 The Meeting for Organization was held early in 1809. It was 
 undoubtedly attended by representative Churchmen. There seems 
 to be no minute of that primary gathering, but we learn both 
 from the Churchman Magazine of April and May, 1809, and 
 from the opening pages of the first Minute Book of the Society 
 that a Board of Managers was elected to serve until the first 
 annual Election, and a Constitution was adopted. The Constitu- 
 tion reads as follows : 
 
 1. Every person who pays two dollars at the time of subscrib- 
 ing, and five dollars annually afterwards, shall be a Member of 
 the Society. The payment of fifty dollars, or more at the time of 
 subscribing, shall entitle a person to be a member for life, without 
 any further contribution. 
 
 2. The contributions, at the time of subscribing, with such 
 donations as may be received from benevolent individuals, shall 
 be the permanent fund of the Society, and not subject to dis- 
 
 I. The Early Life and Professional Years of Bishop Hobart. By John 
 McVickar, D.D. p. 286.
 
 1809] Meeting for Organization. 19 
 
 bursement. The interest of the permanent fund, with the annual 
 contributions, shall be appropriated to the purchase and distribu- 
 tion of Bibles, and Common Prayer Books, and when deemed 
 expedient, of religious tracts. 
 
 3. The business of the Society shall be conducted by a Board of 
 Managers, consisting of the Clergy of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church resident in the City of New York, and of ten Laymen, to 
 be chosen annually by ballot, by the members present, on the 
 first Tuesday after the 24th of February, the festival of 
 St. Matthias. The Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 in the diocese of New York shall be President of the 
 Society, and of the Board of Managers, and in his absence, a 
 Chairman shall be appointed. The Board of Managers shall 
 meet on the day after the annual meeting, to choose from their 
 own number a Secretary and a Treasurer, and shall meet after- 
 wards according to their own rules. Seven of the Man- 
 agers shall constitute a quorum to do business. The Board of 
 Managers shall make all laws necessary for the government of 
 the Society, and shall cause a statement of the receipts and ex- 
 penditures of Money with such other matters as they may deem 
 proper to be laid before the Members of the Society at the annual 
 meetings. 
 
 4. On the day of the annual meeting of the Society, or on some 
 other day to be fixed by the President or Chairman, the Morning 
 or Evening Prayer shall be celebrated, and a suitable Sermon 
 preached, after which a collection shall be made, to be appropri- 
 ated to the funds of the Society. The Preacher shall be appointed 
 at the first meeting of the Board of Managers, subsequent to the 
 annual meeting, by the Bishop, or in case of his absence, by their 
 chairman. And, the Bishop or Chairman, shall also appoint the 
 time and place of Service, of both which, as well as of the annual 
 meeting, public notice shall be given by the Secretary. 
 
 5. The Constitution of the Society shall be unalterable, except 
 by a vote of two-thirds of the Board of Managers, and a concur- 
 rent vote of two-thirds of the Members of the Society present at 
 the Annual Meeting. 
 
 The Board of Managers were : 
 
 President, The Right Rev. Benjamin Moore, D.D., Bishop of 
 the Diocese.
 
 20 First Board of Managers. [1809 
 
 Managers, The Clergy of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
 the City of New York, who were at that date : 
 
 The Right Reverend Samuel Provoost, D.D. 
 
 The Right Reverend Benjamin Moore, D.D. 
 
 The Reverend Edmund D. Barry, Principal of the Episcopal 
 Academy. 
 
 The Reverend John Vanderbilt Bartow, Deacon of St. Mich- 
 ael's Church. Bloomingdale. 
 
 The Reverend Abraham Beach, D.D., Assistant Minister, 
 Trinity Church. 
 
 The Reverend Nathaniel Bowen, Rector, Grace Church. 
 
 The Reverend John Henry Hobart, Assistant Minister, Trinity 
 Church. 
 
 The Reverend Thomas Yardley Howe, Assistant Minister, 
 Trinity Church. 
 
 The Reverend Cave Jones, Assistant Minister, Trinity Church. 
 
 The Reverend Thomas Lyell, Rector, Christ Church. 
 
 The Reverend Richard Channing Moore, D.D., Rector of St. 
 Stephen's Church. 
 
 The Reverend William Smith, D.D. 
 Laity: 
 
 Gen. Matthew Clarkson. 
 
 Henry Rogers. 
 
 Thomas Harvey. 
 
 George Dominick. 
 
 Jacob Le Roy. 
 
 William Bayard. 
 
 John Onderdonk. 
 
 David B. Ogden. 
 
 John Slidell. 
 
 Gulian Ludlow. 
 
 The first regular meeting of the Board was held in Trinity 
 Church on April 14, 1809. It appears from these minutes that 
 at the previous meeting, Mr. Slidell had been chosen Treasurer, 
 but on his declining to serve, Mr. Gulian Ludlow was elected. 
 
 At this first meeting there were present the "Rev. Dr. Hobart, 
 Rev. Mr. Jones, Rev. Mr. Howe, Mr. George Dominic, Mr. 
 Gulian Ludlow, Dr. John Onderdonk, Mr. Henry Rogers, David 
 B. Ogden, Esq., Mr. Thomas Harvey, and the Rev. Mr. Lyell.
 
 1809] First Meeting in Trinity Church. 21 
 
 "The Bishop being absent in consequence of indisposition of 
 body, the Rev. Dr. Hobart was appointed Chairman." (Page 2.) 
 
 We transcribe the account of the transactions of this first re- 
 corded meeting: 
 
 A letter was received from Mr. John Slidell declining the 
 appointment of Treasurer of the Society and enclosing a dona- 
 tion of $10, in addition to his annual subscription as a member 
 of the Society; whereupon Mr. Gulian Ludlow was by ballot 
 appointed to that office. 
 
 Resolved, that a Committee consisting of four of the Clergy, 
 and four of the Laity be appointed to solicit donations for the 
 Society, and that the Rev. Dr. Hobart, Rev. Mr. Jones, Rev. Mr. 
 Howe, and the Rev. Mr. Lyell of the Clergy; and Mr. Henry 
 Rogers, Mr. Thomas Harvey, Gen. M. Clarkson, Mr. Jacob Le 
 Roy of the Laity compose that Committee. 
 
 Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to employ some 
 person to circulate, as soon as possible, through the congregations 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this City, the Constitution 
 of the Bible and Common Prayer Book Society. 
 
 Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to draw up rules 
 and regulations for the government of the Society, and that the 
 Rev. Mr. Jones, the Rev. Mr. Howe, and Dr. John Onderdonk 
 compose that Committee. 
 
 Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to procure a Book 
 in which to record the proceedings of the Society, and to furnish 
 himself with blank notices for calling meetings of the members 
 of the Board of Managers of the Society. 
 
 "Adjourned till the fourth Wednesday in May, half past u 
 o'clock A. M. 
 
 An address, probably written by Dr. Hobart, appears in the 
 Churchman's Magazine for March and April, 1809. It deserves 
 to be perpetuated not only for its soundness and common sense, 
 but because it anticipated in its arguments much of the objec- 
 tions afterwards raised against the need of such a Society. 
 It is prefaced with this note: "In imitation of the Bible 
 Society of Philadelphia, the Managers of the following Society 
 are taken from the city of New York, for the obvious purpose of 
 ensuring their ready and punctual co-operation. The benefits of
 
 22 Address. [1809 
 
 this institution are designed to extend throughout the country, 
 and we therefore recommend it to general patronage." 
 
 ADDRESS. 
 
 To prove the utility of a society for distributing the Bible 
 and Book of Common Prayer, it can only be necessary to sug- 
 gest the importance of these volumes, and to state the fact, that 
 many from poverty, or other causes, are destitute of them. The 
 duty of establishing means for their distribution will be an obvi- 
 ous consequence. 
 
 The Bible claims veneration as the oldest HISTORY extant; 
 containing an account of the origin and destination of man, and 
 of many other interesting facts, for which we search in vain 
 among uninspired records. Tracing the events of the early ages 
 of the world, it unfolds to us the laws, policy, and history, of a 
 people, who were established by the miraculous agency of the 
 Most High; and who still remain, amidst the ruins of contem- 
 porary empires, a monument of his power, and a striking evi- 
 dence of the divine character of that volume which predicted 
 their varying fortunes, and their present unparalleled condition. 
 
 The series of PROPHECY laid open to us in the Bible renders 
 it still further an object of the highest veneration. The charac- 
 ter and fate of individuals, the rise and fall of nations, were 
 clearly delineated in the sacred volume, long before they appeared 
 on the stage of the world. And one most interesting personage, 
 predicted in the beginning as the Saviour of fallen man, occupied 
 the strains of prophecy until his glorious manifestation in the 
 flesh. Then the Church which he established became the theme of 
 prophetic inspiration, displaying its history, and the important 
 changes of the world, subservient to it, until the final period 
 when its militant state shall be exchanged for its triumphant state 
 in heaven. 
 
 In all the events and characters recorded or predicted in the 
 sacred volume, man is intimately concerned. For its distinguish- 
 ing excellence and authority consist, in its being the REVELATION 
 OF THE WILL OF GOD. From it is derived whatever portion of 
 religious truth adorns the pages of that philosophy which is 
 sometimes set up in opposition to it. In the Bible alone we find 
 revealed the consoling truth, that "God is in Christ reconciling
 
 1809] Address. 23 
 
 the world unto himself;" in it alone are "life and immortality 
 brought to light." What ever view, therefore, we take of the 
 Bible, it commands our highest reverence, and our implicit faith. 
 For "there is depth enough therein to exercise the wise, and 
 plainness enough to instruct the weak." And, still more justly 
 to characterize it, in the words of an eminent scholar, 1 who de- 
 voted to it his most serious attention "It has God for its author, 
 salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for 
 its matter." 
 
 These are excellencies of the sacred volume familiar to Chris- 
 tians, and which, to be duly appreciated, require only to be men- 
 tioned. But are those Christians who revere their Bible as bear- 
 ing the stamp of divine authority, and cherish it as the only basis 
 of their immortal hopes, aware that there are numbers wholly 
 ignorant of its truths? Such is the lamentable fact. Many are 
 the abodes of wretchedness, which no light of consolation from 
 this divine volume cheers. Many are the receptacles of vice, 
 which neither the judgments of God revealed in the Bible alarm, 
 nor his blessed promises of mercy to repenting sinners console. 
 Not a few of those who disturb by their passions or their crimes 
 the peace of society, have never learnt from their Bible to obey 
 every lawful "ordinance of man for the Lord's sake" ; and to 
 practise those virtues of sobriety, contentment, and humility, 
 which are essential to the preservation of civil order. Friends of 
 your country! Christians! the temporal interests of your fellow 
 men, their immortal welfare demand that you exert your efforts 
 to disseminate among them the knowledge of God's revealed will. 
 
 And next to the Bible, which contains this revealed will, those 
 who have established this Society have been accustomed to revere 
 the Book of Common Prayer. This book, containing much of 
 the pious sentiment and language which animated primitive mar- 
 tyrs, and in which they poured forth to their God and Saviour, 
 their prayers and praises, was compiled by the care and labour of 
 the Fathers of the Reformation in the Church of England. Uni- 
 versally admired for its simplicity and its pathos, it is acknowl- 
 edged even by many who reject it, to be an affecting and correct 
 display of evangelical doctrine, and to breathe the pure emotions 
 of the devout soul. What better method then can be adopted to 
 disseminate the truths of the Bible, than by dispersing a book 
 
 i. Locke.
 
 24 Address. [1809 
 
 which, exhibiting these truths in the affecting language of devo- 
 tion, impresses them on the heart as well as on the understand- 
 ing? 
 
 Is this book in the hands of all who value it? The contrary is 
 the fact. The clergy in the city are often applied to by their poor 
 parishioners, for a Book of Common Prayer. Many also prize it, 
 and would improve it as a gift, who will not go to the expense of 
 purchasing it. These remarks are obviously more applicable to 
 parishes in the country, particularly to those which are forming 
 in new settlements. From these quarters the calls are frequent 
 for this admirable summary of evangelical truth. 
 
 The importance and duty of advancing Christian knowledge, 
 by the dissemination of Bibles, Common Prayer Books, and relig- 
 ious tracts, have been long confessed among Christians generally, 
 and particularly in Great Britain. There, large sums of money 
 are annually expended in promoting these objects. In a new 
 country, it is of immense consequence, even in a civil point of 
 view, that religious and moral principle should keep pace with 
 the increase of population and wealth. In regard to the eternal 
 interests of man, the importance of this truth rises above all cal- 
 culation. 
 
 Christians ! your .sympathy is often awakened for the bodies of 
 men. Have compassion on their souls. Minister to their spiritual 
 health. Provide for their eternal welfare. At the last day an 
 inquiry will be instituted, Have ye fed the hungry? Have ye 
 clothed the naked? Remember! a more important inquiry will 
 be, Have ye fed the hungry with the bread of life? Have ye 
 clothed the naked with the garments of salvation ? 
 
 The earnest prayer is offered to him who holds in his hands the 
 hearts of all men, that he would dispose Christians to aid an insti- 
 tution, humbly devoted to his glory, with the means of perma- 
 nently and extensively diffusing the knowledge of his word. 1 
 
 I. Vol. VI., No. 2, p. 154 et seq.
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 The Intellectual Activity of the Eighteenth Century A Century Re- 
 markable for the Great Foundations it Laid Danger of French and 
 German Rationalism Necessity of Grounding the Children of the Church 
 in Her Distinctive Principles Controversy over the Foundation of the 
 Bible Society Arouses the S. P. G. and S. P. C. K. to more Vigorous 
 Action Foundation of the National Society for Promoting the Education 
 of the Poor in the Principles of the Established Church Throughout England 
 and Wales Effect of English Religious Activity Immediately Felt in 
 America Foundation of the Society for the Promotion of Religion and 
 Learning Liberality of Corporation of Trinity Church The Society 
 Prints Nelson's Fasts and Festivals and D'Aubeny's Guide to the Church 
 Circulates Tracts on the Prayer-Book Foundation in Connecticut of 
 Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge and Learning Organized at 
 New Haven, October, 1808 First Society in America for Free Distribution 
 of the Prayer-Book Letters from John H. Jacocks to Bishop Hobart 
 Constitution and Bye Laws of the Bible Society Established at Philadelphia 
 First Board of Managers First Address Its Success Donation to 
 It from the British and Foreign Bible Society Meeting of Board of 
 Managers of the B. & C. P. B. Society in New York, May 31, 1809 Issues 
 An Appeal Meeting of February 14, 1810 Sermon by Bishop Moore. 
 
 TERRIBLE as were the moral and social conditions in 
 England at the opening of the eighteenth century, it 
 must not be forgotten that it was a century remark- 
 able for great intellectual achievements. It was a 
 century which saw the foundation, not only of great relig- 
 ious societies, as we have seen in our last chapter, but of 
 other institutions, and which witnessed the first beginning of 
 the wonderful mechanical inventions which so affected social, 
 economic, and religious conditions of the masses in England and 
 America during the nineteenth century. Without glancing at 
 other countries, let us see what England and America achieved 
 in that century. 
 
 The first year of the eighteenth century saw the founding of 
 Yale College. In 1721 Thomas Guy founded the great hospital 
 in London which still bears his name. In 1737 the Radcliffeian 
 
 25
 
 26 Intellectual Activities. [1760 
 
 Medical Library at Oxford was founded. Three years later the 
 Foundling Hospital was established, and thirty-four years after- 
 ward the Royal Humane Society was instituted. In 1751 the 
 Antiquarian Society was founded, and two years after the nation 
 accepted the bequest of Sir Hans Sloane which was the founda- 
 tion of the British Museum. In 1762 the American Philosophi- 
 cal Society was established at Philadelphia. The "Daily 
 Courant," the first daily newspaper published in England, ap- 
 peared in 1/09, ten years after the Clarendon Press was founded 
 at Oxford. In 1744 William Ged invented the stereotype and 
 printed an edition of Sallust from plates. The first American 
 Bible was printed in Philadelphia in 1782, and in 1788 the Lon- 
 don "Times" was founded by John Walters. In the field of 
 research and invention, the century saw the introduction of the 
 atmospheric engine by Newcomen, and a silk-throwing machine 
 by Sir Thomas Lombe containing 26,586 wheels put in motion by 
 one water wheel; the discovery of the aberration of light by 
 James Bradley; and of oxygen by Priestly; the granting of a 
 patent to Jonathan Hulls for the first idea of steam navigation; 
 the awards by the Government of 20,000 to Harrison for his 
 chronometer, and of 1,200 to Henry Greathead for his life-boat; 
 the improvement on Necomen's steam engine by James Watt by 
 the condensation of steam in a vessel separate from the cylinder ; 
 the invention of the spinning- Jennie by James Hargreaves; a 
 telegraph system discovered by Lovell Edgeworth; the improve- 
 ment on Hargreaves' spinning-Jennie by Arkwright; the inven- 
 tion of the mule-jennie by Samuel Crompton ; the discoveries .by 
 Benjamin Franklin ; the composition of water discovered by Cav- 
 endish; the first use of coal gas for illuminating purposes, and 
 gas lights actually introduced in London and Westminster by 
 Boulton and Watt. Herschel discovered Uranus and the ten 
 satellites of Saturn and completed his great telescope. The cen- 
 tury did not close before Jenner had introduced vaccination 
 against the small-pox scourge, nor before John Howard and 
 Elizabeth Fry had reformed the horrible prisons of England. 
 
 Anson, Cook and Vancouver had circumnavigated the world. 
 Sir Christopher Wren had lived to see St. Paul's Cathedral com- 
 pleted, Handel had written his oratorios, Reynolds and Kneller 
 had given us their canvasses, Blackstone his commentaries, Cru- 
 den his Concordance, Samuel Johnson his great dictionary, and
 
 1800] The Free Bible. 27 
 
 a work very dissimilar but fruitful in world-wide results had been 
 begun and completed by Diderot and D'Alembert, the "Encyclo- 
 pedic," mentioned here owing to its great influence on English 
 and American thought. The list cannot be complete without the 
 mention of such names as Isaac Newton, Edmund Halley, James 
 Bradley, David Hartley, John Smeaton, William Whiston, John 
 Woodward, Adam Smith, David Hume, Joseph Butler, Edward 
 Gibbon, Richard Bentley, Daniel Waterland, Bishop Berkeley, 
 DeFoe, Addison, Steele, Gibber, Pope, Swift, and Goldsmith. 
 Marlborough ended his career, and Nelson and Wellington were 
 on the eve of their crowning victories of Trafalgar and Waterloo. 
 Wesley and Whitefield had accomplished their life's task. A new 
 nation had been born, and the death of its Founder closed the 
 century, passing away on December 14, 1799. 
 
 The American Church had won. its Episcopate and was cau- 
 tiously feeling its way amid a nationality inclined to misjudge it. 
 
 The century was one of great beginnings, and it will be seen 
 from this very brief list of its achievements one of remarkable 
 intellectual activity. With the dawn of the nineteenth century 
 came the free Bible. Tt came as a revelation. Men and women 
 received the gift with a joy which we cannot comprehend in these 
 days. Convicts and outcasts penned letters expressing their 
 gratitude in the pathetic words that they were thus "assured that 
 they were in no wise cast out." The Bible Society we are told, 
 spent the large sum of 6,588 in distributing the Holy Scriptures 
 among the prisoners of war captured during the Napoleonic and 
 American Wars. The Roman Catholic Church was swept into 
 the current, it had to provide the Bible for its own people. In 
 1759 the Pope permitted the Bible to be translated into the lan- 
 guages of the Roman Catholic States; and in 1766 the Italian 
 translation of the Bible was completed. 
 
 Mr. Canton, in his interesting story of the Bible Society, says : 
 
 "One of the earliest grants of the Society was a thousand 
 copies of the English New Testament to Roman Catholic Schools 
 at half the cost price. A bishop not only authorized but recom- 
 mended the admission of the books; Roman Catholic as well as 
 Protestant children attended the Sunday Schools opened in vari- 
 ous places ; and in one chapel, after reading the gospel of the day 
 from an Irish Testament the priest went on to explain that the 
 difference between the Roman Catholic Testament and the Eng-
 
 28 French and German Rationalists. [1811 
 
 lish and Irish Testaments was the difference between 'four and 
 two,' and 'two and four' making six. Indeed, in England and 
 Scotland as well as well as in Ireland there were priests who 
 availed themselves of the facilities offered by the Society to pro- 
 vide their schools with the Scriptures; and both on the Conti- 
 nent and in the United States there were appearances which war- 
 ranted the hope that the Church of Rome would in some measure 
 co-operate in the Biblical movement." (Page 29.) 
 
 The attitude which Bishop Hobart and Archdeacon Norris, 
 and that of his friends took, was that the time was especially 
 propitious for the distribution of the Book of Common Prayer, 
 and that as Churchmen, they ought, while fully realizing the 
 value of the free distribution of the Bible by other Societies, to 
 bend all their energies to the distribution of both books together. 
 They felt that the Bible and Prayer Book ought to be side by side 
 in every house. That each book complemented and illustrated 
 the other. It was malicious to say they wished to curtail the 
 distribution of free Bibles ; on the contrary, they wanted to make 
 not one gift, but two gifts. 
 
 The influence of the Encyclopedists and of Voltaire was enor- 
 mous not only in England, but even more so in this country, 
 where at the close of the War of Independence it was considered 
 a compliment to their French allies to ape French modes of 
 thought. In Germany Wilhelm Martin Lebrecht de Wette was 
 one of the boldest oppugners of the divine element in the Holy 
 Scriptures in the opening years of the nineteenth century and 
 rapidly grew into prominence as one of the foremost leaders in 
 the onslaught against Revelation. 
 
 Loyal Churchmen in England speedily saw that the only way 
 to counteract this destructive influence was to ground the young 
 in the principles of religion and in the distinctive doctrines of 
 their Church. 
 
 The controversy over the new Bible Society came, therefore, 
 at the right moment. It had the good effect of arousing to more 
 vigorous action the Christian Knowledge Society and the vener- 
 able Propagation Society. It brought together Churchmen in 
 retired districts for the defence of the national Church from 
 covert and open attack. A new designation, "Friends of the 
 Church," was heard, and the agitation was a premonition of 
 the awakening that was to take place twenty-five years later.
 
 1811] Foundation of the National Society. 29 
 
 It also banded together the clergymen and laymen of high char- 
 acter and large fortune for the purpose of seeing that the children 
 of England were educated properly. Wednesday, October 16, 
 1811, a meeting was held at Bow Church under the presidency 
 of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Charles Manners-Sutton, 
 at which was formed "A National Society for Promoting the 
 Education of the Poor in the Principles of the Established Church 
 throughout England and Wales." For very many years this 
 Society maintained schools in districts too poor otherwise to edu- 
 cate their children, in them. 
 
 The origin of the National Society is to be attributed to the 
 meeting of three friends at the house of Joshua Watson. The 
 resolution to attempt the great work was shared first by only 
 three counsellors, John Bowles, H. H. Norris and Joshua Watson. 
 Mr. Norris is well known to American Churchmen as the friend 
 and confidant of Bishop Hobart. It was a time when much pub- 
 lic attention had been called to the mode of organizing large 
 classes of children in schools and using the help of the elder ones 
 in teaching the younger, introduced by Dr. Andrew Bell and 
 Joseph Lancaster. Trifling as this improvement may now appear 
 to those who are familiar with it, the change which it then 
 effected in the general diffusion of the elements of knowledge 
 was something previously incalculable, and it is no doubtful mark 
 of the discernment of this little knot of friends that they saw 
 immediately how it could be turned to the best purposes. 
 
 Joshua Watson was the Treasurer of the National Society 
 from the date of its foundation ; he watched over its prosperity 
 and efficiency with unceasing and laborious care from the begin- 
 ning; and his interest in it survived when after thirty years of 
 diligent service he resigned the care of its funds to other hands. 1 
 
 To understand the religious condition of England at that time 
 and the influence it had upon benevolent and Church work in 
 America, a careful study of the pamphlets issued in the discussion 
 over the Bible Society is essential. 2 
 
 The effect of the formation of the English Societies upon 
 American religious activity was not at once perceptible. The 
 early years of the century were for the American nation full of 
 
 1. Memoir of Joshua Watson. Edited by Edward Churton. pp. 56, 57. 
 
 2. See Appendix for this list
 
 30 The New York Society. [1802 
 
 political excitement and very many persons in the United States 
 were then bitterly incensed against England. 
 
 It was among Churchmen of New York that the very first 
 movement was made to aid in the elevation of the young men of 
 the nation, but particularly of the State of New York, by the 
 association of prominent clergymen and laymen into a Society 
 for the Promotion of Religion and Learning. Organized on 
 August 1 6, 1802, it was soon after duly incorporated. Primarily, 
 its objects were to aid young men studying for the holy ministry, 
 to increase the number of candidates, to encourage such students 
 as "may distinguish themselves by extraordinary attainments," 
 "to receive all donations for pious purposes," "superintend the 
 application of them," and "to provide funds for procuring a The- 
 ological Library, for the establishment of schools, and of one or 
 more fellowships in Columbia College." 
 
 The original incorporators were: The Rey. Abraham Beach, 
 D.D., the Rev. John Bowden, D.D., the Rev. John Henry Ho- 
 bart, the Rev. Cave Jones, the Rev. William Harris, the Rev. 
 Joseph Pilmore; with John Charlton, M.D., Mr. Peter Kemble, 
 Mr. Robert Watts, John Onderdonk, M.D., Mr. Frederick De 
 Peyster, Mr. Richard Harison. Mr. Jacob Le Roy, Mr. Francis 
 B. Winthrop, Gen. Matthew Clarkson, Mr. Herman Le Roy, 
 Mr. William Jauncey, Mr. William M. Seton, Mr. Martin Hoff- 
 man, and Mr. John Jones. 
 
 With such a wide scope for its activity and with the provision 
 made for its support by the liberality of the Corporation of 
 Trinity Church, the Society began a prosperous career. It soon 
 found that the need for the books of instruction in Church prin- 
 ciples was very great, and through the firm of Thomas and John 
 Swords it provided at least a portion of the cost of printing such 
 safe and sound treatises as Daubeny's "Guide to the Church," 
 Nelson's "Festivals and Fasts," and others which could be widely 
 circulated. It seems in its early days to have also taken part in 
 the distribution of the Book of Common Prayer in a small and 
 convenient form. 
 
 The laudable attempt of the New York Society to circulate 
 tracts upon Church doctrines as well as the book of Common 
 Prayer, was soon supplemented by the formation by clergymen 
 and laymen in Connecticut of a society for promoting Christian 
 Knowledge, which intended to do the same kind of work as its
 
 1808] The Connecticut Society. 31 
 
 great English prototype. Organized at New Haven, in October, 
 1808, it commenced a vigorous and successful career. It has the 
 distinction of being the first Society in the American Church 
 which had for its avowed object the free distribution and wide 
 circulation of the Book of Common Prayer. The Church was 
 then daily gaining new adherents in Connecticut who needed 
 instruction in her doctrine and method of worship. Many par- 
 ishes were inadequately supplied with Prayer Books. 
 
 While few particulars of the work of the Society as a volun- 
 tary aid in the furtherance of the Church's work have survived, 
 these letters from a zealous member, whose love for the Church 
 appears in every line, show the kind of literature it wished to 
 circulate among the thoughtful men of that staid and conserva- 
 tive State. They also confirm evidence from other sources that 
 many supporters of the "Standing Order" were inquiring for a 
 religious faith deeper and broader than the tenets in which they 
 had been brought up. 
 
 New Haven, Dec. 22d, 1808. 
 REV. DR. HOBART, 
 Dr. Sir: 
 
 The Committee of publication of the Society for the Promo- 
 tion of Christian Knowledge, after examining the work you put 
 into my hands upon the Church Service, contemplate its republi- 
 cation; presuming from the observations made to me that you 
 will not be displeased with their intention. You will please make 
 such additions or alterations as you may think proper; and as 
 soon as convenient forward them to the Committee. You may 
 possibly believe 1 that the work may be improved by adding a few 
 remarks on the necessity of forms, and on the inconveniences 
 arising from extemporary prayers. Will it be necessary to retain 
 that part which treats which treats 2 of a third or evening service ? 
 It must be well known to you that an evening service is not 
 attended in this State. It is believed that you will not consider 
 this conduct of the Committee as presuming to dictate to Dr. 
 H ; but rather, as a suggestion, which if regarded, in our opinion, 
 would enhance its value, by extending its circulation in our State. 
 
 1. Erased in original. 
 
 2. So in the original.
 
 32 Letters from Rev. J. H. Jacocks. [1809 
 
 They would just state that your Magazine is viewed by them, as 
 entitled to their warmest approbation, and that it shall receive 
 their utmost support. 
 
 On behalf of the Committee, 
 
 Yours very respectfully, 
 
 JOHN H. JACOCKS. 
 
 It is well ascertained that about 150 persons, many of them 
 wealthy and respectable heads of families, in various parts of this 
 State, within 2 or 3 months have conformed to the Episcopal 
 Church. Yrs. J. H. J. 
 
 New Haven, February 27,' 1809. 
 
 March 6, 
 
 REV. DR. HOBART, 
 Dr. Sir: 
 
 I wrote you a few weeks since in behalf of the "Committee 
 of Publication" requesting you to make some additions to yr 
 work on forms of prayer, and to leave out that part of it which 
 treats on a third or evening service. The subject of adding to 
 the work would not have been suggested, had I not understood 
 you as saying that was your intention. As to the Evening ser- 
 vice, the Committee presume you are not anxious to have it 
 retained. They are very willing to publish it with the exception 
 just mentioned, should it meet your approbation, without any 
 additional remarks. Will you be good enough to write us with- 
 out delay, since we are only awaiting yr answer previous to its 
 going to the Press? In behalf of the Committee 
 I am very respectfully yr 
 
 obliged servt 
 
 JOHN H. JACOCKS. 
 
 Since writing you, instead of 150 persons chiefly with families, 
 then stated as having conformed to the Episcopal Church in this 
 State, within a few months, it is believed I may be warranted in 
 assuring you that an addition of 200 have followed their example. 
 There are also in many other Parishes strong symptoms of disaf- 
 fection to Galvanism; which when well grounded produces sub- 
 stantial converts to our Church. The effrontery, sophistry, & 
 bombast of the meek Dr. Mason, it may be presumed from yr 
 
 I. Erased in original.
 
 1809] Letters from Rev. J. H. Jacocks. 33 
 
 last Magazine, now occupy yr attention. His comments on Jer- 
 ome's account of Episcopacy, this analogical argument drawn 
 from a supposed enquiry at a future period, what was the form 
 of government, which the U. S. commenced, furnish full evidence 
 of his ability to sophisticate & misrepresent. But why do we 
 talk of the writings or sentiments of the Fathers of the Episcopal 
 Church, since the unassuming Doctor has absolutely demonstrated 
 that the Episcopal claims cannot be supported from the testimony 
 of Scripture ! ! The humility, teachableness & self abasement of a 
 rigid Calvanist are faithfully displayed in almost every page of 
 his work. How delighted must be his readers with his puns and 
 pure zvit! For instance, "Thus endeth the first lesson Thus 
 endeth the second lesson So much for the Bishop Now let us 
 hear the Priest " Oh, how fine!! Not having his Magazine 
 before me I may not have his words in exact order; but I have 
 done him no injustice The Christians Magazine is read by 
 many of our Presbyterian Clergy, because it abounds with bitter 
 invective against the Episcopal Church ; but by many of the best 
 men of their Communion, for its unabated rancor & total deser- 
 tion of the Christians temper it is severely reprobated. I am 
 happy to see yr determination not to pursue him in the Church- 
 man's Magazine. You can fill it with much more popular & im- 
 portant matter; altho the prominent subject I am sensible is of 
 the utmost consequence. Controversy with such an opponent is 
 liable to degenerate 'into personal altercation. 
 
 It has occurred to me that our publication of the proposed 
 work may be displeasing to Mr. Mesier & in consequence to your- 
 self. Should this be the case it is not my wish to publish it. 
 
 With respect yr sert 
 
 JOHN H. 
 
 It is a curious fact that the influence of the formation of the 
 great Bible Society in England was not perceptibly felt even 
 among those Christian bodies who made Chillingworth's aphor- 
 ism, "The Bible and the Bible only the religion of Protestants," 
 the basis of their practice and profession, for more than four 
 years. There is a tradition that among the Baptists of New 
 York City there was formed, in December, 1804, a Bible Society 
 
 I. Hobart Manuscripts, Archives of the General Convention. 
 (3)
 
 34 Philadelphia Bible Society. [1808 
 
 upon the English model, but there seems to be no definite knowl- 
 edge of it, and their standard historian, Dr. Armitage, does not 
 mention it. 
 
 The first movement for a Bible Society came from Philadel- 
 phia. Many of those well known for their religious integrity, 
 their abundant philanthropy, their social distinction, and national 
 reputation, held in the fall of 1808 several meetings to devise a 
 plan for such an institution. Finally on December 12, 1808, a 
 Constitution and By-Laws were adopted and officers elected. 
 
 The venerable Bishop of Pennsylvania accepted the presidency. 
 On the Board of Managers were Churchmen, Presbyterians, 
 Lutherans, Moravians and members of other "evangelical 
 Churches." It was thought by those who formed the Society 
 that all Christians could work together harmoniously in the dis- 
 tribution of the Holy Scriptures "without note or comment." 
 
 The name adopted was: 
 
 THE BIBLE SOCIETY ESTABLISHED AT PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 The direction of its affairs was entrusted to a Board of Man- 
 agers, twenty-four in number, including Churchmen, Presbyter- 
 ians, Lutherans, Moravians, and members of other Evangelical 
 Churches. 
 
 The first Board elected was : Right Rev. William White, Rev. 
 Dr. F. H. C. Helmuth, Ashbel Green, Joseph Pilmore. William 
 Staughton, James Gray, Rev. Archibald Alexander, Thomas 
 Ware, Philip F. Mayer, Samuel Helfenstein, Joseph Zerline, 
 Jacob J. Janeway, Dr. Benjamin Rush, Mr. Edward Pennington, 
 Peter Van Pelt, Robert Ralston, George Krebs, Lawrence Seckel, 
 William Shuffiebottom, Thomas Allibone, Francis Marker, Fred- 
 erick Schucker, Thomas Montgomery, Benjamin B. Hopkins. 
 
 The preparation of an address setting forth its desires and aims 
 was among its first acts. The diction is clear and polished and 
 the argument for such a society logical, and, from the point of 
 view of the writers, convincing. These extracts give its most 
 significant passages. In some of its parts the well known style 
 of Bishop White can be detected. 
 
 ADDRESS OF THE BIBLE SOCIETY. 
 
 The Bible Society, established at Philadelphia, solicit the seri- 
 ous attention of the Christian public to a short statement of the
 
 1808] Address of Bible Society. 35 
 
 origin and design of their institution, and of the consideration 
 which they hope for the patronage of the pious and the liberal. It 
 has been remarked that every good action or effort is valuable, 
 not only from its inherent excellence and immediate effects, but 
 because it may draw after it a train of beneficial consequences of 
 endless extent. We hope this remark will receive some confirma- 
 tion from the existence of this Society. Its origin is unquestion- 
 ably to be attributed to the example offered and the efforts made 
 by "The British and Foreign Bible Society" instituted in London 
 about five years since. The plan of that Society, now that it is 
 delineated and carried into effect, is seen to be so important, so 
 practicable, and productive of so much good, that we hardly know 
 how to account for the fact, that it was not sooner devised and 
 executed. The example thus set has already been followed in 
 several countries of Europe, and we trust will soon be imitated in 
 various parts of these United States. From the time that it was 
 known in this City, it attracted the marked attention of several 
 persons accustomed to take an interest in whatever is calculated 
 to extend the influence of revealed truth. ( Page 3. ) 
 
 It was immediately seen that the necessity for such an institu- 
 tion was the same here as in Europe, and that there was every 
 reason to believe that if suitable exertions were made it could not 
 fail of encouragement. The principal difficulty was to concert the 
 most promising plan for rendering the contemplated charity ex- 
 tensively useful. Two systems were deliberately considered. One 
 was to endeavour to form a large Association consisting of mem- 
 bers selected from all the States in the American Union, to raise 
 a common fund, and to distribute Bibles in every part of our 
 Country. The other was to establish a Society on a smaller scale, 
 in Philadelphia, the attention of which should be principally 
 directed to the State in which the City belongs, and to those por- 
 tions of the States of Jersey and Delaware which are contiguous 
 to Pennsylvania'. The latter system, on mature consideration, 
 appeared in every view to claim the preference ; and it has accord- 
 ingly been adopted. A Society for the whole of the United States 
 seemed liable to almost insuperable objections. (Page 5.) 
 
 The design of our Society has been partially explained in 
 stating the origin. We farther remark more particularly that it 
 is a fundamental Article of our Constitution that all the copies 
 of the Bible which we distribute shall be separated from all notes
 
 36 Address of Bible Society. [1808 
 
 and commentaries whatsoever, and, except the contents of the 
 Chapters shall contain nothing but the sacred text. It is there- 
 fore manifestly a design in which all denominations of Christians, 
 without exception, may unite. Finally : As the Bibles to be sent 
 abroad by this institution are purchased and distributed by an 
 extensive union of Christian denominations, so a blessing on the 
 use of them will constantly be implored, in a confederacy of 
 earnest prayer for that end. This is stated not only as an ani- 
 mating consideration to Christians to lend a portion of their 
 property to the furtherance of a design on which the smile of 
 heaven will be thus generally and importunately sought, but to 
 remind every donor, and every Christian who may read this 
 address, of another and an important duty, incumbent on him- 
 self, the duty of preferring his fervent supplications to 'Him from 
 whom cometh down every good and perfect gift,' that the grace 
 of his Holy Spirit may accompany the gift of his word. (P. 9.) 
 
 It is only by this that our purpose, in the charity we recom- 
 mend, can at last be fully accomplished. With a zeal then, 
 more earnest than for any other object, we beseech our fellow 
 Christians to help us with their prayers; their prayers that the 
 friends of religion may cheerfully supply us with the means of 
 widely distributing the Holy Scriptures; that we may be su- 
 premely influenced in all our doings by a regard to the Divine 
 Glory and the best interests of mankind; and that every Bible 
 which shall be given through our instrumentality, may prove to 
 its possessor the word of everlasting life. 
 
 With these requests we commit our address to the candour of 
 the public; and our undertaking to the protection and patronage 
 of Almighty God. 
 
 Signed on behalf of the Society, 
 
 WM. WHITE, President. 1 
 
 The Society at once met with popular favour, subscriptions 
 were liberal, and as the consequence of letters of Mr. Robert 
 Ralston to the British and Foreign Bible Society detailing the 
 successive steps of its organization that Society on January 16, 
 
 I. An Address of the Bible Society established at Philadelphia to the 
 Public; to which is subjoined the Constitution of the Society and the 
 names of the Managers.
 
 1809] Committee Report. 37 
 
 1809, made from its funds a donation of two hundred pounds to 
 the first Bible Society in the United States. 
 
 The work done by the managers of the New York Society in 
 a few weeks is shown in the proceedings of the adjourned meet- 
 ing. 
 
 At a meeting of the Board of Managers of the Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society, held in Trinity Church the 3ist 
 of May, 1809. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Moore, President, the Rev. Mr. 
 Jones, Rev. Mr. Howe, Rev. Mr. Chapman, Rev. Dr. Smith, 
 Genl. M. Clarkson, Mr. Henry Rogers, Mr. George Dominic, 
 Dr. John Onderdonk, Mr. Thomas Harvey, & the Rev. Mr. 
 Lyell. 
 
 A letter was received from the Treasurer stating that he had 
 received for the Society Five hundred & Seventy dollars. 
 
 The report of the Committee appointed to draw up rules and 
 regulations for the government of the Society was then read and 
 adopted, viz. 
 
 I. There shall immediately, and at every annual meeting of 
 the Board of Managers, be appointed by the President a 
 Standing Committee of Three members, who together with 
 himself & Secretary shall carry on the correspondence of the 
 Society; make the necessary purchases & distribution of Books, 
 and aid and counsel the Treasurer from time to time in putting 
 out at interest the monies coming into the fund of the Society. 
 
 II. The President shall call such occasional meetings of the 
 Board of Managers as may be necessary for the conducting of 
 the business of the Society, giving the requisite notice by the Sec- 
 retary, or in case of the absence or death of the President, the 
 Standing Committee shall be invested with the same power. 
 
 III. The Treasurer shall give such security to the Board of 
 Managers every year, or as often as there is required, as the 
 Board of Managers may judge sufficient for the faithful dis- 
 charge of the trust reposed ; and to be reposed in him, and he shall 
 also, at each meeting of the Board immediately preceeding the 
 annual meeting of the Society, exhibit his accounts for their in- 
 spection and approbation. 
 
 Resolved, That The Right Rev. Bishop Moore, The Rev. Mr. 
 Chapman, The Rev. Dr. Beach, The Rev. Dr. Richard C. Moore,
 
 38 Committee Report. [1810 
 
 and The Rev. Mr. Bartow of the Clergy, and Mr. Gulian Ludlow, 
 David B. Ogden Esqr, Dr. John Onderdonk, and Mr. George 
 Dominic of the Laity be added to the Committee appointed at the 
 last meeting to solicit donations for the Society. 
 
 Pursuant to the first article of the rules and regulations for 
 the government of the Society, the President appointed The Rev. 
 Mr. Howe, Dr. John Onderdonk and Mr. Thomas Harvey, a 
 standing committee until the next annual meeting who together 
 with himself & Secretary are authorized to carry on the corre- 
 spondence of the Society, make the necessary purchases & distri- 
 bution of Books & consult the Treasurer from time to time in 
 putting out at interest the monies coming into the fund of the 
 Society. 
 
 The Committee appointed to solicit donations for the Society 
 agreed to meet on Monday the 5th of June at 6 o'C P. M. in 
 Trinity Chh. of which meeting the Secretary was directed to 
 notify them. 
 
 Adjourned. THO. LYELL, Sec. 1 
 
 The members of the Society, and Churchmen throughout the 
 State, had been so aroused by the address and forcible appeal it 
 made, that the Society, at its annual meeting in 1810, was able to 
 present an encouraging report, and from the experiences of a year 
 devise a better method of distribution. 
 
 At a meeting of the Board of Managers of the Bible & Com- 
 mon Prayer Book Society, held in Trinity Church February the 
 I4th, 1810. 
 
 Present, The Right Rev. Bishop Moore, Pres., The Rev. Mr. 
 Jones, The Rev. Mr. Harris, The Rev. Dr. Hobart, The Rev. Mr. 
 Howe, Mr. Gulian Ludlow, Mr. Thomas Harvey, Mr. Henry 
 Rogers, Dr. John Onderdonk & The Rev. Mr. Lyell. 
 
 Whereas it is represented to the Board that the sum of 190 
 dollars is subscribed to the Society in Books; Resolved, That 
 the Books, thus subscribed be taken immediately for distribu- 
 tion, and that the annual contributions be applied to the perma- 
 nent fund until that amount be made up. 
 
 Resolved, That the following rule shall be observed by the 
 
 I. Page 5.
 
 1810] Annual Meeting. 39 
 
 Committee of distribution, in distributing the Bibles & Common 
 Prayer Books & religious Tracts, viz, One half of the Bibles, 
 Common Prayer Books, & religious Tracts to be distributed 
 equally among the congregations of this Church in the State 
 Situated without the City of New York ; One fourth to be depos- 
 ited with the Bishop for distribution in those parts of the State, 
 which in his opinion may stand most in need of this aid, and the 
 remaining one fourth to be deposited equally among the members 
 of the Board of Managers to be distributed as they may think 
 proper. 
 
 Resolved, That the Bishop be requested to transmit several 
 copies of the address and Constitution of this Society to the 
 President, or one of the vice presidents of the British & Foreign 
 Bible Society, respectfully soliciting the aid of the said society to 
 this institution, and stating that any grant of money would be 
 faithfully appropriated to the purchase and distribution of Bibles 
 only. 
 
 Adjourned. THO. LYELL, Sec. 1 
 
 The Annual Meeting for 1810 was held in Trinity Church, 
 February 27, 1810. The Minutes read: 
 
 After reading the constitution of the Society, and the pro- 
 ceedings of the different meetings of the Board of Managers, 
 since its institution. The members present, agreeably to the third 
 article of the constitution of the Society, proceeded to the election 
 of Ten Laymen who, together with the Clergy of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the City of New York, shall compose the 
 Board of Managers for the ensuing year, when it appeared that 
 Matthew Clarkson, Henry Rogers, Thomas Harvey, George 
 Dominic, Jacob Le Roy, William Bayard, John Onderdonk, 
 David B. Ogden, John Slidell, & Gulian Ludlow, were unani- 
 mously chosen. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the first article of the constitution 
 of the Society be amended and that five dollars annually instead 
 of two, be required in future of every person to enable him to be 
 a member : Two thirds of the members present voting in the 
 affirmative, it was referred, agreeably to the Fifth Article of the 
 
 i. Page 7.
 
 40 Sermon by Bishop Moore. [1810 
 
 constitution, to the Board of Managers of the Society for a con- 
 current vote of two thirds of their body. 1 
 
 Bishop Moore had been greatly interested in the development 
 of this new agency. From his sermon preached at this meeting, 
 in Trinity Church, on behalf of the Society, the necessity for 
 it is plainly set forth. 
 
 In the course of his argument, he says : 
 
 If we be disposed to employ our time and our estate for the 
 relief of our wretched brethren of mankind who are labouring 
 under bodily disease, or any other temporal evil ; with how much 
 more readiness ought we to exert every faculty with which 
 heaven has blessed us, in order to cure the maladies of their souls, 
 to save them from the wrath to come? If our liberality be ex- 
 erted in giving bread to the hungry, and clothing to the naked, 
 how much more effectually shall we yield comfort to the poor, by 
 putting into their hands the precious Word of God, and teaching 
 them to rely on those consoling promises, by which they are 
 encouraged to hope, that the short affliction of a moment may 
 work out for them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of 
 glory. Let cruel infidels attempt to wrest out of their hands this 
 heavenly support; but let kind-hearted believers exhort them to 
 hold fast a rod and a staff which will sustain them, even when 
 they are passing through the valley of the shadow of death. 
 
 The present times demand extraordinary exertions, in order 
 to enable the Word of God to run and be glorified, to dissipate 
 the mists of ignorance and prejudice, and to warm the torpid 
 hearts of fruitless professors with the flame of vital piety. Infi- 
 delity, with equal art and industry, is attempting to make inroads 
 upon the Church of Christ. Be assured, while you are contribut- 
 ing to the support of truth in opposition to error ; while you are 
 endeavouring to prevail upon the ignorant to consider all Holy 
 Scripture as written for our learning, and teaching them to pray, 
 that "they may in such wise read, learn, and inwardly digest them, 
 as to be induced to embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope 
 of everlasting life" ; while you are thus furnishing an antidote to 
 the poison which the infidel is diffusing round him; you not only 
 discharge your duty as good Christians, but you act the part of 
 most useful members of civil society. Anarchy, rapine, murder, 
 
 i. Page 9.
 
 1810] Sermon by Bishop Moore. 41 
 
 crimes of every sort decry Christianity as useless to mankind; 
 because, with a stern look and tremendous voice, she denounces 
 against them the judgments of Almighty God; but peace and 
 happiness, truth and justice court her influence, and perpetually 
 hail her as their best friend and surest support. 
 
 We, my Brethren, when contemplating our religious advant- 
 ages, may well adopt the language of the holy Psalmist, "The 
 lines are fallen unto us in pleasant places ; yea, we have a goodly 
 heritage." We live in the full enjoyment of all the ordinances of 
 our religion, while many of our brethren, in the more unculti- 
 vated parts of our country, are not only deprived of the blessing 
 of public social worship ; but, it is to be feared, that many families 
 are destitute even of a Bible, by which alone the rising generation 
 can be best instructed in the duties which they owe to God and 
 their neighbour. And are you not disposed to inquire, "What 
 reward shall I give unto the Lord for all his benefits bestowed 
 upon me?" While ye are receiving the cup of salvation, and 
 drinking to the refreshment of our souls, let us express our grati- 
 tude by extending it to others who are fainting in the thirsty 
 wilderness where no water is. 1 
 
 The resolution to alter the first article of the constitution was 
 agreed to on the special meeting held on March 3, 1810. (Folio 
 
 130 
 
 At the meeting of February 28, 1810, it was Resolved, that 
 
 the following be added to the Bye-Laws, viz: There shall be a 
 meeting of the Board of Managers of the Society, on the Wed- 
 nesday in the week preceeding the annual meeting of the Society, 
 when the standing Committee shall lay before the Board a state- 
 ment of their proceedings during the past year. 
 
 Whereas a vote of two thirds of the whole number of the 
 Board of Managers together with a concurrent vote of two thirds 
 of the members of the Society present at the Annual Meeting is 
 necessary to alter the Constitution of the Society ; and that num- 
 ber of the Board of Managers not being present; Resolved that 
 a special meeting be called for that purpose, to meet in Trinity 
 Church on Saturday evening, the 3rd of March at 7 o'clock p. M. 
 
 I. A Sermon Preached before the Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Society of New York, in Trinity Church, February 27, 1810; and published 
 at the request and for the benefit of the same. By Benjamin Moore, D.D.
 
 42 Various Resolutions. [1810 
 
 Resolved, that the first article of the rules and regulations for 
 the government of the Society be annexed by adding the words 
 "be appointed by the President" so as to make it read : There shall 
 be appointed by the President or Chairman a Standing Commit- 
 tee; whereas 
 
 Resolved, that the Sexton of St. John's (Mr. Wenman) be 
 allowed Twelve Shillings for serving the notices, making the 
 fires, and attending the Board of Managers of the Society at each 
 meeting. 
 
 Resolved, That a vote of thanks of this Board be returned to 
 the President (The Right Rev. Bishop Moore) for his sermon 
 preached before the Society at their annual meeting, and that he 
 be requested to furnish a copy for publication. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of three members be appointed 
 to wait on the Bishop to request a copy, and that the Rev. Mr. 
 Howe, Dr. John Onderdonk and the Rev. Mr. Lyell compose that 
 Committee. 
 
 Pursuant to the third article of the rules and regulations for 
 the government of the Society, Resolved that the Treasurer be 
 requested to give to Bishop Moore in trust for the Society, secur- 
 ity in the form of Five thousand Dollars for the trust reposed in 
 him. 
 
 The President agreeably to the fourth article of the Constitu- 
 tion of the Society appointed the Rev. Dr. Beach to preach at the 
 next annual meeting.
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Dearth of Small Prayer-Books For Distribution Books of I2mo and 
 24tno Printed in 1810 Letter from Father Nash to Bishop Hobart 
 Annual Meeting of B. and C. P. B. Society in New York, February 28, 1811 
 Report of Board of Managers Rules Regulating Proportion of Bibles and 
 Prayer-Books Passed Meeting of February 25, 1812 Report of Managers 
 French Edition of the Bible Recommended Repeal of Bye-Laws 
 Letter from the President of the New Jersey Bible Society Multiplication 
 of Bible Societies in Cities and Villages Letter from Father Nash to 
 Bishop Hobart Pastoral by Bishop Hobart on the Need of Teaching the 
 Distinctive Doctrines of the Church Insists on the Value of Distributing 
 the Prayer-Book with the Bible Pastoral Arouses Criticism in Many 
 Quarters Reply to Pastoral by "A Layman" Another Reply by "An 
 Episcopalian" Letters to Bishop Hobart from Judge Emott and the Rev. 
 John McVickar Organization of the General Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society of Albany and Vicinity Letter from the Rev. T. Clowes. 
 
 BISHOP Moore's earnest words had their effect, sec- 
 onded as they were by the enthusiasm of Dr. Hobart. In 
 the midst of anxieties of all kinds, and notwithstanding 
 the exacting duties of his parish, he gave to the Society 
 time and anxious thought. The method of distribution was 
 devised by him, though it was modified as occasion required. 
 There was at that time a lack of copies of the Prayer Book 1 
 
 i. So far as known the only editions of the Prayer Book issued up to 
 the year 1810, in New York and Brooklyn, are these: 
 1710. I2mo. N. Y. William Bradford, Printer. 
 1801. 8vo. Brooklyn, Thomas Kirk, Printer. 
 1803. i6mo. N. Y., for Wm. Durrell (George Forman, Printer). 
 1803. 24mo. N. Y., Samuel Campbell. 
 1803. 641110. N. Y., for T. & J. Swords. 
 1805. 4to. N. Y., Peter A. Mesier. 
 
 1805. i6vo. N. Y., T. & J. Swords. 
 
 1806. 8vo. Peter A. Mesier. 
 
 1806. I2mo. N. Y., Alexander Ming. 
 1808. 24mo. N. Y., Campbell & Mitchell. 
 1810. I2mo. N. Y., T. & J. Swords. 
 1810. 24tno. N. Y., T. & J. Swords. 
 
 Copies are preserved in the Custodian's collection in the Church Missions 
 House, New York. 
 
 43
 
 44 Letter from Father Nash. [1810 
 
 suitable for general circulation. They were bulky octavos or 
 very small twenty-four mos. It was not until 1810, possibly at 
 Dr. Hobart's suggestion, that a book of convenient size and clear 
 print was issued, which was admirably adapted for the purpose of 
 the Society. It was in both twelve and twenty-fourmo form, 
 and was issued by the old firm of Thomas and John Swords. 
 
 A letter from the Rev. Daniel Nash, whose title of "Father of 
 the Church in Western New York" was justly earned by his 
 abundant labour and privations in establishing and serving mis- 
 sions in the southern tier of counties of the State until they ac- 
 quired strength and permanence, gives an excellent example of 
 this method of work and the value of the Book of Common 
 Prayer in such a field. 
 
 Rev. and Dear Sir : 
 
 The books you was so kind as to send me last year I have dis- 
 tributed and am happy to inform you that they apparently had a 
 good effect, as they enabled us to perform the service with more 
 solemnity. The Book of Common Prayer is the most useful 
 Book; next to that an old Book entitled "The Poor Man's Help 
 and the Young Man's Guide." If this could be distributed under 
 the recommendation of our worthy Bishop (as it undoubtedly 
 would meet his approbation), it would do much good. Your 
 Companion to the Altar is used by people of the best information 
 and highly esteemed by them. If you have books on hand to 
 send into the country, I request you to send me some. 
 
 No people are in more need for vigorous efforts are made to 
 shake the faith of almost every one. The task before us is un- 
 bounded. I am truly in want of your friendship in affording me 
 all the means in your power to disseminate correct principles. 
 But it is seldom I hear from the City, and know but little respect- 
 ing the state of the Church. Could information be afforded it 
 would be highly pleasing to, Rev. and Dear Sir 
 
 Your obliged friend, 
 
 Exeter, Otsego County, DANIEL NASH. 
 
 May 1 2th, 1810. 
 
 So earnest and persistent were the exertions of those who man- 
 aged the new venture of faith, so greatly was the need of Prayer
 
 1811] Report of 1811. 45 
 
 Books as well as of Bibles felt by the Missionaries and their 
 flocks of pioneers in the "Western Country," as the region be- 
 yond Albany was called, that the funds of the Society grew rap- 
 idly and the treasurer in his report for 1811 made the very cheer- 
 ing announcement that the receipts had been $3,405. "This," 
 says Dr. McVickar, "was a sum at that day unprecedented for 
 such purposes." 1 
 
 At the meeting of January 9, i8n, it was announced that the 
 British and Foreign Bible Society had made the Society a grant 
 of 100 sterling in Bibles. A note of thanks to the English So- 
 ciety was accordingly passed; and at the same meeting it was 
 resolved. That the following be added to the Bye-Laws, viz. : "Be- 
 sides the annual meeting, there shall be stated meetings of the 
 Board of Managers of this Society, the last Wednesday in May, 
 August and November, and the First in February in every year," 
 of which due notice shall be given by the Secretary. (Folio 16.) 
 
 The annual meeting of "the Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Society established in the City of New York" was held in Trinity 
 Church, on Thursday, the 26th February, 1811. The following 
 Report of the Board of Managers was submitted to the Society. 
 
 It was, of course, 'the first object of attention with the Board 
 to procure funds. For this purpose committees were appointed, 
 in the different wards, to wait upon the members of the Episcopal 
 Church residing in the city, and solicit their support. The work 
 is still but imperfectly executed. Nevertheless, we have reason 
 to be thankful that so considerable a sum has been procured. The 
 following report of the treasurer will show the state of the funds : 
 
 The Treasurer of the Bible and Common Prayer Book So- 
 ciety has received, since the commencement of this institution, 
 the following sums for the use of the Society, viz. 
 
 For subscriptions and donations $2,848.50 
 
 A collection in Trinity Church, Feb. 27th, 
 
 1810 191.84 
 
 Dividends of stock in the Eagle Fire 
 
 Company 211.50- $3,251.84 
 
 I. The Professional Years of John Henry Hobart, D.D., being a sequel to 
 his Early Years. By John McVickar, D.D. p. 183.
 
 46 Report of 1811. [1811 
 
 And has expended in the purchase of 
 twenty-seven shares in the Eagle 
 Fire Company, at different times, as 
 per account rendered $3,056.60 
 
 Insurance on 100 sterling worth of 
 Bibles, sent by the British and For- 
 eign Bible Society, per do. do 24.70 $3,081.30 
 
 The balance remaining in his hand is. ... $170.54 
 
 The total amount of subscriptions, donations, and collections 
 
 to this date, as far as returns have been received, is as follows : 
 
 Subscriptions of two dollars annually $150. 
 
 Ditto of five dollars 60. 
 
 Ditto for life 1,950. 
 
 Donations 1,053.50 
 
 Collections in Church 191.84 
 
 $3,405.34 
 Feb. 2Oth, 1811. GULIAN LUDLOW, Treasurer. 
 
 Besides this, the sum of 192 dollars has been subscribed in 
 Common Prayer Books, most of which have been received and 
 distributed. And the British and Foreign Bible Society, with 
 their characteristic generosity, have granted us, in Bibles, a dona- 
 tion of one hundred pounds sterling. The books have not yet 
 been received, but are expected every day. 
 
 By the constitution of the Society, the contributions at the 
 time of subscribing, and the donations which may at any time be 
 received, constitute a permanent fund, and are, of course, not 
 subject to disbursement. The dispensable monies of the Society 
 consist of the annual contributions, and the interest of the perma- 
 nent fund. It will be seen, therefore, that the Society could not 
 be in a situation to purchase and distribute books, until a year 
 after the commencement of its active operations. This will ac- 
 count for the fact, that no purchases have yet been actually made. 
 The managers, however, have voted an appropriation of the 
 interest which shall have been received upon the permanent fund 
 on the first of this month, and of the annual contributions of the 
 past year, to the purchase and distribution of Bibles and Common 
 Prayer Books in such proportion as the standing committee shall 
 think proper. As soon as the annual contributions shall be re-
 
 1811] Meeting of December 2, 1811. 47 
 
 ceived, the committee will see that the appropriation in question 
 be carried into immediate effect. 1 
 
 Much of the success was due to the marked efficiency of the 
 Managers. 
 
 At the meeting of December 2., 1811, it was on motion, 
 
 Resolved, That the rule relative to the distribution of 
 Bibles, Common Prayer Books & religious Tracts be re- 
 pealed, & that the following be substituted viz, That one half of 
 the Bibles, Common Prayer Books & religious Tracts be divided 
 equally, among the Managers for distribution, and the other half 
 be deposited with the Bishop for distribution in those parts of the 
 State which in his opinion may stand most in need of this aid. 
 
 Resolved, That the Treasurer be authorized to have the Bibles 
 granted to this Institution by the British & Foreign Bible Society 
 bound, and also to settle with Messrs. Swords their account of 
 the 1 6th of August last against this Society. 
 
 Resolved, That the Standing Committee be directed to invest 
 the disposable money of the Society, which may now be in the 
 hands of the Treasurer, with whatever he may receive before the 
 next annual meeting of the Society in the purchase and distribu- 
 tion of Common Prayer Books. 
 
 Resolved, That the Standing Committee be impowered to pur- 
 chase Common Prayer Books upon credit, if they shall deem it 
 expedient, to the amount of one hundred dollars to be paid out 
 of the disposable monies of the Society of the ensuing year. 
 
 Resolved, That the Treasurer be directed to pay all accounts 
 for incidental expenses brought against the Society. 
 
 Adjourned. THO. LYELL, Secretary. 
 
 Without noisy declamation or frantic appeals the Society grew 
 into the confidence of Churchmen. It was ready even then in its 
 infancy, to respond to any calls upon it from any part of the 
 United States, but was practically confined to the State of New 
 York, where was the most promising outlook and where Dr. 
 Hobart after his elevation to the Episcopate had developed a 
 greater area to be covered by both men and that "silent mission- 
 ary" the Book of Common Prayer. The annual meetings were 
 occasions of great interest. These minutes show how the Society 
 
 i. The list of Donors and Subscribers to the Society at this time, will be 
 found in the Appendix.
 
 48 Books for Children. - [1813 
 
 aimed to reach all classes of society and to train children in the 
 way of truth. 
 
 At the annual meeting of February 25, 1812, the following 
 gentlemen were appointed Managers for the ensuing year: 
 Matthew Clarkson, Thomas Harvey, George Dominick, William 
 Bayard, David B. Ogden, Henry Rogers, Jacob Le Roy, John 
 Slidell, John Onderdonk, Gulian Ludlow. 1 
 
 At the meeting held in Trinity Church, February 3, 1813 
 
 The president informed the Board that arrangements were 
 making to provide seats in the different Episcopal Churches in 
 this City for the Children in the New York Free School, who 
 belong to the Episcopal Church, and urged the propriety of the 
 said Chidren being provided with Prayer Books from those in 
 the hands of the managers of this Society, 
 
 Whereupon, on motion, 
 
 Resolved, That a member of this Board be appointed to make 
 arrangements with those who have the superintendence of said 
 Children, for the preservation and proper use of the Prayer Books 
 which may be given them : and also to apply to the members of 
 this Board, for the Prayer Books which they may have to be thus 
 disposed of. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Onderdonk was accordingly appointed. 
 
 However, at the next meeting, that of February 24, the Rev. 
 Mr. Onderdonk stated to the Board that he was proceeding in 
 the business for which he had been appointed at the last meeting, 
 when he was informed that the Corporation of Trinity Church 
 had granted a sufficient supply of Prayer Books for the purpose 
 contemplated. It was thereupon 
 
 Resolved, That this donation from Trinity Church renders 
 unnecessary any provision from the members of this Board. 
 (Folio 35.) 
 
 At the annual meeting, March 2, 1813, the following gentle- 
 men were appointed Managers for the ensuing year: Matthew 
 Clarkson. Gulian Ludlow, George Dominick, John Slidell, Henry 
 Rogers, Robert Troup, T. Harvey, David B. Ogden, Jacob Le 
 Roy, John Onderdonk. (Folio 36.) 
 
 At the meeting of November 24, 1813, a letter was received 
 
 I. Folio 27. Mr. George Dominick's name is spelled in the minutes some- 
 times "Dominic" and at other times "Dominick."
 
 1814] Bye Laws. 49 
 
 from the Bible Society of New York on the subject of a French 
 edition of the Bible, which was read & referred agreeably to the 
 ist article of the rules and regulations of this Society to the 
 Standing Committee, to report thereon at the next meeting of the 
 Board. 
 
 The next meeting was on February 2, 1814, when the Stand- 
 ing Committee to whom was referred the letter from the 
 Bible Society of New York on the subject of a French 
 edition of the Bible, Reported, That it be recommended to the 
 Board of Managers to become Subscribers on the part of this 
 society for TOO Copies of the said edition of the Bible, to be at 
 the disposal of the Board of Managers. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the above report of the Standing 
 Committee be accepted. 
 
 On February 23, 1814, it was, on motion. 
 
 Resolved, that the 4th & 7th Bye Laws be repealed, and that 
 the following be substituted in their stead. 
 
 Bye Law. 
 
 One half of the Bibles, Common prayer books and religious 
 tracts shall be distributed among the congregation in the Western 
 District of the State, and among the Missionaries ; and the other 
 half shall be distributed equally among the congregations in other 
 parts of the State, except those congregations which may be 
 otherwise provided with Bibles and Common Prayer Books. 
 
 "At the annual meeting of March i, 1814, the following were 
 elected Managers for the ensuing year: Matthew Clarkson, 
 Henry Rogers, Gulian Ludlow, Thomas Harvey, David B. Og- 
 den, Jacob Le Roy, Robert Troup, George Dominic, John Slidell, 
 John Onderdonk. (Folio 43.) 
 
 At the meeting of May 24, 1814, the Secretary presented to 
 the Board a printed copy of the Semi-annual report of the Bible 
 Society of Nassau-Hall, adopted at their Semi-annual meeting 
 April 2nd, 1814. Ordered, that the Secretary be requested to 
 send, in return, to the Secretary of the Bible Society of Nassau- 
 Hall the printed copy of the constitution, and first report of the 
 New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society. (Folio 44.) 
 
 At the same meeting, a doubt having been suggested whether 
 the letter of acknowledgment formerly requested by this Board 
 to be sent by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Moore, then President of the 
 (4)
 
 50 Letters from the Auxiliary. [1816 
 
 Society, to the British and Foreign Bible Society, had not been 
 omitted in consequence of Bishop Moore's indisposition, it was, 
 
 Resolved, That if that has been the case, The Rt. Rev. Bishop 
 Hobart be requested to address a letter to the British and For- 
 eign Bible Society stating the circumstance, and returning the 
 thanks of this Society for the donation of Bibles made by that 
 body. 
 
 At the meeting of February i, 1815, a letter was received from 
 Mr. Boudinot, President of the New Jersey Bible Society, on the 
 subject of appointing Delegates to constitute a General Associa- 
 tion of Bible Societies in the United States. 
 
 Whereupon, Resolved, that the President be directed to state 
 to the President of the New Jersey Bible Society, that the design 
 of this Society embracing the distribution of the Book of Com- 
 mon Prayer as well as the Bible, it is not expedient to appoint 
 delegates for the purpose aforesaid. (Folio 46.) 
 
 At the annual meeting of February 28, 1815, the managers 
 elected were : Matthew Clarkson, David B. Ogden, Gulian Lud- 
 low, Robert Troup, George Dominick, Henry Rogers, Thomas 
 Harvey, John Slidell, John Onderdonk. (Folio 48.) 
 
 At the annual meeting, February 27, 1816, the managers ap- 
 pointed were : Matthew M. Clarkson, David B. Ogden, Gulian 
 Ludlow, Robert Troup, George Dominick, Henry Rogers, John 
 Slidell, John Onderdonk, Isaac Carrow, William Bayard. (Folio 
 
 53-) 
 
 On April 15, 1816, The President laid before the Board "two 
 communications from the Auxiliary New York Bible and Com- 
 mon Prayer Book Society, signed 'Benj. Haight, Corresponding 
 Secry.' The one bearing date March i8th, 1816 (see papers 
 on file A) informing of the Organization of that Society, 
 and of the disposition of its members to cooperate with the parent 
 Institution in any measure which may require their joint funds 
 and to preserve a friendly intercourse in their ordinary opera- 
 tions: The other dated March 21, 1816 (see papers on file B) 
 gave information of the appointment of a Committee by the Aux- 
 iliary Society to enquire into the expediency of purchasing a set of 
 stereotype plates for the Book of Common Prayer, and requested 
 this Board (if it should think proper) to appoint a Committee on 
 the same subject. 
 
 "Whereupon on Motion of Gen. Clarkson, Resolved unani-
 
 MATTHEW CLARKSON
 
 1814] Letter from Father Nash. 51 
 
 mously that the Standing Committee of this Board be requested 
 to express to the Board of Managers of the Auxiliary New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society the great satisfaction 
 this Board feels on the organization of their Society, its best 
 wishes for the divine blessing on their exertions, and its willing- 
 ness to cooperate in any measure which may require the joint 
 counsel or funds of the two Societies : and also that the Stand- 
 ing Committee be requested to confer with the Committee of the 
 Auxiliary Society on the subject of the Stereotype plates." (Folio 
 
 55-) 
 
 As Bible Societies multiplied both in cities and villages and 
 
 reproach was cast upon those who were unwilling to join them as 
 unevangelical, Bishop Hobart saw that plain words were neces- 
 sary to explain the stand taken by himself and others. He viewed 
 with alarm the avowed purpose of many of the Bible Societies to 
 unite all Protestants in a common cause as an ignoring of essen- 
 tial differences of doctrine and polity. The effort to inculcate 
 Church principles in the great mission field of the diocese was 
 greatly nullified by this so-called spirit of charity and fraternal 
 comity, as the correspondence of Bishop Hobart at this period 
 fully shows. In this letter Father Nash unconsciously exhibits 
 both his own prudence and Bishop Hobart's persistence. This is 
 evidently one of those letters which urged the Bishop to present 
 to the Diocese his "Godly admonition and advice." 
 
 Exeter, Otsego County, July ist, 1814. 
 Right Rev. and Dear Sir : 
 
 Undoubtedly you will recollect that you urged me last year to 
 establish a religious Society in the Western District, chiefly for 
 the purpose of disseminating the Prayer Book. I then judged, 
 perhaps erroneously, that nothing worthy of notice could be ef- 
 fected by any such Institution. 
 
 I had proposed it to some of the leading members of the 
 Church, and they had appeared very indifferent whether any 
 such Society was established. This led me to judge as I did. We 
 have now an accession of Clergymen who are zealous in the cause 
 of their Master and of His Church. I have assurance from more 
 than one of them that they will lend all the assistance in their 
 power. Some of the laymen think favourably of the plan. 
 
 To give it as much weight as possible I wish the Constitution
 
 52 Letter from Father Nash. [1814 
 
 may be forwarded by you. All will then be ready to subscribe to 
 it, and to afford their aid. This Society, altho extensive, will 
 embrace many similar Societies in the Western District. An 
 enquiry will then be made in every Church, in every family, and 
 of all who can read, whether they are furnished with Prayer 
 Books and whether they unite in reading aloud in public. 
 
 An address from you urging them to comply with their duty 
 in that particular will do much good, thus a wonderful accession 
 of strength will, in a short time, be obtained to the Church. We 
 shall look to you, who, ex officio, will be our President, to urge 
 forward the business. I will go as you direct me. I presume all 
 will comply with alacrity. 
 
 On condition you appoint me to attend the institution of Mr. 
 Clarke of Geneva, I shall have opportunity of conversing with 
 most of the clergymen on the subject and the Society will be 
 formed either then or when they attend the Convention. 
 Your obliged friend and servant, 
 
 DANIEL NASH. 
 
 Mr. Nash sent the Bishop this paper : 
 
 New Berlin Sherburne 
 
 Capt Jabez Beardsley Willard Wilton 
 
 Jonathan Habley Attorney at Law 
 
 Unadella Hamilton, Madison County. 
 
 Abijah H. Beach, Esq Hubbard 
 
 Capt Thatcher Attorney at Law, son 
 
 of the Rev. Doctor 
 
 Curtis Noble Hubbard of New 
 
 Isaac Hayes * Haven 
 
 3 
 
 Richfield Butternuts jg j 
 
 John Pringle Jacob Morris Esq u g 
 
 Capt John Smith Capt Vine Botsford = S 
 
 Capt Amos Palmer ^ I 
 
 cd 
 
 a 
 
 Chenango Point New Lisbon 
 
 Mason Whiting Esq Elnathan Noble Esq 
 
 Major Martin Noble 
 Cyrenius Noble
 
 1815] Pastoral Letter. 53 
 
 Windsor Cooperstown 
 
 Capt Doolittle Isaac Cooper 
 
 Titus Thomaston John F. Ernst 
 
 Wm. Jarvis Edson 1 
 
 From Bishop Hobart's endorsement we know that this list was 
 sent to him in October, 1814. 
 
 The urgency of the clergy and others in the "Western Dis- 
 trict," as expressed by Mr. Nash and some of the most earnest 
 and Judicious workers in that field, led the Bishop to consider 
 the preparation of a pastoral letter explaining his views and giv- 
 ing his advice to the laymen of the Diocese in a way it could not 
 be given by the parish priest. 
 
 Such a letter had never been issued in the Diocese of New 
 York. 
 
 Some might cavil at the authority with which it came, since Dr. 
 Hobart was only the Assistant Bishop, and both the retired 
 Bishop, Dr. Provoost, and the Bishop of the Diocese, Dr. Moore, 
 were still living. But to him the full charge of the Diocese had 
 been committed and he felt the weight of responsibility for every 
 one under his care. He knew that some excellent men, Church- 
 men of the old-fashioned kind whose sympathies were entirely 
 protestant, and some who boasted of their breadth and freedom 
 from narrow prejudice and bigotry, would oppose his godly 
 counsel and advice. Conscious of his duty, Dr. Hobart did not 
 hesitate because his ideas were unpopular. 
 
 His friend and biographer, Dr. Berrian, says : "The great in- 
 difference to the distinctive principles of the Church, even among 
 many of our own people, from an ignorance of their nature and 
 importance : the false notions of liberality prevailing among those 
 who were better informed, and the general disapprobation at that 
 time, among other denominations of a policy which was regarded 
 as narrow, selfish, and almost intolerant, would have made such 
 an appeal to the clergy themselves a bold and startling measure. 
 But confident that he was right, and sure of their general support 
 when the matter should be duly weighed, he determined to ad- 
 dress himself to his people at large to whom it was still more new 
 and strange. He always had a strong reliance on the good sense 
 
 i. Hobart MSS. Archives of the General Convention.
 
 54 Pastoral Letter. [1815 
 
 of the community, and was persuaded that the just and reason- 
 able cause when properly supported would prevail over prejudice 
 and error. In the present instance he was not deceived." 1 
 
 Dr. McVickar, also a pupil and friend, says : "Though well 
 aware how hostile at first sight the measure would appear to all 
 other denominations, how easily it might be perverted to party 
 purposes within the Church, and the outcry of 'bigotry' be raised 
 against both it and him, though well aware, too, that it was a 
 question in which he stood in the minority, perhaps a small one, 
 certainly with the laity of his Church, and most probably even 
 with his clergy, still he faltered not." 2 
 
 In the Spring of 1815 the Bishop issued his long expected Pas- 
 toral Letter. 
 
 So completely did the Letter set forth the principles upon which 
 he had consistently acted, so careful was he of the honour and 
 welfare of the Church, and so full is it of truth, as necessary now 
 as when first written, that it is almost fully incorporated into this 
 History. Bishop Hobart's words and opinions are known to 
 very few in this generation but they deserve both recognition 
 and remembrance. 
 
 A PASTORAL LETTER. 
 Brethren, 
 
 By a Canon of our Church it is deemed proper that her Bish- 
 ops should from time to time address Pastoral Letters to the 
 People of their respective diocesses, on such subjects as may ap- 
 pear interesting and useful. The General Pastoral Letter from 
 the House of Bishops at every General Convention seems in some 
 degree to supersede the necessity of these particular addresses. 
 There may be cases, however, in which addresses of this nature 
 will be expedient and necessary. The present address is occa- 
 sioned by the request of some of the clergy in the western part 
 of the State. They propose forming a Society the principal 
 object of which shall be the gratuitous distribution of the Bible 
 and Book of Common Prayer, and they are solicitous that their 
 
 1. The Posthumous Works of Bishop Hobart. With a Memoir of his 
 Life, by the Rev. William Berrian, D.D. Vol. I., p. 162. 
 
 2. Early Life and Professional Years of Bishop Hobart. By John 
 McVickar, D.D. p. 373.
 
 1815] Pastoral Letter. 55 
 
 pious and benevolent design should be explained and enforced by 
 the Bishop of the diocese in a Pastoral Address. 
 
 I comply with this request the more readily, from a wish to 
 call the attention of Church people generally to the importance 
 of establishing Bible and Common Prayer Book Societies, and of 
 aiding these institutions by their contributions. 
 
 The present age is distinguished by the unparalleled .efforts 
 which are made for the distribution of the Word of God. The 
 Bible alone contains that knowledge which is able to make us 
 wise unto salvation, it reveals that mercy which extends pardon 
 to the guilty, it confers that grace which is the source of holiness 
 and virtue, and it confirms all the deductions of reason, and all 
 the desires of nature concerning the state beyond the grave, by 
 ensuring to us, on the promise of God himself, through his Son, 
 our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the hope of everlasting bliss. 
 The sacred volume thus provides for "the life which is to come." 
 It secures, also, the individual and general happiness of man in 
 the life "which now is," controlling by its divine influence those 
 passions which are the foes of man's peace; adorning him with 
 those virtues which render his social relations beneficial and inter- 
 esting, and a source of enjoyment to him ; and, both in its injunc- 
 tions and its sanctions, furnishing the civil government with 
 means of commanding obedience, which no human authority, and 
 no temporal sanctions can supply. In the distribution of the 
 Bible then, the Christian is engaged in promoting the eternal sal- 
 vation of his fellow men; and the patriot and philanthropist in 
 advancing the best interests of his country and the world. 
 
 The members of the Protestant Episcopal Church who consti- 
 tuted the Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, were deeply 
 impressed with the duty which seemed to call forth all the ener- 
 gies of the Christian world, of diffusing the knowledge of God's 
 revealed will by the gratuitous distribution of the sacred volume 
 which contains it. They were, however, naturally led, at the 
 same time, to consider that the Book of Common Prayer contains 
 the purest exhibition of that evangelical truth which the Bible 
 reveals, and therefore resolved to devote their exertions to the 
 distribution of this invaluable summary of divine truth and for- 
 mulary of devotion in conjunction with that sacred volume whose 
 contents it faithfully exhibits and whose spirit it has imbibed. 
 
 Accordingly a Bible and Common Prayer Book Society was
 
 56 Pastoral Letter. [1815 
 
 instituted in the City of New-York, in the year 1809, and soon 
 after a similar institution was established in the City of Albany. 
 It is perceived with pleasure that efforts are making for forming 
 a Bible and Common Prayer Book Society in the western part of 
 this State, and the earnest wish is cherished that societies of the 
 same nature may be instituted in other places. It will be proper 
 therefore to display the various considerations which justify and 
 enforce the distribution of the Book of Common Prayer as well 
 as the Bible by the same Societies. 
 
 The first consideration which enforces the propriety of the 
 measure, is that among Episcopalians there is a greater want of 
 the Book of Common Prayer than of the Bible. Few families 
 belonging to the Church are destitute of a Bible; a single Bible 
 may answer for a family, but in order to enable all its members 
 to unite in public worship several Common Prayer Books must be 
 provided. 
 
 In every place where there is an Episcopal congregation there 
 may be some persons desirous of becoming acquainted with the 
 principles and worship of the Church, and perhaps disposed to 
 attach themselves to it, who are yet unwilling or unable to pur- 
 chase a Prayer Book. Even where the head of a family of this 
 description furnishes himself with a Prayer Book he may not 
 have it in his power to purchase one for every member of hjs 
 household. 
 
 These remarks apply with peculiar force to congregations re- 
 cently formed and to new settlements. In such situations there 
 are numbers destitute of Prayer Books, and destitute also of the 
 means of procuring them. A missionary will labour under the 
 greatest disadvantages in forming new congregations and in 
 augmenting and establishing those already formed, unless he is 
 furnished with Prayer Books for distribution. The argument 
 therefore for the gratuitous circulation of the Bible founded on 
 the fact that numbers are destitute of this sacred volume or unable 
 to procure a copy of it, applies with even greater force to the 
 Book of Common Prayer. 
 
 The distribution of this book, and also of the Bible, as joint 
 objects of the same Society, appears proper, because the connec- 
 tion is a natural and judicious one. 
 
 Both these volumes exhibit divine truth, the one as the founda- 
 tion, the other as the pure stream issuing from it ; the one as the
 
 1815] Pastoral Letter. 57 
 
 divinely constituted standard, the other as the model approaching 
 the nearest to it, of any human talents have framed; the one as 
 the original code which contains the various commands of the 
 Most High, and which alone as the law and testimony speaks 
 with supreme authority; the other as the invaluable digest, in 
 which the truths and precepts of the sacred volume are arranged 
 in lucid order, set forth with the most perspicuous simplicity, em- 
 bellished with all the graces of diction, and animated by the 
 purest and most sublime fervours of devotion. It would be 
 absurd, and indeed impious, to exalt the human compendium 
 above the inspired original, but as Churchmen we deem it unnat- 
 ural and injudicious to separate what are thus closely allied. We 
 wish to send them forth in their natural and interesting union, 
 by the blessing of Heaven to enlighten and to save the world. 
 
 The propriety of connecting the distribution of the Book of 
 Common Prayer with the Bible as joint objects of the same So- 
 ciety derives great force also from the consideration that in dis- 
 tributing the former ^ve circulate in a conspicuous and interesting 
 manner large portions, and those the most important, of the 
 sacred word. 
 
 We present the Bible at large, and with the Bible, in the Book 
 of Common Prayer, an abstract of it, comprising, in the words of 
 inspiration, a succinct but complete summary of the plan of re- 
 demption; of the character, the history and the offices of its 
 Divine Author; of its principles, its duties, and its hopes many 
 of these the Psalter displays in the affecting strains of penitence, 
 supplication, and praise. They are all fully exhibited in the 
 Epistles and Gospels contained in the Book of Common Prayer. 
 
 These, while they lead us from the contemplation of the first 
 Advent of the Son of God, in great humility, contrasted with his 
 second Advent, in great glory, through the successive stages of 
 his life, of his passion, and his resurrection, to the final contem- 
 plation of his work, by his Ascension, as our Intercessor and 
 Ruler, to the right hand of the Most High, display also his 
 divine power in the gifts and graces of the Holy Comforter, the 
 incomprehensible glory of the eternal Trinity, and all the princi- 
 ples, duties and privileges of that great salvation which Jesus 
 Christ proclaimed. 
 
 Many important passages of Scripture, establishing faith, or
 
 58 Pastoral Letter. [1815 
 
 enforcing obedience, are scattered through the various offices in 
 the Book of Common Prayer. The authority, the nature, and 
 the privileges of the sacrament of Baptism are set forth in scrip- 
 tural language in the forms of administering that holy sacrament, 
 and while the order for the Holy Communion proclaims the moral 
 law in the words of God himself, delivered on the Mount Sinai, 
 it addresses, from the hill of Zion, his penitent transgressor of 
 that law, in the soothing language of the Saviour "God so 
 loved the world as to give his only begotten Son, that whosoever 
 believeth in him should not perish but should have everlasting 
 life." 
 
 In distributing the Book of Common Prayer, then we circulate 
 the most interesting and valuable passages of Scripture lucidly 
 and appositely arranged, so as to present not a perverted view of 
 divine truth, but in simplicity and force the fundamental princi- 
 ples and privileges of the great Charter of our salvation, and the 
 character and benign offices of its divine Author. It is not haz- 
 arding too much to assert that he who will read the portions of 
 sacred writ contained in the Book of Common Prayer, and in the 
 offices usually connected with it will ' become acquainted with 
 every part of Scripture arranged in perspicuous and impressive 
 order, which can be necessary to form his faith, to regulate his 
 obedience, to inspire his hopes, and to guide his devotions. We 
 distribute them, the Holy Scriptures in a manner best calculated 
 to diffuse a knowledge of their sacred contents, when we distri- 
 bute the Book of Common Prayer. 
 
 This will more fully appear from the further consideration, 
 which renders this book a suitable companion for the Bible, that 
 the Evangelical truths of Scripture are set forth in this book with 
 clearness, fidelity, and force. 
 
 I speak now of those truths which are considered funda- 
 mental. the corruption and guilt of man, the divinity, the 
 atonement, and the intercession of Jesus Christ, and salvation 
 through a lively faith in him, and through the sanctifying power 
 of the Holy Ghost. To quote all the passages which set forth 
 these doctrines would be to transcribe the Liturgy. They consti- 
 tute the spirit that gives life to every page, that glows in every 
 expression of this inestimable volume ; they are set forth, not in a 
 form addressed to the understanding, but in that fervent language
 
 1815] Pastoral Letter. 59 
 
 of devotion which reaches and sways the heart. Its opponents 
 yield to it the praise of evangelical correctness. They think they 
 bring the most decisive evidence of the want of evangelical fidelity 
 in the preaching of the Ministers of the Church, when they assert 
 it contradicts the Articles and Liturgy ; that the pulpit is at vari- 
 ance with the desk. It is a singular glory of our Liturgy, that it 
 is the only formulary which all Protestants acknowledge as a 
 correct exhibition of evangelical doctrine. What greater service, 
 then, can we render to a benighted and ruined world, than to 
 circulate, in conjunction with the Bible, this admirable summary 
 of its renovating truths? ***** 
 
 But what are the objects of Bible Societies? The general ob- 
 ject the distribution of religious truth the particular object the 
 distribution of the Bible. In Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Societies Episcopalians make provision for the distribution of the 
 Bible, and thus discharge this part of their duty ; and by provid- 
 ing also for the distribution of the Prayer Book, they fulfil the 
 general duty of diffusing truth more effectually than by the cir- 
 culation of the Bible alone. What particular reason, then, can be 
 urged for their relinquishing the most effectual mode of diffusing 
 religious truth, in order to unite in Bible Societies with other de- 
 nominations of Christians? Is this measure necessary to accom- 
 plish their pious and benevolent designs ? By no means. 
 
 Numbers, individual wealth, and a liberality worthy of praise 
 and of imitation, render our aid unnecessary. Is the union of 
 Episcopalians in Bible Societies with other denominations desir- 
 able and proper, because the only differences between them and 
 us are on subordinate and non-essential points? Let me entreat 
 your candour, my Brethren, while I point out the fallacy and 
 danger which lurks under this specious profession of liberality. 
 There are differences, there will be until it shall please the great 
 Head of the Church to lead all his people to glorify him with one 
 heart and one mouth. That all the differences among Christians 
 are on points subordinate and non-essential, is an unfounded 
 assertion. It is not demanded by Christian charity, for this very 
 reason, because it is unfounded. Christian charity can never 
 demand a sacrifice of the truth. It can never be inconsistent with 
 Christian charity to obey inspired injunctions ; and to "hold fast 
 the form of sound words" ; to contend earnestly for the faith once 
 delivered to the saints; to keep the unity of the spirit; and to
 
 60 Pastoral Letter. [1815 
 
 abide in the fellowship of the apostles ; by submitting to that min- 
 istry, which in pursuance of the power committed to them by 
 their divine Master, they are constituted in the Church. What 
 that form of sound words, that faith, that fellowship are Chris- 
 tian communities must determine for themselves. But this deter- 
 mination being made each member of that community is bound 
 as well by the principles of social order as by the sacred claims 
 of truth, not merely to act in conformity to this determination, 
 but to justify and advocate it, until, he is convinced after full and 
 honest inquiry that it is erroneous. 
 
 Christian charity is violated not by contending for what each 
 individual deems the truth, but by conducting the contest under 
 the influence of an improper spirit. In this alone consists that 
 bigotry with which the advocate of controverted opinions is gen- 
 erally branded, however mild and catholic his spirit, and decorous 
 and liberal his manner. 
 
 To apply these remarks to the case of Episcopalians. They 
 are distinguished from other denominations, among other things 
 by three orders in the ministry, Bishops, Priests and Deacons, 
 which they declare have been since the apostles' times ; and by a 
 Liturgy, or form of prayer, which they think, is sanctioned by 
 apostolic and primitive usage ; and as to its materials, is in great 
 part of primitive origin, and of unequalled excellence. Is it not 
 a dictate of prudence, to decline associations which may insensi- 
 bly weaken his attachment to these principles, and in which he 
 may be compelled either to act inconsistently with them, or to 
 engage in unpleasant collision with those who think differently 
 from himself? It is certainly correct as a general remark that 
 Christian truth and Christian harmony are best preserved when 
 Christians of different religious communions endeavour to ad- 
 vance the interests of religion in their own way. 
 
 I am aware that the British and Foreign Bible Society, whose 
 stupendous efforts have astonished and called forth the homage 
 of the world, is established on a comprehensive plan, and includes 
 in its bosom, all denominations of Christians. But there may be 
 particular reasons which render such a measure expedient in that 
 country; and it would be easy to point out many circumstances 
 which exempt the Episcopal interest there from inconveniences 
 and dangers to which it would be here subject by the comprehen- 
 sive plan. Yet so impressed were the members of the British and
 
 1815] Pastoral Letter. 61 
 
 Foreign Bible Society with the danger to which they would be 
 exposed, either of committing their principles or of violating 
 Christian harmony that they have taken the precaution of exclud- 
 ing entirely all religious exercises from their meetings. And it 
 is a remarkable fact, that at the numerous auxiliary Societies 
 there is no praying or preaching on any occasion. This precau- 
 tion was doubtless designed to prevent the danger of those col- 
 lisions which might arise from the variety of religious opinions 
 and modes of worship. 
 
 But preaching and praying enter into the plans, it is believed, 
 of all Bible Societies in this country. They seem to be constituted 
 not solely for the purpose of distributing Bibles but with the view 
 of uniting the various denominations. 
 
 In all associations of men professing different principles the 
 most numerous will silently, gradually, but effectually bear sway 
 and perhaps eventually absorb the smaller divisions, considering 
 how numerous, respectable and powerful the Presbyterian de- 
 nomination is in this country, and considering the general divi- 
 sion between those who receive Episcopacy and those who are 
 opposed to it, between those who adopt a liturgy and those who 
 reject one, it is not difficult to determine with whom in any asso- 
 ciation would be the strength and advantage of numbers. 
 
 In all these associations the minority will glide insensibly into 
 the larger mass unless they are constantly on their guard, and 
 then their safety can be secured only by a tenaciousness which 
 may incur the stigma of bigotry and interrupt unity and har- 
 mony. A profession of liberality pervades all such associations 
 which renders it unfashionable, unpleasant and unkind for the 
 Episcopalian to doubt the equal excellence of Presbytery and 
 Episcopacy, of extempore worship and a Liturgy. 
 
 When Episcopalians are brought into this state of liberal indif- 
 ference, if they are not prepared to renounce their principles, they 
 are at least deterred from laying peculiar stress upon them, and 
 from advocating and enforcing them. The power of habit is 
 wonderful, and the progress is not difficult or uncommon from 
 indifference to neglect, and even to dislike. ******* 
 
 Fidelity to our principles, and an earnest desire to preserve 
 Christian harmony, seem to justify us in the separate manage- 
 ment of our religious concerns. The important points of differ- 
 ence among Christians should never interrupt the harmony of
 
 62 Pastoral Letter. [1815 
 
 social and domestic intercourse, nor check the exercise of Chris- 
 tian benevolence. 
 
 We should always be ready to do homage to the talents and 
 piety of individuals of all denominations and to the zeal with 
 which their efforts are consecrated to the Master's glory and the 
 diffusion of sacred truth. We wish to emulate them in this holy 
 work, we wish to rise to efforts of equal power and effect, we 
 wish to be co-workers with them in the extensive field of Gospel 
 benevolence. We only desire to be permitted without the imputa- 
 tion of bigotry to proceed according to our own principles and 
 views, perfectly persuaded that differing as it is our misfortune 
 to do, with other denominations on many points of doctrine, 
 Church order, and public worship, this separation of our efforts 
 is the best mode of preserving our principles, and indeed of secur- 
 ing Christian harmony and charity. ********* 
 
 Where is the Churchman who can be indifferent to the exten- 
 sion of his Church, who can refuse to contribute to the diffusion 
 of that pure system of doctrine and worship contained in the 
 Book of Common Prayer? Where is the Christian who has 
 found in the Bible the words of truth and consolation, who is not 
 animated with the desire to open to all men this divine fountain 
 of life? What is the crime of withholding relief from the perish- 
 ing body! What must be the crime of withholding salvation 
 from the perishing soul ! 
 
 My brethren, let not this crime rest on your consciences ! En- 
 joying as you do the institutions of your Church, a system of 
 divine truth, pure and evangelical, and means of grace apostolic 
 and primitive, let not others less favoured excel you in efforts of 
 liberality and zeal. You are equal to them in individual wealth, 
 let them not go before you in the career of pious beneficences. 
 
 There must be an account given of your privileges; and re- 
 member, of those to whom much is given much will be required. 
 
 New-York, April 3rd, 1815. JOHN HENRY HoBART. 1 
 
 The Bishop received the cordial approval of thoughtful 
 
 I. A Pastoral Letter to the Laity of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
 New York, on the subject of Bible and Common Prayer Book Societies. By 
 John Henry Hobart, D.D., Assistant Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in the State of New-York.
 
 1815] A Layman's Strictures. 63 
 
 Churchmen, and of some not of this Church, both in letters and 
 personal intercourse. 
 
 There was, however, much adverse criticism of the Pastoral in 
 public and in private. "Charges of ambition, formalism, bigotry, 
 and persecution were freely poured out against him. That these 
 were made by men equally sincere with himself, there is no need 
 to question ; but that in truth they were unfounded, the event, and 
 the knowledge of his private character may sufficiently show.'' 1 
 
 The opposition soon found a champion in "A Layman," who 
 wrote his "Strictures" with a very caustic pen and in a spirit of 
 virulent bitterness. He dedicates his pamphlet to the New York 
 Bible Society and the Auxiliary Bible Society. His criticisms 
 are preceded by this Introduction : 
 
 Brethren, 
 
 The Bible Society of Britain first appeared a "radiating point in 
 the bosom of the ocean" ; it has risen like the sun in meridian 
 splendour to warm, cheer, and bless the world. The spark en- 
 kindled in our Western hemisphere, already shines a star of the 
 first magnitude, and darts its benignant rays to distant shores. 
 The parent Society formed like the Church of the First born, 
 whose names are written in Heaven, of Christians of every name, 
 but bound together by one common ligament of love proclaimed 
 the message announced by the angelic host, "Glory to God in the 
 highest; on earth peace, good will towards men." They spread 
 the news of salvation to the benighted nations, and received in 
 their own bosoms a rich recompense of reward. Their progress 
 has been uninterrupted, and they have given to the world a 
 specimen, and but a specimen, of what Christians when united 
 are capable of effecting. 
 
 You, brethren, are treading in their steps; breathing their 
 spirit and contributing your exertions to the one great aim, you 
 become partakers with them in their glory. 
 
 As a member of your Society I exult in my privilege; and in 
 the ardour of affection for the cause, present to you my individual 
 attempt to resist the spirit of disunion; that spirit assiduously 
 hatched by the demon of party, and threatening the destruction 
 of all those kindly and benevolent principles that have hitherto 
 
 i. Dr. McVickar's Early and Professional Years, pp. 379, 380.
 
 64 A Layman's Strictures. [1815 
 
 marked the character of the Bible Society. I view with awful 
 apprehensions, the approach of the fiend toward the fair garden 
 in which Christians, by the sweetest exercise of mutual confidence 
 and mutual forbearance, have partaken of its pleasant fruits, and 
 been refreshed with the streams of that river which maketh glad 
 the city of God. ; 
 
 I would raise my warning voice, and call on all who love our 
 Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, to rally round the standard of his 
 Word, and hold it up to the nations in its native simplicity, purity 
 and grace. 
 
 "Unadorned, adorned the most." 
 
 I would beseech them by all that is dear to the Christian heart, 
 to repel the first suggestion of a spirit of discord ; it is the spirit 
 of the pit ; and though it comes in the guise of an angel of light, 
 should be challenged at the point of a spear. The following 
 pages are designed to expose the fallacy of those arguments, 
 which would persuade Christians that their principles are endan- 
 gered by union ! a sentiment so repugnant to every feeling of the 
 Christian and every dictrine of the Gospel that it needs some dis- 
 guise to shroud its deformity. It is hoped that its exposure will 
 be sufficient to counteract its influence, and that the Bible Society 
 may long continue the nursery of that fairest grace of the Chris- 
 tian character CHARITY. 
 
 These extracts represent fully and fairly the force of his argu- 
 ment and the power of his invective : 
 
 STRICTURES, ETC. 
 
 "Divide and Conquer" is a maxim of universal truth; for as 
 union of effort produces the most stupendous results, so scattered 
 exertions, however well meant and however vigorous never can 
 produce effects disproportioned to their cause, the stream cannot 
 rise higher than its source. This a first principle, a fundamental 
 law, felt and acknowledged by men in every age and country, 
 and hence we find, wherever anything of magnitude is to be 
 accomplished men have always resorted to the combination of 
 their powers for its production. In this is seen the vast advant- 
 age of the social principle of our nature ; and it exhibits, at once, 
 the wisdom and goodness of God in bidding mankind from the
 
 1815] A Layman's Strictures. 65 
 
 very necessity of their being, into one great whole where the 
 weakness of each member is made the pledge of his attachment 
 and the support derived from each individual to the common 
 good creates a mutual dependence resulting in the harmony, the 
 security and the happiness of all. 
 
 It may therefore be held as an axiom that whoever would seek 
 to disturb this grand economy and interrupt the operation of this 
 primary law of action, when directed to beneficial purposes is an 
 enemy of the common good ; and by whatever plausibility of pre- 
 text his designs may be covered, this single feature is of itself 
 sufficient to detect the real character of the undertaking when 
 ambition would trample on the rights of the people, and erect its 
 standard on the ruins of liberty, its first approaches have uni- 
 formly been disguised. The inference from all these facts is 
 plain : that whatever in its own nature has a tendency to prevent 
 the joint exertions of men engaged in a good cause is to be re- 
 garded not only with suspicion, but with a determined frown; is 
 to be met not only by mild response but resolute opposition. 
 
 It is with these impressions that I feel constrained from a 
 conviction of duty to notice the attempts of the right reverend 
 assistant Bishop of the Episcopal Church in this city, to draw off 
 from the great body of Christians, engaged in the noble design 
 of spreading the Scriptures, a large and respectable proportion of 
 brethren in the Common Salvation, and to martial them under 
 the banner of a particular sect. I have read with great attention 
 all he has urged under colour of argument for unanimity, and 
 zeal for the truth, in behalf of such a separation, and blush even 
 at the recollection of its imbecility. 
 
 Coming from a person so distinguished for talents as this gen- 
 tleman is allowed to be, it affords a conclusive proof of the bad- 
 ness of his cause, if indeed such a proof could be necessary. It 
 matters not how desperate the attempt, advocates may always be 
 found, whether influenced by local or personal interest, or swayed 
 by prejudices or misled by erroneous conceptions; and hence it 
 did not surprise me to find a second champion coming out on the 
 same side, and echoing the same statements 
 
 The first thing that must strike the reader of Dr. Hobart's let- 
 ter is the caution with which his subject is introduced. He writes 
 not to expose himself alone to animadversion, for attempting to 
 draw off a tributary stream from pouring its waters into the 
 (S)
 
 66 A Layman's Strictures. [1815- 
 
 great river of life, whose majestic course he affects so much to 
 admire; he is aware that such an attempt is most ungracious and 
 accordingly raises a shield of unknown dimensions against which 
 the arrows of rebuke and expostulation may strike innoxious, he 
 is requested by some of his clergy in the western part of the state, 
 to explain and enforce their pious and benevolent design, in a 
 pastoral address; he does not indeed issue a papal bull; it goes 
 for the present by another name, and is modestly styled a compli- 
 ance with a request to explain and enforce the wishes of some 
 clergymen of his own denomination, in their co-operation with a 
 Society, originally set on foot in this city ; thus drawing the circle 
 in a manner well calculated to give the greatest effect to indi- 
 vidual influence. 
 
 Aware, too, of the weight of objection which would lie against 
 the proposed plan of separate interest, the prudent pastor prefaces 
 it with a eulogium on the Scriptures ; showing that the Bible pro- 
 vides for the life which is to come, and secures the individual and 
 general happiness of man in this life; and also as the courtier, 
 who means to deny a request first soothes the feelings by great 
 civility and ardent professions of friendship; so this high com- 
 mendation of the Bible is made the passport to still more exalted 
 strains in favour of the Psalter, which have a direct tendency to 
 impeach, if not the value of the Scriptures, yet at least the wis- 
 dom of their distribution unless accompanied by that invaluable 
 digest, in which its truths are arranged in lucid order, set forth 
 with the most perspicuous simplicity, embellished with all the 
 graces of diction and animated by the purest and most sublime 
 
 fervours of devotion It is curious to see with what 
 
 art he endeavours to involve the arguments for the Prayer Book 
 with those which properly apply to the Bible alone; the feeble 
 vine does not more closely twine itself around the majestic oak, 
 than this frail production of poor worms of the dust is made to 
 cling to the sacred Word of God, and, while it spreads itself over 
 the trunk impedes the circulation of the vital current 
 
 Can there be any longer a doubt as to the real design of this 
 "Pastoral Letter"? Is it not manifest that it is prompted by a 
 narrow jealousy that trembles for the fate of the hierarchy, if its 
 members are allowed, in this country, the same liberty that they 
 enjoy on the other side of the Atlantic, of meeting with other 
 
 Christians in Bible Societies? by the fear of being absorbed. 
 ********
 
 1815] An Episcopalian's Answer. 67 
 
 God forbid that any consideration of policy, however speci- 
 ously advanced, however cloaked by professions of respect and 
 attachment, should operate in this our favoured land to divide the 
 great Christian interest in the prosecution of so exalted a plan 
 that any jealousy of sect should alienate the minds of Christians 
 engaged in so august an enterprise; but animated by one spirit, 
 and pursuing one aim, may their conduct demonstrate to all the 
 world, that however divided by name, Christians are still one, 
 brethren of one family, members of one body, heirs of one glory, 
 and united to one living Head, are only emulous to show forth 
 the praises of Him who hath called them "out of darkness into 
 his marvellous light." 1 
 
 A much more temperate "answer" was written by "an Episco- 
 palian," of whom Dr. McVickar says that he was "one, who, if 
 report rightly indicates the author, was the very last who should 
 have found fault with an act of unpopular official independence 
 in another, as being himself one whose whole course has exhibited 
 the same conscientiousness in judgment, and fearlessness in duty 
 with him whom he here opposed ; whose motto like that of Bishop 
 Hobart has ever been 'fiat justitia, ruat coelum/ " z 
 
 He thus commences his "Answer," and sets forth the proposi- 
 tions he attempts to prove : 
 
 ANSWERS, ETC. 
 
 Right Reverend Sir, 
 
 Born and educated in the bosom of the Episcopal Church, 1 
 am not conscious of any feelings towards her form of govern- 
 ment, her articles, or her rites, but those of veneration and affec- 
 tion. Deeply interested in whatever concerns my church, I have 
 perused your late Pastoral Letter to her members, with all the 
 attention due to a communication emanating from such a source ; 
 and regret to say, that the impression made on my mind, was, 
 that it would tend to lower the character of the church over which 
 
 1. Strictures on a Pastoral Letter to the Laity of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church, on the subject of Bible and Common Prayer Book Societies. By 
 John Henry Hobart, D.D., Assistant Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in the State of New York. By a Layman, pp. 3-5, 7-9, 18, 19. 
 
 2. Dr. McVickar's Eearly and Professional Years, p. 379.
 
 68 An Episcopalian's Answer. [1815 
 
 you preside, and by contracting the circulation of the Scriptures, 
 affect, in some degree, the cause of religion itself. While, Sir, I 
 thus candidly, and I hope not disrespectfully, express this opinion 
 of your Letter, suffer me to say, that of the sincerity and purity 
 of the motives which dictated it, I entertain not the slightest 
 doubt. 
 
 There will, as you justly observe, be differences among Chris- 
 tians, "until it shall please the great Head of the Church to lead 
 all his people to glorify him with one heart and one mouth" ; and 
 yor are not now to learn, that on the subject of your Letter there 
 are many and important differences among Episcopalians them- 
 selves; and what may seem more extraordinary, even among 
 their Bishops. I shall not, therefore, I trust be deemed either 
 presumptuous or disrespectful, in venturing to oppose sentiments 
 sanctioned by your name, when it is recollected, that these same 
 sentiments are discountenanced by a large portion of the bishops, 
 clergy, and members of the Church in England, and by many 
 eminent clergymen and laymen of the Church in this country. 
 
 I will endeavour, in the following letter, to establish these 
 three positions, viz. 
 
 I. That the Prayer-Book was not designed, and is not calcu- 
 lated, to answer the purpose of a religious tract, to accompany 
 the Bible in its universal distribution. 
 
 II. That in order that Episcopalians may be amply supplied 
 with a book so necessary for them, Prayer-Book Societies should 
 appropriate no part of their funds to the purchase of Bibles. 
 
 III. That it is the interest and duty of Episcopalians, to unite 
 with their fellow-christians of all denominations, in spreading the 
 knowledge of the Word of God. 1 
 
 While maintaining the sentiment then prevalent that "it was 
 the interest and duty of Episcopalians to unite with their fellow 
 Christians in spreading the knowledge of the Word of God," and 
 citing the very active work of Dr. Bathurst, Bishop of Norwich, 
 for the British and Foreign Bible Society, "An Episcopalian" 
 argues for exclusive societies for the distribution of the Prayer 
 Book within the Church. 
 
 A reply was made to him by "Another Episcopalian," whom 
 
 I. An Answer to Bishop Hobart's Pastoral Letter on the subject of 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Societies. By An Episcopalian.
 
 1815] Reply by "Another Episcopalian." 69 
 
 his biographer identifies with Bishop Ilobart himself. After an 
 expression of his satisfaction that the writer appreciates and 
 loves his Prayer Book, he traverses the argument that it should 
 not be distributed with the Bible by showing that it would be the 
 readiest way to strengthen and cherish the attachment to the 
 Church of those already favourably disposed to it. Placed in the 
 hands of those "who object to our form of government and dis- 
 approve of our sacraments and rites, this would be one of the 
 most effectual methods of giving them correct views of our prin- 
 ciples, disabusing them of their prejudices and subduing their 
 opposition." 1 
 
 The Bishop considers at length the case of the heathen who 
 may be perplexed with the variety of Christian teaching, who 
 would find in the Prayer Book "the best key to the proper under- 
 standing of the Scriptures, improving and confirming the knowl- 
 edge which the Bible gives of their Saviour, and at the same time 
 furnishing them with the most affecting invocations to implore 
 the mercy of that Saviour on their perishing souls." 2 
 
 He thus continues : "One invaluable characteristic of our 
 liturgy, is its admirable fitness, not only for worship, but instruc- 
 tion. It is not only a guide to devotion but a formulary of faith ; 
 a correct exhibition of evangelical doctrine, in language gratify- 
 ing to the taste of the most refined, and level to the capacity of 
 the most humble, enlightening the understanding and swaying 
 the affections of the heart. Can a book unrivalled in its simple, 
 correct and forcible display of the truths contained in the Bible, 
 be an unfit companion to this sacred volume? The Prayer Book 
 is the best religious tract that can accompany the Bible." 3 
 
 The eulogium of the Bishop of Norwich for his "warm com- 
 mendations" of the British and Foreign Bible Society draw forth 
 from the Bishop this criticism : 
 
 "Christian liberality extends its charity not to opinions, but to 
 men ; judging candidly of their motives, their character and con- 
 duct. Tenacious of what it deems truth, it earnestly endeavours 
 in the spirit of Christian kindness to reclaim others from error. 
 But there is a spurious liberality whose tendency is to confound 
 entirely the boundaries between truth and error. 
 
 1. "A Reply," as quoted, Dr. Berrian's "Memoir." Vol. I. p. 171. 
 
 2. Ibid. 
 
 3. Ibid.
 
 70 Reply by "Another Episcopalian." [1815 
 
 "It acts under the influence of the maxim, not less pernicious, 
 because it allures in the following harmony of numbers : 
 
 " 'For modes of faith let gracious zealots fight, 
 He can't be wrong, whose life is right.' 
 
 "Christian unity is a fundamental principle of the Gospel and 
 schism a deadly sin. But Christian unity is to be obtained not by 
 a dishonorable concealment or .abandonment of principle, where 
 there is no real change of opinion, nor even by an union in doc- 
 trine, could such an union be sincerely effected, of religious sects 
 who continue to differ in regard to the ministry of the Church. 
 The Episcopalian believes, in the language of the Church: that 
 Bishops. Priests and Deacons have been from the Apostles' times ; 
 that God by his providence and Holy Spirit appointed these 
 Orders. He knows no Christian unity but in submission to this 
 ministry. Judging the heart, and still less determining the final 
 destiny of no individual, he deems it his duty to avoid and dis- 
 countenance separation from this ministry which he considers the 
 sin of schism, that sin from which in the Litany of the Church 
 he prays to be delivered. He declines with mildness and pru- 
 dence but with decision and firmness, all proffered compromises 
 and associations which do not recognize these orders of the min- 
 istry, and which may tend to weaken his attachment to the dis- 
 tinctive principles of his own Church. He respects the con- 
 sciences of others. He guards their rights, but he will not sacri- 
 fice or endanger his own. He defends and enforces these true 
 principles of Christian unity which characterizes his Church. 
 
 "He does his duty and leaves the rest to God in the prayer 
 and in the belief that the gracious Head of the Church will, in 
 his own good time, overcome the errors, the prejudices and the 
 passions of men, to the advancement of Christian fellowship and 
 peace ; so that at length, the whole of his dispersed sheep shall be 
 gathered under one Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 
 
 With this reply the controversy ended for a time. 2 
 
 It was very pleasing to Bishop Hobart that in several of the 
 
 1. Dr. Berrian's Memoir, p. 173. 
 
 2. The full title of the Bishop's pamphlet is: A Reply to An Answer 
 to Bishop Hobart's Pastoral Letter on the subject of Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Societies: in a Letter addressed to the Author of An Answer, 
 by Another Episcopalian.
 
 1815] Letter from Judge Emott. 71 
 
 counties of the Diocese Societies were now organized. These 
 letters from Judge Emott of Poughkeepsie and the Rev. John 
 McVickar, then at Hyde Park, show how the Dutchess County 
 Society was formed. 
 
 Poughkeepsie, June 19, 1815. 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 An intimation of a wish on your part that I should engage in 
 the formation of a Bible and Common Prayer Book Society for 
 this county, would have been quite sufficient to have made me 
 embark with all necessary zeal in the undertaking, and I needed 
 not therefore the reasoning of the pastoral letter, for which I 
 however thank you. 
 
 It happens that measures have already been taken by Mr. Reed 
 and Mr. McVickar under your printed letter for an association 
 and your plan will be carried into effect to the extent of your 
 wishes. The opposition you have met with and which I fear has 
 given you some uneasiness has made no impression here by those 
 to whom it is known. Permit me to remind you that in aid to 
 the Societies for the distributing the Common Prayer Book, 
 measures should be adopted to have it printed in cheap form and 
 in great numbers. The funds of the Societies in the County will 
 necessarily be small and unless the most is made of them the 
 benefit to be derived from the Societies will be nothing worth. I 
 am not myself acquainted with any cheap and good edition of the 
 book which remains in any considerable number, and I would 
 suggest the propriety of getting up one or more new editions. If 
 this is thought advisable my neighbour Mr. Potter who is one of 
 our vestry may be induced to engage in the undertaking, and if 
 he does it will be done well, expeditiously and cheaply. 
 
 Present my best respects to Mrs. Hobart and believe me to 
 remain, 
 
 With the highest respect, 
 
 Yours most faithfully, 
 
 JAMES EMOTT. 1 
 
 Hyde Park, 5th July, 1815. 
 Right Revd. & Dear Sir. 
 
 I am happy to inform you that we have organized 
 
 i. Hobart MSS. General Convention Archives.
 
 72 Letter from T. Clowes. [1815 
 
 a Bible & Prayer Book Society on the Principles you mention. 
 I am this day just returned from attending its first meeting. Our 
 Church has the honour of giving it its President in Dr. Bard, 
 whose zeal & liberality for the Church I think deserved the com- 
 pliment. 
 
 The alteration of the constitution of these Societies by making 
 them Assistant Bible Societies, is a great practical improvement, 
 it will render them more popular at any rate & satisfy the scruples 
 of a great man. 
 
 The Rector of Saint Peter's, Albany, who was already active 
 in the General Bible and Common Prayer Book Society of 
 Albany and Vicinity, which had been organized soon after the 
 parent Society in New York, now used his energy to promote a 
 parish society. It was soon after formally organized and re- 
 mained in active existence until 1830. 
 
 Albany, I2th August, 1815. 
 Gentlemen 
 
 With great pleasure I forward you a copy of the Constitution 
 of our Society; although it is expected that we shall reorganize 
 this Spring under another constitution, or this somewhat modi- 
 fied. We have found some difficulty in not having the customary 
 officers. We shall probably make the lieutenant Governor, Presi- 
 dent, and some of the clergy Vice Presidents, but put the whole 
 under the patronage of the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Dio- 
 cese. 
 
 During the last Winter and before, we have obtained a num- 
 ber of Prayer Books by way of presents from the Booksellers 
 and others in the City, and have bought several hundred from 
 Mr. Norman. We shall probably have need to purchase some 
 this Summer. If we do, I will endeavour to induce the commit- 
 tee to purchase of you. I am sorry you did not send a greater 
 number of the Forms of Prayer and Thanksgiving. We have 
 had five hundred printed in this city. 
 
 In great haste, I am, Gentlemen, 
 
 Yours truly and sincerely, 
 Messrs. T. & J. Swords, T. CLOWES.* 
 
 I. Hobart MSS. General Convention Archives.
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 The Rev. Barzillai Bulkley and the Flushing Bible Society His Letter to 
 Bishop Hobart Effect of the Bishop's Pastoral Formation of the Auxili- 
 ary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society Its Constitution 
 Annual Meeting of the Parent Society, 1816 Election of Officers Meeting 
 of the Auxiliary in Trinity Church Address by Bishop Hobart Purchase 
 of French Bibles Co-operation of the Two New York Prayer Book So- 
 cieties Stereotype Plates for Prayer Book Proposed Their Manufacture 
 
 Discussions as to Advisability of a General Bible Society Memoir on 
 the Subject by William Jay Meeting of Delegates in New York General 
 Bible Society Formed Officers Elected Constitution Adopted Address 
 to the Public Address by Bishop Hobart His Opposition to Church- 
 men Joining the Bible Society William Jay's Reply to the Bishop's Ad- 
 dress His Appeal to Christians on Behalf of the American Bible Society 
 
 Effect on Churchmen of Bishop Hobart's Address Letters from the 
 Rev. Dr. James Abercrombie and "J. B. W." 
 
 THE Reverend Barzillai Bulkley, who was for many years 
 the faithful Rector of St. George's Church, Flushing, on 
 Long Island, describes with a keen sense of the humours of 
 the situation, the manner in which the Flushing Bible So- 
 ciety was formed. The difficulties encountered in providing a 
 basis for the common worship of various Protestant denomina- 
 tions are undoubtedly typical of those found elsewhere and amply 
 confirm the opinion of Bishop Hobart that any union for such 
 work was incongruous. 
 
 Flushing, 21 Sept., 1815. 
 Rt. Rev. and Dr Sir, 
 
 I write merely to state to you some circumstances which trans- 
 pired yesterday at the Court House, relative to the establishment 
 of a Bible Society. Various denominations met, and at the first 
 outset some of the Presbyterians proposed prayer; it was ob- 
 jected to and they did not succeed : but instead they agreed to 
 have a portion read from the Bible. A Dutch clergyman was 
 called on. and what was pleasing, he hit upon one of the Psalms 
 contained in our Liturgy God be merciful unto us and bless us, 
 &c. 
 
 73
 
 74 Auxiliary Society Founded. [1815 
 
 When they came to adopt a Constitution, they agreed in an 
 article to have the meetings of the Society begin and end with a 
 chapter in the Bible. This is all the religious exercise they are 
 going to have, and I must say such an arrangement as this I 
 could not help being pleased with. 
 
 After they got through the Constitution I came away, and 
 what further they have done I do not know : but it is my de- 
 termination not to have anything to do with its management and 
 direction I shall only give my mite as an individual merely 
 upon the principle of its being established upon the basis of the 
 exclusion of any religious exercises but that of reading the Bible 
 at the opening and close of the different meetings of the Society, 
 and of its being an aid to our Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Society, as it will supercede the necessity of our purchasing such 
 a large number of Bibles, and thereby enable us with our funds 
 to procure a greater number of Prayer Books. 
 
 Viewing it in this light, Presbyterians, Quakers, &c., will aid 
 our Bible and Prayer Book Society, although they may not be 
 aware of it: we shall put a greater number of Prayer Books 
 into circulation. 1 
 
 The glowing and heartfelt words of the Bishop in his Pas- 
 toral had upon the young men of the Church an immediate and 
 lasting effect, and brought about one of the earliest laymen's 
 movements in the American Church. Some of the young men of 
 Trinity Parish with several from the other city parishes deter- 
 mined that they could effectively aid the cause of Prayer Book 
 distribution, and that their money, energy and business ability, 
 should be freely given for this purpose. 
 
 Among those active in this new enterprise for the Church 
 were Clement C. Moore, Luther Bradish, Edward R. Jones, 
 Cornelius R. Duffie, Wm. E. Dunscomb, David A. Clarkson, Dr. 
 John Watts, Duncan P. Campbell, John H. Hill, Lewis Loutrel, 
 David Austin, Ferris Pell, Alexis P. Proal, John Anthon, Jona- 
 than Goodhue, Charles Nichols, Charles Keeler, Robert C. Barfe, 
 Floyd Smith, Benjamin Haight, William Onderdonk. 
 
 Anyone who knows New York will recognize in this list the 
 names of men who as Churchmen and citizens contributed 
 
 I. Hobart MSS. Archives of the General Convention.
 
 1816] Constitution of Auxiliary. 75 
 
 largely to the religious and moral life of the city. John Henry 
 Hill we know less as the pious layman than as that patient mis- 
 sionary, who in Athens revived the spiritual life of that ancient 
 seat of civilization and organized the educational system of the 
 present Kingdom of Greece. 
 
 After some preliminary and informal gatherings the meet- 
 ing for organization was held on January 26, 1816, and this 
 Constitution adopted : 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 Article I. 
 
 This Society shall be known and distinguished by the name of 
 the Auxiliary Nezv-York Bible and Common Prayer Book So- 
 ciety; and its object shall be to aid the "Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society," established in the City of New York, in the year 
 of our Lord, 1809, in the distribution of the Bible and Book of 
 Common Prayer. 
 
 Article II. 
 
 Every person wishing to become a member of this Society 
 must be proposed at a meeting of the Board of Managers; if no 
 objection be offered, he shall be admitted; if objection be made, 
 he can be admitted only by the vote of two-thirds of the members 
 present at said meeting of the Board. 
 
 No person shall be admitted to the privilege of membership 
 until he pays the sum of two dollars to the Treasury. 
 
 Every member shall also pay the sum of two dollars per 
 annum, which shall entitle him to one Bible and one Prayer 
 Book (or to three Prayer Books, at his option) annually. For 
 every additional sum of one dollar and fifty cents per annum, a 
 member shall be entitled to an additional Bible and Prayer Book. 
 
 The subscriptons shall fall due to the Society, and the Bibles 
 and Prayer Books to the members, on the day of the annual 
 meeting of the Society. 
 
 No book shall be delivered to any member until his dues be 
 fully paid. And if such dues be not paid in less than one month 
 after the annual meeting, the books apportioned to the delinquent 
 shall be considered as forfeited to the Society. If the dues be 
 paid, but the books not claimed in less than said month, they
 
 76 Constitution of Auxiliary. [1816 
 
 shall (in this case also) be considered as at the disposal of the 
 Society. 
 
 The sum subscribed by any member may be paid annually, 
 semi-annually, or quarterly, at his option. 
 
 Provided, that those members who pay their dues in advance 
 shall be entitled to their proportion of books at or after the time 
 of payment within the above limitations. 
 
 Females who contribute the same sums as members shall be 
 considered subscribers, and be entitled to books under the oper- 
 ation of the above rules. 
 
 Article III. 
 
 The business of the Society shall be conducted by a Board of 
 Managers, members of the Protestant Episcopal Church, con- 
 sisting of a President ; a first, a second, and a third Vice Presi- 
 dent ; a Corresponding Secretary, a Recording Secretary, a Treas- 
 urer, an Agent, and eighteen Managers, to be chosen by a plur- 
 ality of votes of the members present at the annual meeting, to 
 be held on the Festival of the Conversion of St. Paul, or on the 
 following day, if that festival fall on Sunday, at such time and 
 place as the Board may appoint, of which public notice shall be 
 given. 
 
 The Bishop of the Diocess of New- York shall have an hon- 
 orary seat at all meetings of the Board and Society, and shall 
 be entitled to one-fifth of the Bibles and Prayer Books at the 
 disposal of the Society. 
 
 Clergymen of the Protestant Episcopal Church, resident in 
 the City of New- York, who may be members of this Society, 
 shall be entitled to seats at the Board of Managers as honorary 
 members. 
 
 The Board shall meet on the Wednesday next after their 
 election, and at such other times (not less than once in two 
 months) as they may appoint, and seven members shall consti- 
 tute a quorum : Provided, that one or more attending at the time 
 and place of a meeting, regularly called, shall be able to adjourn. 
 
 The Board shall make all laws necessary for the government 
 of the Society, and shall cause a statement of the receipts and 
 expenditures of money, and of their proceedings generally, to 
 be laid before the Society at the annual meeting. A copy of 
 this report shall also be transmitted to the Bible and Common
 
 1816] Constitution of Auxiliary. 77 
 
 Prayer Book Society of New-York, and another copy to the 
 Bishop of this Diocese. 
 
 All vacancies in this Board, occasioned by the resignation or 
 otherwise, between the stated meetings of the Society, shall be 
 supplied by the Board. 
 
 Article IV. 
 
 The Constitution of this Society shall be unalterable, except 
 by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at the annual 
 meeting. 1 
 
 In the meantime the parent society went on quietly with its 
 work, rejoicing that such a helper had been given to it. At the 
 meeting of the Managers held on February 7, 1816, the sum of 
 $436.00 was voted to be expended in equal proportions for 
 Bibles and Prayer Books. 
 
 The annual meeting is thus recorded : 
 
 February the 27th, 1816. 
 
 This being the day appointed by the Constitution for the 
 annual meeting of the Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, 
 the meeting was accordingly held in Trinity Church. The 
 president took the chair. The report of the Board of Managers 
 for the past year was read. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the said Report be referred to the 
 Board of Managers to be disposed of as they may see proper. 
 
 The Society then proceeded to the annual election of ten lay- 
 men to be connected with the clergy of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church of this city as managers. The following gentlemen 
 were chosen, viz: Matthew M. Clarkson, David B. Ogden, Gu- 
 lian Ludlow, Robert Troup, George Dominick, Henry Rogers, 
 John Slidell, John Onderdonk, Isaac Carrow, William Bayard. 
 
 Adjourned. 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Lyell, of Christ Church, who had served 
 as Secretary from its organization, resigned his position at the 
 meeting of the Board of Managers on the following day, and 
 
 I. From the Manuscript Archives of the Society, where it is entitled: 
 The Constitution of the Auxiliary New- York Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society. Established in the City of New- York. January 26th, 1816.
 
 78 Bishop Hobart's Address. [1816 
 
 the Rev. Benjamin T. Onderdonk, of Trinity Parish, was chosen 
 in his place. 
 
 The practical character of the new Auxiliary was shown in 
 its immediate circulation of subscription books among the 
 church people of the city. Solicitors were appointed for the 
 several wards. They met with a generous and ready response 
 both in securing annual subscriptions and donations as the 
 lists 1 taken from the original records show. They will also 
 serve to show the strength of the Church in the City of New 
 York ninety-three years ago. 
 
 Upon the evening of Friday, March 8, 1816, the Auxiliary 
 celebrated its organization by a service in Trinity Church, at 
 which the Bishop preached and a collection was taken up which 
 added $376.61 to the treasury of the Society. 
 
 The address of Dr. Hobart was one of his very best and is 
 an essential part of the history of the times and of this Society : 
 
 ADDRESS, &c. 
 
 The circumstances connected with our present meeting are 
 peculiarly interesting. 
 
 We are convened to celebrate the organization of an institu- 
 tion, which seeks to diffuse that religious truth which destroys 
 the reign of error and sin; and, while it sheds celestial light on 
 man's path in this world, conducts him to immortal glory. It 
 may not be necessary to magnify the importance of any par- 
 ticular object of benevolence by contrasting it with others. But, 
 undoubtedly, a peculiar lustre surrounds institutions which pro- 
 vide for that better life of man, which will endure when all that 
 here interests him shall be buried in the silence of the grave. 
 
 But who are the individuals that, animated by the glow of 
 sacred benevolence, are engaged in this meritorious work? Not 
 only the ministers of the sanctuary, who, if they were indifferent 
 to such designs, would basely desert the cause to which they are 
 devoted by the most solemn engagements. Not merely the 
 Fathers in Israel, who, it is to be supposed, could be more easily 
 induced to withdraw from that world the vanity of which ex- 
 perience must have taught them, in order to advance plans that 
 secure for themselves and their fellow mortals, imperishable 
 
 I. See Appendix.
 
 1816] Bishop Hobart's Address. 79 
 
 treasures and durable enjoyments. Did I see only these engaged 
 in the hallowed purpose of extending the blessings of the Gospel, 
 gratifying as would be the scene, it would be only what could be 
 reasonably expected. But when I look around me, and behold 
 the younger part of society withdrawing from pursuits to them 
 so promising, and from pleasures to them so fascinating, in order 
 to bring their tribute to the altar of the Saviour; when I see 
 them devoting to the glorious object of diffusing the truths and 
 blessings of God's word, a zeal, an assiduity, a perseverance that 
 leave far behind their fathers and their elder brethren, and even 
 those from whom they have been accustomed to catch the spirit 
 of religious ardour, my heart is filled with unutterable delight; 
 and from my soul I bless them for their pious emulation, and 
 implore on them the blessing of God. 
 
 But let not the institution which they have organized with so 
 much judgment, in which they have engaged with so much zeal 
 and perseverance, rest for its support solely on the impulses of 
 feeling. Let us expose its design and its objects to the strictest 
 scrutiny. 
 
 The object of the institution is, the joint distribution of 
 Bibles and Common Prayer Books. Organized and promoted 
 principally by young men, in aid of other institutions previously 
 established, it is styled the Auxiliary Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society. With a view to ascertain the necessity and utility 
 of this institution, let us consider, 
 
 The general effect of institutions having for their object the 
 distribution of the Bible and Common Prayer on the WORLD AT 
 LARGE on the CHRISTIAN CHURCH on OUR OWN CHURCH 
 in particular and on the MEMBERS WHO COMPOSE THESE INSTI- 
 TUTIONS. 
 
 ******** 
 
 In translating, then, and publishing the Liturgy in conjunction 
 with the Bible, and distributing them throughout the world, we 
 follow the scriptural plan of evangelizing it. We present to 
 them God's Word and God's Church. For the Liturgy contains 
 and recognizes the doctrines of the Church, its ministry, and its 
 worship. This is not the occasion for proving this point. They, 
 however, who believe that the Liturgy does present the Christian 
 Church as to doctrine, ministry, and worship, in its apostolic 
 and evangelical form, ought to admit the duty, according to the
 
 80 Bishop Hobart's Address. [1816 
 
 scriptural plan, of associating it with the Bible in the great work 
 of evangelizing the world. 
 
 This is also the course common sense points out. In pre- 
 senting to an individual an instrument of great length, of great 
 variety of matter, written by different persons, in different 
 styles, at a remote period; would not common sense dictate that 
 a summary of its contents, sanctioned by the judgment of wise 
 and learned men through a long course of ages, should also be 
 presented? Is it in the nature of things possible, or is it the 
 design of Providence that every man should form his religion 
 solely from the Bible, without any aid or instruction? Is this a 
 case in other arts and sciences; and is not Providence uniform 
 in his operations? Let me not be misunderstood. I do not say 
 that an individual, by the blessing of God, from the mere perusal 
 of the Bible, cannot become convinced, on the ground of its in- 
 ternal excellence, of its divine origin, and acquire a knowledge 
 of its leading truths. But my position is, that ordinarily it is 
 not possible, nor is it designed by Providence, that every indi- 
 vidual, without aid or instruction, should become convinced of 
 the divine origin of the Scriptures, or form his religion from 
 the Bible alone. He must have information of various kinds 
 from others; and particularly he must have a summary of the 
 truths contained in the sacred volume to aid him in his exami- 
 nation. Are not Catechisms for the young; more extended for- 
 mularies of doctrine for those of mature age; confessions and 
 articles of faith among all Christians, predicated on the principle 
 that these summaries are judicious and necessary as guides and 
 auxiliaries in the study of the Bible? Here, again, let me not 
 be misunderstood. Let it not be supposed that I advocate the 
 papal tenet of the infallibility of the Church, of the necessity of 
 implicitly receiving her interpretations of sacred writ. What, 
 indeed, the great body of Christians in every age, and in all 
 places; what the universal Church, universal as to its numbers, 
 to time, to place, has received, may be morally demonstrated, 
 must be founded in the Word of God. 1 But this is very differ- 
 ent from admitting the claims of a particular Church; as, for in- 
 stance, the Church of Rome, to infallibility. ***** 
 
 I. This position is advanced and maintained in a work of Vincentius 
 Lirinensis, translated and published in Reeves' Apologies.
 
 1816] Bishop Hobart's Address. 81 
 
 Will it be said that the idea of distributing the Book of Com- 
 mon Prayer among all nations is chimerical ? But what possible 
 ground is there for such an assertion? May not this book be 
 translated as well as the Bible? Must not the Heathen, when 
 converted, have some formulary of faith and devotion? And 
 what better formulary can be provided for them than the Book 
 of Common Prayer? It enjoys the singular advantage for the 
 purposes of universal distribution, that all Protestants acknowl- 
 edge it to be pure in doctrine, and fervent and pathetic in devo- 
 tion, however they may object to it as a form, and to some of 
 its ceremonies and rites. 
 
 Do we place this book on an equal footing with the Bible, and 
 contend for its universal and unchangeable reception? By no 
 means. We place it next to the Bible as an invaluable digest of its 
 truths, and exhibition of its institutions and worship. As such, 
 we recommend its universal use and distribution. We offer it 
 to the Heathen as a pure and admirable system, which may be 
 traced, in its most important features, to the primitive times. 
 But the Churches which may be established among them will 
 have a right to prescribe their own formularies of faith and 
 worship; and, of course, they may either adopt our Liturgy in 
 its present form, or make such alterations in it as their views of 
 propriety and expediency may dictate. ****** 
 
 But, my brethren, these fields of benevolence we must neces- 
 sarily at present leave to others to those parent institutions in 
 a foreign country, from which flow those perennial streams that 
 make glad the desolate places of the Christian Church. Such 
 are the wants of our own country, and of our own Church, that 
 they far exceed all the resources of benevolence that have 
 hitherto been brought into operation; and these wants are likely 
 to increase with the increasing population and settlement of our 
 country. 
 
 Let us proceed, then, to consider the effect of the Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book associations in reference to OUR OWN 
 CHURCH AND COUNTRY. 
 
 It ought to be our desire and aim that this Church should 
 spread through every part of this immense continent. What, 
 then, are the limits of your pious zeal and munificence? To 
 diffuse merely the religion of the Bible considered in the abstract, 
 
 (6) 
 
 t
 
 82 Bishop Hobart's Address. [1816 
 
 can be the ultimate aim of no denomination of Christians. 
 They all connect the religion of the Bible with those particular 
 truths and institutions which they deduce from it. You. my 
 brethren, I trust, are solicitous for the extension of your Church, 
 not from views contracted or sectarian: not from the feelings 
 merely of religious partizans; but from a conviction that its 
 doctrines and institutions are sanctioned by the sacred volume, 
 and best calculated to preserve in purity and vigour its divine 
 truths. You are desirous to spread the Bible, because thence 
 your Church deduces the doctrines which she dispenses; and 
 because to this holy book she refers her members as the 
 standard by which to test her doctrines; and the divine source 
 from whence must proceed spiritual strength and consolation. 
 You are disposed to distribute the Bible to all who need it, be- 
 cause, like charity which you dispense to the sufferer, by what- 
 ever name he is called, for the relief of his corporeal necessities, 
 this spiritual beneficence will convey the bread of life and the 
 waters of salvation, to the hungry and perishing soul. 
 
 With respect to the Book of Common Prayer there is a pecu- 
 liar and urgent call upon you. The distribution of it is essential 
 to the progress and prosperity of our Church, as well as to the 
 diffusion of the truths and ordinances of the Gospel, in what we 
 conceive is their spiritual and most edifying form. * * * * 
 
 But the situation of those members of our Church who arc 
 scattered through the neiv settlements of our country, where 
 there are no regularly organized Episcopal congregations, is 
 peculiarly calculated to excite our sympathy and to arouse our 
 pious zeal. The Episcopal emigrant whose lot is cast in a 
 spiritual as well as a natural wild finds himself deprived of that 
 evangelical worship by which, in a more favoured situation, he 
 kept the unity of the faith, and worshipped the God of his 
 fathers. You, who value the Liturgy as one of the ties that con- 
 nect our hearts with God, and your hopes with Heaven, can 
 judge what must be the feelings of the pious member of our 
 Church who is in danger of being deprived of this inestimable 
 service. Yet if the Episcopal emigrant were furnished with 
 Prayer Books, he could not only enjoy the worship of the 
 Liturgy in his family, but inducing others to unite in it, would 
 thus, gradually, lay the foundation for a regularly organized 
 congregation.
 
 Bishop Hobart's Address. 83 
 
 Unless attention is paid to the new settlements, which are 
 rapidly becoming extremely populous, by sending missionaries 
 and by furnishing them with a large supply of the Book of 
 Common Prayer, the few Episcopalians who are now scattered 
 there, will be compelled to connect themselves with other denom- 
 inations of Christians; and our Church will be unknown in ex- 
 tensive districts, which will soon be ranked among the most 
 important portions of our country. My young friends, here is 
 a call on your sympathy, and a noble incentive to your pious 
 zeal. The institution which you are now organizing, and from 
 which similar institutions, we trust, will soon spring, will be the 
 means of furnishing the members of our Church who are dis- 
 persed through the new settlements of our country, with that 
 spiritual worship which is endeared to you and to them as the 
 legacy of your Fathers; of Martyrs, and Primitive Saints; who, 
 doubtless, in some of its sacred hymns, now pour forth their 
 praises, in the resting place of the just. ****** 
 
 In this view, gratifying are the hopes which may be indulged 
 with regard to you, my young friends. With your efforts to 
 distribute the Bible, we trust, your reverence for it will increase. 
 While you bestow it to save the soul of a perishing brother, re- 
 member that you have souls to save to which this sacred volume 
 must, through divine grace, be the means of salvation. You 
 present it to him that he may find instruction, light, consolation, 
 peace in its sacred pages. Do you not need these celestial bless- 
 ings? And will you not seek for them in the sacred book to 
 which you direct the attention and hopes of others? 
 
 You answer the entreaties of your fellow Episcopalians by 
 the liberal gratuities of Prayer Books. They ask for this volume 
 as the best human guide in the way of salvation, the best com- 
 panion in the sanctuary of God, and the best safeguard against 
 error in faith, and extravagance in devotion. And while you 
 join in their commendations of it, and participate in their fervent 
 affection for it, will you never use it as your guide to salvation, 
 your safeguard from error, and your companion in the sanctuary 
 of your God? Yonr benevolence furnishes others with the 
 means of access to Heaven take heed lest ye fall short of its 
 glories; and while you contribute to the salvation of others, be- 
 come castaways yourselves. ******** 
 
 Go on, then, meritorious young men our wishes, our prayers
 
 84 Bishop Hobart's Address. [1816 
 
 shall go with you. THE BIBLE AND THE BOOK OF COMMON 
 PRAYER. Let this be your cacred motto. 1 
 
 The distribution of them, by God's blessing, will be the means 
 of shedding celestial light on a world dark and ignorant; and of 
 bringing to the world disconsolate and dreary, the comforts of 
 Heaven. The distribution of these may be the means of re- 
 moving from the Christian Church the errors, corruptions, and 
 divisions that deface and distract her; and of restoring her to 
 purity, to* order, and peace. Thus also will you be instrumental 
 in the more immediate good, of diffusing in your own Church 
 and country, the means of religious knowledge, grace, and sal- 
 vation; and of saving that country from the curse of irreligion, 
 profligacy and vice. To these objects devote your time accord- 
 ing to your ability, devote you wealth. Time and wealth em- 
 ployed in the cause of God and of the souls of men, will be 
 returned to you an hundred fold, in the approbation of your 
 own hearts, and in the blessings of eternity. 
 
 Go on your labours shall not be solitary and unpatronized. 
 Already you have received the liberal countenance of many of 
 your seniors in station and in years. They must applaud your 
 pious zeal they must honour it. They will furnish you with 
 the means of indulging it. I think I see a pledge of this in their 
 presence on this occasion. I trust that we are all awakening to a 
 lively and permanent conviction, that we ought not to be outdone 
 
 I. It will not follow from this position, that the Bible and Book of Com- 
 mon Prayer should never be distributed separately. They should be dis- 
 tributed together, where they are both wanted, and will be received; and in 
 other cases, separately, as expediency may dictate. Among Episcopalians, 
 and among those friendly to the Church, and those inquiring concerning its 
 principles and worship, they can both be distributed. Among the Heathen, 
 as has been shown in this address, they can also be jointly distributed. 
 There is great propriety, indeed, in the Heathen being furnished with the 
 Liturgy as a correct manual of faith and devotion, at the same time they are 
 provided with a Bible. Among non-Episcopalians, who are opposed to our 
 Church, or indifferent concerning it, it may not always be prudent or practi- 
 cable to distribute the Prayer Book; and in such cases the bounty of Bible 
 and Common Prayer Book Societies must necessarily be confined to the 
 distribution of the Bible alone. The distribution of the two books as 
 the object of the same institutions is the principle which is advocated in 
 this address. The particular cases in which they are to be jointly or separ- 
 ately distributed, must be left to the exercise of a sound discretion.
 
 1816] Stereotype Plates. 85 
 
 by other communities of Christians in pious liberality and zeal. 
 May I not indulge the hope that 1 shall find an evidence of this 
 in the accession of members to your most laudable association, 
 and in the contributions which this evening will be offered to it. 
 My brethren of the congregation the cause that solicits you 
 is the cause of God, of his religion, of his holy Church, of the 
 temporal and eternal felicity of your fellowmen. Is there a 
 heart that can be unmoved ? Is there a hand that can be closed P 1 
 
 Upon April 22, 1816, one hundred French Bibles, the pur- 
 chase of which had been previously authorized, were reported 
 to the Board of Managers as having arrived. They were de- 
 posited with the Bishop to be distributed in his discretion. 
 
 The intimate relation which was established between the 
 parent society and the Auxiliary is shown by these entries upon 
 the minutes during the spring and summer of 1816. 
 
 The President laid before the Board two communications 
 from the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Society, signed Benj. Haight, Corresponding Secretary. The 
 one bearing date March i8th, 1816 (see papers on file A), in- 
 forming of the organization of that Society, and of the dis- 
 position of its members to cooperate with the parent institution 
 in any measure which may require their joint funds, and to 
 preserve a friendly intercourse in their ordinary operations; the 
 other, dated March 2ist, 1816 (see papers on file B), gave in- 
 formation of the appointment of a committee by the Auxiliary 
 Society to enquire into the expediency of purchasing a set of 
 stereotype plates for the Book of Common Prayer, and request- 
 ed this Board (if it should think proper) to appoint a committee 
 on the same subject. 
 
 Whereupon, on motion of General Clarkson, resolved unani- 
 mously that the Standing Committee of this Board be requested 
 to express to the Board of Managers of the Auxiliary New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society the great satisfaction 
 
 I. Address delivered before the Auxiliary New- York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society, in Trinity Parish, in the City of New-York, on Friday, 
 the 8th day of March, A. D. 1816, by John Henry Hobart, D.D., Bishop of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of New- York. Published by 
 the request of the Society. New-York: Printed by T. and J. Swords, No. 
 160 Pearl-Street. 1816.
 
 86 Stereotype Plates. [1816 
 
 this Board feels on the organization of their Society, its best 
 wislies for the divine blessing of their exertions, and its willing- 
 ness to cooperate in any measure which may require the joint 
 counsel or funds of the two Societies; and also that the Stand- 
 ing Committee be requested to confer with the Committee of the 
 Auxiliary Society on the subject of the stereotype plates. 
 The Board adjourned until Monday next at 12 o'clock. 
 
 BENJ'N T. ONDERDONK, Secry. 
 (Folio 55.) 
 
 The President, from the Standing Committee, reported that 
 that Committee had had a conference with the Committee of the 
 Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society 
 on the subject of purchasing a set of stereotype plates for the 
 Book of Common Prayer; and such facts in reference to the 
 superior advantages of stereotype printing had been cited at that 
 conference, as induced the Committee respectfully recommend 
 to the Board to aid the Auxiliary Society in the purchase of the 
 plates in question. The Committee further suggested the pro- 
 priety of devoting to this object the sum that may be collected 
 at the preaching of the anniversary sermon for this Society for 
 the present year. 
 
 Whereupon, on motion, resolved unanimously, that this Board 
 concur in the report of the Standing Committee, and will, in the 
 way proposed by them, aid the Auxiliary Society in the purchase 
 of stereotype plates of the Book of Common Prayer. (Folio 57.) 
 
 The Society ultimately appropriated the sum of $246.53 for 
 the proposed stereotype edition of the Book of Common Prayer. 
 The Auxiliary then devoted its whole attention to the super- 
 vision of the preparation of stereotype plates which were very 
 carefully made at the establishment of Daniel and George Bruce, 
 a firm noted for well finished work. 
 
 The plates were of sixteen mo. size, and the type chosen was 
 of a size sufficiently large to be clear. It was the first attempt 
 to make a Prayer Book which could be sold at a small price and 
 yet be of convenient size. 
 
 Its title page is : "The Book of Common Prayer, and Adminis- 
 tration of the Sacraments and other Rites and Ceremonies of 
 the Church, according to the use of the Protestant Episcopal
 
 1816] General Bible Society. 87 
 
 Church in the United States of America: together with the 
 Psalter or Psalms of David. Stereotyped by D. and G. Bruce, 
 New-York. From the stereotype press of the Auxiliary New- 
 York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society. New-York, 
 1816." 16 mo. pp. 318. 
 
 The discussion of the advisability of a general Bible Society, 
 which should be for the United States what the British and 
 Foreign Bible Society was for Great Britain, had been long and 
 animated. Finally delegates were appointed to a convention to 
 be held in the city of New York with authority to take action 
 upon it. Mr. William Jay issued, just prior to the meeting in 
 New York, a pamphlet entitled "A Memoir on the subject of a 
 General Bible Society for the United States of America. By a 
 Citizen of the State of New York. New-Jersey Printed in 1816." 
 This "Memoir" contains a draft of a constitution for the pro- 
 posed Society and is a forcible appeal on behalf of its necessity. 
 Forty-seven delegates, duly appointed from the various Bible 
 Societies in the Atlantic States, eight others not formally 
 appointed, and four representatives of the Society of Friends, 
 met in the Consistory Room of the Reformed Dutch Church on 
 Wednesday, May 8, 1816. Among those sitting in the Conven- 
 tion were several Churchmen, including the Rev. John P. K. Hen- 
 shaw of St. Ann's Church, Brooklyn, the Rev. Simon Wilmer, 
 of Trinity Church, Swedesboro; Hon. Joshua M. Wallace, 
 Senior Warden of St. Mary's Church, Burlington, New Jersey; 
 Mr. William Jay, of Bedford, N. Y. ; Mr. Joshua Sands. Senior 
 Warden of St. Ann's, Brooklyn, and General Swift, of the same 
 parish. 
 
 After an opening prayer by the Rev. Dr. Eliphalet Nott, the 
 Convention organized for business. The Hon. Joshua M. Wal- 
 lace was chosen President, and the Rev. Dr. John B. Romeye and 
 the Rev. Lyman Beecher were elected Secretaries. 
 
 After some deliberation it was 
 
 "Resolved unanimously. That it is expedient to establish with- 
 out delay a general Bible Institution for the circulation of the 
 Holy Scriptures without note or comment." 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Nott, Dr. John M. Mason, Mr. Samuel Bayard, 
 the Rev. Simon Wilmer, the Rev. Lyman Beecher, Mr. Charles 
 Wright, the Rev. J. H. Rice, the Rev. Dr. Jedediah Morse, Mr. 
 William Jay and the Rev. Dr. J. Blythe were appointed a com-
 
 88 General Bible Society. [1816 
 
 mittee to prepare the plan of a Constitution of the said .Society; 
 and an address to the public on the nature and objects thereof. 
 
 Upon Friday, May 10, the Committee reported "the draft of 
 a Constitution, which after reading as a whole and in para- 
 graphs, was adopted unanimously." 
 
 The first Article was: 
 
 "This Society shall be known by the name of the American 
 Bible Society, of which the sole object shall be to encourage a 
 wider circulation of the Holy Scriptures without note or com- 
 ment." 
 
 The Committee also presented a draft of "An Address to the 
 Publick," which after being "read in the same manner was also 
 unanimously adopted." 
 
 Its opening sentences are : 
 
 "Every person of observation has remarked that the times are 
 pregnant with great events. The political world has undergone 
 changes stupendous, unexpected, and calculated to inspire 
 thoughtful men with the most boding anticipations. That there 
 are in reserve occurrences of deep, of lasting, and of general 
 import appears to be the common sentiment." 
 
 The address shows that under these circumstances the Chris- 
 tians of the United States should stand together in opposing the 
 forces which may disintegrate the moral and spiritual weapon of 
 the Holy Scriptures, and appeals to all Christians to unite in their 
 circulation, without note or comment, in the current English 
 version, throughout the country and in heathen lands. It justi- 
 fies a General Society for this purpose and makes a strong plea 
 for moral and financial support as Christianity was the main 
 bulwark of the Republic. Among the thirty-six managers 
 chosen were such staunch Churchmen as the Hon. Rufus King, 
 Mr. Joshua Sands, Dr. John Watts and others. 
 
 A meeting was held in the City Hall, on Saturday, May u, 
 when the Hon. Elias Boudinot, of Burlington, New Jersey, was 
 elected President, and Vice Presidents for each State chosen. 
 
 The Hon. John Jay and General Matthew Clarkson repre- 
 sented, with the Hon. Smith Thompson, the State of New York, 
 the Rev. Dr. John M. Mason was chosen Secretary for Foreign 
 Correspondence, and the Rev. Dr. John M. Romeye, Secretary
 
 1816] Address to Episcopalians. 89 
 
 for Domestic Correspondence, and Colonel Richard Varick was 
 elected Treasurer. 1 
 
 Bishop Hobart had foreseen that such an organization would 
 be formed. He knew the eminence, the personal integrity, and 
 purely benevolent motives of those who were its chief pro- 
 moters. His biographer says: "Notwithstanding the imposing 
 array of overwhelming numbers, of rank, talent, and influence, 
 which that Society presented, he was neither intimidated nor 
 silenced. The principles which he had before advocated, were 
 now rendered still more unpopular by this general union in op- 
 position to them. It not only had the cordial support of all the 
 other religious denominations, but of some of the respectable 
 clergymen and influential laymen of our own communion. But 
 as the love of what he deemed the truth had always prevailed 
 over his regard for popular favour he was only roused to a 
 more vigourous defence of it, by the danger to which it was 
 exposed. No man ever acted upon higher and nobler prin- 
 ciples." 2 
 
 Upon the very day upon which the officers of the American 
 Bible Society were elected, he sent forth his warning cry and 
 his godly counsel to the laity of the Church in New York in this 
 "Address" first printed a periodical of the day. 8 
 
 ADDRESS, &c. 
 My Brethren, 
 
 It appears from the public prints of this day that an "Ameri- 
 can Bible Society" has been organized in this city. Before you 
 connect yourselves with this institution, permit me, in a sincere 
 solicitude for the interests of our Church, and for the extention 
 
 1. These particulars of the organization of this Society are taken from 
 its first publication, a pamphlet now rare : Constitution of the American 
 Bible Society, formed by a Convention of Delegates held in the City of 
 New York, May, 1816, together with their Address to the People of the 
 United States ; a Notice of their Proceedings and a list of their Officers. 
 New York : Printed for the American Bible Society by G. F. Hopkins, 72 
 William Street. 1816. 
 
 2. Berrian's "Memoir," Volume I. p. 175. 
 
 3. Its full title is: An Address to Episcopalians on the subject of the 
 American Bible Society, by John Henry Hobart, Bishop of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the State of New- York. New- York: Printed by T. 
 and J. Swords, No. 160 Pearl-Street. 1816.
 
 90 Address to- Episcopalians, [1816 
 
 of the Gospel in its primitive purity, to call your attention to 
 the following considerations : which the urgency of the occasion 
 compels me to address to- you through the same medium. Per- 
 mit me to ask, What is the necessity for this institution? There 
 are Bible Societies already, instituted in every part of the 
 United States, and others are constantly organizing. These in- 
 stitutions, I presume, are fully adequate to all the purposes for 
 which Bibfe Societies are wanted. The idea of a National Bible 
 Society, which is in fact, to represent every part of this exten- 
 sive country, is perfectly visionary. It will be, in its spirit and 
 management, the Bible Society of the particular city or district 
 where it is established. This is already proved by the circum- 
 stance that the persons named as managers of the "American, 
 Bible Society," with two or three exceptions, reside in the city of 
 New-York, or its vicinity. 
 
 But what necessity can there be for another Bible Society in 
 tbis city. There already exist here The New-York Bible So- 
 ciety, The New-York Auxiliary Bible Society, The New-York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, The New-York Aux- 
 iliary Bible and Common Prayer Book Society. And, besides 
 these, it is believed that there are Bible Societies or Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Societies in almost every county in the 
 State. 
 
 What necessity, I ask again, can there be for the establish- 
 ment of another; particularly in a city where four already exist? 
 Zeal in a good cause is always commendable ; but it is the nature 
 of zeal, like everything else, which excites the passions of our 
 nature, to run into excess. Is there any great object to be ac- 
 complished, to which these institutions separately are inade- 
 quate? Let any one of these institutions propose this object; 
 and the others will cooperate in it to the extent of their means. 
 This has been already done. The "New- York Bible Society" pro- 
 posed the publication of a French Bible, and they received aid 
 from other institutions. The New- York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society aided them, to a small amount, indeed, 
 
 but with the utmost cordiality, and to the extent of their means. 
 ******** 
 
 If, indeed, this National Society is to be national in any thing 
 more than in name, it can be so only by delegation ; and who will 
 believe that gentlemen will come from every part of the United
 
 1816] Address to Episcopalians. 91 
 
 States to the city of N,ew-York,. or any other city, merely to 
 hear a report from the managers of a society, which they may all 
 afterwards see in print ? No, they must have some other busi- 
 ness ; some more powerful motive. The present measure of a 
 national Bible Society, was, proposed last year in the manner 
 already stated, and then, and since, pressed with great zeal, by 
 a respectable Presbyterian gentleman of New-Jersey. The 
 present time of meeting was again so fixed as to happen about 
 the time of the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presby- 
 terian Church in. Philadelphia, which will take place in a few 
 days. And some of the most active members of the present 
 Convention in this city are delegates to the General Assembly of 
 the Presbyterian Church. But if there is no delegation sent to 
 this society, at an annual meeting, it cannot be, in any sense, a 
 national society. If the annual meeting takes place at any other 
 time than about the time of the meeting of the General Assembly 
 of the Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, to which body clergy- 
 men and laymen come from every part of the United States, I 
 venture to predict there will be no national delegation. And if 
 the meeting should be held at the time mentioned, then, I ven- 
 ture to predict, that however others may be honoured with 
 offices, the spirit and influence, and the credit of the institution 
 will eventually be that of the very numerous and respectable 
 Presbyterian denomination. 
 
 But if this denomination and others think proper to institute 
 another Bible Society, you can have no objection to the measure. 
 Indulge me while I state some further considerations which 
 should deter you from engaging in it. 
 
 Your patronage,, your zvealth, your influence, and your exer- 
 tions arc wanted for similar institutions in your own Church. 
 The "Auxiliary New- York Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Society," recently instituted by Episcopal young men, calls for 
 the support and countenance of Episcopalians in this effort of 
 commendable zeal. The "New- York Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society" was instituted, it is believed, before any Bible 
 Society in the United States. And though it has received very 
 respectable patronage, yet its funds are by no means commen- 
 surate to the demands upon its benevolence. Its managers have 
 only been deterred, by the pressure of the times, from an appeal 
 to public liberality. Here then, Episcopalians are institutions
 
 92 Address to Episcopalians. [1816 
 
 in your own bosom which need your patronage, your influence, 
 and your bounty. By these institutions you may distribute the 
 Bible, and, in addition to this, the Liturgy of your Church. 
 These institutions need, and can usefully employ, all that you can 
 spare for this species of benevolence. Why, then, should your 
 bounty be bestowed upon others? ******* 
 Before any Bible Society was established in the United 
 States the "New-York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society" 
 was organized in this city, during the administration of the 
 late Bishop Moore. The union of the Liturgy with the Bible 
 as the object of distribution by societies consisting of Episco- 
 palians, was the result of much serious reflection and consulta- 
 tion of that venerable Bishop with the clergy and others. 1'he 
 course then adopted by him, it has been deemed by his successor 
 an act of duty to pursue; both in accordance with the opinion 
 of the clergy of the diocess generally, and of many respectable 
 laymen of the Church. It has appeared to them that Episco- 
 palians, managing all their religious concerns by themselves, 
 would be in no danger of unpleasant collision with others; of 
 committing their principles in any degree; or in any measure 
 relaxing a spirit of attachment to the distinctive principles of 
 their own Church. This attachment may exist in perfect charity 
 for others, and with due respect for their rights, and when it 
 operates with zeal, firmness, and perseverance, experience 
 proves that the Church will flourish and in proportion as this 
 attachment sinks into that "indolent indifference which some 
 men dignify with the name of moderation," will the Church 
 decline. Those who instituted Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Societies were of opinion that an association of Episcopalians 
 among themselves for religious purposes was the mode best cal- 
 culated to preserve this distinctive attachment so essential to 
 the prosperity of their Church. They considered that the spirit 
 which pervades all indiscriminate associations for religious pur- 
 poses, affects to place all denominations on the same level, and 
 denounces all differences among them as non-essential, as the 
 "Shibboleths of sect," as promoting "the views of party." Epis- 
 copacy, as their Church declares in her ordination services, is 
 derived from "the apostles' times," and instituted "by God's 
 providence and his holy spirit;" and her Liturgy they value as 
 a preservative of evangelical doctrine, and sober devotion.
 
 1816] Address to Episcopalians. 93 
 
 These are points of difference between them and others. And 
 they were not willing to be placed in situations in which the 
 inculcating these peculiarities should be considered as "pro- 
 nouncing the Shibboleths of a sect," and as "advancing the views 
 of a party." Their apprehension of danger from these indis- 
 criminate associations to their Church, was not diminished by 
 reflecting, that in all similar associations, it is the invariable 
 tendency of the more numerous and more powerful party to 
 break down the spirit, and the distinctive principles of the less 
 numerous and less powerful; and that, therefore, while in Eng- 
 land, the numbers, the wealth, and the influence of the Episcopal 
 Church might, in an association with Dissenters, not only secure 
 her from injury, but increase her numbers, th eeffect would be 
 directly the reverse in this country, where the Presbyterians are 
 by far the most numerous and most powerful. They also per- 
 ceived that precisely by this system of association that respect- 
 able and influential denomination was amalgamating with itself, 
 the various subordinate sects of Presbyterians, and the numer- 
 ous body of Congregationalists, and was rapidly extinguishing 
 the ancient peculiarities of the Dutch Reformed Church. Pure 
 and apostolic as is our Church, she is to be preserved, under 
 God, by the instrumentality of human means. In such circum- 
 stances, to fear these associations, seemed a dictate of prudence; 
 and those, therefore, whose duty it was in the first case to act, 
 and who feels the interests of their Church pressing on their 
 conscience with awful weight, deemed it their duty to organize 
 "Bible and Common Prayer Book Societies," and to urge Epis- 
 copalians to connect themselves exclusively with those institu- 
 tions. These institutions have accordingly been established, two 
 in this city, and others in various parts of the State. In order 
 to excite a zeal in their favour, it seemed necessary that the 
 principles on which they were instituted should be explained and 
 supported; and in the discharge of my official duties, this has 
 been accordingly done on various public occasions; I trust not 
 in a manner incompatible with a sincere respect for the rights 
 and opinions of others. ********* 
 Their Bishop, and a great body of their clergy, supported by 
 many respectable laymen, have advocated the institution of 
 "Bible and Common Prayer Book Societies," and have called on 
 Episcopalians to connect themselves exclusively with these in-
 
 94 Address to Episcopalians. [1816 
 
 stitutions, believing great danger was to be apprehended from 
 the contrary course, to the principles of the Church. Admitting 
 that they were in error, is the error of such a nature as to de- 
 mand decided opposition? If the course -to which Episcopalians 
 have been urged, involved any sacrifice of principle, no human 
 regard ought to silence opposition. But in connecting themselves 
 exclusively with "Bible and Common Prayer Book Societies" there 
 can be no sacrifice of principle or of conscience. In this mode 
 they may circulate Bibles, and follow, also, the scriptural and 
 apostolic plan of extending, with the Word of God, the Church 
 of God. as exhibited in primitive purity in the Liturgy. In this 
 mode they will act in unison with many of their brethren, with 
 the spiritual guardians of the Church in this diocess, and avoid 
 the humiliating and injurious spectacle of a divided household. 
 It was the duty of the guardians of the Church in this diocess 
 to make known their views on this subject. They have done so, 
 with much solicitude and reflection. Admitting they have been 
 mistaken, is their mistake so fundamental as to demand the 
 public and decided disapprobation and opposition of a respect- 
 able portion of their brethren of the Laity, of the same diocess ? 
 
 Will this disapprobation and opposition advance their means 
 of usefulness ; hold them up to confidence and respect ; remove 
 all cause of triumph from those unfriendly to the Church ; and 
 tend to promote the harmony and prosperity of the diocess? 
 "The beginning of strife is like the letting in of water ;" and no 
 one can calculate the strength of the flood, or the extent and 
 deepness of its ravages. 
 
 Some Episcopalians have been placed on the board of mana- 
 gers, without their knowledge. An individual, who stands on 
 the highest eminence of public and private worth, and whose 
 name appears on this list, has not, it is believed, returned to this 
 state. What course he may pursue, with regard to this Bible 
 Society, it would be presumptuous for me to say. 1 But I deem 
 it my duty to state, that the course adopted with respect to "Bible 
 and Common Prayer Book Societies" received his decided appro- 
 bation and countenance. 
 
 My brethren of the -Laity -when I commenced writing this 
 
 i. The Bishop here refers to the Hon. Rufus King, then serving as 
 United States Senator at Washington.
 
 1816] William Jay's "Appeal." 95 
 
 address to you, it was nay intention that it should be anonymous. 
 But I deem it more consistent with honourable frankness to an- 
 nex my name. I am aware that I may be exposed to unworthy 
 imputations. But if I am charged with an illiberal or unchari- 
 table spirit, he who knows my heart, knows, I trust, that the 
 charge is unfounded. I think I am doing my duty and my 
 duty, "through good report, and through evil report," I ought 
 not to fear to perform. I think I am doing my duty to my 
 Master to the Church, a portion of which, in his Providence, 
 is entrusted to me and whose interests I would most solicitous- 
 ly guard, in the firm persuasion that she is a pure branch of His 
 mystical body, which is finally to convey the blessings of grace 
 and redemption to every quarter of the world. 
 
 JOHN HENRY HOBART 
 New-York, May ii, 1816. 
 
 Writing evidently in some haste the Bishop in his desire to 
 claim pre-enainence for the Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Society is led into an erreor of fact. The Philadelphia Bible 
 Society was founded in December, 1808. The Author of "An 
 Appeal to Christians of America, in behalf of the American Bible 
 Society,"who was Mr. William Jay, makes effective use of this 
 error. He, however, curiously enough, errs also in his dates by 
 placing the date of the organization of the Prayer Book Society 
 in October, 1809, whereas the records show that it held its first 
 meeting on April 14, 1809, and was evidently organized prior to 
 tha tdate. A few of the most pertinent portions of the "Appeal" 
 are here given : 
 
 Let us now direct our view to Great Britain, where we are 
 apt to suppose that the "darkness is past, and the light now 
 shinetli." 
 
 Prom an actual inquiry made by order of the Bishop of Dur- 
 ham, it was discovered that there were 5,800 families in that 
 diocese without Bibles; estimating the rest of England and 
 Wales in this .proportion, they must contain 350,000 families 
 destitute of the -Scriptures. ******** 
 
 Let us now look at home, and let us begin our inquiries with 
 that section of our country, which is the most distinguished for 
 the religious habits and information of its citizens. From the
 
 96 William Jay's "Appeal." [1816 
 
 estimates which have been made it appears that in 1814, one 
 sixth part of the population of New England was destitute of 
 the Scriptures. 1 
 
 The report of the Connecticut Bible Society for 1812 informs 
 us that there were more in that State without the Scriptures 
 than the funds of the Society could supply; and let it be here 
 remembered, that this Society is one of the oldest and ablest in 
 the United States, and the State itself better supplied with 
 Bibles than probably any other district of the same population 
 in the world. 
 
 The Massachusetts Society, in their report for 1812, say, 
 "when this institution was first proposed, there were some who 
 objected that it was not needed: that the poor in this country 
 are as well supplied with Bibles as the rich; but inquiry has 
 proved the objections false. Many ministers who had the same 
 impressions, have expressed their surprise at the want of Bibles 
 in their Societies." In their report for 1813, they state that 
 they had heard of ''many settlements in Maine in which only 
 one or two Bibles could be found." "On every side of us," say 
 they, "are fellow-beings who want the best blessing God has 
 bestowed on men." During the year preceding this report they 
 had distributed 2,296 Bibles and 532 Testaments, and they de- 
 clare that, "however improbable it may seem, this number was 
 needed." 
 
 In 1809 the Philadelphia Society declared it to be their 
 opinion that one-fourth of the families in this country were 
 without Bibles. They state that the "deficiency of Bibles has 
 been found to be much greater than was expected." 
 
 A few weeks since, 87 families in one ward in the City of 
 New-York were visited, and 58 were found without Bibles. 
 
 Jn 1814 it was estimated that there were in the Mississippi 
 Territory 5,000 families destitute of the Scriptures; 8,000 in 
 the State of Louisiana; 10,000 in Tennessee; 12,000 in the Ter- 
 ritories of Indiana, Illinois and Missouri; 13,000 in Ohio; 
 and 30,000 in Kentucky; and so late as 1815, in many of the 
 principal towns in the Western States andTerritories, there was 
 not a Bible for sale! Surely, "darkness has covered the earth, 
 and gross darkness the people." ******* 
 
 I. Panopolist, x. 119.
 
 1816] William Jay's "Appeal." 97 
 
 But to love others besides ourselves, is the peculiar character- 
 istic of Christianity; let us, therefore, inquire to what extent 
 we have diffused the light of Revelation beyond our own 
 borders. In order to send the Bible to foreigners, we must 
 publish it in other languages than our own. It is believed that 
 the American Bible Societies have not distributed the Bible in 
 more than four languages, viz: English, French, Dutch, and 
 German. 1 The exact number of Bibles which have been sent 
 out of the country cannot be ascertained, but it is probable that, 
 with the exception of some sent to Canada, scarcely any in any 
 language have been sent beyond our own frontiers; and that 
 the French, Dutch and German Bibles which have been distrib- 
 uted, have been given to those of our own citizens who speak 
 these langauges. 
 
 Thus it appears, that since 1808, when the first Bible Society 
 was established in our country, the Christians of the United 
 States have, through the medium of their Societies, distributed 
 not more, and probably less, than 150,000 copies of the Scrip- 
 tures in four languages, and chiefly among their own country- 
 men. Such is our return to heaven, for the public and indi- 
 vidual blessings we enjoy! ******** 
 
 Our Societies were not only unable to concentrate their funds, 
 but were actually without any common plan of operation. The 
 Connecticut Society sent Bibles into New -York; and the New- 
 York Society into the Eastern States ; the Eastern Societies sent 
 Bibles into Ohio; and the Ohio Society into Louisiana. So far 
 were our Societies from co-operating that they did not even 
 correspond, and were often ignorant of the existence of each 
 other. The report o fthe New-York Society for 1812 states that 
 the Society had, in the course of the year, received a report 
 from but one Bible Society. The next year, it seems, their cor- 
 respondence was enlarged, for they then heard of the proceed- 
 ings of as many as three Societies. The reports of our So- 
 cieties afford ample evidence that they were generally better ac- 
 quainted with the transactions of the British Society than those 
 of Societies in their own vicinity. As our Societies moved in 
 small and distinct spheres, their reports were, for the most part, 
 
 I. The Philadelphia Society imported a few Welsh and Gaelic Bibles, 
 but their number was very inconsiderable. 
 
 (7)
 
 98 William Jay's " Appeal." [1816 
 
 destitute of interest and were seldom found beyond the con- 
 fines of the district in which they were written. But while the 
 reports of our Societies have not possessed sufficient interest to 
 command general attention, the reports of the British Society, 
 condensing the religious intelligence derived from its numerous 
 auxiliaries and correspondents, are among the most popular pub- 
 lications of the age; have already passed through two editions 
 and are read with avidity both in England and America; and 
 
 several of them have been translated into foreign languages. 
 
 ******** 
 
 There are three classes of persons who oppose this Society. 
 The first consists of those who, either disbelieving the Bible, or 
 being unwilling to be governed by its precepts, throw every ob- 
 stacle in the way of its diffusion. The second embraces those 
 who, from the purest and most conscientious motives, object to 
 a national Society, because they doubt the possibility of carry- 
 ing its^ plan into execution. The third class refuse to support 
 the Society from a fear that it will diminish the numbers and 
 influence of the particular denomination to which they belong. 
 This class, it is believed, is confined exclusively to a small num- 
 ber of the Protestant Episcopalians; for although it was prob- 
 able that many among the Roman Catholics will withhold their 
 support from the Society, they will act from no hostility to this 
 Society in particular; but in compliance with a common opinion 
 of that Church condemning the indiscriminate use of the Scrip- 
 tures ************* 
 
 In addressing Episcopalians, the author addresses his brethren. 
 Attached to the Episcopal Church, by the influence of parental 
 example; by the prejudices of early education; by a firm belief 
 in her doctrines, and by an unshaken conviction of the apostolic 
 origin of her government; he rejoices in her prosperity, and 
 laments whatever interrupts her harmony and lowers her repu- 
 tation. An attempt has been made to induce you, my brethren, 
 to believe that your co-operation in Bible Societies, and in the 
 American Society in particular, will prove injurious to your 
 Church. Whenever it shall be demonstrated that Bible So- 
 cieties, in the pursuit of their legitimate object, the distribution 
 of the uncommented Scriptures, will undermine the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church, it will be the indispensable duty of every 
 conscientious Episcopalian to abandon not Bible Societies, but
 
 1816] William Jay's "Appeal." 99 
 
 a Church which, it will then appear, is not founded on the Word 
 of God. 
 
 The only Episcopalian in this country, who has publicly, and 
 in his own name, and on general principles, opposed the co- 
 operation of Episcopalians in Bible Societies, and particularly 
 in the American Bible Society, is the Bishop of New-York. It 
 will therefore be paying but a proper respect to the rank and 
 character of this distinguished prelate, to give his arguments a 
 candid and deliberate examination. 
 
 No sooner was the American Bible Society organized, and 
 before the address of the convention explaining their motives 
 and views, or the constitution of the Society, exhibiting its nature, 
 had issued from the press, than Dr. Hobart inserted in a New 
 York newspaper an Address to Episcopalians, dissuading them 
 from joining the new Society. Let us examine his arguments 
 and see if they are sufficiently cogent to drive us from a Church 
 which we have hitherto believed to be both scriptural and apos- 
 tolic. We will state his principal arguments, in the order they 
 present themselves in his Address, and in his own words. 
 
 There is one evil consequence which the Bishop apprehends 
 from this Society, and which he is himself labouring to produce; 
 and this is, that the credit of the institution will eventually be- 
 long to the Presbyterians. At present the credit of establishing 
 a great national Institution for the diffusion of the Scriptures, 
 is divided between the Presbyterians and Episcopalians. The 
 first proposal was made by the New-Jersey Bible Society, of 
 which the President is a Presbyterian, and an Episcopal clergy- 
 man, Dr. Wharton, a Vice President. In the Convention which 
 formed the Society, an Episcopalian presided, and several Epis- 
 copal clergymen and laymen were present as delegates. In the 
 Committee which drafted the Constitution we find an Episcopal 
 clergyman and layman. In the Board of Managers, and among 
 the Vice Presidents of the Society are many of the most dis- 
 tinguished Episcopalians in the country. Which denomination 
 is to enjoy the high credit of supporting the Society remains yet 
 to be seen ; but should the Bishop succeed in depriving it of Epis- 
 copal patronage, who ought to be blamed, should the credit of 
 the Institution "eventually be that of the very numerous and 
 respectable Presbyterian denomination?" *****
 
 100 William Jay's "Appeal." [1816 
 
 As to the manner in which the Bible Society will endanger 
 the Church, we must remain wholly in ignorance until the 
 Bishop shall inform us ; especially as we can hear of no Church, 
 either in this or other countries which has suffered from these 
 alarming associations. 
 
 "Before any Bible Society was established in the United 
 States the New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society 
 was organized in this city." 
 
 Had this assertion been true, it is not easy to understand how 
 it could affect the question at issue ; but the fact is misstated, and 
 haste and "excess of zeal" must be the Bishop's apology for 
 his incorrectness. On the I2th December, 1808, the Philadel- 
 phia Bible Society was instituted; on the nth May, 1809, the 
 Connecticut Bible Society; and the I3th July, 1809, the Massa- 
 chusetts Bible Society; and it was not till the month of October, 
 1809, that the "New-York Bible and Common Prayer Book So- 
 ciety" appeared; an antidote to the spreading influence of Bible 
 Societies! ************ 
 
 We have now examined the arguments of the Bishop, and 
 have shown that many of them are founded on erroneous views 
 of the constitution of the American Bible Society; and that, 
 even admitting the soundness of the rest, it would at least be 
 good policy in the Episcopalians to lose no time in connecting 
 themselves with that Institution. 
 
 If in this discussion we have treated the opinions of Bishop 
 Hobart with freedom, it ought to be remembered that the time, 
 and the mode, which he selected for giving those opinions to 
 the public invited freedom of remark. We have said nothing 
 of the Bishop's motives, for whether good or bad, they could 
 not affect his arguments; we are, however, too well acquainted 
 with his character, and have too often witnessed his exertions 
 in the cause of religion, to suspect for a moment, that they are 
 any other than what he declares them to be; and we are fully 
 persuaded that he differs from his venerable and right reverend 
 associates, not in zeal for the glory of God, but only in opinion 
 as to the best means of promoting it. 
 
 The effect of the Address and the Appeal seems to have been 
 to stimulate the formation of Bible and Prayer Book Societies
 
 1816] Letter from Dr. Abercrombie. 101 
 
 in places where they did not exist before, and also to make, some 
 more decided in their determination to foster "the Bible cause." 1 
 Dr. McVickar prints in his "Professional Years" two letters 
 to the Bishop on this subject. One is from the learned Dr. 
 James Abercrombie, one of the assistants of Bishop White in 
 the United Churches of Philadelphia, whose sound judgment in 
 ecclesiastical matters was universally recognized: 
 
 Philadelphia, May 29th, 1816. 
 Right Rev. and dear Sir : 
 
 I received two days ago a packet, either immediately from 
 you, or transmitted, I presume, by your order, containing your 
 Address at the interment of Bishop Moore, and two on the sub- 
 ject of your recently established Bible Society. I have read them 
 with the same high degree of pleasure and improvement which 
 I have always derived from your publications. I perfectly 
 coincide with your opinion with respect to the duty and expe- 
 diency of our (Episcopalians) connecting our Prayer Book with 
 the Bible, as its true and proper companion and expositor. 
 
 Go on, my good Sir, in supporting, defending, and extending 
 our Church. The prayers of its orthodox members will assured- 
 ly ascend to heaven in your behalf, and the blessings of its 
 divine Head will as certainly await you both in this world and 
 that which is to come. I most cordially thank you, my great and 
 good friend, for your kind attention to me, and am, 
 
 With the most profound respect, 
 And sincere affection, yours 
 
 JAMES ABERCROMBIE. 
 
 I. An Appeal to the Christians of America in behalf of the American 
 Bible Society, including a Defence of Its Constitution, a Number of Facts 
 proving the Necessity of its Establishment, and an Answer to the Objections 
 which have been made against it. 
 
 "The love of Christ constraineth us." 2 Cor. v. 14. 
 
 "Now I say unto you, refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if 
 this counsel or work be of men, it shall come to nought; but if it be of 
 God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found to fight against God." 
 Acts v. 38, 39. 
 
 By a Lay Member of the Convention which formed the Society. New- 
 York: Published by A. T. Goodrich, No. 96 Broadway. J. Seymour, Print. 
 1816.
 
 102 Letter from "J. B. W." [1816 
 
 The other is from a gentleman whom Dr. McVickar designates 
 as "J. B. W." but is evidently the distinguished Philadelphian, 
 the Hon. John Bradford Wallace, a statesman and a scholar. 
 
 Philadelphia, June 8th, 1816. 
 Right Rev. and dear Sir : 
 
 I received, a few days since, through the hands of Mrs. Mc- 
 Pherson the little packet you were good enough to send to me, 
 and read the pamphlets which it contained with that interest and 
 pleasure which I do everything which comes from the same pen. 
 The arguments in favour of uniting the distribution of the 
 Prayer-Book with the Bible I am riot able to answer, nor have 
 I met with any who could do it satisfactorily to me. 
 
 Far be it from me to limit the circulation of either, and, if 
 only one could be distributed, no man can hesitate which it 
 should be ; but in a given number of books distributed in a neigh- 
 bourhood, especially in new settlements a few Bibles and the rest 
 Prayer-Books, would, probably, be more useful than the whole 
 number being Bibles. We all know to what extravagances the 
 people in most of our new settlements are occasionally led by 
 the ignorance and fanaticism of itinerant preachers. With the 
 Prayer-Book in their hands, in which the doctrines of the Bible 
 are succinctly and clearly displayed, especially with it to pray 
 from, there would be no great danger of their going much out 
 of the way. Besides which it is the best substitute for living 
 teachers. Truly "the Liturgy preaches." 
 
 Your dissertation, by way of appendix to the Address at 
 Bishop Moore's funeral, gave me much satisfaction. It estab- 
 lishes the position it undertook to establish, most clearly. I al- 
 ways knew it to be a doctrine of our Church but never before 
 had it fully and satisfactorily explained. 1 
 
 I wish much to see your sermons upon baptism which you 
 have promised us. 
 
 With great esteem and affection, 
 
 J. B. W. 1 
 
 1. The doctrine of the intermediate state. 
 
 2. Early Years of Bishop Hobart. p. 420. 
 
 This letter does not appear to have been preserved as it is not among those 
 in the General Convention Archives, so far as research has been made.
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Address by the Rev. L. Bayard William Jay's "Dialogue between a 
 Clergyman and a Layman" "Some Questions and Answers" Annual 
 Meeting of the New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, 1817 
 Reports from Various Bible and Prayer Book Societies Seventh Annual 
 Report First Report of the Auxiliary Society Anniversary Service of 
 the Auxiliary in St. Paul's Chapel Address by the Rev. Dr. How 
 Sunday Schools in New York and in Trinity Parish Annual Meeting 
 of the N. Y. B. & C. P. B. Society, February, 1817 Alterations in the 
 Constitution Agreement Proposed with the Auxiliary as to Stereotype 
 Plates Letter from the Rev. Stephen Jewett Organization of the Wash- 
 ington and Essex Counties Bible and Prayer Book Society Also the 
 Dutchess County Auxiliary Society Annual Meeting, March, 1818 
 Eighth Annual Report Extra Meeting Called to Fill the Place of the Rev. 
 Dr. How Sermon by Mr. Lyell Intimate Relations of the New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society and the New York Auxiliary 
 Second Annual Report of the Auxiliary Society Second Anniversary 
 Meeting of the Auxiliary, January 26, 1818 Election of Managers and 
 Officers Address by the Rev. John McVickar. 
 
 CHAMPIONING the cause of Bible and Prayer Book 
 Societies the Rev. Lewis P. Bayard, Rector of Trinity 
 Church, Newark, delivered an Address before the New- 
 ark Female Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, 
 at the adoption of their Constitution, May 23, 1816. This Ad-, 
 dress was subsequently printed. In it he sides with Bishop Ho- 
 bart, and cites authorities and arguments in favour of Liturgies 
 and precomposed prayers. He says in conclusion : 
 
 "Convinced of the excellence of that Liturgy which we use in 
 our Churches, of its soundness in Doctrine, and its admirable 
 solemnity and propriety in the worship of the sanctuary ; you will 
 not hesitate to send it forth with the Bible, to assist by the bless- 
 ing of God, the uninstructed and unenlightened in the important 
 development of divine truth, and to stand among the people as a 
 witness of the primitive faith, and the Apostolic orders of the 
 Ministry." 1 
 
 i. Page 16. 
 
 103
 
 104 "A Dialogue." [1817 
 
 The Address of Mr. Bayard was noticed by Mr. William Jay, 
 in a pamphlet entitled "A Dialogue between a Clergyman and a 
 Layman on the Subject of Bible Societies. By A Churchman. 
 New York: Published by the Author. 1817." This pamphlet is 
 bound up with the volumes of pamphlets issued by Mr. William 
 Jay and now in the library of Bedford House. As the selection 
 of the pamphlets and their binding was done by Mr. Jay himself 
 we are thus enabled to assign the right authorship to many 
 pamphlets now very rare and scarce. The writer of this History 
 desires to take this opportunity of expressing his thanks to the 
 present owner of Bedford House, Colonel John Jay, for his cour- 
 tesy in placing at the writer's disposal pamphlets, documents and 
 correpondence belonging to his grandfather. 
 
 In the "Dialogue" the witer naturally makes the Layman have 
 the best of the argument. The Clergyman takes the side of 
 Bishop Hobart and the Prayer Book Societies, while the Layman 
 espouses the cause of the Bible Societies. Towards the end of 
 the Dialogue Layman says : 
 
 "If Mr. Bayard and Dr. How may without sin utterly contemn 
 and set at defiance 'the godly admonitions of the Bishops of the 
 Church, and represent that effort in favour of which the Bishops 
 declare themselves called forth by the high duties of their sta- 
 tion to bear their testimony, the one as an attempt to separate 
 what God has joined; and the other as an unscriptural plan to 
 diffuse the light of religious truth ; why may not I take the liberty 
 of consulting my conscience, and in obedience to its dictates, to 
 reject the advice of a single Bishop, and to follow the advice and 
 the example of all the rest?" 1 
 
 Among the other pamphlets now at Bedford House is one en- 
 titled "Some Questions and Answers on the Subject of the 
 American Bible Society. By A Clergyman. New- York: Print- 
 ed for the Author, by Van Winkle and Wiley, No. 3 Wall- 
 Street. 1816." This was probably written by the Rev. Samuel 
 Nicholls, who became Rector of Bedford in 1817, as it bears 
 throughout marks of Mr. William Jay's style. The only other 
 clergyman who might have written it is the Rev. Dr. Milnor, but 
 he had an individual style of his own. 
 
 The writer devotes most of his space in replying to the argu- 
 
 i. Page 26.
 
 1817] Annual Meeting. 105 
 
 ments adduced by Dr. Hobart in his "Address to Episcopalians." 
 He quotes also from an "Answer to Presbyter by An Episcopa- 
 lian," a pamphlet which the present writer has been uable to find. 
 
 At the Annual meeting of the New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society, February 15, 1817, the Secretary laid be- 
 fore the Board the following documents received by him in his 
 official capacity : 
 
 "The Second Report of the Female Bible Society of Philadel- 
 phia." 
 
 "The Third Annual Report of the Bible Society of Frederick 
 County, Virginia." 
 
 "List of Bible Societies in the United States of America." 
 
 "The Second Annual Report of the West Chester Auxiliary 
 Bible Society." 
 
 "Second Annual Report of the Board of Managers of the Fred- 
 ericksburg Bible Society." 
 
 "An Address delivered before the Newark Female Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society, May 23, 1816, by the Rev. Lewis 
 P. Bayard, A.M., Rector of Trinity Church, Newark." 
 
 "Second Report of the Trustees of the Connecticut Reserve 
 Bible Society." 
 
 "Constitution, Address and First Report of the Bible Society 
 of Delaware." 
 
 "Circular from several members of the New York and Aux- 
 iliary Bible Societies informing of those Societies having en- 
 gaged Stereotype plates of the Holy Bible." 
 
 "Sixth Report of the Board of Managers of the New York 
 Bible Society." 
 
 "The First Report of the Saratoga County Bible Society." 
 
 "Fifth Annual Report of the Board of Managers of the Orange 
 Bible and Tract Society." 
 
 "The First Annual Report of the Providence Auxiliary Bible 
 Society." 
 
 "The Second Annual Report of the Female Auxiliary Bible 
 Society of Baltimore." 
 
 "The First Report of the Bible Society of Rensselaer County." 
 
 "Report of the Directors of the East Tennessee Bible Society." 
 
 "Seventh Report of the Board of Managers of the New York 
 Bible Society." 
 
 "Report of the Bible Society of North Carolina."
 
 106 Annual Meeting. [1817 
 
 "The Fifth Report of the Directors of the Oneida Bible So- 
 ciety." 
 
 "The Eighth Report of the Bible Society of Philadelphia." 
 
 "Seventh Report of the Connecticut Bible Society." 
 
 "The Secretary also read a letter (see papers on file) from Mrs. 
 Eliza Dugan, Secretary of the 'Protestant Episcopal Female 
 Society of Baltimore/ giving information of the establishment 
 of that Society for the purpose of distributing religious tracts, 
 and the Book of Common Prayer." (Folio 60.) 
 
 The Secretary from the Standing Committee submitted, Feb- 
 ruary 19, 1817, the following resolutions recommended by that 
 body to the adoption of the Board : 
 
 "Resolved that a set of stereotype plates of the Book of Com- 
 mon Prayer, of the octavo size, be procured by this Society ; and 
 that the Standing Committee be authorized to have this resolu- 
 tion carried into effect." 
 
 "Resolved, that the following be added to the rules and regula- 
 tions of this Society ; viz : Any person contributing the sum of 
 One Dollar to the funds of this Society, shall be entitled to one 
 Bible or one octavo Prayer Book ; and for every additional contri- 
 bution of One Dollar, an additional Bible or Prayer Book. The 
 Octavo stereotype Prayer Books to be distributed only to con- 
 tributors as above directed; and to Auxiliary or other Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Societies on the same terms." 
 
 "Resolved, that it be proposed to the Society to alter the first 
 article of the Constitution, so that every person who contributes 
 $i or more per annum, shall be a member of the Society." (Fo- 
 11063.) 
 
 These resolutions were respectively adopted. 
 
 The Board of Managers presented this as their 
 
 SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT. 
 
 On the recurrence of the anniversary of the New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, the Board of Man- 
 agers have again the pleasure to remind her of the part she 
 is bearing in the characteristic efforts of the present day, which 
 are so largely promoting the interests and glory of the Church 
 of the Redeemer. What can more properly comport with the 
 encouraging spirit of the times, than diffusing the words of 
 everlasting life, and a knowledge of the primitive constitution,
 
 1817] Seventh Annual Report. 107 
 
 doctrines and worship of that Catholic Church, whose universal 
 reception and evangelical influence among men is to constitute 
 the blessed reign of millenial glory; and whose exalted halle- 
 lujahs, in its triumphant state, are to celebrate the eternal 
 praises of God and the Lamb! With this animating view of the 
 character of their institution the Board respectfully submit to 
 the Society a report of their proceedings during the past year. 
 
 The permanent fund of the Society has received but little 
 augmentation during the past year, in consequence of a large 
 donation to the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society. Still it has somewhat increased, and now amounts 
 to the sum of $4,301.89. 
 
 During the past year 340 English Bibles, and 570 Prayer 
 Books have been gratuitously distributed. 
 
 One hundred French Bibles, mentioned in the report of last 
 year, as having been purchased, have been placed with the 
 Bishop to be disposed of by him. Some of them have been given 
 to Mr. Eleazar Williams (who is employed by the Church in 
 this Diocese as school master, catechist, and lay reader to the 
 Indians), to be distributed among the Indians on the borders of 
 Canada, and in that province, where the French language is 
 generally better understood than the English. The Rev. Mr. 
 Peneveyre, Minister of the French Church du St. Esprit, in this 
 city, has also been authorized by the Bishop to apply for any 
 number of those Bibles which may be usefully distributed by 
 him. 
 
 The sum of $246.53 has been granted to the New York Aux- 
 iliary Bible and Common Prayer Book Society to aid them in 
 the purchase of a set of stereotype plates of the Book of Com- 
 mon Prayer. 
 
 At a late meeting of the Board of Managers the sum of $430 
 was voted for the equal purchase of Bibles and Prayer Books, 
 to be gratuitously distributed according to the established rules 
 of the Board on that subject. 
 
 A resolution has lately passed the Board to procure stereotype 
 plates of the Book of Common Prayer of the 8vo size. 
 
 The Board has been for some time deliberating on measures 
 for the augmentation of the funds of the Society. The situation 
 of our country, and various circumstances connected with it, 
 have led to the postponement of this business from time to time;
 
 108 Seventh Annual Report. [1817 
 
 but the Board hopes that some effectual plan will soon be adopted 
 for the accomplishment of so desirable an object Still the 
 Board are persuaded that the Society will join them in gratitude 
 to God for the good which they have been instrumental in doing. 
 The Bibles gratuitously distributed by this Society, since its 
 foundation, amount to 1,990, the New Testaments to 590, and the 
 Prayer Books to 2,766. Total number of Bibles, New Testa- 
 ments and Prayer Books, 5,256. 
 
 We may surely indulge the pious and animating hope that our 
 labours have not been without effect in awakening the careless 
 sinner, in comforting the penitent, in encouraging the humble 
 and faithful ; and also in diffusing the practical influence of the 
 evangelical doctrines, the primitive order, and the Scriptural 
 worship of our Church. 
 
 It is gratifying to see our fellow members of this portion of 
 Christ's Church animated by its blessed spirit, and uniting to 
 diffuse a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. Since the last 
 report most satisfactory proof has been afforded of the zealous 
 and beneficial effects of the Auxiliary New-York Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society. Too much cannot be said of 
 this very encouraging and animating evidence of the pious 
 emulation of the young members of our Church. The stereotype 
 plates of the Book of Common Prayer which they have pro- 
 cured have materially lessened the expenses of that inestimable 
 volume, and aided its extensive circulation. It appears from 
 their report that during the first year of their operations no less 
 than 521 Bibles, and 2,750 Prayer Books have been distributed 
 through that Society, an extent of operation surpassing, it is 
 believed, that of any similar institution in this city. May God 
 be with them in their work and labour of love ! 
 
 Within the past year information has been received of the 
 institution of Female Bible and Common Prayer Book Societies 
 in Newark and Elizabeth Town, New-Jersey, auxiliary to the 
 Episcopal Society of New-Jersey for the distribution of Bibles, 
 Prayer Books, Religious Tracts, &c., of the Prayer Book and 
 Tract Society of Newport, Rhode Island of the Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society of Connecticut of the Albany 
 Female Prayer Book and Tract Society of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Female Society of Baltimore for the distribution of Prayer 
 Books and Religious Tracts and of the Common Prayer Book
 
 1817] Seventh Annual Report. 109 
 
 and Tract Society of Virgina. And with particular pleasure 
 we notice the establishment of Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Societies, as auxiliary to ours, in the towns of Windham and 
 Greene ville, in the County of Greene, in this State. It will 
 doubtless also be gratifying to you to hear that two Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Societies have been lately established in 
 the British Province of Upper Canada, and are patronized by 
 the most distinguished provincial officers. 
 
 As founded upn the same general principle, and having in view 
 the same ultimate object, it affords us pleasure to notice, also, the 
 recent establishment of an Episcopal Tract Society in Boston, 
 of the Episcopal Missionary Society of Philadelphia, having 
 principally in view the establishment and maintenance of our 
 Church in the Western States of the Episcopal Missionary 
 Society of Delaware of the Newark (N. J.) Church Mission- 
 ary Society, and especially of the Protestant Episcopal Mis- 
 sionary Society of yong men and others lately established in 
 this city, for the purpose of aiding the ecclesiastical authority of 
 the Diocese in the support of missionaries. 
 
 These facts are communicated to the Society with the tender 
 of sincere congratulations on the spirit which thus seems to pre- 
 vail among the members of that portion of the Church which 
 He hath planted in this State. Let them but be truly influenced 
 by her principles of love to the mystical body of the Redeemer 
 her holy zeal in His cause and her regard for the souls of 
 men; let them but suffer her prosperity, and the glory of her 
 divine Head to have their just proportion of claim to liberality; 
 and she will be enabled to stand foremost in this new world 
 among the advocates of the Cross of Christ; she will be most 
 efficient in spreading the Knowledge of the Word of God and 
 faith in a divine Redeemer. Be it our prayer, be it our vigor- 
 ous and determined effort that she may be thus honoured, for 
 His sake who hath redeemed us by His own most precious 
 blood. By order of the Board. 
 
 BENJ. T. ONDERDONK, Secretary. 
 
 New York, Feb. 19, 
 
 i. This seems to be the second printed report which can be found. It is 
 printed on pp. 154, 155, 156, of The Christian Journal, Vol. I., No. 10, Sat- 
 urday, May 24, 1817.
 
 110 Auxiliary's First Report. [1817 
 
 The allusions made in this report to the Auxiliary make of 
 special interest the record of work done by that organization. 
 The most essential portions of the report are here given: 
 
 FIRST REPORT. 
 
 Upon this, the first anniversary of our Association, the Board 
 of Managers cannot refrain from expressing their gratitude to 
 the Supreme Disposer of events for affording the opportunity 
 to tender their congratulations that PEACE continues to shed 'its 
 fragrance upon the Christian world. Its benignant smile is 
 meliorating the human heart. DIVINE TRUTH beams with 
 brightened lustre, and idolatry is crumbling before its effulgent 
 and majestic march. 
 
 Amid the splendours of so holy a triumph, it is cheering to re- 
 flect that we have not been idle; alhough difficulties have ob- 
 structed our path, we feel justified in pious exultation. Our 
 Institution is indeed in its infancy; but its infancy presages a 
 vigorous and useful maturity. It presented its claims to atten- 
 tion at a moment peculiarly inauspicious; when public opinion 
 was engaged in support of a National Association, and public 
 sympathy plighted to a host of beneficent charities. It came 
 like the religion it professes to recommend, without the patron- 
 age of age inspiring veneration; of talent enlisting confidence; 
 or wealth imparting power. A system was to be organized; in- 
 formation to be laboriously acquired; and disciples ascertained, 
 who were at once to seek, and competent to relieve religious 
 penury. 
 
 But the smile of Heaven has cheered our path, and inclined 
 the hearts of our fellow citizens to cherish our exertions. We 
 have appealed to their pious patronage; and, in despite of the 
 general pressure, the appeal has been munificently sanctioned. 
 
 Our Treasury Report exhibits an aggregate in receipts and 
 dues, during the year, of $2,753.01. 
 
 Of this sum $330.50 were derived from collections volun- 
 tarily made by ladies, members of the Church; $20 from the 
 Episcopal Society of New-Jersey; and the residue partly from 
 subscriptions, but principally from gratuitous contributions. 
 
 Under the animating influence of so bountiful a patronage, 
 it will not surprise you that we have proceeded with confidence. 
 We have opened a correspondence with almost every section of
 
 1817] Auxiliary's First Report. Ill 
 
 this and the adjoining States, and, in general, throughout the 
 United States; and laid, we fondly hope, the basis of much 
 future usefulness. Our communications to the British and 
 Foreign Bible Society have been reciprocated with benedictions 
 upon our undertaking, and a donation of books. We have ad- 
 dressed circulars to most of the congregations in the United 
 States, soliciting co-operation, and recommending the establish- 
 ment of similar Institutions. 
 
 We have been emboldened to purchase a set of 
 
 STEREOTYPE PLATES FOR THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 
 
 The inducements were powerful, and, we hope, will meet your 
 approbation. The quality has been improved, the price dimin- 
 ished, and our ability to be useful enlarged. The Book of COM- 
 MON PRAYER formerly cost us forty-seven and a half cents; we 
 can now furnish it of superior quality at thirty-eight cents. The 
 type is durable, and the possession of it enables our Institution 
 to become the fountain of supply to every other in the Union. It 
 was the first, and is, we believe, the only now used in this 
 country. We have taken measures to apply to the Legislature 
 for an Act of Incorporation, and anticipate many facilities from 
 its attainment.. 
 
 We have sought information abroad and at home. From al- 
 most every quarter the intelligence is cheering and impressive. 
 A rich and animating fervour seems kindling everywhere. In 
 various parts of the State our scattered spiritual brethren are 
 forming themselves into congregations, or associating for wor- 
 ship, and have solicited that aid which it is the object of our 
 Society to afford. At Newbern, North-Carolina, our com- 
 munications have been received with gratitude, and an Asso- 
 ciation organized in conformity. The accounts from various 
 other quarters are not less pleasing. Our distributions have 
 been various and extensive. During the year there have been 
 issued from the Depository 521 Bibles and 2,750 Common 
 Prayer Books; a large portion of which has been disposed of 
 at home; but when opportunity offered, solicitations from 
 abroad have received attention. 
 
 ******** 
 
 The principles to which we are attached may forbid us to 
 co-operate on all occasions with others; but we venerate their
 
 112 Auxiliary's First Report. [1817 
 
 motives, and admire their zeal. In giving, we solicit charity of 
 construction. We believe that the Bible has power to subdue 
 the wickedness of man; and that it is destined to force its 
 triumphant way, and stand in the moral, as the sun in the 
 physical firmament, the source of light, and the emblem of Di- 
 vinity. But we also believe that the Book of Common Prayer 
 is the purest exposition of its sublime doctrine that human 
 wisdom has ever presented to human weakness. It is recom- 
 mended for our judgments by the devotion it inculcates; and 
 embalmed in our hearts by the benedictions of our fathers, who 
 sleep in death. It is the vestibule through which we pass to the 
 altar and worship of God. The same duty therefore that ani- 
 mates us to distribute the Bible impels us to accompany the 
 blessing with the Book of Common Prayer; and, in presenting 
 the one as the Word of God, to recommend the other as an in- 
 centive to its perusal. But the duty is in meekness, and the 
 recommendation in peace and persuasion. 
 
 In meekness and in peace let us persevere, and cherish the 
 belief that the disciples of our Church, under the auspices of a 
 beneficent Providence, will aid in diffusing the blessings they 
 enjoy, and the doctrines of salvation they profess. 
 
 By order, FERRIS PELL, Chairman. 1 
 
 From the Treasurer's statement, annexed to the Report, we 
 learn that donations had been received from the Female Prayer 
 Book Societies of Elizabeth Town and Newark, the Long Island 
 Bible and Prayer Book Society and the Prayer Book and Tract 
 Society of Massachusetts, aggregating $298.00. The cost of the 
 stereotype plates was $1,221.70, and in addition there had been 
 spent for Bibles $335.87, and for Prayer Books $686.68, leaving 
 a balance in the Treasury of $137.71. The proceedings of the 
 annual meeting which are also appended show that Bishop 
 Hobart offered resolutions of congratulation and commendation 
 to the Board of Managers, and for the printing of 1,500 copies 
 of the report. 
 
 These officers were elected under the title of Board of Man- 
 agers : 
 
 i. The Christian Journal, Vol. i., No. 3, pp. 42, 43, Saturday, February 
 15, 1817.
 
 1817] Address by Dr. How. 113 
 
 Edward N. Cox, President. 
 
 Guy C. Bagley, First Vice President. 
 
 Gerardus A. Cooper, Second Vice President. 
 
 Floyd Smith, Third Vice President. 
 
 Benjamin Haight, Corresponding Secretary. 
 
 William Onderdonk, Jun., Recording Secretary. 
 
 J. Smyth Rogers, Treasurer. 
 
 Thomas N. Stanford, Agent. 
 
 Managers : Clement C. Moore, Luther Bradish, Edward R. 
 Jones, Cornelius R. Duffie, Wm. E. Dunscomb, David A. Clark- 
 son, John Watts, Jun., Duncan P. Campbell, John H. Hill, Lewis 
 Loutrel, David Austen, Ferris Pell, Alexis P. Proal, John An- 
 thon, Jonathan Goodhue, Charles Nichols, Charles Keeler, 
 Robert C. Barfe. 1 
 
 The Auxiliary held on the evening of Tuesday, January 18, 
 1817, an anniversary service in St. Paul's Chapel. The ad- 
 dress was delivered by the Rev. Thomas Y. How, D.D., Assistant 
 Rector of Trinity Church. It was a consideration of the state 
 of the world at that time based upon the prophecies of Daniel. 
 Using Faber as his guide he unfolds the meaning of those ob- 
 scure utterances, denouncing the great Papal Apostacy, glancing 
 at the rise of Mohammedanism, the spread of infidelity from 
 France, which had been counteracted by the extraordinary zeal 
 which had been aroused among Christian people for the good 
 of mankind. He used as an illustration the Bell-Lancaster 
 system of instruction of the young. He further instanced the 
 wider circulation of the Holy Scriptures through the great 
 British Societies, and the extended and beneficial effects of Sun- 
 day School instruction both in England and America. After 
 reviewing the Biblical plan of redemption until it culminates in 
 the Christian Church, and a brief survey of the history of 
 the Christian Church he returns to the special agencies for the 
 diffusion of Christian faith and knowledge at that time, and 
 thus continues: 
 
 "The establishment of Sunday Schools deserves also to be 
 mentioned as likely to raise the moral character of all the places 
 in which it may be effectually maintained. Nor can I pass this 
 subject without expressing an ardent hope that a complete sys- 
 
 i. The Christian Journal, Vol. I., No. 3, p. 44, Saturday, February 15, 1817. 
 (8)
 
 114 Address by Dr. How. [181 7 
 
 tern of these schools may be organized and prosecuted in the 
 Episcopal Churches of this city with all the energy and perse- 
 verance which its importance deserves. 1 
 
 "But among the circumstances which do honour to the present 
 time, it is my particular duty to mention the zeal which has 
 sprung up for diffusing the light of the Gospel through heathen 
 countries, and for bestowing upon the inhabitants of Christian 
 countries themselves those advantages of the word and ordi- 
 nances of God, of which so many of them have been altogether, 
 or in a great degree deprived. 
 
 "And here it gives me great pleasure to state, that the first So- 
 ciety for the gratuitous distribution of the Bible in this city was 
 established by the members of our Church. The Bible and Com- 
 mon Prayer Book Society was instituted so long ago as the year 
 1809. The plan of that Society was not hastily adopted; on 
 the contrary, the subject was well considered. It appeared to 
 the founders of the Society to be the true and primitive course 
 to connect, in imitation of the venerable Society in England 
 for Promoting Christian Knowledge, the faith and the Church; 
 and to present them in that united form to the world. Religious 
 truth has been thus invariably promulgated by divine authority; 
 it has not been merely held forth in the abstract, but has been 
 connected with visible ordinances, and embodied in a visible 
 
 1^ Hi 1 T"f* M -'K'K 5 ^ 5jC5JC575*C5}C5jC53|3lC 
 
 "Again what has been the result where the reformation from 
 popery was not conducted upon primitive principles? Look at 
 the state of many of these Societies, on the continent of Europe, 
 which laid aside the divinely constituted order of Bishops, and 
 thus lost the ministry and ordinances of the Christian Church. 
 How grievously have they fallen from the distinguishing doc- 
 trines of the cross! Passing from one extreme to another, they 
 have exchanged the absurdities of Calvinism for a system still 
 
 I. When Sunday Schools were -first proposed, some persons, friendly to 
 the objects of these institutions, were desirous, before engaging in them, to 
 ascertain, by experiment, how far they were practicable, as well as most 
 eligible method of conducting them. They have been established in various 
 religious congregations in the city. There are now, and have been for some 
 time, two large and flourishing Sunday Schools in Christ Church, two in 
 St. George's, and two in St. Stephen's. May they be speedily organized in 
 all the other Episcopal Churches !
 
 1817] Address by Dr. How. 115 
 
 more frightful the impious system of Arius and Socinus, which 
 denying the divinity of our blessed Saviour, extinguishes all 
 fervour of piety, and destroys that deep humility which nothing 
 but the doctrine of gratuitous salvation through the merits of a 
 crucified Redeemer can ever implant in the heart. If we direct 
 our attention to England, what a scene of confusion, impiety, 
 and heresy is presented to our view at the period when, the bar- 
 riers of a primitive episcopacy being thrown down, no less than 
 sixty different sects sprung up; maintaining, many of them, the 
 most absurd and the most licentious principles. 
 
 "Turning to our own country, we shall find additional reason 
 to be confirmed in the view we have taken of the intimate union 
 between primitive truth and primitive order between the apos- 
 tolic faith and the apostolic church. What a lamentable defec- 
 tion from the distinguishing doctrines of Christianity has taken 
 place in the Eastern section of the union! The Congregational 
 Societies of Boston, which, half a century ago, were wedded to 
 the most rigid principles of Calvinism, have not only thrown off 
 those principles, but have proceeded to the other extreme of 
 denying the divinity of Christ, and salvation through the pro- 
 pitiary merits of his atonement. It is much to be feared that 
 this departure from the true faith will pervade the Congrega- 
 tional Societies of New England, and that it will, sooner or 
 later, find its way into other religious bodies. It can never, my 
 brethren, enter our Church, while she retains her apostolic con- 
 stitution, and her evangelical liturgy. They will forever pre- 
 serve to her, under God, those precious doctrines of the cross, 
 without which Christianity loses it peculiar character, and be- 
 comes nothing more than a well digested system of natural reli- 
 gion. May we not, then, be permitted to hope that this pure 
 branch of the Catholic Church of Christ, which it has pleased 
 God to establish in our country, is destined to be the bulwark of 
 the true faith that she will imbibe more and more deeply the 
 spirit of pious fervour which animates her services, and thus 
 grow, and flourish, and fill this new world ? But, in order to this 
 glorious result, we must, at once, drink deep of her evangelical 
 spirit, and firmly contend for her primitive faith and apostolic 
 order. "Hold fast the form of sound words" "Contend earn- 
 estly for the faith." It is absolutely necessary, my brethren,
 
 116 Address by Dr. How. [1817 
 
 that we should unite zeal with charity; equally avoiding the 
 extremes of indifference to the truth on the one hand, and the 
 maintenance of it in an unchristian temper on the other. Cher- 
 ishing for our brethren of other denominations the most sincere 
 good will, admiring their zeal, and honouring their exertions, 
 we must at the same time bear testimony against what we esteem 
 their errors, and expostulate with them, in the meekness of the 
 Gospel, upon their unjustifiable separation from the Apostolic 
 Church. ************ 
 
 "It affords us most sincere pleasure to state that the example 
 set by the New-York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society 
 in 1809, has been followed already to a considerable extent, and 
 promises generally to prevail. There are now seven Bible and 
 Prayer Book Societies in this Diocess; 1 in the neighbouring 
 Diocess of Connecticut a similar Society has been formed, co- 
 extensive with the State; and upwards of an hundred agents 
 appointed in its different parts to procure subscriptions. Two 
 Societies have also been recently established in the Diocess of 
 New-Jersey, within a few miles of this city. Let us hope that 
 the time is not far distant when there will be a Bible and Prayer 
 Book Society in almost every Episcopal congregation in our 
 country; employing part of its funds in supplying its own 
 wants and granting the remainder to some central Society in 
 each Diocess, which, furnished with an abundant revenue, will 
 be enabled to supply the means of building up our Church in 
 those recently settled districts which are now so destitute of the 
 blessings of Christian worship, and which \vould receive the 
 ministrations of our apostolic Communion with the utmost joy 
 and gratitude. *********** 
 
 "And you, excellent young men! founders and conductors of 
 this Institution ! how shall I speak your merited panegyric ! 
 Instead of devoting your time and substance to the pursuits of 
 
 i. Since the delivery of this Address, intelligence has been received of the 
 formation of two Bible and Prayer Book Societies ; one at Greenville, and the 
 other at Windham, in Greene County parishes under the care of the Rev. 
 James Thompson ; and also of the formation of a Bible and Prayer Book 
 Society, on an extensive scale, in Kingston, the capital of Upper Canada. 
 The two Societies, formed by Mr. Thompson, are auxiliary to the Bible and 
 Prayer Book Society of this city.
 
 1817] Address by Dr. How. 117 
 
 sensual or even intellectual pleasure, how noble to consecrate 
 them to the service of God! Go on with increasing ardour in 
 your laudable career ! The Church will pour her benedictions on 
 your heads. Your Redeemer will aid and bless you with the 
 influences of his Holy Spirit. In labouring with pious care for 
 the salvation of others, the love of Christ will, more and more, 
 constrain your own hearts. I think I see a glorious day begin- 
 ning to dawn upon our Church I think I see a spirit arising 
 within her which will lead her members to regard no labours too 
 severe, no sacrifices too costly, no sufferings too great in the 
 cause of their Lord and Master. To you, young men, we look 
 to set an example of pious ardour, of generous self-devotion. 
 You have just exhibited another proof of your zeal in the Mis- 
 sionary Society which you have established in this city. Will 
 you pardon me for again pointing out to you an object eminently 
 deserving of your attention, and for urging you to lose no time 
 in its accomplishment? I mean the establishment of a complete 
 system of Sunday Schools in the Episcopal Churches of this city, 
 connected together by some board, which without improperly 
 interfering with the particular management of each school, shall 
 exercise a general care over the whole, and bind them into one 
 harmonious body. Perhaps there is no institution better calcu- 
 lated than this to improve the moral and religious character of 
 the community. 
 
 "Let us work while it is day the night cometh, when no man 
 can work. The constant examples before our eyes of sudden 
 and early death, should make us feel the utter vanity of the 
 world, and animate us in our labour of love. You have lately 
 seen one of the greatest ornaments of your Society, possessing 
 the esteem and affection of all who knew him, cut off in the 
 very bloom of youth. 1 
 
 "Oh then! let us increase our zeal, and multiply our efforts, 
 while God shall spare us in mercy ; looking to Him who died for 
 us for light and strength; surrendering ourselves without re- 
 serve to his guidance and devoting ourselves to his glory. 
 
 "Lord! we are thine by the most endearing of ties! Thou 
 didst purchase us with thine own blood ! Fill us, then, with thy 
 
 I. Dr. John W. B. Murray, son of Mr. George W. Murray, of this city.
 
 118 Sunday Schools. [1817 
 
 spirit ! Constrain us with thy love ! So shall we live and die for 
 thee!" 1 
 
 It must not be inferred from the note that Dr. How put to his 
 sermon, in which he refers to the Sunday Schools in Christ 
 Church, St. George's, and St. Stephen's, that there were no other 
 Sunday Schools in New York or that there were none in the 
 mother parish of Trinity Church. 
 
 This was far from being the case, as the reader may see by 
 referring to Dr. Dix's History of Trinity Parish. He says : 
 
 "It has been the practice in Trinity Parish to gather the chil- 
 dren monthly at the altar rail, to hear them recite the catechism, 
 and then to give such explanation of various parts of the Ser- 
 vices as the Rector deemed fit. Dr. Hobart was always happy in 
 his addresses and intercourse with children, and he trained the 
 two younger assistants, Mr. Berrian and Mr. Onderdonk, in his 
 methods. The Bishop compiled, primarily for the children of 
 that Parish, the series of instruction books known as The New 
 York Catechism, which only recently has been superseded by 
 more modern publications. The children of that generation had 
 the blessing and privilege, which seems to be denied to those of 
 the present age, of living in homes where family prayer, religious 
 conversation, and instruction were the rule. Conservative parents 
 looked upon Sunday-schools as an innovation, and thought that 
 they could never do the work which had been done by the pastor 
 and the parents in the home. 
 
 "This is evidently the reason why the organization of Sunday- 
 schools in the Parish was deferred until the beginning of 1817. 
 In February of that year a meeting of Churchmen of New York 
 was held to consider the expediency of promoting the formation 
 of such schools, the intention being to have them under the con- 
 trol of an efficient board of managers, with the Bishop as Presi- 
 dent. After deliberation, it was determined to form 'The New 
 York Protestant Episcopal Sunday-school Society.' In addition 
 to the President there were to be three Vice-Presidents, a Secre- 
 
 i. An Address delivered before the Auxiliary New- York Bible and Com- 
 mon Prayer Book Society, in St. Paul's Chapel, in the City of New- York, on 
 Tuesday, the 28th day of January, A. D. 1817, by Thomas Y. How, D.D., 
 Assistant Rector of Trinity Church, New- York. Published by the Request 
 of the Society. New- York: Printed by T. and J. Swords, No. 160 Pearl- 
 Street. 1817.
 
 1817] Annual Meeting. 119 
 
 tary, a Treasurer, and a Board of Managers consisting of clergy- 
 men and laymen. Under the auspices of this society, and with 
 the hearty co-operation of the Rector, a school was organized in 
 St. John's Chapel late in February, 1817, for which competent 
 teachers volunteered their services. It opened with an attend- 
 ance of one hundred and twenty children of both sexes, who had 
 been 'collected through the diligence of committees appointed for 
 that purpose, in the short space of three days.' This school grew 
 so rapidly that it had to be divided into departments. The enroll- 
 ment in the male department in July, 1817, was two hundred and 
 forty-one, of whom twenty were blacks; and in the female de- 
 partment one hundred and forty-four, of which twenty-six were 
 blacks. 
 
 "The scholars with their teachers attended divine service on 
 Sunday. For their accommodation, with the approval of the 
 Vestry, the Board of Directors of St. John's Sunday-school 
 erected, on either side of the organ loft, stages with seats rising 
 in tiers. By this method better attention could be paid them by 
 their teachers. All who could read were taught to find the places 
 in the Prayer Book and to respond audibly. 
 
 "The Sunday-school of St. John's was then the largest in any 
 Parish of the Church in the city." 1 
 
 Among the papers in the possession of the writer of this His- 
 tory are lists of books selected by Bishop Hobart as peculiarly 
 suitable for gifts to Sunday School Scholars, or to be placed in 
 Sunday School libraries. There are also several lists of books 
 actually given as "premiums" at Christmas. One of the shortest 
 of these lists is reproduced in the Appendix as interesting not 
 only because it shews the kind of books then given but as pre- 
 serving the names of scholars from families who are still proud 
 of their connection with Trinity Parish. 2 
 
 At the Annual Meeting, February 25, .1817, the following reso- 
 lutipns were laid before the meeting : 
 
 "Resolved, that in Article I. of the Constitution, instead of the 
 words 'Five Dollars at the time of subscribing, and five dollars 
 annually afterwards' be inserted the words, 'to the funds of this 
 Institution a sum not less than one dollar annually.' And instead 
 of the words 'Fifty Dollars or more at the time of subscribing,' 
 
 1. Dix's History of Trinity Parish, Volume III. p. 10. 
 
 2. See Appendix.
 
 120 Annual Meeting. [1817 
 
 be inserted the words 'A sum not less than 15 Dollars at one 
 time/ " 
 
 "Resolved, That in Article II. of the Constitution, instead of 
 the words The contributions at the time of subscribing/ be sub- 
 stituted the words 'The contributions of members for life.' ' 
 
 "Resolved, That in Article V.of the Constitution, instead of the 
 words 'two thirds of the Board of Managers' be substituted the 
 words 'two thirds of the members of the Board of Managers 
 present at a meeting duly convened.' ' 
 
 "A Constitutional majority of this meeting acceding to the 
 above resolutions, they are, agreeably to Article V. of the Consti- 
 tution, laid over for the decision of the Board of Managers, and 
 if acceded to by two thirds of that body, will become valid amend- 
 ments to the Constitution of this Society." (Folio 65.) 
 
 At this meeting the following managers were elected: Mat- 
 thew Clarkson, John Onderdonk, Gulian Ludlow, Henry Rogers, 
 George Dominick, William Bayard, John Slidell, Robert Troup, 
 Isaac Carow, Thomas L. Ogden. (Folio 67.) 
 
 February 26, 1817. On motion, Resolved, "That in the addi- 
 tion made at the last meeting of the Board, to the rules and regu- 
 lations of this Society, the clause next following the words 'as 
 above directed' be so altered as to read 'and to Auxiliary or 
 other Bible and Common Prayer Book Societies, and other Insti- 
 tutions embracing the distribution of the Book of Common 
 Prayer within their objects, and the same terms.' ' 
 
 The following resolution was also laid before the Board, and 
 unanimously adopted, viz : 
 
 "Resolved, That the Standing Committee be authorized to 
 treat with the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society, for Prayer Books for gratuitous distribution, from 
 their stereotype plates of the i6mo size, with a title page bearing 
 the name of this Institution ; and to make an agreement with said 
 Society on this subject, if they think proper; and if they m.ake 
 such agreement, to procure a stereotype page of the above de- 
 scription, and proceed immediately to obtain the books above 
 mentioned, to the value of $215, lately appropriated." (Folio 69.) 
 
 May 5, 1817. The Secretary from the Standing Committee, 
 reported that an arrangement had been made with the Auxiliary 
 New York Bible and Prayer Book Society, for obtaining Prayer 
 Books from their stereotype plates of the i6mo size, with a title
 
 1817] The Rev. Stephen Jewett. 121 
 
 page bearing the name of this Society ; and that said books would 
 soon be ready for distribution; also, that Bibles had been pro- 
 vided to the value of the sum lately appropriated, of stereotype 
 print, with a title page bearing the name of this Society. (Folio 
 
 73-) 
 
 At the meeting of the Board of Managers held on February 4, 
 
 1818, the sum of $412 was appropriated, one half for the pur- 
 chase of Bibles and the other half for Prayer Books. 
 
 The President from the Standing Committee reported that the 
 two stereotype plates of the Book of Common Prayer which that 
 committee was authorized to obtain, were ready for use. 
 
 On February 25, 1818, the Secretary laid before the Board a 
 copy of the "Second Annual Report of the Managers of the Aux- 
 iliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society," 
 transmitted to this society agreeably to the constitution of the 
 said Auxiliary society. Ordered, that the reception of it be en- 
 tered on the minutes, and that the report be preserved among the 
 papers of the society. 
 
 The Secretary, from the Standing Committee, read a report 
 which that committee proposed to be adopted as the Report to be 
 made by this Board at the approaching meeting of the society. 
 
 On motion Resolved, unanimously that, with the consent of the 
 requisite number or numbers present at the approaching meeting 
 of the society, in the third article of the constitution, instead of 
 "The day after the annual meeting" be substituted "the Friday 
 next after the ^annual meeting." (Folio 77.) 
 
 "Resolved, that in order more effectually to provide for defray- 
 ing the expense incurred by the recent procuring of two stereo- 
 type plates of the Prayer Book, the Rectors of the several par- 
 ishes in the City be requested to allow (if they deem it expedient 
 and proper) the annual sermon and collection in behalf of this 
 society, for the present year, to take place in their churches at 
 such a time in each, as the Rector of the same may think most 
 suitable. 
 
 The Rev. Stephen Jewett, a man of singular and manifold 
 gifts, who was made deacon in 1810 by Bishop Jarvis, of Con- 
 necticut, and ordained priest by Bishop Hobart in 1813, com- 
 menced his ministry in an extensive region including Washing- 
 ton County and all the territory to the north of it. He founded, 
 in 1811, Christ Church, Hampton, and extended his labours over
 
 122 Dutchess County Society. [1817 
 
 the line into the State of Vermont and established the Church in 
 the town of Paulet. Of him it was said : 
 
 "In the then scarcity of Episcopal clergymen he was a mission- 
 ary for all the region from Fort Edward on the south to Platts- 
 burgh on the north. I have heard him say that a child had been 
 brought to him the distance of one hundred miles to be baptized, 
 and that he had himself gone forty to attend a funeral." 1 
 
 In his extensive field he had learned the value of the Book of 
 Common Prayer as a Missionary agent. This zealous worker 
 on the borders of the State and diocese determined that the mem- 
 bers of his flock should do their part in providing for needs of 
 others. Associating with himself the Rev. Charles W. Hamilton, 
 his nearest clerical neighbour, resident of Sandy Hill, they or- 
 ganized in September. 1817, "the Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society for the Counties of Washington and Essex and 
 parts adjacent." The Bishop of the Diocese, Dr. Hobart, was 
 elected President, the Rev. Stephen Jewett, First Vice President, 
 Dr. Zina Hitchcock, Second Vice President, the Rev. Charles W. 
 Hamilton, Third Vice President, Mr. Wadsworth Bull, Treas- 
 urer, Mr. Martin Lee, Recording Secretary, and the Hon. Henry 
 C. Martingale, Corresponding Secretary. 
 
 Its work at once told upon the whole region. 
 
 The wide scope of usefulness for such a Society is shown in 
 the plans and aims of the Dutchess County Auxiliary Bible and 
 Prayer Book Society, of which the distinguished Dr. Samuel 
 Bard was President, as given in its report for 1817: 
 
 "The first object of the Society is to supply as far as practi- 
 cable every person within the County, who cannot conveniently 
 supply himself, with at least a copy of the Scriptures, and all such 
 as shall wish it, with a copy of the Common Prayer. This 
 although a local is by no means a limited object. When it is 
 considered how great the population of this County is, how im- 
 portant it is that every individual should have a Bible of his own, 
 and how many families there are who can ill afford to purchase 
 one copy of the Holy Scriptures, much less one for each of their 
 members, the object is magnified in our view, and shows us that 
 
 i. The extract is from Dr. Beardsley's sermon, "The Tabernacle Dis- 
 solved," preached in St. Thomas' Church, New Haven, Conn., on September 
 I, 1861, commemorative of the Rev. Stephen Jewett. It will be found on p. 
 134 of "Addresses and Discourses, Historical and Religious." By E. Edwards 
 Beardsley, D.D.
 
 1817] Annual Meeting. 123 
 
 what has been already done, is but a beginning of the good work ; 
 and that to complete the benevolent design will require the indus- 
 try, the liberality, and united exertions of all the members of the 
 Society. In our undertaking we are secure of at least the good 
 wishes of all men. For no one who has the honour of religion 
 and the greatest good of man in view can forbear saying to a 
 body of men who have associated for the gratuitous distribution 
 of the uncommented Scriptures, 'God speed' 'V 
 
 It was under the cheering effect of such encouraging tokens of 
 the interest taken in the great cause they had at heart that the 
 Board of Managers of the parent Society met to arrange for the 
 annual meeting, which took place March 3, 1818. 
 
 The following Managers were elected : Matthew Clarkson, 
 John Onderdonk, John Slidell, Henry Rogers, George Dominick, 
 William Bayard, Gulian Ludlow, Isaac Carow, Thomas L. Og- 
 den, Richard Whiley. (Folio 79.) 
 
 On March 6, 1818 the following resolutions were passed: 
 
 "Resolved, that the report read at the last meeting of the society, 
 and referred by that meeting to this board to be disposed of at 
 its discretion, be published, in such way as the standing commit- 
 tee may direct. 
 
 "Resolved, that the Treasurer be authorized to appropriate the 
 sums that may be collected at the preaching of the annual sermon 
 in behalf of this society for the present year, to defraying the 
 expense incurred by the recent procuring of the stereotype plates 
 of the Book of Common Prayer. 
 
 "Resolved, that the standing committee be, and they hereby are 
 authorized, to have immediately printed such a number of the 
 Prayer Books from the stereotype plates as they may deem 
 proper & to enter in the name of this board, into a contract with 
 Messieurs T. & J. Swords for their use of the plates belonging to 
 this society." 
 
 The Managers using the discretion given to them printed the 
 report in The Christian Journal. It is a document full of inform- 
 ation and shows that Eastern Churchmen were not, as has often 
 been said, indifferent to the interests of laymen like Mr. Green 
 and Mr. Griswold, and priests like Roger Searle and Philander 
 Chase, to plant the Church in the Western Country. 
 
 i. The Christian Journal, Friday, October 31, 1817. Volume I., No. 20. 
 P- 319-
 
 124 Eighth Annual Report. [1818 
 
 EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE 
 NEW YORK BIBLE AND COMMON PRAYER BOOK SOCIETY. 
 
 To preserve and disseminate a knowledge of the true God and 
 of Jesus Christ whom he hath sent to procure to the world the 
 inestimable benefits flowing from the pure system of Gospel 
 morals to bring men by faith in Jesus Christ, and through the 
 sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost to walk religiously in 
 good works during their earthly pilgrimage and finally to ad- 
 vance them to the eternal inheritance purchased by the sacrifice 
 of the Lamb of God : these are the objects for which Scripture 
 declares the Church of God was established upon earth. Ad- 
 mitted into that Church by baptism men are received into cove- 
 nant with God through Christ. In the various ordinances duly 
 administered, they have means of attaining unto the conditions 
 of the Covenant and receiving through the promised blessing of 
 Heaven, those aids of divine Grace by which the conditions can 
 be performed, and the everlasting blessing that is covenanted, be 
 received. This is the gracious plan, simple, indeed, in appear- 
 ance but full of wisdom and mercy, whereby God hath revealed 
 his purpose "to deliver from curse and damnation those whom 
 he hath chosen in Christ out of mankind, and to bring them by 
 Christ to everlasting salvation, as vessels made to honour." 
 
 Bearing this in mind we perceive the consistency and propriety 
 of making the command to baptise co-extensive with that to 
 spread the Gospel ; and of the care which the Acts of the Apos- 
 tles and their several Epistles evince that they took thoroughly to 
 organize the Church as inseparable from the fulfilment of their 
 great commission to disseminate the religion of their Master, and 
 from securing the benefits thereby designed. 
 
 In the purpose of Providence, thus clearly evinced, we see 
 marked out the plan to which the members of the Christian 
 Church in all ages should adhere, in their efforts to promote the 
 diffusion of religious truth and practice. 
 
 The Church as a visible society, should ever be recognized; 
 her enlargement and due organization should be sought, as one 
 with the promotion of the religion of the Gospel : thus shown to 
 be God's chosen instrument in furthering the spiritual and eternal 
 interests of men, she should be strengthened by her members in 
 this great work, and her honour sought in its promotion. 
 
 It was this evangelical principle that gave birth to the Society
 
 1818] Eighth Annual Report. 125 
 
 / 
 on whose concerns we are now called to report. Humbly and 
 
 gratefully cherishing the belief that they were attached to a com- 
 munion possessing a ministry proceeding in an unbroken line 
 from that set apart by our Lord in person ; and in doctrine, disci- 
 pline and worship approaching nearer than any in its day to those 
 which were hallowed by Apostolic usage; her first members 
 thought it their duty to stand forth in the name of their Church, 
 in the cause of God and by their efforts make her an humble 
 instrument of promoting his glory, and the spiritual and eternal 
 interests of men. 
 
 To further this pious design, they organized the Society now 
 assembled, in the early part of the year 1809, having for its 
 object the distribution of the Bible and the Book of Common 
 Prayer. The former their Church had taught them to regard 
 as the only and sufficient source of religious and moral instruc- 
 tion, of sanctifying and saving faith of cheering and consol- 
 ing hope of righteousness unto life eternal. By her large and 
 characteristic use of it in her daily and occasional services, she 
 had taught them to consider its general dissemination as the only 
 effectual means of extending the influence of pure religion and 
 morality. In no way, then, could they regard their Church more 
 legitimately occupied, or acting in greater consistency with her 
 principles and practice, than in the distribution of this sacred vol- 
 ume. They were glad to aid her, and were happy to advance 
 her honour in so good and great a work. 
 
 Their second object was the distribution of the Book of Com- 
 mon Prayer. They naturally concluded that when the serious 
 perusal of the word of God had been blessed with the happy effect 
 of rousing the careless to a sense of their danger, and exciting 
 them to ask "What shall we do to be saved ?" Then to put into 
 their hands this book which they regarded as familiarly and 
 affectingly explaining and enforcing the truth of the Gospel; as 
 providing them with the best prayers for pardon, for thorough 
 conversion, for divine illumination and guidance; as instructing 
 them in the primitive doctrine and organization of that Church, 
 in union with which, and in the devout participation of whose 
 ordinances, their Bible taught them, are to be found the blessing 
 of God's covenant with man, as immediately preparing the way 
 for the purist, most affecting and most edifying ministrations of 
 the Ambassadors of Heaven : they naturally concluded that then
 
 126 Eighth Annual Report. [1818 
 
 to second the encouraging impression made by the inspired vol- 
 ume, by the gift of this next best book, would be using the mean 
 most promising success, of bringing to perfection the work of 
 grace upon their hearts. 
 
 In the anticipation of the continued existence and operations of 
 the Society, they chose to establish a permanent fund the interest 
 of which should be disposable, and thus lay the foundation of 
 permanent and much greater ultimate usefulness, rather than to 
 enlarge their immediate operations by the disbursement of what 
 was early collected by the liberality of their fellow members of 
 the Church. The good effect of this provision is shown in the 
 fact appearing in the subjoined report of the Treasurer that we 
 have a permanent fund of $4,509.85. Notwithstanding the tem- 
 porary check which the establishment and maintenance of this 
 fund has necessarily given to the active operations of the Society, 
 they have been enabled to expend upwards of $3,000 in the pur- 
 chase of Bibles and Prayer Books. 
 
 Including a donation of 500 Bibles and 500 New Testaments 
 from the extensive and characteristic benevolence of the British 
 and Foreign Bible Society, the number of volumes gratuitously 
 distributed by this Institution since its establishment, is 2,240 
 English and 100 French Bibles, 600 New Testaments, and 3,331 
 Common Prayer Books. Grand total 6,171. Of these 350 Bibles 
 and 565 Prayer Books have been distributed in the course of the 
 past year. 
 
 By the divine blessing upon the operations we may humbly 
 hope that good has been, and still will be effected, in the dissemi- 
 nation of religious knowledge, in the increase of practical piety, 
 in the enlarging of the borders of the Church of Christ, in the 
 improvement or preservation of her members in evangelical doc- 
 trine and holiness. We are cheered, indeed, by the certain knowl- 
 edge, that in a degree, our exertions have been thus blessed. 
 
 By an arrangement of the Board for that purpose, the Bibles 
 and Prayer Books distributed within the past year, bear the name 
 of this Society on their title pages. The same will hereafter be 
 uniformly the case. 
 
 A difficulty has been found to arise from the smallness of the 
 type in the Prayer Books generally distributed; rendering them 
 in a great measure useless to those whose eyes are affected by 
 disease or the natural infirmity of age. We hope this difficulty
 
 1818] Eighth Annual Report. 127 
 
 will soon be obviated by the use of the stereotype plates of the 
 8vo size, the determination of the Board to procure which was 
 last year reported. We have anticipated an increase of patronage 
 by obtaining them and hope that the friends of the Church will 
 manifest their approbation of a measure which we deemed of 
 essential importance, by favourably answering the application, 
 which it will be necessary to make, for contributions to meet the 
 expense thereby incurred. 
 
 A plan has been adopted for the distribution of the 8vo Prayer 
 Book, which appeared to the Board to possess advantages over 
 that of the ordinary gratuitous circulation. It is given to mem- 
 bers of this Society, to Auxiliary Societies, and to all institutions 
 which embrace the distribution of the Prayer Book within their 
 objects, at the rate of one copy per annum, for every dollar annu- 
 ally contributed; leaving the contributor the choice of a Bible 
 instead of the Prayer Book. Thus while the Prayer Book is 
 given at a cheap rate to all similar institutions the members of 
 the Society will be furnished with it for their use or distribution. 
 The small sized Prayer Book will continue to be gratuitously dis- 
 tributed as usual. 
 
 What this Society has been enabled through the Divine bless- 
 ing to effect, has brought to our knowledge the immense field of 
 usefulness yet unoccupied. From every quarter we are continu- 
 ally importuned for the Word of Life and the invaluable Liturgy 
 of our Church. Will her friends endure to hear that we are fre- 
 quently obliged to be importuned in vain? Will they suffer it to 
 remain an unhappy fact, that even this Diocese (to which the 
 labours of this Institution have been confined) is suffering for 
 want of aid which it is not in our power to extend ? Will they be 
 indifferent to the circumstance that an increase of patronage will 
 enable us to be powerfully instrumental in planting and nourish- 
 ing our Church in every newly settled town and village in this 
 State? The Liturgy compared with the Bible will speak for it- 
 self will subdue prejudices will excite pious attachment will 
 prepare the way, and powerfully second the faithful services of 
 the missionary or settled pastor. 
 
 Reflection on the immense field which yet exists for the opera- 
 tion of this and similar institutions, and on the great interests 
 which are at stake, gives us much pleasure in reporting the addi- 
 tion to the Bible and Common Prayer Book Societies in this Dio-
 
 128 Eighth Annual Report. [1818 
 
 cese of that for the Counties of Washington and Essex and parts 
 adjacent established within the past year. We are also happy 
 again to notice the Auxiliary Society of this City. It continues 
 not merely to exist itself but to increase its exertions. It has 
 reduced the wholesale price of the Prayer Book originally dis- 
 tributed, to the low sum of $30 per 100. The recent report of 
 the Board of Managers, forwarded by them to this Board, states 
 that 623 Bibles and 5,239 Prayer Books have been issued from 
 their depository during the past year. Of the latter a large pro- 
 portion were sold at the reduced price. 
 
 It is further, a source of pleasure to record, among our most 
 zealous coadjutors, the Congregation of St. John's Church, Can- 
 andaigua, Ontario County. From funds raised among them- 
 selves (it is believed the balance of their communion collections, 
 after the necessary appropriations for the relief of the poor), 
 they have, within a few months, distributed 30 Bibles, 200 
 Prayer Books, and 2,700 religious tracts : and all this, immedi- 
 ately after erecting, solely at their own cost, one of the handsom- 
 est Churches in the diocese : and connected with very liberal con- 
 tributions for meeting parochial expenses. The thanks of this 
 Society and the Church at large, and the approbation of all good " 
 men are due to them. Their example is worthy of imitation, and 
 it is sincerely to be hoped will provoke it. 
 
 The institution of "The Protestant Episcopal Missionary So- 
 ciety of Troy, Lansingburgh, and Waterford," and of "The 
 Ladies' Association of the City of Troy for the assistance of 
 students who intend to take Orders in the Episcopal Church," 
 has given further and pleasing evidence of well directed zeal for 
 the great and good cause in this diocese. 
 
 In sister states, also, the members of our Church have mani- 
 fested their regard for her, by exertions having for their object 
 her efficiency in the promotion of Christian knowledge and piety. 
 We are confident you will hear with pleasure of the establishment 
 of a Bible and Prayer Book Society in the town of Worthington 
 (Ohio) and its vicinity. Your Board (in answer to a communi- 
 cation from them) have expressed to the Managers of that So- 
 ciety the pleasure its institution affords them; and their wishes 
 and prayers for its success in the all important work of promot- 
 ing the pure and primitive religion of the Gospel in that interest- 
 ing section of our Country. This we have done. Our hearts'
 
 1818] Eighth Annual Report. 129 
 
 desire was to do more, to send them that aid in the prosecution of 
 their pious objects for which they naturally look to this favoured 
 portion of the Church. But with ability greatly unequal even to 
 the supply of wants at home, we were denied the rich satisfaction 
 of lending a helping hand, in their efforts to these distant 
 brethren. 
 
 Information has also been received of the existence of the fol- 
 lowing Societies formed for pious purposes, by members of our 
 Church ; all of them it is believed instituted within the past year : 
 "Prayer Book and Tract Association of the Eastern Diocese," 
 "St. Peter's (Salem)" and "Merrimack" Branches of the above; 
 "Massachusetts Episcopal Missionary Society," "Massachusetts 
 Episcopal Prayer Book and Tract Society," "Protestant Episco- 
 pal Society of New Milford, Connecticut," "The Female Episco- 
 pal Society of Shrewsbury and Middletown for promoting Chris- 
 tian Knowledge and Piety, auxiliary to the Episcopal Society of 
 New Jersey," "The Paterson Church Missionary Society, in aid 
 of the Missionary Fund of the Church in New Jersey," "The 
 Episcopal Female Tract Society of Philadelphia," "The Mission- 
 ary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church of North Caro- 
 lina." 
 
 We are confident that our fellow-members will rejoice with 
 us in the success of every effort for diffusing the religion of the 
 Gospel; and unite with us in admiration and gratitude for the 
 zeal in this great work which characterizes the present age, and 
 is shared by all who profess the name of Christian. At the same 
 time, a conscientious regard for the evangelical sentiment, that 
 the Church should be recognized in these efforts, and that she 
 should be strengthened in them, as the instrument designed by 
 Providence ultimately to effect the victory of the Gospel, and 
 establish its universal reign, excites in us peculiar interest for 
 those associations of her members which recognize this funda- 
 mental principle. As of this character, and established with 
 views for which every pious heart must rejoice, we notice, lastly, 
 the Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Society. Under the 
 general superintendence of the Bishop of the Diocese, and a 
 Board of Clergy and Lay Managers, and with each School under 
 the particular charge of the minister of the Congregation to 
 which it is attached, and of Directors chosen from the same; it 
 exhibits the delightful spectacle of the Church taking the Chil- 
 (9)
 
 130 Sermon by Mr. Lyell. [181& 
 
 dren of poverty from idleness, vice and misery, and bringing 
 them to Christ for his blessing in time, and through eternity. 
 
 These institutions, and many others of earlier date, afford en- 
 couraging evidence of piety and zeal on the part of the members 
 of our Church. They cannot adopt a method for the promotion 
 of the objects they have in view, more proper or more useful 
 than by thus strengthening her hands for the promotion of the 
 interests of religion. Can this be better effected than through 
 such an agent? "All glorious within," and with "clothing of 
 wrought gold," justifying the pretensions to identify with the 
 spouse of Christ, bearing in her right hand the blessed volume of 
 inspiration, and in her left a system of doctrine and practice 
 drawn from that volume, preserved from earliest times, and 
 sealed by the blood of martyrs ; she would call men from the ser- 
 vice of sin and offer them guidance in paths of holiness and 
 virtue; she would reinstate them in that unity of spirit and bond 
 of peace, which were once the characteristics of the disciples of 
 the Lamb. Receiving them into covenant with God, exhorting 
 them to a true and living faith, dispensing to them appointed 
 means for the conveyance of the strengthening and sanctifying 
 influences of the Holy Ghost the Comforter; she would minister 
 to their purest happiness, their consolation in every trial, their 
 victory "over every assault of the Spiritual enemy, their support 
 and hope in the awful hour of dissolution, and their everlasting 
 joy in the inheritance of the saints in light. 
 By order of the Board, 
 
 BENJ. T. ONDERDONK, Secretary. 
 
 New York, Feb. 25th, iSiS. 1 
 
 The sad and startling episode of the moral lapse of Dr. How,. 
 assistant Rector of Trinity Church, whose brilliant gifts it was 
 thought would long adorn and edify the Church, made necessary 
 a meeting of the Board of Managers, which was held on May 25, 
 1818, when the Rev. Mr. Lyell was appointed a member of the 
 Society committee in the place of Dr. How. A vote of thanks 
 was tendered to Mr. Lyell for his recent sermon on behalf of the 
 Society. 
 
 The sermon so commended had been prepared with a great 
 
 I. The Christian Journal, No. i, for March, 1818. Volume II., No. 5.. 
 pp. 76-80.
 
 1818] Sermon by Mr. LyeU. 
 
 deal of care by Mr. Lyell. After the delivery throughout the 
 City and neighbouring Parishes with the most gratifying success 
 in arousing interest, it was published and circulated widely. It 
 is still worthy of perusal, as this extract shows : 
 
 Men of Israel, help. Acts xxi. 28. 
 
 HELP! To do what? That which the Asiatic Jews, in their 
 rage, wished to have done? To thrust from the temple, and 
 banish from among us, an apostolic ministry? To support a 
 sinking system of ecclesiastical polity a Church, the glory of 
 which has departed, and the term of whose very existence has 
 reached its utmost limit ? No, my Brethren, you are called upon 
 to diffuse that Gospel, and cherish those institutions, in defence 
 and support of which the zealous Apostle laboured long, suffered 
 much, and died a martyr; to promote the interest of a Church 
 destined in the counsels of heaven, having been coextensive in 
 her existence with the duration of time, to be the glory of all 
 lands, to shed lustre over the nations of the world, to receive 
 within her pale the heathen as her inheritance, and the uttermost 
 part of the earth for her possession. 
 
 You are called upon to aid her to send out the light and truth 
 of the Gospel, and to lead hundreds and thousands to offer, on 
 her consecrated altars, a "freewill-offering with a holy worship." 
 Men of Israel, help. This is the business to which, with warm 
 hearts, and liberal dispositions (if the most laudable of all chari- 
 ties can warm the heart, and make liberal the disposition), we 
 are called at this time. 
 
 I am requested to make the annual appeal to your sense of 
 duty and sentiments of liberality, in behalf of the Society for the 
 distribution of the Bible, a book "containing all things necessary 
 to salvation," and consequently dear to Christians of every de- 
 nomination; and also for the distribution of the Book of Com- 
 mon Prayer, the closet, the family, the sanctuary companion and 
 directory of all Churchmen ; that it may be enabled to continue 
 and extend its work of faith and labour of love. * * * * 
 
 Not help to circulate the Bible? O that we could give it the 
 wings of the morning! The Bible! To what else shall we as- 
 cribe it, that we are not at this day involved in the darkness and 
 ignorance of former ages ? To what institution to what system 
 of instruction, of all those which the benevolence and wisdom,
 
 132 Auxiliary's Second Report. [1818 
 
 the piety and charity of the age have devised and put into opera- 
 tion? And no age ever devised more for the improvement of the 
 mind, or the melioration of the circumstances of man. From 
 among them all select the most excellent; that around which 
 wisdom throws her brightest beams, and in the operation of 
 which, benevolence and charity exercise and gratify their most 
 ardent and expansive wishes take that one nay, take them all 
 together, and what are they without the Bible? Your Charity 
 Schools, both parochial and public ; your Sunday Schools, though 
 last not least in worth and excellence, whether we consider the 
 tenderness of their care or the wisdom of their plans, what are 
 they, valuable as they are, but the voice of one crying in the wil- 
 derness but the means and instruments to prepare the way of 
 the Lord for religious instruction? Deprived of the Bible, of its 
 co-operation and impulse, they are impotent as a machine de- 
 prived of its spring; their force would soon cease to reach the 
 mass of the people. Take the Bible away, and you strike from 
 those systems of wisdom, instruction, and benevolence, the sun 
 to whose radiance and warmth they owe their splendour and their 
 worth; the natural darkness and corruption of the human heart 
 would soon prevail against them, and those clouds of superstition 
 and barbarism which enveloped former ages, would speedily 
 return, thick and dark, and settle on the most enlightened nations 
 of Christendom. 
 
 "Men of Israel," shall we help this Society to distribute the 
 Bible? 1 
 
 So intimate was the relation between the parent Society and 
 the New York Auxiliary that its work was practically comple- 
 mentary to that of the older Society. 
 
 It is then a necessary part of the narrative to insert here an 
 account of the anuual meeting, and a portion of the 
 
 SECOND ANNUAL REPORT. 
 As all institutions for the diffusion of Christianity are 
 
 I. A Sermon delivered in several Churches and Chapels of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the City of New-York, for the Benefit of the New- 
 York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society. By The Rev. Thomas 
 Lyell, A.M., Rector of Christ Church, New- York.
 
 1818] Auxiliary's Second Report. 133 
 
 founded in charity, it has been deemed proper in the formation of 
 this Society, that this heavenly virtue should not be limited to the 
 distribution of the Bible only but also that by distributing the 
 Book of Common Prayer to extend to others the same Gospel 
 privileges we ourselves enjoy. The great object in separating 
 from the Church of Rome, was not only that the Scriptures 
 should be read and widely disseminated, but also that The Church 
 should be restored to its primitive purity. Should we not then 
 as Protestant Episcopalians throw away the precious fruits of 
 the reformation, did we not stand with the Bible in one hand, 
 and the Book of Common Prayer in the other. The Liturgy was 
 drawn from the Scriptures by those great men, who were chief 
 promoters, and finally martyrs in the cause, of the reformation, 
 and by the identity of its principles, it is capable of being resolved 
 into the Scriptures again. As the view in distributing the Bible, 
 is to point out the way of peace and of eternal life, and to bring 
 men to the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus 
 Christ ; so the great object in distributing the Book of Common 
 Prayer, is to point out that ark of our salvation, that spiritual 
 Building instituted by Christ, into which he has commanded all 
 men to enter into which the Scriptures are designed to lead all 
 who read and believe them, and whose rule of faith and practice 
 they are. 
 
 The more fully to accomplisli the pious purposes of this 
 Society, the Legislature of the state, at its last session, passed an 
 act of Incorporation, and also provided a mode by which institu- 
 tions, having the same laudable purposes, can partake of the 
 same benefits and privileges. 1 
 
 In the late establishment of Sunday Schools in this city, the 
 Board rejoice that the field of their labour has been enlarged, 
 and they anticipate with pleasure, the time when these Schools 
 shall be formed in every part of the Union, and by instilling into 
 the tender mind, principles of piety, become efficient pioneers for 
 the extensive dissemination of religious knowledge. We are 
 confident, that to rescue the young from ignorance and vice, to 
 make them useful members of society, to promote their interest 
 in this life and that which is to come, present such strong mo- 
 tives for the general establishment of Sunday Schools, that they 
 
 i. The Act of Incorporation and revised Constitution and By-Laws will be 
 found in the Appendix.
 
 134 Auxiliary's Second Report. [1818 
 
 cannot be disregarded ; and we' are inspired with the hope, that 
 this beneficial system will, at no distant day, shed its blessings 
 upon every city and village of our country. 
 
 During the last year, your Board of Managers have gratuit- 
 ously distributed 623 Bibles ; and the number of Common Prayer 
 Books issued from our repository, during the same period, is 
 5,239. The annexed account of the Treasurer, exhibits the num- 
 ber of Prayer Books supplied by us to societies and individuals, 
 for gratuitous distribution. These distributions have been prin- 
 cipally made in the most destitute parts of our state ; and as our 
 operations are not confined to prescribed limits, we have paid 
 every attention to the Spiritual wants of other states. The most 
 gratifying accounts came from the Clergymen who were travel- 
 ling into, and intrusted with our distribution in the new settle- 
 ments of our country. Through the industry of these gentlemen, 
 many congregations have been formed for divine worship, and the 
 most important results may be expected. Our distributions have 
 also been liberal in the state of Connecticut, and the acknowledg- 
 ments of the Clergy very gratifying. 
 
 It will appear, by the annexed Report of the Treasurer, that 
 the receipts during the year, amount to $3,497.78, and that the 
 disbursements amount to $3,346.22, leaving in the treasury a 
 balance of $151.56. The present demands on the treasury will 
 nearly absorb this balance; we confidently rest, however, in the 
 assurance that the liberal patronage hitherto extended to us by 
 our fellow-citizens, will still be piously afforded. 
 
 Your Board of Managers have lately concluded an arrange- 
 ment for the printing of the Book of Common Prayer from their 
 stereotype plates, by which not only this Society, but sister socie- 
 ties and charitable individuals will be enabled much more exten- 
 sively to promote their views. In the completion of this arrange- 
 ment, your Board are inspired with the hope, that these prayers, 
 which have obtained universal reputation, and have been deserv- 
 edly admired among Protestants in every 'age, will be more 
 widely circulated, and by the religion infused and embodied 
 therein, the hearts and lives of many will be transformed and 
 brought to the worship of God with zeal and knowledge, spirit 
 and truth, purity and sincerity. 
 
 The second anniversary of the Auxiliary New York Bible 
 and Common Prayer Book Society was held in Trinity Church,
 
 1818] Election of Officers. 135 
 
 on Monday Evening the 26th inst. The minutes of the last anni- 
 versary were read and approved, the Annual Report was then 
 read by Wm. E. Dunscomb, Esq. 
 
 Whereupon, on motion of the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart, 
 seconded by the Rev. Mr. Lyell, the following resolutions were 
 unanimously adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That this Society receive, with much satisfaction, 
 the very interesting Report of the Board of Managers. 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be presented to the 
 Board of Managers, for the zeal and fidelity with which they 
 have prosecuted the objects of the institution. 
 
 Resolved, That in the opinion of this Society, the increasing 
 number of Episcopalians, who are scattered through the new set- 
 tlements, and the wants of many in the other parts of our coun- 
 try, render necessary augmented zeal to provide them with the 
 means of religious knowledge and worship, by the distribution of 
 the Bible and Book of Common Prayer; and that these consid- 
 erations, while they afford to the Society, and to the Managers, 
 a powerful stimulus to perseverance, under the Divine blessings, 
 in their labours, will, they trust, induce the friends of Religion, 
 and the Church, to co-operate with them in their pious and benev- 
 olent work, by extending to the institution their patronage and 
 beneficence. 
 
 The Society then proceeded to the election of a Board of Offi- 
 cers and managers for the ensuing year when the following 
 gentlemen were elected, viz : 
 
 Edward N. Cox, President. 
 
 Luther Braclish, ist Vice President. 
 
 Dr. Gerardus A. Cooper, 2d Vice President. 
 
 Floyd Smith, 3d Vice President. 
 
 Wm. E. Dunscomb, Corresponding Secretary. 1 
 
 Wm. Onderdonk, Jim., Recording Secretary. 
 
 John Smyth Rogers, Treasurer. 
 
 Wm. H. Harison, Agent. 
 
 Managers: Dr. John Watts, Jim., Cornelius R. Duffie, John 
 Anthon, Benjamin Haight, Thomas N. Stanford, Lewis Loutrel, 
 Duncan P. Cambell, John H. Hill, Ferris Pell, Charles Nicholls, 
 
 I. B. Haight, Esq., the former Corresponding Secretary, having declined 
 a re-election.
 
 136 Address by Professor McVickar. [1818 
 
 Charles Keeler, Alexis P. Proal, David A. Clarkson, John J. 
 Lambert, Charles W. Sanford, John M. Aspinwall. Murray 
 Hoffman, Henry Barclay. 
 
 On motion, Ordered that the proceedings of this evening be 
 published in the daily papers, and that 1,250 copies of the Annual 
 Report, together with the proceedings, be published in the form 
 of a pamphlet, for the use of the Society. 
 
 By order of the Society, 
 
 WM. ONDERDONK, JUN. 
 
 Recording Secretary. 
 
 New York, January 27th, 1818. 
 
 In the address of the newly elected professor of moral philoso- 
 phy in Columbia College, the Rev. John McVickar, there are 
 given some additional particulars of the wisdom and care with 
 which the Society ministered to the actual necessities of the City 
 and diocese. 
 
 But to the Society itself: The Auxiliary Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society arose in the beginning of the year 1816, as 
 an aid to the Society of the same name already established. How 
 well they have redeemed that pledge of aid, I need not say: it 
 would not be going too far to assert, that instead of auxiliary 
 they have become principal; that they have outrun those, whose 
 footsteps they were but to follow : and this I say, not in dispar- 
 agement of one, but in praise of the other ; in praise of an ability 
 and zeal, which, in an age of increasing fervour, has few equals 
 I know of none superior. 
 
 This Society, although instituted at a period of pecuniary 
 distress and commercial pressure, did yet, through the zeal and 
 respectability of those to whom the management of it was in- 
 trusted, so win upon the public confidence, that it wanted not for 
 a liberal support. Nor was that confidence misplaced : in their 
 first annual report, they announced the distribution of above 
 3,000 volumes, besides the accomplishment of a plan, from which 
 abler societies had shrunk a plan long-desired, but desired in 
 vain; I mean, the securing, by Stereotype Plates, a permanent 
 supply of correct copies of the Book of Common Prayer. 
 
 Of the importance of this task, you may form an idea from 
 this simple fact, that it has lowered the price of that book from
 
 1818] Address by Professor McVickar. 137 
 
 75 t 37^2 cents : the effect of which reduction will be to increase 
 the number disposed of, almost in the ratio of the reduction it- 
 self: one proof of which assertion exists in the report of the 
 present year laid before me in MSS. ; by which it appears that 
 5,239 Books of Common Prayer have been disposed of, or dis- 
 tributed by them through the past year, besides an equally large 
 edition struck off by a Bookseller, who hired their plates for that 
 purpose. I mention this latter fact with a double view; to illus- 
 trate the prudence as well as zeal of the Society. Their plates, 
 which cost them $1,221, have thus, by prudent arrangements, 
 already repaid them near 20 per cent, of their original cost, and 
 will, I doubt not, eventually replace the whole of that sum. 
 
 In such hands, charity is no wasteful fund, and we may safely 
 make those our almoners, who bring all the economy of private 
 management into their public expenditure. In truth, this is no 
 ostentatious charity : no wanton disbursement of money earned 
 without labour, to catch the public eye : but it bears the marks of 
 the orderly arrangement of well regulated and pious minds; it 
 copies the wise provisions of beneficent nature, which gathers 
 with one, while she disperses with the other; it resembles the 
 great luminary of Heaven, who while he sends down rain on a 
 thirsty land, is ever drawing to himself new stores of vapour, 
 from the bosom of the exhaustless ocean. 
 
 The number of Bibles distributed by them through the course 
 of the past year, is 693 making the whole amount for the scant 
 two years of the Society's existence, 1,190 Bibles, 7,989 Books 
 of Common Prayer, forming an aggregate total of 9,179 vol- 
 umes. 
 
 But I should do injustice to the labours of this Society, were 
 I to stop here : their distribution has been as judicious as it has 
 been extensive. 
 
 The wants of our own State first demanded, and first met 
 their attention ; the adjoining States, in proportion to their needs, 
 came in for a share of their liberality; and finally, the great 
 western States have opened to them a field of usefulness, more 
 adequate to their zeal, than to their pecuniary means to cultivate. 
 
 In this boundless territory, where, peradventure, future em- 
 pires lie in embryo, the labour of Apostles, and the zeal of Mar- 
 tyrs, is not wanting to build up the Christian Church; the seed 
 has indeed been sown, and the vegetation is rapid; but without
 
 138 Addreas by Professor McVickar. 
 
 some fostering care, it will be choked by the wild weeds of a 
 luxurious soil ; and anxiously does this Society look to have the 
 honour of cultivating it with the hand of zeal, and watering it 
 with stores of liberality. But that hope, as well as all its other 
 prospects, rests, under the good Providence of God, on the deci- 
 sion you, my brethren, shall make this night on the merits of 
 their past labours. ********** 
 
 This is indeed an era of religious zeal and moral improve- 
 ment. It is a period in which the overruling power of Provi- 
 dence stands marked and signal, carrying on, with a high though 
 secret hand, its gracious designs; fulfilling the predictions of 
 ancient time turning visions into realities prophecy into pres- 
 ent story; preparing for that blessed consummation, when "from 
 the rising to the setting of the sun, Christ's name shall be great 
 among the Gentiles." 
 
 Christianity is on its march to universal empire; but have we 
 no task to perform in it? Are we idle spectators of a contest in 
 which we should bear our part? God forbid! If we share not 
 in the contest, we share not the crown. In our aids to this 
 Society, we pay a portion of our quota we roll on the mighty 
 scheme we press forward that great work, that for 1,800 years 
 has been advancing we help to cap that Christian temple, which 
 built up by the lives and labours of Martyrs and Apostles, is 
 soon, we trust, to be prepared for the reception of its Lord. 
 
 Through us, this night, some shall hear of the name of Christ, 
 who never heard it before, some heir of sin shall be rescued from 
 the paths of vice; some child of sorrow shall dry its tears', and 
 look up with comfort to a reconciled God. Through us, this 
 night, some bed of sickness shall be smoothed of its thorns ; some 
 grave robbed of its terrors; some fellow creature be better pre- 
 pared to pass down in pious resignation into the mansions of the 
 dead. 
 
 Have you ever witnessed, my brethren, a dying bed? Have 
 you seen the restless workings of an unquiet mind, the rackings 
 of a guilty conscience? If you have, you will agree with me, that 
 no liberality is so well applied, no charity so nobly exerted, as 
 that which prepares comfort and peace for a dying hour. 
 
 I need not remind you that that hour awaits us all that on 
 one bed every head must rest on one pillow every eye must 
 close in one dark and narrow chamber we all must rest ; but I
 
 1818] Address by Professor McVickar. 139 
 
 will remind you, that no better plan hath ever been found to 
 smooth to ourselves that fated path, than to smooth it before- 
 hand for others. 
 
 Give then to this charity, according to your means, to your 
 feelings, to your convictions. "Cast thy bread upon the waters, 
 and after many days thou shalt find it." Thou shalt find it this 
 night in the comfort of an approving conscience; thou shalt find 
 it in years to come in the increase of virtue and religion, and all 
 the blessings which follow in their train ; and to crown all, that 
 charity thus cast abroad for others, thou shalt find, in thine hour 
 of need, laid up for thyself. 1 
 
 i. An Address delivered before The Auxiliary New- York Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society, in St. Paul's Chapel, in the City of New- 
 York, on Thursday, the 2o.th day of January, A. D. 1818. By John McVickar, 
 Coll. Col. Prof. Published by the Request of the Society: New- York: 
 Printed by William A. Mercein, No. 93 Gold-Street. 1818.
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Auxiliary Societies Continuing to be Formed Under Bishop Hobart's 
 Influence Other Diocesan Societies Also Formed First Annual Report 
 of the Common Prayer-Book Society of Pennsylvania Meeting of the 
 N. Y. B. & C. P. B. Society, February 24, 1819 Ninth Annual 
 Report Third Report of the Auxiliary New York Society Appointment 
 of an "Agent" by the N. Y. Society Mr. Henry McFarlan Elected 
 Annual Meeting of the Society in Trinity Church, 24 February, 1820 
 Tenth Annual Report Fourth Report of the Auxiliary Society The Li- 
 berian Colony Letters from the Rev. Samuel Bacon to Bishop Hobart 
 The Bible and Common Prayer Book Society of the Western District 
 Annual Report of the N. Y. Auxiliary for 1821 Meeting of the N. Y. B. 
 & C. P. B. Society, 1821, February 27th Eleventh Annual Report Estab- 
 lishment of the General Theological Seminary in New York and Perfected 
 Organization of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society Sixth 
 Annual Report of the Auxiliary Society Twelfth Annual Report of the 
 N. Y. B. & C. P. B. Society. 
 
 THE opening of the year 1819 found the Society making 
 marked progress. The Diocese of New York was aroused 
 to the necessity for country and town societies, and under 
 the invigorating and cheering suggestions of the Bishop, 
 many were formed. In other Dioceses Prayer Book Societies 
 were organized and did their work efficiently. 
 
 The first annual report of the Common Prayer Book Society 
 of Pennsylvania is printed in the Christian Journal for February, 
 1819. It mentioned the circumstances of its formation "toward 
 the close of the year 1817," the purchase from D. and G. Bruce, 
 of New York, of a set of stereotype plates, the issue of an edition 
 of one thousand copies, of which five hundred were sold to 
 Messrs. S. & P. Potter, booksellers of Philadelphia, and the 
 remainder distributed to subscribers according to the design of 
 the Society. 
 
 Its President was the Hon. Chief Justice Tilghman. Bishop 
 White was its Patron; its Vice Presidents were Daniel Smith, 
 Charles N. Bancker, Dr. F. P. Glentworth; the Rev. George 
 Boyd was its Corresponding Secretary, Mr. Charles Wheeler its 
 Recording Secretary, and Mr. Richard P. Smith its Treasurer. 1 
 
 I. The Christian Journal, 1819, pp. 46, 47, 48. 
 
 140
 
 1819] Ninth Annual Report. 141 
 
 It was under these encouraging circumstances that the Mana- 
 gers held their meeting on February 24, 1819. 
 
 The Secretary from the Standing Committee read a report 
 proposed by the committee as the report of this board, to be read 
 at the approaching meeting of the Society. 
 
 The report was adopted by the board, for the purpose pro- 
 posed by the Standing Committee, and the following is the text 
 of the report as found in the Christian Journal : 
 
 NINTH ANNUAL REPORT. 
 
 Two hundred and sixteen Bibles, and six hundred and eighty- 
 six Prayer Books have been gratuitously distributed within the 
 past year. 
 
 The following report of the Treasurer, rendered to the Board 
 of Managers, will show the state of the funds. 
 
 By a reference to the Treasurer's accounts herewith presented, 
 it will be seen, that the receipts for the last year, on account of 
 the disposable fund of the Bible and Common Prayer Book So- 
 ciety, amount to $1,310.19, and the expenditures to $1,405,30, 
 viz. 
 
 For the purchase of stereotype plates for the Com- 
 mon Prayer Book $992 oo 
 
 For 216 Bibles, and 686 Prayer Books 41 1 80 
 
 For advertising I 50 
 
 $1,405 30 
 
 The balance of this account, $122.53 (which includes the bal- 
 ance of the last year's account), was borrowed from the perma- 
 nent fund. This the Treasurer was enabled to do, by the receipt 
 of the last payment on the State 7 per cent, loan, belonging to 
 the Society. He consequently did not avail himself of the author- 
 ity given by the Board of Managers, to make a loan to pay the 
 deficiency in the appropriation for the purchase of the stereo- 
 type plates. 
 
 The receipts on account of the permanent fund of the Society, 
 amount only to $175, of which sum $170 were the balance due 
 on the State 7 per cent loan. The state of that fund varies but 
 little in amount from the last year, being composed of
 
 142 Ninth Annual Report. {1819 
 
 32 Shares in the Eagle Fire Company, cost $3,667 60 
 
 10 Shares in the Mutual Fire Insurance Company.. . 598 60 
 
 Due from the account of disposable fund $122 53 
 
 Cash 126 12 248 63 
 
 85 
 The sum to be disposed of the ensuing year, may be 
 
 calculated at about $285 oo 
 
 Arising from dividends of stock,. .$333 oo 
 
 Annual contribution TOO oo $433 oo 
 
 Due the permanent fund 122 53 
 
 Contingent expenses 25 oo 147 53 $285 47 
 
 GULIAN LUDLOW, Treasurer. 
 New York, Feb. i, 1819. 
 
 The Managers have prepared a circular, addressed to the 
 members of our Church in this city, soliciting further patronage 
 to the Society ; and another to the several clergymen and vacant 
 parishes in the diocese, suggesting the formation of Auxiliary 
 Societies. The encouragement held out to our members, and to 
 Societies, by the cheapness of our 8vo Prayer Book, we hope will 
 insure to these efforts considerable success. We trust it will 
 please the Divine Head of the Church, to excite among us a spirit 
 of pious and zealous liberality, more proportioned than what has 
 yet appeared, to our religious privileges, and in greater con- 
 formity with the dictates of gratitude and love to God, of regard 
 for the Redeemer's Church, and of solicitude for the temporal 
 and eternal good of men. 
 
 We are gratified at the additional evidence the past year has 
 afforded to the Church, of the fidelity of her members, in aiding 
 her in the dissemination of Christian truth and practice. In- 
 stances have come to our knowledge, in the formation of "The 
 Connecticut Protestant Episcopal Society for the Promotion of 
 Christian Knowledge" ; the "Female Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society of St. Andrew's Church, Orange County" ; "The 
 Johnstown Auxiliary Bible and Common Prayer Book Society" ; 
 the "Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Society of Philadel- 
 phia" ; the "Common Prayer Book Society of Pennsylvania," and 
 the "Female Tract Society of Worthington and its vicinity." 
 It is in the highest degree gratifying to see the members of the
 
 1819] Ninth Annual Report. 143 
 
 Church thus interested in extending the inestimable benefits de- 
 signed by its establishment. Let us supplicate for these efforts 
 the Divine direction and blessing; that they may be successful in 
 spreading the pure and undefiled religion of the Gospel ; in pro- 
 moting the glory of God the Father, who made us, and all the 
 world God the Son, who redeemed us, and all mankind God 
 the Holy Ghost, who sanctifieth us, and all the people of God; 
 and in advancing the present and eternal welfare of the human 
 race. Let us beseech him who honours men, by making them 
 instruments in effecting the designs of his providence and grace, 
 to infuse into the hearts of his people a spirit of willing and zeal- 
 ous devotion to his cause, manifesting by consecrating to it the 
 personal exertions for which circumstances may fit them; and 
 especially by contributing they that have much, plentifully, they 
 that have little gladly of that little, to the institutions of the 
 Church designed to promote the glory of God, and the good of 
 men. 
 
 By order of the Board. 
 
 JOHN H. HOB ART, President. 
 BENJ. T. ONDERDONK, Secretary. 
 
 New York, Feb. 24, 1819. 
 
 The report having been read and accepted, the following gen- 
 tlemen were elected to unite with the Bishop and Clergy of the 
 city, as the Board of Managers for the ensuing year : Matthew 
 Clarkson, John Onderdonk, John Slidell, Henry Rogers, George 
 Dominick, Gulian Ludlow, Isaac Carow, Richard Whiley, Henry 
 M'Farlan, Richard Platt. 
 
 At a meeting of the Board of Managers, held on Friday. March 
 5, the Rev. Benj. T. Onderdonk was chosen Secretary, and Mr. 
 Gulian Ludlow, Treasurer. 1 
 
 NEW YORK BIBLE AND COMMON PRAYER BOOK SOCIETY. 
 
 The New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society offer 
 to Subscribers, Auxiliary Societies, and other Institutions embrac- 
 ing within their objects the gratuitous distribution of the Book 
 of Common Prayer, one Bible, or one octavo Prayer Book, neatly 
 bound, for every dollar which they contribute. 
 
 The New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society has 
 
 i. The Christian Journal, February, 1819. Volume III., No. 2, pp. 45, 46.
 
 144 Ninth Annual Report. [1819 
 
 recently procured a set of Stereotype plates of the Book of Com- 
 mon Prayer, of the octavo size. There has long been felt the 
 want of a Prayer Book printed with a large letter, sufficiently 
 cheap to promote its gratuitous circulation among the aged, and 
 others whose sight is affected. The Society hopes to accomplish 
 this object with the present edition, through the medium of its 
 own members, and of Auxiliary and other Institutions. The 
 terms of membership, are the annual payment of a sum not less 
 than one dollar, or an immediate payment of a sum not less than 
 fifteen dollars. For every dollar annually paid, a member is 
 entitled to a Bible or an octavo Prayer Book. A member for life 
 is entitled to the same, annually, for every fifteen dollars he con- 
 tributes. Thus, while the octavo Prayer Book is afforded to 
 members at a very reduced price, a small profit, which the Society 
 derives from each, will be a means of increasing its usefulness. 
 Members will be hereby enabled, not only gradually to supply 
 their own families at a very moderate cost, with large Prayer 
 Books, but also, with the least possible inconvenience, to exercise 
 their pious benevolence, by bestowing them on the poor, to whom 
 the small book, usually circulated, may be useless, in consequence 
 of the difficulty of reading its diminutive print. 
 
 The hope is confidently cherished, that a plan thus combining 
 the interests of both the Society and its members, with the grati- 
 fication of the charitable dispositions of the latter, will secure 
 success to this renewed effort for obtaining the liberal support of 
 the Church. 
 
 The present application is made, and the success of it rendered 
 peculiarly necessary, on account of the insufficiency of the collec- 
 tions made to meet the expenses of these plates. 
 
 The gratuitous distribution, throughout the Dioceses, of the 
 Bible and the small Prayer Book, will be continued as heretofore. 
 
 By order of the Board. 
 
 JOHN HENRY HOBART, 
 
 Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in the State of New York, 
 
 President. 
 B. T. ONDERDONK, Sec'ry. 
 
 New York, Feb. 12, 
 
 I. The Christian Journal, 1819, pp. 62, 63.
 
 1819] Third Auxiliary Report. 145 
 
 The notice referred to was given a wide circulation both in the 
 city and Diocese, and printed in the diocesan paper, The Chris- 
 tian Journal. 
 
 In the report of the Auxiliary Society will be found much of 
 interest. It shows what a devoted body of young men were able 
 to accomplish : 
 
 THIRD AUXILIARY REPORT. 
 
 On presenting the third Annual Report to the Auxiliary New 
 York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, the Managers 
 feel it incumbent upon them, first, to acknowledge the Divine 
 blessing upon their exertions, and to express their sense of grati- 
 tude for the prosperity, which, under Providence, has attended 
 the labours of the past year.- 
 
 In the infant state of the Society, it became the duty of the 
 Managers to reflect upon the several methods of accomplishing 
 their objects. Repeated and mature deliberations determined the 
 course to be pursued. The smallness of their funds precluded the 
 purchase of stereotype plates of the Bible. Stereotype copies of 
 it were to be had at a moderate price, while the Book of Common 
 Prayer had not yet been stereotyped in this city. The copies of 
 the Prayer Book, which were obtained during the first year of 
 the Society's operations, were disadvantageously circulated, as 
 they were found, relatively speaking, to exceed greatly the price 
 of stereotyped works. With due consideration, therefore, to the 
 usefulness of the Society, and the economy and increase of its 
 funds, in accomplishing its two-fold object, viz., the more general 
 circulation of the Bible, and also of the Book of Common Prayer, 
 they resolved to possess themselves of stereotype plates of the 
 Prayer Book. Since that time, the Managers have had reason to 
 believe, that a similar advantage to the Society from an improve- 
 ment in the economy and increase of its funds, would attend the 
 possession of stereotype plates of the Bible also. They had long 
 contemplated and ardently wished to procure them; their funds, 
 however, still remained inadequate to the object, and they did not 
 feel themselves authorized to withdraw any part of the money 
 then employed in circulating the Book of Common Prayer. The 
 necessity of an appeal to the members of the Church was urged, 
 and the result has fully justified the appeal. 
 
 By the bounty of the individuals emulating each other in their 
 patronage of the Society, the Managers have been enabled to con- 
 do)
 
 146 Third Auxiliary Report. 
 
 elude a contract for a set of stereotype plates of the Holy Scrip- 
 tures in duodecimo; to be completed by the month of July next. 
 The type and convenient size of the volume, adapt it to almost 
 even- age and condition of life, and render it appropriate for the 
 school, the closet and the church. Directions have been given to 
 commence the execution of the plates with the Xew Testament, 
 so as to enable the Society to furnish an edition of that part of 
 the holy volume, for the use of schools, and of such persons and. 
 societies as may desire to have it, in a cheap and convenient form.- 
 These plates will be finished in the course of five or six weeks r 
 and shortly thereafter, the Xew Testament will be ready for 
 delivery. By this arrangement the ability and usefulness of the 
 Society have been consulted and enlarged, and an additional evi- 
 dence is given of the unceasing desire of its members to aid irt 
 distributing the word of life. The list of subscribers to this work 
 of Christian charity will be published as soon as the subscriptions 
 are completed. Eighteen hundred dollars have already been col- 
 lected and paid by the Managers on account of those plates five- 
 hundred dollars more will become due on the final delivery of 
 them to the Society : for this sum the Managers have made them- 
 selves responsible, in full confidence that it will be subscribed by 
 those to whom application has not yet been made. 
 
 By an arrangement made the last year with Messrs. Kirk & 
 Mercein, for the printing and sale of the Book of Common 
 Prayer, a great reduction of its price was obtained, with a view 
 to the benefit and increase of that denomination of Christians 
 throughout the United States, whose wants, interests and relig- 
 ious feelings could not be separated from those of the same per- 
 suasion in this State. In relinquishing all profit arising from the 
 sale of the Prayer Book, in surrendering this source of revenue^ 
 and thus diminishing the number and extent of their own immedi- 
 ate distributions, the Managers it is believed have greatly extended 
 the circulation of the Book of Common Prayer. The pleasure 
 and credit of being themselves the public instruments of spreading 
 it, coextensively with the funds that might be derived from the 
 loan of their stereotype plates in this city, was superseded by the 
 paramount duty* of rendering the Book of Common Prayer acces- 
 sible to every Episcopalian throughout the Union, either by 
 gratuity-, or by cheapness of price, as might best comport with 
 the feelings or ability of the individuals. The operation of this-
 
 1819] Third Auxiliary Report. 147 
 
 plan, in relation to the price of the book, has realized the expecta- 
 tions of the Managers: instead of a diminution of the sales of 
 Booksellers, they have witnessed an unexampled ilnn.mil t.i the 
 Book of Common Prayer : in addition to the number circulated 
 in the name of the Society, it is l>elieve<l that twenty thousand 
 copies have been sold in this city, and that the amount of sales of 
 the Prayer Book during the last year is wholly unprecedented. 
 
 The interests of individuals have been made subservient to the 
 worship of the Church, and the homage of private sacrifice is 
 paid to the public dissemination of the truths of Christianity. 
 
 Some astonishment having been expressed at the great number 
 of Prayer B<x>ks stated in this report to have been sold in this 
 city in the course of the past year it may be proper to remark, that 
 this is about the number sold by three Booksellers only. Since 
 the report was submitted it has been ascertained that there is 
 another set of stereotype plates of the Prayer Book, which have 
 been in use during the last eighteen months, and that near ten 
 thousand copies have been struck from them; and nearly the 
 whole number sold within that period. If six thousand of them 
 were sold during the last year, there is an aggregate number of 
 twenty-six thousand copies sold by four Booksellers alone during 
 the last year. If four thousand copies only be allowed to have 
 been sold by all the other Booksellers within that time, there it a 
 total of thirty thousand Books of Common Prayer sold during 
 the year, exclusive of those sold and distributed by this Society. 1 
 
 A society doing its work by the circulation of books does not 
 present any strange or new incidents to startle and interest 
 When once the consciences of the men and women of the Church 
 had been aroused to the Ixnmden duty and necessity of providing 
 the people of the land with Prayer Books, and the offerings large 
 or small had l>een made, it is only as that Society reports to its 
 constituents that we can learn how fully it has achieved its pur- 
 pose. Its success depended largely upon the faithfulness of the 
 parish priest, the activity of the missionary and the enlightened 
 discernment of the thoughtful laymen. I lie principles of the 
 Church were then being instilled into the minds of many in the 
 
 I. The Third Annual Report of the Managers of the Auxiliary New York 
 Bible Society and Common Prayer-Book Society. 1819.
 
 148 Agent Appointed. [1820 
 
 "western country" by pious laymen and true pioneers of the faith. 
 The correspondence of Bishop Hobart shows that from every 
 part of the State there was enquiry concerning the Church and 
 in almost every new settlement people were ready to form a con- 
 gregation. The great need then was more clergy, more Prayer 
 Books, and of works treating of the Church and its ways. The 
 members of the Society took in 1820 an important forward step 
 in the appointment of an agent. 
 
 In Mr. McFarlan they found a man admirably adapted to keep 
 closely in touch with the forward movement of the Church, and 
 through whom the benefits of the Society could be most wisely 
 extended. 
 
 At a stated meeting of the Board held February 2, 1820, it 
 was 
 
 Resolved, that the sum of $500, stated by the Treasurer to be 
 the probable disposable amount for the ensuing year, be applied, 
 in equal parts, to the purchase of Bibles and prayer books for 
 gratuitous distribution. 
 
 Resolved, that the following be added to the Rules and Regula- 
 tions of this Society : 
 
 An Agent shall be appointed by the Board of Managers, whose 
 duty it shall be to see that the orders for Bibles and Common 
 Prayer Books are executed, and furnished to the subscribers and 
 others, agreeably to the directions of the Board of Managers, and 
 that the dues are collected. For this purpose he shall cause every 
 subscriber to be furnished with the annual Report, with a copy 
 annexed of a rule relative to the number of Bibles or Common 
 Prayer Books to which he may be entitled, and shortly thereafter, 
 with a printed demand for his annual dues, and with an order for 
 the number of Bibles or Common Prayer Books to which he may 
 be entitled, which order, when his dues are paid, shall be executed, 
 provided it be presented within three months after the date of 
 the receipt for his dues ; and if not presented within that time, he 
 shall be considered as giving his consent that the Bibles or Com- 
 mon Prayer Books to which he may be entitled, shall be at the 
 disposal of the managers for gratuitous distribution, all which 
 shall be specified in the orders respectively. The agent shall, 
 also, from time to time, take measures to increase the subscribers; 
 and at the meeting on the first Wednesday of February in every 
 year, he shall make a report to the Managers of the number of
 
 1820] Annual Meeting. 149 
 
 subscribers, and the amount of their subscriptions, of the number 
 of Bibles and Common Prayer Books furnished to subscribers, 
 and distributed, and of all other particulars connected with the 
 duties of his office. 
 
 Mr. Henry McFarlan was appointed Agent. 
 
 New York, February 29th, 1820. 
 
 This being "the first Tuesday after the 24th February, the 
 Festival of St. Matthias," *he annual meeting of the Society was 
 held in Trinity Church. 
 
 The President having taken the chair, the minutes of the last 
 annual meeting were read. 
 
 The Secretary then read the Tenth Annual Report of the 
 Board of Managers. 
 
 The report was accepted, and the Secretary directed to have it 
 published in such way as he may judge best. 
 
 There was laid before the meeting the following proposed addi- 
 tion to the 4th Article of the Constitution, which had been 
 adopted by the requisite majority of the Board of Managers, and 
 to which in order to its final passage, a concurrent vote of two 
 thirds of a meeting of the Society is essential : 
 
 The President shall have the power of dispensing with the 
 preceding provisions of this article, and adopting some other 
 mode of obtaining the annual public contribution. 
 
 This amendment was unanimously adopted. 
 
 The Society then proceeded to the election of ten laymen to be 
 associated with the Bishop of this Diocese, and the clergy resident 
 in the City of New York, as a Board of Managers for the ensu- 
 ing year. The following gentlemen were duly chosen : 
 
 Matthew Clarkson, John Onderdonk, John Slidell, Henry Rog- 
 ers, George Dominic, Gulian Ludlow, Isaac Carow, Richard 
 Whiley, Henry McFarlan, Richard Platt. 
 
 This account of the Annual Meeting is found in the Christian 
 Journal : 
 
 The annual meeting of the New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society was held in Trinity Church, New York, on 
 Tuesday, February 29, when was read the 
 
 TENTH ANNUAL REPORT. 
 
 In submitting a statement of their proceedings during the past 
 year, the attention of the Board of Managers is first directed to
 
 150 Tenth Annual Report. [1820 
 
 the fidelity with which a committee of their number have prose- 
 cuted the soliciting of increased patronage. The result appears 
 in a collection of $695 ; so that the permanent fund, which was 
 reported last year to amount to $4,514.85, is now $5,157.35, and 
 the disposable sum this year is $599.40; whereas it amounted, 
 last year, only to $285.47. 
 
 Among the members, however, of several of the congregations 
 in the city, the subscription books have not yet been circulated. 
 It is expected that this will be done early in the present year. It 
 is hoped that the advantage attending subscription to this Society 
 (the procuring, at so low a rate, of octavo Prayer Books) will 
 insure full success to the application. 
 
 Five hundred dollars have been recently appropriated, in equal 
 parts, to the purchase of Bibles and Prayer Books for gratuitous 
 distribution. 
 
 One hundred and fifty-eight Bibles, and 475 Prayer Books 
 have been distributed during the past year. Since the institution 
 of the Society, in 1809, it has gratuitously distributed 2,714 
 Bibles. 500 New Testaments, and 4,492 Prayer Books; making 
 an aggregate of 7,706 volumes. 
 
 Such a number of volumes, we may gratefully hope, have not 
 gone in vain into the world. The knowledge, so necessary to 
 salvation, of the Word and Church of God, which they impart 
 the sound doctrine, the pure morals, the evangelistic order, and 
 the holy worship, in which they are calculated to interest the 
 understanding and affections, we cannot doubt, have produced, 
 and are continuing to produce, through the divine blessing, fruit 
 unto holiness here, and everlasting happiness hereafter. 
 
 It surely is no small honour to aid the Church of God in pro- 
 moting the objects for which she was appointed, his glory, and 
 the spiritual and eternal good of men. It surely is a most inter- 
 esting consideration that, by so doing, we make to our Heavenly 
 Father an offering of his own gifts that he has been pleased to 
 promise he will accept and bless. These privileges our Society 
 confers on her members. Recognizing the Church as an institu- 
 tion, divinely established, for preserving and extending pure and 
 undefiled religion, she consecrates her efforts to making it instru- 
 mental in disseminating a knowledge of the "holy writ" of which 
 it "is a witness and keeper" 1 in recommending that "truth, of" 
 
 I. Twenty-second Article of Religion.
 
 1820] Tenth Annual Report. 151 
 
 which it is "the pillar and ground" 1 and bringing men into 
 that connection with "the body of Christ," in which is to be pre- 
 served "unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of 
 -God" ; in which is the only security against being "carried about 
 with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning 
 -craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive" ; and in which, 
 ""fitly joined and knit together," grace derived from "Christ the 
 Head" ministereth "nourishment unto edifying," unto "the per- 
 fecting of the saints," and increasing "with the increase of 
 God," till there be attained "the measure of the stature of the 
 fulness of Christ." 2 
 
 Such are the comprehensive and infinitely momentous objects 
 of our institution. To place within reach these inestimable bless- 
 ings, the Son of God took our nature, suffered, and died. To 
 -enable men to attain to them, the Holy Ghost offers the direct- 
 ing, sanctifying and aiding influences purchased by the Redeem- 
 er's merit. We may contribute to bring to our perishing fellow 
 creatures a knowledge of these blessings, to interest them in 
 seeking them, to draw them to an humble and faithful use of the 
 means appointed for their attainment. Will we be remiss? 
 Civil Society dreading the ills of infidelity, vice, and ignorance 
 the Church, asking of her members to give every facility to secur- 
 ing the full benefits designed by her establishment immortal 
 souls, in danger of losing the happiness, and incurring the awful 
 condemnation of eternity our God calling on his intelligent 
 creatures not to be indifferent to his honour, on his redeemed 
 ones, to interpose in rescuing the cross from being despised, and 
 the blood of the covenant from being counted an unholy thing, 
 and on those who have experienced the sanctifying influences of 
 his grace, to feel for them who, unrenewed in the spirit of their 
 minds, are going to perdition : these, in accents such as infinite 
 importance dictates, put to the conscience of each one the serious 
 inquiry Wilt thou be remiss? 
 
 Signed by order of the Board, 
 
 ]. H. HOBART, President. 
 Attested, BENJ. T. ONDERDONK, Secy. 
 
 New York, February 23, i82O. 8 
 
 1. I Tim. iii. 15. 
 
 2. Eph. iv. 12-16; Col. ii. 19. 
 
 j. The Christian Journal, April, 1820. Volume IV., No. 4, pp. 124, 125.
 
 152 Meeting of the Auxiliary. 
 
 This report should be supplemented by that of the Auxiliary 
 Society prepared by Mr. Cornelius R. Duffle. Its compiler was 
 a man highly esteemed by his associates, who after very long 
 consideration, late in life entered the holy ministry and became 
 the founder and first Rector of Saint Thomas's Church. He 
 gave liberally of his own means for its erection and its support. 
 
 New York, January 25, 1820. 
 
 This being the fourth anniversary of the Auxiliary New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, pursuant to public 
 notice the Society assembled in Trinity Church, at seven o'clock 
 p. m. Floyd Smith, 2d Vice President in the chair, and Charles 
 Keeler, Secretary, the minutes of the last annual meeting were 
 read and approved. The Annual Report of the Board of Mana- 
 gers was then read by Mr. Cornelius R. Duffle; whereupon on 
 motion of the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart, seconded by the Rev- 
 Mr. Montgomery, 
 
 Resolved. That the Report just read be accepted. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Onderdonk, 
 
 Resolved, That the Report just read, together with the pro- 
 ceedings of this meeting, be published, and that the mode of its 
 publication be such as to render its circulation as extensive as 
 possible. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Dr. Harris, seconded by the Right Rev. 
 Bishop Hobart, 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this Society be presented to the 
 Board of Managers for the zeal and prudence with which they 
 have executed the trust reposed in them. 
 
 The Society then proceeded to the election of a Board of Man- 
 agers for the ensuing year, the Rev. Thomas Lyell and Joshua 
 Jones, Esq., being appointed inspectors. On counting the ballots 
 it appeared that the following gentlemen were unanimously 
 elected : 
 
 Luther Bradish, President; Floyd Smith, ist Vice President; 
 Cornelius R. Duffle, 2d Vice President; Henry Barclay, 3d Vice 
 President ; William E. Dunscombe, Corresponding Secretary ; 
 J. Smyth Rogers, Treasurer ; Thomas N. Stanford, Agent. 
 
 Managers : Edward N. Cox, John Watts, jun., Benjamin 
 Haight, Charles Nichols, David A. Clarkson, John J. Lambert,. 
 William Onderdonk, jnn., William H. Harison, Peter Kean,
 
 1820] Fourth Auxiliary Report. 153 
 
 Lewis Loutrel, Samuel W. Moore, Cornelius S. Bartow, Gerard- 
 us A. Cooper, Charles W. Sanford, Thomas T. Groshon, Charles 
 N. S. Rowland. 
 
 FOURTH AUXILIARY REPORT. 
 
 One of the many benefits which flow from the annual review 
 of our united operations, is the evidence presented to each of us 
 individuals, at how small a sacrifice of time or money very ex- 
 tensive good may be produced. 
 
 This Society has been established only four years, and in that 
 short time, without interfering with individual avocations, with- 
 out being burdensome to individual resources, it has spread 
 among the community advantages which could with difficulty be 
 compassed by the best ability and zeal confined within the period 
 of an individual life. 
 
 The small share which we bear in this work respectively, leaves 
 no room for self gratulation : yet the institution which our com- 
 mon efforts have raised, may well call forth our pride and our 
 joy ; while we regard not merely the great results it has already 
 effected, but the steady pursuit promised to its objects from the 
 permanence of its character. 
 
 To exhibit a statement of these results is now the duty of the 
 Board, and they perform it in the assurance that the members of 
 this Society will believe their past liberality to have been well 
 dispensed, and knowing how much remains to be accomplished, 
 will still "be ready to give and glad to distribute." 
 
 The last report informed you that by the operations of this 
 Society the price of Prayer Books had been reduced from 38 to 
 30 cents per copy, that 1,591 Bibles and 12,287 Prayer Books 
 had been distributed, that we were the owners of a set of stereo- 
 type plates for the Book of Common Prayer, which cost $1,200, 
 and that we had contracted for a set of stereotype plates for the 
 Holy Bible, towards the payment of which 1,800 dollars had 
 been subscribed. 
 
 These were the effects produced by your bounty continued to 
 the Managers for three years. . 
 
 Another year has elapsed during which we have distributed 
 286 Bibles, and 1,378 Prayer Books, making a total of 15,542 
 volumes, placed in almost as many needful hands. During the 
 past year also the plates for the Bibles have been completed, and
 
 154 Fourth Auxiliary Report. [1820 
 
 the cost thereof, $2,357.18, has been paid. The Board are in 
 advance, however, by this payment about 350 dollars, to reim- 
 burse which, they must solicit the contributions of those who 
 have not yet subscribed. 
 
 These plates, which are admirably executed, and highly spoken 
 of by judges, are in the hands of Messrs. T. and J. Swords, with 
 whom the Board have authorized a contract to be made for pub- 
 lishing an edition from them. An arrangement has also been 
 made with Messrs. Swords, by which our Depository has been 
 removed to their store, No. 160 Pearl street, where application 
 must be made for the Bibles and Prayer Books of this Society. 
 
 The Report of the Agent shows, that the Bibles and Prayer 
 Books were distributed to the Sunday Schools of this city and its 
 vicinity, to convicts in the State prison, to attendants upon the 
 Mariners' Church, and to various individuals by the hands of the 
 Managers. Besides these a large proportion was sent to the 
 northern and western counties of this State, for the use of new 
 and remote Churches, to the New England States, to New Jer- 
 sey, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, and the Western Terri- 
 tories. 
 
 The Prayer Books furnished to the Mariners' Church were 
 very cheerfully granted by the Board, at the request of the 
 Directors of that institution, who have expressed to us the earn- 
 estness with which they were sought for by seamen, to whom 
 they were given with Bibles and Tracts when on the eve of going 
 to sea. 
 
 The Board are aware that some explanation is necessary to 
 account for their limited distribution during the past, compared 
 with those of former years. Several causes have tended to pro- 
 duce this effect. The unexampled depression of the mercantile 
 community affecting the resources of all classes, has very materi- 
 ally interfered with the collection of subscriptions and the ability 
 of our patrons. The prevalence of yellow fever, and closing of 
 the depository at the most active season of the year were not 
 without their influences. But the principal cause is to be found 
 in the necessity the Board were under of advancing out of the 
 Treasury the sum before mentioned to complete the payment on 
 the Bible plates, by which so much money was diverted from 
 being employed in the ordinary operations of the Society. The 
 demand for books continues as pressing as formerly, and we
 
 1820] Fourth Auxiliary Report. 155 
 
 cherish the hope that our ability to meet it may be so increased 
 as to atone for the past disappointments which have unavoidably 
 occurred. 1 
 
 The Report of the Treasurer, which on the 25th of January 
 last showed a balance in the Treasury of one hundred and twenty 
 dollars and thirty-three cents, now exhibits a deficiency of one 
 hundred and eighty-four dollars and fifty cents. 
 
 It were to be wished that besides giving the aid of their contri- 
 butions the members of the Society could be incited to increase 
 the means of its usefulness by making more generally known its 
 objects, by soliciting co-operation, by communicating such in- 
 formation as they may acquire as to this most advantageous field 
 for its benevolence, by distributing, in person, among proper 
 objects, the quota of books to which their subscription entitles 
 them. 
 
 Are inducements wanting to interest ourselves or others in 
 thus promoting the objects for which we are associated? They 
 present themselves on every side. We speak not of the benefits 
 which flow to society in general from the diffusion and practice 
 of the best system of morality the world ever knew. We address 
 ourselves to Christians and therefore assume a loftier ground. 
 We remind them that to the eye unenlightened by religion human 
 life presents an inexplicable mystery. To spend it in vice, folly, 
 or weariness, and to close it in gloomy insensibility, in trembling 
 apprehension, or in absolute despair, is the brief history of multi- 
 tudes of our race. Ignorance and toil seek no disclosure of the 
 object of existence, content to forget or alleviate its ills. Human 
 reason cannot lift the veil which hangs over our destiny. Ex- 
 tolled by the pride of false philosophy, and confided in by the 
 inconsiderate and vain, she proves herself an erring and deceit- 
 ful guide, whose meteor gleam serves first to bewilder and then 
 to blind. The grave is not shrouded in gloom more profound 
 than that which rests on life's brightest paths where Revelation 
 beams not. But in the midst of this darkness the Bible is opened 
 and immediately a great light shines around us. The Gospel of 
 
 I. The Board have been under the necessity, very recently, of declining a 
 request for two hundred Prayer Books, made through the Bishop, for the 
 use of the Expedition fitted out by the Government for the African Coast, 
 owing to the want of funds.
 
 156 Fourth Auxiliary Report. [1820 
 
 Jesus Christ is proclaimed, and all mystery and doubt have van- 
 ished. Every part of the conduct of life rises in awful import- 
 ance, and is dignified by motives and sanctions before unknown. 
 The unthinking and unrepenting are warned of their accountabil- 
 ity. Rest, hope and joy are promised to the weary, the despond- 
 ing and the wretched; while visions of blessedness and peace 
 sustain the spirits of departing Christians. 
 
 The Bible, which thus transforms earthly sorrows into celestial 
 consolations is an invaluable blessing; and not to feel deeply the 
 responsibility of its diffusion were to undervalue the message of 
 God, and the mission of his Son. 
 
 The well meant comforts we bestow to relieve the wants of a 
 brief life, "perish in the using" ; yet the claims of earthly wretch- 
 edness ever deserve our affectionate and soothing regard. To 
 minister to spiritual wants is a sublimer work, the fruits of which 
 shall endure forever. 
 
 The extremity of worldly misery even increases the obligation 
 to this duty : for the more pitiable the sufferer in this transitory 
 scene, the more earnestly should he be invited, through this means 
 of grace, to seek that hope of glory, in the view of which suffer- 
 ings, and death lose their power. 
 
 The Bible, we repeat, is an inestimable gift, and if in prosperity 
 it can gild even our best enjoyments with the sunshine of cheer- 
 fulness, and free us from the fearful uncertainty of irreligion, if 
 in adversity it can pierce the darkest clouds and disclose to us 
 the prospect of our immortal hopes, if at all times it can irradiate 
 our hearts with that peace which passeth all understanding; can 
 we be insensible of our privileges, or just to our obligations, if 
 we are slow in communicating our tidings of joy? 
 
 But our duty stops not here. We are members of the Church 
 of Christ. In its communion we enjoy doctrines, worship, sacra- 
 ments, pure, primitive, scriptural, and proclaimed and dispensed 
 by orders of the ministry, derived through the Apostles from 
 Christ himself. These advantages we are bound to impart to 
 those who have not received them ; and to confirm those who but 
 partially possess them. The Book of Common Prayer, in which 
 this Church is set forth, is therefore a fit companion of the Holy 
 Scriptures. In this belief we present it with confidence to all who 
 wish to become acquainted with the Church of God, desiring them 
 to compare it with his sacred volume, and fearless of the result.
 
 1820] Fourth Auxiliary Report. 157 
 
 For ourselves as Churchmen, our attachment to the Prayer 
 Book is deeply fixed in the feelings it has inspired from the 
 earliest knowledge of its contents ; and has been increased by the 
 maturer judgment of added years. 
 
 It is associated in our recollection with the devotions of the 
 best men of years long gone by. We regard it not only as the 
 best standard but the safeguard of our Christian faith. It is at 
 once the incentive and the guide to a fervent, rational, and, we 
 trust, an acceptable worship. Its unrivalled strain of unaffected 
 piety; its sublime, yet tender eloquence, have power to touch the 
 heart like a father's last blessing, or a mother's earliest prayer. 
 Next to the Bible in our esteem, shall not it accompany the Bible 
 in our gift? 
 
 The cause of this Society has claims to interest our best feel- 
 ings. We are incited by its principles of conscious duty. We 
 learn the approbation and blessing of those whom God has made 
 overseers of the Church. 1 
 
 The lay efforts rejoice the whole heart of the Christian com- 
 munity, and have called forth the public expression of the most 
 affectionate regard from a convention whose praise is worthy of 
 our ambition. 2 
 
 After the approbation of our own consciences, of our own 
 spiritual guides, of the Christian Church, can we have higher 
 inducements to awaken our zeal? Yes! the approbation of him 
 who taught us, when we lift up our daily supplications to pray 
 for the coming of his Kingdom, his approbation will contribute 
 the best motive and the highest reward of our exertions. 
 
 1. See particularly a Pastoral Letter to the Laity of the Protestant Episco- 
 npal Church in the State of New York, on the subject of Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Societies. By the Right Rev, Bishop Hobart. 1815. 
 
 2. Extracts from the Minutes of the Convention of the Protestant Episco- 
 pal Church in the State of Rhode Island, held at Providence, June, 1819: 
 
 Resolved unanimously, that this Convention do entertain for the Auxiliary 
 New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, the most affectionate 
 regard, and view with lively gratitude to the Supreme Being, the benevolent 
 exertions of the said Society for the more free and extensive dissemination 
 of our excellent Liturgy by procuring the first set of stereotype plates for 
 the Book of Common Prayer, whereby the price of that formulary of public 
 worship has been so reduced that the poor can now be provided therewith. 
 
 Resolved unanimously, that the Secretary of this Convention do communi- 
 cate to the Corresponding Secretary of that Society the above public ex- 
 pression of our sincere and Christian friendship.
 
 158 The Liberian Colony. [1820 
 
 By his blessing let us persevere, until all within our influence, 
 enlightened by the knowledge of his will, shall be received with 
 us into the ark of his Church ; that "being steadfast in faith, joy- 
 ful through hope, and rooted in charity, they may so pass the 
 waves of this troublesome world that finally they may come to 
 the land of everlasting life." 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 CORNELIUS R. DUFFIE, Chairman. 1 
 
 In further explanation of the incident referred to in the note 
 to the foregoing Report, it may be said that the Rev. Thomas 
 Thompson resigned his Mission at Christ Church, Monmouth, 
 New Jersey, in 1750, with the evangelistic zeal of spreading the 
 Gospel on the West Coast of Africa. He did good work there 
 for many years. 
 
 In 1791 Granville Sharp, William Wilberforce, and other 
 philanthropic men founded Sierra Leone, with the idea of form- 
 ing a home more especially for the Negroes who had remained 
 loyal to the British Crown. A Society for the organization of 
 free Negroes on the West Coast of Africa was organized in 
 Washington, December 21, 1816, and Mr. Samuel ]. Mills and 
 Mr. Ebenezer Burgess were sent by this Society to explore the 
 country and determine, if possible, upon a suitable site. As a 
 result of their report the Society founded Liberia. In 1819 
 President Monroe sent a ship to establish a Colony in Africa, 
 and the Colonization Society joined hands in this effort. The 
 bark "Elizabeth" was chartered by the United States, who ap- 
 pointed as its agents the Rev. Samuel Bacon and the Rev. John 
 P. Bankson, and the Society appointed Dr. Samuel A. Crozer. 
 
 The Rev. Samuel Bacon, while the ship was waiting at the 
 foot of Rector Street to receive its cargo, wrote these letters to 
 Bishop Hobart: 
 
 New York, 20 Jan. 1820. 
 Right Rev. Sir, 
 
 Being now in such a state of readiness as to be able to say we 
 shall doubtless sail in 6 or 8 days, and being desirous to carry 
 with us a supply of Prayer Books both for the use of the 
 Church we have a prospect of forming amongst ourselves, and 
 for those who may be reclaimed from heathen idolatry (for 
 
 I. The Christian Journal, February, 1820, pp. 53, 54, 55, 56, 57.
 
 1820] Letter from Rev. S. Bacon. 159 
 
 which purpose we pray God to bless our labours), I take the 
 liberty of requesting the Prayer Book Society, through you, to 
 make us a donation of 150 or if convenient 200 Prayer Books. 
 There are about 12 native Chiefs, Kings or Headmen on that 
 part of the coast of Africa to which our attention is directed, 
 whose friendship we wish to conciliate and for whose religious 
 instruction we shall feel anxious, two or three of whom were 
 educated in England and can read and speak, and I believe 
 write the English language, to all of whom I wish it to be in my 
 power to present Prayer Books. If therefore it be possible, t 
 beg you to procure from that Society about one dozen Prayer 
 Books, of larger size, and superior binding than those in the most 
 common use. We shall also be obliged by any advice you may 
 think proper to impart to us as well as for any countenance 
 and encouragement you may give us now or at any future op- 
 portunity. So far as our Church is interested in this great 
 undertaking we think we may calculate on your zealous co- 
 operation. Should this request be complied with, any com- 
 munication relative to it may find me at 6 Garden Street near 
 the Post Office, or at No. 325 Bowery. I would gladly call and 
 make a personal request, but felt doubtful whether your multi- 
 plied engagements would enable you to see me. 
 I have the honour to be 
 
 Your obt. humble servt. 
 
 S. BACON. 
 
 N. York, 27 Jan. 1820. 
 Right Rev. Sir, 
 
 I acknowledge the receipt of a package of small Prayer 
 Books (not marked as to quantity) and one dozen of extra 
 Prayer Books for the African expedition. This last donation 
 I have been informed is from yourself. To those gentlemen 
 who have thus contributed for our supply, I beg leave, through 
 you, to tender our united thanks. In the name of those chiefs 
 for whom the extra books are intended, I beg you to accept my 
 acknowledgements. As these donations will probably excite re- 
 plies on their parts and a request from them to be instructed 
 in their contents, I shall take care to make a proper report of the 
 same, if of sufficient importance; and shall take the liberty of 
 saying that the Church whose Bishop has thus presented them
 
 160 The Western District Society. [1820 
 
 with books will doubtless feel interested in sending them Gospel 
 Preachers too. 
 
 With respect I am, 
 
 Your obt. servt. 
 
 SAMUEL BACON. 
 
 The bark sailed February 6, 1820, with eighty-nine emigrants 
 and a large quantity of tools, supplies and stores, conveyed by 
 the United States Sloop of War "Cyane." The location selected 
 proved unhealthy, the three agents and many of the Colonists 
 died. The dispirited remnant 'were finally rescued by the United 
 States Ship "Alligator" in 1821. 
 
 The Bible and Common Prayer Book Society of the Western 
 District had for some years previous to 1820 been in existence, 
 but without arousing the enthusiasm or devotion of many of its 
 members. At its annual meeting in Trinity Church on Wednes- 
 day, June 21, 1820, at which a sermon was preached by the Rev. 
 Hugh Smith, Rector, a special appeal for larger appreciation of 
 its work was made. Though hitherto little known this Society 
 has existed for several years, during which time it has been 
 silently scattering its blessings in every part of this extensive 
 district; its object is such as must approve itself to the hearts of 
 every sincere, enlightened Christian, and command the zeal, the 
 prayers and efficient support of every conscientious Episcopalian. 
 
 At the meeting it elected the Bishop, ex officio. President; the 
 Rev. Amos Purdee and Samuel Colt, Vice Presidents; the Rev. 
 Orin Clark, Corresponding Secretary; the Rev. William Barlow, 
 Recording Secretary, and the Rev. John C. Spencer, Treasurer. 
 
 It was soon after this annual meeting that clergymen and lay- 
 men of the central part of the State determined that a new So- 
 ciety would be expedient. 
 
 These extracts from a circular letter of Judge Miller of Utica 
 show the energy with which the new enterprise began : 
 
 Utica, 28th July, 1820. 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 On the i8th of this month at the Episcopal Church in Manlius 
 a Society was formed having for its object the gratuitous distri- 
 bution of the Bible and Book of Common Prayer. This Society
 
 1821] Fifth Auxiliary Report. 161 
 
 comprises within its limits the counties of Oneida, Madison, 
 Onondaga and Cayuga. Before this letter reaches you, you will 
 no doubt have received an official notice of your appointment as 
 of the Society. A meeting of the Board of Officers 
 is expected at the Episcopal Church in Onondaga on Wednes- 
 day, the 1 3th September, at ten o'clock in the forenoon of that 
 day. The friends of the Society look with confidence for the 
 prompt and vigorous efforts of every member of the Board of 
 Officers, and you will no doubt agree in the opinion that the 
 respectability and usefulness of the Society may, in no small 
 degree, depend on the zeal and exertions of those to whom its 
 affairs have been confided for the present year. Permit me, 
 therefore, most earnestly to request your attendance at Onondaga 
 
 on the 1 3th Sept On the question of ways and means, 
 
 it is to be observed that the Society has no funds, except its pro- 
 portion of the funds of the Western District Society, which are 
 
 to be distributed among the Auxiliary Societies 
 
 I am, Sir, respectfully, your friend & Obt. Servt, 
 
 M. S. MILLER. 1 
 
 The Bishop makes this allusion to it in his convention address : 
 "The Bible and Common Prayer Book Societies continue to be 
 instrumental of much good, by the distribution of the Word of 
 God, and of that invaluable digest of its sacred truths and best 
 comment upon them, the Book of Common Prayer. A new 
 Society for these purposes has been recently organized in the 
 Western District, in which distinguished laymen unite with the 
 clergy in zealous attention to its concerns." 2 
 
 The same activity and energy as in the central part of the State 
 is shown in the recorded proceedings of the Auxiliary Society 
 and these portions of their Annual Report for 1821. 
 
 FIFTH AUXILIARY REPORT. 
 
 By referring to the last report of the Board of Managers, you 
 will observe that when the affairs of the Society were committed 
 by you to our management, the Society was possessed of a set of 
 stereotype plates of the Holy Bible, and another of the Book of 
 Common Prayer, which together cost upwards of three thousand 
 
 1. Hobart MSS., General Convention Archives. 
 
 2. Address of Bishop Hobart to Convention of 1820, quoted on pp. 10, 1 1, 
 The Christian Journal, January, 1821. Volume V. No. I.
 
 162 Fifth Auxiliary Report. [1821 
 
 five hundred and fifty dollars : the former of which was then but 
 just completed, and the latter had been possessed and used by the 
 Society for several years, and had enabled it to afford the Book 
 of Common Prayer at a very reduced price. The set of stereo- 
 type plates of the Bible are of a duodecimo size they were exe- 
 cuted after a pattern copy which was published by the British 
 and Foreign Bible Society, and which was obligingly lent for the 
 purpose by the Agent of the American Bible Society. The plates 
 are believed to be remarkably free from errors, and the type is 
 clear and distinct. A sample page is annexed to this report. 
 
 Stereotype, besides enabling books to be published at much less 
 cost, has had the effect of making them very correct. The 
 Prayer Books published by this Society are distinguished in this 
 respect only two errata, and those but trivial, have ever been 
 discovered in them. 
 
 When the Society was first formed, the price which it had to> 
 pay for Prayer Books was forty-seven and a half cents, and the 
 same books were sold at seventy-five cents for a single copy. By 
 a condition in the contract for printing the Prayer Books from 
 the plates of the Society, subsequently entered into with the pub- 
 lishers, they are obligated to sell Prayer Books for distribution :it 
 thirty cents per copy. A neat, full bound, and most correct copy 
 of the Book of Common Prayer, with the whole of the offices and 
 the ordinances of the Church, containing upwards of four hun- 
 dred close printed pages, can thus be purchased, in quantities by 
 Societies and others for gratuitous distribution, for the small sum 
 of thirty cents. The price of the Book being thus reduced, it is 
 placed within the reach of almost every person, and a public 
 benefit has been derived from the labours of your Board of Man- 
 agers, and from your munificence, which we believe to be alone 
 an object for the formation of the association, and worth the 
 contributions of its members. 
 
 But this is not all. Besides rendering this service to the public 
 at large, upwards of seven thousand books have been gratuitously 
 distributed by the Society, and, assisted by the liberal benefac- 
 tions of several of your number, a former Board of Managers 
 were enabled to purchase the set of stereotype plates of the Bible, 
 which we have mentioned to have received into our charge. 
 
 We found at the time of our appointment a demand upon the 
 Treasury amounting to three hundred and two dollars and sixty- 
 eight cents: and the amount of arrears of annual subscriptions
 
 1821] Fifth Auxiliary Report. 163 
 
 due to the Society was, at the same time, about two hundred and 
 fifty dollars. 
 
 Since the last anniversary of this Society, twelve hundred and 
 eighty Prayer Books have been issued from its Depository; of 
 which number seven hundred and thirty were sold to other asso- 
 ciations, having the same object; and five hundred and fifty were 
 gratuitously distributed in the following manner : 
 
 Fifty were given (in compliance with the condition of a dona- 
 tion of a benevolent person), to the people who went to settle on 
 the coast of Africa; about fifty were delivered to members and 
 subscribers of the Society, to be distributed by them; and the 
 remainder, excepting a few which were sent away, were divided 
 amongst the several Sunday Schools, public institutions, and 
 charitable associations of our city. One hundred and thirty 
 Bibles have been purchased for, and sent to the Newbern, in 
 North Carolina, Bible Society. The whole number of books 
 which have been delivered out of the Depository of the Society 
 since its formation, is two thousand seven hundred and fourteen 
 Bibles, and fourteen thousand nine hundred and forty-five Prayer 
 Books. 
 
 The Treasurer has received eight hundred and forty-three dol- 
 lars and seventy-three cents. Of this the sum of one hundred and 
 fifty-one dollars and eighteen cents, being the receipt of two 
 concerts given by a select choir, for the benefit of the Society, 
 has come into his hands within a very few days; and, together 
 with the sum of forty-eight dollars and twenty-two cents (mak- 
 ing together one hundred and ninety-nine dollars and forty 
 cents), still remains in the Treasury, subject to your disposition. 
 Two hundred and one dollars and ninety-eight cents were col- 
 lected in St. Paul's Chapel on the evening of the second of Feb- 
 ruary; two hundred and sixty-four dollars have been collected 
 by the members and subscribers; thirty-six dollars and thirty- 
 eight cents is the amount of three donations, one of which was 
 for the purpose of furnishing the settlers on the coats of Africa 
 with Prayer Books, as we have before mentioned ; and one hun- 
 dred and fifty-nine dollars and sixty-nine cents were in the Treas- 
 ury on the last Anniversary. 
 
 The demand of three hundred and two dollars and sixty-eight 
 cents existing against the Society last year has been liquidated; 
 one hundred and sixty-five dollars have been paid for Prayer
 
 164 Eleventh Annual Report. [1821 
 
 Books ; and one hundred and six dollars and nine cents have been 
 paid for insurance of the Stereotype plates, expenses of the Anni- 
 versary, and of printing the Annual Report, and the ordinary 
 expenses of the Society. 1 
 
 At the annual meeting held in Trinity Church, on February 27, 
 1821, the Secretary laid before the meeting the following extract 
 from the minutes of the meeting of the Board of Managers, held 
 on the 2ist inst. : 
 
 On motion, resolved unanimously, that if the constitutional 
 majority of the Society accede thereto, the word "and" between 
 the words "Secretary" and "Treasurer," in the third article of 
 the constitution, be erased and the words "and Agent" be inserted 
 after the word "Treasurer," in the said article. 
 
 On motion, resolved unanimously, that this meeting accede to 
 the alteration in the constitution proposed by the Board of Man- 
 agers. 
 
 The minutes of the parent Society show a desire to make their 
 organization more perfect and thus increase its efficiency. 
 
 ELEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT. 
 
 Twelve years have now elapsed since the establishment of the 
 New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, the first 
 institution in this city which had for its declared object the gratui- 
 tous distribution of the Holy Scriptures. During the period of 
 its operations it has been so far blessed as to be enabled to raise 
 a permanent fund of $5,295.35 cents, to obtain a set of 8vo. 
 stereotype plates for the Book of Common Prayer, and to ex- 
 pend, in procuring Bibles and Prayer Books for' distribution, 
 nearly $4,000. 
 
 The result has been the circulation, through the medium of 
 this Society, of 2,966 Bibles, 500 New Testaments, and 5,485 
 Prayer Books, making an aggregate of 8,95 1 volumes. 
 
 Of the above, 252 Bibles, and 630 Prayer Books, have been 
 gratuitously distributed, and 101 8vo. Prayer Books, from our 
 stereotype plates, given to members and donors, on the terms of 
 the Society, since its last meeting. 
 
 x. The Fifth Annual Report of the Managers of the Auxiliary New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society.
 
 1821] Eleventh Annual Report. 165 
 
 Our operations, during the past year, have been much facili- 
 tated through the instrumentality of the office of Agent, recently 
 established by the Board, and the very faithful discharge of its 
 functions by the present incumbent. 
 
 The sum of $250 has been appropriated by the Board to the 
 purchase of Bibles, and the like sum for that of Prayer Books, 
 for gratuitous distribution, the ensuing year. 
 
 The operations of the Society, in consequence of the urgent 
 and perpetually increasing wants of our own diocese, have been 
 almost exclusively confined within its bounds. The Managers 
 would have rejoiced at ability to extend them more widely, but 
 have found themselves incapable of even approximating to the 
 full supply of the necessities at home. They regret that such 
 should have been the state of things in the largest, wealthiest, 
 and most flourishing diocese in the Union. They would respect- 
 fully, but most earnestly urge upon their brother Churchmen 
 and hope to be not wanting in their own attention to it the 
 Christian obligation which lies upon so highly favoured a sec- 
 tion of the Church, to employ the ability entrusted to it by a 
 bountiful Providence, not only to the care of its own children, 
 but, also, to the extending of its aid to dioceses from which God's 
 mere goodness has made us to differ in the possession of means 
 for advancing the cause of Christ. 
 
 With these feelings, however, we would mingle and call upon 
 our fellow-members to add theirs emotions of lively gratitude 
 to him from whom cometh every good and perfect gift, for what 
 he has enabled us to do. The circulation of nearly 9,000 copies 
 of the Scriptures, and of a Liturgy carrying to the heart, in every 
 variety of most interesting and impressive form, their divine doc- 
 trines and precepts, cannot have been without effect. The bless- 
 ing of God has gone forth with them. His grace has awakened 
 attention to their sacred contents has brought them home to the 
 heart has thus blessed them to the conversion of the sinner, to 
 the comforting of the penitent, to the confirming of the faithful, 
 to the reclaiming of the wandering, to the encouragement of the 
 striving, to the consolation of the sick and afflicted, to the sup- 
 port of the dying, and, perhaps, to the furnishing of the departed 
 soul with its first hallelujah, when delivered from the prison of 
 the body. 
 
 In the enlargement and increasing prosperity of the Church in
 
 166 Eleventh Annual Report. [1821 
 
 this diocese, we see cause to cherish the humble hope, that these 
 effects may have been produced to no very inconsiderable extent. 
 In the year 1809, in which this Society was formed, there were, 
 in this State, but 42 clergymen of our Church. There are now 
 78. The number of congregations has increased in about the 
 same proportion. To this encouraging state of things, although 
 we delight to perceive in it the Divine blessing upon a well regu- 
 lated system of ecclesiastical concerns, and upon Episcopal and 
 pastoral fidelity, we may, also, humbly hope that our Society has 
 been not a little conducive. It gives us great pleasure, indeed, to 
 acknowledge as powerful, and, in some instances, more effectual 
 auxiliaries, those sister establishments of our Church, in various 
 parts of the diocese, which have for their objects this same good 
 work of circulating the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer 
 the support of missionaries and the distribution of religious 
 tracts. And it now gives us the highest satisfaction to hail, as 
 an enterprise surpassing them all in magnitude of importance, 
 and in probable extent of beneficial influence, the measures com- 
 menced at our last convention, and prosecuting, under the aus- 
 pices of managers appointed by that body, for affording the 
 means of securing, by competent provision of their education, a 
 pious, orthodox, and learned clergy. 1 . When we consider the 
 order set forth in the Word of God, as that by which he designs 
 the blessings of the Gospel to be disseminated and preserved 
 among men, we cannot but regard the various and momentous 
 functions of the ministry of his Church, as most intimately con- 
 nected with the interests of evangelical piety, with regard both 
 to the sanctification and salvation of the individuals, and to its 
 benign influence on communities. Hence the state of religion, 
 and its practical influence, have ever been graduated by the char- 
 acter and abilities of the clergy. In this noble institution, there- 
 fore, we see an effort for an advancement of the Redeemer's 
 cause, which we all should most heartily bid God speed ; and the 
 interests of which, we should all, according to our respective 
 ability and opportunity, endeavour to be God's honoured instru- 
 ments of promoting. This will be perfectly consistent with the 
 continuance, and even increase of our exertions in behalf of those 
 other excellent institutions, by which our Church aims, though, 
 
 I. The reference is to The New York Theological Education Society.
 
 1822] Sixth Auxiliary Report. 167 
 
 indeed, in an humbler sphere, at the furtherance of the same great 
 object the spiritual and eternal welfare of the sons of men. 
 
 When we contemplate the resources of this diocese, possessing 
 upwards of 120 congregations, and these including no inconsid- 
 erable share of the wealth of our State, and then suppose that 
 deep influence of religious affection, which its everlasting 
 moment deserves, our minds, at once, form the idea of a magni- 
 tude of exertion in the various methods for advancing the inter- 
 ests of religion and the Church, commensurate to the just ex- 
 pectations which should be entertained, of a diocese so peculiarly 
 favoured with means and facilities. May God put it into the 
 hearts of those whom he has blessed with this world's goods, to 
 consecrate a liberal share of them to the glory of the all-bounteous 
 Giver. Gratitude to him demands this offering. His promised 
 blessing urges to it. His Church asks it, as a return of temporal 
 for spiritual things; and as furnishing her with the means of 
 accomplishing the blessed and eternally momentous objects for 
 which she was established. 
 
 Signed by order of the Board. 
 
 MATTHEW CLARKSON, Chairman pro tern. 
 BENJAMIN T. ONDERDONK, Secretary. 
 
 New York, Feb. 21, I82I. 1 
 
 During the year no special events in connection with the work 
 of circulating the Prayer Book occurred. 
 
 It was, however, an important year in the annals of the Ameri- 
 can Church, for it saw the General Theological Seminary perma- 
 nently established in the city of New York, and the perfected 
 organization of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society. 
 
 The publication of the stereotype Bible by the Auxiliary So- 
 ciety disproved the charge of indifference to the circulation of the 
 Holy Scriptures. Copies of the first impression do not seem now 
 to be in any collection. 
 
 SIXTH AUXILIARY REPORT. 
 
 The Board of Managers of the Auxiliary New York Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society, in presenting to their constituents 
 the Sixth Annual Report of the transactions of the Society, regret 
 
 I. The Christian Journal, May, 1821. Volume V., No. 5, pp. 142, 143, 144.
 
 168 Sixth Auxiliary Report. [1822: 
 
 to observe that the pressure of the times, and the numerous and 
 urgent demands upon Christian charity, have tended to restrict, 
 in no ordinary degree, the labours and usefulness of our institu- 
 tion. 
 
 Immediately after the last anniversary, your Board of Mana- 
 gers printed an edition of one thousand copies of the Bible, from 
 the new stereotype plates of the Society. Of these a large num- 
 ber was due to subscribers and members on account of their 
 annual subscriptions; and one hundred and twenty copies were 
 forwarded to the Society for the Advancement of Christianity in 
 South Carolina, in payment of one hundred dollars advanced by 
 them to us in the year 1820, towards the completion of the stereo- 
 type plates. The receipt of these has been acknowledged by that 
 Society, with an expression of their satisfaction in having aided 
 us in the production of so beautiful and correct a copy of the 
 Holy Scriptures. Of the residue of the edition, a proportion has 
 been sold to Societies and individuals for gratuitous distribution, 
 the finances of the Society not authorizing the Board to indulge 
 their feelings by yielding to any of the many urgent applications 
 for donations of the sacred volume. 
 
 One hundred and six Prayer Books have also been delivered 
 from the Depository of the Society, to members and subscribers 
 since the last anniversary; and, during the same period, sixteen 
 hundred and seventy-four copies have been sold to Societies and 
 charitable individuals for gratuitous distribution. 
 
 These, with the former sales and distributions of the Society, 
 make an aggregate of three thousand and twenty-six Bibles, and 
 sixteen thousand nine hundred and twenty-five Prayer Books, 
 which have issued from our Depository since the formation of 
 the institution in the year 1816. 
 
 We still continue to sell the Prayer Book to those who pur- 
 chase for gratuitous distribution, at thirty cents per copy; and 
 we have fixed the price of the Bible, bound in a durable and 
 handsome manner, at eighty-five cents, which is considered to be 
 cheaper than any other edition of the Bible ever published in this 
 country. 
 
 At the last anniversary meeting of the Society its bye-laws^ 
 were so amended as to provide for the establishment of a perma- 
 nent fund, by the appropriation of such sums as should be there- 
 after received for life subscriptions to the Society. The sum
 
 1822] Sixth Auxiliary Report. 169 
 
 required to constitute a member or subscriber for life, was fixed 
 at twenty-five dollars, and the amount received for such subscrip- 
 tions is directed to be invested in such manner as to produce an 
 annual income to the funds of the Society. Under this regulation 
 the sum of two hundred dollars has been since subscribed, and, 
 for the present, has been deposited in the Savings Bank. The 
 Board of Managers fondly hope that many of the members and 
 subscribers of the Society will be induced to add to this fund, so 
 auspiciously commenced, and thus ensure the future usefulness 
 and stability of our institution. 
 
 In addition to the above amount of life subscriptions, the re- 
 ceipts of the Society for the past year, together with the balance 
 in the Treasury at the last anniversary, amount to the sum of 
 six hundred and sixty-five dollars and three cents. Of this sum, 
 ninety-five dollars and fifty cents were collected in Trinity Church 
 on the evening of the i8th of February last, when the Anniver- 
 sary sermon, for the benefit of the Society, was delivered by the 
 Rev. Mr. Feltus ; thirty-two dollars and twelve cents, the balance 
 of the proceeds of the Concert in Grace Church, and the sum of 
 three hundred and thirty-eight dollars has been received from 
 subscribers and members. 
 
 The payments of the Treasurer for the same period amount to 
 the sum of six hundred dollars and fifty-nine cents, chiefly for 
 paper, printing, and binding, leaving a balance in the Treasury 
 of sixty-four dollars and forty-four cents. 
 
 The Society is, at the same time, indebted to its printers in the 
 sum of one hundred and seventy-eight dollars, and there are some 
 small outstanding bills for contingent expenses, to the amount of 
 twenty-five or thirty dollars. 
 
 Under these circumstances, with an exhausted treasury, and a 
 diminished subscription list, your Board of Managers would 
 almost despair of being enabled to resume those active and benefi- 
 cent labours which have heretofore, with the blessing of Heaven, 
 shed the light of the Gospel, and the purity of Christian worship, 
 on the remotest borders of our land. But this despair in our 
 hallowed cause is forbidden by the Master whom we serve; and 
 animated by His promises of assistance, we will endeavour to 
 arouse your minds to the importance of our cause, and stimulate 
 you to renewed exertions. 
 
 ********
 
 170 Twelfth Annual Report. [1822 
 
 We have been solicited to distribute the Liturgy of our Church 
 among Episcopalians in our distant settlements, who, deprived 
 of the ministrations of the Gospel, and far removed from the 
 Sanctuaries where their fathers worshipped, are forgetting the 
 discipline and faith of the Church in which they were trained to 
 the knowledge of grace and salvation. The limited Missionary 
 establishment of our Church is insufficient to supply the wants of 
 the rapidly increasing population of the west, and many, who, 
 with the Liturgy in their hands, would adhere to the worship 
 which we venerate, wanting even this support to their principles, 
 soon fall into the ways of irreligion and vice. 1 
 
 At the meeting of February 6, 1822, the sum of $600 was 
 appropriated for the coming year for the purchase of Bibles and 
 Prayer Books. At the annual meeting, February 26, 1822, the 
 report was read and adopted and the following Managers elected : 
 
 Matthew Clarkson, John Onderdonk, John Slidell, Henry 
 Rogers, George Dominick, Gulian Ludlow, Isaac Carow, Rich- 
 ard Whiley, Henry McFarlan, Richard Platt. (Folio 104.) 
 
 TWELFTH ANNUAL REPORT. 
 
 Twelfth Annual Report of the Board of Managers of the New 
 York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, read at a Meet- 
 ing of the Society in Trinity Church, New York, on Tuesday, 
 February 26, 1822. 
 
 So lately as the commencement of the present century, it is 
 believed there was not in this diocese, or any part of our country, 
 a voluntary association of individuals, formed on a permanent 
 basis, for the purpose of aiding the Church in promoting the 
 great interests of the Gospel. This seems the more surprising, 
 as the experience of the Mother Church of England had, for 
 more than a century, exhibited the extensively beneficial influ- 
 ence which might thus be exercised. The venerable Societies for 
 Promoting Christian Knowledge, and for Propagating the Gos- 
 pel in Foreign Parts had during that period been her most pow- 
 erful auxiliaries, not only in advancing her interests and the 
 spiritual welfare of her children at home, but also in carrying to 
 
 I. The Sixth Annual Report of the Managers of the Auxiliary New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society.
 
 1822] Twelfth Annual Report. 171 
 
 far distant lands, and among them to our own, the inestimable 
 benefits of her communion. 
 
 The Convention of this diocese had, indeed, in the year 1796 
 organized a Board under the title of the Committee of the Prot- 
 stant Episcopal Church, for propagating the Gospel in the State 
 of New York; and from that time this Committee has had in 
 charge the disposal of the sums collected in the several parishes 
 for the support of Missionaries. 
 
 In 1802 the Corporation of Trinity Church in this city, vested 
 a liberal sum in a Board of Trustees, denominated the Protestant 
 Episcopal Society for Promoting Religion and Learning in the 
 State of New York. The proceeds of this endowment continue 
 to be appropriated by the Society in aid of the support of Mis- 
 sionaries, in the distribution of religious books and tracts, in 
 assisting young men in their preparation for holy orders, and in 
 other ways conducive to the interests and increase of the Church. 
 
 It is obvious, however, that neither of the above mentioned 
 institutions, although of great and extensive utility, can be classed 
 with voluntary associations supported by the contributions of 
 their members. 
 
 The first establishment of that kind attempted in our diocese, 
 and, it is believed, in the American Church, is that, in the busi- 
 ness of which we are now assembled. It was organized in the 
 beginning of the year 1809. Since that time, and especially 
 within the last six or seven years, the example has been very 
 extensively followed. In all parts of the country societies have 
 been formed, and are still forming, by members of the Church, 
 for the distribution of the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer, 
 and approved religious books and tracts; for the support of 
 Missionaries, for aiding young men in their preparation for holy 
 orders, for extending the benefits of gratuitous daily and Sunday 
 instruction; and for other objects connected with the enlarge- 
 ment and prosperity of the Church. 
 
 It is believed there is not now a diocese in the country, and 
 hardly a parish in a diocese, in which the members of the Church 
 are not directly or indirectly engaged in the support and manage- 
 ment of some such establishment. These institutions are recom- 
 mended to our notice and regard from the two-fold considera- 
 tion of the good they do and the manner in which they do it 
 
 It must be perfectly obvious that the good done in the various
 
 172 Twelfth Annual Report. [1822 
 
 modes above enumerated must be of vast extent and of infinite 
 importance. It is no less than promoting the glory of God, and 
 the spiritual and eternal welfare of men ; and in connection with 
 these the best interests of society. 
 
 But the manner in which this good is done presents also an 
 object of peculiarly gratifying reflection. No truth is more obvi- 
 ous on the face of Scripture, than that the blessings of religion 
 are appointed to be enjoyed by man in a holy community, where 
 they are connected with each other by the bond of a common 
 faith, a common ministry and a common worship. 
 
 This community styled the Church and Body of Christ is rep- 
 resented as the established mean for conveying to individuals the 
 spiritual and eternal blessings designed by the Gospel, and the 
 appointed instrument of its extension and preservation in the 
 world. And we esteem it a peculiar recommendation of the 
 Societies we have noticed that by recognizing, in their own estab- 
 lishment and operation, the same bond of faith, ministry and 
 worship, they do good in that evangelical and primitive way 
 which, while it promotes the great interests of the Gospel, fails 
 not also to cherish and enforce that unity of faith and order, 
 which the first Christians deemed essential to the religion they 
 professed, which the apostles strenuously urged, and for which 
 the Saviour prayed, and which are among the most prominent 
 characteristics of the Church for which he shed his blood. 
 
 Tn accomplishing the good purposes designed by its establish- 
 ment, this Society has through the divine blessing, been enabled 
 since its institution to raise a permanent fund of $5,348.35, to 
 expend, in the immediate prosecution of its objects, nearly 
 $4,500; to procure in addition to the expenditure just mentioned, 
 a handsome set of stereotype plates of the Book of Common 
 Prayer, and to distribute, principally gratuitously, 3,195 copies 
 of the Bible, 500 of the New Testament, and 6,151 of the Book 
 of Common Prayer, making an aggregate of 9,846 volumes. 
 
 Of these, 229 Bibles and 490 Prayer Books have been gratui- 
 tously distributed, and 176 octavo Prayer Books from the 
 Society's plates have been delivered to members, on the terms of 
 the Society within the past year. 
 
 , The Board at a late meeting appropriated $600 for procuring 
 Bible and Prayer Books for the distribution during the ensuing 
 year.
 
 1822] Twelfth Annual Report. 173 
 
 In this way we may humbly hope that we have been instru- 
 mental in doing some good to the Church, and through that to 
 the religion of the Redeemer. It is impossible to say how far 
 the distribution of these books may have gone in bringing sin- 
 ners to repentance; in reclaiming the erroneous, and confirming 
 the wavering, in the faith, in guiding man in the peaceful paths 
 of the commandments and ordinances of the Lord; bringing 
 them in his appointed way, into covenant with God; and thus 
 forwarding them through the militant towards the triumphant 
 state of his holy Church. 
 
 But extensive as we may hope that this good has been, we 
 cannot suppress the confidence that it might and ought to have 
 been greater. 
 
 When we consider what portion of the wealth of the com- 
 munity is possessed by members of our Church, and her peculiar 
 advantages as a means of promoting the great interests of relig- 
 ion, we would naturally expect that her institutions would be 
 foremost in extent of operation among those designed to benefit 
 the cause of the Gospel. Certain we are that her members can- 
 not better employ their ability to promote that great and grand 
 cause, than by enabling her to extend more widely the sanctify- 
 ing and saving influences of her primitive and evangelical doc- 
 trines, order, and worship. 
 
 With this view, we cannot but regard with the most lively 
 interest every facility which she receives, in advancing in any 
 way the great cause which she has in charge. It gives us, there- 
 fore, most heartfelt satisfaction to advert to the distinguished 
 instance of individual liberality which since our last meeting has 
 gladdened the hearts of the true friends of the Church, and con- 
 secrated to the perpetual affectionate remembrance of her sons, 
 the name of Jacob Sherred. The effect of his munificence in his 
 permanent location of the General Theological Seminary of the 
 Church, where peculiar facilities are afforded to the promotion 
 of its objects, and its establishment upon principles best calcu- 
 lated to insure its harmonious and successful operation. 
 
 We also esteem it an object of sincere felicitation. To the name 
 of this revered benefactor it is our privilege to add that of an- 
 other, who devoutedly attached to the Church in life did not in 
 death forget it, Mrs. Sarah Startin, long a pattern of walking in 
 the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, has set her seal
 
 174 Twelfth Annual Report. [1822 
 
 to the sincerity of her desire for the diffusion through the Church 
 of the inestimable blessings of religion by a liberal bequest to 
 that high and important object. 
 
 Such instances of beneficence cannot but warm the Christian 
 heart with gratitude and admiration ; and must be viewed by the 
 true patriot and enlightened statesman as the best evidence of 
 love of country; inasmuch as they tend to diffuse that religion 
 which forms the most upright citizens and best members of 
 society. Let them encourage us in this sphere of usefulness 
 which has fallen to our lot ; and excite our hopes, and warm our 
 prayer, that our labour may not be in vain, but in the Lord. 
 
 Signed by order of the Board. 
 
 J. H. HOBART, President. 
 Attest: BENJAMIN T. ONDERDONK, Secry. 
 
 New York, Ash Wednesday. Feb. 20, 1&22. 1 
 
 I. The Christian Journal, April, 1822. Volume VI., No. 4, pp. 119, 120, 121.
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Progress of the Auxiliary Societies Anniversary of the Society of 
 Auburn, September, 1822 Diocesan Convention Held at Troy, October, 
 1822 Address of Bishop Hobart Incorporating an Address from Bishop 
 White Names of English, Scottish and Irish Bishops Who Favoured or 
 Opposed the British and Foreign Bible Society Criticism of Archdeacon 
 Norris by Dr. Milnor Reply by Bishop Hobart Opposition to the Aux- 
 iliary Society Seventh Annual Report of the N. Y. Auxilary Address by 
 the Rev. George Uphold Thirteenth Annual Report of the N. Y. B. & C. P. 
 B. Society. 
 
 THE notices found of the work of Bible and Prayer Book 
 Societies in other parts of the State show the strength of 
 conviction of their members and their approval of the 
 views of their diocesan concerning these aids in the exten- 
 sion of the Church. 
 
 The Christian Journal gives this account of the second anni- 
 versary of the Bible and Prayer Book Society which was held in 
 September, 1822, at Auburn; when a sermon adapted to the 
 occasion was delivered by the Rev. Henry Anthon, Rector of 
 Trinity Church, Utica. 
 
 The Society was formed at Manlius in July, 1820. In conse- 
 quence of the general distribution of the Bibles by the laudable 
 exertions of others and the pressing demand for the Book of 
 Common Prayer, the attention of the Society since its commence- 
 ment has been turned to the distribution of that invaluable 
 manual of devotion. Between 600 and 700 copies have already 
 been distributed. It must be gratifying to every friend of the 
 Church to hear that the zeal manifested by our friends in the 
 County of Otsego equalled every expectation which has been 
 raised regarding them. They came forward with a promptness 
 and eagerness worthy of all imitation. They contributed to the 
 funds of the Society about $60, and it should be observed that 
 this sum was advanced by a few individuals. It is confidently 
 believed that every Churchman will become a member of the 
 Society. Although the operations of this institution have neces-
 
 176 Diocesan Convention at Troy. [1822 
 
 sarily been limited, still we trust that they have been so far useful 
 that we may safely rely upon the patronage of every friend of 
 the Church, and that we hazard nothing in saying that however 
 humble in its beginnings, it is destined, if properly supported, to 
 extend its cheering and benign effects over every portion of the 
 Church in the sphere of its influence. 
 
 HON. MORRIS S. MILLER, Utica, President. 
 
 THE REV. Lucius SMITH, Auburn, ist Vice President. 
 
 THE REV. RUSSELL WHEELER, Butternuts, 2d Vice President. 
 
 THE HON. NATHAN WILLIAMS, Utica, Treasurer. 
 
 THE REV. HENRY ANTHON, Utica. Secretary. 1 
 
 In October, 1822, the Convention of the Diocese met in St. 
 Paul's Church, Troy. This was one of the few occasions when 
 a session was held outside the city of New York. The Bishop's 
 address dealt with the progress of the Church during the year 
 and made suggestions for increased work as opportunity offered. 
 
 He inserted a long extract from an address of Dr. White, 
 Bishop of Pennsylvania, disapproving the union of Churchmen 
 and other Christians under certain circumstances for religious 
 and benevolent purposes. In approving and commenting upon 
 it he said : 
 
 The views founded on this opinion, the propriety of which 
 seems to me so obvious, which originally influenced me with 
 respect to the union of Episcopalians with other denominations 
 in Bible societies, have gained strength by subsequent reflection 
 and observation. These societies seem to me erroneous in the 
 principle on which, in order to secure general co-operation, they 
 are founded the separation of the Church from the word of God 
 of the sacred volume from the ministry, the worship, and the 
 ordinances which it enjoins as of divine institution, and the in- 
 struments of the propagation and preservation of Gospel truth. 
 As it respects Churchmen, the tendency of these societies has 
 appeared to me not less injurious than the principle on which 
 they are founded is erroneous. They inculcate that generous 
 liberality which considers the differences among Christians as 
 non-essential; and they thus tend to weaken the zeal of Episco- 
 palians in favour of those distinguishing principles of their 
 
 i. The Christian Journal, October, December, 1822. Volume VI. Nos. 
 10-12, pp. 367, 368.
 
 1822] Bishop Hobart's Address. 177 
 
 Church which eminently entitle her to the appellation of apos- 
 tolical and primitive. 
 
 The success of institutions which are erroneous in the principle 
 on which they are founded, or in the measures which they adopt, 
 cannot vindicate them ; except on the maxim, that "the end justi- 
 fies the means." Nor is this success to be considered as evidence 
 of the favour of Heaven : for then, divine sanction would be 
 obtained for many heretical and schismatical sects which, at vari- 
 ous times, have obtained great popularity, and corrupted and 
 rent the Christian Church. 
 
 It is a satisfaction to me, that in withholding my support from 
 Bible Societies I act with those in the highest stations in the 
 Church from which we are descended, and with the great body 
 of its Clergy. But it is a source of painful regret to find myself 
 differing, on this subject, from many of the Clergy and members 
 of our own communion whom I greatly esteem and respect. I 
 would wish to guard against the supposition of any design on my 
 part to censure these Episcopalians who deem these societies 
 worthy of their support, and the proper channels of their pious 
 munificence. Among the Episcopal laymen of this description, 
 I recognize in the President and acting Vice President of the 
 American Bible Society, individuals who are not for a moment 
 to be suspected of acting from any other principle than a sense 
 of duty, and whose pure and elevated characters adorn the 
 Church of \vhich they are members. My object is not to censure 
 others, but, in the discharge of my official duty, to state and 
 defend the principles on which I think Churchmen should act in 
 their efforts for the propagation of the Gospel; and to ask for 
 those who do not act on these principles, the credit of an adher- 
 ence to the dictates of conscience, and an exemption from the 
 imputation of being unfriendly to the distribution of the oracles 
 of truth. No imputation can be more unjust, injurious, or un- 
 kind. It is not to the distribution of the Bible, but to the mode 
 of distribution that our objections apply. We deem ourselves 
 not warranted in sanctioning what appears to us a departure 
 from the apostolic mode of propagating Christianity in the sep- 
 aration of the sacred volume from the ministry, the ordinances, 
 and the worship of that mystical body which its Divine Founder 
 has constituted the mean and the pledge of salvation to the 
 world. And we think that Episcopalians will best preserve their 
 (12)
 
 178 Bishop Hobart's Address. 
 
 attachment to the distinctive principles of their apostolic Church, 
 and thus best advance the cause of primitive Christianity, and 
 most effectually avoid all collision with their fellow Christians 
 who differ from them, by associating for all religious purposes 
 only among themselves. 
 
 The Bible and Common Prayer Book Societies continue their 
 eminently useful operations; and one in the Western District is- 
 distinguished for its zealous exertions. It is highly gratifying 
 to see Churchmen uniting their efforts and their contributions in 
 the extension of our Church ; and with it, of the truths, the min- 
 istry, and ordinances of that Gospel, which is the power of God 
 unto salvation, in their primitive purity. 1 
 
 The names of the following Bishops of the Church of England 
 and Ireland appear among the supporters of the British and For- 
 eign Bible Society: 
 
 Most Rev. Poer Trench, Archbishop of Tuam; Honourable 
 and Right Rev. Shute Barrington, Bishop of Durham; Right 
 Rev. John Buckner, Bishop of Chichester; Right Rev. Thomas 
 Burgess, Bishop of St. David's ; Right Rev. John Fisher, Bishop 
 of Salisbury; Right Rev. Henry Bathurst, Bishop of Norwich; 
 Honourable and Right Rev. Henry Ryder, Bishop of Gloucester ; 
 Honourable and Right Rev. Thomas Lewis O'Beirne, Bishop of 
 Meath ; Honourable and Right Rev. Charles Lindsay, Bishop of 
 Kildare; Honourable and Right Rev. William Knox, Bishop of 
 Deny. 10. 
 
 The names of the following do not appear among the support- 
 ers of the British and Foreign Bible Society : 
 
 Right Honourable and Most Rev. Charles Manners Sutton,, 
 Archbishop of Canterbury; Right Honourable and Most Rev. 
 Edward Venables Vernon, Archbishop of York ; Most Rev. Lord 
 George Beresford, Archbishop of Armagh; Most Rev. William 
 Magee (author of the work on the Atonement), Archbishop of 
 Dublin; Right Honourable and Most Rev. Richard Laurence 
 (author of the celebrated Bampton Lectures on the Articles), 
 Archbishop of Cashel ; Right Honourable and Right Rev. Wil- 
 liam Howley, Bishop of London; Right Rev. George Tomline, 
 
 I. Address of The Rt. Rev. John Henry Hobart, D.D., to the Convention 
 of the Diocese of New York, October 15, 1822, pp. 31, 32, 33, Journal, 1822.
 
 HENRY HADLKY NORRIS
 
 1822] Bishop Hobart'e Address. 179 
 
 Bishop of Winchester; Right Rev. William Henry Majemlie, 
 Bishop of Bangor; Right Rev. Richard Beadin, Bishop of Bath 
 and Wells ; Right Rev. John Kaye, Regius Professor of Divinity, 
 Cambridge, Bishop of Bristol ; Right Rev. Samuel Goodenough, 
 Bishop of Carlisle; Right Rev. George Henry Law, Bishop of 
 Chester; Right Rev. Bowyer E. Sparke, Bishop of Ely; Right 
 Rev. William Carey, Bishop of Exeter; Right Rev. George Isaac 
 Huntingford, Bishop of Hereford ; Honourable and Right Rev. 
 J. Cornwallis, Bishop of Litchfield and Coventry; Honourable 
 and Right Rev. George A. Pelham, Bishop of Lincoln; Right 
 Rev. William Van Mildert, Bishop of Landaff; Honourable and 
 Right Rev. Edward Legge, Bishop of Oxford ; Right Rev. Her- 
 bert Marsh, Bishop of Peterborough; Right Rev. Walter King, 
 Bishop of Rochester ; Right Rev. John Luxmoore, Bishop of St. 
 Asaph; Right Rev. F. H. W. Cornwall, Bishop of Worcester; 
 Right Rev. George Murray, Bishop of Sodor and Mann; Hon- 
 ourable and Right Rev. R. Ponsonby, Bishop of Down and Con- 
 nor; Right Rev. William Bisset, Bishop of Raphoe; Right Rev. 
 Nathanael Alexander, Bishop of Clogher; Right Rev. George 
 De La Poer Beresford, Bishop of Kilmore; Right Rev. James 
 Saurin, Bishop of Dromore; Right Rev. Robert Fowler, Bishop 
 of Ossory ; Right Rev. Lord Robert Tottenham, Bishop of Ferns ; 
 Right Rev. Thomas Elrington, Bishop of Limerick; Honourable 
 and Right Rev. Richard Bourke, Bishop of Waterford; Hon- 
 ourable and Right Rev. Thomas P. Lawrence, Bishop of Cork; 
 Right Rev. Charles Mungan Warburton, Bishop of Cloyne; 
 Right Rev. Richard Mant, Bishop of Killaloe; Right Rev. John 
 Leslie, Bishop of Elphin ; Right Rev. Christopther Butson, Bish- 
 of of Clonfert; Right Rev. James Verchoyle, Bishop of Killala. 
 To whom are to be added the Bishops of the Scotch Epis- 
 copal Church; Right Rev. George Gleig, Primus, Bishop of 
 Brechin ; Right Rev. Alexander Jolly, Bishop of Moray ; Right 
 Rev. Daniel Sandford, Bishop of Edinburgh ; Right Rev. Patrick 
 Torrey, Bishop of Dunkeld ; Right Rev. William Skinner, Bishop 
 of Aberdeen ; Right Rev. David Low, Bishop of Ross. Total 45. 
 No immediate reply was made by any champion of the Bible 
 Society. In the winter of 1822-23 the Rev. Dr. James Milnor, 
 Rector of St. George's Church and Secretary of the American 
 Bible Society, made an address in which he severely criticised the 
 letter of the Rev. Henry Hadley Norris of Hackney to Lord
 
 180 Annual Auxiliary Meeting. [1823 
 
 Liverpool, condemning the Bible Societies which had recently 
 appeared; in it he used the phrase "infidels or blinded Chris- 
 tians." 
 
 Bishop Hobart then wrote anonymously to the New York 
 Daily Advertiser in condemnation of this address and inserted 
 the extract from his Convention address upon Bible Societies. 
 After some correspondence, Mr. Theodore Dwight, the editor, 
 declined to publish it unless the Bishop should sign it with his 
 own name. Finally the Bishop sent it to the Evening Post, in 
 which it was published on February I, 1823. 1 
 
 In the meantime the Auxiliary Society found itself opposed by 
 those Churchmen who advocated Bible Societies. Dr. Milnor 
 refused to read the notice sent to him of the annual meeting and 
 to close St. George's on the evening when the Rev. Dr. Upfold, 
 Rector of St. Luke's Church, was to preach in St. Paul's Chapel 
 a sermon in its behalf. It found subscriptions were withheld. 
 Like other societies in the Church it needed all the devotion 
 which a confidence in the worthiness of its work could give to 
 overcome the obstacles it encountered. But its members were 
 full of faith and not easily discouraged. In full expectation of 
 the hearty co-operation of all Churchmen it printed this notice 
 in the daily papers : 
 
 NOTICE. 
 
 The annual meeting of the Auxiliary New York Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society will be held in Trinity Church 
 TO-MORROW, 26th inst. at 7 o'clock P. M., when the annual 
 Report of the Board of Managers will be presented. The attend- 
 ance of the members, and all others friendly to the object of the 
 Society is respectfully solicited. 
 
 CHAS. KEELER, Recording Secry. 2 
 
 The report as printed gives this day for the meeting as Satur- 
 day, but the notice is evidently correct and we must conclude that 
 Sunday is the right date. 
 
 The proceedings of the Annual Meeting and the Report of 
 
 1. This outline is taken from a Letter of the Hon. William Jay to Bishop 
 Hobart, which will be noticed more fully. 
 
 2. The Commercial Advertiser, New York, January 25, 1823.
 
 1823] Seventh Auxiliary Report. 181 
 
 which a large portion is here given, show the determination to 
 persevere in its work notwithstanding all the trials and diffi- 
 culties it had recently encountered. 
 
 The Report is gloomy in tone, and it must be remembered that 
 the poor showing of the past year was due not to so much to 
 the opposition which it so unreasonably encountered among 
 church people who ought to have upheld and fostered its work, 
 but to the scourge of scarlet fever which joined to the general 
 financial depression had disheartened the whole of the com- 
 munity. 
 
 At the seventh annual meeting of the Auxiliary in January, 
 1823, Dr. John Smyth Rogers, for five years past the Treasurer 
 of the Society, and to whom it is indebted for his valuable exer- 
 tions from the period of its establishment, having relinquished 
 his office, Mr. Floyd Smith, late first Vice President, yielded to 
 the unanimous desire of the Board and undertook the office of 
 Treasurer. 
 
 The seventh annual Report is in part as follows : 
 
 The Managersof the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society come before their constituents with diffi- 
 dence and regret. On former occasions they have had the satis- 
 faction to present reports of their proceedings, which warmed 
 their hearts with gratitude for the blessings of which they were 
 made the instruments and proudly carried forward their views to 
 labours of future usefulness : for then they contemplated only 
 the rapid progress and rising hopes of this Society. From the 
 tender plant of the forest, they had seen it advancing to the 
 vigour of confirmed strength, its roots seemed to have fixed in a 
 kindly soil, and, in their fond imagination, they looked forward 
 to the time when its branches should spread rapidly, and its fruits 
 supply the wants of many who looked to it for spiritual nourish- 
 ment and strength. 
 
 Surely this was not an idle nor unjustifiable expectation for 
 this Society had received the patronage of Churchmen of every 
 degree. The rich had given it their bounty, the zealous their 
 exertions, and the poor their prayers. With such encouragement, 
 an institution whose first organization was effected by a few indi- 
 viduals, was raised into public favour, solely from a sense of its 
 importance to the interests of religion, and of its usefulness to 
 the Church. In two years 10,000 volumes, distributed by its
 
 182 Seventh Auxiliary Report. [1823 
 
 care, had "made its name known and coupled with honourable 
 appellation to the furthest limits of our federal union." 1 Even 
 then this seedling was "found to be of the true species and of the 
 right kind" ; and the Society was declared to need "no higher 
 encomium than the unvarnished tale of its recent origin and 
 widespread labours." 
 
 On our Sixth Anniversary, however, with an exhausted treas- 
 ury, and a diminished subscription list, your Board of Managers 
 began almost "to despair of being able to resume those active and 
 beneficent labours which, with the blessing of Heaven, had shed 
 the light of the Gospel and the purity of Christian worship on 
 the remotest borders of our land." Still, "trusting in their hal- 
 lowed cause," the Board then put to you the question, "Shall we 
 ask in vain for the means of continuing our labours? Shall we 
 in vain address to Christians our supplications for relief for those 
 who are treading the thorny ways of wretchedness, and the dark 
 valley of death ? Shall the beacon which your bounty has erected 
 to light the traveller on his way, and to guide the wanderer to a 
 haven of rest, be extinguished; now when the solitary places 
 have been made glad by its rays, and its beams have begun to 
 shed the light of glory on the ocean and the wilderness ?" 2 
 
 The seventh year has just elapsed, and we are now compelled 
 to confess that the appeal has been in vain, and that our expecta- 
 tions are disappointed. So far from being supported by increas- 
 ing liberality, a large proportion of our members, when called 
 upon for their subscription, have withdrawn their names; and 
 while our resources are thus continually decreasing, very few 
 subscribers are added to our list. Until the last month, not a 
 single Bible or Prayer Book had issued from our Depository 
 during the whole of the past year. And unless Churchmen feel 
 it their duty to renew and extend their aid, the Board must yield 
 to the prevailing apathy; their plates must be permitted to lie 
 unemployed ; they must close their ears to the calls for aid, and 
 shut the doors of their Depository against the demand for that 
 knowledge which "maketh wise unto salvation." 
 
 ******** 
 
 Yet we are assured by abundant evidence, that there is among 
 
 1. Rev. Mr. M'Vickar's Address before the Society, January, 1818. 
 
 2. Vide Sixth Annual Report.
 
 1823] Seventh Auxiliary Report. 183 
 
 Churchmen a spirit of liberality of which our Church might boast, 
 but its effects are not generally seen nor appreciated, because it 
 is diverted and scattered through the inconsiderate kindness of 
 an exclusive charity. The Church of our choice, so far from 
 being preferred, is placed last in the participation of our bounty ; 
 and, abandoning all that we profess to value, our contributions 
 give impulse to the current of other streams, but leave dry and 
 forsaken their own channels, whose banks they might enrich and 
 adorn. 
 
 This disposition to aid others in their work of piety and benevo- 
 lence argues an amiable and liberal character, and were it an- 
 swered by a correspondent return of benefits, it might be also 
 desirable and wise. The very name of charity is lovely, as that 
 of sect is odious; and next to a frank and honest rivalry of 
 benevolence, we would delight in a mutual interchange of benefits 
 and gifts. Either one of these plans would be productive of 
 advantage to the common cause, and either would be honourable. 
 But to be useful and wise, the system of interchange should be 
 equal and reciprocal. Episcopalians have long set the example of 
 contributing most generously and nobly to forward the views and 
 purposes of their brethren of other denominations ; but it is due 
 to the sincerity of truth to declare that their views of charity 
 never extended to reciprocity in our schemes; that while thou- 
 sands of dollars are given by Churchmen to forward the projects 
 of their fellow Christians, scarcely a dollar finds its way back in 
 acknowledgment of our courtesy, or in advancement of our plans. 1 
 Meanwhile the fabrics which Christians have contributed to rear 
 to magnificence, are compared with the deserted ruins of their 
 own enclosure, and while strangers affect to mark the contrast 
 with pity or with scorn, our own household is dishonoured, her 
 spirit extinguished, her efforts paralyzed. 
 
 i. To say nothing of Bible Societies, subscriptions for building churches, 
 for mission families, etc., the missionary and tract societies of other denomi- 
 nations exhibit the names of a great number of Churchmen as life subscribers 
 or liberal supporters; but among similar societies of our Church, it is a most 
 unusual circumstance to find a single subscription out of our own com- 
 munion. This Society is proud to record one name in honourable exception 
 to this general rule. It is that of Richard Varick, Esq., who was an early 
 and generous contributor to our funds.
 
 184 Seventh Auxiliary Report. [1825 
 
 With the funds in their hands at the close of the year, the 
 Board have ordered the purchase of 800 Prayer Books, a part of 
 which have been divided amongst the most pressing of the calls- 
 urged upon them ; and the remainder are pledged for further dis- 
 tribution. They have also directed 500 Bibles, the residue of the 
 edition of 1,000, which remained in sheets, to be bound. The 
 Agent reports the gratuitous distributions actually made out of 
 the recent appropriations to be, 93 Bibles and 242 Prayer Books, 
 The Bishop of the State of Ohio, whose earnest application could 
 not before be met, has been apprised that 50 Prayer Books are 
 subject to his order ; and the residue of the appropriation will be 
 applied, with a prudent caution, to other demands which have 
 been long unanswered. The Sunday Schools of the several Epis- 
 copal Churches, the Orphan Asylum, the State Prison, the Mari- 
 ner's Church, and the Missionary service are among those claims 
 which have been, in part, supplied. The sales from the Deposi- 
 tory, during the past year, have been 1,675 Prayer Books, and 
 the total of the sales and distributions since the organization of 
 the Society is 3,119 Bibles, and 18,842 Prayer Books. 
 
 The Treasurer's account shows a balance in the treasury of 
 $116.58, and there is due from the Sunday School Society, for 
 Bibles sold them, $85 ; but these sums will be insufficient to meet 
 the debt incurred in the purchase of Prayer Books, and in binding 
 the Bibles as before mentioned. 
 
 Besides their plates of the Bible and Common Prayer Book, 
 the Society possesses a permanent fund of $425, deposited in the 
 Savings Bank, being the proceeds of twenty-one life subscrip- 
 tions, only the interest of which is at the disposal of the Board of 
 Managers. 
 
 The Board would abandon, with reluctance, a field white for 
 the labour of benevolence, and which will repay, with the sub- 
 stantial fruits of a rich harvest, those who are permitted to enter 
 upon it. On every hand the Bible and Prayer Book are con- 
 stantly called for. The good Samaritan would find objects for 
 his bounty without wandering from his immediate path. At our 
 very doors, in our very temples, are large Sunday Schools, which 
 have never yet been sufficiently supplied. Around us in our city 
 are the wants of public charities, public prisons, the solicitations 
 of seamen, and the individual claims of hundreds of others to be 
 attended to. In the country, almost every Church has similar 
 requirements with our own here; and in the new settlements
 
 1823] Seventh Auxiliary- Report. 185 
 
 where the faithful missionary conveys the good news of salvation, 
 and forms Churches and congregations, Bibles and Prayer Books, 
 the necessary concomitants of his success, if furnished at all, 
 must be furnished by the common exertions which we have en- 
 deavoured to call forth. 1 
 
 Few sermons of the first Bishop of Indiana are in print. 
 George Upfold was the son of English parents and passed his 
 boyhood in Albany. He received his early religious training in 
 old St. Peter's, of which his father was Vestryman and Warden. 
 After passing through the General Theological Seminary, he 
 with his friend George Washington Doane founded St. Luke's 
 Church, New York, and then succeeded Mr. Duffle at St. Thom- 
 as's Church. He afterwards became Rector of Trinity Church, 
 Pittsburgh, from which place he was called to the Bishopric of 
 Indiana. In Indiana he met with great discouragement, but 
 worked with undaunted perseverance to plant the Church in the 
 waste and neglected places of the middle West. 
 
 Among his brother Bishops he was affectionately known as 
 "Uncle George." 
 
 This sermon or address will be read with pleasure and interest 
 both for its matter and for its author's sake. 
 
 This notice is found in the daily papers : 
 
 BIBLE AND PRAYER BOOK SOCIETY. 
 
 The annual sermon and collection for the benefit of the Auxil- 
 iary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society will 
 take place in St. Paul's Chapel on Sunday evening next, the gih 
 inst. at 7 o'clock. 
 
 N. B. The seventh annual Report of the Society is now ready 
 for delivery gratis at the office of the agent, No. 99 Pearl Street. 2 
 
 The following address of the Rev. George Upfold, delivered 
 before the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Society, 3 at the 7th anniversary of that institution, is published 
 
 1. The Seventh Annual Report of the Managers of the Auxiliary New 
 York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society. New York: Printed by T. 
 & J. Swords. 1823. 
 
 2. The Commercial Advertiser, New York, Wednesday, February 5th, 
 1823. 
 
 3. We are requested to remind our readers that the treasurer of the 
 Society is Mr. Floyd Smith, No. 182, Broadway, by whom subscriptions and 
 donations for the pious objects of the institution will be gratefully received.
 
 186 Address by Rev. G. Upfold. [1823 
 
 at the solicitation of the Board of Managers. It is presented not 
 only as a happy specimen of that earnest style of preaching which 
 is justly considered appropriate to the recommendation of a pub- 
 lic charity, but also in the hope that it will still further subserve 
 the interests of the excellent Society whose claims to patronage 
 it so clearly and eloquently urges. 
 
 From the "Christian Journal." 
 
 An address delivered in St. Paul's Chapel on Sunday evening, 
 February Qth, 1823, for the benefit of the Auxiliary New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, by the Rev. George 
 Upfold, M.D., Rector of St. Luke's Church, New York. 
 
 When we contemplate the world in which we live, without the 
 instruction of revelation, we find it filled with contradictions and 
 mysteries which involve us in perplexing conjectures, and fill our 
 minds with wondering agitations. To natural reasoning there 
 is nothing in the present state of things reconcilable to any har- 
 monious design or justly proportioned system; and wherever we 
 turn our eyes, whether on the earth itself or its inhabitants, all 
 appears discordant and out of place. In this perplexing exhibi- 
 tion, man exalted above all other earthly beings is the mystery of 
 mysteries we behold him endowed with a soul, exalted in its 
 views, great in its comprehension, immortal in its principle, filled 
 with desires which Omnipotence alone can satisfy, possessed of 
 faculties which seem to place no limit to his capacity for happi- 
 ness, and yet we see this being, so elevated in the scale of exist- 
 ence, and so adorned, the slave of the meanest and most degrad- 
 ing passions ; grovelling with the beasts that perish amid the sen- 
 sual gratifications of the earth, and sharing with them in its final 
 dissolution; and by far the greater part of the mysterious race, 
 indulging in no one care beyond present and transient enjoy- 
 ments, nor ever seeming to feel that they came into the world but 
 just to eat, drink, and die. But on this dark and mysterious 
 prospect a clear and explanatory radiance has been shed. Revela- 
 tion unfolds the wondrous secret, rolling away the impervious 
 clouds which rest upon our natural condition and conceal the 
 mournful cause of this mystery, it shows us a world not as origi- 
 nally contrived and harmoniously arranged, but a world in ruins. 
 It exhibits a race of beings in rebellion against their Almighty 
 Creator. It represents the earth as the scene of an awful and
 
 1823] Address by Rev. G. Upfold. 187 
 
 universal apostasy from God; presenting to angels and men a 
 mingled spectacle of divine wrath and divine mercy and disclos- 
 ing the terribleness of God's indignation in connection with the 
 power of his redeeming love. Throwing aside the veil of former 
 concealment it tells us that "by one man's disobedience sin entered 
 into the world and death," and all its mournful train of conse- 
 quences came "by sin" ; that the ground was cursed for man's 
 sake; and that "the whole earthly creation groaneth and travail- 
 eth together until now" on account of his transgression and guilt. 
 Revelation, however, in this explanatory process does not stop 
 here. It makes known to us truths more animating, more excel- 
 lent, more joyous and consolatory than these. It tells us that the 
 world, though ruined, and exhibiting a prospect of mournful 
 desolation, is not without a remedy; that man though fallen, 
 depraved, guilty and wretched, is not utterly undone ; that obnox- 
 ious as he is to divine wrath, and amenable to punishment, there 
 is a way provided for his restoration to favour, and for his escape 
 from the fearful consequences of his disobedience. It announces 
 a Redeemer, one who is willing and mighty to save ; and through 
 him proclaims a remedy for guilt, a sure and certain way of 
 return from our wanderings, an effective antidote to all our 
 misery. It preaches to us the doctrine of peace, and tells us of 
 one, who, when there was no eye to pity, no hand to help, nor any 
 to bring salvation, became the propitiation for our sins, and the 
 author of everlasting life to all that obey him. It reveals to us the 
 interesting act of the descent of "the only begotten son of God 
 full of grace and truth" to bear the chastisement for our peace 
 and to reconcile us to God by the sacrifice of Himself. It tells us 
 that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not 
 imputing unto them their trespasses. 
 
 Joyful indeed, brethren, are these tidings, and satisfactory to 
 the soul perplexed with doubtful conjectures on its natural con- 
 dition, its present sensibilities and future destiny. This is that 
 "hidden wisdom" which was kept secret since the world began, 
 until brought to light by the Gospel; this is the mystery which 
 was concealed from ages and generations ; this 
 
 "the joyful sound, 
 
 which Kings and prophets waited for 
 and sought but never found."
 
 188 Address by Rev. G. Upfold. [1825 
 
 This the transcendent 
 
 "heavenly light, 
 
 which Kings and prophets long desired, 
 But died without the sight." 
 
 "Blessed are our eyes," my brethren, for they see, and our ears 
 for they hear. 
 
 To us the mystery of godliness is fully disclosed. That revela- 
 tion of mercy and truth, which dispersing the clouds of error and 
 of wrath from the moral firmament hath brought life and immor- 
 tality to light, is ours, and in its instructions, its privileges, and 
 its blessings we are enabled to rejoice. 
 
 But to multitudes the Gospel is still "the hidden wisdom" ; and 
 its offers of pardon and reconciliation, its instructive doctrines 
 and consoling truths are unknown. Clouds and darkness still 
 rest upon very many of earth's inhabitants and envelope in 
 gloomy ignorance their mental vision and their spiritual prospect. 
 
 Numbers still bow the knee of adoration to "dumb idols," and 
 seek from "stocks and stones, the work of their own hands," a 
 refuge from that wrath which they are conscious they deserve, 
 and the gift of that mercy which they are sensible that they need. 
 This spiritual destitution is not confined, however, to the heathen 
 world. In Christian lands it is felt. In our own country there is 
 a lamentable dearth of the bread of life; and within the circle of 
 our immediate observation, thousands are groaning under the 
 destructive bondage of sin and Satan and perishing for lack of 
 knowledge. Do you doubt the truth of this assertion? Do you 
 hesitate to admit the extent of that moral desolation which over- 
 spreads so large a portion of this highly favoured country? 
 Peruse the annual reports of those heralds of the cross, who leav- 
 ing the comforts of a more refined life, have gone forth to preach 
 the Gospel of reconciliation in our new settlements. Contemplate 
 with serious attention the mournful picture which they draw of 
 the spiritual condition of the inhabitants of those remote districts. 
 See how many there are excluded from the privileges and ordi- 
 nances of our holy religion ; with no hand to guide them into the 
 paths of righteousness and peace; with no sanctuary to frequent 
 for the offering up of their prayers and praises to the Most High 
 and the hearing of that word, which maketh wise unto salvation ; 
 "with no Bible to supply the place of other instruction ; with no 
 approved formulary of devotion to aid them in rendering rational
 
 1823] Address by Rev. G. Upfold. 189 
 
 and acceptable worship ; with no messenger of grace" to reprove, 
 rebuke, exhort them, to warn men of their danger, to convince 
 them of sin, to lead them now in wisdom's ways, and in a dying 
 hour, to infuse into men's souls "a hope full of immortality." 
 But we need not contemplate this scene of spiritual want and 
 ignorance at such a distance. Nearer home there is enough to 
 excite your concern and call forth your compassion. Go wander 
 through many parts of this metropolis enter the abodes of 
 numbers of its inhabitants ask the wretched inmates of their 
 God and they do not know him speak of their Saviour, and 
 his precious offices and they have never heard of Him ask 
 them of their hopes beyond the present transitory scene and 
 they have none. From their miserable dwellings no morning 
 orison is lifted up to God, no evening offering of praise ascends 
 as grateful incense to the skies; but all within them is desolate 
 and comfortless ; they are dead in trespasses and sins ; heaven and 
 all the joys it offers are matters of an unknown import ; salvation 
 a strange and unintelligible tale; earth bounds their highest 
 pleasures, and their highest prospects. God is not in all their 
 thoughts. Such, my brethren, is the wretched condition of many 
 of our fellow creatures. And must they remain in this deplorable 
 ignorance of divine things? Have they immortal souls, to be 
 saved or to be lost, and shall they continue strangers to him who 
 is the only "Way, the Truth and the Life," and through whom 
 alone cometh salvation? Shall accountable human beings be 
 suffered to live in this habitual commission of sin without a soli- 
 tary warning of their danger? Shall they be left to die unac- 
 quainted with that precious gift which alone can render their 
 passage into the eternal world safe, and their exit glorious and 
 happy ? Is a revelation so important in its nature, and so salutary 
 in its tendency as the Gospel of peace; so indispensable to the 
 everlasting welfare of man ; so full of comfort, of hope, and of 
 joy ; to be confined in its operation to those whose lot happens to 
 be cast in fairer ground, and its holy momentous truths be with- 
 held from the less fortunate? Surely not! Such, brethren, was 
 not the intention of its divine author, of Him who sealed its 
 precious truths with his blood. Nor must such selfishness per- 
 vade the hearts and influence the practice of any of his followers. 
 "Go ye," said he to his immediate disciples, "go ye into all the 
 world and preach the Gospel to every creature." The benevolent
 
 190 Address by Rev. G. Upfold. [1825 
 
 command has lost nothing of its force, nor of its importance in 
 the lapse of ages. Calculated and intended for universal dif- 
 fusion, the Gospel of Jesus Christ demands the zealous and con- 
 tinual efforts of all in its dissemination, of all who participate in 
 its privileges and enjoy its blessings. The gift of infinite love ta 
 a fallen and ruined race, it embraces all mankind in its intended 
 influence, and must be spread by faith and charity from man to 
 man, until all shall know Him whom to know aright is eternal 
 life. Yes, my brethren, Christianity imposes upon its votaries 
 peculiar obligations to extend its benefits and blessings, and its 
 appeal, in this respect to their hearts is awakening and forcible. 
 And blessed be God ! at the present time this appeal is sensibly 
 felt, and these obligations duly appreciated and faithfully prac- 
 ticed. Christians now appear alive to this part of their duty, and 
 from their awakened sensibility we have reason to hope for the 
 happiest results to the cause of humanity, of religion, and of God. 
 That charity which regarding with the tenderest solicitude, the 
 spiritual wants of our fellow creatures, extends its ready aid to 
 all within the sphere of its influence, is a prominent and dis- 
 tinguishing feature of the age in which we live, and the events 
 to which it has given rise, form an interesting and honourable 
 epoch in the moral history of the world. 
 
 A spirit of benevolence of the highest and purest species of 
 benevolence, has been elicited and is gaining ground among the 
 professors of the Christian faith ; and its efforts, holy and useful 
 in their intention, extensive in their plan, enlarged in their opera- 
 tion, and beneficial in their effects, reflect a bright and dazzling 
 lustre for the religion which calls forth their exercise, and directs 
 their movements. To the Christian philanthropist, the present 
 aspect of the religious world is indeed imposing and animating; 
 and in the prospect which it presents of extensive and multiplied 
 and zealous exertion in the cause of Christ, and particularly the 
 active co-operation of the laity in the various plans of "doing 
 good," which is a peculiar trait in the spiritual character of the 
 age. Every friend of the Redeemer must rejoice. Hope contem- 
 plates the sublime spectacle with ardent, delightful emotion. 
 Faith looks forward with eager anticipation to the fulfilment of 
 prophecy, and hails with rapture the period, as not far distant 
 when the kingdoms of this world shall become the Kingdoms of 
 Christ, and the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the 
 Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
 
 1823] Address by Rev. G. Upfold. 191 
 
 Such, my brethren, is the enlivening spectacle which every- 
 where meets our eyes and animates our hearts. And shall our 
 lethargy detract from the glory, and obscure the brightness of 
 this prospect ? Sensible as we must be of the value of salvation, 
 and the benefits of the Gospel, and knowing, as we do, the obliga- 
 tion imposed on us to disseminate the knowledge of a crucified 
 Saviour, and the wonders of redeeming love; shall we remain 
 inactive spectators of this busy scene of benevolence? 
 
 Shall the lamp of Christian zeal burn with a bright and holv 
 flame in every heart but ours ? God forbid ! Such apathy would 
 argue but a very imperfect conception of our religious obliga- 
 tions, a very feeble sense of gratitude for mercies we receive, and 
 the exalted privileges we enjoy. Surely you will not permit it 
 to become an inmate of your bosom, nor suffer it to influence 
 your conduct. Surely your hearts will not refuse to respond 
 with good will towards any plan which has for its object the 
 building up of the Redeemer's Kingdom, and the promotion of 
 the present and eternal welfare of your fellow men. 
 
 In this trust suffer me to direct you at this time to a specific 
 application of your charity and solicit your patronage and sup- 
 port for an institution which in the great work of moral renova- 
 tion, holds out a prospect not of remote, but of immediate and 
 certain and extensive benefit. 
 
 This institution is the Auxiliary Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society of this city; an association which while it refuses 
 its gifts to none who ask, directs its charitable efforts principally 
 to the relief of the destitute of our own communion. In the exe- 
 cution of this charitable design it has engaged with a zeal and 
 ardour which does it honour ; and the effects which have already 
 been produced by its work of faith and labour of love are numer- 
 ous and beneficial. We have good reason to believe that, through 
 its instrumentality, many a benighted wanderer has been rescued 
 from that gloomy path which leadeth down to death, and been 
 brought to offer upon the consecrated altars of the Christian 
 Church "a free will offering with a holy worship." We have 
 good reason to think that many a child of sorrow, and of sin, 
 hath been comforted by its benevolence ; and many a broken heart 
 healed, and taught to look up with the confidence of faith, and 
 the assurance of hope to a reconciled God; that many who 
 never knew a Saviour's name, have been made acquainted with
 
 192 Address by Rev. G. Upfold. [1823 
 
 his saving grace, and interested in that great covenant of mercy, 
 whose blessings are better than life itself. But we will not detain 
 you, brethren, by descanting on the beneficial influence this 
 Society has exerted, and the good it has done. We turn to what 
 constitutes a more important topic now its present prospects. 
 
 These, alas, are marked with a character of hopelessness, 
 which was it not for the expectation of your generous aid, would 
 almost induce an abandonment of its efforts. Holding forth the 
 word of life in intimate connection with the Church of God, the 
 organization of this Society was hailed with rapture by the 
 friends of religion, and the Church, as affording an animating 
 promise of extensive benefit. 
 
 Calling forth the pious zeal of the younger members of our 
 Communion, and engaging them in deeds of noble achievement 
 in the best of all causes, it formed a new era in the history of 
 our exertions for the amelioration of the spiritual condition of 
 our destitute brethren, and this anticipation has been more than 
 realized. The efforts of its indefatigable managers in the distri- 
 bution of the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer have given 
 rise to other efficient measures; and the zeal of our young men. 
 thus called into activity has been directed to other objects of 
 primary importance in the diocese, which have been productive 
 of and still promise the happiest results. Out of their active par- 
 ticipation in the work of Christian benevolence, has arisen the 
 Missionary Society, with its several auxiliary associations, which 
 now afford not a little aid to ecclesiastical authority in meeting 
 the demands which are constantly made for ministerial service by 
 our destitute congregations. Thus useful in its own particular 
 sphere of operation, and eliciting other means of doing good, the 
 Society had for a time no reason to complain of a want of encour- 
 agement or support. It grew up like a well-watered plant, shot 
 deep its roots, rose high, and bid fair for fruitfulness. But just 
 as it began to tower in increasing luxuriance and strength, and 
 to promise ere long to become the pride of the forest, and the 
 prince among the neighbouring trees, the axe is laid at its root 
 a fatal blow threatened and all its branching honours about to 
 be prostrated in the dust. A melancholy reverse has taken place 
 in its means and prospects of usefulness; and instead of the 
 gratulatory accents with which it has before greeted your ears, 
 of good done and greater good in anticipation, it comes to you
 
 1823] Address by Rev. G. Upfold. 193 
 
 now with a tale of destitution, of neglect, of blighted prospects 
 and paralyzed exertions. With an increasing demand upon its 
 bounty and an extended field of usefulness, the Society for the 
 past year has been obliged to remain comparatively idle, for the 
 want of pecuniary means to carry on its operations ; and a dimin- 
 ished subscription list and an exhausted treasury afford but little 
 encouragement for future exertion. 
 
 "Until the last month," says the very able and eloquent Annual 
 Report, "not a single Bible or Prayer Book had issued from our 
 Depository, during the whole of the past year, and unless Church- 
 men feel it their duty to renew and extend their aid, the Board 
 of Managers must yield to the prevailing apathy ; they must close 
 their ears to the calls for aid, and shut the doors of their Deposi- 
 tory against the demand for that knowledge which maketh 'wise 
 unto salvation.' ' 
 
 And shall these things be so? Shall a zeal so holy, so well 
 directed, be suffered to expend itself in fruitless wishes for want 
 of means to carry its designs into effect? Shall this Society be 
 suffered to languish and die for want of patronage? 
 
 Will you as Churchmen, as Christians, permit an institution so 
 eminently useful in doing good, so well calculated to disseminate 
 the glad tidings of salvation, and shed on the minds of the ignor- 
 ant and destitute the cheering radiance of pure and undefiled 
 religion, to suspend its efforts? In the language of a former 
 appeal Shall this Society in vain address you their supplica- 
 tions for relief for those who are treading the thorny ways of 
 wretchedness, and the dark valley of the shadow of death ? Shall 
 the beacon which your former bounty has erected to light the 
 traveller on his way now, when the solitary places have been 
 made glad by its rays and its beams have begun to shed a light 
 of glory on the ocean and the wilderness ? 
 
 We will not willingly believe, my brethren, that your support 
 has been or will continue to be withheld from the very deserving 
 institution because in comparison with some other plans which 
 now engage the public attention it is exclusive in its object ; and 
 that you deem it a violation of Christian charity to contribute 
 your aid to the furtherance of its philanthropic designs. We hope 
 you are not afraid of the imputation of bigotry, in consecrating 
 your bounty to subserve the interests of your own Church, and 
 to supply the crying and urgent wants of the destitute of your 
 d3)
 
 194 Address by Rev. G. Upfold. [182& 
 
 own household. Christian charity is not necessarily of that dif- 
 fusive nature which some would represent it to be. Such was 
 not the light in which it was viewed and practiced by the holy 
 men of old. An inspired apostle expressly teaches us, that while 
 we "do good unto all men" we should do good "especially unta 
 them who are of the household of faith." And though it is now 
 the custom of some in the exuberance of their charity, to reverse 
 the order of the admonition, we trust you will not jeopardize the 
 spiritual welfare of your brethren of the same family for the sake 
 of a little ephemeral popularity with other denominations; nor 
 be induced by their prevalent flattery of the day, of being liberal 
 in your sentiments, and Catholic in your efforts, to refrain from 
 directing a part at least of these efforts, and giving a portion of 
 your bounty to objects connected with your own communion, and 
 thereby justly exhibiting strong and peculiar claims to your re- 
 gard and patronage. It cannot be that you will so determine. 
 No; you will enable these zealous individuals by your generous 
 bounty to resume their active and beneficent labours and to con- 
 tinue to hold forth the "word of life." You will enable them to 
 persevere in their work of faith and labour of love, "to continue 
 to cheer the hearts of the "mourners in Zion," to give light to 
 them who sit in the darkness and shadow of death," to reclaim 
 the sinner from the error of his ways; and to shed the radiance 
 of evangelical truth, and the purity of Christian worship, on the 
 remotest districts of our land are we mistaken in this charitable 
 conjecture? Is there no Christian feeling in this assembly? No 
 sympathy for spiritual misery and destitution; no concern for 
 God's glory, the prosperity of his Church, and the good of men ? 
 Shall immortal souls be jeopardized through your indifference? 
 Walking in the fulness of the heavenly light, and enjoying those 
 inestimable privileges of which so many of your fellow creatures 
 are deprived, and which their poverty at least prevents them 
 from obtaining, will you refuse to impart of your abundance to 
 their necessities? O let it be favourable! 
 
 Withhold not your boon of charity from this deserving insti- 
 tution; but let your present bounty be abundant, for it is much 
 needed, and will be faithfully applied; and let our names be 
 again inscribed on the Society's list of contributors, your best 
 wishes follow these praiseworthy efforts, and your fervent
 
 1823] Thirteenth Annual Report. 195 
 
 prayers ascend to the mercy-seat of God for a blessing on their 
 pious undertaking. Amen. 1 
 
 The work of the parent Society had been continued along the 
 lines it had marked out for itself. By mutual agreement and 
 forbearance the two societies did not interfere with each other, 
 but were mutually strengthened. 
 
 The meetings of the Managers seem to have been formal and 
 little more than routine matters were brought before the Board, 
 most of the work being done by the Agent. 
 
 New York, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 1823. 
 
 A stated meeting of the Board was held this day in Trinity 
 Church. 
 
 The Agent submitted his report, from which it appeared that 
 246 Bibles and 615 i8mo. Prayer Books have been gratuitously 
 distributed during the past year. 
 
 The report was accepted. 
 
 The Treasurer submitted his report and account current, from 
 which it appeared that the receipts into the disposable fund, dur- 
 ing the past year were $379.48, and into the permanent fund $15 ; 
 and the expenditures $488.61. It also appeared from the same 
 report, that owing to the prevalence of yellow fever, the sub- 
 scriptions of members for the past year had not been collected. 
 
 New York, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 1823. 
 
 This being the day appointed by the Constitution, the Annual 
 Meeting of the Society was held in Trinity Church at 12 o'clock 
 M. The President being absent, the Rev. William Creighton 
 was called to the Chair. 
 
 The minutes of the last meeting of the Society were read and 
 approved. 
 
 The Thirteenth Annual Report of the Board of Managers was 
 then read. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, that the report of the Managers be ac- 
 cepted, and be printed under the direction of the Board. 
 
 The Society proceeded to the election of ten laymen to be 
 associated with the Episcopal clergy of the City, as Managers 
 for the ensuing year. 
 
 The following gentlemen were chosen : Matthew Clarkson, 
 
 i. The Christian Journal, May, 1823. Volume VII. No. 5, pp. 129-134.
 
 196 Thirteenth Annual Report. [1823 
 
 John Onderdonk, John Slidell, Henry Rogers, George Dominick, 
 Gulian Ludlow, Isaac Carow, Richard Whiley, Henry McFar- 
 lan, Richard Platt. 
 
 The Society adjourned. 
 
 The following is the Report : 
 
 Thirteenth Annual Report of the Board of Managers of the 
 New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society. 
 
 Another year, the Divine Head of the Church has honoured 
 this Society with being an instrument for promoting the great 
 ends designed by the establishment of his Kingdom. 
 
 Two hundred and forty-six Bibles and six hundred and fifteen 
 Prayer Books have been distributed gratuitously. They have 
 gone into various parts of our State; and have conduced, we 
 trust, to disseminate a knowledge of the true God and of Jesus 
 Christ whom he hath sent of the doctrines and precepts of 
 his religion and the nature and constitution of the Church, which 
 he has established as the channel of his grace and mercy to a 
 fallen world. 
 
 In promoting such objects we perform the best species of 
 charity. We improve the condition of our fellow men as intelli- 
 gent, and promote their affection as immortal beings. We rescue 
 them from the degradation and misery of irreligion and vice, and 
 open to them the pure pleasures and heavenly consolations of 
 piety here and its infinite reward hereafter. We make those 
 who might become the pests and disgrace of society creditable 
 and useful to it. We promote all the good to individuals and the 
 community, which cannot but flow from the extension of a 
 Church, holding and disseminating evangelical truth in its primi- 
 tive purity, and dispensing in the divinely appointed way the 
 means and pledges of salvation provided by the Redeemer of 
 mankind. And if he has promised to regard as extended to 
 himself the relief which we afford to the bodily necessities of our 
 brethren, we surely may hope that when we bestow our efforts 
 on turning men from darkness to light, and from the power of 
 Satan to God; reclaiming them from the way of spiritual and 
 eternal destruction, and presenting them to Christ to be sancti- 
 fied by his grace, and saved by his merits, he will mercifully re- 
 ceive it as an offering to himself. We may surely trust that he 
 will receive as done to him whatever we do to promote the unity, 
 purity and prosperity of the Church, which he loved, and for 
 which he gave himself.
 
 1823] Thirteenth Annual Report. 197 
 
 Of this character we humbly hope are the operations of our 
 Society. The Board would have rejoiced in the means of having 
 them more extensive. They have done what they could. They 
 have endeavoured faithfully to apply the resources with which 
 they were provided; and hope that the prayers of their fellow 
 members will be united with their own, that the divine blessing 
 may attend their efforts. The operations of the past year make 
 the aggregate of distributions by the Society, since its establish- 
 ment, 10,707 copies of the Bible, the New Testament, and the 
 Book of Common Prayer. 
 
 In consequence of the sickness which prevailed in the city last 
 fall, the subscriptions of members in the past year have not been 
 collected. Their collection will be combined with that of those 
 due for the current year. The Board would express the hope 
 that all the present members will gladly continue their patronage 
 to so excellent an object, and that others will be added to the 
 number who thus lend to the Lord. 
 
 An immediate advantage to the members and their families 
 will be found in the allowance of one Bible or one octavo Prayer 
 Book for every dollar thus contributed. For the reason stated 
 above the receipts into our Treasury during the past year have 
 been small, being limited to the permanent fund, which fund 
 amounts to $5,374.56. The Board at its last meeting appropri- 
 ated $450 to the procuring of Bibles and Prayer Books for dis- 
 tribution. May the blessing of God go with them, and sanctify 
 them to his glory, the good of his Church, and the spiritual and 
 eternal welfare of his people. 
 
 Signed by order of the Board. 
 
 THOMAS LYELL, Chairman pro tern. 1 
 
 The Board organized for the year three days after the annual 
 meeting. 
 
 At a regular meeting of the Board held February 28, 1823, 
 the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: The 
 Rev. Benj. T. Onderdonk, Secretary; Gulian Ludlow, Treas- 
 urer; Henry McFarlan, Agent. 
 
 The Chairman appointed the following gentlemen to be asso- 
 ciated with the President, the Secretary and the Agent, as the 
 Standing Committee for the ensuing year: The Rev. Thomas 
 Lyell, D.D., Henry Rogers, John Slidell. 
 
 l. The Christian Journal, April, 1823. Volume VII. No. 4, pp. 120, 121.
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Bishop Hobart's Address to Diocesan Convention of 1822 Criticisms on 
 It Attack by William Jay Jay's Interest in Bible Societies His Letter 
 signed "A Churchman of the Diocess of New York" Extracts from It 
 Bishop Hobart Replies under the Signature, "Corrector" Correspondence 
 Between the New York Auxiliary Society and Dr. Milnor Bishop Hobart 
 Exposes the Fallacies Misrepresentations Rhapsody and Ostentation 
 The Want of Delicacy The Ungentlemanly and Unchristian Language 
 Of Jay's Letter. 
 
 APPARENTLY there was no public comment upon the 
 strong and bold utterance of the Bishop concerning 
 Bible Societies in his address of 1822, until after the 
 publication of the Journal of the Convention of 1822. 
 His opposition had been so frequently expressed, both publicly 
 and privately, and attempts made by the advocates of those So- 
 cieties to prove him entirely in the wrong as we have seen in the 
 course of this narrative, that it is most remarkable that the par- 
 agraph in his Convention address should have been made the 
 occasion of a violent attack upon his principles and methods. 
 The author of it was a son of that eminent jurist and statesman, 
 John Jay, who had served both the State and Nation with a pure 
 and disinterested patriotism. While the son had inherited the 
 legal acumen of his father, he was more ready than the Chief 
 Justice to engage in public discussion of measures and insti- 
 tutions which he approved or disapproved of. His interest 
 in Bible Societies had been early shown, and a pamphlet 
 from his pen aided in the foundation of the American Bible 
 Society. It was in the early spring of 1823 that he issued "A 
 Letter to the Right Reverend Bishop Hobart" under the signa- 
 ture of "A Churchman of the Diocess of New York." The con- 
 troversy excited by it was the last in which the Bishop of New 
 York engaged. Its ultimate effect was to strengthen the cause 
 he advocated and increased the interest of Churchmen in the 
 recently formed Bible and Prayer Book Societies, and particu- 
 larly in the parent Society. Bishop Hobart's biographer says: 
 
 198
 
 1823J William Jay. 199 
 
 "The address was made the occasion of an attack on the part of 
 an anoymous writer under the signature of a Churchman of the 
 Diocese of New-York, in a temper and style which were alto- 
 gether unsuitable to his own character and pretensions, to the 
 subject itself, and to the sacred views and dignity of the person 
 assailed. It is this subject, which, provoking recrimination, 
 often renders religious controversy so odious as to indispose men 
 to inquiries after the truth, and to make them prefer ignorance 
 and error to discord and strife. The time, we hope, will come, 
 when these discussions will be conducted in a better spirit, and 
 when the defence of truth may be reconciled with charity and 
 peace. But though no circumstances can altogether justify the 
 harsh tone which too commonly prevails in controversial writ- 
 ings, yet if the misrepresentations, fallacies, the disingenuous- 
 ness, the indelicacy, the discourtesy, and intolerance, with which 
 Bishop Hobart charged 'a Churchman of the Diocese of New- 
 York' in those masterly pieces signed 'Corrector,' were in the 
 main, fairly made out ; and such, so far as I have learned, though 
 not the universal, was the very general opinion of those who 
 had read the controversy ; then it is not surprising that under the 
 peculiar provocations, he felt a degree of honest indignation at 
 this unprovoked attack, and that he treated his assailant with 
 severity and scorn." 
 
 Note. "In the heat of the controversy, and with a view of 
 strengthening his argument, the Bishop made some personal allu- 
 sions to the family of 'a Churchman of the Diocese of New- 
 York,' which I have always regretted, and of which it seems 
 proper to state, I entirely disapprove." 1 
 
 Mr. Bayard Tuckerman in his recent life of Judge Jay gives 
 a modern view of his action in the matter. 
 
 "An interesting incident in this early period of his life was the 
 part which he bore in the founding of the American Bible Society, 
 in organizing its machinery for the immense work which it had 
 to perform, and in vindicating the principles of the Society 
 against the attacks of the opposing party in his own Church. In 
 the struggle Jay proved his independence of character, and cour- 
 age of conviction which afterwards distinguished him through 
 the seeming hopeless years of anti-slavery effort. 
 
 i. Berrian's "Memoir." Volume I. pp. 264, 265.
 
 200 William Jay. [1823 
 
 The general distribution of Bibles in our day makes it difficult 
 to appreciate the limited supply, the high cost and consequent 
 rarity of the Bible when this Society began its work. The High 
 Church party in New York were opposed to the association of 
 Episcopalians with other Christians to circulate the Bible, and 
 opposed even to the distribution of the Bible unless accompanied 
 by the Prayer Book as an interpreter. In these views they were 
 vigorously supported by their distinguished leader, Bishop John 
 Henry Hobart. 
 
 Jay, who had inherited with his Huguenot blood a faith in the 
 Bible not to be restrained by ecclesiastical assumption, was an 
 officer of the West Chester Bible Society, and deeply interested 
 in the work. On the appearance of a pastoral letter from Bishop 
 Hobart in which the High Church views were advocated he pub- 
 lished a pamphlet showing that it was the interest and duty of 
 Episcopalians to unite with their fellow Christians of all denomi- 
 nations in spreading the knowledge of the Word of God." 
 
 This pamphlet brought him into an active conflict with the emi- 
 nent Bishop which lasted for several years, and taught him that a 
 philanthropic cause even so plainly meritorious was not be be car- 
 ried on without the opposition of powerful conservative interests. 
 Convinced that a national society could accomplish more than 
 the local and scattered State Bible Societies, Jay published 
 a pamphlet in 1816 which showed the imperative importance of 
 the work, and urged united action. At the same time the vener- 
 able Elias Boudinot, of New Jersey, was exerting himself to the 
 same end. When he received a letter from Jay enclosing the 
 pamphlet, he thus welcomed his youthful ally: "The'se precious 
 moments I have devoted to a full consideration of one of the 
 greatest and most interesting subjects that has ever concerned 
 the children of men. We are feeble, scarcely able to think or 
 write, my efforts promised but little in the cause, when your 
 welcome and unexpected letter was brought in. My drooping 
 spirits were raised and my mind greatly revived. I could not 
 help giving glory to God for the great encouragement afforded 
 me to press in this glorious cause, when I thus behold his 
 special mercy in raising up so powerful a support in this joyous 
 work and labour of love." In the same year the American Bible 
 Society was formed with the assistance of the best names in the 
 country.
 
 1823] William Jay. 201 
 
 Notwithstanding the honourable support given to the Society, 
 it had to resist a carefully organized assault on the part of Bishop 
 Hobart and an influential portion of his clergy aimed at the vital 
 principle on which the success of the movement depended, the 
 cordial union of all denominations. 
 
 Jay's previous training in the same field of controversy, his 
 staunch devotion at once to his cause and to his Church, desig- 
 nated him as the proper person to carry on the war of letters and 
 pamphlets which ensued. 
 
 Although pitted against an adversary to whom age, experi- 
 ence and station gave great advantages, he acquitted himself 
 with credit, displaying literary and reasoning powers which were 
 soon to exert a potent influence upon the great moral issue of 
 our time. 1 
 
 In the preface to Mr. Tuckerman's book the Hon. John Jay, 
 formerly minister from the United States to Austria, and a son 
 of Judge Jay, says : 
 
 "Judge Jay's Memoir on the formation of a national Bible So- 
 ciety, which in 1816 so warmly encouraged the hopes of the 
 venerable Boudinot were followed by spirited controversial 
 pamphlets with an antagonist as able and eminent as Bishop 
 Hobart. The correspondence after Jay's first letter was marked 
 by an unusual sharpness, which happily did not prevent my cher- 
 ished and lamented friend, 2 the son and namesake of the Bishop, 
 from becoming in later years sincerely attached to his father's 
 antagonist. It was a contest in which Jay vindicated the right 
 of Churchmen to assist in the distribution of the Bible, and antici- 
 pated in this his similar efforts for a lifetime to secure the united 
 action of all good citizens, without regard to creed or politics in 
 practicable schemes for the peace and happiness of mankind." 8 
 
 This sketch condensed from the "American Encyclopaedia" 
 gives some particulars of the varied and useful life of Judge Jay : 
 
 William, an eminent jurist and philanthropist, born in 
 New York, June 16, 1789; died at Bedford, New York, October 
 
 1. William Jay and the Constitutional Movement for the Abolition of 
 Slavery. By Bayard Tuckerman, with a preface by John Jay, pp. 10, n, 12, 13. 
 
 2. John Henry Hobart, the youngest son of the Bishop. 
 
 3. Preface, by the Hon. John Jay, LL.D. Dated Bedford House, New 
 York, May, 1893. p. 4.
 
 202 William Jay. [182$ 
 
 14, 1858. He received his early education at Albany, and gradu- 
 ated at Yale College in 1807. He studied law at Albany, but 
 having injured his eyes by intense study, relinquished the prac- 
 tice of the profession, and retired to Bedford, where he assisted 
 in the management of the large landed estate which descended to 
 him on the death of his father in 1829. In 1810 he began his 
 career of philanthropic effort in the founding of the American 
 Bible Society, and was its recognized champion against the 
 attacks of Bishop Hobart and other members of the Episcopal 
 Church, to which Jay himself belonged, during a controversy 
 which lasted many years. 
 
 As President of the West Chester Bible Society he delivered 
 a long series of annual addresses. He organized a society for 
 temperance reform, in 1815. He also took an active part in the 
 tract, missionary and educational movements of the day, and was 
 frequently President of the Sunday School and agricultural socie- 
 ties of his county. In 1818 he was appointed a Judge of the 
 Court of Common Pleas, and in 1820 was made the first Judge 
 of West Chester County, which office he held until 1842, when 
 he was superseded on account of his anti-slavery opinions. In 
 1835, wnen the legislature had in contemplation a law restricting 
 freedom of speech on the subject of slavery, he advised the 
 Grand Jury that it would be the duty of every citizen to resist 
 such a law as a violation of the Constitution. The same year on 
 behalf of the executive committee of the Anti-Slavery Society, 
 he prepared a reply to the charges against the Abolitionists, and 
 published a work entitled "An Inquiry into the Character of the 
 American Colonization and Anti- Slavery Societies." 
 
 In 1838 he published "A View of the Action of the Federal 
 Government on Behalf of Slavery." 
 
 In 1843-4 he visited Europe and proceeded thence to Egypt, 
 where he made the acquaintance of Sir Gardner Wilkinson in 
 conjunction with whom he investigated the subject of Egyptian 
 slavery. He was for some years President of the American 
 Peace Society, and in 1848 published a volume entitled "War and 
 Peace : the Evils of the First with a Plea for Supporting the 
 Last." which was reprinted by the London Peace Society. His 
 plan consisted in treaty stipulations for the settlement of differ- 
 ences by arbitration. 
 
 The Committee on Foreign Relations of the United States
 
 1823] William Jay. 203 
 
 Senate, to whom a memorial on the subject was referred, reported 
 in favour of his plan; and Mr. Cobden wrote to him : 
 
 "If your government is prepared to insert an Arbitration clause 
 in pending treaties I am confident it would be accepted by our 
 negotiators." 
 
 By his will he left a bequest of $1,000 for "promoting the 
 safety and comfort of fugitive slaves." 
 
 His publications on all subjects were 43 in number; many of 
 which were widely circulated and exercised much influence on 
 public opinion. His largest work was the "Life and Writings of 
 John Jay." (2 vols. 8vo. New York: 1833.) 1 
 
 We have thought it fitting to give the "Open Letters" between 
 William Jay and Bishop Hobart almost at full length not only 
 because they explain some of the hindrances to the successful 
 working of all Prayer Book Societies at that time, but also be- 
 cause they form part of the wider field of Church History of 
 that epoch. Jay was throughout his life the bitter opponent of 
 Bishop Hobart, and it was enough for the Bishop to advocate 
 any cause or measure for Jay immediately to espouse the very 
 opposite side. 
 
 And, since Hobart was identified with the fortunes of Trinity 
 Church the hostility of Jay and his friends naturally extended 
 to every measure proposed by that Church. While the tone of 
 the controversy has been somewhat softened yet the feeling 
 against the principles advocated by Bishop Hobart has during 
 all these years only slumbered and the antagonism between the 
 two schools of thought represented by William Jay and John 
 Henry Hobart is as ready now as ever to break out with all its 
 old time rancour. Then, it must not be forgotten that besides 
 the personal equation there was the radical difference of belief 
 in the character of the Church. Bishop Hobart believed in the 
 continuity of the Church and its oneness with that of Apostolic 
 times. William Jay and the Rev. Dr. Milnor took the more 
 protestant view. It was these divergent opinions that lay, we 
 believe, at the root of the whole controversy, and these opinions 
 are now as then irreconcilable. 
 
 Jay's "Letter" setting forth the attitude Churchmen should 
 have to Bible Societies commences with this paragraph : 
 
 i. See New American Encyclopaedia. Revised Edition. Volume IX. 
 PP- 583, 584-
 
 204 Jay's "Letter." [1823 
 
 Right Reverend Sir. 
 
 However much, as a Churchman, I may deplore the opposition 
 of my Bishop to the distribution of the uncommented Scriptures ; 
 yet as a friend to the American Bible Society, I cannot regret 
 that you have thought proper to renew hostilities against that 
 institution. You have engaged in a warfare, in which the cause 
 of the Bible, has been always crowned with victory, and in which 
 the mortification of defeat has ever been imbittered by the con- 
 viction, that the power of the victor, has been confirmed and ex- 
 tended by the very endeavour to shake it. In such a warfare, no 
 friend of the Society can for a moment hesitate to engage, 
 through apprehension of the issue nay, the very stripling whose 
 youthful limbs refuse the burden of the coat of mail, and the 
 sword of the warrior, may fearlessly enter the field, trusting 
 alone to that God in whose cause he combats; and with no 
 armour but truth, and no weapon but common sense, he will 
 most assuredly vanquish the proudest Goliath that may dare him 
 to the fight. 
 
 The only enemies the Bible Society has reason to fear, are inat- 
 tention to its claims, and ignorance of its proceedings. Whoever 
 subdues these foes, whoever brings home to the consideration, 
 and to the Christian sympathy of the community the holy pur- 
 pose the pure and sacred fellowship, the stupendous labours, 
 and the mighty triumphs of the Bible Society, ought to be en- 
 rolled among its greatest benefactors ; and few are more deserv- 
 ing of this distinction than the Bishop of New- York. 
 
 It is true that your late charge, having been delivered in the or- 
 dinary routine of official duties, is not calculated to attract public 
 notice, and of course to advance the interests of the Society, as 
 was the address which you inserted in the newspapers, 1 at the crit- 
 ical moment when the institution, in the feebleness of its infancy, 
 was struggling for existence. The powerful patronage which 
 immediately poured in upon the Society, and the ardent zeal with 
 which many distinguished Episcopalians immediately espoused 
 its cause, attest the extent of the service which you rendered on 
 that occasion. But although your charge will not probably en- 
 gage so large a share of the public attention as was bestowed 
 
 i. See N. Y. Evening Post of I3th May, 1816, two days after the forma- 
 tion of the Society.
 
 1823] "Jay's Letter." 205 
 
 upon your address, it happily abounds in matter admirably 
 adapted to awaken the reflections, and arrest the feelings of all 
 who read it. A document in which the name of a venerable 
 Prelate, who may justly be styled the father of the Bible Societies 
 in the United States, is made use of to sanction your opposition 
 a document in which the conduct of Governor Jay and General 
 Clarkson is represented as erroneous in principle, and injurious 
 in its tendency to that Church which it is admitted they adorn; 
 because in the evening of their days they are labouring to spread 
 the knowledge of that Gospel which has been the guide of their 
 youth, and is now the consolation of their old age a document 
 in which that mode of disseminating religious truth which has 
 been officially and earnestly recommended to the Episcopalians of 
 the United States by their Bishops assembled in Convention, is 
 denounced as a departure from the apostolic mode of propagating 
 Christianity, as calculated to produce indifference to the essentials 
 of Christianity, and to weaken the zeal of Episcopalians for the 
 ministry, the worship and the ordinances of their Church will 
 not cannot be read with indifference. Episcopalians must 
 inquire, are such men as Governor Jay and General Clarkson, 
 and a host of others, whose piety, talents and rank, reflect lustre 
 on our Church; are they sapping her foundations; are they vio- 
 lating their duty as Christians and as Churchmen? Have our 
 Bishops indeed betrayed their sacred trust, and are they inviting 
 us, by their example, by their charges, and by their pastoral let- 
 ters, to a course of conduct erroneous in principle, and dangerous 
 in tendency? Is Bishop Hobart the only wise and faithful shep- 
 herd; and have White, Claggett, Kemp, Moore, Griswold, 
 Dehon, and Chase, been only blind leaders of the blind? Such 
 inquiries, Sir, must be made, and when made, they must lead to 
 investigation; and what the result of that investigation will be, 
 no friend of the Society can for a moment doubt. 
 
 You have thought proper to introduce into your strictures on 
 Bible Societies a long extract from a late charge by Bishop 
 White, and although you do not expressly inform us that the 
 Bishop concurs with you in opinion respecting these associations, 
 yet no stranger to his sentiments would, for an instant, hesitate 
 in believing this to be the case. You preface the extract with 
 remarking, "From my official station, I have so many opportuni- 
 ties of observing the powerful claims of destitute congregations
 
 206 Jay's " Letter." [182a 
 
 upon the zealous exertions, and liberal contributions of their 
 brethren, and their wants so often press upon my feelings, that 
 I cannot cease to lament that so large a portion of the bounty of 
 Episcopalians flows in a channel over which their own church has 
 no control, and from which it derives no immediate advantage. 
 One would think it obvious, that it is the duty of Episcopalians 
 consistently and zealously to bend all their efforts to the advance- 
 ment of their own Church, and to 'avoid all admixture of admin- 
 istrations,' and of exertions, 'in what concerns the faith, the wor- 
 ship,' and ministry of the Church. On this subject, there is so- 
 much sound wisdom, of correct principle, and of decided and 
 true policy, united with Christian meekness and benevolence, in 
 the observations contained in a recent address of the Bishop of 
 the Church in Pennsylvania to the convention of his diocess, that 
 notwithstanding their length, I am induced to lay them before 
 you." 
 
 Here let us pause to inquire, what is the precise subject on 
 which Bishop White has displayed so much wisdom and policy? 
 Surely it must be the same which causes your ceaseless lamenta- 
 tion, and which ushers in the extract, viz., "that so large a por- 
 tion of the bounty of Episcopalians flows in a channel over which 
 their own Church has no control, and from which it derives no 
 immediate advantage." Being thus led to take it for granted, 
 that the subject of Bishop White's observations is the injudicious 
 direction given by many Episcopalians to their bounty, we are 
 prepared to apply every remark, so far as it can be applied, to 
 the union of Episcopalians in Bible Societies. 
 
 The Bishop commences with declaring in substance, that the 
 conduct becoming Episcopalians towards their fellow Christians 
 of other denominations is a subject on which he wishes to record 
 his opinion. He points out the inconveniences to be apprehended 
 from "an intermixture of administrations in what concerns the 
 faith, the worship, or the discipline of the Church." "On some 
 occasions," where this intermixture had been permitted, he says, 
 "our institutions have been treated with disrespect, and doctrines 
 unknown to them taught within our walls." To guard against 
 the imputation of bigotry, the Bishop deems it necessary to be 
 more particular in assigning his objections to this intermixture, 
 and goes on to show that our Church differs essentially from 
 others in her government, worship, and doctrines, and that that
 
 1823] Jay's "Letter." 207 
 
 liberality is to be avoided which would surrender any of these 
 sacred possessions. He concludes with declaring, that under a 
 conviction of the truth and importance of these sentiments, he 
 has embodied them in his charge, that they may remain recorded 
 
 upon the Journals of the Convention. 1 
 
 ******** 
 
 Judge Jay gives in detail the real meaning, as he conceives it 
 to be, of Bishop White's words, and thus comments upon Bishop 
 Hobart's use of them. He quotes from other portions the vener- 
 able prelate's address and his commendation of Bible Societies, 
 and reminds the Bishop of New York that "Bishop White was 
 one of the founders of the earliest Bible Society established in 
 this country ; that he was placed at the head of this Society, which 
 place he still holds." 2 
 
 He dwells upon the opinion which he says Bishop Hobart 
 holds as to "the duty of Episcopalians" to withhold any aid from 
 efforts for the spiritual and moral welfare of humanity, "unless 
 such effort tend at the same time to the advancement of the Epis- 
 copal Church in this country." After sarcastically alluding to 
 the Apostolic command "to do good," and "especially to them 
 that are of the household of faith," he says the liberal sentiment 
 of Holy Writ, which treated a stranger as one born among the 
 Jews, would not commend itself to Bishop Hobart had they been 
 advanced by a friend of the Bible Society. He gives at length 
 the story of the formation of the Mariners' Church in New York 
 City and the public appeals to "Episcopalians" not to support it, 
 as it would not be under Episcopal superintendence, or the Prayer 
 Book be used in its services ; and claims this illustrates the Bish- 
 op's attitude to all philanthropic work. He contrasts this with 
 the more liberal view of Dr. Herbert Marsh, "the ablest" and 
 "most decent of the assailants of the British and Foreign Bible 
 Society, who recognizes Christian unity outside Great Britain in 
 the circulation of the Bible." 
 
 He then takes up the charge that these Societies are erroneous 
 in principle, since they separate the Word of God from the 
 Church of God. After declaring the enormity of such separa- 
 tion and citing passages from the Homilies upon the preciousness 
 of the Holy Scriptures, he thus proceeds : 
 
 1. Pages 3, 4, 5, 6. 
 
 2. Page 7.
 
 208 Jay's "Letter." [1823 
 
 It would be extraordinary, should the members of Bible So- 
 cieties, whose vocation it is to distribute Bibles, he found endeav- 
 ouring to separate the word of God from his Church ; but no less 
 extraordinary must it seem that ministers of the Gospel, dignitar- 
 ies of Protestant Churches should be engaged in such an under- 
 taking. But alas, Sir, how extraordinary and humiliating may 
 be the fact, still it is but too true, that such ministers and such 
 dignitaries are to be found : but I rejoice that they will be looked 
 for in vain among the supporters of Bible Societies. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Edward Maltby, Prebendary of Lincoln, some- 
 time since published a work in opposition to the British and For- 
 eign Bible Society. 1 
 
 He objects to that institution because they distribute the whole 
 Bible. "The whole of the Bible," he contends, is neither "neces- 
 sary" nor "could be intended for the use of all "classes of man- 
 kind." "Some of these books" (of the Old and New Testament) 
 "are," he declares, "exclusively fit for the meditation of the learn- 
 ed ; and others though comparatively forming a small portion are 
 equally important to the vulgar, and to the well informed." "Out 
 of sixty-six books which form the contents of the Old and New 
 Testaments, not above seven in the Old, nor above eleven in the 
 New, appear to be calculated for the study, or comprehension 
 of the unlearned." "Mankind ought no more to expect to under- 
 stand the prophecies of Ezekiel, or the epistles of St. Paul, than 
 the tragedies of Aeschylus, or the letters of Cicero or Pliny." 
 
 Another of these enemies to our Church, who are trying to 
 separate from her the Word of God, is the Rev. Mr. O'Callaghan. 
 This gentleman asserts that "the Bible, without note or comment, 
 is unfit for the perusal of the rude and illiterate" ; that it is "one 
 of the most difficult books" he ever read ; and that this character 
 "was applicable, though in different degrees, to every part of it, 
 not purely historical" ; and he is convinced "that God, for the 
 wisest purposes, intended that the book of our salvation should 
 be difficult in proportion to its value." "The natural effect on 
 the uncultivated mind, of reading the Bible without note or com- 
 ment, oral or written, is enthusiasm, more or less sublimated ac- 
 cording to the temperament of the individual." The supposition 
 
 I. Thoughts on the utility and expediency of the plans proposed by the 
 British and Foreign Bible Society.
 
 1823] Jay's "Letter." 209 
 
 that "the contracted mind of an ignorant peasant" can "compre- 
 hend in any tolerable degree the high import of these sublime 
 and sacred books," he declares "to be not only unfounded but mis- 
 chievous." 1 
 
 This Irish clergyman, who through some blunder has found 
 his way into the Established, instead of the Roman Church, far 
 from being a friend to Bible Societies, has attacked them with a 
 malignity and scurrility not unworthy a Norris. The supporters 
 of these institutions are held up by this man to public derision 
 and detestation as "saints" "spiritual jacobins" more formid- 
 able than "the secret tribunal of Westphalia" "the illuminati of 
 Germany" "the jacobin club" ; and "the Irish executive direc- 
 tory" ; and he declares it to be "the duty of the state to dissolve 
 the dangerous confederacy." 2 Could anything connected with 
 such awful heresies and blasphemies provoke a smile, it would be 
 the recommendation of this Irish master of a college, to the state, 
 to dissolve a confederacy, embracing the king's ministers, the 
 royal family, and the heir apparent to the throne. 
 
 The Prebendary of Lincoln, we have seen, admits that there 
 are eighteen of the sixty-six books of Scripture, equally import- 
 ant to the learned and unlearned; and for the sake of these, the 
 poor and ignorant might wish to have the Bible, although incum- 
 bered with so much useless matter; and as Mr. O'Callaghan has 
 not condescended to point out to them any other book to which 
 they can resort, for the words of eternal life, they may still desire 
 to possess the sacred volume, trusting to their own diligence, and 
 divine assistance, to understand some little portion of it. One 
 more effort, therefore, was necessary to effect the complete sep- 
 aration of the Word and the Church of God. A substitute for 
 the Bible was to be found, and the task, too hazardous for even 
 Mr. O'Callaghan to attempt, has been fearlessly executed by an 
 American Bishop. ********** 
 
 I had been led by high authority to believe, not only that "all 
 Scripture" was given by inspiration of God, but that it was all 
 "''profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruc- 
 
 1. "Thoughts on the tendency of Bible Societies as affecting the estab- 
 lished religion, and Christianity, as a reasonable service" by the Rev. A. 
 O'Callaghan, master of Kilkenny College. 
 
 2. "The Bible Society against the State and Church," by the Rev. A. 
 O'Callaghan. 
 
 (14)
 
 210 Jay's "Letter." [1823 
 
 tion in righteousness." But it now seems that you have detected 
 much unnecessary matter in the sacred volume. The quantity of 
 this matter may be ascertained by comparing the extracts in the 
 Prayer Book with the whole contents of the Bible. Such a com- 
 parison carefully made, presents us with the following portions of 
 Scripture, not contained "in the Book of Common Prayer and in 
 the offices usually connected with it," and of course according to 
 the Pastoral Letter not necessary to form our faith, regulate our 
 obedience, inspire our hopes, or guide our devotions; conse- 
 quently, having but little influence on our conduct here, or our 
 happiness hereafter, viz. In the Old Testament The book of 
 Genesis, 39 chapters of Exodus, the books of Leviticus, Numbers,. 
 Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, i and 2 Samuel, i and 2 
 Kings, i and 2, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, 40 chapters 
 of Job, 30 chapters of Proverbs, the books of Ecclesiastes and 
 Canticles, 63 chapters of Isaiah, 51 chapters of Jeremiah, the 
 book of Lamentations, 47 chapters of Ezekiel, n chapters of 
 Daniel, the book of Hosea, 2, chapters of Joel, the books of Amos r 
 Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, -2 chapters of Habakkuk, the 
 books of Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, -2 chapters of MalachL 
 In the New Testament 7 chapters of St. Matthew, n chap- 
 ters of St. Mark, 5 chapters of St. Luke, 7 chapters of. St. John, 
 17 chapters of Acts, 9 chapters of Romans, 9 chapters of i Cor- 
 inthians, 6 chapters of 2, Corinthians, 2 chapters of Galatians, i 
 chapter of Ephesians, 2. chapters of Colossians, 4 chapters of 
 i Thessalonians, the whole of 2 Thessalonians, 3 chapters of I 
 Timothy, 3 chapters of 2 Timothy, the whole of Titus and Phile- 
 mon, 7 chapters of Hebrews, 4 chapters of James, 2 chapters of 
 
 1 Peter, the whole of 2 Peter, 2 chapters of i John, the whole of 
 
 2 and 3 John, and 18 chapters of Revelation. 
 
 But let it not be supposed that the Prayer Book contains all the 
 residue of Scripture. There cannot be found in it, with the 
 exception of the Psalms, but six entire chapters, 1 and the remain- 
 ing extracts consist of detached passages and fragments of chap- 
 ters. In some instances a single verse is given from a whole 
 book, as is the case from Habakkuk, Joel, arid Proverbs. 
 
 Thus, Sir, we have seen that the offence of separating the 
 Word of God and the Church of God, which you have thought 
 
 I. i Cor. xiii., Isaiah Ixiii., Mark xiv., Luke xxii., i John i., Rev. iv.
 
 1823] Jay's " Letter." 211 
 
 proper to charge upon Bible Societies, has been attempted by 
 very different instruments; and should you succeed in convincing 
 Episcopalians, that the Prayer Book contains all the Scripture 
 that is necessary, and that it is better calculated to convey a 
 knowledge of Scriptural truth, than the Bible itself, the attempt 
 
 would in time be crowned with complete success. 1 
 
 ******** 
 
 The writer reviews the origin of the parent Bible Society, and 
 gives from Bishops, clergymen and laymen strong expressions of 
 their regard and attachment, and their belief that it was doing a 
 work which had too long been neglected. He gives prominence 
 to a passage in the Pastoral Letter of the House of Bishops in 
 1814 commending the formation and expansion of the British 
 and Foreign Bible Society, the result of which had been "to dis- 
 perse the Bible in regions where it has been hitherto unknown, 
 and in those wherein the religion of it is professed to provide 
 that none shall have reason to complain of their being necessarily 
 destitute of this instructor, this guide and this source of the high- 
 est consolations." 
 
 With it he joins a paragraph from Bishop Hobart's Address 
 in 1814 to the Convention in which a reference is made to the 
 Pastoral as containing such spiritual counsel as the situation of 
 the Church seems to require. 2 
 
 "It is true, Sir, that some of our Bishops are not subscribers 
 to Bible Societies, but I am acquainted with only one who has 
 opposed them." 3 
 
 Besides Governor Jay and General Clarkson, he mentions 
 William Tilghman, Duncan Cameron, Francis Key, Charles 
 Goldsborough, and Bushrod Washington, all prominent Church- 
 men, as Vice Presidents of the American Bible Society. He 
 gives a list of fifty-four Bishops in Russia, Sweden and Denmark, 
 who are members and supporters of Bible Societies. He then, 
 after a survey of the state of Bible work on the Continent, gives 
 passages from a Bull of Pius VII. to the Primates of Poland 
 against Bible Societies promulgated June 29, 1816, and from a 
 charge of the Roman Catholic Bishop Milner in Ireland in 1813, 
 
 1. Pages 13, 14, 15. 
 
 2. Ibid., p. 39. 
 
 3. Ibid., p. 39-
 
 212 Jay's "Letter." [1823 
 
 and also from Mr. Cobbett, whose negation of Christian faith as 
 usually presented was well known. 
 
 He makes this point: "And surely, Sir, in endeavouring 
 to destroy the only instruments whereby the distribution of 
 the oracles of truth can be effected, you are labouring to prevent 
 the distribution of these oracles themselves." He examines the 
 reasons for the organization of Bible and Prayer Book Societies, 
 and claims that they "in their exaltation of the Prayer Book 
 above the Bible do separate the Word of God from the Church 
 of God." 
 
 He thus continues: 
 
 "As you have pointed out to us a Book which will answer the 
 purposes of the Bible, so you have directed our attention to a 
 substitute for Bible Societies, and this substitute I will now pro- 
 ceed to examine. In order fully to understand the nature and 
 design of Bible and Prayer Book Societies, it will be necessary to 
 revert to the period of their first establishment. Bible Societies 
 had already been organized in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and 
 Connecticut; and the citizens of New York resolved to follow 
 the example of their brethren, and made preparations for estab- 
 lishing a similar Society. Notice of these preparations was 
 given to the then Bishop of New-York, and the co-operation of 
 Episcopalians solicited. But after this notice had been given, and 
 before these preparations were completed, the New- York Bible 
 and Prayer Book Society was ushered into being, an anti- 
 dote to the spreading influence of Bible Societies. Within 
 a few weeks after this event, the New- York Bible Society was 
 formed, and after the lapse of seven years, not one Episcopal 
 clergyman, and only three Episcopal laymen, were numbered 
 among its members. Is it uncharitable to believe that this effect 
 was foreseen and intended by the founders of the Bible and 
 Prayer Book Society? It is a painful truth, that these associa- 
 tions have evinced a deliberate, inveterate and systematic hos- 
 tility to Bible Societies, and have laboured to convince Episco- 
 palians that they were dangerous to the Church, and repugnant 
 to the will of God. It is far from my intention to impute to all 
 the subscribers to Bible and Prayer Book Societies the sentiments 
 avowed in their printed reports, and in the addresses of their 
 patrons ; for these sentiments the founders and active agents and 
 patrons of these Societies are alone responsible. A brief exami-
 
 1823] Jay's "Letter." 213 
 
 nation of the writings of these persons will abundantly substan- 
 tiate the charge of their hostility to Bible Societies. 
 
 "The Report of the New-York Bible and Prayer Book Society 
 for 1811 says: 'The Bible and Common Prayer Book should be 
 constantly united by the members of the Church.' In their 
 Report for 1818 they inform us 'The Church as a visible Society 
 should ever be recognized, her enlargement and due organization 
 should be sought, as one with the promotion of the religion of 
 the Gospel; it was this evangelical principle that gave birth to 
 the Society whose concerns we are now called to report.' Hence 
 it follows that their members cannot, without violating the fun- 
 damental principle of their association, unite in Bible Societies, 
 which, although they greatly promote the religion of the Gospel, 
 do not expressly seek the enlargement and due organization of 
 the Church. On turning to the first report of the New-York 
 Auxiliary Bible and Prayer Book Society we find the following: 
 'The same duty that animates us to distribute the Bible impels 
 us to accompany the blessing with the Book of Common Prayer.' 
 This extraordinary sentiment is reiterated in the second report. 
 'Should we not,' say the managers, 'as Protestant Episcopalians, 
 throw away the precious fruits of the Reformation, did we not 
 stand with the Bible in one hand and the Book of Common Prayer 
 in the other ?' The report proceeds : 'To leave men in uncer- 
 tainty as to what they should believe or disbelieve, is to bewilder 
 their minds and subject them to the probable danger of embrac- 
 ing no creed at all. The true religion has been preserved from 
 the beginning by the Church of Christ, and it will continue to 
 preserve it. It is upon these principles that the Society to which 
 this is auxiliary was founded.' That is, the revelation which an 
 all-wise God has seen fit to make of his will, to his erring and 
 accountable creatures, is, in the opinion of these gentlemen, likely 
 to leave them in uncertainty as to what they should believe; and 
 the Prayer Book is to complete what the Almighty left imper- 
 fect." 1 ************* 
 
 "In your address, Sir, before the New-York Auxiliary Bible 
 and Prayer Book Society, you remark. 'In translating and pub- 
 lishing the Liturgy in conjunction with the Bible, and distributing 
 them throughout the world, we follow the Scriptural plan of evan- 
 gelizing it we present to them God's Word and God's Church.' 
 
 i. Page 51.
 
 214 Jay's "Letter." [1823 
 
 "Surely. Sir. we had a right to expect from the Professor of 
 Pastoral Theology in the Theological Seminary of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church, language less vague and unintelligible than 
 this. Are the students in your seminary to be taught that the 
 'Liturgy' constitutes the Church of God? or that all that is nec- 
 essary to evangelize the world is to scatter Bibles and Liturgies 
 throughout its population ? What, Sir, is the Christian ministry 
 and the ordinances of the Gospel of no avail in evangelizing the 
 world ? Has the command 'Preach the Gospel to every creature' 
 been revoked ? Truly, Sir, you do indeed separate the Word and 
 the Church of God, to a most alarming extent; and I would 
 cheerfully concur with you in charging this same offence upon 
 the members of Bible Societies were they to maintain that all 
 that was necessary to evangelize the world was to distribute the 
 Bible. We know indeed, that the study of the Scriptures is one 
 of the means of grace, and that it has often proved, without ex- 
 traneous aid, the power of God unto salvation. But we also 
 know that the Author of our religion has established a visible 
 Church, and has provided for that Church certain ordinances 
 which are also means of grace, and has constituted a ministry 
 by whom these ordinances are to be administered, and by whom 
 the people may be more immediately called to faith and repent- 
 ance. He therefore who should aim at the conversion of the 
 world by distributing the Bible alone, or even with the Prayer 
 Book under the same cover, and should use no other means, would 
 certainly not 'follow the Scriptural plan of evangelizing it.' 
 But you will not deny, I presume, that the Gospel will never be 
 generally and effectually preached, where it is not also distributed, 
 and that a Church without the Bible is a body without a soul, a 
 corrupt and loathsome corpse. If then the distribution of the 
 Bible is not only one of the means of converting the world, but if 
 it be absolutely indispensable to the establishment and extension 
 of the Christian Church, with what justice can those who use the 
 most effectual means ever devised for spreading the Scriptures, 
 and are thus preparing the way for Missionaries, Churches and 
 Christian ordinances, be accused of separating the Word and the 
 Church of God? I admit, Sir, that if the members of Bible So- 
 cieties use no other means to evangelize the world than circulating 
 the Scriptures; if they send no Missionaries if they build no 
 churches if they instruct no children if they supply the desti-
 
 1823] Jay's "Letter." 215 
 
 tute with none of the ordinances of the Gospel ; they are guilty f 
 the charge you bring against them; but I beg that in your next 
 publication against Bible Societies you will demonstrate that the 
 great exertions which are now making in Europe and America to 
 evangelize the world by the preaching of Christian ministers are 
 confined solely to the opponents of these institutions." 1 * * * 
 
 "The Central Bible and Prayer Book Society, embracing 
 within its bounds six of our western counties, is that which above 
 all others you delight to honour, as it is the only one you deemed 
 proper to introduce to the notice of the last Convention, and you 
 speak of it in your charge as 'distinguished for its zealous exer- 
 tions.' Wonderful as it may seem, this Society, which is so high 
 in your favour, has disregarded the cardinal principle, 'the com- 
 bined distribution of the Bible and Book of Common Prayer,' 
 and has violated the Scriptural plan of evangelizing the world, 
 for we are informed in the Christian Journal for 1822, page 368, 
 'In consequence of the general distribution of the Bible by the 
 laudable exertions of others, and the pressing demands for the 
 Book of Common Prayer, the attention of the Society since its 
 commencement has been turned to the distribution of that invalu- 
 able manual of devotion.' That is, this Bible and Prayer Book 
 Society has appropriated all its funds to the distribution of Prayer 
 Books, and has never owned a single Bible." 
 
 "These facts ill accord with the opinions we have seen ex- 
 pressed respecting the Scriptural plan of presenting in conjunc- 
 tion the Word and the Church of God. To distribute Bibles with- 
 out Prayer Books is unscriptural, is throwing away the prec- 
 ious fruits of the reformation is hazarding our apostolic minis- 
 try, &c., &c. But to distribute Prayer Books without Bibles does 
 no injury to the Church and offers no violence to the consciences 
 of these orthodox and consistent Churchmen. These Societies 
 while circulating Prayer Books, are careful to retain the word 
 'Bible' in their title, and thus 
 
 'They keep the word of promise to our ear, 
 And break it to our hope.' 
 
 "These institutions not only damp in Episcopalians that zeal for 
 the diffusion of the Scriptures, which is the most remarkable 
 characteristic of the present day, but they prevent the adoption 
 of the most efficient means for putting the Liturgy of our Church 
 into the hands of her indigent members. By their avowed oppo- 
 
 i. Pages 54, 55, 56.
 
 216 Jay's "Letter." [1823 
 
 sition to Bible Societies they lose the patronage of many Episco- 
 palians whose conduct in supporting them, these Societies think 
 proper to condemn; and although most of their funds are ex- 
 pended in printing and circulating Prayer Books, yet it is found 
 necessary, in order to save appearances, to appropriate some of 
 them to the distribution of the Scriptures. 1 Whereas, were 
 Prayer Book Societies established in their room, they would re- 
 ceive the patronage of all Churchmen, and might devote their 
 undivided resources to the dissemination of their own invaluable 
 Liturgy and Articles. 
 
 "Another most serious objection to these Societies is the schism 
 they produce and the parties they form in our Church. We have 
 seen that they denounce Bible Societies as unscriptural, because 
 they do not present the Church of God in conjunction with his 
 Word, and declare that they 'in conscience believe' the very 
 associations recommended by the House of Bishops to be a de- 
 parture 'from the true and primitive method of propagating 
 
 i. "As the Stereotype edition of the Bible printed by the New- York Bible 
 and Prayer Book Society, may be regarded as invalidating in some degree 
 the statements I have made, it may not be amiss to give a few facts relative 
 to this subject. The expense of the plates was not defrayed out of the funds 
 of the Society, for the managers in their third Report, inform us that 'they 
 did not feel authorized to withdraw any part of the money then employed in 
 circulating the Book of Common Prayer.' The Managers therefore made 
 an appeal to the public for this specific object, and they state (3rd Report) 
 'the result has fully justified the appeal,' and they give notice that 'the list 
 of subscribers to this work of Christian charity, will be published as soon as 
 the subscriptions are completed.' In their 5th report, they incautionsly dis- 
 close their object in printing an edition. 'Your Managers did not fear to- 
 publish an edition of the Bible, even though the state of the funds would not 
 allow of immediate payment for it we were confident of being 'able to 
 dispose of the books at a profit to the Society.' It would seem however that 
 this speculation has not been successful since it does not appear that the last 
 year they have sold a single copy. Let it be recollected that the American 
 Bible Society had for sale, and would have sold to this Society at cost price 
 well executed Stereotype Bibles of three sizes, and that Bible Societies 
 throughout the union find it their interest to purchase these Bibles. The 
 New-York Auxiliary Bible and Prayer Book Society was not therefore in- 
 duced to procure these plates from any difficulty they experienced in pur- 
 chasing Bibles; but it seems they sagaciously imagined that if they could pro- 
 cure the plates free of expense, they would be able to sell Bibles at a profit, 
 and thus the sale of Scriptures would augment the distribution of the 
 Prayer Book."
 
 1823] Jay's "Letter/' 217 
 
 Christianity.' You, Sir. warn your flock that in joining Bible 
 Societies they "put in jeopardy their apostolic ministry and primi- 
 tive and evangelical worship," while your 'venerable father in the 
 Episcopacy' assures us. that with the plan of Bible Societies, as 
 adopted in England and America, 'there can be no dissatisfaction 
 on account of interfering opinions or modes of worship.' Bishop 
 \Yhite considers Bible Societies 'as being one of the happiest 
 expedients ever devised for spreading the knowledge of Christ.' 
 You. on the other hand, regard the Prayer Book as a still more 
 happy expedient, since 'we distribute the holy Scriptures in the 
 manner best calculated/ &C. 1 
 
 The example of New York and the counsel of its Bishop had 
 not been followed in other dioceses. Jay combats the Bishop's 
 contention that Bible Societies weakened the attachment of 
 'Episcopalians' to the distinctive doctrines of the Church, and 
 gives as an illustration the growth in numbers and influence of 
 the three parishes in New York whose Rectors are supporters of 
 the American Bible Society. Christ. St. George's, and St. 
 Stephen's. 
 
 He says that the Bishop's "associates on the other side of the 
 Atlantic have defended your principles in a manner which reflects 
 disgrace, both upon themselves, and the Church of which they 
 are members, and which cannot but wound the interests of relig- 
 ion itself." 1 
 
 He then examines some of their utterances and continues : 
 
 "But amid all the calumniators of the British and Foreign 
 Bible Society the name of NORRIS stands pre-eminent. 
 'Aw'd by no shame, by no respect controll'd. 
 In scandal busy, in reproaches bold,' 
 
 "This modern Thersites. even while ministering at the altar of his 
 God, scruples not to load his most devoted servants with the foul- 
 est obloquy ; and labours with the malignity of an infidel to prove 
 the corrupting influence of the Holy Scriptures upon the public 
 morals. 
 
 'From such apostles. O ye mitred heads ! 
 Preserve the Church.* 
 
 "In the year 1814 this man first obtruded himself on the public 
 
 1. Pages 58, 59, 60. 
 
 2. Page 70.
 
 218 Jay's "Letter." [1823 
 
 notice as the author of 'A Practical Exposition of the Tendency 
 and Proceedings of the British and Foreign Bible Society.' Of 
 the bitterness of that work the following sample will suffice. 
 Those who so loudly proclaim the cause of the Bible Society to 
 be the cause of God: who cry out to the deluded people, why 
 come ye not up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, are 
 the legitimate descendants of those notable incendiaries who 
 never ceased to curse Meroz and neutrality until, in the language 
 of Walker, they had brought God's curse upon the land; and put 
 Church and Commonwealth into a flame." (Page 285.) 
 
 "Of this same work the Bishop of St. David's thus speaks in his 
 tract : The Bible, and the Bible alone, the religion of Protest- 
 ants.' 'It is so destitute of the demonstration which it professes 
 to give : so defective in its premises : so inconclusive in its infer- 
 ences ; and so reprehensible in its calumnies respecting the Church 
 members of the Society,' that it may be left 'to its own refuta- 
 tion.' 
 
 "Is it not, Sir, astonishing, that a man thus degrading his holy 
 calling, should find in this country a correspondent in the person 
 of 'a distinguished American' ? A correspondent who mourns 
 with him over the progress of the everlasting Gospel, and bewails 
 every new instance of patronage bestowed on institutions whose 
 only object is to furnish his fellow men with the records of salva- 
 tion ! On the first page of this man's recent letter to Lord Liver- 
 pool, after pointing out the mischievous effects of his Lordship's 
 speech in favour of the Bible Society, he proceeds : 'But our 
 own shores are not the limits of its injurious operations, for I 
 have before me a communication from a distinguished Ameri- 
 can, who bewails the accession of popularity that Societies there, 
 hostile to that Church have derived from inferences, which we 
 happily know to be false, of a disposition in the English ministry 
 to patronize Sectarism, drawn from this speech, which is most 
 studiously propagated by the American newspapers throughout 
 the United States.' m 
 
 Jay then gives some extracts from the letter of Mr. Norris on 
 Bible Societies and comments on them sarcastically. He quotes 
 the tribute of Bishop White to the beneficent results and good 
 influence of the recently formed Female Bible Societies. He 
 thus concludes his long "Letter" : 
 
 i. Pages 71-72.
 
 1823] Jay's "Letter." 219 
 
 "There is, Sir, a period approaching when the friends and ene- 
 mies of Bible Societies will be alike compelled to relinquish their 
 support and their hostility. In that hour of dissolving nature, 
 when our distinctions, our triumphs, and our defeats will all 
 appear to us as less than the dust of the balance, and altogether 
 vanity; when the remembrances of no act of our lives will im- 
 part to us a ray of hope or consolation, farther than it affords 
 an evidence of our faith in the Redeemer, and our love for his 
 cause; at that awful moment when about to appear before that 
 tribunal from whose judgment there is no appeal ; will our burth- 
 ened consciences find comfort in the reflection that we have lab- 
 oured to destroy the only instrument by which the glad tidings 
 of salvation could be conveyed to millions, who were ready to 
 perish. The venerable Scott 1 on his dying bed could exhort his 
 friend to persevere in his support of Bible Societies. The sainted 
 Owen, sinking under the fatigue he had endured in the service 
 of the British Society, and in full view of his approaching disso- 
 lution, could exclaim, 'How sweet to have toiled in this world !' 
 
 "But I have yet to learn that a single individual has expired, 
 rejoicing in the opposition he had made to the circulation of the 
 sacred volume, and anticipating for his efforts the approving 
 smile of his Maker. 
 
 "Many are the prayers to which I have listened for the divine 
 blessing on the cause I am defending; but I doubt not that my 
 hardiest opponent would shrink from imploring the assistance of 
 Heaven in his labours to crush the very institutions which he 
 hesitates not to denounce as dangerous and unscriptural. 
 
 "It is with pain, Sir, that I find myself compelled to differ with 
 you on any subject, and especially on one involving not only the 
 character and welfare of our Church, but the dearest interests of 
 the human family. But I trust you will find in the very import- 
 ance of the subject a sufficient apology for my adherence to that 
 course of conduct which I believe to be correct; and that you 
 will extend to me the same indulgence you claim yourself, for an 
 independent compliance with a sense of duty. Although your 
 sentiments with respect to Bible Societies will probably remain 
 unaltered, yet I flatter myself, the hope is not presumptuous, that 
 you will not deem it your duty to prolong this unhappy contro- 
 
 i. Author of the Commentaries.
 
 220 Hobart's "Reply." [1823 
 
 versy; and if new provocations must arise, that they will not 
 again proceed from a source to which the Church has a right to 
 look for an example of long suffering, charity, and patience. 
 You, Sir, have zeal, talents and acquirements meet for the Mas- 
 ter's service: that they may be instrumental, not merely in en- 
 larging the boundaries of the. visible Church, but in adding to the 
 number of those who shall inherit that Kingdom which He has 
 prepared for them that love Him ; and that you may receive the 
 reward promised to them who turn many to righteousness, is 
 the fervent prayer of. Right Reverend Sir, 
 "Your very obedient servant, 
 
 "A CHURCHMAN 
 
 "of the Neiv-York Diocess. 
 
 "New- York, April 22, 1823."* 
 
 The full title of the pamphlet is : "A Letter to the Right Rev- 
 erend Bishop Hobart occasioned by the Strictures on Bible So- 
 cieties contained in his late charge to the Convention of New- 
 York. By a Churchman of the Diocess of New-York. The 
 beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water, Prov- 
 erbs xvii. 14. Mark them which cause divisions and offences. 
 Rom. xvi. 17. New-York: Published by John P. Haven, Theo- 
 logical Bookseller, 182 Broadway. Gray & Bunce, Printers. 
 1823." 8vo. ; pp. 80. 
 
 An answer was speedily prepared by Bishop Hobart. It ap- 
 peared under a pen name. This practice was almost universal at 
 that time in controversies and correspondence in the press. The 
 identity of the writers was often only slightly concealed. All 
 who read the pamphlets of "A Churchman" and "Corrector" 
 could easily learn the names of the writers. The "Reply" com- 
 mences vigorously: 
 
 Sir, 
 
 While reading your letter to Bishop Hobart, I marked in the 
 margin, against particular passages, the words misrepresenta- 
 tions fallacies rhapsodies violations of delicacy intolerant 
 disingenuous un gentlemanly, and unchristian; and. however 
 unpleasant the task, I deem it due to truth and justice to hold 
 your letter up to view, with these, "Its blushing honours, thick 
 upon it." 
 
 I. Pages 78, 79, 80.
 
 1823] Hobart's "Reply." 221 
 
 The epithets with which I have characterized a production, on 
 which you set no small value, are, doubtless, severe; but I am 
 perfectly satisfied that, before I conclude, I shall give ample evi- 
 dence that they are true, and merited. And I am not to be 
 accounted your enemy, because I tell you the truth. You have 
 thought proper violently to assail the principles and conduct of 
 "your Bishop" : you cannot be surprised if they are frankly and 
 zealously defended. 
 
 Since the appearance of your Letter, I have often heard the 
 inquiry Who is this that assumes the high-sounding title, "A 
 Churchman of the Diocese of New York"? And fresh from 
 those acquainted with Church affairs. I have uniformly heard 
 the inquiry answered by another Do you not recollect an indi- 
 vidual, who, several years since, when comparatively a boy, made 
 his appearance in a Convention of the Diocese of New York, at 
 that time composed, in addition to the clergy, of some lay gen- 
 tlemen of the first talents and standing in society; and, presum- 
 ing, as it seemed, on a name worthy of all consideration, in an 
 assemblage, and on an occasion that should have inspired a youth 
 with that trembling modesty which ingenuous youth always 
 feels, and by which ingenuous youth, and even mature age, is 
 always adorned on ecclesiastical topics, which venerable men 
 approached with diffidence and hesitancy, proclaimed his opin- 
 ions with a pertness, a boldness, and a dogmatism, that aston- 
 ished and confounded his auditors : who then commenced the 
 work of meddling and of mischief ; and, in every successive Con- 
 vention which he has attended, has been true to himself, but at 
 the same time, so utterly unfortunate as to possess no influence, 
 and almost to mar every measure which he advocated ; and whose 
 hostility to Bishop Hobart, commencing with his appointment to 
 the Episcopate in 1811, has been manifested, at every opportu- 
 nity, to the present day? Is it possible, I asked, that you are 
 describing "A Churchman of the Diocese of New York" ? 
 
 It is a little remarkable that, in your Letter you quote, and 
 evidently with much self-gratification, the Report of the "Bed- 
 ford Prayer Book Society," and introduce again and again the 
 venerable name of Governor Jay. 
 
 Pardon me, Sir ; the intention, the quo animo, of a person who 
 appears as you do, a voluntary and eager witness against your 
 Diocesan, an assailant of his official principles and conduct, is
 
 222 Hobart's "Reply." [182$ 
 
 all-important, as to the credit to be given to his testimony, and 
 the weight to be adjudged to his opinions; and your probable 
 motives cannot be ascertained unless we know you. My reluct- 
 ance thus to present you in propria persona is much diminished 
 by the consideration that, if your character is not much mistaken, 
 avruling passion in the human breast is highly flattered, by being 
 even thus pointed out as the author of "A Letter to the Right 
 Rev. Bishop Hobart, occasioned by his late Charge" (Address, 
 you should have written; you ought to know the distinction) "to 
 the Convention of New York." 
 
 I proceed to the task of noticing the misrepresentations the 
 fallacies the rhapsodies the violation of delicacy the intoler- 
 ance the disingenuous, ungcntlcmanly, and unchristian spirit 
 and language, by which, I am truly sorry to say, your Letter to 
 your Diocesan is characterized. 
 
 MISREPRESENTATIONS. 
 
 i. Your Letter commences with the Misrepresentation that, in 
 the Address of Bishop Hobart, "the conduct of Governor Jay 
 and General Clarkson is represented as erroneous in principle, 
 and injurious in its tendency to that Church which, it is admitted, 
 they adorn; that the Bishops have betrayed their sacred trust; 
 and that a host of laymen, whose talents, piety and rank reflect 
 lustre on our Church, are sapping her foundations, and violating 
 their duty as Christians and as Churchmen." 1 
 
 "Corrector" gives the passage quoted from Bishop White's 
 address with Bishop Hobart's comments upon it as contained in 
 the Annual Convention Address for 1822. He then proceeds : 
 
 Now let me ask every candid man, what is there in this that 
 will warrant the violent and injurious attack which you have 
 made on Bishop Hobart, and particularly the charge, stated by 
 you as a great offence, "of having represented" the conduct of 
 Governor Jay and General Clarkson, and the Bishops, and a 
 host of laymen, as erroneous in principle, and injurious in its 
 tendency" ? 
 
 What is there but the frank (he owed this to his character) 
 and earnest but mild and dignified, avowal (he owed this to his 
 official duty) of his sentiments as to the course which Episco- 
 
 i. Pages 3-5.
 
 1823] Hobart's "Reply." 223 
 
 palians should pursue in propagating the Gospel ? And, for this, 
 must he be bearded (I ask pardon of myself for descending to 
 the style of your Letter, however appropriate in this case) by an 
 anonymous assailant. Could he have carried delicacy to those, 
 from whom he deeply lamented to differ, further, without the 
 entire prostration to them of his own conscientious opinions? 
 Could he with more modesty and mildness, without total forget- 
 fulness of self-respect and official character, have pleaded for the 
 toleration of exercising his own judgment, and maintaining his 
 own honest views? With respect to the offence against "Gover- 
 nor Jay and General Clarkson, and the Bishops, and a host of 
 others," surely there is a great difference between saying to indi- 
 viduals You are erroneous in principle, your conduct is injuri- 
 ous and saying to them, mildly and courteously (which, in sub- 
 stance, Bishop Hobart has done), Gentlemen, I must think it 
 the duty and the policy of Episcopalians, while they exercise 
 kindness and respect towards their fellow-Christians, to act, in 
 religious affairs, under the guidance and authority of their own 
 Church, and exclusively to support the institutions for the pro- 
 motion of religion, which she has provided. I think this the best 
 mode of preventing collisions with other denominations and of 
 maintaining our own principles of preserving inviolate both 
 truth and charity. I believe the principle on which Bible Socie- 
 ties are founded the studious, and explicit, and solemn separa- 
 tion of the Church of God from the Word of God ; of the sacred 
 Scripture from Christian doctrine, ministry and worship; so 
 much so, as to abstain, in all their proceedings, from any recog- 
 nition of those characteristics of the divinely-constituted Church 
 of the Redeemer is erroneous; being a departure from the 
 mode which the Apostles practiced in propagating Christianity, 
 who united what Bible Societies in the principle of their organi- 
 zation, and in all their measures, separate, the inspired Word, 
 with that mystical body of Christ, to whose guardianship this 
 Word was committed. I believe that Bible Societies are injuri- 
 ous in their tendency, as calculated, by the amalgamation of all 
 religious sects, and by the extreme liberality which in the ad- 
 dresses and the reports and the speeches that are made, and 
 which form a vital part of the system, is inculcated, to weaken 
 the attachment of Episcopalians to the distinguishing principles 
 of their own Church. I have not the least doubt, gentlemen, that
 
 224 Hobart's "Reply." [1823 
 
 you very conscientiously think otherwise, and deem these views 
 erroneous, and these apprehensions unfounded, and that you 
 support Bible Societies from a strong sense of duty. It gives me 
 pain to differ from you. I only wish for the admission of acting 
 according to the views of duty equally conscientious for tolera- 
 tion, in my preference of institutions under the guidance and 
 control of my own Church, which make ample provision for 
 propagating the Word of God in connection with the doctrine, 
 ministry, and worship of the divinely-constituted body of Christ ; 
 without being subjected to the injurious and unkind imputation 
 of being unfriendly to the distribution of the Oracles of truth. 
 
 This is what Bishop Hobart has said, and only this; and for 
 this you have violently assailed him, representing him as charging 
 "Governor Jay and General Clarkson, and a host of others, with 
 being erroneous in principle, and their conduct injurious in tend- 
 ency" ; and representing his brethren, the Bishops, as "betraying 
 their sacred trust," "sapping the foundations of the Church" 
 "blind leaders of the blind." 
 
 The art of this is very apparent ; for if, at the outset, you could 
 convict Bishop Hobart of being thus rude, arrogant, and calumni- 
 ous, little credit would be due to his opinions, and his official 
 influence (this indeed would be a great point gained) would be 
 totally lost. And, unfortunately, there are Protestants, even 
 those who style themselves Churchmen, who act upon the princi- 
 ple, stigmatized as Jesuitical, that the end justifies the means. 1 
 
 The writer considers that the misrepresentation that Bishop 
 Hobart had artfully made it appear that Bishop White opposed 
 "Bible Societies." The quotation was made in connection "with 
 remarks on the calls for spiritual aid particularly for Missionary 
 labours by destitute Episcopalians." It is to approve and enforce 
 Bishop White's advice, "to avoid all intermixture of administra- 
 tion with other denominations in what concerns the faith, the 
 worship or the discipline of the Church" that the Bishop wrote 
 the paragraph "A Churchman" criticises. The writer enlarges 
 the thought of Bishop Hobart's address and shows how properly 
 it was expanded with the patriarch White's words as a text into 
 a caution to avoid all entangling alliances with other Christian 
 bodies. He also denies that the Bishop of Pennsylvania had 
 
 I. Pages 8-10.
 
 1823] Hobart's "Reply." 225 
 
 uttered his warning because of an incident immediately previous 
 to his address, "The Preaching of a Presbyterian Minister in an 
 Episcopal Pulpit." 
 
 It is another leading purpose of your Letter, to misrepresent 
 Bishop Hobart, as having attacked Bible Societies ; by which you 
 evidently mean an unprovoked, and unnecessary, and violent 
 attempt, to expose and to injure these institutions. In this sense 
 he has made no attack on Bible Societies. . A Pastoral Letter on 
 this subject was published by him (1815), and contained a dis- 
 passionate exhibition of the reasons for distributing the Bible 
 and the Book of Common Prayer, and of the expediency of 
 Episcopalians associating for this purpose among themselves. 
 This letter was not unnecessary ; for at that time the project of the 
 American Bible Society to be placed in Philadelphia was formed, 
 and attempts were making to draw Episcopalians into the 
 measure. Bishop Hobart would not have acted the part of a 
 faithful pastor if he had not endeavoured to guard the Episco- 
 palians of his diocese against measures which appeared to him 
 incorrect and inexpedient, and to excite them to those which he 
 judged were wise, and politic, and correct. These Pastoral 
 Letters were assailed. I use the term assailed, because misrepre- 
 sentation and violence characterized the publications against him. 
 Some of these were answered. But to one of them, full of gross 
 misrepresentation and scurrility, there has been, I believe, no 
 reply. It was published on the eve of a meeting of a Convention 
 of the Church, and put into the hands of the members, and for- 
 warded to leading Episcopalians throughout the state. 1 I recog- 
 nize in your present Letter the same spirit that distinguished the 
 publication to which I allude, and I think I do not mistake as to 
 their author. It was not answered you may think, because it 
 was unanswerable. But there may be another reason, which, I 
 believe, is the true one an unwillingness to prolong a contro- 
 versy with an opponent of so little candour and so much violence. 
 From the year 1816, when Bishop Hobart delivered an Ad- 
 dress to the New York Auxiliary Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society, until the meeting of the last Convention, as far as 
 
 I. Just as the Letter is ushered forth, immediately previous to the meeting 
 of the General Convention, and sent to the clergy. 
 
 (15)
 
 226 Hobart's "Reply." [182 
 
 I know, lie has been silent; notwithstanding abundant provoca- 
 tions occurred in the pamphlets, the speeches, the newspaper 
 remarks, that have been published. And was there no cause for 
 his last Address? Let me take from your Letter the following 
 passage, contained in an Address delivered the last spring (1822) 
 to the American Bible Society by its President: 
 
 "The Apostles," says Governor Jay, in his late address, "were 
 opposed in preaching the Gospel, but they nevertheless persisted 
 we are opposed in dispersing the Scriptures, which convey the 
 knowledge of it and let us follow their example. An eminent 
 ancient counsellor gave excellent advice to their adversaries, and 
 his reasoning affords salutary admonition to our opponents. 
 That advice merits attention, and was concluded in the following 
 memorable words : "Refrain from these men and let them alone,. 
 for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to* 
 naught; but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply 
 ye be found to fight against God." 
 
 Here Bishop Hobart found the opponents of the Bible So- 
 cieties charged, in an address delivered to a "great national 
 institution" by its president, and which, by the agency of the 
 institution, was to be circulated throughout the Union, and 
 throughout the world, with "opposition to the dispersion of the 
 Scriptures" with "fighting against God." 
 
 Did Bishop Hobart issue a defensive pamphlet? Did he have 
 recourse to any mode of defence calculated to awaken contro- 
 versy? In an Address to the Convention near six months after,, 
 on an occasion of official duty, he merely explained the prin- 
 ciples which he thought should regulate Episcopalians in their 
 efforts for the propagating the Gospel, and defended himself,. 
 and those with whom he acted, from the charge of being "op- 
 posed to the distribution of the Scriptures." So far from the 
 haste which would have characterized an assailant of the Bible 
 Society, his Address was not published until some months after 
 its delivery ; and its circulation would not have extended beyond 
 the limits to which such addresses are usually confined, if the 
 publication, in terms of high panegyric, of an extract from the 
 address of the Rev. DC. Milnor, the Rector of St. George's, in 
 a newspaper, in which those who oppose Bible Societies are 
 styled "blinded Christians," and ranked with "infidels," had not
 
 1823] Hobart's "Reply." 227 
 
 rendered a similar publication of an extract from the Address 
 a measure of self-defence. 1 
 
 What then are the facts? During the interval between 1816, 
 in which Bishop Hobart delivered an Address before a Bible 
 and Common Prayer Book Society, and 1822, you acquit him of 
 any publications on this subject. At this period when not a 
 whisper was heard from him, or from others, in opposition to 
 Bible Societies when the American Bible Society was advan- 
 cing on the tide of popularity with a rapidity and strength that 
 would defy every effort to impede its progress the President 
 of this institution, in his public address, deemed it proper to 
 characterize opposition to the Bible Societies as "opposition to 
 dispersing the Scriptures," and applied to the opponents of these 
 institutions, indirectly indeed, but not the less forcibly, the ad- 
 monition, that they were "fighting against God." And yet, 
 because, months afterwards, in an official Address, Bishop 
 Hobart attempted to explain the principles on which he acted 
 in order to vindicate himself from these injurious imputations, 
 you accuse him with having ''spontaneously, and without the 
 slightest provocation attacked Bible Societies in his charge to 
 the Convention;" and manifesting in his opposition, "inveteracy, 
 restlessness, and perseverance." 2 
 
 "Corrector" dwells at length upon the misrepresentation "That 
 Bishop Hobart is opposed to the distribution of the Bible," be- 
 cause he opposed Bible Societies, and repels the charge that the 
 Bible and Prayer Book Societies do not distribute the Bible. He 
 shows that they do according to their limited means; and then 
 continues : 
 
 The Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Society, the active and unostentatious zeal of the managers of 
 which, no obstacles or discouragements have arrested or dimin- 
 ished, is honoured with a large share of your opprobrium. I 
 have a great aversion to those details in which you seem to be 
 so much at home, or I would present a view of the good effected 
 
 1. I very strongly suspect, from some rumors which I have heard, that 
 you a Churchman, was prepared entirely to justify the application of this 
 term "blinded Christians," which Dr. Milnor, finding it obnoxious, deemed 
 expedient to alter, in a subsequent publication of his Address, to "mistaken 
 Christians." 
 
 2. Letter of Corrector, pp. 12-15.
 
 228 Hobart's "Reply." [1823 
 
 by this institution, notwithstanding the partial support which 
 they received, that would rescue it from the contempt with which 
 you speak of it. I suspect the parish at Bedford has not been 
 so scrupulous as to refuse benefactions of Prayer Books, even 
 though they come from Bible and Common Prayer Book Socie- 
 ties. The managers of the Auxiliary New York Bible and Com- 
 mon Prayer Book Society deemed it expedient, in their last report 
 to state their discouragements frankly and earnestly, and to 
 acknowledge the declining state of the institution. They had 
 no inducement to conceal the truth; for they have not learned 
 fanatically to estimate the goodness of a cause by its success or 
 its popularity; nor have they the weakness to relinquish their 
 conscientious opinions, because they are "frowned upon:'' and 
 they did earnestly plead with their brother Churchmen against 
 the indulgence of that "excessive charity" and "erratic liberality" 
 which passes by their own household, to cast its gifts into the 
 overflowing treasury of a foreign institution. There was a manli- 
 ness, a frankness in this appeal that could not fail to recom- 
 mend it to honourable minds. And it had its effect. There were 
 Churchmen supporters of the American Bible Society, and 
 Christians of other names, who generously came forward on this 
 appeal, and contributed to the funds of the institution. But 
 with you the sin of supporting Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Societies covers a multitude of excellencies, and you contemptu- 
 ously style them "young gentlemen reading lectures, etc. and 
 having the modesty to ask clergymen belonging to Bible Societies 
 to distribute these censures upon themselves among their own 
 parishioners." Here is a charge against the managers of the 
 New York Auxiliary Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, 
 vaguely indeed made, but on this account the more offensive, 
 and I am furnished with the means of repelling it, and in justice 
 it shall be done. 
 
 The Committee of Arrangement of the Managers of the Aux- 
 iliary Bible Society had been in the practice for several years of 
 sending a request to the Rectors of the different churches in the 
 city to give notice of an address and collection for the benefit of 
 the society; and with a view of saving them trouble, the notice 
 was generally sent in a written form and of late years copies 
 of the printed report were also furnished to be distributed in 
 the pews. On the last occasion, the following note and notice
 
 1823] Hobart's "Reply." 229 
 
 were sent to the Rev. Dr. Milnor, the Rector of St. George's 
 Church, with copies of the printed report. The same notice and 
 copies of the report were also sent to the Rectors of the other 
 churches. 
 
 "New York, Feb. 7, 1823. 
 
 "The Committee of Arrangement, appointed by the Auxiliary 
 New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, having 
 understood that it is intended to have services on Sunday evening 
 next, at St. George's Chapel, at which time the address for the 
 benefit of the society is to take place; have felt it their duty to 
 express to Dr. Milnor their apprehension that the contemplated 
 service will very materially interfere with the interest of the 
 society, and they therefore hope that Dr. M. in compliance with 
 the customary courtesy on such occasions, and from a regard to 
 the depressed situation of the funds of the society, will have his 
 service omitted for that evening. The Committee will be happy 
 to be informed that this measure has been adopted; and that the 
 society will have an opportunity of making an undivided appeal 
 to all Episcopalians ; and will receive with pleasure a line on the 
 subject, addressed to their Secretary, at No. 120 Pearl street. 
 
 "The Committee would further beg the favour of having the 
 enclosed notice read from the desk, and the accompanying re- 
 ports distributed in the pews of St. George's on Sunday morning 
 next. 
 
 "In behalf of the Committee of Arrangements. 
 
 "CHARLES KEELER, Secretary." 
 
 "NOTICE. 
 
 "The annual sermon and collection for the benefit of the 
 Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, 
 will take place in St. Paul's Chapel, this evening, at seven 
 o'clock. 
 
 "The serious attention of this congregation is solicited to the 
 annual report, placed, by request of the society, in your pews; 
 by which it will be seen that this valuable institution, which, in 
 a few years since its formation has been enabled to distribute to 
 poor and destitute Episcopalians more than 18,000 Bibles and 
 Prayer Books, now languishes for want of your support. 
 
 "It remains to be seen, if a society so eminently calculated to
 
 230 Hobart's "Beply." [1823 
 
 advance the interests of true religion and our Church, shall be 
 permitted to cease its benevolent operations, and to close the 
 doors of its depository upon the claims of thousands of our 
 brethren. 
 
 "The contributions of Episcopalians, however small, will be 
 valuable; and the hope is anxiously indulged, that the members 
 of this congregation will this evening signify, by their attendance 
 at St. Paul's on this occasion, a laudable determination to assist 
 this useful institution in some degree to its former flourishing 
 condition." 
 
 From the Rector of St. George's the following answer was 
 received, addressed to the Secretary of the Committee of Ar- 
 rangements : 
 
 "Sir: 
 
 "I have received your note of yesterday, requesting me to 
 omit service in St. George's 'Chapel' (Church) next Sunday 
 evening, to read a notice with a subjoined address, which you 
 have been kind enough to prepare for me, and to have the reports 
 of the Auxiliary and Prayer Book Society, by which it was ac- 
 companied, distributed in the pews of my church on Sunday 
 morning next. 
 
 "With respect to closing the church on Sunday evening, I think 
 it proper to inform the Committee of Arrangements that the 
 service alluded to is the regular appointment in St. George's for 
 every communion Sunday in the winter season, as it has sub- 
 sisted from the commencement of my rectorship; that it will 
 cause great inconvenience to the congregation, and probably no 
 little displeasure, on this occasion to omit it. The families under 
 my charge are so widely dispersed over the city, and many 
 reside at so great a distance from the church, that it is not prac- 
 ticable for them, after being detained to a late hour by the un- 
 avoidable length of the morning service, to attend in the after- 
 noon. My practice, therefore, except during the summer 
 months, has been to postpone the afternoon service until evening : 
 and you will permit me to say that societies, in pursuing their 
 objects, should have some respect to the previous appointments 
 of particultr churches, and that if they do not, no rule of cour- 
 tesy, in my opinion, requires a rector to shut up his church for 
 their accommodation. I mention this, because, in a similar way,
 
 1823] Hobart's "Reply." 231 
 
 the services of my church have been heretofore interfered with, 
 .and if no regard is had in their arrangements to the convenience 
 -of myself and congregation, I shall consider myself by no means 
 .bound to comply with a request such as you have now made. On 
 the present occasion, as a gentleman most deservedly popular 
 was to preach in St. George's, and as the attractions of his 
 eloquence would, no doubt, cause a very considerable diminution 
 -of your assemblage in St. Paul's, I reluctantly consent to the 
 very inconvenient measure you propose. 
 
 "With respect to the notice of the sermon and collection in St. 
 Paul's, it shall be given ; but I cannot read the subjoined address, 
 -and am greatly astonished that such a request should have been 
 made. 
 
 "I am equally surprised that the Committee of Arrangements, 
 with the knowledge they possess of my views in relation to the 
 propriety of Episcopalians uniting with their fellow Christians 
 in Bible Societies, should require of me to distribute in the pews 
 of my church a report which casts injurious imputations on the 
 very numerous body of Episcopalians who concur in the senti- 
 ment which I have maintained and acted upon for the last fifteen 
 years, and for a part of that time in connection with the vener- 
 able Bishop of Pennsylvania. 
 
 "Independently of my objection to have anything brought be- 
 fore the congregation on a communion Sunday, calculated to 
 divert their attention from the solemn duties before them, I 
 cannot consistently, and conscientiously, become the society's 
 agent, in any form, in the circulation of a report, which, in my 
 estimation, does not assign the true causes of the present de- 
 pressed state of the Auxiliary and Common Prayer Book So- 
 ciety, and indulges in remarks that cannot but prove offensive to 
 the feelings of a large portion of their fellow members of the 
 Episcopal Church, and especially of those under my pastoral 
 charge. 
 
 "The package of reports is therefore returned. 
 "I am, very respectfully, 
 
 "Your obedient servant, 
 
 "JAMES MILNOR. 
 
 "St. George's Parsonage, Feb. 8, 1823." 
 
 To the above the managers replied as follows :
 
 232 Hobart's "Keply." [183 
 
 "New York, Feb. 17, 1823. 
 "Reverend Sir: 
 
 "The Board of Managers of the Auxiliary New York Bible 
 and Common Prayer Book Society, having at a late meeting re- 
 ceived from their Committee of Arrangements your letter to 
 their Secretary of the 8th inst., and feeling no small degree of 
 surprise and regret at the harsh and criminating tone in which it 
 is dictated, have directed me to address you on the subject. 
 
 "Upon a recurrence to the note addressed to you by the Com- 
 mittee, we are really at a loss to perceive, either in the matter or 
 manner of the requests contained in it, any cause for the warmth 
 it appears to have elicited. The use of the word "Chapel" was 
 evidently an inadvertence, arising from the former designation 
 of St. George's, and was certainly not intended to derogate from 
 your dignity as the rector of that church; and the address an- 
 nexed to the notice (which you say we were so kind as to prepare 
 for you), was a mere circular sent without distinction to all the 
 Episcopal churches in the city, and was submitted as customary, 
 by the committee, from their knowledge of the state of the 
 society. The Bishop, as Rector of Trinity Church, has never 
 deemed a request to read notices sent to him relative to collec- 
 tions for pious objects connected with our Church, as either 
 improper or disrespectful ; and it did not occur to our Committee 
 that what was never considered by our Diocesan as offensive to 
 his dignity, would be esteemed so by one of his presbyters. 
 
 "But least of all could our Committee have intended any inter- 
 ference with your arrangements in the services of your church. 
 When the appointment was made by us, and for ten days after, 
 we were not aware of your intention to have service on the 
 evening selected by us; and we would certainly rather have put 
 ourselves to any expense or inconvenience rather than have 
 excited one angry or uncharitable emotion. But presuming on 
 your supposed friendship to a society of which you have been 
 for several years a member, and having understood that a 
 gentleman most deservedly popular was to preach in St. George's, 
 they took the liberty, which would not otherwise have been used, 
 to make the request so reluctantly, and, we regret to add, so 
 ungraciously granted. 
 
 "It would doubtless be construed into affectation were we to 
 profess our ignorance of the course pursued by you in relation
 
 1823] Hobart's "Reply." 233 
 
 to associations out of our Church ; but we certainly could not be 
 supposed to know that you were hostile to our institutions, 
 formed for the purpose of spreading the Gospel in accordance 
 with the principles of our own communion. Nor could we be 
 supposed to infer that an attempt on our part to impress on our 
 fellow Episcopalians the duty of preventing a valuable and pious 
 institution, exclusively under the management of our own prim- 
 itive Church, for languishing, and perhaps becoming extinct, 
 through want of their pecuniary assistance, would be deemed 
 exceptionable by one of its ministers ; nor that he would withhold 
 from an intelligent congregation the means of judging for them- 
 selves upon the propriety of rendering it their support. 
 
 "We certainly did not suppose that the members of an Epis- 
 copal congregation would be occupied during service with the 
 perusal of our printed report. Our design in wishing it to be 
 placed in the pews was, that thus in the readiest way Episco- 
 palians generally might be supplied with it for perusal at home. 
 In this case, as that of the circular notice, the plan of the Com- 
 mittee was a general one, and a departure from it in the case of 
 any one particular church, whilst there seemed no necessity to 
 justify it, would have been thought perhaps much more excep- 
 tionable than a uniform compliance with it. 
 
 "We are wholly at a loss to perceive in what manner the report 
 'casts injurious imputations on any body of Episcopalians, and 
 we should regret most deeply that the tenor of our remarks 
 should prove offensive to the feelings of any member of the 
 Episcopal Church. 
 
 "It indeed laments that Episcopalians should neglect the inst- 
 tutions of their Church, formed for the propagation of the 
 Gospel, according to the apostolic faith we venerate ; but it does 
 not impeach or censure, as you suppose, the institutions uniting 
 various denominations of Christians with which you have 
 thought proper to connect yourself. 
 
 "As respects the truth of the report, which you have so gra- 
 tuitously impeached, we can only assert the correctness of our 
 intentions and our own knowledge of the operations and state 
 of the society; and we believe the evidence we have afforded 
 the public of our sincerity, and their knowledge of the individuals 
 who compose our board, will sufficiently avouch its veracity. 
 
 "We revere, as nightly as any other persons, the venerable
 
 234 Hobart's "Reply." [1823 
 
 Bishop of Pennsylvania, and we think that in the course we are 
 pursuing, we act fully in accordance with the spirit of his ad- 
 monitions in his late excellent address, dissuading from all 
 admixture with others unfavourable to the apostolic principles of 
 our own Church. 
 
 "We beg leave to remind you that our society is auxiliary to 
 one which undertook the distribution of the Bible before any 
 other in this city; and that both the principal and the auxiliary 
 were operating with the unanimous patronage of our Church, 
 and without opposition from any quarter, before your connection 
 with this diocese. Should these institutions be made so unpop- 
 ular as no longer to enjoy the united support of all Episcopalians, 
 we shall most deeply lament the circumstance; but it will not 
 change our opinion of the correctness of the principles on which 
 they are founded, nor of the policy of the course which they 
 pursue, until we are willing to allow that popularity of any 
 system is the criterion of its merit, or apparent success the evi- 
 dence of divine favour. 
 
 "I am, very respectfully, 
 "Reverend Sir, 
 
 "Your most obedient servant, 
 "CHARLES W. SANDFORD, 
 
 "Corresponding Secretary, &c. 
 "To Rev. James Milnor, D.D., 
 
 "St. George's Parsonage." 
 
 Our readers can now judge of the heinousness of the offence 
 which the Manager of the Auxiliary New York Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society committed in the request, which 
 they made of Churches in New York who are connected with 
 Bible Societies. 1 
 
 "Corrector" deals at length with the charge that Bishop 
 Hobart disparaged the Word of God and would make the 
 Prayer Book a substitute for it. 
 
 You misrepresent Bishop Hobart on the subject of uniting 
 the Church of God with the Word of God, in all efforts for 
 propagating Christianity. No candid person, who is acquainted 
 with what Bishop Hobart has published on this point, can be at 
 
 I. Pages 18-26.
 
 1823] Hobart's "Reply." 235 
 
 a loss to ascertain his sentiments. All institutions, he maintains, 
 for propagating the Gospel, and for distributing the Bible, should 
 be conducted under the authority of the Church; and should 
 never, in the principle of the organization, separate the Word of 
 God from the Church of God. 
 
 The writer repels the charge that Bishop Hobart had taught 
 that the Liturgy constituted the Word of God. He then reiter- 
 ates and brings proof to bear upon his assertion that the Bible 
 Societies did separate the Church of God from the Word of 
 Gorl. He then concludes this portion of his "Letter" : 
 
 "They do not act under the authority of the Church of God, 
 let that Church be what it may they do not recognize any 
 system of doctrine, any ministry, any ordinances or mode of 
 worship, all of which are necessary to constitute a Church of 
 God nor does their organization admit of any reference to these 
 objects. Bishop Hobart maintains that Episcopalians, believing 
 that the Episcopal Church, holding the doctrine, ministry, ordi- 
 nances and worship declared and established by Christ and his 
 apostles, is a pure and true Church of God, should think it their 
 duty to act under the authority of this Church, and to make its 
 propagation the object of all their exertions, because they thus 
 in the apostolic mode propagate the Gospel. But you are artfully 
 putting in opposition (strange conduct in "a Churchman") the 
 advancement of the Episcopal Church and the propagation of 
 the Gospel make Bishop Hobart, as exclusive advocate of the 
 former, indifferent if not opposed to the latter. This is the 
 effect of many statements and representations scattered through 
 your pamphlet." 1 
 
 "Corrector" then draws this striking contrast: 
 
 "It was the characteristic of 'the primitive Christians, that 
 they continued steadfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellow- 
 ship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.' Now what 
 would the Christians of those days, the Christians who drank 
 deep at the fountain head of Divine truth, think of a society of 
 Christians in modern times, who meet for a religious purpose, 
 the diffusion of Divine truth, and yet recognize neither apostolic 
 doctrine, fellowship, ordinances, nor worship? What would 
 
 I. Pages 38-40.
 
 236 Hobart's " Reply." [182S 
 
 they think of a society extolled as eminently entitled to, and 
 eminently enjoying, the favour of heaven, who on no occasion 
 as a society, unite in acts of homage or of supplication to that 
 Being, on whose Providence, and without doubt with great sin- 
 cerity, they profess to depend? In what light would the holy 
 Ignatius, the disciple of St. John, whose admonition it was, 'he 
 that does anything without the Bishop, and the Presbyters, and 
 the Deacons, is not pure in his conscience/ view a religious 
 institution, which, in its collective capacity recognizes neither 
 Bishop, Priest, nor Deacon? What would those holy martyrs, 
 who met daily for the 'breaking of bread,' and who, over the 
 symbols of the body and blood of their Lord, sealed their mystical 
 union with him, and with each other, think of a number of 
 modern Christians, who set up as the bond of Christian unity, a 
 society in which as a society, neither his divinity, nor his atone- 
 ment, nor his Church, nor his worship, are recognized, but are 
 studiously kept out of view; which indeed admits to membership 
 those who deny his divinity, reject his atonement, and cast away 
 the ordinances and the ministry of his visible Church? I repeat 
 it, I make no attack on individuals. I respect the character and 
 the motives of men who hold these fundamental errors. But 
 what I say is the truth ; and the occasion demands that the truth 
 be spoken. 
 
 "I am perfectly aware of the reason of this marked separation 
 of the Word of God from the Church of God that it is neces- 
 sary to unite all Christians in Bible Societies. But in my judg- 
 ment no object can justify this violation of principle. It would 
 be absurd to say that it is necessary to the distribution of the 
 Bible." 1 
 
 He then takes up the attitude of the Bishops in England and 
 the United States concerning Bible Societies, and shows that the 
 active support of the Bible Society is by a minority of the 
 Bishops in each country. He also considers fully the weakening 
 of affection to the Church by those joining them, citing examples. 
 
 He comments on the influence and tendency of Prayer Meet- 
 ings to make the attendants upon them indifferent to any other 
 form of Religion than the emotional. 
 
 I. Page 43-
 
 1823] Hobart's " Reply." 237 
 
 He opens in this vigorous manner the next division of his 
 "Letter" : 
 
 I pass on to notice some of the most striking 
 
 FALLACIES. 
 
 in the statements and reasonings of your Letter. 
 
 And I first notice one, pervading indeed almost all the reports, 
 and the speeches, and the communications of the Bible Societies 
 and their members, and which is certainly sanctioned by the 
 address, in 1822, of the President of the American Bible Society, 
 that the success of these institutions is an evidence of their en- 
 joying the special protection and favour of God. I must be 
 permitted to express my humble opinion, disclaiming all intention 
 of offence to any individual, that this position contains the very 
 essence of fanaticism that it is a position which would impute 
 to the infinitely wise and good and holy Ruler of the universe, 
 an approbation of all the means, however unlawful or improper, 
 which have attained success for any lawful or proper object 
 that it is the very sentiment under the wild rule of which the 
 fanatic has prosecuted, by the most extravagant and unjustifiable 
 means, his pious purposes, and even drenched himself in blood, 
 for the glory of God. To intimate that this position is so re- 
 garded in its consequences by those who maintain it, would be 
 indeed the heighth of arrogance and uncharitableness. But I 
 must be permitted to view it in this light ; and a higher consider- 
 ation than opposition to Bible Societies prompts me to endeavour 
 to expose it. For this abuse of the doctrine of the Providence 
 of God leads some to doubt or to deny his agency in the govern- 
 ment of the world, and others to sanction, with the shield of his 
 favour, their follies, their errors, and even their crimes. 
 
 I must do you the justice to say that you seem aware of the 
 inevitable consequences of your position, and express yourself 
 in respect to it, as I conceive, in obscure and contradictory terms. 
 You refer (p. 40) to the following remarks of Bishop Hobart, 
 in his address to the Convention: "The success of institutions 
 which are erroneous in the principle on which they are founded, 
 or in the measures which they adopt, cannot vindicate them; 
 except on the maxim that 'the end justifies the means.' Nor is 
 this success to be considered as evidence of the favour of
 
 238 Hobart's " Reply." [1823 
 
 Heaven; for then divine sanction would be obtained for many 
 heretical and schismatical sects, which at various times have 
 obtained popularity and corrupted and rent the Christian 
 Church." 
 
 On this you observe, "I cannot but regard this remark as in- 
 tended to rebut the argument of Governor Jay, in his late address 
 to the American Bible Society, that the peculiar circumstances 
 under which Bible Societies originated; the wonderful extension 
 which has been given to them; the unanimity which conflicting 
 sects have supported them; and the events which have occurred 
 to facilitate the distribution of the Scriptures, all unite to induce 
 the belief that these institutions, together with other means 
 which are now hastening the coming in of the Gentiles, are 
 providential; and under this persuasion he recommends to the 
 opponents of the Bible Societies the counsel of Gamaliel." 
 
 No doubt every thing connected with Bible Societies is 
 providential; and so is every thing connected with Roman 
 Catholic error and Mahometan fanaticism; for every thing in 
 the world, bad as well as good, is permitted and controlled by 
 the holy Providence of God. But who would think of deducing 
 hence an argument in favour of Roman Catholic error or 
 Mahometan fanaticism? From so vague an assertion, that the 
 circumstances connected with Bible Societies are providential, 
 surely the inference of Governor Jay (you, sir, have introduced 
 him upon this subject) is a non sequitur, that they enjoy the 
 special favour and protection of Heaven, and that those who 
 oppose them are "fighting against God." 
 
 But I think I hear you address me What, sir, do you mean 
 to compare the distribution of the Bible with the progress of 
 Roman error or Mahometan fanaticism? By no means. God 
 forbid. The distribution of the Bible is an object worthy of all 
 praise. But there is an obvious and important distinction be- 
 tween the end and the means. The one may be correct; the 
 other quite the contrary. And the question is whether Bible 
 Societies, as one of those means by which the Bible is distributed, 
 enjoys the special favour and protection of Heaven, so that they 
 who oppose them fight against God. If you say that the 
 peculiar circumstances connected with Bible Societies are provi- 
 dential, that is, according to the obvious meaning of the word, 
 under the government of God's Providence, I answer so are
 
 1823] Hobart's "Reply." 239 
 
 all other circumstances, bad as well as good. And if any argu- 
 ment be drawn in favour of Bible Societies, because the circum- 
 stances connected with them are providential, the same inference 
 will apply to "circumstances" connected with the Roman 
 Catholic error and Mahometan fanaticism. 
 
 You must, therefore, mean something more than the general 
 term "providential" indicates. And without doubt you do mean 
 that the peculiar circumstances connected with Bible Societies 
 prove that they are under the special favour and protection of 
 Heaven. Now, what are these peculiar circumstances? You 
 enumerate them in a passage which I have already quoted, and 
 in another, which I do you the justice to state tt length. 
 
 "When we observe an institution established in the midst of 
 war and desolation, devoted solely to the glory of God, and the 
 salvation of man: when its propriety and utility is so obvious 
 that the wise and good, the excellent of the earth, however much 
 they differ on other points, lend it their unanimous sanction; 
 when expiring saints rejoice that they have been permitted to 
 labour in its service; when Christian nations, with the single 
 exception of such as are involved in the gloom of papal ignorance 
 and superstition; as if animated by one heart and one mind, are 
 yielding to it their treasures and their exertions; and when in 
 consequence of this institution the Gospel has free course and 
 is glorified in a degree unparalleled since the days of the Apos- 
 tles : surely, sir, we may be permitted to say, it is the Lord's 
 doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes, without being classed 
 with the most ignorant of fanatics." 1 
 
 Stripped of its verbiage and its declamation, the simple mean- 
 ing of this passage is that the success of the Bible Society, its 
 popularity, is an indication not merely of the Divine approbation 
 but most emphatically of its being "the Lord's doing." And 
 yet in the sentence immediately preceding this passage you as- 
 sert, "No one, I believe, in the possession of his faculties, ever 
 contended that the mere success of an undertaing, of itself, in- 
 dicated the Divine approbation." 
 
 Now, sir, what am I to think? "Are you in the possession of 
 your faculties?" (I use your own language.) or are they, on 
 the subject of Bible Societies, which really seems to intoxicate 
 
 I. Letter, p. 13.
 
 240 Hobart's "Reply." [1823 
 
 wiser and stronger heads than yours, approaching to a state of 
 dementation ? 
 
 We can account for the success of Bible Societies without the 
 special interposition of a present Deity. 
 
 Nee Deus intersit, nisi dignus vindice nodus Inciderit. 
 
 Their object is commendable it is calculated to enlist the 
 feelings in favour of associations to advance it prior to all ex- 
 amination of their principles and tendency. Means were early 
 employed to render them popular. The imposing apparatus of 
 Auxiliary Societies, and of a great number of vice-presidents 
 and managers, &c., &c., was soon prepared. The love of oifice 
 in some, and a carelessness of declining it in others, operated 
 in favour of these plans. Other considerations had their effect. 
 It is unpleasant to decline pressing solicitations to withdraw 
 one's name when it is brought forward to oppose oneself to 
 popular impulse, to the fashion of the day and to encounter 
 misrepresentations and denunciation. Kings and noblemen 
 (whose patronage you, though a good republican, seem very 
 fond of blazoning forth in lengthened columns) are not very 
 much in the habit, it is to be feared, of inquiring either as to the 
 principles or the tendency of religious associations, except as 
 far as personal ambition, or political consequence, may be 
 affected by them and Bible Societies were engines for this 
 purpose not to be neglected. 1 
 
 Dr. Mant, particularly odious to the party in the Church of 
 England who supported Bible Societies, was lately made Bishop 
 of Killaloe and Kilfenora, and has more recently been advanced 
 to the valuable see of Down and Connor. At about the very 
 time that Lord Liverpool was delivering a speech in favour of 
 Bible Societies, Dr. Beresford, the Archbishop of Dublin, 
 seceded from the Hibernia Society and was soon after translated 
 to the Archbishopric of Armagh, the metropolitan see of Ireland. 
 And we have not heard of the zeal of his distinguished suc- 
 
 I. It is a little singular, that the British Ministry, who are represented as 
 being so exceedingly zealous for Bible Societies, almost invariably promote 
 those Clergy of the Church who are not in favour of these societies. Dr. 
 Tomline, who, the "Churchman" asserts, while Bishop of Lincoln, delivered 
 so violent a Charge against Bible Societies that he was afraid or ashamed to 
 print it, has been lately translated to the very rich see of Winchester.
 
 1823] Hobart's "Reply." 241 
 
 cessor, Dr. Magee, in the see of Dublin, in favour of Bible 
 Societies. Other cases might be stated. 
 
 The powerful machinery of Bible Anniversaries was soon set 
 in motion. On these occasions every gratification is afforded to 
 personal vanity; by a system of mutual compliment, each man 
 exalts the other; speeches can be made and printed, and pane- 
 gyrized, and together with the names of those who moved and 
 those who seconded resolutions, on those memorable occasions 
 recorded in archives acre perennius. Alas, poor human nature! 
 What an alloy tarnishes thy best purposes! What undignified 
 means must often be resorted to in order to rouse thy feelings 
 even in a good cause ! 
 
 "Corrector" examines the claim of the direct agency for suc- 
 cess of Bible Societies and the great good done by them in all 
 parts of the world. He cites Bishop Jackson's reasons for with- 
 drawing from the Hibernian Bible Society, and says that an 
 enlargement of the resources of the two great Missionary 
 Societies of the Church of England would have accomplished 
 similar results without obscuring results. He advocates a 
 separate organization for "Dissenters". "Corrector" also takes 
 up the claim that these societies circulate the Bible "without note 
 or comment." The addresses and reports which they circulated 
 very largely sometimes containing expositions of prophesy and 
 comments upon various passages of Holy Scripture, he con- 
 siders to be notes and comments which bias and influence the 
 minds of those who read them. 
 
 "Corrector" then commences a new portion of his review of 
 a Churchman's "Letter" : 
 
 From the fallacies in your pamphlet I pass on to notice cur- 
 sorily the 
 
 RHAPSODY AND OSTENTATION 
 
 which appear conspicuous in almost every page. Bishop Hobart 
 had published an address in which he very calmly, and, by your 
 confession, "courteously," stated his objections to Bible So- 
 cieties, and urged Episcopalians to direct their efforts ot the 
 propagation of the Gospel by the institutions of their own 
 church. This you resented as "renewing hostilities" against the 
 American Bible Society. "You have engaged," is your language 
 (16)
 
 Hobart's "Reply." [1823 
 
 to him, "in a warfare, in which the cause of the Bible has been 
 crowned with victory, and in which mortification of defeat has 
 ever been imbittered by the conviction that the power of the 
 victor has been confirmed and extended by the very endeavour 
 to shake it." And you advance most fearlessly to the contest. 
 In such a warfare no friend of the society can for a moment 
 hesitate to engage, through apprehensions of the issue nay, the 
 very stripling whose youthful limbs refuse the burden of the 
 coat of mail, and the sword of the warrior, may fearlessly enter 
 the field, trusting alone to that God in whose cause he combats, 
 and with no armour but truth, and no weapon but common sense, 
 he will most assuredly vanquish the proudest Goliath that may 
 dare him to the fight. 1 
 
 In another very fine, and poetical, and pathetic passage, you 
 point out the hopeless destitution of those whose "home is on 
 the deep" ; and the conclusion of your rhapsody is that Bishop 
 Hobart opposed the Mariner's Church. 2 
 
 But when you turn your view for a moment to the "mighty 
 triumphs and stupendous labours" and "imposing grandeur and 
 magnificence" of the American Bible Society, your imagination 
 indeed takes wings, and in her soaring flight glances from the 
 "British Isles" to the "Continent," from "Iceland" to "Malta," 
 from "Asia" to "Africa," from "one extremity of Hindoostan 
 to the other, from Bombay to Calcutta, from Madras to 
 Columbo, from New Holland to Amboyna," from the "Cape of 
 Good Hope" to "Sierra Leone, Caledon, Mauritius, and Bour- 
 bon:" from "Africa" to "North America," from "Hudson's 
 Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, and from Missouri to the Atlantic." 3 
 And were you not afraid by this time she would have been out 
 of breath? No; you knew too well her spirit and her lofty 
 daring. Again she soars with renewed strength, and she sees 
 Bishop Hobart, in his opposition to the American Bible Society, 
 "exerting his talents and influence" to lock up this "flood-gate of 
 mercy," to quench this "sun which has arisen, unexpectedly and 
 gloriously, to illumine the dark horizon of a fallen world." 4 
 
 1. Letter, p. 3. 
 
 2. Ibid., pp. 3, 4. 
 
 3. Ibid., pp. 49, 50. 
 4- Ibid., p. 50.
 
 1823] Hobart's " Reply." 243 
 
 What a terrible man, to attempt to "lock up a flood-gate," to 
 quench the sun! And he is as foolish and impious as terrible 
 for he endeavours, "with his newspaper publications, and his 
 pastoral letters, and his addresses, and his Convention charges, 
 to stem that pure river of the water of life, proceeding out of 
 the throne of God and the Lamb, which is now refreshing and 
 fertilizing the waste places of the earth, and causing the wilder- 
 ness to rejoice and blossom as the rose." 1 
 
 Truly, sir, I do not know whether your imagination has lately 
 visited the "spot where the apostle of the Gentiles once preached 
 to his polished and philosophic hearers," their "unknown God," 2 
 and quickened her fervours at the fountain at Helicon. But she 
 certainly has given you the slip, and been dabbling in streams 
 not quite so classical the reports and the speeches, &c., of Bible 
 Societies. And to convince you that I do not slander her, I 
 must request you to do me the justice to accompany me while we 
 glance at a few passages in these valuable documents. 
 
 "In tracing the progress of the wonderful society, we are 
 irresistibly led to ascribe the whole to the mighty power of God, 
 for who can hear of these signs and wonders of the times with- 
 out exclaiming, This is the finger of God ; this is the working of 
 that Spirit who worketh all and in all. Hibernian Society's 
 address, I4th Report, p. 54." "And in the account of a recent 
 anniversary, after much hesitancy as to which of the speakers, 
 lay or clerical, the meed of sacred eloquence was due, and after 
 an acknowledgment that it was impossible, in a brief notice, to 
 convey an adequate idea of the delightful and solemn feeling 
 elicited by the appropriate and eloquent addresses of the different 
 speakers." 3 It was at last decided "that the finer feelings of 
 
 1. Letter, p. 78. 
 
 2. Ibid., p. 48. 
 
 3. The apotheosis of Mr. Grant, already on record, deserves to be kept 
 in continual remembrance. "The enraptured Heathens exclaimed, The Gods 
 are coming to us in the likeness of men." "To me," says Mr. Owen, "the 
 terms of the statement require to be inverted, in order to suit the circum- 
 stances of the case. I saw in the speaker no mortal like myself. To my 
 view he seemed to have wrapped himself in the skirts of that garment with 
 which the Father of light is covered, and while he appeared to reflect a 
 lustre borrowed from the Divinity itself, methinks I could have found in my 
 heart to exlaim, Men are come among us in the likeness of God." Owen's 
 Speech.
 
 244 Eobart's "Reply." [1823 
 
 the assembly had been touched in no common degree by the 
 Rev. Lewis Way;" and such indeed was the impression made 
 by this annual festival that few, if any, could leave the room 
 without gratefully exclaiming, "what hath God wrought!" 
 1 4th Report, p. 91, and i8th Monthly Extract. "The language 
 of grateful acknowledgment and heartfelt joy," called forth by 
 the Bible distributed through its liberality, is echoed from the 
 Caspian to the Mississippi, and from the recesses of Iceland to 
 the extremities of New Holland." I3th Rep. Hib. Bible Soc. 
 p. 30. See also Mr. C. Grant's Speech, ib. p. 55. "It embraces 
 in its wide domain all Christian sects, and the most considerable 
 personages of the state, the men most distinguished for rank, 
 talents and character." I4th Report, p. 71. This, however, is 
 flat compared with the following extract. The one "voice, and 
 one wish, which it has raised for the Bible, and which it has now 
 to satisfy, is heard from the recesses of the Continent, and from 
 the Isles of the Sea. It is borne on the bosom of the waves 
 from the Western Isles, skirts the shores of the Western Con- 
 tinent, re-echoes through the valleys, trembles along the cliffs, 
 and thunders through the continent of the Eastern World.'' 
 loth Report of Philadelphia Bible Society. 1 
 
 He then makes extracts from the report of the last anniver- 
 sary of the American Bible Society, and comments on it: 
 
 Now if a stranger to Bible Societies and to Christianity were 
 to witness the parade which annually takes place at their anni- 
 versary meetings, the long note of preparation, the beating up 
 of the attendance from all quarters of the Union, the resolutions 
 after resolutions of thanks, thanks, thanks, the speakers adulating 
 Bible Societies, adulating each other, adulating almost every 
 body but their unfortunate brethren, the members of the Bible 
 and Common Prayer Book Societies. Witnessing the machinery 
 of parade, this flood of adulation, annually offered, would he 
 believe that those engaged in it were the disciples of a humble 
 and unostentatious Master? The professors of a religion, which 
 while it commands us to our good actions, to let our light shine 
 
 I. This extract is taken from an able pamphlet entitled "Reasons for with- 
 drawing from the Hibernian Bible Society," &c., by James Edward Jackson, 
 published about the time that the present Metropolitan of Ireland withdrew 
 from that Society.
 
 1823] Hobart's "Reply." 245 
 
 before men: enjoins us no professions of parade, not to let our 
 right hand know what our left hand doeth ; and would he believe 
 that these systems of display and adulation, not exceeded by any 
 of the institutions of the children of this world; were not only 
 countenanced but actively engaged in by Sainted "Buchanan, 
 and Boudinot, and Owen." 
 
 "Corrector" devotes a short paragraph to a Churchman's 
 "intolerance which was shown by his use of invective, his epithet 
 and his misrepresentations." 
 
 He proceeds thus : 
 
 decidedly marks the spirit and the manner in which you come 
 forward in your Letter. It marks almost every expression 
 which you use, and allusion which you make to Bishop Hobart; 
 the style of your address to whom is often pert, and bold, and 
 overbearing. It appears in the personalities of your Letter 
 in the manner in which you so often introduce Governor Jay 
 and the Report of the Bedford Prayer Book Society and par- 
 ticularly in your introduction of the name of a certain individual, 
 and thus reviving recollections that an ingenious, and kind, and 
 noble-minded man, and particularly "a Churchman," would wish 
 to bury for ever. It appears in your gross comparison, utterly 
 without necessity, of the parochial zeal and fidelity of your 
 diocesan and his assistant clergy, with those of your favourite, 
 the Rector of St. George's, and others. Sir, I have often thrown 
 down my pen with revolting disgust when tracing you in your 
 course, and have resumed with infinite reluctance, only from the 
 imperious claims of truth and justice. 
 
 What but a want of delicate regard to feeling and to charac- 
 ter, could lead you to impute to those of the Clergy who think 
 and act on the subject of Bible Societies with their diocesan, a 
 spirit of dependence? Sir, has no man any conscience, or inde- 
 pendence, unless he thinks and acts with you, in a part, and 
 continued, and persevering opposition to Bishop Hobart? It 
 requires no great strength of intellect, though doubtless it does 
 a little modest assurance, on all occasions to bluster about one's 
 independence. The truly independent man talks less about it. 
 
 One would think that it would be a matter of gratification to
 
 246 Hobart's "Reply." [1823 
 
 see the Clergy united in principle and in views of policy with 
 their Bishop. Even admit that, as the mode of distributing the 
 Bible, the Clergy yielded their own opinions to that of their 
 diocesan ; is the point an essential one on which they should obey 
 God rather than man? Without doubt, the harmony which sub- 
 sists in this diocese is not very agreeable to those who are 
 hostile to the official character and principles of Bishop Hobart; 
 and no matter what injury results to the Church ruat ecclesia 
 he must be put down. On the 
 
 DlSINGENUOUSNESS 
 
 that characterizes your Letter I need not dwell, after having 
 pointed out (though the detail is not perfect) the misrepresenta- 
 tions with which it abounds. 
 
 You are disengenuous in the charge of speculation against the 
 Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, 
 as to selling Bibles, when, in this respect they not only did what 
 is systematically done by the American Bible Society sold 
 Bibles to those who wished to purchase them at a reduced price. 
 
 You disengenuously represent Bishop Hobart as opposed to 
 the religious instruction of the seamen, whose case you very 
 pathetically, but rather hyperbolically, state; because, as you 
 suppose, he was the writer of some pieces in which Episcopalians 
 are cautioned against contributing to "the erection of a 
 Church where there was to be precisely the admixture of 
 administrations," against which the "venerable Bishop of Penn- 
 sylvania" so earnestly cautions. This writer foresaw it must, 
 and would, become the "Church" of some one denomination, 
 and it was not difficult to tell which that would be. It is now, 
 unless I am mistaken, virtually a Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Again, you disengenuously represent Bishop Hobart as indif- 
 ferent, and even opposed, to the propagation of the Gospel 
 among the Heathen. And on what grounds? Merely because 
 he may think that, under the present circumstances of the 
 Episcopal Church and of the destitute condition of many parts 
 of our own country, it is expedient that Episcopalians confine 
 their exertions at home, and of course (believing their own 
 Church at least to be the best), to the propagation of the Gospel, 
 as professed by their own Church: and because, alive, as he 
 must be, to the pressing wants (so frequently meeting his view
 
 1823] Hobart's "Reply." 247 
 
 and urged upon him) of his own diocese, which presents a most 
 extensive field for Missionary labour, he is apprehensive that 
 any systematic plan for Missionary collections to be appropriated 
 elsewhere, might seriously interfere with the Missionary plan 
 of this diocese, established by the canons of the Church. Very 
 principally to the operation of this plan does this diocese, under 
 the Divine blessing owe its prosperity, the Clergy have been 
 nearly doubled in number within ten or twelve years; and it is 
 notorious that, in many parts of this state, Episcopal congrega- 
 tions could be formed could Missionary aid be procured. On 
 the Missionary plan of this diocese you do not even pass "a 
 freezing recommendation." Doubtless there is reason for this: 
 it would be unpardonable to suppose that you act without 
 any reason, and without a powerful one. 
 
 "Corrector" assumes that the reason is because Bishop Hobart 
 is a member of the Missionary Board. He assumes also that a 
 Churchman does not contribute to diocesan missions, "although 
 three members of the family had given $150 for Foreign Mis- 
 sions and allowed the Rector of Bedford, a very excellent and 
 amiable man, to trudge through the streets of New York collect- 
 ing petty subscriptions to build a Parsonage House." 
 
 He continues: 
 
 But I repeat it I am weary of my task, and must have done. 
 One point more. I name it with inexpressible reluctance : 
 
 THE UNGENTLEMANLY AND UNCHRISTIAN 
 
 tenour and style of the Letter of "a Churchman of the Diocese 
 of New York." I will not go into details I rest on two in- 
 stances. A Letter was republished in this country, addressed 
 by the Rev. Henry Handley Norris, curate of Hackney and 
 Prebendary of Llandaff, to Lord Liverpool. I assert, on the 
 best information, that Mr. Norris is a Clergyman of excellent 
 character, who devotes munificently the income of a large 
 fortune to the purposes of pious benevolence. 1 He has built 
 entirely at his own expense a Chapel in the parish of Hackney, 
 and made permanent provision for service in it. He is a leading 
 and active member of the Church of England Societies, for 
 
 I. He gave 100 1. sterling to the General Theological Seminary of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States.
 
 248 Hobart's "Reply.'' [182$ 
 
 Propagating the Gospel and for Promoting Christian Knowl- 
 edge, and for National Education. He enjoys the particular 
 confidence of the Bishops of London and Llandaff, and of other 
 eminent dignitaries of the Church. He was the intimate friend 
 and correspondent of that profound and accomplished scholar, 
 the eminent prelate. Bishop Middleton, the late Bishop of Cal- 
 cutta. At the lamented death of this exalted Bishop the Society 
 for the Promoting Christian Knowledge resolved to erect a 
 monument to his memory in St. Paul's, and appropriated 5,000 
 sterling to this object, and appointed, to carry it into effect, a 
 Committee consisting of several dignitaries of the Church and 
 distinguished Laymen. In this object, the Society for Propa- 
 gating the Gospel requested to unite, and on their part associated 
 for this purpose with the Committee, two Clergymen, the Rev. 
 H. H. Norris, and the Rev. J. Lonsdale. 1 And this Clergyman, 
 the Rev. H. H. Norris, the associate (for the purpose of erecting 
 a monument of grateful veneration to the memory of the Bishop 
 of Calcutta) of the Bishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of Lon- 
 don, the Bishop of Llandaff, Lord Kenyon, the Archdeacon of 
 London, the Archdeacon of Middlesex, the Archdeacon of 
 Colchester, and others; one of two representatives on this 
 occasion of the venerable Society for Propagating the Gospel 
 is styled, by a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
 America, which is indebted to this Society "for her foundation 
 and a long continuance of nursing care and protection," by a 
 leading member of a congregation, which, unless I am much 
 mistaken, once enjoyed the bounty of this very Society amidst 
 many other gentlemanly and Christian designations a "black- 
 guard." 2 1 make no comments. 
 
 "Corrector" gives another instance; the ranking of Bishop 
 Hobart with the Pope, Mr. Cobbett and the Devil, in the opposi- 
 tion to Bible Societies. With keen irony he shows the badness 
 of the cause that must make allegations like that and determine 
 that it is purely malicious on the part of a Churchman, for 
 Bishop Hobart's opposition has benefitted instead of injuring the 
 Bible Society by his opponent's own admission. He then sums 
 up: 
 
 1. Christian Journal, number for May, 1823. 
 
 2. Letter, p. 75.
 
 1823] Hobart's "Reply." 249 
 
 In conclusion Let me give you some advice, which, however 
 it may be received, is really well intended; and I will give it to 
 you in the words of that volume, for the distribution of which 
 you are, it must be admitted, a very zealous, but, I cannot think, 
 very fortunate advocate. "Study to be quiet and mind your own 
 business" "Think not more highly of yourself than you 
 ought to think." Elated by an adventitious circumstance (no 
 man has any merit in being born with a peculiar name), and 
 inordinately vain of some readiness, flippancy, and command of 
 language, and (to do you justice) of no common industry in 
 any cause that excites your passions, you seem to think yourself 
 privileged to say any thing of "your Bishop" that comes into 
 your mind, or answers your purpose ; and, as an oracle, to pro- 
 nounce in all Church matters your decision, and to expect "your 
 Bishop" and his Clergy to bow to it. And yet you will hereafter, 
 I think, find yourself as hitherto, in a woeful mistake. The 
 real Churchmen of the diocese of New- York will not be shackled 
 by your authority ; and "your Bishop" and his Clergy, or I 
 greatly overrate their good sense and good principles, will do 
 what seemeth to them right, without troubling themselves much 
 as to the denunciations which their conduct may excite in the 
 "Churchman of the Diocese of New-York," or the invectives 
 which it may call forth from him. At least so most assuredly 
 will one, who, notwithstanding the plainness with which he has 
 thought it his duty to deal with you, is entirely your well-wisher. 
 
 CORRECTOR. 
 New- York, May 16, 1823.
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Second Letter from Judge Jay Illness of Bishop Hobart and His Trip to 
 Canada Reply of "Corrector" Answer from Judge Jay Bishop Ho- 
 bart's Reply in a "Note." 
 
 IN the opinion of many who read both the pamphlets, 
 "Corrector" fully met the accusations and insinuations 
 of "A Churchman." There were, however, some staunch 
 upholders of the American Bible Society who thought that 
 the countercharges made should be refuted. Judge Jay soon 
 prepared another "Letter" abandoning his assumed name. He 
 maintains his former allegations and points out the lack of dig- 
 nity and courtesy which he thinks is to be found in the statements 
 of "Corrector." 
 
 He defends himself against his opponent's characterization of 
 him, and accuses the Bishop of wantonly wounding him in his 
 tenderest susceptibilities. 
 
 A LETTER. 
 "Right Reverend Sir : 
 
 "On perusing the Reply lately published to a Churchman's 
 Letter to you, I observed that it represented me as being the 
 writer of that letter. It appeared to me that they who should 
 read and attend to the contents of them both, would not be at 
 a loss to estimate their relative merits; and that the necessity, 
 and perhaps propriety of replying to that answer might be ques- 
 tioned. It being at length ascertained that you avow yourself 
 the author of that answer. I do not hesitate to admit that the 
 Letter to which it is a Reply was written by me. In that 
 pamphlet you have taken liberties with my personal character, 
 which neither became the respect due to your own nor the 
 justice due to mine. Invectives from the pen of a Bishop natur- 
 ally excite inquiry and attention, and therefore cannot with 
 propriety be consigned like anonymous obloquy to silent con- 
 tempt. 
 
 250
 
 1823] Jay's Second Letter. 251 
 
 "The frequent reviews of Episcopal Addresses both in England 
 and this country, prove that those publications are not deemed 
 too sacred to be subjected to the investigation of criticism; and 
 a review in the Christian Journal (a magazine enjoying your 
 immediate patronage) of a personal letter by Bishop Griswold, 
 in which the Bishop is said 'to have confused and bewildered a 
 plain subject/ 1 evinces that the conductors of that Journal do 
 not deem it inconsistent with the obligations of a Churchman 
 to animadvert, in strong terms, on the official addresses of the 
 Bishops of his Church. Bishop Griswold in his reply observes: 
 'What is published to the World is opened to criticism, and it 
 is just and desirable that the errors of those who pretend to 
 teach others should be detected and exposed. I claim no ex- 
 emption from censure.' 2 
 
 "In venturing therefore to criticize your late Address, I do not 
 arrogate a doubtful or disputed right, nor commit an act un- 
 sanctioned by precedent. 
 
 "My review of your official Address was in the form of a 
 letter, but that letter was anonymous, because I was under no 
 obligations whatever to attach my name to it, and because the 
 arguments of facts in it had no possible connection with the 
 name or character of its author. 
 
 "In your Reply, however, you have seen fit to disregard all 
 courtesies usually paid to anonymous opponents; you acknowl- 
 edge that you present me "in propria persona,' and charitably 
 declare that your reluctance in thus presenting me is much 
 diminished by the consideration that if 'my character is not 
 much mistaken, a ruling passion in the human breast is highly 
 flattered by being even thus pointed out as the author of a letter 
 to the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart.' 
 
 "To what passion is to be attributed the open avowal of the 
 publication I am now considering, you have not thought proper 
 to inform us; but it is fair to presume that had you supposed 
 that my name could add weight to my arguments you would not 
 have exposed it, and had you not expected that your name 
 would give effect to the Reply, you would have concealed it." 
 
 Judge Jay then considers "Corrector's" personal allusions and 
 
 1. For January, 1822. 
 
 2. Christian Journal, July, 1822.
 
 252 Jay's Second Letter. [1823 
 
 says : "Invective, Sir, is a cheap, and often a very convenient sub- 
 stitute for argument, which ought not to be used by one whose 
 profession and office peculiarly require him to enforce by example 
 as well as precept, the Scriptural injunction, 'Let all bitterness 
 and wrath and anger and clamour, and evil speaking, be put 
 away from you.' The personal reflections in which you have 
 thought proper to indulge may, it is true, assist in drawing the 
 attention of your readers from the real merits of the question at 
 issue; but it will hardly be considered as a happy illustration of 
 the rules you have given for the management of religious con- 
 troversy." 
 
 "He quotes from Bishop Hobart's "Companion for the Fes- 
 tivals and Fasts' to show his departure from the rule he had 
 laid down. In a note he gives the particulars of the contribution 
 by members of "a Churchman's" family of $150 to a missionary 
 society, and explains that it was a contribution to the Domestic 
 and Foreign Missionary Society of the Church authorized by 
 the General Convention. He resents the insinuation that these 
 contributors had been illiberal toward their Rector and the 
 building of a parsonage house at Rye. He passes in review the 
 specific charges which "Corrector" has brought against him. 
 In refuting that of vanity and ostentation he says: "I am at a 
 loss to discover those indecorums which you regard as justifying 
 the use of language which most gentlemen would have deemed 
 forbidden by the respect due to themselves, if not to their op- 
 ponents." He acknowledges that he had "animadverted freely 
 on the sentiments and assertions contained in your official pub- 
 lications which I have no wish to deny, but that I impeached 
 your motives or made the slightest insinuation against the purity 
 and correctness of your private character cannot be pretended. 
 While speaking of the activity of your opposition to Bible Socie- 
 ties, I admitted that it had been 'always free from offensive per- 
 sonalities.' "*********** 
 
 "If by hostility to yourself, you mean a difference in opinion 
 from you on certain subjects connected with our Church, I must 
 with several of our Bishops, and many of the clergy, plead 
 guilty to the charge; but if you intend personal enmity I am 
 utterly unconscious of having harboured in my breast any un- 
 friendly feelings towards you as an individual, nor had I until 
 the appearance of your Reply, reason to suspect that I was the 
 subject of such feelings in your own.
 
 1823] Jay's Second Letter. 253 
 
 "You accuse me of want of delicacy in my frequent introduc- 
 tions of the name of the President of the American Bible 
 Society. Had you not, sir, given him a conspicuous place in 
 your address it would have been unnecessary for me to allude 
 to him. It was very obvious from the language of that address 
 that it was particularly pointed at that gentleman, and had there 
 been any doubt of your intention, it w r ould now be removed by 
 you avowal (page 16) ; that 'months after' the address of the 
 President of the American Bible Society, 'Bishop Hobart at- 
 tempted to explain the principles on which he acted in order to 
 vindicate himself from the 'injurious imputations,' which as you 
 suppose, were contained in that address." 
 
 After quoting the Bishop's Convention Address concerning 
 'those Episcopalians who were members of the Bible Society,' 
 and particularly the President and Vice Presidents, he con- 
 tinues : "That the language you thus apply to these gentlemen is 
 unobjectionable in form is readily admitted, but it ought as 
 readily to be admitted, because the fact is obvious, that your in- 
 tention in alluding to them was to hold up their example to the 
 Church as one to be avoided, and not to be imitated. The Con- 
 vention is indirectly told that, however elevated their characters 
 and however pure their motives, their conduct is erroneous in 
 principle, and dangerous in tendency; and in the case of the 
 gentleman first named, fanatical and presumptuous, he having 
 publicly expressed his belief that the extraordinary success 
 which has attended Bible Societies indicated the favour of 
 Heaven; an opinion which you condemn in your address, and 
 now, in your Reply (page 69), remarking that it is sanctioned 
 by him, you declare 'contains the very essence of fanaticism.' 
 
 "In the Convention of 1821 a resolution was unanimously 
 adopted recommending to every clergyman to read the Bishop's 
 annual address to his congregation; and in pursuance of this 
 resolution your remarks on Bible Societies, in connection with 
 your allusion to the President and Vice Presidents, have prob- 
 ably been read from most of the pulpits in the diocess; and 
 hundreds and thousands have been informed for the first time 
 that these gentlemen are patronizing institutions which are 
 erroneous in principle, and injurious to the Church of which 
 they are members. 
 
 "Under these circumstances, most persons I believe, sir, would
 
 254 Jay's Second Letter. [182S 
 
 have acquitted a son, of want of delicacy, for endeavouring in 
 an anonymous pamphlet, to show that the institution over 
 which his parent presided, did not merit the character you had 
 given it; or for mentioning, in order to show that this institu- 
 tion had not exerted over him the tendency that you ascribed 
 to it, of weakening the zeal of Episcopalians for the distinctive 
 principles of their Church, that he was a liberal contributor to a 
 society established for the express purpose of extending that 
 Church, both at home and abroad; and that a society existed in 
 his own congregation for the sole object of distributing the 
 Liturgy of the Church." 
 
 Mr. Jay then defends his quotations from the reports of the 
 Bedford Prayer Book Society and Pennsylvania Prayer Book 
 Society, which he had used "to prove that Bible Societies do not 
 produce iridifference to the Church." He also alludes to the 
 Bishop's charge of want of delicacy in introducing "the name 
 of a certain individual, and thus reviving recollections," &c. 
 He explains that he quoted the printed address of a Bible and 
 Prayer Book Society, "as evidence of the opinion as entertained 
 by such societies and their patrons," and also as an authority 
 upon the fact "that.no Sunday School was established in any 
 Episcopal Church in New-York whose Rector did not belong to 
 the Bible Society," but he disavows making even the "most dis- 
 tant personal allusion to the author." 
 
 He then deals with the "misrepresentations" charged by 
 "Corrector." He takes up in detail his own statement as to 
 attacks by Bishop Hobart upon Bible Societies : in his pastoral 
 Letter of 1815; in "an address before another institution,"- and 
 in his Convention Address of 1822. He claims for his state- 
 ments perfect accuracy and fairness. 
 
 He comments at some length upon "Corrector's" declaration 
 that in the Book of Common Prayer are the necessary passages 
 of Holy Scripture "to form our faith and regulate our obedience," 
 and denies indignantly the charge of separating the Church 
 from the Word of God in the manner the Bishop claimed he did. 
 
 He also accuses the Bishop of misquotation. He specifically 
 denies that he had "decried or written against the use of com- 
 mentaries or the distribution of the Liturgy." 
 
 He refutes the "misrepresentation" that he had represented 
 Bishop Hobart "as at least insinuating against three of his
 
 1823] Jay's Second Letter. 255 
 
 presbyters who supported the Bible Societies, that they have 
 been less zealous and faithful than their brethren who have 
 bowed submissively to his authority." He complains of "Cor- 
 rector's" method of using quotation marks and the group- 
 ing together by him of isolated clauses in his "Letter" to 
 form a connected whole and basing upon them an accusation 
 against "a Churchman." 
 
 He gives two instances, and proceeds: "In page 10, you 
 positively assert that I accuse you of misrepresenting your 
 'brethren the Bishops' as 'blind leaders of the blind.' As these 
 words form part of the same interrogatory, I must also accuse 
 you of declaring yourself the 'only wise and faithful shepherd !' 
 To .use your own language, I must, if your construction be cor- 
 rect, be either 'a stupid man or a bad man !' ' 
 
 He repudiates any misrepresentation of Bishop White's ad- 
 dress, and says that any reader of Bishop Hobart's Convention 
 address who knew "nothing of the Bishop's connection with the 
 Philadelphia Bible Society, would take it for granted that he 
 was opposed to Bible Societies as well as yourself. This con- 
 clusion may be erroneous, but a false conclusion is not neces- 
 sarily a breach of veracity." 2 
 
 Dealing with the charges that he accused Bishop Hobart of 
 opposing the distribution of the Bible and a disparagement of 
 the Sacred Volume and a desire to provide a substitute for it, he 
 utterly disclaims any such intention. His contention was thai 
 the Bishop asserted that the essential portions of Holy Scripture 
 were contained in the Book of Common Prayer, which he con- 
 sidered disparaging to the Sacred Volume, because it implied 
 that comparatively a small portion of its contents were necessarv 
 He considers "Corrector's" charge against him of making Bishop 
 Hobart by his advocacy of distributing "the Book of Common 
 Prayer in conjunction with the Bible as the best commentary 
 upon it, guilty "of the Roman Catholic error of impugning the 
 Scripture as a rule of faith." 
 
 "You do not bring a single quotation to support this charge, 
 and I do not know where you could have found one. I never 
 denied that the Liturgy was a useful accompaniment of the 
 
 1. Page 14. 
 
 2. Pages 14, 15.
 
 256 Jay's Second Letter. [1823 
 
 Bible, or that the Scriptures might be rendered more intelligible 
 by the efforts of human learning; and it never entered into my 
 imagination to confound this opinion with 'the Roman Catholic 
 error of impugning the sufficiency of the Scriptures as a rule 
 of faith.' " 
 
 He comments on the inconsistency of Bishop Hobart's op- 
 position, as shown in his Pastoral Letter of 1815, with the 
 commendation of Bible Societies in the Pastoral Letter of the 
 House of Bishops in I8I4. 1 
 
 He denies that he had misrepresented Bishop Hobart "by the 
 assertion that he had assailed the Episcopalians who support 
 Bible Societies with the charge of supporting an institution 
 'calculated to produce indifference to the essentials of Chris- 
 tianity,' and you declare there is no mention in it (the address) 
 of the 'essentials of Christianity.' I never pretended that these 
 wards were in the address, nor did I use them as a quotation 
 but as the substance of your language, * * * and if I have 
 mistaken your meaning it is only because it was unintelligible." 
 
 The contention by Bishop Hobart that the most important 
 passages of the Holy Scripture were contained in the Book of 
 Common Prayer, he considered "disparaging to the Sacred 
 Volume, because it implied that comparatively a small portion 
 of its contents were necessary." 
 
 He makes much of the inconsistency of Bishop Hobart's 
 Pastoral Letter of 1815, with the commendation of Bible So- 
 cieties in the Pastoral Letter of the House of Bishops in 1814. 
 He denies that he asserted Bishop Hobart had assailed those 
 "Episcopalians who supported Bible Societies," which the 
 Bishop said were "calculated to produce indifference to essentials 
 of Christianity." This he declares to be a general conclusion 
 from the tenour of the address. He concludes this portion of 
 his Reply with this assertion: "I have thus, sir, gone through 
 your long catalogue of my alleged misrepresentations, and as 
 when I was writing the Letter I was unconscious of making any, 
 so it affords me no small gratification to find that none have 
 been detected, unless I except my remark relative to the copy 
 of Bishop White's address, and for which I have offered an 
 
 I. Page 17.
 
 1823] Jay's Second Letter. 257 
 
 explanation, which I hope greatly excuses if it does not wholly 
 vindicate me." 
 
 "And now, sir, suffer me to ask whether if I belong 
 as you broadly hint (page 10) to that class who are found 
 not merely among Protestants but even among 'those who 
 style themselves Churchmen, who act upon the principle 
 stigmatized as Jesuitical, that 'the end justifies the means.' Is 
 it not a little remarkable, that in a pamphlet abounding as the 
 Letter does in no ordinary degree, in facts, in names, in dates, 
 in numerical statements and in quotations, you detected not one 
 falsehood or even one mistake. Your Reply is, in the language 
 of the law, a complete demurrer. You tacitly or expressly admit 
 every fact contained in the Letter from the first page to the last, 
 and you deny only my inferences, my interpretations, and my 
 conclusions." 1 
 
 He resents the imputation of disingenuousness in his charge 
 of speculation against the Auxiliary New York Bible and Com- 
 mon Prayer Book Society, as also in his treatment of the 
 attitude of Bishop Hobart toward the religious instruction of 
 Seamen in refusing to be associated with the corporators of 
 the Mariners' Church. He briefly* repudiates any disingenuous- 
 ness in stating Bishop Hobart's attitude to Foreign Missions 
 and Diocesan Seminaries. 
 
 He deals more at length with "Corrector's" charge that the 
 accuses Bishop Hobart of promoting schism "because he advo- 
 cates Bible and Common Prayer Book Societies in preference 
 to Bible Societies." 
 
 He thus comments on the Bishop's remark, "that they who 
 support the latter are guilty of schism." 
 
 "This may indeed be said, but like many other sayings it 
 would be a libel on truth and common sense. You will please 
 to recollect that Bible Societies were formed in Pennsylvania, 
 Massachusetts and Connecticut previous to the existence of any 
 Bible and Prayer Book Society in the United States that 
 notice was given of the intention to form a Bible Society in 
 New -York, and the cooperation of Episcopalians requested; and 
 that after this notice was given the New-York Bible and Com- 
 
 i. Page 20. 
 (17)
 
 258 Jay's Second Letter. [1825 
 
 mon Prayer Book Society was hastily got up, and had the start 
 of the New York Bible Society of eight weeks, the one being 
 formed in September and the other in November, iSoo,. 1 That 
 in 1814 the House of Bishops, including yourself, recommended 
 Bible Societies that in 1815 you commenced your public oppos- 
 ition to them, and that in 1816 the American Bible Society was 
 formed. You seem to admit that the sin of schism rests some- 
 where; and facts and dates are of some consequence in fixing it." 
 
 In considering the charge of "ungentlemanly and unchristian 
 conduct," he takes up the first specification that he has ranked 
 Bishop Hobart in his opposition to Bible Societies with the 
 Pope, Mr. Cobbett and the Devil. 
 
 With sarcasm and grim humour he considers the charge,. 
 ending his consideration of it with this sentence : "I trust, there- 
 fore, Sir, you will admit that if by alluding to this subject I 
 have been guilty of ungentlemanly and unchristian conduct I 
 have been seduced by the example of such ungentlemanly and 
 unchristian characters as the Most Rev. Archbishop of Tuam and 
 the Right Rev. Lord Bishop of Cloyne." 
 
 He fully takes up the charge that he had called the Rev. 
 Henry Hadley Norris, of Hackney, England, a blackguard 
 because of his attitude toward Bible Societies, and gives at 
 length extracts from his pamphlet in further proof of the fitness 
 of that epithet. 
 
 He quotes with approval the Bishop's remark that the question 
 is one of principle and brings his pamphlet to a conclusion with 
 these paragraphs: 
 
 "To the soundness of this maxim I heartily subscribe, and 
 only beg that you will not confine its application to yourself. 
 It is possible, Sir, for the question of Bible Societies to be 'one of 
 principle' with a Layman as well as a Bishop, and if a Bishop 
 when acting contrary to the declared opinions of his Brethren as- 
 sembled in Convention, and indeed of almost the whole Christian 
 world, with the exception of the Romish Church, is to be ex- 
 empted from the accusation of arrogance because he acts accord- 
 ing to the best dictates of his judgment, a Layman may surely 
 claim similar exception when in acting with the spiritual fathers 
 
 1. Judge Jay is in error, as the minutes show that the first recorded 
 meeting of the Board of the Prayer Book Society was held April 14, 1809. 
 A. L. 
 
 2. Page 25.
 
 1823] Bishop Hobart's Illness. 259 
 
 of his Church, he has the misfortune to differ from a single 
 Bishop. As this question is admitted by you to be one of princi- 
 ple, it is a subject on which by your own confession, I owe you no 
 obedience as my Diocesan ; for you inform me in your Companion 
 for the Festivals and Fasts (p. 47) that it is only in things 
 'indifferent' that 'Lay Christians' owe obedience to their 
 'spiritual rulers' ; and you will not therefore, I hope, accuse 
 me of contemplating your Episcopal authority, because in a 
 question of principle I am guided by my own conscience rather 
 than by your advice. 
 
 "In my Letter to you, Sir, I included among the unhappy con- 
 sequences resulting to the opposition to Bible Societies 'the 
 unkind and unchristian feelings which it engenders towards 
 those who adopt different opinions and pursue a different con- 
 duct.' How far my remark is verified by the spirit and 
 language of your Reply, must be left to others to determine. 
 
 "You think proper to question my attachment to the Church. 
 
 "To such an insinuation I cannot deign to reply ; but I confess 
 that all my attachment to the Church will cease the moment I 
 discover, that in proportion as the Scriptures are circulated, her 
 doctrines are derided, and her altars deserted. 
 
 "You will have remarked, Sir, that I have confined myself in 
 this Letter wholly to my own vindication. It is not my inten- 
 tion to offer myself as the champion of the several gentlemen 
 whom you have assailed, and who stand in no need of my 
 services; neither have I any desire to prolong the present con- 
 troversy, and to exhibit myself, especially on so public an arena, 
 as your opponent ; and I, therefore, leave unnoticed your remarks 
 and arguments relative to the American Bible Society. 
 
 "The overbearing and assuming affectation of ascendancy 
 which is displayed in your pamphlet, is of too little importance 
 to excite particular attention ; nor does it appear to me necessary 
 to expatiate on the ebullitions of fermenting passions with 
 which I have been assailed. That this effervescence may soon 
 subside and be suceeded by an holy composure and tranquillity 
 becoming your profession and your office, is the wish of 
 ''Right Reverend Sir, your humble servant, 
 
 WILLIAM JAY/' 
 
 The Letter was published under this Title : "A Letter to the 
 
 i. Pages 32, 33.
 
 260 Hobart's Reply. [1823 
 
 Right Rev. Bishop Hobart in Reply to the Pamphlet Addressed 
 by him to the Author under the signature of Corrector. By 
 William Jay. New York : Published by John P. Haven, Theo- 
 logical Bookseller, No. 182 Broadway. D. Fanshaw, Print, i 
 Murray Street. 1823." 8vo. pp. 33. 
 
 The summer of 1823 was one of great anxiety for the Bishop 
 of New York. The affairs of the Diocese required much atten- 
 tion, especially the negotiations for a new College under Church 
 auspices in Western New York. The administration of a parish 
 like Trinity needed much tact and wisdom. In the concerns of 
 the whole American Church Bishop Hobart took a prominent 
 part. To establish favourably upon a proper basis, the General 
 Theological Seminary, which had in the previous year been reor- 
 ganized and removed from New Haven to New York, was a 
 task which appealed strongly to him and upon which he spent 
 much thought and energy. It was while he was straining every 
 nerve to secure the endowment of the general institution that the 
 whole American Church was startled by the proposition of Bishop 
 Chase to found in Ohio a Theological School for the training of 
 young men missionaries in the West. Consternation succeeded 
 excitement when the stalwart Western Apostle unfolded his de- 
 sign of proceeding to England to solicit money from the mem- 
 bers of the Mother Church to carry out his design. His "Letter 
 of Explanation" to his brothers in the Episcopate was received 
 with indignation and incredulity. Only two, the Bishop of North 
 Carolina, Dr. Ravenscroft, and of South Carolina, Dr. Bowen, 
 gave him the slightest sympathy or approbation. 
 
 Bishop Hobart absorbed in the plans for the General Theo- 
 logical Seminary viewed Bishop Chase's scheme as not only 
 chimerical but as disloyal to the Church. He, by pen and per- 
 sonal interviews, impressed his convictions upon the Bishops 
 and others so that instead of acquiescence and God speed when 
 the Bishop of Ohio came East to sail for England, there was 
 opposition, anger, and ill will. It is not to be wondered that, al- 
 ready in ill health, Bishop Hobart broke down under these accu- 
 mulated worries and anxieties. By the advice of his friends he 
 made a brief trip into Canada, hoping to find there rest and a 
 restoration to health. 1 
 
 I. For a full account of this period of the life of Bishop Hobart, the 
 reader is referred to Volume III. of Dix's History of Trinity Parish.
 
 1823] Hobart's Reply. 261 
 
 The Bishop's reply to Judge Jay's second letter was prepared 
 while the arrangements for his journey were being made. 
 Under the circumstances, it occasions no surprise that it is both 
 severe and sarcastic. He felt the full weight of responsibility 
 for the well being of the Church in his Diocese. He was anxious 
 that no one should have any excuse for not upholding the in- 
 stitutions which were the bulwarks of Apostolic Faith and 
 Order. 
 
 He begins in his direct and forcible way : 
 
 "Sir, 
 
 "I was right in my estimate of your character, that to appear 
 before the public in propria persona, as the assailant of 'your 
 Bishop,' under the title of 'A Churchman of the Diocess of New- 
 York,' would afford you no small gratification. 
 
 "Delicacy seems to require, that addressing your Bishop (ad- 
 dressing him as you have done), you should have continued your 
 assumed character. The temptation, however, was too strong to 
 be resisted; and Corrector enjoys what doubtless you consider 
 the high honour of addressing himself to 'William Jay.' 
 
 "In respect to your first Letter to Bishop Hobart, you observed 
 that you were under 'no obligation to attach your name to it.' Un- 
 doubtedly, Sir; and, acting on your own very correct maxims, 
 you must excuse me, if I do not think proper to satisfy you as to 
 the person who addresses you under the title which I have as- 
 sumed. 
 
 "As your second Letter to Bishop Hobart is a reply to the 
 pamphlet under the signature of 'Corrector,' I hope that you 
 will not accuse me of ofificiousness or vanity in answering it. 
 This would have been done at an earlier period; for really, Sir, 
 you must pardon me for saying that there is something which 
 urges me to have done as soon as possible with such an antagonist 
 as yourself; but your Letter, which was announced in the public 
 prints on the I5th inst. was not seen by me immediately on its 
 publication ; and circumstances beyond my control have prevented 
 an earlier attention to it. 
 
 "Falling short in none of the characteristics of your former 
 Letter, while it leaves untouched, confessedly untouched, all the 
 main points in my Letter to which you relate to the general ques- 
 tion, it abounds in charges against 'your Bishop,' as opposite to
 
 262 Hobart's Reply. [1823 
 
 truth in matter, as they are violations, in temper and in language, 
 of delicacy and decorum. 
 
 "I mean to fix this characteristic on your present Letter as fully 
 as I did those which I set forth as marking your first. 
 
 "You attempt to defend your Letter from the charges of mis- 
 representation, indelicacy, disingenuousness, ungentlemanly and 
 unchristian spirit and language; those of fallacies, rhapsodies, 
 and ostentation, including the principal points of the main ques- 
 tion between us, you pass over. And could I be assured that our 
 readers would take the trouble of reviewing the various parts of 
 your first Letter on which these charges are founded, and the 
 proofs of them in mine to you, I might be saved the necessity of 
 a single remark. I am confident, however, that they will not take 
 the trouble, and I must therefore briefly notice the defence which 
 you make. 
 
 "I reserve to the conclusion of my Letter animadversions on the 
 charges of misrepresentation, obloquy, personal enmity, and 
 others, which, in very mild and respectful language you liberally 
 pour upon 'your Bishop/ as the supposed author of Corrector. 
 
 "Your Letter (I observed) commenced with the misrepresenta- 
 tion, that, in the Address of Bishop Hobart 'the conduct of 
 Governor Jay and General Clarkson is represented as erroneous 
 in principle, and injurious in its tendency to that Church which, 
 it is admitted, they adorn; that the Bishops have betrayed their 
 sacred trust ; and that a host of laymen, whose talents, piety, and 
 rank, reflect lustre on our Church, are sapping her foundations, 
 and violating theid duty as Christians, and as Churchmen.' ' 
 
 "Corrector" answers the reply of "A Churchman," now re- 
 vealed as William Jay, that there is no such passage in his 
 "Letter" by saying that these assertions do occur "not indeed in 
 the same sentence but in three consecutive ones." He did his 
 opponent no injustice, for he quoted in a part of his "Letter" 
 the whole passage in which they were found detached from each 
 other. He then takes up the charge of artfully representing 
 Bishop Hobart as claiming that Bishop White concurred with 
 him when that prelate was a friend of Bible Societies. 
 
 He then proceeds : 
 
 "But, Sir, you attempted to fix on Bishop Hobart the dishon- 
 ourable imputation of thus wilfully misrepresenting Bishop 
 White, in the hope that he (Bishop Hobart) would escape detec-
 
 1823] Hobart's Reply. 263 
 
 tion. 'Happily (you said) the copy from which you (Bishop 
 Hobart) quote is not the only one which has reached New York." 1 
 You now admit, that before your Letter containing this imputa- 
 tion went to press, you knew it was false. You knew that the 
 Address of Bishop White had been published in the Christian 
 Journal, and you admit that your offensive 'expression conveys 
 an idea which the publication in the Journal certainly rebuts," 
 and this imputation on Bishop Hobart of wilful misrepresenta- 
 tion, in the cowardly hope of escaping detection an imputation, 
 which if true, would blast his reputation, and which you knew, 
 as to the evidence of his hope of escaping detection, to be false 
 you speak of as only 'an error.' 'The propriety of expunging 
 this expression,' conveying a slander of Bishop Hobart, 'did not 
 occur to you.' 3 You took the pains to correct, in a printed errata, 
 the error of calling Dr. Feltus the Rector of St. Michael's instead 
 of St. Stephen's, but it never occurred to you to retract an asper- 
 sion of Bishop Hobart's character; and, for aught we know, if 
 Corrector had not exposed it. it would have remained unretracted. 
 Strange want, I may surely say, in this case, of sensibility to the 
 sacredness of character, of moral perception, of moral feeling, 
 and of moral honour. Sir, men of delicate and high and honour- 
 able minds, who personally know Bishop Hobart, were alarmed 
 at your plausible and bold imputation, which fixed on him a con- 
 duct by which he would justly forfeit their esteem and confidence. 
 What then must be the opinion of him formed by those who 
 know him but by your representations and who credit them? 
 
 "You defend yourself from the charge of misrepresenting the 
 cause of Bishop White's remarks by imputing them to a particu- 
 lar occurrence, when he presented them as 'matured by the long 
 experience of his ministry,' by alleging that the two were not 
 incompatible. True ; but it happens that Bishop White did allege 
 the latter Circumstance; and you assigned the former, and took 
 no notice of the latter. 
 
 "Your defence from the charge of having asserted that Bishop 
 Hobart had attacked Bible Societies, meaning by attack 'an un- 
 provoked and unnecessary and violent attempt to injure those 
 institutions,' rests on your denial of this meaning of the term. 
 
 1. Letter, p. 15. 
 
 2. Ibid., pp. 6, 15. 
 
 3. Ibid., p. 15.
 
 264 Hobart's Reply. [1825 
 
 I dare say you think you have a right to give a definition of 
 words different from their general acceptance, but it will be kind 
 in this case to give, to the public, notice of the change. 
 
 "You deny having accused Bishop Hobart of being opposed to 
 the distribution of the Bible. 1 Most extraordinary. I open your 
 first Letter to him, and the first two lines are the following: 
 'However much as a Christian I may deplore the opposition of 
 my Bishop to the distribution of the uncommented Scriptures.' ' 
 
 A denial of the charges of "disparagement of the Sacred Vol- 
 ume," the Roman Catholic error of the inefficiency of the Holy 
 Scriptures as a rule of faith, and that "the Liturgy constitutes 
 the Church," is briefly made. "Corrector" shows that Judge Jay 
 cannot prove his assertions. He treats more fully the conjunc- 
 tion of Bishop Hobart, the Pope, Mr. Cobbett and the Devil as 
 opponents of Bible Societies. 
 
 He defends Mr. Norris from this attack of "A Churchman" 
 at great length. He mentions the benevolent and useful life of 
 the Rector of Hackney as a sufficient refutation of the epithet 
 which had been applied to him. 
 
 He expressed his strong conviction of the falsity of the charges 
 made by Mr. Norris against Bible Societies and the essential 
 weakness of the allegations against Mr. Norris. 
 
 "Are these then the supports of your plea of justification in 
 applying to a clergyman, in reference even to his writings, the 
 epithet 'blackguard' ? But though you now retract, yet in your 
 letter you did apply this epithet unreservedly and unrestrictedly 
 to Mr. Norris personally. Individuals in your confidence have 
 also been in the habit of denouncing Mr. Norris in terms not very 
 dissimilar. You fortify yourself indeed by the language of the 
 editors of a dissenting Review (conclusive authority doubtless 
 with the 'Churchman of the Diocese of New York' ) , who insinu- 
 ates that Mr. Norris is not a gentleman : and by the authority of 
 the Bishop of St. David's, who does not, however, as you assert, 
 style Mr. Norris 'a calumniator,' but speaks of 'the calumnies' 
 in a work of Mr. Norris respecting the Church members of the 
 Bible Society. This work I have in my possession; and I am 
 really at a loss to see in it any thing which justifies the epithet of 
 the Bishop of St. David's. For myself, I will not believe, even 
 
 I. Letter, p. 16.
 
 1823] Hobart's Reply. 265 
 
 on the authority of a dissenting Review, the Bishop of St. 
 David's, and William Jay, that a clergyman, the friend and con- 
 fidant of many of the dignified clergy of the Church of England, 
 an active member of its great national societies, an associate, on 
 the recent lamented occasion of the death of the Bishop of Cal- 
 cutta with the heads of the Church and other distinguished per- 
 sons, in a committee on behalf of the Societies for Propagating 
 the Gospel and Promoting Christian- Knowledge, for erecting a 
 monument to his memory, publishes 'calumnies/ 'is no gentle- 
 man,' and 'a blackguard.' ' n 
 
 "Corrector" takes up the new charge of opposition to Bible 
 Societies. 
 
 He reiterates much which he had already written in his first 
 Letter, and claims that the Bishop rightfully warned Episcopal- 
 ians of the danger of associating with other Christian bodies in 
 general Societies. 
 
 He considers the assertion of "A Churchman" that Bishop 
 Hobart became virtually the accuser of the three presbyters in the 
 city of New York who were members of Bible Societies, and 
 says: 
 
 "Addressing Bishop Hobart, you here observe, 'you solemnly 
 declared in your Charge, that Bible Societies have a tendency to 
 lessen the zeal of Episcopalians in favour of the distinguishing 
 principles of their Church.' You say to him, 'it is all-important 
 to such of your clergy as have incurred the responsibility of join- 
 ing Bible Societies, to prove that their zeal has not been par- 
 alyzed.' Why all-important, unless Bishop Hobart, in making 
 
 i. "One of the committee with whom Mr. Norris is associated is Lord 
 Kenyon, who lately presided at the anniversary in commemoration of Mr. 
 Pitt ; and another is Joshua Watson, Esqr., the gentleman who purchased a 
 building in London, formerly an episcopal palace, and at his own expense 
 fitted it up as a church, and presented it to the National Education Society, 
 as a chapel for the use of the scholars of the Central School. As another 
 proof also of the estimation in which Mr. Norris is held, I mention, on good 
 authority, that a lady, desirous of contributing 100 1. sterling to the American 
 Episcopal Church, has requested Mr. Norris to dispose of this sum towards 
 this object; and he has authorized Bishop Hobart to draw upon him for it, 
 to be appropriated as he, Bishop Hobart, may think proper. It will be recol- 
 lected Mr. Norris has authorized Bishop Hobart to draw on him, as his own 
 contribution, for 100 1. sterling for the Theological Seminary."
 
 266 Hobart's Reply. [1823 
 
 this declaration, had impeached their zeal ? Still more explicitly, 
 this impeachment of their zeal by Bishop Hobart, is the 'blow 
 aimed at them/ which you state 'the defence of their own char- 
 acters rendered necessary' that they should 'ward off.' You 
 then introduce as persons thus assailed the three Episcopal Rec- 
 tors in this city who have joined Bible Societies. And with this 
 passage staring you in the face, will it be believed that you have 
 had the hardihood to assert, that you never even insinuated 
 that Bishop Hobart had impeached the zeal and fidelity of 
 three of his Presbyters. Yes this is your remark: 'Well 
 indeed, Sir, may you (Bishop Hobart) ask what is my 
 proof of your having made those charges and insinua- 
 tions?' Charges and insinuations which I never imputed 
 to you. You go on, insulting your Bishop 'and which 
 (charges and insinuations) when I wrote my Letter 1 had no 
 idea your own sense of propriety would suffer you to make. I 
 did not then believe, Sir, that you would descend from your 
 elevated station to become the accuser of your presbyters, or, 
 that you whose duty it is to pronounce sentence, would conde- 
 scend to frame the indictment.' 1 
 
 "Wonderfully severe and appropriate and correct you no doubt 
 thought was this passage when you penned it ; and yet it happens 
 (though this, when you wish to assail 'your Bishop,' is a matter 
 of little moment) that the pert and insulting charge in this pas- 
 sage is utterly false. Admitting Bishop Hobart to be the author 
 of the Letter to you signed Corrector, where has he become the 
 accuser of three of his presbyters? Will you pretend that he 
 states any thing exceptionable concerning the Rectors of Christ 
 Church and St. Stephen's? And as to the Rector of St. 
 George's, does an individual become the accuser of another when 
 he merely states acknowledged, notorious facts concerning him? 
 Is it not a fact that the Rector of St. George's wrote the letter 
 to the chairman of a committee of the Auxiliary New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society? Is it not a fact that 
 he has no connection with the Sunday School Society of his own 
 Church, and is the president of one consisting of all denomina- 
 tions ? Is it not a fact that in his lecture room, or society room 
 (I know not the name which it bears), he mutilates 'the Liturgy, 
 
 i. Letter, p. 12.
 
 1823] Hobart's Reply. 267 
 
 and uses extempore prayers? Is it not a fact that prayer meet- 
 ings of a certain description are held in his congregation, with 
 his approbation and countenance? You cannot be ignorant that 
 the Rector of St. George's deems these facts to be highly hon- 
 ourable to him. Has his Bishop then become his accuser in 
 publicly stating them, admitting he has done so? Accusation 
 and a consequent 'indictment' imply (I speak with great defer- 
 ence to you, Sir) the charge, with a view to punishment, of an 
 offence not acknowledged or not proved. But the facts to 
 which you allude are acknowledged they are the subjects of 
 boasting with the Rector of St. George's. 
 
 "And were they stated in the spirit of wanton crimination? 
 Recollect, Sir, you made insinuations relative to the conduct of 
 the 'young gentlemen' who are managers of the Auxiliary New 
 York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, which rendered 
 the publication of the letter of the Rector of St. George's a 
 measure of explanation and of self-defence. Recollect, you ad- 
 duced the subject of Sunday Schools as an evidence of the zeal 
 of the Rector of St. George's for the 'distinguishing principles' 
 of the Church. Recollect, you not only stated circumstances in 
 his congregation which you considered demonstrative of this 
 zeal, but entered into an indelicate and indecorous comparison 
 of his pretensions with those of the Rector and Assistant Min- 
 isters of Trinity Church, in order to prove the superior zeal of 
 the former, and by inference to convict the Rector, your Bishop, 
 *of being a faithless shepherd.' And because facts were stated 
 questioning your claim for the Rector of St. George's, not 
 merely to zeal, but to superior zeal for the distinguishing prin- 
 ciples of the Church, have you the hardihood (pardon me for 
 using this word again; but really, when I think of you, certain 
 terms force themselves upon my mind), in a style which, used 
 by a superior to an inferior, would be considered as pert and 
 insulting have you the hardihood to say to your Bishop 'I 
 had no idea your own sense of propriety would ever permit you 
 to make' these charges and insinuations 'I did not believe, 
 Sir, that you would descend from your elevated station to be- 
 come the accuser of your presbyters or that you, whose duty it 
 is to pronounce sentence, would condescend to frame the indict- 
 ment.' " l 
 
 I. Pages 18-20.
 
 268 Jay's Answer. [1823> 
 
 In a vein of sarcasm he comments on the power and duties of 
 the Bishop of New York. Far from being able "to reprove, 
 rebuke, exhort," he must not even mention facts concerning any 
 member of his spiritual flock, whether clerical or lay. 
 
 He disclaims any idea that lie should be exempted from 
 criticism of his public acts or utterances. He also denies that 
 he had suggested the criticism of Bishop Griswold's address in 
 "The Christian Journal." 
 
 "The publishers," he says, "are the Editors of the Journal, 
 nor is Bishop Hobart responsible for its contents." 
 
 He considers the personalities complained of by "A Church- 
 man," and says that those indulged in by most gentlemen are 
 much greater. He only spoke of him in his public character as 
 an official opponent for many years of his Bishop. 
 
 After some pleasantary as to the sudden attack of modesty 
 on the part of "A Churchman," and again assuring him that the 
 Bishop had no personal feeling against him, he thus concludes : 
 
 "On the supposition that Bishop Hobart is the writer of the 
 Letter I addressed to you, you are pleased, doubtless in a very 
 forebearing manner, gently to remark, 'The overbearing and 
 assuming affectation of ascendancy, which is displayed in your 
 pamphlet, is of too little importance to excite particular atten- 
 tion; nor does it appear to me necessary to expatiate on the 
 ebullitions of fermenting passions with which I have been as- 
 sailed. That this effervescence may soon subside, and be suc- 
 ceeded by an holy composure and tranquillity becoming your 
 profession and your office, is the wish of,' &c. 
 
 "Without choosing to satisfy you whether you are correct in 
 your supposition, as on your own principle, there is no obligation 
 on me to do so, I yet deem myself warranted in saying, that if 
 Bishop Hobart feels that kind of arrogant and unauthorized 
 and revengeful ascendency which you are free to impute to him, 
 he must indeed be as entirely destitute of the Christian temper 
 as you consider him. No, Sir ; he probably does feel an ascend- 
 ency but it is that ascendency which the Gospel, moderating 
 and regulating, but not destroying those strong feelings of 
 nature that are safeguards of reputation, and the aids of virtue, 
 admits and sanctions the ascendency which an individual long, 
 perseveringly, unjustly, wantonly, bitterly, and he may say 
 cruelly, assailed (for your representations of him often made,
 
 1823] Jay's Answer. 269 
 
 and most extensively and industriously circulated, if believed, 
 would render him not merely unworthy of confidence, but 
 deserving of contempt and opprobrium), feels over his prostrate 
 and mortified, but he fears, unhumbled and inveterate assailant. 
 
 "I really wish you well ; and cannot, therefore, refrain from 
 concluding as before, with my advice Yield to the wise and 
 modest impulse which as your friend, I wish had come sooner, 
 and which renders you averse to appear before the public 
 Withdraw from the 'arena.' 
 
 "CORRECTOR. 
 
 "New York, July soth, 1823."' 
 
 The full title of this pamphlet is: "A Reply to a Letter ad- 
 dressed to the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart by Wiliam Jay, in a 
 letter to that gentleman. By Corrector. New York: Printed 
 by T. & J. Swords, No. 99 Pearl Street. 1823." 
 
 That this "Letter" should be answered was inevitable. The 
 heat of midsummer was not propitious for careful writing, and 
 also, let us hope that Judge Jay, knowing the very precarious 
 state of health of Bishop Hobart refrained from troubling him 
 with controversial matters. But when the cooler days of Sep- 
 tember had come, when he knew that the Bishop had partially 
 recovered and was making preparations for a voyage to Europe, 
 he then wrote his third Letter. 
 
 It is of the same character as his other productions. He 
 reiterates his former allegations and censures and is even more 
 indignant in his arraignment of Mr. Norris and his allusions to 
 the Bishop are even less decorous. 
 
 In his opening paragraphs he accuses Bishop Hobart in this 
 impassioned manner : 
 
 "Right Reverend Sir : 
 
 "After having observed your various and unceasing attacks 
 upon Bible Societies, and that your hostility to them had become 
 so virulent as to prompt you to republish a malignant and scur- 
 rilous libel against them, it appeared to me proper to submit to 
 the consideration of the public a vindication of these institutions 
 from your attacks. 
 
 "It was to have been expected that you would either in your 
 
 i. Pages 21-26.
 
 270 Jay's Answer. [182S 
 
 name have justified these attacks, or else have suffered some 
 friend to have performed the task for you. You did neither. 
 
 "You published an anonymous pamphlet in which there were 
 but few traces of that meekness, candour, and charity which 
 ought to distinguish a Right Reverend 'Corrector.' In this 
 pamphlet you thought it admissible to substitute crimination for 
 justification, and railing for argument. Having reason to be- 
 lieve that I was the writer of the Churchman's Letter, you 
 attempted to defend yourself by attacking me, and for this pur- 
 pose descended to the use of invectives and expressions which 
 good manners and Christian charity equally forbid." 
 
 Mr. Jay then quotes from the Reply, the comments made by 
 the Bishop on the subscription of one hundred and fifty dollars 
 sent from Rye for the Domestic and Foreign Missionary 
 Society. 
 
 He thus proceeds : "You tell me in your last letter that all this 
 'discipline' is intended for my good. It may not, Sir, be useless 
 to ask your own conscience by what spirit this discipline was 
 dictated. 
 
 "Again, Sir, knowing that the Bedford congregation were 
 erecting a parsonage, and that their Rector had solicited sub- 
 scriptions to it in New- York, you proceed to censure them for 
 permitting him to do so. 1 
 
 "And what argument in justification of your attacks upon 
 Bible Societies do you draw from the conduct of this congrega- 
 tion? 
 
 "Three individuals of the Bedford congregation had, it seems, 
 contributed $150 to the Episcopal Domestic and Foreign Mis- 
 sionary Society. 
 
 "In your last pamphlet you venture to assert, that 'individuals 
 or congregations who can thus liberally contribute to foreign 
 purposes ought to furnish their clergyman with a parsonage 
 house without calling for aid upon the citizens of New York.' 
 What, Sir, has this assertion to do with your attacks upon Bible 
 Societies ? And whence do you derive a right to determine what 
 subscriptions to a Missionary Society renders it incumbent on the 
 subscribers to build a parsonage house? You assert in un- 
 
 I. "As the author was not one of these contributors this public allusion to 
 them is peculiarly wanton and unprovoked."
 
 1823] Jay's Answer. 271 
 
 qualified language that I and those whom I influence, or by whom 
 I am influenced, 'either neglect or do not fully provide for (our) 
 own household,' and to render the insult more pointed, you add, 
 'the fact, Sir, is so.' And what apology does our neglect of our 
 household afford for your hostility to Bible Societies? You ap- 
 pear to have guessed that the 'three individuals' to whom you 
 alluded had not been liberal in their subscriptions to the house in 
 question, and their connection with me probably urged you to 
 hazard conjecture for truth. As it may be supposed that insinua- 
 tions thus made and reiterated by a Bishop cannot be groundless, 
 I am contstrained to observe that before the appearance of your 
 first pamphlet these individuals had engaged to pay upwards of 
 $600 towards the building of this very house. 
 
 "Your first pamphlet not having invalidated either the facts or 
 the arguments contained in the Churchman's Letter, I did not 
 deem it necessary to defend them in Reply. Your vague and 
 insulting epithets I treated with the contempt they merited, but 
 it was a duty I owed to myself to expose the falsity of your 
 quotations, and to refute such of your charges as impeached my 
 candour and veracity. Conscious of my own rectitude I openly 
 avowed myself the author of the Churchman's Letter and as 
 openly defended it. 
 
 "As you had brought me, as you declared, before the public in 
 propria persona it became necessary to address my reply per- 
 sonally to yourself. It is singular that you have thought proper 
 not only again to assail me under the signature of 'Corrector/ 
 but even to intimate that it was without sufficient authority that 
 I had ascribed that signature to you. 
 
 "You tell me 'You must excuse me if I do not think proper to 
 satisfy you, as to the person who addresses you under the title 
 I have assumed.' Your refusal to satisfy me implies that I had 
 curiosity to be satisfied. You allude to the manner in which I 
 speak of my Bishop 'as the supposed author of "Corrector," 
 thus signifying that I only supposed you to be the author. 
 
 "The annexed documents will convince you, Sir, that when I 
 addressed you as the author of 'Corrector' I had no curiosity 
 on the subject to be satisfied, and that it was not on supposition 
 that I ventured to assert a fact so interesting to your reputation." 
 
 Mr. Jay gives in a note a certificate from his publisher, Mr. 
 John P. Haven, declaring that Mr. Floyd Smith had told Mr. F.
 
 272 Jay's Answer. [1823 
 
 W. Porter and himself "that he knew that Bishop Hobart was 
 the author, and now felt himself at liberty to say so, having 
 understood from Mr. Stanford that the Bishop had no objection 
 to its being known that he was the author." A second statement 
 from Mr. John Nitchie, Agent of the Bible Society, details the 
 purchase by him of the pamphlet of "Corrector," and mentions 
 the inquiry he made of Mr. Stanford as to its authorship, and 
 the declaration by that gentleman, "O yes, it is the Bishop," and 
 adding, "the Bishop is not a man who does a thing in secret, and 
 is unwilling to avow it openly." 
 
 In continuing his Reply the writer says : "You, Sir, who have 
 now personally assailed me in two pamphlets, distinguished alike 
 by the coarseness of their invectives and the wantonness of their 
 insults, complain of the style in which I address 'my Bishop.' 
 You seem to forget, Sir, that when you laid aside your mitre, 
 and your lawn and assaulted me in the character of an anony- 
 mous pamphleteer and stooped to personal abuse, you virtually 
 waived your rank; and that the degree of deference with which 
 I am now bound to treat you must be measured only by the 
 respect I owe myself. In what style I ought to address 'my 
 Bishop' who calls his opponent 'a spouter in ecclesiastical con- 
 ventions.' arraigns him before the public for his vanity, loads 
 him with insulting epithets; and regardless of the respect due 
 to age or sex, in no unintelligible language accuses his dearest 
 and nearest connections of parsimony; and positively asserts 
 that they 'neglect or do not provide for their own household.' 
 
 "In your first pamphlet you pretended that this violation of all 
 the courtesies of controversy was rendered necessary 'by the 
 ivanton attack made on Bishop Hobart's official principles and 
 conduct.' That in the defence of the Bible Society I attacked your 
 'official principle and conduct' is true. I had a right to do so. 
 In this country no man can claim for his official principles and 
 conduct an exemption from criticism. Three times had you in 
 your official capacity appeared before the public as an opposer 
 of Bible Societies. You had addressed a Pastoral Letter to the 
 Laity of the diocess, condemning Bible Societies; you had in- 
 serted in the newspapers an address to Episcopalians, urging 
 them not to join the American Bible Society. You had delivered 
 and published an address to a Bible and Prayer Book Society 
 in which you again condemned Bible Societies. Your opinions
 
 1823] Jay's Answer. 273 
 
 were known. Your advice had been given and was not for- 
 gotten. No duty demanded a fresh attack; but hostilities must 
 not cease ; and for a fourth time you appear the official assailant 
 of Bible Societies, in your recent address to the convention. 
 
 "In your anxiety to crush these institutions you seem to have 
 lost sight of the respect due to your Right Reverend Brethren, 
 you knew that the House of Bishops had officially recommended 
 these Societies, you knew that numbers of our Bishops were 
 their active supporters ; and that not one of them beside yourself 
 had ever published a word against them. But, indifferent to the 
 advice of your brethren, and spurning their example, you have 
 now for years waged an unrelenting war against institutions 
 which have committed no other offence than giving to the poor 
 and destitute that Gospel of which you are a preacher, and 
 which our maker intended as a revelation of his will to your 
 fellow men. 
 
 "Nearly simultaneous with your last attack you caused to be 
 republished one of the most abusive and outrageous libels on Bible 
 Societies that ever issued from the English, or disgraced the 
 American press. Soon after the republication of the letter to 
 Lord Liverpool, the Secretary of the American Bible Society, 
 in a public address, made a brief allusion to the opponents of 
 Bible Societies ; 'whether infidels or blinded Christians.' Ex- 
 tracts from this address including the expression quoted, were 
 inserted in one of the newspapers by its editor. 1 
 
 "You, Sir, who have just been occupied in ushering into public 
 notice a pamphlet in which the members of Bible Societies were 
 compared to the German illuminati and the Societies accused of 
 causing 'female demoralization.' You, Sir, found your sensi- 
 bilities excessively shocked by the expressions of the Reverend 
 Secretary. Your late address had been listened to by the 
 assembled clergy and delegates from the diocess: by a standing 
 recommendation of the convention it was to be read from every 
 Episcopal pulpit in the State of New-York, and it was to be 
 inserted in the printed journals of the Convention, and sent to 
 every congregation. Not satisfied with the publicity thus to be 
 given to your testimony against Bible Societies, you now 
 
 I. The New- York Daily Advertiser, edited by T. Dwight, Esq. 
 (18) 

 
 274 Jay's Answer. [1823 
 
 resolved to make a newspaper the medium of proclaiming it to 
 the whole community. 
 
 "You addressed a letter to the editor who had published the 
 extracts already mentioned requesting him to insert in his paper 
 a large portion of your late address, together with the expression 
 which had offended you. It was intended that the language of 
 the presbyter should place in bold and graceful relief the 
 humility and moderation of the diocesan. The editor consented 
 to comply with your request, but informed you that he should 
 disclose your name, and make his own remarks. 
 
 "These unpleasant and unexpected conditions were rejected on 
 your part, and a long written negotiation ensued. The editor 
 asserts, that for the purpose of removing all his objections, you 
 offered to pay for your communication as an advertisement. The 
 negotiation, although protracted, proved fruitless, and you had 
 recourse to another paper. 1 
 
 "In the Evening Post, of ist February, your communication 
 appeared under the signature of 'a subscriber.' It contained an 
 extract from Dr. Milnor's address, with the words 'infidels or 
 blinded Christians' in italics, and then a large portion of your 
 address relating to Bible Societies, in order, as you observed, 
 that Bishop Hobart's 'views on the subject may be seen at once, 
 and the light in which he regards those Christians who consci- 
 entiously differ from him in opinion.' No allusion was made to 
 the German 'illuminati' or to 'female demoralization.' To the 
 extract from your address was appended a list of Bishops who 
 do and who do not belong to the British and Foreign Bible 
 Society, and you concluded as follows : 'It will be seen from the 
 highly exalted names mentioned in the above note with what 
 propriety the Rev. Dr. Milnor could apply the phrase 'infidels 
 or blinded Christians' to all who do not countenance the Bible 
 Societies as conducted by him and those who act with him. It 
 certainly appears that a majority of the American Bishops and 
 forty-five out of fifty-five in England, Ireland and Scotland are of 
 this number.' ' 
 
 The writer says, how can four be a majority of nine ? for when 
 the letter was published there were nine Bishops in the American 
 Church, of which he claims Bishops White, Griswold, Moore, 
 
 I. Judge Jay in a note says that he has taken his facts from a letter of 
 Mr. Dwight in the Evening Post of February, 1823.
 
 1823] Jay's Answer. 275 
 
 Kemp, and Chase as members of Bible Societies. Of the remain- 
 ing four Bishops, Hobart, Bowen, Brownell and Croes, the 
 Bishop of New York, says the Judge, "is the only one who has 
 to my knowledge ever published a syllable against these socie- 
 ties." 
 
 The author then proceeds: "And now, Sir, let me ask you, 
 did your 'official principles and conduct' afford no provocation 
 to the Episcopal members of Bible Societies; or had your con- 
 duct been so mild and forbearing as to render any animadver- 
 sion upon it 'wanton' and unprovoked ? Did duty require you to 
 hazard the peace and unity of the Church by such reiterated and 
 violent attacks upon institutions, embracing so many of your 
 Right Reverend Brethren, and sanctioned as they have been by 
 the official and unanimous vote of the House of Bishops? 
 
 "Did conscience bid you to republish foreign libels against 
 them? Did your consecration vows command you to chaffer 
 with printers of newspapers, to publish your address against 
 them ; and was it an Episcopal duty to rebuke, as you have done 
 in the columns of a public journal, the language of one of your 
 presbyters while you shrank from the responsibility of the act? 
 and does your sacred office authorize you to do all this, and yet 
 does it exempt your 'official principles and conduct' from free 
 and merited animadversion? 
 
 "If such, Sir, be your opinion of the prerogatives attached to 
 the mitre, you forget the age and country in which you live. 
 
 "My first letter to you, Sir, under the signature of 'A Church- 
 man' was personally respectful. I questioned the soundness of 
 your arguments but not the sincerity with which they were 
 urged. I condemned the policy of your conduct, but not the 
 motives from which it proceeded. You reply in a manner as 
 equally remote from the good breeding of a gentleman, as it 
 was from the meekness and humility becoming a Christian 
 Bishop. I repelled your assaults upon my reputation, but left 
 your argument unanswered. Here the controversy might have 
 dropped ; but you have seen fit to continue it, and have again 
 assailed me with as much bitterness and violence as ever; your 
 last pamphlet has made it incumbent on me a second time to 
 expose your misstatements and to justify my own assertions 
 and language. 
 
 "I have indeed 'the hardihood' to deny, that I accused you of
 
 276 Jay's Answer. [1823 
 
 having made in your address, any insinuations in particular 
 against the 'three rectors' in New York, who belong to the Bible 
 Society. The reasons I assigned for alluding to these gentlemen, 
 and which you prudently omit to quote, prove that I was not 
 defending them against personal accusations. 
 
 "To disprove your theory of the paralyzing influence of Bible 
 Societies upon the zeal of Episcopalians, I said: 'Suffer me to 
 offer the three Episcopalian Rectors in this city, who are con- 
 nected with the American Bible Society, as representatives of 
 their associates throughout the Diocese. The influence of this 
 institution is weakening, the zeal of Episcopalians has in this 
 city had a fair and thorough experiment. It is here that it is 
 carrying on its operations in all their imposing grandeur and 
 magnificence; here are held the monthly meetings of its man- 
 agers, including its clerical members; and here are celebrated its 
 anniversaries at which the three clergymen referred to have 
 mingled their notes of gratulation and encouragement with those 
 of their fellow Christians. If the zeal of these gentlemen has 
 passed unhurt through -the fiery trial, nay, if it still be as 
 active and ardent as that of any of their brethren, then surely, 
 Sir, your fears are groundless, and you will be almost tempted 
 to welcome the Society as an Auxiliary to the Church.' 
 
 "You affect, Sir, to treat with levity the exposure I made of 
 your false quotations from my letter ; and assert that 'it is mere 
 subterfuge to complain,' and privately declare that I have not 
 attempted to prove that you have misrepresented me by your 
 mode of quoting my language. Have you forgotten, Sir, that 
 I not only attempted, but I did prove that your readers would 
 from your distorted quotations, 'naturally regard me as guilty 
 of an impudent and profligate falsehood.' ' 
 
 Judge Jay then considers the assertion of Bishop Hobart that 
 "A Churchman" insinuated that the Bishop wished to withhold 
 the address from the public and charges him with misrepresenta- 
 tion, when in fact it had been published in the Christian 
 Journal. 
 
 The writer expresses regret that he did not know this when 
 the Letter was written. 
 
 He considers the Bishop's treatment of his remark upon the 
 meaning of Bishop White's address, and complains that the
 
 1823] Jay's Answer. 277 
 
 Bishop by interpolation makes the passage mean the exact con- 
 trary of his understanding of it. 
 
 After considering the perversion of his meaning by the Bishop 
 of a sentence in which he speaks of the Bishop as opposed to 
 "the distribution of the uncommented scriptures," and the infer- 
 ence of Bishop Hobart that "A Churchman" accused him of 
 maintaining the Roman Catholic error of impugning the suffi- 
 ciency of the Scriptures as a rule of faith, Judge Jay asserts that 
 Bishop Hobart has not found in the Churchman's Letter "one 
 falsehood or even one mistake," and that Bishop Hobart had 
 tacitly or expressly admitted "every fact contained in this 
 Letter;" he thus continues: 
 
 "I do not, Sir, because I have spoken the truth, profess to be 
 a pure and perfect man. Such a profession belongs not to me, 
 but to him who after being involved in a bitter and personal 
 quarrel with several of his reverend brethren, a quarrel in which 
 to use his own language, 'congregations which were ever peace- 
 able were thrown into confusion, and a church which once 
 boasted of being at unity in herself (was) rent by discord, and 
 her honours laid in the dust,' could exclaim in the conclusion of 
 his printed defence, 'in nought have I offended.' 1 
 
 "You think I have strange ideas of the powers of 'my Bishop,' 
 and remind me that an Apostolic Bishop was commanded 'to 
 reprove, rebuke, exhort with all authority.' 2 
 
 "You seem, Sir, altogether to have forgotten that an Apostolic 
 Bishop was commanded to 'reprove, rebuke, exhort with all 
 long suffering.' 
 
 "I must be permitted, Sir, to question whether St. Paul intended 
 
 1. The reference is to the Controversy excited by the pamphlet of the 
 Rev. Cave Jones, a colleague of Dr. Hobart in Trinity Church, "A Solemn 
 Appeal to the Church" (New York, 1811), in which he accused Dr. Hobart 
 of intolenance and ambition. Judge Jay's allusion is to "A Statement ad- 
 dressed to Episcopalians of the State of New York relative to some recent 
 events in the Protestant Episcopal Church in the said State." (New York, 
 1812.) A. L. 
 
 2. There is no such text. The Bishop has confounded 2 Tim. iv. 2 with 
 Titus ii. 15. The passages are: "Preach the Word; be instant in season, 
 out of season : reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine." 
 2 S. Timothy iv. 2. 
 
 "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no 
 man despise thee." S. Titus ii. 15.
 
 278 Jay's Answer. [1823 
 
 that Titus should exercise his 'authority' in rebuking his pres- 
 byters in anonymous pamphlets ; or Timothy, 'his long suffering,' 
 in passionate invectives against the luckless layman who should 
 incur his displeasure by vindicating the opinions of the other 
 Bishops of the Church." 
 
 He notes that the Bishop joins Dr. Milnor with himself 
 in both his pamphlets as the objects of bitter invective. While 
 Dr. Milnor is abundantly able to defend himself, 'it is, how- 
 ever, with no small gratification, that I recollect, that the faults 
 that you impute to Dr. Milnor are similar in their nature to those 
 which you once alleged against a former presbyter of this dio- 
 cese, on whose head you were soon after called to assist in 
 placing the mitre." 
 
 Judge Jay then warns the Bishop that he will add but little 
 to his cause by indiscriminately defending Mr. Norris. 
 
 He alludes to the Bishop's rejection of the editors of the 
 Eclectic Review as competent judges of the qualifications of a 
 gentleman because they were not members of the Church of 
 England, and "a prelate of that Church ceases to be a credible 
 witness the moment he testifies against Mr. Norris." 
 
 He continues : "I intimated that the author of the letter to 
 Lord Liverpool was a blackguard, and appealed to that letter in 
 justification of the epithet. To prove the injustice of my lan- 
 guage you tell me of the Lords and Bishops with whom he associ- 
 ates, and is it impossible for a man who keeps such company to 
 write an indecent book? Has no clergyman of the Church of 
 England, who has been honoured with the society of a bishop 
 ever disgraced his calling? 
 
 "Why did an inspired Apostle remind us that evil communica- 
 tions corrupt good manners, if those whose manners are good 
 are never exposed to such communications? When was the 
 defence of a libeller ever before vested upon the number and 
 rank of his associates? It may be very true, that Mr. Norris 
 has a large fortune that he has paid you the compliment of 
 placing 100 sterling at your disposal that an author to whom 
 he had been a 'munificent patron,' has dedicated a book to him 
 nay, even that he has served on a committee with Lord Kenyon, 
 the very nobleman who presided at the dinner, 'in commemora- 
 tion of Mr. Pitt,' and yet all this has just as much to do with the 
 character of his pamphlet, as the Bedford parsonage has with the 
 question about Bible Societies. While I protest against your
 
 1823] Jay's Answer. 279 
 
 attempt to prove the decency of Mr. Norris' writing by such 
 testimony as this, I most cheerfully acquiesce in an appeal to his 
 pages." 
 
 He then fully enters into the examination of Mr. Norris's 
 "comparison of the Bible Society with the illuminati," and his 
 other objections to such a society. He gives an account of the 
 German illuminati and their mysteries and dwells upon the 
 alleged corruption of women and children which was a part of 
 their plan. 
 
 In the course of his discussion Judge Jay says : 
 
 "Mr. Norris's atrocious insinuations against the females who 
 belong to the Bible Societies excite, Sir, in your breast no indig- 
 nation. You think his idle tales unsupported by proof, of ladies 
 'invading,' as you term it, 'the privacy and sanctity of the domes- 
 tic household, and in the absence of its head or guardian, operat- 
 ing upon children and servants to draw from them contributions 
 and support to Bible Societies,' afford 'some cause for strong 
 expressions.' That is they afford 'some cause' for declaring that 
 the Bible Society 'by trepanning ladies into their assemblies to 
 be the auditors of its seductive and inflammatory harangues' has 
 'corrupted a generation for its own purposes.' 
 
 "Some cause for the vile slander that 'the progress of female 
 demoralisation among that portion of the sex which has fallen a 
 prey to Bible Society beguilements, may be traced by any one 
 who has the daily registers of the period within his reach, and 
 sufficient command of time for the investigation!' In other 
 words that the 'demoralization of the female members of Bible 
 Societies is so open and notorious that it may be learned by any 
 one who examines the daily newspapers and other chronicles of 
 the times! 
 
 "And you, Sir, pour upon me the vials of wrath for hinting 
 that this man is a blackguard. Had I applied to him an epithet, 
 involving deeper moral guilt than want of decency I should have 
 done him no injustice. If Mr. Norris's assertions respecting the 
 females who belong to the English Bible Societies be true, it is 
 then for the police to suppress the New-York Ladies' Bible 
 Society, for it is formed upon the English model. It is then for 
 the gentlemen of New- York to rescue their mothers, their wives 
 and their daughters from its corrupting influence before the 
 daily registers also proclaim their 'demoralization.'
 
 280 Jay's Answer. [1823 
 
 "But where. Sir, does Mr. Norris find a warrant for this 
 abominable slander? He does not even allude to one solitary 
 female whose morals have been contaminated by Bible Societies. 
 Again then, Sir, I will ask, is it for the man who has caused 
 such slanders to be republished ; is it for him I say to complain 
 of the 'ungentlemanly and unchristian style' of my letter ? I will 
 even ask is it for a Bishop who publishes and excuses such 
 libels upon institutions patronized by numbers of his right rever- 
 end brethren, is it for him to rebuke one of his presbyters in the 
 public newspapers, for regarding as 'blinded' those Christians 
 who oppose the union of their fellow Christians for the sole pur- 
 pose of making known the records of their common salvation?" 
 
 He then cites largely from Mr. Norris's "Practical Exposition 
 of the Tendency and Proceeding of the British and Foreign 
 Bible Society," a previous work, to justify the opinion of the 
 Bishop of St. David's, that it was full of "calumnies." 
 
 He quotes a passage from the Pastoral Letter of the House 
 of Bishops in 1814, to which he had already in his first Letter 
 called the Bishop's attention; congratulating "all the members 
 of our Church" upon the formation and work of the British and 
 Foreign Bible Society. 
 
 "We should conceive ourselves wanting on this occasion to the 
 high duties of our stations were we to neglect to bear our testi- 
 mony in favour of this energetic effort for the disappointment of 
 the wicked designs of infidelity, for the extending of the influ- 
 ence of pure and undefiled religion, and finally for the carrying 
 into effect of those gracious promises of heaven which will not 
 have been accomplished until 'the knowledge of the Lord shall 
 cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.' "* 
 
 He dwells upon the Bishop's disavowal of any agreement with 
 the sentiments of the paragraph upon Bible Societies while agree- 
 ing to the issue of the Pastoral, and says, "Your inconsistency in 
 agreeing to a letter containing this high encomium upon Bible 
 Societies, and in suffering it to go forth to the world with your 
 sanction, and in speaking of it afterwards not as the act of him 
 who drafted it, but of 'the Bishops in their capacity as the spirit- 
 ual guardians of the Church,' had not been alluded to by me, and 
 
 I. A copy of this Pastoral Letter will be found in Bowen's Reprint of 
 the Journal of the General Convention, 1785-1814 (Philadelphia, 1817), pp. 
 369-381. The passage quoted by Judge Jay is on p. 380.
 
 1823] Jay's Answer. 281 
 
 you owe its exposure to your own indiscretion. It seems your 
 moderation induced you to assent to the declaration that you 
 would conceive yourself wanting to the high duties of your 
 station were you to neglect to bear your testimony in favour of 
 an effort which you have since represented in a pastoral letter of 
 your own, as hazardous to 'our apostolic ministry and primitive 
 and evangelical worship.' An effort which you stigmatize as 
 separating the Word and the Church of God! It was modera- 
 tion which led you to congratulate 'all the members of our 
 Church' on the extension of institutions which the very next 
 year you advised your people not to countenance! It is, Sir, to 
 be regretted that you have not exercised your moderation on 
 various other occasions when it might have been displayed at a 
 less costly sacrifice of duty and opinion. I will not now dwell on 
 the utter and merited contempt to which these pastoral letters 
 must be reduced, so soon as it shall be understood that our 
 Bishops make in them assertions which they do not believe, and 
 offer advice which they themselves are the first to disregard. 
 
 "You, I suspect, Sir, are the only Bishop who would make 
 such an avow r al. It is with pleasure I perceive in the late pas- 
 toral letter no disposition on the part of our Bishops to recant 
 or explain away the opinion they have formerly expressed." 
 
 He alludes to the Bishop's apparent desire to issue his pam- 
 phlet before the meeting of the General Convention in May, 
 1823. Assuming that each Bishop had received a copy, he 
 makes the allegation that the passage of the Pastoral in which 
 opinions expressed in previous pastorals are declared to be held 
 "in the same grade of importance," should thus be interpreted : 
 "The present Bishops, acting in their corporate capacity, thus as- 
 sume the responsibiilty of all the former pastoral letters, and sanc- 
 tion the opinions expressed in them. Hence the subject of Bible 
 societies which in 1814 was a point so interesting to 'our com- 
 munion' as to afford cause for congratulation to 'all members of 
 our Church,' is in 1823 regarded by the House of Bishops 'in 
 the same grade of importance,' and the letter of 1814 is a record 
 of the sentiments on this subject which they are still desirous of 
 sustaining. In defending Bible societies I am therefore defend- 
 ing the official and reiterated recommendation and opinion of 
 the Bishops of my Church. I am acting with the approbation of
 
 282 Hobart's " Note." [1823 
 
 those friends whose opinions I most venerate and I am obeying 
 the dictates of my own conscience. 
 
 "You, Sir, have accused me of fanaticism. Be it so. I have 
 no desire to disclaim a fanaticism which I have in common with 
 the greatest, and wisest and best of men. 
 
 "Such a fanaticism I have no ambition to exchange for that 
 cold-blooded scepticism which pronounces in the language of your 
 friend, Mr. Norris, that no other issue is to be expected from the 
 exertions of Bible societies than 'that righteousness of life shall 
 also be cast aivay, and the utmost licentiousness, both in opinion 
 and practice be established.' ' 
 
 "I am, Right Reverend Sir, 
 
 "Your Humble servant, 
 
 "WILLIAM JAY." 
 
 Bedford, I2th September, 1823. 
 
 To this Letter is added an appendix of six pages in which 
 classified extracts from Mr. Norris's "Letter to Lord Liverpool" 
 are given. 
 
 The full title is : "A Reply to a Second Letter to the Author 
 from the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart with remarks on his hos- 
 tility to Bible Societies and his mode of defending it; and also 
 on his vindication of the Rev. Mr. Norris's late Pamphlet. By 
 William Jay. New- York: Published by John P. Raven, Theo- 
 logical Bookseller, No. 182 Broadway. D. Fanshaw, Printer, 
 i Murray Street. 1823." 8vo. pp. 32. 
 
 It was only two days before he sailed that Bishop Hobart in 
 a "Note" answered Judge Jay. 
 
 He begins with ironic dignity. The mingled sarcasm and 
 argument make this closing pamphlet of the controversy worth 
 careful attention after eighty-five years of unlimited supplies of 
 the Holy Scriptures by many Bible Societies and at a time when 
 the Bible as the Word of God is both assailed and defended. 
 
 You reiterate the assertion, that I "have stooped to personal 
 abuse." It is sufficient for me again to reply, "that your private 
 character stands unimpeached by me." Your public character 
 only as "a Churchman of the Diocese of New York," in which 
 character you assailed "your Bishop," has been the subject of my 
 animadversions. And your public character, as illustrative of
 
 1823] Hobart's "Note." 283 
 
 the motives which prompted your attack upon Bishop Hobart, 
 and of the credit to be given to your representations, it was my 
 duty to criticise. 
 
 On this point I have nothing to retract, and can give you no 
 consolation. 
 
 For I do not hesitate to assert, that of the numerous Clergy 
 and Laity who have witnessed your conduct in the various Eccle- 
 siastical Conventions which you have attended, there are not 
 half a dozen who would hesitate to assert that it was character- 
 ized by "pertness, boldness, and dogmatism." I have charity 
 enough for you to believe, that you do not know yourself, and 
 certainly I have no reason to hope that I shall be able to force 
 this knowledge upon you. 
 
 In your second Letter you asserted that I "had dragged before 
 the public your family and your congregation." To which I 
 replied by the inquiry, "Have I said anything of them untrue or 
 improper to be said?" I have said, and still say, that as far as 
 the Journals of the Convention are evidence, they have not con- 
 tributed to the spiritual wants of their destitute brethren in this 
 Diocese, but that as soon as Missionary exertions are contem- 
 plated out of the Diocese, they liberally contributed. Could I 
 suppose you would misconstrue me as insinuating that other 
 than Episcopal exertions were meant, when the Episcopal Do- 
 mestic and Foreign Missionary Society was mentioned a few 
 pages before? I alluded also to the fact of contributions being 
 solicited in New York for aid in building their Rector a parson- 
 age house. And this statement you think was indelicate and 
 wanton. Recollect, Sir, your Diocesan was accused by you of 
 passing only "a freezing recommendation" on the Domestic and 
 Foreign Missionary Society of the Episcopal Church. And it 
 was proper, therefore, to show that you and those whom you 
 influence, or by whom you are influenced, while you are dis- 
 tinguished for liberality abroad, either neglect, or do not fully 
 provide for your own household. The fact, Sir, is so. For I do 
 contend that individuals or congregations who can thus liberally 
 contribute to foreign purposes, ought to furnish their Clergyman 
 with a parsonage house, without calling for aid on the citizens 
 of New York, subject as they are to applications from all quar- 
 ters, and for all purposes. 
 
 That individuals, or a congregation who do not furnish their
 
 284 Hobart's "Note." [1823 
 
 Minister with a parsonage, but send him soliciting elsewhere, do 
 not fully provide for their own household, is too plain to need 
 proof. This was the whole extent of my declaration. And yet, 
 advancing further in bold and wanton assertion you charge me, 
 that "regardless of age and sex, I have accused, in no unintelli- 
 gible language, your dearest and nearest connections of parsi- 
 mony. 1 And you do this in the face of a sentence that must have 
 met your eye on the very page which you say contains this charge, 
 and in which I speak of the "well known pious liberality of your 
 family" ; 2 in the very face of a sentence on the preceding page, 
 in which I speak of the "many virtues of this family as standing 
 in no need of eulogium from me." 
 
 In page 8, alluding to Bishop Hobart's Address to the Con- 
 vention, in which he briefly noticed the principles that he thought 
 should regulate the Churchmen with respect to Bible Societies, 
 you observe, "No duty demanded a fresh attack; but hostilities 
 must not cease; and for a fourth time you appeared the official 
 assailant of Bible Societies in your recent Address to the Con- 
 vention." Do you forget, Sir, that after years of silence on this 
 subject, on the part of Bishop Hobart, the President of the 
 American Bible Society thought fit to assert "in no unintelligible 
 language" that the opponents of Bible Societies were "opposed 
 to the distribution of the Scriptures, and would be found fighting 
 against God." Do you forget that this Address preceded the 
 republication of Norris's pamphlet, and the delivery of Bishop 
 Hobart's Address. And must a Christian Bishop be denounced 
 because in an official address acknowledged by you to be "free 
 from offensive personalities" he presumed to defend himself from 
 the charge of being "opposed to the distribution of the Scriptures, 
 and fighting against God." 
 
 On this point you continue to misrepresent Bishop Hobart. 
 He is not opposed to the distribution of the uncommented Scrip- 
 tures, but to the mode of distributing by Societies which he 
 thinks in their organization and proceedings are in many respects 
 objectionable, and particularly as they have no regard in either 
 their organization or their proceedings to the divinely consti- 
 tuted body of Christ, to the Christian Church in its doctrines, 
 ministry, or worship. 
 
 1. Page 7. 
 
 2. Second Letter of Corrector, p. 23, note.
 
 1823] Hobart's "Note." 285 
 
 Your introduction 1 of scenes long since past away, in which 
 you speak of "him who was involved in a bitter and personal 
 quarrel with several of his reverend brethren," lets out, I fear, 
 the real secret of that continued opposition to your Diocesan, 
 which you mask under zeal for Bible Societies. 
 
 You reiterate your accusation of inconsistency against Bishop 
 Hobart for assenting to a Pastoral Letter containing an approba- 
 tion of Bible Societies, and adduce a recent testimony of the 
 Bishops of the importance of the sentiment contained in their 
 former Pastoral Letter, as evidence of the entire assent of every 
 Bishop, to every part of these documents. Let me, inquire Have 
 you never given your assent to measures, and to laws in which 
 there were some features which you deemed objectionable? 
 
 In that part of my last Letter, which you are pleased to term 
 a vindication of Mr. Morris, I had asserted that "he conveyed 
 the opinion that Bible Societies used the same arts to accomplish 
 their purposes which the illuminati had successfully employed. 
 And he is not deficient in the statement of facts to support his 
 assertion." In this sentence I do not advance the opinion that 
 Mr. Norris's statement of facts prove his assertion. I only say 
 he is not deficient in the statement of facts to support it, express- 
 ing no opinion as to whether this statement is conclusive to. the 
 purpose for which it is adduced. Yet you tell me "your declara- 
 tion is in substance, that the facts adduced by Mr. Norris prove 
 that Bible Societies use the same insidious means and contriv- 
 ances as the illuminati had successfully employed." And address- 
 ing me very solemnly, you proceed, "Here, Sir, I join issue with 
 you, and be assured you have a deep interest in the result. You 
 have voluntarily assumed the responsibility of a most odious and 
 calumnious assertion. You, a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
 accuse associations formed for the express purpose of spreading 
 the Gospel of your Master associations embracing numerous 
 Bishops and Clergymen of the parent Church, and officially com- 
 mended by the Bishops of our own you accuse these associa- 
 tions of using the same arts as were employed by a vile con- 
 spiracy of jacobins and infidels." What must we think of the 
 consistency of the Churchman, and the honesty of the man who 
 would found a charge of this description against his Bishop, on 
 a glaring perversion of his language? 
 
 i. Page 1 6.
 
 286 Hobarfs " Note." [1823 
 
 You assert that I "accuse you of fanaticism." Sir, I denomi- 
 nated an opinion which you held fanatical, but I disavow the 
 general imputation to you of fanaticism. 
 
 In your first Letter you had, without any qualification styled 
 Mr. Xorris "a blackguard." And now you think he deserves 
 "an epithet, involving deeper moral guilt than want of decency." 1 
 Perverting his remarks, and applying them where he certainly 
 never intended to apply them to Female Bible Societies in this 
 country, you speak of his "atrocious insinuations," of "his 
 abominable slanders." In all this, you identify Bishop Hobart 
 with Mr. Norris ; and complete the climax of your imputations by 
 that of "cold-blooded scepticism." 2 Sir, you speak of your meas- 
 uring your deference to Bishop Hobart only by the respect you 
 owe yourself. 8 Sorry I am (for though you will not believe it, 
 I am not hostile to you in your private capacity) that you should 
 estimate yourself so low very low. But after the specimen 
 which I have given you of the spirit and language of your Letter, 
 shall I be censured for the declaration, that any further corre- 
 spondence with "William Jay" is forbidden by self-respect, by a 
 regard to public decency, and by the higher considerations of 
 Christian duty? CORRECTOR. 
 
 New York, 22 Sept., 1823. 
 
 1. Page 21. 
 
 2. Page 26. 
 3- Page 7-
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Ill health of Bishop Hobart His Departure for Europe Address from 
 the N. Y. Auxiliary Society on this Occasion Annual Meeting of the Bible 
 and Common Prayer Book Society of the Central Part of the State, Septem- 
 ber 24, 1823 Sermon by the Rev. Lucius Smith Report of the Eighth 
 Annual Meeting of the New York Auxiliary Society, January 26, 1824 
 Prosperity of the Society Address by the Rev. Cornelius R. Duffie 
 Fourteenth Annual Report of the N. Y. B. & C. P. B. Society Report of the 
 September 22, 1824 Letter from the Rev. H. Anthon to Bishop Hobart 
 Address to Episcopalians in the U. S. from the Board of Managers of the 
 N. Y. Auxiliary Society, November, 1824 Ninth Annual Meeting of the 
 N. Y. Auxiliary Society Its Report Fifteenth Annual Report of the 
 N. Y. B. & C. P. B. Society, 1825 Sixteenth Annual Meeting and Report, 
 1826 Eleventh Annual Meeting and Report of the Auxiliary Society, 1826 
 Distribution of the Prayer Book in the Navy First Arrangement for Public 
 Worship on a Man of War Made Services Held on the "Ontario" On 
 the "Cyane" The "Erie" and The "Constitution" Correction of Plates 
 to Bring the Bible and Prayer Book up to the Standard Versions Death 
 of Mr. Gulian Ludlow. 
 
 THE summer of 1823 found Bishop Hobart in a wretched 
 state of health. Few people nowadays realize the extent 
 of the work which Bishop Hobart did for the Church in 
 America. He was not only rector of the premier parish in the 
 country, but practically, what we call to-day, a missionary Bishop 
 not only over the whole of the State of New York, but for a 
 time his Bishopric included the States of Connecticut and New 
 Jersey, and owing to the fact that the "Western Reserve" had 
 been settled by Connecticut Churchmen it was considered as an 
 annex to Connecticut, and Bishop Hobart therefore had both 
 Ohio and Michigan under his protection. The government of 
 Trinity Parish was a difficult task in those days, the clergy of 
 the Parish were brilliant and ambitious men, and with the ex- 
 ception of Dr. Berrian were jealous and suspicious of every act 
 of their Rector. The finances of the Corporation were at low 
 ebb, the calls on it for help were incessant. Congregations could 
 
 287
 
 288 Address to Bishop Hobart. [1823 
 
 not differentiate between the position of Hobart as Rector and 
 Bishop. As Rector it was his duty to conserve the interests of 
 the funds of the Corporation, as Bishop he saw the imperious 
 necessity of aiding the beginnings of parish work in the vast 
 area under his rule. Then again, he was a man of strong con- 
 victions, and this involved him in many controversies at home 
 and abroad, not the least annoying of which was the one over 
 the formation of our Society. Never of a robust health, this 
 constant strain told on him at last, and added to these mental 
 anxieties were the physical discomforts of the long journeys, 
 broken rest and unsuitable food. In the summer of 1823 the 
 Bishop went with his friend Dr. Berrian to Canada, but a sharp 
 attack of intermittent fever caused the curtailment of the trip. 
 On his return to New York his friends insisted on his going to 
 Europe, in the hopes that the long sea voyage and enforced rest 
 would benefit him. He sailed for Liverpool, in the packet-ship 
 Meteor, on Wednesday, September 24, 1823. 
 
 Many of the clergy and others accompanied him to the Nar- 
 rows, addresses showing the respect and admiration in which 
 he was freld were presented to him from the clergy of the city, 
 members of various societies, many of them not connected with 
 the Church. 
 
 Among them was this affectionate address : 
 
 Tuesday evening, September 23, 1823. 
 
 The members of the Board of Managers of the Auxiliary 
 New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society being as- 
 sembled for the transaction of the ordinary concerns of the 
 Society, and aware of your intended departure for Europe to- 
 morrow, most gladly avail themselves of the opportunity thus 
 afforded to convey to you the renewed assurance of their respect 
 and esteem both for your private and official character, and of 
 the interest that they feel in common with their senior brethren 
 of the Church, in the recovery of your health and your restor- 
 ation to your family and friends and to the bosom of that portion 
 of the Christian Church, whose affairs for a series of years you 
 have conducted with such distinguished ability, assiduity and 
 usefulness. 
 
 On an occasion which is to separate us for a considerable time 
 from our diocesan whom we have been accustomed to revere
 
 1823] Sermon by Rev. L. Smith. 289 
 
 and to love, and whose counsel has been our guide in the affairs 
 of those institutions of the Church in which we have had the 
 honour and gratification of being early participants, we trust, 
 we may without any violation of the high respect and deference 
 we owe you, be permitted to express our emotions. To say that 
 we feel an interest in the recovery of your health would be but 
 a frigid and feeble expression of our feelings ; be assured, Right 
 Reverend and dear Sir, that we feel an interest beyond the power 
 of expression, in all that concerns your personal comfort and 
 happiness, as it regards yourself and your family and your char- 
 acter, dignity and usefulness in the Church. 
 
 Did time permit we could dwell with peculiar delight on the 
 many and prominent traits of your private and official character 
 which have attracted our attention and commanded our admir- 
 ation and affection ; but circumstanced as we are, we must forego 
 this gratification, and beg your acceptance of this unpremeditated 
 and spontaneous effusion of our feelings. Commending you to 
 the merciful care and guidance of the great Head of the 
 Church throughout all the perils of your journey, and most 
 earnestly invoking the choicest blessings upon you, we have the 
 honour to be your devoted and affectionate friends. 
 
 Signed, &c., &C. 1 
 
 On the day of the Bishop's departure there was being held the 
 annual meeting of the organization in which he had always 
 taken a great interest and to which he gave the promise of a 
 small endowment under certain conditions. 
 
 The third anniversary of the Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Society of the central part of the State was held on September 
 24, 1823, in St. Paul's Church, Oxford, Chenango County. A 
 sermon was preached by the Rev. Lucius Smith, of St. James' 
 Church, Batavia. It reported that the constitution had been 
 printed and three hundred copies circulated in "the different 
 counties composing our union." 
 
 Thirty-eight Bibles and four hundred and twenty-four Prayer 
 Books have been distributed. The total number of volumes 
 distributed since the organization of the Society in July, 1821, 
 had been eleven hundred and sixty-two. 
 
 The efforts of the Society were being exerted to obtain a 
 
 i. The Christian Journal, October, 1823. Volume VII. No. 10. 
 (19)
 
 290 Annual Meeting. [1824 
 
 grant of five hundred dollars promised by the Bishop on con- 
 dition that a similar amount be raised by the Society. For this 
 purpose the Society had engaged an agent to solicit subscrip- 
 tions. 1 
 
 It was under happier auspices that the members of the Aux- 
 iliary Society assembled for the annual meeting in 1824. Even 
 the condensed record in the minutes does not repress the note of 
 exultant gratitude. 
 
 The Eighth Annual Meeting of the "Auxiliary New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society" was held in St. Paul's 
 Chapel, on Monday, January 26th, 1824, at 7 o'clock, P. M., 
 William E. Dunscomb, Esq., senior Vice President, in the 
 Chair, and Charles Keeler, Secretary. 
 
 The Eighth Annual Report of the Board of Managers was 
 read by Mr. Floyd Smith, whereupon the following resolution, 
 offered by the Rev. Benjamin T. Onderdonk, was unanimously 
 adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That the Society accept, with high approbation, the 
 Report of the Board of Managers, which contains a gratifying 
 exhibition of the improved condition of the institution, and of 
 the motives that should animate its members and friends to> 
 continue to it their patronage and influence. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Jonathan M. Wainwright, D.D., 
 Resolved, That the Society present to the Board of Managers 
 their cordial thanks for the prudence, zeal and perseverance with 
 which they have discharged their duties; and unite with them 
 in imploring for the institution the continuance of the blessings 
 of a gracious Providence. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Henry J. Feltus, D.D,. Resolved, That 
 the Society feel more and more deeply impressed with the im- 
 portance of the objects for which they have been associated ; and 
 that they will, under the Divine blessing, continue to prosecute 
 them with unabating diligence. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Floyd Smith, Resolved, That the Report 
 just read, and the proceedings of this meeting, be published 
 under the direction of the Board of Managers. 
 
 The Society then proceeded to the election of a Board of 
 
 I. For the report in full, see the Christian Journal, November, 1823. 
 Volume VII. No. n.
 
 1824] Eighth Auxiliary Report. 291 
 
 Managers for the ensuing year, when the following gentlemen 
 were declared to be duly elected, viz : 
 
 William E. Dunscomb, President. 1 
 
 J. Smyth Rogers, M.D., ist Vice President. 
 
 John Watts, Jun., M.D., 2nd Vice President. 
 
 John J. Lambert, 3rd Vice President. 
 
 Charles W. Sandford, Corresponding Secretary. 
 
 Charles Keeler, Recording Secretary. 
 
 Floyd Smith, Treasurer. 
 
 Thomas N. Stanford, Agent. 
 
 Managers : Luther Bradish, Richard Oakley, Henry Barclay, 
 Charles Nichols, J. Lawrence Moore, Henry Bicker, William H. 
 Harrison, D. A. Cushman, Peter Kean, Benjamin M. Brown, 
 Charles N. S. Rowland, John W. Kearney, Cornelius S. Bar- 
 tow, Charles Anthon, Robert Hyslop, William Beach Lawrence, 
 Thomas T. Groshon, James F. Depeyster. 
 
 EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT. 
 
 The Board of Managers of the "Auxiliary New York Bible 
 and Common Prayer Book Society" hail the return of another 
 of its anniversaries with mingled feelings of delight and grati- 
 tude. 
 
 The portentous gloom which some time previous to the last 
 anniversary overspread the Society has been dispelled. The 
 influence of the prosperity which has been experienced during 
 the past year, has calmed our fears, invigorated our hopes, ani- 
 mated our exertions, and, we trust, will continue to illumine our 
 prospects of future usefulness. 
 
 How ardent our gratitude, how unfeigned our satisfaction, 
 language would fail to express ; and, we are persuaded, none 
 can justly appreciate but those whom Providence has placed in 
 situations of similar responsibility. 
 
 The important influence which either the prosperity or ad- 
 versity of this Society exerts upon the great interests of our 
 Church will ever be a consideration which will impart a thrill 
 of joy or of anguish to our feelings, as either the one or the 
 other may prevail. 
 
 ******** 
 
 I. In the place of Henry Barclay, Esq., who declined a re-election.
 
 292 Eighth Auxiliary Report. [1824 
 
 On Sunday evening, the 9th of February last, after the cus- 
 tomary arrangements for such an occasion, a sermon was 
 preached in St. Paul's Chapel, for the benefit of the Society, by 
 the Rev. George Upfold, M.D., Rector of St. Luke's Church. 
 The cause of the Society was advocated by that reverend 
 gentleman with an ability, eloquence, and zeal, as creditable to 
 himself as it was substantially beneficial to the Society. The 
 manly appeal was answered by a liberality which added to our 
 funds the sum of $279.12. Fifty dollars of which was in a 
 single bill, accompanied by a note from the generous donor, 
 stating that it was for the "permanent fund." It was immedi- 
 ately deposited in the Savings Bank to the credit of that fund. 
 
 Having thus auspiciously commenced the eighth year of the 
 Society's existence, the Board determined that no effort on their 
 part should be wanted to give it the full benefit of the favour- 
 able impression made upon the public mind. For this purpose 
 the Board divided itself into several committees, to procure new 
 annual and life subscribers. This measure resulted in the ac- 
 quisition of a considerable number of annual subscribers, and 
 several gentlemen evinced their friendship by becoming life 
 subscribers. 
 
 The Treasurer, in his report to the Board, stated that he had 
 carefully examined his books and found there was an amount 
 of $482 due to the Society from its subscribers, which had been 
 accumulating for the preceding four years. The experience of 
 other Societies convinced him that this result was to be ex- 
 pected, without in the least degree, impeaching the fidelity of 
 the several collectors employed, from the difficulty of finding 
 the individual at home, and being obliged to make their returns 
 within a prescribed time. Hence, he believed, that many of the 
 subscribers were under the impression that they had never been 
 called upon in the usual manner. To ascertain this fact, and to 
 test their friendship to the Society, he proposed to the Board to 
 authorize him to confine his efforts during the year to the col- 
 lection of this amount. That authority was granted, and it is 
 with great satisfaction we announce the success of the measures 
 he put in operation ; $243 of this sum was paid by the subscribers 
 soon after his circular was received by them, and $47 of the 
 balance has since been received through the agency of a col- 
 lector, leaving the real balance of unpaid subscriptions, at the
 
 1824] Address by Rev. 0. R. Duffie. 293 
 
 close of 1822, of $192.50; and much of this amount is due from 
 
 individuals who removed from the city. 
 
 ******** 
 
 The Treasurer's account current exhibits an unexpended 
 balance of $236.06. But this the Society is indebted to its pub- 
 lishers for 1,000 copies of the Prayer Book, 270 copies of which 
 remain unappropriated in the depository. When these books 
 shall have been paid for, there will be a balance of $63.94 due 
 the Treasurer. 
 
 The "permanent fund" has been augmented from $425 to 
 $652.13, which includes the amount of interest due thereon up 
 to this time; $600 of this fund is out at interest at 7 per cent, per 
 annum, payable quarterly. The principal is secured by bond 
 and mortgage. The balance is also out at interest at 6 per cent, 
 per annum, in perfectly safe hands. 
 
 On the subject of our distributions, we cannot better express 
 ourselves than in the language of our Agent, in his Annual 
 Report to the Board: "The gratuitous distributions during the 
 past year amount to 500 Bibles and 1,750 Prayer Books. And 
 the sales for the same period amount to 2,500 Prayer Books; 
 these, added to the former sales and gratuitous distributions, 
 form a total of 3,619 Bibles, and 23,092 Prayer Books, or 26,711 
 volumes, which have issued from our depository since the 
 formation of the Society in 1816." 
 
 Our stereotype plates for the Book of Common Prayer have 
 been carefully read and compared with the standard copy set 
 forth by the recent General Convention, agreeably to an order 
 of the Board of Managers. 1 
 
 The address before the Society in Grace Church was made 
 by one who had been a founder and supporter of the Society, 
 and taking holy orders late in life gave his life and fortune to the 
 erection of St. Thomas's Church. We give the salient parts : 
 
 If I were rising at this time in behalf of an institution, new, 
 untried, and even doubtful as to its practical operation, the 
 acknowledged merits of the object which the managers of this 
 
 I. The Eighth Annual Report of the Managers of the Auxiliary New 
 York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society. New York: Printed by T. 
 and J. Swords, No 99 Pearl Street. 1824.
 
 294 Address by Rev. C. R. Duffie. [1824 
 
 Society propose, would induce me to solicit for their enterprise 
 the means of a fair and satisfactory experiment. 
 
 If I were addressing myself to an assembly of whose disposi- 
 tion and intention in relation to that object I was ignorant, or 
 unassured, your very presence would be deemed to speak your 
 approbation, and would give me hope of favour and success. 
 But when I present to you an institution whose character and 
 plans may now be read, not in its promise but in its history 
 the pledge of whose future usefulness is to be found in the 
 faithful and successful application of all the means with which 
 it has been heretofore intrusted I feel that there is little for me 
 to do, but to refer you to the pages which unfold their annual 
 proceedings, and to stir up your minds, by way of remembrance, 
 
 in order to win your kindness and to ensure your aid. 
 
 ******** 
 
 My brethren, I present to you an institution dear to the 
 Church we love ; pledged to the sacred interests of our religion ; 
 publicly honoured in the recorded votes of the Conventions of 
 other States, for the public advantage it has wrought; often 
 commended for its efficiency and usefulness in our own diocese, 
 in the addresses of our reverend and beloved Bishop (whom we 
 pray God to defend, and preserve, and prosper) an institution 
 blessed with the benediction of many congregations which it has 
 aided to build up held in grateful remembrance by thousands 
 to whom it has given the word of life, and the knowledge of 
 Christ's kingdom upon earth; an institution, in fine, which we 
 all are bound to regard with affection for what it already has 
 done, and to pray for and to sustain in its future efforts, since 
 in its support and advancement many of those for whom the 
 Saviour shed his blood, are deeply, and it may be, everlastingly, 
 interested. 
 
 Prospering this Society you extend the interests of humanity, 
 of morals, and of the Church of God you aid the Missionary 
 Fund by relieving it of all demands excepting for the personal 
 maintenance of those who, in obedience to their Lord, go forth 
 to preach the Gospel, and to publish peace; and it is a con- 
 sideration which I am sure you will not overlook, that while 
 you promote the welfare of this Society you also cherish the 
 efforts of a zealous laity, whose time, and talents, and active 
 exertions, are cheerfully devoted to the interests of religion, and 
 whose spirit and influence are most beneficially felt in all those
 
 1824] Address by Rev. C. R. Duffie. 295 
 
 other institutions of our Church, which hold out the promise of 
 increasing prosperity to the cause of God and his truth. 
 
 It is delightful to know that this year it addresses to you no 
 longer the language of despair. It tells you that "the portentous 
 gloom has been dispelled." It comes before you in the tiush of 
 success, and its Managers speak of liberal and bountiful patron- 
 age. In their name I thank you in their name, and in the name 
 of all whom you have blessed, and may He who overlooks not 
 any deed of kindness and of charity grant you your reward. 
 ******** 
 
 My brethren, what awful mysteries are yet before us! what 
 scenes of glory, or what depths of suffering hang upon this little 
 probation ! 
 
 Is it not worth all our best exertions to place before our fellow 
 men their responsibility and their danger their duties and their 
 destinies ? Are we thus engaged in taking part with God ? Are 
 we prospering his cause in the world? Are we aiding in the 
 extension of his kingdom in making known the sanctions of 
 his word and in beating down the empire of sin and death ? 
 
 Do you think we can ever be required to do too much for a 
 cause which involves, as well the eternal interests of men, as the 
 honour and glory of God? There have been those who have 
 devoted to it all their substance and all their efforts all the 
 powers of their bodies and all the energies of their minds. There 
 have been men who for the cause of God ventured even their 
 lives, and have not shrunk from the rack, nor from the sword, 
 from the cross nor from the flame. 
 
 To such instances of self devotion we are not called; but 
 need I remind you that all we have is from God, and therefore 
 that our wealth, our talents, our influence, our example, are all 
 due to the promotion of his glory, and the spreading of his 
 religion among men. 
 
 But what is the amount of all that we have ever yet done for 
 God? Have we, indeed, ever made any sacrifices for Christ 
 worthy of his love, or proportioned to our obligation. Custom, 
 and the opinion of the world, have fixed very low the contribu- 
 tion, and the exertion, and the influence, which it may creditably 
 suffice to give to the service of the Lord. But what says the 
 warm devotion of pious gratitude, contemplating the sacrifice of 
 Christ and the hopes of Heaven? What says the colder calcu-
 
 296 Fourteenth Annual Report. [1824 
 
 lation of reason, comparing our offerings to God with our offer- 
 ings to pride, and to passion, and to the world? What judgment 
 will God himself pass upon their sufficiency? 
 
 Ah! my brethren, there are many who have never made any 
 real sacrifices for Christ, who are not rendering to his cause 
 equivalent for the benefits they are continually receiving at his 
 hands. 
 
 The day is coming which will pass upon their neglect; and 
 how should they listen with alarm to the declaration of their 
 Saviour, "he that is not with me is against me." 
 
 Let us be found on the side of Christ let us have our fate 
 linked with the destinies of goodness and of truth let us ensure 
 to ourselves the reward of those who are "workers together with 
 God." 
 
 An opportunity to aid his cause is now before us. Let us 
 present to it a ready and a liberal offering. Let the high sanc- 
 tions we have considered let the hopes and the fears which 
 have been presented to our view let our love to God, and our 
 love to man, have their full influence in determining us to prosper 
 this and every other institution which is devoted to the spread- 
 ing of the truths which the Gospel makes known. 1 
 
 The following is the report read at the annual meeting of 1824 
 as printed in The Christian Journal : 
 
 FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. 
 
 During the fifteenth year of the operations of the New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society the Board of Managers 
 have been enabled, by divine blessing, to distribute gratuitously 
 246 Bibles and 492 Prayer Books. Two hundred and thirty 
 octavo Prayer Books have been drawn for, by the members on 
 the terms of the Society. An aggregate of 968 volumes, there- 
 fore, has been issued from our depository during the past year. 
 The grand aggregate of issues since the formation of the Society 
 has been 11,678 Bibles, New Testaments and Books of Common 
 Prayer, by far the greater part of them distributed gratuitously. 
 
 I. An Address delivered before the Auxiliary New York Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society, in Grace Church, New York, February I. 
 1824, by Cornelius R. Duffie, A.M., late Vice- President of the Society. Pub- 
 lished by Request of the Board of Managers. New York: Printed by T. 
 and J. Swords, No. 29 Pearl Street. 1824.
 
 1824] Fourteenth Annual Report. 297 
 
 The only receipt into the permanent fund during the past year 
 has been a contribution of $15 for a life membership; making 
 the present amount of the permanent fund $5,405.16. The 
 receipts into the disposable fund have been $540.48, and the dis- 
 bursements therefrom $460.01, leaving in the treasury a balance 
 of $79.57. 
 
 There are remaining in the depository for gratuitous distribu- 
 tion, 6 1 Bibles and 176 Prayer Books, which it is expected will 
 soon be distributed. The Board at its last meeting appropriated 
 $500 for procuring Bibles and Common Prayer Books for distri- 
 bution during the ensuing year. 
 
 Our operations have indeed been humble, but it is in his power 
 to whom we look for a blessing to make them effectual to the 
 most important results. We may hope that some whose atten- 
 tion has been arrested by the volumes we have circulated have 
 been brought to a sense of the errors of their ways and turned 
 from darkness to light; and some who were insensible to their 
 obligation to enter into the state of covenant with God ; appointed 
 in the membership of his Church in which he is pleased to confer 
 a title to the blessings of Christ's mediation have been induced 
 no longer to delay thus to seek the Lord in the way in which he 
 has promised to be found ; that some, who, though united to the 
 Church of Christ, yet destitute of the Spirit, and thus that of 
 union with him by a true and living faith, whereby alone the 
 privileges of his covenant can be secured, have been brought sin- 
 cerely to cherish, and consistently to profess, that faith; that 
 some, heretofore careless in the great duty of serving God in his 
 house, and at his altar, have been induced to be so no more, and 
 have found both improvement and delight in thus coming before 
 his presence; that some distracted by the almost infinite variety 
 of forms under which are assumed the holy epithets of the reli- 
 gion and Church of the Redeemer have found a refuge in the 
 primitive and evangelical order and worship, which drawn from 
 the Bible are so lucidly exhibited in the Book of Common Prayer ; 
 that some, carried away by the false doctrines which so lament- 
 ably prevail, and which acquire a fictitious value by pretended 
 support from the inspired oracles, have been brought to the 
 knowledge and profession of the true faith, by the understanding 
 of those oracles, imparted by a sound and pure branch of that 
 "Church of the Living God," which he has been pleased to con- 
 stitute the pillar and ground of the truth.
 
 298 Fourteenth Annual Report. [1824 
 
 By the grace of God we may humbly hope that some such 
 good has attended our exertions. Let us pray that by the same 
 grace \ve may continue the honoured instruments of promoting 
 such good : and that to this end the means may be willingly and 
 liberally supplied, and those who are intrusted with them be 
 enabled to improve them faithfully and effectually. 
 
 In recommending our Society to continued and increased pat- 
 ronage, we feel honoured in presenting it, not as a principal insti- 
 tution, but as an auxiliary to one which has God himself for its 
 Founder and Head, according fully to the evangelical doctrine, 
 that the Church is the great Society to which the divine author 
 of our religion has committed the momentous trust of preserving 
 and disseminating his revealed truth and securing its practical 
 influence in the world, we rejoice in that feature of our Society 
 whereby it is in fact a part of the Church, recognizing her princi- 
 ples of unity in doctrine, ministry, sacraments and worship, and 
 thus being her legitimate agent in prosecuting the great work for 
 which she is chartered by God himself. 
 
 In strengthening therefore the hands and enlarging the useful- 
 ness of such institutions Christians manifest their attachment to 
 that true Bible cause which embraces, in its primitive and evan- 
 gelical purity, the religion of the Bible. 
 
 Thus, too, in accordance with the genuine principles of that 
 religion, they contribute to preserve the unity, promote the pros- 
 perity, and enlarge the borders of that great divine institution, 
 which preserves and disseminates the knowledge of Scriptural 
 truth, and affords to man the appointed means of instruction, 
 grace and salvation. 
 
 Signed by order of the Board. 
 
 THO. LYELL, Chairman. 
 Attested: BENJ. T. ONDERDONK, Sec'ry. 
 
 New York, Feb. 25, 1824. 
 
 On February 4, 1824, the sum of $500 was appropriated for 
 the ensuing year for the purchase of Bibles and Prayer Books. 
 On March 2nd, the Annual Meeting was held in Trinity Church, 
 when the Fourteenth Annual Report was read and adopted and 
 the following Managers elected : 
 
 Matthew Clarkson, Gulian Ludlow, John Onderdonk, Isaac 
 Carow, John Slidell, Richard Whiley, Henry Rogers, Henry
 
 1824] Letter from Rev. H. Anthon. 299 
 
 McFarlan, George Dominick, Richard Platt. (Folio 112.) 
 
 The development of the work of the Society throughout the 
 State cannot be fully traced, for only occasionally did they send 
 any notice of it to the diocesan paper, The Christian Journal. In 
 that same periodical will be found also the brief reports of many 
 Prayer Book Societies in various parts of the United States. A 
 condensed notice of the active Society in Central New York will 
 be read with pleasure : The fourth anniversary of the Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society of the central part of the State 
 was held in Trinity Church, Utica, on Wednesday, September 
 22, 1824. It had distributed 28 Bibles and 358 Prayer Books, 
 and sold, at moderate prices, 95 Prayer Books, a total of 481 
 volumes for the year. The effort to obtain $500 so as to secure 
 an additional gift of that amount has resulted in a subscription 
 
 of $485-93- 
 
 Judge Miller, of Utica, was re-elected President, Mr. Bost- 
 wick, ist Vice President, the Rev. L. Bush, 2d Vice President, 
 the Hon. N. Williams, Treasurer, and the Rev. Henry Anthon, 
 Secretary. 1 
 
 The rector of Trinity Church, Utica, and laymen in that con- 
 gregation were the wise and active men who stimulated the zeal 
 of others and by their example and influence made others as 
 earnest and untiring as they were. 
 
 These letters of Mr. Anthon written to the Bishop in Europe 
 show his method of strengthening the Society. 
 
 Utica, Sept. 28, 1824. 
 
 A considerable portion of my time this year has been occupied 
 in soliciting subscriptions as the agent of the Bible & P. Book 
 Society of the Central Part of this State with the view of securing 
 the grant of $500, which you were so good as to assure us of 
 previous to your departure. I accompany this with a newspaper 
 which contains an account of our late anniversary & the Report 
 of the Board of Managers. Subscriptions have been obtained to 
 the amount of $465 (more that 2-3 of which have been paid), 
 which with the sums already in the treasury will enable us to 
 comply with the conditions of grant H. ANTHON. 
 
 i. For a full report see pp. 349, 350, The Christian Journal, November, 
 1824. Volume VIII. No. n.
 
 300 Address by the Auxiliary. [1824 
 
 The Bible & Prayer Book Society of the Central part of the 
 State will hold their annual meeting on the 24th at Oxford. Will 
 it be in your power, Dear Sir, before the meeting to promise the 
 Society through me, some aid for our permanent fund? I need 
 not say how greatly such promise would encourage us. We 
 have not been wanting in our exertions this year. We have dis- 
 tributed & sold 38 Bibles & 410 Prayer Books since our last 
 anniversary, making in the whole nearly 1,200 volumes which 
 we have distributed. 
 
 The Auxiliary in the fall of 1824, mindful of their duty in 
 making the Bible and Prayer Book the companion and guide of 
 every one, perceived that persons unwilling to receive the books 
 as gifts were deterred from buying them owing to their high 
 price. 
 
 The Board of Managers in their address set forth the aims of 
 the Society with a direct simplicity which must have won many 
 adherents to its cause. 
 
 Accompanying the address were specimen pages of the pro- 
 posed cheaper editions of the Bible and Prayer Book. 
 
 ADDRESS. 
 
 The Board of Managers of the Auxiliary New York Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society, deeply impressed with the im- 
 portance of contributing to the more general diffusion of relig- 
 ious knowledge, have authorized the undersigned to call the 
 attention of their fellow Episcopalians throughout the United 
 States to the following address : 
 
 The Society is in possession of a set of stereotype plates for 
 the Bible, of an uncommonly clear and beautiful type, which, 
 although not large, is easily read by persons far advanced in 
 life. It is also in possession of a set of plates for the Book of 
 Common Prayer, from which large editions of that work have 
 been printed, and distributed. 
 
 One of the objects intended to be accomplished by the purchase 
 of these plates was, that the Society might become the source of 
 supply, on favourable terms, to the reverend Clergy, influential 
 and benevolent laymen, and to kindred institutions for the gratui- 
 tous distribution of Bibles and Books of Common Prayer. From 
 the operation of causes which it is not now necessary to mention,
 
 1824] Address by the Auxiliary. 301 
 
 no very efficient effort has hitherto been made to accomplish its 
 original views in relation to the Bible. In the opinion of the 
 Board of Trustees, the time has arrived when such an effort may 
 be made with a reasonable prospect of success ; and that the cir- 
 cumstances of the Society will now warrant the attempt. A 
 copy of the Bible, printed on good paper, lettered, and bound in 
 sheep, with raised backs, can be furnished at 85 cents; and on 
 inferior paper, unlettered, bound in sheep, with raised backs, at 
 80 cents. The Book of Common Prayer can be furnished at 30 
 cents per copy. This price, as it respects the Prayer Book, is at 
 the prime cost ; and as it respects the Bible, is at an advance barely 
 sufficient to compensate for ordinary wear and tear of plates. 
 
 When Bible Societies were first instituted, the cheapest rate at 
 which the Bible could be furnished was considered an object of 
 primary importance, as producing the greatest amount of good 
 by the use of limited means. But experience, it is believed, has 
 fully demonstrated the impolicy and inutility of this plan. It is 
 in accordance with a law of our nature, to undertake the perusal 
 of a book (even if that book be the Bible) with more or less of 
 indifference if it present to us an uninviting aspect, both in its 
 internal and external appearance; while the opposite of this re- 
 mark is found to be true, when we sit down to the perusal of a 
 work, the paper, binding, and typographical execution of which 
 is in good style, such a work will not only be read with greater 
 avidity, but preserved with greater care ; and has a specific value, 
 independent of its contents, which the possessor fails not properly 
 to estimate. Hence it is that the British and Foreign, and 
 American Bible Societies, now issue, for gratuitous distribution, 
 volumes much superior to many of those distributed in the 
 infancy of Bible Institutions : and this Society, proceeding on the 
 same principle, has printed and distributed a volume in all re- 
 spects desirable. 
 
 The very extensive circulation which has been given to our 
 Book of Common prayer has probably made you acquainted with 
 its style of binding, &c., &c. ; we forbear, therefore, any descrip- 
 tion of it. 
 
 Should you, or any of your friends, or any Society with which 
 you may be connected, or any to which you may find it conven- 
 ient to communicate the information herein contained, be dis- 
 posed to order either Bibles or Prayer Books, or both, for gratui-
 
 302 Address by the Auxiliary. [1824 
 
 tous distribution, a line addressed to the Society's Agent, Mr. 
 Thomas N. Stanford, No. 99 Pearl Street, will meet with prompt 
 attention. 
 
 It might seem unnecessary,, at this time of day, to urge on a 
 Christian public the importance of an extensive circulation of the 
 Bible and Book of Common Prayer books which have guided 
 the young, and solaced the aged, in generations that are passed, 
 and will continue so to do in those that are to come. Next to the 
 faithful labours of the Ministry, we consider the distribution of 
 these Books as the most effectual means of circulating the truths 
 of the Gospel; and even philanthropists, whose only object is the 
 relief of human misery, will most effectually promote their end, 
 by instilling that Christian hope, which tends to alleviate the 
 many sorrows to which men are subjected. Impelled by the 
 force of these considerations, the Board of Managers cannot 
 resist making a forcible appeal to your benevolence on the pres- 
 ent occasion; relying with the utmost confidence, that you are 
 disposed to assist in the distribution of the Bible and Book of 
 Common Prayer, and by so doing to promote an object calculated, 
 under the blessing of God, not only to stem the torrent of vice, 
 but to direct the penitent to the visible society and Church of 
 God upon earth, where he cannot only receive the instruction of 
 its Ministry, but also participate in those sacraments and ordi- 
 nances by which it hath pleased God, in his infinite mercy, to 
 carry on the operation of his grace. The penitent believer re- 
 quires not only to be informed of divine truths, but also to be 
 built up in his most holy faith, and, by the use of the means of 
 grace, made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light, and 
 therefore is it, that God has established a visible Church, and 
 hath, in his holy Scriptures, commanded all men everywhere to 
 enter the same; and therefore is it, that he hath instituted and 
 ordained holy sacraments and ordinances as pledges of his love, 
 and an order of men to administer the same. It is not only nec- 
 essary that the humble penitent should know the truth, but also 
 that he should become united to that visible society which has 
 been emphatically called the pillar and ground of the truth. The 
 position is practically, if not theoretically, admitted by all de- 
 nominations of Christians; witness the vigorous and zealous 
 exertions made by all in the cause of missions, whereby the great 
 doctrines and truths of the Gospel are explained and enforced,
 
 1824] Address by the Auxiliary. 303 
 
 and its sacraments and ordinances administered to the people; 
 and it is altogether in accordance with the injunction of our 
 blessed Saviour to his apostles "Go ye into all the world, teach- 
 ing and baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the 
 Holy Ghost; and I will be with you always, even unto the end 
 of the world." The faithful labours of a pious ministry, in 
 teaching and administering the sacraments of the Church, are 
 thus made the divinely constituted, and of course the most effic- 
 ient means of diffusing religious knowledge, and of discounten- 
 ancing and repressing erroneous views and opinions. 
 
 That branch of the visible Church to which we have the happi- 
 ness to belong, is so blessed in its ministry, liturgy, sacraments, 
 and ordinances, that it would seem an indispensable duty, not 
 only to be instrumental in the distribution of the Bible, but also 
 in extending the privileges which that primitive and Apostolic 
 Church holds out to its members. It possesses a ministry whose 
 validity is admitted ; a liturgy chaste, fervent, and devout ; and 
 its views of Scripture doctrine are sober, rational, and consistent. 
 
 We have been occasionally accused of opposing what has been 
 emphatically called the Bible cause, when all our labours and 
 views have been directed to what we conceive the best and most 
 judicious method of advancing that cause ; for we conceive that, 
 in every method for advancing God's cause, and in all societies 
 instituted for the purpose, the Christian Church should not be 
 thrown wholly out of view, but should be in some measure recog- 
 nized, and the advantages of communion with it set forth and 
 declared. The Bible cause, we conceive, cannot also be better 
 promoted than by distributing, not only the Bible, but the Prayer 
 Book; for the latter volume has approved itself to the under- 
 standing of all denominations, as a c.orrect summary of Christian 
 doctrine; and large portions of the Bible occupy its pages; so 
 that the mere reader of the Prayer Book is instructed in Bible 
 truths. But this is not all ; the wide circulation of the Book of 
 Common Prayer has established, and will tend to the establish- 
 ment of a Church of God, in which the Bible is read to the peo- 
 ple; and read to them, not only from the Bible itself, but also 
 large portions of it from the Book of Common Prayer ; and thus 
 many who are destitute of the Bible, will still be enabled to hear 
 its sacred truths. For it must be admitted, and we are free to 
 acknowledge, that it is not the mere circulation of books printed 
 and bound, by which the great cause is to be promoted for we
 
 304 Ninth Auxiliary Meeting. [1825 
 
 lament that the Bible often remains a sealed book ; but it is by the 
 proper reception of the truth, and the most likely way of impress- 
 ing it upon the heart. Should any opportunity present itself, in 
 your vicinity, for the distribution of the Bible or Prayer Book, 
 we solicit your speedy application to our Agent, so that the wants 
 of all persons standing in need of this most important charity, 
 may be readily supplied. 
 
 While the Board of Managers, in addition to their pecuniary 
 aid and that of their patrons, are still willing to devote them- 
 selves, with renewed vigour, to the important objects of the 
 Society, they feel confident that no support that you can render 
 them will be withheld ; and they have only now to make one more 
 request, and it is made with no small degree of earnestness, that 
 all those who shall interest themselves in their behalf, or who 
 shall favour them with pecuniary support, would superadd thereto 
 their fervent prayers, that the blessing of God may rest on their 
 exertions and contributions. 
 
 We have the honour to be, very respectfully, 
 Your obedient servants, 
 
 WM. E. DUNSCOMB. 
 
 FLOYD SMITH. 
 
 C. N. S. ROWLAND/ 
 
 The result of this appeal is given in this account of its meeting 
 in January, 1825, and the full report then made. 
 
 The Ninth Annual Meeting of the Auxiliary New York Bible 
 and Common Prayer Book Society was held in St. Paul's Chapel, 
 on Tuesday, January 25th, 1825, at seven o'clock p. M., William 
 E. Dunscomb, Esq., President of the Society, in the Chair, and 
 Charles Keeler, Secretary. 
 
 The Ninth Annual Report of the Board of Managers was 
 read by Mr. Floyd Smith; when the following resolutions were 
 unanimously adopted : 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Benjamin T. Onderdonk, Resolved, 
 that the Society accept with great satisfaction, the Report of the 
 Board of Managers, which contains the gratifying intelligence of 
 its continued prosperity. 
 
 i. An Address to Episcopalians in the United States from the Board of 
 Managers of the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book So- 
 ciety, on the subject of Distributing the Bible and Book of Common Prayer. 
 November, 1824. New York: Printed by T. and J. Swords, No. 99 Pearl 
 Street. 1824.
 
 1825] Ninth Auxiliary Report. 305 
 
 On motion of the Rev. William Richmond, Resolved, that the 
 Society will continue to press forward in the good cause they 
 have in hand, relying firmly on the Divine assistance, and the 
 cordial and generous aid of their Christian brethren. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Jonathan M. Wainwright, D.D., Re- 
 solved, that the thanks of this Society be presented to the Board 
 of Managers, for the prudence and zeal with which they have 
 conducted the affairs of the institution. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. John Sellon, Resolved, that the Annual 
 Report, together with the proceedings of this meeting, be pub- 
 lished, under the direction of the Board of Managers. 
 
 The Society then proceeded to elect a Board of Managers for 
 the ensuing year; and the following gentlemen were declared 
 by the inspectors to be duly elected, viz. 
 
 William E. Dunscomb, President. 
 
 J. Smyth Rogers, M.D., ist Vice President. 
 
 John Watts, Jun., M.D., 2nd Vice President. 
 
 John J. Lambert, 3rd Vice President. 
 
 Charles W. Sandford, Corresponding Secretary. 
 
 Charles Keeler, Recording Secretary. 
 
 Floyd Smith, Treasurer. 
 
 Thomas N. Stanford, Agent. 
 
 Managers : Luther Bradish, J. Lawrence Moore, Henry Bar- 
 clay, Henry Becker, Charles Nichols, D. A. Cushman, William 
 H. Harison, Benjamin M. Brown, Peter Kean, John W. Kear- 
 ney, C. N. S. Rowland, James F. Depeyster, Robert Hyslop, 
 George Jones, Thomas T. Groshon, Philip Rhinelander, Jun., 
 Richard Oakley, Andrew Hamersley, M.D. 
 
 NINTH AUXILIARY REPORT. 
 
 Being well convinced that the mere distribution of volumes, 
 however important in itself, can never be admitted as a sufficient 
 test of the usefulness of this, or any similar institution, the 
 Board have anxiously sought those modes of distribution which 
 not only place them in the hands of the poor and destitute, but 
 with the most certainty ensure their diligent perusal. For this 
 purpose, when appropriations of books have been made for a 
 particular congregation, or district of country, their distribution 
 has been confided to the settled Clergyman, or Missionary, or 
 to some judicious Layman, who was best acquainted with the 
 circumstances of the individuals whose wants it was our intention 
 (20)
 
 306 Ninth Auxiliary Report. 
 
 to supply ; when to the seamen and mariners of our ships of war, 
 or naval depots, to their chaplains; when to those of the mer- 
 chant service, to the master or supercargo; when for indigent 
 individuals generally, to our patrons and subscribers ; and when 
 to the wretched inmates of our prisons and hospitals, to the ven- 
 erable and pious chaplain 1 of these institutions. And here it 
 would be an act of injustice not to acknowledge the disinterest- 
 edness of this exemplary servant of the cross, who, although not 
 an Episcopalian, has most cheerfully consented to become the 
 almoner of our bounty among the various individuals who, from 
 time to time, are the objects of his pastoral care. Thus, in all 
 cases, we have steadily borne in mind the important distinction 
 between the mere issuing of our volumes, and the religious and 
 moral benefits to be derived from their diligent and faithful use. 
 With this brief explanation of the views which have guided us 
 in the discharge of a very essential part of our duty, we proceed 
 to exhibit a detailed statement of our operations during the past 
 year. 
 
 On Sunday evening, the first of February last, the annual 
 address was delivered in Grace Church, by the Rev. Cornelius 
 R. Duffie, Rector of St. Thomas's Church, and formerly Senior 
 Vice President of the Society. It is due to our reverend friend 
 and fellow labourer in this good cause, to take this occasion to 
 state, that he was among the projectors of this Society, and has 
 given it the aid of a uniform, enlightened, and efficient support, 
 as one of its officers, until a short time previous to his ordina- 
 tion, when he resigned his station in our Board, which, by a 
 provision of our act of incorporation, is required to be composed 
 of laymen only. A new opportunity, however, was then afforded 
 to him of manifesting his unabated interest in its affairs; and to 
 us of at once evincing our sense of former services, and indulg- 
 ing the strongest feelings of personal attachment, by his accept- 
 ance of our unanimous invitation to deliver the eighth annual 
 address. 
 
 The sudden and intense coldness of the night appointed for 
 its delivery, occasioned a small audience; and this, added to the 
 circumstances, that a collection had been that day made in Grace 
 Church for its deservedly popular Charity School, as also in the 
 Wall Street Church, on the same evening, for the benefit of the 
 
 I. The Rev. John Stanford.
 
 1825] Ninth Auxiliary Report. 307 
 
 Orphan Asylum, very materially disappointed the wishes and 
 expectations we had formed. 
 
 The Board were not unmindful of their duty to take proper 
 measures to increase the resources of the Society. 
 
 Almost at the very moment, however, when our plans, thus 
 formed for augmenting the number of our annual and life sub- 
 scribers were ready to be put in operation, the "House of 
 Refuge," an object which enlisted the purest feelings which could 
 influence the Christian, the philanthropist, and the real patriot, 
 presented its claims to public patronage. The Board deeply 
 regretted this unexpected collision, but they had progressed too 
 far in their arrangements to recede, without the entire abandon- 
 ment of all the pecuniary advantages which they had anticipated : 
 and after due deliberation it was determined to proceed. The 
 application, although not successful to the extent of our hopes, 
 resulted in the addition of thirty-eight names to our annual sub- 
 scription list. 
 
 The measures hitherto pursued by the Treasurer have imparted 
 such a character of stability to our fiscal concerns as to preclude 
 the fear of future embarrassment, so long as the same system is 
 faithfully adhered to, and the Society enjoys a reasonable share 
 of the bounty of its friends. 
 
 The sum of $791.61, including the balance of last year, and 
 exclusive of the publication and sale, at prime cost, of 1,375 
 Prayer Books, have been received into the Treasury, to the 
 credit of the disposable fund ; and $822.26 have been expended 
 in incidental expenses and the publication of books; leaving a 
 balance due the Treasurer of $30.66. 
 
 By this statement, our patrons will perceive that our distribu- 
 tions have not only kept pace with our present means, but antici- 
 pated their future benefactions. 
 
 The "permanent fund" has been augmented, during the past 
 year, from $652.13, to $777.67, by life subscriptions and the 
 accumulation of interest. Of this sum $700 is out at interest at 
 7 per cent., payable quarterly ; the balance is in private and safe 
 hands, at 6 per cent. The amount of life subscriptions and inter- 
 est is invested the day it is received, in such way as to entitle it 
 to an interest of 6 per cent per annum. 
 
 The Society's means of gratuitous operation for the ensuing 
 year will be the whole amount of subscriptions for the year 1824, 
 which are now due and collectible; and the amount which may
 
 308 Ninth Auxiliary Report. [1825 
 
 be received when the Ninth Annual Address is delivered. 
 
 The Agent, in his annual report to the Board, has given such 
 a minute and satisfactory account of his department, that we 
 submit a summary of it for the gratification of our patrons. 
 
 Summary of the gratuitous distributions of the Auxiliary New 
 York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, from January 
 28th, 1824, to January I4th, 1825. 
 
 To whom delivered. Bibles. P. B. 
 
 To the Charity School of Grace Church, New York. 50 
 
 To the Sunday Schools in connection with the New 
 York Protestant Episcopal Sunday School 
 Society 22 119 
 
 To other Sunday Schools in the city and country ... 54 
 
 To the Orphan Asylum, Alms House, Hospital, 
 
 State Prison, &c., &c 12 104 
 
 To the crews of several ships 16 74 
 
 To Missionaries in the northern and western parts 
 
 of the State 321 
 
 To clergymen residing in the States of Vermont, 
 Connecticut. New York, New Jersey, Pennsyl- 
 vania, Ohio, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Ter- 
 ritory of Michigan 10 284 
 
 To the clergy residing in this city 14 88 
 
 To the Rev. William A. Clark, for the use of "All 
 
 Saints' Church," New York 50 
 
 To the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, 
 an appropriation forwarded by direction of its 
 Corresponding Secretary, to Green Bay, Mich- 
 igan Territory 100 
 
 To a gentleman of New York, for distribution in 
 
 New Orleans 30 
 
 Delivered to members and subscribers by orders 
 
 from the Treasurer 29 64 
 
 To several laymen residing in New York, Pennsyl- 
 vania, Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky, for 
 distribution 10 109 
 
 To Emigrants going to Hayti 15 81 
 
 To Soldiers in Garrison at New York 3 13 
 
 1541
 
 1825] Ninth Auxiliary Report. 309 
 
 Being a total of 131 Bibles, and 1,541 Prayer Books, gratu- 
 itously distributed; and sales have been effected to the number 
 of 1,375 Prayer Books, to other Societies, and to clergymen and 
 laymen. Total of sales and distributions during the present 
 year, 131 Bibles, and 2,916 Prayer Books. Grand total of sales 
 and distributions since the formation of the Society, in 1816, is 
 3,750 Bibles, and 26,008 Prayer Books, or 29,758 volumes. 
 
 THOMAS N. STANFORD, Agent. 
 
 New York, January I7th, 1825. 
 
 Our stereotype plates of both the Bible and Book of Common 
 Prayer, have been ordered to be read and corrected by the Stand- 
 ard copy of the Bible and Prayer Book, recently adopted by the 
 General Convention of our Church, the former of which was 
 purchased by, and the latter presented to, the Board. 
 
 Near the close of this year, the Board gave authority to a 
 committee, to transmit to the reverend clergy, influential laymen, 
 and to institutions similar to our own, throughout the United 
 States, an address on the subject of the distribution of the Bible 
 and Book of Common Prayer, which will constitute a part of 
 this report, in the form of an appendix. In anticipation of the 
 increased demand which this measure is expected to produce, an 
 edition of 1,000 copies of the Bible has been ordered to be 
 printed from our plates, and the number of Prayer Books usually 
 kept in our depository to be augmented. The Board indulge the 
 hope, that in this way this Society will become more generally, 
 than it has hitherto been, the source of supply to many similar, 
 but less favourably circumstanced institutions, and to benevolent 
 individuals throughout the country, who may purchase for gra- 
 tuitous distribution, on more advantageous terms than they 
 could otherwise enjoy. 
 
 The Board continue to receive the cordial acknowledgments 
 of the Clergy, and particularly of those residing at a distance, 
 for the good effected by the operations of this Society. And 
 they think it not improper to mention one fact, which has been 
 communicated to them, and which, in their judgment, furnishes 
 a striking and practical commentary upon the peculiar adapta- 
 tion of the Book of Common Prayer, as a book of devotion for 
 general use. The reverend Chaplain of the Navy Yard, in this 
 port, informs us that the seamen and mariners of our ships of
 
 810 Ninth Auxiliary Report. [1825 
 
 war, but few of whom have been accustomed to the services of 
 our Church in early life, manifest a strong and general disposi- 
 tion to take with them a copy of that work ; and have frequently 
 expressed to him their sense of its value as a book of devotion 
 and instruction. The same fact has heretofore been stated as it 
 regards the seamen of the merchant service. To gratify this 
 preference, as well as to contribute to the moral and spiritual 
 improvement of this valuable, but hitherto much neglected por- 
 tion of our fellow men, the Board have made frequent donations 
 to the "Port Society" of this city, and to the Chaplains and other 
 officers of the Navy, for the use of the seamen under their charge 
 and authority. 
 
 We quote the language of the Rev. Dr. Miller in his recent 
 and admirable lecture on the "utility and importance of creeds 
 and confessions." And it must afford unfeigned satisfaction to 
 Episcopalians, who have been so long subjected to popular oppro- 
 brium, and exposed themselves to denunciation, by adhering to, 
 and advocating, "through good report and through evil report," 
 those principles and peculiarities which distinguish them from 
 other denominations, to listen to the commendatory language of 
 a learned and pious divine of another communion ; who, without 
 doubt, like themselves, perceives, in the unchecked operation of 
 the latitudinarian principles of the present day, the future pros- 
 tration of all those characteristics which distinguish truth from 
 error. These better views, which are now gaining ground, of 
 the true nature of Christian charity (in opposition to that spuri- 
 ous liberality which would confound all just distinctions, and 
 result in the ultimate abandonment of truth), furnish a new 
 motive to Episcopalians to regard the apostolic injunction, to 
 "hold fast the profession of th'eir faith without wavering," and 
 "to contend earnestly for that faith once delivered to the saints" ; 
 and, by their uniform support of this Society, to extend that sys- 
 tem of faith, order of ministry, and mode of worship, which 
 commend themselves to their reason, intelligence, and piety, as 
 the most pure, primitive and apostolic. Thus doing, they will 
 enjoy the rich reward of the approbation of their own conscience, 
 and the blessing of the Divine Head of the Church. 1 
 
 I. The Ninth Annual Report of the Managers of the Auxiliary New 
 York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society. New York: Printed by T. 
 and J. Swords, No. 99 Pearl Street. 1825.
 
 1825] Fifteenth Annual Report. 311 
 
 The Annual Meeting of the New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society was held March i, 1825, when the Fif- 
 teenth Annual Report was read and approved and the following 
 managers elected : 
 
 Matthew Clarkson, Gulian Ludlow, John Onderdonk, Isaac 
 Carow, John Sliddl, Richard Whiley, Henry Rogers, Henry 
 McFarlan, George Dominick, Richard Platt. (Folio 117.) 
 
 The Board of Managers of the New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society now respectfully present to their constitu- 
 ents their 
 
 FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. 
 
 This they would do with a devout sense of gratitude to the 
 Great Head of the Church, that they have been suffered to con- 
 tinue the instrument for contributing in part to the momentous 
 objects for which that Church was constituted "the pillar and 
 ground of the truth," and the great means of promoting the 
 interests of the Gospel. The Board feels continually increasing 
 confidence that institutions like theirs, held together by the truly 
 evangelical bond of the principles and order of the purest sections 
 of the Catholic Church, are the most legitimate and the most 
 efficient means of spreading the knowledge and due influence of 
 the religion of the Cross. 
 
 They rejoice in being engaged in that genuine Bible cause 
 which consists in spreading that religion in its integrity and 
 purity and in a way most consistent with them. That that relig- 
 ion is, in the present day, much misunderstood, is obvious to 
 every one whose view of the spiritual character of the times is 
 impartial, and formed under the proper influence of evangelical 
 principles from causes which need not now be detailed, the indif- 
 ference so natural to the carnal mind on the subject of religious 
 faith and practice is gaining a fearful ascendency, and threaten- 
 ing almost the existence of that true Bible religion which God 
 gave us for our best temporal and eternal interests, and the 
 maintenance and promulgation of which he committed to his 
 holy Church. 
 
 Good men, who although differing in their views of what is 
 evangelical truth, yet agreeing that it is something definite, and 
 not so variable as to be whatever human fancy may wish it, or 
 so vague as to embrace theories of every fancy are becoming
 
 312 Fifteenth Annual Report. [1825 
 
 more and more sensible, that as the Bible can, in fact, never go 
 without accompanying comments and explanations; so care 
 should be taken that these be such as only do justice to that 
 sacred volume, and lead to a correct understanding of its con- 
 tents. We rejoice in the conviction that our Society contributes 
 to this end both by the principle on which it is organized and 
 the mode of its operations. 
 
 It is identified with a sound branch of the Catholic Church, 
 and thus has a direct tendency to preserve and strengthen that 
 truly evangelical unity of spirit in the bond of peace, which is 
 characterized by the faith of the Gospel and by the principles of 
 ecclesiastical order which the Gospel prescribes. 
 
 The means we use to advance the cause of Christ are, first, 
 the distribution of the Bible, the charter of our salvation, and 
 the only genuine source of religious faith and duty, and in as 
 much as the distribution of the Bible will in fact be always ac- 
 companied with efforts tending to a certain understanding of its 
 contents, we wish to give a proper direction to this invaluable 
 attendant on the circulation of the Scriptures, and this cannot 
 be better done than by disseminating that volume next in value 
 to the Bible which gives a faithful digest of its truths in creeds 
 and articles of acknowledged evangelical purity ; which contains 
 a literal transcript of many of the most important portions of 
 the Bible ; which incorporates the Bible system of faith and 
 practice, with offices of devotion, which for every qualification 
 of evangelical worship, are unsurpassed in any language, which 
 thus presents the religion of the Bible in a form the best calcu- 
 lated to arrest the attention, interest the feelings, and influence 
 the heart and life; which exhibits the primitive and evangelical 
 characteristics of that Church which God established for pre- 
 serving and disseminating his true religion and to be the channel 
 of his grace and mercy to a fallen world, and which has often 
 been the successful incipient means of permanently establishing 
 a branch of that Church, which lends to the great and precious 
 truths of the Gospel the powerful and only truly effectual aid 
 and support of perpetually presenting those truths before its 
 members, by indispensably requiring of its ministers the constant 
 performance of holy offices which enforce, in its fullness and 
 purity, the truth as it is in Jesus. If any cause, surely that in 
 which we are engaged is the Bible cause.
 
 1825] Fifteenth Annual Report. 313 
 
 We would that we had to tell of greater efficiency in the pros- 
 ecution of that cause. What we have been enabled to do we 
 have done. God grant that it may be the means of encourage- 
 ment to those who have means of increasing our usefulness, and 
 whom we have a right to look to extend these means with a 
 liberality proportioned to their ability, and to the excellence and 
 vast importance of the cause ! 
 
 Within the past year 184 Bibles and 388 Prayer Books have 
 been gratuitously distributed, and 120 octavo Prayer Books 
 have been given to members on the terms of the Society, making 
 an aggregate distribution of 592 volumes: 123 Bibles and 361 
 Prayer Books are now in the Depository waiting suitable op- 
 portunities of being forwarded to the places for which they are 
 designed. The aggregate of Bibles, New Testaments and 
 Prayer Books distributed by this Society, principally gratuitously 
 since its establishment in 1809, is 12,367. 
 
 The receipts into the Treasury during the past year included 
 a balance of $79.57 at the last report, have been $573.20, all on 
 account of the disposable funds. The expenses have been 
 $400.95. There remains, of course, a balance of $172.25. 
 The sum of $500 has been appropriated by the Board for the 
 purchase of Bibles and Prayer Books during the year. 
 
 Our permanent fund amounts to $5,401.70. It will be per- 
 ceived that this permanent fund is our principal dependence. 
 Were the smallness of the receipts from subscribers owing en- 
 tirely to this insensibility to this excellent charity on the part of 
 the members of our Church in this city, we should indeed have 
 reason to lament the decay of true love for the cause of Christ, 
 and devotion to his interests. We have been, however, less solicit- 
 ous on this subject on account of the truly laudable and eminently 
 successful zeal of the Auxiliary Society, which was established 
 in this city in the year 1816. It is devoted to the same good 
 cause, and is pursuing it in the same scriptural way. We 
 rejoice that it is so; and in order to avoid the inconvenience to 
 both Societies of a public appeal in behalf of both, in the anni- 
 versary sermons, we have for several years waived that mode of 
 increasing our funds in favour of the Auxiliary Society. It is 
 the cause to which we are devoted, and we rejoice to see it 
 flourish in our hands, and most heartily give God speed to that 
 excellent sister institution. Our two subscription lists together
 
 314 Fifteenth Annual Report. [18*25 
 
 are not what should be expected in a city where the Episcopal 
 communion ranks 3o high both in numbers and wealth. 
 
 We respectfully suggest it to the consciences of our brethren 
 whether they are true to the interests of the Church, and to those 
 of the Gospel of which she is the best friend, if such institutions 
 are cramped in their usefulness for want of patronage which it 
 is in their power to extend. 
 
 It appears by the ninth annual report of the Auxiliary Society, 
 just published, that they had put into circulation during the pre- 
 ceding year, 131 Bibles and 2,916 Prayer Books, and 29.758 
 Bibles and Prayer Books since the establishment of the Society. 
 There have heretofore been distributed by the two Societies in 
 this city during the past year 3,739 Bibles and Prayer Books. 
 And since the year 1809, 42,125 Bibles, New Testaments and 
 Prayer Books. We are also happy to be assured of the cooper- 
 ation of similar institutions in other parts of our diocese. Of 
 these, however, the proceedings of but two have come within 
 our knowledge during the past year, viz : those of the Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society of Albany and its vicinity, which 
 appears by the last report to have expended during the preceding 
 year, in the objects of its establishment, $113.49; and those of 
 the Bible and Common Prayer Book Society of the Central Part 
 of the State of New York, which distributed during the year 
 preceding its last annual meeting 481 Bibles and Prayer Books. 
 
 It would seem desirable that the Board of this Society should 
 be regularly furnished with the reports of all sister institutions 
 in this diocese, in order that there may thus be annually given a 
 view of all that is done throughout the State for distributing the 
 Bible and Book of Common Prayer. We would therefore re- 
 spectfully solicit of the boards of managers of such institutions 
 their cooperation to this end. 
 
 As far as our present means of information extend, we think 
 it may be fairly computed that the aggregate of distribution 
 during the past year by societies belonging to the Church in this 
 State has been at least 4,500 copies of the Bible and Book of 
 Common Prayer. 
 
 Although much more might have been expected, yet this is a 
 refreshing and encouraging truth. It is much the custom to 
 laud the religious aspect of the present times. We hope there is 
 ground for it. We fear, however, that there is much to diminish 
 the satisfaction of the true Christian, in the too prevalent char-
 
 1825] Fifteenth Annual Report. 315 
 
 acter of the religion of the day. Much of self-will is mingled 
 with it; much of disregard for order; much of indifference to 
 faith ; and much of that mere dissipation which runs after every 
 novelty, and seeks rather the gratification of hearing, no matter 
 what or whom, provided it pleases, than the more sober, more 
 humbling, more self-trying, but vastly more edifying, adherence 
 to that sound doctrine, to that use of those means of grace, and 
 observance of those rules of unity and order which the Bible 
 identifies with evangelical piety. The very professed religion 
 then which appears to be now gaining ground requires the efforts 
 of the friend of the Gospel for its purification from the unhal- 
 lowed mixtures to which human frailty has subjected it. and, 
 for its direction into the good old way, which the Gospel reveals 
 as ordained and required by Almighty God. And they surely 
 cannot prosecute this pious object in a mode more promising 
 success than by extending the principles and enlarging the 
 borders of that Church which makes more effectual provision 
 than any other religious community for spreading the knowledge 
 and securing the permanent and consistent reception of the 
 genuine religion of the Bible. This is our object. It is not an 
 object of sect, but one connected with the dearest interests of 
 the Redeemer's cause. The friends of that cause we would ask 
 to strengthen our hands and the hands of all with whom we have 
 the honour of cooperating in this holy design. And the blessing 
 of him whose cause it is we would humbly invoke, and ask our 
 friends to unite with us in invoking, that we may be directed in all 
 our doings with his most gracious favour and furthered with his 
 continual help, that through our humble instrumentality that 
 grace may more abound, whereby the Holy Scriptures which 
 God has caused to be written for our learning, may be so read, 
 marked, learned, and inwardly digested that the Church of the 
 Bible and the divine principles and precepts which are commit- 
 ted to its care may be well known, and more widely extended, 
 and produce in the hearts and lives of men their wonted reno- 
 vating and sanctifying influence. 
 
 Signed by order of the Board. 
 
 WILLIAM BERRIAN, Chairman, p. t. 
 BENJAMIN T. ONDERDONK, Secretary. 
 New York, February 23, 1825. l 
 
 I. The Christian Journal, April, 1825, Volume IX., No. 4, pp. 114, 115, 116.
 
 316 Sixteenth Annual Report. [1825 
 
 By a change in the time for delivering the annual address to 
 November there is no printed report for the tenth year of the 
 Auxiliary Society. 
 
 The Annual Meeting for 1826 was held on February 28th, 
 \\hen the Sixteenth Annual Report was adopted and the follow- 
 ing gentlemen elected managers for the ensuing year : 
 
 John Onderdonk, Isaac Carovv, John Slidell, Richard Whiley, 
 Henry Rogers, Henry McFarlan, George Dominick, Richard 
 Platt, Gulian Ludlow, David Clarkson. (Folio 122.) 
 
 THE SIXTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS 
 
 OF THE NEW YORK BIBLE AND COMMON PRAYER 
 
 BOOK SOCIETY. 
 
 The managers of the New York Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society, again under a grateful sense of the continued 
 favour and blessing of the Divine Head of the Church, present 
 to their constituents the required annual review of their pro- 
 ceedings. As mentioned in former reports, so much active and 
 successful exertion has, of late years, been bestowed on the same 
 species of public beneficence by the Auxiliary Society in this 
 city, as to leave to your Board little else to do than to turn to 
 the best advantage the funds already at their disposal. 
 
 These consist of the interest of a permanent fund amounting 
 to $5,451.37 cents; and of annual subscriptions which amounted 
 during the last year to $125.60 cents. The subscription list is 
 indeed small; exertions to increase it as well as to augment the 
 permanent fund having been waived in favour of those so zeal- 
 ously prosecuted by the Auxiliary Society. We do not mean to 
 say we wish we could that these exertions produce an effect 
 at all adequate to the disinterestedness and zeal with which they 
 are made, or in any fair proportion to the ability of those to 
 whom the Church has a right to look for the support of her insti- 
 tutions. It has been found, however, that the simultaneous 
 prosecution within the same sphere of the claims of the institu- 
 tions devoted to precisely the same purpose, has an unfavourable 
 influence on both. 
 
 The cause which we have at heart is ably promoted by your 
 indefatigable coadjutors; and we therein rejoice. Still, how-
 
 1826] Sixteenth Annual Report. 317 
 
 ever, the serious reflection will present itself that what is done 
 for that cause is far short of what ought to be expected. It is 
 not, to be sure, consistent with the decent order and Christian 
 simplicity which the Church, in whose communion our societies 
 are established, would infuse into her members to promote the 
 cause of those societies by measures of popular excitement and 
 personal display and gratification, more appropriate to places of 
 worldly wisdom than to those which should be controlled by the 
 wisdom which is from above by the humility, simplicity and 
 disinterestedness which are so prominent among the evangelical 
 graces; and the sacrifice of which is a serious injury to the very 
 cause with which it is sometimes drawn into intimate alliance. 
 Still it is our duty to press upon members of the Church, with 
 the greatest earnestness, the claims of those institutions which 
 have in view the advancement of the holy cause, and thus the 
 pure and undefined religion of the Gospel. It is not our wish to 
 present any of those institutions as having paramount claims. 
 They are all operating in holy concord; comprising in their 
 several objects the various means by which the Church may 
 manifest her efficiency in promoting the glory of God, and 
 man's spiritual and eternal welfare. 
 
 Sometimes a Bible may be received under circumstances ren- 
 dering it the best incipient means of conversion from sin to 
 holiness. Sometimes the tract or larger work of piety may be the 
 most suitable and efficient. Often the missionary may be re- 
 quired to perform his holy functions before proper attention will 
 be given to other means. 
 
 Very frequently the distribution of the Book of Common 
 Prayer, that best guide to devotion, and most faithful and in- 
 teresting digest of evangelical principles and precepts, is the 
 means blessed to a serious conviction of the awful importance of 
 religion, and a serious application to the heart and life of its 
 holy doctrines and salutary maxims. It often gives the first 
 impulse to those religious assemblages which prepare the way 
 for permanent parochial establishments, that will be for ages 
 the scene of sacerdotal ministrations promotive of the glory of 
 God, of the best interests of society, and of holiness here and 
 happiness hereafter, to multitudes of our fellow men. 
 
 It tends to strengthen the true "Bible cause," by promoting 
 that steadfast continuance "in the apostles' doctrine and fellow-
 
 318 Sixteenth Annual Report. 
 
 ship," 1 that unity in principles of order which is the most 
 primitive and most essential feature of the religion of the Bible. 
 
 The operation of those exalted charities, in which the Church, 
 in pity to the peculiar spiritual destitution of the children of the 
 poorer and more dependent classes, provides for them the gratu- 
 itous imparting of religious and other useful instruction, exerts 
 an influence throughout the community favourable to the success- 
 ful prosecution of all other means for securing the blessings of 
 pure religion and sound morality. 
 
 Nor finally should we forget the tribute due to that exalted 
 mean of usefulness calculated to give energy and efficiency to 
 every other provision for securing to the Church a pious ortho- 
 dox, learned and efficient ministry. 
 
 Institutions for promoting these various modes of usefulness 
 are offered to the patronage of the members of the Church. 
 They are so constituted as to be connected with the Church and 
 thus to possess a definite character, and a definite responsibility ; 
 and to afford means of doing good to the evangelical causes, 
 upon the evangelical principle of recognizing the Church as the 
 divinely appointed medium of all spiritual blessings from God 
 to man. 
 
 In our sphere and to the extent of our humble means, we have 
 endeavoured to do our part of the Church's holy work. 
 
 During the past year we have gratuitously distributed 244 
 Bibles and 488 Prayer Books; and given to members and sub- 
 scribers on the terms of the Society, 65 copies of the octavo 
 Prayer Book, printed from our stereotype plates, making an 
 aggregate of 797 volumes; and we would remind our fellow 
 members of the Church, that for every dollar which they con- 
 tribute to this Society they are entitled to an Octavo Prayer 
 Book or a Bible. 
 
 Our gratuitous distributions are in the form of appropriations 
 to the several parishes in this Diocese, and to the missionaries. 
 Every parish in union with the convention is entitled to its an- 
 nual proportion, and every missionary to a further appropria- 
 tion. Application should be made to the agent of the Society 
 for these several quota of Bibles and Prayer Books, sixty-three 
 Bibles and 180 Prayer Books of former appropriations are now 
 
 I. Acts ii. 42.
 
 1826] Sixteenth Annual Report. 319 
 
 in the depository ready to be delivered on demand. 
 
 The sum of $500 has been appropriated by the Board to the 
 purchase of Bibles and Prayer Books for distribution during 
 the ensuing year. 
 
 Of the operations during the past year of the other Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Societies in this diocese we know nothing, 
 with the exception of the Auxiliary Society in this city. It ap- 
 pears by its last report, that its gratuitous distribution for the 
 preceding year were 100 Bibles and 1,571 Prayer Books; and 
 that 3,769 Prayer Books have been sold from the depository 
 at a reduced price to societies and individuals for gratuitous 
 distribution, making an aggregate of 5,440 volumes. The two 
 societies* therefore in this city have distributed during the past 
 year 6,237 Bibles and Common Prayer Books. 
 
 The whole amount of distributions by our Society, since its 
 establishment in 1809, has been 13,164 Bibles, New Testaments 
 and Common Prayer Books, and the aggregate of distribution 
 for the same period by the two Societies has been 48,362 
 volumes. The parent Society has also a set of stereotype plates 
 of the Book of Common Prayer, of the octavo size; and the 
 Auxiliary Society a I2mo set of stereotype plates of the Bible 
 and one of the Prayer Book of i8mo size. 
 
 In the above efforts the Societies have endeavoured faithfully 
 to apply the means with which they have been furnished. 
 Whether the result is all that might reasonably have been ex- 
 pected of so large and wealthy a portion of the Church, we submit 
 to the candour and piety of her members. With humility and 
 gratitude we would say we have done what we could and de- 
 voutly pray that God's blessing may accompany it, and make it 
 instrumental in acomplishing the great and good ends for which 
 he established the Church to whose holy cause our Society is 
 devoted. 
 
 Signed by order of the Board. 
 
 JNO. M. WAINWRIGHT, Chairman, p. t. 
 Attest : BENJAMIN T. ONDERDONK, Secretary. 
 
 New York, February 22, 1826.* 
 
 This Society admits as members or subscribers all persons 
 who pay annually to the Treasurers a sum not less than two 
 
 I. The Christian Journal, April, 1826, Volume X., No. 4, pp. 122, 123, 124.
 
 320 Eleventh Auxiliary Report. [1826 
 
 dollars, for which payment they are entited to receive one Bible 
 and one Prayer Book, or three Prayer Books; and for each 
 additional sum of one dollar and fifty cents per annum an ad- 
 ditional Bible and Prayer Book or three Prayer Books, at the 
 option of the member. 
 
 This Society supplies all orders for Prayer Books for gratu- 
 itous distribution, when cash or reference for payment on 
 delivery of the same accompanies the order, at thirty cents per 
 copy. Orders for Bibles or Prayer Books should be addressed 
 to Thomas N. Stanford, agent of the Society at the Depository, 
 No. 1 60 Pearl Street. 
 
 Subscriptions and donations will be thankfully received by the 
 Treasurers, No. 42 Courtandt Street, or the agent, No. 160 
 Pearl Street. 
 
 The fall meeting of the Auxiliary was held in St. Paul's 
 Chapel, November 9, 1826. 
 
 ELEVENTH AUXILIARY REPORT. 
 
 The Eleventh Annual Report of the Board of Managers was 
 read by Mr. Floyd Smith, when the following resolutions were 
 unanimously adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That the Report just read be accepted. 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be presented to the 
 Board of Managers for the fidelity and prudence with which 
 they have discharged the duties entrusted to them. 
 
 Resolved, That the future Board of Managers be requested 
 to take into their consideration the subject of appointing com- 
 mittees in the several parishes in this city, for the purpose of 
 obtaining additional subscribers to the Society. 
 
 Resolved, That the Annual Report, together with the pro- 
 ceedings of the Board, be published under the direction of the 
 Board of Managers. 
 
 The following gentlemen were elected a Board of Managers 
 for the ensuing year, viz : 
 
 William E. Dunscomb, President. 
 
 J. Smyth Rogers, M.D., ist Vice President. 
 
 James F. Depeyster, 2nd Vice President. 
 
 C. N. S. Rowland, Corresponding Secretary. 
 
 Charles Keeler, Recording Secretary. 
 
 Floyd Smith, Treasurer.
 
 1826] Eleventh Auxiliary Report. 321 
 
 Thomas N. Stanford, Agent. 
 
 Managers: Luther Bradish, George C. Morgan, Henry 
 Barclay, Warmaldus Cooper, Charles Nichols, S. Caldwell 
 Cleveland, Richard Oakley, Lewis Curtis, J. Lawrence Moore, 
 Thomas Browning, Henry Bicker, Henry Cotheal, D. A. Cush- 
 man, Samuel D. Rogers, Benjamin M. Brown, Charles Roach, 
 And. Hamersley, M.D., Peter Ritter. 1 
 
 By a Resolution of the Board of Managers, previously 
 passed, the time for the delivery of the Annual Address was 
 transferred fro mabout the first of February to the latter part of 
 November. The pecuniary interests of the Society had so fre- 
 quently suffered from the inclemency of the weather at the 
 former period, as to render this arrangement a matter of im- 
 perative obligation. Pursuant to the latter resolution, the Rev- 
 erend William Creighton, Rector of St. Mark's Church, 
 delivered an able and appropriate address in St. Paul's Chapel, 
 on Sunday evening, the 2jth of November last, on which oc- 
 casion two hundred and fifteen dollars were collected for the 
 benefit of the Society. 
 
 On the first day of February last our Tenth Annual Report 
 was presented to the Society, and its disposition referred, in the 
 usual manner, to the Board of Managers. At an early meeting 
 of the Board it was deemed inexpedient to publish it in a 
 pamphlet form, in as much as the resolution of the Society 
 altering the time of holding the anniversary meeting would 
 render it necessary, in the comparatively short space of nine 
 months, to exhibit our eleventh report. It was therefore deemed 
 both prudent and proper to omit its publication, and to incor- 
 porate its most material facts in the Eleventh Report, and thus 
 present a distinct view of the Society's operations for the last 
 twenty-one months. 
 
 There have been received into the Treasury, to the credit of 
 the disposable fund, one thousand one hundred and ninety-five 
 dollars and twenty-eight cents, exclusive of one thousand eight 
 hundred and five dollars and seventy cents, employed in the 
 publication and sale, at prime cost, of six thousand and nineteen 
 
 I. The Eleventh Annual Report of the Board of Managers of the Auxil- 
 iary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society. New York: 
 Printed by T. and J. Swords, No. 99 Pearl Street. 1826. 
 
 (21)
 
 822 Eleventh Auxiliary Report. [1826 
 
 copies of the Prayer Book. One thousand and sixty-six dollars 
 and thirty-five cents have been expended in the purchase of 
 Bibles, and the publication of Prayer Books, for gratuitous dis- 
 tribution, the correction of our plates, and the ordinary contin- 
 gent charges of the Society; leaving in the hands of the Treas- 
 urer on the first instant, one hundred and twenty-eight dollars 
 and ninety-three cents. The Society is indebted to its publishers 
 three hundred and forty-nine dollars and eighty cents; which 
 will not only absorb the above balance, but leave a deficit of two 
 hundred and twenty dollars and eighty-seven cents, for which 
 
 provision must be made. 
 
 ******** 
 
 The Agent's Report herewith presented, exhibits the distribu- 
 tions and sales during the same period. 
 There have been gratuitously distributed 
 
 Bibles. P. B. 
 
 To the Orphan Asylum and other humane institu- 
 tions in the city 69- 
 
 To the Superintendents and Teachers of the Sunday 
 
 and Charity Schools in this city and county .... 28 302: 
 
 To Captain Elliott, of the United States ship Cyane, 
 
 for the use of the crew 50 
 
 To the Captains and crews of several merchant ves- 
 sels sailing from this port 16 81 
 
 To the labourers at Monroe Iron Works 36 
 
 To several gentlemen, at various times, to assist in 
 the formation of new congregations in this and 
 other States 245; 
 
 To the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of 
 the Prot. Episcopal Church for distribution at 
 the missionary stations 200 
 
 To the Rev. Cave Jones, Chaplain in the United 
 States Navy, for the use of the seamen con- 
 nected with the naval establishment in this 
 port, and for the use of the officers and crews 
 of the United States ships of war when at sea. 91 
 
 To sundry benevolent individuals, for the use of 
 
 poor persons 160 
 
 To the Missionaries and other Clergymen, for dis- 
 tribution in this diocese 761
 
 1826] Eleventh Auxiliary Report. 32S 
 
 To Clergymen, for distribution in other states and 
 
 territories 398 
 
 To members and subscribers to the Society, agree- 
 ably to the terms of subscription 76 212 
 
 Distributed by the Agent, at various times, to indi- 
 gent Episcopalians 30 92 
 
 Making 150 2697 
 
 The sales of the Prayer Book, during the same period, at the 
 Society's very low price, were 6,019 copies, making a total of 
 sales and distributions of the Prayer Book 8,716 copies; and 
 making a grand total of sales and distributions since the organi- 
 zation of the Society of 38,474 volumes. 
 
 The Board of Managers have received from the Rev. Cave 
 Jones, Chaplain in the United States Navy on this Station, an 
 interesting and satisfactory communication on the subject of the 
 distribution of the books which have been from time to time 
 committed to his care and disposal. Mr. Jones has performed 
 the office of almoner with so much judgment and effect, and has 
 afforded us so much gratification by the perusal of the account 
 of his mode of operation, that we have determined to make it 
 constitute a part of this Report. 
 
 "In reference to the effect resulting from the distribution, with- 
 out entering upon any minute detail, I will only say, that it 
 cannot fail to afford gratification to every friend of that neg- 
 lected class of our species, who have hitherto been, as it were, 
 outcasts from the house of God; and at the same time to every 
 one who wishes to see the sublime service of the Church extend 
 the boundaries of its influence, were he present to witness the 
 orderly and apparently devout manner in which many of the 
 seamen join in the service, and the strict regularity with which 
 every part of it is performed. I will only add, that this remark 
 has frequently been made by occasional visitors. And officers of 
 the Navy, high in rank too, who have never before been present 
 at such a scene, have impulsively expressed the deep impression 
 which has been made on their minds, of the beneficial results 
 which must arise from the regular performance of these duties. 
 
 "As one immediate consequence, I will take the opportunity 
 to mention, that a commencement has been made of introducing 
 the regular performance of public worship, according to the
 
 324 Eleventh Auxiliary Report. [1826 
 
 forms of the Church, on board of several of the ships of war; 
 and even on board of those which are not, according to the regu- 
 lations of the navy, entitled to a chaplain. The first arrangement 
 of this kind was on the ship of war Ontario, on board of which, 
 previously to her sailing for the Mediterranean, I officiated sev- 
 eral times, to a very attentive audience; and the commander of 
 which, Captain Nicholson, gave me assurance, that it was his 
 determined resolution to have divine service performed, and a 
 sermon read, every Sunday during the cruise. What is also 
 highly encouraging, I will take the opportunity to mention, that 
 on those occasions the First Lieutenant, who had been, as he 
 informed me, brought up in a different religious society, yet 
 joined in ardour in the service of the Church ; and expressed his 
 firm conviction that her form of worship was the best adapted to 
 interest the minds of seamen. The same sentiment has also 
 been expressed to me by others, still higher in command, and 
 who have likewise been accustomed from their early years to 
 the extemporaneous mode. 
 
 "The same plan has since been pursued on board of the United 
 States corvette Cyane, of a still higher grade, but not entitled to 
 the services of an authorized Minister of religion. The com- 
 mander thereof, Captain Elliott, engaged as his secretary, with 
 a view to that service, a gentleman of serious deportment, and 
 acquainted with the service of the Church, and sent him to me 
 for instructions as to the parts of the service which it would be 
 proper for him to perform. He was also furnished with a supply 
 of Prayer Books; and a proper selection of sermons was made 
 
 by me at his request." 
 
 ******** 
 
 "From an officer lately returned from the Mediterranean 
 squadron I have had the pleasure to learn that what I had fondly 
 anticipated had been actually carried into effect. That gentle- 
 man was attached to the sloop of war Ontario, and was on board 
 at the time of my officiating, previously to her sailing. He in- 
 forms me that my recommendation has been strictly complied 
 with; for that from the time of her departure, and especially 
 while in port, divine service, according to the Episcopal form, 
 has been regularly performed by the Surgeon, and a sermon 
 read by the Captain, every Sunday morning. On these occa- 
 sions a signal was hoisted, to intimate the occasion to the other
 
 1826] Eleventh Auxiliary Report. 325 
 
 parts of the squadron, if any from them should see proper to 
 attend : and all intercourse with the ship, and all departure from 
 her, was prohibited during the hours of prayer. The same was 
 observed on board of the ship of war Erie. And on board of the 
 frigate Constitution, under the command of the lamented Mac- 
 donough, there was a chaplain episcopally ordained, who held 
 service and preached every Sunday. 
 
 "From these favourable commencements, I cannot but indulge 
 the hope, that the time is fast approaching, when not only 'they 
 who go down to the sea in ships, and occupy their business in 
 great waters, shall see the glory of the Lord, and his wonders in 
 the deep' ; but when 'the abundance of the sea shall be converted' 
 unto him. 
 
 "Respectfully, Sir, your obedient Servant, 
 
 "C. JONES, 
 "U. S. Naval Chaplain, New York Station. 
 
 "FLOYD SMITH, ESQ." 
 
 ******** 
 
 The Board have incurred one item of expense of considerable 
 magnitude; the reasons for which they feel it due both to them- 
 selves and their constituents to explain at length. It will be 
 recollected that in our Ninth Annual Report we announced our 
 determination to have the plates of both our Prayer Book and 
 Bible carefully compared with the standard copies of those works 
 adopted by the General Convention of our Church. Pursuant to 
 such determination a graduate of our Theological Seminary, who 
 possesses in an eminent degree the proper qualifications for such 
 an undertaking, was employed by the Board to examine and 
 compare the Bible, the Prayer Book having previously under- 
 gone the same process by another competent individual. As it 
 was impossible to ascertain the extent of the corrections to be 
 made in the plates previous to their examination, and as it was 
 requisite that the labour of the typefounder should immediately 
 follow that of the examiner, we were obliged to assume the risque 
 of the expense without a possibility of knowing its amount until 
 the completion of the work. 
 
 We regret to say, that the discovery of a number of errors in 
 punctuation, orthography, and typography, some affecting the 
 sense slightly, and others materially, has involved an expense 
 much greater than was, or could have been anticipated. In cast-
 
 326 Death of Mr. Gulian Ludlow. [1827 
 
 ing our plates for the Bible, the founder followed a corrected 
 copy of the American Bible Society; but which, on comparison 
 with the copy adopted as a. standard by the General Convention 
 of our Church, is found to differ as above stated ; the discovery 
 and correction of which differences has involved an expense of 
 about three hundred dollars. By reason of the relinquishment of 
 all profits on the sale of both our Bible and Prayer Book, in order 
 to increase the ability of other similar institutions and benevolent 
 individuals to be useful, by a more extended circulation of the 
 Bible and Prayer Book, this expense, great as it is, must be borne 
 by our ordinary funds. 
 
 The following circular letter was accordingly drafted : 
 Sir, 
 
 A Sermon will be preached, and a Collection made in St. 
 Paul's Chapel, next Sunday afternoon, for the benefit of the 
 Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society. 
 That Society has, during the past year, corrected its Stereotype 
 Plates of the Bible by the standard copy established by the Gen- 
 eral Convention of our Church ; so that they have now the means 
 of distributing a correct edition of the sacred volume. In accom- 
 plishing this, they have incurred a heavy debt, and they must 
 rely on the contributions of the benevolent for the means of dis- 
 charging it. The demand for Prayer Books from various quar- 
 ters increases, and furnishes an additional motive for aiding the 
 funds of a Society which has for many years been actively en- 
 gaged in supplying the destitute settlements of our extensive 
 country with the means of worshipping Almighty God according 
 to the invaluable form of the Common Prayer. 
 
 Dec. 13, 1826. 
 
 The only event which needs chronicling for the year ending 
 February, 1827, was the death of the Treasurer of the Society, 
 Mr. Gulian Ludlow. To have been Treasurer during those 
 years of leanness must have been harassing and perplexing. Two 
 societies engaged in practically the same work and appealing to 
 the same class of people for support, made the raising of money 
 a burdensome task. It is strange that this had not been per- 
 ceived long ago by the officers of these societies ; but at last the 
 unwisdom of carrying on two rival organizations was forced 
 home on the Parent Society.
 
 1827] Proposed Union. 327 
 
 At the meeting of February 21, 1827, the Agent's report for 
 the past year was read. It appeared by it that 344 Bibles and 
 32 Common Prayer Books had been gratuitously distributed; 
 and 50 octavo Prayer Books, from the Society's plates, been 
 delivered to subscribers, on the terms of the Society. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, that in the opinion of this Board, it is 
 expedient that means be adopted to effect a union between this 
 Society and the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society; and that it be recommended to the Society at its 
 approaching meeting, to appoint a committee to confer with any 
 committee which may be appointed by the said Auxiliary Society 
 on the same subject.
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Union between the N. Y. B. & C P. B. Society and the Auxiliary 
 Recommended Seventeenth Annual Report of the N. Y. B. & C. P. B. 
 Society, February, 1827 Twelfth Annual Report of the Auxiliary Society, 
 April 1827 Minute on the Death of Mr. Cornelius R. Duffie Report of 
 Mr. Cave Jones on the Work in the Navy Annual Meeting and Report of 
 the Auxiliary Society, 1828 And of the N. Y. B. & C. P. B. Society 
 Inauguration by Bishop Hobart of the Meeting of all Church Societies on 
 the First Evening of the Diocesan Convention Success of the Plan 
 Joint Meeting, Held October 16, 1828, of the Auxiliary Society, the Missionary 
 Society, the Tract Society Establishment of a New York Protestant 
 Episcopal Press Advocated Its Report Increasing Prosperity of the 
 Auxiliary Society Its Fourteenth Annual Meeting, October i, 1829 
 Annual Report Distribution of Prayer Books Among the U. S. Navy 
 Donation of Prayer Books to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society 
 Resignation of Mr. Thomas N. Stanford as Agent Success of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Press Its Zealous Management Its First Annual Report 
 Meetings of the N. Y. B. & C. P. B. Society, 1829 and 1830 Measures for 
 Union of the Two Societies under Discussion Letter to the Christian 
 Journal from I. L. E. on the Bible Society Cause Fifteenth Meeting and 
 Report of the Auxiliary Society, October 7, 1830 Arrangements with the 
 Protestant Episcopal Press The Death of Bishop Hobart. 
 
 CARRYING on two Societies with the same avowed 
 purpose and in the same city was bound to end in fail- 
 ure. Either one or the other would have to be dis- 
 banded. It was a waste of energy and it must have 
 been distracting to the little band of faithful and generous givers 
 to know to which of the two appeals to respond. The wonder is 
 that all this was not earlier perceived, and that both societies 
 should have gone on struggling till 1827 before amalgamation 
 was even broached. 
 
 The annual meeting of the Auxiliary Society was held Feb- 
 ruary 27th, 1827, when the Secretary read the Seventeenth 
 Annual Report of the Board of Managers, and also the following 
 extract from the minutes of a meeting of the Board of Mana- 
 gers, held on the previous Wednesday : 
 
 328
 
 1827] Letter from Mr. Dunscomb. 329 
 
 On motion, Resolved, that in the opinion of this Board, it is 
 expedient that measures be adopted to effect a union between 
 this Society and the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society ; and that it be recommended to the Society, 
 at its approaching meeting to appoint a committee to confer with 
 any committee which may be appointed by the said Auxiliary 
 Society, on the same subject. 
 
 The President stated to the Society that he had received 
 official information that the Auxiliary New York Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society had appointed a committee on 
 the subject contemplated in the above extract. 
 
 Whereupon, on motion, Resolved, that this Society also deems 
 it expedient that measures should be adopted for effecting the 
 proposed union; and will appoint a committee to confer on the 
 subject with the committee of the Auxiliary Society. 
 
 Resolved, that the committee on the part of this Society con- 
 sist of the President, as chairman thereof, and of two clerical 
 and two lay members. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Wainwright, the Rev. Dr. Onderdonk, Henry 
 Rogers, Esq., and Dr. John Onderdonk, were appointed accord- 
 ingly. 
 
 Resolved, That the President be authorized to call a special 
 meeting of the Society when the committee is ready to report. 
 
 The Society then proceeded to the annual election of ten lay- 
 men to be associated with the Bishop of this Diocese, and the 
 clergy of the Protestant Episcopal Church of this city, as the 
 Board of Managers for the ensuing year. The following gen- 
 tlemen were chosen : 
 
 John Onderdonk, Richard Whiley, John Slidell, Henry Mc- 
 Farlan, Henry Rogers, Richard Platt, George Dominick, David 
 Clarkson, Isaac Carow, Thomas Ludlow. 
 
 This is the letter referred to as having been received from the 
 Auxiliary Society : 
 
 "New York, February 26, 1827. 
 "Sir, 
 
 "I beg leave to call the attention of the New York Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society to the following Preamble and 
 Resolutions adopted at a Meeting of the Board of Managers of 
 the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book So- 
 ciety held on the 2Oth instant.
 
 330 Seventeenth Annual Report. [1827 
 
 " 'Whereas, It has been unofficially represented to this Board that 
 a proposition for uniting this Society with the New York Bible 
 and Prayer Book Society would in all probability be favourably 
 received by the Managers of that Institution, Therefore, 
 
 " 'Resolved. That a Committee of Three be appointed of whom 
 the President shall be one to confer with a similar Committee to 
 be appointed by the Managers of the New York Bible and Com- 
 mon Prayer Book Society. 
 
 " 'Resolved, That it shall be the duty of the President of this, 
 to apprise the President of that Society of the appointment of this 
 Committee and to request the appointment of a like Committee 
 on their part. 
 
 " 'Resolved, That it shall be the duty of this when met in con- 
 sultation with the other Committee to ascertain precisely the 
 terms on which a union can be effected and then to call a meeting 
 of the Board of Managers to whom they shall submit their report 
 for further instructions. 
 
 " 'Resolved, That it shall also be the duty of this Committee to 
 ascertain and report to the Board at the same time, what altera- 
 tion in our act of Incorporation will be necessary in case such 
 union should take place.' 
 
 "Messrs. Bradish and Brown in conjunction with the President 
 were appointed a Committee for that purpose. 
 "I am Respectf. 
 
 "Your ob. Sert. 
 
 "Win. E. DUNSCOMB, 
 "Prest. Auxy. N. Y. B. & C. P. Book Socy." 
 
 THE SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MAN- 
 AGERS OF THE NEW YORK BIBLE AND COMMON 
 PRAYER BOOK SOCIETY. 
 
 The death and removal of a large number of the original con- 
 tributors to the New York Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Society having^ much reduced our list of subscribers, and the 
 active and enterprising exertions of the Auxiliary Society, since 
 its establishment in 1816, having in a great measure superseded 
 the necessity of efforts to increase the number of subscribers, the 
 Managers of this Society have become, almost exclusively, a 
 board of trust for the care of the permanent fund of the So- 
 city, which amounts to between $5,000 and $6,000.
 
 1827] Death, of Mr. Gulian Ludlow. 331 
 
 Of the present state of the treasury, and the receipts and ex- 
 penditures of the past year, the Board cannot, at this time, give 
 a particular account, owing to the recent decease of our Treas- 
 urer, Mr. Gillian Ludlow, and the unexpected absence from the 
 city of his executor. Of the valuable services of the excellent 
 officer of whom we have thus been deprived, the Board would 
 take this opportunity of expressing the most grateful and affec- 
 tionate remembrance. He was chosen Treasurer soon after the 
 organization of the Society in 1809, and continued, until his 
 death, to discharge the duties of that office in the most faithful, 
 prompt, and satisfactory manner. 
 
 The following report of the Agent will show the number of 
 Bibles and Common Prayer Books distributed during the past 
 year : 
 
 The Agent of the New York Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Society begs leave to report : 
 
 There have been distributed, during the past year, to the differ- 
 ent congregations in the State, 304 Bibles and 742 Prayer Books, 
 of the appropriation of 1826; also 40 Bibles and 90 Prayer 
 Books, of previous appropriations; making a total of 344 Bibles 
 and 832 Prayer Books, delivered out of the depository since the 
 last annual report. 
 
 There have likewise been delivered to subscribers, upon the 
 terms of subscription, 50 octavo Prayer Books, from the Society's 
 plates. 
 
 There remain on hand at the depository, 26 Bibles and 16 
 Prayer Books. HENRY M'FARLAN, Agent. 
 
 New York, I2th Feb., 1827. 
 
 The aggregate amount of distributions by this Society, since 
 its establishment in 1809, has been 14,390 Bibles, New Testa- 
 ments, and Common Prayer Books. 
 
 The Standing Committee have been authorized, as soon as they 
 have before them a correct view of the state of the funds, to make 
 the annual appropriation for Bibles and Common Prayer Books 
 for distribution. 
 
 It will probably amount to about $400 or $500. 
 
 Brief as is our report, we rejoice to find in it matter of con- 
 gratulation, and ground of hope that, by God's blessing, our 
 Society has not been, and is not, without efficiency as an humble 
 instrument in his hand for promoting his glory, the good of his
 
 832 Death of Mr. Cornelius R. Duffie. [1827 
 
 church, the best interests of society and the commonwealth, and 
 the spiritual and eternal welfare of our fellow men. The circu- 
 lation of more than 1,200 Bibles and Common Prayer Books, 
 during the past year, and of more than 14,000 since the estab- 
 lishment of the Society, cannot have been unproductive of great 
 good in these noble objects of Christian enterprise, exertion, and 
 liberality. We would gratefully acknowledge the blessing of 
 God in the accomplishment of any such good which may have 
 been realized ; and humbly pray that the same blessing may more 
 and more largely attend all efforts for advancing the interests of 
 the Redeemer's kingdom. 
 
 Signed by order of the Board. 
 
 J. H. HOBART, President. 
 Attested, BENJAMIN T. ONDERDONK, Sec'ry. 
 
 New York, Feb. 21, 1827. 1 
 
 As the minutes of the Auxiliary Society for the period were 
 destroyed by fire there is no method of ascertaining the views 
 of that body upon the proposition of the parent institution. The 
 Auxiliary still displayed that enthusiasm and simplicity of pur- 
 pose with which it had commenced its work. Each report 
 showed an enlargement of its labours in the circulation of 
 Bibles and Prayer Books. Few societies even to-day can present 
 a more thorough and systematic plan carefully carried out. 
 
 The Twelfth Annual Meeting of the Auxiliary New York Bible 
 and Common Prayer Book Society was held in St. Paul's 
 Chapel, on Wednesday, November I4th, 1827, pursuant to public 
 notice. William E. Dunscomb, Esq., President of the Society, 
 took the chair at seven o'clock P. M. 
 
 The minutes of the Society's proceedings, at their last annual 
 meeting, were read by the Secretary and approved. 
 
 The Twelfth Annual Report of the Board of Managers was 
 then read by Mr. Floyd Smith, whereupon the following resolu- 
 tions were offered and severally adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That the report just read be accepted. 
 
 Resolved, That this Society sincerely sympathizes with the 
 members of its Board of Managers in the afflicting bereavement 
 they have sustained in the death of their late friends and asso- 
 ciates, the Rev. Cornelius R. Duffie and Mr. Henry Bicker. 
 
 I. The Christian Journal, April, 1827, pp. 114, 115.
 
 1827] Auxiliary Meeting. 333 
 
 Resolved,That the thanks of this Society are due in a pre- 
 eminent degree to our respected Diocesan for the promptitude 
 with which he undertook, and the zeal and efficiency with which 
 he discharged, a most laborious duty, in the delivery of a ser- 
 mon in the several Episcopal Churches in this city, for the 
 benefit of this Society. 
 
 Resolved, That the grateful acknowledgments of this Society 
 are also due to the several Rectors, by whose consent the sermon 
 was preached, and collections made in their several churches; 
 and to the members of the congregations thereof for their 
 liberal contributions on those occasions. 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this Society are due to the Rev. 
 Mr. Jones, Chaplain in the United States Navy on the New 
 York station, for the judicious and beneficial mode adopted by 
 him of distributing the books of this Society, which have here- 
 tofore been placed at his disposal. 
 
 Resolved, That the time of holding the annual election of the 
 officers of this Society be changed from the second Wednesday 
 of November to the evening of the first day of the meeting of 
 the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of this State. 
 
 Resolved, That the first Section of the third Article of the 
 By-Laws be stricken out, and that the words following be substi- 
 tuted : 
 
 The anniversary meeting of the Society shall be held on the 
 evening of the first day of the meeting of the Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of this State. 
 
 Resolved, That this Society present their thanks to the Board 
 of Managers for the faithful manner in which they have dis- 
 charged the trust committed to them. 
 
 Resolved, That the Annual Report, together with the pro- 
 ceedings of this meeting, be published, under the direction of 
 the Board of Managers. 
 
 The Society then proceeded to elect a Board of Managers for 
 the ensuing year, the Rev. Doctors Wainwright and Onderdonk 
 being appointed inspectors. The following gentlemen were de- 
 clared to be duly elected, viz : 
 
 William E. Dunscomb, President. 
 
 J. Smyth Rogers, ist Vice President. 
 
 James F. Depeyster, 2nd Vice President. 
 
 Benjamin F. Brown, 3rd Vice President.
 
 Twelfth Auxiliary Report. [1827 
 
 C. N. S. Rowland, Corresponding Secretary. 
 
 Charles N. Keeler, Recording Secretary. 
 
 Floyd Smith, Treasurer. 
 
 Thomas N. Stanford, Agent. 
 
 Managers: Richard Oakley, Philander Hanford, J. Law- 
 rence Moore, John Brouwer, D. A. Cushman, William Bake well, 
 Andrew Hamersley, M.D., Robert Grade, George C. Morgan, 
 J. H. Hobart Haws, S. Caldwell Cleveland, James M. Pendle- 
 ton, M.D., Lewis Curtis, William A. F. Pentz, Thomas Brown- 
 ing, William H. Hobart, Henry Gotheal. 
 
 TWELFTH AUXILIARY REPORT. 
 
 Many as have been the tokens of Divine favour which we 
 have received ; prospered tnd blessed as we have been ; yet hath 
 it pleased the same almighty and beneficent Being in his wise 
 providence, to visit us with a most afflicting bereavement, in the 
 death of our late beloved and lamented friend and associate, the 
 Rev. Cornelius R. Duffle. Although, at the time of this melan- 
 choly event, he was not a member of this Board, 1 yet was he one 
 of the founders of the Society, and for many years one of its 
 most consistent, persevering, and efficient managers and up to 
 the period when it pleased Him, whose glory and honour he ever 
 sought to promote, by the instrumentality of this institution, one 
 of its most valued and steady friends. 2 Those of us who have 
 been long associated, and were on terms of familiar friendship 
 with him, can with melancholy joy recall to our remembrance the 
 many and substantial evidence he gave of how closely indentified 
 in his heart were the interests of religion and the Church with 
 the prosperity of this Society. The loss of such a friend to our 
 Society was indeed an afflicting bereavement; but it is not only 
 as such a jriend that we are called upon to deplore his loss ; as 
 our individual friend and counsellor as one who enjoyed in the 
 highest degree our confidence and esteem we contemplate this 
 mysterious dispensation in humble submission; yet as a dispen- 
 sation which has touched the tenderest chords of our hearts, and 
 made us deeply sensible of the frailty of the tenure by which 
 
 1. By the act incorporating this Society, the clergy are ineligible to office 
 therein. 
 
 2. There is evidently an omission here.
 
 1827] Twelfth Auxiliary Report. 335 
 
 we hold and enjoy the happiness of this everchanging world, 
 and by which we humbly hope we have, in some good degree, 
 been taught the salutary lesson of "Be ye also ready.'' 
 
 Possessed, as was our friend, of talents of the highest order 
 of a mind of singular purity and vigour of the most exem- 
 plary morals and manners of a warm and ardent, yet rational 
 and consistent piety of a most sincere devotion to the best in- 
 terests of religion and the Church kind and amiable in his 
 disposition meek and modest in his deportment true and 
 sincere in his friendship; frigid indeed must be our hearts if 
 such exalted qualities did not inspire them with ah affection so 
 true, and a veneration so sincere, that nothing but that awful 
 event which should still their pulsations in the "gloom of the 
 grave," could ever extinguish. 
 
 Scarcely had our first emotions of grief begun to subside, 
 and our feelings to resume somewhat of their wonted composure, 
 when we were again summoned to pay the last sad office of 
 friendship to another of our esteemed associates. In the person 
 of Mr. Henry Bicker, the members of our Board have sustained 
 the loss of an intelligent, liberal, and useful coadjutor, and one 
 who had won upon their kindness and affection by the urbanity 
 of his manners and his exemplary deportment. Warm and de- 
 cided in his attachment to the Protestant Episcopal Church, yet, 
 like our revered friend Mr. Duffie, he was brought up in an- 
 other communion like him, did he fairly and patiently examine 
 the grounds on which she founded her claims to apostolic origin 
 and, like him, yielded himself up to be conducted whitherso- 
 ever the light of truth and the force of fair and honest argu- 
 ment would lead him. Need we be surprised that the result of 
 such a course was the full confirmation of his attachment to 
 our venerable Church? When has it happened otherwise? 
 Never, fearlessly we answer Never. 
 
 ******** 
 
 The means of enabling us to print an edition of the Bible 
 from corrected plates, and to extend the gratuitous circulation 
 thereof, as also of the Book of Common Prayer, to the utmost 
 limit of the probable demand upon us for the current year, was 
 a subject which deservedly claimed the early attention of the 
 Board of Managers. The annual subscription to the Society, 
 together with the sum ordinarily received at the delivery of our
 
 336 Twelfth Auxiliary Report. [1827 
 
 annual sermon, were inadequate to the accomplishment of this 
 object; recourse must therefore be had to extraordinary means. 
 Communicating with our respected Diocesan, and frankly 
 stating to him our apprehensions of a larger deficiency of funds 
 for the year, with his characteristic zeal and promptitude he 
 offered his services to preach in all the Episcopal churches in 
 the city with the consent of the rectors thereof by which our 
 fellow-churchmen generally would have an opportunity of be- 
 coming better acquainted with the existence and claims of the 
 Society to a liberal patronage. The beneficial results of such an 
 arrangement being distinctly foreseen, it was instantly adopted. 
 How well, and how successfully this important and laborious 
 duty was performed, we may safey appeal, both to the recol- 
 lection of those who had the gratification to hear the sermon, 
 and to our treasury, replenished by the following liberal 
 contributions, viz : 
 
 From Trinity Church $122 83 
 
 St. Paul's Church 115 86 
 
 Christ Church, Anthony Street 54 58 
 
 Grace Church 186 1 1 
 
 St. Luke's do 40 45 
 
 Zion do 37 08 
 
 St. George's do 66 36 
 
 St. Mark's do 65 oo* 
 
 St. Stephen's do 55 05 
 
 St. Thomas's do 68 oo 
 
 St. Philip's (coloured congregation) 35 24 
 
 Making $846 61 
 
 The cordial thanks of the Board were duly returned to 
 Bishop Hobart for the very essential services he has rendered to 
 the Society, by the delivery of a most able and eloquent sermon 
 in its behalf; and so decided was the conviction opon their 
 minds that its publication in a pamphlet form, and its general 
 circulation thereof among our fellow-churchmen, as also among 
 those not of our communion, but who were seeking information 
 in reference to our Church, would be productive of great and 
 lasting good, by the diffusion of sound, evangelical, and scrip- 
 tural views of Christian doctrine and duty, that they immediately
 
 1827] Twelfth Auxiliary Report. 337 
 
 requested a copy for that purpose. This request was granted, 
 upon the single condition that the time of its publication should 
 be left to the judgment of the writer: to which proposition the 
 
 Board readily acceded. 
 
 **** **** 
 
 To the Board of Managers of the Auxiliary New York Bible 
 
 and Common Prayer Book Society. 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 The pleasing task devolves upon me of tendering to you the 
 very grateful acknowledgments of the corporation of St. Philip's 
 Church, for the present of two very elegant Prayer Books for 
 the use of their Chancel, sent to them as an expression of the 
 pleasure with which you received a collection from their con- 
 gregation in aid of your funds. In contributing to that object 
 according to our ability, we felt that we were but performing 
 that which is the duty of every member of the Church. 
 
 To your liberality we stand indebted for the supply of our 
 Sunday School, and the indigent members of our church, with 
 Bibles and Prayer Books, from the period of our organization 
 until the present. We presented our collection, therefore, as a 
 mere thank-offering; regretting indeed that it was no greater, 
 but trusting that you would appreciate it, not according to its 
 amount, but the motive. But the manner in which it was re- 
 ceived, as expressed by your resolutions, and the present accom- 
 panying them, far exceeded our expectations, and makes us feel 
 our debt of gratitude more than doubled. We beg you, there- 
 fore, to accept our most sincere thanks, with the assurance that 
 these tokens of your goodwill will be ever held in grateful re- 
 membrance by us, and that our prayers will not fail to be 
 offered to God for his blessings upon your institution. With 
 sentiments of high respect, I remain, 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 Your very obedient and humble servant, 
 
 PETER WILLIAMS, Rector of St. Philip's Church. 
 
 New York, April 24, 1827. 
 
 In addition to the $846.61 already noticed, there have been 
 received into the treasury from annual subscribers, $559.78 
 (including a balance of $135.48), making an aggregate of 
 (22)
 
 338 Twelfth Auxiliary Report. [182T 
 
 $1,406.39, exclusive of $712.50, which have been employed in 
 the publication and sale, at prime cost, of 2,375 copies of the 
 Prayer Book. $823.35 have been expended in an edition of 
 500 copies of the Bible, and 250 copies of the New Testament, 
 pf which there remain on hand 140 copies of the Bible, and the 
 publication of 1,713 copies of the Prayer Book gratuitously dis- 
 tributed. The debt of $349.80, due to our publishers at the 
 close of the last year, has also been paid, together with the usual 
 contingencies, and leaving a balance in the treasury of $79.38. 
 
 The Permanent Fund has been augmented by the life sub- 
 scription of Mr. Jacob Shatzel, and the accumulation of its own 
 interest, from $928.66 to $1,017.73, which is safely invested. 
 
 The Agent's Report, herewith presented, exhibits the dis- 
 tributions of the last year, and the aggregate sales and gratui- 
 tous distributions since the organization of the Society in 1816. 
 
 SUMMARY OF THE AGENT'S REPORT. 
 
 Testa- Prayer 
 Bibles, ments. Books. 
 
 To the members and subscribers to the Society, 
 
 agreeably to the term of subscription. ...... 72 21 81 
 
 To sundry benevolent individuals, for distribu- 
 tion to indigent persons 19 36 49 
 
 To the Managers of the Orphan Asylum, and 
 other humane institutions in the city and else- 
 where 42 45 99 
 
 To the Superintendents and Teachers of Sunday 
 Schools in this city, and in other parts of the 
 State 102 38 276 
 
 Donations for the use of Sunday Schools and 
 
 charitable institutions in other Dioceses 13 44 86 
 
 To the Rev. Cave Jones, for the use of seamen 
 
 of the United States Navy 1 102 
 
 To seamen in the Merchant Service 6 17 
 
 Donations to the Missionaries, and other 
 
 Clergymen in this Diocese 9 496 
 
 To Clergymen and others, for distribution in 
 
 other States and in distant Territories 284 
 
 To several gentlemen engaged in forming new 
 Congregations in different parts of this Dio- 
 cese . 1 02
 
 1827] Twelfth Auxiliary Report. 339 
 
 Military Post at the Falls of St. Anthony, de- 
 livered to the Rev. C. F. Jones 12 12 50 
 
 Distributed by the Agent, to indigent individ- 
 duals at various times, on application at the 
 Depository 20 18 71 
 
 295 214 1713 
 
 Making thus a total of gratuitous distributions during the 
 Society's twelfth year, of two hundred and ninety-five Bibles, 
 two hundred and fourteen Testaments, and one thousand seven 
 hundred and thirteen Prayer Books. 
 
 The sales within the same period have been sixty-five Bibles, 
 thirty-six Testaments, and two thousand one hundred Prayer 
 Books. 
 
 The total of sales and gratuitous distributions for this period 
 is three hundred and sixty Bibles, two hundred and fifty Tes- 
 taments, and three thousand eight hundred and thirteen Prayer 
 Books, making a grand total of sales and distributions, since 
 the formation of the Society, of forty-two thousand eight hun- 
 dred and ninety-seven volumes. 
 
 New York, November 7, 1827. 
 
 The Board have again been favoured with an interesting 
 communication from the Rev. Mr. Jones, Chaplain in the 
 United States Navy on this station, in which is exhibited his 
 mode of distribution and the most gratifying evidence of the 
 continued usefulness of our bounty among that neglected class 
 of our fellow beings, but the gallant defenders of our country's 
 rights and honour. Mr. Jones is so immediately connected with 
 the seamen of our navy, and is favoured by such excellent op- 
 portunities of judging of, and describing the effect of a free 
 distribution of our invaluable formulary of public devotion 
 among them, that the Board feel it a duty to make his com- 
 munication constitute a part of their Report. The letter of Mr. 
 Jones urged upon the Society the great importance of the reli- 
 gious instruction of the men in the various ships temporarily at 
 
 I. Besides six handsomely bound octavo Prayer Books for the use of 
 Officers on board of the United States ships.
 
 340 Twelfth Auxiliary Report. [1827 
 
 the Navy Yard. It explained the inadequacy of the chaplains 
 allowed by law to care for all the sailors, as only certain ships 
 were allowed a chaplain. Mr. Jones suggested it would be a 
 great benefit in those not entitled to a chaplain, to have 
 prayers and sermon read by some suitable person appointed for 
 the purpose. 
 
 He thus continues : 
 
 The Lexington is one of the class just mentioned; but Captain 
 Booth was desirous of having a gentleman appointed as instruc- 
 tor to the young officers, who, though not in orders, should be 
 possessed of qualifications, and of a suitable character, to act 
 in all respects as chaplains, as far as is competent to a layman, 
 that is, to perform the precise duties of a reader in the Church ; 
 and whose example should give force to his instructions. I was 
 highly favoured, through your instrumentality, Sir, in obtaining 
 from the Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary, a young 
 gentleman, answering, as I think, in all respects to the above 
 description. For the comfort and accommodation of this 
 gentleman, as I have learnt, every provision was made by the 
 commander, which the proper discipline of the ship would permit ; 
 and every facility has been afforded to give his labours effect. 
 And I have the satisfaction to be assured that public worship 
 has been regularly observed on board of the Lexington, from 
 the time of her departure from this port. Under these cir- 
 cumstances a further appropriation of Prayer Books was made 
 in addition to those which has been previously furnished. 
 
 I am aware, Sir, that it does not come within the immediate 
 purview of your Society, but I cannot persuade myself to 
 forego the opportunity of urging, through them, on the students 
 of the Seminary the importance of cultivating (if they will 
 allow the mal-a-propos metaphor) the field of labour thus put 
 within their power. As a missionary ground (still to pursue 
 the idea on the sea!) it certainly affords extensive scope for 
 usefulness. To endeavour to reclaim from evil courses, which 
 habit alone seems to induce, and which want of means to correct 
 alone would seem to continue, this useful class of men, who 
 are the connecting links of all the naturally discovered parts of 
 the earth, who are the great sinews of commerce, that source of 
 so many and so important comforts and blessings to our land, 
 and who, in this country in particular, must always form the
 
 1828] Twelfth Auxiliary Report. 341 
 
 main bulwark of our national defence, to undertake such a 
 work would seem to afford the fairest scope for the exercise of 
 Christian philanthropy; and to present an incitement to zeal and 
 activity, peculiarly appropriate to the intended heralds of the 
 Cross. As those who are to be engaged in the great work of 
 extending the boundaries of our common Master's kingdom, 
 what labour can be more useful for them, what exercise can 
 promise to be crowned with more abundant fruits; than the 
 changing of every ship's company into a worshipping Christian 
 family, than the transforming of every vehicle of commerce, 
 or of national defence, into a floating temple of the Lord of 
 Hosts; than the converting into true living members of 
 Christ's mystical body, of those who, either by the irregularity 
 of their lives, may counteract all the self-denying labours of 
 Christian Missionaries in distant lands; or may themselves if 
 truly converted to God, become the heralds of salvation to the 
 utmost corners of the earth? As intended ministers of the 
 Church, how can they be more usefully employed in her ser- 
 vice, than in extending the knowledge, the love, and the employ- 
 ment of her heavenly form of worship among those who are 
 already predisposed for its adoption; and whose natural ardour 
 of spirit if directed into the channel of devotion, would infuse 
 into it that animation and fervour which would seem to be 
 almost all that is requisite to render it the pure spiritual service 
 of the saints and angels above. 1 
 
 A year's reflection had only strengthened the conviction that 
 the work could be better done by a single strong organization 
 combining the ripe experience of the members of the elder with 
 the energy of the younger Society. There seems to have been 
 a departure from the usual custom in electing the officers and 
 standing committees at the annual instead of a subsequent meet- 
 ing. 
 
 At the meeting of February 20, 1828, the Report and Account 
 current of the Treasurer, which agreeably to a resolution of the 
 last meeting had been handed into the Standing Committee, were 
 read. It appeared from them that the receipts of the past year, 
 
 I. The Twelfth Annual Report of the Board of Managers of the Auxil- 
 iary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society. New York: 
 Printed by T. and J. Swords, No. 127 Broadway. 1827.
 
 342 Eighteenth Annual Report. [1828 
 
 all arising from the interest of the permanent fund, had been 
 $482, and the expenditures $800.75; an ^ tnat tne permanent 
 fund had increased $35, and amounted to $5,486.37 cents. 
 
 On motion the Treasurer's report was accepted. 
 
 The Agent's report, which had also been handed to the Stand- 
 ing Committee, was then read. It appeared from it that the 
 amount of gratuitous distributions for the past year was 332 
 Bibles, and 712 Prayer Books; and that 13 octavo prayer Books, 
 from the Society's plates, had been delivered to subscribers on 
 the terms of the Society. 
 
 At the annual meeting, February 26, 1828, the Eighteenth 
 Annual Report of the Board of Managers was read by the Secre- 
 tary, and adopted. 
 
 The committee appointed at the last meeting to confer with a 
 committee of the Auxiliary Society on the subject of an union 
 of the two institutions, reported that they had had an interview 
 with the said committee, and that arrangements were making for 
 accomplishing the object of their appointment. 
 
 The committee was continued. 
 
 The Society proceeded to the election of ten laymen to be asso- 
 ciated with the Bishop of the Diocese, and the Clergy of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in this city, as the Board of Man- 
 agers for the ensuing year. The following gentlemen were 
 elected : 
 
 John Onderdonk, Richard Whiley, John Slidell, Henry Mc- 
 Farlan, Henry Rogers, Richard Platt, George Dominick, David 
 Clarkson, Isaac Carow, Thomas W. Ludlow. 
 
 The following is the 
 
 EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT: 
 
 As stated in former reports, the extensive operations of the 
 Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society 
 have so occupied the field and means of usefulness in this depart- 
 ment of Christian enterprise, that the managers of the parent 
 institution have, for several years, principally confined them- 
 selves to the care and proper application of its permanent fund. 
 Within the last year this has been entirely the case. The greater 
 number of our subscribing members are deceased, or removed 
 from the city. 
 
 We are unwilling to divert the public patronage from the truly
 
 1S28] Eighteenth Annual Report. 343 
 
 meritorious, and eminently useful Auxiliary Society, by efforts 
 to increase our subscribers. In this state of things, the now 
 pending project of uniting the two societies was formed. In 
 anticipation of its successful issue, the few subscriptions of the 
 past year, being principally those of gentlemen who are also con- 
 tributors to the auxiliary institution, have not been collected. 
 Our receipts, therefore, have been confined to the interest of the 
 permanent fund ; and have amounted to $482. 
 
 The fund has increased, by donations, $35, and amounts now 
 to $5,486.37, together with about $50 of interest due on deposits 
 in the Savings Bank. 
 
 The following report of the Agent shows the distribution of 
 Bibles and Prayer Books for the past year : 
 
 The Agent of the New York Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Society begs leave to report 
 
 There have been distributed during the past year, to the differ- 
 ent congregations in the State, 306 Bibles and 696 Prayer Books 
 of the appropriation of 1827; also 26 Bibles and 16 Prayer 
 Books of previous appropriations ; making a total of 332 Bibles 
 and 712 Prayer Books, delivered out of the depository since the 
 last annual report. 
 
 There have likewise been delivered to subscribers, upon the 
 terms of subscription, 13 octavo Prayer Books from the Society's 
 plates. HENRY M'FARLAN, Agent. 
 
 New York, Feb. 5, 1828. 
 
 The aggregate amount of Bibles, New Testaments and Com- 
 mon Prayer Books distributed by the Society, since its establish- 
 ment in 1809, is 15,447. 
 
 In the month of August last, the Board of Managers had the 
 melancholy pleasure of uniting with similar boards of the sev- 
 eral sister institutions of our Church in this city, in a meeting 
 called, at the suggestion of a few of their prominent and active 
 lay members, for the purpose of expressing our respect for the 
 memory of our then recently deceased associate, the Rev. Cor- 
 nelius R. Duftie; and our sense of the loss, sustained, in his 
 death, by religion and the Church. The removal of such men, 
 so suddenly, and in the very prime of life, from more than ordi- 
 narily faithful and active exertions in the service of our God 
 and Saviour, conveys to us, indeed, a most solemn lesson. We 
 would derive from it ourselves, and earnestly and affectionately
 
 344 Eighteenth Annual Report. [1828 
 
 commend to the regards of our fellow-members of the Church, a 
 serious warning to do what our hands find to do of the work of 
 the Lord, with all our might, and with no delay which our means 
 and opportunities will enable us to avoid. 
 Signed by order of the Board of Managers. 
 
 J. H. HOBART, President. 
 Attest. B. T. ONDERDONK, Secretary. 
 New York, Ash Wednesday, February 20, 1828.* 
 
 The Thirteenth Anniversary of the Auxiliary New York Bible 
 and Common Prayer Book Society was held (in conjunction 
 with that of the New York Protestant Episcopal Missionary 
 Society, and of the New York Protestant Episcopal Tract So- 
 ciety), in St. Paul's Chapel, on Thursday, October 16, 1828, at 
 7 o'clock p. M. The Right Rev. Bishop Hobart presiding, ac- 
 companied by the Right Rev. Bishop Inglis, of Nova Scotia. 
 
 The Annual Report of the Board of Managers of this Society 
 was read by Mr. Floyd Smith, whereupon, on motion of the Rev. 
 Dr. Reed, of Poughkeepsie, seconded by Judge Duer, of Albany, 
 Resolved, that the Report just read be accepted, and printed 
 under the direction of the Board of Managers. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, that this meeting feels undiminished 
 confidence in the active zeal and untiring efforts of the Auxiliary 
 New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, and earn- 
 estly hopes for a continuation and extension of its valuable oper- 
 ations. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, that the thanks of this meeting be pre- 
 sented to the Board of Managers for their faithful and valuable 
 services during the past year. 
 
 The general meeting having adjourned, the Society was 
 organized under its President, William E. Dunscomb, Esq. 
 
 The minutes of the last annual meeting were read by the Sec- 
 retary, and on motion, approved. 
 
 The Society then proceeded to elect a Board of Managers for 
 the ensuing year, Messrs. John Evers and Cornelius Oakley 
 being appointed inspectors. 
 
 The following gentlemen were declared to have been duly 
 elected, viz. 
 
 i. The Christian Journal, Volume XII. No. 4, April, 1820. Pages 
 119.
 
 1828] Thirteenth Auxiliary Report. 
 
 William E. Dunscomb, President. 
 
 James F. Depeyster, ist Vice President. 
 
 Benjamin M. Brown, 2nd Vice President. 
 
 D. A. Cushman, 3rd Vice President. 
 
 C. N. S. Rowland, Corresponding Secretary. 
 
 Charles Keeler, Recording Secretary. 
 
 Floyd Smith, Treasurer. 
 
 Thomas N. Stanford, Agent. 
 
 Managers : Richard Oakley, Philander Hanford, W. A. F. 
 Pentz, J. Lawrence Moore, John Brouwer, William H. Hobart, 
 George C. Morgan, S. Caldwell Cleveland, Henry I. Seaman, 
 Lewis Curtis, J. H. Hobart Haws, Aaron O. Dayton, Henry 
 Cotheal, Thomas Browning, Oliver M. Lowndes, Robert Gracie, 
 James M. Pendleton, M.D., James Brown. 
 
 THIRTEENTH AUXILIARY REPORT. 
 
 Pursuant to a resolution of the Society at its last meeting, the 
 Board of Managers directed the publication of fifteen hundred 
 copies of the Twelfth Annual Report, several hundred copies of 
 which were distributed among our fellow Episcopalians of this 
 city, immediately previous to the delivery of the Annual Sermon ; 
 the residue have been distributed in various sections of the 
 country. 
 
 On Sunday evening, the 25th of November last, the Rev. Mr. 
 Ives, the present Rector of St. Luke's Church, rendered a most 
 essential service to the Society, by the delivery of an able and 
 most appropriate sermon for its benefit, in St. John's Chapel. 
 The collection on that occasion amounted to 219 dollars and 50 
 cents. 
 
 At an early period after the commencement of the present 
 year, the Board of Managers ordered an edition of 500 copies of 
 the Bible on good paper, from our stereotype plates, and 250 
 copies of the New Testament, which have been placed in the 
 Depository: which has also been liberally supplied with Prayer 
 Books. The Board placed at the disposal of the Rev. Mr. Jones, 
 Chaplain in the United States Navy on this station, a consider- 
 able number of Prayer Books for distribution under his super- 
 vision. We regret exceedingly that the dangerous and pro- 
 tracted illness of that reverend gentleman will deprive us of the 
 pleasure of inserting in this Report the highly interesting letters
 
 346 Thirteenth Auxiliary Report. [1828 
 
 with which we have been favoured for the two preceding years, 
 in reference to his distributions, and their beneficial tendency 
 upon the minds and feelings of the honest tars who were the 
 usual recipients of our bounty. Considering the naval service 
 a field of operation to which we are invited by the many and 
 decided evidences heretofore afforded of the positive good we 
 were accomplishing by diffusing the sound and evangelical prin- 
 ciples of the Gospel, as held and taught by our Church, among 
 the members of that service, we have at all times considered our 
 Depository as open to every demand upon us from that quarter. 
 And it is but common justice and common praise to say, that we 
 have been most zealously and faithfully seconded in our views by 
 the reverend gentleman to whom the government has committed 
 the spiritual interests of the seamen and marines on this station. 
 Among the subjects claiming the particular attention of the 
 Board of Managers was that of procuring the publication of the 
 New Hymns, and their addition to our Book of Common Prayer. 
 It was an effect of the sale of the copyright for the new hymns, 
 that those persons who were the usual recipients of our bounty, 
 were deprived of the gratification of their use during its continu- 
 ance. This deprivation for one year would not have been so 
 great an evil, but a question fairly arose, how far we should be 
 justified in their publication, seeing that a copyright must be 
 taken out for fourteen years, and that the remaining thirteen 
 years was a reserved right of the General Convention of the 
 Church. We were therefore placed in circumstances involving 
 both a principle of morality and a question of right. Not being 
 disposed to violate either the one or the other, and yet most 
 anxious to obtain the liberty of publication at the expiration of 
 the year for which the copyright had been sold, we appointed a 
 committee, with the committee of the General Convention on 
 that subject. The answer to the letter of the committee was 
 somewhat ambiguously expressed, and left us to judge for our- 
 selves. At the Annual Commencement of the General Theologi- 
 cal Seminary in June last, there were assembled several of our 
 Right Reverend Prelates, whom the committee felt it their duty 
 to address; and had the satisfaction to receive from them the 
 expression of their unanimous opinion, that we might proceed 
 without either the fear or danger of incurring the displeasure of 
 the General Convention. Thereupon the Board immediately or-
 
 1828] Thirteenth Auxiliary Report. 347 
 
 dered a set of stereotype plates to be cast added to those of the 
 Prayer Book, and an edition of one thousand copies to be printed 
 therefrom, so soon as they should be in readiness for that pur- 
 pose. That edition has since been completed, and many copies of 
 it are already distributed. 
 
 Another subject has commended itself to our particular atten- 
 tion, by its important bearing upon the future interests of our 
 Church. The rapidly accumulating business of the General 
 Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union, located in this city, 
 gave rise in the minds of some of our active laymen, to the idea 
 of erecting a printing and binding establishment, which should 
 be exclusively devoted to the interests of the several societies 
 connected with our Church. The plan of such an Institution 
 being suggested to our Right Reverend Diocesan and several of 
 the Clergy and Laity in this city, it received their decided appro- 
 bation. An Institution, to be denominated the "New York Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Press," has therefore been commenced under 
 circumstances which fully warrant the belief of its permanent 
 establishment. A communication has been received from its 
 Secretary, announcing its formation and object, and soliciting 
 the co-operation of this Society in such manner as might appear 
 most expedient. A committee was appointed by this Board, with 
 instructions to report fully on the subject. At a recent meeting 
 of the Board of Managers that committee presented a full and 
 highly satisfactory report, which, together with the recommended 
 resolutions, were unanimously adopted, and ordered to be in- 
 serted at length in this report. 
 
 The Committee to whom was referred the communication 
 received from the Protestant Episcopal Press, beg leave respect- 
 fully to report, 
 
 That on the sixth instant a meeting was held by your Com- 
 mittee with the Standing Committee of the Press, on which occa- 
 sion your Committee received a full explanation of the plan, 
 progress, and prospects of the new institution. 
 
 The Trustees of the Press have it in contemplation, as soon as 
 possible to obtain a public and suitable location, on which it is 
 their intention to erect a permanent building of large dimen- 
 sions; to contain in the basement story a Type and Stereotype 
 Foundry; in the first story a Sale Depository, Rooms for the 
 Meetings of Boards and Committees, a Library, and other
 
 348 Thirteenth Auxiliary Report. [1828 
 
 requisite apartments; and the upper stories to be appropriated 
 for a Printing Office and Bindery. It is the intention of the 
 Trustees to let the basement story, and such other parts of the 
 building as will not be required for their own purposes, at such 
 rates as will materially diminish the expenses of the establish- 
 ment. 
 
 From the representations, they have no doubt that the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Press will have as much work as the Institution 
 will require, and that, from the nature and extent of its arrange- 
 ments, it will be able to execute its printing and publishing at 
 lower rates than have hitherto been practicable. The sum of 
 three thousand five hundred dollars it appears, has already been 
 subscribed, and the subscriptions are still progressing. 
 
 The Trustees have made application to the Legislature of the 
 State for a Charter, which they have every prospect of obtaining, 
 as soon as the application can be heard. The title of the proposed 
 Institution is that of the "New York Protestant Episcopal Press," 
 from which it will be perceived that the system of religion set 
 forth in its publications will be consonant with, and not opposed 
 to the principles received by the Protestant Episcopal Church. 
 
 Your Committee deem it unnecessary to enter into any fur- 
 ther detail of the proposed establishment, as all its plans are not 
 yet fully matured. They rejoice that an institution which prom- 
 ises to be of so much usefulness, has at length been established, 
 and they trust that this Society, and all the other Protestant 
 Episcopal Societies and Religious Institutions, will hail it as one 
 eminently calculated to promote their interests and increase their 
 funds, and thus more effectually enable them to spread abroad 
 the light of divine truth, and to dispel the mists of error and 
 prejudice by which it may be obscured. 
 
 Your Committee beg leave, therefore, to submit the following 
 resolutions for the consideration of the Board : 
 
 Resolved, That this Board feel highly gratified at the informa- 
 tion they have received of the formation of the New York Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Press ; that they consider it an Institution which 
 promises to be of great usefulness, and one by which the pros- 
 perity of this Society and all the other Protestant Episcopal So- 
 cieties and Religious Institutions will be greatly advanced. 
 
 Resolved, That as soon as the Protestant Episcopal Press shall 
 commence its operations, this Society will extend to it its patron-
 
 1828] Thirteenth Auxiliary Report. 349 
 
 age and support ; and as far as the powers of this Society extend, 
 it will be happy to devise all such measures as may tend to pro- 
 mote the success of the proposed Institution. 
 
 Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to 
 the Standing Committee of the Protestant Episcopal Press, ad- 
 dressed to the Rev. William R. Whittingham. 
 All of which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 WM. E. DUNSCOMB. 
 ROBERT GRACIE. 
 
 October 8th, 1828. 
 
 * * * * * * * * 
 
 The Account Current of the Treasurer shows the receipts 
 during the year to have been $680.13. And the expenditures for 
 all purposes, exclusive of $292.80 employed in the publication 
 and sale of 976 Prayer Books at prime cost, to have been $680.13, 
 leaving us indebted to our publishers the sum of $226.03. As 
 usual, the Society have sustained some losses by the death, resig- 
 nation, and removal of several of its subscribers; and several 
 new subscribers have been received during the year. The 
 amount of available funds is about equal to those of the two or 
 three preceding years, with the exception of those of the last, 
 which were augmented much beyond their ordinary amount, by 
 the sermon and collection in the different Episcopal Churches 
 in the city. The Permanent Fund has been increased from 
 $1,027.73 to $1,175, by the accumulation of its own interest, and 
 the Life Subscriptions of Messrs. John Ferguson, Thomas N. 
 Stanford, James N. Wells, and Moses Smith. Six hundred dol- 
 lars of the above sum is amply secured by bond and mortgage, at 
 seven per centum per annum, and the interest paid quarterly and 
 with punctuality. The remaining $575 is deposited with one of 
 our first commercial houses, at an interest of six per centum per 
 annum, with the privilege of withdrawing it at any time when 
 an opportunity of a permanent investment may offer. 
 
 The Agent of the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society begs leave to offer to the Board of Mana- 
 gers, a statement of the distributions and sales made under his 
 direction from the last anniversary to the present time, em- 
 bracing a period of ten months. 
 
 There have been received into the Depository within the 
 period above named, for the purpose of gratuitous distribution,
 
 350 Thirteenth Auxiliary Report. [1828- 
 
 500 Bibles, 250 Testaments, and 1,279 Prayer Books. The fol- 
 lowing exhibits an aggregate of the distributions : 
 
 Testa- Prayer 
 Bibles, meiits. Books. 
 
 To the Orphan Asylum, House of Refuge, and 
 
 other humane institutions in the city 20 12 30 
 
 To the Chaplain of the Alms House, City Hos- 
 pital, and Bridewell, for the use of the poor 
 objects of his care 20 30 
 
 To the Sunday Schools in this city, and in 
 various parts of our own and in other Dio- 
 ceses 19 48 216 
 
 To the Rev. Cave Jones, Chaplain of the Navy, 
 for the use of seamen of the United States 
 service 50 
 
 To sundry persons, for the use of seamen in 
 
 the Merchants' service 9 27 
 
 To Capt. John Orde Creighton, for the use of 
 
 the crew of the United States Ship Hudson.. 12 18 50 
 
 To Capt. Elliott, for the use of the crew of the 
 
 United States Ship Erie 6 25 
 
 To the Episcopal Clergy in the City of New 
 York, for distribution, including a donation 
 of 48 Prayer Books to aid in forming a Con- 
 gregation at Harlem 12 18 64 
 
 To various Missionary Stations in our own Dio- 
 cese 13 399 
 
 To Clergymen and Laymen, for distribution in 
 the States of New York, New Jersey, 
 Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Ohio, Miss- 
 issippi, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, 
 and the Michigan Territory 38 24 349 
 
 To members and subscribers at various times, 
 
 delivered upon the order of the Treasurer.. ..45 14 26 
 
 Distributed at the Depository to indigent indi- 
 viduals 4 10 13 
 
 198 144 1279 
 
 During the same period the sales amount to 50 Bibles and 976 
 Prayer Books, at the established rates of the Society. Leaving 
 on hand 252 Bibles and 135 Testaments.
 
 1828] Thirteenth Auxiliary Report. 351 
 
 The total number of volumes distributed gratuitously or sold 
 at first cost by this Society since its formation, is forty-five 
 thousand five hundred and twenty-six. 
 
 The Agent reports that an edition of 1,000 copies of the 
 Book, with the new hymns annexed, ordered at the last meeting 
 of the Board of Managers, is in considerable forwardness, and 
 will be ready unquestionably, in time to afford an opportunity 
 for our usual distributions to the clergy during the meeting of 
 the Convention of the Diocese. 1 
 
 The allusion to the formation of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Press brings into notice a scheme which was the culmination of 
 long and earnest planning for the good of the American Church. 
 The great results achieved by the English Society for the Pro- 
 motion of Christian Knowledge had aroused the attention of 
 many in this country. One clergyman, the Rev. William Barlow, 
 then of New Hampshire, but afterward of New York, took up 
 the consideration of it, and urged in public addresses and in a 
 pamphlet which was circulated in the General Convention of 
 1823. The time did not seem expedient for a general society, 
 but New York laymen considered his scheme, and finally effected 
 an organization which they expected would be of permanent and 
 growing benefit to the Church. 
 
 It was as editor of its publications that the' learned William 
 Rollinson Whittingham first gained distinction and gave to the 
 Church those standard works which informed the men of that 
 generation of the true principles of the Church. With it became 
 closely affiliated the New York Tract Society and the Auxiliary 
 Bible and Prayer Book Society, as will be seen in the course of 
 this narrative. 
 
 The meeting of the Bible and Prayer Book Society in the win- 
 ter of 1829 was evidently a gloomy one. No report was pre- 
 sented, but evidently the negotiation had been commenced for a 
 union. There are no notices of this meeting among many 
 other meetings in The Christian Journal. The report for 1828 
 is the last formal report made. 
 
 All further proceedings dealt with the prospect of renewed life 
 in an enlarged Society. 
 
 I. The Thirteenth Annual Report of the Board of Managers of the 
 Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society. New York: 
 Printed by T. and J. Swords, No. 127 Broadway. 1828.
 
 352 Annual Meeting. [1829 
 
 New York, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 1829. 
 
 The Board of Managers met in Trinity Church. Present: 
 The Right Rev. John H. Hobart, D.D., the Rev. William Ber- 
 rian, D.D., the Rev. Christian F. Cruse, the Rev. Levi S. Ives, 
 the Rev. George L. Hinton, the Rev. William Creighton, the 
 Rev. George Upfold, M.D., the Rev. Benjamin T. Onderdonk, 
 D.D., Henry Rogers, John Slidell, John Onderdonk. 
 
 The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee be appointed on the State of the 
 Society, consisting of the President, and two clerical and two 
 lay trustees. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Onderdonk, the Rev. Dr. Wainwright, Mr. H. 
 Rogers, and Dr. John Onderdonk, were appointed. 
 
 Resolved, That all further proceedings of this Board be sus- 
 pended until the above committee shall report. 
 
 The Board adjourned. 
 
 New York, Tuesday, March 3, 1829. 
 
 This being the day appointed by the Constitution, the Annual 
 Meeting of the Society was held in Trinity Church. 
 
 The President being absent the Rev. William Berrian, D.D., 
 was called to the chair. 
 
 The minutes of the last meeting of the Society were read and 
 approved. 
 
 The committee on the subject of a proposed union between 
 this Society and the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society, appointed at the meeting in 1827, and con- 
 tinued by that in 1828, reported that the subject was now under 
 the consideration of the Board of Managers. Whereupon the 
 committee was discharged. 
 
 The Society proceeded to the election of ten laymen to be asso- 
 ciated with the Bishop and Clergy of the city as a Board of 
 Managers for the ensuing year. The following gentlemen were 
 chosen : 
 
 John Onderdonk, John Slidell, Henry Rogers, George Domi- 
 nick, Isaac Carow, Richard Whiley, Henry McFarlan, Richard 
 Platt, David Clarkson, Thomas W. Ludlow. 
 
 Resolved, That the President be authorized to call a special 
 meeting of the Society at any time previously to the next regular 
 meeting, that he may think expedient.
 
 1829] Fourteenth Auxiliary Report. 353 
 
 The Auxiliary under its new management with the Press 
 seemed to be even more prosperous and to devise more liberal 
 things than formerly. 
 
 Fourteenth Annual Meeting of the Auxiliary New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society was held at the build- 
 ings of the New York Protestant Episcopal Press, on Thursday, 
 October ist, 1829. The Chair was taken by William E. Duns- 
 comb, President of the Society, at half-past 4 o'clock P. M. 
 
 The minutes of the last Annual Meeting were read by the 
 Secretary, and on motion approved. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That when this Society adjourns it will 
 adjourn to meet again at St. John's Chapel at half -past six 
 o'clock P. M. 
 
 Resolved, That the reading of the Annual Report of the 
 Board of Managers be dispensed with until the meeting this 
 evening. 
 
 Resolved, That the Society do now proceed to the election of 
 a Board of Managers for the ensuing year: Whereupon Messrs. 
 J. Lawrence Moore and Thomas Woodhead were appointed 
 inspectors. On counting the ballots the following gentlemen 
 were declared duly elected: 
 
 William E. Dunscomb, President. 
 
 James F. Depeyster, ist Vice President. 
 
 Benjamin F. Brown, 2nd Vice President. 
 
 D. A. Cushman, 3rd Vice President. 
 
 C. N. S. Rowland, Corresponding Secretary. 
 
 Charles Keeler, Recording Secretary. 
 
 Floyd Smith, Treasurer. 
 
 John V. Van Ingen, Agent. 
 
 Managers: Richard Oakley, S. Caldwell Cleveland, J. Law- 
 rence Moore, Henry J. Seaman, Henry Cotheal, William H. 
 Hobart, M.D., Robert Grade, J. H. Hobart Hawes, George C. 
 Morgan, Aaron A. Dayton, Philander Hanford, John Brower, 
 Lewis Curtis, Oliver M. Lowndes, Thomas Browning, Meigs D. 
 Benjamin, James M. Pendleton, M.D., William B. Hall. 1 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the Society do now adjourn to 
 meet again at half-past 6 o'clock P. M. 
 
 I. Subsequently elected by the Board of Managers to fill the vacancy 
 occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Thomas N. Stanford. 
 
 (23)
 
 354 Fourteenth Auxiliary Report. 
 
 Pursuant to adjournment this Society, in conjunction with 
 the New York Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society, the 
 New York Protestant Episcopal Tract Society, and the New 
 York Protestant Episcopal Press, assembled at St. John's 
 Chapel at half -past six o'clock P. M. The meeting was opened 
 with appropriate devotional exercises, conducted by the Right 
 Rev. John Henry Hobart, D.D., after which that Right Rev. 
 Gentleman took the chair. The Annual Report of the Board of 
 Managers was then read by William E. Dunscomb, Esq., 
 whereupon on motion of Aaron Ogden Dayton, Esq. (who in- 
 troduced his resolution by a very able and eloquent address in 
 behalf of the Society), 
 
 Resolved, That the Report just read be printed, published, and 
 distributed under the direction of the Board of Managers of 
 this Society. 
 
 The Right Rev. Chairman of the Meeting, after being again 
 joined in exercises of devotion, then pronounced a benediction, 
 and the Society adjourned. 
 
 Attest: CHARLES KEELER, Recording Secretary. 
 
 FOURTEENTH AUXILIARY REPORT. 
 
 These extracts are interesting : 
 
 From the rapid increase of population and of new settlements 
 in our country, the field of operation is continually widening,, 
 and we can well assure those who are disposed to contribute 
 that they cannot find a better channel for their benevolence than 
 this Society affords, for we have generally confided our Bibles 
 and Prayer Books for distribution to the Clergymen of our 
 Church, who reside among the people, or in their travels become 
 acquainted with their wants, and are best able to relieve them, 
 for until their wants are discovered it is impossible to afford 
 relief. As the physician in the distempers of the body pays no 
 slight regard to the original constitution, as well as to the 
 present condition of his patient, so it is the privilege and the 
 duty of those who are engaged in instruments in restoring the 
 shattered frame of humanity, and of basing it upon the rock of 
 ages, not only to further in themselves more right apprehen- 
 sions of the true nature of their former and present condition, 
 and of their future exalted destination, but also to hold up ta 
 their fellow travellers that map which not only exhibits the
 
 1829] Fourteenth Auxiliary Report. 356 
 
 heavenly country to which they are journeying, and the rest laid 
 up there for the people of God; but also points out the old path 
 and the good way that leads to that rest, and guides and pre- 
 serves the erratic footsteps of the earthly pilgrim therein, free 
 from the pestilential vapours of sin and the manifold tempta- 
 tions by which he may be surrounded. 
 
 ******** 
 
 A Committee was appointed to make arrangements for the 
 Annual Sermon and Collection for the benefit of the Society, 
 which afterwards took place in St. Paul's Chapel, on the 
 twenty-fourth of November last, when the sum of two hundred 
 and eight dollars and thirty-eight cents was collected, which sum 
 was subsequently increased by a donation of one hundred dollars 
 from a friend of the Society, under the signature of Y. Z. 
 (whose charitable hand, though concealed from us, is visible to 
 him that seeth all things), making the total amount thus re- 
 ceived $308.38. According to the request of our benevolent 
 friend and donor, the one hundred dollars contributed by him 
 has been appropriated in the distribution of Prayer Books 
 fifty copies having been distributed under the direction of the 
 Chaplain in the United States Navy on the New York station, 
 one hundred copies appropriated to the use of Sunday Schools 
 in this Diocese, and the residue of the Books distributed by the 
 Missionaries in the remote sections of the State. Our friend 
 Y. Z. has well observed that the gigantic efforts making in other 
 quarters for the distribution of the Bible, call loudly upon us 
 to extend also the distribution of the Prayer Book. The de- 
 mand for Bibles also, on this Society, has in consequence been 
 
 much lessened. 
 
 ******** 
 
 Your Board on the third of December last made a donation 
 of one hundred Prayer Books to the Domestic and Foreign 
 Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the 
 United States; and have been favoured by the Executive Com- 
 mittee of that institution with the following resolution, adopted 
 by them: 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this Committee be given to the 
 Board of Managers of the Auxiliary New York Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society for the liberal appropriation of 
 one hundred Prayer Books for the Society's stations at Pensa-
 
 356 Fourteenth Auxiliary Report. [1829 
 
 cola and Tallahassee, which is gratefully accepted by this Com- 
 mittee. 
 
 Your Board have also appropriated fifty Prayer Books for 
 the use of the Church at Mobile, which have been very gratefully 
 received, and from their circulation, together with some Tracts 
 which were forwarded at the same time, some benefit to the 
 
 infant Church there may be expected. 
 
 ******** 
 
 In May last it was announced to your Board that the Pro- 
 testant Episcopal Press Association would commence their 
 operations about the 26th of that month; it was thereupon 
 Resolved, By the Board (in pursuance of a previous resolution 
 pledging the patronage of this Society to that institution), that 
 when the Press should so go into operation, the books, plates, 
 and other articles belonging to this Society, then in charge of 
 the Agent, should be transferred to the buildings of the Press 
 Association in Lumber street, in the rear of Trinity Church; 
 and also that the said Association should be the future publish- 
 ers and binders for this Society, provided they execute the work 
 at prices at least as favourable as those heretofore paid. A 
 Committee was charged with the duties imposed in the preceding 
 resolution who have since reported the due performance thereof. 
 The meetings of your Board are now held at the buildings of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Press, where a convenient room has 
 been fitted up for the purpose. We congratulate the friends of 
 the Church in every State on the establishment of the Press 
 Association, where ample arrangements have been made for the 
 execution of all business that may be offered, and where any 
 printing that may be required will be done on the most reason- 
 able terms, and we trust the establishment which has now be- 
 come permanent will meet with the hearty cooperation and sup- 
 port to which its manifest utility lays claim. The only cir- 
 cumstance for regret is that the change of the location of the 
 Society's business led to the resignation of our late worthy 
 Agent, Mr. Thomas N. Stanford, which your Board received 
 in July last, and they have consequently been thus deprived 
 of his invaluable and gratuitous services in that capacity. 
 Appropriate resolutions of thanks for his long and faithful 
 services have been passed and presented to our late Agent; and
 
 1829] Fourteenth Auxiliary Report. 357 
 
 at an election subsequently held Mr. John V. Van Ingen was 
 duly elected to fill the vacancy. 
 
 We lately authorized our Agent to purchase from the Press 
 Association one thousand copies of the Prayer Book and five 
 hundred copies of the Testament, and also to contract with them 
 for the printing of five hundred copies of the Bible from the 
 Society's plates; two hundred of which to be bound up to meet 
 immediate demands. Our Agent has since reported that he has 
 complied with the duties thus enjoined. We are now enabled 
 to procure Prayer Books from the Press Association at 25 cents 
 per copy from our stereotype plates, equal in all respects to 
 those hitherto distributed. We have placed five hundred copies 
 of the Prayer Book at the disposal of the Executive Committee 
 of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Pro- 
 testant Episcopal Church in the United States; to be drawn for 
 in such numbers and at such times during the ensuing year as 
 they may deem proper; the thanks of the Executive Committee 
 have been received "for this very liberal appropriation." One 
 hundred copies more have been placed at the disposal of the Rev. 
 Addison Searle, Chaplain of theUnited States Navy, lately ap- 
 pointed for the New York Station a station which was 
 formerly occupied by the late Reverend and much lamented 
 Mr. Jones, who was eminently useful in dispensing the bounty 
 of the Society to the objects within his reach, as will appear by 
 the records and proceedings of our Institution (and who was 
 also distinguished for an ardent and enlightened attachment to 
 the principles of the Church to which he belonged). We are 
 grateful that in his successor, the Rev. Mr. Searle, we may look 
 for the same zeal and fidelity in the cause of the Society. 
 
 From the Report of the Agent (which may be found in the 
 appendix) it appears that the amount of gratuitous distributions 
 since the last anniversary have been as follows: 218 Bibles, 157 
 Testaments, and 1,939 Prayer Books; the amount of sales from 
 the Depository, at prime cost, during the same period have been 
 3,272 Prayer Books making the total amount of sales and dis- 
 tributions since our last Report, 218 Bibles, 157 Testaments, 
 and 5,211 Prayer Books and the whole number since the 
 formation of the Society, 51,112 volumes. 
 
 By the Treasurer's Account Current it appears that there have
 
 358 Fourteenth Auxiliary Report. [1829 
 
 been received into the Treasury during the past year to the 
 credit of the disposable fund : 
 
 From Y. Z., an unknown friend of the Institution, to 
 
 be expended in the distribution of Prayer Books. . $100 oo 
 From collection in St. Paul's Chapel on Sunday even- 
 ing, the 24th November last 208 38 
 
 From Messrs. T. & J. Swords for 50 Bibles in sheets. 25 oo 
 
 From a member of St. John's Chapel, as a donation. 10 oo 
 
 From subscribers 307 oo 
 
 Making a total of $650 38 
 
 There have been paid during the year : 
 
 To Messrs. T. & J. Swords, the balance of their ac- 
 count due at the close of the last year $226 03 
 
 For 296 copies of the Prayer Book, purchased with 
 
 the liberal donation of Y. Z 99 66 
 
 To James Connor, for repairing the stereotype plates 
 
 of the Prayer Book 41 88 
 
 For contingent expenses, including insurance on plates 
 
 and stock 32 26 
 
 To our former publishers, Messrs. T. & J. Swords, 
 
 on account 249 25 
 
 $650 38 
 
 The Society is still indebted to the Messrs Swords for bal- 
 ance of account $88.10. 
 
 The Treasurer takes this opportunity to express his thanks to 
 the Messrs. Swords for their liberality in furnishing, at all 
 times, the required quantity of Prayer Books for distribution, 
 without any reference to the means of the Society to pay for 
 them. 
 
 A suitable person is now employed in collecting the arrear- 
 ages due from subscribers. 
 
 The permanent fund at the close of the last year 
 
 amounted to $1,149 23
 
 1829] Fourteenth Auxiliary Report. 359 
 
 Since augmented by the life subscription of Dr. 
 
 Samuel W. Moore 25 oo 
 
 By a donation from a "Friend" by the hands of Mr. 
 
 Jacob Shatzel 50 oo 
 
 By interest on A. Wonnenburgh's bond and mortgage. 3 1 50 
 By interest on $655.48 in the hands of Messrs. Henry 
 
 and George Barclay 39 24 
 
 $1,294 97 
 
 There have been employed during the past year $1,064.87 in 
 the purchase and sale of 3,272 copies of the Prayer Book, at 
 prime cost, which are not included in the amount stated as 
 having been received to the credit of the disposable fund. 
 
 The Society is now indebted to its present publishers, the 
 New York Protestant Episcopal Press, the sum of $296.57 for 
 Prayer Books and Bibles, furnished since its Depository was 
 transferred to that establishment. 
 
 An arrangement has been made with that Institution by 
 which this Society will hereafter derive a revenue from the use 
 of its stereotype plates for the Bible and Book of Common 
 Prayer. 
 
 AGENT'S REPORT OF DISTRIBUTIONS SINCE LAST ANNIVERSARY. 
 
 To the conductors of the following Sunday 
 Schools, for use and distribution, viz. 
 
 Christ Church 62 
 
 All Saints' Church 8 10 30 
 
 Trinity Church 4 6 
 
 St. John's Chapel 8 54 
 
 St. Luke's Church 6 36 
 
 Schools attached to the Theological Seminary 18 12 30 
 
 St. Mark's Church 4 4 6 
 
 St. Stephen's Church 12 
 
 St. Paul's Chapel 6 6 24 
 
 St. Philip's Church 3 3 6 
 
 Grace Church 2 6 
 
 St. Thomas' Church 4 4 6 
 
 63 51 266
 
 360 Fourteenth Auxiliary Report. [1820 
 
 To subscribers, on acct. of their subscriptions. 37 8 69 
 To clergymen and other individuals of the 
 
 city, for distribution 34 32 159 
 
 134 91 494 
 
 In various other portions of this State as 
 follows, vis: 
 
 Essex County, Rev. D. Burt, Missionary 6 12 24 
 
 Washington Co. Granville, Rev. Palmer 
 
 Dyer, Missionary 12 
 
 Hampton, Rev. Moore Bingham, Miss'ary. 2 6 16 
 
 Saratoga Co. Ballston, Rev. D. Babcock. ... 6 12 
 
 Milton, Rev. Mr. M'Cabe i 2 12 
 
 Schenectady Co. Schenectady, Rev. A. P. 
 
 Proal 2 4 12 
 
 Duanesburgh, Rv. Mr. Thomas 6 
 
 Rensselaer Co. Lansingburgh, Rev. Mr. 
 
 Whipple 4 12 
 
 Rensselaer, Rev. Mr. Fuller 4 32 
 
 Columbia Co. Hudson, Rev. Mr. Stebbins. . 6 
 
 Dutchess Co. Poughkeepsie, Rev. Dr. Reed. 6 
 
 Hyde Park, Rev. Mr. Johnson 2 2 & 
 
 West Chester Co. Peekskill. Rev. Mr. Ives. 20 
 
 Bedford, Rev. Mr. Nichols 12 
 
 Harlem, Rev. Mr. Hinton 12 
 
 Yorkville, Rev. Mr. Richmond 12 
 
 West Farms, Mr. Burtis 3 
 
 Rev. Mr. Jelliff 12 
 
 Rev. Mr. Crosby 12 
 
 Kings Co. Brooklyn, Rev. Mr. Johnson .... 3 3 20 
 
 Orange Co. Goshen, Mrs. Wikham 6 
 
 Walden, Rev. Mr. Kingsbury 12 
 
 Newburgh, Rev. Mr. Brown 12 
 
 Delaware Co. Delhi and Hobart, Rev. H. 
 
 R. Peters 24 
 
 Broome Co. Rev. E. Punderson, Missionary. 12 
 
 Madison Co. Mr. Fargo, for a negro con- 
 gregation 12 
 
 Oneida Co. Rev. D. Nash, Missionary 32
 
 1829] Fourteenth Auxiliary Report. 361 
 
 Herkimer Co. Rev. P. J. Whipple and Rev. 
 
 W. M. Weber 4 28 
 
 Cayuga Co. Rev. O. H. Smith, Missionary.. 4 6 12 
 
 Steuben Co. Bath, Rev. Mr. Bostwick 12 
 
 Allegany Co. Hunt's Hollow, D. Hunt 12 
 
 Genesee Co. Geneseo, Rev. Mr. Bayard, Mis- 
 sionary 16 
 
 LeRoy, Rev. Mr. Beardsley, do 12 
 
 Niagara Co. Manchester, J. D. Veaux 4 24 
 
 Monroe Co. Rochester, Rev. F. Cumming. . 12 
 Onondago Co. Skaneateles, Rev. Mr. Hollis- 
 
 ter, Missionary 12 
 
 Oswego Co. Oswego, Rev. Mr. M'Carty... . 12 
 
 Chataugue Co. Dunkirk, Mr. Hopkins 6 
 
 Jefferson Co. Rev. Hiram Adams 6 6 20 
 
 Brownville, Rev. Mr. Keese 18 
 
 St. Lawrence Co. Ogdensburgh, Rev. Mr. 
 
 Todd, Missionary 20 
 
 Rev. Mr. Adams, do 12 
 
 42 47 599 
 To sundry other States, viz.: 
 
 Rhode Island, Warren, Rev. Mr. Bristed .... 30 
 
 Vermont, Woodstock, Rev. Koel Clap 25 
 
 Connecticut, Pomfret, Rev. Mr. Kellogg 8 
 
 North Carolina, D. Cameron, Esq 8 
 
 Rev. Mr. Byron, for a destitute congreg'n. 12 
 
 Ohio, Cincinnati, Rev. Mr. Johnson 12 
 
 Chagrin, Rev. Mr. Freeman 12 
 
 Ashtabula, Mr. W. W. Reid 12 
 
 Delaware, Wilmington, Rev. J. Pardee 18 
 
 New Jersey, Jersey City, Rev. Dr. Barry .... 6 6 36 
 
 Perth Amboy, Rev. Mr. Chapman 2 4 
 
 Newton, Rev. C. Dunn 3 6 
 
 H. M'Farlan, Esq., for Monroe Works. . 24 
 
 Morristown, Rev. B. Holmes 12 
 
 Hope, Mr. Swayze 12 
 
 Orange, Rev. Mr. Whittingham 5 
 
 Paterson, to Episcopal Sunday School 4 
 
 Alabama, Mobile, Wm. E. Dunscomb, Esq., 
 
 for a new Church, Mobile 50
 
 362 First Report of Press. [1829 
 
 West Florida, Tallahassee, Rev. H. N. Grey. 50 
 
 Pensacola, Rev. A. Searle 50 
 
 P. P. Gallatin, by order of the Board 50 
 
 ii 6 440 
 
 To Naval Storekeeper, Brooklyn 12 
 
 Rev. A. Searle 82 94 
 
 To Soldiers at Bedlow's Island, by the Rev. 
 
 Dr. Milnor 35 
 
 To the Chaplain of the Alms House, City 
 
 Hospital, and Bridewell, for the use of the 
 
 poor under his care 6 12 32 
 
 To sundry persons, for the use of the seamen 
 
 in the Merchant's service 3 n 
 
 To poor persons applying at the Depository 
 
 at different times 12 I 22 
 
 To the Orphan Asylum, City of New York. . . 12 
 
 To the Rev. R. A. Henderson, on account of 
 
 appropriation to Domestic and Foreign 
 
 Missionary Society 200 
 
 Total Bibles, 218 
 
 Testaments, 157 
 
 Prayer Books, 1 1939 
 
 It will be well for the Churchmen of this day to know with 
 what zeal the work of publication was entered upon by the 
 Press. 
 
 "The object of the Society which the Trustees have endeav- 
 oured to keep steadily in view is the diffusion through the 
 medium of the Press of the blessings of the Gospel, as it is ex- 
 hibited in the doctrines, the worship and the discipline of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. 
 How far these ends have been hitherto attained let the history of 
 their proceedings tell." 2 
 
 1. The Fourteenth Annual Report of the Board of Managers of the 
 Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, read before 
 the Society in St. John's Chapel, October i, 1829. New York: Printed at the 
 Protestant Episcopal Press, No. 46 Lumber Street. 1829. 
 
 2. First Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Press. New York, 1829. p. 5.
 
 1829] First Report of Press. 363 
 
 "From the Circular which was issued at an early period in our 
 proceedings it has no doubt been perceived that the business of 
 the Auxiliary New York Bible and Prayer Book Society and the 
 Protestant Episcopal Tract Society of this city, as well as that of 
 our General Sunday School Union and other institutions con- 
 nected with the Church has been committed to the Press, and the 
 sale, distribution, etc., of their publications placed under the care 
 of its agent. The most important aid to the operations of these 
 Societies, especially to those of our Sunday School Union, is rea- 
 sonably anticipated from their connection with our institutions; 
 and to all similar Societies connected with the Church, the Press 
 is offered as an instrument prepared expressly for their use." 1 
 
 The Sunday School Union above referred to was the outcome 
 of the First-day, or Sunday School founded January u, 1791, 
 at Philadelphia, as the result of a meeting on the preceding igth 
 of December, of twelve earnest Christian workers. Bishop 
 White was President of the Society and Matthew Cary its 
 Secretary. 
 
 The Philadelphia Sunday and Adult School Union was organ- 
 ized in 1817, a year after the New York Sunday School Union 
 had been established. In 1826 the Rev. William Wilson, Vicar 
 of Walthamstow, published a Manual of Instruction for Infant 
 Schools. An American edition of this work was published in 
 New York in 1830. 
 
 It must not, however, be inferred from this brief mention of 
 early Sunday School organizations that the Church in New 
 York had neglected her duty of teaching her children. Far from 
 it. There is nothing clearer than the zeal shown by the Cate- 
 chists attached to Trinity Church in its early days to ground 
 children in the principles of the Faith both by instruction and 
 by open catechizing in Church. 
 
 The older institution, the New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer, was still at work as is shown by these Extracts from 
 the Minutes: 
 
 At the meeting of February 3, 1830, the Treasurer presented 
 his report and account current. It appears from them that 
 their receipts during the last two years (including a balance from 
 the old account), were $585.84 cts., and the expenses $419.16 cts., 
 
 I. First Annual Report, 1829, p. 8.
 
 364 Proposed Union. [1830 
 
 leaving a balance in favour of the Treasury of $166.68 cts. ; that 
 the present amount of the permanent fund is $5,686.89 cts. ; and 
 that the probable amount of disposable funds for the ensuing 
 year will be $457.68 cts. 
 
 The Treasurer's report was accepted, and that, and his account 
 current ordered to be placed on file. 
 
 A communication was received from the Trustees of the New 
 York Protestant Episcopal Press, announcing the establishment 
 of that institution, and its readiness to execute printing, binding, 
 etc., for this and other Societies of the Church. Whereupon, 
 
 Resolved, that this Board has heard, with much pleasure, of 
 the establishment and operations of the New York Protestant 
 Episcopal Press; and that the printing of this Society be here- 
 after executed at that Press. 
 
 A communication was received from the Trustees of the New 
 York Protestant Episcopal Press, and another from the Board of 
 Managers of the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society, respecting the use, by those Institutions, 
 respectively, of the octavo stereotype plates of the Book of Com- 
 mon Prayer, belonging to this Society. 
 
 Resolved, that the above communication be referred to the 
 committee on the state of the Society, to report thereon at the 
 stated meeting of this Board to be held on Wednesday, the 24th 
 inst. (Folio 139.) 
 
 The Board met, according to adjournment, in Trinity Church, 
 February 24, 1830, when the Committee on the State of the 
 Society reported 
 
 "That measures are now pending which, they trust, will lead, 
 in a short time, to such an union between this Society and the 
 Auxiliary Society, as will secure, to the equal satisfaction of 
 both parties, the most efficient prosecution of the great objects 
 which both have in view. The Committee, therefore, ask to be 
 continued for the purpose of continuing to prosecute the meas- 
 ures above referred to. 
 
 "The Report was accepted and the committee continued." 
 (Folio 142.) 
 
 This is the last entry in the minutes of Bishop Onderdonk as 
 Secretary. 
 
 In the following letter we have an echo of previous contro- 
 versies. It is a calm and temperate brief statement of the posi- 
 tion taken by conservative Churchmen.
 
 1830] , Letter from I. L. E. 365 
 
 THE BIBLE SOCIETY CAUSE. 
 
 Messrs. Editors, 
 
 A late number of the Philadelphia Recorder, in eulogizing a 
 speech by the Rev. Professor Rutledge, at the meeting of the 
 Philadelphia Bible Society, says, "The remarks made by Mr. R. 
 were listened to with very peculiar satisfaction by us Episco- 
 palians who are upholders of the Bible Society Cause." Now 
 this is an improvement upon the heretofore common phrase of 
 the Bible Cause, which has been unjustly represented as a divid- 
 ing point among the members of our Church. No correct and 
 Christian view of the subject will justify the designation of any 
 class of Episcopalians as favourable to the Bible cause, in contra- 
 distinction to their brethren. The expression, however, "Bible 
 Society cause," though better, is not yet quite fair. To Bible 
 Societies none object. But many do most conscientiously object 
 to any religious societies which have a tendency to keep out of 
 view the principles of Church union, on which, it has been 
 divinely ordained, all the objects of religion should be promoted. 
 Therefore, such Bible societies as shut out all regard for this 
 divinely appointed mode of spreading the Gospel, as well as all 
 similar societies for religious purposes, are not approved by 
 many Episcopalians. They are not unfavourable to Bible socie- 
 ties, but to amalgamated societies, whatever be their object, for 
 which, in pursuit of religious purposes, the Church of Christ, 
 which He established for those purposes, is, by law, or custom, 
 or understanding, excluded, as furnishing the principle of union, 
 and the rule of operation. Let one step more, then, be made, in 
 reforming unjust modes of speech, and the promiscuous Bible 
 Society cause be, in fairness, stated as the ground of difference. 
 
 I. L. E. 1 
 
 In the fall, at the Anniversary Meeting this cheering account 
 and report of the Auxiliary Society are given : 
 
 The Fifteenth Anniversary of the Society was celebrated in St. 
 John's Chapel, in connection with that of the New York Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Tract Society, the New York Protestant Epis- 
 copal Missionary Society, and the New York Protestant Episco- 
 pal Press, on Thursday, October 7, 1830, at seven o'clock p. M., 
 
 I. The Christian Journal, Volume XIV., No. 7, July, 1830, pp. 199, 200.
 
 366 Auxiliary Meeting. [1830 
 
 the Rev. Thomas Lyell, D.D., in the Chair, and Charles Keeler, 
 Secretary. The meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 Chairman. The Annual Report was then read by James M. 
 Pendleton, M.D., whereupon on motion of Mr. William B. Hall. 
 
 Resolved, That the Report just read be accepted and printed 
 under the direction of the Board of Managers. 
 
 Resolved, That the increase of the operations of this Society 
 as evinced by the Report is a matter of gratulation and thankful- 
 ness to its members. 
 
 Resolved, That the new channels of distribution opened during 
 the past year, are gratifying pledges of future usefulness. 
 
 Resolved, That the assistance afforded by this Society to desti- 
 tute portions of sister Dioceses and waste places in the extreme 
 borders of our Zion must tend to draw closer the bonds of Union 
 which join our American Episcopalians in one faith and worship. 
 
 The business of the evening was concluded with suitable exer- 
 cises of devotion, conducted by the Rev. Chairman, and the So- 
 ciety adjourned to meet again at the building of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Press, on Wednesday, the i3th instant, at 7 o'clock 
 p. M. for the election of officers. 
 
 Pursuant to adjournment the Society met at the buildings of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Press on Wednesday the I3th instant 
 at 7 o'clock p. M., William E. Dunscomb, President of the So- 
 ciety, in the Chair. 
 
 The minutes of the last annual meeting were read by the Sec- 
 retary and on motion approved. On motion of Mr. B. M. Brown, 
 
 Resolved, That the Society do now proceed to the election of a 
 Board of Managers for the ensuing year. 
 
 Whereupon Mr. B. M. Brown and Mr. Lewis Curtiss were 
 appointed inspectors by the Chair. 
 
 On counting the ballots the following gentlemen were de- 
 clared duly elected, viz. : 
 
 William E. Dunscomb, President. 
 
 James De Peyster, ist Vice President. 
 
 Benjamin M. Brown, 2d Vice President. 
 
 D. A. Cushman, 3d Vice President. 
 
 Charles N. S. Rowland, Corresponding Secretary. 
 
 Charles Keeler, Recording Secretary. 
 
 Floyd Smith, Treasurer. 
 
 John Van Ingen, Agent.
 
 Fifteenth Auxiliary Report. 367 
 
 Managers : Richard Oakley, S. Calchvell Cleveland, James 
 L. Moore, Henry J. Seaman, Henry Cotheal, William H. Hobart, 
 M.D., Robert Grade, Aaron O. Dayton, George C. Morgan, 
 Oliver M. Lowndes, Philander Handford, J. H. Hobart Haws, 
 Lewis Curtiss, Meigs D. Benjamin, Thomas Browning, William 
 B. Hall, James M. Pendleton, M.D., John Alystyne. 
 
 Adjourned. CHARLES KEELER, Secretary. 
 
 FIFTEENTH AUXILIARY REPORT. 
 
 The return of this season brings with it the period when the 
 Managers of the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society are required to lay before their constituents 
 an abstract of their proceedings during the past year. The occa- 
 sion which calls us together is one of great interest, and of some 
 anxiety to your Board of Managers, as in rendering an account 
 of their stewardship they trust to receive your approbation for 
 the manner in which they have distributed your bounty. 
 
 Your Board think it important to direct your attention to the 
 arrangement entered into with the Press, by which a revenue will 
 be derived from the use of the stereotype plate of the Bible and 
 Book of Common Prayer; from this arrangement we felt war- 
 ranted in appropriating a part of our Permanent Fund in the 
 purchase at a cheap rate of the splendid set of octavo stereotype 
 plates, formerly owned by Mr. Henry J. Megara, of this city, 
 because that while the Society would receive a compensation for 
 their use, equivalent to the interest of the capital invested in their 
 purchase, and the gradual accumulation of the capital to its origi- 
 nal amount, it would also afford the means of circulating at a 
 cheap price, a book confessedly of the most clear and beautiful 
 type now in use. 
 
 The greater facility hereby accruing of affording a more ex- 
 tended use of the Prayer Book, whether of the more common, or, 
 better description is deemed to be fully within the original design 
 and scope of this institution. It may not be improper here to 
 advert to the important advantages which this Society derives 
 from its connection with the Protestant Episcopal Press in addi- 
 tion to what has just been enumerated. We are enabled to dis- 
 tribute a much larger number of Prayer Books gratuitously than 
 formerly; to dispose of those which are offered for sale at a 
 reduced price, and at the same time of a much better quality.
 
 368 Fifteenth Auxiliary Report. [1830 
 
 The grant to Bishop Brownell's mission of 500 copies of the 
 Book of Common Prayer has been well received, and proved to 
 be much needed. The Board have the satisfaction of stating, 
 also, that great good to our growing Church in the South and 
 Northwest is resulting from the measure adopted by them of 
 furnishing on their responsibility a supply of books to the zealous 
 and active clergymen who are labouring in those districts, the 
 Rev. George Weller and the Rev. Richard Bury. They have felt 
 that it became them as Christians by every practical means to 
 strengthen these outposts, and to encourage and support, by every 
 means in their power, the faithful men who are there stationed ; 
 they have therefore done all that with their limited resources 
 they could do; they have furnished books, some gratuitously, and 
 some at the lowest rates of sale most gladly would they have 
 done more, and more they trust they will be enabled to do here- 
 after by the increase of contributions to the Treasury of the 
 Society. 
 
 The Rev. Addison Searle, of the Navy Yard, Brooklyn, with 
 his usual attention to promote the objects of this institution, has 
 distributed among the seamen and marines at his station, and on 
 board those preparing for sea. wherever he saw they would prove 
 useful and acceptable ; he has also obliged us by procuring from 
 our Depository, and personally presenting to the officers of ves- 
 sels of the Navy copies of the Book of Common Prayer, which 
 have, we believe, been invariably received with cheerfulness and 
 a proper estimation of our object in placing them at that gentle- 
 man's disposal. 
 
 It is with pleasure your Board take this opportunity of stating 
 the obligation the Society is under to the Rev. Dr. Wainwright 
 and the Rev. John A. Clark, for the able and eloquent discourses 
 pronounced by them in aid of the funds of this institution; the 
 pecuniary assistance thus afforded has contributed in no incon- 
 siderable degree to augment our means of usefulness. 
 
 From the report of the Agent appended to this Report, it ap- 
 pears that the following have been the gratuitous distributions 
 since the last anniversary: Bibles, 352; Testaments, 384; 
 Prayer Books, 3,067 ; Hymns, 875 ; making a total of works put 
 into circulation and gratuitously distributed by this Society since 
 its organization of 55,890 volumes.
 
 I 830] Fifteenth Auxiliary Report. 369 
 
 TREASURER'S REPORT. 
 
 By the Treasurer's Account Current hereunto annexed as an 
 Appendix, it appears that the whole amount of money received 
 to the credit of the Disposable Fund during the past year is 
 $1,656.30. 
 
 Of this sum there was withdrawn from the Permanent Fund 
 and placed to the credit of the Disposable Fund, for the purpose 
 of being invested in the purchase of the splendid set of stereotype 
 plates of the octavo Prayer Book, formerly the property of Mr. 
 Henry I. Megary, of this city, and in a set of stereotype plates 
 for the new Hymns of a corresponding excellence of type, &c., 
 $716.25. 
 
 Besides this sum so applied there have been paid to our present 
 publisher, the New York Protestant Episcopal Press, and for 
 contingent expenses, the sum of $936.05. 
 
 It will be observed on referring to the Treasurer's Account 
 Current that the Society is greatly indebted to the Rev. John A. 
 Clark and the Rev. Dr. Wainwright, by whom able and eloquent 
 appeals were made in its behalf in several of the Churches of 
 this city. 
 
 The Permanent Fund at the close of last year amounted to 
 $1,294.94. 
 
 Since augmented by its own interest to $1,316.25. 
 
 Of this sum there was withdrawn for the purpose above stated 
 $716.25. 
 
 Leaving a balance invested in a Bond and Mortgage, $600.00. 
 
 Revenue from Stereotype Plates. Our publishers, the New 
 York Protestant Episcopal Press, have passed to the credit of the 
 Society for the use of the stereotype plates for the Bible, the Book 
 of Common Prayer, and the new Hymns, $317.50; a sum equiva- 
 lent in value to twelve hundred and seventy Prayer Books, which 
 have been added to the Society's ordinary gratuitous distribution. 
 
 The Society is now indebted to its present publishers, the 
 Protestant Episcopal Press, the sum of $386.71. 
 
 At no period since the formation of this Society has there been 
 a greater and more constant demand upon us from all quarters of 
 our vastly extended country, and your Board of Managers have 
 uniformly acted upon the principle that would best consult views 
 and feelings of their constituents, by meeting fully and promptly 
 and without reference to the present pecuniary ability of the 
 (24)
 
 370 Fifteenth Auxiliary Report. 
 
 Society, every demand upon our Depository. Although this is a 
 junior institution, and local both in its habitation and name, yet 
 to its praise be it spoken, it is the chief source of supply for the 
 Book of Common Prayer to the feeble Churches, which arc 
 without that most valuable digest and summary of the great 
 truths of the Holy Book of God. 
 
 From the foregoing statement of the Treasurer's Report, it 
 will be perceived that the Disposable Fund is consumed and a 
 balance left against the Society. To supply this deficiency, and 
 for the means of carrying on the future operations of the Society 
 in proportion to the rapidly increasing demands for its benefac- 
 tions, it will be absolutely necessary to make a regular annual 
 demand upon the generosity of the several congregations of this 
 city. 
 
 Your Board cannot for a moment entertain a doubt of deriving 
 additional means from such appeal to the liberality of their Epis- 
 copal brethren ; it has not failed them heretofore, and they trust 
 in Him whose Word they are engaged in distributing, that it 
 will not fail them for the future. The claims of our Society upon* 
 the kindness and liberality of our Episcopal friends, arise out of 
 the very object which it proposes to effect the distribution of 
 the Bible and Book of Common Prayer and as no higher object 
 can possibly present itself to Christians, so the obligation to ren- 
 der its aid and assistance should be more generally felt than it 
 appears to be at present. You are truly engaged in furnishing, 
 the "one thing needful." 
 
 Your labours are contributing in no small degree to confer that 
 greatest blessing which can fall to the lot of man, the formation 
 of a religious character, the instilling of holy and divine thoughts 
 and in subjecting the will and passions to the correction of God's 
 Holy Word. What work can be more glorious, what more con- 
 sonant to the feelings of moral, intellectual and accountable be- 
 ings ? What can produce more delightful emotions in the human: 
 breast than the consciousness that, by our means, or through our 
 agency, the immortal and everlasting truths of the Gospel have 
 been put forth to guide and instruct mankind? Happy may he 
 consider himself who has a share in this noble and exalted work. 
 
 It is your benevolence which places in the hands of the poor,, 
 the miserable and the destitute that sacred volume and its admir- 
 able comment, the Book of Common Prayer, which contains such
 
 1830] Fifteenth Auxiliary Report. 371 
 
 rich promises of reward to the virtuous and which the Christian 
 with songs of triumph through this his mortal pilgrimage. 
 
 If you could follow your Bible and its accompanying Book of 
 Common Prayer into the remote and destitute parts of our coun- 
 try, where your exertions have sent it ; if you could there witness 
 the hope of final approbation, the prospect of relief and accept- 
 ance in that dark hour when mortal aid can be of no avail, you 
 would rejoice greatly at what had been accomplished and make 
 redoubled exertions for future operations. 
 
 Your Board cannot in justice to their feelings conclude their 
 Report without alluding to that afflicting dispensation of Provi- 
 dence which has deprived the Church over which he presided, of 
 the invaluable services of its late beloved and lamented Bishop. 
 The event is of such recent occurrence, so fresh in our recollec- 
 tions, and the expression of grief so general, that in expressing 
 the gratification they experience in reflecting that this Society in 
 distributing the Bible in connection with the Book of Common 
 Prayer is acting in accordance with his wishes, and following the 
 path so eloquently pointed out by him, in his discourse in 1816. 
 
 In thus submitting to his guidance and adhering to the princi- 
 ples of Church government which he advocated, we shall best 
 evince our respect and veneration for his character and services. 1 
 
 I. The Fifteenth Annual Report of the Board of Managers of the Auxil- 
 iary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, read before the 
 Society in St. John's Chapel, October 7, 1830. With an Appendix. New 
 York: Printed at the Protestant Episcopal Press, No. 46 Lumber Street 
 MDCCCXXX. 8vo. pp. 12.
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Mourning over Bishop Hobart's Death Resolutions by the New York 
 Church Societies Meeting of the N. Y. B. & C. P. B. Society, May n, 1832 
 Committee Appointed to Consider the Advisability of Amalgamating the Society 
 with the Auxiliary Society, The Tract Society, and the Press Extended 
 Growth of the Auxiliary Its Sixteenth Annual Report Its Greater Vigour 
 than the Parent Society Anniversaries of 1832 Report of the Auxiliary 
 New Edition of the Bible Projected Report of Chaplain to Congress on 
 the First American Bible in 1782 Resolution of the U. S. Congress 
 Liberal Response to Appeal for New Edition of the Bible Proof Sheets 
 Read by Mr. Van Ingen and Rev. William R. Whittingham Annual Meet- 
 ing of 1833 Eighteenth Annual Report Appearance of the New Edition 
 of the Bible in 1834 Based on the Folio of 1616 Address by Dr. 
 Schroeder. 
 
 BISHOP Hobart's death moved the hearts of people as 
 they never were moved by the death of any of his pre- 
 decessors. He died a young man, full of energy, sword 
 in hand, the very type of the Church Militant. It was 
 not his personal character that had aroused enmity, on the con- 
 trary he had a great charm of manner, but it was his aggressive- 
 ness on behalf of the Church. What he conceived to be the 
 Faith of the Church he fought for with all the stubbornness of 
 his nature. He never for one moment minimized or compro- 
 mised the divine claims of that branch of the Church in which 
 he was a Pastor. It was this aggressiveness and uncompro- 
 mising spirit which made men like William Jay oppose him with 
 a violence and vehemence which we cannot but regret. The 
 Bishop's interest in the two Societies whose history we are con- 
 sidering, the New York Bible and Common Prayer Book So- 
 ciety and the Auxiliary Society never slackened. He saw with 
 prophetic eye the value of a wide and generous distribution of 
 the Prayer Book as the "Most Effective Missionary of the 
 
 372
 
 1830] Mourning for Bishop Hobart. 373 
 
 Church." His fight for the continuance of such a distribution 
 has been amply vindicated. No Churchman now doubts the 
 wisdom of that distribution, and parishes all over the land con- 
 fess their indebtedness to this distribution of the Prayer Book 
 as the means whereby they have been able to grow up through 
 extended membership into strong and vigorous parishes. 
 
 Dr. Hobart died at Auburn, the residence of his old friend, 
 the Rev. Dr. Rudd, September 12, 1830. The body was borne 
 on a canal boat as far as Albany, and there transferred on board 
 the "Constellation," which conveyed it to New York. The 
 towns and villages along the route all displayed signs of mourn- 
 ing, and the procession to Trinity Church on the day of the 
 burial, a mile long, passed through streets crowded to excess. 
 
 Through the courtesy of Trinity Corporation we are able to 
 give the minute passed on the death of the Bishop. 
 
 At a meeting of Lay Members of the following Societies: 
 The Protestant Episcopal Society for the Promotion of 
 Religion and Learning in the State of New York, the Trustees 
 of the New- York Protestant Episcopal Public School, the New- 
 York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, the New- York 
 Protestant Episcopal Tract Society, the New-York Protestant 
 Episcopal Missionary Society, the New- York Protestant Epis- 
 copal Sunday School Society, the New- York Protestant Episco- 
 pal Press, and the Executive Committee of the General Pro- 
 testant Episcopal Sunday School Union, held at St. Paul's 
 Chapel, in the City of New- York, on the evening of September 
 i8th, 1830, for the purpose of expressing their sense of the loss 
 they have sustained in the dispensation which has taken from 
 them their beloved and deeply lamented Diocesan, the late Right 
 Reverend John Henry Hobart, D.D., and their sacred remem- 
 brance of his virtues, Mr. James Swords was called to the 
 Chair, and Robert Gracie and Richard Oakley were appointed 
 Secretaries. 
 
 On motion of James Pendleton, M.D., seconded by J. 
 Stearns, M.D., and Mr. Floyd Smith, the following resolutions 
 were offered and unanimously accepted : 
 
 Resolved, That the afflicting dispensation of an all-wise, yet 
 most gracious Providence, which, in removing from this life 
 our late revered Diocesan, has deprived his family of a most 
 tender and affectionate husband and father; the Church over
 
 374 Mourning for Bishop Hobart. [18aO 
 
 which he presided of a pious, learned, active, diligent, and most 
 faithful guardian, guide and overseer; the Gospel, of one of its 
 most able, sound, and eloquent advocates and expositors; liter- 
 ature and science of one of their most distinguished ornaments 
 and enlightened supporters; the community of a most estimable 
 citizen; our country of a most sincere and devoted admirer of 
 her civil institutions ; the several societies here represented, of a 
 most able, faithful and successful expounder and defender of 
 their principles; and ourselves, as their individual members, of 
 the wise counsels, the parental guidance, and the affectionate 
 converse of an unequalled friend, is an event which, while we 
 bow in humble and sincere submission to the mandate of the 
 Sovereign of the Universe, who hath called from the scene of 
 his usefulness our greatly beloved and most deeply deplored 
 Diocesan, fills our hearts with emotions of the deepest sorrow; 
 yet is our sorrow soothed and mitigated by the well founded 
 hope and the reasonably certain assurance that he hath gone to 
 receive the commendation, "Well done, thou good and faithful 
 servant, enter thou into thy Master's joy ;" and that over us who 
 are left there is till extended, to support, to protect, to prosper, 
 and to bless us, the same kind and most gracious hand which 
 gave and hath taken him away. 
 
 Resolved, That we most affectionately and tenderly sympa- 
 thize with his bereaved family, and most devoutly pray that God 
 in his great goodness and mercy will comfort and console them 
 in this the hour of their deep affliction. 
 
 Resolved, That we most sincerely sympathize with his be- 
 reaved Diocese, and do most earnestly supplicate the Divine 
 Head of that Church to which it is an humble but honoured 
 portion, so to guide and govern the hearts of the members of 
 the Ecclesiastical Council upon whom it may devolve to elect 
 a successor, as to prevent division and dissension, and effectu- 
 ally secure that peace and order, and happy unity of opinion 
 and action, which, while it has by God's blessing upon his faith- 
 ful labours, so eminently characterized the Episcopate of our 
 deceased Diocesan, will be the best and most sacred evidence 
 that his memory and the principles that he so ardently loved, 
 and so perse veringly inculcated, is duly and justly appreciated 
 by those whom he has left behind him. 
 
 Resolved. That we hereby tender our most grateful acknowl-
 
 ;1832] Meeting of May, 1832. 375 
 
 edgments to the Rev. Clergy, the Physicians, and other at- 
 tendants, who with such unwearied assiduity and tenderness 
 .administered to the necessities of their and our sick and 
 -<lying friend. May God return to them their kindness seven 
 fold, whenever it may please Him to lay them upon the couch 
 of sickness, sorrow, and death. 
 
 Resolved, That as a public mark of our constant and sacred 
 recollection of the virtues and good offices of our deceased 
 Diocesan, the President of the several Societies here represent- 
 ed, we will wear a crape band upon our hats, and upon our arm, 
 in the usual mode, until the festival of Christmas., 
 
 Resolved, That an attested copy of the foregoing be con- 
 veyed to Mrs. Hobart and family, and the Rev. John C. Rudd, 
 D.D., and for publication in the Auburn Gospel Messenger. 
 
 Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by 
 the Chairman and Secretaries, and published in the daily papers 
 -of this city, and in all the Episcopal periodicals published in the 
 United States. 
 
 JAMES SWORDS, Chairman. 
 ROBERT GRACIE, 
 RICHARD OAKLEY, 
 
 Secretaries. 1 
 
 The records do not give any minutes between February 24, 
 1830, and May n, 1832, on which date the Board of Managers 
 met in Trinity Church. 
 
 Present: The Rt. Rev. Benj. T. Onderdonk, D.D., Rev. Dr. 
 Berrian, Rev. Dr. Creighton, Rev. Mr. Schroeder, Rev. Mr. 
 Cutler, Rev. Mr. Richmond, Rev. Mr. Forbs, Rev. Mr. Haight, 
 Rev. Mr. Breintnall, Thomas W. Ludlow, Dr. John Onderdonk, 
 Henry Rogers, Isaac Careau. 2 
 
 There being no Secretary, the Rev. Thomas Breintnall was 
 apppointed Secretary, pro tern. 
 
 The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 
 
 1. Archives of Trinity Church, New York. 
 
 2. There appears to have been no uniformity in the spelling of names, 
 It is "Carreau," or "Carrow" ; "Henry J. Seaman" or "Henry I. Seaman" ; 
 "Frederick de Peyster" or "Frederic De Peyster" ; "Curtiss" or "Curtis," 
 and so on. This is mentioned here to account for the lack of uniformity 
 .in the spelling of names throughout these records.
 
 376 One Society Advocated. [1832 
 
 The following report of the Treasurer was then read and 
 ordered to be entered on the minutes : 
 
 To Bishop Onderdonk, 
 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 The balance in the hands of the Treasurer of the N. Y. 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society is $30.40. 
 
 The permanent fund is as follows: 
 Deposited with the U. S. Life Insurance and Trust 
 
 Company $i ,669 14 
 
 32 Shares Eagle Fire Company, cost 3,667 60 
 
 10 do 598 60 
 
 5 34- 
 
 The dividends on the stock amount to $291.00 per year, and 
 with the above balance of $30.40 will constitute the disposable 
 fund of the present year. 
 
 The bill of the Protestant Episcopal Press, for $717.28, has 
 been paid. 
 
 I am, with great respect, 
 Your very obt. Servt. 
 
 THOS. W. LUDLOW, Treasurer. 
 New York, May n, 1832. 
 
 On motion Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed 
 to confer with the Bishop and with similar committees from 
 the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book So- 
 ciety, the New York P. E. Tract Society, and the New York 
 P. E. Press on the subject of the formation of a new Diocesan 
 Institution which shall embrace the objects of the above named 
 Institutions. 
 
 The committee appointed by the chair consisted of the Rev. 
 Dr. Creighton, Rev. Dr. Berrian, Isaac Careau. 
 
 The Board then proceeded to the election of a Secretary, and 
 on counting the ballots it appeared that the Rev. Thomas 
 Breintnall was chosen Secretary. 
 
 The Board then adjourned. 
 
 In the meantime the Auxiliary had rapidly taken the place of 
 the older institution and found its field both wide and attractive.
 
 1831] Sixteenth Auxiliary Report. 377 
 
 The list of officers and report is found in "The Churchman," 
 founded to fight pro Deo et Ecclesia. 
 
 Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 
 Society. 
 
 Officers for 1831-2: 
 Benjamin M. Brown, President. 
 Floyd Smith, ist Vice President. 
 Henry Cotheal, 2d Vice President. 
 James M. Pendleton, M.D., 3d Vice President. 
 Charles N. S. Rowland, Corresponding Secretary. 
 Henry J. Seaman, Recording Secretary. 
 Richard Oakley, Treasurer. 
 Thomas Browning, Agent. 
 
 SIXTEENTH AUXILIARY REPORT. 
 
 The Managers of the Auxiliary New York Bible and Com- 
 mon Prayer Book Society, in discharge of an annual duty, 
 present themselves before their constituents with a report of 
 the Board during the year which is just past. The execution 
 of the sacred trust committed to their hands, fraught, as it is, 
 with unspeakable satisfaction, is rendered still more interesting 
 by the anticipation of that regularly returning period at which 
 they are to recount to those whose bounty they dispense the 
 progress and effect of their exertions. They rejoice, too in the 
 opportunity which the occasion affords them of pressing upon 
 the attention and patronage of the friends of religion and the 
 Church, the continual claims of an institution, founded in the 
 purest of all charity that of diffusing among the poor of this 
 world the means by which they may secure the riches of life 
 and immortality. 
 
 The moneys which have come into the hands of the Mana- 
 gers since the last anniversary are about equal in amount to 
 those received in the preceding year, and have been faithfully 
 and carefully applied to the purpose for which they were given, 
 but as part of them were necessarily expended in the discharge 
 of a previous debt, the distributions have been more limited than 
 usual, and have fallen far short of the wants and demands of 
 the community. The applications for the Book of Common 
 Prayer are unceasing, and it is greatly to be regretted that the
 
 378 Sixteenth Auxiliary Report. [1831 
 
 means afforded to the Society of meeting these applications 
 bear so small a proportion to the importance of the object or 
 the wealth of our community. With the petitions of the poor 
 and destitute yet sounding in our ears, we appeal with heart- felt 
 earnestness to our Episcopal brethren, who are blessed with 
 the regular services of the Church, and whose devotions ascend 
 to the Throne of Grace in the unequalled language of our 
 Liturgy, and entreat them to remember the thousands who are 
 scattered over the vast extent of our country, to whom these 
 sources have long been unknown, and who would receive with 
 tears of joy and gratitude the treasures which are contained in 
 that book out of which their fathers or themselves, perhaps, in 
 better days were privileged to worship. 
 
 We entreat them to remember the infant congregations which 
 are fast springing into existence in the remote parts of our 
 own diocese, and the numerous individuals more immediately 
 about us to whom the Book of Common Prayer would be an 
 acquisition as acceptable as it would be edifying. It appears by 
 the statement of the Agent, which is annexed to this report, that 
 the Society has distributed during the past year three hundred 
 and twenty-eight Bibles, one hundred and eighty-one Testa- 
 ments, two thousand two hundred and forty-five Prayer Books, 
 and one hundred and thirty-seven copies of the Book of Hymns. 
 
 The whole number of volumes which have been put into cir- 
 culation since the organization of the Society is fifty-eight 
 thousand seven hundred and eighty-one. 
 
 It has been heretofore stated in our annual reports and to 
 prevent the possibility of misapprehension, we repeat the re- 
 mark, that the great disparity in the number of Bibles and 
 Prayer Books distributed by the Society, is owing entirely to the 
 inequality of the demand. This inequality is accounted for by 
 the existence of numerous Bible Societies, while ours is the only 
 association in the country for the circulation of the Book of 
 Common Prayer, whose operations are not confined to a very 
 limited sphere. It will be seen by the report of the agent, that 
 this Society, although nominally local and auxiliary, has ex- 
 tended its distributions during the past year into twenty-seven 
 counties of our own State, and into eleven other States of the 
 Union, besides the territory of Michigan, the distant island of 
 Hayti, and the more distant colony of Liberia. It is a question
 
 1831] Sixteenth Auxiliary Report. 379 
 
 worthy of the most serious consideration, whether the usefulness 
 of the institution would not be greatly increased by throwing off 
 its local and auxiliary character, and relaying its foundations 
 upon a more extended plan with a view of multiplying the 
 sources of its income, and enlarging the compass of its opera- 
 tions. Nothing is so essential to the establishment and growth 
 of our Church as the wide dissemination of the Book 01 Com- 
 mon Prayer. Without it the labours of the missionaries are de- 
 prived of very much of their efficacy. It is itself a most efficient 
 missionary addressing itself to the understanding and the heart 
 in the most forcible and touching language, and exerting an al- 
 most irresistible influence over the mind of the sober inquirer 
 after evangelical truth. In the circulation of this invaluable 
 Summary of doctrine, discipline, and worship, it is most desirable 
 that the efforts of Episcopalians should be concentrated, that 
 there should be a confluence of the various means of Episcopal 
 bounty, to be distributed wherever their refreshing and fertil- 
 izing influence might be most needed. 
 
 By the Treasurer's Report it appears that the Permanent 
 Fund of the Society, which at the last anniversary amounted to 
 $1,316.25, has been increased to $1,549.94. Of this sum $600 
 are loaned upon bond and motgage and $716.25 invested in 
 stereotype plates of the octavo Book of Common Prayer. The 
 balance of $233.69 is deposited at interest with the Trustees of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Press. The addition just mentioned, 
 has arisen in part from interest on the bond, and from the price 
 paid by the Press for the use of the plates belonging to the 
 Fund. For one hundred dollars of the increase we are indebted 
 to the pious liberality of the ladies of St. Paul's Chapel ; who 
 have recently constituted the Right Rev. Bishop of the Diocese 
 and the Rector and assistant minister of Trinity Church, life 
 members of the Society. While we express our grateful sense 
 of their generous contribution, we do but justice to the charity 
 and religious zeal of the sex, when we anticipate the imitation 
 of so praise-worthy an example by the ladies of other congre- 
 gations. The sum received by the Treasurer to the credit of the 
 Disposable Fund is $1,0x30.49. Of this sum $217.75 nave ^en 
 paid in by subscribers, $76.88 have been derived from dona- 
 tions; $75 have arisen from the use of our i8mo stereotype 
 plates by the Protestant Episcopal Press, and $630.86 have txten
 
 380 Sixteenth Auxiliary Report. [1831 
 
 collected in various churches, after sermons by Rev. Dr. Wain- 
 wright, the present Bishop of North Carolina, and the Rev. 
 Messrs. Breintnall, Richmond, Bayard, and John A. Clark, to 
 whom the Society is indebted for their able and successful 
 efforts in our behalf. 
 
 The Board of Managers must be permitted to indulge their 
 feelings by a public acknowledgment of the liberal gift of fifty 
 dollars to this fund in the course of the year by Mr. Jacob 
 Shatzel, whose name stands high on the list of benefactors of 
 our religious institutions. 
 
 The whole of the Disposable Fund has been exhausted, and 
 a debt moreover of $679.22, has been contracted with our pub- 
 lishers; we must therefore again resort to the unfailing benev- 
 olence of our friends for the means of relieving us from our 
 present responsibility, and of continuing our operations through 
 the coming year. 
 
 Under a lively recollection of past liberality, and with a firm 
 reliance upon the blessings of heaven upon so sacred an enterprise, 
 we make our annual appeal for aid with a confidence that never 
 falters. Notwithstanding the stupendous exertions to dis- 
 tribute the Word of Life, which will mark the present as a 
 memorable age in the history of Christianity, and which would 
 seem even to the sober mind, to indicate the dawn of that bright 
 and glorious day which the inspired volume teaches us to ex- 
 pect there are yet many even in Christian countries to whose 
 eyes the pages of the Gospel of Christ are scarcely more familiar 
 than the Koran of Mahomet, or the Vedas of Hindostan. 
 What has been already done in this holy cause, instead of 
 abating our ardor, should have the effect of increasing our zeal, 
 and stimulating us to more energetic action. "There is no dis- 
 charge in this war," until the strongholds of irreligion and in- 
 fidelity are broken up, and the banner of the cross waves 
 throughout the world. 
 
 Following in this respect, we humbly believe, the practice and 
 precepts of the Founder of our religion, we go forth to the con- 
 test armed with these weapons, the Word and the Church of 
 God. While we regard and reverence the Bible as containing 
 "all things necessary to salvation," and while we rejoice in the 
 successes of our brethren, who differing from us in sentiment, 
 deem them duly best discharged by a distribution of the holy
 
 1831] Sixteenth Auxiliary Report. 381 
 
 volume, without note or comment; we know how to reconcile 
 respect for their persons and charity for their motives, with a 
 firm and uncompromising adherence to the principle upon which 
 our Society is founded, when we distribute the Book of Com- 
 mon Prayer in connection with the Scriptures, 1 we thus dis- 
 charge a duty which all other denominations of Christians ac- 
 knowledge, and which though in a different way they too per- 
 form. We disseminate our own peculiar views of evangelical 
 truth. What we do conjointly, they do separately. We accom- 
 pany the Scriptures by our exposition of their contents they 
 send forth the Scriptures first, and afterward follow them with 
 missionary sermons, tracts, and commentaries, presenting their 
 various modes of construction. If the naked question be pro- 
 posed, whether the Bible, although wholly derived from inspira- 
 tion as its source, yet made up as it is of the writings of various 
 individuals in different ages of the world, addressed in the first 
 instance to people of diversified customs and habits, and trans- 
 lated from language to language, could be well understood upon 
 the unassisted perusal of an unlettered man, as if it were accom- 
 panied by the explanations and illustrations which are afforded 
 to us by the accumulated learning of a thousand generations; 
 there is no one of whatever persuasion who has the exercise of 
 his reason, but must answer in the negative. When Philip 
 directed by the Spirit of God inquired of the Eunuch, who read 
 Esaias, the Prophet, "Understandest thou what thou readest?" 
 the reply was, "How can I except some man should guide me?" 
 Then "Philip opened his mouth and began at the same Scripture 
 and preached unto him Jesus." 
 
 Where then the choice is in our power to deliver the Bible 
 alone or with the addition of such means as we possess of under- 
 standing its contents, we cannot hesitate in adopting the latter 
 course. 
 
 Whether the exposition should accompany the sacred volume, 
 or follow it, resolves itself as between us and other denominations 
 of Christians into a mere question of policy. But when we 
 address ourselves to Episcopalians we claim their support upon 
 
 i. Although a joint distribution of the Bible and Book of Common Prayer 
 is preferred by the Society, yet, where both are not wanted, either is given 
 separately, and donations will be separately appropriated when so directed 
 by the donors.
 
 382 Sixteenth Auxiliary Report. [1831 
 
 other and higher ground. We include in our appeal the numer- 
 ous and respectable number of our communion, whose sense of 
 duty or expediency has led them to unite with other sects in the 
 circulation of the Scriptures alone, but whose attachment we 
 trust is not thereby diminished to the distinguishing tenets of 
 the Society of Christians to which they profess to belong. We 
 do not ask the exclusive patronage of such, but we would impress 
 upon all who believe in the divine institution of a visible Church, 
 the existence of which depends upon the due administration of 
 the Sacraments by a ministry deriving their authority from 
 Christ, their Head through a line of Bishops in regular Apos- 
 tolic succession, the solemn obligation under which they lie to 
 extend to others the inestimable privileges which they in this 
 respect enjoy. The Church to which we belong, "built," as it 
 unquestionably is, "upon one foundation of the Apostles and 
 prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone," has 
 a value infinitely beyond that of any human institution. Pos- 
 sessing a ministry of undisputed authority, and holding fast to 
 the pure doctrines of primitive Christianity, uncorrupted by the 
 superstition and heresies by which from age to age she has been 
 surrounded and assailed; offering up her prayers and praise to 
 God, in the fervent and sublime language of a Liturgy which 
 surpasses all uninspired composition; regulated by a system of 
 discipline which ensures order and sobriety in the midst of en- 
 thusiasm and extravagance; observing a ritual at once simple 
 and imposing; consecrated and endeared by the the sufferings 
 and death of a "noble army of martyrs," and the pious exam- 
 ples of a long line of "holy and humble men of heart," who have 
 ascended from her bosom to the Church triumphant in Heaven; 
 our exertion in her cause should be in some measure propor- 
 tioned to her exalted character and to the high destiny which 
 we humbly trust in Providence awaits her. 
 
 It is the extension of this Church, together with the Revela- 
 tion of its Divine Founder, to which our labours are directed; 
 and for which we earnestly solicit the benefactions of the char- 
 itable members of our Communion. Is there can there be one 
 who feels in his own heart the blessed influences of our holy 
 religion, sanctifying him in prosperity, and affording him the 
 comfortable assurance of final exaltation to the same place where 
 his Saviour Christ has gone before?
 
 1831] Sixteenth Auxiliary Report. 383 
 
 Who can experience even a momentary indifference, while 
 thousands and tens of thousands of his fellow creatures are 
 strangers to the promises and consolations of the Gospel ? 
 
 No it cannot be one of the unvarying characteristics of the 
 true Christian is a desire to extend to the whole human race the 
 blessings in which he himself participates, the ardent wish that 
 all his fellow men, without distinction of name, or sect or coun- 
 try, were altogether as he is except those bonds of remaining 
 corruption with which the best Christian feels himself enthralled. 
 Blessed in this righteous cause is he who gives as well as he who 
 receives. "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of 
 him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bring- 
 eth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith 
 unto Zion thy God reigneth!" 
 
 Let us pursue then with unwavering perseverance the sacred 
 work in which we are engaged. It is our happiness to live in 
 this day of Christian enterprise and zeal, when it may be truly 
 said, that "The Lord is making bare his holy arm in the eyes of 
 all the nations." 
 
 May it be our glorious privilege to act as humble instruments 
 in the fulfilment of the prophecy, "that all the ends of the earth 
 shall see the salvation of our God." 1 
 
 While the parent Society was in a state of suspended anima- 
 tion, the Auxiliary was lusty and strong. 
 
 Relying as it did principally upon the sums gathered in the 
 Churches of the city, its annual appeal in 1832 was made the 
 occasion of this commendation in "The Churchman" : 
 
 1832. Bible and Common Prayer Book Society. 
 
 The Society noticed in the subjoined advertisement, has ever 
 shown itself ready to meet the calls of our fellow Churchmen in 
 every part of our country, and to furnish its publications wher- 
 ever a favourable opening was presented. Our General Mis- 
 sionary Society and clergymen in new and feeble congrega- 
 tions throughout the United States have been liberally supplied 
 from the depository; although its funds are drawn exclusively 
 from this city. It is but a few days since the frigate United 
 States received a large donation of its books. 
 
 i. The Churchman, Saturday, November 12, 1831. Volume I. No. 34. 
 Page 136.
 
 384 Anniversary Meetings. [1832 
 
 The Treasury of the institution is of course empty it is sel- 
 dom otherwise and an account of some hundreds of dollars due 
 its publishers need we say more to excite a proper spirit of 
 liberality in its behalf ? 
 
 AUXILIARY NEW YORK BIBLE AND COMMON PRAYER BOOK 
 
 SOCIETY. 
 
 On Sunday morning next, sermons will be preached, and col- 
 lections made, in Trinity Church, St. Paul's and St. John's 
 Chapels in aid of the funds of the above Society. 
 
 All persons friendly to the objects of the institution are re- 
 spectfully invited to attend. 
 
 HENRY I. SEAMAN, 
 
 June 27th. Chairman Com. of Arrangements. 1 
 
 Our only knowledge of the operations of the Society for the 
 year ending in October, 1832, is from the account in "The 
 Churchman" of the diocesan anniversaries and the notice of its 
 annual meeting. It is doubtful if the report was printed, as no 
 copy seems to be found in any public library at the present time. 
 
 ANNIVERSARY. 
 
 The evening of the day on which our annual Convention as- 
 sembles, is set apart for submitting to the several Societies con- 
 nected with the Church in this Diocese the reports of the pro- 
 ceedings of their respective Boards of Management. On 
 Thursday evening of the present week the several anniversaries 
 of the Tract Society, Auxiliary Bible and Prayer Book Society, 
 Education and Missionary Society of the diocese, and of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Press were accordingly celebrated; the 
 services were well attended, and we trust the reports and ad- 
 dresses made excited a happy interest in the minds of those who 
 were present. 
 
 The report of the Education and Missionary Society was read 
 by the Corresponding Secretary, the Rev. Dr. Anthon; that of 
 the Auxiliary Bible and Prayer Book Society by Mr. Van Wag- 
 
 i. The Churchman, Saturday, June 30, 1832. Volume II. No. 15. Whole 
 No. 67.
 
 1832] Anniversary Meetings. 385 
 
 enen; the report of the Press by the Rev. W. R. Whittingham ; 
 and the Tract Society's report by the Rev. J. V. Van Ingen. 
 
 Devotions by the Bishop opened and closed the engagements 
 of the evening, that appropriate hymn, the 25th, being sung 
 before the concluding devotions. 1 
 
 Addresses were delivered in behalf of these several institu- 
 tions by the Rev. Samuel R. Johnson, the Rev. John A. Clark, 
 the Rev. Lewis P. Bayard, and the Rev. Dr. Hawkes. Very 
 much of the interest which the sentiments and appeal contained 
 in the several reports were fitted to excite, were lost, from the 
 fact which we have since learned with regret that the reading 
 of the documents was not in a tone sufficiently loud to be gener- 
 ally heard. The reports will all be printed, and will they not be 
 generally read? 
 
 Most opportune in closing this notice is the possession of the 
 address of our Diocesan, which lies before us. Its concluding 
 paragraphs were precisely to our purpose. The predictions they 
 contain were fully realized ; let us not allow their exhortations to 
 be lost upon us! Speaking of the objects commended in the 
 address to the regards of our brethren in the Church, he says: 
 I will detain you no longer than to commend these interests to 
 your continued prayers and zealous and faithful labours. Have 
 perpetually in your minds and urge upon all you can favourably 
 influence the deq)ly interesting facts that we stand in great need 
 of a large accession of well trained clergymen, and large addi- 
 tion to our means of missionary enterprise. 
 
 The several Societies of our Church will at their joint anni- 
 versary this evening speak for themselves. They will tell you of 
 much which by God's blessing they have done, and will also 
 bring painful conviction that much has been left undone for want 
 of more efficient means. Let us all be thankful for the former 
 view, and all resolve that by God's blessing there shall be per- 
 petually diminishing cause for the repetition of the latter." 2 
 
 i. "I love thy kingdom, Lord, 
 The houee of thine abode. 
 The Church our blest Redeemer saves, 
 With his own precious blood." 
 It is in the present Hymnal, No. 485. 
 
 2. The Churchman, Saturday, October 6, 1832. Volume II. No. 29. 
 Whole No. 81. 
 
 (25)
 
 386 Seventeenth Auxiliary Meeting. [1832 
 
 The Seventeenth Annual meeting of the Auxiliary New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society was held in St. John's 
 Chapel on Thursday evening, the 4th instant, in conjunction 
 with the societies above mentioned. 
 
 SEVENTEENTH AUXILIARY REPORT. 
 
 The Annual Report of the Board of Managers was read by 
 G. G. Van Wagenen, Esq., whereupon on motion of Rev. John 
 A, Clark, who prefaced his resolution by a very appropriate ad- 
 dress in behalf of the Society, 
 
 Resolved, That the Report just read be accepted and referred 
 to the Board of Managers, to be disposed of as they may think 
 proper. 
 
 Resolved, That the unwearied efforts of the Board of Man- 
 agers meet every demand upon the depository, notwithstanding 
 the discouraging deficiency of funds which they have been com- 
 pelled to encounter during the past year, merit the cordial thanks 
 of the Episcopal community. 
 
 Resolved, That the great importance of a constant and gratu- 
 itous distribution of the Bible and Book of Common Prayer to 
 Sunday Schools and destitute portions of our Church, will fully 
 justify the most urgent appeals by the Board of Managers to 
 their fellow Episcopalians for liberal contributions to the funds 
 of the Society. 
 
 The exercises of the evening were preceded and concluded by 
 devotions conducted by the Rt. Rev. Chairman. 
 
 The Society was then organized under its President, Benjamin 
 M. Brown, Esq., when on motion, 
 
 Resolved, That the reading of the minutes of the last annual 
 meeting be dispensed with this evening. 
 
 Resolved, That the Society do now adjourn to meet again for 
 the transaction of its ordinary business at the Press Building, 
 on Wednesday next the loth instant, at 7 o'clock p. M. 
 
 Pursuant to adjournment, the Society met at the Building of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Press, on Wednesday, the Qth 1 October, 
 Benjamin Brown, Esq., President, in the Chair. 
 
 The Society proceeded to elect a Board of Managers for the 
 ensuing year. Messrs. Curtiss and Dunscomb were appointed 
 
 I. This date is a misprint, should be loth.
 
 1833] Committee on Editions. 387 
 
 inspectors. On counting the ballots, the following gentlemen 
 were declared to be elected. 
 
 Benjamin M. Brown, President. 
 
 Henry Cotheal, 1 ist Vice President. 
 
 Oliver H. Lowndes, 2d Vice President. 
 
 John Alstyne, 3d Vice President. 
 
 C. N. S. Rowland, Corresponding Secretary. 
 
 Henry I. Seaman, Recording Secretary. 
 
 Richard Oakley, Treasurer. 
 
 Thomas Browning, Agent. 
 
 Managers: William E. Dunscomb, Charles Keeler, George 
 C. Morgan, Philander W. Hanford, Lewis Curtis, William H. 
 Hobart, M.D., A. B. Dayton, M. D. Benjamin, Frederick De 
 Peyster, Jun., G. G. Van Wagenen, William M. Benjamin, Wil- 
 liam H. Blair, Lewis Phillips, Ogden Hoffman, W. R. Cooke, 
 William H. Townsend, Edward N. Mead, Charles H. Roach. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting, 
 together with those of the anniversary meeting, be published in 
 "The Churchman." 
 
 There being no further business the Society adjourned. 
 
 HENRY I. SEAMAN, Rec'g Secr'y. 2 
 
 The Society, anxious in every way to keep pace with the 
 growing needs of the Church, and present books attractive in 
 appearance, substantial in their binding and clear in their typo- 
 graphy, appointed in June, 1833, a Committee of which the Rev. 
 Benjamin I. Haight was the Chairman, to consider what im- 
 provements were necessary. After due deliberation, it made its 
 report through the Chairman. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Haight made the following report: 
 The Committee appointed at a meeting of the Board of Man- 
 agers, held on the I4th day of June last, to report at the next 
 meeting upon the propriety and necessity of preparing a new set 
 of plates of type of an uniform size throughout of the i8mo 
 Prayer Book. 
 
 1. In place of Floyd Smith, resigned. 
 
 2. The Churchman, Saturday, October 20, 1832. Volume II. No. 31. 
 Page 322. Whole No. 81.
 
 388 New Edition of the Prayer Book. [1833 
 
 Having considered the subject referred to them, and made the 
 necessary enquiries and investigations, beg leave to 
 
 Report, That in their judgment it is highly expedient that the 
 Board should procure a new set of stereotype plates of the Book 
 of Common Prayer, the i8mo size, from which to print copies 
 for distribution. They are also decidedly of opinion that the 
 type should be larger, the paper better, and the binding neater 
 and more durable than heretofore. They believe that this im- 
 provement is demanded by true economy as well as by good 
 taste, a regard for the feelings of many of the Clergy and Laity, 
 and a proper feeling of respect for the volume itself. It has 
 been ascertained that the size of the book will be increased, by 
 say, 76 pages, and the cost by about from 2 to 3 cents a copy 
 delivered in the Depository. The Committee recommend for 
 adoption the following resolutions : 
 
 1. Resolved, That the Agent, in conjunction with a committee 
 of four members of the Board, be and is hereby authorized to 
 procure a new set of stereotype plates of the Book of Common 
 Prayer i8mo. size in a Bourgeois type, cast on Brevier body, 
 the Psalms and Hymns in Nonpareil. 
 
 2. Resolved, That the Agent be authorized to print an edition 
 of five thousand sopies from said plates as soon as they are 
 procured, and that he be instructed to use paper of a better 
 quality than that heretofore used in our books for gratuitous 
 distribution, and to cause them to be bound with a greater re- 
 gard to neatness and durability. 
 
 BENJ. I. HAIGHT, 
 JOSHUA WEAVER, 
 THOMAS C. BUTLER. 
 
 The edition, which was highly recommended by all who used 
 it, was ready early in 1834, and many subsequent editions were 
 printed from it. 
 
 The exigencies of business required the Tract Society and 
 the Prayer Book Society to leave the pleasant quarters they had 
 in John Street; a long search for other rooms was made neces- 
 sary. 
 
 "Mr. Smith, on behalf of a committee appointed at an in- 
 formal meeting of the Board last week relative to hiring rooms 
 for this Society for the ensuing year, reported verbally that the
 
 BENJAMIN I. HAIGHT
 
 1833] New Edition of the Bible. 389 
 
 Sunday School Union had rented the building in which the 
 Society were at present located and had agreed to deliver 
 possession on 2Oth of March inst., and that the Committee had 
 selected a room 12 feet wide by 25 feet deep in the back room 
 of the third story No. 637 Broadway, the first story being occu- 
 pied by Messrs. Stanford and Swords, and the second story by 
 the Sunday School Union and Church Book Society, at a rent 
 of five hundred dollars. Whereupon it was resolved, on 
 motion, That the matter of hiring rooms be referred back to the 
 same committee (to wit, Messrs. Smith, DePeyster and Dun- 
 can), with power to hire a room in the premises No. 450 Broome 
 Street or room at the corner of I3th Street, corner of Broad- 
 way or some other suitable place on or near Broadway, at a 
 rent not to exceed $500." 
 
 "Resolved, also, That this Society consent to a removal from 
 the premises which they now occupy as Lessees of the Sunday 
 School Union and Church Book Society upon such terms as 
 shall preserve the interest and protect the rights of the Society." 
 
 Rooms were finally secured at No. 55 East Thirteenth Street. 
 They were the home of the Society for nearly eight years. 
 They were shared with the Protestant Episcopal Tract Society, 
 of which Mr. Butler was also the Agent. An equitable arrange- 
 ment of expense was at once made. 
 
 The success of the edition of the Holy Bible printed by the 
 Auxiliary ten years before, and the desire it had to afford 
 copies of the Scripture at a price which even the very poor 
 could afford, caused it to project a new edition, and issue an 
 appeal for that purpose in January, 1833. Both the appeal and 
 an editorial commendation were widely circulated in "The 
 Churchman." 
 
 CIRCULATION OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 Correct and cheap editions of the Bible executed in a style 
 worthy of such a book are among the greatest public blessings. 1 
 
 Numerous cheap editions of the Bible, and enough that are 
 correct, may be had at the book stores and depositories of So- 
 cieties, but the first are generally in a type so small and crowded 
 as to pive pain to the eye in perusal, and in a style of execution 
 offensive to good taste, and seriously so to that reverence 
 (itself a proof of good taste) which we feel for the sacred
 
 390 New Edition of the Bible. [1833 
 
 volume while such as are free from this objection are held at 
 prices which are a barrier to their circulation. The American 
 Bible Society issues copies least liable to either of these objec- 
 tions. The Methodist Book Concern is also exemplary in this 
 respect. Both have been enabled hitherto to furnish Bibles at a 
 price much below that at which the Society of our own Church 
 in this city is compelled to hold those furnished from the present 
 stereotype plates. The painful consequence has been a limited 
 annual issue from its depository which all have regretted, and 
 the almost total absence of orders for supplies from auxiliary 
 societies in the Church. 
 
 Our paper to-day is accompanied with a specimen page of the 
 new Book to which the circular which follows has reference. 
 It speaks its own claims to a ready preference over the American 
 editions now extant. 
 
 The statements of the subjoined appeal show that if the 
 plates in question be procured, their employment by the Society 
 will do away with the evil a grievous one we have always 
 esteemed it of a comparatively limited issue of the Bible from 
 its Depository. 
 
 The Board of Managers has constituted itself a Committee of 
 solicitation for obtaining a sum of money ($1,500) sufficient 
 for the purchase of the set of plates ; and several of its members 
 gave pleasing earnest of their probable success by subscribing 
 upon the adjournment of their last meeting $265 toward the 
 object. 
 
 Circular of the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society: 
 
 There is among Protestants but one opinion upon the ques- 
 tion "Should the Scriptures be made accessible to every 
 man?" All are ready to answer unequivocally, Yes! The nu- 
 merous Societies having in view the supply of every destitute 
 household and individual with the sacred volume prove by the 
 support they realize the disposition of the religious public upon 
 this point. 
 
 Episcopalians desire to contribute their part toward the com- 
 plete attainment of the object. The Society named at the head 
 of this article has been for many years actively employed with 
 this design. But a serious obstacle has impeded its efforts. The 
 Bible hitherto issued from its press has been too costly by one- 
 third of its price. Auxiliary Societies have been deterred from
 
 1833] New Edition of the Bible. 391 
 
 purchasing it; and its publication has too rapidly absorbed their 
 funds. 
 
 It was originally chosen with a view to legibility; and has 
 been retained on account of difficulties in the way of procuring a 
 proper substitute, hitherto deemed insurmountable. An oppor- 
 tunity now offers of procuring a set of stereotype plates of the 
 desired size, from a peculiar type cast by Messrs. Conner and 
 Cook of this city. From these plates editions may be issued 
 combining the advantages of legibility and cheapness. They will 
 give a very superior Bible for distribution by Societies and indi- 
 viduals, which may be sold, printed on fair and durable paper, 
 well bound, filletted and lettered at a price not exceeding fifty 
 cents, provided the original cost of the stereotype plates be de- 
 frayed by voluntary contributions. The insertion of a summary 
 of contents at the head of each chapter will greatly enhance the 
 value of the proposed edition, and arrangements have been made 
 for securing great accuracy in the preparation of the plates. 
 Contributions are now asked to enable the Society effectually to 
 accomplish this most important object, at an early period, and 
 the Managers appeal for aid in the purchase of the stereotype 
 plates to all who are favourable to the general circulation of the 
 Holy Scriptures. 
 
 BENJAMIN M. BROWN, President. 
 H. I. SEAMAN, Recording Secretary. 
 
 New York, Jan. 2, 1833. 
 
 Contributions will be received by the members of the Board 
 of Managers, and at the Depository of the Press, No. 46 Lumber 
 Street. 
 
 The following Report of the Chaplain of Congress made at 
 the request of a Committee of that body in 1782, in reference 
 to the first American Bible is worthy of record. We copy from 
 the Philadelphian. 
 
 REPORT. 
 
 Gentlemen, Agreeably to your desire we have paid attention 
 to Mr. Robert Aitken's impression of the Holy Scriptures of the 
 Old and New Testament. 
 
 Having selected and examined a variety of passages through- 
 out the work, we are of opinion that it is executed with great 
 accuracy as to the sense and with as few grammatical and typo- 
 graphical errors as could be expected in an undertaking of such 
 magnitude.
 
 392 New Edition of the Bible. [183$ 
 
 Being ourselves witnesses of the demand for this invaluable 
 book, we rejoice in the present prospect of a supply, hoping that 
 it will prove as advantageous as it is honourable to the Gentle- 
 man, who has exerted himself to furnish it at the risk of his 
 private fortune. 
 We are Gentlemen, 
 
 Your very respectful and humble servants. 
 
 (Signed) WILLIAM WHITE, 
 GEORGE DUFFIELD. 
 
 Hon. James Duane, Chairman, and the other Hon. Gentlemen 
 of the Committee of Congress on Mr. Aitken's Memorial. 
 Philadelphia, September loth, 1782. 
 
 Whereupon, Resolved, That the United States in Congress 
 assembled highly approve the pious and laudable undertaking of 
 Mr. Aitken as subservient to the interest of religion, as well as 
 an instance of the progress of Arts in this -country; and being 
 satisfied from the above Report of his care and accuracy in the 
 execution of the work, they recommend this edition of the Bible 
 to the inhabitants of the United States, and hereby authorize 
 him to publish this recommendation in the manner he shall 
 think proper. 
 
 CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary. 
 
 NEW EDITION OF THE BIBLE. 
 
 The necessary amount for securing the stereotype plates of 
 a new edition of the Holy Scriptures, as noticed in the late cir- 
 cular given in our columns, will, it is hoped, be soon and cheer- 
 fully contributed. The Managers have engaged heartily in 
 measures for individual solicitation among their respective ac- 
 quaintance. The (Methodist) Christian Advocate and Journal 
 thus speaks of the projected edition. "The Protestant Episcopal 
 Bible Society We perceive from 'The Churchman' of January 
 the 5th an appeal to the friends of the universal circulation of 
 the Bible aid to enable the Society to procure a new set of plates 
 for a neat, cheap edition. The call ought to be sustained. We 
 hope it will be sustained, and the edition of which we have a fine 
 specimen before us go forth to gladden the hearts of many. 
 Contributions will be received by any member of the Board of 
 
 I. The Churchman, Saturday, January 5, 1833. Volume II. No. 42. 
 Whole No. 94.
 
 1833] Eighteenth Auxiliary Meeting. 393 
 
 Managers and at the Depository of the Press, 46 Lumber 
 Street." 
 
 And the Episcopal Recorder noticed it as follows: "The 
 Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society 
 are making efforts to obtain a set of stereotype plates of the 
 Bible of the I2mo size, that they may be provided with Bibles 
 better adapted for general circulation than those which they now 
 print. A specimen sheet is circulated with a late number of 'The 
 Churchman/ which corresponds fully with the description given 
 above." 1 
 
 The appeal met with an immediate response. Contributions 
 were acknowledged in the columns of "The Churchman." The 
 sum of fourteen hundred and ninety-one dollars and seventy- 
 five cents were obtained and the edition printed in accord with 
 the specifications of the "appeal." 
 
 The proof sheets were most carefully read by Mr. Van 
 Ingen, then the agent of the Protestant Episcopal Press, after- 
 ward a highly honoured priest of the Diocese of Western New 
 York, and the Rev. William R. Whittingham, who was then 
 the editor of the Press and Rector of Saint Luke's Church, New 
 York City. 
 
 The well-known thoroughness of that profound scholar, who 
 as professor in the General Theological Seminary and Bishop 
 of Maryland, adorned and filled those posts of dignity and re- 
 sponsibility, is seen in every page of this edition. 
 
 It was still in the press when the annual meeting occurred in 
 the fall of 1833. The report then made shows in every line the 
 serene confidence and robust faith of the Managers of the So- 
 ciety. 
 
 EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AUXILIARY. 
 
 The eighteenth Annual Meeting of this Society was held 
 in St. John's Chapel, on Thursday evening, the 3d October, 
 in conjunction with that of the New York Protestant Episcopal 
 Tract Society and the Education and Missionary Society. The 
 Chair was taken by the Right Rev. B. T. Onderdonk, D.D., at 
 half -past seven o'clok P. M. The Annual Report of the Board 
 of Managers was read by Dr. William H. Hobart, whereupon on 
 
 i. The Churchman, Saturday, January 26, 1833. Volume II. No. 45. 
 Whole Number 97.
 
 394 Election of Officers. [1833 
 
 motion of the Rev. F. L. Hawks, D.D., who prefaced his reso- 
 lutions by a very appropriate address in behalf of the Society : 
 
 Resolved, That although the Report of the Society does not 
 exhibit an important diminution of its debt, yet this meeting 
 recognizes in the fact that the sum of fifteen hundred dollars 
 has been raised by voluntary contribution for the purchase of a 
 set of stereotype plates of the Bible in a more desirable form, 
 and at greatly reduced price, an evidence of a degree of pros- 
 perity during the past year; affording ample encouragement not 
 to become weary in the great and blessed work of diffusing the 
 "Word of God" in its natural alliance with the Church of God. 
 
 Resolved, That the Report just read be published under the 
 directions of the Board of Managers. 
 
 The exercises of the evening were preceded and concluded by 
 devotions, conducted by the Right Rev. Chairman. 
 
 The Society was then organized under its President, Benj. 
 M. Brown, Esq., when on motion, 
 
 Resolved, That the reading of the minutes of the last annual 
 meeting be dispensed with this evening. 
 
 Resolved, That this Society do now adjourn to meet again 
 for the transaction of its ordinary business at the Press Build- 
 ing, on Monday evening next, the 7th instant, at 7 o'clock. 
 
 HENRY I. SEAMAN, Recording Secretary. 
 
 Pursuant to adjournment, the Society met at the Building of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Press, on Monday evening, the 7th 
 inst., at 7 o'clock. Benjamin M. Brown, Esq., in the Chair. 
 
 The Society proceeded to elect a Board of Managers for the 
 ensuing year. On counting the ballots the following gentlemen 
 were declared to be duly elected: 
 
 Benjamin M. Brown, President. 
 
 Henry Cotheal, ist Vice President. 
 
 Oliver M. Lowndes, 2d Vice President. 
 
 John Alstyne, 3d Vice President. 
 
 C. N. S. Rowland, Corresponding Secretary. 
 
 Henry I. Seaman, Recording Secretary. 
 
 Charles H. Roach, Treasurer. 
 
 Thomas Browning, Agent. 
 
 Managers: William E. Dunscomb, William H. Blair, 
 Charles Keeler, Lewis Phillips, George C. Morgan, Ogden Hoff- 
 man, Lewis Curtis, William H. Townsend, William H. Hobart,
 
 Eighteenth Auxiliary Report. 395 
 
 M.D., Richard Oakley. Meigs D. Benjamin, Herman D. Aid- 
 rich, Frederick DePeyster, William Betts, G. G. Van Wagenen, 
 Charles J. Aldis, William M. Benjamin, Samuel J. Beebe. 
 There being no further business the Society adjourned. 
 
 HENRY I. SEAMAN, Recording Secretary. 
 
 EIGHTEENTH AUXILIARY REPORT. 
 
 When your Board of Managers presented their last annual 
 Report, the hope was cherished that the statement it furnished, 
 of an empty treasury, a large debt, and consequently embarrassed 
 state of operations, would have awakened in its behalf the Chris- 
 tian sympathy, and ensured the prompt and liberal charity of 
 Churchmen. But however mortifying the avowal, duty requires 
 us to say that our hope has not been realized. 
 
 The account we are now called to render is in fact no less dis- 
 couraging. 
 
 Sympathy may have been awakened, but enlarged means have 
 not been contributed. 
 
 This comparative indifference of Churchmen to our institution 
 cannot be owing surely to any comparative want of claim. If 
 we look to the objects of the Society, the general dissemination 
 of the Word of God, accompanied by its best and ablest comment, 
 our Book of Common Prayer, no work of charity can commend 
 itself by a more noble or more urgent character. 
 
 Or, if we turn again to the calls upon this Society, for the spir- 
 itual food it provides, our claim to a liberal support is pressed 
 home upon the heart of every Churchman, by the cry of perish- 
 ing thousands. The inquiry then is more difficult of solution; 
 why this Society, in contrast with its sister institutions which 
 report this evening, is constrained to humble itself under com- 
 parative neglect? 
 
 Since the ist of October last, there has been received into the 
 treasury the sum of $971.98, and paid from the same $80261, 
 leaving a balance of $169.37 to meet the debt incurred to the 
 Press, which has been increased the past year from $772.37 to 
 $842.41. Although this statement shows our actual expenditure 
 to have been less than our receipts by nearly $100, yet it should 
 be borne in mind that even this result must be ascribed to the 
 liberal bequest of a single member of our Church; a man who 
 while living adorned the religion he professed, and who needed
 
 396 Eighteenth Auxiliary Keport. [1833 
 
 not this last deed of benevolence to ensure a grateful remem- 
 brance in the bosoms of his fellow Churchmen. 1 
 
 While the view thus presented of our finances evince that the 
 important objects of our Society have been sustained by a very 
 partial and inadequate patronage, we remark with much thank- 
 fulness, that our list of donations furnishes gratifying evidence 
 of the laudable and continued benefactions of a few members of 
 our Communion. The name of Mr. Jacob Shatzell, we are 
 allowed, as in past years, the pleasure of enrolling among our 
 most devoted friends. In regard to other sources from which 
 the funds of the Society have been derived, and all matters relat- 
 ing to our financial concerns, we would refer you to the sub- 
 joined report of the Treasurer. 
 
 Notwithstanding our pecuniary embarrassments we have felt 
 ourselves impelled by the urgent and unabated calls of the desti- 
 tute to continue our usual amount of distribution ; in reliance on 
 the hope that He who blesses and makes effectual His own work, 
 will not deny to this Society that measure of success which its 
 important objects would seem to merit. 
 
 The report of the Agent for the past year furnishes an aggre- 
 gate of 2,347 volumes gratuitously distributed, as follows: In 
 the Navy. 100 Hymns and 261 Prayer Books; to a whale ship, 
 6 Bibles and 12 Prayer Books; to places in the .United States be- 
 yond the limits of this Diocese, 7 Bibles, 27 Hymns and 613 
 Prayer Books; to this Diocese (out of the city), 40 Hymns and 
 545 Prayer Books; to this city, 64 Bibles, 67 Testaments, and 
 605 Prayer Books: making in all 77 Bibles, 67 Testaments, 167 
 Hymns, and 2,036 Prayer Books; and a grand total since the 
 organization of the Society, of 69,228 volumes. Besides this 
 amount of actual distribution it should be mentioned that the 
 Board have voted 1,000 Prayer Books to the Missionaries of this 
 Diocese for circulation in their respective stations. 
 
 While the statement exhibits a result varying in no essential 
 degree from that of former years, still it should not be over- 
 looked, that this result falls very short of the demands upon our 
 charity. In the present exigence of the Church it is hardly pos- 
 sible to compute the number of volumes, particularly of our 
 
 I. Dr. James M. Pendleton. His widow, Mrs. Margaret Pendleton, paid 
 into the Treasury of this Society the sum of Five Hundred dollars, his verbal 
 bequest to it.
 
 1833] Eighteenth Auxiliary Report. 397 
 
 Book of Common Prayer (the Bible being furnished by societies 
 devoted exclusively to its circulation), which might be with the 
 most cheering prospect of spiritual advantage distributed in our 
 destitute settlements. The call then upon Churchmen now is to 
 free this Society from an embarrassing debt, to sustain it in its 
 present labour, and to enable it to adapt this labour to the field 
 of destitution which daily widens before us. In addition, how- 
 ever, to these motives which every annual report might urge, we 
 present on this occasion a new claim to your support. It consists 
 in an effort under the direction of our Board to divest the Bible 
 of those verbal inaccuracies, which in the progress of centuries 
 have inadvertently crept into it, and to bring it back to the origi- 
 nal form given it by the translators. 
 
 That an effort of this kind was demanded is clear from the 
 fact that the subject has long agitated, and has since been acted 
 on by the Christian public in England. This Society, however, 
 has taken the earliest steps in the matter, and to ensure success 
 has spared no pains. A large number of editions, by the efficient 
 and gratuitous aid of two of our clerical friends, has been con- 
 sulted. Proofs have been read with singular care and every 
 means adopted to furnish Protestants with an accurate edition of 
 that English translation of the Scriptures which they have 
 unitedly agreed to consider as a proper substitute of the Word 
 of God in the original tongue. To enable us to prosecute our 
 design and to furnish not only an accurate but also an unusually 
 cheap edition of the Bible, the members of the Church generously 
 (we acknowledge the fact with most sincere gratitude, as afford- 
 ing the pledge of better days to our Society), have promptly 
 contributed nearly $1,500 to purchase for this purpose a set of 
 stereotype plates. So that in the future operations this Society 
 will commend itself to all who desire the prosperity of Christ's 
 kingdom, not only by the numerous and pressing wants it would 
 relieve, but also by its eminent care in providing the true bread 
 of life; and in manner the least open to objections, because the 
 most entirely in accordance with the institutions of the Gospel, 
 and the best adapted to the circumstances of spiritual necessity. 
 
 In reverting to the facts we have now been constrained to 
 submit, most of us will see cause for mortification and self- 
 reproach; but through the mercy of Providence we are still in 
 the field of labour, and may in some respects redeem the time.
 
 398 Eighteenth Auxiliary Report. [1833 
 
 Is it too much then to anticipate that the future efforts of Episco- 
 palians in reference to this Society will bear a less humiliating 
 proportion to their bounden duty. For at a period like the pres- 
 ent, when much certainly is doing for the cause of Christianity, 
 when other denominations are active to a degree unprecedented, 
 when the members of our own Church are more zealous than in 
 former times, a day, however, at which we are compelled to 
 confess ourselves far behind that measure of earnestness and 
 effort which duty and the age require, it is time for the Church 
 to awaken from sleep, bid adieu to apathy and inaction, join 
 fervent supplication to unwearied effort, and thus in confiding 
 hope await the time when Christ according to his promise shall 
 make "her gates salvation and her walls praise." 
 
 The list of donors to the Stereotype Fund will be found in the 
 Appendix. 
 
 Since the transfer of the Depository of this Society to the New 
 York Protestant Episcopal Press, there have been printed from 
 its stereotype plates 
 
 Bibles 2,250 
 
 Prayer Books, 8vo 2,200 
 
 Prayer Books, i8mo 40,000 42,200 
 
 Hymns 9,000 
 
 53>450 
 
 The edition was ready for distribution and sale early in 1834, 
 and it is thus noticed in "The Churchman" : The cheapest and 
 most accurate edition of the Bible is one which has lately been 
 furnished by the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society. It is furnished in duodecimo, on good paper, and 
 with a clear type almost as large as that of common octavo, at 
 50 cents a copy, and no pains have been spared to make it accur- 
 ate. Besides the usual proof readings, it has been read three 
 times by the Rev. Mr. Whittingham and other persons associ- 
 ated with him for the purpose. It was read and compared with 
 a folio copy in the General Theological Seminary in this city, 
 printed in 1616, five years after the original publication in 1611 ; 
 with a folio black letter of 1639; and with a Cambridge quarto 
 of the same date, and a small octavo of a date not long subse- 
 quent. 
 
 To the first, that of 1616, the headings to the chapters, the
 
 1834] Anniversary Meetings. 399 
 
 parentheses, the italics and paragraphs were carefully conformed ; 
 and the other editions were collated in correcting the text. The 
 corrections which made were noted at the time, and still pre- 
 served by Mr. Whittingham. 
 
 We are afraid to hazard an assertion as to their number and 
 importance, but as the inaccuracies in the common editions are 
 much complained of, we wish it to be generally known for the 
 good of the Community, as well as for the credit of our Church, 
 that the cheapest and most accurate copy of the Bible anywhere 
 to be had, may be procured in a form adapted to private and 
 family use at the Protestant Episcopal Press, No. 46 Lumber 
 Street, New York. 1 
 
 It is of interest to know that in the enlarged collection of edi- 
 tions of the Holy Bible in the Library of the General Theological 
 Seminary, now one of the most complete in this country, is still 
 preserved the folio of 1616 used by Mr. Whittingham. It was 
 one of the numerous valuable donations to the Library by Mr. 
 John Pintard, and has his book plate. The title page is : "The 
 Holy Bible, containing the Old Testament and the New newly 
 translated out of the original Tongues : and with former Trans- 
 laions diligently compared and revised. By his Majesty's Spec- 
 ial Commandment. Imprinted at London by Robert Baker, 
 Printer to the King's most excellent majesty 1616. Cum 
 Privilegio Regiae Majestatis." 
 
 There is also a black letter folio of 1640, which is said to be 
 the last black letter folio of the King James' version, probably 
 that used by Mr. Whittingham. Its title page is similar to that 
 of the 1616 edition. A duodecimo edition of 1640, also printed 
 by Robert Baker, is found in the Seminary Library. It is pos- 
 sibly the one consulted by the correctors of the Auxiliary Bible 
 and Prayer Book Society in 1833. 
 
 Of the transactions of the Auxiliary we have little knowledge 
 during the year 1834, as the Report in full is not available. The 
 account of the Anniversary is of very real value, and the address 
 of Dr. Schroeder, then an assistant minister of Trinity Church, 
 is one of the few published of a clergyman who in the early days 
 of his ministry in the city was renowned for his learning and 
 readiness of speech. 
 
 i. The Churchman, Saturday, June 7, 1834. Volume IV. No. 12. Whole 
 No. 168.
 
 400 Anniversary Meetings. [1834 
 
 The Anniversaries of the New York Protestant Episcopal 
 Tract Society, the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society, and of the Education and Missionary 
 Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of New 
 York, were celebrated in St. John's Chapel on Thursday even- 
 ing, the 2d of October. The meeting was opened with appropri- 
 ate religious service, conducted by the Right Rev. Bishop of the 
 Diocese; the Right Rev. Bishop of Ohio being in the chancel. 
 . . . . The Report of the Auxiliary New York Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society was read by William Betts, Esq., 
 whereupon the following resolutions were offered by the Rev. 
 Mr. Schroeder : 
 
 Resolved, That the Report just read be printed and distributed 
 under the direction of the Board of Managers. 
 
 Resolved, That regarding as we do the general and extensive 
 circulation of the Word of God and its best and most valued 
 commentary, the Book of Common Prayer a work of Christian 
 benevolence, inferior only in importance to the sending of the 
 living teacher in the doctrines and precepts of the Gospel in the 
 opinion of the meeting, the long continued operations of the 
 Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society in 
 promoting the great object demands the expression of our warm- 
 est approbation, and our assurance to its active and laborious 
 conductors of the value and importance of their gratuitous and 
 disinterested sendee 
 
 The exercises of the evening were concluded by singing the 
 25th Hymn and with devotional exercises conducted by the 
 Chairman, the Right Rev. the Bishop of the Diocese. 
 
 HENRY I. SEAMAN, Secretary. 1 
 
 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS. 
 
 On Thursday evening three of our diocesan societies held their 
 Annual meetings in St. John's Chapel. The celebration was pre- 
 ceded by appropriate religious services by the Bishop, who pre- 
 sided on the occasion. The seat on his left was occupied by 
 Bishop Mcllvaine of Ohio. The congregation was numerous 
 and a great proportion of the clergy were present. The Report 
 
 i. The Churchman, Saturday, October n, 1834. Volume IV. No. 30. 
 Whole No. 186.
 
 1834] Address by Dr. Schroeder. 401 
 
 of the Tract Society was first read by the Rev. Albert Smedes, 
 Jim., of Christ Church. Resolutions expressive of the satisfac- 
 tion with which it had heard and of the importance of the cause, 
 were then offered by Rev. T. S. Brittan, and supported by him 
 in an able and eloquent speech, which was listened to with great 
 interest by his auditory. Next followed the report of the Aux- 
 iliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, which 
 was read by William Betts, Esq. Similar resolutions were then 
 submitted by the Rev. J. F. Schroeder, who by a reference to the 
 early history of the Church of England, illustrated the important 
 agency of Episcopalians in the dissemination and exposition of 
 the Scriptures. To them, the speaker remarked, was the Protest- 
 ant world indebted for the Bible itself through the medium of 
 translation, and best living commentary upon it in the Book of 
 Common Prayer. 
 
 The speech of Mr. Schroeder was ingenious and happy. 1 
 
 ADDRESS OF THE REV. JOHN F. SCHROEDER, D.D. 
 
 The thought had frequently occurred to him while attending 
 the anniversaries of the institutions of the Church, that in the 
 celebrated controversy concerning Faith and Good Works, it 
 might be difficult to ascertain what part we had espoused, so far 
 at least as related to our religious societies. The two Apostles, 
 he observed, with whom the conflict is supposed to have orig- 
 inated, did not seem to contemplate such a case as ours. Indeed, 
 said he, there is good cause for self-examination on the subject 
 to ascertain how far our hearts and lives conform to the will uf 
 God in Christ Jesus concerning us. As to good works, we 
 merely could not lay much claim to these. What have we done ? 
 What are our reports, every year, but reiterations of our So- 
 cieties! Our Tract Society, our Missionary and Education So- 
 ciety, and our Auxiliary Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Society, are not only limited in their operations, but almost 
 always greatly in arrears! Yet, as for the circulation of the 
 Bible and Prayer Book, he observed, we had particular reason 
 to be prominent. 
 
 i. The Churchman, Saturday, October 4, 1834. Volume IV. No. 29. 
 Whole No. 185. 
 (26)
 
 402 Address by Dr. Schroeder. [1834 
 
 Look, said he, at the History of the Church in England, 
 and you will see, that even from the commencement of 
 the eighth century, our forefathers there were bright ex- 
 amples for our imitation. Yes, the Church from which 
 we spring has been the very foremost to translate and ta 
 promulgate the written oracles of truth in the vernacular 
 language of the people. As early as about the year 700, 
 this was the pious labour of two British Bishops, Adelem, 
 who prepared a Saxon version of the Psalter, and Egbert, who 
 translated the four Gospels into the same tongue, and after them, 
 the Venerable Bede undertook and completed a translation of 
 the whole sacred text. A King of England, also, laid aside his 
 crown, and an Archbishop of Canterbury his mitre, to engage 
 in the good work, and the imperishable names of Alfred and 
 Elfric are now consecrated by this hallowed association. 
 
 And when the language of the country was in a transition- 
 state, in passing from the Saxon to the English, as remote even, 
 as the year 1290, a new version of the Scriptures was put forth, 
 some transcripts of which are now reprinted in the libraries of 
 Oxford University. Near the close of the fourteenth century 
 Trevis also is said to have prepared and published a complete 
 version, and soon after, about A. D. 1380, the far-famed 
 "Apostle of England," the immortal Wickliffe surpassed the 
 good works of his predecessors and this, yea, this was all done 
 half a century before the art of printing was invented, and a 
 century and a half before the epoch of Luther's remarkable 
 translation in the German language. It is not my object, said the 
 Rev. Mr. S., to give a history of the English versions of the 
 Bible, but I would revive the recollection of what our fore- 
 fathers have achieved, and show that they were prompt and 
 prominent in this department of their toils. 
 
 What in a word, said he, was the origin of our received 
 translation, which we now read and circulate, the Bible of all 
 sects and denominations throughout Protestant Christendom, by 
 whom our language is now spoken ? 
 
 If I may thus accommodate the phrase, "we have ten parts 
 in David." 
 
 The received English Version of the Scriptures was prepared 
 by learned and devout men of our own Church, fifty-four of 
 them having been appointed for this task by King James of
 
 1834] Address by Dr. Schroeder. 403 
 
 England, and forty-seven of them divided into classes, having 
 engaged in its performance. At Westminster one class trans- 
 lated the Old Testament to the end of the second book of Kings, 
 at Cambridge another class had assigned to it the remaining 
 portion of the Old Testament, with the exception of the 
 prophets, and these occupied the attention of the class at Ox- 
 ford. 
 
 The New Testament was divided between the two other 
 classes, one^at Oxford and one at Westminster, the former hav- 
 ing in charge the canonical Epistles and the latter the historical 
 books and the Revelation of St. John. 
 
 The English Bible, prepared and published in the year 1611, 
 is therefore, in a certain sense, our Bible, the Church's Bible, 
 the Bible of Protestant Episcopalians. If others zealously 
 engage in the circulation of this blessed book, we surely have 
 a prior right which we should diligently exercise. Have we 
 been unmindful of our privilege and obligation on this point? 
 Our delinquency and our shame the greater! In the dissemina- 
 tion of the Scriptures what has our Society achieved? In the 
 year 1833 our distribution was no more than 77 Bibles and 67 
 Testaments! The report which has just been read, said Mr. 
 S., presents indeed a less humiliating statement; for about 250 
 Bibles and as many Testaments have this year been gratuitously 
 circulated. But look at the wide moral wastes in our Diocese, 
 and think of the many thousands we might cheer with the life 
 giving knowledge of a Saviour and his truth, and oh what those 
 few Bibles and those few Testaments among so many souls. 
 
 The American Bible Society, said Mr. S., sends forth its 
 hundreds of thousands of inspired volumes. Yes, said he, I 
 do not exaggerate The American Bible Society literally issued 
 more than 100,000 copies of God's Word, and among its very 
 humblest auxiliaries there are few who would not blush to do 
 no more than we have done generally. And yet we have a vast 
 field of labour in a Diocese nearly equal in geographical extent 
 to the whole of the Dioceses of England, an area of 46,000 
 square miles. Yes, we profess to contemplate the supply of our 
 country; and we even own that the World is our field. 
 
 There is one fact connected with this subject, said Mr. S., 
 which ought to lead our clergy to the most serious consideration. 
 It is a humiliating truth that the Clergy of our Diocese as such
 
 404 Address by Dr. Schroeder. [1834 
 
 are not at present occupied in conducting any church institution 
 for the circulation of God's holy oracles. We have no Church 
 Bible Society now in operation in the management of which 
 the clergy of our Diocese take part. 
 
 The Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Society is altogether a lay instituton its President a layman, 
 its Vice Presidents laymen, and its managers without exception 
 laymen. 
 
 This suggestion on which I forbear to dwell confirms the fact 
 that we cannot say much of our good works in the circulation of 
 God's holy oracles. 
 
 And the same observation may be applied to our Book of 
 Prayer. 
 
 This, said Mr. S., the golden legacy of our fathers emphati- 
 cally, "the Church Book," compiled by members of the Church 
 from the inspired volume, and from the works of saints and mar- 
 tyrs, I might almost say inspired, and this precious deposit in our 
 hands is justly called the "best commentary on the Scriptures," 
 for we can obtain in prayer the quickening influence of the 
 Spirit, who takes of the things of Christ and shows them unto 
 us. Others set a great value on these formalities. English 
 Methodists have adopted them in the celebration of public ser- 
 vice on the Lord's day. In our own country our friends of 
 various denominations have incorporated them in their prayers 
 for the use of families. I can call to mind many, said Mr. S., 
 whom I sincerely love among my fellow Christians of some 
 other Churches, who highly appreciate and devoutly use our 
 inimitable Liturgy, yea, godly men, whose bright flame of piety 
 has often kindled in my soul the love of Christ. 
 
 In a recent conversation, said he, with that holy man of God, 
 Winslow, the American Missionary at Ceylon, it was my hap- 
 piness to hear him bear a striking testimony to our Prayer 
 Book. When I asked him to detail the modes in which his 
 public service was conducted with the natives at Ceylon, he 
 answered, I use certain portions of your Prayer Book, trans- 
 lated for the people, and familiarize to their minds, and this I 
 find to be the best mode for them, for it effectually fixes their 
 attention and secures their interest. 
 
 Mr. S. alluded then to the deep interest excited in the Church 
 by our proposed missionary station in China, and spoke of the
 
 1834] Address by Dr. Schroeder. 405 
 
 recent labours of Dr. Morrison there, in translating the Church 
 service into Chinese; so that as he said, these forms of prayers 
 will soon become spiritual pioneers to make the rough places 
 plain that with a firm step we may advance in the name and by 
 the help of the Lord, and gather the rich fruits which now await 
 us. But while other Christians have been alive to the conver- 
 sion of the world, have we, said he, yielded our due share of 
 effort? We have left undone more things which we ought to 
 have done. We have certainly on this point no boast to make 
 of our good works. But do we show our faith without Works? 
 Are we absorbed in the "abstractions of devout feeling." I 
 regret, said Mr. S., that at our anniversaries we have dwelt so 
 much upon our dollars and cents, and our want of money, thus 
 seeming to imply that there is the seat of our disease. Oh, no, 
 said he, the malady lies deeper than our pockets. The disease is 
 at the heart. The whole heart is faint. We have no means 
 because we have no hearts to give. Let the principle of action 
 be implanted, and then alone can we be healed of our infirmity. 
 I would advert here, said he, to the motives which are often 
 urged to contribute to the treasures of the Lord. He then ad- 
 verted to the mode of heading a subscription with a large 
 amount, and thus exciting emulation among rich men, not to be 
 behind their peer in wealth, low motives, said he, utterly un- 
 worthy of followers of Jesus. He referred to the Gospel 
 principle, as inculcated in the Scripture, and set forth in our 
 thirteenth Article, Works done before the grace of Christ, and 
 the inspiration of the Spirit, are not pleasant unto God, foras- 
 much as they spring not of faith in Jesus Christ. Yea, and 
 "they have the nature of sin." It is only the regenerated soul 
 that is prepared for any works demanding a self -sacrifice; for 
 Christ. Should the time come, said he, when some of us may 
 be required to endanger, if not forfeit, life in the cause of the 
 circulation of the Bible, are there not many here who would 
 dare to do their duty as Protestant Episcopalians? He spoke 
 then of the Apostles and Martyrs of the English Church, and 
 alluded to some of them who gave their bodies to be burned, 
 and whose souls went up to heaven in flames of martyrdom. 
 Had we the Gospel spirit of these holy men should we want the 
 means? Our hearts, said he, our hearts I fear, are not right in 
 the sight of God. But what remedy may be prescribed for this 
 state of things?
 
 406 Nineteenth Auxiliary Report. [1834 
 
 Let the clergy, said he, be as decided and faithful as they can, 
 in teaching by what tenure our enjoyments are possessed, all we 
 are and all we have, our bodies and our souls, but intellectual 
 and moral faculties belong to God; and we have nothing but 
 what he has given us by Christ, and in consideration of what he 
 has done. Let the motives of the Gospel be urged uniformly 
 and consistently, both by precept and example; and let the 
 people know and feel whose is the silver and the gold. In a 
 moment, said he, God can take you away from your possessions, 
 or can take your possessions away from you; and your bodily 
 powers are at his command. Have you the gift of! hearing? 
 His unseen hand shall but touch that ear, and it shall cease to do 
 its office. Have you the gift of sight? The same unseen may 
 touch that eye and extinguish it forever. The bodily powers 
 may be at any instant paralyzed by Him, in whom we live and 
 move and have our being. And as we belong to God by a three- 
 fold claim creation, providence and grace we are bound by 
 every motive to renounce ourselves and to do only those things 
 which are acceptable in his sight. 
 
 Mr. S. then adverted to the wealth of Episcopalians in our city, 
 and observed that by the last assessment, the amount of real and 
 personal estate was 188,000,000 dollars, about $50,000,000 
 was computed to be in the hands of Episcopalians! O, said he, 
 that one tithe of this was consecrated unto God, one hundredth 
 part, one thousandth part. O, that as men and Episcopalians, 
 we were more impressed with the responsibilities for the in- 
 numerable blessings which are showered upon us. O that we 
 were constrained by the privileges and precepts of the Gospel, 
 unreservedly to dedicate our souls and bodies unto Him, who 
 bought us and to lay our earthly treasures at his feet. Though 
 he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, that we through 
 his poverty might be rich. 1 
 
 NINETEENTH AUXILIARY REPORT. 
 
 Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society. 
 Extract from the Nineteenth Annual Report. 
 
 From the report of the Agent it will be observed that during 
 
 I. The Churchman, Saturday, October ri, 1834. Volume IV. No. 30. 
 Whole No. 186.
 
 1834] Nineteenth Auxiliary Report. 407 
 
 the past year there have been printed from the stereotype plates 
 lately purchased more than 3,000 Bibles, there have likewise 
 been printed of Common Prayer Books 8,750 and of Hymn 
 Books 2,000; making in the aggregate nearly 14,000 this year 
 printed by the Society. 
 
 There have been gratuitously distributed 261 Bibles, 269 
 Testaments, 206 Hymns and 3,603 Books of Common Prayer; 
 making in the whole a gratuitous distribution of 4,339 books. 
 From the foregoing it will be seen that the most has been made 
 of the slender means of the Society, and before proceeding to 
 make any observations which may seem not only appropriate to 
 the occasion but absolutely required by it, the Managers beg 
 leave to advert to the situation of this Diocese, as bearing upon 
 the condition of our Society. 
 
 At the period of the last Annual Convention of this Diocese 
 the number of Missionary stations appeared to be not less than 
 103. These Missionary stations require the aid of precisely such 
 a society as this. Were the Missionaries at these several places 
 adequately supplied with the Holy Scriptures, and the pure evan- 
 gelical and inspiring ritual of our own Church, it might not 
 be easy to estimate the happy effect that would ensue. 
 
 Fifty copies of the Holy Bible and as many of the Common 
 Prayer Book; beside Testaments and Hymn Books, would prob- 
 ably not be an extravagant average for the annual supply of 
 each station. This distribution aided by a clear and sober ex- 
 position of the Holy Scriptures and by a bold, ardent and per- 
 suasive preaching of the Gospel, would afford a reasonable 
 ground not only for a rapid promulgation of a knowledge of 
 the kingdom of the Redeemer, but for a sound understanding 
 of his doctrines, and a happy acceptance of his promises, and for 
 the judicious establishment of a Church upon earth, in that de- 
 vout and elevated form of public worship, whose consolations we 
 are permitted to enjoy, and whose consolations we, therefore, are 
 anxious to extend. The power, however, of annually distrib- 
 uting 5,000 copies of the Bible and as many of the Prayer Book, 
 \ve fear that we must sigh for in vain. Why our ability should 
 remain so contracted, we confess we know not; for in this dio- 
 cese alone there are about 200 clergymen, between 10,000 and 
 11,000 communicants, and perhaps four or five times that num- 
 ber who have been admitted into the bosom of our Church by the
 
 408 Nineteenth Auxiliary Report. [1834 
 
 sacred rite of baptism, solemnly assumed by them in their maturer 
 years. Of this army of Christians what a small pittance from 
 each would accomplish a noble result ; would send far and wide 
 to be most judiciously distributed and clearly explained the glad 
 tidings of peace and salvation; and would establish in all parts 
 of our diocese, and thence we know not how much further, the 
 Church of the living God, the ground and pillar of the truth." 
 The means therefore are not wanting in ourselves; and if our 
 objects be good, we must look for the cause of the deficiency of 
 the supply elsewhere than in the smallness of our resources. 
 We would not wish to be understood as wishing to limit our 
 exertions to the missionary establishments, in our own diocese, 
 or our own Church. 
 
 The report of the agent shows the extent of our operations 
 far beyond these limits; and we would, if we could, send our 
 heralds on the highroads and in the wilderness, on the mountain 
 and the sea. until every language, however obscure, resounded 
 with the tidings of eternal life; and every people, however re- 
 mote, were made recipients of its blessings. 
 
 Such effects, however, we can but remotely look for; and in 
 the meanwhile we point you to our immediate neighbors, simply 
 to show how great and urgent are their demands, ho wpoor is 
 their supply, and how rich a harvest we are suffering to be lost, 
 not for want of strength to take it in, but from an absolute and 
 perhaps we may add a culpable inaction. 1 
 
 The Society felt keenly the apparent indifference of many 
 Churchmen, it knew that the clergy and laymen who are the 
 officers of the parent society were awaiting the result of nego- 
 tiations which had been carried on for some years looking to a 
 union of the two societies. The mind of the Church, as shown 
 by a series of articles in "The Churchman" in the summer of 
 1834, was for one general society. Other writers in the same 
 paper also advocated union. 2 
 
 1. The Churchman, Saturday, December 13, 1834. Volume IV. No. 39. 
 Whole No. 195. 
 
 2. The first article appeared on August 16, 1834. It was entitled: "A 
 General Episcopal Bible, Prayer Book and Tract Society." The seventh 
 and last article appeared on December 20, 1834. It was entitled, "Superior 
 Advantages."
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Joint Anniversary Meeting of the Societies at Utica in 1859 Twen- 
 tieth Annual Report of the Auxiliary Society Formation of a Bible 
 and Prayer Book Society at Wilmington, N. C, Donation of Books by 
 the New York Auxiliary to the Wilmington Society Constant Testimony 
 Borne to the Missionary Influence of the Prayer Book Results in Wil- 
 mington Society Formed at Providence, R. I. The Last Report of the 
 Auxiliary Probably Issued Apathy of Churchmen in General to the Two 
 N. Y. Societies Beginning to be Felt Society Compelled to Refuse a Grant of 
 Books to the Newly Organized Chapel in Paris Propositions from the Tract 
 Society Declined Charter of N. Y. Auxiliary Society Expires March 28, 1837 
 Effects of the Auxiliary Society Transferred to the Parent Society, July 
 i, 1837 Conferences Held on the Matter of the New Society to Supersede 
 the Two Former Ones Constitution of the New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society Adopted, April 19, 1837 Arrangements Made with 
 the Tract Society Committee Appointed on an Edition of the Prayer 
 Book with its Rubrics in Red Form of Service Set Forth by Bishop 
 Onderdonk for the Meetings of the Society First Anniversary of the 
 New Society Held October 5, 1837 Its Report New Edition of 5,000 
 Prayer Books Pamphlet Edition of the Prayer Book in German Issued 
 
 FOR the first time since its organization the Auxiliary and 
 other diocesan societies held their joint anniversary outside 
 the city of New York. The growth of the Church in the 
 "Western District" and the discussion of the necessity for 
 a division of the Diocese made it highly necessary that the south- 
 ern clergymen and laymen should see for themselves the strength 
 that had been developed. 
 
 The Bishop accordingly appointed the city of Utica as the 
 place of meeting. 
 
 Upon Thursday, October i, 1835, a large representation both 
 of the clergy and laity of the western counties and of the more 
 
 409
 
 410 Meeting at Utica. [1835 
 
 influential parishes of the southern part of the State assembled 
 in Trinity Church, for the opening service. 1 
 
 Upon the evening of that day was held the anniversary of 
 which Mr. Seaman gives this account which is prefixed to the 
 Annual Report for 1835 : 
 
 PROCEEDINGS. 
 
 The twentieth Annual Meeting of the Auxiliary New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society in conjunction with that 
 of the New York Protestant Episcopal Tract Society, and of the 
 Educational and Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in the State of New York, was celebrated in Trinity 
 Church in the city of Utica, on Thursday evening, the first of 
 October, 1835, being the day of the meeting of the Convention 
 of this Diocese. 
 
 The celebration was preceded by appropriate religious ser- 
 vices conducted by the Right Rev. Bishop of the Diocese who 
 presided on the occasion. The congregation was numerous, a 
 large number of the clergy and laity attending the Convention 
 being present. 
 
 The twentieth annual Report of the Board of Managers was 
 read by Fredk. De Peyster, Esq., whereupon the following reso- 
 lutions were offered by the Rev. Dr. McVickar. 
 
 Resolved, That the report just read be printed and distributed 
 under the direction of the Board of Managers. 
 
 Resolved, That the members of this meeting deem it their 
 bounden duty to express their unfeigned and devout thanks to 
 Almighty God for the degree of prosperity which it hath pleased 
 him to vouchsafe to the Auxiliary New York Bible and Com- 
 mon Prayer Book Society, enabling it during the comparative 
 brief period of its existence to distribute gratuitously upwards of 
 sixty thousand volumes of the Word of God and its most valu- 
 able commentary the Book of Common Prayer. 
 
 Resolved, That while we look back at the past with great satis- 
 faction, we look forward with delighted hope to the blessed 
 
 I. For an account of this Convention see Journal Diocese of Western 
 New York. 1885. pp. 152-156. 
 
 Also the Diocese of Western New York, History and Recollections, by 
 Charles W. Hayes, pp. 97-102.
 
 1835] Meeting at Utica. 411 
 
 results yet to be achieved by the future action of this meritorious 
 Society, strengthened and encouraged as we trust it will be here- 
 after by the liberal benefactions of its friends in every parish of 
 our extensive Diocese. 
 
 The resolutions for the several Societies were sustained by the 
 reverend gentlemen who offered them by able and appropriate 
 addresses. 
 
 The exercises of the evening were such as to impart to all feel- 
 ings of the highest gratification. The services were concluded 
 by singing a part of the sixty-ninth Psalm, 1 and by appropriate 
 devotions conducted by the Bishop. 
 
 The Society was then organized under its second Vice Presi- 
 dent, Charles Keeler, Esq., whereupon it was on motion, 
 
 Resolved, That the reading of the minutes of the last Annual 
 Meeting be dispensed with this evening. 
 
 Resolved, That this Society do now adjourn to meet again for 
 the transaction of its ordinary business at the buildings of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Press in the city of New York on Wednes- 
 day evening the 7th instant, at 7 o'clock. 
 
 HENRY I. SEAMAN, Secretary. 2 
 
 The list of officers, October 7, 1835, i entered on the minutes, 
 with several notes made evidently by Mr. William H. Bell at a 
 later date. 
 
 William E. Dunscomb, President. 
 
 Henry Cotheal, ist Vice President. 
 
 Charles Keeler, 2nd Vice President. 
 
 John Alstyne, 3rd Vice President. 
 
 C. N. S. Rowland, Corresponding Secretary. 
 
 Henry I. Seaman, Recording Secretary. 
 
 Thomas Browning, Treasurer. 
 
 Floyd Smith, Agent. 
 
 1. Selection 69. 
 
 From the xc. Psalm of David. 
 
 Part I. 
 
 I. O Lord, the Saviour and defence 
 Of us thy Chosen race, 
 From age to age thou still hast been 
 Our sure abiding place. 
 This selection is not in the present Hymnal. 
 
 2. Mss. Records, folio i.
 
 412 Twentieth Auxiliary Report. [1835 
 
 Managers: Lewis Curtis, William Betts, William H. Ho- 
 bart, M.D. (died February, 1857), Charles I. Aldis, Fredk. De 
 Peyster, Saml. J. Beebee, G. G. Van Wagenen, Jonas Butler, 
 William M. Benjamin, James D. Fitch, M.D., William H. 
 Beare, J. R. Taylor, Lewis Phillips, Fdk. S. Winston, 1 , William 
 
 I. Mr. David Perkins was elected a Member of the Board in the evening 
 of the I2th of October, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of 
 Mr. Winston. 
 
 H. Townsend (dead), Henry C. Davis, Herman D. Aldrich, 
 John Brouwer. 
 
 TWENTIETH AUXILIARY REPORT. 
 
 The termination of their annual duties enables the Managers 
 of the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Society to present to its members a review of the occurrences of 
 the past, and the prospects of the coming year; and to suggest 
 the means of a more efficient development and application of the 
 resources within their power. 
 
 The reports made by the Treasurer and Agent exhibit the 
 state and disposition of the funds, and of donations by this 
 Board. From these it will be seen that the Society is in a state 
 of progressive prosperity, with its permanent debt extinguished, 
 the field of its operations greatly enlarged, and its consequent 
 usefulness happily increased. 
 
 The aggregate receipts for the current year into the Treasury 
 amount to $1,590.53, and the expenses to $1,531.65. The debt 
 remaining due on account of the Permanent Fund at the close of 
 the last year (and now paid) was $242.59. The Society, how- 
 ever, is indebted to the Protestant Episcopal Press on account of 
 the Disposable Fund about $200. For the information of those 
 not conversant with the history of the Society, it may be well to 
 state that the Permanent Fund is derived from the avails of life 
 subscriptions, donations for that object specifically given, and 
 the profits arising from the use of them of certain stereotype 
 plates, while the Disposable Fund is made up of all moneys ac- 
 cruing from other sources. 
 
 These stereotype plates are the property of the Society, and 
 are estimated to be worth about $5,000. They consist of various 
 sets, viz. one set of I2mo. and one of i8mo. of the Bible, and
 
 1835] Twentieth Auxiliary Report. 413 
 
 three sets of i8mo. of the Prayer Book; these with the Perma- 
 nent Fund constitute the capital. 
 
 The compensation for the use of the plates obtained during 
 this past year amounts to $171.50. To this, sum is to be added 
 $48, being the interest of $800, the cost of the 8vo. plates, making 
 together $219.60. These sums are credited to the Permanent 
 Fund for the purpose of making provision for the repair of the 
 present plates and purchase of others. The Treasurer's Report 
 shows the source from whence the income of the Society has 
 been derived, and the various modes in which it has from time 
 to time been appropriated. 
 
 It would occupy too much of the time of the members to enter 
 into details of this department, but a reference is requested to a 
 copy of this document, which is herewith submitted. 
 
 The Report of the Agent affords the gratifying testimony of 
 the active business of the Society. The details connected with 
 the distribution of the Bible and the Prayer Book throughout the 
 limits of our Union, indicate the numerous channels through 
 which the products of its ceaseless exertions are unremittingly 
 borne, to supply the wants, not only of those in our own imme- 
 diate vicinity, but those more remotely removed, or dwelling as 
 it were in the very wilderness shut out from the blessed ordi- 
 nance of the Church and all communion with its clergy. But 
 in further evidence of the gradual but steady progress of the 
 Society in the accomplishment of the great objects of its institu- 
 tion, it may be useful to state generally, that there have been 
 gratuitously distributed during the past year 737 Bibles, 724 
 Testaments, 148 Psalms and Hymns, and 4,732 Prayer Books. 
 The attention of the Society and of others friendly to its objects, 
 is particularly called to this latter report as peculiarly exemplify- 
 ing in views already taken of its widely diffused and beneficial 
 operations. The term "Auxiliary" in the title of this Society, 
 rightly implies a subordinate sphere of action. From the 
 force of circumstances, however, incidents interwoven with 
 its early history, and the gradual enlargement of its means, 
 it has far outstripped the original design of mere diocesan relief, 
 and has rendered itself in effect a general institution of the 
 Church. In all their general appropriations, consistently with 
 their resources, this Board of Managers have been guided by 
 the principle of unqualified liberality, and their Committee of
 
 414 Twentieth Auxiliary Report. [1835 
 
 Distribution, seconded by the zealous and efficient services of 
 the Agent services the more meritorious from their being gra- 
 tuitously rendered have endeavoured to meet the many and 
 pressing calls for donations with even and impartial liberality. 
 
 From every quarter of our widely extended country these 
 applications are received. Some of them are occasionally couched 
 in language of the most touching entreaty. They have not been 
 disregarded. In all practicable cases these applications have with 
 promptitude been responded to, and the "bread thus cast on the 
 waters" has oftentimes furnished sustenance and proved a bless- 
 ing to those who perchance had otherwise spiritually perished. 
 
 A variety of delightful examples of the happy results arising 
 from the incorporation of this Society might be adduced; many 
 of these of a very interesting nature; but two instances of the 
 kind, from their intrinsic merit, and for reasons subsequently 
 stated, the Board cannot refrain from communicating. 
 
 A soldier in the United States Army, in a frontier State, re- 
 ceived through the Agent several religious publications. In a 
 letter acknowledging their receipt he with affecting simplicity, 
 describes his own grateful emotions, the good these works had 
 already done to himself, his comrades and others, and returns his 
 warmest thanks to all who were "concerned in the gifts." This 
 letter was published in the Churchman of the i8th of July last, 
 and it is here further adverted to (to adopt an observation of the 
 Editor) as one among many evidences which are continually 
 recurring, of the great good effected in a quiet and unobtrusive 
 way by the excellent Societies of our Church. 1 
 
 The other incident was derived from a clergyman of our 
 Church, and is further illustrative of the utility of this and simi- 
 lar institutions in enlarging the borders of our Church; and 
 keeping alive the good seed when sown. Its recital may more 
 warmly interest the hearts of some to persevere in like "well 
 doing" and afford all that gratification which arises from the 
 knowledge of success attending well directed and piously con- 
 tinued efforts. 
 
 Soon after the organization of this Society an application was 
 received from a Bible and Prayer Book Society, then recently 
 
 I. The Churchman, Saturday, July 18, 1835. Volume V. No. 18. Whole 
 No. 226.
 
 1835] Twentieth Auxiliary Report. 415 
 
 formed in Wilmington, N. C, for a donation of books to assist 
 them in the commencement of their operations. This request 
 gave rise to an able and animated discussion, whether the bene- 
 factions of this Society should be extended beyond the limits of 
 our Diocese. It was finally in substance decided that in humble 
 dependence upon the great Head of the Church for the means of 
 accomplishing so noble a resolution, they would meet and supply 
 any demand made upon the Society's depository, come from 
 what quarter of our country or the world it might. Accordingly 
 a donation of Bibles and Prayer Books was made to the Wil- 
 mington Society, who upon their receipt advertised them for 
 sale at a reduced price. The advertisement casually came under 
 the observation of an aged member of our Church, who resided 
 in the interior of North Carolina. In early life he, with his wife 
 had emigrated from one of the New England States, and found 
 themselves far remote from any congregation of that Church in 
 which they had been brought up, and to the services of which he 
 was devotedly attached. 
 
 To remedy this deprivation as far as possible he did what 
 every pious Churchman ought to do under similar circumstances 
 he commenced the duties of lay reader in his own house. As 
 his family and household increased, the few Prayer Books which 
 he had brought originally with him became inadequate to their 
 wants. His children as years revolved had grown up, and some 
 were married. A numerous progeny clustered around the ven- 
 erable grandsire, all of whom he had strictly and carefully edu- 
 cated in the faith, and accustomed to the worship of the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal Church. For forty years nearly he had been cut 
 off from all intercourse with members of his own Church, and 
 during this long period no Episcopal clergyman had ever visited 
 this secluded but truly Episcopal settlement. Oftentimes he 
 lamented the worn and tattered condition, and deficient number 
 of the few Prayer Books which were on hand and with which 
 he had faithfully and devotedly instructed those whom God had 
 intrusted to his care. 
 
 Imagine his joy when the advertisement referred to met his 
 eye. 
 
 Forthwith he despatched his eldest son to Wilmington, with 
 authority to purchase all the Prayer Books. In due season the 
 faithful son returned with his precious charge to gladden the
 
 416 Twentieth Auxiliary Report. [1835 
 
 eyes of his delighted father and numerous descendants. The 
 worship of the Church so long and piously maintained, and now 
 the more zealously continued, was not without its fruits. Every 
 member of that family became in truth endued with a spirit of 
 piety, and an earnest attachment to our Church. And so ex- 
 emplary was the zeal of the good old man in this respect, that 
 no efforts of his neighbouring denominations could ever induce 
 any of his family to abandon it. At length it pleased Almighty 
 God to reward such constancy in well-doing by sending among 
 this united household that truly apostolic prelate the late Bishop 
 Ravenscroft. 
 
 In expectation of this visit, the venerable patriarch had as- 
 sembled his family and kinsmen in the usual place of worship, the 
 schoolhouse. 
 
 The Bishop, attired in his appropriate robes, and attended by 
 several of his presbyters, soon thereafter arrived. All were 
 eagerly and with breathless silence awaiting their approach. To 
 them the event was of deep and pervading interest. This Bishop 
 at the head of his attending clergy entered. The aged grandsire 
 then arose from his seat, and slowly moving toward the door, 
 they met midway between the entrance and the chancel fitted up 
 at the farthest end of the building. The venerable old man, 
 clasping the Bishop in his arms, audibly blessed God that he had 
 at last permitted him to see one of the Chief Ministers of the 
 Church. Long and ardent were the embraces of these two emi- 
 nent servants of the Most High. The event constituted an era 
 in the life of both. It could never be forgotten by those who 
 beheld it. The service proceeded, and the ordinance of Baptism 
 was administered to all except the aged parents ; and subsequently 
 the rite of Confirmation and the Holy Communion were admin- 
 istered to all for the first time. 
 
 It only remains to be added that this interesting family con- 
 stituted the nucleus of one of the largest Episcopal congregations 
 which is now to be found in the Diocese of North Carolina. 1 
 
 The Board of Managers proceeded to state that in our Diocese 
 the greater proportion of this Society's gratuitous distributions 
 during the past year has as usual been made. But besides this 
 
 I. A careful examination of the Journals of the Diocese of North Caro- 
 lina for the period named in this narrative fails to identify either the town 
 or the gentleman here mentioned.
 
 1835] Twentieth Auxiliary Report. 417 
 
 ample field for strenuous exertions, almost every State and Ter- 
 ritory in our political confederacy, our Army, Navy, and com- 
 mercial marine, the classic regions of Greece, and the enthralled 
 isles of the Pacific have likewise participated in the blessed at- 
 tempts made to extend to them the "bread of life" and the ser- 
 vices of our Church. Nor have public and private institutions, 
 whether for public instruction or eleemosynary relief, our prisons 
 and our penitentiaries been forgotten. These successively and 
 on various occasions have experienced our kind offices. During 
 the past year our valuable Auxiliary, the Bible, Prayer Book and 
 Tract Society of the General Theological Seminary, has been 
 materially instrumental in usefully extending our distributions. 
 The fact is stated with the greater satisfaction as it furnishes an 
 interesting testimony of the activity and zeal of that invaluable 
 and united body of individuals, to whom in a very great degree 
 will be confided the future interests and enlargement of our 
 beloved Church. 
 
 It is therefore peculiarly essential that those who are in train- 
 ing for the exercise of the ministry should partake amply of the 
 spirit of this Church, and mingle largely in the management and 
 concerns connected with her benevolent institutions. Acting in 
 concert, endued with the same pious zeal, emulous of the same 
 glorious result, by them and through them the diffusion of the 
 Scriptures and our Book of Common Prayer may be at all times 
 appropriately conducted. 
 
 As a subject of additional congratulation, the Board are happy 
 to announce that a Society has recently been formed at Provi- 
 dence, R. I., which has declared itself auxiliary to this, and whose 
 object is the distribution of the Bible, the Book of Common 
 Prayer and religious tracts. In connection with these circum- 
 stances it is with renewed satisfaction the Managers acknowledge 
 the great facilities afforded the Society in the transaction of fts 
 business by the New York Protestant Episcopal Press, the Agent 
 of which is also the agent of this Board, and who zealously 
 exerts himself in all that concerns or can promote their mutual 
 welfare and usefulness. In regard to the mode of more fully 
 and effectually testing and increasing the resources of this So- 
 ciety, the Board of Managers beg leave to submit to the members 
 a few suggestions for their consideration and advisement. 
 
 It is well known that most of the donations made by the Man- 
 (27)
 
 418 Twentieth Auxiliary Report. [1835- 
 
 agers, upon applications from the several dioceses and elsewhere, 
 are gratuitous. 
 
 From many of these beneficiaries no remuneration ought or 
 can be expected; but with many others the reverse is the case; 
 and in the spirit of Christian charity it becomes incumbent upon 
 them to aid in imparting to others a portion of which they have 
 freely partaken. 
 
 When, therefore, donations are made to congregations in their 
 incipient formation, it can, no doubt, after their matured estab- 
 lishment, be in their power by occasional collections, no matter 
 how small, to make remittances in aid of our funds. Such col- 
 lections, if prefaced by a brief account of the design and tendency 
 of this association, and steadily persevered in, would, it is to be 
 reasonably presumed, yield annually in the aggregate no incon- 
 siderable amount; and thus by its economical employment, being^ 
 dispensed to others, might enable them in turn to assist in similar 
 manner for promoting the same fundamental objects. 
 
 Were, morover, individuals possessing the ability to keep in 
 mind the spiritual necessities and impoverished circumstances of 
 a large mass of the members of our communion, and cast in for 
 this purpose their offerings, however comparatively trifling, their 
 respective contributions, swelling in their gradual accumulation^ 
 when gleaned on a surface of almost illimitable extent could not 
 fail to be productive of the most gratifying results. 
 
 The diminished prices of the publications distributed, and in 
 course of daily distribution, speak volumes in favour of the 
 attempt. 
 
 In exemplification of this, it may be useful to mention that 
 since the organization of our Society, the successive Boards of 
 Managers have issued upwards of 100,000 copies of the Bible 
 and Prayer Book. By the purchase of their various sets of 
 stereotype plates they have been enabled to multiply the issues 
 of both publications, and with the facilities furnished by the 
 Protestant Episcopal press to increase their number during the 
 past year to the extent specified in the Report of the Agent pre- 
 viously referred to. 
 
 In addition to the circulation created, it is also worthy of 
 remark that by the exertions of the Managers, and the advant- 
 ages accruing from the possession of the stereotype plates, the 
 price for each Prayer Book has been reduced to 25 cents.
 
 1835] Twentieth Auxiliary Report. 419 
 
 A few years since the retail price was $1.00 and the wholesale 
 75 cents. This statement shows the success of the efforts unre- 
 mittingly made to distribute both the Bible and Prayer Book on 
 terms as low as is compatible with a due regard to typographical 
 execution and a proper quality of paper. 
 
 These latter requisitions have at all times been particularly 
 attended to. The Board invites examination of the several edi- 
 tions from time to time published by the Society, as the best evi- 
 dence generally of their merits in these respects ; but more espec- 
 ially of the last editions of the i8mo. Bible and Prayer Book, as 
 being not only the cheapest but the best of the kind within their 
 knowledge (taking into consideration the materials and typo- 
 graphical appearance), with a clear and distinct text, which 
 enables the eye to dwell upon their pages without the fatigue 
 consequent upon the perusal of similarly sized volumes. The 
 object in adverting to these details is to demonstrate from past 
 experience the practicability of carrying out far more extensively 
 the plan of this institution. 
 
 To accomplish with their present limited means the greatest 
 possible good the Managers have left no expedient untried. They 
 are convinced that little has comparatively been done to enlarge 
 the borders of our Church from inadequate circulation of the 
 Bible and Prayer Book. 
 
 When these details are properly considered, and the manner 
 and extent of the donations are attentively observed, will not 
 Episcopalians stretch forth freely and at once a helping hand to 
 forward the good work? 
 
 The past condition and gladdening prospects of our beloved 
 Church are before them. The field for Episcopal culture is im- 
 measurably broad and inviting. The promise of a plentiful har- 
 vest is of an exceeding great reward. Let all of us, moreover, 
 bear in mind that upon the efforts made to sow in due season this 
 "good seed," depend her future growth, usefulness and influence. 
 To secure and permanently establish her weal every motive 
 of love to our neighbour prompts to untiring zeal, and well 
 directed and concerted operations. Now, emphatically is the 
 time to meet and anticipate with appropriate liberality, the relig- 
 ious wants of our widely-expanded communion, and to be pre- 
 pared to resist all attempts to curtail its enlargement, or to decry 
 the true and substantial merits by which the ordinances and insti-
 
 420 New Plates for the Psalms. [1835 
 
 tutions of our Church recommend themselves to public regard 
 and consideration generally, but especially to those of her own 
 household. The Managers are persuaded that if the sympathies 
 and attention of the Episcopal public were only properly awak- 
 ened, and attracted to the interesting and important operations 
 of this Society, to the great good it has produced and is capable 
 of effecting, the result could not but prove highly influential in 
 promoting the best interests of the Church, and win many souls 
 to Christ. 
 
 Let but this spirit of brotherly love and Christian duty be gen- 
 erally excited in her behalf, and your Society must go on more 
 prosperously and efficiently, its operations be proportionately and 
 beneficially extended, and the Managers be inspirited more cor- 
 dially to co-operate in the great and enduring work of dissemi- 
 nating the Holy Scriptures with our unrivalled Book of Com- 
 mon Prayer. 
 
 No items of interest can be gleaned from the minutes pre- 
 vious to October, 1835, as the volume containing the records 
 from January, 1820, to October, 1835, was destroyed, as Mr. 
 W. H. Bell notes in the second minute book, "in the great fire of 
 December, 1835, while in the store of Henry J. Seaman, the 
 then secretary." (Folio 13.) 
 
 The Minutes of the meetings from 1835 to 1836 show much 
 activity on the part of the Auxiliary Society. Grants of books 
 were given to congregations near and far. The Church of the 
 Epiphany, in New York, to Churches in New Jersey, New York, 
 Ohio, Virginia indeed so generous had been its gifts that it was 
 forced to pass this resolution at the meeting of February 3, 1836: 
 
 "Resolved, That inasmuch as this Society in gratuitously sup- 
 plying the wants of the Church has incumbered a debt of $1,200. 
 we suspend all further distributions until the said debt is re- 
 duced to $500." (Folio n.) 
 
 Notwithstanding the low ebb of the finances of the Society, 
 we find that they purchased a new set of i8mo plates of the 
 Psalms; yet at the very meeting where this expenditure was 
 sanctioned (March 2, 1836) the following resolution was unan- 
 imously passed: 
 
 "That the members of the Board now present unanimously 
 agree that they will each use their best endeavour to obtain for
 
 1836] Appeal for Funds. 421 
 
 this Society at least fifty dollars to be paid to the Treasurer on or 
 before the first Wednesday in May." 
 
 And in order to bring the condition before Churchmen, the 
 Editor of "The Churchman" was requested to prepare a paper 
 setting forth "the pecuniary embarrassments of the Society and 
 its inability to grant further issues from the Depository until its 
 debt shall have been reduced.*' (Folio 13.) 
 
 At the meeting of March 2., 1836, a communication was re- 
 ceived from Herman Thorne, Esq., requesting a donation of 
 Prayer Books for the use of a small American Episcopal Chapel 
 at Paris. On motion it was 
 
 "Resolved, That in the present low state of the funds of this 
 Society it is not expedient to make the donation, and that the 
 Corresponding Secretary be requested to advise Mr. Thorne to 
 that effect, and to inform him that the Books can be obtained 
 at the Press at the lowest market prices." (Folio 13.) 
 
 With a heavy debt, uncertainty as to the future and the 
 scanty contributions received, it need excite no surprise that the 
 Managers could not respond to the request of those who had 
 lately formed a parish among the American Colony at Paris. 
 
 Since then the Church of the Holy Trinity, Paris, has been a 
 generous contributor to all Church objects. 
 
 What the results of the appeals of "The Churchman" was, we 
 do not know but the Treasurer at the meeting on May 6, 1836, 
 reported his receipts as $517. Out of this $480 was paid in to 
 the Press, leaving still a debt of $322. This report, and that 
 presented on June ist of the same year, proved that the per- 
 sonal pledges of $50 each was lived up to in almost every case. 
 At the June meeting the debt to the Press was still further re- 
 duced ; and several grants of books were made. On August 3d 
 the following resolution was passed in the hopes of stirring up 
 interest in the work of the Society : 
 
 "In ratio with the great increase of our Church is the appli- 
 cation of her Missionaries to this Society for Prayer Books, and 
 as no application is allowed to be made in vain, it is painful to 
 the Board of Managers that in many instances the small number 
 they are able to give falls far short of what is absolutely neces- 
 sary. The consequence is, the great good aimed at is entirely 
 destroyed ; and as there are very many wealthy and flourishing 
 congregations in this Diocese, that have never responded to the
 
 422 Appeal for Funds. [1836 
 
 assistance received from time to time in their infancy from this 
 institution, it is therefore 
 
 "Resolved, That the committee of arrangements be and are 
 hereby requested to address a circular to such parishes as have 
 from time to time received supplies of Prayer Books, etc., from 
 this institution in their infancy, soliciting a collection between 
 this and the first of October next, to aid in rendering the same 
 service to other infant organizations wishing to spring up, as 
 they themselves have done, from such assistance." (Folio 21.) 
 
 The following circular was issued by the Auxiliary Society, 
 September, 1836: 
 
 We cheerfully comply with the request of the Board of Man- 
 agers of the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society in transmitting a copy of the Preamble and Resolu- 
 tiontion adopted by the Board of Managers at their last meeting. 
 The passing of such a resolution originated from the numerous 
 and urgent applications made by the clergymen of our Church for 
 Prayer Books to aid them in new and destitute parishes and 
 missionary stations, and the total inability of the Society to 
 answer them, but in such small number, that it is feared that 
 the object hoped to be obtained by the application is hurt. We 
 therefore do hope and trust that you will aid us by your contri- 
 butions in supplying these all-important applications from the 
 destitute portions of our Church, that their wants be supplied 
 with that Prayer Book we so much value for its truly sublime 
 and spiritual compositions, the greatest Auxiliary the Mission- 
 ary can be armed with in the great work of the extension of the 
 Church. Yet as much as we value it, as important as it is, the 
 urgent solicitations for it, and the exposure of the wants of it 
 in the reports of our Missionaries, both in the Journal of our 
 State Convention, and that valuable and interesting publication, 
 the Spirit of Missions, with all these annually before us, what 
 has the Church done through her diocesan society towards fur- 
 nishing it. Excepting the Cities of New York and Brooklyn, 
 with reluctance we answer, that during the twenty years of her 
 existence she has received from other parts of the Church only 
 Seventy-five Dollars and thirty-five cents, and that during the 
 same time the distribution of the Prayer Book, etc., amounted 
 to nearly twenty thousand dollars. The present year since the 
 Anniversary in October last, is more encouraging. The sum
 
 1836] Annual Meeting. 423 
 
 received amounts to One Hundred and Forty-one Dollars and 
 Forty-three Cents, being double that of the twenty preceding 
 years; yet that is but a drop in the bucket when compared with 
 our distribution during the same period, which has been to 
 destitute Parishes and Missionary Stations seven hundred and 
 .ten Bibles, nine hundred and thirty-three Testaments, two hun- 
 dred Psalms and Hymns, and five thousand three hundred 
 and thirty Prayer Books, value eighteen hundred and forty dol- 
 lars. This would have been much greater but the debt was 
 accumulating to such an alarming amount we were under the 
 necessity of restricting our distribution ; and had it not been for 
 the exertions and liberality of a few individuals, we must have 
 stopped proceedings altogether. We now respectfully solicit 
 your attention to the annexed resolution, the response to which 
 must determine the future operations of the Society. 
 
 (Signed) W. H. TOWNSEND, 
 S. I. BEEBEE, 
 THOS. BROWNING, 
 
 Committee. 
 
 On motion Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed 
 to prepare the Annual Report to be laid before the Society on 
 the 6th of October next. The chair appointed Dr. James D. 
 Fitch, Messrs. Jonas Butler and G. G. Van Wagenen, Esq. 
 
 The Twenty-first Annual Meeting of the Auxilitry was held 
 on October 6, 1836, when the report was read by Dr. Fitch; on 
 the 26th of October, the following were elected: 
 
 William E. Dunscomb, President. 
 
 Charles Keeler, ist Vice President. 
 
 John Alstyne, 2nd Vice President. 
 
 Henry 1. Seaman. 3rd Vice President. 
 
 Charles I. Aldis, Cor. Secretary. 
 
 Wm. H. Hobart, M.D., Recording Secretary. 
 
 Thomas Browning, Treasurer. 
 
 Floyd Smith, Agent. 
 
 Managers : Lewis Curtis, Meigs D. Benjamin, Fred DePey- 
 ster, G. G. Van Wagenen, Wm. M. Benjamin, Lewis Phillips, 
 Win. H. Townsend, H. D. Aldrich, Wm. Betts, Samuel J. 
 Beebee, Jas. D. Fitch, M.D., John Brower, J. Oswald Cam- 
 mann, C. N. S. Rowland, Dayton Hobart, Henry E. Davies, 
 Robert Gracie, Theron Wilbur.
 
 424 Union With Tract Society. [1836 
 
 The Tract Society had for some time been desirous of joining 
 forces with the Auxiliary Society, and under more favourable 
 financial circumstances such an union would have been wise. 
 Committees on both sides were appointed and the records for 
 the Auxiliary Society of December 7, 1836, read. 
 
 The Committee appointed to confer with a committee of the 
 N. Y. Episcopal Tract Society in relation to their proposal that 
 we should jointly establish a Depository and appoint an agent or 
 clerk for the business of both Societies, Respectfully Report, 
 
 That we have held a conference with the above mentioned 
 Committee of the Tract Society, from whom we learn that in 
 consequence of great inconvenience to which they are subjected 
 by the want of proper accommodations in the rooms occupied 
 by the Episcopal Press, and more especially from the want of 
 some person to attend to those who call on the business of the 
 Tract Society, they deem it not merely expedient but indispens- 
 ably necessary, to have a separate establishment to be placed 
 under the charge of an agent, or of a clerk acting by direction 
 of a committee of the Society, by such an arrangement it is 
 thought that besides a proper attention being thus given to its 
 general concerns, an active Superintendent (whether agent or 
 clerk) might successfully devote a portion of his time to ob- 
 taining funds for the Society, but inasmuch as such a plan will 
 be attended with considerable expense they are very desirous 
 that we should unite in the measure. 
 
 Your Committee are of opinion that the business of our 
 Society, being much more simple in its nature and in all its de- 
 tails than that of the Tract Society, and that evils to which both 
 are equally subject are therefore less prejudicial to our interests 
 the necessity for any immediate action is not so imperative 
 upon us. At the same time Your Committee very fully approve 
 of the plan and would recommend a concurrence therein could 
 we contemplate the permanent existence of the Society accord- 
 ing to its present constitution. But as the Charter under which 
 we have been acting for several years will shortly expire and 
 its renewal in its present shape is exceedingly doubtful and 
 perhaps not altogether desirable, as our Society is now in debt 
 and as the growing demands on its funds will probably more 
 than absorb all the collections we can reasonably anticipate, 
 Your Committee are unanimously of the opinion that it would
 
 1836] Expiration of Charter. 425 
 
 not be proper at this time to come under such engagements as 
 would result from our participation in the measure proposed by 
 the Tract Society. Should that Society however proceed to act 
 upon it separately, it may be desirable that we should engage 
 the assistance of their agent or clerk, if to be obtained at a small 
 remuneration. 
 
 Your Committee respectfully suggest the adoption of the fol- 
 lowing Resolution, and that if passed the same be communicated 
 to the N. Y. Episcopal Tract Society. 
 
 Resolved, That under existing circumstances of this Institu- 
 tion this Board deems it their duty respectfully to decline the 
 proposition of the Tract Society to participate with that Insti- 
 tution in the expense of establishing and maintaining a separate 
 Depository. 
 
 All of which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 CHARLES I. ALOIS, Chairman. 
 SAML J. BEEBEE, 
 WM. M. BENJAMIN. 
 
 New York, 16 Nov., 1836. 
 
 And which Report was accepted. (Folio 35.) 
 
 The question as to the advisability of renewing the charter 
 was discussed, and on April 6, 1836, the following resolution 
 was adopted : 
 
 Whereas, the Charter of this Society will expire on the 28th 
 of March next Resolved, That the subject of procuring a new 
 Charter be referred to a committee of three, to report on the 
 expediency of applying therefor, and the necessary measures for 
 that purpose, and also on the measures proper to be adopted for 
 the payment of the debts of the Society and the disposition of its 
 property in case the Charter shall not be renewed, and the cor- 
 poration become dissolved. And that the committee also report 
 any modifications or alterations in the Charter and Constitution 
 of the Society that may be deemed by them expedient, and such 
 suggestions for the improvement of its conditions as may be 
 thought advisable. 
 
 The Chair appointed Messrs. De Peyster, Van Wagenen and 
 Curtis a committee for that purpose. 
 
 The committee reported progress on June ist, but nothing 
 further appears to have been done in this matter till the meeting
 
 426 Reorganization of Societies. [1836 
 
 of February i, 1837, when the Committee on the Renewal of the 
 Charter of the Society made a report, and the same was laid on 
 the table for further consideration. 
 
 The Rt. Rev. Bishop Onderdonk being in the Depository, an 
 invitation was sent him to favour the Board with his presence; 
 and on ascertaining the Bishop's views on the subject of reor- 
 ganization, etc., etc., 
 
 It was moved and seconded that the Report above ordered on 
 the table be accepted and the same committee be requested to 
 confer with the committee of the New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society on the matters suggested in the said report, 
 and to report with all convenient speed. (Folio 39.) 
 
 On March i, 1837, it was Resolved, That inasmuch as the act 
 of Incorporation would expire on the 28th of March, that all the 
 property of the Society be assigned to Thomas Browning and 
 Charles I. Aldis, to enable them to turn over all the effects of the 
 Society to "such Society, Association, or Committee, as shall, or 
 may be organized under the sanction of the Bishop of this Dio- 
 cese." (Folio 40.) 
 
 At a special meeting of the Board held on March 8, 1837, 
 necessary resolutions were passed to dissolve the Society and 
 assign all the property to a committee of four, with power to 
 transfer the same to such Society as they shall select as shall be 
 organized in the Diocese of New York for the gratuitous distri- 
 bution of the Holy Scriptures and the Book of Common Prayer. 
 On March 22, 1837, the last meeting of the Auxiliary New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society was held and the 
 assignment was made. 
 
 Upon the record book of the parent Society there are no en- 
 tries between May n, 1832, and December 27, 1836. 
 
 The following resolutions passed at the last meeting of the 
 Society seem to imply the formation of a new Society, but the 
 subsequent proceedings make it evident that those in authority 
 considered what was done was only a reorganization of the old 
 Society. 
 
 New York, December 22nd, 1836. 
 
 The Board of Managers met at the Press Buildings, No. 28 
 Ann Street, at one o'clock p. M. 
 
 Present: Rt. Rev. Benj. T. Onderdonk, D.D., Rev. Dr. Tay-
 
 1837] Conference of the Two Societies. 427 
 
 lor, Rev. Dr. Anthon, Rev. Dr. Schroeder, Rev. Mr. Dorr, Rev. 
 Mr. Smith, Rev. Mr. Colton, Rev. Mr. Morris, and the Secretary, 
 Mr. Careau, Mr. Clarkson, Mr. Kipp. 
 
 In consequence of the absence of the Treasurer in Europe it 
 became necessary to fill the vacancy, and Captain Richard Whiley 
 being nominated was duly elected Treasurer of the Society. 
 
 On motion of the Bishop the following resolutions were unani- 
 mously adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That the Treasurer, together with Messrs. Isaac 
 Careau and David Clarkson, be a committee to manage the per- 
 manent fund and that the Treasurer pay the proceeds thereof to 
 the order of the President for the gratuitous distribution by the 
 latter of Bibles and Prayer Books within this State. 
 
 Resolved, That the same gentlemen, together with the Presi- 
 dent, Secretary, and the Rev. Drs. Lyell and Berrian, be a com- 
 mittee with full power to transact the business of this Board; 
 and to pay over the funds of this Society to any similar estab- 
 lishment having for its object the distribution, within this State, 
 of the Bible and Book of Common Prayer. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That a copy of the aforesaid resolutions 
 be sent to the Treasurer, Capt. Richard Whiley, Mr. Isaac 
 Careau, David Clarkson, and to the Rev. Drs. Lyell and Berrian. 
 
 A statement of the funds remaining in the Treasury having 
 been read by the President, on motion, Adjourned. 
 
 THOS. BREINTNALL, Secretary. 
 
 The formal assignment and transfer from the Auxiliary to the 
 New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society was signed 
 July i, 1837. 
 
 "The Churchman" gives this account of the result of the Con- 
 ferences : 
 
 At a meeting of Episcopalians at the Protestant Episcopal 
 Press on Wednesday, March 22, called by public notice, for the 
 purpose of considering the propriety of establishing a New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, as a substitute for the 
 Society of the same name, heretofore existing, but having for 
 many years suspended, in a great measure, its operations, and for 
 the New York Auxiliary Bible and Common Prayer Book Society 
 of which the Charter is about expiring, it was
 
 428 New Constitution. [1837 
 
 Resolved, That it is expedient to establish such a Society, 
 under a Board of Managers to be composed of the Bishop of 
 the Diocese, and of Clerical and lay members. 
 
 A committee was appointed to prepare a form of constitution 
 for such a society to be reported at an adjourned meeting to be 
 held in the Sunday School Building, St. John's Chapel, on Fri- 
 day, April 7th, at half-past seven o'clock P. M., agreeably to 
 another resolution of the same meeting, I hereby invited the 
 members of the New York, and of the Auxiliary New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Societies to attend the said 
 adjourned meeting. 
 
 BENJ. T. ONDERDONK, 
 Bishop of the Diocese of New York. 
 
 New York, March 28, 183 7.* 
 
 The proceedings of the adjourned meeting are thus noted in 
 the Minutes: 
 
 At an adjourned Meeting of Episcopalians of the Cities of 
 New York and Brooklyn held pursuant to Public Notice on 
 Wednesday evening, the I9th inst.. in the Sunday School Room 
 of St. John's Chapel, the Rt. Rev. Bishop of the Diocese in the 
 Chair. 
 
 The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 
 
 A Constitution for the New York Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society was presented for the consideration of the meet- 
 ing, and the several articles therein contained were read separ- 
 ately, some amendments were proposed and adopted, after which 
 the whole was unanimously adopted as the Constitution of the 
 New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, as follows : 
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE NEW YORK BIBLE AND COMMON 
 PRAYER BOOK SOCIETY. 
 
 Article I. 
 
 This Society shall be denominated the "New York Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society," and its object shall be the dis- 
 tribution of the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. 
 
 I. The Churchman, Saturday, April i, 1837. Volume VII. No. 3. Whole 
 number 315.
 
 1837] New Constitution. 429 
 
 Article II. 
 
 It shall be composed of the Bishop of the Diocese of New 
 York as President ex officio, of all clergymen canonically con- 
 nected with said Diocese, and of such other persons as shall 
 within twelve [months] next preceding any Meeting which they 
 may attend have Subscribed and paid to its funds, together with 
 the life members and patrons of the New York Bible and Com- 
 mon Prayer Book Society, established in 1809, and the Auxil- 
 iary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, in- 
 corporated in 1817; it being understood that such life members 
 and patrons shall be entitled to all the privileges in respect to 
 receiving Bibles and Common Prayer Books which were secured 
 to them by the said Societies respectively Members of Bible 
 and Common Prayer Book Societies Auxiliary to this, shall 
 also be members of this Society, as also the officers and man- 
 agers, directors or trustees of any society or association within 
 this Diocese having among its objects the distribution of the 
 Bible and Book of Common Prayer. Provided that such Aux- 
 iliary Societies and Associations shall have contributed to the 
 funds of this Society within twelve months next preceding any 
 
 meeting thereof. 
 
 Article III. 
 
 When the Society is not in session the business shall be in- 
 trusted to a Board of Managers, consisting of the Bishop of the 
 Diocese as President ex officio, and of four clerical and four 
 lay Vice Presidents, a Corresponding Secretary, a Recording 
 Secretary, a Treasurer, an Agent, and twenty-four clerical and 
 lay Managers, making in all thirty-seven. The above named 
 officers of the same relation to the Board of Managers. In 
 order to a quorum for the transaction of the business of the 
 Board, there must be present at least one clergyman and one 
 layman. 
 
 Article IV. 
 
 The above named officers and managers, except the President, 
 shall be elected forthwith, and there shall be an Annual Meeting 
 of the Society in the City of New York on the Thursday of the 
 week next succeeding the Annual Convention of the Diocese, 
 when the same stations shall be filled by a plurality of votes
 
 430 New Constitution. [183T 
 
 taken by ballot; Provided that until there be an election of the 
 full complement of officers and managers those last elected shall 
 be continued in office, and provided further, that all vacancies 
 occurring in the Board may be supplied by the Board. In all 
 cases of election by the Society or Board, the persons elected 
 shall be forthwith notified thereof by the Secretary of the Meet- 
 ing at which he was elected, and unless his acceptance is signi- 
 fied to the said Secretary or the Board within one month after 
 his election, his station shall be considered vacant and a new 
 election be held by the Board to supply the same. The Anni- 
 versary Celebration of the Society shall be on the evening of 
 the first day of the meeting of the Annual Convention of the 
 Diocese, and at the place of the meeting of such Convention, or 
 at such other time and place as the Board of Managers may 
 appoint, when the said Board shall make report of their pro- 
 ceedings for the past year, on which the members of the So- 
 ciety then present shall be competent to take any action. 
 Special Meetings of the Society may at any time be called by 
 the Board of Managers. 
 
 Article V. 
 
 The Board of Managers shall have the power of passing any 
 by-laws and resolutions for its own government, and for the due 
 ordering of the business of the Society; Provided the same be 
 not inconsistent with this constitution or with any of the acts 
 of the Society. 
 
 Article VI. 
 
 This constitution may be altered at any meeting of the So- 
 ciety at which there are present three clerical and three lay 
 members. Provided that a proposed alteration have the appro- 
 bation of a majority of the clerical and of a majority of the 
 lay members present, and also of the Bishop of the Diocese, 
 and provided further, That if the Episcopate of the Diocese be 
 vacant two-thirds of the clerical members present approve of 
 the proposed alteration. 
 
 The following officers were then elected : 
 
 Vice Presidents. 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Lyell, D.D., First. 
 The Rev. William Berrian, D.D., Second.
 
 1837] Officers Elected. 431 
 
 The Rev. Samuel H. Turner, D.D., Third. 
 
 The Rev. John McVickar, D.D., Fourth. 
 
 William E. Dunscomb, Fifth. 
 
 Charles Keeler, Sixth. 
 
 John Alstyne, Seventh. 
 
 Henry I. Seaman, Eighth. 
 
 Charles I. Aldis, Corresponding Secretary. 
 
 Henry E. Davies, Recording Secretary. 
 
 Thomas Browning, Treasurer. 
 
 Floyd Smith, Agent. 
 
 Managers: The Rev. James Milnor, D.D., the Rev. Lewis 
 P. Bayard, the Rev. Evan M. Johnson, the Rev. Henry Anthon, 
 the Rev. Thomas Breintnall, the Rev. Hugh Smith, Lewis Cur- 
 tis, Meigs D. Benjamin, Frederic Depeyster, Gerritt G. Van 
 Wagenan, William M. Benjamin, Lewis Phillips, William H. 
 Townsend, Herman D. Aldrich, William Betts, Samuel J. 
 Beebe, Jas. D. Fitch, M.D., John Brouwer, J. Oswald Cammann, 
 Dayton Hobart, Robert Gracie, Theron Wilbur, Chas. N. S. 
 Rowland, Wm. H. Hobart, M.D. 
 
 The meeting then Resolved, That the first meeting of the 
 Board be held on Wednesday evening next, the 26th inst, in 
 the Sunday School Room of St. John's Chapel, at half -past 
 seven o'clock P. M., and that the Secretary of this meeting be 
 requested to notify each member of the Board of his election, 
 and also to furnish each of them with a printed copy of the 
 Constitution. 
 
 Adjourned sine die. 
 
 CORN. OAKLEY, 
 
 Secretary of the Meeting. 
 
 New York, April 19, 1837. (Folio 48.) 
 
 On June 13, 1837, at a meeting held in St. John's Chapel, Mr. 
 Haight from the committee appointed to confer with the Tract 
 Society, made a report which was read and accepted. The said 
 report concluded with the following Resolutions, to wit : 
 
 "i. Resolved, That this Board will unite with the Board of 
 the Tract Society in renting a Depository and hiring an Agent, 
 the expense to be borne equally by both Societies. 
 
 "2. Resolved, That the salary of the Agent be one thousand
 
 432 Form of Prayer. [1837 
 
 dollars, which said resolutions being read and considered, were 
 adopted. 
 
 "It was then resolved that the Board do now elect by ballot an 
 Agent to act with the Tract Society in accordance with the 
 above resolutions, and in the place of Floyd Smith, Esq., re- 
 signed, and on counting the ballot it appeared that Thomas C. 
 Butler was unanimously elected as Agent." 
 
 To keep pace with the increasing demand for grants, an 
 edition of five thousand Prayer Books was ordered to be 
 printed, at the meeting of July 25, 1837. 
 
 Soon after the reorganization the following form of Prayer 
 for the meeting of the Society was set forth by the Bishop. 
 
 A Form of Prayer set forth by the Right Reverend Benjamin 
 T. Onderdonk, Bishop of the Diocese of New York; to be used 
 at the meetings of the Managers of the Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society, together w r ith, 
 
 1. The Lord's Prayer. 
 
 2. The Collect for the day, and 
 
 Any other selected from the Liturgy at the discretion of 
 the officiating Priest. 
 
 Almighty and Most Merciful God, we render Thee our 
 thanks and praise for the light of Thy everlasting Gospel, for 
 the establishment of Thy Holy Church; and for the appointed 
 means of extending their benefits unto all people. 
 
 We ask Thy blessing on all suitable endeavours for the ac- 
 complishment of this Thy Merciful design; on all seminaries of 
 sound learning, and Christian education; and on all proper 
 means for advancing the interests of Thy Church, and aiding 
 her, in the accomplishment of her great work of promoting 
 man's spiritual and eternal welfare. 
 
 We especially commend to the protection and blessing of Thy 
 Providence, and the aid and direction of Thy Grace, the Insti- 
 tution on the business of which we are here assembled in 
 Thy Name and presence. Endue all those to whom the manage- 
 ment of its affairs is intrusted with a right judgment to devise, 
 and its members and friends with willing hearts to afford the 
 means of executing the best plans for carrying its good objects 
 into effect. May it be blessed to the extending of the light of the 
 glorious Gospel, the promoting the interests of Thy Holy Church,
 
 1837] Anniversary Celebration. 433 
 
 the dissemination of pure religion and sound morality, and the 
 advancement of the spiritual and eternal welfare of Thy people. 
 And may its usefulness be continued until all Thy sheep shall be 
 gathered into one fold, and be made partakers of Thy Heavenly 
 Kingdom. Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our 
 only Mediator and Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 It seems proper in presenting the proceedings of the Society 
 at its First Anniversary and its Report to give the title page of 
 the printed report, for it is the model which was followed until 
 very recently. While reports may have been presented by the 
 Managers, there certainly were none printed from 1829 to 1837. 
 
 "1837. The New York Bible and Common Prayer Book So- 
 ciety was established in the year 1809, being the first institution 
 in this country (except the Bible Society of Philadelphia) for 
 the gratuitous distribution of the Scriptures. 
 
 "The Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Society was established in the year 1816, and obtained from the 
 Legislature an Act of Incorporation for Twenty Years, at the 
 expiration of which time the Parent and Auxiliary Societies 
 united under the original title of "The New York Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society." 
 
 "The present is therefore properly the Twenty-Ninth Consec- 
 utive Report, read before the Society in St. Thomas' Church, 
 Thursday, October 5, 1837. New York. Published by the 
 New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society. Deposi- 
 tory, 28 Ann Street. D. Murphey, Printer. 1837." 
 
 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE NEW YORK BIBLE AND 
 COMMON PRAYER BOOK SOCIETY. 
 
 The First Anniversary celebration of the New York Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society under its new organization was 
 held at St. Thomas' Church, on Thursday evening, October 5, 
 1837, in conjunction with that of the "New York Protestant 
 Episcopal Tract Society" and the "Education and Missionary 
 Society." 
 
 The Chair was taken by the Right Rev. B. T. Onderdonk, 
 Bishop of the Diocese, President ex-officio, at 7 o'clock P. M. 
 
 The Annual Report of the Board of Managers was read by 
 (28)
 
 434 Twenty-Ninth Report. [1837 
 
 Henry E. Davies, Esq., whereupon, on motion of the Rev. John 
 W. Brown, who prefaced his resolutions by an eloquent and in- 
 teresting address in behalf of the Society, it was 
 
 Resolved, That the Report just read furnishes an additional 
 proof, if any were needed, of the value and importance of the 
 Society not only to this Diocese but to the Church at large, and 
 that it behooves every friend of the Church to aid in the dis- 
 tribution of the Book of Common Prayer. 
 
 Resolved, That we highly approve the doings of the Board 
 of Managers for the past, and exhort them to continue exer- 
 tions in well-doing; and always remembering that as w r e have 
 freely received, so will we with God's blessing upon our efforts, 
 freely give. 
 
 Resolved, That such number of copies as the Board shall 
 think proper of the Report just read, be printed and published 
 under the direction of the Board. 
 
 The exercises of the evening were preceded and concluded by 
 appropriate religious Services by, the Right Rev. Chairman. 
 
 The Society was then organized, when, on motion, 
 
 Resolved, That the reading of the minutes be dispensed with. 
 
 Resolved, That the Society do now adjourn to meet again 
 for the transaction of its ordinary business at the School Room 
 of St. John's Chapel, on Thursday evening next, the I2th inst.,, 
 at 7 o'clock. 
 
 HENRY E. DAVIES, 
 
 Recording Secretary. 
 
 (Folio 60.) 
 
 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT BEING THE TWENTY-NINTH 
 CONSECUTIVE REPORT. 
 
 The Board of Managers of the New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society, in presenting their first Annual Report 
 deem it an appropriate occasion to refer to the circumstances 
 attending the present organization of the Society and urge the 
 high and holy claims it has upon the services and benefactions of 
 its members and the friends of the Church in general. 
 
 It is doubtless well known that for many years there have ex- 
 isted two Societies of kindred object, the one auxiliary to the 
 other, and both engaged in the same work the dissemination of
 
 1837] Twenty-Ninth Report. 435 
 
 the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. One of these Socie- 
 ties, styled the New York Bible and Common Prayer Book 
 Society, was composed of a mixed representation of clerical and 
 lay delegates; the other, the Auxiliary New York Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society, derived its corporate existence 
 from the Legislature of the State. It was a fundamental prin- 
 ciple in the organization of the latter Society that its members 
 and officers should be exclusively laymen. The charter of this 
 Society was granted in 1817, and expired by its own limitation 
 in the month of March last. The activity and zeal of the officers 
 of this Society in promoting the object of its formation are 
 worthy of all praise. The liberality of its members, and the 
 ardent devotion of all concerned in its operations will long be 
 remembered as examples worthy of imitation, and we trust that 
 from the great Head of the Church they will receive their appro- 
 priate reward. It was with regret that we witnessed the termina- 
 tion of an institution which had accomplished so much good and 
 had been so signally blessed in its progress. After mature delib- 
 eration, it was deemed inadequate to apply to the Legislature for 
 a continuance of the corporate rights of the Society, but thought 
 most expedient to organize a new Association from the two Socie- 
 ties then in existence, which should combine the wisdom of the 
 one and the zeal and activity of the other. In the formation of 
 the new Society, the principle of an union of clerical and lay rep- 
 resentation (which characterizes the other associations of our 
 Church) was distinctly recognized and deemed essential to per- 
 petuate its stability, to infuse energy into its operations, and 
 inspire the confidence of the Church. Influenced by these con- 
 siderations, the Episcopalians of this city and Brooklyn held a 
 meeting on the iQth of April last, at which the Right Rev. the 
 Bishop of the Diocese presided, and it was resolved to constitute 
 the New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, whose 
 first anniversary we have met this evening to celebrate. This 
 Society, in the language of our Constitution, is composed of the 
 life members and patrons of the New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society established in 1809, and the Auxiliary Bible 
 and Common Prayer Book Society incorporated in 1817; and of 
 the clergy of the Diocese, and such persons as shall contribute to 
 its funds. 
 
 At that meeting a Constitution for this Society was adopted,
 
 436 Twenty-Ninth Report. [1837 
 
 and the officers therein enumerated elected ; a Board of Managers 
 was chosen, composed of clerical and lay members, to whose care 
 has been confided the interests of the institution. The two Socie- 
 ties heretofore existing have transferred to this their property 
 and funds, which are as follows : 
 
 From the New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society 
 about the sum of $2,000, now deposited with the New York Life 
 Insurance and Trust Company at an interest of 5 per cent, per 
 annum, and a small dividend due from the Mutual Insurance 
 Company, and $16.92 cents in the bank. 
 
 This Society have received from the Auxiliary New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society property and funds 
 amounting to $4,514.39 cents, most of which consisted of stereo- 
 type plates of the Bible and Prayer Book. 
 
 Since our present organization, there has been received in addi- 
 tion to the amounts above mentioned, the sum of $197.41 cents; 
 and there has been expended in printing and distribution of the 
 Bible and Book of Common Prayer the sum of $m. The whole 
 amount of the available means of the Society being now only 
 $86.41 cents. 
 
 From the report of our Agent it appears that the Auxiliary 
 New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society has dis- 
 tributed since the last anniversary of that institution, 225 Bibles, 
 3,059 Prayer Books, and 24 copies of the Psalms. 
 
 Since the organization of your present Society there has been 
 distributed 26 Bibles, 786 Prayer Books, 12 Testaments, and 500 
 copies of the Psalms. 
 
 Applications are now pending before the Board for about 1,000 
 Prayer Books and 200 Bibles and Testaments. 
 
 The Board regret to state, that although these applications are 
 of a most interesting character, and ought, if possible, to be 
 granted, yet such are the present resources of the Board that they 
 have most unwillingly been compelled to postpone a decision upon 
 them. The Board of Managers appeal with confidence to the 
 liberality of their fellow Churchmen, not only for the means to 
 meet these demands, but to aid those who may hereafter be appli- 
 cants for our bounty. 
 
 So pressing and numerous have been the calls for the Book of 
 Common Prayer that the Society soon after its formation found 
 that the editions formerly ordered were exhausted, and that none 
 remained to meet the urgent requests which are daily coming in
 
 1837] Twenty -Ninth Report. 437 
 
 to us. The Board of Managers, relying upon the liberality of 
 the Church and the devotion of its members, did not hesitate to 
 take measures to meet these demands. They dared not turn a 
 deaf ear to them. They hoped that the Church, whose agents 
 they are, would not have sanctioned such .a refusal. The Board 
 have therefore caused to be printed an edition of 5,000 copies of 
 the Book of Common Prayer at an expense of $950; and they 
 appeal to their brethren of the Church to step forward, cheerfully 
 and promptly, and not only enable the Board to discharge this 
 debt against them, but furnish the means to print yet more and 
 larger editions. The appeals to us are numerous and urgent. 
 The scattered members of our communion stretch out their hands 
 to us for aid, and can we, so long as we have the ability, send 
 them empty away? 
 
 Frequent appeals are made from the far West for donations, 
 and they come so eloquently clothed that we cannot resist them. 
 More than our Church, we trust, has been founded and fostered 
 into strength and stability by our liberality, and the only return 
 we ask of them is that they will do for others what has been done 
 for them. Can we refuse the earnest entreaties which are sent 
 to us from all quarters for the words of salvation ? When those 
 who are famishing for the bread and water of life send to us 
 their prayers, shall we send the messengers empty-handed away? 
 
 It is the Church at large which must answer this solemn ques- 
 tion. To them we appeal, for we are but their almoners. We 
 plead for thousands of our fellow beings many of them in the 
 distant wilds among whose rocks and valleys the sound of the 
 church-going bell "has never echoed." The written Word can 
 penetrate where the foot of the living preacher has never yet 
 trodden. Will not all those who love the Church and the Gospel 
 of our Lord and Saviour, gladly give of their abundance, and 
 even of their poverty (for the widow's mite was not without a 
 blessing), that they may scatter this precious seed, which shall 
 cause "the desert to rejoice and blossom as the rose" ? Let this 
 go forth as the herald of Him who bringeth glad tidings. 
 
 For our brethren who need the consolation of the Bible and 
 our holy and revered Liturgy and are deprived of the ordinances 
 of our Church, we plead for them we ask your aid, that we may 
 be able to send light, even the light of the Sun of Righteousness, 
 as it beams from every page of his holy Word, to those who "sit 
 in darkness." We know that we shall not ask in vain, although
 
 438 Twenty-Ninth Report. [1837 
 
 a cloud has shadowed the prospects of this city in a worldly point 
 of view the last year; yet we rejoice to say that the institutions 
 of our holy religion have not been suffered to languish, and some 
 of the most important societies have received even larger contri- 
 butions than in any previous year. This is not the time or the 
 place to urge the importance of sending the pure word of the 
 Gospel to all mankind. It is to be hoped that none bearing the 
 Christian name can doubt on that subject. 
 
 May we not say a word for our Book of Common Prayer, with 
 its solemn rituals, its beautiful and appropriate prayers, its sub- 
 lime and touching Litany. Is it not a meet companion for the 
 Bible, from whose sacred pages it is almost exclusively compiled ? 
 But we need not enlarge upon this subject. Our Church has 
 decided that all her children are fellow labourers in the same 
 cause ; all on missionary ground, and bound to help in the glorious 
 work of salvation to the utmost of their abilities. Let us remem- 
 ber that in aiding such a cause, it may most emphatically be 
 said, "It is twice blest it blesseth him that takes and him that 
 gives." 
 
 With these statement we commit the interests of our Society 
 to our brethren of the Church. In this large and wealthy Dio- 
 cese, we will not doubt but that our hands will be strengthened 
 and the sphere 'of your influence be still more enlarged. We 
 hope our clerical and lay brethren from the interior of the State 
 will remember us in their benefactions, and render us all the aid 
 in their power. 
 
 If all would do something we should be able to accomplish 
 much more than we have yet done. The calls for light and 
 knowledge are numerous and pressing. Our time for usefulness 
 is short ; let us therefore labour without ceasing, "while it is day, 
 the night cometh when no man can work." 
 
 REPORT OF TREASURER, MR. THOMAS BROWNING. 
 
 First Receipts to the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common 
 Prayej Book Society. 
 
 Disposable Fund, balance $8 40 
 
 Country Parishes 90 38 
 
 New York and Brooklyn 84 50 
 
 Individual Donations and Subscriptions 243 50 
 
 $426 78
 
 1837] Twenty-Ninth Report. 439 
 
 Contra. 
 
 Paid New York Protestant Episcopal Press $35 
 
 Printing Notices, &c. 3 oo 
 
 Commission for Collecting, Sales, &c 26 85 
 
 Discount on uncurrent money 56 
 
 $380 42 
 
 On hand $46 36 
 
 Second. The Receipts to the New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society. 
 
 The Balance from the Auxiliary New York Bible 
 
 and Common Prayer Book Society $46 36 
 
 From Bishop Kemper's Mission . . 10 oo 
 
 Bible Prayer Book and Tract Society, Gen. Theo. 
 
 Sem 92 04 
 
 From Donations and Subscriptions 31 oo 
 
 From Sales by Agent 21 13 
 
 From Agent on account of Sales 18 76 
 
 For Packing Boxes, &c 2 37 
 
 $117 60 
 
 Balance on hand $31 34 
 
 Stereotype Fund $25 oo 
 
 Oct. 2, 1837. 
 
 Oct. 3-6. Receipts during Convention 146 30 
 
 5,000 copies, i8mo Prayer Book 900 oo 
 
 Due Agent and Rent of Depository 200 oo 
 
 Edition of Bible & 8vo Prayer Book much wanted. 600 oo 
 
 $1,700 oo 
 
 Towards which on hand Balance $31 34 
 
 Amount received during Convention 146 30 
 
 177 64 
 
 Deficit $1,522 36 
 
 The Treasurer's Report is followed by a statement of the privi- 
 leges of members extracted from the by-laws.
 
 440 Election of Officers. [1837 
 
 The First Address of the Society is given in full. It is assigned 
 to "the late Bishop Hobart" as the author. The Constitution 
 follows the address, after which is given the list of officers. 
 
 Upon the last two pages are printed the names of the Patrons,. 
 Life Members and Annual Subscribers. 
 
 Turning to the MSS. records of the Society we find that : 
 
 Pursuant to adjournment the Society met at the Sunday School 
 Room of St. John's Chapel, on Thursday evening, the I2th Octo- 
 ber, 1837, at 7 o'clock, William E. Dunscomb, Esq., Fifth Vice 
 President, in the Chair. 
 
 It was Resolved, That the Society proceed to the election, by 
 ballot, of officers for the ensuing year. 
 
 Mr. Butler and Mr. Townsend were appointed tellers, who re- 
 ported on counting the ballots that the following persons were 
 duly elected : 
 
 Rev. Thomas Lyell, D.D., ist Vice President. 
 
 Rev. William Berrian, D.D., 2d Vice President. 
 
 Rev. W. R. Whittingham, D.D., 3d Vice President. 
 
 Rev. L. P. Bayard, D.D., 4th Vice President. 
 
 W. E. Dunscomb, 5th Vice President. 
 
 Floyd Smith, 6th Vice President. 
 
 John Alstyne, 7th Vice President. 
 
 Henry I. Seaman, 8th Vice President. 
 
 Alex. L. McDonald, Corresponding Secretary. 
 
 Henry E. Davies, Recording Secretary. 
 
 Thomas Browning, Treasurer. 
 
 Thomas C. Butler, Agent. 
 
 Managers: Rev. James Milnor, D.D., Rev. Lot Jones, Rev. 
 Thomas H. Taylor, Rev. J. F. Schroeder, D.D., Rev. B. I. 
 Haight, Rev. Hugh Smith, A. Hanford, W. Betts, S. J. Beebe, 
 J. D. Fitch, M.D., Hamilton Fish, Lewis Curtis, M. D. Benja- 
 min, Fred. De Peyster, G. G. Van Wagenen, William M. Benja- 
 min, Lewis Phillips, Wm. H. Townsend, James O. Cammaniv 
 C. R. Swrods, R. Grade, Theron Wilbur, C. N. S. Rowland, W. 
 H. Hobart, M.D. 
 
 Standing Committees. 
 
 Of Arrangement : Thos. Browning, Treasurer, Office, 77 
 Maiden Lane: Thomas C. Butler, Agent, office, 28 Ann street; 
 Rev. L. P. Bayard, S. J. Beebe, C. N. S. Rowland.
 
 1837] The Megary Plates. 441 
 
 Of Distribution : Thomas C. Butler, Agent, office, 28 Ann 
 street ; Rev. Lot Jones, Frederick A. De Peyster. 
 
 On Stereotype Plates: Floyd Smith, Rev. L. P. Bayard, 
 Thomas Browning. 
 
 On Stereotype Fund : Floyd Smith, Rev. L. P. Bayard, D.D., 
 Thomas Browning, Thomas C. Butler. 
 
 There being no further business, the Society adjourned. 
 
 HENRY E. DAVIES, Recording Secretary. 
 
 The Society subsequently appointed a Committee to report 
 upon the condition of the Megary plates. 
 
 At a special meeting, held October 31, 1857, it was 
 
 "On motion, Resolved, That the Committee on the Megary 
 
 plates, together with the agent, be a committee to adjust the 
 
 accounts with the Press and to report on the present condition of 
 
 the Permanent Fund at the next meeting of the Board." (Folio 
 
 6 5 .) 
 
 The next meeting of the Board transacted much important 
 business. 
 
 At a meeting of the Board of Managers of the New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society held on the evening of 
 the 12 of December, 1837, at the Sunday School Room of St. 
 John's Chapel. 
 
 Present, Rt. Rev. B. T. Onderdonk, President; Rev. Dr. 
 Bayard, 4th V. P. ; Rev. B. I. Haight, Messrs. Dunscomb, Butler, 
 Browning, Wilbur, Smith, Phillips, Fitch, Beebe, Alstyne, 
 Rowland, Seaman, Hanlord, Townsend, and Benjamin. 
 
 The Secretary being absent, W. H. Townsend was appointed 
 Secretary pro. tern. 
 
 The Treasurer submitted his Report from which it appears 
 that since the last Report he has received $61.50, and expended 
 $457.96, leaving a balance on hand of $1,241.31. 
 
 Which Report was accepted. 
 
 The Agent presented his Report, from which it appears that 
 since October 31 he has distributed 875 Prayer Books. 
 
 Which Report was accepted. 
 
 The committee on the settlement of the account with "The 
 Protestant Episcopal Press" and on "The Megary Plates," ap-
 
 442 The Megary Plates. [1837 
 
 pointed at the last meeting of the Board, presented their report 
 in the words following : 
 
 "The committee to whom was referred the question, 'in what 
 mode should the accounts of the Society with the Protestant 
 Episcopal Press be settled,' and 'what disposition should be made 
 of the Megary plates/ beg leave to report, 
 
 "That in reference to the first of these objects it appears that 
 the Society is indebted to the Press, its former publishers, for 
 books, &c., to the amount of $1,005.49, and that the Tress' is 
 indebted to the Society for various deposits made on account of 
 its 'Permanent Fund' to the amount of $1,114.49, leaving the 
 balance (including the special deposit of $59.16) in favour of the 
 Society of $168.66. 
 
 "A Permanent Fund from its very nature not being applicable 
 to the payment of the common debts of the Society, the Treas- 
 urer very properly solicits the direction of the Board in the 
 premises. 
 
 "Ordinarily the simple and proper mode of settlement would be 
 the reciprocal of the payment of the debts by the Treasurers of h 
 the reciprocal of payment of the debts by the Treasurers of the 
 Institutions respectively. But inasmuch as this mode of settle- 
 ment is not at present attainable for reasons not necessary to 
 be embraced in this report, your committee beg leave to recom- 
 mend the adoption of the following resolutons, viz : 
 
 "Resolved, That the Treasurer be and he is hereby authorized 
 to settle the accounts of the Society with the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Press by allowing the amount of the 'Permanent Fund' 
 and the Special deposit in the hands of that Institution as an 
 offset against the amount of the Society's indebtedness to the 
 Press for Books, &c. 
 
 "That he pay over to the Treasurer of the Domestic Commit- 
 tee of the D. & F. Missionary Society the amount of said 
 Special deposit, and out of the funds now in the possession of 
 the 'Life and Trust Company' he be further directed to appro- 
 priate a sum exactly equal to the amount of the 'Permanent 
 Fund' absorbed in the settlement with the 'Press/ and to open an 
 account in his own books under the head of 'Stereotype Fund/ 
 to which fund shall be credited the amount so appropriated. 
 
 "Resolved, That the 'Stereotype Fund' be kept at interest with 
 the 'Life and Trust Company' for the special objects indicated
 
 1837] The Megary Plates. 443 
 
 by its name, and for the further purpose of making such tem- 
 porary loans to the common funds as the exigencies of the 
 Society may occasionally require, and as the Board may from 
 time to time direct to enable the Treasurer to meet the pecuni- 
 ary engagements of the Society with honourable fidelity. Such 
 loans always to be reimbursed with interest at the rate of six 
 per cent, per annum out of the first monies which may there- 
 after come into the Treasury from annual subscriptions, dona- 
 tions or collections in churches. 
 
 "In relation to the latter of the subjects referred to them, your 
 committee beg leave to recommend the adoption of the follow- 
 ing Preamble and Resolutions : 
 
 "Whereas, the New York and the Auxiliary New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Societies, which are now 
 united under the former title, was originally established 
 for the charitable purpose of gratuitously distributing the. 
 Bible and Book of Common Prayer among the destitute 
 of our Communion; and whereas, the elegant set of Stereotype 
 plates for the octavo Book of Common Prayer commonly known 
 as 'Megary Plates,' was purchased with a view to the invest- 
 ment of a certain sum of money held by the Auxiliary So- 
 ciety as a 'Permanent Fund' under a special arrangement with 
 the Protestant Episcopal Press, by which that Institution agreed 
 to pay the interest of the cost of said plates and to allow in 
 addition thereto a certain compensation for the use thereof; 
 and whereas, the arrangement heretofore subsisting between the 
 Society and the 'Press,' under which the latter was the Business 
 Agent thereof having been terminated; and whereas, by that 
 event it has become necessary to make such use of or dispose of 
 said plates in such a way as that they shall fulfil the original 
 intention of the 'Fund' with which they were purchased; there- 
 fore, 
 
 "Resolved, That the Agent be and is hereby authorized to offer 
 for sale the set of 8vo. stereotype plates usually known as the 
 ^Megary Plates,' and at a sum not less than $800, and to de- 
 posit the amount received for the same in the 'Life and Trust 
 Company' to the credit of the 'Stereotype Fund' of the Society. 
 
 "Resolved, That the Agent be and is further authorized, 
 should such an opportunity offer before the plates are sold, to 
 contract for the use of them for the printing an edition or edi-
 
 444 Rubrics in Red. [1837 
 
 tions by any private responsible publisher at such compensation 
 as he may be able to obtain, and to deposit the same with the 
 Trust Company as above directed. 
 "All which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 FLOYD SMITH, 
 L. P. BAYARD, 
 THOS. BROWNING, 
 THOS. C. BUTLER, 
 
 Committee. 
 
 "Which said Report being read and considered was accepted 
 and the resolutions therein contained were adopted by the 
 Board." (Folio 66.) 
 
 "On motion, Resolved, That this Board assume the debt in- 
 curred for publishing the Morning and Evening Service in 
 German and receive the balance of the edition for distribution, 
 under the direction of the Board. 
 
 "Resolved, That the Agent have power to distribute at dis- 
 cretion until the next meeting of the Board. 
 "Adjourned. 
 
 "HENRY E. DA VIES, Recording Secretary." 
 
 (Folio 69.) 
 
 On the 1 2th of September, 1837, we find a resolution was 
 passed 
 
 "That the sum deposited by St. George's Church for the 
 printing of a part of the Liturgy in the Mohawk language be 
 transferred to the Treasurer of the Board of Domestic Mis- 
 sions, to be applied to the same purpose." (Folio 57.) 
 
 The question of printing an edition of the Prayer Book with 
 the Rubrics in red came up for the first time at this meeting of 
 the 1 2th of September, and was evidently not considered so 
 simple a matter as it would now be. 
 
 "On motion, a committee consisting of the Rev. L. P. Bay- 
 ard, Thomas Browning and S. Phillips were appointed by the 
 Chair to consider and report on the propriety of publishing an 
 octavo copy of the Book of Common Prayer with the Rubrics 
 in Red." (Folio 57.) 
 
 The committee at the next meeting, through the Rev. Mr. 
 Bayard, presented a report in behalf of the committee on the sub-
 
 1837] German Service Book. 445 
 
 ject of publishing an edition of the Book of Common Prayer 
 with the Rubrics in red, which report was accepted and ordered 
 on file. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. B. I. Haight, 
 
 "Resolved, That this Board approve of the measure reported 
 by the Committee, provided that it can be made to appear at a 
 future meeting of this Board, that the same can be entered into 
 with propriety, prudence and safety. 
 
 "Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to report in 
 detail on the subject at the next meeting of the Board. 
 
 "The Chair appointed Rev. L. P. Bayard, Doct.Whittingham, 
 Messrs. Browning, Phillips and Beebe such committee." (Folio 
 
 580 
 
 The reference to the Morning and Evening Service in German, 
 
 shows that even then the design of ministering to the various 
 nations who were beginning to make new homes in America 
 had been formed. The pamphlet edition of this first German 
 service book is now extremely rare. It consists of thirty-two 
 unnumbered pages. Two copies are in the Library of the Gen- 
 eral Theological Seminary. In one which came from the library 
 of the Rev. Dr. Benjamin I. Haight is this note from his assist- 
 ant who then was to retire from his connection with All Saints' 
 Church, where he efficiently acted as principal of the Male 
 Parochial School as well as aiding in the pastoral work and 
 Church services. 
 
 Dr. Traver became subsequently the beloved rector of St. 
 Paul's Church, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where the chancel window 
 of the present Church building commemorates his incumbency 
 of twenty-one years, from 1845 to 1866. 
 
 "My Brother, 
 
 "Will you accept the accompanying copy of the Morning and 
 Evening Prayer in the German Language? As it is among the 
 last remaining in print, it may be well to have it preserved for 
 use in case of any unforseen emergency, 
 
 Truly yours in Xt. 
 
 ALBERT D. TRAVER. 
 "New York, August 6, 42."
 
 446 German Service Book. [1837 
 
 The title of the German service book is: 
 
 "Ordnung des taglichen Morgen-und Abend-Gebetes nebst 
 einer Litaney zum Gebrauch der deutsch-protestantischen Epis- 
 copal-Kirche in den Vereinigten Staaten. New York : Doolittle 
 and Vermilye, Nro. 262, Greenwich-Strasse. H. Ludwig, 
 Drucker." I2mo. 18.4 x 11.7 cm. Cover of yellow paper. 32 
 pp. in unpaged.
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Second Annual Report, October, 1838 Grant to the New Diocese of Western 
 New York To the U. S. Frigate "Brandywine" Thirtieth Annual Report, 
 October, 1839 Anniversary Meetings, October 3, 1839 Election of W. 
 H. Bell as Secretary Death of Jacob Schatzel His Legacy to the So- 
 ciety and Action of His Widow Address of Bishop Onderdonk Cessation 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Press Anniversary Meeting, September 30, 
 1840 Act of Incorporation Desired Propriety of Distributing the New 
 Testament Apart from the Old Testament Considered and Referred to a 
 Committee Fourth Annual Report, October, 1840 Manuscript of a Ger- 
 man Version Submitted Act of Incorporation Passed Society Organizes 
 and Passes Bye-Laws Death of the Rev. Lewis P. Bayard. 
 
 UNRUFFLED prosperity appears to have favoured the 
 first complete year of the re-organized Society. A 
 desire to work, the confidence and interest of the 
 Churchmen of the Diocese and admirable business 
 management, made the report one in which thankfulness was 
 the dominant note. 
 
 1838. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ANNIVERSARY MEETING. 
 
 The joint anniversary of the New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society, the Protestant Episcopal Tract Society, 
 and the Education and Missionary Society of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the Diocese of New York, was held at the 
 Church of the Ascension on Thursday evening, the 4th of 
 October. 
 
 The meeting was opened with prayer by the Right Reverend, 
 the Bishop of the Diocese, who presided. The Report of the 
 New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society was read 
 by the Rev. Hugh Smith, D.D., Rector of St. Peter's Church. 
 The Rev. Benjamin I. Haight, Rector of All Saints', after a 
 
 447
 
 448 Thirtieth Report. [1838 
 
 very interesting and appropriate address, moved the following 
 resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That the Report just read furnishes a gratifying 
 evidence of the present prosperity of the Society, and presents 
 a very strong claim to the warm and liberal support of the 
 Episcopal public. 
 
 Resolved, That the Report be referred to the Board of Man- 
 agers for printing and publication. 
 
 After other proceedings of the meeting, the congregation 
 joined in singing the iO5th Hymn, when after devotion by the 
 President, the meeting adjourned. 
 
 WM. H. BELL, Secretary. 
 
 SECOND ANNUAL REPORT BEING THE THIRTIETH CONSECU- 
 TIVE REPORT. 
 
 With lively satisfaction do the Managers of the New York 
 Bible and Prayer Book Society present their second annual 
 Report under the new organization, being the thirtieth consecu- 
 tive report, because they are enabled to state, that under this 
 new organization all things have gone well; and that the So- 
 ciety having, as it were, renewed its youth, bids fair to become 
 again extensively useful. But little more than seventeen months 
 have elapsed since the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society (of which the Charter had expired) was 
 merged into the parent Society, and their respective funds con- 
 solidated. 
 
 This brief time has been well improved, as will be evident from 
 the following particulars : 
 
 It was announced at the Anniversary Meeting in October last, 
 that the Society had printed an edition of 5,000 of the Book of 
 Common Prayer. They would now announce the further issuing 
 from their press, since that period, of 750 Bibles, 1,000 Testa- 
 ments and 6,000 small and 500 octavo Prayer Books. Their 
 gratuitous distributions and their sales during the same period 
 have amounted to 594 copies of the Bible, 510 Testaments, 6,811 
 small and 238 octavo Prayer Books, and 327 copies of the Morn- 
 ing and Evening Prayer in the German language. The sales 
 during this time having amounted to only $585, it will be seen 
 that the gratuitous distribution must, of course, have been liberal.
 
 Thirtieth Report. 449 
 
 This distribution has been in proportions which will be seen in 
 the published statements of the Society : To the Domestic Com- 
 mittee of the D. and F. Missionary Society of our Church to aid 
 them in planting and sustaining the Church in the more newly 
 settled states and territories of our extended country ; to different 
 individuals and associations for the same object, to Sunday 
 Schools in which they have been especially useful, as well in fix- 
 ing the Church character of the institution as in familiarizing 
 the pupils to the public use of our Liturgy, and engrafting the 
 reverence and love for it in their early years ; to the United States 
 exploring ships, ships of war, and navy yards, that those engaged 
 in their country's service might not forget their allegiance to 
 their God; but that the mariner on the mighty deep might be 
 taught and assisted to hallow the Sabbath, and so to pass "the 
 waves of this troublesome world" that he might at last reach the 
 Haven of Rest, and "come to the Land of Everlasting Life," 
 mindful of the command and promise of Him who said, "I was 
 sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me; 
 for inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my breth- 
 ren ye have done it unto me." 
 
 The Society has sent the treasure of God's Word, and the 
 devotional offices of the Church to minister consolation and peace 
 to the sick and dying in our hospitals, and to cheer the gloom of 
 our prisons, that thus to the poor even in sickness and death "the 
 Gospel might be preached," and that the voice of penitence and 
 prayer might go up together with "the sorrowful sighing of the 
 prisoner," and "enter into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth." 
 
 The Managers would ask attention to the following gratifying 
 statement. Fourteen years ago the Society had not a book in the 
 Depository. Now, notwithstanding the large distribution of the 
 past year, the stock on hand (all of which is paid for, and the 
 Society owing not a dollar) amounts to 142 Bibles, 490 Testa- 
 ments, 262 octavo and 3,900 small Prayer Books, besides having 
 stereotype plates both for the Bible and Prayer Book to the value 
 of $4,500. 
 
 Its printing and binding have been well executed, and at a 
 saving in cost to the Society of over $1,000, which considerably 
 exceeds the whole amount of its extra expenditures, in conse- 
 quence of the change of business by resuming its own agency. 
 There is moreover in the treasury, accumulating as a fund to 
 (29)
 
 450 Thirtieth Report. [1838 
 
 provide for the renewal and purchase of stereotype plates $1,230, 
 and disposable, the sum of $132. 
 
 As a matter of information, the Managers would state, that 
 sales are made to other Bible and Prayer Book Societies at re- 
 duced prices, and to individuals and the trade at moderate prices, 
 affording to the Society a small but sure profit. 
 
 The receipts of the past year (of which the items are furnished 
 in the Treasurer's account), are: 
 
 From Sales $585 21 
 
 From Collections in Churches, Contribu- 
 tions, Annual Subscriptions, &c., &c. . .. 2,324 30 
 It will be seen that the distribution of books during the year 
 has largely exceeded that of Bibles. This was to be expected, 
 from the active and praiseworthy exertions of other and larger 
 associations solely contemplating the distribution of the sacred 
 volume; from the fact that the supplies of the Scriptures are 
 variously sought and received from all denominations of profess- 
 ing Christians, while the Prayer Book is exclusively supplied by 
 the institution of our own Communion ; and moreover, from the 
 fact that the Prayer Book is required not only for private use, 
 but also for associate and congregational use. But the Managers 
 would protest against the inference sometimes, unjustly and un- 
 generously drawn from the disparity in number between the 
 copies of the Scriptures and of the Book of Common Prayer, 
 sent out by the Society, that the members of our communion are 
 indifferent to the circulation of the sacred volume; or that they 
 affix a higher value to the uninspired than to the inspired, to the 
 devotional formularies of the Church than to the Word of the 
 Living God. 
 
 Such is not the fact. In their distribution they are guided by 
 the wants and requests of the religious public. As far as their 
 means permit, they give to all that ask, and give what is asked. 
 The larger distribution of Prayer Books arises then from the 
 larger demand for them. 
 
 The wide dissemination of the Scriptures by other hands pre- 
 vents any very extended application for it at their depository, 
 but the calls upon them for the Prayer Book are frequent, urgent 
 and increasing. 
 
 They desire it however, to be distinctly understood that they 
 will rejoice to give a copy of the Sacred Volume to every one
 
 1838] Thirtieth Report. 451 
 
 that asks it, while they have a Bible in their depository or a 
 dollar at their disposal. It is a gratifying circumstance that the 
 Society can this evening appear before you unembarrassed of 
 debt, and with the means of usefulness at its disposal. 
 
 This is too rarely the case when the annual statements of our 
 religious societies are made to the public, for Christian benevo- 
 lence is usually too scanty and fitful in its flow to keep fully re- 
 plenished that fountain from which those who are weary and 
 athirst must drink; and hence results a strong temptation, and 
 almost a moral necessity to those engaged in supplying the spirit- 
 ual wants of the destitute, to aid them not merely according "to 
 their power, but beyond their power" ; not only to give what they 
 have, but to procure or promise what they have not, trusting to 
 the future benevolence of the Christian public to make good 
 engagements into which they felt themselves constrained to 
 enter by the exigency of extreme cases and the force of Christian 
 sympathy. 
 
 But it may well be left to the good sense and to the conscience 
 of all pious, reflecting and sober-minded Christians, whether it 
 is not better that Christian liberality should be so timely in its 
 exercise as to enable the conductors of the religious charities of 
 the Church to meet every proper and reasonable demand, with- 
 out contracting that indebtedness which was crushing to the 
 spirit, and as crippling to the energies of associations as indi- 
 viduals. Whether it is not better and more consonant with 
 Christian duty to prevent embarrassment than to extricate them 
 from embarrassment. The Managers feel, therefore, that they 
 are not unduly relying upon the correct moral sense and the high 
 Christian principles of the members of our communion, in indulg- 
 ing the trust that the cheering fact, this evening announced, of a 
 well filled Depository and entire freedom from debt, will not be 
 made an argument for that diminution of liberality, which would 
 soon render the Society impotent for good, and perhaps endanger 
 its existence, but rather a motive to that increased and increasing 
 support which will give order, vigour and efficiency to all its 
 operations. It is as obviously the dictate of sound justice to 
 maintain in their efficiency institutions which are already flourish- 
 ing as to revive those that are languishing. It need scarcely be 
 said that it is far more easy ; for when once a certain degree of
 
 452 Thirtieth Report. 
 
 strength and momentum are obtained, but little is required to 
 urge forward in the rapid course of usefulness. 
 
 Confidently then, do we look for that constant support from 
 the Churchmen of the Diocese which will enable us to announce 
 at our next and at each succeeding anniversary, with honest ex- 
 ultation and Christian gratitude that we are still unshackled with 
 debt and free and prepared to give. 
 
 As it is, from the extensive demands upon our Depository that 
 the stock now on hand will soon be exhausted, the Society felt 
 constrained at its last meeting to authorize the publication of an 
 enlarged edition of the Bible, and a very large edition of the 
 smaller Prayer Book, and also with a view to the convenience of 
 Episcopalians, and the interests of the Society, a new impression 
 of the elegant Megary Prayer Book, the stereotype plates of 
 which, although owned by the Society, have long been lying idle 
 for want of funds. 
 
 In thus endeavouring to meet the wants of our Communion, 
 the Managers trust they will be generously and liberally encour- 
 aged. 
 
 Increased support, it is evident, will be needed to make the 
 distributions of the Society ; we will not say commensurate with, 
 but in any degree proportioned to the increasing wants of our 
 vast and extending country. 
 
 The calls from the western part of the State will not, it is 
 believed, be at all diminished by the fact of its erection into a 
 new Diocese, and the Managers would blush for the Church in 
 this section of the State if they could for a moment suppose that 
 these calls would be the less willingly heard, or the less kindly 
 responded to. From the territories in which unorganized, and 
 from the feebler Dioceses of the far-stretching West, the cry for 
 aid from the Society will doubtless be frequent and loud. 
 
 What Churchman, what Christian, but must feel the import- 
 ance of sending, in answer to that cry those precious volumes 
 which will keep the Faith and the Church of their Fathers rooted 
 in the minds and firm in the affections of those who in the ardour 
 of youth and the flush of enterprise go out from the midst of us, 
 to join that swelling multitude which is overspreading our west- 
 ern wilds, and which without religion will soon be as fearful in 
 power to desolate the land as it will be resistless in aggregate 
 strength. In anticipation then, of demands upon our aid, more
 
 1838] Thirtieth Report. 453 
 
 extended and more unfortunate than have yet been made, and 
 which in human policy, in the charity of the Gospel, and in the 
 fellowship of the Church ought not to be turned aside, we hesi- 
 tate not to ask from the individual members and from the con- 
 gregations of the Diocese, a prompt and vigorous co-operation. 
 Freely we have received, of temporal good and Christian privi- 
 lege. Freely let us give. Let none who ask be denied fellowship 
 with us in prayer; fellowship with us in the ordinances of the 
 Church. Let none who ask from us "the bread of life" be "sent 
 empty away." Let not through lack of our prayers, our com- 
 passions, our aid, our less favoured brethren "perish, for whom 
 Christ died." 
 
 TREASURER'S REPORT. 
 
 New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, in ac- 
 count with Thomas Browning, Treasurer. 
 
 Disposable Fund. 
 
 1838, October 4. Dr. 
 
 To paid sundry bills for paper $949 50 
 
 To paid sundry bills for printing 560 80 
 
 To do., binding l &75 87 
 
 To paid 1 8 months rent of Depository up to the ist 
 
 of November 175 oo 
 
 To paid store and pipe and coal $13 32 
 
 Attendance at St. John's 10 oo 23 32 
 
 To paid insurance 1 1 25 
 
 Stationery, paper, printing notices, postage, 
 
 &c 2379 4504 
 
 To paid salary to Agent, 
 
 For 1837 $131 24 
 
 And 1838 500 oo 631 24 
 
 To paid salary of boy 50 OO 
 
 To do. Doolittle and Vermilye's bill for printing 
 Morning and Evening Service in the German 
 language by special order of the Board 43 68 
 
 To paid James Swords, Esq., Treasurer of the Do- 
 mestic Board of the General Missionary Society, 
 the amount of a special deposit with the P. E. 
 Press for printing portions of the Liturgy in
 
 454 Thirtieth Report. [1838 
 
 the Mohawk language, will be refunded as soon 
 
 as collected from that institution 58 87 
 
 To balance on hand 324 42 
 
 $3>943 74 
 
 1838, October 4. Cr. 
 
 By balance per last year's account $31 34 
 
 By cash received from country parishes 302 71 
 
 By do, city do 839 22 
 
 By do. sales 585 21 
 
 By do. individual donations 600 75 
 
 By do. annual dues $357 5 
 
 By do. twenty new subscribers 56 oo 413 50 
 
 By certificate of deposit with the New York Life In- 
 surance and Trust Company from the late New 
 
 York Bible and Prayer Book Society for 1,986 81 
 
 By a balance in bank of New York 16 92 
 
 From the Mutual Insurance Company 17 50 
 
 $2,021 23 
 
 Less transferred to refund the Stereotype Fund of 
 the late Auxiliary New York Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book Society, absorbed, as per statement. 1,115 
 
 $906 23 
 By cash, interest from the New York Life Insurance 
 
 and Trust Company up to ist January, 1838. . 181 66 
 By collection after divine service at the Convention in 
 
 Trinity Church, New York 78 12 
 
 $3.943 74 
 By balance on hand $324 42 
 
 Stereotype Fund. Dr. 
 
 To balance $1,230 oo 
 
 Cr. 
 
 By balance on hand per last year's account $25 oo 
 
 By cash to constitute David I. Jones a life member. . 25 oo 
 
 By do, W. C. Pierpont, do 25 oo 
 
 By do, Edward P. Livingston, do 25 oo
 
 1838] Thirtieth Report. 455 
 
 By do, Miss E. W. Shelden, do 25 oo 
 
 By transfer from Disposable Fund 1,115 oo 
 
 New York, 4th October, 1838. $1,230 oo 
 
 THOMAS BROWNING, Treasurer. 
 
 Statement of account yet unsettled with the Protestant Episcopal 
 
 Press. Dr. 
 
 To Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer 
 
 Book Society Permanent Fund Account $1,11500 
 
 To donation of fifty dollars to New York Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society, by the hand of 
 
 Rev. R. B. Croes, with interest 57 
 
 To cash paid by Miss E. W. Shelden 10 oo 
 
 To balance of interest to ist March, 1838 4 92 
 
 $1,246 07 
 
 Cr. 
 
 By account against Auxiliary N. Y. Bible and Com- 
 mon Prayer Book Society's Disposable Fund 
 
 Account $500 77 
 
 By account against New York Bible and Common 
 
 Prayer Book Society 402 02 
 
 By account against this Society 102 70 
 
 By transfer of Rev. C. N. Mead's account of Prayer 
 Books held for use of prisoners at Sing Sing, by 
 
 order of New Board, on his application 50 88 
 
 By balance 189 70 
 
 To balance due the New York Bible and Common 
 
 Prayer Book Society, cash, ist March, 1838. ... 189 70 
 
 Contributors, 29 Country and 12 City Churches. 
 Sales and Distribution of Prayer Books. 
 
 United States Navy 525 
 
 Connecticut 202 
 
 Rhode Island 100 
 
 New Jersey 153 
 
 Virginia 24 
 
 Maryland 25 
 
 North Carolina 24
 
 456 Election of Officers. [1838 
 
 Georgia 36 
 
 Ohio 160 
 
 Illinois 24 
 
 Florida 74 
 
 Tennessee 150 
 
 Mississippi 100 
 
 Wisconsin 185 
 
 Michigan 177 
 
 Domestic Missions of the Domestic and Foreign Mis- 
 sionary Society 400 
 
 State Prison 300 
 
 Auxiliary Societies, Hospitals, Seamen, Sunday Schools, 
 
 Country Parishes, &c., in the State of New York. . . . 4,384 
 
 7,049 
 
 At the annual meeting of the Society held at the Depository, 
 28 Ann street, Thursday, 4th of October, 1838, Rev. Lot Jones 
 in the chair, J. D. Fitch, M.D., Secretary, the meeting proceeded 
 to the election, by ballot, of Officers and Managers for the ensu- 
 ing year, when the following were declared to be duly elected : 
 
 Right Rev. B. T. Onderdonk, D.D., President, ex-officio. 
 
 Rev. William Berrian, D.D., ist Vice President. 
 
 Rev. Lewis P. Bayard, 2nd Vice President. 
 
 Rev. W. R. Whittingham, D.D., 3rd Vice President. 
 
 Rev. B. I. Haight, 4th Vice President. 
 
 William E. Dunscomb, 5th Vice President. 
 
 Floyd Smith, 6th Vice President. 
 
 C. N. S. Rowland, 7th Vice President. 
 
 Henry I. Seaman, 8th Vice President. 
 
 Alexander L. McDonald, Corresponding Secretary. 
 
 William H. Townsend, Recording Secretary. 
 
 Thomas Browning, Treasurer. 
 
 Thomas C. Butler, Agent. 
 
 Managers : Rev. Thomas H. Taylor, D.D., Rev. Lot Jones,. 
 Rev. Hugh Smith, D.D., Rev. J. F. Schroeder, D.D., Rev. J. M. 
 Wainwright, D.D., Rev. J. H. Price, Rev. J. Peck, S. J. Beebe, 
 J. D. Fitch, M.D., G. A. Sabine, M.D., O. Cammann, C. R. 
 Swords, Robert Gracie, W. H. Hobart, Theron Wilbur, F. A. 
 De Peyster, Theophilus Peck, William M. Benjamin, A. Van
 
 1839] Grant to Western New York. 457 
 
 Ingen, Lewis Phillips, C. N. Bostwick, A. Hanford, J. W. Mitch- 
 ell, W. Betts, G. G. Van Wagenen. (Folio 75.) 
 
 At a meeting of the Board of Managers, Tuesday, 23d Octo- 
 ber, were elected by ballot the following: 
 Standing Committees. 
 
 Committee of Arrangement : Thomas Browning, Treasurer, 
 office, 77 Maiden Lane ; Thomas C. Butler, Agent, 28 Ann street ; 
 Rev. L. P. Bayard, D.D., S. J. Beebe, C. N. S. Rowland. 
 
 Committee on Stereotype Plates: Floyd Smith, Rev. L. P. 
 Bayard, D.D., Thomas Browning. 
 
 Committee of Distribution : Thomas C. Butler, Agent, 28 
 Ann street; Rev. Lot Jones, Frederick De Peyster. 
 
 Committee on Stereotype Fund : Floyd Smith, Rev. L. P. 
 Bayard, D.D., Thomas Browning, Thomas C. Butler. 
 
 The Rev. Benjamin I. Haight, the Rev. Lot Jones and Mr. S. 
 J. Beebe, were appointed a committee to consider the expediency 
 of printing the Prayer Book in other languages than our own. 
 
 At the meeting of the Managers on December nth. 1838, it 
 was resolved to purchase a set of folio plates. The errors in them 
 were to be corrected by the committee authorized to procure the 
 plates, the Rev. Hugh Smith, D.D., the Rev. Jonathan M. Wain- 
 wright, D.D., Mr. Floyd Smith and Mr. Thomas Browning. 
 
 At the meeting of April 9, 1839, a grant of 100 Prayer Books 
 was made for the U. S. troops at Fort Dallas, Florida. 
 
 The Western District of the Diocese of New York, having 
 been created an independent diocese, the consecration of 
 Dr. De Lancey led to this graceful action of the Board at this 
 same meeting. 1 
 
 The chairman announced that the consecration of the Bishop 
 of Western New York would shortly take place, and recom- 
 mended that as an expression of our continued interest in that 
 
 i. William Heathcote De Lancey, D.D., Rector of Saint Peter's Church, 
 Philadelphia, was elected the first Bishopi of Western New York at the 
 Primary Convention, held in Trinity Church, Geneva, on All Saints' Day, 
 November i, 1838. He was consecrated in St. Peter's Church, Auburn, on 
 Ascension Day, May 9, 1839, by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Griswold, Presiding Bishop, 
 assisted by the Bishops of New York (Dr. B. T. Onderdonk), Penn- 
 sylvania (Dr. H. U. Onderdonk), and New Jersey (Dr. Doane). He died 
 at Geneva on April 9, 1865, in his 68th year.
 
 458 Anniversary Celebration. [1839 
 
 section of our labours and as an assurance to them of our inter- 
 est in their welfare, when they shall become a separate Diocese 
 who have heretofore been one with us, that we present through 
 him on the day of the consecration of the Bishop of said Dio- 
 cese, some Bibles, Prayer Books and Testaments. Whereupon, 
 on motion of the Rev. Benjamin I. Haight, it was 
 
 Resolved, That 250 Bibles, 500 New Testaments and 1,000 
 Prayer Books be presented to the Bishop-elect of the Diocese of 
 Western New York, on his consecration, for distribution by him 
 in his Diocese. 
 
 Resolved, That the above books be forwarded by the Age'nt to 
 Auburn, to be presented to the Bishop of Western New York on 
 the day of his consecration, in the name of this Society, by the 
 President thereof. (Folio 79.) 
 
 Bishop Kemper having suggested to the Society the advisa- 
 bility of opening a depot in St. Louis for the sale of Bibles and 
 Prayer Books, the matter was referred to a special committee, 
 which reported at the meeting of May I3th, that it was not 
 expedient to establish a society for the sale and return of books. 
 
 A supply of books for use on board the United States frigate 
 "Brandy wine" was granted on September 30, 1839, at the request 
 of the Rev. C. S. Stewart. In the margin Mr. Bell has written 
 the words, "A Congregationalist." (Folio 83.) 
 
 The report for the year was soon after submitted for 
 approval and presented at the anniversary meeting on the even- 
 ing of the first day of the Convention of the Diocese. While 
 the first glow of enthusiasm had disappeared, the Society felt 
 that substantial progress had been made. 
 
 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE NEW YORK BIBLE AND 
 COMMON PRAYER BOOK SOCIETY. OCTOBER 3, 1839. 
 
 The anniversary celebration of this Society was held jointly 
 with the Protestant Episcopal Tract Society, and the Education 
 and Missionary Society, at St. Bartholomew's Church, on 
 Thursday evening, October loth, 1839, at 7 o'clock, the Right 
 Rev. B. T. Onderdonk, Bishop of the Diocese, in the chair, who 
 opened the meeting with prayer. 
 
 The Third Annual, being the thirty-first consecutive Report 
 of the Society, was read by Floyd Smith, Esq. 
 
 The Rev. Robert B. Van Kleeck, Rector of St. Paul's Church,
 
 1839] Thirty-First Report. 459 
 
 Troy, accompanied with a powerful appeal to the good sense 
 and understanding of the audience, in behalf of the Society, and 
 concluded by offering the following resolutions, which were 
 unanimously adopted: 
 
 Resolved, That the report just read, while it furnishes the 
 most satisfactory evidence of the rapid extension of the opera- 
 tions of the Society, does not at the same time exhibit a cor- 
 responding regard to its interests on the part of the Churches 
 and individuals that have been accustomed to contribute to its 
 funds. 
 
 Resolved, That this Society, in consideration of its objects 
 and daily extending usefulness, is justly entitled to the liberal 
 contributions of the friends of the Church. 
 
 Resolved, That this report be referred to the Board of Mana- 
 gers for printing and publication. 
 
 The business of the evening was concluded by singing the 
 io6th and devotional offices by the Bishop. 
 
 WM. H. BELL, Secretary of the Joint Meeting. 
 
 THIRD ANNUAL REPORT BEING THE THIRTY-FIRST CONSECU- 
 TIVE REPORT. 
 
 The Managers of the New York Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society have the satisfaction of now presenting to their 
 constituents their third Annual Report. 
 
 But it will be remembered, that from the year 1809 the Parent 
 Society, and from the year 1816 its Auxiliary, were actively 
 engaged in the same important work. This, therefore, is to be 
 regarded as the Thirty-First Annual Report, from this portion 
 of the Church in relation of what has been done to promote the 
 distribution of the Word of God, and its best and most efficient 
 commentary and companion, the Book of Common Prayer. The 
 object of the consolidation of the two Societies was to produce 
 a more extensive effect by the united action of those engaged 
 in a common cause ; and the Managers believe the result will not 
 disappoint the reasonable anticipations of the friends of the 
 Church. 
 
 By a comparison of the Reports for the last and the present 
 year, it will be seen that there has been a large increase in the 
 publication and in the sale and gratuitous distribution of the 
 books of the Society.
 
 460 Thirty-First Report. [1839 
 
 Since the last anniversary there have been printed 1,500 Bibles, 
 3,000 Testaments, 1,000 Prayer Books of the octavo size, and 
 6,000 of the duodecimo, making a total of 11,000 volumes. The 
 previous year 8,250 were printed. The emissions from the De- 
 pository, by sales and gratuitous distributions during the past 
 year, have been as follows : 
 
 1,153 Bibles, 1,354 Testaments, 530 octavo, and 8,033 duo- 
 decimo Prayer Books, making a total of 11,070 volumes. The 
 emissions during the previous year were 8,480 volumes. A de- 
 tailed account will be appended of the manner in which the 
 sales and distributions have been made. From this account it will 
 be seen that the sales of the Society have increased more than 
 three- fold, and that these sales have been made more principally 
 to Auxiliaries and subscribers for gratuitous distribution. This 
 demand has been supplied from the common editions, and at 
 the lowest rate of prices. A further sale of the folio, the octavo 
 Megarey and the finer editions of the smaller Prayer Book, to- 
 gether with Bibles and Testaments in a great variety of bind- 
 ings, has been made at fair remunerating prices. The profits 
 thus accruing, together with the savings upon the other publi- 
 cations of the Society, have exceeded the expenses of the 
 Agency, and have enabled the Society to extend its gratuitous 
 distributions. These will be still further extended, as soon as 
 it can be done consistently with a prudential regard to the funds 
 of the Society, and to its obligations to Subscribers, who have 
 claims upon it for books in proportion to the amount of their 
 subscriptions. These claims the Society must hold itself ready 
 to discharge to the fullest extent. Books unclaimed for one 
 year, however, the Managers feel can be added with propriety 
 to the stock for gratuitous distribution. The Stereotype Plates 
 of the Society are now valued at $4,850. The increased value 
 in this property is caused by the purchase of the plates of the 
 elegant folio edition of the Prayer Book for the Reading Desk, 
 that was stereotyped by Messrs. Connor and Cooke. The cost 
 of these plates and 135 copies of the Prayer Book was $600. 
 This debt has been fully discharged, and the sale of the books 
 has more than realized the expectations formed when the pur- 
 chase was made. The Society therefore is now enabled to en- 
 sure to Churches a very superior book at a moderate cost. From 
 this favourable statement of the operations of the Society for
 
 1839] Thirty-First Report. 461 
 
 the past year, the Managers are now constrained to direct the 
 attention of their good constituents to a topic less gratifying 
 and encouraging. The receipts of the past year into the Treas- 
 ury from subscribers have not been as large as they were the 
 year preceding, as will be seen by the following statement : 
 
 Last year. Current year. 
 
 Collections in City Churches $917 34 $720 17 
 
 Do. Country Churches .... 302 71 394 16 
 
 Individual Donations 600 75 413 75 
 
 Annual Subscribers 413 50 452 50 
 
 Life Members 90 oo 225 oo 
 
 Sales 585 21 1,697 73 
 
 $2,909 51 $3,903 31 
 
 The sum total of the receipts for the present year is larger than 
 for the last; but not as much larger as it would have been had 
 the collections from the City Churches and from individual 
 donations maintained the same ratio of increase with the other 
 resources of the Society. In the last Annual Report it was 
 stated "that in endeavouring to meet the wants of our Com- 
 munion, the Managers trust they will be generously and liberally 
 encouraged. Increased support will be needed to make the dis- 
 tributions of the Society, we will not say commensurate with, 
 but in any degree proportioned to increasing wants of our vast 
 and extending country." 
 
 An appeal, and the Managers think a just and forcible one, 
 was made to the Churches, and to individuals, and regret that 
 in this City it has not been answered to the extent of their 
 hopes. They cannot for a moment suppose, however, that this 
 deficiency in collections and donations arises from any indifTer- 
 erence to the objects of the Society, or any distrust as to the 
 management of its concerns; they would rather attribute it in 
 part to inattention, and in part perhaps, to the unusual difficul- 
 ties to which the mercantile community has been subjected 
 during the past year. They therefore take courage and will not 
 slacken their efforts nor contract their operations. They are 
 confident that the work in which they are engaged is of the 
 utmost importance to the extension and prosperity of the 
 Church, and that it is uniformly felt to be so by every serious 
 and well-informed Churchmen. It cannot be, therefore, that the
 
 462 Thirty-First Keport. [183d 
 
 appeal made last year, and now renewed, will again be made 
 in vain. They would regard it as implying an unjust and offen- 
 sive distrust of the piety, the intelligence and attachment to the 
 distinctive principles of the Church on the part of their constitu- 
 ents, were they at this day and after the full reports which have, 
 been set forth for so many years past, to attempt to enlarge 
 upon the duty of the members of the Church, to contribute in- 
 proportion to the means with which God has blessed them, for 
 promoting the circulation of the Bible and Book of Common 
 Prayer. The duty is freely and fully acknowledged by all, and 
 they would trust that it will hereafter be as fully discharged. 
 
 Supply them with the means and the Managers of the New 
 York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society pledge them- 
 selves that in this Diocese there should be no member of the 
 Church, however obscure, that should not be supplied with these 
 inestimable volumes, that the sick in every hospital, the poor in 
 every almshouse, and the unhappy delinquents in every prison 
 throughout the State, shall have the proffer of them, that no 
 ship in the service of the country and no merchant vessel shall 
 leave this port without these blessed companions to the sea- faring 
 man, that the applications of every Sunday School and every 
 Mission Church and every destitute congregation, and every 
 place where two or three are gathered together to commence the 
 holy enterprise of forming a new association on the model of 
 primitive truth and purity shall be liberally answered, and that 
 there shall be a large surplus to meet the wants of every mission 
 that may go forth on domestic or foreign duty under the 
 auspices of the Church. All this shall be done in dependence 
 upon the strength and "wisdom that cometh of the Lord" when 
 the people of this Diocese, yielding to the admonitions of the 
 Spirit, shall give forth the adequate means to accomplish this 
 great and holy work. 
 
 TREASURER'S REPORT. 
 
 The New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, in 
 account current with Thomas Browning, Treasurer: 
 
 DR. 
 
 To cash paid for paper $885 71 
 
 Printing 457 15 
 
 " " Binding 1,521 16
 
 1839] Thirty-First Report. 463 
 
 To cash paid for Copies I2mo Prayer Book 48 82 
 
 Copies fancy Prayer Book 63 oo 
 
 Copies folio Prayer Book 250 oo 
 
 Incidental expenses, viz: 
 
 Insurance $25.00, stationery, etc., $3.88.. $28 88 
 
 Rent $200, boy $36.60 236 66 
 
 Mr. Morrison's bill for attendance 6 oo 
 
 Advertising 3 50 
 
 Sundry bills expense 36 93 
 
 Agent's salary 500 oo 
 
 $811 07 
 To stereotype fund for use of plates for printing 
 
 28,750 vols. at i cent per vol 287 50 
 
 $4,325 31 
 To balance due Treasury $31 7 53 
 
 CR. 
 1839. 
 
 Oct. 6. By balance on hand $324 42 
 
 " Cash from 30 country parishes 394 16 
 
 " Cash from 10 city parishes 720 17 
 
 " Cash from Auxiliaries 5 oo 
 
 " Cash from sales by Agent 34 24 
 
 " Cash from 1,661 49 
 
 " Cash from Individual Donations 413 75 
 
 ' Cash from Annual Subscribers 452 50 
 
 " Balance 317 58 
 
 THOMAS BROWNING, Treasurer. 
 New York, October 4, 1839. 
 
 STEREOTYPE FUND. 
 
 DR. 
 To cash paid Connor & Cooke, for a set of 
 
 stereotype plates of folio Prayer Book. . . $350 oo 
 Less dis. 5 per cent 1 7 50 
 
 $332 50 
 
 To repairing Testament plates 1600 
 
 To balance i,443 80 
 
 $1,792 30
 
 464 Thirty-First Report. [1839 
 
 Distribution. 
 
 Bibles. Tests. P. B. 
 
 Diocese of Western New York 250 500 1,000 
 
 State of New York 355 426 2,337 
 
 New Hampshire 6 24 
 
 Massachusetts 77 
 
 " Connecticut 86 
 
 Rhode Island 12 12 
 
 Vermont 12 12 42 
 
 New Jersey 13 24 177 
 
 Pennsylvania 14 12 65 
 
 " Maryland 22 
 
 Virginia 2 25 103 
 
 Georgia 6 74 
 
 Florida 6 12 164 
 
 Alabama 24 
 
 Missouri 25 204 
 
 Mississipi 78 
 
 Kentucky 36 
 
 Tennessee 12 
 
 Indiana 12 20 52 
 
 Illinois 112 
 
 Michigan 12 84 
 
 Arkansas 6 12 
 
 Navy of the United States 8 12 366 
 
 Army of the United States 148 
 
 Africa 24 
 
 Texas 50 100 318 
 
 765 1,167 5,653 
 Sales to Auxiliaries, subscribers, &c 388 187 2,910 
 
 1.354 8,563 
 Making a grand total of 1 1,070. 
 
 At the Annual Meeting of the Society held at St. John's Chapel 
 School Room, on Thursday evening, October 10, 1839, Rev. Lot 
 Jones in the Chair, J. D. Fitch, M.D., Secretary; the meeting 
 proceeded to the election, by ballot, of Officers and Managers
 
 1839] Election of Officers. 465 
 
 for the ensuing year, when the following were declared to be 
 duly elected : 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Right Rev. B. T. Onderdonk, President, ex-officio. 
 
 Rev. William Berrian, D.D., ist Vice President. 
 
 Rev. Lewis P. Bayard, D.D., 2d Vice President. 
 
 Rev. William R. Whittingham, D.D., 3d Vice President. 
 
 B. I. Haight, 4th Vice President. 
 William E. Dunscomb, 5th Vice President. 
 Floyd Smith, 6th Vice President. 
 
 Henry I. Seaman, 7th Vice President. 
 
 C. N. S. Rowland, 8th Vice President. 
 Alexander L. McDonald, Corresponding Secretary. 
 William H. Tovvnsend, Recording Secretary. 
 Thomas Browning, Treasurer. 
 
 Thomas C. Butler, Agent. 
 
 Managers: Rev. Thomas H. Taylor, D.D., Rev. Samuel 
 Seabury, D.D., Rev. John M. Wainwright, D.D., Rev. Hugh 
 Smith, D.D., Rev. Lot Jones, Rev. J. H. Price, Rev. Isaac Peck, 
 Rev. Edward Y. Higbee, Wm. H. Hobart, M.D., J. D. Fitch, 
 M.D., G. A. Sabine, M.D., Frederick De Peyster, Wm. M. Ben- 
 jamin, John Alstyne, S. J. Beebe, O. Camman, C. R. Swords, 
 Robert Gracie, Wm. H. Bell, Theron Wilbur, C. B. Bostwick, 
 J. W. Mitchell, Thos. Peck, Sam. T. Skidmore. 
 
 At a meeting of the Board of Managers, Tuesday, I5th Oc- 
 tober, were elected the following Standing Committees : 
 
 Committee of Arrangements Thomas Browning, Treasurer 
 (Bank of America) ; Thomas C. Butler, Agent; Rev. L. P. 
 Bayard, D.D., S. J. Beebe, C. N. S. Rowland. 
 
 Committee of Distribution Thomas C. Butler, Agent; Rev. 
 Lot Jones, Frederick De Peyster. 
 
 Committee on Stereotype Plates Floyd Smith, Rev. L. P. 
 Bayard, D.D., Thomas Browning. 
 
 Committee on Stereotype Fund Floyd Smith, Rev. L. P. 
 Bayard, Thomas Browning, Thomas C. Butler. 
 
 A report of an examination of the plates owned by the So- 
 ciety is entered in full on the minutes. 
 
 The Committee on the Stereotype Plates met at the Deposi- 
 (30)
 
 466 Stereotype Plates. [1839 
 
 tory December 4, 1839. Present, Rev. L. P. Bayard, D.D., 
 Floyd Smith and Thomas Browning, who, accompanied by the 
 Agent, proceeded to an examination in the fireproof vault, found 
 all apparently in excellent order and condition. 
 
 20 boxes containing the plates of the Folio Prayer Book. 
 
 20 boxes painted green and lettered "Megarey" 8vo Prayer 
 Books. 
 
 10 boxes painted slate colour and lettered "Societies" 8vo 
 Prayer Book. 
 
 7 boxes painted slate colour and lettered "Societies" 4vo 
 Hymns, no Psalms belonging to this Edition, the Megarey being 
 used for it. 
 
 7 boxes plain i8mo Prayer Books and one box with the plates 
 across the page. 
 
 1 5 boxes plain, and being the recently purchased Bible plates. 
 
 22 boxes plain (intended to be painted when used) old plates. 
 
 7 boxes painted and lettered the Testament part of this edition. 
 
 7 boxes plain old Megarey Psalms. 
 
 6 boxes plain old i8mo Psalms. 
 
 In the basement room not yet put in order, several boxes in 
 very bad condition, containing old plates and a number of 
 broken empty boxes from which octavo and Megarey plates had 
 been taken and transferred to new ones by the Agent. One 
 box containing duplicate plates across the page, was in the 
 Depository, a proof from five of which plates exhibited by the 
 Agent, showed the very bad condition they were in and utterly 
 unfit to print from. The Agent never having printed from 
 these plates, had no previous knowledge of the bad usage they 
 had received. 
 
 The Agent informed the committee that one set of the small 
 Prayer Book plates was in the fireproof vault of the American 
 Bible Society, where they had been placed when the two first 
 editions were printed by Mr. Fanshaw. 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 FLOYD SMITH, 
 THOMAS BROWNING, 
 L. P. BAYARD, 
 
 Stereotype Commee. 
 
 New York, December 5, 1839.
 
 1840] Schatzel Legacy. 467 
 
 On examination are found 1 1 boxes of the Society's old 
 Psalms and Hymns of pages 305 to 512 except 2 boxes missing 
 of plates number 369 to 384 and 481 to 496, and one or more 
 pages over No. 512, enquiries for which have been made at the 
 P. E. Press, without success. 
 
 At the meeting of April I4th, 1840, Mr. W. H. Bell was 
 elected Secretary in place of Mr. W. H. Townsend, who was 
 leaving the city. 
 
 Early in the year 1840, Mr. Jacob Schatzel, 1 a firm friend 
 of the Society, departed this life. His own contributions had 
 been generous, and he had secured large gifts from others. By 
 his will he left a legacy of two thousand dollars to the Society, 
 subject to a life interest of his widow. It was his intention that 
 one-half of the income should be used for the purchase and dis- 
 tribution of large print Prayer Books and Bibles for the aged, 
 and the other half for the general distribution. His widow with 
 the same desire to benefit the Society as her husband had, and 
 fearing that some legal complication might arise after her death, 
 made an offer of immediate payment upon certain conditions. 
 Upon them the Society took this action at their meeting on 
 August n, 1840: 
 
 The Revd. Dr. Wainwright presented the following preamble 
 and resolutions respecting a bequest of the late Jacob Schatzel 
 of two thousand dollars to the Auxiliary New York Bible and 
 Common Prayer Book Society. 
 
 Whereas, This Board has received information that by the 
 will of the late Jacob Schatzel of this City, the sum of two 
 thousand dollars was bequeathed to the New York Auxiliary 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, to be paid after the 
 decease of his widow, and whereas, the said widow, anxious 
 that the pious intentions of her husband should be fully carried 
 out, and fearing that impediments may hereafter be thrown in 
 the way of the payment of the legacy in consequence of the 
 above mentioned Society having been merged in the New York 
 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, has generously offered 
 
 i. There appears to be no uniformity in the spelling of this name It is 
 Schatzel or Shatzel.
 
 468 Schatzel Legacy. [1840 
 
 to make an immediate donation of an equivalent sum to this 
 Society on certain conditions; 
 
 Therefore, Resolved, That this Board will accept the dona- 
 tion, and does hereby bind itself to full compliance with these 
 conditions, viz., that the said sum of two thousand dollars shall 
 constitute a permanent fund of the Society to be donominated 
 "The Schatzel Fund," the income arising from it alone to be 
 employed in the purchase of Bibles and Books of Common 
 Prayer for gratuitous distribution, one-half of said income 
 being yearly appropriated to the purchase of large Bibles and 
 Prayer Books of the octavo size as donations for aged persons; 
 and further, that upon these books so to be distributed there 
 shall always be stamped in legible characters, the following in- 
 scription, "A donation from the Schatzel Fund." 
 
 Resolved, That the Board entertains a grateful remembrance 
 of the pious liberality of the late Jacob Schatzel, and renders 
 devout thanks to that Holy Spirit by which he was prompted 
 to so munificent an act. 
 
 Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, duly attested, be 
 sent to Mrs. Schatzel, and at the same time that the thanks of 
 the Board be presented to her for her disinterested liberality in 
 carrying into effect her late husband's pious intentions. 
 
 The same having been duly considered, were unanimously 
 adopted. 
 
 A resolution was also passed that a committee of five be ap- 
 pointed to wait upon Mrs. Schatzel to-morrow morning at half- 
 past eight o'clock to present said preamble and resolutions and 
 to receive from her said donation. The Rev. Dr. Wainwright, 
 Rev. Mr. Higby, Messrs. Butler, Browning and Alstyne were 
 appointed said committee, and the Vice President, Floyd Smith, 
 was also added to the committee. 
 
 Adjourned. 
 
 FLOYD SMITH, Presiding Vice President. 
 
 Attest : JOHN ALSTYNE, Secy, pro tem. 
 
 (Folio 91.) 
 
 In his annual address Bishop Onderdonk makes this refer- 
 ence to the Schatzel legacy : 
 
 "It is proper that I here make grateful record of an in- 
 stance of munificence to the Bible and Common Prayer Book
 
 1840] Schatzel Legacy. 469 
 
 Society of which our public prints have given you information. 
 The late pious and excellent Mr. Jacob Schatzel of this city, in 
 life a pattern of liberality, bequeathed a legacy to that Society 
 of $2,000, as a permanent fund, to be paid at the death of his 
 widow. Circumstances, however, justifying a fear that tech- 
 nical difficulties might arise to the payment of the legacy at the 
 time assigned, that worthy lady has presented an equal amount 
 to the Society in consideration of its waving all claims under her 
 will." 
 
 In the same address he makes this allusion to the "Press," 
 which had been founded with such exalted hopes for perman- 
 nence, utility and profit for the Church. 
 
 "Few enterprises of that period failed to feel the effects of the 
 panic of 1837, an d many like the Press were unable to survive. 
 
 "As the late Protestant Episcopal Press was frequently men- 
 tioned in Episcopal addresses it is proper that I here record the 
 dissolution of that institution under circumstances of embarrass- 
 ment, arising out of defect of patronage. Our excellent paper, 
 however, The Churchman, which had belonged to it, was saved 
 by individual enterprise and liberality, from being involved in 
 the pecuniary perplexities of the Press, and is" still continuing its 
 career of high and extensive usefulness, with I am happy to 
 say, the obviously increasing approbation and confidence of the 
 community." 1 
 
 In the matter of the Schatzel fund, on August 18, 1840, the 
 following resolution was offered by Mr. Smith, adopted by the 
 Board, and by it directed to be added to the fourth section of 
 Article II. of the By-Laws entitled "Of the Funds." 
 
 Section 4. That the Schatzel Fund shall be permanently in- 
 vested in Bond and Mortgage upon the direction and in the name 
 of a Committee consisting of the senior Lay Vice President, the 
 Treasurer and Agent, the income of which shall alone be em- 
 ployed in the purchase of Bibles and Books of Common Prayer 
 for gratuitous distribution, one-half of which shall be of large 
 
 I. Journal Diocese of New York, 1840. p. 52.
 
 470 Schatzel Legacy. [1840 
 
 octavo size, suitable for aged persons, and shall be stamped with 
 this inscription, "A donation from the Schatzel Fund." 
 
 The second section of the second article entitled "Of the Funds" 
 was by resolution amended as follows, viz. Striking out the 
 word "two" in the first line and inserting the word "three." 
 Striking out the word "and" and inserting the words "and the 
 Schatzel" in the last line between the words disposable and fund, 
 so that the article as amended will read as follows, viz. : 
 
 Section 2. There shall be three funds of the Society, the 
 Stereotype, the Disposable, and the Schatzel Fund. 
 
 It seems strange to find the only mention made in the Report 
 of 1840 of this legacy is in the Treasurer's account. The prob- 
 able reason being that the Bishop had so publicly announced it. 
 Otherwise the Report is one in which there is calm confidence in 
 the response that their fellow Churchmen will make to the pre- 
 sentation of the needs and opportunities of the Society. 
 
 SCHATZEL FUND. 
 Dr. 
 
 1840, Sept'r 2. To cash invested on Bond and Mort- 
 gage at an interest of 7 per cent., payable semi- 
 
 annually $2,000 oo 
 
 Cr. 
 
 1840, August 13. By cash received, being the amount 
 of a Legacy left by the late Jacob Schatzel, to 
 be invested on Bond and Mortgage, the Interest 
 of which one-half to purchase the 8vo. Bible and 
 Prayer Book, for gratuitous distribution to aged 
 persons, the other half for the usual distributions. $2,000 oo 
 
 1840. ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. 
 
 The New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society held 
 its Anniversary Celebration in conjunction with the New York 
 Protestant Episcopal Tract Society, and the New York Educa- 
 tion and Missionary Society, in St. George's Church, in the City 
 of New York, on Wednesday evening, September 30. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Onderdonk, President, in the Chair,
 
 1840] Annual Meeting. 471 
 
 The meeting was opened by prayer and singing part of the 
 93d Psalm. 1 
 
 The Rev. Lot Jones, of the Church of the Epiphany, read the 
 fourth Annual Report, under the new organization of the Society, 
 being the thirty-second Consecutive Report. The Rev. Richard 
 Cox, Rector of St. John's Church, Troy, in moving the following 
 resolutions, addressed the meeting in behalf of the objects of the 
 Society : 
 
 Resolved, That the distribution of the Bible and Common 
 Prayer Book is a work in which every Churchman should indi- 
 vidually engage. 
 
 Resolved, That the report just read be referred to the Board 
 of Managers for printing and distribution. 
 
 A collection was made in aid of the funds of the Society, 
 amounting to $57.76. 
 
 The exercises of the evening were concluded by singing a part 
 of the 25th Hymn ("I love thy kingdom, Lord") and Prayer 
 and the Benediction of the Bishop. 
 
 The venerable Bishop Chase of Illinois, together with several 
 of the clergy of the Diocese in attendance on the Convention 
 were present. 
 
 WM. H. BELL, Secretary of the Joint Meeting. 
 
 At an Annual Meeting of the Society held at St. John's Chapel 
 School Room on Thursday evening, October 8th, at 7 o'clock, 
 Thomas C. Butler in the Chair, William H. Bell, Secretary, the 
 meeting proceeded to the election, by ballot, of Officers and Man- 
 agers for the ensuing year, which together with the President 
 and Life Managers, ex-officio, form the Board as per list ap- 
 pended. 
 
 On motion duly made and seconded, it was resolved that a 
 Committee of three be appointed with full power to memorialize 
 the Legislature for an act of Incorporation of the Society. The 
 committee appointed by the Chair were John W. Mitchell, Fred- 
 erick De Peyster, and William H. Bell. 
 
 There being no other business, the meeting adjourned. 
 
 WM. H. BELL, Secretary. 
 
 I. Selection 93, From the cxv. Psalm of David, 
 "Lord not to us, we claim no share, 
 But to thy sacred name 
 Give glory for thy mercy's sake, 
 And truth's eternal fame."
 
 472 Election of Officers. [1840 
 
 OFFICERS. 
 
 Right Rev. B. T. Onderdonk, D.D., President, ex-officio. 
 
 Rev. William Berrian, D.D., ist Vice President. 
 
 Rev. Lewis P. Bayard, D.D., 2d Vice President. 
 
 Rev. Benjamin I. Haight, 3d Vice President. 
 
 Rev. Jonathan M. Wainwright, D.D., 4th Vice President. 
 
 Floyd Smith, 5th Vice President. 
 
 William E. Dunscomb, 6th Vice President. 
 
 Charles N. S. Rowland, 7th Vice President. 
 
 William H. Hobart, M.D., 8th Vice President. 
 
 Alexander L. McDonald, Corresponding Secretary. 
 
 William H. Bell, Recording Secretary. 
 
 Thomas Browning, Treasurer. 
 
 Thomas C. Butler, Agent. 
 
 Managers: Rev. Samuel Seabury, D.D., Rev. Hugh Smith, 
 D.D., Rev. Lot Jones, Rev. Joseph H. Price, Rev. Edward Y. 
 Higbee, Rev. Lewis P. W. Balch, Rev. Anthony Tenbroeck, J. D. 
 Fitch, M.D., G. A. Sabine, M.D., Frederick De Peyster, William 
 Duncan, William M. Benjamin, John Alstyne, Theron Wilber, 
 C. B. Bostwick, John W. Mitchell, Theophilus Peck, Samuel T. 
 Skidmore, Frederick S. Winston, J. B. Herrick. 
 
 STANDING COMMITTEES. 
 
 Committee of Arrangement: Thomas Browning, Thomas 
 C. Butler, Rev. J. H. Price, C. N. S. Rowland, William H. Ho- 
 bart, M.D. 
 
 Committee of Distribution: Thomas C. Butler, Rev. Lot 
 Jones, Frederick De Peyster. 
 
 Committee on Stereotype Plates : Floyd Smith, Rev. Edward 
 Y. Higbee, Thomas Browning, and Thomas C. Butler. 
 
 Committee on Stereotype Fund : Floyd Smith, Thomas 
 Browning, and Thomas C. Butler. 
 
 At the meeting of October 13, 1840, to a question put by the 
 Rev. Mr. Higbee whether the Society under the ist Article of its 
 constitution, was authorized to distribute the New Testament 
 separate from the Old, the President replied, that it has been 
 practiced by the old Society for thirty years past; was the prac- 
 tice of the Church societies in England, and was sanctioned by
 
 1840] Thirty-Second Report. 473 
 
 the Church itself, referring the reverend gentleman to the ordina- 
 tion service. Still it was a question entitled to some considera- 
 tion. After some discussion, in which several members of the 
 Board participated, it was, on motion of the Rev. Mr. Balch, 
 
 Resolved, That the propriety of distributing the New Testa- 
 ment separate from the Old be referred to the Committee of Dis- 
 tribution, with the addition of the Rev. Messrs. Higbee and Price, 
 to report thereon at the next meeting of this Board. 
 
 1840. 
 
 FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT BEING THE THIRTY-SECOND 
 CONSECUTIVE REPORT. 
 
 With undiminished interest in the noble work for which the 
 "New-York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society" was organ- 
 ized, the Board of Managers present this their Fourth Annual 
 Report, being the thirty- second from the Church in this Diocese. 
 They would devoutly acknowledge the kind hand of their heav- 
 enly Father in the great benefits which this Society has been 
 instrumental in conferring. Their hearts have been animated 
 with the sure conviction, that in no way can the distinguishing 
 blessings of our holy religion be more effectually diffused than by 
 furnishing the destitute in every land with that volume which 
 contains the revealed will of JEHOVAH, and points out to erring 
 man the way to eternal life. This sword of the Spirit, the great 
 weapon in the spiritual conflict, they would fain make the daily 
 companion of all their fellow creatures. By its side they would 
 ever place that admirable formulary of devotion, the Book of 
 Common Prayer. Supplied with these, the Christian may be 
 instructed in every part of his duty, and with the assembled con- 
 gregation unite his heart and voice in the humblest confession of 
 sin, and the most exalted terms of praise and adoration. 
 
 To this subject, however, they can only incidentally 
 allude, nor will more be necessary after the lucid and satis- 
 factory statements contained in former reports. Their im- 
 immediate object is to recount the leading particulars con- 
 nected with the operations of the past year, and to derive 
 from the review incentives to more vigorous and efficient 
 exertions in the future. Would that they could say, "The 
 course of the Society has been decidedly onward; each suc- 
 cessive year has been in advance of the preceding." Much as
 
 474 Thirty- Second Report. [1840 
 
 they desire such a result and thankful as they feel for the great 
 good which has unquestionably been accomplished, they fear 
 there is too much reason for the assertion that the cause to which 
 they are devoted has not received that support and encourage- 
 ment that the acknowledged importance demands. Since the last 
 anniversary there have been printed 6,000 Prayer-Books, 
 500 Psalms and Hymns, and 1,650 Bibles; purchased 2,020 
 Prayer Books, 5 Bibles and 380 Psalms and Hymns, making a 
 total of 10,555 volumes added to the Depository; being 445 less 
 than the previous year. 
 
 The sales and gratuitous distribution during the same period 
 have been 909 Bibles, 982 Testaments, 467 octavo, quarto, and 
 folio Prayer Books, 7,919 i8mo, and 301 Psalms and Hymns. 
 Total, 10,578 volumes. In 1839, 11,070 volumes. They have 
 been distributed in twenty different states, the several territories, 
 in the army and navy, and in Texas. 
 
 The receipts for the past year have been as follows : 
 
 Last Year. 
 
 Collections in City Churches $630 66 $720 1 7 
 
 Do in the Diocese out of the City. 
 Do in Western New York, 
 
 Do in Distant Churches 335 30 394 16 
 
 Auxiliary Society 15 oo 
 
 Donations 321 79 413 75 
 
 Annual Subscribers 414 oo 452 50 
 
 Life Members 190 oo 225 oo 
 
 Sales 1,594 42 1,697 73 
 
 $2,909 51 $3,093 oo 
 
 Being $400 less than the previous year. 
 
 The amount of stereotype plates has been increased by the ad- 
 dition of plates of the Bible, and I2mo Prayer-Book. The 
 present value of the plates owned by the Society is estimated at 
 $5,310. Great economy has been evinced in all the business ar- 
 rangements and not a bill against the Society remains unpaid; 
 though to accomplish that desirable object the officers made the 
 necessary advances. 
 
 The i8mo Prayer-Books are nearly out of print. 
 
 To meet these deficiencies additional funds will be needed. 
 Though this Society is an institution of the Diocese of New York,
 
 1840] Thirty-Second Report. 475 
 
 it will be perceived from the statements now made that its benevo- 
 lence is not limited by any ecclesiastical or geographical 
 boundaries. 
 
 The Board of Managers will cheerfully, if the means are pro- 
 vided, and Providence shall open the way, extend its benign influ- 
 ence to every section of the world. Wherever the banner of our 
 country may wave, we would that it should be the herald of 
 treasures more valuable than earthly products or the achievements 
 of mere human ingenuity ; especially would we rejoice in supply- 
 ing all our missionaries with copies of the Word of God and the 
 Book of Common Prayer for all the destitute within the sphere 
 of their influence. Let the claims of this Society be fully met, 
 and no call for our publications shall be ever unheeded. 
 
 We would appeal to every member of our communion, and ask 
 him in the name of that Master whom we profess to serve, 
 whether he has contributed to the efficiency of this Society accord- 
 ing to the ability with which he is endowed and the means of use- 
 fulness at his command. What more delightful employment 
 than to aid in enlightening and blessing mankind. 
 
 However great may be the claims of other benevolent institu- 
 tions, can the Churchman refuse to this the benefit of his prayers 
 and pecuniary support? It is associated with all that he most 
 highly values, and if sustained with becoming zeal and energy 
 will present a most formidable barrier to sin's wide-spreading 
 desolation. 
 
 The field for the operations is immense. The signs of the 
 times clearly indicate that the field is already white for the har- 
 vest. Within the limits of this city several thousand volumes 
 might profitably be distributed every year. In view of the vast 
 work to be accomplished, we have hardly commenced our career. 
 Our points of observation have been few and far between, yet 
 we have seen enough to convince us of the necessity of quicken- 
 ing our diligence and devoting our best energies to the advance- 
 ment of this glorious object. It has the sanction and prayers of 
 those who with far-reaching eye and elevated faith have sur- 
 veyed the near and the remote, and seen and felt the wants of 
 humanity. It addresses us as men and as Christians, and solicits 
 our compassionate regard in behalf of those who are our brethren 
 according to the flesh, and for whom the Saviour died. Let it 
 receive the free-will offerings and hearty co-operation of all the
 
 476 Act of Incorporation. [1841 
 
 members of our Church, and each returning year will furnish 
 new evidence that our labour of love has not been in vain. 
 
 At the meeting of February 9, 1841, it was 
 
 Resolved, That this Society will be prepared to stereotype and 
 publish an edition of the Book of Common Prayer in the German 
 language, whenever the committee appointed by the General Con- 
 vention of the Church shall furnish it with an authorized copy of 
 the same, and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the chair- 
 man of that committee. (Folio 104.) 
 
 Early in March of the same year, Bishop Doane sent the manu- 
 script of a German version of the Book of Common Prayer. This 
 was submitted to the Rev. Dr. Christian F. Cruse of the General 
 Theological Seminary and the Rev. Dr. Adolph Frost of Shrews- 
 bury for their comments and corrections before formally adopt- 
 ing and printing. 
 
 A German congregation had been established in the city of 
 New York in 1837, but had not received the support of their 
 brethren which had been expected. It was still in existence, but 
 waiting patiently the issue of a complete Prayer Book. Several 
 members of the Society were their staunch friends. 
 
 On June 8, 1841, the action upon the application for Incorpora- 
 tion is thus stated : 
 
 Mr. Mitchell, from the committee appointed at the last anni- 
 versary meeting to apply to the legislature for an act of incorpora- 
 tion, reported the following act, to wit: 
 
 AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE NEW YORK BIBLE AND COMMON 
 
 PRAYER SOCIETY. 
 Passed April 2ist, 1841. 
 
 The People of New York represented in Senate and Assembly 
 do enact as follows : 
 
 i. Benjamin T. Onderdonk, William Berrian, Benjamin I. 
 Haight, J. M. Wainwright, Floyd Smith, William E. Dunscomb, 
 C N. S. Rowland, W. H. Hobart, M.D., Alexander L. McDon- 
 ald, William H. Bell, Thomas Browning, Thomas C. Butler, 
 Samuel Seabury, Hugh Smith, Lot Jones, Joseph H. Price, Ed- 
 ward Y. Higbee, Lewis P. W. Balch, Anthony Ten Broeck, 
 J. D. Carder, Charles Jones, J. D. Fitch, G. A. Sabine, Frederick 
 De Peyster, William M. Benjamin, Murray Hoffman, W. T.
 
 1841] Act of Incorporation. 477 
 
 Pinckney, John Alstyne, Theron Wilbur, C. B. Bostwick, John 
 W. Mitchell, Theophilus Peck, Samuel T. Skidmore, William A. 
 Duncan, J. B. Herrick, and Benjamin Loder, and such others as 
 shall be associated with them, shall be and they are hereby con- 
 stituted a body corporate by the name of "The New York Bible 
 and Common Prayer Book Society" for the distribution of the 
 Bible and Book of Common Prayer. 
 
 2. The management of the affairs and concerns of the said 
 Society, when the Society is not in session, shall be conducted by 
 a board of officers and managers to be from time to time ap- 
 pointed by the said Society. The individuals named in the first 
 section of this act shall be the managers of the corporation and 
 shall continue in office until a new election by the Society. 
 
 3. For the object designated in this act generally or for any 
 purpose connected with such object, the said corporation shall 
 have power from time to time to purchase, take and hold real 
 and personal estate, and to sell, lease and otherwise dispose of 
 the same, provided the aggregate clear annual value of such estate 
 shall not exceed ten thousand dollars. 
 
 4. The corporation hereby created shall possess the powers 
 and be subject to the restrictions and provisions contained in the 
 third title of the eighteenth chapter of the Revised Statutes. 
 
 5. The legislature may at any time amend or repeal this act. 
 
 6. This act shall take effect immediately. 
 
 State of New York, 
 Secretary's Office. 
 
 I have compared the preceding with an original act of the legis- 
 lature of this State on file in this office and do certify that the 
 same is a correct transcript therefrom and of the whole of said 
 original. 
 
 Signed, ARCHD. CAMPBELL, Dep. Secretary. 
 
 Albany, April 22, 1841. 
 
 Which said report and act were accepted and the whole matter 
 referred back to the same committee for further action, and to 
 report to this Board at its next meeting such measures as they 
 may deem expedient to be adopted in relation thereto. 
 
 Adjourned. WM. H. BELL, Secy. 
 
 (Folio 107.)
 
 478 Act of Incorporation. [1841 
 
 At the meeting of September 24, 1841, the committee to 
 whom was referred the act of Incorporation recently passed by 
 the Legislature of the State of New York, with directions to 
 report measures in relation thereto expedient to be adopted by 
 the Society. Respectfully recommend that the same individuals 
 named in said act be requested by special notice to attend a 
 meeting on the Thursday in the last week in October next (28th) 
 at the Sunday School Room of St. John's Chapel at 7 P. M., 
 to take into consideration the provisions of said act in order to 
 organize and proceed to business under the same. 
 
 The committee further recommend for adoption at such meet- 
 ing the following resolution and ordinance : 
 
 1. Resolved, That this Society do hereby accept the act of 
 incorporation and franchises thereby granted. 
 
 2. Resolved, That the following Bye-Laws be the Bye-Laws 
 for the government of the Board of Managers and for the 
 ordering of the business of the Society, subject to such alter- 
 ations and amendments as may be hereafter made by the So- 
 ciety or by the Board of Managers. 
 
 ORDINANCE 
 
 This Society shall be composed of the Bishop of the Diocese 
 of New York as President ex officio; of all clergymen canoni- 
 cally connected with said Diocese; and of such other persons 
 members of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of 
 New York as shall within twelve months next preceding any 
 meeting which they may attend, have subscribed and paid to the 
 funds; together with the life members and patrons of the New 
 York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society established in 
 1809, the Auxiliary New York Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Society incorporated in 1817, and the New York Bible 
 and Common Prayer Book Society, re-established in 1837: it 
 being understood that such life members and patrons shall be 
 entitled to all the privileges, in respect to receiving Bibles and 
 Common Prayer Books, which were secured to them by the said 
 Societies respectively. Members of Bible and Common Prayer 
 Book Societies, auxiliary to this, shall also be members of this 
 Society, as also the officers and managers, directors or trustees 
 of any Society or Association within this Diocese having 
 among its objects the distribution of the Bible and the Book
 
 1841] Act of Incorporation. 479 
 
 of Common Prayer; Provided, that such Auxiliary Societies and 
 Associations shall have contributed to the funds of this So- 
 ciety within twelve months next preceding any meeting thereof. 
 
 n. 
 
 When the Society is not in session, its business shall be en- 
 trusted to a Board of Managers, consisting of the Bishop of the 
 Diocese as President ex officio, and of four clerical and four 
 lay Vice Presidents, a Corresponding Secretary, a Recording 
 Secretary, a Treasurer and Agent, and twenty-four clerical and 
 lay managers, making in all thirty-seven. 
 
 The above named officers of the Society shall sustain the 
 same relation to the Board of Managers. In order to form a 
 quorum for the transaction of the business of the Board there 
 must be present at least one clergyman and one layman. 
 
 in. 
 
 The above named officers and managers except the President, 
 shall be elected at an annual meeting of the Society in the City 
 of New York, on the Thursday of the week next preceding the 
 annual convention of the diocese, by a plurality of votes, taken 
 by ballot; provided, that until there be an election of the full 
 complement of officers and managers, those last elected shall be 
 continued in office; and provided further, that all vacancies oc- 
 curing in the Board may be supplied by the Board. 
 
 In all cases of election by the Society or Board, the person 
 elected shall be forthwith notified thereof by the Secretary of 
 the meeting at which he was elected, and unless his acceptance 
 is signified to the said Secretary or the Board within one month 
 after his election, his station shall be considered vacant, and a 
 new election had by the Board to supply the same. The anni- 
 versary celebration of the Society shall be held on the evening 
 of the first day of the meeting of the annual convention of the 
 diocese, and at the place of the meeting of such convention, or 
 at such other time and place as the Board of Managers may 
 appoint: when the said Board shall make report of their pro- 
 ceedings for the past year, on which the members of the So- 
 ciety then present shall be competent to take any action. Special 
 meetings of the Society may at any time be called by the Board 
 of Managers.
 
 480 Death of Rev. L. P. Bayard. [1840 
 
 IV. 
 
 The Board of Managers shall have the power of passing any 
 bye-laws and resolutions for its own government and for the 
 due ordering of the business of the Society ; provided the same 
 be not inconsistent with these ordinances, with any acts of the 
 Society, or with the laws of the State. They shall also have 
 power in the name of the Society to purchase and hold such 
 real and personal estate as may be permitted by the Charter, 
 and to cause to be made and use a common seal for the cor- 
 poration. 
 
 v. 
 
 This ordinance may be altered at any meeting of the Society 
 at which there are present at least three clerical and three lay 
 members; provided, that the proposed alteration has the appro- 
 bation of a majority of the clerical and a majority of the lay 
 members present; and also of the Bishop of the Diocese; and 
 provided further, that if the Episcopate of the Diocese be 
 vacant, two-thirds of the clerical members present approve of 
 the proposed alteration. (Folio in.) 
 
 Owing to the death of the Rev. Lewis P. Bayard, Bishop 
 Onderdonk issued a letter on December 22, 1840, calling for a 
 joint meeting of the Standing Committee of the General Theo- 
 logical Seminary, the Executive Committee of the Geneial 
 Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union, and the Trustees 
 and Managers of the following institutions, etc. : 
 
 The Protestant Episcopal Scfciety for Promoting Learning, 
 the Protestant Episcopal Public School, the New York Bible 
 and Common Prayer Book Society, the Protestant Episcopal 
 Tract Society, the Education and Missionary Society of the 
 Diocese of New York, and the New York Protestant Episcopal 
 City Mission Society. 
 
 The meeting was duly held on the evening of December 28th, 
 when suitable resolutions in memory of this distinguished clergy- 
 man were passed. (Folio 120.) 
 
 Dr. Bayard was the Second Vice President of the Society, 
 and Rector of St. Clement's Church, New York. He died at 
 sea on the passage from Beyrout to Malta.