The National Register.
London, England, 1813-12-05 00:00:00

TIIE NATIONAL

DEC.

getting a fashion, but these is one species of preaching that
does clot encrease, notwithstanding—preaching by example ;
practical preaching; though Bibles are distributed by
thousands; preachers spring up by hundreds, and chapels
grow by fifties; yet there is not more virtue or more real
religion than formerly; we are all for party in tips, win
every thing else; many are " of St. Paul;" many " of
Apollos," &c. and yet how few really of Jesus Clii Ist ! We
have lisping " babes of grace" in plenty, but bow few of
those " little children," of whom we tnay say " of such is

the kingdom of Heaven t" When I read of 12001. given
for a waggon, which belonged to a late tectarial p!eacher,
(if the thing, as reported in the papers is true, though I can
scarcely believe it) what can I think but that such people
worship the servant instead of his Ford ? If the man who
gave it (if he did give it) had distributed that sum in private,
unpublished, charity, he would have honoured his maker ;
as it was, he only honoured his fellow-creature; a man too,
whose last words, which we may call the epitaph he is said
to have written, were too presumptious for a true Slinister
of Christ. _ _

But to return to the first object of this letter; Its nothing
can be more desirable than a proper and Bountiful Distribu-
tion of the Scriptures, would not this purpose be better
answered by one grand National Association ; every indivi-
dual could then equally exert himself, and it would defeat
in some measure sectarian policy, and individual profit.
Should not the Bibles distributed have expositions attached
to them ? The Bible read literally is often by the weak and
ignorant interpreted literally, and the result of action from
such a principle is easily anticipated. It may be said every
person may resort to his pastor for ihe clearing up doubtful
passages, but then it would serve sectarial or itidiVilual pur-
pose, and fur that reason I object to it. There certainly are
snarly strung blows aimed at. the Cburch of England, which
the Establishment should ward off by every fair mode they

can. It may be asked, who is to make the exposition to
render it generally acceptible, as mens minds differ so much? '
Let a select number, eminent for sound learning, perspicu-
ous knowledge, and active piety, sanctioned by the Legisla•
ture of Church and State jointly, associa:e for this pur-
pose; let the nation pay them for their labours; and from
such men an hottest, unbiassed interpretation might be
expected; and let it be so worded that all may undertand
it ; that is, let it be free from the jargon of metaplip.ics
and scholastic theology (if I may use such expr.-ssions) let it
be divested of speculation and speak the palpable language
of real intelligence. Let it be so clear, that " lie-who runs
may read," Ilhd let it also be as comprehensive as clear.
This is " a consummation devoutly to be wished for, though
we have so many Family Bibles (in weekly numbers, neatly
printed with new type, and embellished wi►h copper-plates),
with annotations by a variety of Reverends, some of whom
I have been informed (I don't vouch for the truth of it, and
hope it is not true), have had nothing more to do with the
publications alluded io than receiving a bonus for the use!
of their names in the title-pages, and how often do the'
annotations to these works differ llow many of them are
as puerile as if written by a school-boy. To refer to my
national scheme of annota:ing, I would cett inly have the
majority of the interpreters of the Church of England, but I
would also have many of the most eminent and most en-
lightened among the rational Dissenters assist the great and
good work ; so would a Liberal and, I think, unexceptionable
exposition be, produced void of prejudice, I have occa-
sionally seen what are called Poole's Annotations, though
the greatest part are by other clergymen. I believe criefly
son-conform sts, but I certainly should not recommend that

SISTER.

TS 1

work, as I do not agree with many parts of it, some of them.
to me material, though some of them arc remarkably judici-
ous, aed exhibit much power of mind, and beside the re-
marks are toe diffusive for the purpose I propose. One
great objection I have to many of the annotations I allude to
is, they are most of them founded on the tenets of Calvir,
who, in some things, I think exceeded the warranty of scrip-
ture, and whose burning a fellow creatute sheaved he (Id
not possess that benevolence an Apostle should have.
I have no time at present to say more, but wish once
more to impress. that I would not in any way r event the
proper distribution of God's %Vet(' ; 1 would only confend
for its being done from a pi inciple not a mania; from piety,
not pretence; from affection, not affectation ; and born a
view to reformation not re\rolution ; and while it is done
with these latter intents, may it increase and multiply like
the " Widow's Cruize." 1 am, Sir, your obedient servant,
A LAYMAN. •
Sunday, Nov. fet„ 1813.