The Sun.
London, England, 1823-11-22 00:00:00

AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY.

The CAMBRIDGE AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY
held its twelfth anniversary Meeting at the. Theatre, on Tues-
day ; the Earl of HARDWICEE in the Chair, supported on the
right by Earl Do La WARR, and on the left by the VICE.
CHANCELLOR. There were also present several Magistrates
and other county gentlemen, as well as many Members of the
Senate, and a numerous assemblage of other highly respectable
individuals.

The Noble CHAIRMAN, before commencing the business of
the Meeting, said he would detain them fora moment, to men-
tion a circumstance that had been communicated to him, re-
specting the manner in which Bibles had been distributed by
some Members of the Society, in a neighbouring county. Some
persons, in the excess of their zeal, had given Bibles to families
who were unable to read, which were afterwards sold. He
thought it right that this fact should be known, and it ought to
be inquired into. He conchided by desiring the Report to be
read.

The Rev. JAMES ScnoLErtrt.n read the Report of the
proceedings during the last year, which, though it showed a
trifling decrease in their funds, was, on the whole, satisfactory.
The Rev. Gentleman also stated that, in addition to the sums
mentioned in the Report, 42/. had been since received from the
undergraduates of the university.—Our limits will only admit
the following brief extract from the Report :

""Your Committee have been enabled to transmit to the
Parent Society the sum of 5001. making a total since the esta.
blishment in 1811 of 7,630.
" The demand for the Holy Scriptures within the sphere of
this Society's operations continues with very little fluctuation.
There have been issued from the Depository within the year
476 Bibles, and 411 Testaments,—total 887. The whole
number circulated from the commencement of the Institution
is 16,368.

" In resigning the important trust which has been commit-
ted to them, your Committee would anxiously urge upon all
the friends of the Bible and the Bible Society, the necessity
of increased exertions and more liberal contributions. Thou-
sands are perishing for the want of the Bread of Life; and it
is only by the multiplied and combined labours of institutions
like this that the necessities of the world can be eventually

supplied."
Earl DE LA ,%V*ltk, in moving the first resolution, for
the adoption and circulation of the report, said, that had he
had any doubt of the sentiments of the meeting, or had it been
necessary to produce arguments in support of this resolution,
he should not have undertaken the task; but being confident
that the meeting would give their concurrence, he felt no dif.
ficulty in offering it to them. it was one of the privileges of a
society like the present that they might depend upon having
the unanimous concurrence of those they addressed. Differ.
ence of opinion would generally exist in regard to other sub-
jects of discussion, but all mttst agree in thinking the died-
button of Bibles beneficial. The knowledge of the Scriptures
was far from being universally diffused, and it frequently hap-
pened that, where families were possessed of Bibles, they were
thrown aside, either from idleness or scepticism ; it was there-
fore necessary for those engaged in forwarding the objects of
this society, to inquire if a proper use was made of the Bibles
they distributed. Such was the dearth of the word of God,
that the society had a boundless field for the exercise of their
labours; and it was gratifying to know that the gospel was al.
ready sent into every quarter of the world. The noble Earl
said he had been particularly struck, in the perusal of Capt.

country.
Professor LEE, in seconding the resolution,- observed that,
notwithstanding the difficulties this Society had had to encoun-
ter, it had triumphed over them all. It had-distributed Bibles
Into places, and translated diem into languages, if which the
sacred writings had never before appeared. It was an institu-
tion which must do good, and could not possibly do evil. As
the effects hitherto produced by this Society had been benefi-
cial, they ought to support it in a manner deserving of such
success ; and he had no doubt the blessing of God would be
given to their efforts, and that finally they, would succeed.—
The Learned Professor stated several' tets which had come
under his knowledge, in private communications from friends
of the Society abroad, particularly
.a letter he had lately re-
ceived from the Syrian Metropolitan, expressive of the grati-
tude of the Syrian Church to the late excellent Dr. Buchanan,
and their earnest prayers for blessings on his family.
The VICE-CHANCELLOR, in moving the second resolution
" that the cordial thanks of this Meeting be given to the con•
ductors of the Branch Societies and Associeties, for their un-
wearied and successful exertions," &c. said, that if the merits
of an institution were to be judged of by its success, this was
one pre-eminently meritorious, and had proved itself to be of
God. It was originally established for the object of publishing
Bibles in the Welsh language, for the benefit of the people of
that principality; but at the present time Bibles were distribut.
ed by this society in 140 languages,over every part of the earth.
It was a society which could not be compared with any other,
since it contained in itself the benefits of all united • and to its
and to its agency the Missionaries were principally indebted
for the success of their exertions. It was the best means of
converting the Jews and the Heathens. But it had also done
good among themselves, and bad repressed the evil of party.
feeling in religion, and caused them to mingle in Christian con-
cord. The noble Chairman had mentioned that some persons
had bestowed Bibles on families who could not read ; he hoped
if there were any such among them, that they would carry their
zeal further, and teach them to decipher the word of God, and
enable them to benefit by their gift. If this were done, he was
sure they would obtain forgiveness from the Noble Earl.
Mr. HUGHES, one of the secretaries of the Parent Society,
who seconded the resolution, spoke at considerable length in
favour of the institution, and combated the prejudices against
it. The amount of the receipts, during the last year, had, he
said, been upwards of 97,000/. and though less than that of the
preceding, the Society had been enabled to distribute 4,000 copies
of the Bible more than had been issued in the foregoing year.
The amount collected by the various Branch Societies had in-
creased 9,00 W. The Society had distributed 7,250 copies of
the Bible in the Isle of Man, 22,000 in the Irish language,
70,000 among the Highlands, in the Erse language, 180,000 in
the Welch, 2,000,000 in the English language, and since its
commencement 5,000,000 copies of the Scriptures had been
issued. The Continental societies had also distributed 1,000,000
copies, amounting together to one quarter of the whole number
of Bibles in the world. Mr. Hughes then alluded to the pro.
gress of the Bible Society abroad, and stated that the society
established at Ceylon, having been reduced to extremities,
was obliged to borroiv 2,000 rix dollars of the governor of
the island, which the King afterwards bestowed on the society
as a donation.
The third resolution, of thanks to the Patron, Vice Patron,
Presidents, &c. was moved by the Rev. H. V. Elliot, and se-
conded by the Rev. S. Thodey. The latter gentleman, having
been appointed one of the secretaries, returned hit acknow-
ledgments for the honour which had been conferred upon him,
I', Prat, Esq. in moving the fourth Resolution, " That, in
the opinion of the meeting, the continued success of the British
and Foreign Bible Society, amidst all the difficulties of the
times, constitutes a powerful encouragement to persevering ex..
ertions on its behalf. &c." observed, that it required little at.
tention to the proceedings of the society to perceive, that there
was every reason to concur in this resolution, though the full
effects of the society would not be known till that day when we
shall be called to the judgment-seat of Gala Half' the human
race were yet in darkness therefore the society ought to perse.
vere in its endeavours till the whole earth was blessed with the
knowledge of the Gospel.
Professor FARM seconded the Resolution.
The Rev. C. SIMEON moved the fifth resolution, " that the
Thanks of this Meeting be presented to the Right Hon. the
Earl of Hardwicke, for his attention to the business of the
day." None of the Noblemen (the Rev. Gentleman observed)
who had joined this Institution were fully aware of the good
they had done. It was a known fact, that religion had, within
the last twenty years, taken ninst rapid strides in this and in
every other kingdom ; and it was well worthy of consideration
to trace this progress to its origin. This extension was in fact
owing to the Nobility of the country having come forward to
aid religious institutions. By this means they were brought
into contact with persons from whom they heard facts with
which they were previously acquainted. The distance between
them and the lower orders of society was broken ; they were
able to perceive the good effects arising from the perusal of
the Bible, and they were willing to encourage its circulation.
The consequences of this support from the:Nobility were, that
every person had come forward, and agent, were rising In
every town and village, who visited the cottages of the poor,
giving them religious instruction, and a flow of benevolent
feeling had been produced, unequalled since the days at' the
Apostles. It produced an effect also on the Nobility them-
selves, who were led to reflect, that, while they were advocat-
ing the circulation of the Bible among others, their own Bibles
should not be covered with dust. The people, by this general
difilision of the Bible, were able to understand the word of
Clod, their Ministers were able to make a greater impression
upon them, anti an extension of real religion had beets pro-
duced, which had received, its impulse from the Nobility of
England.
The Rev. JAMES ScstonErtEnn said, he had great plea.
sure in seconding this resolution, and it must be a matter of
congratulation to the Noble Chairman to reflect on every year
of progress made by the Society, since the first time he had at-
tended their Meetings. There was a time, when they attended
their anniversaries with some degree of painflil anxiety, lest
controversional discussions should mix themselves up with thooe
better and holier feelings that ought to be cherished on such
occasions : but they might now look back to the objections
raised against the Society with satisfaction and delight, from
the character which those objections had now assumed. In one
instance, at Nottingham, the ground alleged for refusing to sup.
port this institution was, "that it made the poor contented in
poverty." If this were an objection, it wax one he should wish
never to be removed; he should wish it to constitute the cha.
meter of the Society's triumphs, and he hoped those
triumphs would be universal. Ile hoped the time would
soon conic when the whole world would be emancipated
from darkness, and be illumined with the light of truth—
when the clouds of heathenism, superstition, and infidelity,
which at present obscured the purity of religion, which he dis.
gelled by the exertions of this Society ; and they bad reason to
triumph when they considered what had bet' effected. The
truths of religion were already dawning on the Heathens,
from the Hottentots of Africa to the American Esquintaux..—.
the Roman Ca-
The superstitious Mahomedens were reading the translation
of the Gospel not in vain ; and among
tholics half a million of Bibles had been distributed by an at,-
tive member of their own body. With the infidel, It might
be thought, all success was hopeless; but France, the seat
of infidelity--where she had erected her temple to the God-
dess of Reason—was now possessed of 28 Bible Associations
in its metropolis, and 117 Bible Institutions in other parts
of the kingdom. Even at Verney, the residence of Voltaire,
the high-priest of infidelity, a Bible society had been recently
established. He therefore thought there was no reason to look
with despondency upon the prospect before them ; and it was
gratifying to consider the great effects which had been produced
(luring the 19 years since the commencement of the society....
The Rev. Gentlemen concluded by putting the Resolution,
which was carried with acclamations.
The Earl of liAnDwiext, in returning thanks, said he felt
the good effects which the society had produced, and he should
never cease to give it his support.
The meeting- then dissolved. The collection at the doors
amounted to 37/. 3s, 10d.—( Ca"lrider ‘9,ronide, Non. 21.)

SPAIN AND HER COLONIES.
Mr. EDITOR—If the violent line of conduct
adopted by the King of Spain be a matter of sur-
prise, the intention, already expressed, or making
an immediate attempt, with the aid of France, to
recover his transatlantic colonies, is calculated- to
create no less astonishment, and may lead to the
most serious consequences. fn their zeal for le-
getimacy, and in their abhorrence of national
freedom, no doubt that the members of the Holy
Alliance cannot look with any thing like com-
placency, upon the emancipation of the Spanish
Colonies. The same spirit which led the French
armies into Simi!), may carry them to Peru,
and to Mexico ; but will their efforts in those
parts be crowned with equal success ? Will this
attempt be made equally without endangering the
pence of the world ? The experiment of a me.
ther country arming to preserve its ascendency
over its colonies is not new ; it has been more
than once tried, but seldom, if ever, has it proved
successful. To reduce into subjection men de.
Jermined to be free, hag always been a difficult,
and more generally, an impossible task, even
when the insurgents were wholly within the
reach of their former masters. Witness the
emancipation of Switzerland and of Holland from
the yoke of Austria and of Spain ; witness the
noble struggles for independence recorded in the
annals of the world.
• But the difficulties attendant upon such a con.
test are considerably increased, when wide ex-
tended seas separate the contending parties. In
this latter case almost every chance is in favour
of the colonies. A war of this nature must ne-
cessarily be expensive : money and men must
be profusely lavished. The forces sent from the
Mother. Country are at the mercy of the most
fickle of elements. Should these prove favour-
able, no sooner are they landed than they
have to contend against want, and the diseases
brought on by a change of climate. These causes
speedily reduce the number of able-bodied men,
and before the troops become habituated to the
climate, thousands have perished without re-
ceiving a shot from their enemy. The situation
of the latter is widely different. It is in the land
of their birth that they are called upon to act;
the invaders of that land is the only fee they
have to encounter ; and, aided by the powerful
auxilliaries above mentioned, they may hope to
overpower their thinned ranks long before the
arrival of fresh succours from the Mother Court.
try. To these obstacles and the eventual success
of the latter, may be added, one not less power.
fat, originatini in the different feelings by which
the hostile armies are necessarily animated. The
one are fighting to oppress their fellow.creatures;
the other are combating to secure the possessioq
of all that man holds most dear.
It is however in a contest, in which the
chances of success are so doubtful, that France,
after an expensive war, and Spain with an ex-
hausted treasury, seem disposed immediately to
engage. Scarcely have the French restored Fer-
dinand to his absolute throne, then we are told
of intended preparations against the Spanish Co.
lollies which have proclaimed their independ-
ence. This hasty declaration almost immedi-
ately follows, the appointment of British Con-
suls to these very States ; and consequently at
the time when Great Britain may be said to have
formally acknowledged their independence.
Of the policy on the part of the British Minis.
try to secure for the manufacturers of this country,
the market of Spanish America, no reasonable
doubt can be entertained. Such an object must
ever he one of immense importance to a nation,
which derives the greatest part of its wealth from
its manufactures and its commerce. This is in-
deed an object of which no British Minister can
for a moment lose sight, consistently with the
duty he owes this country ; and a late Minister
has been justly censured for omitting to take ad-
vantage of the high ground upon which he natu-
rally stood, to conclude a treaty of commerce
with our worthy friends and allies. But if ever
there was a period when the duty is more impe-
rious than at another, it is at present, when we
cannot but perceive among the continental powers,
a disposition to exclude our manufactures front
every foreign market. A liberal and philantitroa
pie mind, which loses sight of private advan•
tage in the consideration of general good, cannot
well blame the conduct of the sovereign who
strives to render his country independent of every
other, for the supply of articles of luxury and of
necessity. But neither can it reprobate the at.
tempts of a nation essentially commercial, to
open for its maeufactures other channels, when-
ever a favourable opportunity of so doing oc.
curs. If this be the case, the British Ministry
is no doubt justified in having acknbwledged the
independeke of the Spanish American Colonies.
It is an act of justice as well as of sound policy.
But in the event of an attack on the part of
France and of Spain upon those very States,
which line of conduct must our Ministers adopt ?
This question is one which we dare not answer.
The forbearance shewn by the British Go-
vernment, in the lute affairs in Spain, has met
with the approbation' of every moderate and re-
flecting mind. Peace, and the blessings by which
it is accompanied, are no doubt duly appreciat-
ed, and its bong continuance devoutly wished for.
To preserve it every sacrifice must be made;
every one save that of honour and of the best
interests of the country. Even the most de-
sirable of things may be, however, still purchased
at too high a price, and the desire of avoiding a
present evil may lay the foundation of future
greater misfortunes.
After all, it is very possible that the threat of