Adoption of the plan in Southwark on systematic principles. classes, and to exaggerate the effects of penury upon their hearts; but it does not always "Freeze the genial current of the soul :" and never can it be forgotten by the author, that it was in these visits he first conceived it possible to realise the most glowing visions of philanthropy ;-to direct the rays of mercy on the obscure abodes of poverty; and, when they had illuminated the narrow walls, and cheered the awakened inmate, to reflect them back on distant and benighted lands. Not only was the greatest willingness manifested to subscribe for Bibles, and the most cordial gratitude expressed; but, in numerous instances, individuals who were destitute were pointed out by their poor neighbours, and money importunately offered to assist in their supply: and when the state of foreign and heathen countries was occasionally described, the glowing cheek and the moistened eye rarely failed to bear testimony to the interest excited, in behalf of millions of whom they had never previously heard. The General Meeting, convened for the establishment of the Southwark Society, was not calculated to remove or weaken these impressions. The almost prophetic language of the lamented HENRY THORNTON, Esq. in allusion to those "visits to the poor, which seem to connect them with their superiors, and to produce a feeling of mutual regard and general philanthropy," was followed by that masterly exposition of the tendency of Bible Associations, which has identified Professor DEALTRY* with the early history of these important institutions. 5. The district embraced by the Southwark Society comprises a population exceeding 150,000 souls. Scarcely had the Committee commenced their labours, when it became evident that the time and attention which could be devoted by thirty or forty individuals, engaged in the active duties of professional and commercial life, must be utterly inadequate to the due investigation of the state of the poor, so as to ascertain the extent of the deficiency and the best mode of supply. But the very limited degree of experience that established this fact had likewise confirmed another-by proving the readiness of the labouring classes to assist, not only in supplying themselves, but others, were a proper medium • Now Rector of Clapham. The address alluded to, extended and rendered more general, now forms that admirable paper, entitled," The Advantages," which constitutes No. VII. of the Appendix. Improvement of the system by the introduction of By-Laws. provided through which this disposition might be gratified. The subject of Bible Associations was thus brought more distinctly under the consideration of the Committee; and the BY-LAWS contained in the preceding chapter were framed with a view to this precise object. The ground having been marked out for Twelve Associations, and the Committee of the Auxiliary Society divided into the same number of Dis trict Committees, attached respectively to each, and designated accordingly, a supply of the various minor publications, that have so essentially contributed to the success of the institution, was placed in their hands for circulation; and they were particularly instructed to report, monthly, the progress of the measures adopted. 6. In this stage of the business, it became necessary to examine with more scrupulous attention the Rules recommended for adoption by the Parent Society; and some requisite alterations were made in them. But the consideration of this subject involved another.. Admirably suited to the object as were these Regulations, it was evident that something more was necessary, in order to direct their practical application; and it devolved on the author, in his official capacity, to prepare a code of BY-LAWs, which was subsequently adopted by the Committees of the respective Associations.— The only merit these regulations possess, is derived from the rules whereon they are founded, and the tendency of which they are designed to explain; but without them it was found impossible to conduct the executive details in an orderly and systematic manner. These Rules and By-Laws, with Specimens of the various Books and Papers required by Bible Associations, will be found in the following pages; and such observations are introduced as appeared necessary, in order to give a clear and connected view of the subject. 7. In the application of those means to the local circumstances of Southwark, peculiar delicacy was requisite. It was the first attempt on a scale of magnitude: the machinery had hitherto been untried; and its failure in this instance would, in all probability, have long deterred the advocates of the cause from making an attempt to introduce it elsewhere. But, on the other hand, the value of the object justified the risk. The Auxiliary Society had already interested such of the more affluent inhabitants as were willing to support this noble cause; but something was yet required, which should call forth the dormant energies, and excite the affections of the great body of the population-of those, whose example The interests of both Rich and Poor promoted by Bible Associations. would prove resistlests, if exhibited on the side of virtue; and who, while they receive the greater share of benefit themselves, give, by their individual and combined exertions, the moral tone and feeling to the country. 8. That the destitute families in Southwark could have been supplied with the holy scriptures without the adoption of those means, is not denied, though it may admit of a doubt;-but it is unquestionable, that many years must have previously elapsed, and a degree of zeal and perseverance beyond what we generally witness must have characterized the agents employed. This however is not the question;-a gratuitous distribution could not satisfy the minds of those who wished to counteract the degrading influence of Pauperism, to check the progress of Infidelity, and to extend the empire of Religion and Morality. They beheld in this unfolding system a moral engine of incalculable power, but which could be employed only on the side of Virtue. The spring that governed its movements was the BIBLE;-the power that directed their application was Christian Charity. To bring the rich in contact with the poor, in a manner peculiarly calculated to increase the knowledge and promote the interests of both;-to direct the footsteps of Benevolence into those obscure lanes and alleys whose inhabitants had rarely been beheld by their superiors, except in the casual light that Charity shed upon their miseries, or the stronger glare that Justice flashed upon their crimes;-to raise the sinking spirit of honest independence from the degradation of abject and sensual addiction, and elevate the tone of moral feeling by giving it a just and Christian direction-these were the considerations that incited hope; these were the prospects that appeared worthy of steady and persevering pursuit. Here, if HE Vouchsafed His blessing who can alone command success, that success would be the best reward; and if the effort failed, the consciousness of an upright motive would at least acquit. 9. Nor were these the only incitements. The "signs of the times" appeared, as now, portentous-"Men's hearts failing them for fear;" and something was required that should erect a secure mound against the tide of infidelity and the waves of licentiousness. Of what materials could that safeguard be composed, if the BIBLE proved insufficient to stem the torrent? What voice could lead the poor man to the path of peace and safety, if that of sympathy and kindness from the Results of the system in Southwark. lips of his superiors proved ineffectual? What footsteps would be welcome at his humble door, if those of Mercy and Gentleness and Benevolence were repelled? 10. Influenced by these considerations, and animated by these hopes, the Committee of the Southwark Society entered on their new and arduous duties. In the pursuit of their object, many impediments were presented; but fully appreciating its importance, and confident of ultimate success, they steadily persevered, and at their Second Annual Meeting had the unspeakable satisfaction to report the full completion of their dearest wishes they beheld the whole of their extensive district divided and enclosed; the boundaries of each allotment defined; the mode of cultivation agreed on, and practically pursued:-above all, they beheld competent and voluntary husbandmen resident on the soil and acquainted with its nature; and they rejoiced in the anticipation of that day, when the "wilderness and the solitary place should be glad for them, and the desert should rejoice and blossom as the rose." 11. These hopes, sanguine as they were; have been realized to their utmost extent. Whether the effects produced be considered in a moral or pecuniary point of view, and whether we contemplate the direct or collateral advantages of the system, the results have been equally gratifying: they have afforded the most delightful recompence to those on whom the labour and the responsibility devolved; and they have evidently satisfied the public mind on this important subject. Although it does not comport with the design of this work to enter into a detailed statement of the moral effects resulting from these institutions, many evidences of their existence will be found interspersed throughout the following pages. The following statement of pecuniary results in Southwark, unexampled as they are, is introduced rather as a proof of the interest excited and steadily maintained, than as affording an incentive to similar exertion:-this will be found in higher and infinitely more important considerations. Abstract of Pecuniary Results in Southwark. ABSTRACT of the Results of the TWELVE ASSOCIATIONS of SOUTHWARK, to the 31st of March 1820. ABSTRACT of the ACCOUNTS of the SOUTHWARK AUXILIARY SOCIETY, to the 31st of March 1820. Total Number of Bibles and Testaments issued from the depository: Total number of Copies issued in Eight Years, 31,722 In the following sections, the mode of establishing and conducting a Bible Association, as pursued in Southwark, and subsequently adopted throughout the other districts of the Metropolis, will be fully explained. Such improvements as |