Reasons why a Churchman may with Great Justice Refuse to Subscribe to the British and Foreign Bible Society

Reasons why a Churchman may with Great Justice Refuse to Subscribe to the British and Foreign Bible Society

As this small tract seems destined for a more extended circulation, than was at first intended, from the authors being strongly solicited that it might be made more public, it may in some degree be necessary to explain his motive for its original publication; lest it should seem to have been solely brought forward, with a view of entering into the controversy respecting Bible Societies. Which was certainly far from the case, because he is of opinion, that though controversies will, when conducted in an argumentative, dispassionate, and manly manner, draw out and confirm the truth; yet, if conducted otherwise, they more frequently tend to confuse others, but very rarely to convince the parties engaged. His motive, therefore, was very p. iidifferent. Being minister of a populous parish, and observing, what he conceived to be, an unwarrantable interference in it, to assist and forward the views of the British and Foreign Bible Society, though it was contrary to his known and expressed wishes; he was, in a manner, compelled to give his reasons to his parishioners, who were churchmen, why he objected to that society; and to shew that his objection did not arise, as the general insinuation is, because the Bible was circulated, but because there was a society established, which, to churchmen, afforded greater means of circulating it; and which, also, held forth greater advantages and security to the Established Church. His object was to keep the members of the Established Church steady in their obedience to it; and to put them on their guard against the invitations of the Bible Society, which would only distract them. He has concisely told them his reasons for forming this opinion, and has furnished them with a reasonable excuse for not subscribing. The author will now merely repeat, that, p. iiihad it not been for the solicitations of many of his friends, this tract would have been confined to the use of his parishes. He wishes, therefore, to observe, that, as that was his first intention, and as he has not been in the habit of writing for the press, he hopes he shall receive indulgence for its imperfections. His desire was, that it might be useful to those for whom it was at first intended; and he trusts it will be equally so, when more widely diffused. From the increased activity which has of late been shewn by the advocates for the British and Foreign Bible Society, and the reflections which have been cast upon those who do not choose to join them, it seems necessary to set this subject in its true light; and to shew that the refusal to unite with them, is not, as they have falsely said, because those who refuse are against the circulation of the Bible; but because they foresee danger likely to be incurred by it; and because there is another Bible Society, which was established above 100 years before theirs, and which holds out to its subscribers, particularly churchmen, superior advantages; and, therefore, a person may be thoroughly justified in the preference of the one Society, and the rejection of the other. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 52042
Author: Lockwood, Richard
Release Date: May 10, 2016
Format: eBook
Language: English