28 September 1813 Whitehaven Auxiliary Bible Society - Cumberland and Westmorland Newspaper Transcriptions

28 September 1813 Whitehaven Auxiliary Bible Society

Whitehaven, 22 Sept. 1813.

       The Whitehaven Auxiliary Bible Society held it's first annual meeting
here, on Monday last, which was most numerously attended.

       The business of the meeting (which was to form Bible Associations) was
opened by Mr. Isaac BRAGG's moving that the Rev. Mr. WILSON, of St. Bees be
requested to take the chair. The motion was unanimously adopted.

       The Chairman very perspicuously and ably detailed the vassalage of the
poor in other countries; - their freedom and happiness in Britain; the
influence of the Bible in promoting that freedom and happiness; - and how much both
would be increased by attention to that blessed book.

       He then gave detail of the scarcity of the Scriptures, of the
exertions of the British and Foreign bible Society, in supplying that scarcity; and of
the inadequacy of their resources to the very great and increasing demands;
and thereupon recommended the formation of Bible Associations. - This was ably
seconded by the Rev. Mr. ROSE, in an appropriate address. - The President,
Secretaries, and a large sub-committee, for the various districts of this
populous town, were then nominated, and unanimously chosen.

       Mr. WOODNORTH made some excellent remarks on the perspicuity and
simplicity of the leading doctrines and duties inculcated in the Word of God.: -
and the whole business was concluded by Mr. BATES, a gentleman who had purposely
come from Northumberland on the occasion, in a most animated address; in
which he demonstrated, by various examples, what perseverance and assiduity might
do for the institution. - What a distinguished rank Britain now holds amongst
nations! - her fleets carrying "The Leaves of the Tree of Life, for the
Healing of the Nations," and that at the same time riding triumphant on the ocean;
chastising the insolence, and curbing the mad ambition of a Tyrant, whom he
emphatically styled God's Pioneer! preparing the way for the dissemination of
the Scriptures of the Truth.

       The meeting was conducted with the most decorum and harmony, such as
did not fail of giving satisfaction to every pious mind, - to see Churchmen,
Friends, Presbyterians, Independents, and Baptists, all united as one Band, for
the promotion and stability of this Good Work.

                                       A SILENT SPECTATOR.