232 The Pope's Bull against Bible Societies. more to excite your pastoral solicitude and diligence. For the general good imperiously requires you to combine all your means and energies to frustrate the plans which are prepared by its enemies for the destruction of our most holy Religion: whence it becomes an Episcopal duty, that you first of all expose the wickedness of this nefarious scheme, as you have already done so admirably, to the view of the faithful, and openly publish the same, according to the rules prescribed by the Church, with all the erudition and wisdom which you possess; namely, "That the Bible printed by Hereticks is to be numbered among other prohibited Books, conformably to the Rules of the Index, (§ No. 2 and 3,) for it is evident from experience, that the Holy Scriptures, when circulated in the vulgar tongue, have, through the temerity of men, produced more harm than benefit," (Rule IV.) And this is the more to be dreaded in times so depraved, when our holy religion is assailed from every quarter with great cunning and effort, and the most grievous wounds are inflicted on the Church. It is therefore necessary to adhere to the salutary Decree of the Congregation of the Index, (June 13, 1757,) that no versions of the Bible in the vulgar tongue be permitted, except such as are approved by the Apostolic See, or published with annotations extracted from the writings of holy fathers of the Church. We confidently hope that, in these turbulent circumstances, the Poles will give the clearest proofs of their attachment to the religion of their ancestors; and, by your care, as well as that of the other Prelates of this kingdom, whom, on account of the stand they have wonderfully made for the depositary of the Faith, we congratulate in the Lord, trusting that they all may very abundantly justify the opinion we have entertained of them. It is moreover necessary, that you should transmit to us, as soon as possible, the Bible which Jacob Wuiek published in the Polish language with a commentary, as well as a copy of the edition of it lately put forth without those annotations, taken from the writings of the Holy Fathers of our Church, or other learned Catholics, with your opinion upon it; that thus, from collating them together, it may be ascertained, after mature investigation, that certain errors lie insidiously concealed therein, and that we may pronounce our judgment on this affair for the preservation of the true Faith. Continue, therefore, venerable Brother, to pursue this truly pious course upon which you have entered; viz. diligently to fight the battles of the Lord for the sound doctrine, and warn the people intrusted to your care, that they fall not into the snares which are prepared for their everlasting ruin. The Church demands this from you, as well as from the other Bishops, whom our Rescript equally concerns; and we most anxiously expect it, that the deep sorrow we feel on account of this new species of tares which an adversary has so abundantly sown, may, by this cheering hope, be somewhat alleviated and we always very heartily invoke the choicest blessings upon yourself and your fellow Bishops, for the : Address of the Baptist Convention. 233 good of the Lord's flock, which we impart to you and them by our Apostolic benediction. Given at Rome, at St. Mary the Greater, June 29, 1816, the 17th year of our Pontificate. PIUS P. P. VII. BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. We have recently been favoured with a copy of a pamphlet containing the proceedings of the General Convention of the Baptist denomination in the United States, at their first triennial meeting, held in Philadelphia from the 7th to the 14th May, 1817; together with the third Annual Report of the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions for the United States. From this document, which is replete with matter of great interest to the general cause of missions, we shall give as copious extracts as our pages will admit. The members of that very respectable denomination in this country, treading in the footsteps of their worthy brethren in the old world, are displaying a zeal and a liberality in furthering the propagation of the blessed gospel among the heathen, which does honour to their Christian character, and is highly deserving of imitation by the churches of the other Christian denominations in America. May this laudable example be instrumental in exciting in our countrymen, generally, more earnest solicitude and sympathy for the condition of the millions of immortal souls perishing for lack of vision, not only in distant regions, but likewise on our own borders, and within our immediate reach; and may it prompt to more extensive and efficient measures for supplying their spiritual wants than have ever yet been pursued on this side the Atlantic. ADDRESS. The BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION for Missionary purposes, assembled at their first triennial meeting in Philadelphia, to their immediate constituents, and to the Associations, Mission Societies, Churches, and religious public throughout the United States, present Christian Salutations: With sentiments of the most ardent gratitude to the God of Mercy, the Convention has the pleasure of addressing you. We have been permitted to enjoy an interview with each other, and to engage in the important consultations which our convening embraced, in the spirit of fraternal love. In the midst, and at the close of our de liberations, the following lines were sung as descriptive of the common feeling, "Lo! what an entertaining sight Are brethren that agree; Brethren whose cheerful hearts unite 234 Address of the Baptist Triennial Convention It is peculiarly grateful when bodies, assembled to consult for the promotion of a kingdom through which peace shall flow like á river, find the same sacred stream enriching and cheering themselves. It is deserving observation and thankfulness, that the lives of all our brethren who assembled three years ago have been graciously preserved. The Convention has cause for rejoicing in observing, that the support necessary to carry their objects into full effect has increased with each succeeding year. Funds, to an extent which the most sanguine anticipations had scarcely contemplated, have poured into our treasury: their sources are not only active, but multiplying. The reality of faith is best demonstrated by holy obedience; and, on the same principle, the sincerity of the professions of the friends of Missions becomes unquestionable, when, like ships of Tarshish, they "bring their silver and their gold with them unto the name of the Lord and to the Holy One of Israel." The strictest frugality, consistent with the magnitude of the design, becomes the Board in appropriating, and Missionaries in expending, the funds of the institution; yet while this is sacredly observed, the vast extent of field which cries aloud for evangelic cultivation renders it in a manner impossible that funds can be excessive. "Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord ?" The encouragements to incessant and vigorous endeavour are of the most animating description. A state of prosperity is promised to the church of Christ, which as yet she has not realized. All the families of the earth have not as yet been blessed in the Messiah. As yet, all the kindreds of the nations have not worshipped before him. Nations have not yet beaten their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. The glory of the Lord is not yet revealed so as that all flesh may see it together. The stone which smote the image upon his feet has indeed become a great mountain, but has not as yet filled the whole earth. The Redeemer is lifted up from the earth, but as yet he has not drawn all men unto him. The kingdoms of this world have not yet become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ; but prophecy must be accomplished. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but the word of the Lord shall not pass away. "If any ask, what prospect of ultimate success is there? tell them," says a pious and excellent Missionary, as much as there is that an Almighty and faithful God will perform his promises, and no more."-Brethren, no more is needed. "Hath He said, and shall he not do it? Hath he spoken, and shall he not bring it to pass ?" The emotions and aims of the ministers and churches of Christ have recently experienced a new and glorious elevation. More anxious than ever for the progress of conversion and godliness in the churches to which they are united, they seem to hear the voice of the Lord addressing each, as he addressed Jeremiah—“ See, I have this day set thee over the nations, and over the kingdoms, to build and to plant." The spirit of the well-informed Christian is for Missionary purposes. 235 no longer content with coasting expeditions; it strikes, like a Columbus, across the world of waters, and visits islands and continents remote. It is true that "the kingdom, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High," but it will be given as was the land of Canaan to the Israelites, as the result of their dependence on an. everlasting arm, and their active endeavours to lay hold of the promised possession. The language of heaven to Joshua is directed to each of us : "Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Exertions for extending the knowledge of Christ are not restricted to any particular denomination of Christians. They are employed, perhaps, by all who delight in the doctrine of the Cross; not as the authority of Rome, which sent out its Jesuits to establish abroad an influence which was, at home, declining; but at a time when their own vineyards are flourishing, the faithful followers of Christ are ardent to plant the gospel where his name is unknown. The Moravians have been long and laboriously engaged in this blessed work. The Independent, the Presbyterian, the Episcopalian, and the Methodist, have successively been engaged, and are vieing with each other in this service of holy love. With humility and thankfulness, it becomes our denomination to acknowledge the condescending attentions of the supreme Head of the Church. If he has blessed the example of our brethren of the Northamptonshire Association in England, to the general adoption of the first Monday in every month as a time of prayer for the spread of his gospel; if he has owned the ardours and toils of our brother Carey to the exciting of a holy passion for foreign missions; if he suggested to the mind of our brother Hughes the first idea of the British and Foreign Bible Society; if he has succeeded exertion to the awakening of missionary zeal among our brethren in the United States, not unto us, not unto us, but unto the name of the Lord be the glory! The generous efforts of the Society we have just named, composed of Christians of every denomination, command universal exultation and surprise. Their funds have been prodigious, and are increasing. Their spirit, like that of the Lord they serve, has been humane, beneficent, and enlarged. The blessings they have been enabled to impart will diffuse their influence through all the future generations of the world. Thousands existing, and tens of thousands unborn, have presented, and will offer hallelujahs to the throne of heaven, for the means of information and grace which the British and Foreign Bible Society has so abundantly imparted. But while this wonderful Society has been doing much by its exertions, it has scarcely done less by its example. The Protestant powers of Europe, and the colonies of Asia, are encouraging similar institutions. America entered early into this course of holy charity. Upwards of a hundred Bible Societies are formed in the United States. About a year ago a National Institution was com 236 Address of the Baptist Triennial Convention menced, bearing the name of the American Bible Society. Its course has been highly successful, and the prospects of extensive usefulness are fair and invigorating. It appears the determination of the Lord to continue to honour "the word of his truth" as an instrument in the conversion of the souls of men. The facilities which Christian Missionaries must enjoy, in having the Scriptures translated into all the languages of our globe, must be incalculably great. The labours of our beloved brethren at Serampore, in promoting this important object, will be long and gratefully remembered. The isles have been waiting, for ages, for the law of the Lord. It is now gone forth. The Convention have heard with pleasure of the arrival of Mr. Hough and family, together with Mrs. White, in India; and that the former are now at Rangoon engaged with Mr. and Mrs. Judson in the work of the Lord. More Missionaries being importunately solicited in Burmah, the Board will have an opportunity of gratifying our friends there, and of promoting the kingdom of the Messiah, by sending out two pious youths, whose minds have been directed to foreign missions, and who for the last two years have been enjoying the instructions of an able and excellent teacher, the Rev. Mr. Chaplin, at Danvers, Massachusetts. They are well recommended for their amiable dispositions, the uprightness of their conversation, the competency of their talents, and their devotedness to the service of the Lord Jesus. It is expected they will leave the land of their nativity, and sail for the spiritually benighted regions of Burmah by some early conveyance. We are persuaded you will help them by your fervent and repeated prayers. The ignorance, transgression, and misery with which our earth is covered, impressively call for the combined exertions of the people of God; but the capacity of missionary establishments is necessarily restricted. It may be considered a question of difficulty, what sections of the dominion of the prince of darkness shall be first invaded? In some respects the section is of little moment, for the soul of man is every where stamped with an equal value. The spirit of foreign and domestic missions is one. It is as incapable of being divided as is the spirit of personal and social devotion. Regions where the darkness is grossest, and the means of illumination most remote, present a peculiar claim. The question, however, it is believed, has never been attended with practical embarrassment. HE who stirs up his people to offer cheerfully of their substance, and his messengers to venture forth in his name, commonly points by the finger of his providence to the field for labour, as distinctly as he did in the apostolic age by impressive visions, or the immediate voice of his Holy Spirit. The kingdoms of Providence and grace are, by THE HEIR OF ALL THINGS, controlled and harmonized. It was Providence confest that directed our English brethren to Serampore. It is Providence that has placed before us the wretched natives of Burmah, and inspired the cry-"Christians of America, come over and help us!" The interesting history of the settling of our brother Judson at Rangoon forbids a contrary conclusion. |