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save, not in order to hoard, but in order to give,"1 and a more important lesson can hardly be inculcated. Thus also the delightful idea is excited that by subscribing to a Bible Society, or Association, I can both procure a copy of that blessed book for myself, and with the same sum of money, gradually advanced, which would purchase one at a shop, I can also give a Bible to some unknown fellow creature "perishing for lack of knowledge," which may be the means of his eternal salvation. This especially recommends the Penny Associations.

The Magistrates already, in many districts of this land, bear unequivocal testimony to the beneficial effects of these Societies on the morals of the people, and I cannot but hope that ere long prevention, from concurring causes, and the influence of different Societies, will render crimes and punishments much less frequent, and our internal peace and security more stable, than has hitherto been the case in any age.

The formation, and proper conduct of an Auxiliary Society in any neighbourhood, soon bring the state of the villages in that neighbourhood into notice, and make way for the supply of those wants which before were unknown and unsuspected. And nothing can so powerfully aid the inhabitants of any place favoured with scriptural instructions, in appreciating the value of their privileges, and deriving full benefit from them, as the circulation and reading of the scriptures: nothing can so much strengthen the hands and encourage the heart of

Report.

the faithful minister of Christ. On the other hand, if indeed any places have only indolent or heretical ministers, what can so effectually make up the deficiencies of the former, or counteract the poison of the latter, as the reading of the holy scriptures themselves? At the same time, the whole process tends to lessen the number of persons, who in most towns and villages are more numerous than the regular attendants either at church or meeting, the absenters; and who are wholly out of the way of obtaining good to their souls.

But time fails, and the subject is inexhaustible. Go on my friends and prosper. With much inconvenience and even danger I have met you to day-probably for the last time: but I trust you will remember my words when I can myself no longer speak to you.

The times are indeed hard, very hard; and many of you are little able to give, even what once you could and would have done. But remember that the Society itself was, so to speak, born and educated in "troublous times," and is inured to hardship, and to labour and prosper amidst great difficulties. Do then what you can; retrench every superfluity, if you have any, rather than not concur your little help; and trust Providence to make up what you thus expend. The husbandman, even if very poor, would rather stint himself and his family in food than not have seed to sow on his land, as this alone promises an increase. So be you sure to spare a little seed corn in this respect also: the ground on which you sow it will prove fertile, and the increase will be sure and plenteous.

with

But we want your active services and exertions,

VOL. VI.

as much at least as your contributions. Others will point out to you in what way even labourers and servants may employ, to excellent purpose, those hours which are often wasted in insipid indolence, or spent in an injurious manner; but which may be improved in effectually forwarding the grand designs of the Institution. Above all, we intreat your earnest and constant prayers, that the divine counsel and blessing may attend all the plans and operations of the Parent Society, and all its numerous and most promising descendents. And while you concur in our endeavours to impart the sacred scriptures to others, be sure that you become yourselves well acquainted with the contents of the sacred volume. "Let the word of Christ dwell in

you richly, in all wisdom and spiritual under"standing;" and make it known to your children and domestics. Endeavour also to reduce the whole to practice, and to shew, by example, how lovely and how happy true Christians are. In proportion as this is done, your concurrence will, in all respects, advance in value and efficacy; and God will bless and honour you as his instruments in this most desirable service, even beyond what you now expect or conceive.

THOUGHTS

ON THE FATAL CONSEQUENCES

OF

FEMALE PROSTITUTION;

WITH THE

OUTLINES OF A PLAN

PROPOSED TO CHECK THOSE ENORMOUS EVILS.

HUMBLY ADDRESSED TO THE CONSIDERATION OF
THE NOBILITY AND GENTRY IN GENERAL.

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This pamphlet was printed and circulated in the early part of the year 1787, when the Author had been for somewhat more than twelve months visiting chaplain to the Lock Hospital. It led to the institution of the Lock Asylum, which was opened on the fifth of July following. This charity still subists, and, though it has never been adequately supported, it has unquestionably, in numerous instances, been productive of the most happy effects. This may be sufficiently evinced by the brief narratives, which, as having been drawn up by Mr. Scott, and inserted in the Account of the Institution published in the year 1800, it has been thought proper to annex to the original pamphlet here reprinted.—J. S.

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