sight of God. And they will not venture to assert, that giving proof of knowledge of God's word is liable to that objection.

I have been led to discuss this subject with much greater prolixity, than I had expected when I commenced it. But, impressed as I am with the immense importance of carrying to the utmost extent these catechetical examinations, and encouraging by the most effectual means the children of the Established Church in their attendance upon them, I cannot think any efforts I may be able to make to engage your co-operation-your still increasing co-operation in promoting them, are misplaced, and I trust in God that they will not be unsuccessful.

One word more and I have done. The Sunday schools, happily so general, are of great utility, but they ought not to be deemed a substitute for regular catechetical instruction. To that the minister of each parish should pay the most particular attention. And I must add, that not only should he be very careful indeed in the selection of such persons as he admits to assist him, either in catechising or in his Sunday school, but that in every case, where the number of children is not too great to admit of it, such assistants should be limited to examin

ing the children in that preliminary instruction which works in question and answer contain; and if assistants are found, who will perfect their several classes in such useful books, they will have done as much as it may be advantageous, in general, to require. After a very few years, a clergyman will generally be able to find amongst young persons taught by himself, competent assistants for this purpose, or even for being intrusted with the higher classes, where the number is so great as to require it. Persons suspected of entertaining any peculiar opinions, should not be permitted to undertake even this subordinate duty; they will, I know well what I say, find opportunities of infusing their opinions into the unsuspecting minds of those committed to their care, and even promises solemnly given to avoid the temptations to such conduct, cannot be relied upon.

And now, my Reverend Brethren, I shall conclude in the words of that solemn exhortation, which should be ever present to your remembrance, beseeching you, "that you will consider the end of your ministry towards the children of God, and that you will never cease your labour, your care, and your diligence, until you have done all that lieth in you, according to your bounden duty, to bring all such

D

as are committed to your charge unto that agreement in the faith and knowledge of God, and that perfectness in Christ, that there be no place left either for error in religion or for viciousness in life."

NOTES.

(1) Page 2. The Association for discountenancing Vice and promoting the Knowledge and Practice of the Christian Religion, was established in 1792. Reducing the price of three hundred and fifty Bibles, is an article of expenditure in its first account, ending in June 1794. In the next year we find the number to be upwards of five thousand.

(2) Page 2. The Bible Society, established in 1806. Had its members, instead of forming a separate society, united their strength with that already organized, the distribution of Bibles would have increased far beyond what the two societies have been able to effect acting separately. Nor was there any difficulty to impede such a proceeding. Dissenters were admissible into the Association, and such persons as chose to confine their subscriptions to the distribution of the Bible, might have done so by purchasing Bibles to their full amount. There never was any rule limiting the sale of Bibles at reduced prices to those who also purchased Prayer Books.

The contributions of persons not being members of the Association are also received, and corresponding privileges in purchasing Bibles at reduced prices granted.

(3) Page 3. See evidence of Mr. Donelan in the first Report of the Commissioners of Education Inquiry, page 489.

(4) Page 3. Bishop Milner in his evidence before the Committee of the House of Lords, March 21, 1825, p. 381, said, "That we have no aversion to the reading of the Bible, and the possession of it by the laity of our Church, is best proved by the great many editions it has gone through in Ireland, under our express sanction."

It should be observed, that I do not quote these words as a proof that the Roman Catholic Clergy are not averse from the circulation of the Scriptures among their laity, but merely as evidence, that they do not wish to appear averse from it, a fact which shews very evidently, that their laity are so desirous of reading them, as to make open opposition an exercise of authority not unlikely to provoke resistance.

(5) Page 3. It is a curious fact, that some of the translations of our Bible, which are condemned in this book of Ward's, have been lately adopted by the Roman Catholics.

Among the passages cited by Ward as instances of false translation, is Romans, c. 8. v. 18. "Not worthy to be compared with the glory," instead of which the Rhemes version has, “Not condign to the glory." The last edition of the Roman Catholic translation, published under the sanction of Bishop Murray, Titular Archbishop of Dublin, adopts the Protestant translation: “ Not worthy to be compared with the glory, &c."

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"But

Again, Hebrews 2. v. 9. The Rhemes version is, him that was a little lessened under the angels, we see Jesus, because of the passion of death, crowned with glory and honour."

Our translation has it thus: "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour.”