The author will now merely repeat, that, had 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. _REASONS_, &c., &c. 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 their’s, 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. Before, however, the subject is entered upon, it may be necessary to say, that these observations are intended to be addressed particularly to churchmen; and to that class of churchmen, who have had neither leisure nor opportunity to attend to the consideration of such subjects; but who yet may be desirous of knowing the merits of them, if brought forward in a concise manner. They are not intended to cast any reproach on the dissenters, nor to adopt the arrogant and dogmatical style of the Bible Society, and say, that because a person thinks differently, he is therefore deserving of every reproachful epithet, he is unmindful of the eternal welfare of the poor, and guilty of a total dereliction of his duty. This style is by no means adapted to the temper or disposition of the writer of these observations, who wishes to urge what he says, in a clear and candid manner, void of all anger, bitterness, or clamour. He being well convinced, that, if reason and sound argument will not bring conviction to a man’s mind, anger or vehemence of expression will never effect it. For a good cause only requires to be fairly stated to insure approbation; whilst a bad cause, being fearful of not obtaining any support, strives to snatch it by violence and declamation.