I am a graduate student from the University of Virginia doing work on colonial 
Virginians' religious practices (primarily Anglican).  I recently ran across a 
quote in the archives of the Library of Virginia.  Unfortunately, the quote is 
anonymous.  I am posting in hopes that someone might have some ideas 
about a possible author. The quote is below:

Too many people suffer "the Want of proper Books" – thus the author has 
taken up a collection to "send for Bibles, Prayer Books, Treatises on [the] 
Sacrament, & other Religious Tracts, for the Use of the Poor of this Parish."  
The minister now has these and will distribute.  Or, those who gave the money 
could also distribute if they wish but "whosoever distributes this Excellent 
Charity, this must be insisted upon, that some suitable & good Advice be given 
at the same tim[e] for it will always be as Bp. Wilson observes 'that the Best 
of Books, when lightly given, will be lightly valued, & as lightly made use of.'  
The Benefit of this Charity to the Souls of Men appears at first Sight because 
it tends to furnish their Minds with all necessary knowledge, which must be 
laid as a Foundation for their Practice.  By this means they are instructed in 
the great Points of Christian Belief & acquainted with the several branches of 
their Duty, which relate to God, their Neighbour, and themselves.   It is not 
enough that Men are made Christians by Baptism  They must understand the 
Nature of the solemn Vow that they made  And as the Hope for the Blessed 
Fruits & Effects of Christ's death, so they must perform those Conditions upon 
which they are promised  For He is the Author of Salvation to none but those 
that obey him. It is true, that it is a peculiar Advantage of the Members of the 
Church of England that if they frequent the publick prayers, they constantly 
hear a considerable Portion of the Holy Scriptures read to them,  But besides 
this it will be very necessary in Order to instruct them in all the Particulars of 
their Duty to lodge good Books in their Families,.  Of which the Bible ought to 
have the Preference, because it is the written Word of God, & containes the 
Terms and Conditions of their Eternal Happiness.  The Common-Prayer or 
Liturgy of the Church of England ought to accompany it, because it is the 
Service of the Church wherein they are obliged frequently to join, & therefore 
cannot be too ell acquainted with it." Next, some treatises on the sacrament, 
and The Whole Duty of Man.  And "if any be desirous of variety, ere are may 
good tracts, both by Way of Restrain from Vice, Incitement to Virtue, which, 
as they are both short & 0plain,m are most likely to be read & Considered; and 
they mak[e] a much deeper Impression [on] the Mind than either general 
Admonitions from the Pulpit, or particular Admonitions by Word of 
Mouth….Great Men ought to take Care that all their Servants & poor 
Neighbours be supplied with such good Books.  This method will make them 
Preachers of Righteousness, &B give them a Share with the Authors of such 
good Books, in the Reward of such Performances.  A Parcel of Books well 
chosen by the Minister, or any other Person, who is sensible of the advantage 
of such a Distribution, will put a new Life into the Practice of Religion.  Pious 
Books distributed seasonably [?], in Families which lie without any Sense of 
Religion, and consequently are running headlong to Hell, may by the Blessing 
of God, recover them from the Misery that threaten them & make them serious 
& devout  What Wonders of this Kin might Men of Fortune do if their Charity 
bore but a just Proportion with their Riches."


My first thoughts are that the author is probably a minister of some sort and 
may be associated with a group like the Bray Society.  Any thoughts from any 
one on the list would be greatly appreciated!

-Megan Stubbendeck

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