I may be able to help with your request, but you need to tell me more about the material you uncovered. You say you "ran across a quote in the archives of the Library of Virginia." Tell me what kind of document it is: personal papers? church records? and, most important of all-what is the date of the document? I just need some context. Also recommend that you read John C. Van Horne, ed. _Religious Philanthropy and Colonial Slavery: The American Correspondence of the Associates of Dr. Bray, 1717--1777_. U. of Illinois Press: Urbana, 1985. The introductory essay tells you a great deal about the Bray Associates, the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (SPG), etc. I'm pretty sure the document you found will turn out to be connected with a Church of England clergyman in Virginia and the SPG. Linda Rowe Department of Historical Research Colonial Williamsburg -----Original Message----- From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Megan Stubbendeck Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:47 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [VA-HIST] Colonial Religion 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 ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html