As this small tract seems destined for a more extended circulation, than was at first intended, from the author’s being strongly solicited that it might be made more public, it may in some degree be necessary to explain his motive for its original publication; lest it should seem to have been solely brought forward, with a view of entering into the controversy respecting Bible Societies. Which was certainly far from the case, because he is of opinion, that though controversies will, when conducted in an argumentative, dispassionate, and manly manner, draw out and confirm the truth; yet, if conducted otherwise, they more frequently tend to confuse others, but very rarely to convince the parties engaged. His motive, therefore, was very different. Being minister of a populous parish, and observing, what he conceived to be, an unwarrantable interference in it, to assist and forward the views of the British and Foreign Bible Society, though it was contrary to his known and expressed wishes; he was, in a manner, compelled to give his reasons to his parishioners, who were churchmen, why he objected to that society; and to shew that his objection did not arise, as the general insinuation is, because the Bible was circulated, but because there was a society established, which, to churchmen, afforded greater means of circulating it; and which, also, held forth greater advantages and security to the Established Church. His object was to keep the members of the Established Church steady in their obedience to it; and to put them on their guard against the invitations of the Bible Society, which would only distract them. He has concisely told them his reasons for forming this opinion, and has furnished them with a reasonable excuse for not subscribing.

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.