of Mr. Gual, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and now President
of the Bible Society of Colombia. I wish to speak of the conduct of
this gentleman in the highest terms, and in doing so, feel that I am
not using the voice of flattery and adulation, but complying with the
precept of rendering to every one his due. It is an act of injustice to
withhold the praise that is due to any one, when a proper occasion offers
of mentioning it. I had occasion to call upon him at different times,
in regard to the preliminary steps for setting the Society on foot, and
notwithstanding the hurry of business in his public situation, I always
found him ready to spend a few minutes in listening to the propositions
made to him as to our mode of acting in this matter. He also cheerfully
attended and presided at all our meetings, and constantly defended, with
much judgment and eloquence, the glorious work of circulating the Holy
Scriptures in their natural beauty, in every corner of his native land,
over all this continent, and finally throughout the world.
Mr. Castillo, the Minister of Finance, also warmly advocated our cause,
and these two gentlemen, as well as the Minister of the Interior, have
given 50 dollars each by way of donation, and are, besides, annual
subscribers of 20 dollars each. The Vice-President has also given us a
donation and his subscription of 24 dollars.
I have much pleasure in noticing to you that Colonel Hamilton, H. B.
M. Commissioner to this Government, and Mr. Henderson, the British
Consul-General, have lent the influence of their names and of their
purses to the forwarding of our Society. Colonel Campbell also, the
British Chargé d’Affaires, just arrived in time to be present at our
last meeting, and both he and Mr. Henderson were chosen members of the
committee.
I have requested Mr. Gual to write a few lines to Lord Teignmouth, by way
of introducing our new Society to a friendly correspondence with that
great and venerable Society over which he has so long presided, with so
much honour to himself, and with much advantage to mankind. I expect Mr.
Gual’s letter to-morrow, and shall forward it with this. He is going
also to write a few lines in order to begin a correspondence with the
American Bible Society.
I have now been detained in this city considerably longer than I expected
upon my arrival here, but I have the satisfaction of thinking, that my
stay has been prolonged in the forwarding of a good work. I now set off
immediately, and expect soon to have the pleasure of seeing the friends
of the Redeemer’s cause in the United States; and not very long after, if
the Lord will, I hope once more to behold my native land, and to salute
there my friends and brethren in Christ Jesus.
[6] These articles from the newspaper are added at the end of this
letter, as descriptive of the state of the country in regard to these
matters.
_Articles regarding the Formation of a Bible Society in Bogotá,
extracted from “The Constitutional,” a weekly Newspaper
published in that City, in Spanish and English._
_17th March, 1825._
On the 15th instant, at half-past five in the afternoon, a
public meeting took place in the Chapel of the University of
this city, at which were present Dr. Pedro Gual, Secretary
of State for Foreign Affairs; Dr. Antonio Malo, Member of
the Senate; Dr. Joaquin Gomez and Dr. Mariano Miño, Members
of the Chamber of Representatives; Dr. Jose Maria Estevez,
Rector of the College of San Bartolomé; Father Joaquin Galvez,
Rector of the University; Father Mariano Garnica, Prior of the
Dominican Convent; Dr. Nicolas Quebedo; and the Secretary of
the University. The meeting was assembled at the instance of
Mr. Thomson, Agent of the British and Foreign Bible Society,
with the view of establishing a Bible Society in Colombia.
The Rules for the proposed Society were read, and after some
observations from Sr. Gual, it was resolved unanimously to call
a general meeting on Sunday next, the 20th instant, at four
o’clock in the afternoon, in the same place, in order to take
into consideration the advantages or inconveniences of such an
establishment in Colombia; to obtain the general consent for
the incorporation of a Society similar to that which has been
the source of so many spiritual benefits to the human race in
Europe, Asia, and Africa; and of which a correct idea will be
given to the public by means of the press. In the mean time,
it is distinctly stated, that the sole and exclusive object
of this Society is the dissemination of the Holy Scriptures
throughout the world.
_24th March, 1825._
On Sunday last, the 20th instant, the meeting took place
which was advertised in the CONSTITUTIONAL of last week,
for the purpose of establishing this valuable and important
Institution. Upon this occasion eloquent and appropriate
speeches were delivered by Sres. Gual, Castillo, and Herrera;
and, after a debate of considerable length, it was agreed to
convene a general meeting, by means of circulars, for this day,
(Thursday,) at four o’clock in the afternoon. The principal
object of this invitation is to place the basis of the Society
on the most permanent and respectable foundation; to hear the
opinions, and be benefited by the judgment of the gentlemen
who may assemble; and to determine definitively upon what
may appear most suitable and in conformity to the state and
relations of Colombia. By the blessing of Heaven we hope to see
accomplished the desires of those who have devoted their wisdom
and love of their country to the promotion of so benevolent an
undertaking.—We will have the pleasure of publishing a report
of the speeches delivered on the occasion, also the rules and
regulations of the Society, together with the objections that
may be urged against it.
_31st March, 1825._
At length the setting on foot of this establishment has been
obtained, and its advantages will soon be known to those who
are alike the friends of the religion of Jesus Christ, and
of the true enlightening of the people. Endeavours were made
to bring together all the principal persons of this city, by
issuing upwards of 300 cards of invitation; and notwithstanding
the smallness of the Chapel of the University, there assembled
in it two-thirds of those invited. It is our intention to
publish the speeches then made, together with the discourses
offered us by some gentlemen who had not time to deliver them
upon that occasion. This we promise to do with the greatest
correctness possible. The opposition which has been made to
this beneficent Institution by sinister interpretations of its
object, is not to be wondered at, nor that strife of opinion
which has already been manifested upon this important subject.
It is, however, strange that any public writer should have said
that it would be better to print two millions of copies of the
Catechism, (the only book of instruction afforded to the people
by our old oppressors,) than to print and circulate the Holy
Bible. It is not suitable in itself, nor is it consistent with
our upright motives to excite contention. The exclusive object
of the Bible Society which has been established in Colombia
is, to facilitate to all Colombians the reading of the divine
word, in our own native tongue, from approved versions, such
as that of Father Scio, or that of the celebrated Torres Amat,
which has just been published in Madrid with all the necessary
licences: and this object will be accomplished without in any
degree infringing upon the Articles of the Council of Trent.
If this plan draw forth opposition—if this object is capable
of producing bitter and extemporaneous censures, then we will
be under the necessity of classing the people of Colombia with
the most uncivilized people of the world. This Bible Society
has been established with the consent and approbation of
the most distinguished persons, actually entrusted with the
Executive Government of the Republic, and the Ecclesiastical
Government of the Archbishopric, to whom it belongs exclusively
and without dispute to watch over the spiritual and temporal
happiness of the people, and whose fidelity none without
injustice can call in question.
_7th April, 1825._
On the 4th current there assembled in the Chapel of the
University, those Foreigners and Colombians who have so
generously contributed to the formation of this establishment,
and whose names will be furnished upon another occasion.
Rules and Regulations for this Society were read, and were
unanimously approved of as the laws of its organization.
In conformity to these Rules, the subscribers proceeded to
the election of President, Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, and
Secretaries, when the following gentlemen were duly elected.
_President._
Don PEDRO GUAL, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
_First Vice-President._
Don JOSE MARIA CASTILLO, Minister of Finance.
_Second Vice-President._
Doctor JOSE MARIA ESTEVEZ, Prebendary, and Rector of the
College of St. Bartholomew.
_Third Vice-President._
Doctor JUAN FERNANDEZ DE SOTOMAYOR, Rector of the College del
Rosario.
_Treasurer._
Don JOSE SANS DE SANTA MARIA, Senator, and Comptroller of the
department of Cundinamarca.
_Secretaries._
Father ANTONIO MARCO GUTIERRES, Secretary of the University.
Doctor R. N. CHEYNE.
In the same manner the members present proceeded to vote for
a Committee consisting of twenty individuals, one half of
whom are Clergymen. The Society wished to place among its
principal office-bearers the virtuous and worthy Governor of
the Archbishoprick; but this gentleman, with his accustomed
moderation, declined this honour, and very properly noticed,
that the third article of the Rules reserved to the Ordinary
of each diocese, the right of examining the edition of the
Holy Scriptures that should be published by the Society, in
conformity with the decrees of the councils; and that the
exercise of this power would prevent him, as Governor of this
diocese, from accepting of the honour that this respectable
Society wished to confer upon him.
It was then resolved on to print, as soon as possible, in the
form of a pamphlet, the speeches made at the last meeting,
the Rules and Regulations of the Institution, a list of
subscribers, and the transactions of the Society. It was also
agreed upon that the advertisements of the Society should
be made through “the CONSTITUTIONAL,” in consequence of its
Editors having cheerfully employed their pages in promoting
this Society. Finally, it was agreed on that the Subscription
List should lie with the Rector of the University, at whose
apartments all who wish to subscribe, may have an opportunity
of doing so, on any day from eight to nine o’clock in the
morning.
* * * * *
_To the Committee of the British and Foreign School Society._[7]
_London, 25th May, 1826._
Gentlemen,
Agreeable to your wishes I sit down to give you a sketch of the progress,
and of the actual state of education in South America. I shall begin at
Buenos Aires, and shall take the different states in the order in which
I travelled through them. When I left Buenos Aires, in May 1821, there
were eight schools for boys in that city, supported by the magistrates,
and all of them conducted, more or less, on your system. There were, I
think, about as many more schools in the small villages around the city.
These were also under the care of the magistrates, but had not been put
upon your system at the time mentioned. I had visited some of them for
the purpose of organizing them upon this plan, but the never-ending
revolutions of that unhappy period, prevented the proper measures from
being carried into effect for their improvement.
Upon my leaving Buenos Aires, the schools were put under the direction
of a very respectable clergyman, who, I thought, would conduct them
with much advantage, but, from his not being well acquainted with the
system, or from his being peculiar in the application of it, the schools
did not improve, but rather grew worse. This state of things lasted
for several months, until the Society, which had been formed some time
before my leaving that place, becoming re-organized, and arousing from
its lethargy, began to take a particular interest in forwarding education
according to this system. Much was done through this means; and, I am
happy to say, that I have lately heard that the Society continues its
useful exertions, and is likely to become more efficient from year to
year. As you wish me to mention some individual or individuals in the
different countries in South America with whom you could advantageously
correspond in furtherance of your Christian object, universal education,
I give you here the name of the Secretary to the above-mentioned
Society, Don Bartolomé Muñoz. This individual is a clergyman of great
respectability, he possesses a spirit of active benevolence, and is a
warm friend to education. With this gentleman you may correspond with
great advantage to the furtherance of your object; and I am sure it will
afford much satisfaction to the individual mentioned, and to the rest of
the Society, to hear from you, and to labour with you in this good cause.
I am not sure whether I mentioned to you in my letters from Buenos Aires,
the circumstances of the meetings at the first formation of this Society,
being held in the chief Franciscan convent of that city. This is worth
mentioning, as it shows the liberality of priests and friars on the
subject of education. The Provincial of the order, Don Hipólito Soler,
lived in this convent, and was very friendly indeed to our object. The
uniform kindness and courtesy which I experienced in my many calls upon
him in his cell, I shall never forget. The Prior of the convent was also
very friendly. To the list of our excellent friends among the priests,
I must not omit the highly respected Dean of Buenos Aires, Don Diego de
Zavaleta. The nephew of this gentleman, Don Ramon Anchorez, was also
a very particular friend, and often encouraged me to go forward when
obstacles lay in the way.
I have mentioned the labours of the Society in promoting Schools
in that city. I must also mention, and very particularly, that the
interest taken by the government, under the direction of Don Bernardino
Rivadavia, greatly contributed to carry forward this noble object. The
labours of the gentleman now mentioned, in instructing his countrymen
in true political wisdom, by precept and by example, and his exertions
in forwarding the cause of knowledge and general education, have mainly
contributed to give to Buenos Aires, (what it indisputably enjoys)
the first rank among the new American states. His name will ever be
associated with the happiest part of the revolution of that country; and
he will long be looked upon as its best benefactor. Accounts have just
reached London, that this gentleman has been recently elected President
of the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata, an honour justly due
to him as the regenerator of their independence of Spain, and of their
dependance upon each other. We may, I think, fairly augur, that much
good will be done in the advancement of education by this individual
throughout the various provinces of the Union, at the head of which he is
now placed. I think a letter of congratulation from the Society is justly
due to him, and, from what I know of his sentiments, I have no doubt of
his readily acceding to any plans the Society might suggest for the
establishing of schools throughout the provinces.
Through the means above stated, the number of schools has greatly
increased in Buenos Aires since I left it. The Rev. Mr. Armstrong, in a
letter lately received by the Bible Society, reckons them to amount to
about _one hundred_, and thinks they may contain about _five thousand_
scholars. In the letter now referred to, Mr. Armstrong states, that he
had presented 500 New Testaments to these schools on the part of the
British and Foreign Bible Society, and he expresses a hope that this
precious volume is likely to be generally used in all the schools before
long.
At the time I left Buenos Aires, there was a very good girls’ school,
on the British system, containing 120 scholars. I have not heard
particularly of this school since that time, but hope it continues to
prosper as it then did. The person who organized this school was Don José
Catalá, a native of Spain, and a zealous promoter of education. This
gentleman was the first who studied the system at our schools in Buenos
Aires. He was afterwards appointed to be master of the central school,
and continued in that situation until a few weeks before I left that
place.
I mentioned to you, in some of my letters, that I had paid a visit to
Monte Video, where I was kindly received by the first ecclesiastic of
that place, Don Damaso Antonio de Larañaga, a priest of a liberal and
enlightened mind, and a friend to education. This gentleman laid the
subject of the establishment of schools on the British system before
the magistrates, and, in consequence, I was authorized to send a master
to them, who was to receive a salary of 1200 dollars a-year, whilst
engaged in establishing and superintending the schools. The person most
qualified for this undertaking was Don José Catalá, already mentioned.
He was, accordingly, sent there with a supply of the necessary articles
for making a commencement. I received, whilst in South America, different
letters respecting his progress, which was at first slow on account of
the war in which that place was involved, and the scarcity of funds
consequent upon it. Afterwards he was enabled to get on better. The last
letter I had from him is encouraging, of which I shall give an extract:—
“The school which I formed here has produced upwards of eighty children
well instructed in elementary education. These have given satisfaction
to those best qualified to judge, and to the public in general, in two
public examinations which have taken place. The number of children now
in the school is 208. Two years ago, I formed a private school upon the
Lancasterian system. It contains at present forty children belonging to
the best families of this city, who pay for each child six dollars a
quarter. The master of this school is a young man of excellent talents,
and of good conduct. He attended the central school for a whole year,
in order to learn the system well, and to approve himself capable of
conducting a school upon these principles. He expected to be employed in
one of the schools which the magistrates were about to establish, but as
it was impossible for them to carry forward their purpose, owing to the
disturbances of the times, I advised him to establish a private school.
The young man had not means to do this, as he was the son of a poor
widow. The Society, however, gave him lessons, slates, and pencils, and
Mr. Noble gave him the wood to make the seats and desks. Thus provided,
he offered to instruct, under the auspices of the Society, and by my
direction,—elementary education, and also the principles of geometry,
trigonometry, and geography, and to hold a public examination of his
pupils every year. I am happy to inform you that the children are making
very great progress, owing to the steadiness and fidelity of the master,
and to the six well instructed monitors whom I sent him from the other
school, each of whom knows more than any of the masters of this place.
“I am sorry to inform you that the master of the central school died
about three weeks ago. In consequence of this misfortune, I have been
obliged to take the school into my own hands until another master be
appointed.
“I mentioned to you, in a former letter, that I had organized Mrs. Hyne’s
school in Buenos Aires on the Lancasterian system, with this peculiarity
in the arrangement, that the children are taught in English one day,
and in Spanish the other; as she has scholars who speak these languages
respectively, I sent her some of the lessons printed here for the use of
her school.”
The school here referred to is kept by an English lady, and was just
beginning when I left Buenos Aires. It was afterwards fully established
on your system as above mentioned. I have had frequent information
respecting the prosperity of this school, and am told that the youth of
that city show a great desire to study the English language, and are
making progress in it. Their parents have thus shown their desire for
the education of their children, in instructing them in our tongue, and
they have shown their liberality in sending them without scruple to be
educated by an English lady belonging to the Protestant church.
In the preceding review of the schools in Buenos Aires, there is much
to cheer the minds and hearts of those who interest themselves in the
welfare of their fellow-men, and who use their best exertions for
this end, in the way in which they can be most effectual, namely, in
the instruction of the young. To see the youthful flocks increasing
in numbers, and growing in the knowledge of the purest religion and
morality, by reading and imbibing the sacred oracles, is a sight truly
gratifying, and to hear of this will, I am sure, afford much satisfaction
to the Committee of the British and Foreign School Society. It will also,
I trust, lead you to renewed exertions on behalf of that country, and,
knowing your readiness to do so, I beg leave to suggest the propriety
of sending out a person possessing good talents, and well acquainted
with your system, that he may be employed in extending education through
the various provinces of these United States; and, in recommending this
measure, I repeat my conviction, that the gentleman now elected President
of these States, Don Bernardino Rivadavia, will take a pleasure in
seconding your views.
I now turn your attention to the provinces of Mendoza and San Juan,
as these form a part of the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata.
In March 1822, I visited these places, and found a very great desire
existing there, in regard to education. Our excellent friend, Dr.
Gillies, was at that time (and still is) residing in Mendoza. He had
contributed much to create such a desire, and was very active in using
every means for satisfying it. It was through his very urgent request,
that I visited these places, I was much gratified with what I saw there,
as regards a growing spirit of knowledge and liberality. The governor
of Mendoza was very friendly to the establishment of Schools. A Society
for promoting them was established a few days after my arrival, and a
petition was presented to the Governor, that a small printing press,
belonging to the town, might be placed at their disposal, that they might
print lessons for the schools, and might otherwise gain a little for
promoting their objects. This request was immediately acceded to, and the
press and the types were transferred accordingly. A newspaper has been
printed at this press for some time, and it has greatly contributed to
enlighten that quarter. A girls’ school was begun whilst I was there,
and measures were taken for establishing schools for boys, which were
afterwards carried into effect. After these favourable circumstances
had been some time in operation, a storm overtook our worthy friends.
They were like to be overwhelmed by a spirit of fanaticism, which had
raised itself against the promoters of education and reform, by those of
a contrary mind. The enemies of righteousness prevailed for some time,
but at length they stumbled and fell, and truth and improvement again
appeared, and prevailed, and now reign in triumph. Those individuals who
had combined together to benefit their country, and whose benevolent
arrangements were thus for some time impeded; these very individuals are
now the chief persons in the government, and are thus enabled to carry
their measures into effect.
In the Province of San Juan I found many enlightened individuals who were
warm friends of education. There were, no doubt, many of other feelings
and wishes. A printed circular was sent to the different persons of
note in that place by the Governor, inviting them to a meeting in his
own house, for discussing the subject of establishing schools on your
system. A good many attended, and some were for the measure, and some
against it. The Governor was a warm friend to the object, and the meeting
broke up by his signifying, that it was the intention of the government
to use its best endeavours to forward this object. I left some Scripture
lessons for the schools in that place, as I had done in Mendoza, the
price of which, together with the expenses of my journey there, were paid
by the Governors of these two places.