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.