×

Warning

JUser: :_load: Unable to load user with ID: 1064
Thursday, 09 March 2017 04:24

200 years of Australia's oldest organisation

Written by
Rate this item
(0 votes)

No, Australia's oldest organisation isn't a newspaper. But in the Gazette issue that's pictured here, there's a longish announcement, of a Society that's made history.

Two hundred years ago this week, Governor Macquarie presided over a meeting in the Sydney Court - 'highly to the gratification of a large assemblage of Officers, Gentlemen and private Individuals'. (Love the Regency era language with its rather formal capitalisation. The upper echelons of colonial society are literally encapsulated in that phrase...) It was the first meeting of a new auxiliary Bible Society, now Australia's oldest surviving organisation.

The Bank of New South Wales, now Westpac, started later the same year. God before Mammon, you might say. His Honour the Judge Advocate, 'in a speech of considerable length' said he was certain the Society would 'extend knowledge of that sacred volume'. Being the local head of the judiciary, he thought copies of scripture would be useful for 'regulating' vices. Today that would probably be seen as overly optimistic, misguided or paternalistic - the promotion of ideology to keep the masses in check. Although maybe promoting the Bible isn't as inhumane as the lash or the noose, which were the usual colonial method of regulating vices. 

Overlooking the Judge's sexist language, his next thought resonates with me.The Judge Advocate saw the Bible as 'bringing man the nearer acquainted with his creator.'  This century's exposure of child abuse have made us wary, or even angry, about church institutions. But however quaintly they express it, my heart is with the founders of the Bible Society in their desire for spiritual revelation, of a personal God, available to everyone. Happy bicentenary, Bible Society. 

 


Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/alisonll/public_html/templates/rt_metropolis/html/com_k2/default/item.php on line 248
Read 330957 times Last modified on Saturday, 11 March 2017 04:33

29624 comments

  • Comment Link canadian pharmaceuticals online shipping Friday, 08 November 2024 01:31 posted by canadian pharmaceuticals online shipping

    Incredible quest there. What happened after? Take care!

    Report
  • Comment Link CharlesGeapy Friday, 08 November 2024 00:45 posted by CharlesGeapy

    Short-term impacts described. Pill info here.
    buy prednisone 1 mg
    Access pill details. Drug impacts explained.

    Report
  • Comment Link pharmacy online cheap Friday, 08 November 2024 00:36 posted by pharmacy online cheap

    Asking questions are truly pleasant thing if you are not understanding something totally, but this post offers nice understanding even.

    Report
  • Comment Link Williamgat Thursday, 07 November 2024 22:13 posted by Williamgat

    Is Cialis safe for long-term use
    cialis without prescription
    Best Foods to Take with Cialis
    cialis daily cost
    Is Cialis safe for long-term use

    Report
  • Comment Link CoreyRor Thursday, 07 November 2024 20:52 posted by CoreyRor

    Pill effects explained. Find pill info.
    buy deltasone prednisone
    Prescribing details available. Pill information provided.

    Report
  • Comment Link canadian pharmacy Thursday, 07 November 2024 20:49 posted by canadian pharmacy

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I've been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

    Report
  • Comment Link drugstore online Thursday, 07 November 2024 20:27 posted by drugstore online

    Excellent post. I'm dealing with many of these issues as well..

    Report
  • Comment Link canada pharmaceuticals online generic Thursday, 07 November 2024 19:08 posted by canada pharmaceuticals online generic

    I am sure this piece of writing has touched all the internet users, its really really good piece of writing on building up new website.

    Report
  • Comment Link Melvinveils Thursday, 07 November 2024 18:01 posted by Melvinveils

    Mikrosluchatka Nanosluchatka

    Report
  • Comment Link Keyperoto Thursday, 07 November 2024 17:29 posted by Keyperoto

    priligy in usa Chodorowski, Z

    Report

Leave a comment

Make sure you enter all the required information, indicated by an asterisk (*). HTML code is not allowed.