secure the approbation, esteem, and affection of the wise and good.

"In fine, let every patriot, philanthropist, and Christian, hear the loud call to extend mercy to the miserable, wretched, and forlorn. Let not the cold, indolent, and cruel. calculations of a false sensibility, draw your attention from those essential duties and principles of Christianity, in attending to the morals and necessities of tens of thousands of precious souls, who are not only perishing themselves, but drawing our youth-yea, and even those of mature age-to the dreadful precipice of destruction; thereby breaking up all the sweet endearments of domestic life, the bonds of civil society, and even striking at the very foundation of our venerable and invaluable constitution."

Treasurer, Thomas Masset, No. 118, Bishopsgate Without; Secretary, Walter Bromley, No. 3, Lisle Street, Leicester Square-pro tempore.

Subscriptions will be thankfully received by Mrs. Stennett, 60, Paternoster Row ; Mr. Whittemore, 54, Paternoster Row; Mr. Ward, 3, Bear Lane, Church Street, Blackfriars Road Mr. Slate, 1, Gwynn's Buildings, near Islington; Mr. Harris, Bookseller, near Ratcliffe Cross; Mr. Harris, Bookseller, High Street, Poplar; Mr. Mann, Commercial Road, near York Street; Mr. George, Bookseller, Brick Lane, Spitalfields; Mr. M'Dowall, 95, Leadenhall Street; and J. Nisbett, 15, Castle Street, Oxford Street: of whom any further information may be had.

Notice will be shortly given in the public papers, of a general meeting of all the friends to this Institution, for the purpose of forming a Committee.

NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING

THE EDUCATION OF THE POOR.

THE first Report of the National Society for promoting the Education of the Poor, in the principles of the Established Church, has been published; and we rejoice to witness the great and successful efforts which it has made to accomplish its object. About 16,0col. are stated to have been raised by the Central Society in London, and upwards of 24,0col. by the Diocesan and District Societies that are united with it. The largeness of this contribution, the fruit of only a few months' exertion, sufficiently marks the mighty power of the engine which has thus been erected. Besides the whole Bench of Bishops, upwards of 100 lay Lords of the, first consideration in the kingdom have become members of this Association. Under these circumstances, we trust that they will not confine their views to what CHRIST. GUARD. VOL. IV.

any one Society (whatever number of affiliated Societies may be joined to it) can accomplish; but that they will at once go to the legislature with a plan for edu cating the poor, which shall embrace every parish in the kingdom (we had almost said, in the empire), and which shall enact, that wherever there do not already exist sufficient means of educating the poor in the principles of the Established Church, such means shall be provided by a parish or other rate; the whole being subjected by means of regular reports to be made to the Privy Council, to the superintendence and observation of the legislature and the public. A measure of this kind, while it would secure the means in every place of educating the poor in the principles of the Established Church, would at the same time leave every one perfectly at liberty to pursue such a course of education, or to form such institutions, as he might deem eligible; and this, we apprehend, would take away every reasonable objection which could be made to the plan by dissenters from the Establishment. How much more efficacious would

such a legislative act as we have suggested, prove, in extending and perpetuating the blessings of a Christian education throughout the land, than all the labours of all the voluntary Societies for instructing the poor in the kingdom! Supposing this plan to be carried into effect, then would the National Society be of the most essential benefit in supplying the parochial schools with schoolmasters properly initiated into the new methods of tuition.

It may be necessary here to guard ourselves from misconception. If we are

zealous for the extension of education on the principles of the "Liturgy and Catechism" of the Church of England, it is not because that Church happens to be established by law-happens to be the national Church; but because we believe it in our conscience to be, without any exception, the best form of Christianity which is professed in the land; the best adapted for training both the young and the old to knowledge and virtue, and for marshalling them in the way to hea Having said thus much, we shall now proceed to give an abstract of the Report.

ven.

Having already given some account of the formation of this Society, it will be unnecessary to recur to that part of its history. Soon after its institution, a temporary school was provided at Holborn Hill for the reception of 100 scholars, and Dr. Bell's assistance was requested in regulating it. Dr. Bell has given his aid to the Society gratuitously, and has acted with great zeal in their service. The Committee intended to form a number 3 T

schools in and near the metropolis, under their own superintendence; but it was finally considered as more eligible to confine their immediate superintendence to a large, central school of 1000 children, projected in Baldwin's Gardens (and since established), and to give occasional assistance and encouragement to other districts and parishes. In pursuance of this plan, they had given 20cl. to a school in Orchard Street, Westminster, with the view of enlarging it so as to contain 1000 scholars, and were deliberating on other applications of a similar kind.

The Committee specify the noble institution of the Military Asylum at Chelsea, founded by the Duke of York, as an example of the system of instruction which they wish to establish. And certainly it is impossible to conceive an institution which is more admirably regulated, or which more exactly answers the end for which it was formed-the Christian education of youth.

We were much pleased with the follow ing article in the Appendix. It refers to applications for aid from Mr. Proctor of Newland, and Mr. Berkin of Mitchel-Dean, in the Forest of Dean.

"At Newland they began to erect a new school in June last. The chief subscribers to the building were the Duke of Beaufort, the Bishop of Gloucester, and Mr. Secretary Ryder; but the estimate of the expense far exceeded the amount of the subscriptions at that time. Mr. Proctor, however, was proceeding in the work with great zeal; and the Duke of Beaufort and Lord Glenbervie had promised an annual subscription towards the salary of a

master.

"At Mitchel-Dean a school has actually been built, and was opened on the 1st of January last. The building was undertaken by Mr. Berkin, at the first, at his own risk. He has since been assisted by his private friends, and in particular by a liberal donation from the Duke of Beaufort, who has also promised an annual subscription. But a considerable proportion of the expense still rests upon Mr. Berkin himself.

"An estimate may be formed of the good likely to be produced by these schools from the information which has been furnished by this zealous promoter of the education of the poor. At the first opening of his new school he had 140 scholars, and the number has since increased to 350. When Mr. Berkin settled in the place, these children, as well as their pa rents, were living almost in a state of barbarism. Few of them were taught to read, and still fewer to distinguish Sunday from other days, by refraining from work, or by the performance of any act of re 5

ligion. They are miners and colliers by occupation; and they inhabit that extraparochial tract of waste land, without a church upon it, which is called the Royal Forest of Dean. Mr. Berkin's success appears to have been very great, not only in teaching the children to read, but also in improving their morals, and impressing their minds with proper notions of their religious duties. The effect, too, upon the parents has been something wonderful; many of whom have expressed their acknowledgments to Mr. Berkin with the tears in their eyes: and it seems that they exert themselves to the utmost to enable their children to be constant in their attendance at school and church, in spite of the numerous difficulties with which they have to struggle. The chief of these difficulties are, the distance which they have to walk; the wretched state of the roads in bad weather; and the extreme poverty of the people, which makes it a hard matter for them to clothe their children properly, and to furnish them with a slice of bread for their dinners. It should be observed also, that many of the parents themselves, who are foresters, now come to church in the most regular and orderly manner; the zeal of the children in the pursuit of their religious learning having carried the desite of it into their families at home.

"Thus may this gentleman congratulate himself as being the instrument, under Providence, of laying the foundation for a vast improvement in the manners and morals of this hitherto much-neglected people; and it must be mentioned to his honour, that, in order to effect these great objects, he has relinquished a neighbouring curacy, and confined himself to that of Mitchel-Dean, for which he receives only 251. per annum, with the 'parsonage. house."

It certainly was not with the same sensation of pleasure that we read the fol lowing resolution of the General Committee:

"That the Society itself being instituted principally for educating the poor in the doctrine and discipline of the Established Church, according to the excellent Liturgy and Catechism provided for that purpose, it is required that all the children received into these schools be, without exception, instructed in this Liturgy and Catechism; and that, in conformity with the directions in that Liturgy, the children of each school do constantly attend divine service in their parish-church, or other place of public worship under the Establishment, wherever the same is practicable, on the Lord's-day; unless such reason for their non-attendance be assigned, as shall be satisfactory to the

persons having the direction of that school; and that no religious Tracts be admitted into any school, but which are or shall be contained in the catalogue of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge."

We should not be acting honestly if we did not state our conviction, that, as far as the interests of the Church are concerned, putting out of view every other consideration, this resolution is unwise and impolitic. We cannot now state the considerations which have led us to this conclusion, but we will resume the subject in a future number. In the mean time, we will close this article with the concluding passage of the Report, which we recommend to the serious attention of our readers.

"The Committee trust, that in submitting this Report to the public, they shall be judged to have made due progress in the great and arduous task which they have undertaken, considering the many difficulties and impediments which must necessarily occur in carrying into effect a work so important and so novel, for which former institutions, however valuable in themselves, have made but imperfect and inadequate provision.

"They look forwards for further support to those who are attached to the constitution in Church and State; the sole object in view being to communicate to the poor generally, by the means of a summary mode of education lately brought into practice, such knowledge and habits as are sufficient to guide them through life in their proper stations; especially to teach the doctrines of religion, according to the principles of the Established Church, and to train them to the performance of their religious duties by early discipline.

"It is unnecessary for this Committee to enlarge upon the necessity of good instruction, and of the benefit which would accrue to society, in proportion as its members are governed by a sense of religious duty, and to the members themselves, in respect both of their present happiness and eternal welfare. And this obtains at all times, more especially in the present, when, on the one hand, indifference to religion, in the neglect of the regular performance of sacred duties, is but too apparent; and on the other, men's mind are distracted by an infinite variety of opinions, studiously propagated by their respec ive advocates.

be facility of communicating instruction by the systein now intended to be brought into general use; its efficiency in fixing the attention, and inculcating the things taught; the eagerness, and even

delight, with which the children embrace it; the entire possession which it takes of their minds, so as to render them pliant and obedient to discipline (all which is visible to any one who visits the schools lately instituted on this plan); and the anxiety which their parents show to have them instructed, are powerful instruments both for infusing into their minds good knowledge, and forming them to good habits. The economy with which, after the first formation of proper schools, it may be conducted, is also such as to give us reason to hope that the very lowest classes of society may receive the benefits of it, and that it may become universal.

"But we must again and again inculcate, that this cannot be done without the general co-operation of the higher and middling classes of society. Their affluence must furnish the means, their attention and inspection must forward the execution, and bring it to perfection. The rules of the Society, and terms of union. are before the public in the papers now published, as examples of the mode in which they wish the plan to be carried into effect. They seek for no control over the schools established in the several districts, nor any thing more than an assurance that they are founded on the same general principles; on which sole, condition they are willing to receive them into union, and to give them such advice and assistance as may occasionally be required. If the plan, of which they have now detailed the progress for a few months, be cordially supported and encouraged by those who are friends to the communion of the Church, they have good reason to hope that it will accomplish a considerable improvement in the condition, and in the moral and religious habits, of the poorer branches of the community, and give a new character to society at large."

PRAYER-BOOK AND HOMILY SOCIETY.

OUR clerical readers are probably aware that the Both Canon enjoins, that "if any parishes be yet unfurnished of the Bible of the largest volume, or of the books of Homilies allowed by authority, the churchwardens shall, within convenient time, provide the same at the charge of the parish." They may not, however, be aware that the Prayer-book and Homily society has engaged to print a handsome edition of the Homilies in folio, for the very purpose of enabling churchwar dens to comply with the injunction of the Canon, provided a sufficient number

of subscribers is obtained. The price of each copy, bandsomely printed and bound in calf, will be a guinea to subscribers. In these times of disputation concerning the real bearing of the doctrines of the Church, we should rejoice to observe a growing familiarity with the Homilies of the Church. In these short, plain, and pithy discourses, will be found a detailed exposition of doctrines and duties, derived from the highest authority in the Church; an authority from which those who assent to our Liturgy and Articles cannot, we presume, very safely or consistently appeal. As the members of the Church of England have long known how that Church prays in her Liturgy, and defines the great doctrines of Scripture in her Articles, it seems fair that they should have an opportunity afforded them of knowing also how she preaches in her Homilies. The friends of the Church will, on this ground, be anxious to introduce once more into their churches and chapels these excellent, edifying, and highly-accredited sermons.

They have now the means, likewise, of circulating these invaluable writings at a cheap rate among the poor, and thus promoting a more general attachment to the Church, and reverence for her institutions. The first twelve of the Homilies, together with the 16th and 17th, are already printed in single sermons as Tracts, and inay be had at very low prices, and in any quantity, from Taylor and Hessey, the booksellers of the Society, No 93, Fleet Street, London; who are also authorized to receive subscribers' names for the folio edition of the Homilies.

WILDERFORCE PHILANTHROPIC

ASSOCIATION.

On the 2d of October 1809, a Society was formed at New York, in North America, composed of free Afr cans, descendants of Africans and people of colour, by the name of "The Wilberforce Philanithropic Association, instituted for the Promotion of Virtue and the Diffusion of Science," the sole object of which is declared to be, to unite all in the bonds of

brotherly love, to instruct the youth, to aid the distressed, and spread the benign influence of virtue, science, and industry. Members are chosen by ballot, and are liable to fines or exclusion for misconduct. The entrance fee is a dollar, and the monthly payment a quarter-dollar. Their officers are a President, two Vice-presi dents, a Secretary, three deputy Secretaries, a Treasurer, two Chaplains, two Physicians or Surgeons, two Attorneys or Counsellors, one Marshal, four orderly Marshals, one Standard-bearer, six Bariner-bearers, one Librarian, and thirteen Directors. Certain pecuniary benefits are to be enjoyed by sick or aged members, and by their widows or orphans. A library is to be formed by voluntary contributions of the members or others. A Committee is appointed to use means to obtain employ for members wanting business, and to place children apprentices. Medals are to be given for compositions on various subjects, and for articles of rare workmanship; and such encouragement afforded to all religious, humane, literary, manufacturing, commercial, agricultural, and speculative establishments, as may conduce to increase the wealth, respectability, knowledge, numbers, public influence, durability, and indissoluble union of this Association, provided that all establishments so encouraged shall be under the management, direction, and control of this Association, entirely and perpetually,

and of no other."

This Society was incorporated by an act of the legislature of New York, on the 8th of June last, and formed into a body corporate and politic, with the usual privileges attached to such an incorporation; its duration being limited to 15 years, and the extent of the teal or personal estate belonging to it being restricted to the sum of 2000 dollars per annum.

We cannot contemplate this nascent institution without a very lively interest, whether we consider the well-earned homage which its designation renders to the distinguished charapion of the African race, or the proofs, and still more the promise, which it furnishes of their advancement. in the social scale. We shall be anxious to watch and report its progress.