nions, studiously propagated by their respective advocates.

"The facility of communicating instruction by the system 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 shew to have them instructed, are pow. erful 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 controul 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 80th 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 CHRIST. OBSERV, No. 131.

Prayer-Book and Homily Society has engaged to print a handsome edition of the Homilies in folio, for the very purpose of enabling churchwardens to comply with the injunction of the Canon, provided a sufficient number of subscribers is obtained. The price of each copy, handsomely 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 may be had at very low prices, and in any quantity, from Taylor and Hessey, the booksellers of the society, No. 93, Fleetstreet, London; who are also authorised to receive subscribers' names for the folio edition of the Homilies.

WILBERFORCE PHILANTHROPIC

ASSOCIATION.

On the 2d of October, 1809, a society was formed at New-York, in North America, composed of free Africans, descend. ants of Africans and people of colour, by. the name of "The Wilberforce Philanthro pic 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

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Settled in the place, these children, as well as their parents, 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 religion. They are miners and colliers by occupation; and they inhabit that extra-parochial 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 fficulties 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 bard 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 desire 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 254. per annum, with the parsonage-house."

It certainly was not with the same sensa. tion of pleasure that we read the following 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 con

stantly attend Divine Service, in their pa ish church, or other place of publie 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 impelitic. 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 inean time we will close this article with the concluding passage of the Report, which we recommend to the serions attention of our readers.

"The Committee trust, that in submitting this Report to the publie, 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 insti tutions, however valuable in themselves, have made but imperfect and inadequate provision.

"They look forwards for farther 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 educa tion, lately brought into practice, such knowledge and habits, as are sufficient to guide them through life, in their proper sta tions, 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 carly discipline.

"It is unnecessary for this Committee to enlarge upon the necessity of good instruc tiou, 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 wellam. If this obtains at all times, more especially in the present, when, on the one hand, indil ference to religion, in the neglect of the regular performance of sacred duties, is but too apparent, and on the other, men's minds are distracted by an infinite variety of epi•

nions, studiously propagated by their respective advocates.

"The facility of communicating instruction by the system 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 shew 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 controul 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 80th 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 CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 131.

Prayer-Book and Homily Society has engaged to print a handsome edition of the Homilies in folio, for the very purpose of enabling churchwardens to comply with the injunction of the Canon, provided a sufficient number of subscribers is obtained. The price of each copy, handsomely 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 may be had at very low prices, and in any quantity, from Taylor and Hessey, the booksellers of the society, No. 93, Fleetstreet, London; who are also authorised to receive subscribers' names for the folio edition of the Homilies.

WILBERFORCE PHILANTHROPIC

ASSOCIATION.

On the 2d of October, 1809, a society was formed at New-York, in North America, composed of free Africans, descend. ants of Africans and people of colour, by

the name of "The Wilberforce Philanthropic 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

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dollar. Their officers are, a president, two vice-presidents, a secretary, three deputy sceretaries, a treasurer, two chaplains, two physicians or surgeons, two attorneys or Counsellors, one marshall, four orderly war shals, one standard-bearer, six banner-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 ineans 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, manafacturing, commercial, agricultural, and specalative 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 controul 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 dura tion being limited to 15 years, and the extent of the real or personal estate belonging to it being restricted to the sum of 2,000 dollars per annum.

We cannot contentplate this nascent institution without a very lively interest, whether we consider the well-earned homage which its designation renders to the distinguished champion 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.

Hopedale, July 25, 1810." We entreat you, dear brethren, in the most cordial manner, to present to the venerable British and most fervent Foreign Bible Society, our thanks for their kindness towards our poor believing Esquimaux, in having sent them such a valuable present as the Gospel of St. John and part of that of St. Luke, printed in their own language. May our gracious Lord and Saviour richly reward them for it, and enable them to make known His saving word, by distributing it throughout every land and nation, to the glory of his redemption. When our Esquimaux are all at home, and we appoint a meeting to distribute these books, there will be great joy manifested among them, and many a prayer will arise from their very hearts in behalf of the Society."

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"Our proper calling to make known the Gospel to the Esquimaux nation, has remained most important to us, and we have sought to improve every occasion to represent to them the love of Jesus, and what He has done and suffered to redeem us, and to procure for us eternal life and happiness. He again granted His power to attend our feeble ministry. As our Esquimant flock, we can declare with truth, that we have seen the most manifest proofs of the faithfulness of the good Shepherd, and with what love and patience He leads them and preserves them from deviating again into the broad way. Even when one or another of then lost his first love, and became, for a time, lukewarm, we had the joy to see them soon brought to reflection, and the love of Jesus re-kindled in their hearts. On such occasions, they would come to us and weep, and lament over their indifference and coldness towards their Saviour, who, out of love to them, had suffered such bitter pains and torments, and died the death to save them, Weak and insufficient as they feel toemselves, we can say of most, that they cleave unto, and seek grace and help from our Saviour. And as He becomes more precious to their souls, and His help indispensably necessary for their happiness, they seek more to enjoy His peace, through a sense of the forgiveness of their sins and deliverance from the power thereof. They delight to turn to him in prayer, and feel the comfort of being heard and answered.

Young and old have most diligently attended all the meetings of the congregation, and, as they often declared, never without a blessing. Our communion-days were truly festival days to us and them; the presence of Jesus was most sensibly felt on these oc

casions, and many tears of thankfulness flowed from their eyes. During their absence in summer, they have regularly held their evening and morning worship in their tents. Their joy on receiving the new Es quimaux hymn-books, printed and sent out last year, was inexpressibly great, but we did not receive them till the 13th of March, from Nain. We wish our dear brethren had been present at the distribution, to see the fervent gratitude with which they were received. They entreated us with tears to express their thankfulness to their fathers and brethren in the East, for this present, and for the trouble they had in putting it in print; and added, that they would not forget to pray to Jesus to bless them richly for it. We are frequently surprised and delighted to find how the Spirit of God explains to them more and more the spiritual meaning of the holy Scriptures, and of all the words of Christ, contained in them and in the bymns. They often express their astonishment, that they had so frequently heard and read this and the other Scripture, and yet never understood its real meaning till now."

Our Esquimaux congregation consists of 36 communicants, 12 candidates, 13 baptized, not yet communicants, 10 candidates, 33 baptized children. In all, of 109 persons. Thirty-six un-baptized, chiefly chil dren, live on our land. In all, 143 persons, inhabitants of Hopedale."

Nain, Aug. 14, 1310." At the close of the year 1809, 91 persons lived on our land; of these, 62 b.long to our congregation, consisting of 18 communicants, 18 baptized, not yet communicants, 20 baptized childien, and 6 candidates for baptism."

Nain, Sept. 26, 1811.-" Our Esquimaux congregation consisted, at the close of the year 1810, of 67 persons, 5 more than at the close of the last year. Of these, 20 are communicants. Besides these, 48 persons, including children, live on our land. In all, 115 persons; 24 more than at the close of last year.

"With the necessaries of life, our Esquimaux have been more abundantly supplied, than we ever remember. Their success in procuring provisions last autumn was tolerable, and they have besides caught many seals in nets; so that they have not only had a suficiency for their own consumption, but

This view of the state of the congregation at Hopedale is nearly the same with that which is given of the other two settlements at Nain and Okkak, so that it will be unnecessary to repeat it.

were able to assist their brethren at Hopedale, whose supplies have been but scanty. We joined them in thanks to the Lord for this favour.

"In your kind letter you express the joy it would give you if the heathen, who live in our neighbourhood and frequently visit us, would hear and receive the Gospel. You will rejoice with us, when you learn that we have hopes that this will be the case, and that a beginning is already made. Our neighbours at Nokkasusuktok, who came frequently during the winter to trade with us, were reminded, both by us and our Esquimaux, of the necessity of conversion; and Jesus was proclaimed to them as their only Saviour and Redeemer. He has blessed this testimony, so that their principal leader removed to Nain in February last. This man seems to have been prepared by the Spirit of God for his conversion. He complained bitterly of the load of guilt he felt, on account of his sins, and expressed his fervent wish that our Saviour would deliver him from them. We assured him, that, if he was anxious to be freed from the power and guilt of sin, Jesus was ready and willing to cleanse him from all unrighteousness; that He had come for this purpose into the world, had suffered and shed His blood, and died for our transgressions. We have good hopes of this man, and his removal hither has not failed to create much sensation among his neighbours; another family has come to us, and one to Okkak. Besides these, two families from the north are with us at present, but we are not certain whether they will remain here or remove to Okkak. Should they remain here, the number of our inha-, bitants would be increased by twenty-five souls, and consequently amount to 140 in all. For so many our church, which has been crowded during the winter, would be too small; and God grant that it may be too, small for the souls who attend it with real hunger and thirst after salvation; how gladly should we propose the enlargement of it,"

"The Harmony of the Four Evangelists, printed for us in the Esquimaux language by your Society, and the Gospel according to St. John, presented by the Bible Society, were received with much joy by the Esquimaux."

"We beg you to present our most grateful acknowledgments to the Bible Society, for their willingness to print more integral portions of the Holy Scriptures for us. We intend to translate almost the whole of the New Testament, in order to have it printed, at once; it will, therefore, be some time