In the business of religious instruction this is peculiarly proper. The instruction must obviously be imparted according to some system. To subject it, then, to any influence, control, superintendence, responsibility,or connexion, which does not keep in view the true evangelical unity which is derived from being one in doctrine, ministry, sacraments, and worship, is to remove all security for the soundness and purity of the religion which will be thereby taught.

It appears to the board that Sunday scholars are catechumens, for whose instruction the pastors of the church avail themselves of the aid of those who may offer their services. Their pious attention to this work, therefore, must, of course, be considered as under the direction of their respective pastors. And it is obviously wrong that they should be under any other direction, responsibility, or superintendence, than of their own church. The pastors, again, where the proximity of their respective cures renders it convenient, in connexion with parishioners duly appointed, form an union for the more harmonious and effective prosecution of this important work, subjecting the whole to the general superintendence of their common head, the bishop of the diocess. This is the simple principle upon which our society is founded. It is an institution of the church, recognizing, and held to gether by, the evangelical and primitive bond of Christian unity, and designed as instrumental in that promotion of the glory of God, and the spiritual and eternal good of men, for which the church was established.

It is, therefore, not only because they have enlisted so successfully in the good work of Sunday school instruction, but also because they afford the additional encouragement of their respectable example and influence in favour of the principle of our establishment, that we welcome our brethren of Christ church and St. Luke's, and wish them good luck in the name of the Lord.

The schools in our union, agreeably to the reports received from them, and ranked, as usual, according to their number of scholars respectively, present the following aggregate:

The reports received from these several schools, enable us to give of them respectively the following more particular account:

From the report of the superintendents and secretary of the male department of the school of St. John's chapel, we make the following extracts :

It will be proper, in order to afford a correct view of our school, since the last anniversary, to state the monthly and yearly average, which has been as follows, viz. April, 152; May, 135; June, 139; July, 182; August, 142; Septernber, 115; October, 101; November, 98; December, 104; January, 101; February, 125; March, 141. The yearly average has been 128; the highest number of boys present at any time was 168.

The above view gives a general decrease in the number of our attending scholars from that of the preceding year. It will be proper to advert to the causes that have produced this decrease. We attribute them to the erection of the Episcopal Charity School in our vicinity; to the fever of last summer; to the erection of St. Luke's church; and to the circumstance of seprevalence of the fever. The details of which, veral of our teachers having left us during the as furnished in a report to the board of directors of our school, go to state, that 25 boys have left

us, and been entered in the charity school, the dates of whose discharge we have. That, during the fever, there were about 20 families that removed to the country. That St. Luke's from us on account of their contiguity to it, the church Sunday School received several boys discharge of whom, on this account, we cheer

fully granted. That several of our teachers were absent during the late epidemic, whose classes were, in consequence, much disorganized.

We are, however, happy to state, that, at present, under a new system of reward, our school is in a more thriving condition than at any former period. We allude to the abolition of the blue and red tickets, and to the substitution of certificates in their stead. These are statedly distributed by a committee of the board of directors to those who deserve them, in the presence of the school. And if we consider the importance of giving some exterior to the actual value of the rewards, or, in other terms, a certain formality in their distribution, to heighten their relative value in the minds of the scholars, it must be apparent, that, in institutions of this kind, as well as in those of a more secular construction, the mode of distributing the rewards adds much to their actual value.

We have recently founded a library for the use of the school, the utility of which, it is presumed, needs no comments.

Our method of instruction with those who are sufficiently advanced, is, first, the Scripture Catechism; after which, the one broken into short questions; and, lastly, the Church Catechism. All of which many of the scholars have committed to memory.

Premising that we are utterly averse to what is so often held up as a decided proof of the thriving state of a Sunday School, namely, the quantity of verses recited by the scholars, we are happy to state, that, since the adoption of the present system of reward, there has been a competition among the boys within about four months, which has produced the recitation of rising 7000 verses from Scripture and the Scripture Catechism.

Here we are led to remark on the peculiar. adaptation to our Sunday Schools of the Seripture Catechism recently published by the bishop. The answers, which are from Scripture, are admirably calculated to impress the sound ness of her doctrines on the minds, not only of those who belong to our church, but also of those who, though dissonant to us, yet suffer their children to remain in our school. The answers are not only from Scripture, but references are given to the book, chapter, and verse, in which they are to be found.

On our register there are 240 boys. The school is under the care of two superintendents, a secretary, and thirteen teachers.

Of the female department of this school, we have received the following particulars :

From the report of the ladies engaged in the female school, it appears that there are at present 136 white, and 77 coloured scholars; making, together, 213 in their department.

In consequence of the calamitous visitation of our city last summer, and in consequence likewise of several having left us to attend the Episcopal Charity School, our number has suffered some diminution.

The classes are under the care of 18 ladies, whose zeal and affectionate exertions add a lustre to their characters; and for whom, in this Jabour of love, there will remain, in the hearts of those committed to their charge, a lasting remembrance of their goodness.

It is with the deepest regret that we are

obliged to add, that, since our last report, we have been deprived, by sickness, of the assist ance of our superintendent. To her watchfulness and Christian care, her assiduous and never-tiring attention, under Providence, may be attributed, in a great degree, the improvement of our scholars.

The school is, at present, so far as relates to improvement, perhaps in a more flourishing condition than at any former period. By the renewed exertions of the young ladies, the scholars have advanced far beyond our most sanguine expectations. There is less of fluctuation in attendance, which must necessarily result in more profit to our pupils. Their beha viour in school, and during divine service, is orderly and devout.

The coloured department consists of more than one quarter of the scholars; 25 of whom are adults. This is a peculiarly interesting portion of the school; for here are many who, when they joined us, could not read, but who now are able to peruse their Bible; and who but for the instruction here received, might have held on their darkened way, strangers to that Gospel that is able to make them wise unto salvation.

One death has occurred in this departmentthat of one of our first scholars. She commenced with the alphabet, and had advanced so far as to be conversant with her Bible. She gave evidence of her conversion, and attributed it, under the Divine blessing, to the instruction she received in the Sunday School. Her evidence of justification was founded on the Redeemer's atonement, and she longed to depart, and be with him. She expressed much gratitude to her teachers for their care of her, and for the instruction she had received.

Of the male department of the school of Zion church, we have received the following report:

The school is now under the care of two SUperintendents and twelve teachers, and consists of 180 scholars; 100 of which are regular in their attendance. The remainder are irregular, owing to various causes. The teachers in general are very assiduous in their exertions for the promotion of both the religious and moral instruction of their pupils; and to them must be ascribed the credit that is due for raising Zion's School, from 25 regular attendants, in consequence of the epidemic which visited our city last summer, to the situation in which it.

now stands.

From the report of the superintendents of the female department of this school, we give the following extracts:

Since the last anniversary, the school has continued to prosper, and the blessing of Heaven has descended on those engaged in this laudable employment. Warmly attached to their church, they have continued, under the smiles of their heavenly Father, to discharge the all-important duty which has devolved up on them, of bringing up the children intrusted to their care, in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord," and in a knowledge of the principles of that church to which they have the happiness to belong. Yet while they

rejoice in this, they grieve to recollect that one of their number, who, at the last anniversary, entered the temple of God to join in the tribute of praise to the Father of Mercies, is now no more. The late prevailing fever mark. ed our youthful friend as a victim. She died as she lived, zealously devoted to the church which the Redeemer established, and looking for salvation through his atoning blood. Her ass, thus left without a teacher, has been sup plied by another, in whose attachment to the church we have the fullest confidence, and on whose zeal for the Redeemer's kingdom we may safely rely.

In consequence of the alarm occasioned by the fever, the superintendents thought it prudent to close the school on the 1st of September, and it was not reopened until the 10th day of November. This for a while retarded their progress; but they are once more in the path of usefulness, and trust they will not be found loiterers on the road.

Since the organization of our school, 693 scholars have been admitted; and, during the year past, 113; of which number 23 are coloured. Many of them are found deserving the entire approbation of their teachers. They have a general acquaintance with the Catechism, and appear to profit by the books loaned them from the library. Many of them have recited the greater part of the hymns contained in the Prayer Book, and from 4 to 600 verses in the New Testament. One, in the seventh year of her age, has recited the Church Catechism, 21 chapters in the New Testament, the collects, epistles, and gospels, together with all the hymns and several psalms in the Prayer Book.

The number of regular scholars is 140. We have to lament the loss of one interesting scholar by death, whose exemplary behaviour in school, and during divine service in church, was worthy of imitation.

The school is divided into fourteen classeseleven white and three coloured-which are under the care of two superintendents and fifteen teachers.

Of the male department of the school of St. Luke's church, we have received the following account:

This school was organized on Sunday, the 23d June, 1822, with 57 scholars, in charge of a superintendent, secretary, and five teachers, and continued to increase in numbers until the month of August, when many scholars became irregular in their attendance, and others withdrew from the school altogether, their parents taking little or no interest in enforcing their at tendance; so that, until the month of November, the average number of regular attendants did not exceed 35: since that period, the school has increased in numbers, at a rate beyond the most sanguine expectations. Total number admitted since its organization, 165, of which 11 are coloured. Whole number withdrawn, or discharged by request of parents, 47. Present number of scholars, 115. Average number of regular attendants, 77. Irregular, 38. Divided into classes as follows: Testament and large Catechism, 50; Scripture Instruction and Serip ture Catechism, 25; spelling and reading, 15; alphabet and monosyllables, 27. Total, 115. The distance of the village from their places of business, made it necessary to dispense with VOL. VII.

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the duty of visiting absent scholars, by the superintendent and teachers, during the inclement season of the year. It is therefore very gratifying, that the rapid increase of the school is the result of voluntary application for admission by the scholars themselves. The returning mildness of the weather, and increasing length of the days, will, however, again call for their attention to this important branch of duty, upon which depends much of the utility of Sunday Schools; and the hope is entertained, that not only those who are irregular, but many who had withdrawn during the summer months, will be prevailed upon to return, and by their future attention, evince their sense of the benefits that will result to themselves by so doing.

The superintendent takes great pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of 20 Bibles and 30 Common Prayer Books, from the managers of the Auxiliary New-York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society; as also of a number of books and tracts for distribution as premiums, from the agent of the Tract and Sunday School Societies.

A public examination of the scholars of both sexes, took place on the 31st December last, in St. Luke's church, the classes examined by the rector, and 20 Bibles, 12 Testaments, and a number of reading books, were awarded to those who had distinguished themselves by their good conduct, attention to their studies, and progress in their catechism.

For their own improvement, as well as to 'excite emulation among the scholars, as a spur to industry, and to promote good behaviour during divine service, the board of teachers have, by their individual monthly contributions, aided by the efficient co-operation of the ladies attached to the female school, and by donations from several generous individuals, succeeded in forming a library, which consists of 100 volumes of pious and historical books, and which has thus far been attended with beneficial consequences.

The school having become too large to teach in the gallery of the church, the superintendent was induced to make application to the trustees of the New-York Free School, for the use of a room in the school-house opposite the church, and the spacious room on the basement floor, furnished with desks and benches, was assigned to him, and the key put into his possession.

The superintendent avails himself of this opportunity, and takes great pleasure in bearing testimony to the zeal and industry of the young gentlemen associated with him in the discharge of their arduous duties; some of whom residing in town, must of necessity subject themselves to much inconvenience to enable them to be at Greenwich twice a-day, at the early hour at which school commences; and when it is considered that there are but eight teachers to attend to so large a school, and whose numbers are weekly augmenting, their ardour in the good cause will be properly appreciated.

The superintendent has commenced an experiment of teaching upon Dr. Bell's system, in doing which he is aided by some of the larger boys who belong to the New-York Free School, some of whom acting as monitors in that school, are familiar with some of its details, and will be employed as such in this, and thus lighten the labour of the teachers, the want of a sufficient number of whom is a cause of general complaint. The introduction of this system will, in

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a great measure, do away that complaint; and although the superintendent's own knowledge of the system is as yet imperfect, he hopes that the success of the attempt will at least keep pace with his own improvement, and ultimately produce the happiest results.

In conclusion, the superintendent is not without hopes that this school, although not a year in existence, has, by the Divine blessing, contributed something towards promoting the objects of the society, the improvement of the scholars being such as does honour to themselves, and reflects credit upon their teachers.

The following account of the female department of St. Luke's school has been received:

The school at present consists of 100 scholars, 80 white, and 20 coloured; 50 of whom attend regularly. It is divided into seven classes, each one under the care of a teacher and assist

ant. And, taking into view the short period the school has been established, their improvement has been very evident.

Most of the children in the first class have gone through the Scripture Catechism, and are far advanced in the Church Catechism. One little girl, under 12 years of age, has committed to memory the whole of "Matthew," and several chapters in "Mark"-and many others in the same class have learned from five to ten chapters in Matthew.

The children in the lower classes are going through the Scripture Catechism the second time, and read well in the Testament.

Of the coloured class, from 10 to 15 attend regularly. They are in general attentive to their lessons, and appear desirous of improving. Many of them read so well as to enable them to study the Catechism.

A library has lately been attached to the school, in union with the male department, from which the children are supplied with books to read at home, which, it is hoped, may have a beneficial influence upon them; inspiring them with love and gratitude, not only to their earthly teachers, but to their “Father in heaven."

The superintendent of the male department of the school of St. Paul's chapel reports as follows:

On taking charge of the school, in June last, he found the number of scholars, who attended regularly, did not exceed 20; and the whole number on the register 28. The school, from that time, increased, until the 25th of August, when it was found necessary to close it on aecount of the then prevailing fever. When the school was reopened, on the second Sunday in November, a very sensible diminution was perceived in its numbers, by reason of many of the children changing their places of residence for others that were unknown, and of several having removed into the country. The average number for that month was 13; since which time it has increased at almost cach meeting of the school The present number of regular attendants is 48; the whole number on the register 61. The school is divided into nine classes, with a teacher to each class, and a secretary to the school, who, by their strict attention to their duties, manifest zeal and perseverance in their labour

of love. And it is with peculiar gratification that the superintendent reports, that, since he has taken charge of the school, four of the former teachers, who had resigned, have again come forward, and, with renewed exertions, evince their sense of the obligations that rest upon them. The local situation of the school prevents it from being a large one. But the children manifest in general great improvement, and afford the highest gratification to their teachers, and amply compensate for the time and attention so cheerfully and unremit tingly devoted to their welfare. To mention many particulars is unnecessary. The following are selected. A class of four boys, that, in December last, were spelling in one and two syllables, now read in the Prayer Book correctly. In consequence of the indisposition of one of the teachers for a few weeks, the su perintendent had charge of his class: a boy in that class, about 12 years old, in addition to long tasks in spelling, reading, and Scripture Instruction, committed to memory 18 pages of the Church Catechism broke into short Questions and Answers, in one week; and, it is worthy of remark, that the boy's avocations on week days prevent him from receiving any other instruction,

The superintendent gratefully acknowledges a donation of 30 Prayer Books, received from the Auxiliary New-York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society; also 150 tracts, from the Protestant Episcopal Tract Society.

The directors generally are prompt in their attendance, and in the discharge of the duties assigned to them; and the zeal manifested by several of the gentlemen is worthy of imitation.

Of the female department of the same school, the following report has been made:

Since the last anniversary, 80 new scholars have been admitted; 60 white, and 20 coloured. Previously to the month of August last, the regular number of scholars fluctuated between 60 and 70. On the 18th of that month, it was judged expedient by the superintendent to close the school for a time, in consequence of the state of the city at that period. It was not opened again until the 10th of November.This, had there been no other obstacle, would have been a sufficient cause why so few attended during the month of November. At this time many of the parents were thrown entirely out of employ, and were not in circumstances to clothe their children, in that inclement season, sufficiently to attend school. Several lost thei parents by the prevailing epidemic, and were obliged to go to the Almshouse for an asylum, having no friends. Notwithstanding these obstacles, the school, on the 22d of December, was increased to 60 scholars, and the number attending has continued to vary between 70 and 80 up to the present time.

Two little girls, aged 12 years, have each, since January, committed to memory 30 hymus and psalms, besides their catechism, Scripture Instruction, and Bible lessons.

The coloured classes consist of 28 scholars; 15 of whom are adults. A child, under 12 years of age, since the 23d of February, has committed to memory ten lessons in the catechism, three hymns, eight pages in the Scripture Instruction, and the sixth and seventh chapters of

Matthew. Another, under six years of age, since the 1st of February, has committed to memory four lessons in the Scripture Catechism, two in the Catechism broke into short Questions and Answers, and four pages in the Scripture Instruction.

Upon taking a review of the reports of the teachers, there is every reason to conclude, that, with the countenance and protection of its patrons and benefactors, under Divine Providence, it will continue to increase in numbers, in strength, and in usefulness.

The children continue to behave with the same decent deportment as has been formerly remarked; and although the change of teachers has in some instances influenced their attendance, a little persuasion has generally reconciled them to the change.

The male department of the school of St. Mark's churck, according to the report received, consists

Of 50 scholars, of whom about 40 attend regularly. Of these, seventeen read in the New Testament; two in the Scripture Instruction; five spell words of three syllables, and are beginning to read; ten spell words of one syllable; and four are learning the alphabet. Seven regularly recite the catechism along with the chil dren of the congregation.

The superintendent mentions with pleasure, that the behaviour of the boys during service has very much improved since the last report.

A benevolent individual of the congregation has given six complete suits of clothing to as many of the most necessitous of the scholars, and twelve pair of shoes; and others have been partially furnished with wearing apparel, by a society consisting principally of ladies belonging to St. Mark's church.

The school still labours under the want of two or three active and efficient teachers.

The superintendent of the female department of the same school reports as follows:

The superintendent of the female department of St. Mark's feels more than ordinary pleasure in presenting this her annual report, inasmuch as it hath pleased the Author and Giver of all good not only to enlarge the school over which he has called her to preside, but to send forth more help meet to assist her in the work of faith. The gratifying success that has attended our labours for sonte mouths past, proves them not to have been in vain in the Lord, and encourages us to seek the continuance of his favour and assistance.

Within the last three years there have been admitted in this school 155 scholars; 37 of that number have been admitted since the last anniversary. It at present consists of 57 members, 47 of whom are regular attendants, divided

into seven classes, under the care of as many teachers, two of whom, with a steadfastness that cannot be too highly commended, have been zealous and faithful labourers in this their ho

nourable vocation, ever since the institution of the school.

The improvement of our little flock, generally, is highly satisfactory; and we cannot but think some good seed has been sown, which, in due season, will spring up. Indeed we have an

encouraging ground of hope in some of the eld est girls, who seem very desirous to be brought to the knowledge of the Lord. It is gratifying to mention, that one of them, who has not yet attained her twelfth year, has been rewarded for her assiduity and attention by the charge of a class, which she manages to instruct, without losing the benefit of being instructed; and a more attentive and indefatigable teacher could not be desired.

The superintendent of the male department of the school of Christ church makes the following report :—

In making this my first report to the society concerning the school of Christ church, it may not be amiss to state, that it was opened on the 26th March, 1816, under the patronage of the New-York Sunday School Union Society; in union with which it continued until the close of the last year, when those engaged in its management, under a sense of duty, resolved to connect it with that to which I now report. From that time the following is the view of its condition:

The school is under the direction of two superintendents, by one of whom the duty of secretary is performed; one visitor, and seven teachers, of whom two entered the school as scholars. The names remaining on the register are 54. Of these, 37 are white, and 17 are coloured. The average number present every Sunday is 30; and it gives me pleasure to add, that such as do attend are generally regular and punetual. They are divided into seven classes, the studies of two of which are the alphabet and spelling; and those of the remainder are spelling, reading, and committing to memory parts of the Holy Scriptures, in which last exercise some of the scholars exhibit remarkable diligence and strength of memory. The number of verses committed since in union with the Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Society, is 1695, of which one scholar has learnt 1094. Most of those who are able to read have Prayer Books, and some have Bibles as the rewards of diligence. They attend church, and are there under the direction of two teachers, who preserve order and instruct them in the service.

The expectation indulged, after the reopening of the school subsequent to the fever, of speedily removing to the new church, prevented us from making that exertion to procure scholars which was necessary to make this re port as gratifying to the friends of the school as they could wish. We are sensible that from our present location much will be expected; and hope that no just expectation will be disappointed. I would acknowledge with gratitude, the receipt of several liberal donations from the Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Society.

The female department of this school, having but just separated itself from the general union, and been connected with us, has not rendered any particular report. We learn, however, that it contains about 40 scholars, and doubt not that its removal to a part of the city, much more favourable than its late location to Sunday school instruction;