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MONTHLY REGISTER.

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THE Jamaica District Committee of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, having now reached its second anniversary, it is due to those who have contributed to its funds, to be informed of the manner in which those funds have been appropriated, and the designs of the institution carried into effect.

At the first quarterly meeting of the Jamaica District Committee, a special committee was appointed for the purpose of selecting from the Society's catalogue, such books as should be deemed most proper for circulation in this community. In fulfilment of this duty, a list was prepared and transmitted to the Parent Society, which promptly directed its bookseller to send all the books required. This shipment, consisting of fifty-four Bibles, twenty-four Testaments, forty-two Common Prayer Books, eighteen Psalters, and thirteen thousand six hundred and fortyfour other tracts and publications, together with two complete sets of the Society's books and tracts, in fifty volumes each, cost the Society two hundred and eighty-five pounds sixteen shillings and four pence, and was charged to the District Committee, including the costs of shipment, at one hundred and fifty-nine pounds sixteen shillings and nine pence sterling. The Society was subsequently requested to send out one thousand Bibles, five hundred Testaments, one thousand Common Prayer Books, and five hundred and fifty tracts, all of which were likewise speedily sent, and were charged to the District Committee at two hundred and thirtyfour pounds thirteen shillings sterling. In payment of these books, the treasurer has as yet been enabled to remit only three hundred and fifty pounds sterling. Of these publications a general depôt was established in Kingston, under the charge of Mr. Philip Young, from whom an apartment was hired for the use of the institution, and who undertook the sale of the books in Kingston, as well as to assort and despatch them to the other parishes. From this general depôt, books have been issued to each parish in the numbers stated in the annexed table, to the care of the respective incumbents, to whom a discretionary power was entrusted to dispose of them gra

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tuitously, at the reduced prices, or at the Society's full prices, according to their judgment of the circumstances of the applicant. A great proportion of the books has thus already got into circulation, an the remainder forms a depôt in each parish.

The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, in consequence of the rise of kindred Societies having, for their special objects, the support of missions and the establishment of schools, has of late years in a great measure confined its operation to that branch of the general design which consists in the publication and distribution of books and tracts. The Jamaica District Committee has hitherto followed the example in this respect of the Parent Society, with the single exception of à grant of forty-five pounds, to the school established at Bath, under its patronage. In pursuing this course, the District Committee has been influenced by necessity, as much as by choice, and the obvious consideration that, in this mode only, could the benefits of its limited resources be widely and generally diffused throughout the community. But it has not been without regret that it has, in several instances, resisted the importunities of some of the best friends of the institution, who anxiously urged, that a portion of the funds should be directed to an object certainly of the highest importance-the increase of virtuous and pious education, for the lower orders of our free population, by assisting in the formation and support of schools. This regret has however been of late greatly alleviated by observing the rise of a general and simultaneous feeling throughout the island towards establishing schools in those situations, where the want has been chiefly felt. The secretaries having, at different periods, addressed inquiries to the parochial clergy, for the purpose of ascertaining the state of education in ther respective districts, and procuring such other information as might guide the future operations of the District Committee, the following statements are chiefly taken from their replies.

KINGSTON.

Here, according to the best information that could be obtained, are forty-six schools, at which upwards of one thousand eight hundred children are educated, Many of these schools have been largely supplied with books at the reduced prices. The munificent institution of Wolmer's Free School, at which two hundred and eighty young persons are now under

tuition, has been amply supplied, not only with school books, but with a variety of the Society's other publications, the utility of which in that seminary has been enhanced by the judicious management of Mr. Read, the head master, who has established a lending library for the use of the scholars, consisting chiefly of the Society's publications. For this purpose he was permitted to have a complete set of the Society's books and tracts, in fifty volumes, at the reduced price: besides which, having made a selection of such books as best suited his purpose, he was furnished with so many copies of each as that all the boys of a class might, at one time, be allowed the perusal of the same book; who, being called upon, on return of the books, to give some account, in open school, of their contents, would naturally read them with an attention excited by emulation, and the prospect of display. For several years past, the children of nearly all the schools in this city have attended the Church on the Wednesdays during Lent, when, after being examined by the Rector in Mann's and Crossman's Catechism, a lecture has been delivered to them suited to their age and comprehension. Mr. Mann states that, on these occasions, he has been invariably gratified in a high degree, not only by the numerous attendance of the children, but by the correctness, intelligence, and general propriety, displayed by them.] ST. ANN'S.

In this parish a parochial sub-committee was early formed, to the first report of which the District Committee has now great pleasure in referring, in testimony of the vigour and success with which the designs of the institution have there been carried into effect.

ST. THOMAS IN THE EAST. The report of the Bath school is before the District Committee, by which it appears, that, for some weeks after its commencement, the scholars amounted only to fifteen; towards the close of the first year they increased to sixteen boys and twelve girls, and a favourable account is given of the progress of the children, and prospects of the school. Connected with this subject, and the general objects of the Society, Mr. Trew writes: "In this parish there are four schools, which have been established for the instruction of free persons of colour, in which one hundred children are at present enjoying the advantages of a useful education; of these, one situated at Morant Bay, is liberally endowed by the parish, and possesses an in. telligent master. The school house is a convenient building, capable of ontaining

upwards of fifty children, and is in all respects well adapted for their accommodation,

"A second of these institutions is under the immediate patronage of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, and promises to be extensively useful to the neighbourhood of Bath. The design of this seminary is to provide the means of instruction for the poor, as well as for the rich, and thus to assist those whose poverty of circumstances would otherwise have precluded them from imparting to their children the blessings of education, Its affairs are managed by an efficient committee, with whom it rests to investigate the claims of candidates for gratuitous admission, as well as to regulate its general concerns. The school at Bath derives its support in the first place from your Society; secondly, from the justices and vestry of the parish, who, with their characteristic liberality, have granted an annual sum in aid of its funds; and, lastly, from the voluntary contributions of the public in general. The master's salary is two hundred and fifty pounds per annum, which is paid him quarterly on his producing a certificate of good conduct, attested by three members of the committee. The remaining schools in this parish are private: to all of them, however, the books of your Society have proved highly acceptable and useful, as they have, from time to time, been circulated amongst the children of each of these establishments."

ST. THOMAS IN THE VALE, From St. Thomas in the Vale, Bir. Burton states: "There are three schools in the parish, the first the parochial school, for the education of ten poor children of free condition, and at which there were till within a few weeks back, when sickness diminished their number, ten private scholars. This school is kept at a house in the immediate neighbourhood of the church, and under my own eye, the scholars are occasionally examined, and they are catechised every other Sunday in church; of their improvement in religious and other useful knowledge I can speak most favourably.

"The next to be mentioned is a private school in the neighbourhood of Cuy's Hill, consisting of ten scholars, whose education is similar to the preceding, and whose readiness, in replying to the questions both in Mann's and Mant's Catechism, as well as their pertinent answers to several questions from myself, did credit alike to their teacher and themselves. The last (but from what has been reported to me,) by far the largest school, is in an opposite

part of the parish called "Above Rocks." As this is the most populous district in the parish, and the population within a small compass, (I have reason to believe) the number of scholars to be very considerable: it is supported by dissenters and conducted on their principles, and I have not felt myself called upon to visit it. I have, however, supplied it with the Society's books, through the medium of a member of your Society. The parish school uses none other than the Society's books, and the children are brought up in the principles of the Established Church. The other school is also supplied by me with books."

TRELAWNEY.

Mr. Frazer writes: "The two consignments of books I duly received, and a good number of them has been distributed among the different schools, where they have met with the heartiest welcome, and I have every reason to believe will do much good. On my notifying their arrival, they were applied for with the utmost avidity,

"Indeed it is with real pleasure that I witness the increasing desire among the free coloured people to educate their children, and hail it, as the promise of a new and better character."

In a previous communication, Mr. F. had stated, that "at Falmouth, in this parish, there were six schools, attended by ninety-three scholars, and at Rio-Bueno one school with about thirty scholars."

ST. JAMES's.

Mr. Jenkins states, that "in this parish the free people of colour are increasing in number rapidly. Many of them, who are very poor, wish to have their children taught to read and write, &c. but cannot send them to school, on account of the expense. What can be done for them? Something should be done on their behalf in every parish. The necessity of it is generally acknowledged; but the impoverished state of the country will prevent any effectual steps being taken for some time to come."

HANOVER.

Besides a fair proportion of other books, a large supply of school books has been sent to this parish, on the urgent application of Mr. Rose, the rector, who has established a Sunday school in the parish, to the use of which he has appropriated all the books. In August, he states the number attending the school at thirty boys and girls. In his letter of the 18th of November he states them to have increased to about ninety. "The children," he adds, "attend in the vestry-room of the Church

on Sunday mornings, to be instructed, from eight to ten o'clock, and then walk into the Church to hear divine service, and in the afternoon, from two to four, and do the same; and the institution appears to be most agreeable to all ranks of people, and is, and will be, of infinite service to the rising generation."

WESTMORELAND.

From this parish Mr. M'Intyre, recently appointed Rector, reports, that “on the state of education in this parish, generally, it is not in my power, at present, to give much information; but it is pleasing to me to say, that, in the town and vicinity of Savanna-la-Mar, I have every reason to expect a rapid and extensive improvement. At the suggestion of the late Mr. Daun, the trustees of Manning's free school applied, through him, to the Bishop of London, soliciting his lordship to recommend a young man, not in holy orders, for the situation of head master. In consequence of this, a gentleman arrived here a few months since, who fully justifies the high character, which the Bishop gave him; and seems eminently qualified to realize the wishes of the trustees. I shall, at some future time, do myself the honour to communicate more fully with you; and to submit to you, for the approval and sup port of the Society, a plan for establishing a Sunday school in this town, for the benefit of all who may be disposed to attend.' ST. ELIZABETH'S

Mr. Williams, who had on repeated occasions expressed an anxious desire that the District Committee would assist in establishing a school in this parish, where one is much required, has now (25th of November, 1823,) 66 great pleasure in stating that a school on a large and liberal plan, will shortly be established here, and this too without calling on the Society for any aid, owing to the benevolent bequests of Messrs. Munro and Dickensou, being on the point of being carried into effect."

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school of any kind amongst them, I doubt if scarcely any of them can read."

From these extracts it may appear that, in most of the favourable situations throughout the island, the means of education for the free classes are by no means altogether wanting, and that there appears to prevail, at the present time, a very ardent desire to increase them. Whether the Jamaica District Committee has had

an influence in exciting this desire, it would be difficult to ascertain. It cannot however be doubted, that the success and advancement of these schools will be greatly promoted by an institution, which, though it may be unable to make direct pecuniary grants for their support, is yet ever ready to supply, either gratuitously or at very reduced prices, such books as the pupils may require.

Number of Books distributed in 1822 and 1823, by the Jamaica District Committee of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.

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COVENTRY DISTRICT.

A sermon was lately preached at Dunchurch, by the Rev. Mr. Andrews in aid of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, when the collection amounted to 71. A sermon for the like purpose was preached at Meriden, on Sunday, the 26th September, by the Rev. William Somerville, after which the sum of 81. 178. 6d. was collected. We are happy to find this District Committee thus following up their resolution entered into last year, of solicit ing annually from three different parishes within the Archdeaconry of Coventry, a collection at the Church doors in support of the general funds of the Parent Society, and the local funds of the District depository. The following extract from the last report of the Coventry District Committee, we beg to submit to the attention of our readers.

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And a set of the Society's Books.

gest how beneficial it would probably be to the funds of the Society, and conducive to the extension of Christian principles, if every subscriber would so far evince a lively interest in the prosperity of the one, and the maintenance of the other, as to make known within the circle of his own acquaintance, the steady, but noiseless, efforts of the Society, to deal out the bread of life to the hungry, and to direct him that is athirst to the fountain of living waters. Many, in that case, it is to be hoped, who are at present ignorant, not only of the nature, but even of the existence of the Society, would, by their readiness to give, and gladness to distribute, prove that they have a sincere regard for the welfare of true religion and virtue upon earth; and by selecting the Society, as the channel through which their bounty should flow, shew that they are convinced these blessings are best promoted and maintained by an undeviating attention, a firm adherence to the doctrines, and an unequivocal attachment to the interests of the Established Church."

FORMATION OF A DISTRICT COMMITTEE AT STAFFORD.

ON Thursday se'nnight, a meeting of the members of this Society, and others of the Clergy and Laity, residing within the Archdeaconry of Stafford, was held in the Grand Jury Room in the Shire Hall; the Hon. and Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Lich field and Coventry, in the chair.

The Lord Bishop opened the meeting, by observing-He felt himself highly gratified at seeing so large and respectable a meeting of Laity and Clergy assembled for the promotion of so excellent an object. The Society, whose interests they were that day assembled to promote, was one, which had the greatest claims upon every man who was a lover of his country, and desired to see her flourish in her firmest support-true and practical religion; by every man, who, feeling in his own breast the consolation of genuine Christianity, wished to see its benefits communicated to others; by every man that felt that veneration, which he was sure every one present did feel, for our pure and Apostolical Church. The Society was founded, his Lordship observed, in 1699; and from that time to the present, by the distribution of the Bible in the authorized version, and its best interpreter, the Prayer Book, together with Tracts, approved in proportion to their conformity to these standards, had carried her healing and converting influence into our cottages, our hospitals, and our prisons. By her Missionaries she had

striven to promote the eternal interests of the heathen; and by the promotion of the education of the poor, had been one of the best friends to the security and benefit of our country. He felt that, to the present assembly, it was unnecessary for him to enter into any detailed history of her objects and proceedings. He should, therefore, now, before entering upon the business of the day, call upon them to join him, according to the pious usage of the Society, in offering up to the Throne of Grace, the prayers it had appointed, for a blessing on their undertakings.

The Society's statement of the objects of District Committees having been read, several resolutions were moved and seconded, and unanimously adopted.

Donations to the amount of upwards of 34., and an annual subscription, for the purposes of the district, to the amount of 21. were contributed.

The meeting was closed by the Bishop, according to the usage of the Society, with the prayers appointed for the occasion.

NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE POOR, IN THE PRINCIPLES OF THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH,

REPORT FROM SWEDEN.

IT will be gratifying to those who take an interest in the substantial melioration of the condition of the lower orders, as it is promoted under the auspices of the National Society in this kingdom, to be informed that their System of Education, which has been found so beneficial in its operation here, has recently been adopted in Sweden, under the sanction of his Swedish Majesty and the nation in general.

An official communication to this effect, under the signatures of the President and Vice-President, Jacob de la Eardie and Archbishop Rosenstein, has been addressed to the General Committee of the National Society, containing a strong testimony (founded as it is stated on experience) to the great use of "the method of mutual instruction;" together with a grateful acknowledgement "of the debt which the Swedish Society feels on this matter to the Rev. Dr. Bell and the British National School Society;"-and inclosing the first Report of its pro. ceedings.

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