capable of discharging the duties of relative and social life.Their anxiety for the establishment of Sunday Schools induced Mr. H. to promise the villagers to represent their situation to the committee and members of the Stroud Union, and if it met their approval and co-operation, to send them assistance as early as possible.

It is almost unnecessary for me to add, that the meeting were of one heart and mind in determining that their cries for help should be attended to immediately; and after unanimously thanking Mr. H. and friends for their benevolent inquiries, made arrangements for a regular supply of teachers from their body.

Encouraged by their ready co-operation, Mr. H.'s friends opened a school at Colesbourn on the following Lord's day week; first Sabbath they had 44; second, 55; third, 66; the parents of the children appear particularly thankful. A respectable clothier here offered his services as a teacher; the clergyman has endeavoured to persuade the person, in whose house the school meets, to dismiss the children; it has been without success. The inhabitants having expressed great anxiety to hear the Gospel preached to them, Mr. H. has licensed a barn for the purpose, and their attention is delightful.

At Winstone, through which place the teachers passed on their way to Colesbourn, the inhabitants having repeatedly requested for a Sunday School, the friends at Stroud have complied with their wishes, and last Lord's day a school was opened, 60 children enrolled, and 100 expected.

At Miserdine the poor were equally anxious, and another Sunday School has been established, though at the distance of nearly a mile; the opinion of a person of influence having prevented the teachers getting accommodation in the village. A considerable number of children are expected in addition.

I have the satisfaction of adding, that from the reports from the different schools in the Union, the number of children which by the last report consisted of 3635, and 453 teachers, remains pretty nearly the same, though the unfavourable time of the year might reasonably have allowed a deduction, and also of expressing my opinion, that through the benevolent exertions of the Rev. Mr. Hawkins and the Rev. J. Burder, their truly active secretary, aided by the zeal and love of the teachers, whose concern for the best interests of the rising generation is of no common kind; all the surrounding villages will, ere long, have to rejoice that the darkness has passed away for ever, and that the true light has not only dawned, but shines, with brilliant lustre; and of there being at least an addition of 600 children to the above stated number of those who, in early life, are taught to sing the praises of the Redeemer, many of whom, we hope, will be the joy, crown, and rejoicing of those, who are labouring in this honourable employ. I am, &c.

Bath, March 15, 1816.

F. E. T.

EXTRACT from the FIRST ANNUAL REPORT of the COMMITTEE of the

TONBRIDGE SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.

A PUBLIC meeting was held at Lady Huntingdon's chapel last year, when it was stated on unquestionable authority, that these useful institutions were but as yet in their infancy, and that in some neighbouring villages the light of Sunday Schools had not yet arisen; and it appearing the best means of remedying those difficulties, which had hitherto impeded their establishment, would be the formation of a Sunday School Union, it was then concluded.

Impressed with the importance of the objects proposed, your committee accepted the appointment, and cheerfully undertook to use their best exertions, and without detaining their friends any longer, they hasten to communicate the result of their labours, and hope ere long their Sunday School system, which has but just risen above the horizon, will shine yet more and more, till in their respective neighbourhoods the means of reli gious knowledge shall be generally diffused, and mental ignorance completely chased away. Since the formation of this Union a Sunday School has been opened at

Southborough, under the friendly superintendence of the Rev. Mr. Gough, assisted by several friends, by whose persevering exertions, aided by the funds of the Union, ninety-six children are under tuition.

Groombridge. A school was opened by Mr. Cooke, and consists of seventy-six children and four adults; it is now under the superintendence of the Rev. Mr. Adams, whose indefatigable attention merits the warmest commendation.

Matfield. A short time since a school was opened under the care of the Rev. Messrs. Russell and Gladwish: the prospect of usefulness is truly cheering; one hundred and twenty-four chil dren having been already admitted with every prospect of an increase; the readiness and pleasure which the teachers manifest in attending to the moral and spiritual improvement of the children is truly gratifying.

Rotherfield. Another school has been opened, and which, in point of members, has far exceeded the expectations of the Rev. Mr. Hatterel, Mr. Babington, and friends, who have kindly undertaken to attend to their instruction, consisting already of one hundred and thirty children, with the probability of an increase. [The committee regret the Sunday School in the church is not in so flourishing a state as formerly, but hope a friendly rivalry will excite the managers of each school to fresh exertions in a neighbourhood rather populous ]

Yalding. A few weeks since a school was opened, and has every prospect of realizing the best wishes of the friends of youth; the parents and children attending at its commencement

with apparent cheerfulness, and already consists of one hundred and twelve children. The Rev. Mr. Russell, the pastor, Mr. Austin and friends are indefatigable in their attentions.

Wadhurst. The friends of the rising generation in the neighbourhood opened a school a short time since, which consisted of one hundred and eighteen children; their local circumstances rendering the countenance of the Union necessary, your committee cheerfully sent them the aid of a few useful books, and have the pleasure of reporting it has since increased to one hundred and sixty children.

Tonbridge. In addition to the Sunday School already established, which consisted of sixty-two children, another has been opened, wherein sixty-four children are instructed, under the care of the Rev. Mr. Martin and friends, by whose unremitted attention a further increase is confidently anticipated; the friends of youth in the establishment have a school which your committee have heard with pleasure consists of one hundred and five children.

Tonbridge Wells. There are two schools under the benevolent care of the Rev. Mr. Benson and a committee of ladies; consisting of about one hundred and seventy children.

Tonbridge. At Lady Huntingdon's chapel, under the superintendence of the Rev. Mr. Finley, one hundred and ten children are continually receiving that instruction, which their present and everlasting welfare renders indispensable.

Tonbridge. At Vale Royal Chapel, your committee have the pleasure of reporting a considerable increase in the number of children, and still hope the persevering exertions of the Rev. Mr. Martin and friends, will be crowned with success, it now consists of one hundred and sixty children.

Penshurst. A national school has been established, in which about forty children are receiving daily instruction, and which number it is hoped will be much increased.

Penshurst. At an adjoining chapel, under the friendly care of Mr. and Mrs. Gorham, about forty children are instructed on the Sabbath, their attention and improvement is pleasing.

Bidborough. The Rev. Mr. Brock obligingly inspects and feels anxious for the improvement of thirty-eight children, and your committee hope his best wishes for their spiritual improvement will be realized.

Speldhurst. The Rev. Mr. Gordon superintends a school, consisting of about seventy children, whose improvement it is hoped will meet his sincere desire.

your

Ashurst. The Rev. Mr. Capper had established a school, but local difficulties have for the present interfered, which committee hope will be but of a temporary continuance. Hartfield. About eighty children are receiving instruction under the care of the Rev. Mr. Williams.

Crowborough. A school, it is hoped, will be shortly estab

lished.

Maresfield. Several difficulties at present interfere; these require further consideration, which your committee hope to

remove.

Lamberhurst. They have at present no Sunday School; but the enquiries that are making will probably terminate in facilitating the realizement of our wishes.

Tyshurst. A Sunday School appears at present impracticable. Goadhurst. The Rev. Mr. Fox has been using his best endeavours; and though a sufficient number of active teachers cannot yet be obtained, your committee hope soon to report the establishment of one in this populous place.

Horsemanden. Inquiries are making, which they hope will be crowned with success, no school having yet been established. Tudely and Capel. A school-house is erecting, and in which it is intended to include Sabbath instruction.

Pembury. There is a school under the superintendence of the Rev. Mr. Woodgate, consisting of near one hundred children, which your committee hope to have the pleasure of reporting a further increase.

Brenchley. A Sunday School, under the care of the Rev. Mr. Kesterman and friends, consists of about eighty children, and which your committee hope will be considerably increased.

From the above sketch, your committee hope it will appear, that a Sunday School Union, in which the friends of religious knowledge, of every denomination, may conscientiously unite their energies, possesses many advantages and facilities for the dispersion of ignorance, which individual benevolence could not, however anxious, accomplish. By the aid of this Union, 10/ has been distributed for the revival of schools, that might otherwise have decayed; and near 4000 books, Spelling Books, Catechisms, Hymn Books, Tracts, &c. have been distributed, where they appeared necessary. Your committee rejoice, that while thus employed as the dispensers of your liberality, they have found the promise was not given in vain, that they who water others, shall themselves be refreshed. They have found there is a re-action in Christian benevolence, and that concern for others has suggested the necessity of personal consistency, that, in proportion as the benevolent feelings get into more active exercise, their own domestic circle has shared a greater measure of happiness; and they cannot but feel happy in the recollection, that upwards of five hundred children have been rescued from a state of mental ignorance, and whom, they trust, having been endued with knowledge as a compass, and with the Bible as their pilot, shall be conducted, through the agency of the Divine Spirit, over the tumultuous scenes and through the stormy voyage of human life, into the haven of eternal rest and joy. The peace of neighbourhoods has been preserved; and the parents, instead of consuming their Sabbaths in idleness, have, in namerous instances, walked to the house of God, in company with

their infant charge. One instance, in particular, your committee feel a delight in recording. "A little girl, whose mind was particularly impressed while hearing the teacher reminding the children in the school, of the invitation of the Redeemer- Suffer little children to come unto me,' &c. became the instructor of her parents; and now, through the blessing of the Most High, herself and the parents appear to be walking in all the ordinances of the Lord, blameless; the father seems approaching with rapidity the house appointed for all living; but the converse, the prayers, and the reading of the Scriptures to him by his wife and daughter, are the chief solace of declining life."

Other children give evidences of the reception and adoption of correct, because Bible principles; and like the woman of Samaria, Christian feelings having been produced, are anxious to be useful; some having offered their services as teachers. These promising blossoms lead your committee to hope for abundance of fruit.

Anxious to promote the welfare of society, churchmen, surrounded by other denominations, have here forgotten the distinctions of party and their particular attachments, and having tasted how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity, their meetings have been ever attended with unanimity, and they have longed for the day which ancient prophecy assures them is approaching, when Ephraim shall no longer envy Judah, nor Judah vex Ephraim; but when the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the whole earth.

Having one common object, the instruction of youth in Evangelical principles, they trust they shall become useful auxiliaries to that noble institution, the glory of their native isle, "the British and Foreign Bible Society," and thereby be preparing the way for one generation to praise their Creator's works to another, and declare his mighty acts.

Ere long, they trust, neighbouring nations will catch the flame; even now, France, so long our country's rival, they trust, is destined to become our rival in the commerce of benevolence. She has now three Sunday Schools; and they hope this is but as a grain of mustard seed, that will soon become a majestic tree, under whose branches that unhappy nation shall sit and be healed. If arguments were needed for the concentration of every energy in the care of youth, her philosophers would teach us a most useful lesson; they poisoned the stream by entering, with their baneful influence, into the seminaries of instruction, and the revolution was produced. Let it be our honourable employ, to direct them, in early life, to the cause and cure of moral evil, and thereby ensure not the destruction of the social edifice, but the future happiness and prosperity of our country; if because of swearing and Sabbath breaking, the land has mourned, let us aim at removing the cause of sorrow, by beginning with youth; and as righteousness exalteth a nation, let us assist its diffusion,