A History of the Origin and Progress of Adult Schools: with an Account of Some of the Beneficial ...

This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project
to make the world's books discoverable online.

It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject
to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books
are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.

Marks, notations and other marginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the
publisher to a library and finally to you.

Usage guidelines

Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing this resource, we have taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.

We also ask that you:

+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.

+ Refrain from automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.

+ Maintain attribution The Google "watermark" you see on each file is essential for informing people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.

+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liability can be quite severe.

About Google Book Search

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web

at |http : //books . google . com/

►

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

UBRARY OF THE

GRADUATE SCHOOL
OF EDUCATION

r

\

I

. HISTORY

.* * jr. • •'

ORIGIN AND PROaRES»

OP

ADULT SCHOOLS:

WITH AN ACCOUWT

Of 9ome of the bemficial effeas already produced

ON THB

MORAL CHARACTER OF THE LABOURING POOR ^
ALSO,

Conaderaiions on the important advantages of which they ar^
likely to be productive to Society at large ;

WITH

AN APPENDIX,

CONTAINING,

ftiri>E& VOE THB GOVBENHBNT OF ADULT SCHOOL SOCIEtlES,
. AND FOE THE OEGANIZATION OF THE

SCHOOLS, &;c.

BY THOMAS POLE, M. D.

t ilember of the Committee of the Bristol iSooiety for Instnietliig'
I the Adult Poor to read the Hely Scriptures.

^ BRISTOL, PRINTED :

i NEW-YORK,

Ei^'FElNTED AND SOLD BY SAMVBB. YrOQ:!^^ '
f' KO. 35T, PBAEL-STESET.

MOV. ?i tax

TREFACE.

7HE writer of the following sbeets does not flatter himself
with any expeetation of leraiit'ying the admirers of fine compo«
Mon ; the display of supertor talents would not have been hll
object) had he possessed them ; neither would the narration of
simple faot» and circumstances, relative to the establishment of
schools, the modes of education, or the effects already produced,
afford a source favourable for yielding much entertainment i%
those who are like^ to peruse this* little work. To give such
information as may prove idteresting and u:;eful to those who
may be disposed to promote the education of adults, has been
the sole object the Author has kept in view, threngh the whole
of the present undertaking^^

The reader will ^^tttrtless observe, in the perusal, some pecu-
liarities of expression : such as the numerical names of the
iU)Qths, and days of the week ; as well as the omission of cer-
tain titles, usually affixed to the names of ecclesiastical persons,
Und some of other descriptions ; these he will candidly consid-
er resulting from the well-known senthnents and customs of the
society of Friends, to which the writer belongs.

The subscribers to this Narrative were given to ei^pect that
it would have been laid before the public by the coinmencement
of the present year ; but the progress of the Auther han been
arrested by a succession of unforeseen circumstances, principally
arising from the delay of persons in distant places, on whom he
was dependent for information respecting certain parts of the
publication; this be hopes, will not be materially detrimental
to the cause he ardently wishes to promote

Previously to any part of this History's going to the press,
the Author did not calculate upon its extending beyond sixty or
Seventy pages ; under that idea, he fixed the price at two shil-

iv.

lings ; but the accession of new matter has so increased its riz4
and expense, that he considers himself justified in advancing it
to two shillings and sixpence; whilst he holds himself bound to
fulfil his engagement to the subscribers, by guppfyiog them upoH
the terms advertised.

Agreeably to what was intimated in the Prospectus, the
whole of the clear profits arising from this publication, are t*
be applied to the promotion of education amongst the poor.

It was originally intended hot to print more than one thou-
sand copies ; but the Author has been induced, by the persua-
sions of his friends, and the unexpected influx of suliscriptions,:
to extend the edition io two thousand, the far greater part of
which had been subscribed for before the priming was complet-
ed ; for which the Author takes this opportunity of publickly
expressing his grateful acknowledgment^*

T. Pa

James^'Square, Bristol^ 3d Mo. 5thy 1814.

ORIGIN AND PROGRESS

Adult Schools^ ^c.

BENEVOLENT individuals, of preceding gene-
rations^ have exerted thentselves for the education of
youth; but that these exertions hive been inefficient
or too limited, is proved by the great proportion of
the labouring poor, arrived to years of maturity, who
have suffered, and are still suffering inexpressible loss,
in respect to their mental concerns, from the lamenta-
ble ignorance which still prevails amongst them. To
a consciousness of this, the educated part of society
have been so long famili irized, that, till of late years,
even those who felt and cherishi d a friendly interest lo
their present and future happiness, have never sought
the means of their deliverance from the shades of dark-
oess in which they have been immured from childhood
to their latest periods. Lamentably, indeed, did our
forefathers neglect this important duty towards their
indigent fellow-creatures ; but expressions of regret
will be unavailing. To discover a remedy for this great
evil, has fallen to the lot of certain individuals, the ap-
plication of whose talents and industry merits an hon-
ourable record in the history of the country, for the
benefit of which they have been employed in removing
from the public mind a long fixed, but erroneous opio.
lOD, that persons of mature age were not capable of
1*

6

receiving infitrucMon io the kaowled|;e of letters, or that
they could uot devote a sufficient portion of their time
to acquire a qualification to read. The removal of this
injurious apprehension, is unquestionably of high im-
portance, not only to the poor, but to society at large.
Some individuals of mature age, we ai*e well aware,
have been, from time immemorial, introduced into
schools established for the education of children ; and
have acquired that portion of ^owledgQ which has
been essentially serviceable to them through the re-
Biainder of life. A. few years since, it would have been
deemed a whimsical and chime ri cat project to have
collected a school of persons from twenty to eighty
years- of age, under the expectation of being able to
teach them to read ; and the man who should have un-
dertaken to effect Uiis .olnect, would have subjected
himself to the ridicule of his neighbours ; but happy
will it be for tens .of thousands, I trust I may say, that
there are m^n whose benevolence has induced them
to disregard the sneers of the scornful and incredulous,
and make that experiment which has been crowned
with success far exceeding their moat sanguine expecta-
tions, and opened a most cheering prospect to our view«
in the animating contemplation of th.e moral and reli*
gious benefits capable of resulting irotp it.

It has been generally believed, that the first schools
for the education of adults exclusively, were opened in
Bristol ; and that not without reason, as it was perfectly
unknown to the Founder of the Bristol Schools, that
such had existed el^where. This, indeed, hasl)een the
generally .received opinion for two years past 4 but we
must now yield the palm lo Cambrian philanthropy.
From information recently received from very respect-
able authority, it appears that the first Adult Schools,
.^frere established in North Wales.

In ^\leUer from B. Morgans, Vicar of Trelech, near
Monmouth, dated March 14, 1754, is the following certi-
iUsate :— ^« This is to certify, that I. T. kept a Welsh Cha-
pdt> School, in my parish, for .three months past, with great

success. The scholairs in aH were about one hundred;
several of them, before the expiration of the quarter,
•could spell and read pretty well ; though they knew not
the letters before. In a short time after the school was
opened, I went to visit it, and was agreeably surprised
to see there an old man, seventy-one years of age, with
five other people far advanced in years, who came there
with their little children to be taught to read the word
of God. Some of them were beginning their A, B, C ;
others could read a little. I examined the scholars
several times. Some of their parents, when we had
done, came to me with tears in their eyes, deeply cod>
cerned for their own ^ooraoce, and with visible joy
for the improvement of their little children. They
said, their children used to ask them questions, when
ihey came from school, which they could not answer
till their children taught thenu''

It is proved, that the first school exclusively for the
instruction of adults, was opened in North Wales, by the
4)enevoleiit efibrts of Thomas Charles, A. B. Episcopal
Minister of Bala, Merionethshire ; this commenced *^ ia
the summer of 1811." — He observes, " We had no parti-
cular school for their instruction exclusively till then,
though many attended the Sunday Schools with the
.children, in different parts oif the country previous to that
time. What induced me first to think of establishing such
an Institution, was the aversion I found in the adults to
associate with the children in their schools."*— This truly
philanthropic man, by way of experiment, established
one exclusively for adults; and he says, " the first at-
tempt succeeded wonderfully, and far beyond my most
sanguine expectation, and still continues in a prosperous
«tate. The report of the success of this school soon
rspread over the country, and, in many places, the illite-
rate adults began io call for instruetian. In one county,
after a public address had been delivered to there on
that subject, the adult poor, even the aged, flocked to
the Sunday Schools in crowds ; and the shopkeepers
could not immediately supply them with an adequate

^ number of spectacles. Our schools, in geQeral^ wtt

kept in our chapels ; id some districts, inhere theT« are
DO chapels, farmers, io the summer-time, lead their
barns. The adults and childien are sometimes io the
same room, but placed in different parts of it. When
their attention is gaiued and fixed, they soon learn ;
' their age makes no great difference, if they are able, bj
the help of glasses, to see the letters. As the adui&i
have no time to lose, we endeavour, before they caa
read, to instruct them without delay in the first prin-
ciples of Christianity. We select a short portion of
Scripture, comprisio^, in plain terms, the leading doc-
trines, and repeat them to the leamears till they caa
retain them in their memories ; and which they are to
repeat the next time ,we meet"

^' It is impossible for me, at present, to ascertain the
number of adults in the schools ; in many districts, they
all attend ; and the beneficial efiects of them are everx
where observed."*

« It was about the year 1730, that the Circulating
Schoolsf commenced in Wales The plan originated
with a clergyman (the Rev. Griffith Jones, of Llao*
dovery, Carmarthenshire,^ in a poor country congrega^
tion, with no other fund to defray the expense than
that which could be spared out of the charitable con-
tributions of the people in his own parish. This money
was expended first in supporting one, and in a little
time afterwards, two schools. After this, assistance
was received fjom various quarters, particularly from
the society (in London) for promoting Christian Knowl^
edge ; and, in the course oi seven years, the number
of schools had increased to thirty-seven. The same
clergyman continued to superintend the schools till his
death, in 1 761 ; but before that event, the schoob had
increased to the amazing number of two hundred and

* These extracts are from a letter of l\ Chcurles to l>r. Pole,
aated Jamiar> 4tb, 1814.
t These were schools for Cluldren.

eighteen, which, in the course of a single year, had bcei
the means of instructing nearlj ten thousand persons to
read the Scriptures in tSeir native tongue."

" Before these Circulatirig Welsh Schools com-
menced, English Chnrlty ' Schools had been tried in
Wales : but all that the children coul«l do in three, ;
foiur, or five years, (though few could stay so long,)
amounted, in general, to no more than their being able
to read, very imperfectly, some easy.partsof the Biblei
without knowing the Welsh of it. Welsh Bibles had
also been circulated among them. Upon one occasion,
in North Wales, when &e Circulating School began,
the teacher was surprised when the children brought
-excellent new Bibles with them. These had been re-
ceived from some charitable persons, by their grand-
fathers. They were, however, unable to usethfim;
nor did the Bibles see the light till these, their grand-
children, were happily taught to read them."

^' At these Circulating Schools, so anxious were the
.people to learn their own ancient language, that per-
sons of all age9 attended^ from six years of age to above
seventy. In several places, indeed, the older people
formed about two-thirds of the number in attendance*
Persons above sixty, attended every day ; and ofteu
lamented, nay, even wept, that they had not learned for-
ty or fifty year sooner. JTot unfrequently the children
actually taught their parents ; and sometimes the par-
ents and children of one family resorted to the same
Circulating School, during its short continuance in a
district; while various individuals, who, from great
age, were obliged to wear spectacles, seized the oppor-
tunity, and learned to read the Scriptures in Welsh, at
that advanced period of life."

** The number of persons taught by this cheap and
expeditious method, was also very remarkable. By an
abstract at the end of these vohimes, it appears, that in
the course of twenty-four years only, viz. from 1 737 to
1 760 inclusive, there were instructed in reading tfie,

16

Welsh Bible, no leu than one hundred and fiflj tiiou-
faod two hundred and twelTe persons.'**

From the preceding information, it appears, that th^
laurel of honour belongs to Thomas Charles, as the
first establisher and father of Adult Schools. But the
aian who is equally entitled to share the praise of hi«
country, will appear, in the subsequent pages of thii
History, as having established the first schools for the
same purpose in England, without the least previc^us
knowledge of what had been done in the Principality
pf Wales; and that too without the advantages natu-
rally resulting to a clerg^^roan, from his elevated sta-
tion, influence, and superior education. They had
equally to encounter, the rooted prejudices which so
generally possessed the public mind — ^that the aged
could not be instructed ; and these two philanthropists
vere alike successful in removing this bar of obstruc-
tion, and evincing to the observing multitude, Ui«l Hie
field was open to their cultivation ; into which the t)e-
fkvolent pressed forward with avidity, and joined hand
to hand in this new work of charity and love.

In the city of Bristol, the design has been embraced
with cordiality, and patronized by the pious of various
denominations. Here, the eleetric spark of ChristiaD
benevolence kindling into a flame, hatli spread on eveiy
aide : may it difiUse its glowing brightness, till every
dark comer of the land be irradiated with its efiUlgence. .
Many persons are now coming forward, in various parts
of the kingdom, kindly disposed to take a^k^rest in
whatever may tend to the domestic, tbe^oral; and re-
ligious improvement of their indi^efirlellow-CTeatures.

Many strangers, when vi^irffig Bristol, have felt a
desire to see these school^either from motives of cu-
riosity, to gain information of the principles on which
they are conducted, or to observe the progress made
^% the learners. But in passing cursorily from school

* Ihe iiist Annual Report of the Society for the support of
the Ciaelie Schools in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

II

to sehool, fmty conversing with those wbo conduct
them tfai^r^ it is not easy for imcii to obtain the infor-
mation they desire. Many too, who have no opportuni-
ty of personally visiting them, have expressed a wish of
being acquainted with more particulars than were gen-
erally known. These circumstances have induced th^
irriter of these pages to devote a few evenings^ to la^
^fore the public a brief Narrative of the Origin and
iProgress of this highly useful utidataking ; hoping it
may be one means of exciting an energy in the minds
^f many who have not yet had their attention turned
to the subject ; or who may hsive anUcipated, with the
i^reva^ing di3cou[ragement, difficulties that exist much
more in imagination than in reality ; and which, could
tiiey be prevailed upon to make the experiment, bf
^tablishing one school, would doubtless soon diminish.

The object of tlie founders of these Institutions^
^ well as of others who have ardently embraced the
pmmusBg design, is calculated, by its importance and
extent, to awaken and caU into action the energies d
tvei^ Christian and every patriot, who has it lo hhi
power to promote so great and so good a work, either
by bis pecuuiftiy contributions or personal services; f
hope there are tew who possess the 'ability, that will
not be found to possess the will, to exert their influence
in some way suited to their stations and capacities, iQ.
forwarding a work so replete with benefit to mankind,
and thereby partroipating in the blessings which will
nncipiestionably descend upon the heads of all who con-
•cientiously end^ivour to promote the glory of God,
and the good of their felloW-men. This is an employi-
stent worthy of a rati<mal being, and consistent with
the gtttcious dengns of an all-wise Creator, to whom
W0 are isdivldually accountable for the right occupa-
tion of the talents^ whether few or many, with which
be has entsmsted U8»

To give a clear acemmt of the cbnmiencement of
these schools in England, it seems necessary to go at
for \mlA as the year 1B04 ; when, to the credit of the
Biitish nation, was fouaded, m London, that great and

12

Qoble InstitatioQ, the British and Foreigir Bible Societj;
for the digtributioD of the Holy Sciiptures, without
note or comment, amongst the poor of this, as well as
the remotest empires of the world ; the most distant
regions of ignorance and superstition, where the
Christian religion had never shed its celestial radiance^
or the doctrines of the ever glorious Gospel of the
blessed Redeemer been promulgated. Subsequently to
the formation of this Society, which consisted of indi-
viduals of all religious denominations who were dis-
posed to unite in this laudable undertaking, there were
established, in many counties and cities. Auxiliary
Societies, to carry more completely into effect the great
and beneficial purposes of the parent Institution. One
of these was formed in Bristol ; and as the minds of its
members were now employed in devising the best
means of discovering those individuals amongst the
poor, who were not in possession of the sacred Scrip?
tures, in order to supp^ them, it was found refj^uisit^
to establish a subordinate Institution, under the patron-,
age of the Auxiliary Society's Committee, which was
called the Bristol Bible^ Association, chiefly composed
of serious and well-inclined young men ^ whose Com-
mittee divided, the city audits environs into fifteen
districts, and appointed Sub-committees, whose business
it became to explore the streets, the lanes, and the
courts — to. enter the habitations of the. poor, the cot-
tages of misery, and. the chambers of. wretchedness.
Amongst the unnumbered objects who excited their
sympathy and . Christian commiseration, they met with
many who could not read the Bible.

On the 13th of the 2nd Mo. (February)^ 18 J12,
prior: to. the existence of the Bible Association, the
Bristol Aitxiliai^ Bible Society held their second anni-
versary meeting at the, Guild-Hall ; a number of in-
teresting letters were rea*! from its correspondents :
one. of .them (from Keynsham,) which gave a list of
persons who did not possess the Holy Scriptures, con-^
tained the following sentence—" We have beea ne-

18

cessarily <5bliged to omit a great uumber of poor uiha*
bitants who could not read, and are therefore not likely
to be benefited by the possession of the Bible." Thi«
attracted the attention and awakened the commiseratioa
of William Smith, who attended the meeting, and whom
name must necessarily stand prominent in the future
part of this Narrative : his mind dwelt continuallj ou the
deplorable situation of those who, through their inability
to read the sacred records, were deprived of this great
Christian privilege. — On the 1 7th, a poor man re.que8ted
Smith to procure him a Bible ; and be being for some
time at a loss to know of whom he could obtain one^
determined, on the following day, to apply to Stephen
Prust (a very respectable merchant in this city, and
a member of the Auxiliary Bible Society's Committee,)
who humanely gave him a Bible. This business bein^
effected, W. Smith embraced the present favourable
opportunity of disburdening his mind to a man who was
alive to the claims of piety and poverty, and who has^
from that hour, been the steady friend of W. Smith lA
his subsequent exertions and labours in this cause. It
wad at this time, and to this friend of humanity and
religion, he first opened his heart upon the suli^ct of
instructing the adult poor to read the Holy Scriptures^
and asked his opinion whether it would be posldble tm
teach them ; he was answered in the affirmative, that it
was not only possible, but probable ; ami recommended
to make the trial upon a small scale : at the same time
Si Prust observed to him, that if he succeeded, his name
would be enrolled amongst the benefactors of mankinds
Honourable as such an enrolment might be, we have
i«ason to believe that his mind was actuated by a sub*
limer motive : he was not a votary of fame — he thirsted
not for human approbation or applause ; his exertiom
sprang from a disinterested desire that the footsteps of
those who were the objects of his pious commiseration
and solicitude, might be directed to the paths of virtue^
ai!Ml preserved in the way of salvation*
2^.

14

. Stephen Pnist, the sincere friend of '*Smith, desirous
of encou raging an iindertakiog so beneficial to the poor,
kiudlj promised that be should not want for assistance,
as the Auxiliary Bible Society would aid his endeav-
ours by donations of the Scriptures for the use of the
schools. The heart of Smith was now too full to admit
of procrastination ; he lost no time ; he entered the very
next day on this new field of labour, with uncommon
industry and zeal. He selected two friends from among
bis bumble associates, who accompanied him to wliat
is called the Out-parish of St. Philip and Jacob, a large
proportion of which is inhabited by the poorest classes:
tliis parish they trave)*sed, to take down the names of
those who were willing to subscribe small weekly sums
for purchasing the Scriptures, as recommended by the
parent Society in liondon, in preference to gratuitous
distribution, so that they might obtain them at very
reduced prices. Many of these, to whom the applica-
tion was made, observed — " 1 should be very gliid'tD
Jiave a Bible ; but it will be of no use to me — I cannot
read.*^ — This atforded Smith an opportunity of asking
them whether they would like to learn to read, if a
school should be opened ? IVIost, or all, embraced the
piTer, with expressions of pleasure ; their names were
inunediately taken down, md the first man entered on
^le list of learnei-s was William Wood, aged sixty -three ;
the first woman, Jane Burrace, aged forty. Two
rooms, free of expense, were sought for and obtained
the same evening ; after which, two persons, who had
been formerly employed in teaching in charity schools
for children, were applied to, who readily undertook to
conduct the two intended - schools—one for men, and
the other for women. William Smith still laboured
binder some embarrassment respecting his further pro-
eedure, in procuring books for the use of tlie scholars r
after deliberating some time on this point, he applied to
Captain John Richards, of Kingsdown, for the loan of
a few, with which to commence the Adult Schools ; the
Captain furnished them cheerfully, and spoke encour-

15;

a^Dglf <^ the UDdertakio^. Notice was fkow ghrea
amoQgst the poor of the before-^meotiooed pariA» that
it was mteoded to open the proposed schools wx the
eighth of the ensuing mouth, onlj oioeteen days firom
the time Smith ifirst commuuicated his mind on the Bub-
ject to Stephen Pnist. They were opened at the dme
fixed, eleven men and ten women being admitted on
the d^y of commencement; the numl^rs increasing
every week, until the room^ were filled. The learners
soon evinced not only a desire, but a capability of
learning ; their progress was encouraging to themselves
and to the teachers; their conduct was orderly and
becoming; their personal cleanliness beyond whact
might have been expected of people in very humble
stations in life ; they likewise demonstrated no smalt
share of gratitude for the friendly and benevolent exer-
tions made for their benefit ; and that too by indivi-
duals, to whom they could not have looked up with a
hope of their becoming the benefactors of the po(Hr«
The successful exertions of William Smith have proved
him to be a well-wisher to his country, and to man*
kind at large ; and strikingly evince to us, that neither
an humble station in life, nor the want of an extende4
education, precludes the sincere Chrbtian from impor-
tant usefulness to his fellow-creatures. This estimable
man, who, through Divine Providetice, has been made
so great a blessing to the indigent in society, occupier
a rank in life no higher than that of a door-keeper of a
dissenting chapel in this city, for a salary of eighteen
shillings per week ; out of which he pays three shil-
lings, to have a part of his work done by another per-
son, for the purpose of setting himself more at liberty
to perform the duties dictated by that Chrisian philan-
thropy which animates his heart, and guides his foot«
steps to the haunts of sorrow, the abodes of sickness and
of want. This is the person n>ho collected the learners^
engaged the teachers, and opened the two first scluwU*^
in England for instructing adults exclusively, in b&r-
roTved roems^ and with borrowed books. The suceess

. 16

itttendiDg thits new undertaking was, unquestionably,
liaost gratifying to the mind of Smith, and of those
humble individuals whom he enlisted in the service ;
this encouraged him to look out for other apartments
in the same neighbourhood, for the reception and in-
struction of those who were daily coming forward with
solicitations to be admitted as learners ; as the desire
of learning to read the Scriptures was now spreading
from street to street, and from parish to parish. Thus
Commenced the Schools for Adults in Bristol, in the
benevolent exertions of a poor, humble, and almost un-
lettered individual, whose example soon excited siini- ,
hir feelings of Christian philanthropy in the minds of
many others, disposed to patronize a design that affords
a bright prospect of advantage to the poor, as well as
to the moral, political, and religious state of the com-
munity at large ; and which promises, under the di-
rection of the Supreme Controller of events, to become
a very important means of inculcating the great truths
of Christianity amongst those classes of our fellow-crea«
tores, who have been hitherto unhappily neglected, and
suffered to remain in a state of lamentable degradation
aad moral turpitude.

The morning of prosperity now dawned upon the ef-
foTts of that useful man, whom we cannot but hold
in esteem, and consider as the Founder of Adult %
Schools in England;* whose heart, we can have no
doubt, did then and still does glow with the sincerest '
gratitude to the great and gracious Author of his Be-
ing, and of those benefits he has been made the instnimeot
of conferring upon so many thousands of the poor, as,
we trust, will ultimately be partakers of the advantages
of these judicious schemes — advantages relative to the
life that now is, but more especially to that which is to
come.

* William Smith aUo founded the fiwt of thosci called * The
Hethodist Sunday Schools/* in the city of Bristol and its neigh-
bourhood, in the year 1804; which are at this time (1814) af-
k>rding education to 2^8 childi*en, of both t^exefs.

17

in the eMTse of a few weeis after the entribtUi-
meot of the t vo first schools, a few friends to the cause
of religion, of humaQitj, and of the poor, met Wiliiaia
Smith, and formed themselves into a Society, under
thetitleof" An Institution for instrvctino Advlt
Persons to read the Holy Scriptures;" and, iu
order to extend their usefulness, entered into a sul^
^cription, amounting to 14Z. 10^. 6i/. which was contrl«
buted by thirty-two persons* They also resolved up-
on twelve Rules for Uie future regulation of the So«
ciety and of the Schools. These Rules they printed,
to give publicity to their undertaking. — And to interest
the feelings of their fellow-citizens, and induce them to
step forward in support of this infant Institution, they
prefixed to this pamphlet some introductory remarks^
calculated to make a strong impression on the minds of
the benevolent ; a number of whom entered into their
views, and lent their friendly assistance. At the time
of this publication, they inform us, that there were
>' above eighty adult persons learning to read, imder
the direction of six conductors, and thirty teachers.'*
The motto given in the title-page of this little publica-
tion, was the expression of David — " Thy Word is a
lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

It appears that the first donation for the encourage-
ment and support of this laudable undertaking, was a
present of books from Captain John Richards, before*
mentioned, subsequently to the lending of the books^
which has been already noticed ; this was previous to
any society being formed ; whilst Smith, aided by a
few associates, was industriously exerting himself for
the settlement of a few of the first schools. He now
applied to a minister in the Methodist Society, who
kindly came forward to befriend the poor, rend^«d im-
portant services in forming this new Sedety, and was
the author of the Preliminary Address, published iritli
the Rules ; to which were subjoined tlie names of tht
officers and subscribers.

William Smith did not himself undertake to eod-
2^

18

4n^t>' eiliMr ofrr At schools, or to fili ^e o€li^ 6t a '
teacfaep/; he ^vkm actirefy and lOeessaDUj eiiiplo>ed
during alsiost ereryx heat he could be spaied from the
duties of that humble statist on which he depended
for a maioteaance ; he.>exerted everj effort to enlist the
mo^ suitable persons he could take the liberty of ap-
plying to^ kk order to bring them forward as conduc-
tors or teachers ; and procured the use of rooms for the
reception of fresh applicants, as well as others, whom
he sought out, desirous.of the instruction these humble
semioapes offered them ; so that by his great and un-
wearied exertions, with the help his few acquaintances
afforded him, within the space of about thiiteen months
from the commencement, there were nine schools open*
ed for men, and the same number for women ; during
which time three hundred men, and three hundred and
^me women were admitted. Two hundred and twenty*
two. men, and two hundred and thirty-one wcmien lirere
under education at the time of the Society's publishing
their First Annual Report, dated April 19,1813, in--
cladkig a period of thirteen months and eleven days.
Before this time the Society was considerably increased;
and Ministers, as well as others, of almost every de-
nomination of Christiains in this city, cordially united^
and have unanimously and successftilly laboured to ex-
tend the scale of its operations for the present and fu»
tare benefit of- their poor, ignorant, and neglected feU
iow.-«reatures.

The efforts of this Society having been attended with
considerable success, in respect to the progress made
by the leanM^rs, as well as, in many instances, in the
evident improvement of their moral character, afforded
no small degree of encouragement to those who had
been employed in this new field of labour, and to the
Qumeroas visitors who occasionally came into the
achools, either out of curiosity, or to gain the requisite
information as to their plans of proceeding, for the pur-
pose of establishing similar Institutions in other parts of
Ihexoiintry.

la tbe.4& M^AlIi <AfNPil,> 1B13,IciaiawdtM9S0..
deCy, as a M<t&ber of the Cominittee^ at the request oS
some of its actiye ineBibcrsi la the course^of attend*
IHg Its raeetiogs, I had ao (Opportunity of hearing the
relation, not only of the general success of the under*
taking} but of a considerable number of individual casea
of extraordinary aptitude, even in persons far advanced
ki.age, in receivisg^ edupation, aa, w^U ps of the evident
improvement in the moral character of some of these ;
nrhi^h soon excited in my ra^ind no small degree of* in*
terest in the prosperity of this Society, and a wish to
contribute my mite to promote it, by whatever means
I conceived to come within the compass of my humble
abilities. Amongst other exertions I endeavoured to
make for the benefit of the general cause, I drew up
and presented to the Committee an Address, with a
view of submitting it to their judgment whether, if
printed and dispersed in this city, as well as distant
parts of the country^ it was calcuVated to promote the
great object of this benevolent Association. The Ad^
dress being read, the Committee were pleased to ex-
press their approbation of it; it was then resolved,
**^That a. private Committee be appointed to consider
and determine upon the best means of circulating Dr;
Pole^s Address, so that it may combine the advantage of
benefiting this Instrtudon, with the most extensive cir-
culation and usefulness : and that the said Committee*
do consist of the following persons — Rev. Joseph En-
twisle, Mr. Stephen Pnist, Mr. James Davis, Rev.
William Wait, Rev. Michael Maurice, Rev. Thoma»

Roberts, Rev. William Day, Rev^ Kelk, and Mr.-

Benjamin Donne, who shall meet for that purpose on
Mondav evening next, the Slst inst." — One thousand
copies of the Address were, by order of the Committee,
and at their expense, printed off, and distributed gra-
tuitously to the subscribers and others ; many of which
were sent about the kingdom, and, from subsequent in-
formation, this little production appears to have excited
« considerable degree of zeal amongst the well-dbposed

ID man^r other plftces, whete Adult Schools an nov

established ; aud in some, the subject is at this time oc-
cupying their deliberatioa. This little publicatioQ was
eatitleil

An Address to the Committee of the Bristol
Society Jor teaching the Adult Poor to
read the Holy Scriptures,

WHEN X was solicited to become a Member of the
Committee of this useful and very important lostitu-
tiun, I gave my coosent with considerable reluctance : I
was feariiil that my professional and other engagements
would not allow me a sufficient portion of time to dis*
charge, with propriety, the duties of such a station.
I entertained, also, a strong apprehension of being de-
ficient in the requisite qualificaticms for promoting tiie
great and important objects for which the Society for
Educating Adults has been established. I was, how-
ever, after some deliberation, encouraged to hope that I
might acquire information and improvement, by asso-
ciating with men of talents superior to my own. I
considered that this Committee should be composed of
persons qualified to advise and regulate the various
movements of all the subordinate officers; and to sug-
gest the most probable means of insuring the accom-
plishment of the important ends, which have called
forth tlie general exertions of so many of our fellow-
citizens. With these views, it seems just to remark*
that no man should become a member of such a Com-
mittee in a torpid and paralyzed state of mind, or to be
merely an idle spectator of other men's actions.

Since I have bad an opportunity of attending two or
three of the meetings of the Committee, I have both
seen aud heard enough to rouse even au apathized mind

21

t<> a lively sensibility, and piouR lamentation for the sit5-
uation of thousands of the labouring poor, and their i-i-
sing offspring ; who have hitherto ber n deprived of tlie
inestimable privilege of reading for themselves the sa-
tred volume of divine and soul-interesting tmths, and
learning tlie principles and precepts of the Christian re-
ligion, which they profess to beheve. We are now cal-
led upon to become ioBtrumental in opening the windows
to admit celestial light into the habitations of darkness
and ignorance ; that those who sit in the valley of the
shadow of d€ath may be brought to the saving know-
ledge of the Lord, to *' sing forth the honour of his name,
and make his praise^ glorious.''

To teach the unlearned poor, who have arrived at
mature yea]», and to qualify them to peruse the sacred
records, is the great^-the laudable object which has so
signally excited our attention. Who that is impressed
with a due seose of Its importance^ who tliat contem-
plates its effects en posteriitf, can refuse his assistance
to such an undertaking ? — Who ought not to lead his
aid to dig the trenches, through which are to flow the
streams of divine knowledge to the ignorant — consola*
Uon to the afflicted — strength to the weak — warnings to
the licentious-*h(^e to the desponding — in short, the
glad tidings of ^eat joy to a fallen and degenerate
world ?

For our encouragement, let us remember the words
of the afflicted servant of God, " Blessed is he that
«onsidereth the poor, the Lord will deliver him in tlie
time of trouble ; the Lord will preserve him and keep
him alive, and he shall be blessed on the earth.'' To
which may be subjoined the warning of the Psalmist,
** Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he
shall also cry himself, but shall not be heard."

" We may consider this and the Bible Society, as
one body, fwmi their mutual dependence : ' The head
cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee.' Who
is ignorant that to distribute Bibles to persons unable
to read, is like putting instruments into the hands of

.22

crfpples, irho have no power to use them ? It must there-
fore be evideut, that the prl^sent lamentable condition of
the poor claims our immediate and most sedulous ex*
ertions ; if we would r^der the Bible subservient to the
glorious purpose for which it was intended — ^to make
known the means of salvation to all ranks of our fellow
creatures, and to guide the footsteps of rebellious oian
through this vale of tears to the eternal Paradise of
God.''

" If we are disposed to risit the h|imble dwellings
of the labouring classes in this city, and tlie cottages in
itb suburbs, we shall find abundant encouragement to
apply the language of the Apostle James, ^ Hath not
God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith and
heirs of the kingdom, which he hath promised to them
tliat love him ?' And is it not of high importance to
every true believer, to partake of the ble^ssing promised
to him that considereth the poor.? Surely, to diffuse
hope and joy, thanksgiving aud the voice of melody, to
the cottages of sorrow — to the chambers of wretched-
ness, is an employment worthy of a mind devoted to
God, and anxious to follow the example of our divine
Lord and Master. We are required also to learn of
Him, who was meek and lowly of heaxt, that we mhj
enter into, aad for ever enjoy, tiiat rest which is pre-
pared for the people of God.''

•' When we take a view of the extended energies
so admirably exerted to establish and support an urn*
versal system of education, and also for the distributioa
of the Holy Scriptures to the remotest regions of igno-
rance and superstition, it will not be difficult to observe
two prominent circumstances, which strongly persuade
us that the hand of the Almighty has given existence
to both these great and noble Institutions — Institutions
pregnant with incalculable advantages to civil and re-
ligious society. I here allude to the plan of general
education preceding, by seme years, that for distributing
Uie sacred Scriptures — in which we trace the hand of
4ufiuite Wisdom ; because the former of the#e was not

23

undertfilEen in contemplatioD of the latter / nor were
the purpt«cs of Divine- GogidDeBS roauifested, until he
had given esnstence. to them both. The second cir-
cufflstance is what must have excited the astonishment
of this, and^ perhaps I may saj, •of surrounding nations:
diat these Institutions have jQourished, bejond all ex-
ample, in times of the greatest pecuniary embarrass-
ment. The purses of Princes and Nobles have beea
liberally opeoed — their muniftcence has flowed in co«
pious streams for the support of these two great under-
takings — whilst even children and persons in the hum-
bler walks of life, have made their sacrifices with
cheerfulness, and contributed their mites toward the
distribution of the Holy Scriptures. Nay, they have
esteemed it a privilege to be allowed to put their feeble
bands to so great and good a woi'k. May we not then
exclaim with the Psalmist, " The Lord gave the Word,
great was the company of those that published it."

What christian ca» contemplate with indifference the
^ect of the phblic meetings, which have been held in
almost every part of this country ! These have exhib>
itcd a spirit highly becoming the precession of Christian-
ity. The odious bars of prejudice and Wgotry have
been broken asunder. Ministers, as well as ethers emi-
nent for piety, of all denominations, have united heart
aiid hand to devote alike their time, their talents, and
their substance to promote, not the prosperity of com*
inerce for their own aggrandizement — not the advance-
ment of. arts and sciences, to secure importaace to them-
selves — not the furtherance of sect or party ; but to dif-
fuse knowledge among the ignorant— to sow the seeds of
"Virtue among their profane and debased fellow creatures,
and, with die purest benevolence, to plant the tree of life
on the most distant shores.

It is admitted, that some persons, of no common
minds, have regarded all attempts to instruct adults as
chimerieal ; but, after what has been done in Bristol and
its vicinity, such an opinion must prove like a baseless
fabric. The general and rapid improvement of the

u

ndxiMs, ivho have been, and bow are^ imd^ instiUctio^
caDuot fail to coavince every unprejudiced olMerver«
that their capability of acquiring learning can be evinced
by the strongest evidence* Adulta enter their schoeb
with very diflTerent feelinga frooi childrea. Children-
are ftent under the authority of their parents ; they are
themselves not convinced of the advantages they are
subsequently to derive from what ihey then regard as a
task, and have too seldom any ideas associated with what
they are taught. The contrary is the case with those
in advanced life : tliey attend the schools from their otmi
desire to learn ; they understand the value of the work
in which they engage ; they keep its end in view, and
therefore assiduously apply the means for its attainment
Difficulties do not overpower — they appear to increase
the attention of the learners : hence it is, that the pro*
gress of adults in learning to read, whilst it has surpri*
sed the instructor, has delighted the pious and encour-
aged the benevolent.

How can we sufficiently anticipate the advantages
which may arise to society at large, if the plans of £]§
committee be generally adopted ! The benefits are by
no means confined to the individuals instructed : they
may afterwards become iiistructers to others. That it
will be the case to those ot their own household, caa
scarcely be questioned. This will lessen the necessity
for so large a number of public schools for the rising
generation, and consequently diminish the calls upon
Uie liberal, to provide schools for the poor in succeed*
ifig generations.

Another interesting motive offers itself: — Educadon,
the perusal of the sacred Scriptures and other religious
books, have a tendency to moralize and christianize the
minds of men. Instead of idleness,- {Nrofaneitess, and
vice — they inculcate, diligence, sobiiety, frugality, pie-
ty, and heavenly roindedness. These are their spontar
Beous and genuine fruits. Their (^ration, therefore, is
twofold : they will greatly contribote to put a period to
esi&tiog crimes, and encourage the piiaciples on wlikli

25

society depends for its security. As far as the experi-
meot has been fairly made, tins position is coQiinned by
fact*

• But when the good seed hath beeu sown, and when
the poor have indeed tasted that the Lord is gracious,
und have experienced that in keeping his commaodments
there is ^eat reward, how clianged will be the state of
our favoured isle ! The lower classes will not then be so
dependent on the more provident members of society, as
they now are, either for the comforts or necessaries of life.
Industry, frugality, and economy, will be their posses-
sion. They will also have learned better to practise
meekness, christian fortitude, and resignation. Our

, * Dr. Ford, Ordinary of Newgate, attributes the cooimission
of crimes to the want of education amongst the p^ipr, and their
consequent ignorance of religion : — ** You cannot expect," he
says, " people to practise what they do not know.'' He informs
ss, that, on one occasion, he saw twelve men, of resj^eciable ap-
pearance, in the condemned Felons' Pew, in the chapel, at New-
f^te : the next day he attended them in the condemned-room ;
e took this opportunity to inquire the reason why neither of
thera used a prayer book during divine service, on tlie preceding
day : " Upon this," he observed, " there was rather an appear-
ance of confusion, and a dead silence. I put tbe question a
second time ; and one of them hesitatingly stannnered out, * Sir,
I cannot read :' * Nor I :' * Nor I :' was uttered by them all,"
The doctor goes on to relate another striking instance, of a sim-
ilar kind ; and says, ** At this time I have thirteen male convicts
under my care, twelve of whom are churchmen, like those whom
I iait mentioned, and not more than four of them can read ; the
thirteenth is a Roman Catholic,. and. is not acquainted with a
single letter. If my memory served, I could quote hundreds of
instances of' similar ignorance among criminals. Can it, he ex-
pected, then, that such poor, untaught creatures, can be f en^ible
of the immorality of their conduct ? Certainly not. I am posi-
tive tiiat the rising generation carniot be made more guilty than
the present, by learning to read ; and therefore I am for the ex-
periment being made."

See the Report of the Borough School, in which it appears
that none of the children who have been there educated, have
been charged before a civil magistrate for any misdemeanor.—
See, also, Colquhoun's important work on the Police of the Me-
Uopolis ; and the letter of Sir B. Phillips, on the State of the
PnsoDB la London.

3

M

foorVratefr will Ihus be lightened ; ear hoBpkftk, alisft*
liousefi) dupeusanes, ftfid other fiublie chiritiea less en-
cumbered : the generous efforts of tlie well disposed wiH
thus become a legacy of blessiog to succeeding ages |
whilst those whom Divine Wisdom has sees iit to place
In the humbler stations of life* will reoomrt with gratir
tude the favours conferred upon them, and give praise
to him from whom is derived every good and perfect
gift. It is to promote these purposes that we have vam
ted : to make the scriptures koowo, revered, aed obey*
ed ; to cause the rich aod the poor e^ally to ' rejoice
in the inestimable blessing of the gospel — live in hatff
mony and tlie practice of every social duty- givegkny
to God in tlie highest— promote peace on earth, aia4
good will to men. Is jt not then of the utmost import*
aace to ent^hten the ignorant --to awaken ike thought^
less to the things on which depend their tenqporal ancl
eternal happiness ? Is it not of consequence to make
nominal christians better husbands— better wives-—
better children ? Is it not a duty to make all diK*
gent in business, faithful to the trust reposed in themf
and thus endeavour to put a period to the evils Uial
have disgraced our age, and to introduce the practice
of virtue, by which we may hope for the continuance of
the Divine favour to us, and to those who come after us f
Admitting, then, the observations I have made to be
just, it follows, that it is the interest) as well as the duty^
of every master and mistress of ever}' tradesman and
manufacturer to promote the education oi the poor, ai
well as the general reading of the scriptures, in which
we find tliis admonition : ^' If there be among you «
poor man, of one of thy brethren, within any of thy
gates, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee J
Vhou shalt not harden thy heart, nor shalt thou shut thy
hasd, from thy poor brother ; but thou shalt open th^
hand wide unto him, and shah surely lend him fliiirieat
for his need, in that whkh he wanteth." How neee»^
sary that the steward of divine bounty should be enalHed
to say with Job—"*' Because I delivered the poor thnt

offwd) mA the fatherkat^ and him tkAt had none to help
kka; the hkssiiig of him that watreadj to perish came
apoQ Bi^ and I caused the widow's heart to slog for

As the mountains pour forth s|Mrii^ of watec, which
descend to refsedb asd fertilize the TaUeys below ; whilst
Hk valleys seod up their daily exhalalioiist to naoisteo
8Dd jFevive the suiiiniits of the hills; so oneo, exalted by
fileiy, and blessed with ailueiiee, yield ^Fin^rs of bene-
▼olence aod charity to refresh, to coosole, aod to iostruct
tjKwe who are placed id the vale of humao life ; whilst
tile daily prayers of the grateful poor arise with accept-
ance lo God for his Messings, wl^kh descend on the
heads of their benefacloirs, '' as the dew of Hermon, and
aa the dew that descended upon the raouotains of 2ioo :
far^ there the Lord coflunaoded bis hlessiDg — even life
fbreremiOKe."

IN the course of the year 1813, after the publication
of the first Annual Report of the Bristol Adult School
Society, a cooiriiderable addition was made to the list of
subscribera, from amongst the more affluent inhabitanta
•f the city of Bristol, paxtieularly diose belonging to
Ae Society of Friends, who, from a conyiction of the
great utility of the institotioD, contributed liberally to
Sfo support ; this assistance came in very opportunely,
and not only prerented that check to the extension of
the society V plams which the committee began to anti-
cipate from the defective state of its finances ; but gavi^
ft Iredi spring to their ^certions, and enabled them to
prosecute their desi^s for beyond what they could
otherwise ha^e done. Additional schools were sooo
^)ened HI the city and its vickuty.

The Society of Friends also granted, gratuitously, a
Ifti^ and commodious school room, adjoiidng their meet-
ing house, for die use of the Bristol Adult School Socie-
ty: tiiift room is sufficieotly capacious to accommodala

28

about one hifodred leardara : a school for women was
iuccordin2ly established th^eio, uader the care and ni-
perioteadeoce of four female friends ; but the teachersb
employed ia it, were members of various societies. In ,
this school, aad in this oaly^ the scholars are instructed ia'
the art of writing; but the iutroductioo of writing. in aa
Adult School, occasioned an uneasiness and aUrm ia .
some individuals of the committee, on account of ita
supposed . tendency to secularize that day of the week*
appropriated to religious edification; ao much were these
fears excited in some conscientious persons of influencei
that a minute was entered upon the society's books, refer-
ring the consideration and.determinalion of it to the aexl
aimual meeting of the society, to approve, or wholly,
prohibit the practice in the schools belonging thereto^
Soon after this minute was made, a few of the opponeatg
of this branch of education visited the school in quea*!.
tion ; and these, from the observations they made, were
so far satisfied with the utility of the plan, and its facil-
itating the scholars in their learning to read, that, at the
next meeting of the committee, a motion was brought
forward, by one of its most active and useful members,
to rescind the minute bdbre alluded to, which was car-
ried witliout a dissenting voice. The reason of my
mentioning this circumstance, is to shew that the com-
mittee has, by its last act, more fully expressed its ap-
probation of the introductiod of writing, than if it had
suiTered the circumstance to have passed unnoticed.
The design in the introduction of writing, and the oIik
jections to it, will be more fully entered into in a subse^
quent part of this publication.

A.t the time of printing the first Annual Report of the
society, in the Fourth-month, (April,) 1&13, there were
pine schools open for men, and the same number for wo->
men, in this city and its vicinify ; and 222 men, and
231 women, making a total of 453, were at that time
under education ; but at the commencement of the {n^
sent year, 1814, the schools were increased to twenty-
Qiie for men, and twenty-three for women; there are two

•Arts out of die eit^, in whidk iMk mm and wmmm
»e imtracted, but net mbEed with each other.

The ratmber oC le&nien admitted rince the e<miiDeiiee*
mevH of the schoda, oa die 8tb of the ThirdHnonth)
(March,) 1812, iachidii^ a period of lew than one yeav ^
and eleven months, abo the mimber noir tinder edncaf^
Han, ia aa foHowa c

Men admitied • « - • 650^ C 54a

MTomeo ditto • • - • 791 \ Now voder education \ TOa
In the ^ mi^ed flcbooU, do. 67 ^ ( ^^

Total 1508 Total 1297

There are also, in this city, four other congregational
adult achoola, not under the jurisdiction of the Biist<^
Adult School Society.

Thai of CasUe-Oreen MeeHng-Umae :

Men admitted • • • - 56
Wpmenaitto. . - - - 69

Now in the School

Jf» Ae TahemtteU:

Countess rf IkmUngdim^s Chapel:

Men admitted - - - - ,? ^ Now Ui the School - - L?.
Women ditto ----11 J Jit

Brufge-Street Meeting'Hmtse :

Menadmltted - - - - M Nq^ in the School - -J,?
' Women ditto - - - - »1 j ^ al

From information received, it appears, that Adult
r Sebods are now opened in various parts of the nation ;
if and according to accounts transmitted by persons who
\ bttve takisn an interest therein, they are uniformly at-
' tmdi^d vith the same success as in this city. In most
of the places where schools are established, many per-
3*

30

m» of opulence aod uffiieneehave psti^niBed Hie iui'«
HertakiQgs. In the town of Plymouth, in the couoty of
PevoQ, a public meetiDg was coDvened ou the 14th of
Uie Twelflh-rooDth last, (1813,) ia the Town-hall, at
idiich Uie mayor presided : a considerable number of the
nost re8pect«i>le inhabitaBts attended, which resulted in
a conclusion to establish *^ A Society, for teaching the.
adult poor within the borough of Plymouth ; and that
the idslitution shall also embrace those of the risinggeu-
eration, f»ho may have been apprenticed, or placed oaf,
without being able to read." The requisite steps for
that purpose were resolved upon, apd a subscription en-
tered into. One school is also opened at Bradnich, in
tlie same county. Schools of this kind are likewise.es-
tablished in London ; Uxbridge, in Middlesex ; Salis-
bury ; Sheffield, in Yorkshire ; Norwich and Yarmouth,
in the county of Norfolk; Ipswich, Bury, and Bungay,
in Suffolk ; in several parts of North Wales ; at Swan-
sea, in Glamorganshire, and some other places in South
Wales*

We have no one school belonging to the Bristol Soci-
ety , in which adults are instructed with children ; there
are several small establishments in this city, wherein
they are mixed ; but we are decidedly convinced, from
observation as well as eixperience, that this plan has not,
neitber will it ever prove successful : it is particulariy
unpleasant to persons of mature age, to expose their ig-
norance and awkwardness before children, consequently,
they do not like to. attend under such circumstances ;
and wherever schools have been established for the in-
struction of both these descriptions of learners, they
have dwindled away, and proved abortive. I do not,
however, m«an to assert, that no adults have in mixed
schools, obtained the objects of their wished in learning
to read ; but that they never will be the schools gener-
ally resorted to by persons advanced in years ; conse-^
quently, the bulk of the labouring poor will reinaiu in
tlieir present state of ignorance, unhappily debarred

31

the ebriiBtiu) {>nvil^e idf ptmaag tlie saered teriptntei
iQ their own dwellings.

In the insliiiction of adults, it iBnotenly oeGessaiy
Hiat we ftfaould feel a congciottsness that chrkftian kind*
nes^ and benevt>}ence are the spring of our actioas, but
"the whole of our conduct and depoitinent ahould be
mach as wfll demonstrate to them that we are tiieir sin-
cere friends. A softness of manners, a patient forbear-
ance with the weakness of some of their capacities, or
the occtissionsl slowness of their compreheosion ; zealous
and perseveriiig endeavours to explain what they can-
not at once understand, will gain their regard, and attbe
same time encourage their best efforts to overcome the
difficulties they may ipeet with ; but an austere deport-
ihent, the use of authoritative language, or impatient re-
buke/ win have a discouraging tendency, and frustrMe
both their .laudable desires, and the object of our own
labours.

It was a judicious remark of T. Charles, the founder
of the first adult schools in Wales — "The poor people
here are very ignorant ; but we do not tell them so, yet
we endeavour to convince them of it." This principle
of action our teachers should "endeavcur to keep in view :
to upbraid them with ignorance, would discourage the
dii&lent, irritate rougher minds, and have a tendency to
damp in each their ardent endeavours for improvement.
But, if we kindly strive to entice them onward, from
step to step, by impressing their minds with an idea that
every difficulty they overcome, and every degree of
knowledge they acquire, will render their future tasks
more easy ; suggesting, at the same time, the pleasure
they will soon experience, and the great advantage they
will derive from being able to read, they will easily dis-
cover the ignorant state they are in, as well as the loss
tliey have hitherto sustained for want of the learning
they now have an opportunity of acquiring.

** Great examples ai*e in vain,
"Where ignorance begeU despair.'^

3fS

The MBidiig wtti of memoiy id ididt l6inicM» te
another circurngtance which will elaim the utteotkn of
teachen; hut neoMNry, like the other faeiidtifiB^ the
Biiod^ 18 to be improTed by eierelae. la aone ^ ther
flcheolB, thofc who ciui rea4 a little are set to leam aeih^
teoces, short panages of acripture, or bpom ; aod thiat
may hare its importaot uses, both with xeipeet to inn
proving the powers of recollec^on, and storing the mn^
with the leading principles of Christianity. We &e-
quently find, that the learners can spell Mieir lessons^
when they have Uieir eyes upon diem, aod (Mrooounce^
the words wkh correctness ; but turn the face of the card:
iron them, and desire them to speO certain words la
which they have just before been exercised three tinea,
over, and we shall find them extremely deficient : they
say, they cannot remember. On observing this circum-
Btanee, when occasionally vi^ng some of the schools,
I have endeavoured to convince them this was from a
want of exerting their mental powers, (without telling
them they did not use their best efforts) by proponng a
question similar to the following :-^*^ If I were to desire^
.two or three of you in this class, to call al two o'clock,*
eu such a day of the week, at Ko. 2, Richmond-Tep^,
race, Clifton, (In the vicinity of Bristol,) where you*
should receive three shillings ; at No. 17, where you-,
should receive one shilling ; aod at No. 21, where yoU:
should receive four shillings, each person ; if I shouk^
i-epeat this distinctly three times, would you be likely
to forget any part of what I said ?'' This proposltioQ
has excited a smile, aod a look indicating their conscious-
ness of not haFiiig sni&ciently exerted their memory in
acquiring their spelling lesson. Some would reply to-
ihe question in the negative ; which gave roe an oppor^
tunity of observing — *' In that case you would, accord-
ipg to your own confession, bear lune things in remem-^
brance : the place, the day, the hour, the three numbers
of the houses, and three several sums you wei^ to re*
ceive ; but your learning to spell three or four words
out of book, or from recofiection, would be to you of far

33

morcjastiog benefit than the sum of mooey I have men-
lioned."

In the precediog pages, I have endeavoured to lay
before the publio a correct, impartial, asd explicit nar-
irative of the origin. of adult schools, as well as of the
successfiilexertions of ti» Bristol Society for extending
the means of educatioa amongst thai long neglected ckss
of their iellow creatures, whose ignorance of the holy
scriptures loudly and imperiously calls for those chrisr
tian. endeavours, to raise them from their state of moral
degradation ; that they may in future enjoy, in commoa
with.those in tlje higher walks of life, the inestimable
blessings that sacred volume was intended to convey to
the bulk of mankind. ; I shall now endeavour to enter
Hpon Q/Q^et circumstances connected with these schools^
and the ulUmate object coBtenaplated by their benevo-
lent friends aiad supporters.. .

In lusiting some 9f the Adult Schools in this city, in
company wHh WiQiam Smith and others^ and observing
So many of my poor, and almost pennyless, fellow-crea*
tures of both sexes, assembled for. the purpose of learn-
ing to read, and, I hope, leamipg also to obey the sacred
code, .and thereby happily experiencing a preparatioo
for another and a better world, I have been fully per-
suaded this effort dS christian. We originated in the su-
preme Dispenser of all our blessings ; that he has open-
ed the hearts and inclined the minds of many to offer
personal, others, pe^^iniary assistance, to enlighten and
benefit thipse classes of society, which stood in need of
such friendly help. Had it not been for such schools,
where would these poor uneducated people have been
Impending their time? What would have been their employ-
ment on tlieday of the week appointed for e^cial de-
Totionto the great Creator, and oui; edification in right-
eousness ? Perhaps in public houses, squandering their
little earnings which their families stand in need of, inn
bibing corxuption from bad i^K^mples, or disseminating
the same by irreligious apd p^o^ane conversation ; pro-j
baUy getting into mdiappy foroil% cherishing discordr

a4

and florfmodtf » daotiniedve lo Adir pnieiit eonfSift 9
well as fulure p^nceof miBd; but who daw, white! iean^
iDg. to read, are imbibiog from the aciiptores, as wdl aa
the little hooka employed io teachkig, the pfinel|^ea:
of piety and rivt^e ; which, we have leasoa Io hope- wilV
whilst their haods are engai^ed Id their daSy Idbowr, \»
provideutiaUy foroitghi to their recotteetion, with suft-
dent fiorce to preTeot their joimng i& with ihe lempt»i'
tioos tliey may be exposed to; and, by these means, be*
acme ejtamples to their more aogumrded and cornet as*
sociates.

With how much greater pleasure and satisfaelaoii witt
ftey reUiro to thehr Uibour, in the nomiiig, after recei^w
iog additional improvement-^haviog their miads stored
with a few additio&al seotlmeiits, that may nsphre them»
witii ifiereasiug liopes of becoming m«>e useftil in socio*
ty, and better prepared for the ^ to coaie t How plea**
hig i^ it to see the «^ed poor anxioos (Smt the pri^lege
of reading Aeir Biblaa; eoBdeaceodiiig to sit dowff
to be instmcted in tlie use of letters, by those yeaaff
enough to be thehr d^ldren, aid eren ^leir grand-
children I A joyftil acf^isitioB^ to maay of th^ ha#
been ^ Utile ^y luiTe learned. I heard one of theat
wlio had learned, al eighly*fire yearn of age, to read thft
Bible, say that she would not part wiik the liMSe lesn»i
ksg she had acquised, for as many guineas as ^lere wem
kares in her Bible, notwitbstandii^ slie racked aoaonf
lihe poorest of the poor. Many have aekoowledgei^
with tears of gratitude and j<9 flowlog on their fohxMN
ed. ched», the greataesaof the blessing hereby confeiare^
iipon them. Surely we may say < witt S^omon^^ Leara*'
ing to the wise^ is Uke an ormimenlof g^ sa^i abrao€N
let mi the right arm." It is so to the truly wise^**4si
ttose who are wisely dispooed to c^nploy it for the gooi-
pnrpoaca for which h waa bestowed»--4oread and t» u»>
demtaad the things diat belong to peace and salftation f
it will be to such the unfodii^ ornament e^ y^mttt mo^
of; aid age. G4addeniag wiH it be t» the hearts of ail
ttua^christiaiia, i» mote oleYatcdstaftiooB^t<y see ftepoea

35

« «{ ^t m^M MMeTidt Bi graeef «»MmM there, vrhcA
Ihe lamp of iife aluUI fBiatfy glinuiier ia the «ocket, treads
mg the cbrjfltiai} paths, iHHniiQated by the Fesplendeiit
b^diB8 pf the ami^ r^fateottSDOi ; and, when the cur^
ifufls of the eveoii)^ i^all be drawioje; closely upoa them^
be able to BJag of jadgneBt and of inerey, «¥eo undec
the firessitre of poverty and bodily afflictioo. May the
Cbd of fldl grace abuodaotly bkis these labours of lor%
lo idl who are made parti^eraof them, that they and
dieir beodfactors amy rejoice together $ renderiog, upon
Ae altar of their hearts, the offeiing of thanksgiriBg
Bad praise to God, who idoBe has a i1^ to receive it!
Whea these shall meet in the idf^dom of transceiideiit
po^f eartUy grand^o^, «¥efl erowos and dktdems, will
be fargelteD : the rich and the poor will be equalized^
aad pure etenml lore be, the iodissoluble bood of union,
cementing tlieir Inmiiittal spirits to each other, aod to
ihecoi^eaa ayriads of aaiats aod angels, who, with
aera^ic melody, proclaim faallehijahs to God and the
Lamb for enser !

lu fKroseeuting ihe j^aos for insinicd&g the adult poor
lo sead,^ we hare, as might aaturallj^be expected, met
with a Tftrlety of oploioa on the practicability, the pro«
priety^ aod efen the daogierotts coosequences of the
scheme ; iuhI the idea of instnicting persons far adranced
ia age has excited even the ridicule <^ ^<gudiced indl^
viduals ; bat, if any person into wiiose hand^ this nar^
n^ire may come, should be disposed to inquiie— What '
benefit cmi possibly result fnnn teaehkig persons of sixty,
iercBty, eighty, or more years of nge, to read the Bi«
ble, X wocdd request leave to ebaerve, that we do oot
B&A lor flttch ; oevertibekss, the instances alieady men-
ticmed^jare so mauy ejcecllent and vaduable proofs of tlie
praetieabillty of pemom very lar arfvaneedin age, re^
edviog tbatinstructiKin, which requires an exercise of
: the m«aory which wany wiU i^drmed individuals have
boUly denied. One of these learuers, seventj^even
years oM, observed to her teacher — "It is never toor
lale to lemm a good thi^.'' But I woi^d take the IHv
«ty of asking ihe iaquinm be&re aeatioBed, bow caa.

m

vre refase these agedaf^icaots the pdlvitefe of leamiiig
to read, wheo they come forward with earnest adlicitih
tions to be iostnicted, for the very puqmse of derivi^
edification and comfort from the perusal of the bol^
scriptures ? If they shouid enjoy that acquisition for
only the last -year of their lives, it may prove to them
a most iovaloabie blesising. Let us not,, therefore, deny
ihem the balm that may sooth their minds under t^
combined .aCSiction of poverty and of age. It may hap-
pily be the meiids of conductif^ their feet to the Uue
fountain of spiritual health and strength, (to the know-
ledge of the Eedeemer's kingdom;) this will be a staff
to lean upon, when their hoary heads are bending to^
. ward the silent grsfve, and ^ir footsteps fast advancing

^ toward their eternal home. Under these considerations,
will not every ch^stian ardently exclaim-^0 ! let them
read of the wisdom^ and goodness, of die love and merc^
of their omnipotent Creator: Let them employ then*

^latest breatlr in pvoclaimiBg their Maker's, their Re-
deemer's praise ?

One strong feature of that generous and christian
benevolence, which of latter times so ardently 8eeki» t^
extend amongst the poor and ignorant the inestimable
blessings of education, and a knowledge of the sacred
writings, has occurred in the French Prison, at Staple-
ton, near this city; where one Frehchmaa and one Ame-
rican have evinced a great solkitude to instruct theif
fellow-prisoners of each respective country, and have
actually ehtered upon' that laudable employment. This
circumstance. It is to be hoped, will be ptodu45tive'cf
important benefits ; not only amongst the thousands con-
fined within the walls of that prison, bat, at some fattti#
period, perhaps not very distant, the good cause hf
which they have voluntarily engaged, may, by Jhis cil»y
cmnstance, be carried by the instructers, as well as the'
instructed, to the adult poortK)th of France and Am^e-;
rica, where it may spread as it is now doing in this coun-^
try ; that thousands and tens of thousands may hereafterf*
trace the hand of Infinite Wisdom and goodness, urtiMi-^*
has thus been graciously pleased to educe good out of

d7

^H, aad make even tbe priBoners of war the lostrunjeot^
of diffusing still more widely the glad tidings of the
^pel from sea to sea, aod from river to river, to the
vtry ends of the earth ; that grace and peace may be
i&ultiplied unto all men, ^ Through the knowledge of
God and of Jeaus ottr Lord, according as his divine
^ower hath given ubto us ail things that pertain unto
hh and goodness, through- the knowledge of him that
hath called us to glory and to virtue ; wh^eby are giv*
en unto ub exceeding great and precious promises, that
by these they may l^ made partakers of the divine na-
ture, having escaped the corruption that isiuthe world-
through lust.** That, finally, the prophecy of Isaiah
may be fulfilled in all the eardi-^" The Lord shall com-
fort ZioB ; he will- comft>rt all her waste places, and he
w^l make her wikiemess Hke Eden, and her desert like
the garden of the Lord : joy and gladness shall be found
therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody."
• The following letters will- serve to ahew the degree ot \
ardour which exists in the mind of that generous man,
Benjamin Burritt, the American prisoner, who has so-
lienevolently endeavoured to improve his companions in:
captivity^

'^ To HuCmmnimt rfihe BriHol AujeUktf^ BUh S^-

] StJftplet6iiPH«0B,Sept. 40,1815. '

•li^esiiniriMW,

*? - "I received'from yoursociety, by the hwids of*
0aude Guiot, three Biblea and ten Testameots'; f<jr
which P return my sincere thanks. I believe tbe books
n«-pr<^t«bly employed by my sohool-; and havetakea^
the liberty to write, upon the nmirgin of each, the name'
of the person, and, ^ Presented- firom the -Bristol bociety/'
iTon will find annexed, the namesd the persons who>
teve recited boob> aod>the eoontiy to* wbieb tbeji'

SI

. ^^ My ardent wishes and cmistiilit endeavoars are ta
promote the designs of your society ; that whilst th^
aBsistiog arm of kiudness is extended, we may receive
from it permanent good. ^ Paul may plant, and ApoUoa
Water, j et God gives the increase :' unless we lahour
88 well as pray for this, increase, we neglect his Law^
and our most important interest It is pleasing to dis-
cover a gradual reformation in the conduct of some of
liiy scholars, and a satisfaction to know that they are
l^etter men. In the place of selfishness, profanenesQ^
poise, and obsceiiit}', are substituted the modest inquiry
for iafonuation, and desire to promote reciprocal bene-
volence. Those who are able to read and understand,
are classed ; and we read in the Testament twice a day.
The school in which I am engaged, is instrumental ia
promoting your desirable and important designs amongst
the uufoiiunate piisooers : jet, labouring under inconve*
nienccs, and, 1 may truly say, almost insurmountable,
diiliculties ; >nd I believe it is my duty to make them
known to your useful Institution, at the same time with,
uo Bqrmll .degree of delicacy,

^^ The French prisoners in general, though I am happy
to say with some exceptions, are opposed to our pursuits i;.
and they occupy every convenient place for a school;
with their mecliajiical business. For the place which
I now occupy, comprising two tables about nine feet in
length and two and a half in width, I pay fifteen shilliogs
per month. I have taught the school two mouths, at
one shilling and sixpence each scholar per montli ; they
are mostly unable to pay me, and what I have i^eiyed
lias been barely sufficient to pay for the place and tables;
yet I have the satisfaction to find, that my coostaot al^*
tendance and indefatigable exertions have beensuccesQ?-
1^1, in promoting useful knowledge. In this pursuit I
expect no emolument, only a comfortable. subsisteuc^
with the means to do good. A trifling asaistauce woid|
enable. me to improve my school, without whicli, I fear
it must decline*. Destitute myself of ev$ry. thing but a'
l^risQu's aUowaoce^^fai from aflectlaoate pious p«pfi%'

abundantly at)le to assist me, and would do it with all
'possible speed, did they but know my situatioQ : I have
'written to them, and undoubtedly shall receive assist-
' "ince as soon as it can be effected ; yet it will take time :
a wide ocean rolls between us, and an inclement season
is coming on. \

"It is ray sincere desire and prayer that the exertions
of your society, and all similar institutions, may be
crowned with success — ^the oppressed be set free — and
the whole family of mankind be happy in the knowledge
iiud belief ol another and a better world, through our
liOrd and Saviour Jesus Christ ; and subscribe myself,
*' Your humble brother in Christ,

« BENJAMIN BURRITT."

In a postscript, he mentions the names of tlie several
'prisoners to whom were given some Bibles and Testa-
-ments, previously received from the Bristol Society,
nrhich it was thought not requisite to transcribe ; to the
postscript he adds— ** The books thus disposed of are
usefully employed, as far as I can judge. I wish I had a
few more Bibles and Testaments ; as some of the Ger-
man prisoners have applied to me f6r books to read, and
'they are steady well disposed men ; they mentioned a
Bible or Testament as their choice.**

••* To the Committee of the Bristol Auxiliary Bible ^Or
ciety.'*'*

' Stapleton Prison, Oct. 15, ISiS-

" I received one dozen of Testaments, by the
hands of Claude Gulot, for which I cannot but feel
grateful, and take the liberty to return my sincerethanks :
they are all usefully employed in my school. While I
have tlie honour of addressing so useful and respectable
an Institution, permit me to state the situation of ny
school, for which the books were intended. Soon after
iKfry arrival at this uttfortunate place of confioemeat,

dr sUtute of every tiiiog yaloabk, aod io an idle atuft*
tion, I remembered the tmwearied exertions of mj affec-
tiooate parents to give me an education ; and was coor
Tinced it was my duty, as well as interest, to make my
self useful to my fellow-prisoners ; accordingly, I pro-
posed a school : it gradually increased to the number of
twenty -two Americans, and four Frenchmen. I consid-
ered the knowledge of the holy scriptures as the mosit
important of all pursuits, and have not failed to make
them a considerabfe part of our daily studies. A greM
proportion of the French prisoners are unbelievers, and
unfriendly, (which is certainly owing to ignorance, or
wilful depravity,) of course they were unwilling that
my school should occupy their places during the houm
of study. I was determined to pursue my object agaiost
ad opposition, knowing that Satan's kingdom will be
pulled down, and the everlasting gospel of Christ be fi-
nally est'dblished .throughout the whole habitable wodd*
1 also considered it the most pleasing employment to
contribute my mite, with tlie rest of the world, in pro-
moting so glorious and so desirable an object.

'^ A number of my scholars sell part of their allow-
ance of beef, to pay me for their iostructioo, by which
means our expenses are defrayed ; seme pay nothings
and fram some I get rixpence per month ; on the whole,
we are poof, but I hope honest I shall proceed as far
as ability will permit; and fieel rewarded m ith the theugbt
of being useful, and not a miserable blank in creation,
while in this confinement; hoping that the time is not
far distant, when it will be consistent with God*s wise
and just providence that we shall be permitted toretura
to our native countries^ and the ecijoyment of our friends.

" I should be very glad to receive a few Bibles, should
the society think proper ; they will be advantageoiiSi
«nd thankfully received in tiie school. With sentimeota
jof respect and esteem, 1 have tlie honour to be,
" Gentlemen,

. '^ Your most obedient and very humble servant,
** BENJAMIN BURRITX-*'

It

' The candid reader will, I have no doubt, readily
excuse the few incorrect seotences in the foregoing let«
ters, not being the productions of one who had been fa-
Toured with a liberal education, and permit his atten-
tion to be fixed upon the benevolent spirit by which he
is actuated,* in the laudable endeavours he is exert-
ing to render himself importantly useful to his poor
uneducated fellow-captives. May the praise-worthy
example of this individual rouse into activity many
others, in the various prisons of this nation, to render
similar services to their unfortunate companions ; thus
fioay the adversities of human life be made, through the
Divine blessing, subservient to the future prosperity of
thousands in what respects their happiness in the life to
come, as we!l as contribute essentially to their comfort
on this side of the grave.

I wrote to Benjamin Burritt ia the 11th Month,
^ovember,) 1813, and requested him to give me an
account of his school at that time ; which, although it
may contain some repetion, will not, I trust, be unac-
ceptable to the reader.

To Thomas Pole, M. D.

StapIetOD Prison, Novemter 6, iai5«

* tSTEtXED FRUKD,

** I received, by the hands of Mr. Smith, some use--
fid articles, proofs of your benevolence, and regard iSor^
the unfortunate. Although a destitute stranger, hx'
ttom my aativc home, yet I have cause daily to praise
the g^eat Pturent of being and excellence for pious
friends, and, above all, for the, glorious blessings and
priTUeges of religious improvement. I hare betbre me

42-

your Addresa to the OcuBiniU^ of the BfLrtol A^a^
School Society : the truth of the remarks, and ebject*
aimed at, are iaviting to every eriligbteaed mind.
Although the judgments of God are abroad io the earth,
yet hisiioly Spirit is operating upon the hearts of maoy
to do good, in their day, to the present rising genera-
tion How ought those to rejoice who have the means
to promote this glorious object : theirs is an approyiog
conscience, and the promised blessings of Heaven.

'^ Io teadiag the eighth Report of Uie British and
Foreiga Bible Society, [ found a letter of correspond*
euce from Hartford, state of Connecticut ; among the
ofiic^ of th<3 Society (with many of wliom I am ac-
quainted) I found the name of Samuel Merwin, pf JlfeW'*
Haven. My father is one of the deacons of his Society*
It reminded me of the Sabbath-days wben, under hi»
^instruclioo, with my aged parents, we offered up our.
jbrayera, as well as praises and tbanl^giFing, for all tht
plesidngs wiiich we enjoyed, hotb temporal and spi-
Htual ; also the period when we were students together
under Dr. Timothy Dwight, President of Yale College*
I can but sigh, and pray for the return of those happy
days.

^ Great exertiotts have been, and are now maki^
in America for diffusing the Gospel Hght and know*
ledge^ to Christianize the Indian tribes on our western
frontiers, with much sucfiess. To the .ioiditous iabouiy
jofike British and Foreign Bible Society, the world k
-tlrefidy ^eatly iodebl^ idr ^« widely extended cij^
culation of the word of eternal life { and to mortal
beings, what can be more preoiouiB ?-^The period,, and
the authors of iis commeocement, will be transmitted by
jpiouB Christians through unborn generations*
' -^^^ I am cooiident that in this depot much good
might Jsie effected. Here is to be found a body of mea
from difftjrept parts of the worid^^various in habits and
dispositions-T-ignoraat of jthe Supreme Belpg, .the jug-
tice of his providence, hip |)erfections and excelleoce ;
Itrom such a body of mep, (soured by hardships, prifft*.

43

110119 md peBilrf, secluded from the cominoii bountilei
of the world) we may hope much, but cair expect little
progress without means. Oevolioh aod public worship
are requisite to newness of heart — ^they are means com*
manded to be made use of. What a blessed thmg woul4
it be to see established, within these walls, the .church
of Christ! In the place of infidelity, blasphemy, and
jsvery evil work — the fear and love of God, obedience
to his requirements, seeking mutual happiness with dis-
interested benevolence, considering the world as as
embryo of existence.

." With cheerfulness, esteemed Friend and Country-
man, I have the honour to comply with your request
respecting my school. Soon after my arrival at this
juiforlunate place, with a numerous body of prisoners
(whose dissoluteness, ignorance of conduct, alid man-
pilars were painful,) I remembered the exertions of my
affectionate parents to give me an education ; and cod**
eluded it was my duty, although a prisoner, to become
iiseful, and not continue a blank in creation* Accord*
jbgly, I proposed a school, and it gradually increased
jfrom six to twentyseven ; and I have had the bapi-
pioess to see my exertions crowned with some success*
Yet here you cannot expect any thing very extensive
frpm the destitute situation of myself and feUow-pri*
goners. I hate gone to the extent of my abilities to do
good, and shall continue. All that I have received
^om them for instruction, has been but barely sufficient
to pay the expenses of a place ; and the allowance of
food is barely a si^istence. Yet many of my scholan
WOt)l In the course of the day, and with their small
.earmngs and allowance, live comfortably. Some have^
^t times, >8Qld part of their allowance of meat, to assist
ine in paying for jByjchool-room: from some I have
xequired nothing.

*' Mj night and ihj school employs all my time ;
^ud I have great satisfaction to think I am doing good.
As long as I continue in this place, it will be my.
endeavour l» do good to my feHow^prtsoneiB. I liavf

4t^

about ele^B trho are unable to pay linj tliifig, yet krt
'HDxioua to fteara ; some have a desire to come, but it is
necessary for me to fawra aooie m^m$ of «upp<Nrt la th^
arduous task* Thus for, coosisteiit iritii truth, I have
(endeavoured to give you an idea of the situation of wa^
school $ many have quitted their profane language and
levity, and appear to be more agreeable companions,
fihould I contiime here, further exertions will be pro*
ductive of more good. 1 am, with thankfulness,
•• Honoured Sir,
• ** Your most obedient and very humble servant,

•* BENJAMIN BURRITT."

In the Reports of the Strangers' Friend Society iir
Bristol, for the year 1813, is recorded the following-
gratifying instance of zeal for learning to read the
Scriptures, in a poor man, whilst suffering pain from a
distressing accident :

; V «« Joseph Ingram was seen in much distress, in Ann-
IBtreet, with a wife and two small children. Not being
able to get work a considerable part of the winter, they
were reduced to great poverty. Tliis case was visited
and relieved, until the man was employed by some
builders, as a mason's labourer; but in a few^ days, he
met with a severe accident, by a block of freestone fall-
ng on bis hand, which was dreadfully bruised^ and
one of his fingers nearly torn away. He was admitted
an out-patient to the Infirmary; but his parish being
remote, he applied again to the Strangers' Friend, who
visited him, and recommended his case to the Samaritan
Society for more effectual relief. It may not be un-
worthy of remark, that the visiters, on calling a second
time, found this poor man, though, afflicted with strong
pain and all the aggravations of cheerless poverty, was
gone to lan Adult School, to learn to Read the Holy
Scriptures."

45

. ; When velook around us, wHb ao e^eof teievolenise

. and Christian charity, to ascertain and adopt the best

^ myalls of extending the blessings of education amoDgst

. poor aduits, we siiould not ne^ect those public Itistilu-

tioiis wherein are collecte<l, either temporarily or move

pcrfflaDently, a number of persous under that descrip-^

. ttoa : such as hospitals, alcns-houses, 3?ork*hou8e8, and

. even prisons ; in each of these there Mriil be, no doulvt^

. opportunities and niethods found, by the well directed

, exertions of suitable persons, under the sanction of the

. Governors or acting - Committees of those several In-

, stitutioQs, for carrying this beneficial system into effect.

As long since as the year 1748, the late Dean Tuck*

] evy in a ^rsaon preached before ^.^ The Contributors to

the Support of the Bristol Infirmary,'' alludes pointedly

to the practicability of making those lostitutions for

! relieving the sick and injured poor, subservient to the

promotion of moral virtues ; one very important means

^feflecting which is, unquestionably, the general i»^

atruction of the lower classes in the use of letters. Od

this subject, he expresses himself in these w<Hrds : —

/^ As to tlie secondary views which this our Institi»*

.tion may be made subservient to, these have been ra-

.ther casually touched upon and briefly hinted at, than

.expressly treated of at large, in the Discourses that

have hitherto preceded. And particularly it hath

not been yet, as I know of^ distinctly and fully set forth,

what a tendency it has toward retrieving the almost lost

sense of piety and virtue among the poor : nor have

hospitals and infirmaries been immediately considered

as 60 many schools for the revival and propagation of

morality and religion, and as means that may conduce

toward a national reformation in the common people."

The Dean proceeds,. " By considering the good done
to tlie body, as introductory to a better and an high-
er view, viz. To the iaculcating of a practical sense of
duty towards God and man, and to the saving of the souU
A consideration this, which verily, in point of humau
prudence, and m tlie score of the jmblic good of socio-

4ft

ty, CMmot Ikb ^kem^cl by an/ to be Ji weak or impropep
motive to be joined to the many already referred to, f6»
recommending this charitable Fouudation ; seeing that
integrity and justice, labour and frugality, temperance
and sobriety, and the whole circle of moral and social
duties are the thinars which cause a nation to thrive and
flourish ; as, on tlie contrary, vices are its certain bane
and min : even though it should be supposed that reli-
gion and a future state w^re out of the question. — Nt»r
surely, after this, will it need any apology to those itho
•look beyond the concerns of the pi*esent life, and whose
.hopes are full of immortality, that such a subject should
be allowed .a distinct and ample consideration in tlie
following Discoui-se. To this end, therefore, I have
chosen these words of the text — ' That I might by ail
ftieans save someJ*-r-^Whexe the^ Apostle informs us that
he did many things, and accommodated himself to tl^
genius, tempers, and wants of many difTereut people,
where he could con^tently do it, for the sake of gaia-
ing the great end in view — the conversion and salva-
^on of theii* souls : for he became all things tmto all
men^ &iat he might by all m£ans save same. With the
^ame view tiien, I shall ccrasider the institution of hospi-
tals and Infirmaries, as the Apostle did the accommo-
dating himself to the inclinations and afTectioos of thos6
he had to converse with ; t. e, I shall consider it as a
,means which, though highly laudable and beneficial ia
itself, is rendered still more valuable by being mad^
aubaervient to a much nobler and better end — a na-
tional reformation, and the interests of true religion anct
Christian morality. Nor can it be objected, if we will
but reflect a moment on the present state of the prin-
ciples and morals of the lower class of people, that this
is a needless design, or an unnecessary end for us to
propose."

. In this city, aothing to any considerable extent, has
yet been done respecting the establishment of schools m
«our hospitals or prisons, although this subject has c^"
cupied the attentioa of individuals active i& the cause

49

of ediscaiimi l^lativei to adiUto ; luch estaUKdimiito are

at this time uoder serious deliberation, and efibrts are
making to effect these benevoleQt wishes of the Adult
School Societj. lu that called St. Peter's Hospital^
there has, for some time past, been a school for women,
which is rendered very respectable by the industry and
proper management of those females who have gener*
Qusly Yoiunteered their services for its management.
In Bridewell, there is also one, very recently establish-
ed, for the instruction of women ; they accepted the
proposal with ardour, and evinced a sincere gratitude
for the friendly exertions made for their improvements '

Private Schools.

yin the course of applications for learners, in thr
i^ourts and lanes of Bristol, some persons have beea
£t>und amongst the untaught poor, who evince a grekt'^
aversion to attend the public schools opened for their
instruction ; this may arise from variety of disposition,
^s well as from a consideration of the circumstanceti
attending the pursuit of ^hat'knowledge of which they
are in want ; but even if it be from pride, indolence^
iitiame, or ignorance ofthe true value of learning, these ,
Sjjnpediments cannot be overcome by force.- *

When all who are willing to attend the public schools
are collected; It becomes a consideration with the benev-
dent, whcLt will be the best means of gathering iip the.
firagmenjs, that nothing may be lost No plan appears
letter calculated to effect this- desirable purpose, than-
ihat of forming Frivaie Schools in the dwellings of the
p^x; where small companies of neighbours, acquaint-
ed . Ipith each other, may be collected for the purpose-
rf receiving instruction in a more private way, tront
teachers of suitable ages, aiid who niay be agre^ble t<ir

48

tcft tfafai idea^ I ftdcoowled^^DiTaelf indebted to my^

Talued friend James Mootgomery, of Sheffield, (a naii
veil koowD to the world as a poet,) in a letter I received'
from him a short time jsince ; speaking of llie tiro Adult
Schools established in Sheffield, he observe&^*' In this
iowo, the plan has succeeded happily, so far as it bas'
been perseveringly tried; but many per8onfi^ particu*!
larly the men^ though williog to be taught, are asham- -
ed to learn in large schools, where their ignorance and
awkwardness are exposed to young people or strangers;
i^ is therefore intended, so far as it can be done con-
yealenUy,. to teach such at their private dwellings^ ittt
small classes, where six or eight neighbours may be as-
sociated together. This hint is worthy your consider*
ation, and the experiment may be advantageously
made, where such obstmctioDs to the establishment of. .
large associations occur from the shyness or obstinacj
of those who are very reluctant to appear what they are,
and very willing by stealth to become what they are not;'
The feelings, nay, the prejudices ofsuch, ought to be ten-
derly treated, and accommodated as much as posbible.^-
One objection to this plan is obvious ; which is, thai>
the persons thus collected will pr^^ably be in diiferent^
Stages of learning, and, whilst a teacher is pointing to-
a lesson of single syllables, for tl^f instruction of one or^
two of the pupils, those who are farther advanced are^
losing time ; for one great object in the Laucasteriao-^
tfpstem of education i^, that each individual in a sehoo)^ ^
though consisting of many hundreds, should every miO"^
nteo^histime be employed in learning sometfaingjUial'^
he does not yet understand : it is with &i» intention thal^
die scholars are so classed as to have every one in a*-
class precisely in the same stage of advancement^ conse-'
quently, all must have their attention constantly fixed;
upon a lesson they have not yet leamedi In these Pri^*
^Me SchooU^\ managed by one teacher, the teacher^8»
time must necessarily be divide^;, for, whilst he is in--
structing perhaps two or tluree in a lesson^ composed 9lb
words of one sylkMe^ tbeothen moie ^ArvmA ay&:

49

ilmiyoid^bfy neglected ; consequentty, there will be a
great loss of valuable time. But DotwithstandiDg this
di«adyantage, material benefits majr result from schools
-of this descriptioD, even if the advancement of some of
the learners be for a time retarded ; for, bj adopting
this plan, many hundreds of the poor may be taught to
read the Holy Seiiptures, who would otherwise lemaib
in a state of deplorable ignorance.

Hu Bristol School of Refuge.

Through the successful Exertions made by the Bris-
tol Adult School Society, we have seen collected in its
numerous seminaries the sober and orderly poor of both
sexes, grateful for the privileges they enjoy, and earnest
to obtain tlve benefits of educatioq.

We have seen tlie individuals of that society (n$l
coittented with receiving those who voluntarily apply
for admission) traversing the streets of the city inhab-
ited by the poor, entering their dwellings, and soliciti'
fng them to embrace the opportunity afibrded them to
acquire the knowledge of letters, and ability to read the
Holy Scriptures. We have also seen them extendiiy
their Walks to the surrounding villages, of five, six, and
even ten miles distance, to offer the same advantages
there to their unlettered fellow-creatures ; to whom the
sacred writings have hitherto been a sealed book. We
hav,e seen too, the rude, long-neglected inhabitants of
Kingswood opening their doors, with tliankful gladness,
to these friends of mankind, and accommodating Uieir
neighbours to assemble with them and participate in the
blessings of Heaven, through the instrumentality of these
zealous labourers in this newly opened field.

But what will the reader «ay, when he is UAd that

we have now beheld some ^f the most amiable, modest,

atid pious young female^ in this city, directing their

ifoc(t8teps to it^ loathsome lanes and courts^ where the

5

50

wretched inhabitants are sink in depths of deprarity.
These sincere friends to that pure religion, whose di-
Tine Author '^ came not to call the righteous, but sin-
ners to repentance," deeply dipped in Christian syui-
pathj for the most miserable class of their own sex,
whose support is the wages of iniquity, have been seen,
in the view of astonished spectators, to enter the dread-
ful haunts of abandoned liceutiousness— to lead to a
school, denominated The School of R^ge, appointed
exclusively for them, the miserable victims of vice and
seduction who were willing to renounce their iniquitous
courses : these are invited to receive the blessings of
education under pious examples, and hear the means of
. iheir redemption, proposed by the God of Love and
Mercy in Christ Jesus, read from the Holy Scriptures.
By which means there is reason to hope, some of these
pitiable objects will be snatched as brands from the
burning, and happily delivered not only from their
. present wretchedness, but finally from the realms of ir-
remediable wo. Should this undertaking succeed, I
. conceive it would be the highest pitch to wMch the
Adult School Society could aspire, and may be consid-
ered the crown and gUnry oi that Institution. It will
of course require, the co-operation and support of the
affluent, to provide for the necessities of these sad ob-
jects of solicitude and care, until they can be put into a
way of procuring a maintenance for themselves, by
honest and honourable means. Some opulent individ-
uals of the other sex, have already evinced their liber-
ality, and held meetings to deliberate upon the plans
requisite for making an effectual provision.

A number of religious and highly respectable nien
seem disposed to patronize the benevolent Founders of
this School, under a persuasion that it has commenced
in that simplicity which should characterize the off-
spring of religious duty ; and it is now probable that
the more penitent individuals will, ere wng, be col-
lected into one house, appropriated solely to their ben-
eKty onder tke regulation and nanagement of judi«<

51

eious females, assisted hy a committee of mea* I am
persuaded nothing short o{ a strong coovictioD of re-
ligious duty would have induced those diffident, unas-
suming females to enter upon an undertaking so ardu-
ous, and which they knew would necessarily expose
them to scenes and interviews truly irksome, and re-
pugnant to the sentiments of virtuous delicacy they had
been accustomed to cherish.

I know they have groaned under bodily and mental
t(Hl, and would gladly have been excused the prosecu-
tion of their undertaking, could they have relinquished
It with peace of mind, and retired to the enjoyment of
domestic tranquillity and comfort

Although this school may be considered the off-
spring of the Adult School Society, or resulting from
its laudable exertions, yet, strictl}^ speaking* it is not
immediately a branch of that Institution : it has been
established by the few females who have voluntarily
and privately sought out those miserable objects, with
the most benevolent design of effecting, if possible,
their sincere reformation. That which may be called
the public school, at present consists of ten or twelve
learners ; who are not yet taken from their places of
residence, and evil course of conduct Even these, it*
is hoped, will be receiving from the good advice im-
parted, and from hearing the Holy Scriptures seriously
read, such impressions of mind as may, at some future
period, prove a blessing to them. But there are others
who have demonstrated sincere penitence, or evinced
an earnest desire of being delivered from a course of
Kfe that had rendered them truly wretched : these
are placed in private lodgings, under the care and
superintendence of orderly and discreet women, who
have also felt interested in the restoration of these poor
creatures to the paths of virtue. Those who are thus
phiced out, are daily visited and instructed by one of
the members of this little private society of females.
The expenses of their board, lodging, &c. are defrayed
by the tiberaUty of certaia individuab, who have lent

N

^2

m

their aid by pecuniaiy contributions. They have now
about tweotj-three persons of this descriptiou under
their care, of whom great hopes are entertained that
they will never return to their former habits of vice
and consequent wretchedness. Some others are resteer*
ed to their relatives and friends, and have solemnly de-
clared they would willingly live on the meanest food,
and work hard for their support, rather than return to
those direful abodes from which they were taken, and
live, as before, on the wages of iniquity.

In the contemplation of this undertaking, we can*
not help picturing to ourselves Iniquity stalking the
streets with daring effrontery ; whiM we behold, with
pleasure and admiration, a little band ef virtuous fe-
males, emboldened and enabled to hold up^ with Chris-
tian nobility, a standard against it, wiUi simplicity, and
with faith in the direction and support of Infinite Wis-
dom and Power.

When Christian benevolence is extending a helping
hand to the poor and needy, and has for its ultimate
object the moral and religious improvement of society,
this is a class of our fellow-beings whose depravity is
daily spreading its banefiil influence amongst the rising
' youth, and consequently claims the especial attention ^
parents, as well as every good member of the communi-
ty, to remove so crying, so destructive an evil,' and to
rescue from' utter urin these miserable victims of Sa-
tan. Little is the wretchedness of such objects known
to those who are not actual witnesses of the unhappi-
ness attendant upon their sinful course of life. Their
history would, in roost instances, excite the strongest
emotions of pity and disgust ; even the licentious,
whose minds have not yet become callous to the better
fejelings, have often shuddered at the sight Some idea
of the depths of misery into which these poor debased
creatures have plunged themselves, may be faintly coI^
ceived from reading the following lines, said to have been
found in a miserable garret, in tide city of Glasgow, in
the year 1810, after ^ decease of a young female, of

53

superior connexioos and echieation, who became the

victim of seductioD.

*♦ When pamperM, starvM, abandon'd, or in drink,
" My thoughts were rack'd in striving not to think ;
" Nor could rejected conscience claim the pow'r
** T' improve the respite of one serious hour.
" I durst not look at what I was before ;
** 3Iy soul shrunk back, and wish'd to be no more.
" My eye undaunted, and of touch impure ;
'/ Old, ere of age— worn out, when scarce mature ;
** Baily debas'd to stifle my disgust
** Of forc'd enjoyment in affiected lust ;
'* Cover'd with guilt, infection, debt, and want—
** My home a brothel, and the streets my haunt,
' ** Till the full course of sin and vice gone through,
" My shattered fabric fail'd at twenty-two :
*' Then Death, with ev'ry horror in his train,
** Here closed the scene of nought but guilt and pain I
" Ye fair associates of my opening bloom,
** Oh I come, and weep, and profit at my tomb ;
*' Then shun the path where gay delui^ions shine —
** Be yours the lesson — the sad experience mine."

The peculiar Tenets of no one Sect of Christians to be
introduced in these Schools.

For the promotioo aed preservation of harmooy
amongst persons of different religious sentiments, who
are disposed to unite in the important work of educat-
iqg the aduit poor, it will be found requisite cautiously
to avoid making the school-rooms places of worship,
^vherein tlie peculiar opinions of any society of Chris-
tians may be inculcated, which would have a direct
5*

54

teodency to create jealousy, and uhimatel j afooUsli the
InstitutioBS. The principles of the British and Foreign
Bible Society, of sending out the Scriptures without
note or comment, should be strictly adhered to ; for
this reason, the Bible should be the only book read in
there schools, and that without any explanation what-
ever ; and no lesson should be used that contains a sen-
timent not approved by every denomination of Chris-
tains. All books containing disputed points of doctrine,
are peculiarly exceptionable ; and no person should be
allowed to distribute, amongst the learners, papers or
pamphlets in which su<^h points are treated of, either
openly or privately. There will be ample scope for
advice, either verbal (mt in print, without bringing for-
ward the peculiar and distinguishing sentiments of any
sect. The learners should be left at full liberty to
connect themselves with this or that society, whose
principles they may judge to be most consistent with
the precepts of the Gospel and the dictates of their own
consciences; and to attend the place of worship be-
longing to that society, to whose doctrines they may give
the preference.

The Bristol Adult School Society have thought pro-
per to make it one of their standing rules — " That as it
is highly expedient to implore the Divine blessing on our
endeavours, these schools shall always op^ and con-
clude with prayer." — ^With the deference due to the
pious and zealous formers of the rules of this Institu-
tion, I take the liberty of differing in opinion from them
in respect to this requisition, the fulfilment of which k,
of course, laid upon the conductors and conducti-esses.
I am one in sentiment with them, that it is highly ex-
pedient, and becoming us as dependent beings^ that we
should implore the Divine blessing on all our laudable
undertakings ; especially when th^ promotion of God's
glory, or the religious benefit of our fellow-creatures, is
the object of our pursuit ; but, according to my view of
the subject, this should be a private, rather than a
public exercise. Vocal prayers, offered up in these

55

little assemblies, must be coosidered not 00I7 as public
worship, but the most solemn of all devotiooal perfor-
maDces ; aad this practice may, I coQceive, induce the
learners to think it sufficient to. excuse them from pray-
ing for themselves ; perhaps too, it would be a sketch
of Christian charity to suppose that all those who may
be qualified to discharge the duties of conductors or
conductresses, are blessed with the gift or spirit of
prayer, and authorized from above to become a mouth
for others to that omniscient God, who fills the throne of
majesty, mercy, and grace. Public supplication ap-
pears to me too awful an engagement for any mortal to
be employed in, on whom the Spirit of the living God
b not really, and sensibly, and at the time poured out ;
this requisite qualification is not at our command at peri-
ods of our own appointing; if prayer is offered up
without such an authority and qualification, haw can
we expect it will ascend as acceptable incense to God, to
whom all the nations of the earth are but as the dust that
adheres to the balance* For these reasons, I think all
that appears to ,me expedient on these occasions is, read-
ing to the learners a portion of the Scriptures, at tlie
opening and close of the schools. We are all enjoined,
by the great Author of the Christian religion, to con-
stant watchfulness and prayer ; in which every true be-
liever will daily see and feel the necessity of being en-
gaged, in the temple of his own heart. Access to the
throne of Mercy, through the medium of supplication,
is an especial favour from the Deity, and may be con-
sidered as the highest privilege of man, on this side of
the grav^; but an obtrusion into his presence, with
minds unimpressed with an awful sense of his greatness
and our own unworthiness, as well as a real feeling of
what we stand in need of, is an offering which wants the
salt of the covenant, the seasoning virtue of the Di-
vine anointing ; and to those who make such offerings,
may not the awful interrogation of the Prophet be applied
— " Who hath required 2iis at your hands to tread my
courtfr ?"

56

I have eohirged upon thb subject, cooeeiving it to
be ooe of qo tnvia] importance ; bat toward the pious
friends of those Institutions, who diflfer from me in
sentiment, I hope ever to cherish that cliarity which
allows the free exercise of religious judgment, without
thinking unkindly of them, or suffering any abatement
of Christian love.

Reading the Scriptures in the schools, besides the
cultivation of religious knowledge, is attended with
another obvious advantage, inasmuch as it gives the^
learners more correct i(«!eas of good reading, in respect
to pronunciation, and laying the stress of the voice on
those words tliat require it, in order to impress the
hearers with a clear sense of what the sev^eral sentences
imply, as well as the solemn manner in which the Scrip-
tures should always be read. With this view, it will
be requisite to select the best readers from amongst the
teachers, provided the conductors themselves are not
the best; which may sometimes be the case.

Some Ohjectims to instructing the Poor consi4kr€d.

An argument has been used, in less enlightened peri-
ods llian the present^ which is not yet removed from
the lips even of some from whom we might reasonably
have expected agi-eaterdegi^e of penetration — ^that the
system of education so extensively di£bsing amongst
the poor of the present day, will have the injurious ten-
dency of placing them above their stations in life ; and
an opinion is actually cherished that, becomii^ dissatis-
fied with their condition, there will not ultimately be
found servants to fill the menial, domestic, and com-
mercial employments; but that, aiming to be equal
with their masters and mistresses, and excited by hu-
man pride, there is a danger of their attempting to throw
oil' all subordination to their superiors.

We should naturally have supposed diat no person,
capable of reflecting on the nature of human society^-

67

itod the niutasJ clependaiice of the several rftnks and
classes upoo each other, could possibly for a moinent
entertaiD a fear of this kiad ; for, were men of the most
splendid talents to form themselves into societies, pro-
fessedly to eflfect such a destruction of ri^ht order, or
n ciril equalization of mankind, others of inferior capa*
cities mifiht laugh at their folly, and ridicule so ab*
nurd, so cnimerical a project. The reciprocal depen-
dence of the poor upon the rich for their support, and
of the rich upon the poor for their labours, mu»t, through
all progressive improvements, absolutely and necessari*
ly exist ; and the duties which the several classes owe
to each other, will be more cooscientiously regarded
than could be expected in a state of ignorance and
vice. Let the individuals who have indulged these
gloomy apprehensions take a look at Scotland, where
uie poor (in the low lands) are more extensively edu-
cated than what is at present anticipated in this part oi
the country — let them see whether the knowledge of let>*
ten has produced those baneful consequences ; on the
contrary, does there not exist a more cheerful submis-
sion amongst the pocnr, to those in the h%her walks of
life ; more industry, more economy, more contentment ;
and are they not also more truirt-worthy, because less
ignorant, and consequently less criminal, than tlie poor
of England?—- Being educated, they are capaUe of
reading, and acquiring an enlargement of mind, which
qualifies them to form a clearer judgment of men and
things, and more Justly appreciate the moral character.
I have never understood that pride is more prevalent
in the poor of Scotland than of England ; it is the mean
offspring of ignorance : ignorance of ourselves — igno-
rance of true religion, of which humility is one of the
strongest characteristics ; aoil the knowledge of tlie
sacred Scriptures^ that fountain whence we draw reli-
gious instruction, should ever go hand in hand with all
our plans for instilling knowledge. When the precepta
of virtue and morality are implanted in the minds of

58

the poor, especially, if cheri^ied by good examples la
the rich, we shall certainly have nothiog to fear from
the educatioD of our Bervants, and of the mass of la-
bouring poor. If servants should become more virtu-
ous than their masters, aud the pious example of tliese
should influence the minds of their superiors, or put to
shame the more irreligious conduct of their employers,
I trust no evil consequences to society, or to indivi^-
duals, need be apprehended from such an event

What benefits, what comforts can a master antici-
pate from the services of illiterate domestic or other
servants, that he could not expect to enjoy from the
same, if they were better informed, or their minds
opened by a more virtuous cultivation ? —If he should
entertain an opinion that, in consequence of their igno-
rance, they will be more likely to submit to unreasonable
hardships imposed upon them, or that such will best suit
him in the transactions of a nefarious commerce, his
motive is base and dishonourable. But, lamentable as
it may be, there are, unquesti6nably, men of this de-
scription ; enriching themselves at the expense of other
men's comfort, in a course of trade replete with cir-
cumstances flagrantly inconsistent with that integrity
which the pure spirit of Christianity inspires, and which
stands directly opposed to the inculcation of morality
and virtue in the labouiiog classes, wbp are exposed to
the influence of these corrupt examples.

Although an equalization of the various ranks of
civil society, in regard to secular concerns, can never
take place, at least in the present state of mankind,
yet there is a Christain equalization, which would tend
greatly to^ promote Uie happiness of the world at large,
and this is the direct tendency of the religion of our
Holy Redeemer, who himself, great and exalted as he
was, condescended to wash his disciples' feet. The
Gospel of our ever adorable Lord and Master teaches
us to consider all men as the children of one common '
Father, heirs of the same hope, designed to live on
earth as brethren, to be governed by that spirit of

59

Christian love which gives us an interest in eac&
others present and future well-being, and SnaUy, to be
eternal co-residents in the Paradise of God.

If the professors of Christianity were really ac-
tuated by the pure spirit of its divine Author, tlie rich
would feel themselves charged with an important
trust; they would be the tender, the benevolent, the
sympathizing guardians of the poor; theur minds im-
pelled by the duties of such a guardianship " to visit
the sick, the fatherless, and the widows, and to keep
themselves unspotted from the world." They would be
disposed to act in unisan with the counsel given by the
great Apostle of the Gentiles — " Charge them that arc
rich in this world, that they be not Wgh* minded, nor
.trust in their uncertain riches, but in the living God,
who. giveth richly all things to enjoy ; that they do
good, that they be rich in good works ; ready to dis•^
tribute ; willing to communicate."

Considerations on the Advantages of AduU Education,

Whilst we rejoicingly acknowledge what has been
. done by preceding generations, in erecting and endow-
ing hospitals for the sick, alms*houses for the aged
. and infirm, seminaries for the young, with many other
highly useful Institutions, which reflect honour on the
British character, let us not be unmindful of tlie state
of lamentable ignorance still prevalent amongst the
adult poor ; . a class of our fellow-creatures who have
^pent their time and strength to procure for us those com*
flirts, we so plentifully enjoy : they have built our houses,
cultivated our fields, carried our burdens ; they have
mirsed in sickness our parents, ourselves^ our children,
' and our children's children, whilst they have obtained
. for themselves but a bare subsistence from week to
week. These have an unquestionable claim upon us ;
gratitude and justice demaad a retttrn^ and that too in

60

vhat will be more eflsentially and pcnnanently Bervice-
able to them than gold or silver — the knowledge of the
sacred Scriptures ; that thty may know for themseivea
the God ot aH grace and consolation. This is indeed
durable riches and righteousness ; to these will be
given power to overcome the corrupt spirit of the
world, and a right to the tree of life, that stands in the
midst of the Paradise of God. This will sweeten every
bitter cup, smooth the roughest paths of human life>
and render their heavy burdens comparatively light

The aged poor can have but a little mare time
before them, and the consideration that they are far
too ignorant of the Gospel promises and doctrines of
our blessed Redeemer, calk loudly upon us to engage
in this labour of love, without farther procrastinatioB,
lest they go down to the grave without a knowledge
of those things on which their eternal happiness de«
pends.

^^ In human hearts what holder thought can rue,
" Than man's presumption on to-morrow's dawn ?^

If we are believers in the Gospel declaration, that
^' righteousness exalteth a nation,*' we must necessarily
infer, that a righteous nation has great reason to hope for
the protecting arm of Omnipotence from the devasta-
tion of the sword, the pestilence, and famme ; doas it
not become an individual interest, as well as incumbent
duty, to contribute our best endeavours to promote so
momentous and so good a work ? — does it not demand
the dedication of a portion of the time and proper^
with which we have been blessed f

The important advantages expecteil to result fiom
educating the poor of both sexes, have already been so
forcibly stated by much abler writers of the present
day, that it probably, in the estimation of many, woetd
render it unnecessary to occupy the public attention
with any thing I may herein offer, on the subject favour-
able to the general cause; yet the consideration that
this little work may Ail into the ha&ds of a sumber

6]

of persoDs, if ho have not perused what has been pre*
viously wrkten, has excited a hope in the mind of its
author, that this portion of labour will not be altogether
useless.

Annexed to the printed Rules of tlie Bristol Royal
Lancasterian Free School for Girls, are a few observa-
tions, worthy of being more widely disseminated than
amongst the Eubscribers to that laudable Institution ;
with this view I give them an insertion here.

'* The Committee can hardly suppose it necessary,
at this time, to bring forward arguments to prove the
benefits which would result to the community in gene-
ral, from the universal education of the poor. But the
following facts are so important, that it would be in-
consistent with their duty not to call the attention of
the public to them.

^' By a comparison of the criminal calendars of
England and Scotland, laid before Parliament, it is
found, that criminal oiTences are eleven times more
frequent in England in equal portions of the popula-
tion, than they are in Scotland ! — These countries are
governed by the same laws, and influenced by the
same manners. What then constitutes the difference ?
In Scotland, tlie poor are educated — in England, they
are not.

" Of the many thousand children which have been
educated in Christ's Hospital, and in Lancaster'^s School,
in the Borough Road, it is not known that ofie was ever
arraigned at a criminal bar. And it has been ascer-
tained by an examination of the prisons in London,
instituted by one of the Sheriffs, that, of the crimiuah
contained in them, the natives of Ireland were the
most numerous ; of England the next ; and incompa-
rably the fewest were natives of Scotland. The num-
bers thus bearing an exact proportion to the means
provided in each countiy for the instruction of the
poor.

*' The philanthropist will not disregard facts so
striking, nor be deaf to a call of duty so imperious. He
6

«2

will not refuse a small pecuniary aid, to rescue the
Female Poor of this city from a state of ignorance ; the
fruitful parebt of those crimes which are ameuable at
ao earthly bar, as well as of the vices which are cog-
sizable by no human tribunal."

Imperious indeed is the call of duty on all whom
the great Creator has been pleased to furnish with the
means of promoting a scheme so pregnant with bless-
ings to society in general, which can never be duly
appreciated ; and whilst we applaud the pious and
benevolent for what they have generously done, and are
still doing for the rising generation, let us not turn a
deaf ear to the lamentations of those in advanced age,
suifering unutterable loss from the neglect of their
ancestors.

The aged instructiqg the young *is a sight familiar
to us all ; but we have lately beheld a scene much^
more affecting — ^tbe child sitting on his grands-father's
fcnee, instructing him in the use of the alphabet Here,
hoary age feels and laments the want of learning, and
condescends to receive it from the juvenile exertions of
his third generation.

The aggregate number ^ persons in this country,
who, owing to their inability to read, are deprived o£
the inestimable advantage of perusing the most in-
stmctive of all book« — the sacred Scriptures, I appre-
Jiend to be much greater than is generally conceived ;
perhaps the reader will be surprised whea he is ibfonn-
ed, " It has been computed that in England alone there
are not less than one million two hundred thousand grovfn
persons, who, through poverty or negligence of their
parents, have never been taught to read. Such persons,
it ahould be recollected, are not only incapable of
filling many stations in society for which they miglit
otherwiiie be qualified, but are cut off from all per-
sonal access to the Holy Scriptures, that fountain of
religious and moral instruction." — In the Highlands
and Islands of Scotland, the picture is still more de-
plorable, ootwithstandiqg the diffusion of education

63

itmoagst the poor inhabitaoto of the low-laDds. From
the first Annaal Report of the Society in Ediobui^h,
for the support of the Gaelic school ia the Highiandt
and Islands of ScotlaiuK it appears, that the number of
persons in those parts who cannot read, amounts to
Dearly three hundred thousand t — It also appears, " In
an Address by the Secretary of the Society for pro-
moting Christian Knowledge, delivered in 1803, at the
Crown and Anchor Tavern, in London, that out of
three hundred and thirty-five thousand persons in the
Highlands, it was computed that three hundred thou-
sand understood no other language than Gaelic, so far
at least as not to compreliend a book written, or a
continued discourse spoken, in any otiier."

In a report made by the Committee of the Edin-
bui^h Society, the 15th of January, 1811, is the follow-
ing paragraph :

" From the ejcperience of several / successive years,
one of our number can inform you, as the result of actual
esperiment, that among the nunierous baodg who come
southward in the time of harvest to reap our fields, he
has not found one in ^^» capable of reading the simplest
passages of sacred Scripture. This, however, is now
kfiowQ to be a favourable specimen of the country :
the inhalntants of many populous districts beii)g much
more illiterate. In some of these, not tme in sixt^^ and
iu others, not one in a hundred can read : nay, the
Committee are informed of various places where it is
impossible to find mie person among several kundreds^in
a better condition ! In a letter relating to one parish,
of which a melancholy account will be read, the Clergy-
man says, that out of four thousand inhabitants, pejrhaps
hardly seven hundred possess even a smattering of
book knowledge ! In a tract of ten or twelve miles,
well peopled, there may not be found a single indi-
vidual capable of reading either English or Gaelic —
and these are situated from fourteen to tweuty-five
miles distant bom the parish church 1^'

64

In the Report dated the 29th of November in the
same year, it is stated, that " The returns made by the
Clergymen of different parishes, fully confirm all that
had been feared by individuals belonging to the Society.
This will appear by the mention of a few parishes, theiT
population, and tlie number incapable of reading in
each.

*' On the Main Land.

In the Parish of Fearn, out of 1500, 1300 unable to read.

Gairloch, £945, 2349 ----

Lochbroom, -^-4000, 3S00

" In the Islands.

In the Parish of Kilmuir, Skye, 3056, 2T18 -

Stornoway, Lewe8,4000, 2800 -

Hams, 3000, 2900-

And in «-•- North Uist, 4000, dSOO-

** Thus, out of 22,501,-19,367 are incapable of
reading either English or Gaelic ; and many otheir
parishes might be mentioned in a state equally desti-
tute. Comieeted with this melancholy fact, it must be
observed, that the portion who arc able to read,
reside in or near the district where a school is taught ;
^ut in the remote glens, or subordinate islands of almost
every parish, few or none can be found who know-
even the letters."

In perusing several of the Reports of the Stock-
port school, I have been struck with the judicious
observations contained in the preliminai-y pages of
those annual productions, intended to point out the
beneficial effects expected to result to society at large
from the education of the rising generation, for whom
was established this noble Institution ; which not only
reflects the greatest honour on its patrons, managers,
and subscribers, but on the character of tiie British
nation. As many of these observations are equally
applicable to the schools of adult persons, I have con-
sidered the following selection well calculaied to pro-
mote the object of my ardent wishes in this little
work.

65

^ The pn>s|;«fitf of a eMe de|iefi<l» ap<m Hs iotar*
nal peace, and its peace k secured by knowledge, and
especially by Christian kacmledge. That society whiek
is ofteu disturbed — ^that in which the labour of the
huslmiidiaaQ is in danger of being torn from him by
the hand of violence,- is air ignorant society. The
well-instructed peasant knows that, to rise aboT« pov^
erty, be must live in peace. Mark the* effects of ijeroo*
ranee on a sister country, and let her experience direct
our conduct.—^ In all our perils,^ says an able writet
oQ the state of Ireland^ ' the real danger is in those
who cannot read ; the real seeurity in those who
can,*

^ Ignorant men unite to plunder, but never to pse*
tect. Their friendship is witiiottt security ; tlieip
enmity without mercy. Ignorance is 'the baoe of
society r it is the greatest Ibe against which a oatioA
l^as to contend — destroy its reign, and a tymnt falls*
Who is the midnight murderer ? — Who are the diiN
turbers of the peace ? — Are they the welUiustructed f
— Against whom is the strong hand of the magfistrate^
iiplifed ? — Aganistthe man who knows his duty? Nof
Imt against him "whom igRorance has made brutish.-^
Whore is the person that will plead for Ignorance af
for Virtue ? — Who will say that she is the mother of
devotion ; or the source of subordmation P-^Sbe is tho
mother of no good thing. Bigoliry and superstitioit
are her offspring. She is the parent ef cruelty, anil
the nurse of crimes* Head, in the history of the world*
the e^cts of ignorance. The wandenng Afab, tht
fterce and babarous Indisc, are what they are from
ignorance. Englmid, when barbarous^ was the abode
cf misery : every man's hand was lifted agdnst hia
aeighbeur.

" The happiness of every rank in society is prCk
noted by reciprocal services ; for, the prosperity of one
part is the foundation and security of the prosperity of
the other. A landowner increases his revenuef whmi
tds tenanta thrive* Skilful workmen vais^ ifthtf 4<»
6*

66.

not cteaie^ the repiitaHon of thdr empb^ren ; aDit mea
are skilful ia proportion to their iDtelligeoce. When a
prince is emulous of great distinction and high homouia,
he can only acquire tliem by enlightening his subjects;
History, indeed^ is fiiU of evidence that the prosperity^
of a state hegins at the cottage. Hence, the infhience
of our own country is so fliateriaUy affected by the
state of its manufactories. And why does Great Bri*
tain, in this respect, excel eyery other nation ? Ia it
net because we surpass those of the North in intclli^
gence, and those of the South'in industry ? — Our indus-
try is connected with our civilization ; civilization
creates wants, which industry supplies : while barba-
rous people are averse- to labour, and seek the supply
of their necessities by rapine and fraud."

That Crimea djkninisb in prq>ortion to the cultiva*
tion of knowledge, has been already urged ; in addition
to the proob before adduced, '^ In one of the protest-
ant Cantons of Switzerland, the poor were so well in-
structed that the executioner was called upon to per-
form his hateful office but once in the long space of
twenty years. ^ Such are some of the fruits of know*
ledge, which ripen into an immediate harvest, and am-
ply repay the cultivator."

*^ But there is another and a better motive for in«
structing the ignorant, than merely the peace of socie-
ty — ^it is their reli^ous improvement. Education raises
a man above the mean and base practices to which the
temptations and hardships of. life might otherwise ex-
pose him ; but religion renders him actively good. lu
this school he cannot learn too much ? — Where is the
christian who knows too much ? — Where is he by whom
the summit of knowledge can be contemplated ? — Ever
rising, it terminates in Omniscience ! In him dweHetk
dU msdom and knowledge^

«' Instruction increases the happiness of the poor. A
cottager, in the midst of his family, reading his Bible,
feels a satisfaction and a joy which the unlettered peasant
eitfuiot taste. Delight gladdens the face of the one.

07

ivhile Ihe heart of the other cannot in this waj be made
better. Igoorance is sullen and envious : it is the
blast and mildew of the soul ; but the man who reads
the Scriptures is taught, in whatever state he is, therC'-
with t^he cmUent ; — he is taught that riches do not ere*
ate happiness, and that poverty does not make miser a«
ble ; that his Master had not whereon to lajf his head,
and therefore he ought not to complain."

In the education of children, a preference seems to
be generally given to boys ; but in the Adult Schools,
we. have been equally desirous of cultivating the female
mind. ^' A woman^s information influences the present
comfort and future state of her family. If her house
be well ordered, the husband forsakes the alehouse, and
where there would have been want, there is. plenty.
The cottager is rich whose wife is cleanly, economical,
and able to conduct the affairs of her little fiimily with
judgment It is the mother who instructs the children :
to her they look up for all they want ; and, in gene*
ral, as she is, so are they. In the first seven years of^
life, a great bias is given to the character ; and, during
this period, the mother^s influence is every thing." ^

" Man, in a savage or uncultivated state, is alike an
object of compassion to the friend of humanity^ wheth*
er he tread with ferocious inflependence the plains of
Africa, or the wilds of America — whether be bend, in
blind adoration, bt^fore the dark superstitions of ttie east ;
or wilfully close his eyes ami<l the bright effulgence of
divine truth, which at present enlightens the civilized
parts of Europe. As children of one family, and de-
ecendents from the same source, the benevolent in all
ages have acknowledged their affinity, and sought to
lessen the accumulated evils attendant on human nature^
of whatever cast or colour ; *' for there is no difference
between Jew and Greek ; for the same Lord over all, is
rich unto all that call upon him ' In vain, then, does
the inhuman possessor of slaves exclaim that the help-
less victim who smarts beneath his lash^ is an inferior

68

aAimal, apd that his feetii^ may be sfitnted with at
pleasure. To no purpose has the refined philosopher
laboured to prove that the sable African occupies a low-
er station in the scale of being than himself ; existio^
facts having confuted these erroneous decisions, aod
fully declared them to be without foundation."^

'* It is the slow progressive worlK of civilization aloB^
which c n conquer the force of deep rooted prejudices^
aod abolish degrading habits and customs. It is this,
aided by the powerliil influence of religion, that must
subdue the reigning lusts and passions, before those fioCT
ties can be established which link society together iff
one Gommofl bond of union, and form the distinguishiQip
characteristic of an enlightened nation. Experience has
proved that where these advantages have b^en introdu-
ced, the natives, eroei^ng from barbarism, have yielded
to instruction, and given the most satisfactory assursenoe*
of a mild aod teachable disposition. Of their improve-
ment indeed, a more decisive, though painful proof ea»-
not be given, than the superior price which a coaverted
i^ve always beara in a coloiiial uiarket."

** We can, imteed, confidently assert^ that no forra^p
period has afforded such efficient means for the dissefni"
nation of moral and religious knowledge amoiig the lowef
elassea, as the present ; and the best results may be ex<*
pected from such a general coalition in the glorioua
scheme. The doubts and fears of those who^ first oppo*
sed their instruction, as liable to prove destructive to^
subordioation, have gradually subsided ; aod the eham<^
pions of ignorance, ashamed of their cause, have cai^
away their arms and retired from the field. If the peo*^
pie are left ignorant of their duty to God, and their moral
•bligationa to each other, no wonder if they inhringe on
the peace of society. But shew them the goodness of
that indulgent Being who sheds blessings , upon us, un»
known to any other nations; teach them, to obey the
government under which they live, and the necessity of
submitting themsdtves to tlie laws made for fte reguk*

69

lion and benefit of all rankfi of societ)^ and they will
tbaDkiiiliy obey Uiem."*

The Advantages ef Education m a Secular Point of
View.

If we consider the advantages, in a secular point of
▼lew, to society at large, that must be expected to result
from an universal education of the poor, it certainly
alTords an additional inducement to exert our energies
to effect this great object. The divine Creator has, for
wise and beneficial purposes^ bestowed on man an end-
Itss variety of talents, which, when brought into action,
are productive of new discoveries ; from whence spring
many improvements in the arts and sciences, adding,
from time to time, fresh articles for manufacture — new
sources of employment for our poor, and consequently,
an extension of our commerce. It is well known that
many labouring artists and manufacturers have evinced
a genius for improvement ; and not a few of the most
important and profitable discoveries have been made
by unlettered men of strong minds, whose active and
inventive talents might have shone with still more con*
spicuous splendor, had they been blessed with even a
humble education ; and thereby qualified for reading
the experiments of others, and ascertaining the mechanic*
al, chemical, or philosophical principles of the arts or
sciences to which they have directed their attention.

* The several quotations following the sixty-fourth page, have
been selected from ihe reports of the * Stockport Sunday School.*'
According to the report published Midsummer 1812 (the lapt I
have seen,) the number of children in that Institution was 3,455 ;
and the total number on the Register book, from it;< commence-
ment to that time, is 16,930. — I hope the patrons and friends of
tb^t Institution will excuse the liberty 1 have taken with tlieir
publications, for the benefit of the general cause of educating
ihe poor. •*

70

It is not easy, or I should rather say, it is impossi-
ble to estimate the mass of genius and useful talent that
has, through preceding generations, been lost bj the
ignorance which lias hitherto existed amongst the loirer
classes. Many a man, possessed of a bright understand-
ing, lias gone down to the grave with his talents unim-
proved, because unemployed ; had such the privilege of
education, how useful might they have been made to so-
ciety ! for, it is education that gives full activity to gen-
ius, and renders it capable of expansion.

What advantages, then, may we not anticipate from
the general education, which the active benevolence of
a liberal public is now promoting amongst these neglec-
ted classes of our fellow-men. Although no very con-
spicuous benefits, in respect to the arts, can be expected
from the instruction of persons far advanced in life, it
should be remembered, that the greater proportion of the
learners admitted into the Adult Schools, are in the
prime of their days ; and not a few of those may be
ranked amongst the young ; that is, from the age of six-
teen to twenty -five.

This, as well as many other subjects touched upon io
the present publication, would admit of considerable
amplification, were it not that it would swell the work
beyond the bounds I have prescribed, and have a ten^
dency to restrain its circulation.

Schools at Ipswichj Bungay^ and Yarmouth.

A highly respectable author of a paragraph in the
Suffolk Chronicle, for December 4, 1813, says, '* We
lately announced that it was in contemplation to estab-
fisli a school in this town (Ipswich,) tor the instruction
of women, and have now the pleasure of informing our
readers that the plan has been carried into eflfrct. On
the day fixed for admission, forty-nine applications were
jrcceived, since which they have ^Qcreased to eighty.

71

Seventy-four persons, of various ages (trom fifteen to
seventy^ve) have been admitted ; and are taught to
read and write. The progress of some is already very
considerable ; and a degree of emulation, scarcely to
have beea expected, exists throughout the school. Six
ladies attend every evening, as monitors to the respec-
tive classes ; and the school^ established upon the plan of
Mr. Lancaster, is conducted with the greatest order and
r^ularity* It is almost unnecessary to add, that, from
tiie constant and unremitting attention of the committee,
not Only the most sanguine expectations have been re-
alized, but the future prospect continues to be most
promising.

" The men's school, established here some time since,
aiTords also the greatest satisfaction. There are now
sixty persons upon the list, whose progress in writing is
particularly remarked : several, who could not form a
letter when they came into the school, having acquired
a good hand. We cannot forbear to give the following
inj^ce of the success of a small school, of the same
kjH^^fftablished at Bury, in May last: — A. converted
Se^^f/fho is upwards ot eighty )^ears of age, did not
know, when he came into the school, a letter in the al-
ptiabet ; but, in two months, he could read tolerably well
a chapter in the New Testament ;— a young man, about
twenty years of age, who had some knowledge of the
letters when he was admitted, but was not perfect in
them, in four months was able to read a chapter well ; —
a woman, sixty-one years old, who did not know a sin-
gle letter when she begun, in two months could also
read a chapter in the New Testament.* What a sub-
ject of pleasing reflection must these reports afford !
Thousands that remained in darkness and ignorance,

* " To this instance may be added one, at Manchester, which
will excite no small admiration : — A poor VToman wanting (to
use herown expression) * only two years of a hundred,' goes daily
to the boys' school establirfied there, for one thousand and fifty
children, to receive. instruction from one of the monitors, and
she readi in an audible manner to the school."

72

may now be taught to read the Bible ! Much has been
clone to secure this blessiug to the rising geoeratioo,
aHd mucli remains to be done ; yet, whilst we keep
this object in view, let us not forget those that are b^
hind, but lend them also our friendly aid. If the ut-
most were done to effect what has now been proved to
be so practicable^ how soon would the pious wish of our
venerable Monarch be realized, not only towards every
poor chilfly but every poor person within his dominions !*'

From Bungay, in Suffolk, the account I have re-
ceived is defective as to number of learners, but very
satisfartoiy in respect to the effects produced. " Zeal,
order, and religious improvement, have been discovered
in most of the scholars ; and, in some, in a very great
degree." — They are taught there not only on the first
day of the week (Sunday,) but in the evenings of other
days.

The account received from Yarmouth, in the county
of Norfolk, is as follows : — " In July, 1813, a few
young persons formed a plan for instructing the adult
poor of Yarmouth in reading the Scripture^^lfce
Friends' Meeting House was granted them hr ^B^^^*
room, every Sunday evening, from six to eight o'clock.
As many persons were deemed admissible, about sixteen
years of age, of both sexes, as the rooms would accom-
modate. The number of scholars soon amounted to
thirty, instructed by eight teachers, chosen from tlie
body of persons who first proposed the Institution.
The scholars gave the greatest satisfaction to their in-
structors, by their progress and conduct. Hence, the
Committee were incfuced to endeavour to enlarge their
plan. The success of the school at Ipswich, excited
he desire to establish a similar one in Yarmouth. The
Committee, therefore, resolved to engage large rooms,
fit them up with desks, and open the school three tiroes''
a week ; adding instruction in writing to that of reading
the Holy Scriptures. These resolutions have been car-
ried into effect ; the present number of scholars is about
eighty— above forty males, and thirty females. The

males are chiefly under twenty years of age, none above
fifty ; the femeJes are of all ages, from treaty to
ftfty." — As die schools on the enlai^d scale have been
recently established, tlie writer of the letter declines
giving any opinion upon their general influence ; but says
ne has nc^ ^' the smallest fear but that the greatest good,
as to moral habits, as well as general improvemeat of
the scholars, will be the result." — One circumstance,
deserving of particular notice in the lustttutions at
Yarmouth, is — they originated with, are entirely con-
ducted, and cluefly supported by young persons.

On Teaching to Write.

The introduction of writing into the schools has, by
some well-disposed individuals, been strongly objected
to ; and a few of those have actually i-efused their sub*
seriptioos iu support of such schools as have adopted
this branch of learning ; grounding their refusal upon
a religious scruple to what, they conceive, has a ten-
dency to secularize the day of tlie week on whicli
these schools are generally held ; added to this, another
(Ejection is advanced, horn a political consideration,
tiiat of placing the poor above titeir conditions in life,
as well as putting into the hands of these a power,
which may lie employed to tlic iojury of societ) — tlte
art of forgery.

They who have feared th^ secularizing effect, have
lurged the probability of those learners, at a fu'ure
period, devoting their time, on this particular day of
ttie week, to the exercise of their pens in transacting
temporal concerns; and that if a consistent Christian
sbould admonish them on this subject, they may say in
justification of their conduct, that it was on this very
day the professors of Christianity taught them to write.
It is not difficult to apply the same reasoning to teach-
iDg Ihem^ to lead^ 2sbA way they may employ their time
7

74

oa that clay, in reading books calculated to corrupt
their moral and religious principles, as well as habits.
The ^ hole system of school teaching is abstractedly a
secular employment ; and, if that consideratioQ is a
sufficient objection to rvriting, it will be to reading alsa,
ivhicfa, if admitted, has a direct tendency to abolish
the whole of what a great part of the Christian world
IS now ardently embracing. It is a secular employ-
ment, but for a religious purpose ; and I think it would
be wrong to object, because a temporal advantage at-
taches to it. Respecting the tendency to place the
poor above their stations, there will, it is presumed, be
DO occasion for any thing being said in this place, as
the subject has been considered under its proper head-
That teaching the poor to write, would be placing
in their hands a power of committing forgery, is d sen-
timent which it is to be hoped need not occasion any
alarm to the public mind. It cannot be expected that
in these humble seminaries they will be made complete
penmen ; or that they should arrive at that degree of
perfection that is required to exercise the atrocious
practice in question. But why should tlie objection be
supposed to apply to those called Sunday Schools, any
more than to any other charitable Institution for edu*
eating the poor ? If this objection be admissible in the
first case, it must also be in the second ; and would
have the deplorable tendency to refuse this advantage-
ous branch of educatiou to the whole mass of 3ie
poor.

If we have good reason to apprehend, which T trust
we have, that the universal education of the indigent
classes of society, will have a powerful tendency to
mpralize and Christianize those who are the objects of
our cultivation, there will be no need whatever to an-
ticipate the bfliieful consequences suggested hy those
who can scarcel} be supposed to have considered the
subject, with all its points and bearings.

Writing is not, however, introduced generally into
the Adult Schools $ there is but a solitary iofttaoce of it

^5

io Ae Bcbopis belonging to the Bristol Society. Tliit
school, which is for women, is but recently established,
and it is left entirely to the learner's choice, whether
to undertake this branch or not ; though, out of about
sixty learners, there are only two who have declined it,
and that from their advanced age.

It is not from considering the secular advantages^
to the learners that writing is introduced ; but from
what we have experienced in another school, establish-
ed for juvenile scholars, we have been fully convinced
that the practice of writing is an excellent means of
improving them in spelling, and consequently, of greatly
facilitating tlieir learning to read ; and the main force
of our arguments, in favour of teaching adults to write,
rests upon this ground. I may also oteerve, that when
the learners have advanced to joining-hand, instructive
Scripture texts are placed before them, which being
written over and over again, six 6r eight times on the
slate, it becomes much more indelibly impressed on
their memories than by hearing them read ; and thus it
is an important means of promoting our great object —
extending the knowledge of the Scriptures. In writing,
there h the exercise of a mechanical, as well as a
mental operation, each tending to fix those religious
truths in the mind, which may become subjects of fu-
ture and instructive contemplation ; this will be like-
ly to inculcate a regard for the Sacred Records among
those by whom they had never been duly valued.

There are other considerations which favour the
introduction of writing ; to relate these at large would
i>ccupy more room than I am disposed to allot for the
purpose. , Let us suppose, for a moment, that, some of
these learners are, or may become true ChristiaDS,
deeply experienced in the work of redemption, and
may wish to commit to paper their religious reflections,
their sentiments, and the exercises of their minds ; or to
impart serious counsel to an absent relative ; or to leave
something in manuscript for the benefit of their fellow-
dEeatiures : to, be able to perform these duties is a q[uaii-

76

ficatioD we lAould certaiolj wish e^fery Cliristian to

possess ; and the want of it might be a serious loss to J
lodividualfl, or to society- more at large. '

Progress of the Scholars in learning to r^ad, nithsome
of the beneficial effects airea^ produced on the mom^
character of the labouring poor.

Iq the tenth Month (October,) 1813, John Owen,
the well known Secretary of the British and Foreign
liibje Society in London, being in Bristol, was de&ijx)iia
of visiting sttine of the Adult Schools : at his request, I
accompanied him^ first to the one in Rosemaiy-street,
for the iustmction of women, where we procured the
attendance of six females, all adraoced iu years, who
had been wholly instructed in these humble seminarieSt
that he might be himself a witness of the striking pro*
gress they had made in a short space of time : the
woman aged eighty-five, mentioned in a former page,
who has only one eye, and that but dim, read audibly*
the sixth cjiapter of the Revelations, (upon which she
o[)€ued accidentally;) she had before read to a public
congregation, at a Chapel in this city, to general satis-
taction. Each of the six afforded much pleasure to
about tliirty visiters then present ; and it produced a
very encouraging effect upon the learners in this newly
established school. I should particularly notice one of
the six persons brought here on this occasion : she
read pai;t of a chapter in the New Tastament, with
peculiar excellence ; not only with ease and fluency,
but placed her accents and the stress of her voice with
remarkable, and, I may add, with unexceptionable
accuracy ; indeed, she seemed to understand and feel
the 10^^ of the subject. Upon being asked, if it was
not a comfort to her to be able to read that good book,
«--«he repliedy with tears flowing down her cheeks.

V

'77

^^ O t yen.Sh', it is the greatest comfort I have ia this
iiForld," — 1 hope I ehall uot be discredited when I in-
^ form the public that this woman did Dot know her let^
ters eight weeks before she was able to read the Testa^^
meat, but she had availed herself of some occasional
opportunities of instruction in the course of the week.

»om this school we were conducted, by William
Smith, to several others ; ' and heard many of the
learners read a few verses each, much to our satisfac-
tion. In one oi these, was a man eighty-eight years of i
age, advanced from his alphabet to spelling words of "
two syllables, and anxious for improvement ; who, we
were informed by the conductor, was much improved
in his moral charieicter since attemiing ther^ as a
learner. Another man, in the same room, was private* ^
)y pointed out to us, as having lived unlawfully with a
woman for the space of twenty years ; but, since his
attendance in the school, he has been so convinced of
the sinfulness of his conduct as to induce him to marry
Uer.

The beneficial effects of Adult Schools are farther
evinced, by the much more constant attendance of the
learners at their several places of divine worship, their
serious deportment when there, their increased atten-
tion to personal cleanliness ; as well as the instances of
drunkards becoming temperate, and profeine swearers
forsaking their sinful habits.

If those who knew the late condition of the wretch-
ed inhabitants of Cock-road, that fountain of impurity
and den of thieves (about four miles from Bristol,) di^
graceful to a civilized country, were to visit it now, on
the first day of the week, at the time of holding the
schools, they would be witnesses of au evident change
already prj^duced, where they have been opened for
instruction not more than a few months. The very
place where several parish roads, or rather lanes, meet,
called by thent the Exchange, the spot where the gangs
of robbers have been accustomed to assemble, to delib-
emte upon and settle their plans of iK>cturQal depre;-
7*

78

dbitioB, U now the gimnd where the poor oC that dis-
trict collect to worship their great Creator ; it is there
the tears of contrition wacdi the wrinkled cheeks of
age, and the supplications of sinners ascend to tiie
God <rf' inere^ for pardon, throng Christ Jesus, tlieir
alUsufiicient Mediator. I am tar from intending by
the foregoing description, to assert that this is not still
the place 5 rendezvous for men who have 4ong been
the terror of the sarnMuxUog country, and tiife spot
where they assemhle to share the vptAh of those depre-
dations. I can hy no means say the robbers themselves
are reclaimed ; but is there not reason at least to hope
that this may ultimately be the case, when we see their
wivfis, theif children, their Jess iniquitous neighlMNirs^
eager to promote and attend these schools, and the
worsinp of that God, at whose tribunal they mt»t i^ortly
appear. The learners are also much more decent in
their appearance, and decorous in their deportment.
If these unhappy creatures, who live by stealing, are
not themselves reformed, the visible improvement al-
ready produced, cannot hut afford us a consc^g hope
that succeeding generations will be happily preserved
from sinking into the same deplorable state of m&nl
turpitude. Should the cheerful sacrifices of the benev-
olent^'-^hould the toilsome exertions of Clnristiaii phi-
ianthropy now made by so considerable a numb^ of
individuah devoted to the instaruction of the poor, be
productive of these happy fruits, Wisdom may indeed
exalt her voice, and say, — ^** Riches and lionour are
with me ; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My
fruit is better than gold — my revenue than choice
silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst
of tlie paths of judgment: that I may cause them that
lo\ c me to inherit substance ; and I w^l fill their
treasures." Prov. viii. 18.

-79

7^ Subsiance of severei RepcHs reenwd ftum Uu
Conductors and Conductresses of the Schools in Bris"
iol and its Vicinity.

From the Wmum's Schocl in Brick Ixme.-^'' The

auQcess with which I haye been favcmred, nocel iiader*
4ook the charge id this school, has greaU7 encouraged
me ; although, at the comineocemetit, I had only three
Jeamers, I have ajt present tweot)' -six ; and feel hap|^
to state that, u^withstaodii^ thej were ail totally un-- 4
acquainted with the alphabet when tliey entered the ^
school, yet, within the space of seven nion^s, twenty
of theoi have learned to read tolerably well in the
INew Testament The seriousness of many of theii*
eountenaiices, accompanied by a correspondent deport-
ment, alToi'd a proof that they have gathered «olid in-
struction from the Holy Scriptures.'*

From the Men's School in LinukUn Lane. — ^^ Severs!
of my learners were totally ignorant of the alphabet
when tliey commenced attendance, who can now read
in the Testament. I have observed a great change in
the moral character of some of the persons composing
my school. One of the military acknowledged to me
that, prior to his attendance, he was a very different
man ^ to use lus own words — * Eie neither feared God
>Bor ma^;' — but being now made acquainted with the^
sacred Scriptures, he is like a lion changed to a lamb,
^rom what I have already seen, I cannot but believe
that, if the plan of the Bristol Adult Schools be ex-
tended through the empire, they Mill be a blessing to
«ociety at large."

From the Women'' s School in Cannetn Sireet,--^^^ Sioce
the commencement of the school uml^ my direction,
eisty six leam^s have been admitted ; there are now
£t]ty4wo under Mffltmction. The furrowed cheeks of
inany of them psove tlieir near approach to the eternal
Jirorld ; and to hear them, in hoary age, express their
jUiaokiulQess for our labour of love, with the simplicity
of little 4^bildreQ, cannot but. fill a mind susceptible of

feeliog, vfiih humble gratitude and praiee^«^Aboat a
iireek siDce, a poor womao called ou me, to ioquire
whetlier I did not teach aged persons to read the
Scriptures; and with tears requested I would admit
her into my school. She saiu she had lived fiftj-five
years, and never had seen the necessity of ieanung to
read until last Easter-Monday, when, after the Anni-
versary Sermon for the Aduk Schools, she heard two
aged women read-— one eighty^five, the other sixty-
•one years old ; and observ^ ' that the Lord taught
them, and he will teach me also/ "

From the Schods at the Fishrponds. — " There are
twenty 4wo men in these schools, who were very im-
moral characters, and never attended any place of
worship :^ they now attend regularly, and are remarked
for theur steady conduct. Two others, belonging to
the Women's School, who were persons of depraved
morals, are reformed, and regularly attend their place
of worship."

From the Men'^e School in George^s Street^ in the
Parish caUed St. Philip and Jacobus. — '* The greater
part of the school appears to be much improved in their
conduct, and concerned for ^eir future welfare in spir-
itual things :* they s^t a high value on the learning
they have acquired, 'express their thankfiilness for it,
and rejoice that they can now read^f the things that
make for their present and eternal peace."

From theMen^s Schoolin Great 4w*s Streets — ^" The
learners have generally expressed their thankfulness
for the education they have received, and the good im-
pressions made upon their minds since they first at-
tended; which we have, from their improved deport-
ment and general conduct, reason to believe is sincere."

From the Women^s School (oi Taylor^s Courts Lamb
Street,-^^^ Amongst the learners in this school, a re-
markable improvement has taken place in respect to
personal cleanliness, as well as industry in their busi-
ness. Some, who were addicted to drinking to excess,
have become sober and steady. They^ express their

81

thahkfuliieis to the Commitiee and Teachers ; and,
above all, to their Creatcnr, who iuclined them to atteod
tlie sehool."

jFrom th€ Wmnen^s School^ Barton UUL — '* Our
labour has not been io vain ; besides their improvcmeut
ia readiog, the school has had ^ good effect upon their
moral conduct ; 43ome of them, before they were invited
to come and learn, ware in the habit of spending their
Sabbath-days in idleness, and in their dirty clothes at
home ; but now they Appear decent and clean, and I
have seen some of them attending a place of worship."

From the Men^s Stihool^ Bedminstcr. — *" Several meti
in this school, who used to spend their leisure hours in
pubiic'houses, were addicted to swearing and fighting,
as well as many other evil practices, have forsaken
tlieir wicked habits, become sober, order!} persona, and
their families rendered comfortable by the change."

The following letter T received from a worthy Clcr«
gyman, who has taken a lively interest in the edttca-
ticm and moral improvement of the poor.

To Thomas Pole, M. D.

»* Brislington, near Bristol, Dec. 16, 1815.

" MY DEi^R SIB,

" T should, before this time, have given you an ae-
count of the Adult Schools established io the parishes
of Ke} nsham and Brislington, but I undei-stood, from
William Smiti), that you had derived authentic in-
formation from another source. As you, however, wish
we to supply you with any facts which aave fallen
under my notice, I gladly comply ; indeed, you, or any
of the Committee, to which I am indebted for so great

82

a blessing to my poor parfehioQerS) m«f at all timefl
commaad any assistance or testimony which it is io my
power to render.

^' The schools at Keynsham were set on foot some
dme in the month of September last The teachers
attended gratuitously, but with a regularity and zeal
which are but seldom 19 be purchased by wages ; and
the consequence was, the scliools immediately became
very popular among the ignorant poor. We soon could
number one hundred and three scholars of botli sexes ;
and they were so delighted with the instruction they
\ received, that they begged to be taught not only on
\ Sunday, but also on two evenings in the . week, after
Uheir daily labour was finished. The school at Brk-
ilingtoo has been established very recently : it contains
thirty-three scholars of both sexes ; and among them a
very interesting class, consisting of lads who had
been taught to read at a Sunday-school in their
childhood, but who, from early and hard servitude in
the houses of farmers, had begun to lose the little they
had learnt If I were to fix on any who seem most
sensible of the advantage of this mode of instniction,
where all duly appreciate it, I should perhaps fix on
this class of boys ; and I think it important to draw the
attention of the Committee to the inquiry — wliether in
other places there may not be these who, having lost
the ability of reading their Bible with ease and correct-
ness, are become as much the objects of their care as
those who have never been taught at all.

" t am truly astonished at the progress made by
most, I think I may say by all, in the Adult Schools.
Those who could not tell the letters in September, can
now read the important scriptural lessons in the little
book, published by the Committee. The accuracy
with which they can do this, seems to correspond
pretty exa<^y with their different opportunities. For
example, srmoUier with five children, will not read so
well as a childless widow, or unmarried person. The
religious feeling and moral conduct of the pari^ of

^^

83

Keyosbam have been very visibly improved by the
establidhmeat of these schools ; for, in more instanced
thao one, a very profligate sinner, who had received
instruction in his youth and who needed no aid from
your benevolent eicertlons, has been roused to reflection,
Co sorrow, and emulation, by seeing the improvement of
those more degraded thao himself. J feel peculiarly
thankful to God for the reformation ,of the father of a
large family, whose wickedness was proverbial ; and,
a^ he never used the name of God but to blaspheme it,
I can only attribute the change in him to his attentioo
being r^^sed by these new schools. Although the
scholars were many of them vicious as well as igno-
rant, yet their number contains a very fair proportion
of the most upright and good people of the parish. It
is therefore only of the former sort I would be under-
stood to speak, when I say that several have already
been much altered for the better by the schools. An
orphsui girl, thrown into habits of vice by most cmel
neglect, has, I trust, decidedly returned to the paths of
virtue, industry, and comfort ; and a drunkard who,
to the great joy of his wife and family, is reformed,
havii^ learned how much his temporal comfort is im-
proved by his new habits, consoles himself by antici-
pating the superior happiness he shall enjoy this
Christmas, compared to the riot and intoxication of
the last festival season. I know your liberality will
excuse a Clergyman, if he Interprets this declaration of
a parishioner in a higher sense, and supposes it to mean
that the power of reading to his wife and children tlie
wonderful love of tlie Saviour, in becoming a babe and
lying in a manger — ^the proclamation of the angels, of
peace and good-will to men — ^the adoration of the wise
menr-aod the other topics which the Established Church
at tbis season recommends to the meditation of her
members, will afford him a pleasure to which he was
heretofore a stranger, and that this will be the best
way of enjoying a happy Christmas* ^

" Before 1 conclude my letter, I would notice two
regulations which I think very important in your

yi

84

Society. The • first is, yoor permissioii to die adult
scholars to take home their bodu : this is the gi-aod
secret of their rapi<i improvemeat ; they rise before the
day — they steal some moments at their meal-dme — aod
they keep the rush-light biirniag late at oight, that
tliey may coq over their Sunday lesson. The second
good regulation is, all the apparatus of conductors'
papers, and teachci's' books, vhich take a wonderful
hold of poor peopie, as they see their lukewarmue^s and
neglect will be entered in sometljing like a permanent
record.

** As I have noticed what I think the excellencies
• of your system^ I wiii mention, also, what I thhik the
danger to which it is most liable : ior I can most truly
assure you I am unacqainted with any positive fault
in any part of the plan ; and tli;it is the danger of con-
tracting the influence and extent of the system, by any
rousing of religious differences. The more you can
keep it to the noble boast and motto of the Bible
Society, f which I look upon as its lawful parent) —
Co-operation without Comprotnise — tlie more witlely ex-
tended will be both its sphere and usefulness. I have,
on the full persuasion of its great utility, wi-itten to my
ecclesiastical superior a fall account of the Keynshani
Adult Schools, and borne a full testimony to the integ-
rity of design, as well as the constant zeal of Me-
thodist and Baptist teachers, and to the liberal contri-
butions from the Society of Friends ; and 1 have done
ao, not merely because I thought it my duty not to
make use of so just a moral engine (as far as my insig-
nificant support and countenance cfln be called my
making use of it) without his approbation ; but because
I think the plan calculated for universal adoption.
While we behave fairly to each other, there is not a
town or- village in tlie kingdom, which may have a
Bible Society or Association, bul may, and ought, also
to have an Adult School. I am happy to say, my
Bishop approved of the plan ; and has, io Wells, set oa
foot something of a similar Dature.

85

" l?ns]uDg you every access, and a fiill enjoyment
of that promise of the Bible — ' He that watereth others
shall he watered also himself :*

" I remain, with much respect,
*' Your obliged humble servant,

" THQ. B. SIMPSON."

The worthy conductress of one of the principal
schools in Bristol, who favoured me with the following
letter, has been a zealous labourer Li the cause of edu-
cating the Adult poor, from the commencement of the
undertaking; and generously undertook the manage-
ment of the first school opened for those of her own
sex. She modestly requested her came might not be
inserted.

To Thomas Pole, M. D.

" Bristol, Dec. 20, 181S.

•* Sm,

" Agreeably to your request, I send you some ac-
count of the Adult School for Females under my care,
in Gloucester-lane. The recollection of the comnence-
ment of this school affords me much pleasure : but to
see the amazing progress of the learners, and the de-
lightful prospect of its future happy effects, is beyond
the power of my pen to describe. Many, who came
only to learn to read, have, by reading the Holy Scrip-
tures, been truly enlightened, and are now seeking the
liord with all their hearts. I have made inquiry re-
specting many of them, and I find that there are (speak-
8

86

ing iriihm compass) ten who appear to be thirstuig
after diviDe life. The benefits retmUing from these
Institutions will never be fully known in this world.
Frequently, on asking them questions respecting the
good they receive, thej have all seemed unanimous
in expressing their gratitude to God, and to those
through whose kindness they have the opportunity of
learning. They certainly know and feel the value of
learniog, and bless God while they are reading the
Scriptures. Truly ' the Lord Is working a new thing
in the earth.' We have lately had three young n^o-
men, sent by some of the Friends (Ctuakers) to my
school, who were taken from off the town ;* their serious
deportment and attention to their books are very pleasing.
Tnese once abandoned creatures cannot now say — * I^o
man careth for my soul.' — ^No, thanks be to God, there
are benevolent persons who are now seeking out those
who have been two long left a prey to sin and Satan.
The number admitted into Gloucester-lane School from
its commencement is ninety-eight; the present number
in the school is about fifty-nine. Some are removed to
other schools, some gone to distant parts, some dead ;
but very few have turned away from it I could men-
tion the names of several of the women, were it neces-
sary, as proofs of what I have above stated ; and were
their united voice required, it would be heard exclaim*
iug — V The Lord hatli done great things for us, whereof
we are glad !'

*' These are a few of the particulars relative to my
school, which are at your service, for whatever purpose
you are disposed to use them.
« I am Sir,
" Your's respectfully,

** E B '*

* Thifl was before the School of Refuge oommencefl.

#

81

The author of^he ioterestinfl; letter below is one
of the secretaries of the Bristol Adult School Societj,
who has been a steady, zealous, and usefiil labourer in
this important Institution.

« To Thomas Pole, M. D.

" JBristol, J«iii_ 21, 1814.
** DEAR SIR,

" A few weeks ago I was much gratified with the
moral change apparent in the conduct of two of the
learners in our Adult Schools — a raan and his wife*
The account I received from the wife is as follows ;
that, prior to their entering the Adult Schools, neithef
of them had attended any place of worship for seven or
eight years ; that her husband, who by trade is a shoe-
malier, was never contented but when in a public*
house; the result was that they were almost destitute
of raiment to cover them, or food to eat. He oftea
wounded her, in different parts of her body, with his ^
knives, and treated her in a very brutal manner. She
observed, she could not foe sufficiently thavkful for the
change (experienced in her own temper, as well as that
of her husband, since they have been taught to read
the sacred Scriptures. Thank God ! she exclaimed,
^ now my husband and myself attend always some
place of worship ; and when we cannot both go at the
same time, we never forget to pray for each other.'

She likewise remarked, that her husband absolutely
dislikes the idea of even going to a public-house oa
business ; and that, instead of oaths and improper
usage, he never enters his bed without praying to the
Father of Mercies for their salvation. She added, \
* Where I had one morsel of food before, I hav« tea
BOW at least. My Imsband is become so just in all his

88 «

dealings, that be wBl not let ai^ one cany cmt his
shoes for sale, fearing they should ask for them more
thau they are reaHy worth. By the help of God, it is
our mutual determination to lire and die in his service ;
and grateful to those who have kindly instructed us to
read the Holy Scriptures/

" I believe, my dear Sir, I have written the ac-
count exactly as it was related ; and should you thii^
proper to make any use of it, I need only say, the parties
have no objection.

" With great respect,

" i am your Sincere Mend,

« BENJ. DOI^NE-'^

Amongst the evident improvemeots in the moral char-
acter of the lower classes, since the establishment of
Adult Schools, as well as those iot the education of the
rising generation, it has been pointedly remarked by
the inhabitants of Bristol, "with pecuUar satisfaction,
that, during the present winter, we have not heard of
one fourth-part of the nocturnal depredations in this
city and neighlxjurhood, as have of latter years been
coromittedC It has likewise beeen observed that, duiing
tlic late illuminations, the lower classes have been far
less iiide and riotous than was formerly the case, when
they were in the habit of breaking the windows,
Hot only of those who scmpulously objected to put
up candles, but even of such as did not illumi-
nate to their wishes : on the late occasion, nothing of
this kind, worth speaking of, occurred in this place.
This improvement in their conduct has, by a consider-
able number of sensible and reflecting persons, withU)
my own hearing, been attributed to the beneficial
effects produced on the minds of the common people
by the combined influence of both Adult and Children's
Schools. If those circumstances, which must afford
peculiar aatisfiBiotion aud pleasure to every good citizen^

I -<£,

^>^

S9

do not owe their existence, in a great meadure at leasts
to these philaothropic semioaries, to what then caa
they^he attributed ? — If these desirable iroprovementa
be but in part the results of the Adult Institutions,
they have a strong claim upon every patriotic individ-
ual to afford them all the support in their power, both
for their own advantage and safety, as well as that of
their country at large.

At Salisbury, the instruction of adults has, to the
great credit of the inhabitants, been adopted and prose-
cuted with exemplary vigour. , In a short time, they
had fifty or sixty learners under instruction ; they then
called a public meeting, and formed themselves into a
society ; framed rules for their future government^
and chosen their officers ; they searched the city and
adjacent villages, to find out those who stood most in
need of their friendly exertions; they procured houses,
collected teachers, and entered into a subscription :
one person gave twenty pounds, two others ten pounds
each, and others ^ in proportion to their circumstances,
vrhich proved amply sufficient for the demands of the in*
fant Institution. On two week-day evenings they teach
inen, aod on two others, women ; they also teach on the
first day of the week ; the number of learners has increas-
ed to three hundred, according to accounts dated 1st
Mo. (January) 1814. About one hundred of these go
on a week-day evening to learn to write, as well as to
read; this has been effected within the space of about
five months. The author of the letter from which this
account is taken, observes, ~" Prejudice in general hi
wearing away, and the people begin to see the neces-
sity of an acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures ; our
otetacles decrease every day, and our encouragements
multiply."

*' The progress some of the scholars make, is truly
astonishing : some learned the alphabet in less than a
week 5 many can now read an easy lesson distinctly,
and others a plain chapter in the Bible. The gratitude
many of them manifest, both to God and their teachers
8*

90

is beyond all expressioo ; some of them ai^ astonidied
at the wooderfiil things they read iu the Holy Scrip-
tares, which they never heard of before. And there u
an evident change in the conduct of many of the scho«
lar&for the bttten The possittte and probable good
that may result to this city and its vicinity, from thdr
IBStruction, is beyond all caiculatioD."

Speaking further of the Adult Schools^ the author of
the letter proceeds to observe — " This is a great na-
tional work, free from all party influence. Our de-
sign is not to proselyte to any j^rticular sect or denom-
inatioQ of Christians ; but simply to teach the uoiet-
texed poor to read the Word of God for themselves. It
is one of out rules, that bo teacher shall persuade any
of the scholars to go to any particular place of wor-
ship ; but to leave them to themselves, and their judg-
ment and consciences unfettered and perfectly free."*

In a letter received from a very respectable friend
at Ipswich, respectiojs: the schools there, is this passage :
*' It would rejoice every benevolent heart to see the
eagerness wiUi which those aged persons attend to the
reading of the Holy Scriptures; their conduct and
ccHiversation, we have reasoa to believe, are suitably
affected by the truths they learn."

Another correspondent, who has taken a very ac-
tive paft in establishing these schools, and evinced him-
self deeply interested in their success, says, " The
good effects are already daily visible in our streets ;
and, could we persuade all to enlist, a complete refor-
mation of manners would take place."

My worthy friend, Thomas Charles, of Bala, Me-
rionethshire, in a letter 1 have jiist received from him,
speaking of the prosperity of the schoob in the district
where he established the first for iustructing Adults^
say 85 " A chapel has been built by the inhabitants,
which is c<»i8tantly well attended $ and between sixty

» From a letter by Geopge GillartI, a tlissenting Minister, to
Joseph Entwisle, Minister in the Methodist Society, Bristol.

91

azid .^eveot^ perBoos of that place have joioed in reti-
gioits society. The beneAcial effects of this school are
a great increase of religious knowledge by reading and
ge arching the Scriptures — a constant attendance on
religious worsliip, by a people who scarcely ever at-
tended any place of tJie kind before — great reforma-
tion in the mornls and general deportment of the peo-
ple, who are civilized, and have lost their barbarous
ferocity in their appearance and conduct towards one
another, and evince a ready attention to domestic
duties. Brunkenuess, quands, and fightings, we heai*
no more of^ but sobriety and decency universally pre-
vail. Most are reformed; and many, we confidently
hope, are become ' new creatures in Christ Jesus.*-^
Young and old meet together every Sabbath, to io-
struct each other, and to receive instruction. Their
ignorance was very great ; they knew but little more
of the tilings of Gad, than inferior animals* The very
terms and language of the Bible conveyed to them no
ideas ; but now the Bible is their study'and constant
companion ; they uiiderstand the Scripture language ;
and tliey receive instruction Avith facility, and readi-
ness of apprelieusion.*'

This publication is likely to extend much beyond
what I had anticipated ; oUierwise, I might have pre-
fatinted the reader with a far. greater number of in-
stances of moral improvement, resulting from the educa<
tion of adults — from reading and hearing read the sacred
Scriptures — as well as from the instruct ive examples
of the conductors and teachers, together with the serious
advice occaeiooally given them ; all of which may
happily conspire to promote a religious inclination in
the objects of tultian, to seek and pray for the grace of
God in Cluist Jesus, to enable them to walk in the
fear of their Maker, and to act consistently with the
divine precept contained in that best of all books,
which we are qualifying them to read in their own
humble dwellings* If the moral benefits already stated,
accruing from these schools, be duly considered, what

tme Chrbti&n, or what well-wisher to his iodigmit Illit-
erate t'elluw-creatures and to his couotry, can, with
comfort and satisfaction to himself, withhold his per-
sonal or pecuniary aid for the advancement of so greats
so good^ and ^o glorious a cause as that must unques-
tionably be, which contributes to exalt the name of God
in the earthy and finally promote the salvation of souls !

Address to Conductors and Teachers.

In prosecuting the plans of the Bristol Adult School
Society, much depends on the selection of conductors
and teachers, of suitable character and steady perse^
veraiicc. A tribute of fateful praise is due to those
who have sacrificed their own convenience, and gener-
ously devoted their time and talents to the schools al-
ready established for the benefit of the illiterate poor,
to whom the sacred Records have been as a dead letter
or a sealed book, for want c^ ability to peruse them
for themselves. Your encouragement being the object
of this Address, I cannot express myself better than in^
the language of the Inspector of the Stockport School,
— " Go on ! with Benevolence for your guide, and Re-
ligion your end ; your labours will not be lost upon
) our fellow-creatures, nor forgotten by your God. Let
not the ridicule of the licentious, the ingratitude of the
unfeeling, the insinuatiorjs of envy, nor the arts of de-
traction discourage you. Providence has espoused and
protected your cause ; and the prospect brightens as
you advance. Let your conversation and conduct —
let the whole of your instructions and deportment be
such as you will have no objection to see feirly copied
out in the character of those who have claimed your
pity and your exertions."

" Wlien we review the origin and progress of this
Institution, we stand astonished^ and say-- Jit is the

J^-^*^

93

tjOr^s doing, and it is marvellous in (mr eyesJ*^ Be
not wearj in well-doiug ; suiTer not the cause in which
you have so nobly engaged to fall to the gi-ouud; thus
shall you rejoice with those whom you have occasioned
to rejoice ; and you may live to see the language of the
prophet happily verified in their experience — " There-
fore sbalJ tliey come and sing in the height of Zion,
and shall flow togetlier to the goodness of the Lord." —
Liet not your hands liang down with discouragement;
sufter not the ingratitude of tlie inconsiderate to damp
your ardour ; nor tlie licentiouT^ness of a few, on whom
you may have bestowed your labour in vain, to paralyse
the laudable exertions of Christian philanthropy. You
who have put your hands to the plough, look not back,
exercise the talents you possess to the praise and the
glory of your divine Benefactor ; cultivate the burn an
mind, the field so long neglected, which has hitherto
produced nothing but briers and thorns. Look around
you ; be not unmindfiil of the signs of the times ; be*
hold in them the harbinger of better days : — " For the
Lord shall comfort Zion ; he will comfort her waste
places, he will make her wilderness like Eden, antl her
desert like the garden of the Lord: joy and gladness
shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of
melody."

Time to the adult learners is most precious, partic-
ularly those who are advanced in age ; if they are to
be made partakers of the blessing of education for the
religious advantages it may afford them, they claim our
immediate attention; they are more evidently ap-
proaching their eternal home ; and, feeling the in- '
creasing infirmities incident to human nature, may
exclaim —

*' I bear a voice you cannot hear,
** Which says — ^1 mart not stay ;

" I fsee a hand you cannot see,
" Which beckons me away."

* Address delivered on laying the foCindation stone of thi
School-house at Stockport.

94

The desire of being beloved of our fellow^ereaUirei i
18 a principle ioherent in human nature ; but to be be- '
loved of Him on vhom not only our present comfort,
but eternal happiness depeod^ is the summit of present j
and future felicity. The best way of proving to our- jj
selves and the world that we love the God of Truth,
and that he has tlie pre-eminence in our affections, is *|
to feed his sheep and his lambs. This you are doing, J
when fixing in the minds of others the precepts of pure •!
Christiasity ; when qualifying them to peruse, in the
abodes of poverty, that sacred volume which points to
him who is " The Bread of LifeJ*^ If you are made the
happy instruments of assisting to gather these within |
the fold of Jesus Christ, the great and gOod Shepherd
of Israel, it will dignify your characters amongst men —
your services will be owned of your God, and may add
lustre to your crown of glory when favoured to joio i
*' tJu general assetnbhf and churdi of the first hom, \
written in ftenvm/^*— Thus will you have cause to bless
your Creator for the being he has given you in this
world, and for enabling you to fill your appointed sta-
tion to his honour, as well as the future well-being of
those who have been the objects of your affectionate^
your Christian solicitude. With what unutterable joy-
will you embrace their kindred spirits in the Paradise
of God, where that which on earth separates the rich
from the poor — ^that which has divided the candidates
for heaven into sects and parties, can have no exist-
ence ; but where the righteous of all nations, of all
generations, and of all societies, shall meet as the chil-
dren of one Father ; united in an indissoluble eternal
covenant of love ; where " the morning stars sing toge-
ther^ and the sotis of God shout for jo^ /" — ^It was, un-
questionably, the original design of our all-wise Creator,
that we should draw our happiness immediately fipom
him, by an intellectual access to himself, the Fountain
of Wisdom, Power, and Goodness ; and that we should
be reciprocally employed in promoting each other's
felicity through the period of our temporal existence,.

95

thereby becoming one aaother^s strength and jof in the
Liord. Is there not then cause of rejoicio^ when we be-
hold an locreasiDg disposition in the various classes of
religious professors to unite in these labours of love ? —
Liaboui's designed to lead ^e long neglected poor into
the way of life and salvation. Fail not, then, in your
laudable exertions ; be not weary of the task assigned
you ; the Lord is your Master — your wages will be
sure — none shall open or shut a door in liis house for
Dought : open then the doors of his temples — the hearts
of your fellow-men, " that the King (^ Glory may cmne
in /" and shut them against the unwearied adversary,
the encroachments of the great deceiver of souls ; and
tnay the invisible hand that has conducted you to these
services, continue to guide and support you therein,
and in the performance of all other duties he may re*
quire ; till he shall be pleased to summon your immor^
tal spirits to the gates of the heavenly Jerusalem, when
^ch, who has been faithful to his calling, shall hear
proclaimed his admission to the boundless regions of
ineffable light and transcendent glory — " Well done,
thou. good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful
over a few things^ I will make thee ruler over many
things s enter thou into the joy of thy LordJ^^

General Reflections.

If we look around us, and take a survey of the
empires of the world, we behold the present times
marked by a si^^sion of events that at once excite
our hopes and fSrS-our astonishment and admiration.
The nations of Europe, and of the western world, have
rocked to their very bases — convulsed by animosities
and discord. Pestilence has stalked abroad, and earth-
quakes laid proud cities in the dust. On the eastern
continent, the devouring sword has again and again
been drenched in human blood; the desolating influence

96

of war hath spread around ; the earth has been sprinkled
with the orphairs tears; and the cries of tlie widow
have pierced the skies. But, while the besom of de-
struction has swept eo many of the civilised nations of
the world, the favoured island of Britain has been mer-
cifully exempted from the horrors of earthquakes, the
devouring pestilence, and the thunders of war. Her
fields have poured forth abundance, and tranquillity
hatii reigned within her borders. In marking the
striking contrast, how should the strains of gratitude
arise from the hearts of her children unto Him wlio
crowneth their days with '^ loving kindness and with
tender mercies."

England may be considered as a luminous spot,
from whence light and intellijjeqce emanate to the re-
motest regions of ignorance. The eyes of all nations
view it with envious adiJiiration. Princes, dethroned by
usurpation or anarcliy, have fled to her sheltering arms,
and enjoyed repose within these heaven-protect^i
shores.

Here Christianity has unfurlrd her banners, and
exalted her fair — her beautiful standard. In this gar-
den of Europe, Science has erected her temple to ex-
plore and explain the mysterious laws of nature ; and
Benevolence has chosen her abode. Here, too, the
sister Arts have established tlieir seats, patronized and
protected by princes and nobles.

Literature, amidst her countless votaries, sheds
her elfidgent beams ; and Comn^erce sends forth her
splendid wares from Britannia's portals, and gathers in
her wealth from every clime. Yet, let not Britain
proudly triumph ! Let her not vauj^ingly exult ; but,
remembering the source of all her ^^leges, gratefuUy
offer the tribute of thanksgiving, and feelingly exclaim
— " What shall I render unto the Lord for all liis
benefits ! '

When we consider the unexampled exertions that
are now making in every part of the kingdom, in b^
half of th^ lower classes of the community, the present

X;

may be denominated the a^ of philanthropic benevo*
leuce. Id time past, we have been accustomed to
form ao idea of beoevoleoce as a rivulet flowing through
the several societies of Clinstiaos ; dividing, and sub*
dividing into small, and thence into still more diminu^
tive streams ; but, of latter years, we have seen this
rivulet spread wider and wider, until, like the wateri -
of the Nile, it has swollen and broken down the ordi-
nary boundaries, diffusing its fertilizing deluge ovet
the whole country ; yea, it has rendered the nation
fruitful in liberal charity and love. It is comparatively
but a few years, since that beneficial, diffusive system
of educadoo burst forth in the vicinity of the metrops-
^lis, embraced and patronized by t venerable sove^
f-eign, by princes, by nobles, and by Christimis of all
denominations ; it spread like vernal showers over the
three kingdoms, and ultimately to distant lands. The
purses of the middling classes, as well as of the rich,
l¥ere opened to promote the good work; schools were
established to afford the bless&g of education to thou-
sands and tens of thousands of indigent children. This
was the grand means of developii^ the faculties of the
ignorant, and of preparing them to receive and under-
stand the great and interesting truths of religion, to be
placed in their hands bj another dignified Institution,
Which had yet to make ita appearance : m Institution
sever anticipated by the projectors or patrons of the
hew system of education ; but which, doubtless, had ita
existence in the secret des^ns of the all-wise Governor
ot the universe, who best knows how to effect his owtt
great and gracious purposes.

About eight years revolted, while this new svstem
was spreading over sea and land, ere the British and
Foreign Bible Society arose in the metropolis of £ng«
land.

This period (the year 1804) will deserve a splendid
record in the religious annals of our favoured natiod;
and of our venerable Monarch ; who, to his lasting
honour be it told^ declared it to be bis widi &at tveiy:

98

pom* subject in his dominions might he able to read his
Biblii^ and have a Bible to read. It was at thj»t period,
and io the bosom of t!ie British Empire, this noble
InstitudoD took its rise, as a seed from the celestial
Paradise, planted hj the infinitely wise Husbandman
io the garden of Europe, watered by the enriching
streams that flow from under the threshold of his sanc-
tuary. It grew, and spread its branches as the tree
that " yielded its fruit every month, and whose leaves
were for the healing of the nations ;" or, if I may be
allowed to change the metaphor, it arose as a luminous
mountain, to dignify the era of its commencement, and
the place where it appeared. It extended its base,
imtil it became commensurate with the shores of the
British Isle, Not restrained within these limits, it
spread over sea and land ; and is become the mountain
thajL iilleth the whole earth. It rose higher and
higher, till its summit attained the altitude of the skies,
and was crowned with , the stars of heaven : not stars
created for a limited duration, but such as shall shine
without end ; for " they who turn many to righteous-
ness, shall shine as stars fur ever and ever.'* Its light
diverged to the east and to the west, to the north and
to the south; its resplendent beams stretched over
tJie empires of the world, to enlighten the remotest
regions of ignorance — the habitations of superstition
and idolatry ; to spread the knowledge of the everlast-
ing Gospel amongst those who sit in darkness, and have
never been instructed in the doctrines of tlieir evei^
adorable Redeemer.

Thus, finally, the knowledge of the Lord may cover
the earth as the waters cover the seas ; when love
Bhall be the indissoluble bond of union between individ-
uals, families, societies, and nations of the earth. It is
this spirit of the Prince of Peace and God of love, that
alone will sheathe the sword in the scabbard for ever ;
when. " Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth,
and good-will to men," shall resound from every quar-
ts of Uie habitable globe.

99

III coQtempiatiog these two grand designs — tl
for (lifTusiug education amongst the illiterate poo^
other, for furnishing them with the sacred voi
^ble, through faith in Christ, to make them wise
salvation — if our minds are capable of comprehending
tiie beneficial effects they are calculated to produce,
both in a religious and secular point of view, and the
harmonizing tendency they have already had amongst
the various professors of Christianity— if we consider
the unexampled prosperity %vhich has marked their
rapid progress, and the munificence with which they
have been supported, and this too under the greatest
pecuniary difficulties — if we consider the cheerfulness
with which unnumbered labourers have put their shoul-
ders to the work, it would seem a proof of infidelity (o
attribute all this to the wisdom of man, or the natural
Benevolence of the human mind. No ; it is unques-
tionably the offspring of that ever gracious Being, who
is the first cause of all that is truly good — of all ' Ihnf
can promote his glory, and of all that can exalt his
name in the earth. He alone can prepare the fallen
rsice of man to receive the fulness of the Gospel, and
(he establishment of the Messiah's peacefiil kingdom
and government throughout the world.

Then let the inhabitants of Britain be warned by
the example of Nebuchadnezzar, nor say — " by our
might and wisdom we have done these things !" — Let
us rather, with unfeigned humility and reverence, bow
before the throne of mercy, and offer unto God the
tribute of praise and thanksgiving, as a sanctified offer-
ing on the altar of hearts dedicated unto him. Let us
consider it as an unutterable obligation upon us to
spend the residue of our days in the faithful discharge
of every duty he is pleased to require at our hands,
tliat he may not hide his face from us, or witlidraw the
abundant blessings he has graciously confened.

To revert to the Institutions of which we have been
speaking, like Judgment and Truth, they have met to-
gether — like Righteousness and Peace, they have kissed

y

each other* The laboin^ io these tv^ adjuceot tSeld»
are reciprocally promoting each other^s prosperity.

And oow has tlie God of Mercy aod Iiove, to pro-
mote still further the preparation of mamkind for the
full display of his glory in Christ Jesus, been pleased to
inclioe the hearts of many pious individuals, of yarious
denominations, to consider the long and lamentably
neglected state of the adult poor, extending to them,
as well as to the rising generation, the inestimable bless-
ing of education ; that they may read and understand
the religion of Christ, who descended from the realms
of transcendent glory to be a light unto the Gentiles,
and God^s salvation to the ebds ci the earth. In con-
sidering the beneficial effects of these establishments,
that have become tlie admiration of the world, may we
not believe that the Bright and Morning Star has risen
upon the earth, and is shedding his celestial radiance
on the children of men ? — Is there not, in these things,
to be discerned the finger of Omnipotence, pointing to
the day spoken of in the sacred volume, when men will
meet, not to say to their fellow-men — " Know ye the
Lord t" — for all shall know him, from the least to the
greatest; aod great shall be their peace ?

My valued friend, James Montgomery, who has
taken a considerable interest in the education of the
poor, obligingly presented me with the following Poem
QU Adult Schools, lor insertion in this publication, ac-
companied with some observatioiis, evincing that mo*
desty which is the general concomitant of real merit.
He observefr^" If I have not fulfilled your expecta-
tions, I have manifested my good-will even in my
failure." — He signifies that every good thought has
been long ago occupied by others ; that the undertaking
was positively like making bricks without straw ; and
goes on to say, ^< I have taken up some of tlie glean-
iog^ of good old ilioughts, and bound them aa well as

101

I could into a fitde shea^ which I present to jou ; if it
be at an acceptable, I shall be gratified and rewarded."
— He will excuse me, if I make a public acknowledg-
ment of mj obligation for his kind compliance with my
request ; assuring him, at the same time, that his pres-
ent is rery acceptable tome, and, I doubt not, will be
60 to all who peruse this publication.^

A POEM

03r
THE ADULT SCHOOLS m BRISTOL,

AND OTHER PLACES.

Lord ! are there eyes that see the sun,
And gaze with joy on Nature's face,

Yet, while tfaitnigb all thy works they run,
Thy glorious Godhead never-trace ?

Lord ! are there eyes, to which thy book

No hidden mystery reveals ?
O give them power thereon to look.

Lion of Judah ! break the seals.^

There, with new light may they behold
Thy counsels, since the world began,

Like mornhig's gradual beams, unfold
The wonders of thy love to man.

For whom, a rebel from hh birth.
Thine only Son, thou didst not spare.

* Bev.v. 5.
9#

10^

The Lord from hoUven cane down to eairtk,
JEfit guiLt and paiuahinent to hear.

Thus while instmction they receive,
Thy Spirit's inward light impart,

Till trembling penitents believe.
And mercy heals the broken heart.

Not eyes alone shall then rejoice
In the rich oomferts of thy word,

Deaf ears shall hearken to thy voice.
And bless the day its sound was heard.

Tongues, that were wont to pledge thy name
In oaths and cursings, change their tone,

Thy free salvation to proclaim.
And make thy loving-kindness known.

Bosoms, by cruel fiends possest,
Bark dungeons of in-dwelling sin.

Are temples with thy presence blest,
All glorious, like t^e ark, within.

Though eartk no lovelier prospects shew
Than children walking in thy ways ;

And Heaven no sweeter muirie know
Than infant voices joinM in praise :'-«■

Though suck, secured from eariy vice,
Water'd by thy continual care.

Spring up like trees of Paradise,
And fruits in long succession bear :—

Yet will the tears of transport swdl,
Our spirit's pure affection burn,

TVhenaged sinners, wam'dof Hell,
HiOQgh late, and slow, to God return.

1«9

Humbly they take the lowest seat,

Matrons and hoary*headed men
Are learners at the Saviour's feet,

Are littk'dUtdren oace again.

Lord ! we commit them to thine hands ;

To thee their new-born hopes aspire ;
O take them, keep them— these are brands

Pluck'd out of everlasting fire !

J. MONTGOMERY.
SheffUld, Dtc. 22, IMS.

im

jippendix.

Rides proposed for the government of AduU School So-
cieties, which timy hereafter be establisked in other
parts of the country ; and for the regulation of the
schools themselves, taken from those of the original
society in Bristol ; in which, some alterations are
made, and a few res;ulations added, resulting Jrotn
experience subsequently to the formation of that
Society.

1. THAT the great object of tliis society be to teach
persoQS to read the holy Scriptures ; aad that all poor
persons, of both sexes, and of any religious persuasion,
of sixteen years of age or upwards, be considered eli-
gible for admission into the schools as learners ; and shall
be admitted by the conductors according to their discre-
tion, and dismissed by them as they may think proper.

2. That this society consist of subscribers, conduc-
tors, and teachers.

3. That a -committee* be chose;! from the subscri-
bers ; one pf whom shall fill the office of president,
another that of treasurer, and twof that of secreta-
ries. That the committee diall meet once every month,|

* The number of committee-men acGordmg to the extent of
the society,
t One or two, as circumstances may require.
X The times of meeting to be fixed by the society.

with fall powers to adopt any re^ilations that may ap«

pear to them beneficial to the society ; that * Bliall

form a quorum ; and that all clergymen and dissenting
miuisters, being subscribers, be considered members of
tlie committee ex officio.

4. That any three members of the committee shall,
urith the concurrence of the president, treasurer, and
secretaries for the time being, • be empowered at any
time to call a meeting of the committee, or of the society.

5. That all annual subscribei*s of five shillings or
upwards, shall be considered members of this society
during one year from each time of paying such sub-
scription ; and donors of five pounds and upwards, be
members for life.

6. That proper places be obtained in this ,t and

within I miles of the same, for the establishment of
schools ; and that suitable conductors and teachers be
provided by the secretaries, with the assistance of other
numbers of the society.

7. That each shool shall have at least one conductor,
and a proper number of teachers ; that each teacher
ahall have a class, consisting of not more than six learn-
ers ; and that both conductors and teachers shall be
punctual in their attendance at the time and place ap-
pointed for holding the schools^

8. That the schools shall be opened on the first day
of the week (Sunday,) at 2 o'clock, and closed at four,
unless otherwise fixed by the conductors, with the ap-
probation of the committee ; and that the learners be
admonished to be at their schools ten minutes before the
time appointed, to allow for the variation of clocks, that
the teachers may not be kept waiting after the time for
coihmencing the business of tlie schools.

* The number fonaing a quorum to he determined by the ex-
tent of the society,
t City, town, &c.
X Fix the number of miles.

106

9. That personal cleanliness, in the learners, be pa*»
tirularly attended to, as far as their circumstances iu life
will triable ihem.

10. That no learner be permitted to remove from one
of the schools to another, without first obtaining appro*
bation, in writing, from the conductor of the school he
beioni^ed to ; which notice of approbation shall be pre^'
sented to the conductor of the school such learner wishes
to enter into; subject to the acceptance or rejection of
the last mentioned conductor.

11. Tiiat a portion of the scriptures shall be read, at
the comnieqcement and close of the school, by the con-
ductor or a visiter ; and that silence be strictly kept,
not only -during the reading, but also for a short time
before and after the scriptures are read.

12. That to encourage the conductors and teachers,
9B well as to stimulate the learners to diligence in their
attendance, and attention to the discharge of their duties,
two or more suitable persons shall be selected by the
secretaries, every six months, as visiters ; whose office
it shall be to visit the schools every fortnight, and en-
deavour to find out proper objects for instruction, aad
call on absentees when necessary.

13. That the learners be considered as having ob-
tained the object of this society, when \hey can read
distinctly and readily in the Bible ; and shall then be
dismissed.

14. That there be a meeting of the conductors and
teachers on the * day in every month ; and a gene-
ral meeting of the society on the -f day in every

year4 of which, due notice shall be given ; at which
meeting the secretaries shall produce and read a written
report of the progress of the iastitution, the number of

* Time of meeting to be settled by the committee.

t The week-day of the week, and month, to be fixed by the

society, or committee.

J May be yearly, of half yearly

107

sehbols opened since the last general meeting, the total
number under the society's jurisdiction, the number of
learners in each school, the average attendance ot* the
learners, the number of conductors and teachers ; like-
wise a statement of the finances of the society, with any
other information they may judge expedient and satis-
factory to the subscribers. Which meeting shall be
open to the attendance of strangers of both sexes, who
may feel interested in this undertaking, and - who shall
be at liberty to offer such observations as tliey may
judge likely to promote the object of the society, or be
encouraging to those already engaged in this labour of
love to our indigent fellow-creatures. At every such
yearly meeting, the names of suitable persons for filling
the several offices of president, treasurer, secretary,
committee-men, and collector, shall be brought forward
to be ballotted for, who shall undertake the management
of the affairs of the society for the ensuing year ; and
those who have served in these offices to the satisfactioQ
of the society, shall be eligible for re-election.

1 5. That the collecter shall call upon the several
subscribers for their annual subscriptions, who shall pay
the same into the hands of the treasurer, who is to report
the amount thereof to the committee.

1 6. That the several offices of this Institution be held»
and their duties fulfilled, without any pecuniary reward
whatever*

1 7. That in order to prevent any prejudice or jeal-
ousy, on account of little diffisrencesin religious opinions^
and to favour the uniting of well disposed persons of all
christian societies in this laudable work of christian
charity^, no controversy on doctrinal subjects, or reli-
gious points of any description, shall be allowed in any
of the meetings of the society, or the schools belon^^og

* \ collector may not in all cuses be obtained without pay ;
•ocieties must, therefore, act according to circumstances in tht^
case

108

thereto ; but all parlies are recommended to cultirate
a spirit of reciprocal love and harmony.

THERE is one circumstance of no small importance
to the properly conducting of the schools, for the ob-
servance of which, it is to be hoped, it will not be re-
quisite to have a binding rule ; but the teachers may be
admonished to avoid entering into conversations with
visiters who may occasionally come into the schoolis,
from motives of curiosity or otherwise ; for when this is
the case, the duties of their office must unavoidably be
neglected. Two hours in the week is a small portion of
time to devote to so important an object ; every minute
lost will, therefore, be a source of regret If the viri-
ters should be observed to call off the attention of the
teachers, they should be respectfully informed by ih^
conductor present of the impropriety, and requested to
defer any inquiries they may wish to make» till the busi-
ness of the school be ended.

Mules to be fairly nrriUen^ pasted an a Boards an/ilmng
in a conspicuous part of the Schooi-room^ which should
be audibU/ read to the school once in eveiry MonSu

1. THAT the time of meeting be ten mimites before
2 o'clock, every first day (Sunday) aftemeon ; and that
precisely at two, die bosiness of the school shall com-
mence.

2. That a portion of the holy Scriptures shall be read^
at the commencement and close of the school, by a ceih

109

ductor ;* and that silence be strictly kept, oot 00I7 dur-
ing the reading,, but for a short space of time before and
after they are read.

- 3, That any orderly poor person, above sixteen
years of age, may be received into the school, or dis-
missed from it, by the conductor, or conductors ; and
that personal cleanliness be particularly attended to, as
. far as their circumstances in life ivili enable them.

4, That no learner belonging to any other school be
admitted into this ; unless it be certified, in writing, by
the conductor, that it is with his approbation such
learner makes application fox admission into this.

Private Rules for the regulation of the Teachers ; each
of whom should have a copy in his possession.

1. EACH teacher to be furnished with a class pa-
per, to keep an account of the attendance of each learn-
er ; which is to be filled up, and laid on the conductor's
table before 3 o'clock-f

2. As soon as a teacher finds a learner in l^p class
is fit to be advanced to a higher one, he is to inform the
conductor who officiates for the day.J

3. The teachers are requested to be punctual to the
time of meeting ; that they endeavour to preserve still-
ness in their classes during the school hours ; and that
they particularly observe the mode of instruction adopt-
ed ^in the school, in respect to reading and writing ;

* Conductress, if a female-schofiL
t Supposing tlie school to begin at 2 o'clock.
% In some instances, several conductors officiate alternately.
10

:»
1

C2

iii

f the learners, *?^ tt»e propei- i>Ia<:
^8, lessons, Ssc- »'*

put
?sapf

fflg, lessons, «fcc- »'

tWheD a te»«^h;^te teachers^ «/ the s,

)iy to y*^-ft,sr *»',,;. the *ie£icie„-7:7;'"

fit*'

./^^

/-'•

ietoregu&*=t°Mcl.08e:^,

'*-.«»* ?1,.1I ."^Dt; two to a^»-^^

It ^^^ At^ ^^^"^^^^ no^^'^ ^^^ teachers untlertake th^ ^
l^t ^ ^^"'^^^^ €^iX^^^ *^® school alternately, r^^

^r *;^^^ W^^\evt. ttnder the title of Supe»«B

It. "C

■i>''

112

the books, without the concurrence of all the conduc-
tors.*

2. That the businegs of the scliool be divided between
the conductors who act for the day; and that a book be
kept, in which shall be entered the age, name, residence,
and time of admission of the leariiers ; also, an account
of the number present of both teachers and learners ;
and a class- paper provided for each class, headed witli
the teacher's name.

3. Should either of the conductors wish to resign his
office (before the usual time of electing new ones,) he is
requested to send notice thereof, in writing, to the other
conductors, one month previously to such resignation,
who are to provide a properly qualified person to fill
the vacancy.

4. Should either of the conductors be prevented at-
tending in his turn, he is to engage one of the others to
act in his place.

5. That no tracts or publications be introduced into
the school, without being previously examined and ap-
proved by all the conductors.!

6. That the conductors shall appoint the learners to
their respective classes, and remove them to higher
classed as they advance in learning ; and also appoint
what teachers they may think requisite and properly
qualified.

7. That a school-secretary be appointed, whose busi-
rtess it shall be to keep a fair book of the minutes be-
longing to the school ; to write all notices, if required {
to attend, and enter tlie transactions of the quarterly
meeting in a book for that purpose j and, with tlie con-

* It is desirable to have more than onfe conductor, that they
may orcasionally relieve each other ,or supply each other's places,
in case of illness or absence from home. Most of the schools
in Brfstol have but one conductor or conductress.

t It might be proper for the committee to appoint a sub-corn*
mittee, to examine all tracts ; to prevent the bias which par-
ticular opinions might have upon the minds of the learners.

tn

ductors, to prepare a report, to be read at the general
annual meeting of the society.

8. That a quarterly meeting of the conductors and

teachers be held on the day, in , ■ - , ' ■ ,

— ,* in every year ; and that at the meeting next pre-
ceding the annual meeting, a report be drawn op, to
be laid before the said annual meeting, mentioning the
flumber of learners admitted since the commencement
of the school, the number admitted in the present year,
and the number now irj the school, with the average at-
tendance of the scholars ; also, the number and names
6f the conductors and teachers, as well as a general
account of the conduct and progress of the learners,
with such other information as they may think necessary,
ia order to enable the secretaries of the society to ma&e
ep their general annual report, to be printed and laid
before the public.

The rules and regulations here proposed, are more
particularly designed for the government of Adult
dchool Societies, and the schools belonging to them
which may be established in populous cities and towns^
where two or three, or a much larger number, shall be-
long to such a society ; but local circumstances wflt
jetwicr it necessary to make mateml deviations. Where
one or two small schools may be established, a few sim*
pie rules will be sufficient for their regulation. Wheu
the general principles are clearly understood, there wilt
be little difficulty in selecting from those now laid be-
fore the public, such as may answer the purposes of
benevolent individuals, who shall incline to adopt the
important design of educating the adult poor. Many
small schools have been established by persons wholljr

• Enter here the particular day of a particular week, ia four
certain months of the year, so as to have the meeting last pre*
ceding the annual meeting of the society, ^ week or more before
it is to take place, that the secretaries to the society ma^ have
time to make out their general report before such meeting shall

10*

114

unacquainted with any Byisteroatic plan of proceedings
until they have learned, . from experience, what rulea
were requisite for the preservatiou of order and regu-
larly, and for promoting the progress of the learners.
Tet, where an extensive plan of proceeding may l)e en-
tered upon, it will, unquestionably, in a great degree ik*
cilitate the proceedings of those who take upon them the
executive part of such Institutions, to have before them
the digested rules of previously established societies^
which have resulted from their deliberations and exj^e-
. rience.

In few of the schools in Bristol, have they more thaa
one conductor; but it may happen, in many instances,
that one person cannot regularly attend, either from par-
ticular engagements or bodily indisposition ; under this
consideration, it is always best to have more than one
appointed, that they may have it in their power to re-
lieve each other, as circumstances shall require.

I apprehend the schools at Ipswich are as well man-
aged, if not better, than any others yet establidied ; I
have, therefore, procured the rules for regulating the
coqduct of the committee of the females* 8dio<4, as well
as those for the government of the school itself ; these
are equally suited for the regulation of schools for men.
It will be seen that they are conducted upon Ae LaiK
c^terian system*

na

Hules of the Female Adult School at Ipswich^ in Suffolk.

1. THAT three of the committee be appointed, id
xolatioo, to attend during school-hours ; who will be
requested to take a geoerai superioteodence of the
school, aod give their attention particularly to the higher
classes.*

2. That if one of the superintendents be prevented
attending, she shall signify the same in writing (address- «
ed to the school,) in the forenoon of $)ie same day ;
otherwise request one of the committee, or some one
already approved by them, to attend in her place.f

3. That each of the committee in attendance shall be
sjlowed, after one month, to introduce one visiter each
evening to the schooL;!^

4. That the committee continue in office one year,
expiring the last day of October, when a new committee
shall be formed ; but that any of the former committee
be eligible to be re-elected.

5. That a secretary be appoii^d, who shall also be
annually chosen.

6 That as it is of great importance the committee
should be punctual in their attendance, a book shall be
kept, in which those who attend shall be requested to
insert their names, with the precise time of their entering
the school.

* The reason of this is that they have monitors to attend the
lower classes.

t Hie superintendents here mentioned are those who attend
the ENreoiag-gchool, which is a distinct establishment ; so thai
Botiee sent to the Day-school, gives the mistress time to procure
another person to supply the place of the absentee at the Even-
ing-school.

} One month after the commencemet of the school, to give ^
time for it to be properly organized and regulated, before any
visiters be admitted ; and by this nik the number of visiters ^
lioutad.

7. That a mecffiog of the committee shall at any time
be convenefl, at the request of Uiree of its memtiers; de-
livered in writing to the secretary.

8. That the committee be requested to attend in the-
foUowiog order.^

Order of the SchaoL

Upon the scholars entering the room, the^r are to take
their places at the class-stations. At fiye minuies past
six,t the monitor-general says, " Form cireles.'*^ Th«
monitors take down pointers. '' Begin." AfteY reading
three quarters oi an hour, they all cease.^ The monl^
tors hang up pointers, and the classes fatt back. The
i)»ouitor«general then says, ^^ iiook, go." All then take
their seats, and the bell rings to command attentico
(when all should have their hands beside them ;) die
order is then given, *' Recover slates. Deliver pencils.'^
This donie, the word they are to write is dictated from
the head of the school ;§ and the monitors of tiie wri«
ting-classes set copies to such as cannot join letters.
When the slates are all fuU, ^^ Shew slates : monitors,
examine." The bell rings, and the monitors return te^
their seats ; after which, '' Lay down slates : clean
slates." The bell rings, and hands are put down : word9
are then dictated as before. At three quarters past

* To iMh rule i«i subj<nned a list of eighteen persons, eompo-
ung the committee ; Uiese are formed into six ^visioes, eacl^
containing three persons, connected by a bmce, uppofite ta
which is written the day and month on whieh they are sev*
erally expected to attend the schools
, t Six o'clock in the evening 'm the hour •|)poiiiteA for meet*

"*«
% At the ringing of the beU,
^ By the momtor-geasraU

117

sevea, after " Clean slat^ls — ^return* slatesf in^^J (when
liaods are immediately put down ;) the bell is rung to
command stillness. The monitor-general then reads a
portion, of Scripture ; after wbich^ *' Look, go." When
they all go out of the school, one by one. That is, the
whole school stand up ; those at the upper desk go first,
the next follow, and so in the same order, until ail leave
tlie school.

In the men's school^ two respectable persons as visi-
ters, are expected to be at all times present during the
hours of school, to preside as masters ; but not person-
ally to take the command of the scholars, they are to
give their advice privately ; rebuking or encouraging
the monitors, and io a suitable manner reasoning with
such learners as may appear refractory, or disobeying
the directions of those placed over tiiem.

A monitor of order§ is appointed, whose employment
it is to give the word, of command, and keep order in
the school.

A reading monitor is appointed to every six or seren
scholars as most eligible ; and a writing monitor to er«
evj class consisting of ten o^ fourteen pupils.

MY friend, H. Alexander, wlio favoured me with
the acconnt of the schools at Ipswich, and who has been
the principal instrument in establishing and conducting
them, further observes, what may afford some useful
hints to others alike benevolently engaged in the same
cause. " The scholai's conform in all respects to the

* Their hands are then placed on the two upper coniera of the
slates.

t The elates are then placed behind the desk, just at the en-
trance of the aperture to receive them.

I The slates are then pushed into the aperture under the desW^

^ Same 9s monitor-genaral ux the female school •

118

discipline of the school, which is very strict : they are
not allowed to speak on any occasion, and the females
(superiotendents and teachers) only in a whisper ; if
the slightest interruption takes place, tlie whole proceed-
ings of the school are stopped, and no one suflfered to
go on till the most perfect quietness is obtained. In
giving commands, the same strictness is observed, no
order being given till the former one has been correctly
performed. To persons unacquainted with the system,
these things might wear the appearance of harshness ;
but every one complies with the greatest cheerfulness.

" When the school began, we had but forty-nine
learners ; it is now increased to seventy-four^ which is
fourteen more than the number we proposed to admit
This is a proof that they are not dissatisfied ; indeed,
one and all express their approbation. We took care, '
as we went on, to explain the utility and necessity of
(every order, and our intention of maintaining the strict-
est discipline ; which, however, must be tempered inth
great kindness. If this has an effect upon children, it
will have a more impoilant one upon persons of ad-
vanced age."

The schools in Bristol, and its neighbourhood, have
generally been held in places which will not admit of
that most desirable arrangement and order above de-
scribed ; the greater number are kept in the dwellings
of poor persons ; sometimes two rooms are occupied in
one house, under the management of one conductor and
a suitable number of teachers, quite in a rustic and
honiely way. The learners are all seated on forms, and
their teachers mixed amongst them ; indeed, we have
found it very difficult to get the learners, especially
persons far advanced in years, to stand for an hour in
semiciixles round a card suspended upon a wall ; so
much so, that we have thought it necessaiy to permit
them to sit on forms at tlie desks, and the teachers to
stand behind them, to point at tlie lessons.

These observations may be necessaiy, in order to
obviate the discouragement that might odierwise pr&>

119

vent the establishment of these humble seminaries, which
have been productive of the most beneficial effects. It
is gratifying to see the disposition in the poor to crowd
into those confined apartments, and submit to all the in-
convenieaces of heat in summer, and currents of cold
air in the winter, rushing into the rooms of shattered
houses, to obtain the blessing of the educatioD afforded
by these institutions. Where properly constructed
school-rooms can be obtained, it will unquestionably be
attended with many and great advantages to have the
schools regularly organized upon the Lancasterian sys-
tem, for collective teaching.

' These schools should be for teaching the poor to
read, for themselves, the sacred records ; leaving it to
film, in whom *^ are hid all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge," to grant them a ray of celestial light,
and give them a heart to understand what he may see
reqiiSite for them to know. The great apostle of the
Gentiles declared, *' God hath revealed tnem unto us
by his Spirit ; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea,
the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the.
things of a man, save the spirit of a man which is in him ?
Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the
Spirit of God."

This dignified servant of Christ testifies, that " the
grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to
all men, teaching us, that denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, we should live righteously and godly in
this present world ; looking for that blessed hope, and
the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour
Jesus Christ ; who gave himself for us that he might
redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a
peculiar people, zealous of good works."

The same inspired writer further says, " But the
righteousness which is of faith, speak eth on this wise :
Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven ?
(that is, to bring Christ down from above.) Or, who
shall descend into the deep ? (that is, to bring Christ
again from the dead.) But what saith it ? The word

120

is nigh thee, even in ithy mouth, and in thy heart : tliat
is the word of faith, which we preach." In tlie book
of Moses it is also written, " For this commandment
which I command thee this day, it is.iiot hidden from
thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou
shouldst say, Wlio shall go up for us to heaven, and
bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it ? Neither
is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldst say, Who shall
go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may
hear it, and do it ? But tlie word is very nigh unto
thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayst
do it." Our blessed Redeemer, in his address to the
Father, uses these w ords : " I thank thee, O Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast liid these
things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed
them unto babes. Even so. Father, for so it seemed
good in thy sight"

As the great object of these schools is to teach the
poor to read the Bible, and thereby diffuse amongst
them a knowledge of the important truths of Christianity
contained in the holy Scriptures, it will unquestionably
be of the highest consequence that we should adopt the
most eligible mode of disseminating such knowledge ;
this will be best done by the means calculated to lead
their attention to, and fix on their minds, the most prom-
inent points of the chapter they have just been reading
in the schools ; and this they will naturally endeavour
to do, when reading the sacred volume at home ; for
which purpose, a practice has been adopted in, at least,
one of the schools in Bristol, with remarkable success :
tliat is, to question the learners upon the most remarka-
ble points of history or precept contained in the chap-
ter. The expectation of being thus questioned, will
induce them to direct their attention to, and fix in their
memories the several points upon which it is likely they
will be interrogated. For the sake of illustiation, let
us suppose that a certain Bible or Testament class has
been reading the first chapter of the evangelist John :
the first question that would naturally arise is —

in

Q^ fn»t is memt by the Word, or vord of God ?

A. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was
iriih God, and &e Word was God.

^ What was ia God ?

A. In iiim was life ; and the life was the light of meo.

Q,, Who was the man sect from God ?

A. There was a man sent from God, whose name was
John.

Q. For what was John sent ?

A. To bear witness of the light, that ail men tlirough
him might believe,

Q. Was John tlie light ?

A. He was not that light; but was sent to bear wit-
ness of that light.

Q^ What was the advantage to those who received
him who is called the li^it ?

A. To them gave ^ power to become the sous of

CI. How was Uie word of God made manifest to the
world ?

A. The Word was made flesh, aod dwelt amongst us.

Ct* B7 whom came the law ?

A. The law came by Moses.

Q,. By whom came grace and tmth ?

A. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Q. With what did John baptize ?

A. With water.

Sometimes they are questioned pxomi6cuous}y,.iD the
following manner.

Q. Who is Christ ?

A. The Son of God, aod Saviour ctf sinners.

Q,» What are the means of salvation in Christ ?

A. By grace ye are saved, through faith.

Q. Where, and how, did Christ die for sinners ?

A. He was crucified on Mount Calvary,, near Jeru-^
salem«

Q^ Who were crucified with him ?

A. Two thieves f one on his right band, ib» other em
his left.

11

122

Q^ What particular cfrcumstances attended the cru-
cifixioo and death of Christ ?

A. Darkness covered the earth for the space of three
hours. The veil of the temple iras rent An earth-
ii|uake shook the earth. The rocks were rent. The
graves were opened, and manj bodies of the saints
wiiich were dead, arose*

Q^ Where was the body of Christ laid ? ■

A. In a sepulchre.

Ct. How long did he continue to tie in the sepul-
chre ?

A. He arose on the third day after his burial. .

Q^ Where did Jesus attend a marriage feast ?

A. In Caua of Galilee.

Q. .What miracle did he perform on that occasion ?

A. He turned water into wine.

Q,. Where was Christ born J|,

A. At Bethlehem, in Judea.

Q^ Who was miraculously fed by ravens ?

A. The prophet Elijah.
. In recommending this mode of questioning the scholars,
I will give the sentiments of one of our roost experienced
conductresses, nearly in her own words : *' I fully be-
lieve, that if the plan of questioning the learners on
scripture, were generally adopted, it would be instruc-
tive to both them and the teachers. I can say, from
my own experience, that selecting a few questions,, and
hearing the answers, has impressed the subjects more on
my mind than reading a chapter three or four times
over ; and I can truly say, that I never experienced so
much delight in reading the Scriptures, as since I have
adopted this practice, and been in the habit of compar-
ing parallel passages."

i^

Register Book^FoUo,

I shall here give a form of the Begister, which I think
best calculated to answer the purposes intended : there
will be no occasion for saying much, by way of explan-
ation, as it will almost explain itselt It is a record ne-
cessary to be kept, to give a clear and comprehensive
view of the progress, A'c. of the learners from their en-
tering the school to theii* dismissal. The learners have
their number in the first column, according to the order
in which they have been received into the school ; in the
second column are their ages; in the third their names ;
next, their several places of residence ; then the class
to which they are first appointed, by placing the time of
each leamer^s entrance in the column allotted for that
class ; all the successive dates in that line, shew the days
on which any one was advanced to a higher class, firom
that to one still higher, and so on to the highest, which
is the Bible-class ; all of which relate to his learning to
read. The Writing-classes then follow, commencing
with the alphabet, or making the small letters : the date
of his commencement being placed under the head Al-
phabet, shews the time he began learning to write ; and
the following dates in the same line, shew the time of
^is being advanced from the alphabet to joining-hand,
and then to the forming of capital letters. The next
column is for entering the cause of his dismissal ; and
the last, the time of his leaving the school.^

* In these confined columns, as well as those in the clajis-pa-
pers, it will be found far more convenient to use the numerical
names of the months — as, 1, S, for first month, second ; instead
of Jan. 2nd ; for the reason that figures occupy much less space
than words.

121

Class-papers*

Class-papers are used in adult and other schools for
recording iu a concise manner the atiendaace (^ the
scholars, &c. The first column contains the number ;-
second, the time of entrance ; third, the name ; fourth^
the residence of the scholar, corresponding with the
Register-book before mentioned ; uext are twenty-six,,
columns for twenty-six weeks, including a period of six
months.^ In the head of each column is to be writtea
the month, and day of the month of each meeting of the
school. Ib this paper, the first four columns have print-
ed heads, which explain their use. Before the printed
word class, is to be written the number of the claims, as
1st, 2nd, or 3d, Sic. Between the printed words, class
and division, is to be written the number of the division
of the class, as 1st, 2nd, or 3d, &c« there being several
divisions of the same class, in proportion to the number
of scholars in the school in the same stage of learning ;
for more than six or eight sliould never be put into one
division ; so that if there are thirty in the school in the
same stage of learning, they will of course form four or .
five divisions of the same class. In the upper margin .
of the *class-paper is written the name of the teacher
(before the printed word teacher) appointed to that par-
ticular division of a class.f In the several small col-
umns under the respective dates, a record of the at-
tendance of the scholars is to be kept : the letter P. de-
notes that the scholar was present ; the letter A, his ab-
sence ; the letter L. that he was present, but came in
' late* When any one, whose name is in the class-paper.

* If tbe dchool is held oftener than once in the week, the class-
{)aper will, of course, want renewing at shorter periods.

i The word ** Class" is used in two different senses in the
schools— It means either all those in one stage of learning ; or
the six or eight persons under the instruction of one person,
more properly a division of a class.

123

shall be removed to a higher class, it is to be mentioned
opposite his name, close to the last entered letter, which
will shew the time of such removal ; and from this pa-
per his removal is carried into the register-boot.

The class-papers, by a very small alteration, may be
made to answer the purpose of keeping an account of
the scholars writing, as well as reading ; for this pur-
pose, take the last eight columns and divide them by
three black perpendicular Hues into three equal columns,
then write over the first, the word alphabet ; over the
second, joining-hand ; and over the third, capitals ; in
the same manner as in the register^book. On the same
Hne with the learner*s name, enter the month, day of
tiie month, and year when he commenced writing ; if he
commences with making the letters of the alphabet,
place tile date undev the head Alphabet ; and when he
is advanced to joining-hand, enter the time of his adr
rancement under the head Joining'-hand ; and when ad-
vanced to capitals, in like manner under the head Capi-
tals. These several dates are to be carried from the
class-papers into the register-book, which is to show^the
p^gress of eveiy learner. By this alteration in the
class-papers, they will last only four, instead of six
months ; but we consider this mode better than keeping
the account of writing on the back of these papers, as
has been generally done ; the former method requiring
a troublesome ruling, and an extra quantity of writing. ^

The teachers are required to deliver within the first
hour of the school, all the class-papers to the conductor,
with all the necessary entries for the day, as before de-
scribed, in order that the entries may be carried into
the remark-book.

J26

Absentee Bcok — Quarto.

This is a book kept by the conductor for enteriiig aOu
account of Tisits paid by the conductor or teachers to
the learners, after absenting themselyes from the school
two weeks in succession ; it is divided into four columns :
the first for the date of the visits ; next, the name of the
person visited ; the ttnrd, for the cause of absence , last-
ly, the name of the visiter. This seems particularly
necessary, to prevent the learners relaxing in their at-
tendance. The reports are given in writing to the con-
ductor, whose business it is to enter the cause of absence
in this book, in the following week. These visits are to
be repeated until it is ascertained whether the learners
visited are to be continued as such on the books, or
merit dismissal from the same.

Remark Book^-Fdh.

In this book is entered, every school-day, the name of
the conductor who shall attend, the portion of Scripture
read at the opening and close of the school, a summary
account of the attendance of the teachers and learners,
the admission of new learners, the number presented for
removal to higher classes, and any other remarks that
may appear needful. One page is allotted for each
school-day. That the method of keeping this book
may be more clearly understood, I shall give a form of
one page, to shew the manner of making the several en-
tries.

^

le.
lau.

Al,

4t

25 [

10

When
Dismiffied.

13 2 14

24 1 13

14 2 13

7 3 14

27 6 13

th<

t Lessoa, o|
^<^Octx)ber,)iipoo 1813, as under

pu,|

I

|io book, tb
tiing-book,

Sacred Scriptures,

127
2ndMoM, 13th, 1814.

The school commenced with reaciiog the 1 7th chapter
of Matthew ; concluded with the 21 st and 25th Psaims.

Teacher. Class. Division.

't:

A..

UP.

L.A.

NinC

Thos. Cove, - 1 Class 1 Div.
John Ross, - - 1 Class 2 Div.
Sam. Morris, - 1 Class 3 Div.
Rich. Seaman, 1 Class 4 Div.
John Cross, - 2 Class 1 Div.
Steph. How, - 2 Class 2 Div.
Wm. Searl, - - 3 Class 1 Div.
Tho. Wheeler, 4 Class 2 Div.
Bob. Parsons, 5 Class 1 Div.
Rich. Small, - 6 Class 1 Div.
Sam. Roberts, 7 Class 1 Div.

p.
P.
p.
p.

p.

p.
p.
p.
p.

A.
A.

6
5
4
3
6
3
5
4
4

4

1
2
3.

2
2
3
1

2

1
1

7
7
7
3
8
5
8
5
6
6
5

Totals,

9

2

4

18

67

Total admitted, 81

Total dismissed, 14

Number admitted this day, 5

The four persons admitted last week were classed f^
seven presented for removal from 1st to 2Dd class ; three
fix)m 2nd to 3d class ; and five from 4th to 5th class.

Explanation of the initials over the columns : — ^P. teachers
present ; A. teachers absent; L. P. learners present; L. A.
learners absent ; N. in C. nuinber in the classes.

* Those admitted are allotted by the conductors to their 6ev-
eral classes, or several divisions of the classes, according to the
stage of learning they are in, and as vacancies admit of, in the
courae of the week, against the next school-day.

FINIS.

/

i

i&««Mh. «Wn - P~B-„„

3 2044 028 963 189 j

(:\