evidence of the state of the schools belonging to the association, a few extracts from the reports of their respective superintendents.

ZION CHURCH SCHOOL.

Male Department.

There are now enrolled on our register 176 boys. Number of those attending regularly about 110, of whom 21 read in the Bible, and 40 read correctly in the Testament. In attention to their studies, and in their moral deportment, there has been much improvement. There are eleven apprentice boys who attend our school, and who have no other means of gaining instruction; four of them, who, when they entered, were unacquainted with the alphabet, now read in the Bible. In the exercise of the memory much pains have been taken, and the results have been very encouraging. The evidence which we are enabled to give of the improvement of the scholars committed to our charge, and the large increase of the school since our last report, are circumstances of high gratification, and we would return our most grateful thanks to the teachers of our school, who, with a self-denial truly praiseworthy, have attended to their duties, and have laboured to do good; to the patrous of it, who, by their influence and example, by their visits and donations for its use, have strengthened our hands; and to God, whose loving-kindness and tender mercy have sustained and encouraged us in all the circumstances under which we have been placed; and to him, if any good has been done through our instrumentality, we would ascribe all the glory.

There is a library of 370 volumes attached to this school.

Female Department.

From the commencement of Zion Church Female Sunday School to June, 1824, there have been admitted 851 children; and from the latter period to March 27th last, we have received 275 scholars. The whole number of names on our register at present is 400, of whom the average number of attendants is 200. There are 12 classes, 9 having assistant teachers. In visiting a little girl, her mother expressed a desire to read: we encouraged the idea, admitted her into the school, and have the happiness to see her reading that book which will point out to her the way to happiness. There are several of our little girls who have made so much improvement in their behaviour that we think it worthy of notice: during the last month, many little girls have repeated the catechism throughout, and have committed large portions of the Scriptures to memory.

tee of 5 was appointed from that body to visit the whole school, which continues to be done weekly. There are on the register 220 names, viz. 160 white and 60 coloured; the average number attending 70, and the highest number present at one time 125. We can safely say, that with the exception of the decrease in the number of attendants, the school was never, in its internal state, in a more flourishing way; and we are assured that a larger proportion on the register attends than formerly; so that, although we have lost in number, we have in effect increased the ratio of good, from the fact, that the number of attendants is by no means so fluctuating. The inost prominent causes of the declension in the number of our scholars are, the Charity School, which must of necessity affect us from its contiguity to our school, and the number of churches lately built in our neighbourhood.

Our library, under proper restrictions, appears to be one means of exciting to emulation, obedience, and orderly deportment; and we have a pleasure in stating that the behaviour of the scholars generally has very much improved since our last report.

Female Department.

The eighth anniversary affords us another opportunity of communicating to the friends of this institution the permanent improvement of those who assemble at St. John's Chapel to receive religious instruction.

ticulars. It is with pleasure we add, that many Our remarks will extend only to a few parmentioned, some of which appear to be stampinstances of individual improvement might be

ed with the mark of divine instruction.

We

will notice a little girl of 5 years of age, from whose infant lips we hear repeated the devotions of our Church, the precepts of the gospel, catechism's, psalms, and hymns.

Several of our scholars have been promoted to the office of assistant teachers. The adop tion of this measure not only excites a spirit of emulation, but increases their usefulness.

It is worthy of remark, that among our coloured women is one who is more than 70 years old. When she entered the school, she could not spell nor pronounce a word; and cannot even now read without spelling; but, by her unremitted attention, has learned to repeat the Church service, besides hymns and psalms.

The conduct and improvement of the scholars generally, are such as to merit the approbation of their respective teachers,

As the spring opens our school increases. It has been reorganized, and the pupils in each class equalized: they are rewarded by a ticket for punctual attendance, correct recitations, and good behaviour.

Number 120 whites, 164 coloured-Total

284.

GRACE CHURCH SCHOOL.

Male Department.

The number of children who attend the Sunday School is 74. Their improvement is evident their appearance neat, and deportment amiable; and we flatter ourselves that our exertions in countenancing and encou

raging this humble part of our community, are and will continue to be attended with much benefit to the public.

Female Department.

This school at present consists of 162 scholars. They are divided into 9 classes, under the care of 6 teachers and a superintendent. Some of them are regular in their attendance, but most of them are very irregular. The average number of attendants is 70: 50 have been added during the last year: 20 from various causes have left; some have removed from the city, others have removed and joined other schools, and some have been withdrawn by their parents, who require their services at home.

CHRIST CHURCH SCHOOL.

Male Department.

The state of this school, since last report, has not undergone much alteration. The number of scholars on the register is 95, of which 26 are coloured. The average number of those attending at one time is 40. With but very few exceptions, the conduct of the children is such as affords encouragement to the conductors of the school. The library has been found to be a very efficient means of securing good behaviour both in school and church. Several of the students of the General Theological Se minary having engaged with us, the number of teachers is such as to afford ground for hope that our school will be instrumental in instructing more at a time than heretofore. Measures have been taken, which, it is hoped, will produce this result. There are now 8 teachers, 2 visitors, a secretary, and superintendent, engaged in the school.

Female Department.

In presenting the third report of the state of Christ Church Sunday School, I regret it is not in my power to notice as large an average of attendants as that of the last year. The school has been decreasing for some time past, the cause of which I attribute in a great measure to a want of visitors. The families of several of the teachers have been visited with sickness, and death; consequently those ladies have not been regular in their attendance: this has caused the children to be more careless.

There are on the register 70 scholars, of whom the average number that attends does not exceed 25. The school is under the direction of one superintendent and 5 teachers. The children, though few in number, are decent, and their behaviour in school, and during divine worship, very pleasing: most of them use their Prayer Books, and response audibly. There have been presented as rewards the past year, Prayer Books, Testaments, and several smaller books.

ST. PAUL'S CHAPEL SCHOOL.

Male Department.

The number of scholars now on the register of the male department of St. Paul's Chapel School is 62, of whom 30 have been admitted since the last anniversary. The average number that have attended regularly is 32. They

It is trusted that, with the exertions used by the teachers, and the cordial co-operation of the Board of Directors, so interesting a charity may still be extended in usefulness.

Female Department.

Since the last anniversary, 64 new scholars have been added to the school; 54 white and 10 coloured females. The greatest number of scholars for the past year, at any one time, was during the months of November and December: the average number of scholars for each Sunday in the month throughout the year, has been 49.

The whole number of teachers for the last year has been 9.

The white school is divided into 7 classes, each teacher having 12 scholars under his charge.

On examination of the reports of the teachers, nothing very material has occurred during the past year.

The children generally improve, and behave well, both during school and divine service.

Five little girls have been rewarded with Bibles, and many have received Tracts, for their diligence and good behaviour. The 5 who received Bibles (the eldest not 13,) have, since the 23d January, committed to memory, every Sunday, the texts for the day, in addition to their other lessons; the number of texts amounting to 141; not only learning the words, but the chapter and verse.

An extract from one or two reports will give a general idea of the whole. One teacher remarks, that her scholars generally evince a desire to improve; but owing to sickness and the want of clothes, their attendance through the winter has been irregular. This want is still felt, though not to the extent that it was at the commencement of the school.-Another reports, that a child in her class, aged 4 years, can spell and read very well.-In the coloured school the report states, that a child, aged 5 years, entered the second Sunday in January, who did not know the letters of the alphabet, now begins to spell.

We feel very grateful to the directors belonging to this school, for looking up our absentees.

ST. MARK'S CHURCH SCHOOL.

Male Department.

The school is about the same in number as at the last report; consisting of about 55 scholars, of whom from 25 to 30 are regular attendants. They are divided into 6 classes, and are taught by the superintendent and 2 teachers. Their improvement is full as great as can be expected, many of them attending no other place of instruction.

Since April 7, 1822, the present superin tendent has received into the school 116 boys, some of whom have not attended more than two or three times, and others have left, for causes unknown to him.

Female Department.

Since the last report from this school, SO names have been added to its register; many also have been erased, owing to change of residence, and other causes and circumstances beyond the reach of our control: so that the accession to our little flock is but small, numbering only 65; of whom between 35 and 45 have regularly attended, except during the month of February, in which it may be remembered there was much stormy weather, and the roads were frequently impassable.

Though the improvement of the children generally, has not been commensurate to our high expectations, cur "hearts' desire and prayer;" yet the rapid progress of some in that knowledge which can alone "make them wise unto salvation," affords an abundant cause of thankfulness, and also an encouraging assurance of a divine blessing having rested upon our labours; as well as presents a powerful incentive to a persevering and patient continuance in this our high calling," in the humble hope of being made instrumental in advancing our Redeemer's kingdom.

ST. LUKE'S CHURCH SCHOOL.

Female Department.

Since writing the last annual report, a new register has been made out, from which it appears there are 112 scholars, 10 of whom are coloured.

Great improvement is evident in most of the scholars who have been regular in their attendance, particularly those who have been in the school since its first commencement. Some of them who could scarcely spell in two syllables, are now our best scholars, and learn with great facility their chapter in the New Testament, a hymn or two, besides revising their catechism. There are two in particular whose industry is worthy of notice. Their lessons for the morning are from 10 to 15 chapters in the Bible, besides catechism, and a hymn or poem, and they have seldom been known to say an imperfect lesson.

There are eight teachers attached to the school, which is at present under the care of one superintendent, who has to regret the resignation of her assistant, from whose zeal and intelligence she has ever derived the greatest satisfaction.

The number of scholars who regularly attend is from 40 to 60. Many absentees have returned within the last week or two; some having been absent from sickness, and others for want of shoes: several new scholars have likewise been admitted. The coloured class is at present smaller than it has been at any other period, owing to many of the girls (who are at service) having left the village. Those however who remain, are making very respectable improvement.

ST. MARY'S CHURCH SCHOOL. It is with peculiar delight we are enabled to state, that during the past year the school has continued to prosper, and is at present in a flourishing condition. The whole number on the register is about 45. The average number

of regular attendants is 30; of this number two only have discontinued since our last report, one of whom is now about to be rewarded with the charge of one of the smaller classes. At each stated examination, a very considerable degree of proficiency is manifested both in moral and religious instruction. The laudable disposition manifested on the part of the instructors to continue their work of love, is particularly deserving of notice, and claims our highest commendation. They have long been impressed with the importance of a Sunday School establishment to ameliorate the condition of the younger part of the community, and in the prosecution of their labour ever pray the blessing of heaven will crown their efforts with success.

Branch at Fort-Washington.

flourishing condition, and continued so until During the past summer the school was in a late in the winter; when, owing to the bad state of the roads, we were deprived of regular for the want of sufficient clothing, were predivine worship; and many of the children too, vented from regularly attending. These causes contributed to decrease the number of regular attendants during the winter season. But since the opening of the spring, our school has again resumed its former appearance. Total number on the register is 40. The average number of regular attendants is 25. It would be injustice were I not to mention the zeal and perseverance manifested by the female instructors to whose charge the school is altogether committed.

TRINITY CHURCH SCHOOL.

Female Department.

The superintendent reports the state of the school during the few months she has been gratified in taking an interest in it. The school is not as numerous as it would naturally be expected, being connected with the oldest church. It may be accounted for, however, by a reference to the great advantages arising from the daily school attached to Grace Church, which draws nearly all the poor children in its vicinity. There are now 39 scholars who actually attend, of whom 11 are coloured; 3 of whom evince every mark of desire to be enabled to read those precious promises which the gospel contains. Many read well, and commit to memory the catechism and portions of Scripture. There are one superintendent and 5 teachers.

ministerial office, must be rejected, because, by the people styled Quakers, such doctrine is denied-The sacraments, which the divine Head of the Church instituted, and commanded to be observed until his coming again, cannot be recognized, because the same body of Christians do not receive them-One of the great sanctions of religion, that which denounces "indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil," must be dispensed with, because the advocates of universal salvation deem it unscriptural-In short, the very essence of Christianity must be extracted, if nothing of sectarian peculiarity is to be taught. Children, whose religious instruction is of this description, will therefore either remain ignorant of the fundamental doctrines of the Gospel, or they will learn to regard them as "the traditions of men;" and the inevitable consequence will be, a feeling of indifference towards all that is distinctive in the Christian system.

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Without calling in question the purity of the motives which have influenced the advocates of this plan, it becomes the duty of every friend to pure and undefiled Christianity, to exert himself to counteract its baneful operation; for whether the attempt now making succeed or not, we should regard it as an indication of the increasing prevalence of that spirit of liberality (or rather indifference) on the subject of religion, which is so characteristic of the present age.Among the most effectual means which the providence of God places within our reach to prevent the injurious consequences of this spurious liberality, are Sunday Schools. Here superficial and erroneous views taken of Christian truth and morals, may be displaced by that "form of sound words" once delivered to the saints, and the youthful learner impressed with the necessity of continuing in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowshipHere he may be taught to know "God the Father, who created him and all the world; God the Son, who redeemed him and all mankind; and God the Holy Ghost, who sanctifieth him and all the people of God"

Here he may be taught the necessity of admission into covenant with God by the rite of baptism; of the renovation of the heart and affections; and of participation in all the ordinances of the Gospel, in order to the obtaining of that grace, without which " nothing is strong, nothing is holy." We would therefore recommend Sunday Schools to the notice, the patronage, and the exertions of all who wish well to our common Christianity, and especially of all who love that Church which the divine Saviour purchased with his blood, as a powerful means of checking the growth, not only of sceptical and infidel principles, but of those falsely styled liberal, which in our conscience we believe are nearly allied to them. And we would impress it upon the minds of those actively engaged in the duties of such institutions, that the object of them is not human learning, except so far as it is instrumental to that which is of a higher character; that sound Christian principle is the best security for good morals; and that they are furthering the best interests of civil society, when preparing their young charge for the society" of just men made perfect."

Since the last anniversary a Standing Committee of twelve has been appointed, to whom the general superintendence of all the schools has been assigned, and whose duty it is to visit them as frequently as may be, and render a detailed report of their proceedings to the Board. The superintendents and teachers of the several schools have also organized themselves into a Society, for the purpose of "recommending and carrying into effect such measures as may appear most conducive to their welfare. From both these measures the Board confidently anticipate results greatly beneficial to the interesting charity which it is their duty and their privilege to promote.-They have again the pleasure of acknowledging their obligations to the Auxiliary Bible and Com mon Prayer Book and Protestant Episcopal Tract Societies; from the former of which they have received 48 Bibles and 217 Prayer Books, and from the latter 784 religious Tracts.