inactivity or irresolution,-the want of means or opportunity to do good? It does not appear,

that

any collateral circumstances of influence or situation, have given any peculiar advantages to these ladies, in the execution of their plan; but it appears to have arisen at first from a very small beginning; the establishment having been gradually enlarged to its present extent. This will afford encouragement to benevolent undertakings, that the amount of benefit ultimately to be derived from them, may very far exceed whatever could at their first outset be foreseen.

This account will also point out a mode, in which, at a very limited expense, a large establishment may, with constant attention, be conducted. It will prove how much may be effected by the exertions of those whose moderate circumstances may place expensive contributions out of their reach:-that diligence, animated by benevolence, will create the funds. which, when furnished by indiscriminating bounty, are too often misapplied :—and that the labour of the poor, even among children, may be so directed, as to supply the means of their own instruction and improvement.

To ladies, whom the duties of their families

activity or situations may preclude from undertaking an extensive plan of instruction, it affords a valuable example of the advantage of gratuitous tuition, though confined to a small number of children. There are few who might not effect something in this way, without too great a sacrifice to their time, or encroachment on their necessary employments; and it is impossible to calculate the effect of such disinterested benevolence, upon the feelings and habits of the poor, as well as on their improvement in useful acquirements. The respect and attention, with which poor children, receive the instruction of those whose rank is elevated above their own, Co-operate with the superior qualifications of these teachers in point of education or know. ledge; while the gratitude, which must be inspired by such a beneficent attention to their welfare, cannot but excite them to prove themselves worthy of the patronage they have received, by a diligent practice of the virtues inculcated upon their minds.

In the detail of the plan, though it bears evident marks of the good sense and ability with which the whole has been arranged, yet there are many circumstances which have arisen from local convenience, and which might not be

applicable in different situations. The general principle of a system of rewards and distinc⚫ tions of merit, constantly operating, is however in almost every possible case of the greatest importance; and has in the present been found sufficient to supersede all compulsory means of enforcing attendance, and almost to preclude the necessity of having recourse to punishment. This system may be variously modified, so as to suit different establishments, but it can scarcely be thought possible that the vigour of the human mind should be efficaciously called into action, especially in children, but by the immediate prospect of advantage and reputation, held out to them in forms suited to their capacities, and captivating to their imaginations.

1st March, 1805.

No. VIII.

DAY SCHOOL AT BERHAMPORE.

WHILST the 53d regiment was stationed at Canterbury, in the beginning of the year 1805, a few children of the regiment, of both sexes, were assembled in the house of one of the officers, and received a little instruction from his family; but the removal of the regiment broke up the school, and it was not assembled again till the regiment was stationed at Dinapore, in the East Indies, in March, 1806.

*

A school was then formed, under the patronage of the Colonel of the regiment, upon

*We are indebted for this account to Mrs. Sherwood, the daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Butt. Her letter contains an account of a religious society in the 22d regiment, which we have much pleasure in adding in her own words." I have within a few days been much delighted with a little society, in the 22d regiment; which is come to this place to remain here, in lieu of the 53d regiment. These poor men, about twenty in number, had formed themselves into a small club or religious society, when placed in Fort William, in Calcutta, some years ago. They were al lowed a bomb-proof room to retire to, and an old schoolmaster, of the name of Edmonds, read to them, prayed with them, and sung Psalms. The rules of their society are won‐

a regular plan. One of the serjeants, who could read and write well, was appointed to be master of the school, and the children were assembled in one of the virandas of the pay. master's quarters, in order that the family might have an opportunity of frequently

derfully pure, simple, and strict; such as might have suited a company of saints in the apostolic ages; no genteel vice whatever being allowed. Whoever breaks through these rules, is banished the society; and is not re-admissible, but with the approbation of every individual of the society. When the regiment was removed from Fort William to Cawnpore, (as I understand, on foot, not in boats) the society had few opportunities of meeting; and the members felt that they were gradually losing the spirit of religion. One evening, stopping at Alahabad, they after a long march, met in a grove of mangoes at midnight; and continued the whole night in prayer with one accord, and singing of psalms; making the Indian groves, and the shores of the Ganges, resound with the praises of a Redeemer. They said that the refreshment and comfort, which they found this night, was wonderful; and in the morning they continued their march with joy.-There have lately been some disturbances in the 22d regiment, of an unpleasant nature, which, by the prudence of the Commander in Chief will, I hope, be amicably settled. These poor Christians, on this occasion, acted in a manner worthy of their calling. Since their regiment is come to Berhampore, Mr. Parson, the chaplain of the station, has provided them with some apartments in his grounds; to which they retire morning and evening to read and pray. Mr. Parson frequently visits them. It is delightful to hear their songs of praise, in this region of idolatry and blasphemy: for the dreadful wickedness of this unhappy country cannot be described."-August, 1807.