Every day convinces me more and more of the usefulness of your Society; the committal of the Scriptures to memory, and the system of quarterly inspection, seem to me the means best calculated to insure the end we have in view, of making the children of our distracted land acquainted with the word of God.

From a Clergyman. Feb. 22, 1833.

It gives me much pleasure to be able to say, that our School here is in a very prosperous state; and I beg leave (for the information of your Committee) also to say, that the plan your Inspector adopts at Quarterly Examinations seems (in my humble opinion) particularly well suited to insure attention on the part of the Master, as well as in exciting a just emulation in the Scholars; and in this town, I think the system of your Society of particular advantage, as it is calculated to please the parents of children, who do not greatly like the idea of sending them to our Free Schools; although they are quite unable to pay the expense of the Schools in the town, which are not assisted by any public society. Here the patronage of your Society comes in, and removes at once the mistaken prejudice of the Parent, at the same time that it instructs the child; and that, too, without depriving him of the Word of God.

From a Clergyman. Feb. 16, 1833.

There never was a time at which I valued more highly than I do at present your excellent Institution; and I know that its whole system and mode of operation is approved of in these parts very much by my brethren in the ministry, and all other friends of Scriptural Education. It is, therefore, a constant grief to me to find its operations so much contracted from want of funds. I have it in contemplation to try the effects of an annual sermon in your behalf, though I am sure I shall not collect thereby more than one or two pounds; but yet the good may not be limited to this; the example may be followed.

From a Clergyman. Feb. 16, 1833.

I beg to state that I don't think the Schools in this District were ever in so flourishing a state as at present. The Scriptures are committed to memory with regularity and avidity by the children of every denomination who are able to read them. I believe this plan was, at first, peculiar to your Society; but now I require all the Schools under my superintendence to learn them. I find the Roman Catholic children as willing, ready, and able to learn, read, and answer in the Scriptures, as the Protestants. The attention that has been paid to the Scriptural Education of the people in this district, has certainly been attended with a beneficial effect. We are peaceable and quiet, whilst other places are disorganised and disturbed. I am sure the education of the people has contributed, through the good hand of our God upon us, to effect this, together with the advantage of a kind and resident andlord.

From a Clergyman. March 20, 1833.

Our Schools, under the guidance and guardianship of a fostering Lord, are thriving and growing in value. The Sabbath Schools are increasing in

number, and in knowledge; and I think I may conscientiously say, three of them at least are educated by decidedly Christian Teachers, most of whom have themselves received the first dawning of that knowledge which maketh wise unto salvation, through faith in a Covenant Saviour, at your Schools. In one very dark and mountainous district, (L——,) there is not merely a spread of Scripture knowledge, but likewise an evident amelioration of appearance and habit among the children, and an incipient taste for reading. I may say from my heart, that wherever one of your Society's Schools is planted, the circle of district which surround it, in a few years puts on a new appearance; and the Lord, working His own will through His own taught Word, causes what was heretofore a moral and spiritual wilderness, to blossom as a rose.

From a Clergyman. Feb. 12, 1833.

I am thankful that I can say, that I do not know of any period, during the existence of my Schools, in which they have given me more satisfaction; although, from various circumstances, as the state of the weather, the opposition of the Priests, &c. they have been often more numerously attended. I am of opinion that not only the Protestant parents, but, also, the Roman Catholic,-yea, and even the scholars themselves, are in general well satisfied with the Schools, and prize them highly. I think that there is a silent work carrying on, which all the power of man will not upset; this is my deliberate opinion, not founded merely on the consideration of the effects of the Schools here, but, also, on that of various other Schools with which I am acquainted. As to your Society, I think it has as strong claims upon every mem ber of the Church of God, as any other Society, perhaps, in the world.

From a Clergyman. Feb. 16, 1833.

I am happy to be able to state that the Schools of the London Hibernian Society in this neighbourhood, with which I am acquainted, are in a very prosperous condition.

The liberal supply of books to the children, to be taken to their respective homes, appears to be productive of the happiest effects. There is here a great desire for the Word of God, and a marked disapprobation of that system of education which would restrict or curtail the Sacred Volume.

By the gratuitous distribution of Bibles and Testaments, I consider the Society has done much good. Of the supply sent to me for that purpose, I have given a considerable number to persons who were previously destitute of a copy of the Word of God, and totally unable to purchase one, though very anxious to obtain it.

I have generally observed in the Society's Schools that there is a quickness of comprehension among the children, together with such knowledge of the Scripture, and such a sense of their importance, as is not frequently to be found elsewhere.

I think, therefore, that the London Hibernian Society is well entitled to the support and prayers of every Christian, and every friend to Ireland; as being a means, under God, well calculated to bring about a great and permanent improvement in this distracted and unhappy country.

Feb. 26, 1832.

B.

From a Gentleman.

Had I been called upon some months ago for my Annual Report of the School, I should not have had the cheering intelligence to communicate which is now in my power. The School has had many difficulties to encounter during the last year; the loss of an excellent Teacher, was one means of reducing the School. The Priest's anathemas had so far succeeded, as to draw every Roman Catholic from the School; subsequently, the opening of the National School, and the liberal offers held out by them, induced most of our Protestants to leave us also. For a time I felt almost hopeless, that our School would ever revive; but God made good His promise, "that the Word of the Lord shall prevail;" and I have the pleasure of stating, that our Bible School is now in a more flourishing state than it ever was; so greatly increased, that I have been obliged to put up additional desks, &c. to accommodate them. Both Protestants and Roman Catholics have returned to us; this, too, after having tried both systems, and feeling a conviction of the superior value of that Institution which takes the whole Word of God for its basis. The value of your Society's exertions in that long neglected neighbourhood, is, indeed, very great; its extent will be only known when God shall come to judge the world by that Word which your Society has been the means of disseminating.

Our present Teacher was, also, educated for a Clergyman, and seems every way qualified for communicating religious instruction. His Sabbath School is numerously attended; he devotes one evening in the week for meeting the Teachers, to pray with them, and consider the portions allotted for the edification of the children the ensuing Sabbath. The testimony of many pious Clergymen who have visited and examined the School, has been most gratifying; and give ample proof, how valuable the labours of your excellent Society have been in a neighbourhood where so little had been previously done. The School has now been in operation several years; many boys have left us; and I believe, without any exception their conduct since has been such as to reflect credit upon a Scriptural education. One boy is very anxious to enter the Ministry, apparently deeply embued with the Spirit of the Gospel.

From a Lady. Feb. 26, 1833.

In making my report of the progress of the B- Female School, I can continue to assure your Society, that the work of benefitting our fellow creatures still goes on; it is, indeed, progressive, and has been sometimes interrupted by the opposition of the Priest, whose persecution against the Mistress, (a Roman Catholic,) continues with unabated force. He has used all the influence in his power to induce her to take charge of the National Female School, offering more, in a pecuniary way, than she has with us. Roman Catholics have urged her to take a class of their children at her own house, that they might have the advantage of her instruction in needle-work, without the Scriptures: these offers she has refused: the Priest has threatened to excommunicate her, and not to permit even those most nearly connected with her to speak to her, if she does not cease to hold Bible Classes: though greatly distressed, she

has not been intimidated by these threats; and has, hitherto, resolved, with her husband's approval, and the blessing of God, that she will continue to stand firmly to do what she considers her duty, instructing those committed to her care in the whole Word of God. I believe some of those children are humble followers of Christ; all of them seem to love the Word of God exceedingly; and evince, by their conduct at home, that they have not learned in vain. I have only to pray that God would grant a continuance and increase of the blessed fruits of a Scriptural Education, which I have already witnessed.

From a Dissenting Minister. Feb. 27, 1833.

I have much pleasure in stating, the Sabbath School, under the patronage of your Committee, in my Meeting House, is at present in a prosperous state; at this inclement season nearly fifty attend regularly; their improvement, during the first quarter, just terminated, was truly gratifying. The premiums that have been adjudged by the Inspector, have been thankfully received, and will tend to stimulate the children to attention and application.

Already, the good effects of Scriptural instruction is apparent in the children. I visit, occasionally, other (Day) Schools under your Society; and of the K- School, I hope good things. Of the prospects of the Society, to general support in this quarter, I am sorry I can say little.

I will only say, that I have much pleasure in bearing authenticated testimony to the real good effected by the labours of your Society.

P.S. I still indulge the hope of having a Day School in L, under your Society; that quarter is greatly in want of a School for Scripture education; not far from it, I found out, amongst some of my hearers, that a Popish Schoolmaster would not allow the New Testament into his School; when the children, anxious to read it, stated to him, that they would be withdrawn, unless they were permitted to read the New Testament, he tolerated the reading of it. But how easily can an artful Papist divert the attention of children from the Word of Life; I could state many instances, that equally shew, that a School, under your Society, would be truly valuable. If there be any hope, however distant, please let me know.

From a Lady. February 21, 1833. Since I had the honour of being connected with the Hibernian Society, I am satisfied that its rules and regulations are highly commendable, and are calculated to impress on the youthful mind that, of all blessings, the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. I find many persons are anxious to send their children where the Scriptures are taught with so much advantage, as they are in your Schools; and I think the adults are now seeing the superiority their children have over them, which induces them to attend to a Sunday School I have established in the School-house. Since I had the honour of addressing you last, I think we have 20 adults, and 30 children; and, please Providence, when the weather gets a little milder, I expect a good many more will follow their example. It is a great excitement among the children when the Inspector is coming; and, indeed, I think a wonderful advantage, particularly such men as have come to my Schools, where no partiality is shown; and where they are exact in their duty, too much praise cannot be bestowed on such a Society as your's; and may the Lord prosper it daily, is the humble petition of many.

EXTRACTS FROM INSPECTORS' REPORTS.

Sept. 27, 1832.

The School at C- is much improved; general proficiency very good; repetition and answering very gratifying. A Roman Catholic little girl, seven years old, repeated fourteen chapters, not only without missing a word, but answered all questions asked her. The parents of children continue to take an interest in the welfare of the School; many of the Roman Catholic parents of the children were present.

Oct. 6, 1832.

The C School is most violently opposed by a new Priest. He succeeded in taking 21 away; however, 10 of them have already returned; and it is hoped others will follow their example.

March 29, 1833.

I was particularly struck with the appearance of a blind adult boy in this School, whose attendance was very regular, and who repeated correctly five Chapters, and answered all the interrogations in a pleasing spiritual manner; he solicited me for a Bible; I asked him what to do, as he could not see to read; he answered, if he had one he would get many to read for him, and that he would keep it while he lived. I promised him a Bible at next inspection; he seemed overjoyed, and expressed many thanks.

April 4, 1833.

Spelling of the Classes generally, but middling. The Scriptures were accurately repeated. One boy, named P- D-, repeated correctly 33 Chapters, which completed the whole of the New Testament, within the last two years; his brother and sister repeated ten Chapters each, very well; the father of these children, a Roman Catholic, attended the inspection, and was very well pleased with their performance.

April 8, 1833.

They read very well, and many of them gave accurate answers to the questions I proposed, while others were deficient. The Copy-books produced, shewed a fair proficiency in writing and cyphering; nearly half the number on the roll are Roman Catholics, and, I have to add, that some of them are the most efficient in repetition and answering. No. 318 recited 21 Chapters, without scarcely missing a word; her proficiency in writing was nothing inferior, though, having such a large task. I gave her a Bible.

April 9, 1833.

This School is conducted with satisfaction; the children, generally, answered well; the Teacher is a Roman Catholic, and, perhaps, one of