SOCIETY for propagating Christian knowledge. This was begun in 1699 by some persons of worth, &c. Its original design was to propagate religion in the plantations, to secure the pious education of the poor at home, and to reclaim those that err in the fundamentals of Christianity. In the year 1701, they had procured considerable charities, and transmitted the same to the plantations, in libraries, bibles, catechisms, &c. with a voluntary maintenance for several ministers to be employed in the plantations; but the society for propagating the gospel in foreign parts being then instituted, they were incorporated by charter in the same, and thus discharged as a particular society from the further pursuit of that branch of their original design; whereupon they wholly turned themselves to the other, and are now very considerable by great accessions.
from the clergy and laity. They meet weekly to concert measures for raising charity for educating poor children, and setting up schools for that purpose, as also for the more regular disposal of books for the instruction of the ignorant, erroneous, &c.
For the other societies established by charter, see COLLEGE, COMPANY, CORPORATION, and STOCKS.