Founded in 1698, the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) was established as an Anglican organization aimed at promoting Christian education, literature, and missions. The society played a crucial role in disseminating religious texts and educational materials, particularly in England and its colonies. Its efforts contributed to the spread of literacy and religious knowledge, influencing the development of Christian thought and practice during a time of significant social change.

The founding of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge in 1698 significantly boosted religious publishing and literacy. This movement influenced 18th-century hymnody and devotional poetry, as poets sought to express spiritual sentiments and moral teachings through verse.