Intelligence.-Yorkshire Tract Society. system distracted in sonie degree the feeling of regard. Calvinism utterly confounded the whole thing, or if not that, it did worse, for whatever of love it conferred upon Christ, it necessarily stole from the Father. Two of the persons of the triune Godhead, the Father and Son, were ever placed in opposite scales, and as the one rose the other inevitably fell. It was in contemplating a being who in every respect was made like unto his brethren, who was tempted as those brethren are, yet without sin, who was familiar with the same emotions of the heart, felt a similar influence from the objects of life, was as alive to scenes of pleasure, and as sensible to those of suffering, yet, throughout the whole, was perfectly pure, resigned, and firm, that we could both understand and feel the principle of affection that was due to the Saviour of men: beholding him "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief," yet made perfect through suffering," we contemplate a definite and engaging object of regard-we understand the nature of the sacrifice, what it must have cost, and how to value it, and prompt do we find ourselves ready to confess with an apostle, greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. There was another idea most happily adverted to by the preacher in connexion with his subject, not indeed as a matter of certain belief, but of pleasing probability, viz. that the blessed Jesus might be still present, though invisible, with his churches, and might be at that time a witness to their expressions of regard, and their earnest wish to shew their love agreeably to the test he had prescribed, by keeping his commandments. The very mention of the circumstance seemed at once to warm the heart, to spread a more than common sanctity over the place, to impart to the countenance of the speaker, and of many others, that animated irradiation which intimates an almost actual vision of the revered personage the mind was contemplating. These and similar thoughts were brought forward upon the subject, and rendered the whole discourse a most interesting service. We have to regret that we do not recollect the words of the preacher, and therefore can only very imperfectly convey those sentiments, which, being beautifully clothed, and. solemnly and earnestly delivered, very deeply affected the audience. At the close of the service, the business of the Tract Society lately esta blished in the West Riding of Yorkshire came to be considered, and the Rev. T. Jervis, of Leeds, being called to the chair, the Secretary to the Society (the Rev. H. Turner, of Bradford) proceeded to read the first Annual Report (and stated the following particulars) which gave a very encouraging account of the progress of this Society, during the short period that had elapsed since it was first instituted. It was stated that at the last annual meeting of the association, &c. held at Leeds, June 8th, 1815, it had been resolved to institute a Society for the Distribution of Religious Tracts, in the congregations of the West Riding, and that at a subsequent meeting at Elland in September, (See M. Repos. Sept. 1815) the Rules of the Society had been agreed upon, and ordered to be printed: since that time printed copies of the Rules and Catalogues had been widely circulated, and that local Tract Societies had been formed in the following places; York, Leeds, Wakefield, Bradford, Halifax, Elland, and Lidgate. The Secretaries appointed in those places had communicated with the Secretary to the Tract Society, under whose care the Depository of Tracts was placed, and had reported the number of subscribers, and the amount of donations, and the following is an abstract of the affairs of the Tract Society. The rate of subscription was fixed at a penny a week, or 4s. 4d, a year: the number of subscribers reported from the different local societies 330: the total amount of donations £26. 5s. 6d. the total number of the Tracts sold from the Depository 1243. Most encouraging accounts had been received from various quarters, of the acceptableness of the institution, and of the good which it had done, and was likely to do. It has been regarded as an acceptable opportunity of supplying a deficiency which had been long felt in our Socíeties, of the means of obtaining a more general and exact idea of the grounds and principles of rational theology. And from the variety of useful works of a strictly practical nature, which it, affords the opportunity of procuring, it will doubtless be the means, under.. mankind. Intelligence.-Yorkshire Tract Society. The report was ordered to be printed, additions to the catalogue proposed, &c. 423 the blessing of God, of a more general was acting in the same cause. Here diffusion of the spirit and practice of the speaker could not but contemplate the Christian life. But truth and with satisfaction the idea that he had virtue are natural, though not insepa- been the first promoter of this Institurable companions, and never thrive so tion. No father could view the sucmuch as when they are cultivated cess of his child with more anxiety. together. This is what it has been He breathed the wish that if his name our endeavour to connect, in the were destined to be hereafter repeated, formation of this Society, and it is it might be in connexion with the hoped that it is one of those institu- West Riding Tract Society. May it tions, of which there are so many in be that the latest posterity shall own the present day, highly tending to the the parent and the offspring! The moral and religious improvement of name of Thomson is worthy of the purest cause of benevolence and truth that can be associated with it. The Doctor also took up in a peculiarly interesting manner the idea which the preacher had advanced of the possible presence, though invisible to mortal eye, of the blessed Jesus, and under that impression begged to call to mind the nearly last injunction of their mas ter to his disciples, "Feed my sheep. Feed my lambs," and again "Feed my sheep," a command so reiterated yet discriminating, that it would seem to indicate that provision should be made in the Christian church, both for the mature and the young. In this point of view, the Tract Society very strikingly met the injunction, and the blessed Jesus might be now supposed to be casting his smile upon it. On this occasion, certain speeches were made, particularly one by Dr. Thomson, of Halifax, to which we are truly sorry it is not in our power to do justice. One particular point which the Doctor dwelt upon should certainly be noticed, viz. that the Tract Society had fully redeemed its pledge. Its catalogue of books, though in some respects not all that could be wished, arising from circumstances that could not be avoided, was yet of a nature to do ample justice to every promise it had made. It possessed those Tracts it is true which gave a very clear view of Unitarian sentiments; and this, from the nature of the Societies which had joined together, might be expected to be the case; but it also possessed those which were separate from any doctrinal tenets, and which were purely of a practical nature, while it was open to any recommendation of Tracts, of other views, which its members might bring forward. In a word, every applicant might be accommodated agreeably to his wishes. The Doctor intermingled with the subject of discussion many interesting thoughts. Contemplating the progress of truth, as it had advanced in the North, he glanced his imagination back to the time of Wickliffe, that day-star of reformation, who, he believed, was born in the county of York. A Priestley, too, was born not far distant from the spot where his friends were then meeting. This reformist would become a yet brighter star. He was hourly gaining the ascendant with an increasing lustre. The mists of ignorance and 'error were gradually departing, and permitting the pure light of the gospel to be seen and felt. The Tract Society After the business of the Tract Society was over, an adjournment took place to the Talbot Inn, where a dinner was provided for the occasion, to which 68 gentlemen sat down-24 ministers and 44 lay brethren. After dinner, many toasts congenial with the objects of the day were given by the Chairman, the Rev. R. Astley, which produced very animated speeches. Accounts were imparted of the progress of Unitarianism in various places, particularly in Scotland, by the Secretary to the General Association of the North, in Rossendale, Thorne, Selby and Huddersfield, by the different ministers, whose labours in these places had been pleasingly blessed. If, in the ardour of feeling, a more sanguine colouring might be occasionally imparted, than the stubborn and slow progress of change may at present justify, still that much is doing is beyond a question. After every deduction the most suspicious and sober-minded calculation can exact, there is sufficient cause for congratulation, and for rejoicing in the assurance that the great doctine of the Divine Unity is 421 Intelligence.-Kent and Sussex Unitarian Association. gradually advancing, till at length it shall be the one Universal Faith. This at least is the polar star of our creed, that to which we believe the great lawgiver of the Jews pointed, and to which the founder of the Christian faith as clearly pointed. And we have no doubt that although, like the polar star of the natural firmament, it may at present be but dimly seen by some Christians, yet that ere long it shall be as clearly viewed as a star of the first magnitude in the brightest night, and prove, in connexton with those pleasing hopes of the gospel to which it is attached, a safe guide to all who are sailing the ocean of life, to the blissful shores of eternity. Wakefield. T. J. Kent and Sussex Unitarian Association. The fifth Anniversary of the Kent and Sussex Unitarian Association, was held at Maidstone, on Wednesday the 10th instant, when it is but justice to Mr. Aspland to observe that his truly excellent discourse excited a very lively interest in the minds of his auditory, and that it is sincerely hoped that he will yield to the warm expression of their wishes in favour of its publication, and thus enable them to derive the full benefit from his generous la hours, by its extensive distribution. The service commenced with an appropriate prayer by Mr. Harris; while the principal part of the devotions, by Mr. Holden, presented a beautiful delineation of the universal beneficence and tender mercies of our heavenly Father, with a most fervent expression of gratitude and obedience. The annual report of the proceedings of the Committee, which has been appointed to superintend the distribution of Tracts, and to direct their attention to whatever relates to the general interests of our associated body, was read at the close of the service, and was followed by the reports and communications from the several congregations, some of which have chosen committees from their respective subscribers, denominated District Committees, which maintain a correspondence with the general Committee, through their Secretaries. Nearly 2000 small Tracts have been distributed during the last year; upwards of 1000 of which consist of practical publications, by the Christian Tract Society in Lon don, and the remainder are immediately directed to the promotion of rational views concerning scripture doctrine, with exhortations to consis tency of conduct in all who are convinced of the strict Unity, the enrivalled supremacy, and the spontane ous and universal benignity of GOD. The melancholy case of Mr. C. Herbert, who has lately been warned out of his school, on which he depends for the subsistence of a family of eight children, for his integray in maintaining the divine Unity with the plain and inestimable truths connected with it, was laid before the Society, and as he possesses considerabie merit as a teacher, and is particularly desirous of inculcating just and generous views of religion and virtue upcu the minds of children, it is hoped that should any opening of this kind be afforded, or indeed should any source by which an upright man skilled in the arts of writing, arithmetic, &c. may provide, or be assisted in providing for a numerous, and still increasing family, reach the knowledge of any of our Unitarian friends, or of the friends of liberality and humanity in general, who may be acquainted with his case, they will not fail to communicate the particulars either immediately to Mr. Herbert himself, or through the medium of some friend. There is evidently no object of our unanimity so pressing as the endeavour to remove or alleviate those sufferings or inconveniences to which a friend may occasionally be subjected, from a conscientious adherence to his principles. From the communications of several of our friends from different parts of the counties, it appeared that the spirit of inquiry has been making considerable progress. Our Battle Secretary observes that "it is become almost universal: men begin to think concerning religion, and are no longer content to rest in an implicit faith. This, therefore," he observes, "is the time to exhibit Christianity to their view in its native purity and simplicity, that they may see its excellence and be convinced of its truth, and that its effects may appear in their character and deportment in life.” A scarcely less pleasing account was presented in the narrative of a friend from Dover, whose exertions have been a principal means of establishing a con Intelligence.-Eastern Unitarian Society. ference in the General Baptist Meeting-house of that place, by which no small degree of attention has been excited to the great question at issue between Unitarians and their opponents. Our Secretary for the Maidstone district observes that "we have every evidence of the number of Unitarians being much greater than it appears to be; the extreme difficulties, the force of fashion, and a false shame, deter many from expressing their belief of the sublime and despised truths of Unitarianism." He acquainted the Society with a plan which has been adopted at Maidstone for conveying religious instruction to children in a language and manner adapted to their tender capacities. The boys on one part of each Sunday, and the girls on the other, are taken apart from the congregation to be familiarized with the leading principles of religion, and the plainest practical admonitions. The Society adopted some resolutions with a view to the more prompt dispatch of its business, and to the keeping up of a more perfect intercourse between its branches, as it is hoped that every step which tends to engage us in the mutual pursuit of the common objects, will contribute in every point of view to increase the advantages of our Association. With an expression of the deepest regret at the horrid persecution of which our Protestant brethren in the department of the Gard, have so long been the unoffending and unprotected victims, a vote of thanks was unanimously passed to the Committee of the Dissenting Ministers of the Three Denominations, for their unwearied exertions in their behalf; to Mr. C. Perrot for his Christian intrepidity in encountering every hazard and every difficulty to arrive at the first sources of information, and for the luminous report by which he has established the dreadful detail of ferocious cruelties and merciless oppression; and to Sir Samuel Romily for the able, manly, and Christian-like conduct, which he has shewn in pleading that cause in the British House of Con 'mons. The company afterwards adjourned to the Star lun, where, 134 persons sat down to a plain dinner, a larger number than had assembled at any previous meeting of the Society. Several appropriate sentiments were given 425 by the chairman (Mr. Aspland) which he prefaced with some interesting remarks, and which drew forth observations from several persons present. The company being composed of both ladies and gentlemen, the inconsis tency of the marriage ceremony with the general principles of Dissenters, and especially of Unitarians, became the subject of some animated discussion, and perseverance in applications to Parliament for release from this ceremony, as the only legal bond of union, was strenuously recommended. The utmost harmony prevailed, the company in general appearing impressed with the obligation, as weil of imitating their master in his entire devotion to the will of his Father and his God, as in his brotherly-love and charity. May these social meetings in which we sit down to one table, as the worshippers of one common and only God and Father, in obedience to one Lord, be attended with the happy effect of diminishing our attachment to all sublunary distinctions, remembering that, as the disciples of Christ, we must strive to be distinguished by those qualities of the heart and life which it was his sole object to inculcate upon mankind of every rank and condition, and by our proficiency in which, alone we can attain to distinction in his heavenly kingdom! THOMAS PINE, Eastern Unitarian Society. The Yearly Meeting of this Society was held at Ipswich, on Wednesday and Thursday, the 26th and 27th of June. On Wednesday evening Mr. George Harris of Greenock introduced the service by prayer, and reading the Scriptures, and Mr. Fullagar of Palgrave preached from 2 Peter i. 10. Wherefore, the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure." On Thursday morn ing Mr. Scargill, of Bury, introduced the service, and read the Scriptures; Mr. Toms, of Framlingham, prayed; and Mr. Thomas Rees, of London, preached from Isaiah xl. 25. "To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One." It is much to be regretted that Mr. Rees declined complying with the wish of the Society to print a sermon so admirably adapted to expose the pernicious 426 Intelligence.-Devon ayd Cornwall Annual Meeting of Unitarian Christians. tendency of the doctrine of the Trinity. By the report of the Committee it appeared that the funds of the Society were in a flourishing state. The following resolutions were passed unanimously:-That Is. L. Marsh, Esq. and Mr. Edward Taylor be continued in the offices of Treasurer, and Secretary for the year ensuing. That a number of Tracts, at the discretion of the Committee, be placed at the disposal of the different ministers in the association. That the next yearly meeting be held at Framlingham, on the last Wednesday and Thursday in June, 1817, and that Mr Scargill be Thirty-seven requested to preach. members and friends to the Society afterwards dined together at the Bear and Crown, Mr. J. D. Harmer in the chair. The toasts and sentiments which were given, called forth observations from several gentlemen present, particularly Mr. Rees, Mr. Toms, Mr. Harris, Mr. Scargill, Mr. Fullagar, and Mr. Taylor. On the memory of our departed friend, Mr. Joyce," being given, Mr. Rees took occasion to pay a just and affecting tribute of respect to the character of that excellent man, and steady friend to the cause of civil and religious liberty. Several subjects connected with the spread of Unitarian principles in this district were discussed, and some measures adopted for the attainment of so important and highly desirable an event. The greatest cordiality and harmony pervaded the meeting, and the company separated with feelings of Christian affection and sincere pleasure. North-Eastern Unitarian Association. This Association comprehends the Unitarian Churches in Wisbeach, Lutton, Boston, and Lincoln. They held their annual meeting at Wisbeach, on Wednesday, June the 26th, and Thursday the 27th. Mr. Platts, of Boston, preached on the Wednesday evening, On Salvation by Jesus Christ, on Unitarian Principles." On Thursday morning Mr. Wright, the Missionary, preached the Association Sermon, "On the Import and Practical Tendency of the Doctrine of the Unity of God:" after which the Annual Business of the North-Eastern Unitarian Book Society was transacted. At two o'clock more than 100 friends dined together; after the dinner a num- Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, &c. Association. At Nottingham, on Friday, 21st of June, 1816, was holden the Annual Meeting of the Unitarian Ministers of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and the Southern part of Yorkshire. The devotional service was conducted by the Rev. J. P. Wright, of Stannington, near Sheffield: and the Sermon was preached by the Rev. John Williams, of Mansfield, from Matt. xiii. 52. In this Sermon, which produced a strong impression on the audience, the preacher pointed out the necessity of a well-educated ministry; and shewed what qualifications are essential to constitute a well-educated minister. Much general knowledge, and espe cially a thorough acquaintance with the Scriptures in the original tongues, he deemed indispensable to a scribe thoroughly instructed unto the kingdom of heaven. He concluded with a display of the advantages resulting from such a ministry: adding, that from an ill-educated ministry, much positive evil results to religion and society. The number of ministers present was small; yet, by the respectable attendance of lay friends, a company of about thirty lay-men and ministers dined together. The place of meeting announced for next year is Sheffield. Devon and Cornwall Annual Meeting of Unitarian Christians. July 5.-The Annual Meeting of "the Association of Unitarian Christians in Devon and Cornwall, estab lished for the purpose of promoting the cause of Christian Truth and Prac tice, by the Distribution of Books, and effecting a more intimate Union among the Professors of the Unitarian |