his fluency of speech, and so to neglect to store his mind by previous study (not only general study, but) of the particular subject on which he is called upon to speak, it may be productive of ill conse quences which may fully counterbalance its benefits. "I am happy that herein I am supported by the authority of unquestionably the most distinguished extempore speaker of the present day, who, in his late Inaugural Discourse on being installed Lord Rector of Glasgow,' has thus expressed himself: (the excellent orator has been laying down rules, which it is the interest of every student to consult and follow, for the attainment of a pure English diction; and then proceeds thus:) But it must not be imagined that all the labour of the orator is ended, or that he may then dauntless and fluent enter upon his office in the public assembly. Much preparation is still required before each exertion, if rhetorical excellence is aimed at. I should lay it down as a rule, admitting of no exception, that a man will speak well in proportion as he has written much; and that, with equal talents, he will be the finest extempore speaker, when no time for preparing is allowed, who has prepared himself the most sedulously when he had an opportunity of delivering a premeditated speech. All the exceptions I have ever heard cited to this principle, are apparent ones only; proving nothing more than that some few men, of rare genius, have become great speakers without preparation; in nowise shewing, that, with preparation, they would not have reached a much higher pitch of excellence. The admitted superiority of the ancients, in all oratorical accomplishments, is the best proof of my position, for their careful preparation is undeniable; nay, in Demosthenes (of whom Quinctilian says that his style indicates more premeditation,-plus curæ― than Cicero's) we can trace by the recurrence of the same passage with progressive improvements in different speeches, how nicely he polished the more exquisite parts of his composition. "I am now requiring, not merely great preparation while the speaker is learning his art, but after he has accomplished his education. The most splendid effort of the most mature orator will be always finer for being previously elaborated with much care. There is, no doubt, a charm in extemporaneous elocution, derived from the appearance of artless unpremeditated effusion, called forth by the occasion, and so adapting itself to its exigencies, which may compensate the manifold defects incident to this kind of composition that which is inspired by the unforeseen circumstances of the moment, will be of necessity suited to those circumstances in the choice of the topics, and pitched in the tone of the execution to the feelings upon which it is to operate. These are great virtues; it is another to avoid the besetting vice of modern oratory-the over doing every thing-the exhaustive method, which an off-hand speaker has no time to fall into, and he accordingly will take only the grand and effective view; nevertheless, in oratorical merit, such effusions must needs be very inferior; much of the pleasure they produce depends upon the hearer's surprise, that in such circumstances any thing can be delivered at all, rather than upon his deliberate judgment, that he has heard any thing very excellent in itself. We may rest assured that the highest reaches of the art, and without any sacrifice of natural effect, can only be attained by him who well considers, and maturely prepares, and oftentimes sedulously cor rects and refines his oration.'-Pp. 3841. "It now becomes my pleasing task to distribute the prizes, which either the College or the public spirit of individuals has offered for the encouragement of merit. "It is with the highest pleasure that I can this year personally deliver the first prize for diligence, regularity, and proficiency to Mr. James Martineau, the second to Mr. Francis Darbishire, and the third to Mr. Edward Higginson. That these three young friends have fully maiutained the rank assigned to them on a former occasion, will be readily allowed by the most regular of their fellow-students. The prizes given by Robert Philips, Esq., to students in their first and second years, for improvement during the session in classical literature, are adjudged to Mr. Thomas Davies, in the first year, and Mr. Francis Rankin, in the second. Those for proficiency in mathematical studies, by a Friend to the College, are awarded to Mr. H. W. Busk, of the third class, and Mr. Darbishire, of the second. The prize for the best translation from English into Greek, given by Euelpis, is adjudged to Mr. Higginson. The prize for the best Oration delivered at this examination, to Mr. Martineau, and that for the best-delivered oration, to Mr. R. Brook Aspland. Mr. Bell offers a prize for the best Latin Essay, to be delivered in, with mottos and a sealed letter, on or before the 1st of December this year. The subject is the maxim of Cicero, Opifex dicendi stylus;' in which I am happy to observe an uudesigued coincidence with what has been already observed and quoted, that the assiduous practice of composition is the best means of acquiring the habit of correct speaking. "To those of our young friends who are leaving us to fill important stations in our churches, I should feel desirous to offer a variety of observations, if it were consistent with the time prescribed for this Address. In the mean time, I feel a gratification in learning, that it is their general intention to solicit the advice of their elders respecting their conduct as ministers of the gospel. By whatever name this sort of service may be called is a matter of inferior consequence; in itself I cannot but feel that it is a highly seasonable and proper service. I shall not anticipate what you may any of you respectively hear on such occasions; but I may, perhaps, presume to recommend to your careful perusal a letter of my own, and the correspondence occasioned by it, in the Monthly Repository for 1811. Some practical hints may be gathered from thence, which may probably be found useful; as I believe they have been found by the frieud to whom they were first addressed." The Visitor's Address was followed by some important extemporary remarks by Mr. Yates, the Chairman, as the Senior Vice-President, which gave great delight to all that were present. He particularly insisted on the talent of an easy and ready utterance as necessary to a particular species of eloquence, which he would call conversational eloquence; the possessor of which was enabled to avail himself of many opportunities of inculcating important truths and instilling useful sentiments, which did not come within the province of the public orator. He also cautioned his young hearers against two, errors into which the student is very apt to fall. When he is acquiring knowledge, it is very natural that, considering it as the foundation of virtue and piety, and these as the only solid foundation of present peace and comfort and hope, and of immortal felicity and glory, he should be led to undervalue every thing but pure knowledge; whereas it is in itself of little value, unless he who possesses it have also the power of communicating it: the best means of doing this is therefore of great importance. But another error was also dangerous, the imagination that it is a talent of easy attainment. After what they had heard in the Visitor's Address, and in the quotation from Mr. Brougham, it was unnecessary for him to add any thing to shew, that he who speaks best will write most: but he entreated his young friends never to go to the humblest of the meetings they encouraged, without making a previous preparation; without serious thought, intense study and consideration what was the end they were going to promote. It was very natural for young men, educated with so much science, to talk about enlightening the mind, banishing prejudice, overcoming obstacles to the propagation of truth; "but unless you have also at heart the grand object of saving from error, vice and misery, and preparing your hearers for immortal felicity, you fall short of the great end of your ministry." The Assembly then separated, after a short devotional exercise, highly gratified with the proceedings of the week. [The next Session will commence on Friday, the 23rd of September, on or before the evening of which day it is desirable that all the Students should be present.] On Friday, July 1, the Trustees held a meeting in the Common Hall for inquiring into the affairs of the College, which were found to be in a very promising state, though standing in continual need of public support. Several applications for admission on the Foundation were accepted, others referred to the Manchester Meeting. And on Saturday a considerable party of his friends accompanied the Rev. W. S. Brown to Hull, on the invitation of the congregation there, who had chosen him to be their minister, to introduce their young friend to his new charge, and to offer their advice to, and prayers for, both minister and people. On Sunday, July 3, after a short introductory prayer by Mr. Tagart, (who was so far on his way to Norwich, where he succeeds Mr. Madge, and where, we understand, there was to be a somewhat similar service ou the 31st July,) the Rev. George Lee, as an old member of the congregation, rose up in the pew in which he sate, and announced to the crowded audience (for there were many strangers of various sects and parties) the election of Mr. Brown to be their minister, their conviction of the utility and suitableness of a religious connexion commencing with a peculiar religious service, and of the benefit which both minister and people might derive from advices to each by their older and more experienced friends. That this has been called an Ordination Service; but that this term is only applicable to it, when it is considered as consequent upon the previous proper ordination of the minister by the congregation, who, by their election, have appointed, or ordained, him to fill that important office. That the presence of so many of their friends, on so interesting an occasion, could not fail to be highly acceptable; and their advices would be listened to by both minister and people, not as an exercise of their authority, but as an expression of their Christian regard: and he hoped would be productive of much practical benefit. Mr. Brown, from his own proper place the pulpit, took the opportunity of expressing his purpose of devoting himself to the service of his people, as a Christian, an Unitarian, a Pastor, and a Friend, concluded by adding his own wish, in accordance with theirs, "that our friends and fathers in the ministry would afford their advice in the commencement of our Christian intercourse. I know their sentiments too well to suppose that they could wish to claim any authority over your decision, as an independent Christian church, or over my faith, as one enjoined by that gospel which I am called upon to teach, to stand fast in that liberty wherewith Christ hath made me free."" Mr. Brown having retired from the pulpit, Mr. Turner, of Newcastle, whose pupil he had been before his commencement of his academical studies, exhorted him (from Colos. iv. 17) to "take heed to his ministry;" and afterwards earnestly recommended him and his services to the kind notice and attention of his people. Mr. Robberds then affectionately and fervently recommended both minister and people to the blessing of Almighty God. Mr. Wellbeloved (Mr. Brown's Theological Tutor) represented to the congregation, in an excellent discourse, the duties which they owe to the minister of their own free choice, and to each other as members of a voluntary religious association; and pointed out a variety of particular circumstances in which it would be in their power, by proper dispositions and behaviour, to render their religious connexion mutually beneficial. In the evening Mr. Robberds delivered an excellent discourse from Rom. xiv. 19, on the duty of" following after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." attached to it: and though there may not, be all the same, yet there would still continue many reasons why it should take, place on every change of connexion be tween minister and people; for ministers, at whatever age, are, or ought to be, conscious of the many imperfections of their former services, and disposed to renew their resolution of discharging their duties better in their new connexion : and there is one reason why it should be observed, peculiar to such occasions, that it would entirely do away with the idea of ordination as an instalment, or as giving or confirming any authority. If it were carried to this length, it might be a means of multiplying the opportunities of friendly acquaintance with each other, the great gratification and benefit of which many more than one have experienced during their late excursion; and instead of joining in Mr. Rutt's wish, "that we should hear no more of these things," there is one, at least, who does not despair of gaining him over to join in the hope that no new conuexion may in future be formed among Unitarians, between congregations and their ministers, whether old or young, without some such religious observance, some friendly welcome of this kind by the neighbouring societies and their several ministers. Surely such "givings of the right hand of fellowship" would eminently tend to the promotion of truth, of virtue, and of Christian unity and love. It would have been gratifying to the present writer to have gone through the business of the remaining part of the week, and to have reported the highly satisfactory meeting of the Unitarian Association of this part of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. But probably this will be undertaken by some one more immediately connected with it. In the mean time, he cannot conclude the sketch already offered for insertion in the pages of the Monthly Repository, without expressing personally the entire satisfaction which he felt in all the proceedings of this annual celebration; and his hope that, on some future occasion, if life and health be spared, he may have the privilege of renewing his attendance. This account of the services of this day is respectfully submitted to the consideration of the numerous readers of the Repository, and particularly to our excellent friends Messrs. Johns and Rutt, in the hope that none can disapprove of any sentiment uttered, or any circumstance which took place, in the course of them. That they were eminently successful in promoting a spirit of Christian love, not only in the society particularly connected, but in the minds of many who attended from a distance; and that the eyes and hearts of many were opened which had formerly been shut against us, I believe East-York and Lincolnshire Unitarian is already well known at Hull. The only objection which I at present perceive against such a religious commencement of the connexion between minister and people is, that it has not hitherto been observed, except when young ministers have been first settled; and this seems to continue to it the air of authority, which, no doubt, in ages properly ecclesiastical, was Association. V. F. ON Tuesday evening, July 5, the Annual Meeting of this Association commenced at Hull, with a sermon by the Rev. J. G. Robberds, of Manchester, from, Acts xvii. 19, 20; in which, having first observed that the Lord Chancellor had, on a late occasion, expressed himself in nearly the same words with these Epicu reans and Stoics, "I should like to know . Associated Ministers of Lancashire and Cheshire. THE Annual Meeting of the Associated Ministers of Lancashire and Cheshire, took place on the 16th of June last, in the Bank-Street Chapel, Bolton. In the absence of the Rer. W. Tate, of Chorley, the devotional services were conducted by the Rev. J. Yates, of Liverpool, and the Rev. N. Jones, of Todmorden. The sermon was preached by the Rev. W. Hincks, of Liverpool, from 1 Thess. ii. 4, in which, after shewing the nature and source of that influence which Christian ministers should possess, he pointed out some of the circumstances and occasions in which the teachers of religion were most liable to transgress the precept in his text, "not as pleasing men, but God," and censured, with considerable justness, the practice of preaching panegyrical funeral orations, no less than flattering the humours and prejudices of the people. At a meeting of the ministers in the Chapel, after the religious services, the Rev. C. Wallace, of Altringham was appointed the supporter to the preacher for the next Annual Meeting at Mosely-Street Chapel, Manchester. The business of the Missionary Society was then transacted, and a series of resolutions were submitted and passed, which separate the future proceedings of this Society from the Provincial Meeting. It was also agreed to connect the Missionary Society with the London Unitarian Association. The devotional services were conducted by Messrs. Tagart, Ketley, and Martineau, of Manchester College, York. VOL. XX. 31 The Meeting was numerously attended both by ministers and their lay friends, and about seventy of them afterwards dined together. B. R. D., Secretary. South Wales Unitarian Society. ON the 23rd of June last, at Gellionnen, Glamorganshire, the Twentythird Annual Meeting of the Unitarian Society in South Wales was held, where there met together a more than usual number of distant Unitarian friends from the counties of Glamorgav, Carmarthen and Cardigan. There was service at two o'clock in the afternoon of the 22nd, when Mr. Rees Davies, of Capel-y-groes and Ystrad, introduced, and Mr. Hum. phrey Bromley, Llanrhaiadr ym-mochuant, Denbighshire, North Wales, preached on The Connexion between Christian Truth and Virtue, from John viii. 31, 32; and Mr. John Thomas, of Pant-y-defaid, Cardiganshire, preached after him on The Importance of Christian Knowledge, from Matt. vi. 23. On the 23rd, at ten o'clock, Mr. John Jones, of Bridgend, Glamorganshire, introduced, and the Rev. David Rees, M. D., of Merthyr, Glamorganshire, preached on The Benefit of Man the Object of the Divine Law, from Mark ii. 27. After service there was an open conference, at which the speakers were Messrs. Evans, of Aberdâr; Thomas, of Pant-y-defaid; Davies, of Neath; Jones, of Bridgend; Griffiths, of Llan-y-fân; Bromley, of Llanrhaiadr ym mochnant; and Jones, of Capel Sion. The subject was, The Divine Agency on the Mind of Man. Mr. Belsham's Calm Inquiry* was printed by the Society, in Welsh, in the years 1820-4, and its debt incurred on account of that work has been reduced to £4. 68. The next annual meeting is to be holden at Pant-y-defaid, Cardigan shire, Mr. John Jones, of Bridgend, to preach. The next quarterly meeting of Unitarian ministers in South Wales is to be held at Blaengwrach, on the first Thursday after Michaelmas-day; Mr. John Thomas, of Pant-y-defaid, to preach. July 16, 1825. The Kent and Sussex Unitarian Christian Association. THE Kent and Sussex Unitarian Christian Association took place on Wednesday, June 29th, at Chatham. The Rev. James Taplin, of Battle, and the Rev. L. Holden, of Tenterden, conducted the devotional services. The Rev. B. Mardon, late of Glasgow, delivered an excellent sermon from Philipp. ii. 5-11, Who being in the form of God, &c., which he shewed, by a variety of scriptural arguments, cannot bear the usual Trinitarian interpretation. Mr. Mardon likewise argued that the Apostle Paul, by these words, inculcated the doctrine of the Divine Unity and the proper humanity of our Lord. Towards the conclusion of the sermon, the preacher made some practical observations of which the text admits; and took a short view of the great progress of Christian truth. The minister of the Independent chapel being present at the delivery of this discourse, has since publicly made some animadversions upon it; in consequence of which the sermon will be presented to the public. Ou the Chair being taken for business, the proceedings of the Committee, since the last annual meeting, were read and confirmed. From the Treasurer's report it appeared that the subscriptions for the support of Mr. HARDING as a missionary through Kent and Sussex, were insufficient, and that it was necessary to adopt some plan by which his valuable services might be retained. A resolution was accordingly passed, making a positive en The Calm Inquiry, in Welsh, is sold by the Society at 78. in boards. gagement with Mr. H. for three months T. F. THOMAS. On the 2d instant, the Tenterden District Unitarian Association held their Annual Meeting for the purposes of pablic worship and social intercourse. The chapel service was introduced by the Rev. B. Mardon, with reading the Scriptures and prayer. The Rev. H. Green then delivered an instructive and animating sermon on the Progressive Nature of the Gospel Kingdom, from our Saviour's beautiful parable of the leaven, "which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till the whole was lea vened." A party of ladies aud gentlemen, about ninety in number, then adjourned to the Woolpack Inn to tea, after which Mr. Mardon was called to, and very ably filled the Chair. The evening was employed in addresses from different speakers, and that interchange of sentiments and observations usual on these gratifying occasions. Tenterden, June 28, 1825. Devon and Cornwall Unitarian Association. THE Annual Meeting of this Society was held on the 6th of July, at Exeter. |