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JOHN ELLIS, Esq., M.A., F. S. A. May 24, at Kingston, in Barbadoes, whither he had been advised to go for the recovery of his health, JOHN ELLIS, of the Middle Temple, Esq, barrister-at law, M. A., F.S. A., aud Deputy Recorder of Huntingdon. Mr. Ellis was the son of the late John Ellis, Esq, of Bedford Row, [see Mon. Repos XIV. 651,] who, by means the most honourable, acquired an easy fortune in the Stock Exchange; and whose original purpose it had been, to educate his son in the same profession. But the subject of this memoir early discovering an insatiable thirst after knowledge, his father judiciously gave way to this laudable ambition, and liberally supplied him with the means, first of acquiring a critical knowledge of classical literature, and afterwards of supporting himself at the University of Cambridge, where, notwithstanding the impediments occasioned by ill health, he took his degree with great reputation. Having chosen the profession of the law, he entered as a Student of the Honourable Society of Lincolns' Inn, and devoting himself with his accustomed ardour to his pro fessional studies, and being in possession of a large and well-chosen library, he made progress beyond many of his contemporaries, and when called to the bar he entered upon his profession with attainments and qualifications of a very superior order. He was likewise unusu ally fortunate in his connexions: and being early introduced into professional engagements with the corporation of Huntingdon, as a proof of the entire satisfaction of that respectable body, with his abilities and exertions, he was chosen by them their Deputy Recorder. His prospects now assumed a most promising appearance and every succeeding year introduced him into new connexions and increasing practice, while the suavity of his manners, and his high professional honour and integrity, bound all his prior connexions to him with indissoluble tics. Nor was it among the least of this gen. tleman's merits that, though his abilities and success excited the emulation, they never moved the envy, of his professional brethren. It has been truly said of him, that he never had an enemy. As Providence had blessed him with affluence, his table and library were always open to his less fortunate brethren. And such was the height of his well-earned reputation, and the amenity of his manners, that he might reasonably have looked forward to the highest honours of his profession. But the fatigue of business, and the ardour of his mind, which would not suffer him to relax his exertions from any thing he had undertaken, gradually undermined a constitution not originally strong, and VOL. XX.

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brought on a disease, which, insidious in its nature, often flattering in its appearance, but fatal and irresistible in its progress, terminated his honourable and useful career, at the early age of 35, leaving not only a broken-hearted parent and mourning relatives, but also a profession and a public not insensible to such rising excellence, to lament his loss.

[Mr. Ellis contributed, amongst other things, an original song of Dr. Franklin's to this work, III. 214. There is an interesting obituary account of a younger brother of his, X. 189, 190, the materials for which were chiefly supplied by him.]

June 16, at Alphington, near Exeter, Devonshire, aged 36 years, AMELIA, wife of Mr. John MARDON, of Gloucester Street, Hoxton, after a very painful and protracted illness, which she bore with most exemplary patience, and yielded up her spirit to her Maker with pious resignation. Her loss is deplored by all who knew her, and has plunged a disconsofriends and relatives in the deepest affliclate husband and an extensive circle of tion.

June 30, in the 94th year of his age, WILLIAM MANNING, of Ormesby, in the county of Norfolk, Esq. He was the descendant in the direct male line of William Manning, of Peasenhall, in Suffolk, Rector of Middleton cum Foretly in that county; and one of the ejected ministers on St. Bartholomew's day, August 24, 1662, who conscientiously refused to conform to the provisions of the Act of Uniformity, passed after the Restoration. If the members of the Established Church at this day, would inform themselves of the history of that period, they would not so frequently assert that the original Presbyterians and Independents were always inimical to the Church: they would perceive that the Church itself, by its unnecessary injunctions, drove out of its pale two thousand of its ordained ministers, not because they dissented from its doctrines or objected to its episcopal form of government; not because they refused observance of the ceremonials which had been hitherto enjoyed; not because they were averse to its welfare or hostile to its peace; but because they would not swear implicit obedience to all the new injunctions which an arbitrary court and a subservient bench of bishops wished to impose with an et cetera oath, comprehending, perhaps, what reason might object to, and religion forbid. Statecraft and priestcraft were justly to be apprehended, since the day fixed for an implicit assent was so near at hand, that the clergy not resident in the vicinity of London, could

not possibly be informed of all the particulars to which their assent was imperiously demanded. Dr. Calamy records William Manning to have been a man of great abilities and learning, adding, that he was "inclined to Socinianism," which the manuscript papers and letters he left behind him, may be thought to confirm, for they are all decidedly adverse to the doctrine of a Trinity, as being neither consistent with the doctrines of the gospel, nor the deductions of reason. These sentiments have indeed been uniformly inherited by his family, (now, in the male line, nearly extinct,) and have been cherished with a large portion of liberality, charity, and social affection, as corresponding most correctly with the divine revelation of Jesus, and as being most conducive to the spread of true Christianity, perfect morals, and the permanent happiness of mankind.

Mr. William Manning, grandson of the above William, and father of the gentle man now deceased, was educated for the ministry at an academy at Attercliff, in Yorkshire, but his views were afterwards changed, and he succeeded his father as a merchant at Yarmouth. He had, notwithstanding, a taste for literature, which he cultivated to his death, in 1767. His son, the last William Manning, whose loss his family and friends have now to lament, had not such acquisitions of learning to distinguish him-the private instructions he received from his father and the Rev. Ralph Milner, who was his particular friend, were the principal advantages of which he had to boast, and we have therefore only to record the simple effects of pure morals, temperate affections, and a most ardent desire (with no contemptible talents, and an excellent command of temper) to promote the real happiness of those within the sphere of his influence. The profession of Unitariauism was one characteristic of the members of his family in succession. And it is well worthy of record that they severally cherished those sentiments of political liberality, religious charity and social affection which they considered the genuine fruits of Unitarianism.

The subject of this memoir throughout his protracted life, was distinguished by a temperate steadiness of principle in politics, amidst county ferments and national agitations. Exceedingly anxious to preserve his character for religious liberality, he was not particularly forward in propagating his avowed Unitarian sentiments

See "Some Account of Mr. William Manning, an Ejected Minister and an Unitarian, by the Rev. S. S. Toms," Mon. Repos. (for 1817) XII. pp. 377 388; also p. 478 of same volume. ED.

amongst those around him, although from whatever tended to promote the cause, in places more remote, his name was not withheld.

Early in life, without any solicitation, he was nominated one in the commission of the peace for the county; but although active in every public service to which he was called, and much disposed to render himself useful in this situation, which he was much urged to accept, he felt himself under the necessity of declining it from scruples of conscience. He was persuaded that even occasional conformity to a test not authorized by revelation, and perverted to a purpose foreign to the plain intention of its founder, could not bc justified. He declined almost all attention to trade in 1783, and retired to Ormesby, where, at the request of the directors, and without any emolument, he undertook the regulation and superintendence of a neighbouring house of industry; and, by a strict and unremitted attention to order and economy for eleven years, succeeded in very much reducing the rates and improving the condition of the paupers.

In other trusts he was equally anxious to prove himself faithful. His last painful and arduous enterprise of this nature, was successfully prosecuting at his sole risk a suit in Chancery by which about seventeen acres of land were recovered for the benefit of the poor of his parish of Ormesby, St. Michael.

In 1767, he married Hester, the youngest daughter of George Smyth, Esq., of Topcroft, in the county of Norfolk, who served the office of High Sheriff, in 1742, and by her has left two daughters, the eldest, Mary, married to M. Needham, Esq. of Lenton, in the county of Nottingham, and the youngest to T. Fellows, Esq., of Ormesby, both of whom have several children. His family, who best knew his worth from uninterrupted communication with him till his death, are best enabled to appreciate his virtues, and will most acutely feel those sensations which his loss is calculated to excite. But those who knew him least, may learn from his character and the constant cheerful tenour of his life, that temperance, pure morals, and active benevolence, are the sources of every domestic enjoyment. With conscious integrity, liberal principles, and a firm confidence in his Creator, he experienced a proportion of happiness here, which such supports only can in

sure.

July 24, at Stourport, aged 60, the Rev. ROGER WARD. He was a native of Walmesley in the county of Lancaster. In 1782, he entered the Academy at Daventry, then superintended by the Rev. Thomas Belsham. [See Mon. Repos.

In

XVII. 285.] After completing his studies he settled for two years with a congregation at Sherborne, in Dorsetshire. He removed from thence to Blackburn, where he remained for seven years. 1798, he succeeded the late Rev. William Blake, as Master of Mr. Pearsall's Grammar School at Kidderminster, which he conducted with credit to himself as a man of learning, and was also for about sixteen years minister of a small congregation at Bromsgrove, until disabled by a painful malady, which at length terminated his mortal existence, and numbered him, we trust, among the dead that died in the Lord, and who wait for a blessed immortality.

Aug. 3, at Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, in the 55th year of his age, the Rev. W. CARVER, many years pastor of a congregation of Protestant Dissenters in that place, and at the head of a respectable school which he had long conducted with credit to himself and satisfaction to the parents of his pupils.

Major-General W. Gifford.

August 9, at Swansea, after many years of declining health, aged 55, Major-General WILLIAM GIFFORD. He attained

his professional rank through his ability and approved services.

Highly principled, and, above all, standing eminently aloof from every selfish motive, he discharged all the greater duties of life with a generosity and constancy truly honourable to himself, and calling forth a willing tribute of admiration from all to whom he was best known.

This testimony, duly weighed, is of fered as a record of his memory by his affectionate and afflicted family.

He died a steadfast Unitarian Christian.

Aug. 24th, at Hackney, EDWARD PICKARD, Esq., in the 80th year of his age, a truly excellent man, who passed through a long life with the respect and esteem of all that knew him. He was by descent and education connected with the Dissenters and their charities; being the son of the Rev. Edward Pickard, for many years the pastor of the Presbyterian congregation in Carter Lane, and a leader amongst the Dissenting divines in the metropolis, to whom that noble institution the Orphan School in the City Road mainly owes its formation. [See Mon. Repos. XI. 672, and Mr. Belsham's Memoirs of Mr. Lindsey, pp. 63-66.].

INTELLIGENCE.

DOMESTIC.

RELIGIOUS.

Ordination of the Rev. E. Tagart, at Norwich.

ON Wednesday, August 10th, there was a public religious service at the Octagon Chapel, Norwich, in consequence of the recent election of Mr. Edward Tagart, late of the York College, as minister of that congregation. The last service of the kind in that chapel, was more than forty years since, when Mr. George C. Morgan entered upon the ministry there; and at that time Dr. Price and Dr. Rees were present, and took the principal parts of the service. The propriety of reviving such a service was discussed by the congregation, and it was thought, that when freed from the absurd ideas which have been connected with what is called Ordination, it could not fail to give some useful and valuable impressions to the pastor and the people. It is hoped that the result will realize these expectations. Certain it is that some, who expressed their doubts how far the good of such a service could be retained, without incurring the risk of exciting some erroneous notions, expressed their full and entire approbation

of it. Most of the Unitarian ministers in Norfolk and Suffolk were present, and the service was opened by Mr. Scargill, read the Scriptures. Mr. Edward Tayof Bury St. Edmund's, who prayed and lor, one of the deacons of the congregation, explained the design and intention of their assembling together: that it was not for the purpose of conferring upon their minister any other or farther power than he had already received. He had been appointed or ordained by the choice of the people, who, in conjunction with their minister, had invited his brethren to give them each such friendly exhortation and advice as they might think fit, and not to confer upon him any title, power or authority. It had never been the practice of that congregation to impose any creed upon their minister, nor to require of him any confession of faith. Dr. John Taylor had mentioned this to the credit of the society, and he had expressed his hope that the same catholic spirit which had animated the founders of that chapel, would continue to subsist among them. Happily it had done so, and instead of prescribing for their minister a set of articles of faith, they now exhorted him to search the Scriptures for himself, and fearlessly and honestly to lay before them his views of religious truth.

Mr. Tagart then briefly stated his views of the character and duties of a Christian minister, in terms which could not fail to interest all who heard him. The Charge was delivered by Mr. W. Turner, of York. It was a most affectionate and admirable address to his late pupil. He reminded him that he had to fill a station which had been occupied by Taylor, Bourn, Enfield and Houghton, and which called for exertions of various kinds, both in the pulpit and in society. He sketched those duties with a masterly and discriminating hand, the performance of which would obtain for him the affection and approbation of his people, and the success of his labours in the important work which lay before him.

The sermon was preached by Mr. W. J. Fox. That it was an eloquent address will easily be conceived; but it was more, it was eminently useful. It is one advantage of these services, that a congregation has the opportunity of hearing from a mutual friend (and in this sense Mr. Fox may more particularly be said to have addressed the Norwich congregation) what are their duties to their minister. From a young man especially, just enter ing upon the ministry, it would seem presumptuous and unbecoming to address his people on these topics. Mr. Fox's aim was to shew in what way "the labourer" whom they had chosen ought to receive" his reward." They were bound to enable him to devote his time and talents to the duties of his ministry, to reward him by cheerful and zealous co-operation, by regular attendance upon his ministry, by candid and serious at tention to his preaching, and by every friendly attention. From a discourse, so full of excellent advice, and so judiciously adapted to the circumstances under which it was delivered, it is not too much to expect that great permanent good will result.

Eighty-seven gentlemen (principally members of the Norwich congregation) dined together at the Maid's-Head Inn.

P. M. Martineau, Esq., was the Chairman, and to him the company present were highly indebted for the very able way in which he discharged that office. Many toasts and sentiments of general and local interest were drunk, and among them the venerable and excellent Bishop of the diocese, and the worthy member for the city, Mr. W. Smith, were not forgotten.

Such is an outline of the proceedings of a day which will long be remembered with pleasure, and, it is hoped, with profit by those who were present. It would shew to their young minister that his settlement with his congregation was an event which they regarded with no com

mon feeling, it would also shew the friendly spirit in which they were accustomed to meet, and it would tend to cement in them those bonds of union and Christian fellowship in which they have been so long and so happily held together. May a connexion so auspiciously commenced be long and happy; may the pastor see his people enlightened and united under his ministry, and may he prove himself a worthy and able successor to those of his predecessors who were "burning and shining lights" in their day, and the effect of whose counsels is still apparent in the character of this congregation!

At a meeting of the congregation on the following Sunday, it was unanimously resolved to request the consent of the gentlemen engaged in the service, that it might be printed, and it is earnestly hoped that this request may be complied with.

THE pious of every denomination will rejoice to hear that the cause of practical religion is about to receive an important support by the appearance of the four volumes of Sermons by the late Dr. Doddridge, which he directed to be published in his will, but which have hitherto remained in the custody of the family.

Somersetshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Unitarian Missionary Association.

THE next Half-yearly General Meeting of this Association will be held at Marshfield, in Gloucestershire, on Wednesday, the 28th of September, when the Rev. preach. R. Wright, of Trowbridge, is expected to

The service to commence at eleven o'clock. After the service the business of the Society will be transacted, and the members and friends will then partake together of a social economical dinner.

Shropshire, Cheshire, and Staffordshire THE next Half-yearly Meeting of the Unitarian Association, will be held at Chester, on Tuesday, the 27th of Sept. The Rev. J. G. Robberds has kindly engaged to preach in the morning, and the Rev. J. Grundy in the evening.

Ecclesiastical Preferment.

THE Bishop of Durham has given the stall in his Cathedral vacant by the death of Dr. Haggitt, to the Rev. GEORGE TOWNSEND, his Lordship's Domestic Chaplain, author of The Arrangement of the Old and New Testament; The Accusations of History against the Roman Catholic Church, &c.

MISCELLANEOUS.

A List of Joint-Stock Companies, the Proposals for which are now, or have been lately, before the Public.

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Amount of ascertained Capital, from p. 383, £231,705,000

64 Worcester and Gloucester Union Canal, 100,000,

read 200,000

100,000

119 St. Catharine's Docks, 1,200,000, read 1,500,000

300,000

122 London Patent Steam Washing Company

750,000

161 Royal Irish Mining

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215 New Corn Exchange

[blocks in formation]
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412 Mexican Colonization, Agricultural and General Trading Company

1,000,000

413 United Pacific Trading, &c., Company

1,000,000

466 Bolivar Mining Association

500,000

[blocks in formation]

503 United Kingdom Gas Light and Water Company.. Pole

504 County Gas Light Association

505 New Albion Gas Company

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