as this does exist, and I only deplore the spirit which has given it existence. There are other important circumstances that have required the interference of the Society. Among them is that which relates to the qualification of Dissenters to serve on juries. Two cases of this nature have called for our interference. One occurred in Cornwall, the other in the county of Carnarvon. The Act declares, that no minister of more than one congregation shall be liable to serve on juries, unless, indeed, he fill some other situation, and then it is just he should give the public a portion of that time which is not fully occupied by his religious duties. In one of these cases the gentleman did not follow any other occupation, and he was therefore declared exempt; but in the other case, the individual did, and he was consequently entitled so to serve. Another subject is that of the liability of Dissenting clergymen to be drawn for the militia. A gentleman of the name of Richard Whitmore was employed by a Devonshire Religious Society, to officiate at Broadham; and he was chosen for the militia. Mr. Tyrrell, a highly respectable attorney at Exeter, who has frequently done much service to our cause, wrote to me upon the subject. And in reply I stated how the law stood-that, although the gentleman was not the minister of any distinct congregation, he was notwithstanding exempt. This opinion was submitted to the Lord Lieutenant of the county-who submitted it to the Secretary of War-who again submitted it to counsel; and the result was, that Mr. Whitmore was entitled to be exempted, and the exemption was consequently allowed. Another case also has occurred to which I feel it necessary to refer; and this case is rendered important by the interposition of a Bishop, rather than by any intrinsic merit of its own. It occurred in the town of Wellingborough, in Northamptonshire, and relates to the tolling of a bell. To the parish of Wellingborough came a clergyman of the name of Wilson, who thought proper to interrupt this custom, which had been established for sixty years, and to issue his orders that no bell should toll when a Dissenter expired. The sixty-seventh Canon provides that, "When any is passing out of this life, a bell shall be tolled, and the minister shall not then slack to do his last duty and after the party's death (if it so fall out) there shall be rung no more but one short peal, and one other before the burial, and one other after the burial.' In the particular case to which I allude, the Dissenter was interred in the Dissenters' burial-ground, and, therefore, there may be a doubt whether, as he was not interred in the church-yard, the bell ought to have tolled. But the case is important, as the clergyman has stepped forward, and in a letter, a copy of which I hold in my hand, declares, “That as to the passing bell, he never would permit that bell to be rung for a Dissenter, even in the event of an interment in the church-yard; and that his pledge was open, publicly and universally known, that whilst he held the Curacy, no bell of his church should ever toll for a Dissenter, and that he would not even permit the bells to ring for a marriage when the parties were Dissenters." And yet, whatever be our inclinations on this subject, they compel us to go, and to go only, to their church to be married. In this instance, an appeal was made to the Bishop of Peterborough, who wrote a long letter on the subject, and defended the conduct of this Wellingborough curate. I indeed regret that a man of such mighty mind should so have acted; and that he should have suffered any occurrence to have sullied a glory and a reputation hitherto so exalted and so well deserved. I have the opinion of some eminent men on this question, and I find that a right of a Dissenter to the two first ringings is unquestionable, but that it is not so clear as to the two latter. Yet we contribute to rear those edifices, we pay their tithes, we raise their funds. When 1,500,000Z. were required for the erection of new churches, did not we contribute? And to their churches we must attend to be baptized, and there we must attend to be married, unless we are satisfied to live in a state which I would by no means recommend, a state of cheerless celibacy; and in their church-yards (except where the wisdom of Dissenters has provided for themselves a burial ground) we must deposit the ashes of those we hold most ́dear; and yet they would withhold from us that public token of esteem which they would not withhold from the most worthless or most base. I have stated the opinion I have procured, to be, that the Dissenters are certainly entitled to the two first ringings mentioned in the canon-for how is it to be known where we are to be interred? or how to be known that we are Dissenters? or if we were, the law will not allow an illegal act-but the right is not equally certain as to the two last tollings. Now, in the court, it is difficult to say how the question would be decided, for it is only to the Ecclesiastical Courts that we can go. There is nothing with which we are connected, in which ministers of the Established Church do not interfere. But if the will of a clergyman is to be the law, and if on his dictum is to depend whether or not the death of a parishioner is to be declared by the tolling of the church bell, then, I say, that if the proudest and the best Peer in the country seek to be buried in the chapel of his ancestors, it will be in the power of any clergyman to refuse to him the tolling of this bell, if he die absent from his domain. It becomes the duty of the Legislature, therefore, to watch narrowly such proceedings as those to which I allude, and not to suffer the addition of one fragment to the power, already mighty, which these people are so desirous to extend. I have now to notice another circum stance-it is one in which a poor man was concerned; and our Society is very much to be considered as a shelter for the poor, and I am glad for their sakes that the Society exists. A poor man applied for parochial relief for his child; he was a Dissenter, and was therefore told, that unless his sick child went to the workhouse, no relief could be afforded him. The child was sick, aud the mother could not bear to part with her pale and sickly offspring from her side, while in the bosom of his father there was a spark of honest English independence and good feeling, which shrunk from the idea of permitting his boy to become the inmate of a parish workhouse he retained the child, and he struggled on through his misfortunes, without the aid which his parish were bound to have afforded. [The remainder in the next Number.] Oldbury Double Lecture. On Tuesday, September 13th, (the second Tuesday,) the Annual Meeting of Ministers, denominated "the Double Lecture," took place at Oldbury, in Shropshire. The Rev. William Bowen, of Coventry, conducted the devotional service. Two interesting sermons were preached the one by the Rev. Evan Jones, of Bewdley, on Psalm lxxxiv. 11, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield," &c.; the other by the Rev. John Small, of Coseley, on John viii. 32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Ten ministers were present. The Rev. Rees Lloyd, of Kingswood, and the Rev. William Bowen, of Coventry, were appointed to preach on the next anniversary. At the Lecture in 1812, it was unanimously resolved, on the motion of the Rev. John Corrie, scconded by the Rev. Dr. Toulmin, that "keeping in view the probable origin of this annual meeting, the senior preacher The commemoration of the ejected ministers. VOL. XX. 4 M in future be requested to preach on some subject connected with the principles of Protestantism or of Protestant Dissent." Mr. Small was this year the senior preacher, and he concluded his discourse in the following words: "The knowledge of the truth inspires the mind with the firmness and courage so requisite for its avowal and defence. The gospel has had to contend with great opposition from the beginning. This arose, in the first instance, from Jewish bigotry, heathen licentiousness and a vain, inflated philosophy. But over all these it gloriously triumphed. Its heavenly principles inspired a courage more sublime and disinterested than ever warlike ardour, or the unbending pride of patriotism could supply. Even those who were naturally timid and irresolute, sacrificed all for the gospel's sake, set at defiance the menaces of earthly power, and when no alternative remained which virtue could approve, hesitated not to urge their way to paradise through the gate of agony. In process of time, a worse evil arose in the bosom of the church itself, and that which could not be effected by external opposition was brought to pass by the creeping, lethargic influence of superstition, prepar ing the way for pricstly ascendancy, and an entire worldliness of mind, against which the spirit of truth at last almost ceased to struggle. The Almighty hath nevertheless raised up for himself witnesses in the worst of times, and special seasous of refreshing from his presence have occurred, when the apparently sink. ing cause of religion has risen with fresh energy to assure the hearts of the faithful and renew their confidence in his superintending power and goodness. The instruments employed on such occasions have been men of like passions with ourselves, but eminently gifted with natural endowments and ardent zeal for the work which Providence has assigned them. Difficult was the task they had to perform, and great were the perils aud sufferings they underwent; but the presence of God was with them, and the consciousness of their own integrity supported them, so that the persecutions which human tyranny compelled them to endure, only served to illustrate their faith and patience, thus gaining fresh converts to the cause of pure religion. "It is a noble sight to behold, when the manly and independent spirit resists the frowns of insolent, overbearing authority, fearlessly vindicating the truth, and dreading nothing so much as that self-reproach which would attend a betrayal of his honourable cause. Such illustrious examples are deserving of everlasting remembrance. How indéed can such individuals be forgotten? Do they not shine. like the stars for ever-a beauteous galaxy in the moral firmament -a sign to future generations, at once demonstrating the efficacy of truth and presenting a pledge of her ultimate success? It may afford a subject of mutual gratulation that our own country has not been the least distinguished in supplying the best of glorious martyrs and confessors, who have done honour to religion and to human nature, fighting the good fight of faith. Nor would it be just, on the present occasion, to pass by without especial notice, that goodly band of vir. tuous and self-devoted men, whose trials and whose fortitude are this day called afresh to our remembrance-men whose mental accomplishments and Christian virtues were of such conspicuous eminence as to render diffidence peculiarly needful in him who would pronounce their eulogy. Faithful were they to Him who had called them. They knew nothing of that calculating spirit which weighs the interests of both worlds in its balance, and were strangers to that worst species of sophistry which quibbles at the monitions of conscience. They not only sacrificed readily their own personal in terests at the call of duty, but, what was greater still, saw with unshaken constancy the fears and privations of those who were dearest to their affections, persevering in their pious choice of suffering affliction with the people of God, rather than enjoy the advantages of sinful compliance for a season. "Their integrity was not without its reward. They experienced, doubtless, the fulfilment of the promise of their Lord, receiving in the present life an hundred fold, in the peace of their own bosoms, the approbation of the virtuous and the favour of God, with the expectation of an ampler recompense at the resurrection of the just. They have benefited the world by their example. It has cheered the pious, confirmed the wavering, and excited to renewed exertion their successors in the same holy office. Let it not be without its effect on us. Behold! we are surrounded with an innumerable cloud of witnesses; let us run with pa tience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." J. H. B. Somersetshire, Gloucestershire, and THE Second Half-yearly Meeting was holden at Marshfield, in Gloucestershire, on Wednesday, the 28th of September, friends being present from Bath, Trowbridge, Oakhill, Bradford, Bridgwater, Frenchay, Melksham and Thornbury. A service was held on the Tuesday preceding, when the Rev. G. Waterhouse preached from 2 Cor. v. 17. In the Wednesday's service, the Rev. Theophilus Browne offered up the introductory prayer and read the Scriptures; the Rev. Henry Clarke, of Frenchay, delivered the long prayer, and then followed a very able discourse by the Rev. Richard Wright, from 1 Tim. ii. 5. The burthen of his argument was to prove that the Mediator and the two parties between whom he mediates must be three separate parties. He devoted the close of his discourse to appropriate moral reflections. The service was rendered still more impressive by the musical parts being well conducted. For this we were indebted to the choirs from Trim Street Chapel, Bath, and the Conigre Meeting, Trowbridge. After service, the business of the Association was transacted in the Chapel, H. E. Howse, Esq., in the Chair. The Secretary read the Committee's report for the preceding half-year, which was interesting to a degree beyond what could have been reasonably expected, considering the difficulties which the Association had to encounter a short time before. At Marshfield, under the patronage and with the assistance of this Association, the congregation is flourishing. It has established a Sunday School, a Fellowship Fund, and a Library, by the unremitted, faithful exertions of Mr. Henry Hawkes, of Nantwich, who has thus honourably and usefully improved his summer recess from Glasgow College. The report mentioned other striking instances in which the Committee had exerted themselves, and in which also, with only one exception, their exertions had been crowned with success. The exception, in which they had exerted themselves in vain, only led them to regret that they had not formed their Association several years earlier. Had this been the case, the Chapel and its endowment alluded to, and others, which are now lost, would probably have been saved. Several new subscribers to the Association gave in their names after the reading of the Committee's interesting report. At the dinner nearly forty persons sat down, of whom a fourth part were ladies, the Rev. R. Wright in the Chair, whose uniform cheerfulness enlivened the whole party. After the cloth was removed, the choirs sang, to a suitable tune, Fawcett's appropriate hymn, "Praise to thee, thou great Creator!" On various occasions the meeting was addressed by Messrs. Browne, Clarke, Howse, Nias and Hawkes, and the Chairman, who, among other pertinent observations, very happily illus trated and enforced the necessity and usefulness of social union by comparing individuals to the letters of the alphabet, which taken singly may be considered as useless, but by a variety of combinations are rendered instrumental to all the valuable purposes and noble institutions which dignify, adorn and bless mankind. Another incident made this part of the day particularly interesting. The Secretary read a report from Mr. Howarth, a York Student, who had been engaged during his vacation as a Missionary in the district of the Somerset and Dorset Association, giving a highly gratifying account, to the Committee of that district, of his assiduous and successful labours. Would it not be well for all Unitarian Associations to adopt the plan of exchanging reports with their neighbouring societies, that at their respective periodical meetings they might be encouraged by the successes of their distant friends? Ordination of the Rev. Samuel Allard. The ordination of the Rev. SAMUEL ALLARD took place on July 20th, at the Great Meeting-house in Hinckley. Dlvine service was begun by the Rev. James Hews Bransby, who offered the introductory prayer and read suitable portions of Scripture. The Rev. Charles Berry delivered a short discourse, in explanation of the appropriate business of the day: and his judicious remarks called forth from Mr. Samuel Allard a general avowal of his faith as a Christian, and his views as a Christian and Protestant Dissenting Minister. A prayer, commending the pastor and the congregation to the blessing of Heaven, was next presented by the Rev. John Kentish. The Rev. William Allard gave a charge, distinguished by tenderness of parental feeling, in union with very wise and weighty counsel. Its subject was, "The Christian Ministry, a Stewardship." By the Rev. James Scott, affectionate and seasonable advice was suggested to the people, on their duties to their pastor. The Rev. William Bowen then concluded with prayer. Upon the minds of the congregation, and of the ministers who were present, this service, and their further mutual intercourses through the remainder of the day, appeared to make the most agreeable and promising impressions. Ecclesiastical Preferments. THE Lord Chamberlain has appointed the Rev. W. STRONG, Chaplain in Ordinary to his Majesty, in the room of the Rev. Dr. Burton, deceased: of St. Paul's, to be Chaplain in Ordinary The Rev. J. HEATH, D. D., Prebendary to the King, vice Haggitt, deceased: Ordinary to the King, vice Ferrers, de- of Hadham and a Prebendary of St. Paul's, to the Colony of New South Wales and Soham, Cambridgeshire. LITERARY. delivered before the last Kent and Sussex PREPARING for the Press, the Discourse Association, assembling at Chatham, The panied with Notes and Illustrations. Apostle Paul an Unitarian, &c., accom Rev. B. Mardon will feel obliged to his former fellow-students, and other friends, subscribers, and transmit them, when if they will receive for him the names of opportunity occurs, to the Printer, Mr. Smallfield. his friend Dr. John Johnstone, of BirA Memoir of Dr. PARR is preparing by mingham, founded on materials left by illustrated by letters and papers of various the Doctor himself for that purpose; and kinds, exclusively in possession of the Executors, (of whom Dr. Johnstone is one,) and by communications from Dr. Parr's most intimate friends. ed for Pulpit, Study and Family Use, in BAGSTER'S Comprehensive Bible, adaptof publication. The plan is novel and one volume quarto, is now in the course perspicuous, and style of execution elegant and distinct. The Notes are numetrinal, but wholly philological or explarous and valuable, never polemical or docof the Bible is resigned to the parallel natory. The illustration of the doctrines passages, leaving the Scripture to explain itself on all doctrinal points-and for passages are embodied, from Dr. Blayney, this important purpose all the parallel (whose references are adopted by Bishop Bishop Wilson, Dr. A. Clarke, Scott, and Mant and Dr. D'Oyley,) Canne, Brown, those in Bagster's Polyglott; all of which, having been first arranged and adapted for ready reference by the Editor of this Comprehensive Edition" of the Sacred MISCELLANEOUS. A List of Joint-Stock Companies, the Proposals for which are now, or have been lately, before the Public. Amount of ascertained Capital, from p. 504, 64 Worcester and Gloucester Union Canal, 100,000, £264,419,000 100,000 20,000 264,539,000 ditto ditto 666 Rail Road, Monmouth Cap to Hereford shire, to Wotton-under-Edge 668 Ditto from Stretchold, near the mouth of the River Parret, on the Bristol Chan nel, to communicate with the Mendip Collieries by a junction with the Dorset and Somerset Canal and Rail Road at Wincanton, with branches from the same to Shaftsbury, Salisbury and Basingstoke, on the East, and to Sturminster, Blandford and Poole, to the South 669 Penryn Bridge, and Rail Road from thence to Redruth and Chargarden ditto ... Welch ditto 670 Portland Breakwater Pier Docks and Har 400,000 21,000 Bulkley Bulkley Hendericks .. Perring Everitt 1,000,000 Sir W. Kaye Everitt .. Everitt Carried forward |