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he acquiesced in his own views with modesty. He was an Unitarian General Baptist, upon deliberate conviction. The Unity of God, and the doctrine of Universal Redemption, in connexion with the baptismal immersion of the body in water, he conceived to be in strict accordance with the New Testament. Airs of infallibility formed no parts of his charac ter. But having fixed his creed from a diligent perusal of the Scriptures, he steadily adhered to it. Not driven about by every wind of doctrine, he unfolded his own conceptions of the dispensations of God to man, through his Son Jesus Christ, with a manly intrepidity. You were never at a loss for his meaning. He was lucid and impressive. He gloried in the inculcation of practical religion.

Worship Street, London, he was seldom
or ever absent. At our last Meeting he
took a very active part respecting the
choice of Messengers, of which order he
was one; and previous to his leaving
town, he called upon me to converse upon
the subject. Such was his ardour to
promote the interest of the denomination
to which he conscientiously belonged.
Along with the late Mr. Robert Pyall,
and the writer of this article, he was
ordained to the office of Messenger, June
1, 1803, at Deptford, by the late Messrs.
Sampson Kingsford and Benjamin Do-
bel, whose praise is in all our churches.
Indeed, his zeal was warm: he was equally
remote from criminal lukewarmness and
repulsive bigotry. Few knew better how
to apportion their ardour, in the great
and glorious cause of our common Chris-
tianity. His was a diffusive benevolence,
blended with a rational piety. Nor was
it by his own denomination alone he was
beloved and respected. His Dissenting
brethren, who differed widely from him
in some points of faith and practice,
knew his worth, while they bore testi-
mony to his integrity. He lived in har-
mony with the minister and members of
the Established Church; for he loved
good men of every description. The offi-
ciating clergyman of the parish in which
he resided, on the Sabbath of his inter-
ment, had the service of the Church
earlier that he might accompany the fu-
neral, and be present in Dover at the
interment, proud of paying this final to-
ken of regard to the memory of the de-
ceased. A circumstance this, indicative
of an enlightened mind and a truly
Christian liberality!

He resided at Barfrestone, the distance of eight miles from the scene of his mi. nisterial labours, engaged in agricultural pursuits, to which he had been early accustomed. But though thus remote from his flock, he was always at his post on the Sabbath-day, and at all other intervals when his presence was needed. In season and out of season, he laboured faithfully in the vineyard of his Lord and Master. Throughout all weathers, summer and winter, he was prosecuting his duty, ardently wishing to promote the best interests of his people. When amongst his people, he was social and cheerful in the whole of his deportment. To him all classes were equally accessible, and his ambition was to do good. The young he cautioned, and the aged he consoled. The prosperous he warned, and the distressed he upheld. His instruction both from the pulpit and in the parlour he diffused amongst all. His flock loved After his return home, he sent me an and respected him. They recognized him interesting account of our mutual friend as a parent, interested in their welfare. the Rev. William Moon, just deceased, He was, indeed, the good shepherd, lead- and who for serious impressions was ing them in green paths and beside still much indebted to his ministry. He made waters to a haven of eternal rest. Of an allusion to his own grievous bodily his desire to advance the welfare of the affliction, hinting at the operation he Church of Christ over which he presided, intended to undergo, and his resignation it may be mentioned that the last com- to the will of heaven! And there is no munication I ever received from him, donbt that had a wise and kind Proviwas on the liquidation of the remainder dence been pleased to restore him to his of the debt incurred by the erection of accustomed ease and vigour, he would a very neat and commodious chapel. have persevered in the active, useful and This was not long previous to his disso- honourable course for which his whole lution. He urged the plea with that life had been distinguished. But the good sense and moderation, which cha- Supreme Being hath otherwise ordained racterised him on all occasions. He it. In his dying moments, had his exmentioned the generous contributions treme debility permitted, he would have already made by his congregation, toge- exclaimed: "I have fought the good ther with the liberal aids received from fight, I have finished my course, I have other quarters, adding, that the economy kept the faith; henceforth there is laid observed in the building of the chapel up for me a crown of righteousness, entitled it to the patronage of the re- which shall be given unto me, and not ligious world. From the General As- to me only, but to all who love his apsembly of the General Baptists, held pearance." annually on the Whitsun Tuesday, at

Latterly, this good man had his full

share of the cares and troubles of mor-
tality. But at his lot he never repined.
His faith was too well founded to be
shaken, and his hope too well fixed to
be obscured. Persuaded that the conduct
of the Supreme Being towards man is
both wise and benignant, he could with
the Psalmist declare, "Clouds and dark-
ness are round about him; but justice
and judgment are the habitation of his
throne!" Merciful dispensation! under
whose discipline we, like our Divine
Master Jesus Christ, are made "per-
fect through suffering." Blissful regions!
where there" shall be no more death,
neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall
there be any more pain; for the former
things are passed away."

Be ye followers of them who through
faith and patience inherit the promises.
Islington.
J. EVANS.

In our obituary for Feb. last, we recorded the death of Mr. STREET, of Chichester; we have now the melancholy task of noticing that of his son, who, at the age of 31, was, on the 12th ult., removed from this transient state, after having borne, with true Christian resignation, a distressing illness for several months. Mr. STREET'S religious faith was not that which leads to worldly honour or emolument: which, with a feeling of spiritual pride, badly concealed under accents of pity towards those who dissent from it, would confine salvation to its own pale; which impels its votaries to give up intercourse with those who have different religious feelings, as though they were infested with moral pollution; but his was a faith, under the influence of which he was inclined to love all mankind as brethren; which taught him to believe that salvation did not exclusively belong to one party, but that in every nation, and in every religious community, he that feareth God and worketh righteousness is accepted with him. His faith, resting on the bosom of a compassionate Deity, divested death of its sting, from the overwhelming conviction he had, that, however mysterious may be the proceedings of Providence, in taking from us useful lives, as in his own case, in the prime of life, still every thing is ordained in wisdom and in mercy; and afforded an unanswerable rebuke to those who, ignorant of the excellence of the Unitarian creed, proclaim with unblushing effrou

tery, that "Men may live Unitarians, but Unitarians they cannot die."

On the 15th ult., at Kennissword, Kinrosshire, the Rev. JOHN DUNN. In the year 1771, he was ordained at Maryport, Minister of the Scots Church, where for 39 years he exercised his ministry. He possessed a mind naturally vigorous and comprehensive, disciplined by a liberal education, and richly stored with general knowledge. He was a diligent, faithful, and, it is believed, useful minister of divine truth. He retired a few years ago, almost superannuated, to a small patrimonial estate on the banks of Loch Leven. He now rests from his labours, and has entered on his reward.

Lately, at Florence, John King, Esq., well known in the metropolis by the transactions which were questioned in name of Jew King, on account of moneythe courts of law. He was born of poor parents, and educated in the Jews' Charity School. But with few early advantages, he made his way in society by the force of his talents. He is said to have taken an active part in a Debating Society, about the year 1782, of which some persons were members who have since risen into fame and honours. Soon after, he commenced author, and published "Thoughts on the Difficulties and Distresses in which the Peace of 1783 has involved the People of England, addressed to the Right Hon. Charles James Fox." In relation to his own legal troubles, he put out a pamphlet, entitled,

66

wards some Individuals." Another work Oppression deemed no Injustice toEssay, intended to shew an Universal shews the activity of his mind: “ An System of Arithmetic." In 1817, he published a new edition of the late David Levi's "Dissertations on the Prophecies of the Old Testament," in 2 vols. 8vo. with a "Dedication" of 15 pages to Dr. Meldola, Chief Rabbi of the Great Synagogue of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews in England, and an Introduction of Paris, some years ago, he became acupwards of 60 pages. On a visit to quainted with, and married, the Dowager Lady Lanesborough, sister of the late survives him. By the death of her broEarl of Belvidere, who at the age of 87 ther, this lady came into possession of the family estate.

SIR,

INTELLIGENCE.

DOMESTIC.

Acton's Sunday-Evening Lectures at Exeter.

Exeter, Nov. 17, 1823. The following is a list of the subjects relating to free inquiry and Christian doctrine, comprising a course of Sunday-Evening Lectures now delivering by Mr. Acton at the Unitarian Church in this place.

1. Oct. 26. Introductory Lecture. On the exercise of private judgment upon the subjects of religion.

2. Nov. 2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

9.

Errors of judgment in religious belief not criminal.

The disputes and difficulties connected with religion form no solid ob-
jection to its truth and excellence.

16. On the inspiration of the Scripture Writers, and on the general autho-
rity and character of the books of the New Testament.
23. On mysteries in religion.

30. On certain strong presumptions in favour of Unitarian views of the
Gospel.

7. Dec. 7. The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the only God of Christians, and the only proper object of religious worship.

8.

9.

10.

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14. On the Scriptural names and titles of the Messiah.

21. That our Lord sustains all his sacred relations towards us as a man, not as God, and the advantages of always regarding him in this light.

28. On the oneness or union of Christ with the Father, and of all true believers with both.

11. Jan. 4. On the new Creation by Jesus Christ.

12.

13.

14.

15. Feb.

16.

17.

18.

19.

11. The Love and Honour due to Christ from his followers.

18. The worship of the Holy Spirit as a divine person, not warranted by the Scriptures.

25. Man not corrupt by nature, but able to do the will of God.

1. Men reconciled to God by the mediation of Christ.

8. The necessity of good works to ensure our final acceptance with God, consistent with the scripture doctrine of salvation by faith.

15. The connexion between belief in the strict personal unity of the Godhead, and just views of the merciful and parental character of God. 22. Unitarian Christianity an adequate supply for all the spiritual wants of

men.

29. The kingdom of Christ a kingdom of truth and righteousness, and its final triumph over error, sin and death.

20. Mar. 7. Concluding Lecture. Historical view of the corruption, revival and progress of genuine Christian truth.

I also send the following paragraph extracted from "Besley's Exeter News and Devon County Chronicle," dated Nov. 2, by an occasional attendant. Others, likewise, not belonging to our Society, I have reason to believe were impressed with similar sentiments.

"The course of Lectures to be delivered by the Rev. H. Acton, during the ensuing winter months, commenced last Sunday evening at George's Meeting in this city, and was attended by a very numerous and respectable audience. The Lecturer in a bold, impressive strain of extemporaneous eloquence, in a discourse from the words of Christ, Luke xii. 57, Yea and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? urged the necessity and importance to all men of exercising

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their private judgment upon the subjects of religion. Instead of listening to the unintelligible jargon, of receiving the absurd dogmas, of embracing the incomprehensible creeds of fallible, interested, or ignorant men, he earnestly pressed upon his hearers the reasonableness and advantage of searching the Scriptures and examining for themselves; that the Bible and the Bible only ought to be the religion of Protestants, and that by that standard alone they ought to regulate both their faith and practice. The writer of this remarked with peculiar pleasure the spirit of urbanity and Christian candour which pervaded the discourse, and the dignified manner with which it was delivered; and anticipates from the well-known abilities of the

Lecturer, a more than ordinary degree of gratification and improvement from those Lectures which are to succeed it."

I would merely add to the above faithful and just tribute to our pastor, that the three Lectures given since the above was written, have likewise been extemporaneously delivered, to like numerous and respectable audiences, deeply attentive, and impressed with admiration of the rare abilities of the preacher, and acknowledging the justness of his conclusions.

A MEMBER OF THE CONGREGATION.

known among their Calvinistic brethren, they were disowned by the Particular Baptist churches, and cut off from all intercourse with them. Thus they were left under a very heavy debt, without the least prospect of its being reduced. Soon after this, Mr. Vidler received and accepted an invitation from the ParliamentCourt Congregation to succeed Mr. Win

chester.

Being deprived of the valuable services of their minister, and unable to procure another, two of the members were chosen to preach alternately. Their new sentiments tended in no small degree to sti

Opening of New Unitarian Chapel, mulate them to inquiry on religious sub

Hanley.

THE new Chapel at Hanley, in the Potteries, Staffordshire, of which the Rev. Thomas Cooper is the minister, was opened for religious worship on Wednesday the 19th inst. The Rev. R. Aspland preached the Morning, and the Rev. James Yates, the Evening Sermon. The attendance was very respectable; the collection liberal; and the prospects here are highly encouraging, [Further particulars in the next Number.]

Manchester College, York.

We have much pleasure in noticing a residuary bequest to this institution, under the will of the late Mrs. Hannah Webb, of Barrington, in the county of Somerset, widow of the late Francis Webb, Esq., amounting to the sum of 1651. 128. 11d. This sum has been lately paid over to the Treasurer of the College by Samuel Sparkes, Esq., the executor of Mrs. Webb's will.

Case of the Unitarian Congregation at Battle, Sussex.

THE Unitarian congregation at Battle beg to call the attention of their Chris tian brethren to the following statement: The Chapel in which they now assemble was built by Calvinist Baptists, in the year 1789, and cost 9601. Soon after the building was completed, Mr. Vidler, at that time minister of the congregation, embraced the views of Mr. Winchester, the fearless advocate of the doctrine of Universal Restoration. Mr. Vidler having publicly avowed his change of sentiment, much debate arose amongst the members respecting the propriety of his continuing with them, and it was resolved that he should state this new doctrine at a church meeting held for that purpose. He did this with so much mildness and ability, as to gain a large majority in his favour. When this became generally

jects; and, in the year 1807, several of the members discovered that they still maintained opinions which were unscriptural. About this time Mr. Vidler, their former pastor, being sent by the Unitarian Fund Society on a Missionary tour, visited Battle, and preached the Unitarian doctrine with much acceptance. Several of the old members, however, still clinging to the mysterious doctrine of the Trinity, withdrew from the church; but those who remained were firmly attached to the doctrine of the Divine Unity. Having now joined the Unitarian body, they were enabled by the liberal assistance of their friends to clear off a considerable part of their debt. The Unitarian doctrine was preached with much success till the year 1817, when the system of the Freethinking Christians was embraced by many who had been active and useful members in the Society. In the following year, the minister of the congregation also adopted that system, and for some time public preaching, prayer and praise, were totally neglected. majority of the church, that public wor At last, however, it was resolved by a ship should be regularly practised in the chapel, and the persons who had embraced the opinions of the Freethinking Christians withdrew. In consequence of this division, the congregation was reduced to a very small number, aud the persons composing it consisted chiefly of the poorer classes in society.

In the year 1822, Mr. Taplin, of Lewes, visited Battle, and thinking it an important situation for the spread of Unitarianism, recommended their case to the Unitarian Fund Committee, who very generously came forward to assist them in procuring more efficient ministerial services. They immediately sent an invitation to Mr. Taplin to settle among them, which he willingly accepted; and they have the satisfaction of saying that his labours have been crowned with snecess. As their cause is revived, and in

a promising state, they are very desirous of keeping up respectable services, which cannot be accomplished under their present circumstances. They are extremely poor, and there is still a debt ou the chapel of 2231. Could this be liquidated, they are persuaded that their cause would be established on a firm and durable foundation. They, therefore, appeal to the liberality of all those who feel dis. posed to promote the great doctrines of the Unity and Love of God. As their friends have requested them to state the principles upon which their church is founded, and thinking that when they are generally known, their case will meet with greater attention, they subjoin

them :

"At a Church Meeting held June 15th, in consequence of the suggestion of our Minister, it was resolved unanimously, that as some of us believe that immersion is a Christian ordinance; some that it was to be confined to the apostolic age; some that neither Baptism nor the Lord's Supper was intended for the observance of Christians in the present day; and others differing on various minor points, we think it our duty, as friends to free inquiry, and as Christians who agree to differ, to admit any person that feels disposed to become a member of our Church, who believes in the Divine Mission of Christ."

Subscriptions will be received by the
Rev. W. J. Fox, Dalston; Rev. JAMES
GILCHRIST, Newington Green; Mr. G.
SMALLFIELD, Printer, Hackney; and by
the Rev. JAMES TAPLIN, Lewes.
Battle, November 9th, 1823.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Resignation of a Scots Clergyman from Conscience.

(From the Newspapers.) PRESBYTERY Of Stirling.-On Wednesday the resignation of the Rev. Mr. Shirreff came before the Presbytery of Stirling.

After some preliminary proceedings, Mr. SHIRREFF rose, and stated that he still adhered to the sentiments expressed in his letter of resignation. (See Mon, Repos. p. 427.)

The Rev. Dr. KNOX, after some observations as to what should be the sentence of the Court, proceeded—“I abhor all persecution in the Church or State. The Civil Magistrate is ordained of God for the protecting of the persons, the characters, and the property of the subject. He has no right to interfere with the creed or the conscience of any man.

I hold, that no Established Church has a right to persecute those who dissent from her. The church is bound to contend for the faith once delivered to her saints; but her weapons are not carnal, but spiritual. Her weapons are the word, and reason and holiness. Some have contended, that a national established church ought to be abolished; that it is hostile to the civil and religious liberties of mankind. I think otherwise. Men may congregate in society, not only for their temporal, but their immortal interests. I deeply venerate the Church of Scotland. I believe, and God is my witness, that her doctrines, discipline and worship are agreeable to the word of God; that the word of God is her sole, her only guide. She has long held a distinguished rank among the Reformed Churches of Europe; she has long been instrumental in diffusing pure and undefiled religion over the nation. The subversion of the church of Scotland I should consider as a serious disaster in the Church of Christ; but I augur no such effect from the present puny, abortive attempt. No! the most nauseous reptile may crawl on the surface of the noblest edifice, and leave its slime behind it; but the proportion, the body, the strength, the grandeur of the edifice emain unsullied, untarnished, undiminished. Mr. Shirreff has from caprice or conscience, (for I will not cry plaudite till I have seen the end of the drama,) from caprice or conscience he has left the Church of Scotland; from the same motives, at a future period, he may wish to return. What is to be done? Is the Church instantly to open her arms to receive every unstable mind, blown about by every wind of doctrine? No, surely. She must be convinced of the sound judgment of the aspirant-of the purity of his faith. If, upon trial, she is convinced of these, then, in the spirit of meekness, she is bound to restore a fallen brother." The Reverend Gentleman having in the course of his speech submitted what he considered should be the sentence of the Presbytery, afterwards embodied the same in a motion to the following purport :-" That on account of the sentiments contained in the letter of resignation given in by Mr. Shirreff, he is considered no longer a member of the Church of Scotland, nor having a right to perform any of the functions of a minister of that Church, nor to receive a call to any church in connexion with the Church of Scotland, until he be reponed by an act of the General Assembly of the said Church."

Mr. CAW seconded Dr. Knox's motion. Mr. M'GAHAN, of Airth, requested that

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