care, till be was fit for the university, and with Mr. John Southmead, his mother's brother, sent him to Oxford, where he continued nine or ten years. After he left the university, he married Mr. Irish's daughter, of Dartmouth, by whom he had sixteen children. At first he preached in Northamptonshire. He was there when the war broke out, and his learning and piety exposed him to no small share of suffering. For he was driven from his home, and with above forty others imprisoned at Winchester, where he met with cruel and barbarous usage. Being removed from prison to prison, the rest went two by two, chained together; but Mr. Nosworthy marched single before them, with his hands so fast bound with a cord, that the blood burst out at the tops of his fingers. When his wife came to visit him, she was informed how his merciless enemies had used him the day before, and that they designed to hang him the next day. This news surprised and almost sunk her. However, she found him and his brethren comfortable and chearful in the prison, and in a short time he was discharged. He and his wife were several times reduced to great straits; but he encouraged himself In the Lord his God,' and exhorted his wife to do the same. Once when he and his family had breakfasted, and had nothing left for another meal, Mrs. Nosworthy lamented her condition, and said, What shall I do with my poor children?' He persuaded her to walk abroad with him; and seeing a little bird, he said, Take notice how that bird sits and chirps, though we cannot tell whether it has been at breakfast; and if it has, it knows not whither to go for a dinner. Therefore, be of good chear, and do not distrust the providence of God; for are we not better than many sparrows?' And before dinner-time they had plenty of provision brought them. "From Northamptonshire he returned to Devon, and preached at Seaton, in 1655, where he met with great respect from the neighbouring gentry, Mr. Walrond, of Bovey, Sir Walter Yonge, of Cullitou, Mr. Duke, of Otterton, and others. After a while, Mr. Jacob Hill, of Manaton, being sequestered, for drunkeness and debauched living, (Dr, Walker calls him James, and owns, he had heard he would drink more than became him,' Att. part II. p. 263;) Mr. Nosworthy was settled in that rectory in 1659, and continued there until the Restoration, at which time he quitted it to Mr. Hill, who dying, as Dr. Walker says, in 1661, (or as some ancient people, with greater probability, in 1660, and the very night after his return to his living,) Mr. Nosworthy took out the broad seal for it, Sept. 29, 1660; but the patron, Mr. Catcombe, presenting Mr. Eastchurch, he was again obliged to resign the place to him. Then he preached at North Bovey, till one Mr. Ball got him

removed from thence; and after that at Iplepen, where the Act for Uniformity silenced him.

"When he could no longer exercise his ministry in publick, he went back again to Manaton, and did what good he could in private. When the Five Mile Act drove him thence, he lived ät Ashburton, where he met with many enemies, and much opposition. Mr. Stawel, of Heerabeer, in the parish of Bickington, distinguished himself in his furious zeal against him. He came into the Meeting, accompanied with Bogan, Esq. Mr. Bogan required Mr. Nosworthy to come down, and he was threatened to he pulled out of the pulpit. Mr. Roger Caunter, an attorney, who was present, said, Sir, keep your place, for you are preaching God's word.' However, at length the gentlemen obliged him to come down. Another time, when he was preaching on a week day, particularly May 29, Mr. Stawel entered the town, in his coach, attended with his servants and others, with drums, muskets, &c. He goes into the Meeting, and commands Mr. Nosworthy to desist, who boldly told him, he had authority to preach the Gospel. When Mr. Stawel was gone out, some of the hearers shut the door. Upon this the two drummers beat their drums, some discharged their guns, others shouted and made loud húzzas, to disturb the congregation. When he had done this noble exploit, he went out of the town in triumph. Mrs. Nosworthy was so frighted with the passages of that day, that it was thought to occasion her death. Mr. Stawel, at length, had a mind to live in Ashburton, and no house would please him but that which was inhabited by Mr. Nosworthy. Though he had taken his house for a term of years, he yet quietly gave possession of it to him whom nothing would satisfy. When he lived in town, he entered the Meeting, while Mr. N. was preaching, and he required him to come down; but he did not. Mr. Stawel trembled exceedingly. Some say he was taken speechless upon the spot, and could never speak plainly afterwards other say he was seized with a disorder in his mouth, a little after he came home. Mr. Bogan and Mr. Stawel convicted Mr. Nosworthy for holding a conventicle, and imposed a fine of £20. upon him, and £20. upon the house, which fines were levied and paid by seven of the hearers. Mr. Stawel's disorder continuing, he resolves upon a journey to London, in order to a cure; but he threatened, at his return, he would effectually hinder old Nosworthy from preaching. Mr. N. said, I fear him not, nor do I fear what man can do unto me.' To London he went, and was there taken sick, and died. Mr. Nosworthy afterwards lived in peace, and departed this life Nov. 19, 1677, "being just entered into his sixtysixth year

"He was reputed a considerable scholar. Besides Latin and Greek, he understood the Hebrew, Chaldee, and Syriack tongues. He instructed three of his sons till they were fit for the university. The neigh bouring ministers paid a great deference to his judgment, and often made him moderator in their debates. Mr. Eastchurch, who succeeded him at Manaton (a very worthy man), often made honourable mention of his parts and piety. When there was a discourse about the many religious families there were in his parish, Mr. Eastchurch said, Many of the religious people die away, but few come up in their room. I fear the good work was done before I came hither.'

"After Mr. Nosworthy's death, several

of his enemies were troubled, on the account of the trouble and disturbance they had given him; and sent to his children that survived him, (who were eminent for their piety) begging their prayers, and desiring forgiveness of the injury they had done their family. One Reap particularly sent for Mr. Sam. Nosworthy, to pray with him and for him, and discovered much grief for abusing his father. And there was also one Mrs. Mary Ford, who used to accompany the rabble to the Meeting House, who fell into such poverty, that she came begging to Mr. Nosworthy's children, and would have been in danger of perishing for want, had it not been for his eldest daughter." (To be continued.)

Persecution in Switzerland.-Many of our readers are perhaps not aware that, last January, the Council of State for the Protestant Canton de Vaud, published at Lausanne a most intolerant Ariélé or Proclamation against a few pious people, called Momiers, who met for divine worship at their own houses, rather than attend the cold orthodox ministry of the pastors of the Canton. It was conceived in the very spirit, and expressed almost in the language of popish persecutors. Expostulations have been offered by English ministers, both of the established and dissenting churches, but we regret to find without effect, for, by information lately received from Geneva, we are grieved to learn that in the Canton de Vaud two ministers have been recently tried and condemned to three years banishment for reading the Scriptures to a few friends in their own houses!

Irish Theological Discussions.-The rude interruptions of business, experienced at several meetings of Auxiliary Bible Societies in Ireland, by Roman Catholic priests and other zealots of that church, have led to various meetings, for the regular discussion of those points at issue, between the Popish and Protestant communions, particularly in reference to the use of the Sacred Scriptures by the laity. We cannot but hail the disposition, to meet the question by fair argument, with great satisfaction, not fearing but the result will eventually promote the cause of real Christianity in Ireland. Reports of interesting debates, held in the Court House at CARRICK SHANNON, and at the Presbyterian Meeting House at CARLOW, are before the public; we present our readers with the particulars of a third, held at the Roman Catholic Chapel, EASKY, in the county of Sligo.

On Tuesday, 23d of November, at a quarter before twelve o'clock, the chair was taken, on the altar, by Michael Fenton, Esq., and after a few preliminary arrangements, Mr. Murray, (who, together with Mr. Jordan, are Missionaries

for the Irish Evangelical Society,) addressed the meeting, arguing in support of the right of mankind to read the Scriptures, and exercise their judgments in interpreting its contents, from about forty passages of Sacred Writ. He was followed by the Rev. Mr. Devins, parish priest of Easky, who, without examining the apprepriateness of Mr. Murray's quotations, proposed some questions relative to ordination, not waiting for a reply, and argued in favour of a living speaking tribunal. Mr. Jordan followed Mr. Devins, and the latter gentleman spoke a second time in reply. Mr. M'Keague answered Mr. Devins in a speech which excited considerable laughter, disproving the claim of the Popes to be St. Peter's successors. The Rev. Mr. Hughes, parish priest of Crossmolina, followed, and among other things urged against the reading of the Scripture, and the use of private judgment in their interpretation, that it rendered the conversion of persons to the Roman Catholic Church almost impossible. This concluded the proceedings of Tuesday.

On Wednesday at 10 o'clock, the Rev. William Urwick, in a speech which occupied three hours and thirty-five minutes, which was heard by the multitude assembled with the deepest attention, and the most unequivocal indications of admiration and conviction, argued upon ordination, the priesthood and sacrifice of the Mass, (to which he had been personally challenged by the preceding speaker,) the universal right of mankind to read the Bible, its being the sole test of truth in religion, the right of private judgment, the invalidity of the objection urged by opponents, and the fallacy of the claims of the. Church of Rome to be the depository and interpreter of the word of God. The Rev. Mr. Lyons, P. P. of Ballin, expatiated for three hours upon tradition, the virtues, sufferings, and zeal of the Catholic priesthood, and concluded by moving thanks to the Chairman, and that the discussion should then end. Mr. Urwick, who had

promised several times in the course of Mr. Lyons's address to reply next day, expressed his surprise that the Reverend Gentleman, who had on Monday insisted on thoroughly sifting the question, though the discussion should continue for a month, should now desire it to close with the second day. He stated, that if opportunity were given he had replies prepared to all that Mr. Lyons had advanced, and pledged himself to answer that Gentleman clearly and satisfactorily, if permitted; however, if the gentlemen opposite wished the matter to terminate there, he would not further resist them in that desire. The meeting then adjourned without having had the slightest breach of good order throughout the proceedings.

And thus closed a discussion, which, considering its circumstances, progress, and termination, was perhaps the most gratifying to the friends of the Bible, among all that have yet taken place.

Deputation from the Scottish Missionary Society. The Rev. Dr. Barr, of Port Glasgow, and the Rev. Mr. Smart, of Paisley, will visit London in the months of January and February, as a deputation from the Scottish Missionary Society, with the view of preaching and making collections in aid of the funds of that Institution. As Scotland is annually visited from three or four different Societies in London, and contributes with no small liberality to their funds; the friends of the Scottish Missionary Society trust, that the present deputation will be received by their Christian brethren in the metropolis with a corresponding cordiality, both on account of the important nature of the Society, and from a desire to promote a friendly intercourse between the two kingdoms in behalf of their respective benevolent Institutions. Independent Monthly Meeting.-This interesting monthly exercise originated in the efforts of a Society of Gentlemen, who being deeply affected with the decay of evangelical and vital religious sentiments amongst the Dissenters of the metropolis, associated themselves about the beginning of the year 1730, to consult what were the best means of counteracting the growing evil. They met weekly at the King's Head, then in Sweeting's Alley, kept by Mr. E. Munday, who was himself a memher of their Association, and from this circumstance they soon acquired the name of THE KING'S HEAD SOCIETY. Their first step was to invite several of the most able ministers of the Independent and Baptist denominations to preach a course of lectures, in turn, on the first Thursday of every month, on the most important doctrines of Christianity. The leading ministers acceded to their proposal-a series of discourses were preached at Mr. Bragge's Meeting-house, Lime Street, which were afterwards published in two volumes, under the well-known title of

the Lime Street Sermons, which are supposed by many, to contain the best defence of the doctrines of the Gospel extant in the English language. From that time to the present, these interesting services have been continued, which have led to the production of many able sermons, not a fragment of which now remains. We, therefore, propose to present our readers with a short notice of these pleasing exercises, with the view of preserving those particulars, which may be interesting to many of our readers, and will furnish an historical record of the ministers and churches of the metropolis, for the information of the coming gene

ration.

The subject of the last Monthly Lecture, delivered by the Rev. Joseph Fletcher, at the Rev. John Clayton's Meetinghouse, East Cheap, was "the Prophecies concerning Antichrist." The text was taken from 1 John ii. 8. "Ye know that Antichrist shall come;" but the discourse was chiefly an illustration of the 2d chap. of 2 Thess. The origin, progress, characteristic principles, and final destruction of the Antichristian system were fully discussed and illustrated. We need offer no remarks, as the sermon will soon be laid before the public. Mr. Lacey and Dr. J. P. Smith conducted the devotional exercises. The attendance was numerous and highly respectable.

Chapel Building Fund.-At the dinner of the Monthly Association, on the 14th of December, at the King's Head, in the Poultry, a plan was submitted for establishing permanent funds, in aid of the erection and repairs of places of worship among the Congregational Dissenters, and the Calvinistic Methodists; a meeting was appointed to be held at the Poultry Chapel for the further consideration of the business; and we understand, it is now engaging the minds of several persons of influence.

ORDINATIONS.

On Tuesday, the 7th of December, the Rev. William Wallis, from the college at Homerton, was ordained co-pastor, with the Rev. John Mead Ray, of the church of Christ, in Friar's Street, Sudbury. On the preceding evening, the Rev. Dr. J. P. Smith delivered an admirable discourse from Ephes. iv. 18. The ordination services were introduced with prayer and reading the Scriptures, by the Rev. David Ford of Long Milford. A discourse on the nature and constitution of a Christian church was then delivered by the Rev. William Walford, one of the Tutors of Homerton College, who proposed the usual questions to Mr. Wallis, and received his answers. The confession of faith, though brief, was clear, comprehensive, and truly evangelical. The ordination prayer was offered up by the Rev. John Mead Ray, accompanied by laying on

of the hands of the Presbytery, and followed with a most solemn, affectionate, and impressive charge, which was delivered by the Rev. John Savill, of Colchester, from 2d Epistle of Timothy, iv. 5. A very appropriate sermon was then addressed to the congregation by the Rev. William Ward, of Stowmarket, from 1st Thess. iv. 1. The public services were then concluded by a prayer, that the Divine blessing might follow them, which was presented by the Rev. Charles Atkinson, of Ipswich. A deep solemnity pervaded the audience: may the proceedings of the day be sanctioned by the approbation and blessing of the Great Head of the Church.

On Wednesday, December 22, the Rev. Hanson Evison, late student at Rotherham College, was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church assembling in the New Chapel, Clapton, late under the pastoral care of the Rev. T. Kidd deceased. The Rev. Dr. J. P. Smith introduced the service; the Rev. T. Lewis proposed the questions; the Rev. Dr. Winter offered the ordination prayer. The Rev. T. Smith, M. A., classical tutor of Rotherham, gave the charge, and the Rev. J. Clayton, Jun. addressed the church and congregation.

Recent Death.-November 27, died in his 76th year, while on a visit at the hospitable mansion of Thomas Welman, Esq. Poundisfield Park, Somersetshire, THOS. STIFF, Esq. late of Reading, Berks, and formerly of London, where, for nearly half a century, he was a member and deacon of the church at Fetter Lane. Having undertaken his visit to Poundisfield Park, by the advice of an eminent medical friend, he appeared while there to recover from a slight indisposition, and to enjoy his usual state of health and cheerfulness. Mr. S. and his daughters having staid at the Park the time they had proposed for their visit, their plan of return home was arranged, and the day fixed, when Mr. Stiff was unexpectedly seized with a complaint, which in a few days terminated his valuable life.

It was on the afternoon of Monday the 21st, he complained of shivering, and retired early to rest; the next day, however, though weak, he joined the dinner party, and seemed cheerful. In the evening it was discovered, that his leg was inflamed from a slight injury, which he said it received the preceding Sabbath. The best medical assistance was immediately obtained, but without success—8 mortification took place, and after a short illness of five days, he expired, without a struggle.-While Mr. S. and his daughters were staying at Mr. Welman's, several pious ministers came to visit the family, with whose company and conversation Mr. S. seemed much gratified and pleased. In one of the conversations at the dinner table, the subject of dying became the topic, and when one of the ministers present mentioned Mr. Baxter's pious expressions, "Lord, what thou wilt, when thou wilt, how thou wilt," Mr. S. was much pleased, and expressed his great satisfaction with the sentiment, as that which perfectly accorded with his own views and feelings. He always appeared much gratified and delighted with the devotional exercises in the family, as well as with the public services at the chapel, where the family attend. Mr. S. was never a man of many words. He said but little during his illness, but what he did say was highly satisfactory as to his state of mind, and his prospects beyond the grave. When the Rev. Thomas Golding, who resides in the house as the family chaplain, prayed with him, he expressed great pleasure and thankfulness, as he did for all the kind attentions of the family towards him; and in reply to different questions put to him, he expressed the most perfect satisfaction in the unchangeableness of the Saviour, and said, he was in the best hands, and that all would be right. Thus the peaceful death of this excellent servant of God corresponded with his amiable and useful life. "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace."