terminated after a few years in the loss of the use of his lower limbs. This afflictive malady, rendering him wholly dependent on the assistance of his family, materially interfered with that active personal intercourse which he had been in the daily habit of enjoying with his various friends. It, however, enabled, or rather compelled, him to apply himself with increased ardour to his literary pursuits, and to the cultivation of those friendships which, from the distant residence of the parties, many of them beyond the Atlantic, admitted only of epistolary intercourse.

In September, 1819, a gratifying testimony of the estimation in which his character and talents were held in the United States of America, was evinced in the degree of Doctor of Laws, then conferred on him by Brown University in Rhode Island.

A twelvemonth, however, had scarcely elapsed before he had to sustain one of the heaviest afflictions to which humanity is liable. His third son, Caleb, whose strength of understanding was equalled only by his sweetness of disposition, after completing his education at the University of Edinburgh, became an efficient coadjutor of his father in the instruction of youth, and shortly afterwards also devoted himself to the Christian ministry. His services had been listened to in various pulpits, as well in the country as in the metropolis, with great admiration and interest: the reviving hopes of the General Baptist denomination, to which he had from deliberate conviction attached himself, had already anticipated in his rising talents a brilliant ornament and powerful champion of their depressed cause and the fond wishes of his exulting father had already beheld in him his probable successor in the pulpit and in the school: when by an inscrutably mysterious providence all was marred by death-and by death rendered more awful by its suddenness and its origin. This beloved son died Dec. 6, 1820, after a few days' illness, in consequence of having swallowed a scarlet bean. The spirit of the parent was indeed wounded: the hopes of Christianity alone supported him; and on resuming his pastoral duties he delivered an affecting discourse on resignation, which was listened to with painful in

terest.

For the last few years, although his regular discharge of the duties of his pulpit and, while it continued, of his school, might have prevented his friends from inferring any peculiar decline of his bodily strength, closer observers perceived that his fragile existence depended

on the unremitting attentions of those about him, and that his debilitated frame must inevitably sink under any material accession of indisposition. He had on the last Christmas-day exhibited an extraordinary degree of cheerfulness in the society of a few cherished relatives and friends, and on the Sunday which closed the year, he preached with more than his wonted animation. But on the next day a severe cold, which confined him to his bed, gradually wore down his scanty strength, until at last he tranquilly expired on the 25th of January, in the 60th year of his age.

a

His remains were on Thursday, the 1st of February, followed to the tomb by a numerous train of relatives and friends, and the funeral procession received peculiar interest from being attended from his house to the grave by the children of the Wood-Street School, an institution supported by four congregations, that of Worship Street being one. His friend, the Rev. James Gilchrist, pronounced an impressive address at the interment before a large concourse of assembled spectators, and on the following Sunday morning delivered an affectionate funeral discourse from Heb. xiii. 7, to a crowded and deeply attentive audience.

The death of this estimable man has left a void in the religious world, and particularly in the denomination to which he more immediately belonged, that will not be speedily or easily filled up. Besides his pastoral connexion at Worship Street, Dr. Evans occupied various important stations among his own denomination. For upwards of twenty years he filled the office (now held by Mr. Smallfield) of Secretary to the Annual Association of General Baptists, holden at Worship Street on the Tuesday in Whitsun-week, under the appellation of the General Assembly. He was likewise for many years Tutor of the institution supported by that denomination for the education of young men for the ministry, and which, since his resignation in 1818, has been ably superintended by Mr. Gilchrist. For many years preceding his decease, he was a member of the General Baptist Committee. When requested to take his part in the late Lectures on Baptism, suggested by that Commitee, the sense of his corporeal debility almost deterred him from the task: but his enthusiasm being soon roused, no lengthened persuasion was requisite: and the vigour and ability with which he fulfilled the duty assigned him, left an indelible impression on his hearers. Designed as these lectures were to induce attention, especially among the more enlightened

portion of Christians, to a question for which a full and fair discussion had long been sought, but in vain, the interest excited by their delivery, and the discussion occasioned by their subsequent publication, gave Dr. Evans the highest gratification, and added to the last few mouths of his life a spirit and zest to which his family still look back with a pleasing recollection.

Besides the Sketch of Denominations, Dr. Evans was the author of numerous works, some topographical and others of a miscellaneous character, but all breathing that spirit of charity of which he was so ardent an apostle and so conspicuous an example. His detached Sermons and Tracts were in 1825 collected by him into a single volume, cariched with a portrait. He likewise Contributed frequently to the periodical journals, and particularly to the former series of this work, in which his recent articles on Milton evince an unabated rigour of mind. He had read with peculiar interest the newly-discovered theological work of that immortal bard, and felt no common exultation in claiming brotherhood with him, not only as a Unitarian, but also in the more specific character of a General Baptist. For the Christian Moderator he lately contributed a series of biographical memoirs of several leading deceased Arian ministers.

Few words may suffice to describe Dr. Evans's theological sentiments. As a Baptist, he maintained the essentially personal nature of Christianity, and the right and duty of private judgment and individual conviction in matters of religion. As a General Baptist, he warmly advocated the unlimited, unpurchased goodness of God. Resting on these two great principles, he seldom wandered into controversial discussion upon topics less immediately connected with practical religion: for he considered real religion as depending on what we do, rather than on what we think. In his estimation the greatest heresy was a WICKED LIFE. But he was not without his opinions on the various subordinate topics that divide Christians, nor was he backward, on proper occasions, to declare and maintain them, as his sermon entitled "The Christian Minister's Retrospect," and his "Letter to Dr. Hawker," testify. A firm believer in the personal unity and paternal character of God, he claimed the appellation of Unitarian in its wider, and, as he contended, only correct application. On the person of Christ, though he never attained, nor perhaps desired to attain, that confidence professed by many, he never appears to have seen

reason to give up the doctrine of our Lord's pre-existence. Of Universal Restoration he was accustomed to say it was what every good man must wish to be true, but he seemed to think it wanted that conclusiveness of scriptural evidence which could justify a full conviction of its truth. To the theory of philosophical necessity he was no friend.

The great principles of civil and religious liberty ever found in Dr. Evans a firm and consistent advocate.

In the pulpit his chief characteristics were animation and simplicity. His melodious voice and easy delivery, joined to an extraordinary fluency of extemporaneous composition, eminently qualified him for pulpit eloquence.

The constant affection with which Dr. Evans discharged the several duties of a husband and a father, can never be effaced from the recollection of those to whom he bore those endearing relations. The benevolence and charity he so earnestly inculcated from the pulpit and the press, were fully exemplified in his own life, and few have left a more widely extended circle of sorrowing friends, among whom were many who held the most opposite theological sentiments. Notwithstanding his close connexion with a religious denomination, small in its number, and differing in many particulars from their fellow-christians, the exclusive spirit of party, the odium theologicum, found no place in his heart and though a minister, he had nothing of the priest about him; and his exhaustless fund of general information and anecdote enabled him largely to contribute to those delights of intellectual intercourse which his cheerful temperament and social disposition eminently qualified him to enjoy. His general character exhibited a rare assemblage of the nobler qualities that adorn humanity. His piety was without a tinge of bigotry, his charity without the shadow of ostentation. He was manly, generous and frank; and in him the elements were mingled so happily, that they constituted in their combination a beautiful symmetry and consistency of character. His amiable virtues, indeed, can be fully and adequately appreciated by those alone who were united to him by the ties of conjugal and filial affection : and with them the unavailing tear can only be dried by the prospect of a blessed reunion in that immortal state where the wise and good of every age and clime shall be assembled, and death and separation be known no more. "They that turn many to righteousness shall shine

as the stars for ever and ever."

J. E.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN UNITARIAN
ASSOCIATION.

Test and Corporation Acts.

THE Committee have come to the following resolutions; and from the movements which we hear are making in several quarters, we trust that no long space of time will elapse before this question of Religious Liberty, on its broadest basis, will cease to be the only one forgotten and neglected by both friends and foes in the British Legislature. Resolved,

That the Secretary be instructed to write to the Secretary of the Deputies, requesting to know whether a further meeting is contemplated of the united Deputations appointed two years ago; and communicating the strong feeling of this Association, that immediate and zealous attention ought to be given by the Dissenters to procuring a motion for the Repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts; and that longer delay is not only prejudicial to the cause, but injurious to the character of the Dissenting body.

That it be submitted to the Deputies whether it be not expedient to endeavour to arrange for a public meeting on the subject, at which some of the leading Members of each House of Parliament, friendly to the establishment of the principles of religious liberty, might be requested to attend.

Unitarian Marriage Bill.

THE Committee have requested, and are promised, an audience with the Earl of Liverpool, previous to determining the mode in which the application to Parliament should be renewed.

THE DEPUTIES.

First General Meeting for 1827.
26th January.

WM. SMITH, Esq., M. P., in the Chair. THE Minutes of the last General Meeting being read and confirmed, Mr. WAYMOUTH proposed the re-election of Mr. SMITH as Chairman, which was carried by acclamation. Mr. SMITH having returned thanks, and Mr. WAYMOUTH and Mr. COLLINS being reappointed Deputy Chairman and Treasurer, the usual annual vote of thanks was passed to the Trustees of Dr. Williams's. Library for their permission to have the Registry of Births kept there, and to Mr. COATES, the Librarian, for his care and attention thereto.

Mr. RUTT then, after alluding to the discussion on the subject at the last General Meeting, moved that the Auditors' report on the Treasurer's accounts be read: which motion having been seconded, Mr. MONTGOMERY expressed his gratification at the proposition, which would much influence his vote on the subject which he understood was next to come before the meeting.

A DEPUTY expressed his wish that, before the motion was put, some explanation should be given of its effect. There must have been some ground for the practice, which had long prevailed of not making the accounts public. Legal difficulties might, perhaps, be the result of publicity; and he thought, at all events, that some reasons should be given for adopting a new course.

The CHAIRMAN was not aware that it could be properly said that there was any settled practice of concealment. The fact certainly was, the accounts had never been produced, and it was equally true that they had not been called for. There was a sort of tacit secresy observed, to be sure, in which, perhaps, there was no harm or no good. It was quite compe tent for the meeting to follow any other system.

The motion was then put and carried almost unanimously. From the Report it appeared, that the present fund consisted of £7100, three per cent. Consols, and £3000 Reduced-that the income of the year consisted of the balance of last year's account, and the dividends on this stock, which, after sundry disbursements of the year, consisting mainly of the expeuses of the room, the Secretary's account, and the annual vote to the Librarian at Dr. Williams's Library, for keeping the Registry, (amounting altogether to £127. 3s. 2d.) left a balance of about £250 cash in hand..

Mr. E. TAYLOR then moved the further consideration of the adjourned motion made by him at the last meeting. The printed Report, and the discussion on the former occasion, fully explained the views of the Committee in recommend ing the application of part of their funds (which it now appeared were ample) in assisting the University of London, as an object consonant with the views of this Society. He had only now to explain that, on reconsideration, the Committee had thought it best to suggest that the shares should not be taken altogether in the names of the present Trustees, but in distinct names, so as to secure as many votes as possible in the University,

instead of leaving all in one hand, as would be the case by the rules of that institution, by which the first name on a joint account was the person recognized as entitled to vote. He therefore moved the resolution in an amended form, which, after some suggestions from different Deputies, finally was put as follows:

"That this meeting authorizes the inrestment of a competent part of the funds of this Deputation, in subscribing for ten shares of the University of London, in the names of persons to be nominated as Trustees for the purpose; and that it be referred to the Committee to settle the most convenient method of such investment."

Mr. RUTT never felt a higher gratifica tion than in seconding this resolution, No appropriation of a portion of their funds could be devised more consonant to the views and objects of their institution. Dissenters were most deeply interested in the establishment of the Loudon Laiversity. We asserted our right to form and exercise variety of opinion, and nothing was more important than to be able to find a place of education where that right was not interfered with.

Mr. ALERS HANKEY opposed the motion. Though wishing success most cordially to the London University, he still doubted, on general principles, the propriety of involving in it any portion of their funds, which he considered appropriated to different purposes. Those funds he considered intended for the keeping up of a permanent income for carrying on the objects of the Society, and ought not to be hazarded. He wished to hear from the Treasurer, as a lawyer, bis views as to the propriety and legality of such a measure.

Mr. COLLINS said, it was his intention, even if he had not been so directly called upon, to have submitted a few thoughts on the questions, 1st, Whether this was an expedient disposition of the money; 24, whether it was a legitimate applica tion of the funds; and 3d, whether there were such inconveniences as would render it undesirable. As to the first point, be thought it would occasion a deficit in income for general purposes for some time at least. He stated the yearly balances for some years to shew that the amount of the interest of this money could not conveniently have been spared. As to the second point, he contended that the motion departed from the intent of the founders of this fund, which he considered a trust. The Deputation was founded to support the civil and religious rights of Dissenters, and their funds must be intended for that purpose. The ques

tion then was, whether the object in view was embraced by their institution. In his opinion it was not, and the appropriation to it of the money, therefore, would be a misapplication, and (though, to be sure, nothing of that sort was very likely here) would, strictly speaking, render the Trustees liable in law. In the third place, he thought there were inconveniences attending such an investment that should prevent it. The persous holding the shares might cease to be Deputies, or might die intestate, and great trouble and expense might ensue.

Mr. BENTLEY was surprised to hear it asserted, that it would be illegal to dispose of the fund in the hands of the Deputies, to any object which they should decide to be for the protection and extention of the rights and interests of Dissenters. He had himself brought considerable contributions to the fund, and was confident that all intended them to be applied as the Deputies thought proper in the furtherance of their interests. Was there any one object, except the Repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts, of more vital importance to Dissenters, than to redress the proscription to which they are liable, in the means of education, on account of opinion? Even supposing this vote should cripple their present funds, could there be any difficulty in getting more? They had ninety-eight congregations connected with them, and if each sent only a sovereign a-year, it would repay it threefold.

Mr. WAYMOUTH contended, that the object of the Deputation being the protection and extension of the civil rights and interests of Dissenters, it must be competent to the meeting to say what is or is not a right or interest to be protected or extended. If they were not to decide that question, who should? It was a mere question of discretion, which no one could doubt was entrusted to them, and which they were to exercise and determine as they saw fit. As to the diminution of income, even that was not clear, for though at present the shares would pay no interest, they might reasonably be expected to do so hereafter. The shares being vested in Trustees, there could be no more difficulty in transferring and dealing with them than there was as to the stock now held.

Mr. WILKS was still decidedly opposed to the motion. Their equal rights were, no doubt, invaded by the arbitrary system of the Universities, but on that very account he withheld his concurrence in such a half measure as this. He described the feelings which always agitated his breast on reflecting that they were debarred from entering the academic groves,