Provincial Meeting of Unitarian Ministers in Lancashire and Cheshire.

ON Thursday, June 22d, the Annual Provincial Meeting of Ministers was held at Warrington. At eleven o'clock A. M., the religious services were introduced by the Rev. Mr. Tate, in the absence of the Rev. J. Whitehead, the appointed supporter. The Rev. C. Wallace delivered the sermon, from 1 Timothy ii. 5. In an energetic and perspicuous manner the preacher pointed out the inconsistency with reason and Scripture of the popular doctrine of the anion of a divine and human nature in Christ, and the pernicious consequences which the doctrine tends to produce, by perplexing the mind of the devout worshiper as to the object of his worship. The clearness of argument, novelty of arrangement, and propriety of expression which were conspicuous throughout the sermon, excited in the audience high admiration and pleasure. After the service, the Rev. J. J. Tayler was appointed supporter to Mr. Whitehead at the next Annual Meeting, which will be held at the Paradise Street Chapel, Liverpool.

At two o'clock, P. M., about fifty gentlemen sat down to dine at the George Inn, of whom thirty-three were ministers. After dinner, the health of the King having been given, the Chairmau (Mr. Wallace) gave, "Prosperity to the operations of the Provincial Meeting in its new character of "The North Western District Association."" The Secretary then read the report of the Committee ap pointed at the last Annual Meeting to form the Association and commence its operations:-from which it appeared,

That the Committee had made every arrangement that lay in their power to establish that union of the different minor societies already in existence for the promotion of Unitarian Christianity in Lancashire and Cheshire, which the Association contemplates.

That they had ascertained from the Committees of the "Lancashire and Cheshire Unitarian Missionary Society," and the "Manchester Unitarian Tract Society," that their operations were not so extensive nor so successful as they might be if co-operating under the direction and assistance of the Association; that in their present separate state, their operations cannot be made so important

as to induce the public to support them with that pecuniary assistance which is necessary to enable them to improve the numerous opportunities which already present themselves of extending their usefulness; that therefore a union with the Provincial Meeting, which would then become the central point of union and the general anniversary, seemed to them highly desirable.

That (being sensible that the unity of operation which would ensue from such a coalition would produce little advantage unaccompanied by pecuniary assistance) they had directed their efforts towards raising a general fund, to be at the disposal of the Provincial Meeting; without which the Provincial Meeting can offer no inducement to those societies which have funds, to unite with it.

That, although they had taken the best measures they could devise to effect this important object, they did not expect that it would be immediately accomplished, as they knew the objects of the Association were not yet sufficiently known to the public to ensure their general support; they therefore, although they had received several congregational and individual subscriptions, could not state that they had been so successful as to justify them in reporting the accomplishment of the object. But, believing that many suspended their offers of assistance from the cause already assigned, they begged leave to direct the attention of the Meeting to several other important objects, besides the great object before mentioned, in aid of which a general fund would enable the Provincial Meeting to extend essential assistance. Among several enumerated in the report, one most important object was the connexion of the Provincial Meeting, as a District Association, by an annual subscription, with the British and Foreign Unitarian Association, which has already experienced the benefit of coalition in an extension of usefulness and an increase of funds; a counexion which would, at a triding annual expense, secure to the Provincial Meeting the assistance of those societies which have been formed for the protection of the civil and religious rights of Protestant Dissenters.

The report concluded with an abridged report of the state and operations of the "Lancashire and Cheshire Unitarian Missionary Society," and the "Man

chester Unitarian Tract Society," and an earnest appeal to the members of the Association present, and to the public, to contribute their assistance in forming a fund, which appeared indispensable to the utility and respectability of the As sociation.

The Rev. J. J. TAYLER then moved, "That the ministers throughout the two counties of Lancashire and Cheshire be requested to contribute to the formation of a fund, to be at the disposal of this Meeting, by congregational collectious, by grants of Fellowship Funds, or by any means deemed by each minister most desirable."

G. W. WOOD, Esq., urged the excellence of the principle of association, and the necessity of having a fund at the disposal of the present meeting to enable it to carry its benevolent designs into effect. He spoke of the benefits of association from very recent experience of its powerful effects. He had listened to the various reports which were read at the late Annual Meeting of the British and Foreign Unitarian Association, with the greatest pleasure, and had imbibed from hearing them an increased desire to promote similar plans in his own neighbourhood. The motion was then agreed to. The Rev. W. HINCKS moved, "That all ministers connected with congregatious in the two counties be considered members, ex officio, of the committee of the Provincial Meeting for the ensuing year; and that the names of certain lay gentlemeu, specified in the motion, be added:" which being passed by the meeting,

The Rev. J. GASKELL moved, "That the committee hold their meetings four times in the year: first, at the Cross St. Chapel Rooms, Manchester, ou the first Thursday in October: second, at Salford, at the anniversary of the opening of the GreenGate Chapel: third, on Good Friday, at the Annual Meeting of the Missionary Society, wherever it may be held: fourth, on the morning of the next anniversary of the Provincial Meeting, in the vestry of the Paradise Street Chapel, Liverpool.'

The business relating to the Association being concluded, the Chairman proceeded to give some interesting toasts, which called forth speeches from several gentlemen.

The Memory of the late venerable Mr. Yates was given, and received with respectful interest.

The health of the Rev. W. Hincks was given, and happiness wished him in his new and arduous situation as successor to the Rev. W. Turner, Jun., in Manchester College, York,

After thanking the Meeting for the kindness with which they had received the toast, Mr. H. said he could not sit down without rendering his tribute to the talent which Mr. Turner had displayed in the performance of professional duties so arduous and so various. And he could not but feel considerable anxiety under the prospect of succeeding to a situation which was perhaps more diffi cult than any other in any seminary, and which had been filled by Mr. Turner with so much talent and success. He proposed the health of the Rev. Wm. Turner, Jun.

The Rev. W.TURNER, of Newcastle, returned thanks for the honour done to his son. The venerable gentleman in the course of his speech mentioned the pleasure he felt in being at that Meeting, especially as it was held in that town, from which he had been abseut 40 years, and with which so many interesting associations were connected in his mind, as having been the original seat of the Academy which now flourished at York; but though its tutors had been so eminent while the Academy flourished at Warrington, he thought he might affirm that the tutors who now adorn the institution were en. titled to as high praise.

In the course of the afternoon the Chairman gave the health of the Rev. Mr. Fotheringham, of Boston, U. S. and our American Brethren in the Ministry.-Mr. F. assured the Meeting that the cordial feeling which they expressed towards his brethren in America was mutual. He was proud to be a native of a country in which the expression of religious opinion was as free as air, and where the profession of religious faith was biassed by no political establishment. He begged to return thanks for himself and his brethren in America for the kind feeling which the Meeting manifested towards them; and while he assured the Meeting that it was reciprocal, he proposed as a toast, "The friendly feeling which exists between the Ministers in America and England, and may it last for ever."

The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. The Chairman gave the health of a very near relative of a staunch friend to civil and religious liberty on his left hand, (Ottiwell Wood, Esq.,) which he prefaced by reading an extract from a letter which he had received from him when at Geneva, whence he had re cently returned to England. The extract contained an interesting account of a Ministers' Meeting in Geneva, at which the writer was present. The Chairman

concluded the extract by giving, The restoration to health of the writer, the Rev. S. Wood.

OTTIWELL WOOD, Esq., returned thanks for his son, whom, he said, nothing but ill health would have detained from so interesting a meeting as the present.

The health of Mr. Adain, and the cause of Unitarianism in Calcutta, was not forgotten. Nor did the Meeting forget to express their good wishes for the welfare and success of the British and Foreign Unitarian Association.

At five o'clock the Meeting broke up, voting their thanks to Mr. Wallace for the ability with which he had conducted the duties of the chair. Many of the ministers adjourned to Mr. Broadbent's house at Latchford to partake of tea, which was provided for them with the usual hospitality.

In conclusion, allow me, Mr. Editor, to inform the Unitarian public in Lancashire and Cheshire, that I have already received pledges of support in aid of the General Fund from some congregations, and subscriptions from individuals, since the Meeting, and in consequence of the explanation of the plans of the Society which were then made; and that I shall be happy to receive and transfer to the Treasurer similar assistance towards that object in behalf of the Provincial Meeting.

piness. It is earnestly hoped that the preacher will consent to the publication of the discourse. At the close of the service, the business of the Association was transacted. Thanks were unanimously passed to the Marquis of Lansdowne and the other members of the two Houses of Parliament, for their unremitting attention to the wishes of the Dissenters in the late application for the repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts. Upwards of ninety friends to the objects of the Association afterwards dined at the King's Head Inn; John Brent, Esq., in the Chair. In the course of the afternoon various subjects were introduced, and much interesting information afforded by the different speakers: Revds. R. Aspland, L. Hoklen, B. Mardon, G. C. Pound, J. Farrin, R. Ashdowne, J. Martin, and Messrs. E. P. Fordham, J. Green, John Brent, Jun., &c. The company having testified their sense of obligation to their worthy Chairman for the able and efficient manner in which he contributed to the enjoyment of the meeting, separated highly gratified with the proceedings of the day.

G.

Settlement Service at Maidstone.

bling in Earl Street, Maidstone, took place on the 6th of July. It was an occasion of great interest; the several

Association.

THE Fifteenth Anniversary of this Association was held in the city of Canthe Unitarian General Baptist Chapel, terbury on Wednesday, the 4th July, at Blackfriars. The Rev. H. Green, of Knutsford, introduced the religious services by reading the Scriptures and pray er; after which the Rev. R Aspland, of Hackney, delivered an eloquent, instructive and argumentative discourse from 1 Cor. iv. 13, Being defamed, we entreat. The preacher particularized the various kinds of defamation to which Unitarians, like the primitive Christians, are subject; he afterwards enlarged upon the fundamental doctrines of the Unitarian faith, and described those minor principles upon which Unitariaus differ; and concluded by a manly, charitable, and deeply impressive appeal in favour of the truth of Unitarianism, exhibiting its consistency, nay identity, with Scripture, Virtue and Human Hap

to answer beneficial and pious purposes, and the whole was so guarded from the possibility of savouring of or promoting such services at least softened. superstition, that few could have attended without having their previous dislike to

Divine worship commenced soon after Rev. T. F. Thomas, of Chatham. The eleven o'clock, with a hymn, read by the Rev. Lawrence Holden, of Tenterden,

*The Report included some interesting particulars respecting the early propagation of the Unitarian doctrine in the Weald of Kent, so long back as the year 1700; also the recent delivery of six doctrinal lectures at Headcorn under the direction of the Committee; and the establishment of a depository for the sale of Unitariau publications at Maidstone, from which considerable good has already arisen, and more may reasonably be expected.

venerable for his years, and truly estimable and highly esteemed on account of the virtues with which for a long life he has adorned his profession, read a portion of St. Paul's second Epistle to Timothy, and offered up an earnest and truly Christian prayer for the divine bles. sing upon the connexion which had been formed. The gentleman appointed to represent the congregation, Robert Cooper, Esq., (grandson to the second minister of the chapel, whose services commenced here so long since as the year 1744,) then delivered to the elected minister an address, full of affectionate observation, on the interesting relation in which a congregation and their minister stand to cach other, united with a manly sense of the duties which the latter is called upon to perform, and a just boldness in demanding from him attention and fidelity. This address directly disclaimed all right of interference on the part of one congregation with another, or on the part of a body of ecclesiastics claiming priestly usurpation over the consciences of men; it included a reference to the liberal and enlightened principles on which Christian worship had within those walls been conducted for nearly a century, and it concluded with a devout anticipation of the spiritual blessings which the connexion they met to celebrate might be hoped to produce.

Mr. Mardon, in his reply, acknowledged that he had no intention to attempt making any deep impression on the minds of the audience in favour of the truths and duties of religion. This, in the present service, devolved ou far abler and more experienced persons. But he willingly expressed the joy which such an opportunity of Christian intercourse furnished, and his hope that by such a direct appeal to the blessing of Heaven, and the obligations of Christianity, something might be done to mitigate the harshness of censure, and enkindle the love of truth. He acknow. ledged, that from an early period of his life he had received an impression in favour of such a service from a circumstance related by the biographer of the late eminent and revered Timothy Kenrick, of Exeter, whose catechumen, for

* The date which is inscribed on the front of the chapel, is A. D. 1736, when the congregation removed with their able pastor, Mr. Benjamin Mills, from what had been called the Dutch Church, and from that time it appears that the wor ship of the chapel has always been Unitarian.

a short time, he had the honour to be, that had that distinguished minister's life been prolonged, objecting as he did to the superstitition often insinuating itself at ordinations, he intended to have engaged in such a service as the present. While he felt deeply attached to religions truth, and had devoted himself to its interests, he wished distinctly to avow an equal attachment to Christian charity, which he hoped to cherish as his life's blood. A confession of faith, especially after what had fallen from Mr. Cooper, he did not now intend to make. Such confession, he believed, he had long since made, from the first time that he participated in the holy communion; and also in the various ways which presented themselves to one who had already, for several years, laboured in the Christian ministry. He ventured to draw the outline of objects which he proposed to himself in the discharge of his office: To conduct with simplicity and seriousness the devotional services, to attempt to convey a short, yet perspicuous exposition of the Holy Scripture, to strive to enforce and inculcate the moral and religious duties of our common faith, to visit the sick and poor, and keep up an acquaintance with the people of his flock -and in particular, as that on which he would lay a chief stress, to furnish the minds of the younger members of the congregation with such methodical, gradual, and instructive information, as might enable them to attain to a satisfactory conviction on the great truths of religion, because this personal conviction he believed to lie at the basis of all subsequent improvement in virtue and piety.

At the conclusion of this address from the congregation, and reply from the minister, Mr. Holden re-ascended the pulpit, and, introducing his remarks with the words of Peter, (2 Epist. i. 13, 14,) "I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance, knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me," delivered a series of admirably pious and affectionate exhortations, exceedingly suitable to his own long experience and pastoral fidelity, and well calculated to excite to diligence and circumspection in the minister, aud to zealous co-operation in the people of his charge. Mr. Holden would extend the usefulness of his practical address if he would consent to transmit it in an

See Mon. Repos., O. S., Vol. XVII. p. 709.

abridged form for the use of one of our Magazines.

After another hymn, the Rev. Robert Aspland proceeded to deliver the sermon, prefacing it by saying, that as the service had already been so well guarded from superstition, he should do no more than discourse on the several topics contained in the 4th chapter of St. Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians, the 1st to the 6th verse inclusive. General observations of the most valuable kind followed from the consideration of the former clauses of this paragraph; but the preacher was disposed, in the existing circumstances, to dwell particularly on the verse which terminates it; pointing out in language which ought never to be mistaken, that there is but one God, the Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all. A leading principle which the preacher aimed, in this discourse, to establish and to illustrate, was the very general agreement among Christians in those doctrines which are maintained by Unitarians. Other denominations of believers have added to those doctrines, but those doctrines themselves they do not pretend to deny. This may justly be deemed a presumptive proof of the truth of Unitarianism; and in the way in which the argument was treated, it can scarcely fail to have left a very favour able impression of the reasonableness of our creed, and the scriptural authority of our worship. We have seldom heard a more ingenious, and altogether satisfactory, devotional discourse, and sincerely hope that the preacher will be induced, whether on this occasion or not, to add by the publication of it to the numerous

The writer of this account will here refer to the ingenious use made of this verse, before the celebrated Presbytery at Exeter, in the year 1719, by Mr. Parr (the ancestor of some of his early and highly-valued friends there). The love

of interference with the faith of others had too plainly evinced itself, and several persons had been called on to remove the suspicion of heresy by the employment of some reputedly orthodox confession of faith. But when it came to the turn of that honest and scriptural presbyter to make his confession, his answer was to this effect: "The words of St. Paul alone I shall use on the present occasion"There is one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all,' and I wish I could add-but the virulence of your temper prevents me from adding-and in you all.'"'

obligations which he has already confer red on the inquiring public.

The afternoon of this interesting day was spent together by a large proportion of the congregation, Mr. Mardon in the chair. Many of the sentiments corresponded with those which had been recently expressed at the meeting at Canterbury; the kindest wishes for the restoration of health to their last minister, now travelling in Italy: a spirit of sober, grateful, Christian feeling pervaded the meeting. The truly apostolic addresses of Mr. Holden were here also heard with profit and delight. The preacher who had instructed us in the morning, in a more familiar manner now animated us to zeal and perseverance; several of the congregation caught the enthusiasm, and expressed their honest and zealous sentiments; and many more, we are persuaded, will long retain a pleasing recollection and a beneficial impression of this day, devoted to Truth and Virtue.

Maidstone, July 20th.

North Eastern Unitarian Association.

THE Annual Meeting of this Society was held at Wisbeach, on Thursday, the 12th July. Mr. Selby, of Lynu, preached on the preceding evening from Psa. cx. 1. of Norwich, delivered a discourse on the On the Thursday morning, Mr. Tagart, "true worshipers," from John iv. 23; aud in the evening he preached again from Matt. xvi. 16-19, on the true church.

About eighty of the friends dined together at the White Hart Inn, Mr. Hursthouse in the Chair. Several appropriate sentiments were given; and the company was addressed by Messrs. Tagart, Selby, Smith, Stanger, and Walker, on the various subjects naturally suggested by such meetings. The different services were respectably attended, and a considerable interest appeared to be felt in the objects of the Association, which it is hoped will be permanent.

IRELAND.

SYNOD OF ULSTER.
(Coucluded from p. 712.)
Thursday, June 28.

Test, or Declaration of Faith. Mr. CooKE rose and said, that the Synod were called on to put on record their opinions regarding certain great With this leading doctrines of faith. view, he was prepared with a list of the members, and was ready to affix a mark