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On Lord's day, the 12th of July last, and into this party all the indifferentists, the CHAPEL belonging to the Protest- from other sects, who do not choose ant Dissenters of the PRESBYTERIAN for political motives to join the Estab Denomination, at OLDBURY, Staf- lishment, naturally fall. The estab fordshire, was OPENED AGAIN, after li-hment itself furnishes a supply by having been rebuilt, by Dr. Toulmin, of the falling off of those of its members, Birmin ham. The Sermon was ground who, in the progress of inquiry, discoed on Chron. xxix. 9. "Then the peo- ver that the church of England is neiple rejoiced, for that they offered will- ther one thing nor the other; that in ingly, because with perfect heart they matters of religion all must rest upon offered willingly to the Lord: and Da- faith, or upon reason; and have unvid, the King also rejoiced with great happily preferred the sandy foundation joy." The worthy minister of this of human wit. Crede ut intelligas, nuli Christian society the kev.M..Procter, intelligere ut credas, is the wise precept is laid aside from his public labours, of Saint Augustine; but these heretics by a paralytic stroke. It is a happy have discarded the fathers as well and au picious circumstance, under as the saints. These become Socinithis afflicting event, that the Rev. ans; and though many of them do not Herbert Jenkins, having some months since dissolved his pastoral connexion at Stourbridge, has been prevailed on to accept an unanimous invitation to officiate at Oldbury, limiting indeed, for the present, his services to the term of one year.

ENGLISH UNITARIANS-The following brief account of this much vilified denomination, we extract from a work just published in 3 vols. 12mo. entitled, "Letters from England: by Don Manuel Alvarez Espriella; translated from the Spanish." The Spaniard might pass for an Englishman; an Englishman too of no mean education or acquirements; somehow or other, be or bis translator a'ways contrives to give the reader a favourable impressions of whig politics and rational religion! The work is distinguished by anecdote, drollery and irony. The author's prophecy concerning the Unitarians is we would hope not oracular, but it suggest an useful hint to us. It needs scarcely to be premised that the soi-disant Spaniard writes as a good Catholic.

"I have related in my last how the Dissenters, from the republican tendency of their principles, became again obnoxious to government during the present reign; the ascendancy of the old high church and tory party and the advantages which have resulted to the true religion. Their internal state has undergone as great a change. One part of them has insensibly lapsed into SOCINIANISM, a heresy, till of late years, almost unknown in England;

stop here in the career of unbelief, they still frequent the meeting houses, and are numbered among the sect. With these all the hydra brood of Arianism and Pelagianism, and all the Anticalvinist Dissenters have united; each preserving its own peculiar tenets but all agreeing in their abhorrence of Calvinism, their love of unbounded freedom of opinion, and in consequence their hostility to any church establishment. All, however, by this union and still more by the medley of doctrines which are preached as the pulpit happens to be filled by a minister of one persuasion or the other, are insensibly modified and assimilated to each other, and this assimilation will probably become complete, as the older members, who were more rigidly trained in the orthodoxy of heterodoxy, drop off. A body will remain respectable for riches, numbers, erudition and talents, but without zeal and without generosity; and they will fall asunder at no very remote period, because they do not afford their ministers stipends sufficient for the decencies of life. The church must be kept toge ther by a golden chain; and this which is typically true of the true church is literally applicable to every false one. These sectarians call themselves the enlightened part of the Dissenters; but the children of Mammon are wiser in their generation than such children of light. From this party, therefore, the church of England has nothing to fear, though of late years its hostility has been erringly directed against

them. They are rather its allies than its enemies, an advanced guard who have pitched their camp upon the very frontiers of infidelity, and exert themselves in combating the unbelievers on one hand, and the Calvinists on the other. They have the fate of Servetus for their warning, which the followers of Calvin justify, and are ready to make their precedent. Should these sworn foes to the establishment succeed in overthrowing it, a burntoffering of antitrinitarians would be the first illumination for the victory." Vol. II. p. 35.

UNITARIAN FUND.-The Annual Meeting of the members of this Society will be holden on Wednesday, October the 21st, in the Unitarian Chapel, Parliament Court, Artillery Lane, Bishopsgate-street, London, when a Sermon will be preached on the occasion, by the Rev. Robert Aspland, of Hackney, and a Collection made on behalf of the Fund. Public service will begin at 11 o'clock in the morning. The business of the Society will be transacted after service. The Subscribers and Friends to the Institution will dine together, at the King's Head Tavern, Poultry. Dinner on Table at 3 o'clock.

MAHOMETAN COIN.-An Arabian coin has been discovered on the occa sion of removing the materials for the foundation of a house, on the ramparts at Nismes. By Professor Jeaubert's account, it appears, that this coin was struck at Waseth, on the shore sof the Tigris. The inscription on one side is, "There is but one God, and that God has no companions." On the reverse is, "God is one, he is eternal, neither begetting or begotten, none can bejlike unto him." The legend runs thus-" Mahomet is the apostle of God, who sent him for the guidance of the faithful. The religion of the true faith is manifested above all other religions, notwithstanding the hatred of those (Trinitarian Christians) who associate companions with God."

THE DELUGE.-The President of the United States, some time since, communicated to the Congress the discoveries made by Dr. SIBLEY and Mr. DUNBAR, in exploring the rivers Missouri, Washita, and the Red River; but this official message did not give the details of the expedition. The account states a remarkable tradition among six or seven nations inhabiting the Western shore of the Red River, which deserves particular regard, as it JEWISH SCHOOLS.-The Lon adds to the testimony, in confirmation don Missionary Society among other of the Scriptural narrative, of the Deschemes for converting the Jews to luge. The tradition is, that the world Athanasianism have established schools was entirely covered with water, with for the gratuitous education of their the exception of one hill, which was youth of both sexes. These have inhabited by a family of one of these been little attended, and will probably nations called the Caddos. This fami be less so, as the leading Jews rigorously was preserved by the Great Spirit, ly prohibit their people from frequent- and the whole world is peopled with ing them. Dr. Herschel, the Rabbi, their offspring. of the German synagogue, has published two exhortations to his brethren, in which, after stating that the plan formed by the Missionary Society," is but an inviting scheme, a decoying experiment, to undermine the props of their religion," and "to entice innocent.Jewish children from the observance of the law of Moses;" he requires the congregation to send no child to any such seminary, on pain of being considered as having forsaken their religion, as having lost all title to the name of Jews, and forfeited all claims on the congregation, both in life and death.

VOL. II.

YORK ACADEMY.-On Sunday Aug. 30, a Sermon was preached at the Unitarian Chapel, Norwich, by the Rev. J. Rudd of Bury St. Edmunds, for the support of the Academy at York. His text was the 13, 14, and part of the 15th verses of the 10th chapter of Romans, from which he shewed the necessity which Christians in general lie under to have religious instruction communicated to them in a public way. The peculiar advan tages of protestant dissenters who enjoyed the benefit of public religious instruction, and instructors, without being subjected to the temporal power 3 U

or spiritual domination of priests. He a fresh contest; but, covered with lauenforced the importance of right sen- rels, how distinguished has been your timents concerning the character of victorious career! more honoured, if the Deity, and the person of Christ, possible, by your moderation than by and shewed that a want of attention your success; by the noble sacrifices to what are frequently esteemed use. you have made to humanity than by lessly controverted points in religion, all the brilliancy of your triumphs! was not becoming such as aspired to Sire, with the return of peace, France, the character of searchers after truth. and all the nations of Europe, expect That it was neither conformable to the from you a reanimating prosperityprecepts, or the practice of the Apos- the happiness of the people shail bless tles to esteem error in matters of reli youthe approbation and the wishes gion as of no importance. He shewed of religion will every where accompathe necessity of persons intended for ny you! It is religion, Sire, which the ministry, receiving an enlarged brings the Consistory of the Reformed and liberal education, that unfettered Church of the department of the Seine by creeds and subscriptions, they to the foot of your Majesty's throne. might equally contend against bigotry Vouchsafe graciously to accept their and superstition on the one hand and respectful homage. The more they infidelity on the other, and concluded are already indebted to your protecting with a brief account of the plan and goodness, the more from you they venpresent state of the Academy. The collection amounted to about 171.

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His Majesty answered this address in the most gracious manner, and the following expressions in his reply have been recollected:

ture to hope. Sire, it has pleased the King of kings to shed in abundance. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY IN his choicest blessings over you. The FRANCE. At a time when the Bri- roofs of our temples resound, and ever tish Government has been convulsed shall resound, with those prayers and by an attempt of one set of ministers songs of praise, which are dictated by to relieve the consciences of Dissenters the sentiments, equally pure and unfrom the established religion, France changeable, that we have consecrated is quietly establishing the religious to your Imperial and Royal Majesrights of her subjects on the surest foundations, and her Emperor from the throne pronounces sentiments which are equally philosophical andChristian. The revilers of the French Emperor object that this is a mere measure of policy. Granted. It was meant to be so; and in fact, justice and generosity are always politic. However if the objection be persisted in, we shall most readily absolve our own government from the shame of having adopted measures of policy with regard to the religious parties of Great Britain.The following is the ADDRESS OF THE FRENCH PROTESTANTS TO THE EMPEROR on his victorious return to Paris, with THE EMPEROR'S ANSWER. On Sunday August the 9th, the Consistory of the Protestant Church being admitted to an audience, their President, M. Marron, addressed the Emperor in the following speech:

"Sire You have exhausted surprise by the performance of new wonders. What bounds can be prescribed to our gratitude when the benefits you have recently bestowed are contempla ted? In spite of yourself, Sire, the base spirit of discord involved you in

"I accept the blessing and the congratulation of the Consistory. Ye ozve me no obligation; I wish not men to think themselves indebted to me, because I bave been merely just. CONSCIENCE IS NOT WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF HUMAN LAWS. I guarantee to you, for myself, and my successors, not only the intendance, but also the perfect freedom and inviolability of your worship. The Protestants have always proved themselves to be good citizens and faithful subjects of the law. Though I do not profess their religion, tell them that I place them in the circle of my best friends."

On the tolerant spirit of the French Government an auonymous political journalist of the last month, makes the following just reflections." BoNAPARTE is returned to Paris. The hero is returned to receive the congratulations of all his subjects. France, which our dull politicians had in their closets blotted out of the map of Eu

rope, now gives the law and reigns lord paramount. Her Emperor left Paris for a year, and in that time what has he not accomplished? The early victories of this wonderful man placed him on a level with the greatest commanders the world has seen: to whom shall we now compare him? The passage of the Alps, and the battle of Marengo; the battle of Austerlitz and campaign which led to it; the battles of Jena and Friedland, with the concluding conference at Tilsit; these are battles and subversions of kingdoms, that, as long as military glory is the theme of general applause, must elevate the hero of France high above his predecessors in the same career. France formerly adored their grand me narque. A Louis XV. and a LouisXVI. were greeted with acclamations: what must have been those acclamations, those shouts of applause, when the hero returned, after accomplishing what the ambition of Louis XIV could never conceive. If he is our enemy, we cannot enviously pluck from him his justly acquired laurels. The claims he has on the gratitude of France are undoubted: from the lowest state of confusion he has raised her to the highest pitch of glory.

very different manner from what they have been accustomed to do for the last 1260 years.

"One circumstance demands peculiar attention. WHEREVER BONAPARTE HAS GONE, RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE HAS FLED BEFORE HIM. Freedom of religion has been established by him at home, and it is made a part of the terms of peace with other nations. Poland had been torn to pieces by religious dissensions. In that country the reformation was carried farther by that eminent body of martyrs, commonly called Polish Brethren, than Luther and Calvin, and their adherents would acknowledge. The Polish re thren hated tyranny over themselves, and they would not tyrannize over others. It is not to be wondered at that popish zeal and barbarity should plot and accomplish their ruin, and that the Calvinists should rejoice at it, for the Polish Brethren abominated the cruelty of Calvin, in the murder of Servetus, as much as if it had been committed by popish priests. Polish Brethren were driven after suffering extreme hardships, from their country; but their works have enlightened all Europe. The decree of Bonaparte, by which Warsaw is erected into a Duchy, establishes completely the freedom of religion, and the successors of the Palish Brethren may now worship, without fear or restraint the God of their fathers.

The

"But is there not something more in his exploits than the superficial observer acknowledges. This change in the state of Europe is it not connected with events, which may call the attention of all mankind? With- "The circumstance of religious out endeavouring to find the hero in freedom springing up from France may ancient prophecies, as some have done, justly astonishus. This country had and we will not say that they have been above all others noted for its crudone it injudiciously; without implicit elty against the Protestants. The day of ly relying on those who assure u that St. Bartholomew and the revocation of he is the man on the white clouds in the edict of Nantz presented scenes at the Revelations, with a golden crown which humanity shud France has on his head, and a sharp sickle in his nobly wiped away these sugmas by the hand, to reap the harvest of the earth; freedom in religion which it has not without committing ourselves to de- only established in its own dominions, clare that he is the angel of God, com- but has introduced into so many other missioned for high and important pur- countries on the ontinent. Spain and poses, though it is to be noticed that Portugal wil soon feel the effect of the moral qualities of the agent, do this dispo ition in onaparte; and as not prohibit that epithet being applied the Inquisition has been for some time to him: whatever he may be, we can- deprive of much of its authority, we not doubt that through him Europe has may expect to hear that it is entirely undergone a great change: and, what- abolished, and all its trumpery of monks ever may have been the cost of it, the and nuns driven away as completely as consequences are such as will lead the it has been done in France. The En rising generation to estimate them- glish nation will longer retain its preselves and their fellow creatures in a judices. We did not reform the calen

LITERARY,

Shortly will be published the First Volume of a work, which is to be com→ prised in two thick Octavo Volumes, containing the History of the Rise, Progress, and Accomplishment of that great event, the ABOLITION OF THE SLAVE- TRADE: with proper Engravings. Price r.1s. By Thoma Clarkson.

dar, till the shame of ignorance forced whole of the amount collected is to be us into it; and though we profess to be expended in tracts, to be circulated Protestants, we shall be the last probably among our soldiers, and sailors, and to acknowledge that a difference in the prisoners of war, in this coun religious opinions is no reason for a try. -difference in civil rights; and that - there is no connexion between eating bread, and drinking wine in a church with certain ceremonies, disgusting perhaps to the receiver, and the occupancy of a post in the army or navy, or the law. The Hottentots have an odd ceremony in marriage, which creates the disgust of the civilized European: this rite of eating bread and drinking wine, when forced upon a person, is infinitely more so in the eye of reason; and of its repugnancy to christianity, there cannot be a doubt in the mind of any one who con iders the origin of the institution."

INDEPENDENT UNION.-A select meeting was held on the 22d, at the King's Head, Poultry, to carry this object into effect. We under stand the Rev. Mi. Palmer, of Hackney, is expected to preach the first Sermon, on the occasion of the establishment of the projected society.

HIBERNIAN SOCIETY. A special general meeting of this society, was held on the 2d Inst. at the New London Tavern, to receive the Report of the Treasurer, and of the Rev. Mesrss. Bogue, Charles and Hughes; who had been deputed, on behalf of the Society to visit Ireland, for the purpose of ascertaining the present state of Religion there, and the best means to promote the object of the Institution, which is "to endeavour to extend divine knowledge in Ireland, by the ministry of the Gospel, by the dispersion of the Holy Scrip. tures, and religious tracts, by the - formation and support of schools, and by every other lawful, and prudent measurè, calculated to promote pure religion, morality, and loyalty." The meeting was respectably attended; and we understand the report of the deputation was encouraging to the views of the society.

Prospectus:-The Author, after having explained the nature of the Slave-Trade, shows that, from the very establishment of it; individuals be gan to be raised up who may be considered as so many preparatory instru ments for bringing about its abolition. These he divides into four classes, as they took up this cau e on grounds independently of each other.

The first class consisted of persons, chiefly of England, of various religlous denominations. The e folowed one another, from Richard Baxter in 1660 to the poet Cowper in 787. They were forty-three in number. Their names, with interesting extracts from their publications, both in poetry and prose, are given.

The second consisted of the Quakers in England. 1. Of George Fox. 2. Of Friends as a body, both as they attempted to purify their own members from the guilt of this commerce and as they attempted to awaken the legislature and to enlighten the public mind upon it. 3. Of six individuals, who came out of the body at large in 1783, and were found acting as a little committee by themselves in 1787. The different measures and resolution's both of the Society and of these individuals on this great subject are recorded also.

The third consisted of the Quakers in America from 1696 to 1774. 1 of Friends as a body in their six different Yearly Meetings. 2. Of Friends as individual labourers by themselves within the same period. 3. Of indiRELIGIOUS TRACT SOCI- viduals who came out of the body at ETY. On the 13th. two sermons large in 1774, and were joined in that were preached by the Rev. Mr. Jay, year by persons of various other reliat the Rev. Rowland Hill's Chapel, gious denominations. An account of for the benefit of this society. The this important junction is detailed,

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