1 posed at the beginning of the present session, by Robert Philips, Esq. of the Park, to the best Classical Scholar. It was thought advisable that the competition for it should be opened to the Junior Class; and it has, accordingly, been awarded as follows:-To Mr. Beard, in the Senior Class, Books of the value of One Guinea; and to Mr. George Lee, in the Junior Class, a Book of the same value. The attainments of Mr. Brown, of the same Class, place him nearly on a level with the successful candidate. "A Prize, of the value of Five Pounds, was offered by a Friend of the College, under the signature of Euelpis, for a translation of a passage, not less than six octavo pages in length, from some English historian, into Greek, the style and dialect of Xenophon being taken as a model. The passage selected was from Mitford's History of Greece, Vol. I. pp. 68-74 (8vo. ed.). The Prize has been adjudged to a Translation which has for its motto, "Si quantum cuperem possem quoque, &c.; the letter accompanying it, inscribed with the same motto, is found to be subscribed John Relly Beard. Another translation, very creditable to the diligence of the author, has also been given in, bearing the motto, "Conamur tenues grandia." If the author choose to claim it, he has now an opportunity of doing so, by rising up and acknowledging it as his. (Acknowledged by Mr Payne.) "I have heard it hinted that the system of Prizes is objectionable, as exciting more of jealousy than emulation; as holding out an improper motive to exertion to one set of Students, and extinguishing all motives to it in another set, when once they have ceased to expect a prize. But I should feel the discharge of this part of my duty very much abated as to the satisfaction attending it, if I could suppose that the trifling distinctions thus conferred on some should produce any such unpleasant effect in the minds of others, as if an implied censure were thereby necessarily passed upon those who are not so distinguished. I hope that gentlemen who are members of this Society are actuated to the diligent pursuit of their studies by higher and better motives-the approbation of their parents and other friends; the prospect of honour and usefulness in the world, and rewards of a nobler nature still; and that if these sprigs of laurel, plucked in their way through the academic grove, afford a little temporary gratification, any momentary feeling of disappointment, if at all awakened in others, will speedily be laid asleep in the feeling of congratulation with their more successful friends. I am sure there will be a generous sentiment of regret in the mind of more than one who have succeeded, that that young friend is absent through ill health, who, if he had been present, would undoubtedly have maintained the honourable station of former years. "It may probably have occurred to many, that some events have occurred since our last meeting, which may seem to require some brief notice. At least I should feel myself inexcusable if I should have closed this Address without adverting to the blank which we must all feel in the absence of that inestimable person-my father's friend, my own friend, and my children's friend-the patroness of every benevolent and useful institution; to whom this College in particular owes a great part of its prosperity and success; to whose kind notice and friendship most of your predecessors, my young friends, have been so deeply indebted, and who used to grace the close of these Anniversaries with her mild and venerable presence. She, however, "came to her grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in its season ;" and we felt disposed to hail her peaceful and easy passage to her great reward. There are other blanks,† which will occur to those who have been accustomed to attend these yearly meetings, for which it may seem not so easy to account, and in which some of us may find it difficult perfectly to acquiesce. But on these it is not for us to enlarge; we would not disturb either your composure or our own; it is rather our wish to how to the disposals of Infinite Wisdom, and endeavour to habituate ourselves to the practical conviction, that all His disposals are ultimately for the best. "Let us, before we part, commit ourselves to Him, in whose presence we shall still remain the favoured objects of his bounty, however divided by absence from each other in the present world, or even though separated for a time by worlds themselves." The company then adjourned after a short devotional exercise, highly gratified with the proceedings of the week. At dinner, on Wednesday and Thursday, were present, besides the Tutors, Joseph Strutt, Esq., President; Robert Philips, Esq., Robert Philips, Jun. Esq., Robert Busk, Esq., James Darbishire, Jun. Esq., C. H. Dawson, Esq., J. C. Langlands, Esq., Thomas Martineau, Esq., J. Worthington, Esq., G. W. Wood, Esq., Treasurer; and the Rev. Messrs. Dean, Grundy, Horsfield, Kentish, Lee, Robberds, Secretary, Shepherd, C. Wallace, and Turner, Visitor. V. F. Mr. John Howard Ryland. + See Mon. Repos. for Oct. and Feb. last. THE Annual Association of the Kentish Unitarian Baptist Churches, was held at Canterbury, on the 7th of May last. cost was fully come," &c.: the latter by An appropriate sermon was delivered by Mr. Pound, of Dover, from John iv. 38" Other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours." The worthy preacher took occasion from these words Quarterly Meeting of Unitarian Mito expatiate, in a forcible manner, on the necessity of making every possible exertion to promote that cause which had, under Divine Providence, been preserved and handed down to us by the instrumentality of our persecuted forefathers. At the close of the public service, the business of the Association commenced; Michael Kingsford, Esq., in the Chair. Owing to the general feeling produced by the irreparable loss of a late venerable friend, Mr. Sampson Kingsford, whose constant exertions had associated his name more or less with every article which came under consideration, the business proceeded with a kind of melancholy satisfaction; for it could but be remembered, that the place of meeting had been the scene of his ministerial labours for more than fifty years. nisters in South Wales. THE Quarterly Meeting of Unitarian Ministers in South Wales, was held at Gelli-Onnen, on Wednesday, the 26th of June last. Mr. Philips, of St. Clears, introduced, and Mr. Thomas Evans, of Aberdâr, preached from 1 Tim, iv. 11. The subject discussed after the service was, The difference, if any, between practical and controversial preaching. The next Meeting is to be held at Pant-y-Defaid, Cardiganshire, on the 26th of September next, at which J. James, of Gelli-Onnen, was requested to be the preacher. July 2, 1822. J. JAMES. Mr. Harding's Missionary labours Annual Meeting of the South Wales amongst the Kent and Sussex Unitarian Unitarian Society. Baptist Churches, formed a prominent feature of the proceedings. This mission was set on foot by the friendly co-operation of the Committee of the Kent and Sussex Unitarian Christian Association; and it affords the writer great pleasure that he is enabled to announce the probable continuance of a plan which appears already to have done much in promoting the cause of rational Christianity. Upwards of 70 ladies and gentlemen sat down to a frugal dinner at the Fleece Inu, and nearly 200 took tea, according to usual custom, in the chapel, and the whole day was spent in Christian har THE Annual Meeting of the South Wales Unitarian Society, was held at Swansea, on Thursday, June 27. The Rev. J. Thomas, of Pant-y-Defaid, preached in Welsh, and the Rev. Dr. Carpenter in English, in the morning; and the Rev. Dr. T. Rees in English, in the evening. The devotional services were conducted by the Rev. J. Evans, of Carmarthen, in Welsh, and the Rev. B. Mardon, of Glasgow, in English. The audiences were numerous, including visitors from distant parts of Glamorganshire, Carmarthenshire, and Cardiganshire. Between sixty and seventy gentlemen dined together at an inn, and other considerable numbers were provided with refreshments in other places. The Meeting was altogether highly gratifying and animating to the friends of Unitarianism, as affording evidence of the growing strength of the cause in South Wales. The next Annual Meeting is to be at Swansea, July 16, 1822. ON Whit-Tuesday, June 4, 1822, the Annual Meeting of Ministers, denominated the Double Lecture, took place at Dudley. The Rev. James Scott, of Cradley, conducted the devotional services. Kent and Sussex Unitarian Christian Two interesting discourses were delivered on the occasion. The former by the Rev. Robert Kell, of Birmingham, from Acts ii. 1-4: "And when the day of Pente Association. THE Eleventh Anniversary of the Kent and Sussex Unitarian Christian Association, was held at Cranbrook, on Wed nesday, June the 26th. Mr. G. Kenrick preached on the occasion from the concluding clause of Luke vii. 22: "To the poor the Gospel is preached," shewing that Unitarianism is that Gospel, and that it is infinitely better suited to the capacities and wants of the industrious classes, than the tenets to which it is opposed. Such were the combined excellencies of this discourse, both as it respects its composition and its delivery, that they can be estimated only by its being heard from the lips of the preacher. The writer must be content with expressing his cordial sympathy in its benevolent design; may it have proved efficacious in promoting in the auditory, whose attention it so powerfully arrested, and particularly in that numerous and respectable class to whom it more immediately related, those convictions and those salutary impressions, for which it was so eminently calculated. That it has produced such effects in no ordinary degree, there is every reason to conclude. After the service, the Report of the Committee was read, including the journal of Mr. Harding, who has in the course of the last year been engaged by the Unitarians of these parts, in the capacity of their Missionary. Some extracts from his journal have already appeared in the Christian Reformer, and have been adopted in the Report of the Unitarian Fund. The engagements of Mr. Harding from the commencement of his labours in October last, have been various, and his success in the several objects has been, all things considered, highly satisfactory and encouraging. His applications, being supported by the Resolutions of the Committee of the Association, have proved effec. tual in uniting the exertions of almost all our churches; which, with the friendly and generous assistance of the Unitarian Fund Committee, in concurrence with that of the Unitarian Baptists in London, has enabled him to enter upon the undertaking. He has been employed on the Sabbaths in conducting the services of several of our churches which have no stated ministers; and much of the intervening time has been employed in aunouncing Unitarianism where it was previously little known. In Queenborough and Hastings he has introduced Unitarian preaching in the first instance, and has excited a considerable degree of public attention. In Sheerness he has been the leading instrument of re-uniting the "lit. tle flock" into a regular society, and of making a permanent accession to their number. Having at his suggestion formed a Fellowship Fund, they are now carry ing on their services and conducting a Sunday-school by their own exertions. In the course of a little more than five months, when his report closed, Mr. Harding had travelled 733 miles, and preached 74 times. A vote of thanks was passed to the Committee of the Unitarian Fund for the liberal grant of £20, and for their friendly aid in forwarding the undertaking by the occasional labours of Mr. Wright. Thanks were also voted to the Unitarian Baptist Committee, and to those churches and individuals who, though not previously members of the institution, have generously co-operated with them in carrying this object into effect. The Society resolved on using their utmost exertions toward continuing Mr. Harding in his present "useful and animated career of missionary preaching." The business of the day having closed, the Society now retired to partake of a common repast. The afternoon was spent with much harmony and friendly intercourse. Some appropriate sentiments were given, which called forth addresses from Mr. Holden, Mr Kenrick, Mr. Harding, and several other friends. Among others, the memory of that good man and liberal supporter of benevolent institutions, Mr. Sampson Kingsford, was not forgotten, which gave occasion to some excellent remarks from his intimate friend and coadjutor, Mr. Benjamin Marten. Mr. Paine, who a few years since wrote two excellent Letters to a Clergyman in Defence of Unitarianism, which obtained a rapid circulation, addressed the Meeting on occasion of his having again been engaged in a similar contest with one of that order. His sound refutation of the general charge that his principles were erroneous, had received no other notice from his clerical opponent, than that of the almost immediate return of his Letter. Such methods of shutting out the approaches of light are but too congenial with the principles of an establishment, which attempts to say to advancing knowledge, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further. June 30, 1822. T. P. Eastern Unitarian Society. THE opening of the New Chapel erected by the Unitarian congregation at Diss took place on Wednesday evening the 26th June. The building is delightfully situated in a field adjoining the town, which overlooks a large piece of water, and is constructed in every way most tastefully and judiciously. There is nothing about it showy or extravagant, but all is substantial and convenient. It is calculated to seat about 300 hearers. The congregation at Diss is not a numerous one, and the erection of such a place of worship is highly creditable to the piety and liberality of its founders. May "peace dwell within the walls" of their church. The service was opened by an appropriate Hymn; after which, Mr. Valentine (the minister of the place) pronounced the introductory prayer and read the Scriptures. Mr. Scargill, of Bury, delivered the succeeding prayer; after which, the following Hymn (written for the occasion by one of the congregation) was sung: I. God of our fathers! though on high II. Now may thy Spirit bless the place! With Christian faith our souls inspire; IV. la every heart thy temple rear: V. Our earthly, temples pass away; Protestant Churches, and it was most convincingly shewn, that, tried by the test to which Popish errors were subjected, modern orthodoxy must be discarded as untenable and unscriptural. There is some reason to expect that both the above Sermons will be given to the public. After service, the business of the Society was transacted; Meadows Taylor, Esq., of Diss, in the Chair. The opening a new Chapel for Unitarian worship at Harleston, a market-town upon the borders of Suffolk, was noticed, and there appears every reason to hope, that, with the assistance of Mr. Valentine, who conducts the service every Sunday morning, a permanent interest may be established there The Society recorded in the strongest terms their protest against the persecutions which, to the disgrace of those who profess to call themselves Christians, have been carried on within the last year against unbelievers, believing that such practices are in direct opposition to the spirit of the gospel, and calculated to bring into notice publications which would otherwise have been unnoticed and disregarded. James L. Marsh, Esq., and Mr. Edward Taylor, were re-elected to the offices of Treasurer and Secretary: and it was unanimously resolved, that an Address be presented to the venerable Bishop of the Diocese, in order to convey to him the thanks of the Unitarians in those counties with which he is connected, for the truly liberal spirit which he has shewed to Christians of all denominations, and for his Man fades, more weak, more frail than valuable and disinterested labours in pro they; But thou, O Lord, for ever sure, Mr. Madge, of Norwich, then preached Ou the Thursday morning the Yearly Meeting of the Eastern Unitarian Society was held. Mr. Bowles, of Yarmouth, began the service by prayer and reading the Scriptures, after which, Mr. Perry, of Ipswich, prayed; and Mr. Fullagar, of Chichester, preached from Isaiah xxxv. 8: "The wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein." In the course of the Sermon the arguments used by Protes. tants of the Church of England at the time of the Reformation, against the corruptions of the Church of Rome, and particularly against the doctrine of Transubstantiation, were applied to the corruptions which yet remained in most moting the cause of civil and religious liberty. Fifty-six gentlemen afterwards dined George Watson, of Saxlingham, Esq., in together at the King's Head Inu, Diss; the Chair. During the afternoon, the rited eulogy, the liberality of the Diss Chairman noticed, in terms of well-mecongregation in having erected so handsome and commodious a building for returned thanks on behalf of the conpublic worship. Meadows Taylor, Esq., gregation. The absence of Mr. Aspland, and especially the afflicting cause of it, were the subjects of general regret, and a hope was expressed that he would favour the Society by his attendance at munds. their next Anniversary at Bury St. Ed Fullagar, Mr. Richard Taylor, of London, Mr. Toms, Mr. Madge, Mr. Mr. Henry Taylor, of Liverpool, and the Secretary, severally addressed the company, on subjects connected with the interests of the Society, and of the great cause of civil and religious liberty. Warwickshire Unitarian Tract THE members of the Unitarian Tract Society, established in Birmingham, for Warwickshire and the neighbouring counties, held their Annual Meeting at Kidderminster, on Tuesday, July 2, 1822. The Rev. Samuel Fawcett, of Yeovil, whose presence, on such an occasion, in his native town, was peculiarly gratifying to his friends, began the religious services of the day with prayer and reading the Scriptures. The Rev. James Hews Bransby, of Dudley, offered up the general prayer; and the Rev. Joseph Hutton, of Leeds, preached from James ii. 18: "Yea, a man may say, thou hast faith and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." The preacher was evidently heard with the most lively interest; and the writer of this brief notice ventures to renew the expression of his hope, that Mr. Hutton will prevail upon himself to print his discourse, in compliance with the earnest wishes of the meeting. About forty members and friends of the Society afterwards dined together, J. T. Smith, Esq, being in the Chair; and in the course of the afternoon several gentlemen addressed the meeting, on subjects connected with the interests of Christian truth, liberty and virtue. J. H. B. Unitarian Association for Hull, Lin coln, Doncaster and Thorne. THE Annual Meeting of this Society was held at Hull, on Wednesday and Thursday, 3rd and 4th July. The Rev. W. Bakewell, of Chester, introduced the service on Wednesday evening; and the Rev. G. Harris, of Bolton, delivered an eloquent and most animating discourse on the Causes of Infidelity, from Isa. lii. 5. The preacher having noticed the great alarm lately excited by the supposed prevalence and increase of scepticism, particularly that species of unbelief which is known by the name Deism, and having admitted that such sentiments did exist, much to the injury of society, and that they afforded a just subject of regret to all pious Christians, proceeded to shew in what they originated, and for what they were still indebted for their support. He stated two of the principal causes of Infidelity the first of which was to be found in the gloomy, repulsive and contradictory sentiments of reputed orthodox writers, which, having been too generally identified with the genuine principles of the gospel, had caused the understandings of reflective men to revolt, and had induced them to discard the Christian system. The argument was ably supported by a review of the opinions expressed in the writings of some of the most celebrated orthodox divines, by a reference to the system of religious belief established in those countries which have been most distinguished for the growth and spread of infidelity, and by an ap peal to the declarations of Deistical writers themselves. Another of the causes to which Infidelity was said to owe its origin, was the illiberal and persecuting conduct of the professed believers in the gospel. On Thursday morning, the Rev. C. Wellbeloved, of York, preached from Philipp. ii. 5-9. The discourse was fraught with sound criticism and judicions observation, and afforded a most satisfactory explanation of the manner in which this much controverted passage of Scripture ought to be understood. The difficulties on the side of Trinitarianism were shewn to be irreconcileable; while, upon a more rational principle of interpretation, the text appeared to convey a consistent, appropriate and beautiful meaning. On the same day, the friends of the Institution dined together, in number sixty-nine, and were much gratified with the strength which their cause seemed to have acquired since their last meeting. In the evening the Rev. G. Harris delivered a discourse from Luke vii. 22 : "To the poor the gospel is preached," in which he endeavoured to shew that the doctrines now improperly termed Evangelical are not taught in the writings of the Evangelists; but that they are directly at variance with the sentiments contained in these interesting portions of the sacred volume. The three services were numerously attended. On Thursday evening, the Chapel in Bowl-Alley Lane was crowded to excess; and so strong was the interest excited in the minds of the inhabitants of the town, that on the Sunday following, when Mr. Harris again preached, numbers of persons were unable to obtain admission into the chapel. This Institution has already been productive of important effects in the town and neighbourhood of Hull. It has brought into more general notice the sentiments of Unitarians, and tended much to diminish the prejudices formerly entertained against them. In the end it will, no doubt, prove eminently serviceable to the cause of rational Christianity. W. W. |