Page images
PDF
EPUB

his liberality as a man. He may extend the right-hand of fellowship to his brethren whilst he endeavours to rectify their mistakes, and he may lament the existence of false opinions, and vindicate the truth, whilst he continues to be guided by the purest principles of philanthropy and benevolence; and he may duly appreciate the unaffected piety and deep religious feelings and exemplary conduct of many who differ from him, at the same time that he is the determined adversary of tenets which he deems to be deviations from truth.

Individually, I conscientiously believe Trinitarianism to be a grievous corruption of Christianity; much, therefore, as I esteem and admire many Trinitarians, I cannot consistently concede to them the title of "true worshipers," because Jesus teaches that such must worship the Father. The believer in the Divine Unity, and the believer in a Triune Deity, cannot both possess the truth, because it is impossible for opposing propositions to be true. Did I believe a Trinitariau to be a true worshiper, I must renounce my belief and embrace his; for he who can affirm that Trinitarians are true worshipers, must be far indeed removed from the faith of the Unitarian Christian. To the query of P. S. R.,-" True worshipers-Who are true worshipers?" I reply, without "any undue assumption in matters of faith," by reference to the words of Jesus Christ, "The true worshipers shall worship the Father;" and as the authority of Jesus is not yet ab. rogated, it may, perhaps, be deemed sufficient. Now, Trinitarians do not wor ship the Father with all the heart and soul, &c. They certainly address an occasional prayer to him; but the aspirations of the heart, the devotious of the soul, are poured out to the SoN, not the Father. To avoid misconception, however, allow me to say, that I cheerfully allow to those whom I conceive to be in error, the meed of sincerity and of acceptable worship; but if there is false as well as true worship, a conscientious and sincere belief in false doctrines does not, therefore, make truth and error convertible terms. He who governs himself by the light vouchsafed to him, whatever that may be, I have no doubt will be accepted by an omniscient Creator, on the ground that sincerity of mo. tive will be approved by him, be the act of worship resulting therefrom true or false.

I beg to direct the attention of P. S. R., and of those of your readers who may feel an interest in the subject, to a small

Tract, lately published, being an affectionate appeal to Trinitarians, but demonstrating, I conceive, that they are not entitled to the appellation "true worshipers" The author commences in a truly Christian spirit.-"My Christian Brethren,-I thus address you, believing you to be, generally, as a body, conscientious in your profession. I have no doubt that you love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity-that you venerate his character-that you acknowledge his authority, and would obey his commandments; but on one very important point, to which I would direct your attention, you do not properly understand his words-you do not worship according to his directions you are not those whom he deuominates the true worshipers.'

66

[ocr errors]

'This, doubtless, is a serious charge to bring against you: but hear this declaration, and let it sink deep into your hearts: John iv. 23, The true worshipReers shall worship the Father.' member, he is here speaking, not merely of the worshipers of God, but the true worshipers. And who does he say they are? Does he say they are such as you?

worshipers of a triune God, three persons in one God, trinity in unity, and unity in trinity-God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost? Not a word of all this; not the most distant allusion to any such ideas. On the contrary, he says, that the true worshipers shall worship the Father.' Does he say, 'true worshipers ?' Why do you not believe him? Does he say, 'shall worship the Father?' Why do you not obey him?

[ocr errors]

"But he tells us, moreover, that the Father seeketh such to worship him." Do you regard the Father's authority-the Father's approbation? Why, then, do you not obey the Father's will and worship him only?”

I cannot better conclude than with another short extract, After citing many passages to prove that Jesus taught his disciples to pray to the Father, and that he enforced his precepts by his example, the author argues, "Such was the example of Jesus Christ, such the worship which he himself invariably offered up. Do you believe that he worshiped God aright?-that he was a true worshiper? Then you stand self-condemned; you admit that you are not the true wor

"The True Worshipers, not those who worship a Trinity; a Serious Address to Trinitarians. By a Dissenter from Trinitarianism." Teulon and Fox, and D. Eaton.

[blocks in formation]

As I have no doubt of your anxiety for the truth and respectability of your

circumstances which rendered it advisable, in their estimation, to withdraw themselves wholly from the meeting house, and engage in divine worship in a separate place.

There is also an assertion in the paper of E. K., about "the silent admission and gradual ascendency of a party of Calvinists," just as true as the former, and entitled to just as much consideration.

By inserting this letter in your publication for the next month, you will serve the cause of truth, and oblige JAMES BROWN.

monthly publication, you will readily in- King's College and the London Uni

sert a few lines in your Number for the next month, in contradiction of a statement which appears at p. 62 of your last, under the signature of E. K.

If that article was written by a resident in Wareham, its author must have known that the statement it contains is incorrect; if by a person residing in any other place, he has been grossly deceived, or is labouring under some strange misconception.

SIR,

versity.

To the Editor.

January 10, 1829. In the last Number of the Edinburgh Review there is an article on the new seminaries of education in London, in which it is observed, that, in regard to students living without the walls of the King's College, that institution must be nearly assimilated to the London University; for that it could not be expectedthat young men living at any distance could or would attend morning prayers in the College chapel.

It appears, however, by the late resolutions of the Committee of the King's College, that the writer in the Review was mistaken, and that attendance at morning prayers will be actually required from all students, whether resident or not. Also, that attendance upon divine service at the College Chapel on Sundays (whether twice in the day or only once does not appear) will be required from all, except such as have the special leave of the Principal to attend church on Sundays elsewhere; and that proof will be expected that the students who have obtained such leave, attend public worship regularly at some church of the Establishment. It is added, however, that other persons may attend the lectures, but that they will not be considered as students, nor allowed to contend for any prizes, nor be entitled to any certificates of It merit.

It is not true, Sir, that any persons have been expelled, in any just sense of the term, from the Old Meeting at Wareham, within the last two years, during which I have had the honour to be the Pastor of the Christiau church meeting for public worship in that place. It is not true that any persons have been "denied the Christian name because they refuse to worship Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit;" at least, during the last two years, the period for which I can only take upon myself to speak. The fact of the case is simply this. Some highly respectable individuals, about a year ago, thought proper to absent them selves from the public services of the Old Meeting, with the avowed intention of worshiping God more consistently with the dictates of their own consciences. For this proceeding, I do not myself see that they are entitled to any blame; and I hope they now enjoy all the advantage they expected to derive from a withdrawment from the place in which they had long been accustomed to worship. should, however, be known, that for some time previously to their withdrawment they had, with one highly honourable exception, ceased to be subscribers to the interest in the same amount as they had formerly been, and in a sum at all consistent with the respectability of their station in society. It will not, therefore, be thought surprising that they should at length have found themselves placed in

The Globe paper of the 7th instant, in noticing these regulations, justly observes, that they are a virtual exclusion of all Dissenters-which is certainly true. For why should Dissenters subject themselves to these impositions and inconveniences, when there is another place open where they may obtain equal advantages free from such incumbrances and objections?

But there is a further view of the sub

ject which it may be well to consider. Will not the proposed regulations tend to exclude also many of the sons of Churchmen? Can any one suppose, that the having to go out in a cold winter's morning, and walk a mile, perhaps, to prayers, and then return home to breakfast, will not be felt as a grievous task? And why should a young man submit to it, or why should his friends urge him to do so, when equal, possibly greater, advantages, as to learning and science, may be obtained in another place, without so burthensome a condition? Then, is it likely to promote his spiritual welfare? Far from it, in my opinion: it seems more likely to produce a distaste for religion altogether.

The Churchmen who have framed these regulations, so much in accordance with the practices observed at Oxford and Cambridge, appear not to have considered sufficiently the difference of circumstances. The rules established at those ancient Universities were never intended for non-resident students. Moreover, the King's College has not, like them, scholarships, degrees, fellowships, and church livings to bestow. It has nothing to hold out to students but learning and science, and these, as I have before observed, may be had more conveniently at a neighbouring institution. In fact, the regulations in question hold out a premium in favour of the London University.

Upon the whole, I am of opinion with the Reviewer before mentioned, that if this plan be adhered to, the instructions of the King's College will be chiefly confined to those resident within its walls. There will, I think, be few non-resident students. Some auditors of the lectures there may be among men of leisure, having a taste for literature or science, who may attend them by way of amusement, or with a view to improvement. But much cannot he expected from this source when the novelty of the thing is gone by. If these anticipations be just, it may be questioned whether the number of students will be suflicient to remunerate able Professors in the various branches of learning and science which are essential to a complete education. The funds of the College can do little; the instructors must depend for adequate remuneration

principally on the fees of their pupils. And is it not likely that the London University will have a decided advantage in this respect, and that the best instruction will be found where it is the best paid?

An interesting experiment is going to be tried. Here are two Institutions, one evidently intended to support a system, the other having no object in view but the furtherance of learning and science in general; one, upou the old exclusive plan; the other, open to all without distinction. In a few years, perhaps, it will be seen which is the best adapted to promote the improvement and welfare of mankind.

SIR,

Catholic Question.

To the Editor.

F.

ALLOW me to suggest to Dissenters in cities and populous towns a mode of assisting the great cause of religious liberty, as now identified with the Catholic Question, which appears to me to be much more efficient than that of forwarding small congregational petitions.

In all such places, let a few active persons endeavour to form a union with leading Dissenters of different denominations agreeing on this point, and let one petition be prepared purporting to be that of "the undersigned, being Protestant Dissenters, residing in the city [or town, or even county] of B――." Let it place the question on its broadest basis, in short but comprehensive terms, and there can be no doubt that in almost every case such petitions would, with a little activity, be signed by many hundreds, I hope sometimes thousands, of Dissenters of all denominations.

I am satisfied that the way I have pointed out is a most effectual and feasible plan; and that Unitarian Dissenters, by actively organizing such demonstrations of united opinion, will do a great deal of good, and will direct in support of their object a hundred-fold more power than they could accomplish by merely sending up petitions from their individual societies.

AN UNITARIAN.

Mr. JOSEPH MAJOR.

OBITUARY.

1828. Dec. 29, aged 56, Mr. JOSEPH MAJOR, formerly Organist at MonkwellStreet Chapel, and during the last four years at Finsbury Chapel. We are indebted to Mr. M. for an excellent "Collection of Sacred Music for Churches and Chapels," recently published; and also for twelve original psalm and hymn tunes, printed, a few years since, for the benefit of the Charity Schools of the New Gravel-Pit Meeting, Hackney. The following paragraph appeared in the Morning Chronicle of Friday, Jan. 2:

"The late Mr. Joseph Major, whose talents as a performer on the piano-forte were almost unrivalled, enjoyed the intimacy of a large circle of the most respectable public characters of his time. Had he felt disposed to turn Autobiographer, few Memoirs would have been more entertaining. It is a curious fact, that he had diued with his old friend, Mr. John Bannister, for thirty-seven successive Christmas-days, and the veteran called on him within a week of his death to

lament that his severe illness prevented his joining the family party for the 38th time! He has left many original compositions of a light nature, and some of a more serious and scientific character. It was his delight, as they appeared, to dedicate them to his pupils and friends. They are all very creditable to his genius as a composer, but his marked and distinguishing excellence was extraordinary execution on the instrument. His skill in accompanying, and his power to instruct, were very advantageously felt by many of our vocalists, especially by Incledon. As a master, few were ever more diligent, or more anxious for the improvement of their scholars; as a friend, he was unwearied in act and word; and as a man, sympathizing, kind, and generous almost to a fault-a fault more to be admired than many people's virtues."

Miss SARAH LAKIN.

On the last day of the last year, SARAH, eldest surviving daughter of the late Michael LAKIN, Esq., of Birmingham. Possessed of great kindness of disposition, and characterized by a warmth of feeling which rendered her peculiarly alive to the endearments which spring out of the connexions of social life, she enjoyed in a high degree the esteem of an extensive circle of friends, by whom her loss will be deeply lamented. Those only who were bound to her by the clo

sest ties of kindred and affection, could duly appreciate that complete forgetfulness of self which led her to sacrifice her own happiness when she thought it likely to interfere with the comfort of others, or that constant principle of active kindness which marked her whole life. Her last illness, though not protracted, was of a nature peculiarly distressing. The only consolation to her afflicted family under the severe bereavement which they have sustained is a firm trust in the rectitude of the Divine administration, and in the assurance derived from the gospel of Jesus, that her life of virtue and holiness on earth will be succeeded by a life of eternal happiness in heaven.

Chesterfield, Jan. 13, 1829.

PHILIP MEADOWS MARTINEAU, Esq. 1829. Jan. 1, aged 76, PHILIP MeaDOWS MARTINEAU, Esq., of Bracondale Lodge, near Norwich.

The subject of this memoir was the eldest son of Mr. Daniel Martineau, an eminent surgeon in the city of Norwich, who, dying at an early age, bequeathed his duties and his reputation to his son; who, having received an excellent professional education, settled in his native city, in 1776. The skill which was the natural consequence of his ardent love of his profession, soon secured him extensive practice. He rose to greater eminence than any of his predecessors of the name, and pursued a bright career of usefulness, honour, and prosperity, which was terminated only by his last illness. His name is well known and highly respected in the medical world. But on his professional eminence this is not the place to enlarge. A detail of his splendid services to the public will doubtless be found in journals to which the subject is more appropriate. As Senior Surgeon to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, he conferred obligations on that institution which cannot be estimated, and will never be forgotten. In his private practice he was no less valued than in his public office.

His pride and delight were in his profession. But though to this object he devoted his energies to the utmost, his mind was not absorbed by it. His recreations were various and refined. He had a great love for the fine arts, and exercised his taste in the formation and embellishment of his beautiful estate at Bracondale, near Norwich. There, during the latter years of his life, he fixed

his summer residence, and there it is that his friends best love to think of him, happy in the exercise of domestic affections, of liberal hospitality, and of pure tastes. There, were words let fall, now remembered and treasured, which shewed that gentle, refined emotions were stirring within; that the progress of the seasons, the analogies between the course of nature and of human life, were not lost upon him; and while he watched the changes of the autumnal verdure, or marked the lofty growth of trees which his own hand had planted, he was not unmindful of the implied warning of advancing years and approaching decay. These pure sources of enjoyment never failed. During the last autumn, while sinking under disease, and subject to frequent paroxysms of intense suffering, his relish for natural beauty seemed in no degree lessened: and during his hours of ease, he enjoyed an undecaying pleasure in the contemplation of verdure, sunshine, and shade. In him, the cultivation of pure tastes found its sufficient and appropriate reward.

The wealth which he had honourably gained was liberally and generously employed in the encouragement of the fine arts, the exercise of hospitality, and in works of unostentatious beneficence. Few who possess such various and extensive means of doing good, make so diligent a use of them: few leave behind them a fuller record of good deeds.

Mr. Martineau was, from principle as well as education, a Dissenter. His love of civil and religious liberty reudered him a worthy descendant of one who had submitted to expatriation for conscience' sake. His religious opinions were those of a Unitarian Christian. These opinions were not merely passively received in childhood, and adhered to from the force of habit: they were the result of enlightened conviction, and were the basis of principles whose clearness and strength afforded him substantial support and an effectual solace during the whole course of an illness so trying to his faith and patience, that principles less firm and consolations less genuine must have given way. During his long life, prosperity seemed to wait upon him. His health was vigorous, his undertakings successful, and his sorrows few and transient. Yet his principles were not neglected or undermined; and when he was, at length, called upon to undergo severe and protracted suffering, these principles were at hand, ready to sustain aud cheer him in his passage from this world to another. By his humility aud patience, by his in

cessant thoughtfulness for the comfort of those around him, by his gratitude for the blessings which had strewed his path of life, by the readiness with which he resigned them, by the calmness with which he watched his gradual descent to the tomb, and the humble hope with which he awaited the awful disclosures of a future state,-their efficacy was tried. If in one case more peculiarly than in another, the soul "is revealed as it departs," it is in that of one who, having lived long in uninterrupted prosperity, is withdrawn gradually from the world, relinquishing one after another of its enjoyments, and aware that its scenes are closing upon him for ever. Such a case was this. Here, the revelation was bright and cheering, and now proves the best consolation to the widow, the child, and the numerous band of relatives and friends.

Though his personal trials were few, Mr. Martineau was not without frequent and affecting warnings of the uncertainty of life, and the instability of human hopes and projects. Having no son, he designed to leave his place in society and his professional eminence to two nephews, who having successively shared his labours for a short time, were removed by death. He also saw the large and happy family of which he was the head, dispersed far and wide, till in the city of their birth but one representative of the name remained, besides himself. Those who remember the animation with which he hailed the periodical return of the years when this family were wont to meet, for the purpose of enjoying such communion as they can scarcely hope to hold again in this world, are assured that the change could not but be deeply felt. Doubtless, he found the consolation which they must cherish while witnessing the inroads of death and sorrow, and looked forward to the time when kindred spirits shall meet in everlasting habitations.

His domestic affections were strong; and in his domestic relations he was happy.

His family mourn not alone. Mr. Martineau was widely known, and where he was known he will be remembered. The grace and polish of his mauners and conversation were peculiar, and so striking, that when once seen he was never forgotten. But who shall number the hearts that are called on by stronger claims, by claims of gratitude to his skill and benevolence, by respect for his endowments, and esteem for his virtues, to mourn his loss and honour his memory?

V.

« PreviousContinue »