of some of the children. But he goes on to mention, that most of them have gradually returned to the Schools; and adds, The renewal of hostilities on the part of the Popish Clergy, may no doubt be attributed to the late Bull of the Pope against the Bible Society, as it has given the pretext to indulge their irreconcilable enmity to the Scriptures. However, we have the testimony of facts to prove, that were the whole Hierachy to unite, their efforts could not totally arrest the progress of civilization, and emancipation from Popish delusions, which have been so considerably advanced by the labours of the Society. These have opened a new, and hitherto unthought-of process for the pacification of this part of the United Kingdom, which, on trial, has proved, that if allowed to proceed, it is calculated to do more for the attainment of the object, than any plan hitherto devised. The Priest at D- - has done all be could to injure the School there, but hitherto without effect. He is too politic to appear openly its opposer, though I conceive that the avidity with which the Schools are now attended, in his Parish, must give him no little pain. The anxiety of the people in the neighbourhood of this School to learn to read the Scriptures, is such, that besides the Dayschool, the master keeps a Sunday-school for Adults, which is well attended. The Priest at K- has commenced a renewed attack, but in vain. The Society's School is not injured; and a Sundayschool grafted on it, has suffered no diminution. On the contrary, the attendance of the adults has been more numerous; and since the denunciations of the Priest, 20 adults Catholic have intimated their full purpose to attend. From D-B-, one of the Inspectors of the Society's Schools. back, there were not six people who could repeat one verse in the Bible from their memory in all this neighbourhood. and numbers, I belive, never heard of, or knew there was a Bible in the world. Since our Society's Bibles and Testaments have been in circulation, their knowledge of divine things has been daily increasing; and it is to be hoped that the growing up children, attending our Schools, will be a blessed generation. I lately visited D's School, at E, and asked the Testament Class different questions, as they repeated their tasks, out of the first chapter of Hebrews. -I asked a boy, "Who was the brightness of his Father's glory?" He said "Jesus Christ." "Who purged the sins of the believing Hebrews?" "Jesus." "At what time did he do this?" "When he was crucified." "Where was he crucified?" "On Mount Calvary." "What is meant by the purging of our sins?" "The forgiveness of them." "Did he forgive any their sins but the Hebrews alone?" "Yes, every person who believes, he forgives their sins." I visited F's School, at R-. He had 88 Pupils assembled, 16 of whom read the second Chapter of Ephesians, and gave pertinent explanations of it. am glad to say, that both Master and Pupils in general, in this county, are progressively advancing in the knowledge of the Scriptures: and I perceive, that when the Pupils are enlightened with this knowledge, the Masters of such are much affected with the necessity and importance of it. I greatly rejoice to hear Mr. F (who I knew to have been brought up in the Church of Rome) explain from the Scriptures the Gospel very clearly. He said, "I bless the day that Mr. B-- gave me a Bible and advice how to read it. I brought it home, but did not dare to look in it, exPriest M, of the Parish of E- cept in private, lest my friends or the who has been a great enemy to our Parish Priest should hear of it; but now Schools, made application, a few days I acknowledge to all around me, that ago, for a School to be established in his the Scriptures are the true word of God Parish. A Catholic in this neighbour--this has made me many enemies-but hood lately paid me a visit, who got an through all my trials the Lord has deIrish Testament from the Society some- livered me." time ago. He has made great proficiency in reading it, and takes such delight in it, that he carries it in his pocket, in order to read it to every person with whom he has any intercourse. He reads to the congregation, before and after mass, every Sabbath-day; and to his great surprise, Priest M does not forbid him. The neighbours also frequently invite him to their houses to read the Testament to them. I have visited many Roman Catholics in this neighbourhood, and am glad to acquaint you, that the prejudice heretofore entertained, is done away, by the recourse they and their children have to the Word of God. About eight years From J-H D a Schoolmaster at Some time ago, 1 apprehended much mischief would be done to the Society's School under my care, in consequence of the Parish Priest opening a free school his chapel, and charging his flock to send their children to it, else they would be finally ruined. He publicly lectured on this subject for three succeeding Sabbaths; notwithstanding which, only one of my pupils left me. This child had been very sick for some time, and its parents were made to believe it was a judgment on it, for being at the Society's School. Since then a child at the Priest's Free School was one day reading in a Testament, which he took with him to the School: the Master struck the child a violent blow, took away the Testament, cursed him, and asked him if he was going to turn heretic! The child told this to his parents, and they withdrew him and his sister from the Priest's School, and sent them both to mine, at which they can learn the word of God. One of the children is sensible, and commits the Scripture to memory with much eagerness. And I have since had nine or ten of the Priest's flock come to my School; some of whom he took from me at a former time. Several of his people read the Scriptures. I have given away all the Testaments which you gave me, and I doubt not but they will be made truly useful. I should also mention, that the Priest has remonstrated with the parents of the children in the strongest manner, but all to no purpose. They told him they would not take their children from the Society's School, because they were improving in learning, and they had marked a visible change in their conduct from what it formerly was. I am sure it will be gratifying to you to know that the youth of this amazingly wicked place are become moral: the word of God is carefully read by many both young and old, and its effects may be easily seen. The smallest children in my School will not bear to hear an oath or a lie, without expressing their disapprobation. A person told me lately of the seriousness of his children, and of their remarks at home, when they see any thing improper in his family. One child between five and six years of age, hearing her father swear, told him of God's displeasure at his couduct, and that people who acted thus would go to hell. I had this from the child's aunt, who was present; and she said, that every one was struck with amazement at the behaviour of the child. Arian principles. Mr. Cole, upon his resignation, gave up the keys into the bands of the Anti-Trinitarian party, and when Mr. Jameson came, he found the chapel and dwelling house shut against him; he and the people were therefore compelled either to contest the matter at law, or to leave the chapel. The latter mode of proceeding was adopted, in com pliance with the wish of Mr. Jameson, who was averse to litigation; and the chapel has remained ever since in the hands of Arians and Socinians. The present Minister, the Rev. Mr. Steward, who was a professed Unitarian, was invited, in 1813, for three years. About August, 1816, Mr. Steward openly renounced Socinianism, and embraced that system of doctrinal sentiments, which was held by the original founders. This change, while in operation, alarmed some leading persons of the congregation, at the head of whom was Mr. Joseph Pearson, (son of Mr. Peter Pearson above mentioned); who, in consequence, held a meeting on the first of September, at which they avowed themselves Unitarians, and hostile to the doctrines of the Holy Trinity; and resolved, that no minister should officiate there who did not openly avow, and cordially maintain, the same sentiments. They informed Mr. Steward of this resolution, and desired him to relinquish the pulpit and dwelling house at the expiration of three months from that time, agreeing to remunerate him for his prolonged services. But before the expiration of this period, Mr. Joseph Pearson, with others of his party, unexpectedly broke in, and took forcible possession of the chapel; and closed the doors against Mr. Steward, and the congregation assembling for worship, on the next Lord's day. In this state of things, Mr. Benjamin Mander, the only surviving Trustee legally appointed, and who had been excluded with Mr. Jameson, and others, opened the Chapel, and gave Mr. Steward possession; having no other intention, at the time, than to protect Mr. Steward, and his family of six children, from the violence of the Unitarians, who had alThe following concise Account of the Si-ready withheld from him the endowments. tuation of the Old Meeting House in John Street, Wolverhampton, is respectfully submitted to the Religious Public. A CASE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO ORTHODOX DISSENTERS. THIS Meeting was built in 1701, and was endowed and occupied by Trinitarians about 1781: during that year, the Rev. Mr. Cole, a professed Calvinist, resigned; and the Rev. Mr. Jameson (now of Royston) accepted of an invitation, which was signed by two-thirds of the congregation, four of the trustees voting for him, four against him, and two remaining neuter. Among those who dissented were Mr. Peter Pearson, and others infected with Socinian and Mr. B. Mander having thus stood forward in a cause so truly interesting to the Public, took an early opportunity of conferring with the neighbouring Ministers, who encouraged him to bring the matter before the Lord Chancellor. No time was lost for this purpose, and his Lordship (from whose intermediate decree great encouragement is derived) has ordered that the endowments be paid to Mr. Steward, and that he remain in possession of the Chapel, and use it for Trinitarian worship, till the matter be finally determined by him. This is clearly a case of great public interest to Orthodox Dissenters, serving as a valuable pre cedent, since it is well known that many places, now held by Arians and Socinians, were built and endowed expressly by, and for, Trinitarians only. Mr. B. Mander having been encouraged by us to undertake this suit, in which many hundred pounds have already been expended, and having, as an individual, (with the exception of some small donations,) supported Mr. Steward and family out of his own private purse since the commenceinent of this contest, we must now beg leave to appeal to the best feelings of our Christian brethren, not doubting but they will see it to be their interest, as well as their duty, to assist in bearing the expense of so great an undertaking. We therefore recommend to our Brethren in the Ministry to make this Case known as early as possible, and to have a public collection, or subscription, in their respective places of worship. in aid of this good, this great undertaking. All contributions thus collected are requested to be transmitted, in a Banker's draft, or in any other convenient form, to Mr. JOHN MANDER, Wolverhampton; or to Mr. JAMES PEARSALL, 145, Cheapside, London; by whom the same will be thankfully acknowledged.. The full particulars, with the history of the Chapel, will be published when the case is decided. October 1, 1817. J. A. JAMES, Birmingham. ORDINATIONS. wards that shall be bestowed upon those who faithfully discharge its duties. Mr. Hoby of Maze Pond addressed the peo ple, from 1 Cor. iii. 9. in which he beautifully illustrated the figures employed as descriptive of the Christian church, and from the nature of the labours of ministers deduced the duties of the people committed to their care. Mr. Dunn concluded with a very appropriate prayer. Messrs. Morrison, Sloper, Bruce, and Pinchback assisted in the devotional services. On Wednesday, Nov. 5th, Mr. James Elvey, late of Wandsworth, was invested with the pastoral office over the Baptist church, in Fetter Lane, London, late Mr. Austin's charge. Mr. Ivimey of Eagle Street, introduced the services of the day by reading the Scriptures and prayer. Mr. Geo. Pritchard of Keppel Street, offered the customary apology for their proceedings, by stating his view of a Christian church, in which he dwelt chiefly on its Unity as a body, particularly as that unity respects the articles of faith, order, privilege, power, feeling, &c. &c. Mr. Pritchard is an ingenious young minister, and he seemed anxious on this occasion to introduce a little of novelty into this trite and hackneyed subject. What he said respecting the necessity of faith in a Christian church was just enough; but unfortunately he never once told the congregation what the truths or doctrines are that a church of Christ must believe, and in which their unity must appear, nor did he even explain what it is to believe. So that on this leading topic he left us just as wise as we were before. Yet even this surprised us less than his illustration of the order of a church of Christ. This is evidently a point concerning which Mr. Pritchard has much to learn. Instead of stating the Scriptural order of the house of God, according to Acts ii. 42. Rom. xii. 4-8. and other passages; he told us that in this order there were the following things: first, Conviction, namely of sin; secondly, Confession, or profession (of the faith); thirdly, Submission, (to baptism); fourthly, petition, (of admission into the church.) Now we put it fairly to Mr. Pritchard," What has all this to do with the order of a church? These things are all of them antecedent to churchmembership! And indeed we might thus go on and shew how little to the purpose most of his illustrations October 22nd, a newly formed Church of the Baptist Denomination, meeting at Paradise Walk, Chelsea, was publicly organized; after which Mr. Owen Clarke, previously a member of the Baptist Church in Fetter lane, under the care of the late Mr. Abraham Austin, was ordained their pastor. Mr. Elvey of Fetter lane read the scriptures and prayed. Mr. Pritchard of Keppel street, briefly and correctly described the nature, duties and privileges of a gospel church, and having asked the usual questions, received Mr. Clarke's confession of faith. Mr. Penny late of Portsea offered the Ordination prayer with imposition of hands, assisted by Messrs. Dunn, Elvey, and Pinchbank. Dr. Newman, President of the Baptist Academy Stepney, gave an impressive, serious, and affectionate charge from 1 Pet. v. 1-5. whichgard to truth, which led him to confess he considered as delineating the Pastor's office, the spirit of his office, and the re were, did our limits permit. He pleased us, however, when speaking of the unity of feeling (or sympathy, 1 Cor. xii. 26.) which ought to exist in a Christian church, by his candour and re that this mutual feeling is rather what ought to be, than what actually is found in modern churches! In this, indeed, we are perfectly agreed with him-for in regard to this particular, what two things can well be imagined more dissimilar than the apostolic and the modern churches? It deserves enquiry, however, whence does this arise? Is not the gospel the same now that it was then? Surely this is a serious matter, and deserves consideration; for we may depend upon it that the evil may be remedied, by a proper attention to the laws of Christ's house. Dr. Newman addressed the pastor from Col. iv. 17. Say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast re ceived of the Lord," &c. And Mr Original Poetry. LINES OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH OF HER ROYAL HIGH- WHY slow and solemn peals the knell of death? Thought we not to have heard another sound Than this?-and, why that gloom, Which seems finereal, shading every brow In sorrow-and the eyes, suffus'd with tears, That once we deem'd, would brighten'd have with joy? List, stranger-I will tell to thee, a tale, So sad, so deeply sad, that, if thine eye Have tears, or heart have feeling, There was a Flower that rear'd its head aloft, And bloom'd most fair, most lovely to the sight- And as they gaz'd, they could not help but bless Pray'd they not too, that o'er its gentle head, Read in their ear, this lesson-and if one,-but one AN W. V INDEX TO THE ESSAYS, SUBJECTS DISCUSSED, AND ARTICLES OF INTELLIGENCE. Academical plagiarism exposed, 369. Anecdotes, 240, 370. Consolation, divine, how connected with Covenant of royalty with David, illus- 1 Cor. xiv. 30. explained, 367. Assurance without evidence, shewn to Crisp, Dr. vindicated, 368. be a delusion, 16. Austin, Mr. A. Memoir of, 1, 65. - Elegy on his death, 9. his Sermon on the deity Baptism, remarks on the controversy con- Baptist Mission to India, 126, 256, 282. Ministers superannuated, Society Bible Society, 92, 125, 155, 186, 284, 313. 187. Case of importance to orthodox dissen- Cardinal Wolsey, his affecting soliloquy, Carpenter, Dr. his remarks on Dr. Stock's Christian churches, hints to the members mers, 146. 167. |