conformation. Thus the words will fortitude, and the pious resignation be, in the form of a solemn oath: with which that eminent confessor "As the Lord, the God of Israel, endured the loss of fortune, of friends, liveth, I will try my father." This of reputation and of liberty, rather method of remedying the passage is than consent to make any concession rendered probable, from the similarity contrary to his own firm conviction of of contiguous letters, a very frequent the strict unity, the infinite goodness, source of omissions in manuscripts; and the peerless majesty of the great if we suppose the error to have crept Father and Lord of all." in after the introduction of the Chaldaic forms of letters. The Septuagint supplies the chasm thus; "The Lord, the God of Israel, knoweth that," &c. The Syriac, and the Arabic in Walton's Polyglott; "The Lord, the God of Israel, is witness that I will try my WH B. MARTEN. SIR, York, July 31, 1819. WHEN my late most excellent friend Mr. Lindsey was hesitating about the duty of resigning his station in the Established Church, I remember his frequently mentioning, with great interest, the Memoirs of Mr. Thomas Emlyn-the narrative of his violent cruel persecution-the controversy in which he was coinpelled to engage with many leading characters in the Establishment, as well as with the furious bigoted Presbyterian ministers of Dublin. I was not at that time fully aware how painfully my friend's own mind was occupied in considering the sacrifice he might himself be compelled to make, should the clerical petition, intended to be presented to Parliament, be finally rejected; but I was deeply affected by the high admiration he often expressed, and to which he afterwards bore public testimony in "The Apology," of the patience, the A letter which I received lately from a very eloquent, popular preacher at Boston, in America, and as I hear from many friends in that country, a very pious, excellent man, brought powerfully to my mind all the former interesting associations of 1771, with the character of Mr. Emlyn, many of which, if not wholly obliterated in the long period of almost half a century, were at length become less influential and vivid. Speaking of Mr. Cappe's Sermons on Devotional Subjects, which were last year reprinted at Boston, and of which my friend sent me a very able Review by a Mr. Ware, of that town, taken from a periodical work which has lately commenced there, says, "I have long seen and felt that Unitarianism will gain infinitely more by being exhibited as a living spring of devotion and high virtue, than by the ablest defences." He afterwards adds-" This leads me to remark that the modern Unitarians have been wanting in justice and gratitude, (as far as I can judge,) to that venerable confessor, Emlyn. I read not long ago his Life, and a part of his writings. The latter are able defences of the truth, not ofteu surpassed by his successors, and his Life filled me with admiration.” “The Unitarian calendar is not so rich ia saints (nor that of any other church) as to spare a confessor of such primitive zeal as Emlyn." I design, however, to refer my correspondent to Mr. Lindsey's Apology, and his other works, which he may probably have never seen, in order to shew that he is in part mistaken. I imagine it is but lately that Unitarianism has made much progress among our transatlantic brethren; but it seems now to be spreading very rapidly in Massachusetts, and most ardently do I wish that it may farther recommend itself to them, not merely by the enlightened views, but by the holy exemplary, lives of their English pre cursors; and I cannot help agreeing with our American friend that it might be useful to some who live in happier times, if the conflicts and sufferings of those were occasionally brought back to their remembrance, who, in periods of great difficulty and danger, have "fought the good fight, and have kept the faith," and for whom "there is laid up a crown of righteousness." This gentleman, in common with many other excellent persons, is an active member of the Massachusetts' Peace Society, founded on principles which surely no reflecting Christian can fail to approve and endeavour to support. They do not decide upon the controverted question, whether "war is in all cases prohibited by the gospel," but circulate tracts to turn "the attention of the community to its nature, spirit, causes and effects." What pleasure, Sir, would it give me to see the plan of a similar institution proposed and advocated among Unitarians in general, in your excellent publication. Could a small portion of the Fellowship Funds be more usefully or honourably applied? САТН. САРРЕ. SIR, YOUR South Petherton, August 9, 1819. YOUR Correspondent, Mr. Seaward, [p. 422,] is mistaken in attributing to Dr. Geddes the poeti cal epistle addressed to the Rev. Dr. Priestley, which appeared in the last Monthly Repository. I am enabled to state, on the unquestionable authority of a lady, who is a near relation of mine, that it was written, in her presence, by the late Rev. Samuel Badcock, immediately after receiving an insult from a clergyman, who was at that time vicar of the parish of Barnstaple, in Devonshire. The circumstance which produced it cannot be detailed more clearly than in the lady's own words. "Mr. Badcock had been requested by a member of his congregation to attend the funeral of a deceased friend, and, as is usual on such occasions, he walked by the side of the clergyman in front of the procession. The latter fancying himself degraded by appear ing in public with one whom he thought infinitely beneath him, said to Mr. Badcock, Sir, it is not pro per that a clergyman of the Church of England should appear thus publicly with a Dissenting minister.' Mr. Badcock bowed, and preceded him. "On his return from the funeral he called on me, and related the contemptuous behaviour of the clergyman, who had afterwards great reason to regret his insolence, as it was highly resented, not only by the Dissenters, but also by the most respectable members of his parish church. "Mr. Badcock instantly addressed to Dr. Priestley the poetical epistle in question, and at the same time informed him of the above circumstance." I will only add, that Dr. Priestley's answer passed through the hands of the lady to whom your readers are indebted for the above account. SIR, THE J. NICHOLETTS. HERE is an aphorism, which the politician and the moralist would do well to remember: Expediency is for the day-Truth lasts for ever. Its application to a subject which is now engaging a considerable share of attention, will readily appear, when a passage is quoted from a fast sermon published in the year 1793. The author assumes the appellation of Volunteer; but a discerning public attributed the production to the pen of the truly elegant and justly-admired author, Mrs. Barbauld. The title of the sermon is, "Sins of Government, Sins of the Nation." It abounds in striking observations, and suggests matter for reflection, not only for 1819, but for periods still more remote. One part which occurs p. 16, as peculiarly applicable to the exertions now making for abolishing, or greatly diminishing our custom-house, &c. oaths, I beg leave to present to your readers. "Is not the name of God and the awfulness of religious sanctions profaned among us by frequent unnecessary and ensnaring oaths, which lie like stumbling-blocks in every path of business and preferment, tending to corrupt the singleness of truth, and wear away the delicacy of conscience, entangling even the innocence and inexperience of children? Have we calculated the false oaths which, in the space of one sun, the accusing angel has to carry up from our custom houses, our various courts, our hustings, our offices of taxation, and -from our altars? Are they such as a tear will blot out? Have we calculated the mischief which is done to the ingenuous mind, when the virgin dignity of his soul is first violated by a falsehood? Have we calculated the wound which is given to the peace of a good man, the thorns that are strewed on his pillow, when, through hard necessity, he complies with what his soul abhors? Have we calculated the harm done to the morals of a nation by the established necessity of perjury?" When this striking appeal was first made, the danger of innovation was sounding in every ear; war was engrossing the mind, and the spirit of party was sowing the seeds of discord, which, during subsequent years, acquired deep root; many of the fatal effects of which still remain. They are, however, diminishing, and the united efforts of friends to the amendment of our criminal code of laws, must have given the celebrated author already quoted, the hope that Britons are beginning to regard righteousness as the true exaltation of their nation. Times of peace are peculiarly suited to produce these desirable results. Till lately, the practice of the Society of Friends was the only standing protest against the abundance of oaths, which clog our trade, and disgrace our courts of justice. The subject is now receiving a more extensive investigation. It has begun where it was most to be wished, and carried on with a prudeuce that precludes the fear of ultimate disappointment. All party views have been shunned. The general principle alone has been discussed. Avoid all unnecessary appeals to the Deity, has been the Christian's motive for exertion. The lawyer has shewn the difficulty of enforcing the penalty now resulting from perjury, whilst the merchant has proved that a pecuniary pe nalty is the only valid security against any attempt to defraud the revenue. There are, therefore, sufficient inducements for persons of all descriptions to lend their aid to a cause which requires only to obtain publicity to secure approbation. A brief account of what has been done shall be given; and if the subject should to you, Mr. Editor, appear of the same importance as it does to myself, you may, through the widely-diffused circulation of your publication, be exciting a bond of union, where it has not already been called forth; and thus hastening the period when one of the sins of the nation will be lessened, if not totally blotted out. It is deserving of notice, that government has thrown no impediment in the way, but on the contrary, has facilitated every inquiry, and different persons in office, as well as members of parliament of every political description, have expressed their cordial co-operation in the mea sures pursued for abolishing customhouse, &c. oaths. In London the plan begun. Some gentlemen concerned in shipping and in different branches of merchandize, presented a memorial to government, stating the evils atten dant on the administering of oaths, now required at the custom-house. This was duly received, but as the matter did not seem to interest the nation in general, it was not surprising that no active means were employed to give it effect. When this was known at Liverpool, the merchants of that port united in a judicious and temperate address, similar in spirit to what was presented from London. A wise scheme was also proposed to correspond with other sea-ports, and to solicit their co-operation. This met with ready concurrence in Bristol. A memorial was framed by the merchant adven turers of that city, which proves that respectable body well understood the cause they undertook to advocate. Other places are following the example; and it cannot be doubted, from the mass of information communicated to the public by the Committee ap pointed by the House of Commons, for investigating the present state of our criminal law, that if the nation proves sufficiently solicitous to remove a crying sin, the legislature will manifest a proportionate eagerness to correct the evil. As the subject is new, would it not be a suitable employment of a few of your pages to insert some of the more striking memorials that may be drawn up? These would furnish materials and encour agement for general co-operation. If the idea should meet with your ap probation, the memorials sent from Liverpool and Bristol shall be ready for your insertion in your next Number.* AN OATH-OPPOSER. SIR, YOUR Obituary, by announcing [p. 445] the decease of Mr. William Saint of Norwich, reminds me of the great obligation under which the kind and friendly attention of that worthy gentleman formerly laid me and my family. In the depth of my distress, arising from a cause which for peace' sake I shall not specify, he made nie frequent visits, accompanied me in numerous walks, lent me several of his books, made my daughter some very welcome presents, and appeared anxious in the greatest degree to soften our sorrows and to lighten the load under which we most unjustly laboured. Since we left the place we have been favoured with some of the most tender and consolatory letters that a feeling heart and an enlightened mind could dictate. Having his time very much occupied with his pupils, he was not able to write so often as he wished, but when he did possess a little interval of leisure, he employed it in writing us letters so long, so replete with all kinds of information that he thought likely to be interesting to us, and interspersed with such a number of judicious, sensible and pleasing observations, that they might be called pamphlets more properly than letters. One of these which is now before me, dated April 16, 1815, consists of not less than forty-four pages octavo. Blessed, for ever blessed be the memory of this generous, kindhearted, excellent person! I feel not merely the highest esteem and veneration, but the warmest gratitude and affection towards him, and the humble hope of being one day permitted to renew my intercourse with him, under all the favourable circumstances of an improved and ameliorated condition, inspires me with the most exquisite pleasure. For some time past our correspondence has been intermitted, and I rather wished it should be so, knowing how great a sufferer be was by ill health, and fearful of his exerting himself too much in answer ing my letters. All the consolation that it was in my power to give him I had already given him, both in converastion and by letter. Counsel and exhortations to patience, submission and fortitude, I was not sparing of. The hopes which Christiauity inspires, and the prospects it opens to our view, I repeatedly proposed to him, and in short omitted no argument that my reading and reflection suggested to fortify his mind, and enable him to endure his afflictions like a true follower of a meek and suffering Saviour. Having done thus much I felt my inability to do more for him, and, therefore, though I frequently thought and spoke of him with feelings of deep concern and anxious interest, yet I judged it best, all things considered, to content myself with hearing of him rather than from him, or exposing him to the effort of answering my letters, when I was well convinced he could not do it without injury to himself. His Never, whilst memory holds its seat in my breast, shall I forget the many interesting, agreeable and im proving conversations that I have had with him. His mind was well furnished with knowledge of various kinds, and no man could shew greater readiness to communicate it. mode of reasoning was clear, distinct, and well calculated to convince, without any thing positive or dogmatical, and free from any affectation of extraordinary sagacity or superior attainments. He appeared alway disposed to argue for the truth, and not for victory, wishing rather to have his own opinions rectified, if they were wrong, than to bring over others to think with himself. Upon religious topics there was certainly some degree of reserve, and as I believed I knew the cause of it, I was averse to press him, lest he might think I took undue liberties with him, and feel himself hurt and mortified. Upon political, philological, philosophical and metaphysical subjects, we generally had but one opinion, and from what occasionally fell from his lips, I did not hesitate to draw the conclusion that there was but a trifling degree of discrepancy between us in regard to religion. My opinion of the indispensable duty which all men are under to render their conduct in every in stance consistent with their convictions, I fully and freely declared; he might think my decision would fairly admit of restrictions and qualifications according to circumstances, but upon that point, for reasous best known to himself, he did not think proper to be explicit. Whatever there might be less excellent in this part of his character than was to be wished, I would gladly draw a veil over it, entertaining towards him the highest regard, esteem and respect in all other cases. In a small and unhealthy body there was a soul of very fine and eminent powers, acute, sagacious, penetrating, judicious and discriminating. Mathematical demonstrations of a very abstruse kind he went over with all the ease and spirit of a consummate master, seeing his way before him with a perspicuity truly admirable, and coming to his conclusion with the most complete accuracy and correct-ness. His memory was so retentive as to prevent his forgetting what he had once acquired, and his discern ment such as to enable him in the shortest time to discover in which way new problems might be at once satisfactorily and expeditiously solved. In his heart dwelt all those gentle, mild and amiable virtues, which render their possessor, independently of other qualifications, truly estimable; but when united with the properties of a sound and vigorous intellect, exalt him to the level of the first and most admirable characters that distinguish and reflect honour upon human na ture. colleague of Mr. Timothy Kerick, in the Exeter Academy. As a tribute of affection and gratitude to his me mory, and as a means of kindling in the minds of literary Unitarians the glow of Christian enthusiasm, I shall willingly devote a part of my short visit to my friends in Devonshire, to a collection of the necessary materials. BENJAMIN MARDON P. S. Allow me to take this oppor tunity of informing parents, that I stil continue to receive students of the Glasgow University into my house, No. 100 George-street, for the pur pose of superintending their general conduct and pursuits. Glasgow pos sesses considerable advantages for the study of moral philosophy and poli tical economy, and for laying the foundation in anatomy and chemistry, of a medical education. The session of College begins with the first week in November. SIR, August 15, 1819. IVE me leave to suggest that G Your Correspondent's purpose, your expressed p. 408, would be most ef fectually attained if the worthy relict and biographer of Mr. Cappe work republish, in the form of the Unitarian Tracts, her Memoirs of that enlightened and exemplary Christian. Such a Tract would come into the catalogues of all our Book Societies, which are at present but scantily supplied with biographical articles. Though Unitarians have hitherto sp peared so small a minority, among pro fessing Christians in this country, yet they will be found, I am persuaded, to have furnished their full proportion of those who proved, by more than professions, that it was their first de sire to love God and to obey the gospel of his Son. I esteem my acquaintance with this gentleman one of the most felicitous circumstances of my life, and I feel grateful beyond the powers of words to express, that I have lived long enough to be able to bear my testimony without impeachment of adula- It is obvious how such biographies tion or interest, to the genuine excel- would assist to form the Christian and would merits the joint appellation of a truly enable us all, in the most satisfactory great and good man. THEOS. BROWNE. SIR, Exeter, Aug. 18, 1819. WISH to announce my intention of submitting to the readers of your Repository, in an early Number or two, a Literary Memoir of a very manner, to convince gainsayers, cording to the following sound dee trine: Ye different sects, who all declare old acquaintance of mine, the Rev. J. but I believe we owe it to one of the Bretland, lately deceased, formerly the Wesleys. E. F. |
