injunction to "shew forth his death Bowring will attend and lay on the until he come." GEORGE KENRICK. Regent Square, April 15. The Barker Steam-Press.-The Committee announce with grateful acknowledgments, that the subscriptions are now sufficient to purchase a PrintingMachine and Steam-Engine; the sum in the hands of the Treasurer, on the 8th April, being £509. 1s. 10d. They have, therefore, contracted for one of Napier's Machines, with all the new improvements, the cost of which will be about £400; and they have authorized Mr. Barker to order a Steam-En gine, which he has in view, the expense of which will be about £100. Should any sum remain, after paying for the Steam-Press and Steam-Engine, it will be applied towards the purchase of fittings for the Press and extra type, which the Steam-Engine will render necessary. And for this purpose, and in order to render the gift as complete as possible, the subscription will remain open until the day of meeting for presenting the Press, when the accounts will be finally audited and closed. The presentation will take place in Whitsun week, when Dr. first sheet, and also take the chair at an evening meeting, for which preparations are now being made by Rev. C. Wicksteed and a local committee. The precise day is not fixed, but it is believed it will be on Saturday, the 6th June. General Baptist Assembly.-The General Assembly of the General Baptist Churches will be held, as usual, in Worship-Street Meeting-house, near Finsbury Square, London, on WhitTuesday, June 2. Business will commence at 9 o'clock in the morning, and the public service at 11. The Rev. Dr. Sadler, late of Hackney, will preach. CONGREGATIONAL. The Rev. JOHN OWEN, of Warminster, in consequence of having accepted a cordial and unanimous invitation from the congregation at Lydgate, near Huddersfield, has announced his intention of resigning the pastoral charge of the Presbyterian congregation at the former place at Midsummer next. The vacancy thus created it is desirable immediately to supply. References may be made to Henry Wansey, Esq., Warminster, Wilts. OBITUARY. An old and attached friend of mine, and, what is of more importance, a sincere, a devoted, a consistent professor and advocate of Unitarian Christianity, Mr.FRANCIS JOHNS, of Falmouth, having recently paid the debt of nature, I am anxious to pay a small tribute to his memory. Mr. Johns, with myself, was for many years a member of the Wesleyan Methodist connection; we were class-leaders at Falmouth when our separation from that body took place. We were not, indeed, expelled from the society for our supposed errors, but we were not permitted to hold our official situations, and were otherwise made so uncomfortable by the conduct of the Wesleyan inquisitor, (the then superintendent of the circuit,) that we deemed it prudent to withdraw. Previous to our separation from the Methodist society, six of its most respectable members at Flushing, persons whose characters would have graced any religious body, were expelled from that society simply for refusing to answer in the affirmative questions that were put to them on certain doctrines which their interrogator deemed orthodox, not because they were Scriptural, but because they were Wesleyan. In conjunction with these friends and others, we immediately commenced religious worship on Unitarian principles at my own house, October 25th, 1812. We afterwards hired a school-room for our Sunday exercises, then engaged it for our sole use, and ultimately obtained a building which had been a theatre, and converted it into a chapel. In all these and subsequent proceedings, my highly-esteemed friend Johns took a deep interest and an active part. His energetic mind was fearless in the pursuit of truth, honest in the avowal of his convictions, and fully prepared to abide by the consequences of uniting with a sect every where spoken against; and these consequences were frequently of a painful nature, and, as to pecuniary matters, of a costly character; yet none of these things moved him; he went forward, cherishing his warm-hearted zeal and indulging his sanguine expectations as to the rapid spread and final triumph of that view of Christianity which he had embraced, and which his growing experience satisfied him was the truth "as it is in Christ Jesus." I have heard little of him lately, but learn that he retained his steadfastness and earnestness to the last, and died under the pleasing influence of the genuine Christian faith. Mr. Johns' death took place on the 29th December. If "an honest man's the noblest work of God," then the man whom I have called my friend, and who sustained that character for nearly half a century, although comparatively in the humbler walks of life, was one of 66 Heaven's true nobility." I look back with peculiar pleasure to that portion of my life when I was engaged, with other inquiring minds at Falmouth and Flushing, in the ardent struggle with error, superstition and bigotry. I gratefully recollect those who dared to be free and honest, several of whom made a good confession in their lives and at their decease, affording a complete refutation of that unjust insinuation, so frequently made, that Unitarianism is not calculated to render its professors happy, especially at the hour of death. I have ever regretted the necessity for discontinuing public religious worship at Falmouth, from the want of funds to provide a suitable minister; but I rejoice that my old friends, few as they are, continue to hold meetings for social worship in a private room; nor have they yet abandoned the hope that a place may be provided, a minister obtained, and a congregation established, for which they have my best wishes. Feb. 13, 1846. R. K. PHILP. 1846. Jan. 2, in his 69th year, PETER LOMAX, Esq., of Lever House, near Bolton. He was the last surviving representative of an ancient and respectable family, one of whom married a sister of the celebrated Oliver Heywood, the ejected Nonconformist minister: and at the death of his fatherin-law, Mr. Richard Heywood came into possession of his house and estate in Little Lever, where the family have continued to reside through many successive generations, and to maintain to the last those principles of civil and religious freedom which distinguished their pious forefathers. March 4, at Liverpool, in his 81st year, WILLIAM LEWTHWAITE, Esq., of that place. March 20, at his residence, 28, Westbourne Grove, Bayswater, Mr. JOHN WILLIAM PEACH, aged 49. March 21, aged 27, JAMES HONE, Esq., of Dublin, M. D., “an honest man-the noblest work of God." Educated by Dr. Shepherd, of Gateacre, he entered Dublin University as an Unitarian. Pursuing the medical profession, he was particularly attached to the science of Natural History. He was a member of the College of Surgeons and of the New Manchester College. An Unitarian on principle, he dreaded, notwithstanding, the tenets of the Rationalists, fearing their views might lead to unbelief, no less certainly than the preposterous creeds of Orthodoxy, so called. He considered the New Testament a well-authenticated history, which it concerned the laity, not less than the clergy, to study critically. He rejoiced in the increasing knowledge of the age, and looked forward with benevolent pleasure to the growing union and brotherhood of man. He was the son of Joseph Hone, of Harcourt Street, Dublin, with whom he travelled to meet the British Association for the Promotion of Science many years. He was interred in the family tomb at Mount Jerome Cemetery, Dr. Ledlie performing the funeral service. April 3, at Chowbent, aged 13, ELIZABELLA HORSFIELD, youngest daughter of the Rev. T. W. Horsfield, F.A.S., formerly minister at that place. Her sufferings, which towards the last were severe, were borne with Christian patience and resignation, and her closing moments were brightened by a deep trust in the hopes and promises of the religion of Jesus. April 11, at Newton Lodge, in her ASHTON, Esq., of Newton, Cheshire. 68th year, ELIZABETH, relict of James April 12, at Altrincham, aged 84 years, BENJAMIN NAYLOR, Esq. Mr. James GITTINS, of Birmingham, April 12, aged 42, Elizabeth, wife of formerly of Shrewsbury. April 12, at Newcastle-on-Tyne, aged 41, the Rev. JOSEPH M'ALISTER, late pastor of the congregation assembling at the Hanover-Square chapel in that town. Of this lamented gentleman we hope in a future number to give a short memoir. April 18, in his 67th year, JOHN ASHTON, Esq., of Newton Bank, Hyde, Cheshire, younger brother of the late Thomas Ashton, Esq., of Flowery-field. Lately, at Havre, CAROLINE, wife of Ralph EMMERSON, Esq., merchant, of that place, and youngest daughter of the late Rev. Israel Worsley. NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. We have received some interesting reports of the Domestic Missions of London, Liverpool and Birmingham, and propose calling the attention of our readers to them in an early No. Received for review, Theodore Parker's "Discourse of Matters pertaining to Religion;" "Margaret, a Tale of the Real and Ideal;" Mr. Green's Efforts at Christian Culture;" Mr. Harris's "Christian Unitarianism," &c. &c. Mr. Knowles has favoured us with a copy of his pamphlet entitled "The Unitarian Press and Trinitarian Idolatry." We must refer such of our readers as are desirous of reading Mr. K.'s censures of ourselves and other Unitarian Editors for not appreciating his labours, to the pamphlet itself. We thank our friend W. R. W. for the Charitable Trusts' Bill, which shall have our early attention. Under the head “Congregational," we ought to have stated that the Rev. F. FISHER proposes at Midsummer to remove from Dorchester to Lincoln, and that the former congregation will then need a minister. Our correspondents are requested to send all communications, however brief, if practicable, by the 15th, and in no case later than the 20th of the month, to Dukinfield, near Ashton-under-Lyne. Except by timely and special arrangement, we cannot undertake to insert long obituary notices. THE CHRISTIAN REFORMER. No. XVIII.] JUNE, 1846. [VOL. II. ANCESTRY OF DR. SAMUEL CLARK, OF ST. ALBAN'S. SUCCESSIVE members of a family often resemble each other, even in qualities of the mind and heart: and it is pleasing to mark the likeness where great excellences present themselves. A common observer might imagine that there was a sort of entail of knowledge, worth and parts. In strict propriety, this cannot be affirmed. It is no matter of course that the father's wisdom and goodness-his desire as well as capacity of being useful-are recognized in his son. They do not go, of necessity, with the estate and name. A long, not to call it an uninterrupted, continuance of this moral lineage, would fail of impressing us, were it an every-day spectacle. At the same time, it is not accidental. The effect must have a cause. Means and instruments exist for appointed ends, however frequently they are rendered unavailing by circumstances beyond our control. Transmitted virtues, tastes and studies, imply EDUCATION. Exposure to similar influences is the antecedent of similar habits; and the recollection of distinguished ancestors, may guide and animate their descendants. If we advert, particularly, to families associated, from the first, with an office which supposes qualifications of the highest kind, we shall not wonder that the same unfeigned faith has dwelt, for years, nay centuries, in the Sires and the Children. Let these observations introduce my notices of a family of this class -one most honourably connected with the Religious Life of England. I do not find it easy-nor is it of importance-to carry back the pedigree of Dr. Samuel Clark, of St. Alban's, beyond his Great Great Grandfather; after whom, the representatives of this house, in an almost unbroken line, have exercised and adorned the Christian Ministry. HUGH CLARK was born at Burton-upon-Trent. He received his academical education first at Cambridge, then at Oxford.† On taking orders, he settled near Oundle, in Northamptonshire; afterwards at Woolston, in the county of Warwick, where he fell under the displeasure of his Diocesan, who could not prevail on him to vacate that living, in favour of a chaplain of the Bishop's. As the issue, Mr. Clark was suspended and excommunicated: but, on applying to the Primate, he obtained absolution; an act of justice which inflamed Overton's rage, by whose contrivance this exemplary parish priest was soon committed VOL. II. * 1563. † He removed hither on account of his state of health. 2 T * to prison, for alleged seditious and treasonable practices. When the trial came on, the charge was solemnly adjudged to be groundless.* At last, Whitgift enjoined the Prelate to ask public forgiveness of the man whom he had so much wronged: and Overton did this, and is said to have been the cordial friend of Mr. Clark through the remainder of his life. In parochial labours, Hugh Clark was untiring. But he did not neglect the religious education of his children: and here, too, he had great success. He closed his signally active and useful life in the fortyfifth year of his ministry at Woolston. This individual's biography was penned by one of his sons, whose career and services I shall next sketch. SAMUEL CLARK was born in Oct. 1559, and soon lost his mother. At the age of thirteen, he went to school in Coventry. Thence he removed to Emanuel College, Cambridge. After taking his first degree, he left the University, and became tutor in a private family near Knowle, the incumbent of which parish he assisted. But this situation did not altogether suit him; and he quitted it for Thornton, in Cheshire, where likewise he was assistant minister. Here a new discouragement awaited him. Being presented, in the Chancellor's Court, for the omission of some ceremonies, he thought of going to London, and had even prepared for the journey, when, at the urgent request of many inhabitants of the neighbourhood, who had been his frequent hearers, he consented to remain among them. It was a wide and promising field of service; and he gratefully records the benefits that flowed from his intercourse with the people, especially at their stated meetings for religious conference, "at the richer men's houses." "Hereby," he says, knowledge was wonderfully increased, so that I was never acquainted with more understanding Christians in all my life, though the best of them went but in russet coats, and followed husbandry."§ We may judge of his own habits, and of the perils which he was exposed to, when he subjoins-" Under the pretence of these meetings, we enjoyed the opportunities, as occasion was offered, of private fasts and days of thanksgiving, which otherwise would quickly have been taken notice of and suppressed." 66 Notwithstanding his "abundance of comfort," in the success of his labours and the affection of his hearers, he was, after five years, driven away by renewed prosecution in the Church Courts. About the time of his being thus harassed, the Corporation of Coventry offered him a Lectureship among them. This "call" he resolved on accepting. It was an invitation to his native county, from which he had married, not long before, a worthy minister's daughter." || These considerations, probably, had some weight with him: however, there can be no ques 66 * I suppose that the Grand Inquest did not find the Bill. Mr. C.'s well-known exemplary character refuted the accusation: and it would be easily perceived that a civil or political offence was the pretext of this indictment, and the Bishop's vindictiveness the motive of it. || Catharine, daughter of Valentine Overton, Rector of Bedworth. |