which he assembles together and preserves by means of his word and his sacraments, and by the Holy Spirit, which, sent by him into our hearts, teaches us to call him Lord, and to know the grace which we receive by him. "We ask of you if, by faith in these good tidings, and in the free grace of God through his well-beloved Son, you confess that we are all sinners, but that by faith in Christ we become children of God; in consequence whereof, we are justified before God by his grace alone, without any merit in our works; and that thus we receive the promise of the incorruptible heritage which is laid up in heaven, and that by means of the same faith, labouring in love, we plentifully reap the fruits of the spirit; and, continually changing our hearts, prepare ourselves for the day of Jesus Christ." DOMESTIC. Spread of the Principles of the "Christian Brethren" in Cheshire and Lancashire. The churches known by the name of Christian Brethren are, as our readers probably know, off-shoots from the New - Connection Methodists. They seceded from them with Mr. Joseph Barker. Many of them, for some time after their secession, retained at least a portion of their orthodox views, and some among them still cling to them. But they all agree in putting aside all human creeds and cherishing free and fearless inquiry. They still keep up much of the Methodist discipline, and nearly all are pledged members of the Temperance cause. Their pulpits are chiefly supplied by laymen, and they carry on an active ministry of preaching and tract-distributing in marketplaces, squares and meeting of roads, in their several districts. Though sometimes opposed and reviled by those who dislike the freedom of their thoughts and speech, these humble preachers are generally listened to with respectful attention, and carry off the good-will of a portion of their hearers. Some of the more ardent men amongst them have engaged in discussions, extending to several meetings, with the champions of orthodoxy. For some time past, both the ministers and people of the Christian Brethren have been dropping their prejudices against their Unitarian neighbours, and have joined occasionally in Unitarian services and public meetings. Rejected as they now are by all other branches of the Christian church, they value the sympathy and gratefully receive the aid which in some instances have been freely offered them by our Unitarian societies. They by no means implicitly adopt all the opinions of Mr. Barker, but proclaim themselves to be followers in sincerity of Jesus Christ, whom alone they own as their spiritual Master. In the district of which Dukinfield is the centre, the operations of which we have spoken above have been for some years going on with considerable success. Besides a well-organized society in the village, there is an infant society in the neighbourhood of Dukinfield Hall, a wellorganized society at Ashton, another at Stalybridge, others at Mottram, Newton, Oldham, Mossley, Failsworth, Hooley-Hill, &c. &c. There are no less than twenty-six preachers engaged in supplying these and other places in the circuit. During the last six months, several of their pulpits have at their urgent desire been filled by Unitarian ministers of the district, and most eagerly have their instructions been received by often large assemblies. The development of their free principles by the Christian Brethren, and their marked advances to a liberal theology, have whetted afresh the not dulled bigotry of the various orthodox sects around them, and in several places persecution on a petty scale has arisen. At Dukinfield and Mottram, means have been successfully adopted to deprive these rising churches of their places of worship, which were only hired. They were too much in earnest to be thus baffled, and immediately clubbed their means to build. Sympathy was excited amongst their neighbours, and we have now the pleasure of recording the completion and the public opening of a chapel and school-room in the township of Dukinfield. It is a plain brick building of two stories, the upper of which is but a little raised above the level of the street, and is fitted up as a place of worship. It is light and airy, and will hold about 400 persons. It has cost about £300, of which sum these people, nearly all working men, have amongst themselves, and by a few gifts from their more opulent neighbours, raised about £200. The building is styled the "Astley-Street Sunday-School and Temperance Hall." The opening day was Sunday, Sept. 13, and the interest of the occasion and the brilliant wea ther brought together a large muster of friends. The two preachers to whom was entrusted the dedication of this building to the several purposes for which it was erected, were Rev. Dr. Beard, of Manchester, and Rev. Frank lin Howorth, of Bury. To the former gentleman the Christian Brethren look up with respect and gratitude for his efforts to diffuse knowledge, and especially religious knowledge, amongst the people; and to Mr. Howorth they look up with warm affection for his zealous devotion to the Temperance cause. Dr. Beard gave in the introductory part of the service a striking exposition of Rom. xiv. The object of his discourse, founded on John viii. 26, was to explain that true liberty is of a spiritual nature, and must be realized in the constitution of the Christian church and in the heart and life of each individual, who will thus be enabled and prompted to take a lively and active interest in all that concerns the education of man, which is God's instrument for promoting true freedom, holiness and peace. In the afternoon, the preacher, taking for his text the words of Paul found in 1 Cor. xii. 4, "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same spirit," spoke of that unity in diversity which he considered as characterizing not only the gospel in all periods of its existence, but the material universe, the dispensations of Providence, and the Holy Scriptures, and by which God's benevolent designs for man are more thoroughly promoted and better made to bear favourably on individuals, classes and nations, than could have been effected by any rigid system of uniformity which some seemed so much to desire, contrary to the clearest and fullest evidence of history, which shewed that attempts after uniformity of opinion had been both baneful and nugatory. Hence we ought not to tolerate, but acquiesce in and thank God for diversities; while we endeavoured to keep the unity of that simple faith which Jesus declared, and of that peaceful bond of brotherhood of which he was the originator and bright example; each denomination, each church, each individual, working in their own sphere and after their own manner to learn and publish the truth as it is in Jesus, and to be God's ministers of good to man.-Both discourses were listened to with rapt attention. In the evening, Mr. Howorth preached from Rom. xiv. 7: "No man liveth unto himself." The preacher dwelt on the great fact, that in the material universe there is a connection between the smallest and the greatest. He shewed that the same principle was applicable to the social and the moral world; that it was constantly illustrated in the gospel and the personal character of Christ; and that it would be illustrated in the character of all true followers of Christ in all ages. He applied his subject, with many earnest exhortations, to the evils of war, slavery and intemperance. A very crowded congregation listened to the fervent address of the preacher. Collections were made on this and the following Sunday, amounting to nearly £36. On the following evening, the opening of this chapel, which was planned and built in little more than three months, was celebrated by a public teaparty. Many of the preachers of the Christian Brethren were present, and Rev. R. Brook Aspland, Rev. F. Howorth and Rev. J. Č. Woods. Mr. Aspland was called to the chair. He expressed on behalf of his congregation, many of whom were present, sympathy with his neighbours in their persecution, and pleasure in the completion of their house of prayer. Mr. Woods encouraged them in an able speech to abide unmoved in their Christian liberty, and gave an historical sketch of the efforts and struggles for religious freedom in Ireland. Several of the preachers present (formerly Methodists) dwelt on the delight they felt in having thrown off the bad burden of creeds and bigotry, and spoke with respect and gratitude of their Unitarian neighbours, whom till lately they had regarded with dislike amounting almost to abhorrence. Mr. Howorth, who has been in most cases the pioneer of Unitarianism to these humble churches, was received on rising with delightful enthusiasm. His address was long, earnest and eminently judicious. Many passages were marked by deep pathos, which was attested by the tears of many of his hearers. The proceedings of the evening were diversified and enlivened by the singing of hymns and glees, all of a character appropriate to the occasion. In respect to its choir, this new church might be the envy of any of its neighbours. Sweeter or more spirited singing we have seldom heard. On the following Sunday, the services were conducted in the morning by Mr. Entwisle, a circuit preacher from Bolton; in the afternoon, by Mr. Joseph Barker; and in the evening, by Rev. R. Brook Aspland. We have been thus minute in recording this event, because, if we are not mistaken, we see in it cheering signs of progress in the people towards a free and liberal theology. The Christian Brethren will carry free inquiry and truth into a thousand places where, but for them, their voice would never be heard. They have the zeal and earnestness of Christian apostles. Never before in this country was there such a cheering prospect of the nobler principles of Unitarianism being carried to the understandings and hearts of the common people. God grant they may hear it gladly! The school and chapel at Mottram are on a much larger scale than the buildings at Dukinfield. The school of the Christian Brethren there is the largest and most important in the town. Every effort has been made in the district by the Methodists and the Vicar of the parish to destroy their influence; but the opposition has increased their strength, as the minds of the people are strongly averse to any thing that savours of priestcraft. We cannot conclude our remarks without recommending the two societies of Dukinfield and Mottram to the aid of our Fellowship Funds and the generosity of individuals. Each must long be hampered by a heavy debt, unless they receive foreign aid. In each case, building was matter, not of choice, but necessity, as both were turned out of the chapels and schoolrooms they occupied." Contributions in their behalf will be received, and applied as directed, by any of the neigh bouring Unitarian ministers. Warwickshire Unitarian Tract Society. The fortieth annual general meeting of this Society was held at Northampton, on Tuesday, August 18. The religious service, which was held in the Unitarian chapel, King Street, was introduced by the Rev. John Gordon, of Coventry. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Edward Tagart, F. S. A., of London, from Hebrews xi. 6. It was at once an instructive and earnest discourse, shewing the supreme importance to every Christian of a clear and enlightened faith, and of the honest avowal and maintenance of it ;-positions which the preacher well supported by his own powerful arguments, and also by a most pertinent and impressive VOL. II. 4 L extract from the writings of one who, in his best days, was eminently the advocate of rational and liberal Christianity-we mean the illustrious Cole. ridge. At the meeting for business which immediately followed, the chair was taken by Thomas Sharp, Esq., when the minutes and proceedings of the past year were read, and with the Treasurer's report, which was peculiarly favourable, approved and adopted by the meeting. In the course of the proceedings, the names of several new subscribers were added to the list. In the evening, there was a public meeting held in the Temperance Hall, which was very numerously attended, the Rev. W. A. Jones, M. A., the respected minister of the Unitarian congregation at Northampton, being in the chair. The memory of the learned and pious Doddridge was noticed with distinguished honour by several of the speakers, and his amiable and catholic spirit warmly commended. Great additional interest was given to the meeting by the remarks of two Dissenting ministers present, who had been lately compelled by conscientious conviction to secede from the ranks of orthodoxy, and to embrace those principles of free inquiry which in their application to the Unitarian controversy are almost sure to lead to the adoption of Unitarian sentiments. Witness the struggles of the late eminent Dr. Arnold, in proof of the difficulty of withstanding their natural influence. same effect, the Rev. John Gordon, of Coventry, related the warning which he had himself received from a highlyvalued orthodox friend when first he To the turned his attention to the Unitarian controversy. "Let it alone," said his friend: "I never knew an instance of a man's fully and fairly entering into that controversy, that he did not end in becoming an Unitarian." Of the two Dissenting ministers just referred to, the Rev. J. D. Casewell, late pastor of a Baptist congregation at Evesham, gave fervent utterance to his feelings of satisfaction and joy in the reception of our simple and holy faith, and bore grateful testimony to the candour and kindness with which his inquiries had been aided by the respected Unitarian minister of Evesham, our friend the Rev. Timothy Davis. The other of these gentlemen, the Rev. Henry Ierson, M. A., (who has lately separated himself from a similar society in Northampton, taking with him several of its members,) in a most eloquent and impressive speech described the gradual work of his own spiritual emancipation, and the happy results which his faithful and persevering exertions to discover truth had enabled him to gain. The meeting, which was attended by persons from among almost all the various divisions of the Christian church, was certainly one of the most interesting which we have ever witnessed; and will, we doubt not, have done much to impress the minds of all who were present with a conviction of the paramount duty of free inquiry in religion, and of the faithful avowal and maintenance of whatever truth such inquiry may disclose. Opening of the New School-room at Dob Lane. The chapel at Dob Lane, in the township of Failsworth, about halfway between Manchester and Oldham, is one of our old Presbyterian meeting-houses. A large manufacturing population has sprung up around it. Soon after the passing of the Dissenters' Chapels Bill, and the consequent security of Presbyterian foundations, the minister (the Rev. James Taylor) and his people resolved to erect a commodious school-room on a portion of the chapel land. This has now been effected. The room will accommodate upwards of 200 children. At one end is a gallery, or dais, raised about eight or ten feet above the floor of the room. Beneath this is a room fitted up with fire-places, boilers, &c.-a valuable appendage to a school-room, now that public tea-parties are so much in vogue. The room is light and well ventilated, and has cost between £100 and £200. Amongst many cheerful contributors to this sum was Lewis Loyd, Esq., the eminent banker, who commenced his career in life as a Dissenting minister in this place, in the year 1791. He gave £20 to the building-fund, with a letter expressing his warm interest in the welfare of the society. The room being ready for use, it was publicly opened on Sunday, September 13. Two sermons were preached on the occasion in the chapel, by Rev. R. Brook Aspland, M. A. In the afternoon, there was a very beautiful performance of sacred music, at which Mrs. Winterbottom and other members *The date of the first deed is May 23, 1698, but the chapel was built 1706. of the Brook-Street chapel choir, Manchester, gave their valuable assistance. In the evening, Mrs. Thomas, the principal treble of the Cross-Street choir, Manchester, sang some of Handel's music with extraordinary power. There were two crowded congregations on the occasion, many friends attending from Manchester, Stockport, Oldham, Dukinfield and Ashton. Collections were made amounting to upwards of £17, which, with the sum previously collected, it is hoped, will pay for the building. But some further outlay will yet be required to provide the necessary school-furniture.-Between the afternoon and evening service, a party of nearly 150 persons took tea in the schoolroom, which was greatly admired and commended by friends from a distance. Much of the merit of this spirited undertaking belongs to Joseph Barratt, Esq., of Failsworth. Tribute to Mr. Wilderspin, the Founder of Infant Schools. We desire to direct the attention of our readers to an announcement in the Advertisement-sheet of our Magazine, of a subscription now being made to secure to Mr. Wilderspin a suitable provision for his old age. He has a very strong claim upon the sympathy and generosity of all the friends of education.-"For upwards of a quarter of a century," observes the Editor of the Manchester Guardian, "he has devoted himself to infant education. Twentyseven years ago he conceived the idea that it was possible to impart school tuition and sound moral training to the very young. Others may have thought of such a thing; he devised a practical plan. At that time, many, who might have known better, would not believe in the possibility of his system. But with rare ability and energy, he overcame doubts, slights, hostilities and many worldly difficulties that would have deterred any but one truly devoted to a cause. He succeeded; infant schools were established; these became model schools for others; and now they must advance with the general advance of education in this country. A society was established in London, which engaged Mr. Wilderspin as its agent; but the society perished in 1826. He then went on, unaided and alone, travelling at his own cost throughout the country, at times reduced to his last guinea; by lectures and demonstrations of the practicability of his plans, he every where awakened attention, and roused others to establish schools; and thus the system was extended to all parts of the United Kingdom. His educational works form the basis of much that has been since written on the subject, and furnish an interesting record of his progress. His own worldly success,' in the lower sense of the term, was not regarded. He sacrificed every thing to his mission. The very universality of his good work was against him. His benefits were confined to no exclusive sect; himself a Churchman, he worked for all,-Churchmen, Catholics, Dissenters of all denominations; therefore he was personally, perhaps, regarded with some distrust by all; at any rate, no sect considered him to belong to it, and no one cared to push his interests. Old age is now creeping upon Wilderspin. His cannot be called a case of improvidence; he deliberately sacrificed his individual interests for an immense general good; and if beggary were before him now, he would not revoke the past to redeem himself." His friends believe that devotion thus generous, and thus uncalculating, has earned for him a clear title to national gratitude; and they ask for general help to the effort now being made to rescue his last days from anxiety and privation. In aid of this object, Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to grant Mr. Wilderspin a pension of £100 a-year, as a testimony to his services. This is at once a royal and an official recognition of his claims, but does not supersede the necessity of a further subscription. It is scarcely necessary to add, that much more is requisite, either to provide adequately for Mr. Wilderspin and his family, or to express the gratitude the people owe him. Comparatively small as is the amount absolutely required, the present aggregate subscriptions fall far short of it. Amongst the contributors to the fund we observe the names of Judge Coltman, the two Archbishops and some of the Bishops, Mr. Hallam, Sir Benjamin Heywood, Rowland Hill, Lady Milton, Rev. Dr. Whewell, Earl Fitzwilliam, Rev. John Kentish, Rev. J. G. Robberds and Rev. J. J. Tayler, the Misses Yates, Mr. S. D. Darbishire, and many others well known to the general or the Unitarian public. Czersky, the late Associate of Ronge. JOHN CZERSKY has paid a visit to England, professedly "to visit the strong hearted Christians of England, and obtain from them counsel and strength." But we learn from the Nonconformist (August 25) that his reception by the Evangelical allies assembled in London was mortifyingly cool, and in consequence he did not attend the meetings of the Alliance. Reports unfavourable to his character were circulated, says the same journal, "through the agency of a Catholic priest." He was at length taken by the hand by Mr. R. Herschell, a preacher in the Edgeware Road. By his influence, Czersky had several opportunities of addressing "Evangelical" ministers and others in London. specches were plentifully seasoned with accusations of " Infidelity" and "Pharisaism" against Ronge and his follow ers. His He shewed, however, if we may judge from such reports as we have seen, little power or aptitude for carrying on the work of a modern Luther. In our July No. (p. 434), we gave insertion to an address, voted at Chester by the assembled Presbyterian ministers, to Ronge, Czersky and Theiner. Czersky was requested during his stay in England to receive this address. The following was his curt reply. They that read that noble document, and contrast with it Czersky's sensitiveness about his reputation for orthodoxy, will not draw a conclusion very favourable to the German Reformer. (Translation.) London, August 27, 1846. Dear Sir,-From your letter of the 25th instant, it is evident that you confound the Rationalistic views of Ronge and his partizans with the positive Christianity to which, by the grace of God, I adhere. I have no part with Ronge, who denies the Trinity in Unity, and must therefore humbly entreat you not to put me in one category with him. With much respect, yours, Newport, Isle of Wight. The annual tea meeting of the teachers and friends of the Unitarian Sundayschool was held on Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Queen's Rooms, the Rev. H. Hawkes in the chair. The Treasurer, Mr. Parkes, read the report, which presented an interesting account of the state of the schools, especially of the branch school in Cosham Street, established for the children of the very poor. After the customary resolutions of "Prosperity to the Newport Con |