the saving grace of God hath appeared to all men, teaching us to renounce impiety and worldly desires, and to live soberly, and uprightly, and piously, in this present state; looking for the happy object of our hope, even the manifestation of the glory of the great God, and of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all ini. quity, and purify for himself a peculiar people, zealous in good works. We finish our transcripts with a few verses from the Epistle of James (iii. 1-6): "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, considering that we shall undergo a more strict judgment. For in many things we all offend. If any one offend not in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Behold we put bits into the mouths of horses, that they may obey us, and we turn their whole frame. Behold also how the ships, though they be so large, and agitated by violent winds, are turned with a very small helm, in whatever direction the steersman pleaseth. Thus the tongue is a little combined labours of many scholars? Of the translations executed in our native tongue by any single individual, Newcome's retains most of the simple style of the R. V., and is so far the best; and it was therefore with good reason that the Editors of the I. V. took the learned Primate's as the basis of their valuable work. ART. III.- The Peculiar Doctrines of the Gospel: a Sermon preached at the Chapel in Parliament Court, Artillery Lane, London, on Wednesday, June the 2nd, 1819, before the Friends and Supporters of the Unitarian Fund. By James Yates, M.A. M. G. S., one of the Ministers of the New Meeting Birmingham. 12mo. pp. 32. Hunter and Eaton. T HE Introduction to this sermon will shew that it is peculiarly worthy of perusal and consideration: Nothing is more common among those of our fellow-christians, who are called member, and may boast of great things. Orthodox, than to speak of their opinions Behoid how large a quantity of materials a small fire kindleth!" Here we take our leave of Philalethes, whom, however, we shall be happy to meet again in the walks of scriptural and theological literature: opportunities for this purpose he will perhaps afford us by a revision and new edition of his present version, and by a translation of some others of the apostolic epistles. We entreat him to believe that our remarks on his labours are offered in the spirit of unfeigned good-will and candour, and under the deepest sense of our own imperfections and fallibility. Declining any thing like altercation with so respectable a writer, we shall gladly receive instruction from his pen. His notes, although properly few, are, in general, very pertinent and judicious, and may serve to shew what are some of his opinions concerning points of religious doctrine and discipline; while his translation indicates his acquaintance with the classical authors of antiquity. We think that his characteristic excellence is perspicuity; his prevailing error, a taste for paraphrase. May we be permitted again to express our conviction, that no version of the Scriptures for popular use is likely to be effected unless by the as the Peculiar Doctrines of the Gospel. By this expression they evidently intend to convey the idea, that those opinions are not to be found in any other system of religious belief, and that in the communication of them to mankind the chief and distinguishing value of Christianity consists. Nevertheless we find it repeatedly asserted by the more learned of the orthodox writers, that indubitable traces of these opinions are to be found in the tenets and practices of many heathen nations, and that, although now altered and corrupted in various ways, they appear to have been received from time immemorial over every quarter of the globe. "Upon the conquest of America in the 16th century, the Roman Catholic missionaries, who laboured during a great part of their lives to convert the natives of that vast and newly-discovered territory, found that the most essential parts of their system, such as the adoration of Three in One, the Incarnation of the Second Person in the Divine Trinity, and his expiatory sacrifice, were already admitted; and they considered the surprising fact of the reception of these sublime mysteries among tribes so barbarous and so remote, as a splendid omen of success.. That the *""That which is difficult in our law to believe,' says D'Acosta, 'has been made easy among the Indians, because the Devil had made them comprehend even the self-same things, which he had stolen same doctrines have been very generally believed among the nations of the Eastern world, is asserted with equal confidence, and by a numerous train of esteemed and popular authors. The late Dr. Claudius Buchanan in particular, whose authority respecting facts of this nature stands in the highest repute, and whose information was received a few years since with an avidity and admiration rarely paralleled, states that the ideas of a Tri-une God, and of the Incarnation and Atonement of the Second Person, are current throughout almost the whole of Asia. * What a glaring inconsistency is it, to call these the Peculiar Doctrines of Christianity, and yet to attempt the confirmation of them by citing the long-established convictions of innumerable heathen nations!"-Pp.5-7. After a few further remarks upon the prevalence of these ideas among the Heathens, tending to shew that, even if they belong to Christianity, still they are not confined to Christianity, Mr. Yates proceeds to state some important principles which are not only maintained by Christians of every denomination to be parts of their system, but which never formed a part of any other system, and which, therefore, have a strict and indisputable claim to be regarded as PECULIARITIES of the gospel. These are the doctrine of the Resurrection of the Dead; the doctrine that the Love of God is the First and Greatest Commandment; and the injunction of Universal Philanthropy. On these topics the preacher dwells with much seriousness and judgment. He fully establishes his point, and concludes with an animated and powerful appeal to his auditory on behalf of pure Christianity, and of those institutions which guard and promote it. For its excellence as a composition, and for the comparative novelty and, at the from our evangelical law, as their manner of confession, their adoration of Three in One, and such like; the which, against the will of the enemy, have holpen for the easy receiving of the truth." "See also the History of California, by Venegas, Vol. I. pp. 88, 92, English Translation; and the History of America, by Dr. Robertson, who cites additional authorities, although, as we might have expected from an heterodox philosopher, he is himself very sceptical upon the sub. ject. Book iv. § 7." "Star in the East, 7th Edition, 1810." same time, the eminent importance of the subject, the sermon deserves to be widely circulated by means of Unitarian missionaries and Book Societies. ART. IV. - Letters from Lexington and the Illinois, containing à Brief Account of the English Settlement in the Latter Territory, and a Refutation of the Misrepresentations of Mr. Cobbett. By Richard Flower. 8vo. pp. 32. 18. 1819. M R. RICHARD FLOWER is an old correspondent of ours, and is well known to many of our readers. He is one of the late Illinois settlers, and his account of the settlement is interesting from his intelligence and probity. "On a tract of land from the Little Wabash to the Bonpar on the Great Wabash, about seventeen miles in width, and four to six from north to south, there were but a few hunters' cabins, a year and a half since, and now there are about sixty English families, containing nearly four hundred souls; and one hundred and fifty American, containing about seven hundred souls." P. 24. Already a capital is rising, named Albion. A market house is built, and an inn and a place of worship are building, the latter intended also for a library. Of the land, Mr. Flower, who is a practical agriculturist, speaks in terms of high praise, as he does also of the climate. Indeed, his picture of the country altogether is very inviting, and will, we apprehend, tempt many an industrious family to follow his steps. a The neighbouring capital of Lexington is, as Mr. Flower says, p. 10, " a phenomenon in the history of the world. Twenty-five years since, it was trodden only by the foot of the savage; now it contains about three thousand inhabitants." It has "а college, at which are already one hundred and forty students." Tea-parties, balls, routs, an Athenæum and a Museum, have taken the place of log cabins and Indian hunts. But slavery is forcibly denounced by this writer as the opprobrium of Kentucky. The American character generally has made a favourable impression upon Mr. Flower's mind. He speaks with feelings natural to an English Protestant Dissenter of the exemption of the United States from the burden of a National Church Establishment; but he describes with candour the American Church-of-England clergy: "The Episcopalian clergy in this country have an enjoyment seldom known in England, that is, being chosen by the people, and supported according to their respective merits; and it is my duty to add, that Episcopalians, as well as the ministers of most other sects, are in general labourers worthy of their hire, virtuous in their conduct, exemplary in their deportment, exhibiting Christianity in their every-day conduct and intercourse with mankind, and enjoying the esteem of their congregations. There are none of those divines in the busy hive of America, which you know by the name of dignified clergy, partaking of the largest revenues, and doing the least possible service, conduct which one would think must make their heart shudder at the thought of a judgment day!"-Pp. 7, 8. INTELLIGENCE. DOMESTIC. RELIGIOUS. Unitarian Quarterly Meeting of Ministers in South Wales. On the 30th of September last the Unitarian Quarterly Meeting of Ministers was held at Pant-y-defaid, Cardiganshire, whereat J. James, of Gelli-Onnen, preached from Rev. vii. 14; Mr. John Evans, of Carmarthen, preached the preceding evening at Capel-y-Groes, from Col. i. 15; and also Mr. Thomas Evans, of Aberdare, Glamorganshire, from Eph. vi. 13. The Quarterly Meeting is intended for the open and public discussion of subjects connected with the Christian religion, as well as for preaching: and believing that religious conversation and debates, when properly conducted, are calculated, in an eminent degree, to promote inquiry after truth, and consequently to discover it; to propagate the truths which may have been discovered, and advance the best interests of man; many of those who were zealous supporters of the meetings, always regretted, that two, three, or four long sermons should leave so little time for public conference, even if the patience of the congregation were inexhaustible, and their attention not to be wearied. The advocates of one sermon only at one time were not displeased to observe at Pant-ydefaid, on the 30th, at a very full meeting, a very large majority voting, with uplifted hands, for their proposed alteration, in order that more time might be devoted to the subsequent discussion. The service commenced at ten o'clock, and immediately after it was concluded, Mr. J. Thomas, minister of the place, was unanimously voted to the chair, and the conference begun by the introduction of the subject which had been partly discussed at the summer meeting at Llandyfaen, and is to be considered at each meeting till it shall have been discussed in every meeting-house in the circle, viz. What are the best Rules to be observed in the Chris. Liverpool Unitarian Fellowship Fund Society. At a Meeting of the Committee of the Liverpool Unitarian Fellowship Fund Society, held in the vestry of the Unitarian Chapel, Renshaw Street, on Sunday, November 14, 1819, it was unanimously resolved, "That feeling a deep and lively interest in the cause of Unitarianism at Madras, we have witnessed, with great pleasure, the resolutions of the Fellowship Funds of Loughborough and Mount Sorrel, of Exeter and Sheffield; and are ready and willing to co-operate with them and the other Fellowship Fund Societies already established in the kingdom, for the purpose of carrying into effect the important objects suggested in the second letter of William Roberts to the Unitarian Society." GEORGE HARRIS, Secretary. The Lancashire and Cheshire Unitarian Christian Association. At a General Meeting of the Unitarian Christians of Lancashire and Cheshire, held in the Unitarian Chapel, Reushaw Street, on Tuesday, October 19th, 1819; Ottiwell Wood, Esq., in the Chair, it was unanimously resolved to establish a General Association of the Unitarian Christians of Lancashire and Cheshire, and the following preamble and rules were adopted. 1 Preamble. Unitarian Christians believe the doctrines they profess, to be the perfection of reason, and the glory of revelation; they conceive their views of divine truth to be honourable to the Deity and ennobling to man; they know that their direct tendency is to inspire the purest reverence of God, and the most lively aspirations after holiness; they feel them to be cheering in the hour of prosperity, and consolatory in the moment of adversity; that they elevate the mind above the vicissitudes of life, and fill the heart with peaceful hope on the approach of death. It is their sincere and solemn conviction that many doctrines maintained by other denominations of Christians, if pursned into all their consequences, would produce effects totally opposite to those professed by the Unitarian Christian. They indeed rejoice in the conviction, that in numerous instances such effects are not produced. They love the piety of many of their brethren and applaud their zeal. But they are convinced that that zeal would burn with a purer flame, and that piety glow with a more divine ardour, were they with earnestness and feeling to embrace those views of divine truth which the Unitarian maintains. Unitarian Christians therefore cannot but think and feel, that if they are generous and benevolent and virtuous, it is their imperative duty to display this pure system of truth and righteousness before the eyes of their fellow-christians, in its genuine and native light. These are the reasons which have led to the formation of The Lancashire and Cheshire Unitarian Christian Association. Its objects are to promote the honour of God and the happiness of man. Its means of producing these great and good effects, those sanctioned by the Anointed of the Most High; the sending persons to and fro that knowledge may be increased; and its justification (if any should be deemed necessary) the solemn and expressive language of that great Being, who declared, "No man when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light." Rules. 1. That it is a mosť desirable object to form and maintain a regular correspondence with the different religious societies in Lancashire and Cheshire, which are united on the common principles of the strict unity of God, and of his universal love to his creatures. 2. That no means appear to be better adapted to accomplish that object, than the institution of a General Association of those religious societies, to be held alter nately at the places in which such societies exist, and maintaining a correspondence VOL. XIV. 5 н with each other through the medium of a committee. 3. That such an Association is calculated not only to unite the societies themselves in a spirit of friendship most worthy and illustrative of the Christian name, but will also tend to check the progress of infidelity, and will likewise afford an excellent opportunity to explain to the publis the real principles avowed by Unitarian Christians; to expose the misrepresenta. tions which are circulated respecting them, and to remove the unjust imputations too frequently cast upon them by many of their fellow-christians. 4. That a General Association of the Unitariau Christians of Lancashire and Cheshire be therefore established, to be denominated "The Lancashire and Cheshire Unitarian Christian Association." 5. That the objects of this institution are, 1. To promote and keep up an intercourse and correspondence between the different religious societies in Lancashire and Cheshire, which are united upon the common principles of the strict unity of God, and of his universal love to his creatures. 2. To co-operate with the (London) Unitarian Fund, in promoting the principles of Unitarian Christianity by means of popular preaching; by the employment of permanent missionaries in the two counties; by forming districts for preach. ing around the populous towns; by promoting the interchange of ministers; by supplying those congregations which are destitute of ministers; and by the distribution of tracts in those places to which the missionaries are sent. 6. That this Association shall be supported by donations from the congrega. tional Fellowship Funds, and by individual subscriptions. 7. That with a view to carry into effect the objects of the Association, the different Fellowship Funds in the two counties are requested to transmit to it a sum of money annually, according to their respective resources, to be placed at the disposal of the Association. 8. That every member of any Fellowship Fund connected with the Association, shall be considered a member of this Association, and his presence shall entitle him to vote. 9. That in every town and village in Lancashire and Cheshire where there are any Unitarians, the friends be requested, if they have not previously done so, to form themselves into societies, to be deno. minated, "The Unitarian Fellowship Association Fund." 10. That the Secretaries of the respective Fellowship Funds be requested with the advice and confiomation of the members, before whom their reports must be previously read, to send an annual account of the state and progress of Unitarianism in their respective neighbourhoods, at least one month before the annual meeting to the Secretary of the Association, in order that he may lay it before the general body. 11. That an Annual General Meeting of the Association shall be held in the month of June or July, subject to the That the thanks of the meeting be given to Ottiwell Wood, Esq., for his admirable conduct in the Chair. Chesterfield Fellowship Fund. Ar the Annual Meeting held on the first Sunday in the month of Jutie, 1819, for direction of the Committee, when a Report electing fresh officers, passing the accounts, of the Committee for the past year shall be read, and the officers of the Society elected for the ensuing year. 12. That at the General Meeting a sermon shall be preached before the Society, by a minister previously appointed by the Committee, when a collection shall be made for the benefit of the Association, 13. That the management of the affairs of the Institution be vested in a Committee of twelve persons, including the Secretary and Treasurer, that five be competent to act, and that the Committee meetings be open to all subscribers. 14. That two members of the Associa. tion be appointed to audit the Treasurer's accounts before they are submitted to the Society at the Annual Meeting. 15. That the Committee shall be chosen annually, and from the place where the last meeting of the Association is held; (but, that the Committee to be now elected shall continue in office till the Annual Meeting in 1821). 16. That the Committee shall have the power, in cases of emergency, to call an extraordinary General Meeting of the subscribers. 17. That at the General Meeting of the Association, the Committee be at liberty to recommend, as honorary members, such persons as by their advice and services shall have rendered themselves particularly useful to the Society. 18. That the foregoing rules shall not be altered, except at a General Meeting, and any alterations intended to be proposed to the Society, must be first notified to the Committee one month previously to the Annual Meeting. 19. That every question which shall come before the Association shall be determined by a majority of votes. That the following persons constitute the Committee. Mr. WILLIAM ROBINSON, Treasurer. Mr. Thos. Fletcher, Mr. Joseph Wild, Mr. J. W. Wood, Mr. Ottiwell Wood, Mr. F. B. Wright, Rev. John Yates. That the Preamble and Rules be printed, and copies forwarded to every minister and congregation in the two counties. OTTIWELL WOon, Chairman, &c. &c., the Rev. Robert Wallace was elected President, Mr. John Woodhead Treasurer, and Mr. Thomas Woodhead Secretary for the year ensuing. It was resolved, That, besides the Annual Meeting held as above, there should be three Quarterly ones, viz. on the first Sundays in the months of September, December, and March, notice of which should be given on the preceding Lord's day. It was also resolved, That a subscription of two pounds per annum be sent to the Treasurer of the Unitarian Fund, in aid of that excellent institution;-being at once expressive of our cordial approbation and hearty concurrence with the objects contemplated by that Society. At the Half-yearly' Meeting of subscribers to the Fund, held on the first Sunday of December, 1819, It was resolved, first, That this Fellowship most heartily co-operates with the Committees of the Loughborough and Mountsorrel, and also with the Exeter, Lincoln, Liverpool, Sheffield and other Fellowship Funds, who have so generously come forward to assist our brethren, the "Native Unitarian Christians of Madras," in propagating the uncorrupted doctrines of Christianity in that part of the world. And as a proof of our zeal in the great cause, we vote the sum of three pounds out of our little Fund, to be remitted to them for that purpose, through the medium of Dr. Thomas Rees, Secretary to the Unitarian Society; or in any other manner which may be thought more convenient. And that we shall always feel happy in affording them such further support as the circumstances of our Fund will admit of. It was resolved, secondly, That the sum of two pounds shall be immediately sent to the Committee of the Boston Unitarisa Congregation, to be by them appropriated towards erecting a new and more commodious Unitarian chapel at Boston, than the one which the congregation at present assemble in. THOMAS WOODHEAD. Chesterfield, Dec. 19, 1819. Anti-Baptists. THE late controversy amongst the Calvinistic Baptists on Forms of Communion, has led some of them, as we expected, to deny the perpetuity of Baptism altogether. A pamphlet ou this subject, entitled |