444 Intelligence.-North-Eastern Unitarian Society. this, and not before, ours will be the Art. III.-The Decline and Full of Spi- T is difficult to set out a sermon, T of the study of which it has been said "that it either found men mad or made them so," and has made the perilous excursion with a sound mind. Nay, his observations have strength ened in his own breast and will strengthen in the breasts of his readers the spirit of inquiry, reformation and rational religion. We regret that the Title-page does not specify any Loudon bookseller of whom the sermon may be had; but we apprehend that it may be obtained upon inquiry. It is desirable that all the sermons on public Unitarian occasions should be deposited with some one vender in London, and that the Societies for whose benefit they are printed should regularly advertise them. INTELLIGENCE. HE Annual Association of the General Baptist Churches in Kent, was held at Dover, on Tuesday, 25th of April. On the preceding evening, agreeably to the plan uniformly observed at this Association, a sermon was preached by Mr. John Coupland, of Headcorn, which was beard with great satisfaction. The subject was "Zeal in a good Cause," founded on Gal. iv. 18. It has since been laid before the public.* The public service commenced on the day of the Association, at nine o'Clock. Mr. Sampson Kingsford, of Canterbury, read the Scriptures, Mr. Coupland conducted the devotional service, and Mr. Samuel Dobell, of Cranbrook, preached from Rom. xvi. 16, The Churches of Christ salute you. The discourse, the object of which was, to shew the tendency of the Association to enlarge religious friendship and to excite a general interest in the welfare of the churches which composed it, was received with great approbation. After the religious services were concluded, Mr. Moon, of Deptford, being called to the chair, and Mr. Joseph Dobell, of Cranbrook, and Mr. Austen, of Smarden, appointed Moderators, the business of the Asso * Sold by D. Eaton, 187, High Holborn. ciation was in part transacted.-More than fifty gentlemen, ministers and their friends dined together at the City of Antwerp Tavern; Mr. S. Dobell, in the Chair. After dinner the company returned to the Meetinghouse to conclude the business of the day-and upwards of sixty persons supped at the above-mentioned Tavern. The evening was spent in harmony and Christian friendship. A lecture was given on the following evening by Mr. S. Dobell, on the subject of Hope, from the words in 2 Thess. ii. 16. The next Association to be held at Canterbury, on Tuesday, three weeks previous to Whit-tuesday 1816. North-Eastern Unitarian Association. On Thursday, June 22d, was held at Lincoln, the North-Eastern Annual Association of Unitarians. On the preceding evening, the Rev. Mr. Wright, of Wisbeach, preached on the Final Restoration of all Mankind to happi ness. On the Thursday morning, the Rev. Mr. Platts, of Boston, having introduced the service with reading the scriptures, prayer and a very pertinent. explanation of the nature, design and tendency of such associatious, the Rev. Mr. Kenrick, of Hull, preached a very excellent sermon on the Practical tendency of the free, unpurchased Grace of God, from 1 Tim. chap. vi. ver. 5th. "The doctrine according to Godliness." Mr. Wright preached in the evening on God's exalting Christ to be a Prince and Saviour, from Acts ii. and S6. A respectable number of the Friends of Unitarianism, ladies and gentle men, dined together at the Rein Deer, when a number of appropriate sentiinents were given from the chair, and enlarged upon by several gentlemen. When the Unitarian Fund was given, Mr. Wright, in a very interesting and animated speech, explained its desigu, and gave a very pleasing account of its increase and gradual success, in accomplishing the important objects for which it was instituted. Mr. Kenrick addressed the company in a very appropriate manner, when the York College was given. Upon the Unitarian Academy being given, Mr. Goodier excited considerable in terest by the very modest, but earnest manner in which he advocated its cause, recommended it to the support of the public. As soon as he sat down, nearly bl. was collected at the table, partly for the Fund and partly for the Academy. Lincoln, July 11th, 1815. J. II. Southern Unitarian Society. The Meeting of the SOUTHERN UNITARIAN SOCIETY took place at Salis. bury, June 28th. The Meeting was very respectable, and there is reason to believe will be highly beneficial in its effects. The sermons delivered on the occasion were admirably adapted to effect the purposes of the Society.-The one preached by Mr. Treleaven in the morning, which will shortly be published, was a perspicuous and argumentative illucidation of the Scriptural Distinction between God and Jesus Christ. And Mr. Fox in the evening, delivered a discourse on the Importance and Advantage of the Use of Reason and the Exercise of Private Judgment in Matters of Religion, which it is not too much to say, was a most masterly and eloquent composition. The worthy Author has been strongly requested by the members of the Society to publish the sermon, which they regretted they could not as a Society print, without running contrary to their established rule. The members of the Society present at this meeting, took into consideration the subject, to which the attention of the Unitarian public has been already invited by two letters in the Repository, respecting the adoption of some permanent means, to provide small bodies of Unitarians, with religious instruction. A Resolution was passed unanimously, that it was expedient to form a Society to promote the preaching of Unitarianism in the South of Eugland. A Committee was chosen (to consider the best means for carrying the Resolution into effect;) which consists of all the ministers in connexion with the Southern Unitarian Society, with one meinber from each of the congregations, in the various places which are included in the limits to which the annual visits of this Society extend. Before this article meets the public eye, the Committee will probably have finally arranged the plan; and it is hoped that the example thus set by the Unitarians of the South, will be speedily and zealously imitated by their brethren throughout the kingdom. Newport, June 30th. J. F. Devon and Cornwall Unitarian Associ ation and Tract Society. The annual Meeting of this Society, took place on Wednesday, the 5th July, at Tavistock. On the evening preceding Dr. Carpenter preached in the Abbey Chapel, and on the day of the Association, Mr. Lewis of Crediton, delivered an excellent discourse from the answer of our Lord to his disciples, who wished to call down fire from heaven upon the people of of Samaria, who refused to receive their doctrine, "Ye know not what spirit ye are of." The meeting was more numerous than was expected in so small and distant a town, and the state of the Society was found to be more flourishing than could have been calculated upon at the expiration of its first year. After dinner, amongst other subjects which engaged and peculiarly interested the company present, was that of the painful shackles with which Unitarian youths are compelled to load their consciences, in order to fulfil one of the first duties of a man and a citizen; and it was urged to be well worthy the united exertions of our different Associations and Societies, to astempt the removal of those barbarous ceremonies by which we must en 446 Intelligence.-South Wales Unitarian Society. gage in the honourable state of matrimony. It was urged that the facility with which we obtained, through the laudable endeavours of Mr. William Smith, the repeal of the laws in force against Anti-Trinitarians, might beregarded as an inducement to us to attempt a farther emancipation; and that we are called upon to attempt it by the honest and inanly declaration of that gentleman to Lord Liverpool, who asked him whether if we gained this point we should be satisfied: No, my Lord, we shall never be satisfied till we have obtained a full and free exercise of an unshackled conscience. The power of marrying, monopolized by the clergy of the church of England, except in those cases where conscience has been successfully pleaded against it, the cases of the Jews and the Quakers,—is a power which they inherit from the priests of the Romish Church; who, as they held the keys of the gates of Paradise, and would suffer none to enter there except through their prayers, well paid for; placed themselves also at the entrance of that state, which, under the auspices of wisdom and virtue is the most happy upon earth, and demanded toll before its pleasures could be explored. They made it a sacrament, that their sacred order might be enriched by it. Thus, and no otherwise, a civil engagement was converted into a religious farce. As the Unitarian Associations throughout the kingdom will have met generally before this notification can be made to the public, it was resolved, that, if no public measures are adopted before the next summer meetings, the Secretary of our Society shall be requested to address circulars to all of them, recommending them to address the Legislature by Petition. But it will in the mean time, be the duty of dissenting societies, to consider, whether there should be a more speedy application made,and whether it should be done by the congregations separately, or by their Associations, which unite many of them in their circle. It may, perhaps, be desirable for the Committee of the London Fund, to suggest a plan, by which our individual energies may be concentrated, and rendered effective. The case of the Rossendale congregation was also stated, and some pounds were immediately collected to assist them; the propriety was also admitted of farther assistance being obtained for them in our respective Societies. South Wales Unitarian Society The annual meeting of this Society was held on the 5th inst. at Llangendeirn, near Carmarthen. The Rev. Timothy Davis, of Coventry, prayed inWelch ; and the Rev. J. H. Bransby, of Dudley, in English. The Rev. Dr. Estlin, of Bristol, delivered an Engish sermon from Acts xxiv. 14, in which the zealous and worthy Doctor referred to the several publications of the Bishop of St. David's against the Unitarians, lamenting that so elegant a scholar and amiable a character in other respects, should discover so much want of candour and of Christian liberality. As the sermon will be published, at the request of those who heard it, it would be needless here to give a further account of it. Then followed a Welch sermon by the Rev. David Davis, of Neath, from John iii. 31. After explaining the phrase " from heaven," and "from above," the preacher enlarged upon the superior excellency of Christ as a perfect character, and as a divine teacher, over John the Baptist and over all the other prophets of God. The audience was numerous and attentive, though the English sermon took up an hour and a half in the delivery, and the Welch more than an hour. Not a few came together on this anniversary from distant parts of Carmarthenshire, and from Pembrokeshire, Cardiganshire, and Glamorgan. After the business of the Society was transacted in the meeting-house, between forty and fifty persons sat down to dinner, at a neighbouring inn, twenty of whom were ministers. The Rev. John James, of Cardiganshire, and John Thomas, of Llanelli, preached in the evening. The advice of the late Rev. Job David, of Swansea, to the Welch Unitarians, on their much preaching, is recommended to their re-consideration. See Mon. Rep. Vol. v. p. 465. On the preceding evening, the Rev. Benjamin Evans, of Panteg, preached, at Llangendeirn, from Mafachi, ii, 10, and the Rev. Evan Lloyd, of Wick, from John ix. 22. And at Carmarthen there was also a respec table meeting, on the evening of the 4th, when the Rev. Mr. Awbrey, of Swansea, conducted the devotional part of the service in English, and the Rev. J. H. Bransby, of Dudley, preached from Mat. vii. 11, and the Rev. John James, of Cardiganshire, preached in Welch, from 1 John v. 20. The writings of the Bishop of St. David's, have excited the public attention to the subject of Unitarianism in Wales, and done no inconsiderable service to the New Unitarian Society, at Carmarthen, who are now happy in the settled services of the Rev. Thomas Davis, whose health they individually hope will enable him to continue to discharge his duties as their regular minister. It was resolved, that the next annual meeting be held at Gellionen, Glamorgan, and also, that the Society take six pounds' worth of Wright's Essay on the Supremacy of the Father, translated into Welch, by Mr. Morgan, Schoolmaster at Merthyr Tydfil. July 17th, 1815. Eastern Unitarian Society. The Annual Meeting of this Society was held at Bury St. Edmunds, on Wednesday and Thursday the 12th and 18th of July. On Wednesday evening the Rev. John Tremlett conducted the devotional part of the service, and the Rev. Robert Asplaud preached from Revelations, xiv. 6, 7. "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every uation and kindred and tongue and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come; and worship him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." On Thursday morning the Rev. R. Aspland read the scriptures and prayed, and the Rev. James Gilchrist preached from Galatians iv. 18. "It is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing." After service the business of the Society was transacted. The Secretary read the report of the Committee, which first stated the number of tracts circulated in the past year, and then mentioned the missionary labours of Mr. Winder in the Eastern district of the kingdom. The Committee having requested Mr. Madge to preach a sermon at the Unitarian Chapel, Nor wich, for the benefit of the Unitarian Fund, £20 Ss. was collected. After stating this circumstance, the Report continues-" It is much to be wished that the attention of our churches was more seriously turned towards the utility of annual collections in behalf of those objects which interest the Unitarian body. A two-fold good is effected by such regular and public appeals. 1. They bring the different institutions connected with Unitarianism under the notice of our congregations at stated intervals: inquiry is thus excited and kept up as to their plans and their exigencies, and a permanent interest established in their welfare. 2. A very large sum is thus raised, which must otherwise be wholly lost to our institutions; for there are hundreds who for various reasons cannot appear among the regular subscribers, yet are not only willing but anxious to contribute according to their ability to the promotion of Unitarianism." The Report concluded with briefly reviewing the progress of the Society since its commencement, which appeared very encouraging. The following resolutions then passed unanimously. That the thanks of this Society be given to the Rev. James Gilchrist and the Rev. Robert Aspland, for their acquiescence in the wishes of the Society, and for their valuable services at the present meeting. 2. That the thanks of this Society be given to Mr. Winder for his many and important services to the Unitarian cause, particu larly for his labours in the General Baptist Church at Norwich, and for his ready and constant desire to further the plans of this Society. That J. L. Marsh, Esq. be continued in the office of Treasurer, and Mr. Edward Taylor in that of Secretary for the year ensuing. The friends of the Society afterwards dined together at the Angel Inn, to the number of forty-six; Thomas Robinson, Esq. in the Chair, The toasts and sentiments which were given called forth many observations connected with the interests of the Society and the state of Unitarianism in general from Mr. Aspland, Mr. Gilchrist, Mr. Geo. Watson, Mr. Scargill, Mr. Toms, Mr. Perry and Mr. E. Taylor.-The ministers present were Messrs. Aspland and Gilchrist, Toms of Framlingham, Per 448 Intelligence-Exumination at the York Academy. ry of Ipswich, Tremlett of Hapton, Scargill of Bury, Cundill of Soham, and Madge and Winder of Norwich. The next Annual Meeting is fixed for the last Wednesday and Thursday in June, to be held at Ipswich, and Mr. Toms is expected to preach. E. T. Examination at the York Academy. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the 27th, 28th and 29th of June, was held the annual examination of the students educated in the Manchester College York, in the presence of Samuel Shore, Esq. President, Messrs. Bell, Brodhurst, Crompton, Fawcett, D. Gaskell, R. Heywood, Jevons, Jones, Kendall, Malkin, A. Philips, S. Shore, jun. W. Shore, J. D. Strutt, R. Taylor, M. D. J. Thomsom, M. D. Tottie, J. A. Yates, T. H. Robinson Secretary, and G. W. Wood Treatary, and the Rev. Dr. Phillips, Messrs. Ashton, Brettell, Goodier, Heinekin, Johnstone, Kentish, G. Kenrick, Lee, Piper, J. Smethurst, Tayler, H. Turner, Willims, P. Wright, J. G. Robberds Secretary and Turner Visitor; with a few others whose names cannot be recollected. On Tuesday afternoon the junior Latin Class, and those in Hebrew Poetry, Logic and Metaphysics, were severally examined. Wednesday morning the examination proceeded of the junior Hebrew and Greek Classes, and the senior Mathematics, after which Mr. Haslam delivered an oration on the influence of the reformation on Literature, and Mr. Cannon a discourse on the question, "Is the moral sense instinctive, or the result of education?" The senior Class in Hebrew and Syriac, in modern history, the introductory branches of the Mathematics, the evidences of natural and revealed religion, and in ancient history; and the business of this day concluded with discourses by Mr. Morris, on the divine original of the Mosaic institutions, and by Mr. Mardon on the resurrection of Christ. Thursday the students of the fourth year underwent a long examination on the several books of the Old Testament, and those of the fifth, on the New, on the plan described in former years. Mr. Peene read an essay on Criminal Legislation, and Mr. Bakewell delivered a sermon, on Rom. i. 16. Previous to the examination of the senior Latin Class, Mr. Peene read a critical dissertation in Latin, on the Ars Poetica of Horace, and Mr. Stratton an essay in the same language on the causes of the reduction of the Grecian states, under the Macedonian power; and after it Mr. Stratton read an English oration on the Love of our Country. The classes in Ethics, the higher Greek Classes and natural Philosophy, were then severally examined, and the whole concluded with two sermons, by Mr. Jevons, on Luke xii. 55, and by Mr. Wallace, on Rom. x. 2. visitor addressed the students in the folAt the close of the examination, the lowing words. GENTLEMEN, It now becomes my most agreeable office, an office which I assure you I continue to discharge with annually encreasing pleasure, to present you in the name of this assembly, our thanks for the very satisfactory result of the examination which we have witnessed, and which clearly proves that you have corresponded, by your attention and diligence, to the extraordinary attention and care of your tutors. And I do this with still greater pleasure, because, in adition to what we have ourselves witnessed in regard to your proficiency in knowledge, we hare the further satisfaction of being assured by your tutors of your uniform regularity and propriety of conduct, during the whole of the session which is now concluded. This is a circumstance of much more importance than any literary attainments.-I will not say to the credit of this institution, which is an object of secondary concern, though I persuade myself not undervalued or overlooked by you; but to your own honour and and happiness, whose progress and establishment in every thing that is excellent aud praiseworthy, it is the first wish of all who are interested in its support, to promote and effectually secure. This testimony of our satisfaction, you will be pleased, Gentlemen, all of you to accept: the prizes annually distributed among the students of the first three years, for extraordinary diligence, proficiency and regularity, are awarded to Mr. John James Tayler, of Nottingham, Mr. Patrick Cannon, of Sheffield, and Mr. James Taylor, of Manchester; who I doubt not will make it the object of their ambition in future years to maintain their eminence of distinction among the distinguished; although one of them can no longer receive any other reward than that which is indeed the most substantial, the consciousness of good conduct, and its natural and ordinary consequences. The prize for elocution is awarded to Mr. Bakewell; to whom I am, on various accounts, particularly happy to deliver it. I am directed by the annual meeting for business, held yesterday evening, to announce that it is intended that the students in the fourth and fifth years, shall in fo ture continue their classical studies through those years: an arrangement which I am persuaded they will find highly conducive to their advantage. I hope Mr. Stratton will not for a mo ment suppose, that I have the slightest |