AT 591 OBITUARY. T Dover, Kent, the 17th of June, 1815, MR. JAMES PIERCE, in the 26th year of his age, A decline of which, alas! the symptoms had been long apparent, terminated his life. He sustained his illness with fortitude, whilst resignation marked his gradual descent to the tomb. He gave pleasing indications that religion had touched his heart, and had he been spared there is every reason to believe that he would have devoted himself to the interests of a rational and scriptural piety. As a member of the community he was characterised by frankness of manners, liberality of sentiment and an undeviating integrity. His remains were interred in the family vault of the burial-ground belonging to the General Baptists, by the Rev. B. Marten, who delivered an impressive oration on the brevity of life, the certainty of death and the awfulness of future judgment. Mr. Samuel Dobell, Sunday evening, July the 2nd, preached a funeral sermon from Job xxvii. 11. I will teach you by the hand of God-that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal. The house was crowded and the discourse, suited to the melancholy occasion, made a deep impression on the hearts of the hearers. The deceased was the last surviving son of the late muchesteemed Mr. Sampson Pierce, of Dover, who was ever ready to succour the distressed, and who was perseveringly active to promote the interests of religion. The widow and her two daughters affectionately cherish their memory. The world passeth away and the fashion thereof-but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. J. E. Died, at Portsea, September 15th, at the age of 22 years, SARAH LOUISA CHALDECOTT, daughter of Mr. Isaac Chaldecott, Surgeon to the Garrison of Portsmouth, and grand-daughter of the late Mr. George Smith, the eminent Landscape Painter, of Chichester, a portion of whose genius she seemed to have inherited. A fortnight before the solemn event which terminated her short but valuable life, she was in health, and with an engaging sprightliness enjoy ing and contributing to the purest pleasures of social intercourse. Being endowed by nature with superior mental capacities, she had, under peculiar disadvantages, made great attainments, having, principally by her own application, acquired a thorough knowledge of the English language, and a proficiency in the French. In the most pure and elegant female accomplishments she had, by the same means, arrived at considerable perfection. In music, her vocal powers, which combined sweetness with chaste expression, were the delight of all who heard them exerted. With history and general literature she was well as Lately, in Italy, of a fever, the Rev. JOHN CHETWODE EUSTACE, author of the Classical Tour in Italy. Few works of equal magnitude, and on a subject unconnected with the feelings or occurrences of the day, 592 Intelligence.Foreign.-Naples. Mexico. ushered into the world by no patronage, and written by a man till then known to a small circle only of friends, ever experienced so rapid a diffusion, or acquired to the author so sudden and extended reputation. His acquaintance was sought by almost all persons in this country, distinguished by rank and talents, and their expectations of pleasure and profit from his society were more than equalled by the amenity of his manners. Dignified without pride, cheerful without levity, in his intercourse with the world he never for a moment lost sight of his sacred character, or its duties, which he fulfilled without ostentatious display, or affected conceal ment. Although his Tour in Italy exhibits not only his extensive acquaintance with classical and polite literature, but his culti vated and refined taste, yet the spirit of Christian morality and Christian benevolence, which breathes in every page, is perhaps its most striking feature; and the samme gentleness and candour are conspienous in his controversial writings. His Letter to the Bishop of Lincoln is, perhaps, unequalled for argument exempt from pedantry, and for freedom of discussion untinctured by acrimony. Those who had the happiness to share his friendship, saw and felt in every instant of their intercourse with him, that his reli FOREIGN. gion was not less that of the heart than the head; and that the faith of his sincere conviction was the spring and first mover of his whole conduct. His acquirements as a polite scholar, and the elegance of his style, are well known to the numerous readers of his published works. His friends alone know that his poetical talents were of a high order. He had made considerable progress in a Didactic Poem on the Culture of the youthful Mind; which diffidence alone had prevented him from finishing, but which, in the opinion of those who had seen it, and who were well qualified to judge of its merits, would have added much to his already high reputation. Amidst his other pursnits he had deeply studied the English Constitution, and none could more warmly admire, or more strongly feel its excel lence. His political sentiments were those of the men designated by the title of Old Whigs; equally abhorrent of the debasement of arbitrary sway, and the wild uncurbed wanderings of democratic fanati cism. His loss will be long lamented, his memory long cherished with affectionate respect, by all who knew him. They will not forget the lessons his life not less than his conversation taught them; and this slight memorial will not be the last tribu paid to his talents and his virtues.—Mora Chron. Sept. 13. INTELLIGENCE. NAPLES. It may not be generally known that during the latter part of Joachim's (Murat's) reign at Naples, he had countenanced the assembling of a few strangers, chiefly Swiss, French and English, who thus established the first Protestant congregation in Italy. Of course, this heretical innovation will be done away at the restoration of the Sicilian Ferdinand; so that, through the instrumentality of the British navy and the Austrian army subsidized by us, the Protestant Religion will be happily extirpated from Naples, and not appear elsewhere in Italy. (June 12.) MEXICO-The newspapers from Spanish America describe the spread of the Revolation. Large bodies of insurgents had approached the capital of Mexico and alarmed and distressed the viceroy. It would be impossible to enumerate the numberless actions detailed in the file of Gazettes, not only in consequence of their frequency and embracing a long period of time, but our readers would not know the geographical position of the places. The principal military action is that of the siege of Coporo (45 leagues from Mexico), where the largest body of Royalist troops was employed, andwhich had been raised after con siderable loss on the part of the besiegers. As far as we can collect, the general aspect prosented by the whole of New Spain, is exactly the same as that of Old Spain in the late war; the Royalists possess only the capitals of provinces, in which they are obliged to keep many troops to maintain internal order, and keep their communications open as well as they can. They can hardly venture into the field, and even in this situation their advanced posts are frequently attacked, as was lately the case with the outworks the Viceroy had established two miles from Mexico. The Insurgents are completely organized into strong guerillas and parties, and nothing Royalist can traverse the roads without covering troops. Whilst the Viceroy and the Inquisition are celebrating with Bull Feasts and Te Deums in the capital, the restoration of FRD DINAND to his throne, his Generals are burn ing the defenceless towns and villages, murdering their inhabitants, and the Inde pendents intercept the roads, take and fortify strong positions, establish points of sup port and communication, strengthen their armies by the defeat and desertion of theis enemies, which latter increases from the Viceroy being without funds. It also ap pears that the Independents and agents to 1 New Orleans, to solicit arms from the United States; they have established maritime communications with New Orleans, through the means of the Carthagena privateers which frequent their ports, and what is still more important is, they have established a National Congress, out of the reach of Spanish bayonets. The details fill the mind with horror and dismay. Massacres and devastation appear on the face of each page, and again remind us of the conquests of CORTEZ and PIZARRO, Their consequences, will however, have a contrary effect. The late peace with the United States, begins to afford the facilities of arms; and Europe, ponder, whilst it is yet time, for it is the Republic of North America, that is about to reap the greatest share of the honour, glory and fruits, of rescuing the oppressed discoveries of CoLUMBUS from an iron and degrading yoke. proclamation, recalling the peaceable persons who had quitted the town; they obeyed this order and a great number were assassinated. "From the 20th to the 29th the pillages and assassinations did not discontinue. Those who sought their safety in fight were assassinated on the roads. Some were conducted into prisons, where they are still groaning. "On the 29th the Prefect of the King arrived. The other Prefect had been named the Royal Commissioner. by "On the 30th a Te Deum was chanted. On the 31st the new Prefect published a very prudent proclamation, but he quitted Nismes. "On the 1st of August, M. de CALVIERE, the person whom the Royal Commissioner had named, resumed the functions of Prefeet, and 16 Protestants were massacred· They went about seizing them in their houses, and they cut their throats before Persecution of the Protestants in the South their own doors. Many were massacred in of France. Extract from the Bulletin of Nismes. "On the 5th of July several domains belonging to Protestants were burned, and on the 6th a still greater number. The steward, (Gerisseur) of the estate of Guiraudin was stretched over a fire. After his death they took him down and exhibited the body to passengers. The 7th, 8th, and 9th were more calm days; there were only pillages. On the 5th they massacred almost all the prisoners who were Protestants. A pretended national guard, formed of all the malefactors, and of all the worthless wretches of the environs and the town, are accused of these crimes. One of the captains is a person of the name of TOISLAJON, a sweeper of the streets, who alone has killed fourteen Protestants. They broke open the grave of a young protestant girl to throw her into a common receptacle of filth. Those protestants whom they do not kill they exile, and throw into prison, and yet there were a great number of royalists among them. "From the 10th to the 14th July no conOn the 16th the rier from Paris arrived KING was proclaimed by the Urban Guard (composed of men between 40 and 60 years of age) followed by all the most respectable persons in the town, and the white flag was hoisted. "On the 17th armed bands of brigands, and the national guards of Beaucaire came to disarm the military, who sustained an assault in the barracks, and they were almost all massacred, Their numbers amounted to 200. "On the 18th many peaceable citizens were massacred-many houses pillaged. On the afternoon of that cruel morning, the mad wretches ran about the town calling out that they wished a second Saint Barthelemy. "On the 19th the Prefect published a the fields: The night between the 1st and 2d was the most cruel. M. de CALVIERE caused an order to be posted up, which seems to have somewhat calmed these pretended Royalists. On the 4th several country seats were set on fire. "The peaceable citizens, the members of the Urban Guard, have been again forced to flee to save themselves from destruction. The Prefect sent an order to them to return, under the penalty of having the laws respect ing emigration put in force against them. Those who returned into the town experienced either death or captivity. It is uncertain whether M. de MONTCALM or M. de CALVIERE is most guilty of allowing or causing the commission of all these horrors, but suspicion falls principally on the former, who is Royal Commissioner, and whom it is said the King had a considerable time ago ordered to cease his functions. "Nothing promises any security to the friends of order; for all the authorities, with the exception of two persons, are composed of the most timid and feeble men. "The Attornies (Notaires) and the Avocats have formed resolutious not to retain or to receive into their bodies any but Roman Catholics. "Nismes has already lost its rank amongst It is on the brink the commercial towns. of complete aunihilation. "The Prefect named by the King was a M. d'ARBOT; he has done no good. The foreign troops have been implored to force the brigands to repose, and to assist the true Royalists, for the brigands abuse this name, which they will render universally odious. "The number of deaths is prodigious; we have not an exact enumeration. "Horrors of the same kind are continued in the neighbouring towns." 594 Intelligence.-Settlement of the Rev. J. Beattie at Elland. DOMESTIC, RELIGIOUS. Manchester College, York. The twenty-ninth annual meeting of the Trustees of Manchester College, York, was held at the Cross Street Chapel Rooms, Manchester,on the 4th Day of August, 1815. OTTIWELL WOOD of Liverpool, Esq. in the Chair. The proceedings of the Committee were read over, and confirmed, and the Treasurer's accounts laid before the meeting and passed. The following officers were chosen for the year ensuing : BENJAMIN GASKELL, Esq. of Thorne's James Touchet, Esq. Wood, Mr. Thomas Henry Robinson, Rev. J. G. Robberds, Mr. Samuel Kay, Mr. James Touchet, jun. } Visitor. Treasurer. Secretaries. Auditors. The Deputy Treasurers and the Committee of the preceding year were re-appointed, with a few alterations in the Com mittee. Settlement of the Rev. John Beattie at Elland. On Thursday September 7th, a Meeting of Dissenting Ministers, commonly called Presbyterians, of the West Riding of Yorkshire, with other friends from a distance, was held at Elland near Hallifax, for the purpose of recommending to the Divine blessing the connexion recently entered into between the Congregation (late under the pastoral care of the Rev, Josiah Townsend) and the Rev. John Beattie. The service commenced with singing a hymn. The Kev. H. Turner, of Bradford, offered the introductory prayer, and read suitable portions of the Scriptures. Another hymn was then sung; after which John Thomson, M. D. (on the part of the Congregation and Trustees) gave a statement of their Religions Principles and of the motives that had induced them to invite Mr. Vice Presidents. Beattie to become their pastor. In introducing this part of the service, a just and very interesting tribute was paid to the memory of the late Joseph Dawson, Esq. of Royds-Hall, near Bradford. This highly venerated character had often been engaged in similar services, and especially (on occasion of the recent settlement of the Rev. H. Turner at Bradford,*) in that particular part of the service which Dr. Thomson was then undertaking; and had his life been spared, would in all probability (as being a Trustee of the Chapel) have represented the Congregation on this occasion. This tribute of respect, in which all who were present and had been acquainted with Mr. Dawson must sincerely have participated, was followed by a brief but comprehensive view of the religious faith generally avowed by Unitarian Christians, with a notice of the particular passages of Scripture from which their principles are derived. A concise account was given of the progress of these sentiments, accompanied by a chronological detail of the various encroachments that had been made upon the unalienable right of private judgment, and the more pleasing memoir of the several Acts of the British Parliament, and particularly those passed during the present reign, in favour of Liberty of Conscience and freedom of Worship. In these "the sect every where spoken against," has at length been recognized as Christian, and its members permitted, under the sanction and express provisions of the Law, to worship according to the convictions of their minds, without a liability to pains or penalties. The right and importance of free inquiry was explicitly stated; and whilst this right was claimed on the part of the Congregation, it was fully conceded to their Minister. This statement naturally adverted to the constitution of Christian churches and the means adopted for the propagation of their Religigious Tenets. this part, whilst it was The annual report which will be published shortly will contain the usual statement of the Receipts and Disbursements for the past year, and of the present funds of the College. An opportunity having occurred for redeeming the chief rent of £58. 12s. per annum on the property in Manchester, it was thought advisable that it should be done, this has occasioned a large addition to the ordinary expenditure of the year, and there is in consequence a balance owing to the Treasurer of £336. 9s. It is hoped that the generosity of the public will speedily enable the Committee to discharge this debt. A large addition to the number of Lay Students was announced for the next Session. The friends to the Institution dined together as usual after the meeting, at the Spread Eagle Tavern. Isaac Harrop, Esq. of Altringham, in the Chair. Nearly eighty gentlemen sat down to dinner, among whom were upwards of twenty ministers, and a considerable number of gentlemen who had been educated in the College; much interesting discussion took place during the evening on matters connected with the his tory and prosperity of the Institution. Manchester, September 1st, 1815. W. See M. Rep. October, 1813. distinctly denied that Councils, Assemblies, Synods, Conferences, Associations, Yearly or Quarterly or any other kind of Meeting of any particular or indiscriminate body of Christians, had any Scriptural precedent or authority for exercising any religious jurisdiction whatsoever, and that upon the ground of expediency alone these assemblies could be held; the hope was expressed, that upon the ground of expediency, and from a sense of the necessity that Unitarians should adopt such an expedient, some effective plan for a general anion and cooperation might be determined upon by them, and that, with a view to this, a friendly and cordial discussion of the subject might ere long take place, and also a free and scriptural discussion of the subject of church discipline in separate societies. In the conclusion of this part of the service, the minister was assured, of the perfect unanimity with which the Congregation had acted in inviting him to become their pastor, and also of the satisfaction felt by the Trustees for the chapel and for the school (endowed by Messrs. Brooksbanks,) jointly, in being able to further the wish of the Congregation and add to the Minister's comfort, by appointing him to the vacant office of schoolmaster; and he was requested in his turn to state the reasons which had influenced his acceptance and his views with respect to the discharge of the pastoral office at Elland. Mr. Beattie then stated the motives 'which induced him (or as he modestly expressed himself which ought to have induced him) to accept this office and his views with respect to the discharge of it. The Rev. Thomas Jervis, of Leeds, gave the prayer for the minister and people. The Charge devolved upon the Rev. R. Astley, of Hallifax, who undertook it on two days' notice. In this Charge he endeavoured to urge upon the minister, upon himself and the ministers present, the leading directions given by Christ and his apostles to those who were to preach the gospel. This series of scriptural charges Mr. Astley classed and urged under the following leading heads: First, the personal duties of ministers. Secondly, such as respect their conduct to those under their charge. Thirdly, such as respect their conduct to others. A hymn was then sung. The Rev. Thomas Johnstone, of Wakefield, delivered the sermon to the people from Acts xx. 36, 37, 38. In which, after illustrating with great feeling the interesting connexion subsisting between a minister and his people, as exemplified in the case of Paul and the church at Ephesus, the preacher dwelt more particularly on the duties of a Congregation to its minister. These duties were very strongly urged under the three following heads. First, the duty of habitual attendance on the services of the Lord's day, and of improving every other means and opportunity of religious instruction. Secondly, the duty of frequent and habitual attendance at the Lord's Supper of all such as believe that Jesus is the Christ, and who live in obedience to his commands. Thirdly, the necessity, under all circumstances, of a consistent Christian profession, and of a life and conversation consistent with that profession. A hymn was then sung, and the service concluded with a prayer and benediction from the Rev. Joseph Bowden, of Leeds, the father of the association. The Rev. J. Donoughue, of Lidyate, read the hymns. After the service, the Rev. T. Jervis was called to the chair of the meeting, and the rules of the Tract Society (established at Leeds June 8th. See M. Rep. July, 1815) were read and ordered to be printed. After the business of the day, at 4 o'clock, seventy three friends sat down to a frugal and substantial dinner; Dr. Thomson was in the chair. The company consisted of friends from York, Leeds, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Halifax, Rochdale, Mixenden, Bradford, Thorne, &c. &c. The following, and other sentiments gave a spirit to the meeting and excited interesting discussion, The original toast of the association "Our absent friends." The King, and may every poor child in his dominions be able to read the bible, and have a bible to read. Religious liberty all over the world. The Rev., Joha Beattie and happiness and success to him in his ministry. The Congregation and Trustees. The Rev. C. Wellbeloved, and the Manchester College, York. The Rev. J. Bowden, the father of the association present, and success to the association. The Rev. T. Jervis and the Unitarian society. The Rev. Robert Aspland and the Unitarian Academy, The ministers engaged in this morning's service, and thanks to them. The memory of Mr. Dawson, of Royds-Hall. From the vice-chair, Dr. Thomson and thanks to him for his services. The Rev. R. Astley, secretary to the association, and thanks to him. The Elland Bible Associa tion, and success to the British and Foreign Bible Society at home and abroad. The Rev. H. Turner and success to the Tract Society, The Rev. Messrs. Elliott, Wright, and Knowles, and our friends in the ministry here present. Daniel Gaskell, Esq. and our lay friends present. Mr. John Ashworth, and our friends in Rossendale. cis Moat, and the Unitarian Society at Thorne. (This toast was followed by a recommendation from the chairman of the subscription towards building an Unitarian Chapel at Thorne, near Doncaster, and 167. were collected at the table.) The Unitarian Fund and success to it. The Rev. James Yates and our brethren across the Tweed, Mr. Wright with thanks to him, and success to his mission in Ireland. Mr. George W. Wood, and our friends in Manchester and its neighbourhood. The Editor of the M. Repository and Christian Reformer and success to them. The memory of Sir George Savile. Our Christian Brethren of every Mr. Fran |