stands in need at the trying and awful period of dissolution. In his private character, Mr. Simpson was distinguished by strong natural sensibility, which, heightened and directed by the truest principles of Christian benevolence, led him to take a lively interest in the welfare of others. His hand and purse were ever open to assist the unfortunate to the utmost limit of his means. There are some, now far advanced in life, who can date their early religious impressions from the instructions which he was accustomed to give, in the most familiar manner, to his family and connexions. He was buried on Thursday, the 21st instant, in the burial-ground at Worship Street, when Mr. Gilchrist delivered a funeral oration, and on the following Sunday afternoon improved the event in a discourse from Psalm lxxxix. 48, "What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death ?" October 30, 1824. MAJOR CARTWRIGHT. (Pp. 571 & 628.) M. [Although we have already inserted obituary notices of this truly worthy man, we cannot forbear inserting the following sketch of his character, from the pen of a respected friend.-ED.] There are few men who have been so long known to the public, or whose virtues have so much entitled them to regard, as this distinguished individual. He was the third son of William Cartwright, Esq., of Marnham, in the county of Nottingham. A gentleman by birth and education, as well as by his mild and liberal manners, his correct habits, and his manly and independent sentiments, he occupied a considerable share of public attention during the space of more than half a century. Endowed with a vigorous understanding, matured by reflection, his mind was richly stored with various knowledge and information. As a younger brother, he had been origiually destined to the Navy; but he soon relinquished that profession, and evinced an early predilection for subjects of political disquisition, which eventually became the leading object of his attention; and, though his active and enterprising spirit was occasionally directed to other pursuits, yet, in the course of a long life, he never relaxed in the ardour of his application to this favourite subject. Engaged in such speculations and inquiries, he cultivated politics as a science; and devoted his time and his talents to this study, as a rational exercise of the understanding, and as the means of being useful in pro moting the welfare and happiness of his country. Ever observant of the great events of his time, he cherished a vigilant and jealous regard to the rights of the people. With this important object in view, the cause of Parliamentary Reform opened to him a wide field of discussion, and employed all the powers and energies of his mind. An able and experienced combatant in the arena of political controversy, he repelled the attacks of his opponents with unshaken firmness and dexterity. His writings in favour of civil and religious liberty, were numerous; and though they were sometimes perhaps too speculative and elaborate to be what is termed popular, in the common acceptation of the word, yet they were, generally speaking, the result of deep thought, and of close research into the nature and origin of the British Constitution, the fundamental principles of legislation and government, and the true grounds of the liberties of the subject. They display great acuteness and ingenuity in detecting abuses, a just discrimination in tracing the artifices of corruption, a fearless intrepidity in exposing the intrigues and struggles of ambition, and in resisting the encroachments of arbitrary power. It cannot be matter of surprise, that the principles so warmly asserted by Major Cartwright, as the champion of freedom and reform, together with the corresponding consistency of his political conduct, should have rendered him an object of calumny and misrepresentation amongst the advocates of passive obedience and non-resistance, the corrupt and unprin. cipled votaries of interest, and the determined supporters of absolute power and unrestricted prerogative. However some might view the principles maintaned by Major Cartwright through the dense medium of prejudice and party-spirit, those who knew his real character, esteemed him an ardent, honest, conscientious patriot; and, as such, long will his memory be held in veneration. He was, as might naturally be expected, deeply interested in the result of the Spanish revolution, and in the misfortunes of those unhappy exiles from their native soil, who sought protection in this country, which has on various other occasions afforded an asylum to those who have suffered under the rigours of persecution, or the baneful influences of tyranny and oppression. He especially revered the high and heroic virtues of the brave RIEGO, that victim of the basest * Many years ago, Mr. Cartwright held the rank of Major in the Nottinghamshire Militia. treachery, cruelty and injustice; while his benevolent and sympathizing nature was sensibly affected by the untimely fate of the interesting relict of that illustrious chief, whom she soon followed to the mansions of innocence, purity and peace, where they hear not the voice of the oppressor." To the character of Major Cartwright may be justly applied, what he himself, not long since, observed of another person, with an originality of expression. peculiarly his own, and with an energy and warmth of feeling unimpaired by age; "In his praise, I need not say more, than that he is a true friend to civil and religious liberty; having a rooted abhorrence of tyranny, and a lively sympathy with all who suffer under its impious cruelties:"-after which, he thus proceeds to mention "those relatives of the martyred RIEGO, who have taken refuge in this country, and bear his honoured name;-a name, which, in the dispensations of Providence, I trust, will prove of no sinall potency in raising up a moral force, against which, the brute force of despotism, alike offensive to God and man, will not long be able to stand." In a detail of the political life and labours of Major Cartwright, the character of such a man, while it presents an object of contemplation of no inconsiderable interest to the calm and dispassionate mind, affords also an instructive lesson to every man of observation and eflection. We see one, whose benevolence, simplicity and purity of intention are unimpeached; whose dignified and philosophic mind, with a zeal and ardour paramount to all personal and selfish motives, was wholly devoted to the grave consideration of such measures as might be most conducive to the benefit of his countrymen; and whose patriotic exertions in forwarding that important object, yielded to no obstacles, were discouraged by no difficulties, but were pursued with unwearied diligence and the most steady and determined perseverance, " in season and out of season, through good report and evil report." The differences of opinion, upon questions of policy, which too often divided the friends of freedom, and unhappily disturbed their mutual harmony and cordial co-operation, were a subject of deep regret to those who had the good of the public really at heart, while they afforded occasion of triumph and exultation to the enemies of Reform. Amidst these discordances, Major Cartwright maintained that entire composure, and unruffled serenity of temper, which seemed never to forsake him. We can now only take a melancholy retrospect of the trans. actions of his time, accompanied with the reflection, that, as far as he was con cerned, all political contention, animosity and party-feeling are buried with him in the tomb where he now lies "quietly inurned." In appreciating the merits of this excellent man, we have dwelt only on those points of character which mark him as an example of public virtue unawed by power, and of political integrity uncorrupted by interest or ambition. And we have no hesitation in designating the virtuous and venerable Major Cartwright, as a patriot in the fullest extent of the term;-an able, enlightened, sincere, and tried friend to the liberties of his country and of mankind. In truth, he possessed, in an eminent degree, the virtues of a pure and disinterested patriotism. But, amongst the valuable qualities that adorned his upright and honourable mind, it is impossible to forget, though perhaps it were needless here to record, the private and social virtues that distinguished him as a member of the community, as a husband, a brother, and a friend;-his memory will never cease to be cherished by those who were best qualified to appreciate his excellence and value in the endearing intercourses of domestic life. This amiable man died, beloved and lamented, at his house in London, on Wednesday, the 23d of September, 1824, having nearly completed the 84th year of his age-" without a struggle or a groan, or any expression of pain during his illness, but what arose from witnessing the affliction of his family." That his attachment to the great cause of liberty, was warm and unabated, and his "ruling passion" still "strong," even in his latest hour, appears by an affectionate farewell address to his friends, as delivered in his own words to a beloved relative, who, with unremitting attention, administered to him the soothing balm of tenderness:-"Say to my friends, that I have never ceased to entertain the most consoling hopes of the ultimate establishment of civil and religious liberty; but to this end, there must be virtuous instruments, which, it is to be :oped, the times will supply." October 22, 1824. T. J. INTELLIGENCE. DOMESTIC. Episcopal Unitarian Chapel, We have authority to state that the Chapel in YORK STREET, ST. JAMES'S SQUARE, will be opened for divine service on Sunday the 19th of December. Sermons will be preached in the morning and evening of that day, and of the following Sunday, by the Rev. Dr. CARPENTER, of Bristol; and it is hoped that Dr. Carpenter will preach in the same chapel on the morning of Christmas-day. The Rev. Mr. HARRIS, of Bolton, is expected to preach in such chapel the three first Sundays in January, and it is intended that there shall afterwards be a regular succession of eminent ministers from different congregations to perform the morning and evening service in conjunction with the regular minister of the chapel. The morning service will begin at halfpast eleven o'clock; the evening service at seven o'clock. The Rev. B. MARDON has, we hear, announced to the congregation assembling in Union Chapel, Glasgow, his intention of resigning his office as minister amongst them, at the end of the ensuing month of April. In the mean time, he proposes to deliver a series of lectures once a fortnight on the Sunday evening, on the various doctrines of reputed or thodoxy, 1st, which appear to impeach the character of God, 2nd, which appear to contradict the scriptural doctrine of the Person of Christ. · Proposed New Chapel at Sheerness. SIR, Permit me through the medium of the Repository to lay the following case before the Unitarian public; a case which I feel both a pleasure and duty respectfully but earnestly to recommend to the attention of the benevolent and liberal. It is now more than three years since I first succeeded in establishing a Unitarian Society at Sheerness, the first-fruits of my mission; since which I have often visited them, and can bear testimony to their zeal and prudence. They meet three times a week, twice on Sunday, and once on a week evening: and they have also established a small library. The religious services are alternately conducted by two or three friends, in a man ner highly creditable to themselves, and to the cause of truth: and, all things considered, they are generally pretty well attended. But unfortunately the place they meet in is not only so very obscurely situated as to render it unknown even to many in the very neighbourhood itself, and almost impossible for a stranger to find out, but the entrance to it down s dirty, narrow lane, is so exceedingly disagreeable and repulsive, as to deter many from coming who, under more favourable circumstances, would be induced to attend. To obviate this obstruction to the progress of Unitarian Christianity in that populous town, which is already in summer the resort of many strangers, and is likely to become a popular watering-place, the friends there feel desirous of erecting a small chapel in an eligible part of the town. But they are poor. All, there fore, which they cau contribute towards the erection is a piece of ground and most of the labour; several of them being carpenters and bricklayers, and one of them a painter and glazier, all volunteering their services gratuitously. The friend who has kindly offered the piece of ground, which is situated in front of one of the principal streets, is himself a bricklayer, and has generously engaged to add his skill and labour to the gift of the ground. It is estimated that the expense of materials and the wages of a joiner, (not having one of that trade amongst them,) for making window-frames, door, &c., will not exceed ONE HUNDRED POUNDS. Persuaded of the generosity, benevo lence and liberality of their Unitarian brethren, they venture to make this ap peal; and, convinced it will not be in vain, they look forward with confidence to such assistance as will justify them in raising a temple dedicated to the only true God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and of all mankind. October 14, 1824. M. HARDING. P. S. Contributions to this object will be thankfully received by Rev. M. Harding, Cranbrook; Thomas Hornby, Esq. Deputy Treasurer, and Rev. W. J. Fox, Secretary to the Unitarian Fund. The Unitarian Fund has contributed 107., and a Lady, by Rev. R. Aspland, 21. Should the Unitarian public befriend this object, a list of the contributors will be inserted on the cover of the Monthly Repository. Presbyterian (Seceding) Synod of On Tuesday, the 6th instant, the Pres byterian Synod of Ireland, distinguished by the name of Seceders, met in the Meeting-house of the First Congregation of Belfast. The meeting was opened with a sermon from the Rev. Dr. Gamble, of Rameltou, Moderator, from Acts xx. 28: "Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." The evening of the first day of meeting was spent in solemn prayer and praise. The early part of Wednesday was occupied in receiving reports of Presbyteries. On the same day, two deputations, one from the Joint Boards of Managers and Visitors of the Belfast Academical Institution, and the other from the Board of Faculty, were introduced to the notice of the Synod. The former consisted of Dr. Tennent and John Barnett, Esq.; the latter of Professors Hincks and Thompson. The address of the former was read by the Synod's Clerk, and the deputation heard with attention and interest. Mr. Barnett gave a detailed account of the proceedings of a deputation sent from that seminary to confer with his Majesty's Government on the subject of pecuniary assistance. The address from the Faculty was also read, and gave general satisfaction. The Synod agreed unanimously to sup port and encourage that infant establishment, and appointed two or three of their members to prepare a suitable and respectful answer to both the addresses, and to embody in them their sentiments respecting the institution and a home education, especially as they understood an investigation, on the part of Government, was about to take place into the entire management of the institution. The Synod also expressed themselves to be satisfied with the diligence, attention and abilities of the different Professors and Teachers employed in that establishment.-There were also suggest ed some improvements in the course of collegiate study, in regard to their own young men, in order to afford them time and opportunity to acquire a knowledge of the Hebrew language, without which they expected no general certificate should be given to any of their students. On the same day was presented to the Synod a deputation from the Scottish Missionary Society, cousisting of the Rev, Mr. Brotherston, of the General Assembly, and the Rev. Mr. Thompson, of the Secession Synod, who detailed the object and nature of the mission. The Synod heartily concurred in the sentiments expressed by the deputation, and promised to give the mission their warmest support. The remainder of Wednesday and part of Thursday were employed in matters of a local nature, and what could excite no general interest. The greater part of Thursday and Friday was spent in discussing the subject of the Proclamation of Banns. On this subject, a diversity, both of opinion and practice, had existed for some time past in the Synod. To devise, if possible, some scheme that would at once meet the wishes of both parties, and prevent any irregularity, seemed to be the object of the great majority of the members. The matter underwent a thorough investigation, and the discussion was, perhaps, unnecessarily protracted. Every member was heard, and every one supported and maintained his own view of the subject with a becoming steadfastness, and at the same time with the best of feeling towards those whose sentiments were different. Several enactments were made in regard to marriage-such as consent of parents, &c., with heavy penalties in case of infraction on the part of any one minister of that body. The Rev. John Rogers read reasons for fasting and thanksgiving, for the current year; and the Synod enjoined their members to observe the same, if at all possible, in the last week of November. The remaining part of the meeting was chiefly employed in receiving Reports of Committees, and discussing overtures and other matters relating to the order and discipline of the body, which, though useful, and of great importance to the people of their charge, cannot be regarded of such general interest as to merit public insertion in the columns of a newspaper. The Synod are to hold their next Annual Meeting in Belfast. We understand that the Moderator of the Seceding Synod, for the time being, is placed on the same footing, in academical institution, as the Moderator of the General Synod of Ulster.-Dublin Evening Post. the Court of Chancery. We take notice of it only for the sake of putting upon record a reflection of the Lord Chancellor's on the Wolverhampton Case, which heretofore occupied so many of our pages. The SOLICITOR-GENERAL, on behalf of the Trustees, said there was a case reported in 3 Merivale 353, the Attorney. General v. Pearson, which bore upon the point (the force of the trust-deed). His Lordship had there declared, that "it is the duty of the Court to administer the trust in such a manner as best could establish the usage as a matter of implied contract between the members of that congregation." Here, therefore, a comprehensive principle was introduced, and was most applicable to the present case. The LORD CHANCELLOR remembered, that, in the case cited by the learned Counsel, the parties differed about the doctrine of the Trinity. The difficulty there, if he recollected rightly, was this that they could not make out the usage, and that an inquiry was to be instituted as to what was the usage. The congregation, at last, however, had the good sense to find out that the Court of Chancery was the worst place in the world to find out such a usage. The Situation of Protestants in France compared with that of Catholics in England. (From the Etoile, a Paris Newspaper.) The law in England is made for the maintenance of the Protestant religion. In France, on the contrary, notwithstanding the small number of Protestants, the hostility of their principles to all authority, and the novelty of their existence, the law is equal for all. It is a principle in England, that all religions which differ from the religion of the State, ought to be destroyed. In France, far from being destroyed, they are protected, and even supported, at the expense of the Public Treasury. In England, Protestants, considered as the friends of the new system, are distinguished by the most eminent prerogatives; and the Catholics, who form a third part of the population, are an outcast people. They are a children disinherited by their father, excluded from all marks of confidence, and from every pursuit which leads to honour and fortune. They bear all the burdens of the State, and share none of its advantages. In France the twenty-nine-thirtieths of the population attached to the religion of the State do not enjoy the slightest exclusive privilege. Protestants are admissible to all public posts, and, in fact, hold them to an extent beyond the proportion of their number. They are electors, and eligible equally with Catsolics, who frequently return them, without inquiring into their religious faith. There are among them Peers, Deputies, Generals of Division, Prefects, Presidents of the Royal Courts, Councillors of State aud of the First Tribunals, Mayors, &c. We have even seen, both under the old and the new regime, several Protestants in the French Ministry; whilst England would be alarmed, and think herself on the brink of ruin, if a single Catholie were to enter the King's Council or occupy an important office. In the British Empire the Protestant clergy live only upon the spoils of the ancient church-they enjoy immense property, founded by Catholics and for Catholics, who little imagined that these benefices, the fruit of their pions dona. tions, would one day pass into the hands of their enemies, and be employed against the donors. Besides, the Catholics who have outlived oppression, or who are still tolerated, are compelled to support their Bishops and Priests, and to build, at their own expense, hamble chapels by the side of the temples which have been taken from them. They are forced too, besides paying the ecclesiastical taxtithes to a clergy foreign to their creed, which provides for none of their spiritual wants, to contribute to the building of Anglican Churches, which they never enter, and which are not even frequented by Protestants. In France, on the contrary, the Catholic clergy, although reduced to a slender hire-a poor compensation of their confiscated property-have not taken a farthing from the Protestants. There are even given to the latter Catholic temples, and, where there are none, they receive aid to construct new ones; none of their property has been confiscated; they enjoy in peace what they possessed, and their ministers receive a salary from the Government, although they cannot claim it by any title of indemnity, and this salary exceeds that of Catholic Rectors, who are very differently occupied. We will not inquire whether this is right or wrong-we will not attempt to decide whether the toleration of a religion which is not that of the State, or even the protection of it in the event of its being troubled, ought, in strict propriety, to extend to favours and direct support-we will merely report facts, establish a point of comparison, and shew the respective positions of the Protestants in France and the Catholics in England. Notwithstanding all this, and the liberty of the former, France still passes for fanatical, intolerant and persecuting; and under this view the English and German papers are filled with invectives |