call of duty, though summoning to the bitterest sacrifices of fortune or of feeling, renouncing every prospect for the testimony of a good conscience, and in reliance on his providence: men who have developed the powers and asserted the rights of intellect, and won from Philosophy her proudest trophies to cast them at the foot of the Cross; and whose exalted talents and unshaken faith were an exhibition of the native affinity of Reason and Revelation: men who have raised the standard of religious freedom, and fought its battles, and suffered in its cause, and prompted its manly and generous assertion, not only for those who were like-minded with themselves, but on behalf of all, even though holding opinions the most remote, and mad with a bigoted hostility the most inveterate: men who, deeply impressed with the practical importance of their own tenets, could yet most readily allow, and praise, and love goodness in others, whatever they be lieved, or whatever they rejected: men whose pure lives shewed that even if the head were wrong, the heart was right, and that, if doing Christ's will be building on a rock, they need not dread the storm, come when it may men who loved their neighbour as themselves, and felt the zeal of benevolence in all its energy, and were in doing good unwea ried, and grappled man to their hearts with the affection of a brother: men who through life's changes, and in death's struggles, had hopes fixed on high, ever firm and glorious, drawing their souls to heaven to join the kindred society of the just made perfect, and enjoy the full triumphs of that cause for which they combated, in the subjection of all enemies at the Saviour's footstool:-men such as these has no system done more honour to Christianity than Unitarianism by producing in comparative abundance. The descriptions will suggest to you names whose praise is in all our churches; nay, which pervades our country, and beams forth beyond, even to the very boundaries of enlightened and civilized society." -Pp. 33, 34. "We are told that when the pious and amiable Gerson, the Chancellor of the Church and University of Paris, was on his death-bed, his soul appeared to be agonized at the thought of impending dissolution, and at the prospect of standing before his eternal Judge. Astonished and affrighted by his terrors, his friends strove to console him. They brought to his recollection the great and virtuous actions of his public life; the services he had rendered to the cause of religion, of which, during many years, he had been one of the brightest ornaments; the learned and pious works he had written; Our good wishes and fervent prayer and meditation. But all was vain !— his long protracted old age spent in prayers are given to these Temples of the His terrors continued, and he appeared Living God. May they be at once to be sinking under them. At length one memorials and shrines of Evangelic of his friends quitted the room. In about truth, pure and undefiled! And may half an hour he returned, followed by the Holy Spirit of the gospel, "the three hundred children, who were supspirit of power, and of love, and a ported and educated by the charity of the sound mind,' "the spirit of glory," dying man. The little creatures spread rest upon them, and secure peace and themselves from the threshold of his house to his bed-chamber: and there, prosperity within them! falling on their knees raised their hands to heaven, and cried, O God, be merciful to one, who in thy name has been so kind to us! O God, be merciful to our kind and generous benefactor!'Hope, peace and comfort returned to his fainting heart. Now, O God!' he exclaimed, in a transport of holy joy, as he closed his eyes in death, Thou dost let thy servant depart in peace! The soul that is accompanied to eternity by the prayers of three hundred children may advance with humble hope into the presence of their Father and their God!"Pp. 35, 36. ART. VI.-An Account of the Life and Religious Opinions of John Bawn, of Frenchay. By Michael Maurice. Also, Answers to some Objections advanced against Unitarians. 12mo. pp. 56. Bristol, printed and sold by W. Browne: sold also by R. Hunter, London. 6d. THIS biographical "Account" THI was first printed in The Christian Reformer, for August 1822. It is now published separately with additions, and we think that Mr. Maurice (lately minister of the Unitarian conhas consulted the good of his fellow. gregation at Frenchay, near Bristol) creatures in the publication. OBITUARY. 1824. May 9, at Trowbridge, in the 77th year of her age, Mrs. SARAH WALDRON, daughter of the late Rev. W. Waldron, fifty years Pastor of the General Baptist Church in Trowbridge, who fi. nished his valuable life and labours in that town, in the year 1794. She had from early life been an exemplary member of the above-mentioned church; her steady piety, Christian simplicity and zeal, the deep interest she took in every thing which concerned the welfare of the congregation, her readiness to do good to others to the utmost of her means, and the uniform consistency of her conduct, endeared her to the Christian society with which she had been so many years united. To the last, her hope firmly rested upon the fatherly character of God, and his free mercy and grace manifested in Jesus Christ. After for a considerable time gradually sinking under the weakness and infirmities of age, cherishing the animating prospect of a future, happy immortality, without any violent struggle she fell asleep in Jesus. On the 16th, she was interred if the family vault in the General Baptist Meeting-house, when a suitable address was delivered; and on the following day, Sunday, May 17, her funeral sermon was preached from 1 Thess. iv. 14, to a respectable audience. Persons belonging to other congregations shewed their respect to her memory by attending on the occasion. R. W. May 31, at Quorndon, in Leicestershire, in the 59th year of his age, the 'Rev. THOMAS OWEN. Mr. Owen was born at Garn Fawr, in the county of Caermarthen, January 1, 1766. His parents had five children, two sons and three daugh ters, of which he was the eldest, and of course heir to the patrimonial estate: fortunately for him it was an entailed one, or he would have been deprived of it on account of some differences in the family. At the age of sixteen he entered the Academy in Caermarthen, under the care of Mr. Gentleman. It was afterwards removed to Swansea, where he finished his education under Mr. Howell. He settled at Findern as minister in 1785. After preaching here about six years, he removed to Loughborough, Feb. 19, 1791, and undertook the care of the Unitarian congregations at that place and Mount Sorrel. His departure from Findern was much regretted. Thus far in life he had been an Arian. He was deeply learned in polemical divinity, and considered the acquisition of truth one of the great ends of human existence. During his ministry in these congregations his opinions underwent a gradual change, and at the time the writer of this memoir became acquainted with him, (1817,) he had given up the doctrine of the pre-existence of Christ, and was a confirmed Unitarian in the strictest sense of the word: his views were liberal and enlightened, being a believer in philosophical necessity, and a materialist. In the year 1798 he married Ann Catharine Dethick, who died Feb. 10, 1804, aged 34, leaving one daughter, an only child. Grief at the loss of his wife iucreased much the constitutional irritability of his temper: but what often occurs at the death-bed of the pious was realized in his last illness, which was peculiarly marked by suavity and evenness of feeling. The disease which carried him off, was what is commonly called a decline. At Loughborough and Mount Sorrel he officiated nearly a quarter of a century, and in 1816 gave up his situation as minister, on account of the infirm state of his health. His love of truth was shewn by that earnest search after it, which marked the whole course of his life, and the liberality of his mind, by strong hatred of persecution. His moral character was, I believe, unimpeachable, so much so that his integrity of purpose and action partook of sternness. We have all our failings, and happy is he whose errors are those of the head merely, not residing in the heart, or having their origin in moral turpitude: and full of glorious promise will be the resurrection of him who descends to the grave like the subject of the present memoir, his thoughts pure, his conduct irreproachable, and his affections fixed upon his God. The best idea will be given of the uprightness of his conduct by stating his own words. In one of our conversations we insensibly got upon the subject of character, when he made the remark, "I have anxiously endeavoured through the whole of my life, to be correct in my moral conduct, and I believe no human being can lay any thing serious to my charge." Resigned, as might be expected, was the death of him who was under the influence of this feeling: he could repose with full and pious confidence upon the tender mercy of his God, trusting he would forgive those imperfections which belong to humanity, and accept the heart that had not intentionally sinned. Conscious that he had diligently exerted himself to prepare for eternity, he had no wish, as he expressed to me in his last illness, to stay in this world, except on account of that strong love every good father feels towards the child of his affectious whom he is going to leave behind. The cheering influence of gospel truth sweetened his departure, and he found consolation and comfort in meditating upon one of those promises of our Saviour which apply only to the good, and the pleasure of which the pious alone can enjoy; "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." the Rev. John Lavington. He lived and died universally esteemed. Sept. 2, at Dairsie, in Fifeshire, aged 84, the Rev. Dr. ROBERT MACCULLOCK, author of "Lectures on the Prophecies of Isaiah," 1794, and of " Sermons on Interesting Subjects," 2 vols. 12mo. 1823. 19, the Rev. WM. BENTLEY CRATHERN, late of Dedham, Essex. He was educated at Homerton Academy, and was ordained pastor of the Independent Church, Saffron Walden, July 22, 1778, and continued there till 1785, when he removed to Dedham. Here he continued to labour till 1823, when he resigned the pastoral office, and retired to the village of Nayland, in Suffolk. Oct. 14, at, the house of his son, in Leadenhall Street, JOHN SIMPSON, Sen., in the 92nd year of his age. Some par-* ticulars with regard to this much-esteemed and venerable Christian will appear in our next. illness, in his 25th year, the Rev. JAMES Lately, at Gainsbro', after a very short KENNEDY, Minister of the Unitarian Chapel there; a young man of great promise, and of very extensive acquirements, and whose early loss will be long lamented by those whom he honoured with his friendship. He was interred in the new burial ground belonging to the chapel, and is the second (his father-in-law, the late Mr. James Lloyd, being the first) whose body reposes in that place of sepulture Additions. MAJOR CARTWRIGHT. (See p. 571.) THE following extract from his will is quite characteristic:— "To my country, anxiously desiring her welfare, I leave a fervent wish for such necessary, deep, and salutary reforms in her institutions, as would not only restore her lost freedom, but purify from the odiousness and debasement of uvfaithfuluess and corruption, all her public departments. By a complete restoration of her genuine polity (which I have endeavoured to place before her eyes), she might, in my humble judgment, so correct the morals and the habits of her people, as to establish on a solid and enduring basis, her future liberty, prosperity, and renowu. To this end she must cease to follow the example of conquering states, which, from small beginnings, become what may be considered as vast pyramids absurdly resting on their points, with their broad founda tions in the air; from the unnaturalness of which position they necessarily fall in ruins, misery, and contempt. When England shall restore the simplicity of her original polity, she will have a basis sufficient for stability, felicity and glory; and then, instead of insanely making her state to resemble an inverted pyramid, she, by merely colonizing on her own natural, sound, constitutional principles, may spread to a wide extent confederate sations, sincere friends to her welfare, firm supports of her greatness; and, in place of jealous rivals or secret and insidious enemies of her repose, she would raise up around her willing ministers of her aggrandizement.” REV. JAMES LYONS. (See p. 571.) nation of the Scriptures," 8vo. 1808, which was reviewed, III. 272. Imme diately upon his declaration of Unitarianism, Mr. Lyons became connected with the Unitarian Fund, and under the patronage of the Society visited Scotland as a Missionary, the first Unitarian Missionary to that part of the kingdom. His visit was so far successful as to lead the way for Mr. Wright, and in fact to introduce Unitarian worship into some of the principal towns. The effect of it is fully appreciated by a competent judge, IV. 512. He preached the anniversary sermon before the Society, June 8, 1808, [III. 349, &c.,] which was published in 8vo. and 12mo. under the title of "The Dissemination of Unitarian Principles Recommended and Enforced;" a sermon which may be characterized as He was born in Ireland of Prebyterian full of heart. In 1810, as soon as the parents. His father was superintendant anniversary of the Fund was passed, Mr. of a timber-yard at Seaford, in the North Lyons went a second time as Missionary of that country. While yet a boy he into Scotland, V. 309; an important became a convert to the Wesleian Me- visit, of which a very pleasing account thodists, and at the early age of 16 com- may be seen, VI. 60-63. The next menced preacher to such of his neigh- year, he went as a Missionary into Wales, bours as would come to hear him in his where he laboured for 50 days: an abfather's orchard. This was in the absence stract of his labours is printed in the of the father, who was displeased with his same volume, VI. 683-692. Soon after son's zeal. From the age of 19 to 25 he giving up the pastoral charge at Hull, was a circuit preacher amongst the Wes- Mr. Lyons was invited to several Unitaleian Methodists, in which connexion he rian congregations; he chose that of came over to England when he was about Chester, over which he settled as minis21. He was appointed first to Wales ter in Nov. 1808. He continued his miand then to Devonshire. His secession nistry here till Dec. 1813, when he refrom the Methodists was occasioned by signed, and was henceforth without any an alteration of his views regarding bap- permanent ministerial engagement. He tism, which led him to connect himself resided to the last in Chester and the with the Baptists at Plymouth Dock, neighbourhood, but in the earlier part of (now Devonport,) to whom he preached, the period of his disengagement from the assistant we believe to Mr. Birt, for some pastoral connexion, had supplied the contime. From this place he removed to gregations of Parliament Court, London; London, as a supply to the Baptist con- Newport, Isle of Wight Reading, &c. gregation at Walworth, which had been His early and best habit of preaching was raised by Mr. Swaine. He was next extempore: he was fluent and animated called in 1796 or 1797 to be assistant and his manner was free and manly. to the Rev. John Beatson, pastor of the His elocution was agreeable. He had Baptist church in George Street, Hull, a mind of considerable powers, and with author of two treatises on the Divine early cultivation would have been disCharacter and the Satisfaction of Christ. tinguished in any profeį sion. He was a Here he was settled first as co-pastor cheerful companion, and his conversation and next as successor to Mr. Beatson, abounded in humour and pleasantry. the younger of whose daughters he mar- His affections were warm; his disposiried in 1798. [This lady died at Chester, tion generous. From feeling and princiNovember 11, 1809. An account of her ple he was a lover of his species, and a by her husband is inserted, V. 90.] At declared enemy of all intolerance and the latter end of the year 1807, Mr. oppression. With the excellencies of Lyons's mind underwent another consi- this cast of character, even friendship derable change: he embraced Unitarian. cannot claim for him an entire exemp ism, and consequently took leave of his tion from its defects; but this may be congregation, after ten years of mutual said with perfect truth, that they who Happiness. [See Mr. Wright's account knew him best were his most steady of this change, III. 166.] On this occa- friends, and now cherish his memory sion, Mr. Lyons preached and published with the most tender regard. a Farewell Sermon, on "The Right and Duty of a Faithful and Fearless Exami INTELLIGENCE. DOMESTIC. RELIGIOUS. Somerset and Dorset Unitarian Association. THE Half-Yearly Meeting of the Somersetshire and Dorset Unitarian Association was held at Crewkerne, on Tuesday, the 5th of October. There was a religious service in the morning, at which Messrs. Walker, of Crewkerne, and Hughes, of Yeovil, performed the devotional parts; and the Rev. E. Whitfield, of Ilminster, preached from John iii. 16. In the evening, the Rev. Mr. Yeates, of Sidmouth, introduced the service, and the Rev. L. Lewes, from Dorchester, addressed a crowded congregation on the words of the historian of the Apostles, Acts xvii. 16: "While Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry." The interval between the services was occupied by the usual engagements. The only parts of the transactions, however, which demand public notice, are, the resolution that the next Meeting shall be held at Honiton, on the day commonly called Good-Friday, 1825, and the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Davies, of Taunton, to be the preacher on that occasion. It is hoped that the proceedings of the day, interest ing as they appear to have been to those who visited Crewkerne on the occasion, vill be also useful in diffusing and increas ing an enlightened zeal for the great prin iples of Protestant and Unitarian Disse 'nt. G. B. W. Southern Unitarian Fund. THE Annual Meeting of this Society was held at Port smouth on the 22nd of September. The Rev. Samuel Walker delivered an impressive discourse in the morning, on the Importance of Consideration with respect both to the Doctrines and Duties of Religion. The Secretary (Rev. Ru ssell Scott) read the Report of the Cor omittee, detailing the continued success of missionary exertions for the spread of gospel truth. The members and their friends dined together (T. Cooke, Jun., Esq., of Newport, in the Chair). The Revds. S. Walker, R. Scott, Hughes, Fullagar, E. Kell, Beard, Sen. and Jun., Mr. Archibald Kenrick, of West Bromwich, and other gentle men, severally addressed the meeting, recommending perseverance, and pointing to means of more extensive usefulness. The Rev. S. Walker also deli. vered a lecture in the evening, in which he eloquently shewed that Unitarianism is more honourable to God and more conducive to the improvement of mankind, than the popular creeds of the day. The public services were well attended. D. B. P. Oldbury Double Lecture. ON Tuesday, Sept. 14, 1824, the Annual Meeting, denominated the Double Lecture, took place at Oldbury. The Rev. Hugh Hutton, of Birmingham, conducted the devotional service. The Rev. Joseph Hunter, of Bath, and the Rev. Charles Wallace, of Altringham, preached. The former on 1 Cor. xii. 12; the latter on Acts i. 7. Sixteen ministers were present. The ministers and some of the members of their respective congregations, afterwards dined together, the Rev. John Corrie being in the Chair: and in the course of the afternoon several gentlemen addressed the meeting on subjects connected with the interests of religious truth and liberty. The Rev. John Small, of Coseley, and the Rev. Evan Jones, of Bewdley, were appointed to preach at the next anniversary. J. H. B. Welsh Unitarian Quarterly Meeting. The Quarterly Meeting of Unitarian Ministers, in South Wales, was held on Thursday the 7th of this month, at Panty-defaid, Cardiganshire. A meeting was held in the afternoon of the preceding day, at Capel-y-groes, about seven miles distant from the former place. Mr. J. Davies, of Llwyn-rhyd-Owen, introduced the service, and Mr. J. James, of Gellionen, preached from Rom. iii. 28. On Thursday, about fourteen preachers were present at Pant-y-defaid. Dr. D. Rees, of Merthyr, conducted the introductory service, and Mr. T. Evans, of Aberdâr, preached from John v. 23. The question discussed, at the close of the service, was Original Sin. Some of the preachers produced several convincing arguments against that doctrine, and shewed that those passages of Scripture which are often cited to prove it, afford it no support, when rightly explained, consistently with their context. In the evening, Dr. D. Rees, of Merthyr, preached at Llwynrhyd-Owen Chapel, from 2 Cor. v. 17. All the services were well attended. |