another appointing Messrs. Ashton, J. J. Tayler and Green, a Committee to make the arrangements at Cleator during the next year. The thanks of the Assembly were given to Mr. Ashton for his services during the past year.

A ballot was then held to decide who should be the supporter next year, and the choice of the Assembly fell upon Rev. Francis Bishop, of Liverpool. It was stated by the Secretary that the next meeting of the Assembly would be held at Bury on June 20, 1850.

The following gentlemen were appointed a Committee to represent the Assembly in the Lancashire and Cheshire Presbyterian Association-R. B. Aspland, J. Brooks, J. G. Robberds, J. J. Tayler and C. Wallace.

The Chairman next proceeded to read a paper, prepared at the request of the Committee, on the question, "Why do the Working Classes appear so little influenced and interested by the Public Ministrations of Religion?" There was room for difference of opinion. He submitted his views with great deference. Some might altogether question the fact of the wide spread of infidelity or infidel tendencies among the masses. He had been told by intelligent working men, that the better minds among the working classes were pervaded by a deep spirit of reverence combined with inquiry. On the whole, however, he was inclined to the unfavourable estimate of the masses, and offered the following causes to account for their alleged wide-spread alienation from religion :

1. Of course the deficiency of what is called education, the education of the moral nature of man. Millions were toiling for an animal subsistence, their spiritual faculties little awakened. Hence one great source of difficulty to introduce spiritual thoughts and principles among the unspiritualized masses.

2. The spread of what are called infidel publications. It was so much more easy to remember the brief and pointed objection, than to retain the more elaborate answer. And, in the Old Testament particularly, there were so many things that invite objection; so that we need not wonder if an unlettered, superficial, uncritical infidelity is found among the multitude.

3. False and corrupted doctrines, offered to men in the name of Christianity, have given an additional handle to the rejection of religion.

4. The tone of that portion of the press which claims more especially to

represent the working classes, is, to a large extent, opposed to religion, to Christianity, and particularly to the clergy, the administrators of religion.

5. The schism between the upper and lower classes has aggravated this opposition, and the "animus" of Socialist and many Chartist lecturers has been in the same direction.

6. The struggle which has been maintained for the political enfranchisement of the millions, has been, on the whole, perhaps unfavourable to the quieter and loftier themes of religion.

7. A vague impression prevails of the illiberality of the clergy, their hesitating advocacy of inquiry, progress and education, and general hostility to the political rights of the working classes.

8. The unpractical nature of much of what is delivered in pulpits,-its slight adaptation to the wants and exigencies of society, and to the every-day interests and duties of men,-the antiquated character of many of the topics,-excite little interest or attention.

9. Then there are sectarian differences, and the battles of theologians; the mere fact of different interpretations of Christianity, is by some regarded as an unanswerable argument against it.

10. The inconsistent and unworthy conduct of many professors of Christianity.

11. Some allege the general coldness of our religious services, and the little interest that is taken in each other by members of the same religious society.

12. A growing indifference to all mere forms; and this at a time when some learned men of one University were attempting to revive a defunct ceremonialism, which has found, however, slight acceptance among the working men of England.

13. But perhaps one of the most powerful of all the causes proceeds from a mistake as to the true grounds of religion, confounding the Bible with religion itself, the testimony with the thing testified. Let an intelligent working man sit down to the reading of the Bible with the prevailing vague notions of its perfectness and authority, and he will meet difficulties in every page. Every department of knowledge may furnish matter of perplexity and matter of proof that the Bible is not the sort. of book which the Church has supposed and attempted to make it. Unfortu nately, any difficulty or objection that tells against the book, is supposed to tell against religion. And this comes of identifying religion with the record

of it, resting it chiefly on a book, to the neglect in whole or in part of that broader and deeper basis which is to be found in our spiritual nature, and which ultimately leads us to and terminates in the spiritual nature of God. There being no time left for the discussion of Mr. Macdonald's paper, the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to him for it, and to him and his congregation for the use of the chapel.

The ministers and others present then formed themselves into a meeting of the Lancashire and Cheshire Presbyterian Association, and Mr. James Chorley, of Manchester, was called to the chair.

Rev. R. Brook Aspland stated that there had happily been no occasion during the last two years for any action on the part of the Society, which was formed chiefly with a view to the protection of our civil and religious rights as Presbyterian Nonconformists. It was thought undesirable to allow the organization of the Society to be broken up. In order that, if any emergency should arise, they might have a Provincial Committee to whom might be safely delegated the means necessary to defence, he moved the re-appointment of the officers for the ensuing year. This resolution having been carried, Rev. J. H. Thom stated that he had lately received an application on behalf of a scheme for building a new chapel in the province. There were some difficulties in the case, and he wished for the counsel and aid of some recognized and authorized body amongst them to resolve his doubts, and inquired whether the Committee of the Association would be the proper body to consider the case. The Secretary having expressed his doubt whether the Association was by its original constitution empowered to undertake such an office, a long and interesting conversation ensued, in which Revds. F. Howorth, J. J. Tayler, J. G. Robberds and others, took part. All concurred in the desirableness of there being some active Committee to give the kind of supervision and aid which Mr. Thom then desired, and eventually that gentleman gave notice that at the next meeting of the Provincial Assembly he should move for the appoint⚫ment of such a Committee.

The proceedings closed with a very animated and interesting address from Dr. Montgomery, who detailed the plans of his brethren in Ireland, and exhorted his English friends to establish an effective organization whereby

the whole of the strength of their highly respectable and wealthy body might be brought out in support of their pure and noble principles.

The congregation then dispersed, and about fifty gentlemen re-assembled at the King's Head inn to dinner. A very handsome entertainment was here prepared by Mrs. Manley, the worthy hostess, who stated that she had assisted, in the same hotel, in receiving the members of the Provincial Assembly, fifty years ago. The chair was taken by Rev. W. Herford, and the post of vice-chairman was filled by Rev. Archibald Macdonald. One or two loyal and other toasts were given. A fervent tribute of respect to their distinguished guest, Dr. Montgomery, produced in reply from him a warm and stirring address, which we regret we cannot give verbatim, and any other style of report would furnish our readers with no adequate idea of the beautiful natural eloquence by which it was characterized. Subsequently the proceedings were of a less formal character, and a conversation took place on the subject of Rev. A. Macdonald's paper read at the meeting before dinner. Rev. F. Baker thought we should look at practical points, not those of mere theory, and laid especial weight on the influence of Sunday-schools and of the institutions connected with them, such as sick- funds, clothing -societies, &c., narrating the effect of such measures in his own congregation at Bolton, now amounting to from 1000 to 1500. Mr. Ragland alluded to the peculiar difficulties felt by country congregations in regard to their Sunday-schools, and lamented that so small a proportion of those educated in such institutions become members of our congregations. Mr. Layhe urged the necessity of efforts to educate the working classes.-Mr. Whitehead insisted on the great success to be obtained by the persevering labours of ministers in the Sundayschool, and described the universal kind feeling and affection subsisting between his scholars and himself. He concluded with proposing the health of Mr. Herford and Mr. Travers Madge, with thanks to them for their services in the morning.-Dr. Beard and Rev. J. G. Robberds expressed their lively concurrence in this sentiment, the latter gentleman observing he had watched the progress of the preacher from the time he first tried his unfledged pinions in short flights, up to the time when on this day he stood before his brethren, who, if not agreeing with all

he said, must all have received his suggestions with the respect they deserved, equally for the matter and manner of his discourse.-Rev. W. Herford, thanking the company for the compliment paid to him, alluded to the subject of his sermon outward forms and modes of expression may pass away, but the great truths of the Christian religion stand eternal and unchanged.-Travers Madge wished that some practical plans might arise from the discussion. He advocated missionary effort in country localities, to spread the principles of pure Christianity among those members of the working classes who are now without religion. In most places a room at least in a cottage may be obtained, and here a few friends may be gathered together and led to unite in worship; and from these small beginnings great good may come. But we must not aim at doing all for them, but rather at leading them to exert themselves, at finding among them local preachers who will occasionally conduct services, and at teaching them to rely on themselves, not on others. There are many thoughtful men to whom no religion is now possible but such a one as we can offer them-one that approves itself to reason, that recognizes the right of private judgment, and is unfettered by any fixed external forms. Whether they shall be religious or irreligious depends, therefore, upon our efforts.-Rev. John J. Tayler insisted on the necessity of going to the work of preaching with a determination to declare boldly our own convictions. Whatever belief we hold, we must declare; whatever doctrines we abandon, we must publicly give up. He had been struck with the fact that in conversations with intelligent operatives, he had heard precisely the same reasons assigned for their neglect of religion as those mentioned by Mr. Macdonald. Dr. Beard urged the necessity of zeal in religion, the most important of all things. He agreed with the assertion that the Sunday-school is the best nursery for supplying new members to the congregation; but in order that it may do so, it must be properly managed.-At the conclusion of Dr. Beard's remarks, the time had arrived for the departure of those going by the last train to Manchester, Liverpool and Bolton, and the meeting (which was felt to be one of a remarkably agreeable, and it is hoped practically useful, character) was brought to a somewhat abrupt conclusion.

On the following day, the business of the Widows' Fund and the Auxiliary Benevolent Fund was transacted. This was of an unusually important character. The Secretary, Rev. Jas. Whitehead, detailed the circumstances which had enhanced very considerably the value and the income of the Parsonage Estate. In accordance with the recommendation of the Special Committee appointed two years ago, the rate of the annuities was increased about 20 per cent., and a series of new regulations were adopted, by which the ministers may increase their annual payments and secure hereafter for their families a proportionate increase of annuity, &c. The whole proceedings were, under the able presidency of Rev. J. G. Robberds, conducted with perfect unanimity. The Treasurer of the Fund, Robert Heywood, Esq., of Bolton, was present. Most earnestly is it to be desired that all the Unitarian ministers of England had access to a Provident Mutual Benefit Society endowed with the same remarkable advantages that now belong to the Widows' Fund of Lancashire and Cheshire. Early in the afternoon the ministers separated, highly gratified with the proceedings of the two days' meetings.

The twenty-fourth annual meeting of this Society was held on Wednesday, May 30, in Essex-Street chapel, Strand. There was a numerous and highly respectable congregation. The sermon was preached by Rev. J. Scott Porter, of Belfast, and was appropriate, earnest and eloquent. The preacher took his text from Matt. v. 13, "Ye are the salt of the earth. But if the salt have lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." Mr. Porter briefly illustrated the metaphor employed in this passage, and pointed out its application to the Christian church in all ages: he then shewed how our Lord's language may be considered as addressing itself to any class of persons who stand up in the attitude of religious reformers, and especially to Unitarian Christians, who, in the present state of the religious world, necessarily occupy that position. On all such he urged the duty of comparing from time to time their conduct with their obligations in that capacity, lest something

might be found in themselves which would counteract their efforts to do spiritual good to mankind. Obstacles of this kind may arise either from the ungodly lives of Unitarian Christians, from their indifference and want of zeal, or from their improper manner of advocating their views. On each of these topics, Mr. Porter made a few remarks, with especial reference to the present aspect of society at large, and of the Unitarian body in particular, and concluded with a brief practical peroration.

The Society met for the transaction of business immediately after the close of the religious service. The chair was taken by James Heywood, Esq., M. P. The Treasurer's Report stated that the Society's income during the past year amounted to £1039. 9s., and that the expenditure had exceeded that sum by £1.5s. 7d. The only discouraging circumstance connected with the Society was a falling off in the annual subscriptions, the amount being £120 below the average. Mr. Hornby accompanied his financial statement with some very judicious remarks.-Rev. E. Tagart presented the Report of the Committee. Of this interesting document we regret that we cannot give the whole, which is well worthy the attention of our readers; but we select one or two paragraphs, to which our limited space confines us.

"In the Civil Right department, the only subject which has engaged the attention of your Committee has been the effort to keep the British and Foreign School Society faithful to its liberal and fundamental principles. It was found necessary, immediately after the last Anniversary, to commit the care of this matter, which was likely to involve long and anxious deliberation, to a distinct body of gentlemen, for which the Rev. S. Wood has been the faithful and active Honorary Secretary. The expenses connected with the preparation of the case for the opinion of the Attorney-General, and other expenses of general agency, have been defrayed by this Society, amounting altogether to about £50. Various influential persons concerned in the formation and warmly interested in the proceedings of the Society have been consulted, and some have promised active co-operation; and a report of the matter as it at present stands has been prepared by Mr. Wood, which we are permitted to lay before our readers.

"At the time of the last annual meet

ing of the Association, the AttorneyGeneral and Mr. Rolt had given their opinion on the Further Case' which had been submitted to them with reference to the British and Foreign School Society, and this opinion had been forwarded to the Committee of that Society, accompanied by a proposal for a conference, without prejudice to either party, between a Sub-committee of the Managers of the School and persons deputed by the Unitarian Committee, for mutual explanation. It is much to be regretted that this conference was declined, the Committee stating that, as they did not recognize any deviation on their part from the fundamental principles of the British and Foreign School Society, they did not consider that any useful purpose would be answered by the proposed conference.' More lately, however, the Committee of the School have consented to place the matters in dispute before two of their most respected subscribers; and it is sincerely to be hoped that the result will be such as to prevent the necessity of having recourse to legal proceedings in order to bring back the Borough-road Society to the principles on which it was professedly founded. But your Committee feel that the law is clearly in their favour; and should other means of obtaining justice fail, it will then be for them to consider what support should be given to any application which may be deemed advisable to make to the Court of Chancery."

"We have received two long and interesting communications from Mr. F. W. Holland, Secretary to the American Unitarian Association, detailing movements in the Western world to sustain religious life among the Unitarian Churches, and to promote the knowledge and influence of their principles. They have held numerous religious meetings in different parts of the city of Boston, designed, as Mr. Holland expresses it, to quicken the religious life of the community. They have circulated gratuitously copies of Wilson's Illustrations of Unitarianism, and been engaged in the sale and distribution of the works of Channing. We have received copies of books and tracts published by their Association, which have been kindly forwarded to us. They have set on foot a religious newspaper under the title of the New York Inquirer,' having raised a good fund for the purpose; 5000 are to be issued, and every pastor is invited to work for its interest."

Subsequently to the reading of the Report, an animated discussion took place. One of the principal topics was the propriety of laying aside the weapons of controversy, and devoting the undivided energy of the Unitarian denomination in efforts for the promotion of a spiritual, unsectarian and undogmatic religion. The prevalent tone of the speakers was against a systematic abandonment of distinct Unitarian objects, as inconsistent with religious sincerity, as injurious to the promotion of rational religion, and unnecessary to the attainment of a spiritual religion and the zealous practical pursuit of every form of philanthropy. Of the speeches delivered at the business and the evening meeting, we cannot profess to give any details, but must refer our readers to the full reports contained in the Inquirer of June 2. The Soirée was held in the evening in the Freemasons' Tavern, and was attended by a brilliant assembly of not less than 500 persons. Mr. Heywood again presided, and his address was followed by speeches from Mr. Richard Taylor, Rev. Hugh Hutton, Rev. E. Tagart, the Hon. F. Hincks, of Montreal, Rev. F. Bishop, Rev. J. S. Porter, Rev. S. Bache, &c. &c.

Of the other Societies connected with the Unitarian body which held their meetings in London during the Whitsun week, we regret that we have received no report from any one of their several officers. The SundaySchool Association was presided over with great ability by Rev. John Colston, of Styal, and the proceedings were marked with a pleasant earnestness, yet undisturbed unanimity of feeling. The Christian Tract Society appears to have risen above its financial difficulties. An animated and practically useful conference took place between the

teachers and friends of Sunday-school education, over which Rev. Edward Talbot, of Tenterden, presided. Of the General Baptist Assembly's proceedings we have not been enabled to give any account.

Lecture at Dudley, May 29.-The religious service, on this occasion, was introduced by the Rev. Wm. Mountford. A discourse was then delivered, by the Rev. James Cranbrook, on "the invalidity of certain abstract objections to Christ's resurrection" [Acts xxvi. 8]; and a second, by the Rev. Timothy Davis, on "the nature and claims of the union of the members of a Christian church" [Rom. xii. 4, 5].

Crewkerne.-Since their removal to Mansfield, the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. TEGGIN have been much gratified by receiving from their friends at Crewkerne a Silver Salver, of considerable value and tasteful execution, on which the following inscription appears: "Presented to the Rev. J. G. and Mrs. Teggin, as a Token of Regard, by their Friends in Crewkerne and the neighbourhood." It is pleasing to observé on the good feeling which follows Mr. and Mrs. Teggin to their new engagements, and they will ever look upon this offering of esteem and friendship as a grateful record made by kindly and generous hearts.

CONGREGATIONAL.

Rev. ARCHIBALD MACDONALD, M.A., has resigned the charge of the congregation at Chowbent.

Rev. A. W. JONES, of Northampton, has received and accepted an unanimous invitation to undertake the pastoral charge of the Unitarian congregation at Bridgewater.

May 21, at Brattleborough, Vermont (U.S.), MARTHA, relict of the late J. R. FREME, Esq., of Liverpool. The Unitarians of England, as well as of America, to whom this excellent lady was known by her liberality and philanthropy, have been painfully shocked by the distressing account of her tragical end. We take the particulars from a Brattleborough newspaper of the date May 21:

"We have to record one of the most

shocking calamities that ever occurred in this vicinity. At fifteen minutes past one o'clock this (Monday) morning, an alarm was given, and it was soon ascertained that the house of Mrs. Martha Freme, situated about three quarters of a mile north of this village, was on fire. When the first man from the village arrived on the ground, the whole mass-house, wood-shed and wood, carriage-house, barn, &c.—was in ruins; and, horrible to relate, Mrs. F.