narrow proceeding. But it is expedient that the combination of intolerants should be counteracted by the energy of the friends of religious freedom, and that petitions in support of the Government Bill should be generally prepared and sent up, not merely from our associations and congregations, but from cities, towns and municipal bodies. How gratefully the efforts of Unitarians in this cause are appreciated, will appear from the following letter of the Baron Rothschild to the Secretary of the Cheshire Presbyterian Association, acknowledging the petition which emanated from that body at their halfyearly meeting held at Stockport. (See C. R., 1847, p. 693.)

64

London, Nov. 24, 1847. "Sir, I have now the pleasurepostponed by extreme pressure of business-to acknowledge receipt of your obliging communication, under date of the 20th inst., of the petition for final and complete removal of Jewish disabilities which has been adopted by the Cheshire Presbyterian Association.

"The high respectability and enlightened zeal of that denomination are well known to me; and their constant assertion and furtherance of the principle involved in my return to Parliament deserve and command my cordial and grateful acknowledgment.

"Be pleased, Sir, to take occasion to convey to the Association this expression of my deep sense of the spontaneous sympathy manifest in this welltimed movement.

"I have the honour to be, Sir, your very obliged and obedient servant, "LION. ROTHSCHILD.

"Rev. R. Brook Aspland."

tricts; the boys' school forms five large classes, all in vigorous operation, whether under master, assistant or monitor; in fact, this resembles more a Scotch sessional than a British school; the arithmetic wrought as faithfully as the reading, and geography and history well introduced; the girls' school not full, owing to the children being employed at home, but it is a good one, with classes arranged in small squares, on forms; the instruction is of course lower than in the boys' school; the infant school is full, but wants the undistracted attention of the master to make it what it ought to be, and what he could make it; his infant monitors the only class in the school reading the Scriptures, but all the classes in the higher schools have the Scripture lessons of the Irish commissioners, and moral instruction is given every Friday afternoon."

Other schools in the city of Manchester present a sad contrast in the Report of the Inspector - as for in

stance,

"Ellor Street, Manchester, November 7th, 1844.-Transferred to the midst of the like population in Manchester, I found in this school a state of things resembling that in the school adjacent to Leeds; the master equally uneducated and untrained, but possessed of more energy; and the mistress of the girls' school a very worthy dame; but the schools of neither had any claim, by their internal merits, to rank as British schools. Renewed attention to the

school having been given by an old friend and a neighbouring minister, improvement may, however, be hoped, though nobody is disposed to supply the pecuniary means.

Schools, Manchester.

Of these admirable schools, the principal master of which is Mr. Curtis, we find the following satisfactory account in the Report of Joseph Fletcher, Esq., the Government Inspector of schools not connected with the Church. It should, however, be added that Mr. Fletcher's visit dates back as far as the close of 1844, since which time we believe the plans of the skilful and indefatigable master have been carried out to a greater degree of success than before.

"In this school I found incomparably more of intellectual life and vigour, combined with good discipline, than I had yet seen in the manufacturing dis

proper support or superintendence from a committee, and the character of the premises, these schools precisely resemble those at Holbeck and Wortley, and their rooms are, in like manner, crowded on Sunday for secular as well as religious instruction; the teachers are destitute of training and every proper appliance, but by their industry (the master aided in each school by his wife) they have got together large schools of both sexes, for which they do the best they can."

The First Unitarian.

It appears by a little tract just put out by Rev. J. Brettell, of Rotherham,

that a neighbouring Vicar recently declared from the pulpit, that " Cain was the first Unitarian." Mr. Brettell pleasantly reminds the Vicar that his statement concedes to Unitarianism at least the merit of antiquity, and gives it an advantage in this respect over the Church of England of some 5000 years. But he goes on to tell him that even his concession does not state the whole truth:

"Adam and Eve worshiped One God, the Author equally of themselves and the universe around them, so that Cain, their eldest son, was not the first, but the third Unitarian, in strict chronological order, of the human family: but thousands and tens of thousands of Unitarian worshipers existed before our first parents-such were the innumerable multitude of those spiritual beings who, on His calling the earth into existence, hymned in a celestial chorus of Hallelujahs and harping symphonies,' the praises of the great and sole Creator,' when,' in the sublime language of Eastern poetry, the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.'

The Vicar's statement, however, was that "Cain was the first Unitarian because he relied falsely for divine acceptance on what would not procure it. Cain relied on his sacrifice, and Unitarians (says the Vicar) rely upon their good works." Mr. Brettell takes the

occasion to read the Vicar a brief lesson of theology, and smartly turns the tables upon the orthodox party, shewing the several points of resemblance between their theology and that of Cain. But happily every orthodox person does not wish to slay his heretical brother, either with the weapon of Cain or that of the Vicar of ——, which is surely not a Scripture weapon, unless it be that mentioned in Judges xv. 15.

Testimonial to Rev. John Kenrick. Our readers are aware that the friends and former pupils of Mr. Kenrick requested him to sit for his portrait to Mr. Patten, R.A. The result was one of the happiest and most perfect portraits ever produced by this skilful artist. It was exhibited in the Manchester Royal Institution in 1846, and then placed in the hands of Mr. Lupton, of London, to be engraved. At the close of the year 1847, the portrait was taken to York by W. Rayner Wood, Esq., and Rev. R. Brook Aspland, as a deputation from the subscribers, and

presented, as "a testimonial to Mr. Kenrick of their respect and gratitude," to the lady of that gentleman. The deputation had the pleasure to learn that the portrait was regarded, by those most competent to form an opinion, as a perfect likeness as well as a beautiful painting; and that the mode adopted by the friends and pupils of Mr. Kenrick to express their respect and gratitude was most acceptable and gratifying to his family. We have this day (Jan. 18th) had the opportunity of inspecting a finished proof of Mr. Lupton's engraving, and are happy to report that it is perfectly satisfactory. It has been executed under Mr. Patten's superintendence in mezzotint, and has received his entire approval. The engraving (which is a private print, and will be confined to the promoters of the testimonial) will be ready for distribution in a few weeks.

Unitarianism at Preston.

The

On Tuesday evening, Jan 11th, a public evening meeting of the Unitarian congregation (a tea-party) was held at the Exchange Rooms, Preston. The Rev. Joseph Ashton presided, and there were about 150 guests. tables were very beautifully and tastefully supplied by the ladies of the congregation. The Chairman opened the business proceedings of the meeting in an excellent address. Their meeting was, he observed, significant of vitality, of progress in their religious society. It was the earnest of work to be entered upon and done by them. It was to take their share with others in the important object of instructing the young, that they were assembled. The circular which brought them together stated their tea-party to be in aid of the funds for establishing a Sunday-school in connection with the Unitarian congregation. Under less auspicious circumstances than the present, a school had been formerly instituted; but difficulties had intervened. He was persuaded there were now determination, vigour and perseverance, to carry the work to a successful issue. He believed that the requisite exertion, both pecuniary and other not less important, would be zealously supplied.

William Ainsworth, Esq., at the call of the Chairman, next addressed the meeting, explained the cause of their former failure in respect to a school, and prognosticated better success for their new effort. He detailed the plans

that had been some time in operation for the improvement of the young people of the congregation, and expressed his hearty approval of their interesting gathering on that occasion, and trusted there would be henceforth an annual expression of the feeling of brotherhood of the same kind. He spoke of the promising field for Unitarian exertion which Preston afforded, and bore his willing testimony to the zeal and ability of their minister, the Rev. Joseph Ashton.

Mr. R. Plumb detailed the influences that had led him to embrace Unitarian Christianity, and the entire satisfaction it had afforded him. He expressed his gratification at the good and cordial feeling which he had found existing

among the different classes of the congregation.

Mr. Corless gave a very able address, in which he dwelt on the importance of Unitarianism, as calculated to supply the wants of the popular mind, and as alone able to check the tide of scepticism. Interesting speeches were afterwards given by David Ainsworth, Esq., and Mr. William Dobson; and thanks were voted to the Mayor for his liberal use of the Exchange Rooms, and to the Chairman for his able conduct of the meeting.

Music varied the proceedings of the evening. Of the whole, a very full report was given in the Preston Chronicle, to the Editor of which journal we beg to make our acknowledgments.

1847. Nov. 23, at Brighton, in the 33rd year of her age, ELIZABETH, the eldest daughter of the late Mr. Samuel FRANCIS, of that town.

Dec. 15, at Leicester, after a short illness, in the 67th year of her age, DOROTHY, the wife of Mr. Peter COL

STON.

Dec. 18, at Priory Terrace, Dover, CHARLOTTE, the beloved wife of the Rev. Thomas Barker Wawne BRIGGS, and daughter of the late Rev. William Moon, of Deptford.

Dec. 20, at his residence, Wrentnall, near this town, aged 75, JAMES FREME, Esq. This gentleman was the last survivor of three brothers, who, in early life, had been merchants in Liverpool. His principles and conduct, religious and political, were those of charity, benevolence and toleration, to all who were sincere in their opinions. The very last act of his life is a seal stamped upon his character and that of his brothers. On the evening of his death he appeared in good health, and sent his servant to inform all the poor families around his residence that "his usual Christmas beast was killed, and would be ready for distribution among them on Thursday." When that servant returned, the "good master" had calmly expired. The disease was an affection of the heart.-Shrewsbury Chronicle.

Dec. 20, at his residence, aged 66,

JAMES PATERSON, Esq., treasurer of the Aberdeen Unitarian congregation.

Dec. 20, the Rev. GILBERT WILLIAM ELLIOTT, of Prescot, Lancashire. (Can any of our correspondents favour us with some biographical particulars respecting Mr. Elliott?)

Dec. 24, ABRAHAM HERBERT, Esq., of Stoke, near Coventry, in the 75th year of his age.

Dec. 25, suddenly, in his 63rd year, JOHN BURTON PHILIPS, Esq., of the Heath House, Staffordshire.

Dec. 26, at Nottingham, in the 84th year of her age, ANNE, widow of the late THOMAS HARRISON, Esq., of Stalybridge.

Dec. 28, at Edgbaston, near Birmingham, aged 77 years, Mr. GEORGE EYRE LEE.

Dec. 29, at the Post-office, Warrington, in the 80th year of her age, MARGARET, widow of the late Mr. Robert ROBSON.

Dec. 29, at Royston, EDWARD KING FORDHAM, Esq., in his 98th year. (Of this much-respected gentleman an obituary notice is promised from the pen of an old friend.)

Dec. 29, at Dukinfield, Mr. AARON HAUGHTON, in the 86th year of his age.

Dec. 29, at Edgbaston, near Birmingham, having just completed her 47th year, SARAH, eldest daughter of the late Mr. John RYLAND, whose obituary was recorded in our last No.

"Her character," said her friend and pastor at her grave, "was formed not only under that nurture and admonition of the Lord' which she was blessed with beneath the parental roof, but also by the varied discipline of life, which never fails of being in the highest degree salutary to minds and hearts prepared for receiving it. In more spheres than one, I have witnessed her conscientious and effective discharge of duty, her steadfast adherence to religious principle, her earnest and successful desire of uniting kindness with wisdom, and a benign spirit and manners with a strict regard to great rules of conduct. She lived for others, and really lived long.

It pleased her Father in heaven to try her by affliction. She found it good for her to be so afflicted; and I am persuaded that it was likewise good even for those in the midst of whom she suffered those who, for weeks and months, watched her couch of languishing and softened its pillow, and caught her last looks and accents, and saw how peacefully she died.

"The memory of what she was in herself, to them, and to the whole of her domestic and social circle, will unite

*Rev. John Kentish.

with their faith and hope in more than relieving their grief, now that they deposit her mortal relics in the tomb so recently opened for a beloved and honoured parent. The clouds return after the rain.' * For ourselves,

indeed, let us sorrow, though not as those who are without hope. Nevertheless, let us be more intent on imitating than on mourning. In respect of the pious dead, what event can be deplored, as the consequence of which they are sooner in possession of their Saviour's joy, of their everlasting felicity and rest?"

Dec. 30, at Warrington, ESTHER, the widow of Richard MILLS, Esq., in the 87th year of her age. The deceased was the last surviving child of the late Roger Gaskell, Esq., of Warrington.

1848. Jan. 1, Mr. CAPPUR, of Nantwich.

Jan. 6, at Lichfield, in the 74th year of his age, JOHN BAYLEY, Esq., oldest surviving son of the late T. B. Bayley, Esq., of Hope Hall, near Manchester.

Jan. 7, aged eleven months, ARTHUR, infant son of Mr. John WooD, of Hulme, Manchester.

At Portsmouth, in the 72nd year of his age, ISAAC JEFFERY, formerly of Steyning, Sussex.

1847. Nov. 30, at Trim-Street chapel, Bath, by Rev. Robert Wallace, ROBERT SIMMONS, of Great Sommerford, Gloucestershire, to JANE PIKE, of the same place.

Dec. 17, at the Unitarian church, Swansea, by Rev. Geo. Browne Brock, by licence, Mr. WILLIAM ASKEW, commander of the barque Chilian, of London, to SARAH, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Michael WILLIAMS, of Swansea.

Dec. 24, at the Unitarian church, St. Peter's Square, Stockport, JAMES HOWLES to JANE SMITH.

Dec. 25, at the Old meeting, Ipswich, by Rev. T. F. Thomas, Mr. M. E. KINDRED to Miss E. BRIDGET PITTS.

Dec. 25, at the same chapel, Mr. LOUIS F. BARWELL to Miss ELIZABETH FITCH.

Dec. 31, at the Unitarian chapel, Bridge Street, Strangeways, Manchester, by Rev. J. R. Beard, D.D., Mr. JOHN RICHARD COOPER to Miss MARIA HOWELL, of Welshpool, Montgomeryshire.

1848. Jan. 1, at Hull, Mr. STEPHENSON, proprietor of the Eastern Counties Herald, to Mrs. SANER.

Jan. 5, at St. George's church, Bloomsbury, London, by Řev. F. G. Simpson, RICHARD KINDER, Esq., of Hampstead, to EMMA, second daughter of the late John MARTINEAU, Esq.