friends, he has consented to publish. Dinner was provided at the Victoria Hotel, at which, in place of the usual after-dinner speeches, the afternoon was spent in social intercourse. The evening meeting was well attended. Rev. T. B. W. Briggs presided, and addresses were delivered by Revds. J. C. Means, J. Briggs, W. H. Black, Silas Henn and Mr. Harley. The day was one of great delight to all present, and many admirable suggestions were offered, which, if carried into operation, cannot fail to rouse to more active exertion the ministers and members belonging to this ancient body of Christians. University Hall. Two important meetings of this institution have been held during the past month. At the first, the annual meeting, the Council presented their first annual report. They speak in cheerful terms of their position and prospects, and express their hopes that "all serious difficulties have been effectually surmounted, and the foundation of an institution laid, which will form an enduring monument of the triumph of the great principle of free religious inquiry obtained by the passing of the Dissenters' Chapels Act." It appears that a sum amounting to £10,206. 5s. has been raised by lifemembers and congregations, and an annual subscription of £202. 9s. 6d. A guarantee fund, amounting to £675, has also been subscribed, and the Council anticipate, with these means, that they shall be able to open "the Hall free from debt." A most desirable site has been secured in Gordon Square, and the society has, through the liberality of the Duke of Bedford, the prospect of purchasing, for £2900, the freehold of the land. The plans of Professor Donaldson for the building have been adopted, and a responsible person has contracted to complete the building of the Hall for £9164, by July 1, 1849. The whole expense, including the furniture of the public rooms, will be covered by £10,000. Professor Newman, of University College, has received and accepted the appointment of Principal; and the Council, in congratulating the shareholders on this appointment, describe him as "a gentleman whose station, learning, reputation and experience," "give the Hall an important status, and secure the confidence of the public." The Council, in respect to "religious education," speak of its importance, and add, "As this will form no part of the Principal's duty, it has been one of the leading objects of the founders of University Hall to take care that means should be provided for adequately supplying this want." The Council refer briefly, but without stating its ultimate failure, to their attempt to remove Manchester New College to London. The second meeting was held on Thursday, July 20, when the ceremonial of laying the first stone of the Hall was performed by Mr. Mark Philips, the Rev. Thomas Madge assisting with an address and a prayer on the ground; and Professor Newman performed his first duty as Principal of University Hall by delivering in the Theatre of University College, which was kindly lent for the purpose, an address. It was able, liberal, conciliatory and eloquent. We regret our inability to transfer it from the columns of the Inquirer to our pages; but we have no doubt that it will be, as it well deserves, printed in a separate form. Respecting Professor Newman's high scholarship and talents, and his possessing in an eminent degree both the intellectual and the moral qualifications to be chiefly sought in the Principal of a Literary and Scientific Institution, it is scarcely possible for two opinions to exist. Should University Hall hereafter combine with its Literary and Scientific objects a Theological faculty, we shall reserve to ourselves the liberty of re-opening the consideration of this question; but in no aspect of it shall we be slow to admit Professor Newman's high claims to the respect and admiration of all who value learning and who honour religious integrity. To University Hall, as a commemoration of the passing of the Dissenters' Chapels Act, and as an institution designed to promote academical learning unfettered by religious tests, we entertain feelings of the most friendly goodwill. We shall rejoice in its success, and our pages will always be open to the records of its progress. We looked with disapprobation on the attempt to remove Manchester New College to London, believing that the North of England is the most suitable locality for a Collegiate institution for the liberal Dissenters. We regarded with feelings of deep regret the unjustifiable attempts of some writers (chiefly anonymous) to lower in public estimation this long-established and eminently useful institution. But these feelings, which we know were shared by many of the most respected members of our religious denomination, are in no degree inconsistent with hearty good-will towards University Hall, and admiration of the persevering zeal of its founders and promoters. Dudley Lecture. The usual services, on the recurrence of the anniversary of this long-established Lecture, took place June 13 [Whit-Tuesday].-A portion of Scripture having been read, and prayer offer sermons were preached; the former, Unitarian Defenders of Christianity. A controversy has lately been carried on on this subject in the Sheffield Indeed, by the Rev. James Cranbrook, two pendent, occasioned by Mr. Stannus's statement that the ablest defenders of Christianity were those of the Unitarian creed. This statement was contradicted by Mr. Samuel Clarkson, an "orthodox" Dissenting minister of the town, who rebuked Mr. Stannus for "denominational egotism.' Mr. S., in a long letter, dated June 13, vindicated his original statement, and pointed in proof to works in defence of the Evidences of Christianity by Locke, Lardner, Priestley, Leland, Benson, Services at the Old Presbyterian Chapel, Foster, Simpson, Watson, Channing and Dr. Beard. It was in introducing the name of the latter gentleman that the original statement was advanced. Mr. S. took the opportunity of explaining and dilating on the essential characteristics of Unitarianism, shewing that it comprehends all the worshipers of the Father of Jesus Christ. Mr. Clarkson replied on the 22nd of June, in a very subdued tone-in fact, declining the controversy, but stating in his own justification that the doctrine of the "Humanitarians" must not be confounded with that of the writers of the 17th century against Deism, whom Mr. S. had claimed as Unitarians. We doubt not that good has been done by this little local controversy. We may hope that Mr. Clarkson has learnt a lesson of discretion, and that some of his townsmen have learnt one of Christian liberality. Hall Bank, Buxton. July 9. Rev. B. T. Stannus, Sheffield. 16. Rev. Charles C. Nutter, Lincoln. 23. Rev. Jas. Brooks, Gee Cross, Hyde. 30. Rev. Henry Green, A. M., Aug. 6. Rev. Joseph Ashton, Preston. 27. Rev. Thos. L. Marshall, Warwick. Sept. 3. Rev. Wm. Harrison, Blakeley. 10. Rev. John Colston, Styal and Dean Row. 17. Rev. R. Brook Aspland, A.M., Dukinfield. 24. Rev. Wm. Whitelegge, Platt. Morning service, at Eleven o'clock. Evening service, at half-past Six. OBITUARY. March 8, Mrs. HUGH JONES, of Lark Hill, near Liverpool. This lady was sister to Mrs. Daniel Gaskell, of Lupset, whose death we recorded in a recent No. Like her, she was a consistent and pious Unitarian. Her remains were followed to the grave by her sons and sons-in-law, including J. P. Heywood, Esq., R. Gladstone, Esq., Hon. R. Denham, S. Bright, Esq., D. Mitton, Esq. The following tribute to her worth appeared in the Liverpool Albion: "By the demise of this estimable lady, which is recorded in our obituary, the most polished circles of Liverpool have lost an ornament, and the unfortunate a firm and never-failing friend. Her large bounties were the offspring of that benevolence which finds pleasure in the alleviation of misery and the mitigation of evil. As these were the sole objects, so the reward was found in the amount of good effected, and the purity of the intention was unalloyed by any taint of ostentation. The common objects of every-day charity, though not neglected, were less the subject of solicitude than suffering merit in perhaps more needy, but less humble circumstances; and the unfortunate, who had declined from affluence, and whose unconspicuous distresses caught not the common eye, found a ready friend in one whose watchful interest was directed to such discoveries, and whose delicate sympathies peculiarly fitted her for the mission which it was her delight to fulfil. The numerous poor whom it is our lot to have always with us,' shared largely in her cheerful givings, which, flowing from a motive which had its highest delight in the promotion of happiness, were 'twice blessed,' like the spontaneous quality of mercy.' June 21, at his father's house, Llewtref, near Lampeter, Cardiganshire, Rev. THOMAS EVANS, late Unitarian minister of Kingswood, near Birmingham. July 4, at Birmingham, aged 75, Mrs. ANN HILL. This valuable person had been, for twenty-three years, Governess of the Protestant Dissenting Charity-school in that town, for female children; the duties of which office she discharged with emi nent fidelity and success. Her labours were indeed her delight. She undertook and fulfilled them from a high sense of principle; and brought to her employ. ments a remarkably earnest, active and persevering mind. The character of each individual pupil was quickly discerned by her; and her treatment of each, admirably suited their respective habits. As the effect, most of the young people under her care became excellently qualified for domestic service: and they retain, and have proved that they retain, deep gratitude for her maternal vigilance and counsels. Nor did she sustain a parent's relation to them alone. She may be said to have also borne it, in respect of near and beloved kindred of her own. These likewise "have risen up" beneath her superintendance: they, too, bless her memory, and deem it their privilege that they watched around her couch of languishing, and smoothed her passage to the grave. Mrs. Hill was a conspicuous example of the power of religion in moulding and directing the faculties of the soul. Her external advantages were few and slender: but her energy of spirit—her strong views of duty-overcame all obstacles, and fitted her for being highly instrumental in advancing the best interests of those around her. When the infirmities of age occasioned her retirement, a few years ago, from public scenes, she carried into private life the affectionate regards and wishes of those who had possessed the most favourable opportunities of witnessing her usefulness and estimating her worth, and who have seldom met with any one more intent than she was on doing good substantial good-within an allotted sphere of action. N. July 12, at his house, Barton Street, Gloucester, the Rev. Dr. DAVIES, minister of the Unitarian chapel in that city, aged 66 years. July 14, in Loyd Street, Greenheys, Manchester, in his 76th year, Rev. W. LAMPORT, formerly Unitarian minister of Poole and Lancaster, and the author of some Hymns and occasional Poems. July 15, at Devonshire Place, London, aged 60 years, WILLIAM AMORY, Esq. Ir is rather more than twenty years since Dr. Tuckerman first entered on the work of what he called the Ministry at Large. As the result of his exertions, various Domestic Mission Societies have been established in this country and America. And now, after the experience which twenty years may have to give, and at a time when the question of most absorbing interest is how to improve the condition and character of the poor, it is well for us to review the history of these societies, to see what progress they have already made, what good they have already effected, and by what means their benign and elevating influences can be more widely extended. It would not be a difficult task,-though one, no doubt, requiring some time and labour,-to collect materials for a short memoir of Dr. Tuckerman. Such an example, as this good man's history would present, of faith, hope, charity, and a life devoted to a great and noble work, should not be allowed to pass away unrecorded. He seems very early to have turned his attention to those for whose religious instruction no provision had been made. In 1812, he formed the first society which was established for the religious and moral improvement of seamen. The enterprize, according to his own account, was begun with much spirit. In the first five years, eleven original tracts were published and extensively circulated, having express reference to the objects of the society. About the same time the attention of others, at least in the city of Boston, began to be directed to the religious wants of the poor; and in 1816 was formed "probably the earliest organization for the City Missionary enterprize." However imperfect this organization may have been, it was a recognition of the fact, that there were multitudes, not far from home, whom the ordinary services and operations of Christian churches did not reach. No sooner did this fact impress itself on the mind of Dr. Tuckerman, than he conceived the idea of an organization far more fully developed, that of a "permanent ministry to be confided to those only who should first have given proof of their qualification for it, and who, when approved and appointed to it, should be expected to give to it their whole capacities and lives." Such persons he desired to go forth among the poor, the sick, the neglected, the depraved, and that numerous class of men, who, though as far from being poor as they are from being rich, yet require to be sought in order that they may be found. To this work he himself went forth. Leaving the country parish with *Annual Reports for 1847-8 of the Domestic Mission Societies in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Leicester and Halifax. which he had been connected for five-and-twenty years, he began his ministry to the poor at Boston on the 5th of November, 1826. "With the aid," he says, "of two of my friends here, within the first quarter of a year I became connected with fifty families as their minister. The way was now plain before me. At the end of the second quarter I had more than ninety families in my charge. At the end of the first year I was connected in this service with nearly a hundred and seventy families; and I had made within the year more than nineteen hundred visits. At the expiration of another six months, I was the pastor of two hundred and fifty families. Nor was there a by-way, nor hardly a yard, which I had not explored thoroughly."* It was soon found necessary to commence a religious service, and for this purpose an upper room was hired; but it is stated that "the success of these various efforts was at first so small as to have discouraged all but the most ardent minds." The work thus commenced has ever since been carried on with increasing success. At first the Ministry to the Poor was connected with the American Unitarian Association; but as its operations extended, and it became desirable to establish it on a more permanent footing, the "Benevolent Fraternity of Churches" was instituted, in whose charge the management of the society has since remained. Each congregation appoints delegates, consisting of the minister and a few lay members, whose duty it is, amongst other things, alternately to visit the missionaries, and thus become personally acquainted with the workings and wants of the various branches. In connection with the Fraternity there are now five missionaries, two of whom have chapels and Sunday-schools, whilst the other three are engaged exclusively in visiting. The last Report of this Ministry has not yet reached this country, but a private letter from the Secretary states that "it has done a great work during the past year. Never have its labours been carried on with a more fervent spirit or marked success." In England, as in America, the Ministry to the Poor was commenced under the auspices of the Unitarian Association. "At the general meeting of this Association, held at Manchester in 1830, the Committee was instructed by its constituents to inquire into the practicability of the plan. During a large portion of the following twelvemonth it had their earnest and anxious attention. At the last anniversary meeting, in 1831, the result appeared in their full conviction of its practicability, and in the adoption by the meeting of a resolution that it should be carried into effect." At last, in 1835, the London Domestic Mission Society was established-the first in this countryto whose care and superintendence were transferred the operations already going on in Spitalfields and Cripplegate. Since that time similar societies have arisen in most of our large towns, the nature and extent of whose operations have been made well known by the distribution of their Annual Reports. These Reports, Principles and Results of the Ministry at Large in Boston, U. S.," by Dr. Tuckerman, a work not to be obtained in England, but extracts from which were published by Dr. Carpenter in a tract entitled "Christian Service to the Poor in Cities." + Monthly Repository, 1831, p. 803, in a sermon by W. J. Fox, entitled "The Claims of the Poor on the Followers of Christ." |