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PRIZE ESSAYS.

In our Number for March, 1822, (see p. 80. col. 2.) the Editor of this Magazine invited his correspondents to a discussion of three distinct subjects, and proposed to reward the writer of the best Essay, on each subject, with books to the value of Two GUINEAS. He has now to announce the result of this competition.

The essays on the subject of BIGOTRY, which comes first in order, are seven in number, and the award is made to MR. B. H. DRAPER, of Southampton--now, we believe, entitled by common courtesy, to be styled Doctor Draper, having, if our information be correct, within a few days past, been honoured with an unsolicited diploma from one of the American colleges; and glad should we be, were literary honours, in all instances, as well merited as in the present. Mr. Draper's Essay shall be submitted to the judgemnt of our readers in the Magazine for August, and we have little doubt that his competitors will then acquiesce in the propriety of the award now made. We must, however, in justice add, that there are two or three of the other Essays on Bigotry that possess considerable merit, and that are well worthy of appearing in print. They will be delivered to their respective authors, on applying for them at our office.

His

On the subject of the second Prize Essay, which regarded "the order of public worship observed in the apostolic churches"we have received only one solitary Essaythe signature of which is "Constant Reader," Fifeshire. This correspondent, Consequently walks over the course. paper is not indeed equal to our wishes; on which account, we are not quite determined about printing it; but he is, nevertheless, fully entitled to the prize, and he will have the kindness to inform us what books to send him, and by what conveyance. The fate of the third Essay is singular enough. The competitors are about half a dozen in number, but not one of the writers has comprehended the question, and consequently their disquisitions have no relation to it whatever. These writers have all taken up the subject of consistency of character, as referring to moral purity or holiness of life, a thing, doubtless of great importance in itself, but it is not that to which the Essay relates, as must be obvious to such as attentively consider the latter clause of the proposition, viz. "The evil influence resulting to inquirers after truth, from persons vested with the ministerial office, acting inconsistently with their acknowledged principles," &c. Now to explain a little more particularly what is intended: let us suppose a minister to hold it as a first principle, that Christ's kingdom is not of this world, and yet to plead for na

VOL. VIII.

tional establishments of Christianity-for the necessity of Acts of Parliament to maintain and enforce it-for the propriety of the civil magistrate interfering to punish the promulgators of heterodox, or, if you will, blasphemous opinions. Is it not manifest that such an one is acting inconsistent with his avowed principles? But suppose we try the different classes of Dissenters by the same rule. For instance, the Independents hold it as a fixed principle that the people of the new covenant are distinguished from those of the old, by their having the law of God written on their hearts, and all of them knowing the Lord from the least unto the greatest-they contend that the subjects of Christ's kingdom are distinguished from the world, by their being of the truth and hearing Christ's voice-born again of the Spirit by the incorruptible seed of the Word, &c.

yet, observe these same persons attempt. ing to establish infant-baptism, and all these considerations are disregarded and treated as moonshine! The only question then, comes to be-" Are they born of believing parents?" And thus they chime in with the national church upon the great point of her Judaized Christianity, and, in their baptism hold a most intimate fellowship with her. Once more-the Baptists strenuously insist upon having express precept, or approved example, to warrant the administration of baptism, &c. Apply the same principle to what regards the order of the house of God, the office-bearers in the church of Christ-the observance of the

Lord's supper, &c.—and then what becomes of express precept or primitive example ?— they have as little ear to give to these things, as either the churchman, or the pædo-baptist dissenter! Or we might reverse the matter and take it in this way. Their uniform practice is, to have one pastor in a church, and to administer the ordinance of the Lord's supper monthly. But let a premium be offered for an Essay in defence of the contrary practices, viz. a plurality of pastors and weekly communion, and lo! these same ministers can defend them pro aris et focis; in short, they can defend either side of the question, just as their worldly interest dictates!!!

The hints now given may suffice for the present purpose, which is to shew how com pletely the question has been mistaken. A reflecting mind will be at no loss to perceive how easy it would be to extend the application of these remarks to many other things connected with Christian churches→ to the practice of free communion and many other flagrant abuses that have sprung up amongst us.

We shall renew our offer of the premium for this Essay for three months longer, and shall feel truly obliged to some of our able correspondents who will take it up, as now explained, and do justice to the subject.

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Religious and Literary Entelligence.

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ANNIVERSARY MEETINGS.

ELEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING OF
THE PROTESTANT SOCIETY FOR
THE PROTECTION OF RELIGIOUS
LIBERTY.

ardour-to bring them down from lofty soarings, to earthly and afflicting scenes.

The Education Bill had, he hoped, passed away to that grave, where many mistaken projects of the benevolent and worthy, bappily slumber to awake no more. Of Mr. Brougham no man could think more highly, or utter more cordial praise. In debate, he moved like a giant in a storm. As an THIS Anniversary was held on Saturday, advocate, as a political economist, as a May 11th, in the Great Room of the City of statesman, as a philanthropist, he was preLondon Tavern. Lord John Russell pre-eminent. Since their last meeting, he had sided. The Chairman was wisely selected. His name, his rank, his political connexions, his literary character, his persevering and judicious efforts to promote a moderate constitutional reform, well adapted him to occupy the honourable situation, in which he had been preceded by Royal, Noble, and most distinguished friends of civil and religious liberty.

Thomas Pellatt, esq. read the proceedings of the Committee during the past

year.

Those statements we omit, as they were adverted to by Mr. John Wilks, the other Secretary, in his long, able, and eloquent address. Of that address we cannot adequately write. His former efforts were outdone. It continued for three hours and twenty minutes, and evinced the wondrous power of eloquence, when combined with information and intellect. It would afford us great pleasure to lay before our readers a full report of this masterly address: but, limited as we are for room, we can do no more than select a few of the more important passages from it. He began by saying, that he recollected the beneficent and Christian purposes, for which, throughout the week, in that room and other edifices, many successive meetings had been held. The education of the poor on liberal principles, and by Sabbath Schools-the circuJation of the Scriptures-the distribution of tracts the promotion of preaching in the British Empire-the Mission of Evangelists throughout the world, were objects sacred and sublime. Their magnitude and moment bestowed dignity on their promoters; they ennobled the humblest of their advocates. Joy produced by success, hope cheered by prospective contemplation, love to God and man diffusing pure and heavenly bliss, had made them thrill with such deep and good sensations, that he shrunk back, unwilling to allay their pleasure--to damp their holy

boldly, for a Royal client, stemmed the torrent of influence and power, and secured an amaranthine fame. As to education his object was laudable, but his means needless and unwise. From a small source bubbling up in the vale of Gloucester, in the establishment of Sunday-schools, had issued a stream swollen by ten thousand charitable rills, wide-spreading and beneficent. Christian love had added to these waters, till Wales and England, that had been parched and desert, were now among the best instructed nations on the earth. If a system parochial, clerical, compulsory, expensive, had been established, these waters of charity would have ceased to flow-the taxations of the country would have been enlarged-the agricultural interests, now gaping for exist ence beneath too heavy burdens, would have sunk under a new pressure-the wrongs of Dissenters would have been increasedthe ecclesiastial powers, already two predominant, would have received fearful augmentation-and an harvest would have been reaped of immediate evil, and of abiding woe. Happily, however, the dark oppres sive cloud that blighted and overhung them had passed away, and all was again serenity and sunshine. May no fragments of the threatening masses ever re-appear!

The vexatious subject of the assessment of Chapels at Bath, Chatham, Beverley, and Paddington, to Poor Rates had renewed anxiety and labour. At Bath, some additions to Argyle Chapel, principally for the accommodation of the Sunday scholars, whom the members of that munificent congregation endeavoured to instruct, produced a treble assessment to the poor! As if these parochial patriots were fearful the noxious weeds of pauperism should vegetate too slowly, and would therefore, by a tax, for bid the wise instruction and infant pietywhich can alone restore to the poor an inde pendent but submissive spirit, and the love

of labour, economy, comfort, and of an humbler but an happy home! At Chatham during several years, Mr. Slatterie had resisted, by every fair expedient, an assessment on his chapel, which amounted yearly to the vast sum of one hundred pounds, and which now would subtract from the donations of the congregation a yearly sum of sixty pounds! By legal suggestions, the Committee had enabled him to profit by some negligence and delay of his opponents, and to avert the payments of two rates which they threatened to enforee, and at which the majority of the parishioners wept no tears but those of joy. The congregation at Beverly had not been before assailed. It was a small corporate town, where local antipathies and mere personal dislikes exercise illiberal and ungracious power. There, they had rashly distrained the property of an individual trustee-but, mindful of the place where he first plucked the flowers of spring, and gazed on the blue sky, Mr. Collison had manfully resolved to resist every extorsive and illegal act, with a noble spirit had declared that he would rather "beg from door to door," than allow those measures to prevail.

On these subjects he would repeat former cautions and advice. Meeting Houses were rateable to the poor if any beneficial occupier could be found. But all necessary outgoings, including reasonable salaries of ministers, were to be allowed out of the receipts. On the net remaining proceeds only could the charge be made. The necessity of the expences was then the matter mainly to be discussed, and which, churchmen, being the magistrates at Quarter Sessions, on an appeal against the rate, could alone decide. To prevent the vexation and expence of such appeals, he recommended, that in parishes, where such charges were intended, the Dissenting inhabitants should attend the vestries, and there remonstrate. If that effort was vain, then they should immediately demand a copy of the rate; being ever mindful, that unless the appeal was made to the next possible sessions, the charge was confirmed. Having obtained the copy, let them examine what property was omitted or under-rated: especially let them turn to the assessments of the parochial officers, and the persons most desirous to burden them. Let them note whether the parsonage house, the glebe, the rectorial and vicarial tythes, the Easter offerings, and all monies received for pew rents in the church or episcopalian chapels, were fully charged. Of any omissions or under-rating, let them complain on their appeal. Self-interest would then often impel the aggressors to recede. Then the same mercenary motive that induced the charge, would happily re-act, and the threatened charge would be omitted, or the claim foregone. Recent cases rendered

this result more probable. At the Norfolk Sessions, in the last month, a decision had occurred, unpropitious to the clergy, and favourable to this mean of Dissenting selfdefence. Dr. Bulwer, Rector of Cawston, had appealed against a full charge for, tythes, and his appeal was disallowed. He was held liable to pay rates on the full value of all his tythes: since, whilst the fall of agricultural produce precluded farmers from a profit; yet all the receipts of the clergyman were profit, resulting too, from the capital and industry of those by whom no profit was obtained. The erection of new churches by the Church Society, and out of the parliamentary grants for those objects, would increase this mean of resistance. In all those edifices, pews were to be let, and their costly fanes would be as rateable as the humbler Non-conformist House of Prayer. Thus the security from payment and vexation, which tolerating principles, public virtue, and true policy, should have given unasked, may result from less noble motives-and the very clergy, and the enthusiasts for the established church, become the earnest advocates for an exemption they have been earnest to resist.

To RIOTS and illegal interruptions of public worship, he would next allude. These needed punishment for their repression. In cities, and the chapels of wealthy_congregations, they were not known. They reresulted usually from the active exertions of the good in distant neglected hamlets:but there law ought to be as triumphant, and security as complete, as in the cathedral with fretted roof and lofty spires.Dangers ought not to be added to the fatigues of these Home Missionaries, and they should have from wealthier, unmolested congregations the protection they require. He did not, however, wish to aggravate these matters. They resulted often from inebriety or ignorance, rather than a malicious spirit, and predetermined hostile minds;-partly encouraged too by a church establishment, and by the obloquy which affected all dissenters, from the continuance of penal statutes, and their exclusion from the bench of magistracy and other public situations, which their fortunes and knowledge fit them to adorn. Of these affrays many were oppressed by private effort and local associations. But at Urchfont, in Wilts, a man was disorderly, sang aloud, would fight-was prosecuted, convicted, and forgiven; and the Committee contributed five guineas to the charge. Chipperfield, in Hertfordshire, was the scene of another riot. Stones were thrown at the windows and the doors, and the people insulted and disturbed. The case had been recommended to the attention of the Committee by Dr. Collyer, who, though mild as embodied meekness, was firm for right. The magis

After interesting allusions to various to pics, and explanations of the measures taken by the Committee as to all subjects, and which the assembly approved, Mr. Wilks, hastened to conclude.

trates had been tardy to interfere, but perseverance overcame that tardiness, and the offenders awaited trial for their offence. At Woodford Bridge, where the London Itinerant Society have long endeavoured to improve one of the many desert spots that For the protection and honour of Dissenenviron London, William Witham was ap- ters, several matters required to be attained. prehended for misconduct. He was com- He presented them that they might nemitted to Chelmsford gaol, and expressing ver be forgotten. They should be incontrition, and paying a trifle to the poor, scribed in characters of fire. They should was finally released. But expences to the be known, desired, sought-sought with Committee resulted from the prosecutors union and perseverance until attained; if having entered into recognizances to pro- so sought, that attainment was secure. They secute, which preclude a prompt forgive- were, 1. A legislative explanation of the ness of defendants, and which prosecutors Toleration Acts, whereby the penalties for should avoid. At Bow Common and Peter- disturbing their religious assemblies, could church, in Herefordshire, where a female be enforced without delay, or expence, by was shot through the hand, and Cricklade, the Courts before whom convictions were where the Home Missionary Society prose obtained. 2. The placing of Baptists in cute their excellent much-needed labours, the same situation as to the right of burial, and in other places, such proceedings vary- with all other Dissenters. 3. The exemp ing in their outrage and atrocity occurred. tion of their places of worship from paroAt Ickford, near Thame, not only the rooms chial assessment. 4. The publicity and seopened for worship by a Christian Philan-curity of all their registrations of baptisms thropist, were rendered offensive by putrid matter, the lights extinguished by birds, and the social meetings interrupted by. disgustful noise; but that case was rendered remarkable by the shameful obstructions opposed to redress by clerical justices, to whom he must so often and unwillingly alJude. His tale was long and mournful, and in his case the pledge of Magna Charta, "that we shall deny nor defer to no man either justice or right," was magisterially contemned. At Saffron Walden too, vigils, not superstitious or unseemly, held on the last night of the departed year, by some good and wealthy females of the Wesleyan denomination were disturbed by rude wassailers. Their rank and legal knowledge should have taught them other conduct, and prevented a disturbance of the grateful praises and fervent prayers of the thankful and devout at that midnight. The "Omnia Fausta" of Rome, when gifts of love and cordial wishes-" Opera Auspicabantur,"-circulated through the people, were not more intitled to respect. More wise and worthy was not the mirth of Scotland, whose sons and maidens cheerily celebrated the in-coming year-hoping and fearing which should be the "first foot" that passed the threshold when the midnight clock had struck. Yet they were not allowed peacefully to have their penitent, unoffending intercourse. But the hour of reckoniug came. In broad noon-day, the offenders had to apologise for their intrusions, and in distinctest language to express regret. In all such cases, the Committee sought only prevention by punishment-were like uprooting winds to the obstinate and unbending, and gentle as the soft breeze to those who, shrub-like, bend before their cautions and reproof.

and interments; and, 5th, That, repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts, which, though last announced, was most to be dedesired. Year after year, he purposed to present these objects to their view: and if the memory of their greatly-good forefathers was truly cherished, and the love of posterity was really felt-they would not be looked upon as unattainable, or worthless, they would be rightly estimated and finally obtained. Nor would the safety of the established church be compromised by their success. Its situation might be less elevated, but would be more secure; the rude frowning eminence would be exchanged for a lowlier but safer scite: toleration would be made more tolerable; and, as the fetters remaining on Dissenters would be lighter and less galling, they might be more quies cently and permanently worn.

At these Meetings no collections are made, and many seemed disappointed that no op portunity was afforded to shew their inte rest in the Institution, and their gratitude for its exertions, but by their acclamations and their tears. By the request of the Committee, we therefore subjoin our annual intimation, that donations are needed, and are acceptable-that two pounds is the amount of the annual contribution expected from each congregation in England, and one pound from every congregation in Wales; that such subscriptions became due at Lady Day last, and that the arrears may be transmitted by friends, or by the Post, to the Treasurer, ROBERT STEVEN, Esq. Upper Thames Street, London; or to either of the Secretaries, THOS. PELLAT, Esq. Ironmongers' Hall, and JOHN WILKS, Esq. Finsbury Place, London, to the latter of whom applications may be addressed; and

that Country Ministers or their friends will always be received with pleasure at the Meetings of the Committee, which occur at Batson's Coffee-house, Cornhill, at half-past six in the evening precisely, on the last Monday in every month.

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Very excellent and animated speeches were delivered, and the several resolutions moved and seconded, by the following gentlemen; the Rev. Lewis Way, J. Hunter, of Gloucester, - Dr. Collyer, Mark Wilks of Paris, Dr. Bogue, Dr. Smith, Dr. Waugh, G. Mutter, -W. Shirley, S. Blackburn, Clementson, and T. Roberts, Esq. Just as the President was addressing the Meeting in conclusion, Dr. Robinson, of Dublin, entered the hall, and being introduced to the audience, announced the formation of an Auxiliary Society in that city, which has very recently been visited by one of the foreign agents, in company with a highly respected friend and supporter of the insti tution. The Meeting broke up about four o'clock, and upwards of 20 guineas were collected at the door, besides some subscriptions received on the platform.

SOCIETY.

The 17th Anniversary of this most interesting and important Society was held on Thursday, May 16, at 'Freemasons' Hall; H. R. H. the Duke of Sussex in the chair. At half-past twelve H. R. Highness opened the business by a few words of congratulation on the aspect of the present Meeting, which was numerous beyond any former Anniversary; and a great part of the company consisted of Ladies, including those of the Ladies' Committee. We noticed among

THE CONTINENTAL SOCIETY. On Wednesday, May 15th, the Fourth Anniversary of this Institution, was held at the Freemason's Hall, Great Queen-street, Lincoln's Inn-fields. A numerous and respectable assembly was present, and we noticed on the platform, among other persons of high distinction, the Rev. Messrs. Urrell, Way, Burder, G. Townsend, Drs. Bogue, Waugh, Collyer, J. Wilks, Esq. &c. &c. At a little past twelve o'clock, the President, Sir THOMAS BARING, Bart. M. P. took the Chair, and opened the Meeting, with a very appropriate address, after which, the Report was read by one of the BRITISH AND FOREIGN SCHOOL Secretaries. A pleasing account was given of the Society's operations, by the means of about fifteen agents, part of whom are employed in preaching the gospel, and distributing the holy scriptures, and part in going about the towns, villages, and the country at large, selling New-Testaments, mostly of De Sacy's version, and conver. sing with those that buy them. As a striking proof of the utility of the Society in this respect, it was stated, that one of these individuals, in a range of country comprising fourteen towns, disposed in a few months, of 6,100 copies of the New Testament. Various testimonies were adduced of the usefulness of the Society's agents, in the conversion of immortal souls to the knowledge of the Lord Jesus: one in particular was mentioned, who had been the chief instrument in a recent awakening in one of the Cantons of Switzerland, where it appears not less than from 20 to 25 young pastors have been enlightened into the importance of divine truth, and led to preach the gospel of salvation. These labours, however extensive, it appears are far from embracing all the opportunities that present themselves; new prospects are opening, new instructions are rising up; and nothing is wanting but the extension of the funds (which have been hitherto very limited) to make this Society one of the greatest and most lasting blessings to the Continent of Europe. The annual supplies, which have never yet reached one thousand pounds, have during the last year been furnished mostly by contributions from the Auxiliary Societies in Scotland, the total amount of which, comprising what was mentioned in the last Report, was nearly £700; and on the day of the meeting, the sum of £220 was received from the Treasurer in Edinburgh, toward the expences of the current year.

the company the presence of the Duke de Broglio, Professors Cairns and Hanna, of Belfast; Professor Blumhardt, of Basle; Lord Suffield, Mr. Harvington, and others, besides the Gentlemen whose names appear in the proceedings.

Mr. G. Clayton (one of the Committee), then read the Report, which began with stating, that if their attention were confined to the 'pecuniary concerns of the Society, their task would be extremely painful; as the expences of the Society far exceeded its income, and amounted to more than double the sum of its annual subscriptions ; the Committee however turn, with much pleasure, to the progress of the Society in the work of Education.

The Central School in the Borough Road, contains 500 boys and 300 girls; and 21,396 children have been educated at this School' from its commencement. During the last year 30 masters were prepared to propagate the system, and 8 Missionaries who' studied the plan, in order to introduce it' into their Schools among the heathen. The youths brought from Madagascar, who had been ten months under instruction, had made a progress beyond what could have been expected; fair specimens of their writing were handed round the room, and excited much admiration.

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