Mr. Mason was electrified with astonishment and grief. He really loved his old college friend, thought justly of the soundness of his head, and very highly appreciated the goodness of his heart; he was himself a very worthy, respectable character, but, having devoted his time more to the study of belles lettres than of the Scriptures, mixing much in the world, and viewing the subject through the false medium of its mistaken principles, he could not feel the necessity nor comprehend the duty of making such a sacrifice. Strict integrity, he was ready -to admit, in all the transactions of social or commercial life, was an indispensable duty; it had ever been the rule of his own conduct; in respect to these, no mental reserve, however slight, ought on any account to be allowed; but to extend this to the usage of mere forms, by which no one was injured, and which might be considered as being simply official, was, in his mind, to the last degree visionary and absurd. He was indefatigable, therefore, in his endeavours to dissuade his friend from persevering in his resolution: he stated to him the deprivations he must suffer; the difficulties he would have to encounter; the obloquy to which he would subject himself; and, at length, when he found him immoveable on every consideration that respected his own sufferings, he changed the mode of attack, aud asked him if he had a right to subject Mrs. L. to so many inconveniences and hardships? Here he found that his friend was not invulnerable; his final resolution, indeed, being the calm and deliberate result of many an anxious hour, he could not shake, but he could pour into the appointed cup a tenfold portion of bitterness. I was at . Catterick when Mr. L. returned thither, and never can I forget his altered looks and depressed countenance :-his very recollection seemed to be impaired, as he auswered our anxious inquiries about his health, as he feebly ascended the few steps leading from the garden to the entrance: how is all this,' he said, 'can one indispensable duty ever really be incompatible with another?'-We did every thing in our power to sooth and calm his mind; and in a very few days he was enabled to recover his usual serenity. This was in truth his hour of darkness, but it happily soon passed away."-Pp.

156-158.

Mrs. Cappe has recorded, with due praise, the noble conduct of Lord Huntingdon, whose family had patronized Mr. Lindsey, towards the Christian confessor :

"I must not omit to mention here

the liberality and friendship of the late Earl of Huntingdon upon this occasion. It is, I believe, well known that, revolted probably by the superstition and enthusiasm which mixed with the genuine piety of his otherwise excellent and exemplary mother, he had run into the opposite extreme, and had become a decided unbeliever. It is probable that he considered the foreign appendages unhappily interwoven in the Established Creed, as a part of the religion of the gospel. What became of the universe,' he was wont exultingly to inquire of Mr. Lindsey, when its great Creator hung lifeless upon a tree in Judea ?' I am not concerned, my Lord, to answer that question, the foundation on which it rests not forming any part of my creed.'-' But the belief of it forms a part of the creed of that church in which you weekly officiate as a minister,' was the heart-piercing reply. To the honour, however, of Lord Huntingdon, when he heard of Mr. Lindsey's determination to leave the Church, he wrote him a very handsome letter, saying, that how indifferent soever he might be respecting subjects of mere theology, he greatly honoured the integrity which could lead to such a sacrifice; and he offered Mr. L. to appoint him his Librarian, with a handsome salary, and an apartment entirely to himself, where his time for literary pursuits should be completely at his own disposal."-Pp. 161, 162.

Our biographer became an inhabitant of York in the year 1782, and became the wife of the late Rev. Newcome Cappe in 1788. Never, perhaps, was a matrimonial connexion entered into from purer or higher motives, and never was conjugal union more sacred or more happy. The reader must consult the volume for the details of this interesting event, which Mrs. Cappe relates with all the ingenuousness and simplicity of a mind conscious only of Christian sentiments. Mr. Cappe would under any circumstances have been respectfully remembered by the denomination of which he was SO bright an ornament; but it is chiefly owing to Mrs. Cappe's affectionate industry that he has established a claim upon the veneration and gratitude of posterity by his eloquent Discourses, and his learned and original critical Dissertations. His Memoirs, by the pen of his widow, is one of the best tributes of conjugal affection which English literature contains.

Neither her temper nor her Chris

tian principles would allow Mrs. Cappe to be an inactive member of society. Her history, from the time of her settling at York, is the narration of incessant literary and philanthropic la bours, her literary pursuits being in fact philanthropic. Two whole chapters (34 and 35) of the Memoirs are taken up with the History of a deserted Young Irishwoman whom she patronized; and the tale, which is interesting of itself, exhibits the writer's character, ever forward to shew sympathy with the oppressed, and bold and unceremonious in rebuke of vice and cruelty. There is a species of feminine delicacy which all good men must approve, but this becomes a weakness that is to be pitied when it shrinks from the more hardy duties of human life. We admire the female, who like Mrs. Cappe, sensible of her own intellectual superiority, and a stranger to all but Christian views, steps forth from the privacy of domestic life at the call of charity, and exposes herself fearlessly to the observation of the world in the performance of acts of unquestionable humanity. All women are not to be blamed for not copying in this respect the example of Mrs. Cappe; but, on the other hand, let not her be tried by a common standard. By a difference of talent, temperament and condition, Providence determines some persons to privacy and others to publicity; and, pursuing conscientiously the path marked out for them by the Disposer of human life, all may obtain, though in very different ways, satisfaction of mind, and entitle themselves equally to the approbation of society, as the earnest of the blessing of Almighty God.

Of the death of her excellent husband Mrs. Cappe writes in language which is alike honourable to them both. On this melancholy occasion, Mrs. Lindsey wrote a truly characteristic letter of condolence to the widow, of which the following is an extract:

"You are now under the severest trial of your fortitude and resignation that you ever experienced, in the loss of the object of your tenderest and best affections, and who was so truly worthy of them. That he suffered no more, nor longer, is some consolation; that his -mind was more sensible than his body,

and alive to the feelings of friendship to the last; and possessed of the divine composure of a true Christian about to ' enter into the joy of his Lord,' for the interval will not be perceived.

"Indeed, you have every thing that can comfort you, having for so many years ministered in every possible way to his relief under great infirmities; and trying, by engaging his attention to the decyphering his previous valuable labours, to afford him all the pleasure disease left him, of being useful to others, which was always his delight. That he knew your value, and was full of affection and gratitude, I have no doubt: that your love of his talents and virtues flowed over to those who were very dear to him, and whose esteem and affection will now contribute all good,) and thereby will shew the stato your ease and comfort, (for they are bility of their tender dutiful attachment

to so excellent a father. But whatever sources of human consolation may belong to you, there is one omnipotent Protector, whose favour and support no time or circumstance can withdraw from those who sincerely desire and endeavour to serve and obey him; and there our chief

confidence lies.

"All things have for a long time had a tendency to moderate your hopes of any great comfort in his living, or any great length of life; yet, even the absence of that tender, anxious attention and soothing, night and day, to so amiable an object, will leave a painful chasm, which only time and a sense of dutiful submission to the appointment of God will fill up, with the occupations and demands of general benevolence, such as you have been in the habit of exercising.

than to impress yours; we have all a "I write more to relieve my own mind manner of feeling peculiar to ourselves, and have points of consolation and regret to which others must be strangers; but the voice of friendship cannot be silent or uninterested under the events which break the affections and habits of those one loves."-Pp. 310–312.

Many passages, and even entire chapters of the Memoirs, testify Mrs. Cappe's maternal affection to her husband's children by a former marriage; which we take notice of in order to remark, that hers was a case in which of literary distinction were found quite public spirit and an honourable desire consistent with the most regular and faithful observance of the domestic duties.

Mrs. Cappe's life was connected by her warm feelings of Christian charity with all the principal events of her

1823, Feb. 20, at Madeira, JOHN SOLLY, second son of ISAAC SOLLY, Esq. aged 22.

March 29, at his Lodge, in Downing College, Cambridge, EDWARD CHRISTIAN, Esq., Chief Justice of the Isle of Ely, and Professor of the Laws of England in the University of Cambridge.

19th inst., at Brixton, Mr. LINDSAY BOWRING, aged 28, an amiable and excellent young man, who was deservedly held in the highest esteem by the numerous members of his family, and by all his connexions. It may be remarked, as another of the many coincidences that strikingly manifest the vanity of human life, that he had given his name as one of the Stewards of the Christian Tract Society Anniversary, and that when the meeting was held, he was a corpse. This melancholy event was alluded to at the meeting, and a just tribute of respect was paid to the memory of the deceased.

At Cirencester, at a very advanced age, Mrs. KIMBER. The qualities which most distinguished this excellent lady were integrity, benevolence and piety. Her integrity appeared in every transaction of her life. She uniformly acted from principle, from a sense of duty, from a regard to right. The fine tender feeling of honour which she possessed, gave a dignity to her mind and an independence to her conduct, such as are seldom witnessed in the world. Of the integrity of her religious principle she gave a remarkable proof about fifteen years ago, when, in consequence of the Unitarian Meetinghouse at Fairford having been given up to the Independents, she left the town and a large circle of friends, and removed to Cirencester, where she could worship God, even the Father, in a manner more congenial to her views and feelings. Her benevolence shewed itself both in her spirit and her conduct. She wished well to all, thought the best of every one, and put the most charitable construction on every action. If any thing, she was too charitable in her feelings, which led her sometimes to administer pity where censure would have been more just. Of the benevolence of her actions, or what is more commonly termed charity, or alms-giving, it is almost impossible to speak too highly. It was

impartial, it was disinterested, it was generous. Meek herself as a child, and humble as a saint, she regarded not the distinctions which pride and vanity make among mortals. She considered all as a shred of the same frail texture, and, therefore, meriting her equal love. She bestowed her charity without regard to persons, and almost without regard to character;" for e'en her failings leaned to virtue's side,"-it was sufficient for her that an object wanted relief, and she could give it. But her benevolence was not quite impartial; for she certainly leaned towards the poor, the distressed, and those who had none to help them. Many such in her neighbourhood are now mourning her loss; and well they may, for her place will not soon be supplied. Her charity was disinterested: what she gave, she gave for the object's sake, and not for any private gratification or show of vanity. Her right hand knew not what her left hand did. She never liked to be thanked for any kindness she bestowed, much less did she ever mention it herself. "To do good," she used to say, was a duty in which there was no merit." Moreover, her charity was generous, and what is a remarkable fact, her generosity increased with her years. To form an idea of this excellent quality, it was necessary to witness its effects. Her liberal hand extended itself as far as it could. And it is but justice to add, that the recipients of her bounty were not ungrateful, if a devout attendance at her grave, and many tears and expressions of regret, can be considered indicative of the feelings of the heart. Of her piety much might be said, but it is unnecessary after such an exhibition of its fruits; for her philanthropy sprung from its legitimate source, love to God. general it may be observed, that her piety was an habitual feeling, and not an occasional impulse, or formal observance. It was a disposition of soul which softened down all her thoughts and feelings to one continued flow of devotion-to a constant expression of gratitude and praise to the Giver of all good. It was her practice to trace every blessing and mercy, every comfort and convenience, every pleasing thought and holy feeling, to the Great Origin of all things, even her God and Father. She saw God in every thing, and every thing in God. She believed and she felt that all circumstances and events were under the controul of a wise and gracious Providence. Hence her constant

In

prayer was, Thy will, O God, not mine be done." But though her piety was thus pure and elevated, so as almost not to need any adventitious aid, yet she was a great advocate for public worship and family devotions. Her last effort, and a painful one it was to leave her home, was to attend her usual place of worship. With respect to family prayer, she uniformly practised it in her own house, and evidently with great seriousness and ardour; and she often lamented the

lightness with which it was regarded by many families who make a public profession of religion-who perform the duty but once or twice a week, and not even then if at all inconvenient. In a word, the piety of this excellent lady was of the most elevated character, and such as, no doubt, gained her the favour of her God, and qualified her for a seat among the blessed in heaven. During her illness, which was short, but very painful, she was perfectly resigned to the will of God. She softly sunk in the arms of death, without a murmur or a sigh.

Lately, in Charlotte Street, Bloomsbury, aged 54, the Rev. WILLIAM BINGLEY, F.L.S., author of " Animal Biography," and of several other ingenious works of natural history. Mr. B. was brought up in the law; but prospects of promotion led him to exchange this profession for that of the church. He

devoted his leisure from his early years to the study of natural history, and was beginning to acquire a solid reputation at the time when he was cut off by a short illness. He wrote for many years the Monthly Reports of Natural History for the Monthly Magazine, dated from Christ Church, where he then performed parochial duty.

Lately, in Covent Garden, aged 64, Mr. WILLIAM PLAYFAIR, long known to

the public as a political and statistical writer, and as a miscellaneous editor. He was the elder brother of the late Professor John Playfair, of Edinburgh.

Death Abroad.

1822, Aug. 22, at Serampore, by an attack of the cholera morbus, KISHUN PALL, the first idolatrous Hindoo in Bengal, who was converted to the Protestant faith. He was baptized by Dr. Carey, in the Ganges, in the year 1800, and throughout a Christian profession of more than twenty years, proved how well-suited Christianity is to elevate the Hindoo character. He has left a widow, four daughters, and eleven grandchildren. He was beloved and respected in life, and was followed by his relations and numerous friends to the grave. He died full of Christian hope and joy.-Calcutta Journal.

DOMESTIC.

Anniversary of the Opening of the Unitarian Meeting-House, Moor Lane, Bolton.

THE First Anniversary of the opening of the Unitarian Meeting House, Moor Lane, Bolton, was held on Easter Sunday and Monday, March 30th and 31st. There were individuals present from Blackburne, Bury, Chowbent, Cockey Moor, Congleton, Dob Lane, Dukinfield, Haslingden, Hindley, Liverpool, Macclesfield, Manchester, Mellor, Monton, Newchurch Rossendale, Ormskirk, Padiham, Park Lane, Preston, Rivington, Rochdale, Southport, St. Helens, Stand, Tildesley, Walmesley, Warrington, Wigan, &c. The morning service was introduced by the Rev. Thomas Madge, of Norwich; and the Rev. Dr. Philipps, of Sheffield, delivered an admirable sermou, strongly enforcing a steady adherence to Christian principle in spite of every obstacle, an

union of heart and soul, and the strict observance of Christian practice, as the only sure foundations of the prosperity of a religious society, and of human happiness. The Doctor's text was Philip. i. 27: "Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ; that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel; and in nothing terrified by your adversaries.” In the afternoon, the Rev. T. Madge conducted the whole service, and preached an eloquent and argumentative discourse, On the Right and Duty of fearless Inquiry, and of a bold Declaration of Truth, from 1 Peter iii. 16. In the evening, the Rev. Joseph Marriott, of Liverpool, took the devotional part of the worship, and the Rev. Dr. Philipps preached from Psalm lxxxvi. 5, and Psalm ciii. 11, very ably vindicating and illustrating the free, unpurchased grace and mercy of God.