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of what must be the event of her disease; and who knew with what calmness and composure she awaited the slow but certain approaches of the last great change. In all the relations of life her example is invaluable, and her loss irreparable; and those who have suffered from this bereavement, can have no consolation but in the recollection of her virtues, and in the hopes which, as Christians, that re collection affords them.

Mar. 27, at his house in Green Street, Grosvenor Square, in the 85th year of his age, GEORGE MUSGRAVE, Esq., formerly member for Carlisle, in the county of Cumberland, Vice-President of the Magdalen Hospital, &c. In the several rela tions of private life, his exemplary conduct, graced by the constant practice of every Christian virtue, will stand recorded in most affectionate remembrance; while, as a zealous and most liberal supporter of public charitable institutions to three of which, the Magdalen, Bridewell and Blind Society, he has bequeathed the sum of £100 severally-his loss will be deplored with that real sorrow which gilds the memory of the just man and the good.-(Newspapers.)

April 28, at Liverpool, Mr. JOSEPH HANCOX, second son of Mr. James Hancox, of Birmingham, and grandson of the Rev. James Hancox, formerly a respectable Dissenting Minister of Dudley, in Worcestershire. James Hancox, father of the subject of the present notice, was an extensive iron master in the neighbourhood of Birmingham, during a period peculiarly disastrous to persons engaged in such undertakings. He was a man of strict honour and undeviating principle, qualities which, in the imperfection of this world's institutions, do not always contribute to pecuniary advancement. At his death he was possessed of little property to bequeath to his children: but he had taken care to endow them with a liberal education, and his last legacy was an unsullied name.

At an early age Joseph Hancox selected Liverpool as his place of residence, and there entered into commercial engage ments, in the course of which he had occasion to visit America more than once, as well as different parts of the Mediterranean. But it is not our intention to trace his progress in these pursuits, but rather, at the termination of his career, to offer a brief sketch of his character, as a farewell tribute to his memory.

Mr. Hancox possessed most of the qualities requisite to give him consideration and influence in the circle in which

he moved: he had travelled and seen the world, and consequently had the information and manners of a gentleman. He had a sound understanding, and a clear conception of the subjects in which society is wont to take an interest: and he possessed a talent for conversation which enabled him to impart his own impressions to others.

As a man of strict probity and integrity of principle, his reputation was permanently high. In his more general and free discussion; jealous of every ensocial character, he was the advocate of croachment upon the independence of the subject, and a friend to all liberal

institutions.

In religion, Mr. Hancox was an Unitarian; free from the bigotry of sects and synods, and allowing to every one the same freedom of sentiment which he claimed for himself. the society of Paradise-Street Chapel, in In the year 1815, Liverpool, published a volume of Hymns, intended principally for their own use, in the arrangement and compilation of

which Mr. H. took an active part; re

vising nearly the whole, besides contributing several original compositions from his own pen. He was, indeed, from his talents as a critic, peculiarly well qualified for the task of revision: and the late Rev. Pendlebury Houghton, the elegance of whose compositions is so well known, did not scruple to solicit the benefit of Mr. Hancock's opinion and suggestions, before he committed to the press some of his latest publications.

Occasionally Mr. Hancox did not scruple to mingle with the noisy and bustling politics of the times; being a steady and consistent Reformer. His notions of the right and extent of suffrage he might carry somewhat farther than some of his Whig friends, with whom he was in the habit of associating: but, as he thought proper to judge for himself, so he cheerfully conceded to others the same privilege. He was, however, rather a private than a public character, and it was in domestic retirement or in social intercourse that he was most known and best appreciated. During his last illness he discoursed with animation upon the signs of a more enlightened and liberal spirit which were observable, not only in the national legislature, but in the local politics of the town in which he lived: contemplating with evident satisfaction that gradual but substantial improvement which has been forced into the administration of all persons holding authority, by the powerful influence of public opinion.

Mr. Hancox was in the 44th year of his age, and had been married about ten years. He has left behind him a widow

and three children. To them his loss will be irreparable; but they may yet experience that calm and solemn satisfaction, which cannot fail to allay the bitterness of grief, and which is to be derived from the reflection that his memory will continue to be cherished with

esteem and affection, not only by his nearest and dearest connexions, but by all who had the happiness to enjoy his friendship, or the Apportunity to estimate his worth.

INTELLIGENCE.

DOMESTIC.

Re-opening of Unitarian Chapel,
Totnes.

Ir will be gratifying to the friends of Unitarian Christianity to learn that this Chapel, after an interval of twenty years and upwards, is again occupied by worshipers of One God, even the Father, Luder the care of a respectable Unitarian minister. Although untoward circumstances for so many years prevented the congregation for whom the building was originally erected from assembling in it, nevertheless, the trustees, like men of honour and principle, were careful to fill ap the trust with persons favourable to Unitarian views; and by letting the Chapel, and in other ways increasing the funds attached to it, as well as by their own individual liberality, they were at length enabled to offer a minister a very moderate salary. Application was then made to the Rev. Henry Acton, of Exeter, to visit Totnes, for the purpose of re-opening the Chapel for Unitarian worship; which was accordingly done on the 28th of March. Mr. Smethurst, of Moreton Hampstead, conducted the devotional parts of the service, and Mr. Acton preached, morning and afternoon. The congregation in the morning was encouraging, but in the afternoon the place was crowded with respectable and serious hearers. The Rev. James C. Wallace has been since engaged as the minister for a twelvemonth; and all appearances promise that much success will reward his able services in the great and good cause at Totnes.

Devon and Cornwall Unitarian Missionary Society.

THIS Society, the want of which had been for some time felt and acknowledged in these western counties, was instituted at George's Chapel, Exeter, on Friday, the 16th of April. Though the day was exceedingly wet and unfavourable, many zealous friends to the cause attended from Honiton, Crediton, Collumpton, Sidmouth, and other places. The Rev.

B.

Richard Wright, who, as a veteran Missionary, was invited to preach upon the occasion, delighted and animated his hearers by the ability and energy with which he defended the claims of Unitarianism to the scriptural title of "glad tidings," his text being Acts xx. 24. After the sermon, Mr. T. M. Kingdon being called to the chair, the business of forming the Society was entered into and accomplished. The congregation assembled again in the evening, when Mr. Acton preached. The feeling created in that of confident hope and trust that this all minds at the close of the day, was society will be highly useful in spreading the knowledge of Unitarian views of the gospel in Devon and Cornwall.

Somerset and Dorset Unitarian As

sociation.

On Wednesday, April 21st, the HalfYearly Meeting of the Society was held at Ilminster. A more than usual interest was given to the proceedings of the day, by the attendance of all the ministers connected with the Society, and by the presence of several gentlemen who reside out of the district, particularly Messrs. Wright, Acton and Smethurst.

The Rev. Samuel Walker, of Crewkerne, preached in the morning, on Fanaticism, and the Rev. H. Acton, in the evening, on the Love and Honour due to our Lord Jesus Christ.

The interval between the services was occupied with the usual engagements. A few new subscribers were added to the Society. It was resolved that measures should be taken to procure the reprinting of a tract, written by Dr. S. Smith, and published in the Christian Reformer, Vol. V. p. 361; and the Rev. E. Whitfield, of Ilminster, was appointed to preach at Crewkerne on the first Tuesday in October.

The writer of this brief notice believes, it may be truly said, that the transactions of the day were productive of one common feeling of gratification and..renewed zeal in behalf of the pure gospel G. B. W. of Christ.

Anniversary of the New Unitarian Congregation, Bolton.

(From The Christian Reflector.)

THE Second Anniversary of the Unitarian Christian Congregation assembling in the Meeting-House, Moor Lane, Bolton, was held on Sunday and Monday, April 18th and 19th. Friends were present from most of the towns and villages in the district. We have pleasure in stating that the following ministers were also present the Revds. W. J. Fox, of London; J. G. Robberds, of Manchester; R. Astley, of Halifax; R. Cree, of Preston; J. Ragland, of Hindley; F. Knowles, of Park Lane; E. R. Dimock, of Warrington; H. Clarke, of Haslingden; J. Ashworth, Newchurch; J. W. Morris, of Dean Row; W. Stevens, of Todmorden; W. Duffield, of Salford; and Mr. W. Boardman, of Swinton; and what are called the lay preachers of Manchester. In the morning and evening of Sunday, the Rev. W. J. Fox preached two most admirable and eloquent sermons. The Rev. George Harris preached in the afternoon, and the Rev. J. G. Robberds delivered a most masterly exposure of the doctrine of the two natures of Christ, on the Monday night. The congregations

were numerous.

On the Monday more than 250 persons, male and female, sat down to dinner, the Rev. George Harris in the Chair; which number was increased after dinner to 400. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. Fox, Robberbs, Dimock, Johnson, of Carlisle; Ragland, Remnall, of Park Lane; Makin, Brandreth, Clarke and the Chairman.

On Tuesday, the children educated in the Sunday-schools belonging to the congregation, and the singers, and many of the parents, amounting to more than 200 people, dined in the Cloth Hall, Mr. Harris in the Chair. They were addressed by Mr. Robberds and Mr. Fox in speeches which must have made a deep impression on the minds of all who heard them. The collections during the religious services exceeded ninety pounds.

The debt incurred by the congregation in purchasing and fitting up the Meetinghouse, is now entirely liquidated. Such an instance of united, of disinterested zeal, accomplishing its objects in so short a period as two years, has hitherto been unknown to the Unitarian denomination. It proves the people's power, if the people can only be induced to exercise it. It is the triumph of consistency, and firmness, and perseverance. Soon may the example induce others to labour diligently in the good work of Christian reformation. And may the congregation

shew, by the continued moral rectitude of the principles on which they were founded and have acted, that they are deserving of the aids they have received from their friends, and may their society remain a monument of faithfulness to generations yet to come.

The following sentiment was received at the dinner with unanimous approba tion: "The Unitarian Ministers of Lancashire and Cheshire, and may we have the pleasure of seeing them here at our next anniversary."

General Baptist Annual Association, Dover.

ON Tuesday, May 18, was holden at Dover, the General Baptist Annual Association. A sermon was preached on the preceding evening by Mr. Austen, of Smarden. The service was introduced by Mr. Farrin, of Canterbury. On the following day the service commenced at 10 o'clock, when Mr. Squier, of Edinburgh, read and prayed; Mr. Chapman, of Deptford, gave out the hymns; and Mr. Briggs, of Bessel's Green, delivered an excellent discourse from Rom. x. part of the 9th and 10th verses: "The word of faith which we preach, that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart, that God that hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." After the service the business of the Association was entered upon, when we were gratified to witness the increasing liberality of opinion which was manifested. An economical dinner was provided at two o'clock. At half-past three the business was resumed in the chapel. At about five o'clock, according to old custom, tea, prepared in the vestry by the young ladies of the congregation, was introduced, and at half-past eight, the business being concluded, that the day might be ended as it was begun, socially, the friends retired to a very plain supper, after which a question, introduced by the Chairman and Preacher, was discussed with considerable animation. The subject was, "What are the Hindrances to the Spread of Rational Religion?" The whole day passed off with great spirit and pleasantness, which were, however, sadly lessened by the loss which the General Baptist body has so lately sustained in the decease of two of its valued ministers, Mr. Marten, of Dover, and Mr. Moon, of Deptford. It is needless to say how many wishes were uttered, that those who are coming forward in life may emulate their zeal, and worthily occupy their places in the church and at aur social meetings.

PARLIAMENTARY.
HOUSE OF LORDS,

MAY 4, 1824.

Unitarians' Marriage Bill. THE Marquis of LANSDOWNE moved the order of the day for the House to go into a Committee on this Bill.

The Bishop of CHESTER rose to oppose the motion. In justice to his own feelings, in justice to the supporters of this measure, he was bound to declare, after giving the subject his most anxious, long and painful consideration, that his present opinion was the same as that which he had formerly had the honour to state to their Lordships. Again must he contend that the Unitarians had no ground, on the score of religious conscience, to object to the marriage ceremony of the Church of England. No Unitarian could conscientiously object to the betrothing clause on account of words which they themselves used on other occasions. It was a mockery in them to contend that they had any ground to reject those words in the marriage ceremony which were the same as they used in baptism. If any Noble Lord could shew that the Unitarians had any just grounds on the score of religious conscience, to reject the marriage ceremony, he, for one, should have very different feelings towards them, and would vote in their favour. He admitted fully, however, that the blessing did distinctly recognize, in explicit terms, the doctrine of the Trinity. But was not this the declaration of the ministernot an act in which the party joined? The Church of England would be wanting to its own dignity and character, were it not to take every proper opportunity to declare and maintain those doctrines it believed to be the true doctrines of Christ. If the framers of our Liturgy had considered all the circumstances under which the Unitarians were now found, they could not have more fairly met the scruples of others, without compromising the dignity and character of the Church, than is now done by the mode in which this doctrine is recognized, without requiring any assent from the parties. He knew not why the Unitarians objected to comply with the established law and customs of their country. They had an example for doing so in the Apostle of the Gentiles, aud even in our blessed Lord himself, who, though he objected and protested against the doctrines and discipline of the Sanhedrim, and the accustomed worship of the Temple, conformed to the institutions of his country. We have seen only concession following VOL. XIX.

2 R

concession, and demand rising on demand; and, if this point be conceded to the Unitarians, other concessions will be required, and other demands will follow. Our Church was tolerant in principle and practice, but toleration had its limits. The privilege was conceded to all, to worship God according to their conscience, but the Church was not to be called on to renounce its opinious, or to give up its doctrines. The Church of England was not one sect among others-it was the Established Church of this realm, with rights and privileges established for a long course of years, one of which was, that the marriage ceremony should only be performed in some of the churches or chapels of the Church of England. Unless some strong reasons could be urged for it, she ought not to be called on to abandon her rights and privileges. If one stone were taken away from the building after another, it would at length disappear altogether. He entreated their Lordships not to give up the doctrines and discipline of the Church, of which they were the hereditary guardians, and under which this country had attained her present proud pre-eminence. The interest of the Church was interwoven with the best interests of the State, and he trusted their Lordships would not invade either the liberty or privileges of the Church. He would therefore move that their Lordships should resolve themselves into a Committee on that day three months, as an amendment to the Noble Marquis's motion.

The Bishop of EXETER said, if he thought the proposed measure were a violation of the doctrines or privileges of the Church, he would not support it; but feeling that it was not, feeling that there was no danger in the concession, and feeling also that the Church of England would be relieved, by ceasing to compel those who did not believe in her doctrines to join in her service, he thought the Bill, with proper amendments, might be made satisfactory to all parties, and would therefore vote for the Committee. Iu that Committee he should have some amendments to propose, unless he were prevented by some Noble Lord more competent to the task. The object of his amendments would be to assimilate the present Bill as much as possible, in civil principle, to the Bill of last Session, providing against clandestine marriages, and making some provisions for punishing those who were instrumental in carrying them into effect. He should also propose another clause, to enable the Unitarians to keep the registers of their own marriages: with amendments of this description, he thought the Bill would be bene

ficial, and he should vote for the Committee.

The Bishop of ST. DAVID'S then spoke, but in so low a tone as to be nearly inaudible below the bar. We only caught a sentence or two. His Lordship said, the Unitarians objected to doctrines which were held by the great mass of Christians to be essential to Christianity. The objections of the Unitarians, therefore, were to what the House must consider as the essential doctrines of Christianity, and it ought to be prepared, if it relieved them, to relieve every one, however opposed to Christianity. The words used, he contended, required no declaration of faith from the parties, they were merely the conclusion of a contract pronounced by a third person.

The Archbishop of CANTERBURY admitted that the Unitariaus denied the Trinity, which the Church considered as an important and essential doctrine of Christianity, and it was on that account that they sought relief; but it could be no satisfaction to the Church, nor could the Church desire it, to force the Unitarians to acquiesce in some parts of its service which they denied, or, at any rate, to maintain a seeming acquiescence. He had heard it said, with great surprise, that the words might be used by the minister in one sense, and received by the parties in another. What was this but to encourage prevarication, and a simulated assent to doctrines which the parties did not believe? He was persuaded that it would give as much relief to the minister to be exonerated from the duty now imposed on him, as it would do to the Unitarian, and he should therefore vote for the Bill going into a Committee, where it might receive such amendments as were proper.

The Bishop of ST. DAVID'S explained, disavowing any opinion that the Church could recognize the affixing of a different meaning to the words used.

The Archbishop of CANTERBURY. That was the very point. The words were notoriously used by the Church in one sense, and, it was said, might be received by the parties in another.

The Marquis of LANSDOWNE could not allow this opportunity to pass without adverting to some topics which had been urged ont of that House, and partly adopted, perhaps by some of their Lordships, and which could only be maintained in complete misapprehension of the Bill, and of the law of England, when it was stated that these Dissenters should be placed in the same situation as they were in the reign of King William; those who stated this, forgot that if the law were now as it was then, the Dissenters would

now have had no occasion to ask for relief. It was in consequence of an after innovation, effected by the Act introduced by Lord Hardwicke, in the 26th of George II., intended for a very different purpose, that the Dissenters were indirectly subjected to those hardships from which they now sought relief. This Act, so far from being intended to produce what had been described by the Archbishop of Canterbury as a simulated assent to doctrines which were not believed, was intended, as the title of the law imports, solely to prevent clandestine marriages, and give the community all the security which the law could bestow against the consequences of such marriages. Incidentally it had the effect complained of, by subjecting the Dissenters, like all other persons, to the regulations for preventing these marriages, and it was this incidental effect from which they now wished to be liberated, and which constituted a distinct and fair ground of claim for relief; not by altering the Liturgy of the Church of England, however, as the Right Reverend Prelate who spoke first, seemed to suppose. The Dissenters asked no such thing; they sought no concession from the Church, but an alteration in the law, which would relieve them from the evil of which they complained. They knew that it had been thought necessary to adhere rigidly to the Liturgy; and that it had been declared that no alteration could be made-and they, therefore, only asked relief in a mode which would subject them to additional trouble and expense, but would, at that cost, liberate them from the practice of admitting the doctrines of a Church which they are prepared to deny, and which, in the free exercise of their opinion, they were entitled to deny. The Noble Marquis said he had, on a former occasion, taken some trouble to elicit from the Noble aud Learned Lord his opinion as to the legal situation of these parties, and he could not discover that that Noble Lord had any ground for considering the opinions of the Unitarians illegal. In the courts of justice in this kingdom it had been long and cheerfully acknowledged, that there was a wide distinction between those blasphemous opinions which were entertained by persons who had no other object than to subvert religion, and those which grew out of free discussion, which were conscientiously formed, and which might legally exist. But the present Bill had been represented as a blow aimed against the Church, not intentionally by those who had brought in the Bill, but by the Bill itself, in its necessary operation. It was easy to make assertions of this nature, and he could not help recol

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