pland delivered an eloquent and stirring address on the position of the Unitarian body, referring to the state of theological opinion in the Established Church and in other communions, and concluded by moving, "That this meeting gratefully recognizes in the spirit of the age and the progressive tendencies of other churches cause for encouragement, and a call for greater exertion for the diffusion of Unitarian views of the gospel."-Rev. W. Rowlinson seconded this resolution, and it was passed unanimously.-Rev. J. L. Short then moved, "That whilst deeply deploring the civil war which has arisen in the United States of America, and especially sympathizing with the trials and anxieties of our Unitarian brethren in that country, this meeting devoutly hopes that, by the overruling hand of Divine Providence, the war may issue in the utter overthrow of the system of slavery which has so long darkened the land." He said that, in common with all who contemplated the state of things in America from a Christian point of view, he sincerely lamented this calamitous contest. Their brethren, some of whom had been conspicuous in the noble struggle for humanity which had long been going on in their country, were entitled to our sympathy; and if our words could cheer and sustain them, they should not be withheld. He was sorry that he could not think the Northern States were animated by the desire to overthrow slavery, and the hearts of English philanthropists would not be with them until it was seen that a higher principle was involved in the conflict than the mere preservation of the Union.-John Worsley, Esq., of Bristol, seconded the resolution, and it was carried. -Rev. C. H. A. Dall was called on to speak, and, dwelling as an American on the origin of the war, assured the meeting that the grand issue which underlaid the whole movement going on in his native land, was indeed the conflict between slavery and freedom. -Rev. William James then moved, "That as the 24th of August in the coming year will be the bicentenaryday of the ejectment of the Two Thousand ministers from the Church of England, it is the opinion of this meeting that the day should be celebrated in a manner suitable to the occasion, and in grateful commemoration of the labours and sacrifices by which the cause of truth and freedom has so largely benefited." In recommending this resolution, Mr. James gave a short sketch of the history of the wicked Act of Uniformity, and the consequences with which it was attended; pointed out that to the ejected ministers may be traced the origin of many of our congregations; stated that the West of England had furnished its share of these venerable confessors; and urged the duty of celebrating the bicentenary-day of their noble testimony on behalf of conscience in a becoming spirit.-Mr. John Murch, of Honiton, seconded the resolution, which was carried with the entire concurrence of the meeting.-Votes of thanks were passed to the choir and to the Chairman, and the day was closed with the general feeling that its proceedings would be long and gratefully remembered. J. UNITARIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCH, MEL BOURNE, VICTORIA. A social meeting of the members and friends of the Unitarian Christian church, Eastern Hill, was held on Monday evening, September 16, on occasion of the presentation of a gown to the minister, the Rev. H. Higginson, by the ladies of the congregation. Mr. John Edwards, Jun., M. L. A., took the chair, and briefly opened the business. Mr. Ellis, deputed to act on the ladies' behalf, read the following address, which he introduced by a few brief remarks:-"To the Rev. Henry Higginson. Dear Sir,-We, the undersigned, lady members of your congregation, desire to express our high sense of the great ability with which you conduct the religious services of our church, and to request the favour of your accepting and wearing in the future discharge of those duties the accompanying gown, presented in the names and with the sincerest good wishes of your faithful servants." Twenty-four signatures were appended to the address. Mr. Higginson expressed his sincere pleasure in accepting the handsome present bestowed upon him. It was one of many kind offices done towards him by members of the church within a short period. The use of the gown was becoming more and more prevalent among the denomination, which was also beginning to pay much greater attention than formerly to the appointments for worship, architectural and otherwise. He trusted that ere long something might be done towards the completion of their present unfinished church, the great cost of which, in the dearest days of the colony, had much crippled the resources of the congregation. An anthem followed; and in the course of the evening various pieces of sacred music were effectively performed by the choir of the church, kindly reinforced by several ladies and gentlemen not ordinarily attached to it. Mr. Litolf presided at the harmonium with his usual ability. The meeting being designed to be of a social character, was spent in the most informal manner,-in conversation, examination of books, stereoscopes, photographs, &c. Fruit and other refreshments were amply done justice to, and the tasteful decoration of the church with flowers, evergreens, &c., gave the whole a very cheerful appearance. The meeting, in number about 120, broke up at half-past ten, apparently well satisfied with the enjoyments of the evening, the arrangements of which were unanimously considered to reflect much credit on the ladies who had superintended them. From the Herald newspaper. UNITARIANISM AT PUDSEY. On Wednesday, Nov. 6, a new Unitarian church was opened for public worship in this populous district, in the presence of a large and highly respectable congregation, amongst whom were seen many of the leading representatives of the Unitarian cause, both laymen and divines, in the West Riding. A convenient and elegant chapel and a spacious school-room have been erected, and are happily out of debt. The munificent aid of the Unitarians of Leeds and other friends of our cause in the district has brought about this happy result, and is a pregnant proof of the usefulness of the missionary spirit now awakened in many portions of our Zion. The religious services on the occasion were conducted by Rev. R. Brook Aspland, who spoke plainly and earnestly of the duties of Unitarians to their fellow-men and fellow-christians. At a crowded social meeting which followed, James Kitson, Esq., the Mayor of Leeds (since a second time elected by his fellow-townsmen to that honourable office), presided. Mr. James Heywood (supported by the preacher of the day) attended and spoke as a deputation from the British and Foreign Unitarian Association. The addresses from Mr. Haigh, the minister of Pudsey, of Rev. Thomas Hincks, Rev. M. Moon, Rev. J. H. Ryland, Rev. Goodwyn Barmby, Mr. Joseph Lupton, Rev. R. L. Carpenter and others, filled up the evening hours most pleasantly. On the following Sunday, the religious services were conducted by Rev. Wm. Gaskell and Rev. R. L. Carpenter, and made a deep impression on large and earnest-minded congregations. But a few years ago, there were but one or two Unitarians (if, indeed, any were known as such) in Pudsey. Let the fact, contrasted with the present state of things, animate our associations and our earnest friends in other parts of the kingdom to meditate and accomplish similar plans of missionary effort and success. THE SCOTTISH UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION. This missionary organization has, by the zeal of Mr. Crosskey, of Glasgow, and Mr. Drummond, of Edinburgh, been revived, and promises to work well for the Unitarian cause in Scotland. Religious services were celebrated and collections made in the Unitarian church at Glasgow on Sunday, Nov. 10, the preacher being Rev. R. Brook Aspland, who was specially deputed to give his aid on the occasion by the British and Foreign Unitarian Association. Notwithstanding the stormy character of the day, large and deeply-attentive congregations were gathered together to hear an exposition of the moral and spiritual influences of Unitarianism, as well as a defence of some of its leading doctrines. On the following evening, nearly 400 friends of the Unitarian cause assembled in the Queen's Rooms to enjoy a social meeting and to stimulate mutual zeal. Representatives were present from Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Paisley, Girvan, Greenock and other places. Reports were presented from all existing Scottish Unitarian churches, and plans were discussed for the better sustenance and promotion of the Unitarian cause in North Britain. A hopeful spirit animated the friends present. Never, it is believed, were the prospects of liberal Christianity in Scotland more favourable than at the present time. If labourers skilled in the work of Unitarian evangelization, and a little pecuniary help from other quarters, can be obtained, it is believed that much may be done both in strengthening existing churches and in laying foundations for new ones. would earnestly press the subject upon the consideration of our friends in England, and ask them to send their contributions to Rev. R. B. Drummond (8, Grove Street, Edinburgh), who is the Treasurer of the Mission Fund. We GRAMMAR-SCHOOL TRUSTS-BAKER TESTI MONIAL. A memorandum, signed by Dr. Southwood Smith and E. N. Dennys, Esq., as Trustees of the fund, has been endorsed on the purchase-deed of land at Kingscote, Wokingham, stating that the greater portion of the money was subscribed and given by the under-mentioned individuals, as a testimonial to Mr. Baker for his great exertions in the conduct of the Ilminster School Appeal, and in obtaining the Act 23 Vict., cap. 11 (Lord Cranworth's Act), which gives the right to Dissenters of being educated in public grammar-schools, and which, in the opinion of eminent jurists, settles the question in favour of the future eligibility of the parents to be Trustees. Mr. Baker also procured the introduction of the concluding proviso in the fourth section of the subsequent Act, 23 and 24 Vict., cap. 136 (the Charitable Trusts Act, 1860), which provides that "no Trustee shall be removed on the ground only of his religious belief."-The names of all the subscribers are appended to the memorandum. OBITUARY. June 18, at Nelson, New Zealand, in his 34th year, Mr. BENJAMIN O. HODGSON, second son of the late Mr. Wm. Hodgson, and grandson of the late Rev. Wm. Tate, of Chorley. Aug. 9, at Gorse Hall, Cheshire, ANN, daughter of the late Mr. John HIBBERT, of Hyde. Sept. 22, in her 5th year, ALICE MASON, youngest daughter of Mr. Henry WHITELEGGE, of Alderley Edge, and granddaughter of Rev. W. Whitelegge, of Platt. October 29, at Southampton, aged 75, after a painful illness borne with Christian resignation, Mr. THOMAS JOHNSTON. He was a nephew of Rev. William Johnston, formerly minister of the Presbyterian congregation at Lewes, and belonged to a family several of whom have been the firm and attached friends of civil and religious liberty, and of the cause of Christian truth. Oct. 29, ANN, widow of the late Francis Aylmer FROST, Esq., of Chester, aged 65. Nov. 2, at Mill Yard, Goodman's Fields, London, HARRIOT SLATER BLACK, wife of the Rev. William Henry Black, F.S.A., minister of the Seventh-day General Baptist congregation worshiping there. She was the third daughter of the late Rev. William Slater, of the same place, who died in 1819, after thirty-six years ministry there; and she was descended from worthy and pious ancestors, two of whom were ejected ministers of 1662; another was one of the founders of the meetinghouse at Mill Yard, and of the trust estates thereto belonging; and a fourth was one of the celebrated majority at the Salters'Hall Conference in 1719. She was the last of her family that remained faithful to the religious principles of her ancestors, and was one of the appellants in the celebrated Dissenting cause, argued for three days at the Library in Red-cross Street in 1832, which resulted in the re-establishment of the rights of her ancient congregation; and with her has ended an unbroken series of membership of the Slaters at Mill Yard for 170 years. She was buried at Abney Park, Nov. 7, after an impres sive funeral service at Mill Yard, by the Rev. Dr. Sadler, of Hampstead. W. H. B. Nov. 5, suddenly, at 9, Orme Square, Bayswater, SAMUEL RIDGE, Esq., aged 76. This amiable and excellent man has thus within a few months followed to the last resting-place the wife whom he sincerely mourned. (See C. R., p. 64.) Educated in the principles of Unitarian Christianity, Mr. Ridge, following the example of his worthy father, bore through life a quiet but uncompromising testimony to his faith. He was during the greater portion of it connected with the Unitarian congregation at Hackney. To the late Rev. Robert Aspland, its pastor for forty years, he was most warmly attached, and the feeling of mutual regard was cemented by a family alliance. The characteristics of Mr. Ridge were good sense, sterling integrity and kindness of heart. In steady attachment to friends, in hospitality, and in the constant performance of the right and kindly deeds which make up a good man's life, probably few of those amongst whom he lived surpassed him. There was in his manner and ordinary trains of thought a geniality and habitual sunshine. Neither unduly elated by prosperity nor depressed by adversity (and he experienced both), he won from all who knew him increased respect and regard. When he felt the infirmities of age coming on him, he leant with confiding affection on those who knew and loved him for support. It was a pleasing trait in the old man's character that he felt to the last the warmest interest in the society of the young, attracting their sympathy towards himself and rejoicing to minister to their innocent pleasures. Supported by the better hopes of religion, he resigned without a murmur the partner and friend whose affection had been the solace of many years, and met the infirmities of age and the sufferings of decline with true fortitude. He was called to his rest at last suddenly, and in his dying moments was thoughtful and considerate of others, and, though aware of his imminent danger, was calm and self-possessed. A few hours before his death (of the near approach of which there was then no sign), he said with much feeling to an old and warmly-attached friend, "Thank God, I am at peace with all the world!" The last office of religion and friendship was conducted by the son of his former pastor, who paid to his own and his father's friend a feeling tribute of respect. Nov. 8, at Hackney Terrace, Hackney, after a short illness, MARY, relict of James BOWMAN, Esq., whom she followed out of this world within a period of ten months. She was of a Surrey family of the name of Skelton, and was born at Betchworth in 1785 or 1786. In 1810, she married a man of high character and enlarged benevolence, Nathaniel Cogswell, Esq., a merchant who had a large establishment in the Canary Islands. During their residence there, which, with the exception of intervals of considerable duration, lasted from the time of their marriage till 1828, Mrs. Cogswell had experience of the horrors of famine and pestilence. At one time she would gladly have bought bread at a guinea an ounce, and later, while her husband was absent, she had yellow fever, of which three persons had died in her own house. When, in 1828, Mr. and Mrs. Cogswell resolved to take up their abode in America, his native place, the regret of those whom they would leave behind was deep and universal, and it was said the Canary Islands were losing their greatest benefactors. Hitherto Mr. and Mrs. Cogswell had been members of the Church of England; but in the United States they became acquainted with several Unitarian ministers and joined the Unitarian body. We have often heard Mrs. Bowman speak with especial regard and affection of the Revds. - Lunt, W. Ware and Dr. Dewey. In 1832, Mr. Cogswell died, and four years afterwards his widow returned to England, where, in 1837, she married James Bowman, Esq., of whom a short notice appeared in our No. for March last. They took up their abode at Hackney, where they resided till the time of their death. With a retired disposition, Mrs. Bowman combined great energy and decision of purpose and very warm affections. To those who gave her their confidence and responded to her genial feelings, she was a friend in whom the heart had peace. To the poor she was exceedingly generous, but she always preferred to "do her alms in secret." From the quiet walks of charity and self-denial, she is gone to those who most loved her and to a better world. Her remains were placed with those of her husband in Abney-Park cemetery. T. S. Nov. 9, at Southsea, near Portsmouth, Mrs. SIME, aged 24. Nov. 18, at Mount Pleasant, Newport, Isle of Wight, GEORGE KIRKPATRICK, Esq., aged 68. Nov. 18, aged 28, greatly beloved and deeply lamented, MARY ANNE, youngest daughter of George and Mary FILLITER, of Trigon Hill, near Wareham, Dorset. Nov. 19, suddenly, at Wareham, Dorset, Rev. MAXWELL DAVIDSON, aged 55, pastor of the Unitarian church in that town. Of this estimable and lamented man, as well as of some others whose death it is our painful office this month to record, we hope hereafter to give some biographical particulars. Nov. 19, of typhus fever, KATE,_youngest daughter of Robert PINNOCK, Esq., of Newport, Isle of Wight, aged 13. Nov. 20, at Devonport, THOS. C. GOULD, Esq., aged 38. MARRIAGES. Oct. 16, at the Unitarian chapel, Tenterden, by Rev. Edward Talbot, WILLIAM HENRY TALBOT, of Lower Broughton, Manchester, second son of the late Mr. John Talbot, of Leeds, to MARIA EMMA, only daughter of the late James WINSER, Jun., Esq., Tenterden. Nov. 3, at the Unitarian chapel, Belper, by Rev. Rees L. Lloyd, Mr. ISAAC NEEDHAM to Miss FRANCES TAYLOR, all of Belper. Nov. 5, at the Unitarian church, Stourbridge, by Rev. David Maginnis, ALFRED FELLOWS, Esq., of Victoria, Vancouver's Island, second son of Isaac Fellows, Esq., of Wolverhampton, to Lucy, daughter of the late John MORGAN, Esq., of Hay, Brecknockshire. Nov. 6, at Hyde chapel, Gee Cross, by Rev. Charles Beard, B. A., JOHN STANLEY, Esq., of Adswood, near Stockport, to Mrs. HARRIET S. HICK, late of Manor House, Woodley, near Stockport. Nov. 13, at Upper Brook-Street chapel, Manchester, by Rev. William Gaskell, M.A., GEORGE, eldest son of Mr. James PAYNE, Chorlton-upon-Medlock, to ANN, fourth daughter of Mr. John HILL, machinist, Ardwick. GENERAL INDEX. Aberdare, opening of Unitarian church Abrahám, Michael de Szent, of Transyl- Academical honours of Priestley, 42. Aikin, Miss, on society at Warrington, Ainsworth, Mr. E. C., obituary of, 320.- Antiphonal character of sacred song, 16. Armitage, Miss Betty, obituary of, 638. Ashdowne, Rev. R., obituary of, 512. Ashurst, James, ejected minister, at Athens and the world's literature, 174. Australia, Unitarianism in South, 382, Bache's, Rev. Samuel, Lecture on Bible Bacup, primitive state of society at, 241. Baker, Miss Bertha, obituary of, 511. Beard's, Rev. Charles, Port Royal, re Association, 373, 435. Belfast Unitarian Society, Report of, 633. Believing in spite of failure, 312. Bersier, M. Eugene, on the Evangelical Bicknell's, Mr. Elhanan, munificent do- Binns', Rev. W., speech at Chester, 57. Biscoe, Richard, of Newington Green, Bishops, their vote on Atterbury's at- Black, Mrs., obituary of, 760. 183. Bolton, Bank Street, congregation, 751. |