The Rev. J. Gilchrist, of Newington Green, is invited to be the preacher on the occasion of the uext Anniversary. At the close of Divine Service, Edward Taylor, Esq., of Norwich, was called to the Chair. After the customary coufirmation of last year's minutes, and the Report by the Treasurer, the Committee's Report was read by the Rev. Dr. T. Rees, in the justly-lamented absence, from severe indisposition, of the Rev. W. J. Fox, the Secretary. 66 never The Committee, in their Report, congratulate, rather than condole with, the Society on the "considerable expenditure" of "the past year," as it has also been a year" of unusual exertion;" the Fund's Missionary labours having been extended over a wider field," nor, in the Committee's opinion, "ever been more successful." Relying on a prompt and adequate pecuniary assistance from the friends to their great and holy cause, the Committee justly remark, that "the design of the Unitarian Fund is not to accumulate money, but to diffuse know ledge; not to realize an increasing balance in the hands of a treasurer, but to advance the best interests of society, by disseminating that truth which is the bread of life. The first article of information communicated in this Report, is the Fund's principal Missionary" Mr. Wright's Summary View of a very laborious and important journey in Lancashire, and the adjoining counties." Mr. Wright also during the past year, "visited Sheerness, spent some time at Colchester," preached "at Wisbeach," &c., and “in the intervals of these excursions, at the different chapels and rooms for Unitarian worship in and about London." The next subject of the Report is "Mr. Cooper's settlement at Newcastle, in Staffordshire, with a view to his acting as a Missionary in its thickly peopled neighbourhood." Mr. Cooper has been lately introduced to our readers, as the zealous, kind and judicious, but, thanks to the demoralizing influence of commercial avarice, the disappointed instructor of Negro Slaves in Jamaica. We rejoice in his present fairer prospects, and that "so far as this experiment has yet been tried, the result is eminently satisfactory." Next follows a gratifying relation of Mr. F. Horsfield's preaching" at Battle and its vicinity," and of the zealous co-operation of the Unitarians "in this district." The accession of "Mr. Harding, late of Bessels Green," to the Unitarian Mission, in consequence of an appointment by the Keut and Sussex Unitarian Association," appears from his journal, The journal of "Mr. Smethurst, of Moreton Hampstead," engaged by the Fund on "a Missionary Tour in the North of Ireland," opens agrecable prospects in a new direction. We are gratified to learn from "subsequent communications" made from Ireland, of "the interest excited by Mr. Smethurst's preaching and conversation," and earnest wishes for the Fund's continued "attention to that country." "In Scotland, a short Missionary Tour" has been volunteered "by Mr. Holland, of Edinburgh." From his subsequent report to the Fund, "it appears very desirable that an active minister should be settled at Dundee," from whence he might occasionally itinerate. This object to which the Fund are most willing to contribute, appears to be in a way of accomplishment, through the attentions of that veteran of the Unitarian cause, "Mr. Millar, of Dundee." The pious and interesting "William Roberts, and the Native Unitarian Christians of Pursewaukum," have not been forgotten. A sum has been remitted to Madras for "the support of the schools and public worship," and hopes are entertained of directing towards these Unitarians" the friendly attention of persons of influence, and of liberal opinions, resident in that part of India." "The Expositio Brevis on the History and Opinious of the Unitariaus of this Country," mentioned Vol. XVI. p. 374, has been sent not only into Europe generally, but also to the East Indies and America. A highly interesting result of this attempt to make British Unitarians known to fo iguers, has been "a letter from Clauseuburg," or Colosvar, in Transylvania. This letter, signed by "Lazarus Nagy, member of the Unitarian Consistory," was read to the meeting, and we trust its valuable and satisfactory information will soon be more widely published. Our readers, in the mean time, will be gratified by the information, that in Transylvania, Unitarianism "continues to flourish in 120 churches, comprehending 40,000 souls," and that there "the Unitarian religion enjoys equal rights and privileges with the three other religions, (the Roman Catholic, the Reformed Calvinistic, and the Augsburg Lutheran,) in admissibility to all the state offices of emolument, even the highest, and of what nature soever." Such is the brief, but, we trust, not uninteresting sketch which our present limits and leisure have allowed us to offer of this Report, hoping, hereafter, to offer a fuller account. For the method and arrangement of the Report, the Committee, at the conclusion, acknowledge themselves almost entirely indebted to the Secretary's "cooperation, rendered from the chamber of sickness." They conclude by a wish for the Fund's justly-valued officer, in the spirit which dictated one of the subsequent resolutions of the General Meeting "that the Supreme Disposer of events may restore to him the blessing of health, -that he may long be preserved to dispense the glorious gospel of the grace of God, in its native simplicity and its saving power, to multitudes, in his own day, and to generations yet unborn." The Committee for the ensuing year consists of the following gentlemen: JOHN CHRISTIE, Esq., Treasurer, 52, Mark Lane. THOS. HORNBY, Esq., Deputy Treasurer, 31, Swithin's Lane, Lombard Street. Rev. W. J. FOX, Secretary, Dalstou. Mr. JOHN BOWRING, JAMES ESDAILE, Esq., The subscribers and friends to the Unitarian Fund dined together, at the London Tavern, the same day, Wm. Hammond, Esq., M. A., formerly Fellow of Queen's College, Cambridge, in the Chair. The interest of the Meeting was chiefly kept up by speeches from the preacher, Dr. Morell, the Treasurer, J. Christie, Esq., Mr. Frend, Mr. R. Taylor, Dr. T. Rees and Mr. Wright, who, in an animated address, congratulated the company on the promotion of intellectual improvement by all sects and parties, justly auguring the increasing influence of scriptural Christianity from the daily accelerated progress of that irresistible power, Universal Education. Mr. Rutt who spoke immediately after "the better health of the Secretary" had been received with every mark of friendship and affection, referred to the very fair appeal from the congregation of Parliament-Court Chapel. He recommended to the attention of the Meeting the design of that congregation, should their own efforts be kindly assisted, to erect in a very public and peculiarly accessible situation a commodious chapel, which, as that they now occupy has ever been, would be freely offered for all the purposes of the Unitarians at large. Mr. R. remarked, as a striking coincidence, that just by the spot where, 160 years ago, Biddle found a grave, his only refuge from persecution for the Unitarian doctrine, there would thus arise, as his proudest monument, a chapel, in which the doctrine for which he suffered would be taught with an impressive eloquence which probably that learned and pious confessor never possessed. Mr. Cordell, Treasurer of the Parliament-Court congregation, was afterwards called up to address the Meeting on the subject of their project, in which we venture to promise ourselves, that the Unitarian body will soon practically discover a generous interest. The gratification of this Anniversary was lessened by the absence, under the pressure of severe illness, not only of the Secretary, but of the Rev. R. Aspland, a valuable member of the Committee, the wish for whose complete recovery, proposed by the Treasurer, was most affectionately received. Dr. Thomas Rees justly described how deeply the members of the Unitarian Fund had been indebted to his friend, who had been their Secretary while his engagements would allow him to hold that oflice. At the close of the Meeting, there was au amicable discussion between Mr. R. Taylor, Mr. Hill and Mr. Rutt. The latter, contrasting his friend Mr. Fox with modern Christian persecutors, had, in the opinion of the former gentlemen, too severely censured the present Common Sergeant. Mr. R., indeed, had not scrupled even to class that criminal judge with his predecessor, for his very recent conduct on the trial and condemnation of an Unbeliever, as that trial was reported in the public prints. N. L. T. Unitarian Association. THE General Meeting of this Association was held on Thursday, the 30th day of May, at the London Tavern : Mr. Rutt in the Chair. Owing to the Treasurer's absence, his account could not be finally made, but the balance in hand appeared to be about £250. The Report was received, and ordered to be printed and circulated in the usual manner, with the exception of such portions as relate to the interests of individuals and societies: in this department the Committee had been able to afford considerable assistance in several important instances. convey to the Committee of the Deputies and the Committee of the Protestant Society, the strong and decided feeling of this Association, that the present period imperiously calls upon Dissenters of all denominations to concur and persevere in applications to Parliament for a Repeal of the Corporation and Test Acts, and every other restriction upon the civil rights of Nonconformists. That this expression of opinion be accompanied by an earnest request to those bodies to co-operate in agitating the question in Parliament during the ensuing session; and that, if necessary, the Committee call another General Meeting of the Association previous to the session, to report progress in pursuance of this resolution, and adopt such measures as circumstances may then require. Mr. Young was, in his absence abroad, re-appointed Treasurer, and Mr. Richmond was requested to discharge the duties of the office till it should be understood whether it was agreeable to Mr. Young, or consistent with his eugagements, to re-assume the office. Mr. Bowring, in a very interesting speech, detailed the result of his observations in a long tour over Europe, and dwelt forcibly on the duty of Christians of every denomination coming forward to protest against a secular and persecuting spirit. He described Infidelity as every where making the most rapid progress, which was in all places to be ascribed to the alliance of Christianity with persecution and civil despotism. He recommended the eager adoption of every means of rescuing the faith which Christians revered from the reproaches to which its unholy alliances subjected it, and hailed the rising spirit of freedom and independence as opening the most valuable opportunities for disseminating concurrent feelings of truth and justice in religious matters. One interesting fact he had that morning learnt by perusing the constitution of the Republic of Columbia. Almost every treaty or code published in Europe, certainly in Catholic countries, was entitled "In the name of the holy Opening of the Unitarian Meeting and undivided Trinity:" this constitution was entitled, "In the name of God, the Creator and Legislator of the universe." This code, moreover, contained no single infringement on the fullest liberty of the Press, or the free enjoyment and expression of opinion by all sects. Some discussion then took place as to the propriety of taking measures for procuring a strong Christian protest against any prosecution for the expression of opinion on religious matters, and several late judicial proceedings were reflected upon in the warmest terms of reprehension, as discreditable to our Christian faith, and prejudicial to its best interests. In the end it was understood that the Committee would, as individuals, take the subject into their earliest consideration. It was resolved, That this Meeting has learned with great satisfaction the progress made in obtaining relief on the subject of the Marriage-Act, and that the Committee be requested to continue their exertions towards final success. And, after considerable discussion, it was farther resolved, That the Committee be instructed to Mr. Taylor was re-appointed Secretary; and Dr. T. Rees and Messrs. Fox, R. Taylor, M. D. Hill, Rotherham, Richmond, Hart, John Watson and Fernie, were appointed the Committee of the ensuing year. House, Bolton. ON Easter Sunday, April, 7th, 1822, the Unitarian Meeting-House, Moor Lane, Bolton, was opened for the worship of the One true God the Father. Friends to the cause were present from Audenshaw, Ashton-under-Line, Bury, Blackburn, Birmingham, Cockey Moor, Chowbent, Chorley, Duckinfield, Eccles, Failsworth, Holcome, Hoghton Tower, Haslingden, Hindley, Ince, Leicester, Liverpool, Macclesfield, Mellor, Middleton, Monton,Manchester, Maidstone, Newchurch, Preston, Park Lane, Padiham, Rivington, Ratcliffe, Rochdale, St. Helens, Stand, Swintou, Southport, Upholland, Warwick, Wigan, Walmesley and West Houghton. In consequence of the lamented illness of the Rev. W. J. Fox, the three services were conducted by the Rev. George Harris, the pastor of the congregation. On Monday, the congregation and friends, to the number of 240, (increased after dinner by the admission of 150 others,) sat down to a plain and economical repast in the Cloth Hall, the Rev. George Harris in the Chair. The interest of the Meeting was excited and kept alive by several addresses from various individuals. And in the evening there was THE Annual Association of Scottish Unitarians will be held in Glasgow, on the 28th of July, when the Rev. James Yates has agreed to preach. B. M., Secretary. THE Annual Meeting of the Sussex Unitarian Society will be holden at Lewes, on Wednesday, July 31, when the Rev. J. Fullagar, of Chichester, is expected to preach. ble sum at the disposal of the Committee, and the greatest diligence and attention have been used to distribute with the ut most advantage the means with which the Committee has been intrusted; and with thankfulness they acknowledge the liberality of the public in pouring in the funds which have been received. These they regard as a sacred trust-one of such importance that their anxiety has become increasingly painful, so high does the excitement rise correctly to acquit themselves of the task they have undertaken. It is well known that potatoes constitute the chief support of the peasantry of Ireland. The Committee, therefore, have promptly despatched potatoes in large quantities, for seed, for the next year's food. The sum of £61,300, being about two-thirds of £92,363. 18s. 1d. the whole amount of contributions received, has been sent in upwards of 330 remittances, to different districts of Ireland, in which distress is most prevalent. To enable the ministers of religion to exercise that beneficence which so becomes the religion they profess, the further sum of £3400 has been placed at the disposal of the Bishops, both Pro Distress in Ireland. testant and Catholic-and in all places [THE Committee on "Irish Distress" have addressed the following communication to us, and we cannot refuse their request, however inconvenient and perplexing, to give it insertion in the present Number. To what reflections does it give rise on the Government of Ireland, the Established Church of Ireland, and similar topics! But we forbear, at present, convinced that now “all mankind's concern is charity." ED.] City of London Tavern, The Committee appointed by the Public Meeting suddenly assembled on the first intimation of the great and accumulating distress of the Peasantry of Ireland, have now been in activity about six weeks, Not a day has passed but something has been done toward fulfilling the duties which the Committee has undertaken. The distress which induced the con- The benevolence of all classes in the to which assistance has been sent to prevent absolute starvation, the Protestant Clergy and the Catholic Priest have united with the resident gentlemen to form local committees. But the months of July and August will, they doubt not, present accumulated horrors, and call for very large additional supplies. The months of July and August may be said to assail the Committee with fearful apprehension-willingly would they make reserve for these months, which will, it is expected, resound with appalling cries from the dying Peasantry of Ireland. This, however, in the present state of the funds, is impossible, for the pressing solicitations still received by every post claim instant attention and daily remittances. On the other hand, the Committee feels that it may confidently rely on the results which will inevitably be produced by the " King's Letter," graciously issued to the Clergy of Great Britain, to urge them to plead with, and to collect from, their respective congregations, donations to their fellow-subjects in the most abject state of poverty and distress. The Cou mittee look up to Him, in whose hands are the hearts of all men, that he wis be pleased to incline them to assist the needy in their extremity. They canu doubt the exertions which will be made when the sufferings of Ireland shall be more known-fully known they c From Bantry. There are by the last returns over seven thousand persons totally dependant on a fund of 5537. including the 3007. we have received from your benevolent society; and three months must elapse before any of these will be enabled effectually to provide for themselves. In a population of 16,250, (comprehending the town and barony,) this is a fearful number of famishing paupers. It being totally impossible to minister to the wants of all, scenes of the most agonizing distress are every day taking place, which we have not the means to remedy. The unfortunate pride of the people, too, adds not a little to the calamity: one woman, with three children, died of actual starvation; they were nearly a week without sustenance, and the woman ashamed to make her case known before assistance could be administered-they were all found lifeless together. Many are seen to faint through mere exhaustion during the necessary delay that occurs in administering food, and it is the opinion of many of the Committee, that were it not for the benevolent aid of the British public, the local subscriptions would be hardly sufficient to purchase coffins for those who would die of mere want. ty, unwholesome and unnutritious diet. Moreover, in these times of great depression, the gentry of the country who reside upon their estates, and are the natural guardians and supporters of their people, not duly receiving their rents, many with the best disposition have it not in their power to afford the relief which their duty and their feelings would dictate;-in short, if the government could prove that provisions of all kinds were in plenty, and at very reduced prices (neither of which is now the case,) still we should be in want. From Rathkeale. I went yesterday to Limerick with Mr. Harding, to lay before the Committee the result of our visitation through the town lands of our parish. On our commencing our task, Mr. H. took a book in his pocket to enforce a faithful return; but indeed we but too soon found the melancholy truth in each countenance; many for a long time had but one meal for their families, and some had been eating some little remnants of seed left in their quarter ground since last year, and many liad not in any way a single morsel to eat. Just at the foot of Knocknaboula, a bog, five in family had for some time been living on the oatmeal, brought by a boy of eight years of age in return for two cleaves of turf, which he daily carried to Loughill, and sold for three-halfpence; the quantity of oatmeal at five-pence the pottle you know must be very small, and for that daily to go a distance of six miles the two trips. The result of our visit was 1382 persons, 883 of whom were totally destitute of any means of obtaining food. There were 234 men able and willing in any way to work and provide for themselves. One hundred and thirteen acres and a quarter remained untilled short of their usual quantity. Want of food has brought the fever among us; fifteen houses had its symptoms, and twelve had sickness. From Listowel. The Typhus fever and Dysentery are also prevailing rapidly, and, as far as this world is concerned, the victims of either vidual to take this opportunity on behalf I hope you will allow an humble indimust be pronounced comparatively happy. of his unfortunate poor countrymen, to From his Gruce the Archbishop of Tuam. and the other gentlemen in London, who return most heartfelt thanks to you, Sir, Every article of provisions is very gene- have thus so humanely averted the imrally greatly rising; but there is a very pending and otherwise inevitable calamity considerable part of our population that of a famine, which threatened our poor have no interest in their rise or fall, be- and distracted country with all its appalcause in either case, having no employ-ling consequences. It would be in vain ment, they have no means to purchase at any rate subsistence for their families; and I much fear that even in our best times many of our poor perish (if not by direct starvation) by the effects of scan to attempt any expressson of our feelings on the occasion. Such disinterested and noble generosity in those who are strangers to us, and at such a moment!-It must be grateful to the feelings of such |