to the feelings of others, either in word or deed, which too frequently blemish the intercourse of society.

The moral excellencies now mentioned were the result of a benevolent heart and a well disciplined mind; but they rested on that basis which was deemed by their possessor the surest foundation of virtue a principle of religion. The Christian dispensation he regarded as a beautiful and salutary code of laws and scheme of moral government, admirably adapted to the wants and character of man in his passage through this world, but that dispensation was received with peculiar joy, as bringing life and immortality to light by the resurrection of Christ, which was considered as affording the sole ground for hope to mankind of a future exist ence. The leading feature of his religious character was a desire to inculcate mutual charity and forbearance among the professors of Christianity. He was the firm opponent of theological rancour, whether manifesting itself in those who wear the sacerdotal robe or in the breasts of laymen. He did not, with the mistaken disciples, imprecate the fire of heaven on those who differed from him in religious principle, or ask, with Othello, whether there are no stones but such as serve for thunder. Being a Dissenter himself; and, therefore, differing from the majority of his countrymen, he thought that sectarians in particular should allow to each other the same privilege which they themselves claim by separating from the established hierarchy. Religious persecution for conscience' sake, was, in Mr. Butler's opinion, the deepest of moral iniquities.

Mr. Butler, in October 1821, reached his 74th year. His labours had continued more than half a century, and during that long period he had enjoyed, with a brief exception, an unclouded day of health. His constitution, which was among the choicest gifts of nature, had been improved by exercise, by temperate habits, and by "that soul's refreshing green," a cheerful and good temper. The apparently unimpaired state of his health during the last year, justified the expectation that he would be yet spared many years to the world, and that death would arrive at last, not through any specific malady, but by the springs of life being gradually worn out. But He who wisely as well as benevolently determines the bounds of mortal habitation and existence, decreed otherwise. On the 13th of May, after having in the morning attended a school in which he had taught forty-nine years, Mr. Butler was attacked by a painful disorder incident to age, and which finally terminated his existence, August

1, 1822. If his days of activity had been eminently bright and useful, his last hours gave a new lustre and efficacy to his character. The severity of his complaint was borne with fortitude, composure and exemplary patience. Fully aware throughout of the approach of dissolution, he looked forward to that awful event with tranquil acquiescence: the moments that were spared from suffering were anxiously employed in affectionate concern for the interest of others, and more especially in those serious contemplations and religious exercises which became his situation. His two favourite portions of Scripture, the 11th of John, and that sublime and consolatory chapter, the 15th of Corin thians, were frequently read to him ;their promises cheered the valley of the shadow of death.

In estimating the value of such a man as Mr. Butler, it will appear from what has been said that we should combine his moral principle with his literary employments; these were formed by him into duties, which he most conscientiously discharged: and though he did not create new systems of science, he will long be remembered in a large and respectable circle of pupils, to whom he communicated solid information, examples of virtue, and the means of happiness, and who, in an age fruitful of knowledge, has by his writings instructed, and will still continue to instruct, the rising generation, and benefit mankind. He was one of those men the remembrance of whom will be always agreeable, and whose virs tues will live and have a force beyond the grave. "It will be an interesting occupation of the pensive hour to recount the advantages which we have received from beings who have left the world, and to reinforce our virtues from the dust of those who first taught them."*

to

On July the 16th were committed

"the house appointed for all the living," the remains of MARIA MARGARETTA PARKER, eldest daughter of the Rev. Samuel Parker, of Stockport, Cheshire. Could a Christian mind admit any thing to be premature which takes place under the direction of an infinitely wise and just Being, or suppose death not to be the appointment of that gracious Power who gave life-surely it must be at a time like the present, when called upon to weep over the grave of one so young, so affectionate, so refective and so pious! But the beams of divine truth at once dispel the mist of scepticism. Its celestial light penetrating

* Foster's Essays.

the gloomy regions promises the commencement of an everlasting day.

The Book of Wisdom also declares, that "honourable age is not that which standeth in length of time, or is measured by number of years; but wisdom is the grey hair unto man, and an unspotted life is old age."

The much-lamented subject of this memoir, whose life in its progress was marked by its integrity, purity and simplicity, had entered on her twentieth year, when the decree, "Thou shalt die," became personally manifest. The awful mandate was received by her, not merely with calmness and submission, but in the full confidence, that He from whom she received existence best knew when it was fittest and best for her, for the church and for the world, that it should terminate. From her earliest years she had cherished an habitual sense of the Omnipresence of the Deity, and had made it her grand object to act, as seeing Him who is invisible. Faith in the providence of God, and the correct and liberal views which she had taken of the Divine government, enabled her to support the progress of severe disease, during the trial of several months, without murmur or complaint, and to relinquish those scenes of enjoyment and active usefulness on which she had entered with that sublime, reverential sentiment, "Thy will be done." She believed that that vital power which was becoming dormant and inactive, would be again energized; that the sleep of death is but for a season, and that after death comes judgment. She also felt the peculiar painfulness attending the dissolution of the ties of nature, when its finest sensibilities and tenderest sympathies have been justly awakened. They had become part of her identity. But religion, unsophisticated, rational religion, the religion of the Gospel of Christ, enabled her to triumph. From its consolatory doctrines she derived the animating hope, the firm belief, that through Divine favour she should meet again, in that state where the spirits of the just are made perfect, those valued relatives and friends whom she loved on earth, and whose watchfulness and care had contributed to her intellectual, moral and religious growth. It had been the object of her education to fit her to undertake the instruction of youth, for which, considering her age, she was eminently qualified. She entered on the important employment at Stockport, in January, 1821, immediately on quitting the residence of the writer of these remarks, who had long had the satisfaction of witnessing her ardent love of excellence and persevering assiduity in the

pursuit of useful knowledge. The sympathy and regret expressed both by her pupils and their friends during her illness and after her decease, bore honourable testimony to the faithful, respectable manner in which she had discharged the duties of her office. The Sabbath after her interment, the Rev. James Brookes, of Hyde, addressed a very respectable and sympathizing congregation, from a text chosen by the deceased,-" All flesh is grass ;" and, agreeably to her wishes, he directed his impressive discourse principally to the young, and endeavoured to animate them to a course of early piety. From an ardent wish to assist in promoting that important end, not for the sake of eulogizing the dead, these remarks are also offered.

M.

July 24, aged 59, the Rev. JAMES GRISWOOD, minister of the Unitarian Baptist Chapel, in New Dock Street, Hull.

31, at Maidstone, aged 58, Miss WICHE, daughter of the late Rev. John Wiche, and sister-in-law of Dr. Evans, of Islington. During the last nine years she had been incapacitated from all active duties by a paralysis. Throughout her former life, she had formed a most valuable member of the family and society with which she was united; ardently grateful to her benefactors, assiduously kind, and anxiously affectionate in her friendships; of tender sensibilities, of unassuming manners. She esteemed and loved her friends, and forgot not their kindnesses; she thought little of herself; a spirit which the Searcher of hearts will estimate and reward.

Maidstone.

T. P.

August 4, at Hackney, ELEONORA, the wife of Mr. Stephen CURTIS. Few circumstances of general interest could occur in the narrow sphere of one who aspired only to live in the esteem of her friends, and sustain the character of an amiable, affectionate wife, and mother of a happy family. Education and natural disposition had fitted her for this not unimportant station in society. She governed her numerous offspring by love alone. Severity was never practised, and never needed; and what shall compensate for their early loss, for the lessons of virtue instilled into their tender minds by the warmth of maternal affection? She had been brought up in the principles of the Established Church, but viewed mankind as one family, and recognized none of the moral distinctions which sects

and parties are anxious to establish to each other's prejudice. Latterly, she attached but little value to creeds, experience having convinced her that a peaceful mind and journey through life depends on habits of virtue, and of the all-suthcient efficacy of a conscience void of offence in nature's extremity. Being asked, after her recovery from a former illuess, if her thoughts had been drawn to the consideration of futurity in the hour of expected dissolution, she answered in the simplicity of truth, No; that being unconscious of any cause for anxiety upon that subject, she had experienced none, and had thought only of her children.

The close of life varied in no respect from this state of habitual confidence, serene composure, and tender solicitude for the natural objects of her attachment.

Would presumptuous zeal have disturbed tranquillity like this? Or could saving nostrums and exclusive passports have been a desirable substitute? S.C.

August 13, Mrs. TRYPHENA OLIVE, in the 86th year of her age. Mrs. Olive had been more than sixty years a member of the congregation assembling at the Unitarian Meeting, Hill Street, Poole. Her religious views were what are called low Arian; but the principal turn of her mind was not controversy, but piety; in which she excelled. As an instance of the pious turn of her mind it may be mentioned, that she had her stated times of private devotion, which she would allow nothing to interrupt: thus, while she lived in this world and enjoyed it, being of a cheerful disposition, she was assiduous in preparing for the next. For the last two years of her life, through a fall, she was confined to her room, and frequently in great pain, which she bore with pious resignation and patience; and in the intervals of abated affliction her usual cheerfulness returned. In the morning of the day, in the evening of which she died, she was cheerful, and as well as she had been for some time; but seemed to have a presentiment of her approaching dissolution. On this her last day, as she had done many times before, she read on the subject of death: she said she was very comfortable and happy. A little while after she had dined, a change took place; and after remaining a few hours in a dosing state, she expired. Those who sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

-15, At his house in Hertford Street, London, Rev. THOMAS COOMBE, D. D., Prebendary of Canterbury, to which Stall

he was appointed in 1800; Rector of the united parishes of St. Michael, Queenhithe, and Trinity the Less, London; to which livings he was presented, in 1808, by the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury, Dr. Coombe was a native of America, and formerly Chaplain to the Marquis of Rockingham, afterwards preacher at Curzon-Street Chapel, May Fair, and Chaplain to the King. He published the following: "Sermon, preached at St. Stephen's, Walbrook, for the Benefit of the Children belonging to St. Ethelberg Society, 1771;" "The Peasant of Auburn, a Poem, [in imitation of Goldsmith's Deserted Village,] 4to. 1783;" "The Influence of Christianity on the Condition of the World, a Sermon, preached at Trinity Chapel, Conduit Street, December 13, 1789."-Gent. Mag.

Sept. 6, at Tapton-Grove, near Shef field, at an advanced age, WILLIAM SHORE, Esq., for many years an active partner in the banking-house of Messrs. Parker, Shores and Blakelock, Sheffield. Of a naturally retired disposition, his high worth and active intelligence were little known beyond the circle of his family and intimate friends. His virtues were of an exalted order. He had a discriminating judgment, which preserved him equally from the danger of imposi tion, and enabled him to see the merit of a good cause. He was one of those who contributed largely to benevolent institutions, and was an active friend and supporter of the Dissenting Interest, but who had the singular merit of not allowing his right hand to know what his left hand did.

Lately, at his apartments in Skinner Street, aged 67, THOMAS Hinton Burley OLDFIELD, Esq., the well-known aud much-respected author of the "History of the Boroughs," and many years actively engaged in the political world in an extensive connexion with the boroughs of England, the returns for many of which he was in the habits of managing, as agent for proprietor or candidate. Mr. O. was a native of Derbyshire, and since the year 1777, has been connected with the various societics for Parliamentary Reform; the necessity of which no man knew better than himself. He ranked among his friends, Sir George Saville, Dr. Jebb, Dr. (Mr.) Wyrill, Granville Sharpe, Major Cartwright, J. H. Tooke, and indeed all the supporters of civil liberty in his time. Happy in a cheerful temper, he was still more happy in a fine and prosperous family,-two of his sons

being settled as merchants at Baltimore, and others in promising situations. Monthly Mag.

Lately, at Leeds, aged 19, Mr. ROBERT NEWCOME BELL, grandson of the late Rev. Newcome Cappe, and nephew of the late Robert Cappe, M. D., of York; a truly excellent young man, who, by his amiable disposition and promising ta lents, had already proved himself worthy of his relation to the eminent persons whose names he bore. From a very early period he had not ouly obtained the affectionate attachment of his nearest connexions, but excited, in all those who had the opportunity of observing the dawn of his active and vigorous mind, confident expectations of future distinction. He was destined to the medical profession; and particularly to the department of surgery, to which he had always manifested a peculiar and decided inclination; so that from the very first he applied himself to the pursuits and studies necessary to prepare him for the exercise of it, with a zeal and ardour which are rarely found, except in those whom long experience has enabled gradually to overcome the painful impressions attendant upon the first introduction to surgical practice. By these qualities, and by his pleasing manners, the index of a pure and virtuous mind, he conciliated the esteem of many distinguished orna. ments of his profession, and nearly all the members of it resident in the town of Leeds followed him with sincere regret to his grave. His own attachment to it was strong and enthusiastic; the result of an ardent thirst after knowledge, animated and directed by a lively sense of

the importance of the object to which it was to be applied; and those who observed the manner in which the whole power of his mind was devoted to the attainment of this object, could not but look forward with sanguine and, as it seemed, not unreasonable expectations, to the time, apparently not very distant, when he would occupy a station of great eminence and usefulness. It has pleased Divine Providence to order it otherwise; and the sudden removal of this amiable youth must be added to the many instances of early mortality, which might be expected to impress the most unreflecting mind with the necessity of being always ready, when we perceive that neither youth nor health, nor the possession of the most valuable endowments, can furnish any exemption from the common lot of humanity.

W. T.

Aged 30, PERCY BYSSIE SHELLEY, Esq., eldest son of Sir Timothy Shelley, of Castle Goring, Bart. He perished at sea, in a storm, with his friend Captain Williams, of the Fusileers, off Via Reggia, on the coast of Italy. He had been at Pisa, and was returning to his villa at Lerici. Mr. Shelley was the author of "Cenci," a tragedy: "Queen Mab," and several minor pieces, which prove him to have been a man of highly cultivated genius. His last work was "Hellas," a dramatic poem, called forth by the recent events in Greece, in which he took the warmest interest, and dedicated it to Prince Alexander Maurocordato, whose friendship he enjoyed, and for whom he expressed the highest admiration.-Monthly Mag.

Lancashire.

THE Annual Meeting of "The Methodist-Unitarian Association," was held at Padiham, on Thursday, May 30. The room in which the congregation assemble being but small, it was found necessary to conduct the religious services in the open air. At eleven o'clock in the morning, the worship was commenced by Mr. G. Harris, of Bolton, who gave out the hymns; Mr. H. Clarke prayed and read the Scriptures; Mr. R. Cree, of Preston, delivered a most animated and masterly discourse from 1 Cor. viii. 6: "To us there is but one God, the Father." The VOL. XVII.

would allow, the state of the several Societies in connexion was reported, from which it appeared that Unitarianism is making rapid progress in the district. Messrs. Ashworth, Taylor, Robinson, Brandreth, Clarke and Harris addressed the Meeting. The speakers recounted the difficulties the Societies had had to encounter, and the great and formidable obstacles they had surmounted. In speaking on the affairs of Padiham congregation, Mr. Robinson most feelingly observed, "We have had to fight our way with our lives in our hands." All the speakers warmly insisted on the importance, advantage and absolute necessity of erecting a chapel in Padiham; and Messrs. Taylor, Harris, Ashworth and Robinson were appointed a Committee for the purpose of carrying, if possible, this desirable object into effect. The whole of the large company were evidently most highly gratified; and the day cannot but be long remembered by all who had the pleasure of being present. Encouraged by this Meeting, the members of the Padiham congregation came forward, on the following Saturday, to dig with their own hands the foundation of the intended chapel. On the next Monday the foundation stone was laid amidst an immense concourse of spectators, to whom an address on the occasion was delivered by H. Clarke. This was preceded and followed by singing and prayer. The building is now nearly at its height, its dimensions are twelve yards two feet, by ten yards two feet within the walls. It will have no gallery at present, but it is built on a plan to admit one, and most sanguine expectations are entertained that there will ere long be a necessity for a gallery, and means found to put it up. In the prospect of the chapel affording room for a Sunday-school, they have already taken children as Sunday-scholars, and on Sunday last, the number of children present amounted to one hundred and eight. It is, however, with much difficulty they are at present taught; the room being too small for the congregation. Were there room, it is more than probable the number would soon swell to three hundred. With such a Sundayschool, and so large a congregation as from the favourable manner in which Unitarianism is generally attended to in Padiham, there is reason to expect the chapel will be quite filled as soon as it is completed. But although there are these very promising and highly pleasing appearances, they cannot be realized unless the chapel be finished. But this cannot even now be done without the assistance of friends. There is not an individual belonging to the congregation but what

is entirely dependent on daily labour for subsistence. They are nearly all weavers, and in this branch of business there is but little to be earned. It is truly astonishing that people so circumstanced have held out and done so much. For my own part, when I was at Padiham on Monday last, and there beheld the exceedingly great anxiety of the people for the prosecution of their plans, the difficulty with which they raise their little weekly contributions towards the work, and the hope of succeeding and fear of failing by which they are alternately elevated and depressed, I was involuntarily led to exclaim, "Oh! that those who have the means were but eye-witnesses of this scene; it would powerfully touch the springs of liberality, and soon cause such a pecuniary stream to flow, as would drown all these fears, and remove all these difficulties."

H. CLARKE.

Haslingden, Sept. 10, 1822.

P. S. The estimated sum required to build this chapel is £350, towards which about £100 is already subscribed. Subscriptions are received by Mr. J. Ashworth, Clough-House, Boothfold, Rossendale, Lancashire.

Provincial Meeting of the Presby terian and Unitarian Ministers of Lancashire and Cheshire.

Ar the last Provincial Meeting, held at Chowbent, on the 20th June, a letter was received from the Rev. John Yates, who was absent from indisposition, strongly recommending extraordinary exertions in Missionary preaching at the present time, when a very general spirit of inquiry has been excited, and the public mind is more disposed than at any former period, to enter into an impartial examination of religious subjects; and containing an offer of £100 towards carrying into effect any plan which might be adopted. A Committee consisting of all the Presbyterian ties of Lancaster and Chester, together and Unitarian ministers in the two coun with one or two delegates from each congregation, with power to add to their number, was appointed to meet at Manchester, on the 4th July. It appearing on that day that due notice of the proposed measure had not been given to the ministers and congregations of the two counties, the Meeting was adjourned to July 18th. In consequence, a considerable meeting, consisting of ministers and members of congregations, took place at Manchester, in Cross-Street Chapel Rooms, on that day.

OTTIWELL WOOD, Esq. in the Chair.